New Delhi/UNI: The government on Monday approved appointment of two joint secretaries in the newly-created department of military affairs under the defence ministry.
The officers include Rajeev Singh Thakur, a 1995 batch IAS officer from Rajasthan cadre, and Shantanu, a 1997 batch officer from Tripura cadre, have been posted to the DMA, headed by India’s first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.
The appointment was cleared by Appointment Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The appointments are among the 31 JS-level postings approved by the committee. On January 13, the Ministry of Defence had transferred manpower of 60 officers to the newly-created DMA.
The transfer orders said, “The officers are hereby transferred from the Department of Defence to the newly created Department of Military Affairs with immediate effect.”
A total 13 deputy secretaries, 25 under secretaries and 22 section officers were transferred to the DMA.
The DMA got formal structure on Friday after creation of two joint secretaries, 13 deputy secretaries and 22 under secretaries and 22 section officers.
They will assist the Chief of Defence Staff to carry out his responsibilities.
The DMA will oversee key matters relating to neighbouring countries including border disputes and incidents, development of infrastructure in forward areas and deployment of forces. These countries include China, Pakistan and Bhutan.
Supply of arms and ammunition to friendly neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives will also come under the purview of the DMA.
Monitoring developments in the Indian Ocean region, Afghanistan, West Asia and South East Asia will also be the responsibility of the DMA.
However, all matters that have an import on the country’s defence policy will be dealt by the Department of Defence, headed by the defence secretary.
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