The government has amended the Army rules to change the retirement age of tri-Service chief and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to 65 years, according to a notification issued by the Defence Ministry. The decision to amend the rules has been taken so a service chief can be appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) after retirement. As per existing Army Rules, 1954, the three Service chiefs can serve up to the age of 62 or for three years, whichever is earlier. The Chief of Defence Staff will have salary equivalent to Service Chiefs and will function as the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs. According to government sources, outgoing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat is likely to be named the first CDS.

Source: dna December 29, 2019 15:22 UTC