Lok Sabha Gives Approval To Tri-Services Disciplinary Bill Ahead Of Integrated Theatre Commands Rollout

The Lok Sabha has approved the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill-2023, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and discipline within the Indian Armed Forces.

This bill will allow commanders of the tri-services organisation like Andaman and Nicobar Comman (ANC), and Strategic Forces Command to have disciplinary powers over all personnel.

As of now, the Commander-in-Chief of the tri-services command has disciplinary powers only over personnel of his own service. He cannot exercise administrative powers over personnel from other services.

For example, an Army General serving as the head of the ANC does not possess administrative authority over Indian Navy and Indian Air Force officers under his command.

However, the General does wield administrative powers over Army officers within the ANC. Any administrative action can only be done by their respective parent services under their respective service acts only.

This bill will now go to Rajya Sabha for deliberations, and if approved the central government will have the powers to notify any tri-services command as an Inter-Services Organisation.

This comes when the armed forces are very close to rolling out the three joint commands, reportedly on the Independence Day (15 August).

It is expected that the government will announce the rolling out of the first Jaipur-based western integrated theatre command (ITC), which will handle the entire front opposite Pakistan.

While the second, Northern ITC, will be set-up at the Lucknow-based central command, which will handle China. These two commands will be commanded by officers from the Army and Air Force on a rotational basis.

The third maritime ITC, which will look after India's maritime interests, on the other hand, will be commanded by Navy officers.