Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023

•Source: ET*

Context: The Ministry of Defence notified subordinate rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023, making the Act fully operational.

Summary of Newly Notified Rules:

• These rules, framed under Section 11 of the Act, provide a structured operational framework for ISOs.

• They empower ISO heads to exercise full administrative and disciplinary authority over service members from any branch.

• Rules establish command succession in case of the absence of the designated officer and prevent overlapping disciplinary proceedings.

• They ensure operational synergy across tri-service commands without altering individual service laws.

About Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023:

• Came into Force: May 10, 2024, after receiving Presidential assent on August 15, 2023, and Parliament passage during the 2023 Monsoon Session.

• Objective:

• To unify command and promote functional efficiency across inter-services establishments such as Andaman & Nicobar Command, National Defence Academy, and Defence Space Agency.

• Key Features of the Act: Empowering ISO Leadership:

• Empowering ISO Leadership:

• Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command can now exercise disciplinary and administrative control over all personnel under their ISO, regardless of whether they belong to the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Promotes quick decision-making and a clear chain of command.

• Promotes quick decision-making and a clear chain of command.

• Tri-Service Integration:

• Recognises existing ISOs and provides a legal framework for forming new Joint Services Commands. Encourages jointness in planning and execution across forces.

• Recognises existing ISOs and provides a legal framework for forming new Joint Services Commands.

• Encourages jointness in planning and execution across forces.

• No Change in Existing Service Laws:

• Does not alter the Army, Navy, or Air Force Acts. Ensures that unique service conditions remain intact while enabling joint administrative mechanisms.

• Does not alter the Army, Navy, or Air Force Acts.

• Ensures that unique service conditions remain intact while enabling joint administrative mechanisms.

• Command Clarity and Emergency Protocols:

• Provides clear succession procedures when commanding officers are on leave or unavailable. Allows higher formations to deputize acting commanders during emergencies.

• Provides clear succession procedures when commanding officers are on leave or unavailable.

• Allows higher formations to deputize acting commanders during emergencies.

• Administrative Efficiency: Prevents duplication of disciplinary actions, promotes synergy in resource utilisation, and strengthens command accountability.