Rajnath Singh mentions the process for the appointment of next CDS.

On Tuesday, the defence minister of the country- Rajnath Singh mentioned that the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) which was vacant since the death of General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash in 2021 December will be filled soon by the appointment of the new candidate.

A media briefing for the armed forces, roll out of the “Agnipath” scheme took place on 14^th June 2022 in which the Union Defence Minister gives a statement regarding the appointment of next CDS. The Chief of Defence staff heads the chief of staff committee of the Armed Forces of India.

“The process is underway” as per the defence minister. Any retired lieutenant general, vice-admiral or air marshal under 62 years of age will be eligible for the appointment of next CDS post.

General Bipin Rawat who was appointed as the first CDS of India on 1^st January 2020 facilitated the restructuring of the military commands for optimal utilisation of resources. This was possible by bringing jointness in the operations, including the theatre commands establishment.

CDS is said to be the single point military adviser to the defence minister, this came into play after the Kargil War in 1999 to fill the gap in the security system of the country. The appointment of next CDS will prove to a great opportunity for the youth of the nation.

Eligibility criteria for CDS

A person who is above the age of 19 years is eligible for the examination of Chief of Defence Staff. Candidates who are in final year of graduation or are graduated in a Bachelor of Engineering from a recognised university can apply for the exam. The physical standards should be met. Only Indian Candidates are allowed to give the exam. Issueless women, as well as divorced women, are also eligible for the examination of Chief of Defence Staff.

Perks of CDS

Those candidates who clear the exam are then inducted into the training program to serve the nation. Under the Agnipath Scheme, there would be 10 lakhs hiring in the year whose salary package will start from 4.6 lakhs and will exceed upto 6.5 lakhs in the consecutive years. The working period will be 4 years. 25% of the candidates of the force will be made permanent and the rest 75% will be given compensation of 11 to 15 lakhs.

Any person who gets disabled during the 4 year period will be given 44 lakhs by the government. Any candidate who dies within the working period, will be given the salary for the entire 4 year and a sum of 1 crore will be given to the family of the deceased.