Parliament clears Inter-Services Organisations Bill

 

 

PARLIAMENT on Tuesday passed a Bill that seeks to provide the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel from other forces serving in such establishments. The Bill was cleared in Rajya Sabha with a voice vote. Lok Sabha had given its nod to the legislation on August 4.

 

Speaking in the Upper House, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is fully prepared to face any type of warfare and the country’s defence spending can be increased to 5-6 per cent of GDP if needed. In his reply to a discussion on The Interservices Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, Singh said the legislation has been brought to keep in tune with the changing nature of modern warfare and ensure better coordination among the three Services. “It (warfare) is not conventional now, it has become technology and network-centric... It is therefore important considering the new challenges, which we and our forces are facing, there is a need for better coordination. This bill has been brought for that purpose only,” the Defence Minister said. Singh further said, “After the passage of this Bill, our inter-services organisations will be able to work in a better way.”

 

In response to a query on the theatrisation, the Defence Minister said it is a different subject and speaking about it now would be premature. “However, I want to assure that if theatrisation happens, this Act, through a normal notification, would be effective on the theatre command as well,” he said. The Defence Minister said considering global circumstances there is a need to keep India’s forces strong. Replying to a query, he said the country’s maritime interests are fully protected and there is no reason for worry. “Also, we are fully prepared for any type of warfare,” he said. This preparedness will continue going forward, Singh asserted. On low defence spending and vacancies in the Armed Forces, he reiterated all efforts have been made to ensure there are no shortcomings in any form in protecting the country. He said financial resources will not be allowed to be a constraint and, if need be, the defence budget can be increased to even 5-6 per cent of GDP.