21/11/2019 - Government Policies | Mainstorming

IAS Parliament 5 years

KEY POINTS

· Development of future technologies and means to face emerging threats in the cyber, space, missiles domain, nurturing of AI-based platforms, usage of drones for various roles and such modern conflict realities is indeed important.

· The CDS can be the vital fulcrum to undertake such prioritisation and rationalisation, and, therefore, can play a stellar role in the perspective planning and development function.

· Considering the high cost of future technology, the CDS can also contribute towards optimisation of existing structures. Such review of existing establishments and manpower should also be an assigned task for him.

· The CDS would be better placed for integrated employment of war fighting potential, and therefore logically needs to be part of the operational control chain.

· The CDS is better termed as the primary military advisor, with the service chiefs also remaining important military advisors.

· The CDS should not become another interposed level between the Raksha Mantri and the service chiefs, whose access to the minister should remain as prevalent.

· In effect, the CDS should be in charge of newer domains and organisations, and be well poised to optimise, cut costs and prioritise different service demands.

· He/She could be an effective mentor for realising our military-industrial power potential, and for modernisation and capability enhancement.

· His tri-service position makes him the most suited driver for the integrated application of warfighting resources and facilitates unitary control in integrated operations.

· The CDS also has a primary advisory role, and therefore should not be boxed into administrative efficiency roles, but must be in the operational control chain.