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.