Inter-Services Organisations Act

• 22 May 2024

For Prelims: Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, Army Act of 1950, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

For Mains: Key features of the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Act, Significance of Integration of Armed Forces

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Government has notified the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act empowering the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of Inter-services Organisations to manage personnel from all branches of the military, streamlining operations and fostering collaboration.

What are the Key Features of the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Act?

• Background:
  • Currently, the Armed Forces operate under distinct Service Acts like the Army Act of 1950, the Navy Act of 1957, and the Air Force Act of 1950.
    • However, the diverse nature of these acts has sometimes posed challenges in maintaining uniform discipline, coordination, and expeditious proceedings across the inter-service establishments.
  • The ISO Act does not propose any alteration to the existing service acts, rules, or regulations.
• Features of the Act:
  • Empowering ISO Leadership:
    • The Act grants Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs the authority to exercise disciplinary and administrative control over service personnel under their command, regardless of their specific branch (Army, Navy, Air Force).
    • This simplifies command structure and ensures efficient decision-making within ISOs.
  • Constituting and Classifying ISOs:
    • Existing ISOs like the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Defence Space Agency and the National Defence Academy will be formally recognised under the Act.
    • The central government may constitute an Inter-services Organisation which has personnel belonging to at least two of the three services: the army, the navy, and the air force.
      • ISO will be placed under the command of an Officer-in-Command.
    • A Joint Services Command (tri-service) can also be formed, which will be placed under the command of a Commander-in-Chief.
  • Applicability and Qualifications:
    • It can be extended to other centrally controlled forces beyond the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
    • It outlines the eligibility criteria for Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command, specifying high-ranking officers from each service.
  • Control and Commanding Officer:
    • The central government retains ultimate authority over ISOs and can issue directives related to national security, administration, and public interest.
    • It establishes the Commanding Officer position, responsible for a specific unit, ship, or establishment within an ISO.
      • They will carry out duties assigned by the higher leadership and have the authority to initiate disciplinary or administrative actions concerning personnel under their command.

Note:

• Joint command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the first Tri-Service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces, based at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.
  • The Indian armed forces currently have 17 commands. There are 7 commands each of the Army and the Air Force. The Navy has 3 commands.
  • Each command is headed by a 4-star rank military officer.
• Theaterisation of Armed Forces:
  • It is the integration of the army, air force, and navy under a single unified command structure for a specific geographical area.
  • Under it all the assets and resources of the three services in that area are placed under a single commander responsible for planning and executing all military operations.

What is the Significance of Integration of Armed Forces?

• Enhanced Operational Effectiveness:
  • Joint planning and training foster better coordination and understanding between services, crucial for modern warfare.
    • For example: Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Act, 2024 empowers the leadership of ISOs to execute a unified command.
• Faster Decision-Making:
  • Streamlined command structures within integrated units allow for quicker decision-making on the battlefield.
    • Established in 2019, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is a single-point military advisor to the government, facilitating better coordination in defence planning and procurement.
• Optimum Resource Utilisation:
  • Integration reduces duplication of efforts and optimises resource allocation across all services.
  • The creation of integrated theatre commands aims to streamline planning, logistics, and operations.

Government Initiatives Regarding Integration of Armed Forces:

• Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Act, 2024
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
• Idea of Integrated Theatre Commands

Conclusion

The process of integration of Indian armed forces has been a long-term vision and past steps seem to be in the right direction. Also, the inclusion of modern warfare systems similar to China’s information support force, cyberspace force, or the USA’s space forces, can enhance India’s defence-related capabilities to match modern warfare needs and challenges.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Discuss key features of the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) Act. What are significance and challenges related to integration of armed forces?

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. In the Constitution of India, the promotion of international peace and security is included in the (2014)

(a) Preamble to the Constitution

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) Fundamental Duties

(d) Ninth Schedule

Ans: (b)

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Mains :

Q.“The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighborhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. [2014]