Why is it in the news?
- The Inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023 has been notified.
- The Act empowers the Commander-in-Chief (C-i-C) and Officer-in-Command (O-i-C) of Inter-Services Organizations (ISOs) with disciplinary and administrative powers over serving or attached personnel.
- ISOs consist of troops from at least two of the three services: Army, Navy, and Air Force, subject to respective service acts.
- Previously, C-i-Cs or O-i-Cs of ISOs lacked authority over personnel from other services.
Key highlights of the Act include:
- Central government can constitute an ISO with personnel from two or more services.
- Existing ISOs like Andaman & Nicobar Command, Defense Space Agency, and National Defense Academy are deemed to be constituted under the Act.
- Commanding Officers (CO) are designated to command units, ships, or establishments and can initiate disciplinary or administrative actions.
- The Act applies to personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as individuals from other forces as notified by the Central Government.
- Significance of the Act includes expeditious case disposal, avoiding multiple proceedings, reducing financial burdens, and fostering greater integration and jointness among the Armed Forces.