The Narendra Modi government on Monday appointed General Bipin Rawat as country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). General Bipin Rawat, who was due to retire on Tuesday after serving three years as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), will now assume charge on Wednesday as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
In the normal course, Rawat was due to retire on March 31, upon reaching the age of 62 years. Government’s notification will allow him to serve as CDS for three years and three months, until he turns 65 in March 2023.
As the CDS, he would be in direct contact with the Prime Minister on security issues and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force would report to him. He would head the Department of Military Affairs and paid a salary equivalent to a service chief.
