Cabinet approves creation of Chief of Defence Staff post, to head Department of Military Affairs as Secretary

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the rank of 4-Star General who will head the newly-set up Department of Military Affairs under the Ministry of Defence. 

The Chief of Defence Staff will have salary equivalent to Service Chiefs and will function as the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs.

According to government sources, outgoing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat is likely to be named the first CDS.

However, an official announcement in this regard is yet to be made. 

The position was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15 this year.

"Our defence forces are India's pride. With a view to ensure and further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort. India will have a Chief of Defence Staff - CDS which is going to make the forces even more effective," PM Modi had said.

The absence of a single-point reference for defence matters has been pointed out by experts for a long time.

According to the charter and role of the post defined by the government, the person holding the office of CDS not be eligible to hold any Government office after retirement. 

They will also not be allowed to work for a private entity without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS.