Independence Day 2019: PM Modi announces creation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), here's what it entails

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in a crucial development, announced the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS) as head of the tri-services.

PM Modi made the key announcement in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day.

The Prime Minister said the CDS will ensure synergy among the three services and provide effective leadership to them.

“Our government has decided to have a Chief of Defence Staff – CDS,” PM Modi said.

A high-level committee set up to examine the gaps in the country’s security system in the wake of the Kargil War in 1999 had called for appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff as a single-point military adviser to the Defence Minister.

A group of ministers analysing required reforms in the national security system had also favoured appointing a chief of defence staff.

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In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Task Force had recommended creating the post of a permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The CoSC comprises chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force and the senior-most among them acts as its chairman as per existing norm.

Here are the highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday:

• One nation, one constitution spirit has become a reality after scrapping of provisions of Article 370 and India is proud of it.
• 'Population explosion' causes new challenges for coming generations, central and state governments should launch measures to deal with it.
• There is a 'huge' scope for improvement in the tourism sector, everyone should visit at least 15 tourist destinations within India by 2022.
• Chief of Defence Staff to ensure coordination and provide effective leadership to three services will be created.
• Discussions should now be held on one nation, one election, it is imperative to make the country great.
• India can become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the next five years.
• We have decided to invest Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure building.
• India does not want to wait too long for incremental progress. A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded.
• Our aim is to reach among first 50 nations in ease of doing business.
• 'Jal Jivan' mission to make drinking water available to all households announced, govt will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore for it.
• GST brought to life the dream of one nation, one tax. India has also achieved one nation, one grid in the energy sector.
• The scrapping of Triple Talaq will help Muslim women live a better life; the decision should not be seen through a political prism.
• India is strongly fighting against those supporting terrorism.
• India is not the only target of terrorism in the region; countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have also been affected.
• If 2014-19 was an era to fulfil people's needs, the time since 2019 is about meeting aspirations and dreams.
• Peoples trust in us have given us new strength, the 2019 mandate shows that hopelessness has given way to hope among masses.
• Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome; these are menaces that have ruined India for 70 years.
• The government should have a minimal role in people's lives.
• Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right eco-system be made in this regard.
• India will soon become open defecation free country.

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