EC nod to government for naming new Army chief

Election Commission of India (ECI) on 12 May 2014 gave its nod to the Union Defence Ministry to initiate the process of appointment of the next Army Chief.

The EC asked the defence ministry to initiate the process as the appointments, promotions, tenders and procurements of defence forces are not covered under the Model Code of Conduct in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. It also said that such activities are also not barred in any other election.

The present, Army Chief of India, General Bikram Singh will retire on 31 July 2014 and as per the tradition of appointment of the successor, a person should be appointed two months ahead of the date.

The incumbent Army Chief, General Bikram Singh’s appointment was made three months before the retirement of General VK Singh. Bikram Singh’s appointment was made three months earlier, over the long drawn battle of Vikram Singh and the Government of India over his issue of age.