Extending Tenure of Current Army Chief

• 28 May 2024

Source: HT

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC), headed by the Prime Minister, has granted a rare one-month extension in service to the current Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande.

• This is only the second such extension granted in over five decades, the first being to General GG Bewoor, who succeeded Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw as army chief in 1973.
• The ACC approved the extension of current COAS service for one month beyond his normal under Rule 16 A (4) of the Army Rules 1954 which deals with retaining officers on the grounds of “exigencies of services”, with the final decision resting with the Central Government.
• The COAS is the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army, appointed by the ACC.
  • The COAS serves as the head of the army and advises the Defence Ministry on army-related matters and also serves as the key military advisor to the President of India.
• The COAS retires after three years of appointment or at the age of 62, whichever comes first.

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