Government Extends Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande’s Tenure

May 27, 2024

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has decided that Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande will stay in his job until June 30. The news came out on May 26, just one day before Gen. Pande was set to retire on May 31. This move is significant because it is the first time that a term has been extended in this way since Indira Gandhi, who was Prime Minister at the time, did it for Gen. G. G. Bewoor in the early 1970s.

Historical Precedent

The increase in Gen. Pande’s term follows a pattern set almost fifty years ago. During the Indira Gandhi government in the early 1970s, Gen. G. G. Bewoor’s term was extended. Because of this earlier stretch, Lt Gen Prem Bhagat had to retire without ever being Army Chief, even though he was very well thought of.

What are the Policies and Rules Involved?

Rules 16A(4) of the Army Rules, 1954, say that the increase is okay. Following this rule lets an Army Chief stay on the job past the regular retirement age in certain situations, as decided by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Gen Manoj Pande’s Background

The 29th Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. Manong Pande, took over on April 30, 2022, after Gen. MM Naravane retired. To his credit, he was the first general from the Corps of Engineers to lead the force. Gen. Pande was Vice Chief of the Army and in charge of the key Andaman and Nicobar Command before he became Chief of the Army. He went to the National Defence Academy and joined the Corps of Engineers, also known as “The Bombay Sappers,” in December 1982.

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