He is actually "informed" with plenty of gaps. For example, when he gives the example of BN Mullick and the failure to assess the intelligence inputs, need one remind him that the intelligence inputs clearly stated that there was a Chinese build up North of Thag-La in response to forward location of Indian troops beyond the McMahon Line and establishment of the
Dhola post and likelihood of Chinese attack could not be ruled out? It was Nehru who persisted with a political directive to negate those inputs. The so called 'checks' and 'balances' do not work as he is trying to put them across as working, for he has no clue. Even the CCS is hardly aware of the actual planning/execution of military operations, often given a post-facto briefing to align the various organs of the Government for the apparent reasons.
What is being done is merely to streamline various processes for example the plethora of Special Forces and Special Operations Cells into an unified structure, in order to streamline the information sharing and dissemination, which is, at any given time of the day, a mess.
Ajay Shukla, as usual, made a political opening statement instead of actually commenting upon the actual committee.
As for the point regarding PMO, it is an open secret that the PMO is very active under the present PM, unlike the previous dispensation, where 10 Janpath was more active
Today, every JS is scared of sitting idly at his desk, twiddling his thumbs. The rule is clear - any officer at any ministry, may put up a proposal/noting to JS and wait for action. If, after a couple of days, there is no action, the same can be put directly to Minister concerned, wherein, if not acted upon within 3 to 4 days, the same can be mailed directly to PM (PMO). Oh, it is fun to see decisions being made .... the contention decision making will become sluggish had me in peals of laughter.