New Delhi, December 31: India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat will have his office in South Block and the CDS will have parent service uniform, reported news agency ANI. As Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat demits office on retirement and takes over as the country's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Tuesday, even as the argument is rife over the selection of General Rawat as the first CDS. General Rawat was commissioned into the 5th battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles on 16 December 1978 and was serving as Chief of Army Staff since January 1, 2017. General Bipin Rawat To Take Oath as Chief of Defence Staff on January 1, Receives Farewell Guard of Honour as Army Chief.

The Indian Army presented a Guard of Honour to the outgoing chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday. He will take over as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) today later in the day. Before taking Guard of Honour, General Rawat laid a wreath at the National War memorial, reported IANS. US Congratulates General Bipin Rawat Over His Appointment as India’s First Chief of Defence Staff.

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General Bipin Rawat will be succeeded by General M.M. Naravane. General Rawat served the Indian Army as its chief for three years. The Government of India had made the announcement of appointment of General Naravane as the next India Army chief. General Manoj Mukund Naravane Takes Charge as 28th Chief of Army Staff, Succeeds General Bipin Rawat.

On Monday late night, the Central government announced that General Rawat has been appointed as CDS. General Rawat - who served a rare full three-year term as the Indian Army Chief after he superseded two officers in 2016 - will serve as CDS till March 31, 2023.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence amended Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force rules. As per the amended rules, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) or tri-service chief will be able to serve till the age of 65. As per existing government rules, the three service chiefs can serve up to the age of 62 or for three years, whichever is earlier.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2019 04:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).