Differences in Government Over CDS Tenure?

By Kunal Chonkar

Appointment of the CDS is indeed a feather in the cap for PM Modi, but the government must finalize the modalities of the appointment as soon as possible, if India is to get its first-ever CDS in 2020.

Mumbai: Even though the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 24 cleared the creation of the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) post, it does appear that the government itself is sharply divided over the CDS tenure and organizational structure. In the aftermath of the Kargil war in 1999, there was this need felt for effective leadership for all the three services of the armed forces. Often referred to as the “Tri-services Chief”.

With the much-needed appointment of the CDS, PM Modi has unequivocally filtered out the variable of procrastination powered by vested interests in the armed forces. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is still in the process of finalizing selection criteria and tenure for the CDS.

While the CDS appointment is envisioned for greater integration and to ensure that all three Services move lockstep, it seems that the government itself is apportioned over the tenure of the CDS. Sources said that while the implementation committee, which is configuring the structure of the CDS office, has suggested the tenure to be for three years. A certain section in the BJP-led government wants the CDS term-limited for only two years.

Also Read: Union Cabinet gives nod to CDS, its charter

“The role of CDS is very vital. From long-term defense planning to setting-up ‘theatre commands’ are just some key aspects of his duties. For such a role the government primarily needs to identify the selection mandate, to affix the tenure,” a senior cabinet official said, adding that currently there is still no clarity on these issues and talks are staged at various levels.

The government is yet to affirm, whether the CDS will be one of the serving chiefs or will the selection be a cross-section pick from the rest of the officers. The service chiefs have a tenure of three years or until the age of 62 years. Thus, appointing the senior-most serving chief would mean that he could hold office till the age of 64 years, making him the oldest serving officer in the government.

“The highest civilian bureaucratic positions do not cross the age of 62 years and have a fixed tenure of two years. If an individual is appointed just before superannuating at 60 years, they cannot beyond 62 years. Thus, the debate of whether a three-year-term or two-year-term is been debated,” explained the official.

The first proposal for a CDS came from the Kargil Review Committee (KRC), in 2000. While the KRC did not directly recommend a CDS, it echoed the need for more coordination among the three services for enhanced operational readiness.

The KRC report underlined that long-term defense planning takes a hit as day-to-day priorities dominate the operational roles of service chiefs. Also, the PM and Defense Minister do not have the benefit of the views and expertise of military commanders, to ensure that higher-level defense management decisions are more consensual and broad-based.

Nonetheless, the appointment of the CDS is indeed a feather in the cap for the PM Modi-led government. Also, with a CDS, the nation will now be able to witness an improved nuclear decision-making structure.