A NEW MILITARY DEPT UNDER CDS

Historic makeover A Dept of Military Affairs will be created under Chief of Defence Staff

- Abhishek Bhalla

AFTER nearly two decades since it was first recommended, the Cabinet Committee on Security on Tuesday approved the creation of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who’ll work not only as the principal military advisor to the political leadership but also head the newlycreated Department of Military Affairs.

The CDS will serve as the Secretary of this newly-conceptualised department that will look at creating greater synergy among the three Services. Sources said the CDS will have financial powers and the files from his office will not be required to go through the Defence Secretary and can be sent directly to the Defence Minister.

BROAD POWERS

The Department of Military Affairs headed by the CDS will play a crucial role in promoting a culture of unified and joint decision-making in procurement, training and staffing for the Services through integration of their requirements.

“Facilitation of restructuring of military commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of joint / theatre commands… Promoting use of indigenous equipment by the Services,” said a government statement.