New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha decisively passed a transformative Bill on Tuesday, bestowing amplified disciplinary and administrative prerogatives upon the Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs). This landmark legislation empowers them to wield comprehensive control over the personnel serving within or affiliated with these organisations.

Known as the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Bill, 2023, the legislation garnered unanimous approval through a voice vote. It follows the prior approval granted by the Lok Sabha on August 4.

In response to the deliberations, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to the well-being of the armed forces. He positioned the Bill as a vital component within an array of military reforms championed by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These reforms are aimed at enhancing the nation's strength and resilience. Singh underscored the bill's significance as a pivotal stride toward achieving greater integration and collaboration among the Armed Forces, facilitating their preparedness to meet upcoming challenges cohesively.

This legislation seeks to bestow the Commander-in-Chief and Officer-in-Command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) with expansive jurisdiction encompassing disciplinary and administrative matters concerning the personnel affiliated with or serving within these institutions.

Presently, members of the Armed Forces are regulated by the specific provisions outlined in their respective Service Acts - the Army Act 1950, Navy Act 1957, and Air Force Act 1950.

The implementation of this Bill promises several tangible benefits. Foremost is the reinforcement of effective discipline within inter-service establishments through the authority vested in the Heads of ISOs. Additionally, the Bill obviates the need to return personnel undergoing disciplinary procedures to their parent Service units, expedites the resolution of instances of misconduct or indiscipline, and saves both public funds and time by circumventing multiple proceedings.

Beyond these immediate advantages, the Bill heralds a path towards more profound integration and synergy among the three Armed Services. It lays a robust foundation for the establishment of Joint Structures in the future, further refining the functioning of the Armed Forces.

The 'ISO Bill - 2023' extends its purview to all members of the regular Army, Navy, and Air Force. It also encompasses individuals from other forces, as designated by the Central Government, who are either serving within or attached to an Inter-Services Organisation.

Under this legislation, the Commander-in-Chief, Officer-in-Command, or any other designated officer, empowered by the Central Government, are endowed with comprehensive disciplinary and administrative authority over the personnel associated with or serving within their respective Inter-Services Organisations. This authority is intended to ensure discipline and the conscientious execution of duties, irrespective of the personnel's parent service.

The terms 'Commander-in-Chief' and 'Officer-in-Command' encompass General Officers, Flag Officers, and Air Officers appointed as leaders of an Inter-Services Organisation.

In situations where the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command is absent, the acting incumbent or the designated officer in charge will possess the capacity to initiate disciplinary or administrative actions concerning the service personnel assigned, seconded, stationed, or affiliated with an Inter-Services Organisation.

Furthermore, the Bill authorizes the Commanding Officer of an Inter-Services Organisation to initiate all relevant disciplinary or administrative proceedings over the personnel designated, seconded, stationed, or attached to that specific organisation. The term 'Commanding Officer' refers to the officer holding actual command of the unit, vessel, or establishment.

The Bill also confers the Central Government with the authority to establish an Inter-Services Organisation.

It's worth noting that the 'ISO Bill-2023' functions as an enabling statute, refraining from proposing any modifications to the existing Service Acts, Rules, and Regulations, which have endured for decades and withstood judicial scrutiny. Service personnel, while serving within or attached to an Inter-Services Organisation, will remain governed by their respective Service Acts. The Bill, in essence, empowers the Heads of Inter-Services Organisations to exercise the full range of disciplinary and administrative powers as stipulated by the prevailing Service Acts, Rules, and Regulations, regardless of their parent service affiliations.

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