Q. What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs?
1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee.
2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs.
3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 ad 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Correct answer: (d) 1 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee – This is correct.
The CDS serves as the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs – This is incorrect.
The CDS does not have direct military command over the three Service Chiefs. Each Service Chief maintains operational control over their respective branch.
3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters – This is correct.
The CDS acts as the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister on matters involving all three services.
Based on this analysis, the correct duties are 1 and 3.