Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether the Government has examined the proposal for creation of institution of Chief of Defence Staff;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the decision taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether any Task Force constituted by the Government is looking into this issue and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the time by which final decision is likely to be taken on the issue?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) to (e) The report of the Group of Ministers on ‘Reforming the National Security System’ had, inter alia, recommended the creation of the institution of Chief of Defence Staff. No Task Force is looking into this issue at present. Government will take a decision on this matter after completing the ongoing consultations with various political parties.

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