Context: Recently, the Union government has amended defence laws to allow any serving or retired three-star officer under the age of 62 to be eligible for the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Key Highlights

• The government issued separate notifications to amend the Air Force Act, the Army Act, and the Navy Act.
• As per the notification, Generals, Air Chief Marshals, Admirals, Lieutenant Generals, Air Marshals, and Vice Admirals can be elevated to the post of Chief of Defence Staff.
• The tenure of Chief of Defence Staff may be extended up to the age of 65 by the government.
• Currently a tenure of Chief of Defence Staff is three years or until the age of 62.

Roles, and responsibilities of Chief of Defence Staff

• The role of the CDS has been defined as a "dual-hatted" as he serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in Ministry of Defence. 
• Department of Military Affairs was made within the Defence Ministry when the role of CDS was announced.
• It covers areas which were earlier covered by Department of Defence headed by the Defence Secretary.
• Exclusive military affairs would be overseen by Chief of Defence Staff and Department of Military Affairs whereas the larger defence issues would be overseen by the Defence Secretary.
• The Chief of Defence Staff is a member of Political Council and Executive Council in an advisory role.
• It also mandated with the role of inducing jointness in the armed forces, carrying out reforms, and the optimal utilisation of infrastructure.

Role of Chief of Defence Staff

• Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri services issues.
• Administration of the Tri-Service organizations.
• Member of Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister.
• Military Advisor to the Nuclear Command Authority.
• Nuclear Command Authority
• It is in charge that authorises the use of nuclear weapons.
• It has a Political Council headed by the Prime Minister and an Executive Council headed by the National Security Advisor.
• The decision to use weapons is taken by the Political Council and Executive Council gives its inputs.

The delay in the appointment

• The appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, the establishment of the Department of Military Affairs, and a renewed push for theatrisation were the most significant military changes implemented by government.
• Earlier, the senior-most service chief serves as the chairman to the chiefs of the staff committee. 
• The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff would report to the service chief heading the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

By: Shubham Tiwari