In a significant turn of events, coinciding with the nation’s ongoing general elections, the Appointments Committee on Cabinet (ACC) has granted a one-month extension to Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande’s service, just days before his scheduled retirement on May 31.
The Defence Ministry, in a rare move, has announced the approval of a one-month extension for General Manoj C Pande’s service. This extension, granted under Rule 16 A (4) of the Army Rules 1954, allows him to serve until June 30, beyond his normal retirement age.
“On May 26, 2024, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension of service for Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj C. Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, by one month beyond his normal retirement age of May 31, 2024. This extension, until June 30, 2024, is granted under Rule 16A (4) of the Army Rules, 1954,” the Defence Ministry stated.
Pande assumed the role of the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on 31 April 2022. He joined the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) in December 1982 and previously served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Pande’s appointment marks the first time an officer from the Corps of Engineers has led the 1.2 million-strong force, as officers from infantry, artillery, and armoured regiments have traditionally held the position.
The next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) is yet to be officially announced by the government, creating a sense of anticipation. Typically, the new Army Chief is selected several weeks in advance to ensure a smooth leadership transition within the armed forces. Usually, a senior-most officer is named the successor in the armed forces. However, with no official successor named, the focus shifts to three senior-most officers in line – Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who currently holds the position of Vice Chief of Army Staff; Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, the Southern Army Commander; and Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, who commands the Central Command.
Ravi Shankar
