(a) whether the Government has any proposal to create the post of Chief of Defence
Staff (CDS); and
(b) if so, the details thereof and latest position in this regard?
(a) whether the Government has any proposal to create the post of Chief of Defence
Staff (CDS); and
(b) if so, the details thereof and latest position in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) & (b): The Government constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) on 17th April 2000 to
review the national security system in its entirety and in particular, to consider the
recommendations of the Kargil review Committee, and to formulate specific proposals for its
implementation.
The GoM`s report on `Reforming the National Security System` presented to the
Government in February 2001 in which, amongst others, it was recommended to create the
institution of Chief of Defence Staff. The Government approved the recommendations contained
in the GoM report except those pertaining to institution of CDS for which it was decided that
Government would take a view after consulting various political parties. Accordingly, Raksha
Mantri wrote a letter to leaders of various national level political parties. Four parties
have replied. Reminders have been issued to the parties who have not replied to the letter
of Raksha Mantri.