Extension to General Manoj Pande complicates selection of new CDS

The extension to Gen. Manoj Pande is a significant departure from established precedents and it has brought disappointment and disillusionment among senior Defence officials. The centre has used seniority-cum-merit formula on multiple occasions. The seniority principle was ignored in the appointment of Admiral Robin Dhowan and Admiral Karambir Singh as Navy chiefs in 2014 and 2019, respectively. Similarly, in December 2016, two senior Army officers were overlooked while appointing then Lt Gen. Bipin Rawat as the Army chief. After the sad demise of Lt Gen. Bipin Rawat, the Union government also amended defence laws to allow any serving or retired three-star officer under the age of 62 to be eligible for the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), which means that not just four-star officers — Generals, Air Chief Marshals, Admirals — but also Lieutenant Generals, Air Marshals, and Vice Admirals can be elevated to the post of CDS. Historically, extensions have been granted sparingly—notable examples being those given to Gen. (later Field Marshal) Sam Manekshaw and his successor Lieutenant Gen. G.G. Bewoor. Gen. Pande is the first Army chief in 53 years since then to secure an extension, which the ministry of defence said has been given under Rule 16A(4) of the Army Rules, 1954. South Block insiders believe the extension for Gen. Pande complicates Lt Gen. Dwivedi’s potential elevation. If all three officers—Gen. Pande, Lt Gen. Dwivedi, and Lt Gen. Singh —superannuate on June 30, the question is who the government will pick as the new Army chief ?.