RTI

HAND BOOK

HQ EAC IAF

Updated on 08 Sep 2008

 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Please throw light on the background of this Handbook (Right to

Information Act, 2005) :

This handbook is prepared in compliance with section 4 (1) (b)

of RTI Act, 2005.

1.2. Objective / purpose of this hand-book:

This handbook is meant to provide General information to the
public about the organisation and functions of Headquarters Eastern
Air Command, Indian Air Force.

1.3. Who are the intended users of this handbook? :

General public including the service personnel.

1.4. Organisation of the information in this hand-book:

The information is organised under 17 chapters as provided in

the Act. Since Headquarters Eastern Air Command comprises of
three branches namely Air, Maintenance and Administration under
the AOC-in-C, the information is also organised branch wise.

1.5. Contact person in case some body wants to get more information on
topics covered in the handbook as well as other information also:

Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)/Central Assistant

Public Information Officer (CAPIO).

1.6. Procedure and Fee Structure for getting information not available in the
handbook:

This handbook is available for the perusal/reference of a

bonafide citizen of India on proving his identity with CPIO or CAPIO.
This handbook is also made available at the Air Force Website
“www. iaf. in”
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CHAPTER 2

PARTICULARS OF ORGANISATION, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

2.1. Objective/purpose of the public authority:

(a) The Primary Objective / purpose of Eastern Air Command is

to defend the area within the jurisdiction of Eastern Air
Command of the nation and its airspace against Air threats in
coordination with Army and Navy. The secondary purpose is to
assist civil power during natural calamities and internal
disturbances.

(b) The objective/ purpose of HQ EAC IAF is to ensure efficient

and effective functioning of all the Air Force units in HQ EAC
IAF as a whole.

2.2. Mission/Vision Statement of the public authority:

To maintain high operational preparedness for defence of the

Indian airspace within the jurisdiction of Eastern Air Command.

2.3. Brief history of the public authority and context of its formation:

Eastern Air Command (EAC) is one of the five operational

Commands of the Indian Air Force. Its Headquarters is located at
Shillong, the Capital of Meghalaya. Eastern Air Command, erstwhile
known as 1 Operational Group, was initially formed on 27 May 1958
at Ranikutir in Calcutta with limited role to assist the Eastern
Command of Army. Consequent to the Chinese annexation of Tibet
in 1958 and the shadow activities of the Chinese forces on the Indo-
Tibet border becoming extensively active in 1959, 1 Operational
Group was upgraded to the status of Command Headquarters co-
located with Army Eastern Command, Fort William, Calcutta on 01
December 1959. In the initial stage, EAC had only five Air Force
Stations. After the Sino-Indian conflict in 1962, HQ EAC moved to
the present location at Nonglyer, Upper Shillong on 10 June 1963.
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2.4. Duties of the public authority:

HQ EAC IAF has three Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) ie. Senior
Air Staff Officer (SASO), Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (SMSO)
and Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration (SOA) assisting Air
Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) in various functions. Duties
of their branches ie. Air, Maintenance and Administration are
attached as Appendix .

2.5. Main functions of the public authority:

(a) The main function of HQ EAC IAF is to ensure smooth

functioning of all the Air Force units in HQ EAC IAF as a whole
and work at a conceptual level.

(b) To achieve this objective, this HQ formulates, issues and

reviews policies on various matters pertaining to the
functioning of all the Air Force units in HQ EAC IAF and
exercises command and control.

(c) HQ EAC IAF also interacts and liaises with Air HQ and also
other two sister services of Army & Navy.

2.6. List of services being provided by the public authority with a brief write-
up on them:

Except for its primary and secondary functions as mentioned

above, no services are provided to the public.

2.7. Organisational Structure Diagram at various levels namely State,

directorate, region, district, block etc (whichever is applicable):

Attached as Appendix .

2.8. Expectation of the public authority from the public for enhancing its
effectiveness and efficiency:

Nil

2.9. Arrangements and methods made for seeking public participation/

contribution:

Not applicable since the policies of IAF pertain to only service

personnel and are not concerned with or affecting the public.
 4

2.10. Mechanism available for monitoring the service delivery and public
grievance resolution:

Not applicable since the policies of IAF pertain to only service

personnel and are not concerned with or affecting the public.

2.11. Address/ Addresses of the main office and other officers at different
levels:

Name of Concerned Office/Officer

HQ EAC IAF
PO - NONGLYER
SHILLONG
Pin code - 793009

2.12. Working hours:

The essential operational administrative and maintenance

services are provided 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. However,
the office hours are as per the laid down working hours of the
Central Govt.
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CHAPTER 3

POWERS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

1 . Details of duties have been given in Appendix ‘A’ to this Hand

Book.

2. Powers of AOC-in-C and other three PSOs at this HQ are given

as follows:-

Appointment Powers
Administrative Financial
AOC-in-C Command and control of all As laid down by
the units in HQ EAC IAF Air HQ

SASO Operational matters and - do -

supervision of Air Operations
activities
SMSO Supervision of maintenance - do -
activities
SOA Supervision of administrative - do -
activities
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CHAPTER – 4

RULES, REGULATIONS, INSTRUCTIONS, MANUAL AND RECORDS, FOR DISCHARGING FUNCTIONS

Name / title Type of the Brief Write-up From where one

document can get

Air Force Act 1950 Act Statute governing all personnel of Air Any legal book
Force stores.
Air Force Rules 1969 Rules Rules and procedures for implementation Also published on IAF
of the provisions of Air Force Act 1950 website-
‘www.iaf.nic.in’

Regulations for the Exhaustive guidelines governing various AP & F S, Safdarjang,

Air Force (Revised matters pertaining to IAF NewDelhi.
Edition) 1964 Also published on IAF
website
- ‘www.iaf.nic.in’

Travel Regulations The entitlements for moves of the D Accts, Air HQ

1991 Regulations different officers and airmen have been
given in Travel Regulations, 1991.

Financial Regulations Various instructions having financial

implications issued by GoI.

Equipment -DO- DMA, Air HQ

Regulations
(IAPs –1501,1541)
 7
Air Force Instructions Various instructions issued by GoI, having Dte of Org, Air HQ
Instructions financial implications

Air Force Orders Orders Orders issued by the CAS on various

matters for general administration of the
IAF

Defence Procurement Instructions Procedure for capital procurement. Ministry of Defence

Manual-2005 website –
‘www.mod.nic.in’

General Financial Rules Lays down general principles for Dte of Fin P, Air HQ
Rules, 1984 maintaining financial propriety in dealing
with transactions of financial nature.
GOI/MoD letter No. Instructions The letter provides delegation of MoD
16(8)/2001/D(AirII) administrative powers to Air HQ D Fin P/ PD Org, Air
dated 16 Aug 01 HQ

IAP 3904 Instructions Detailed instructions governing various Dte of Int, Air HQ
matters pertaining to IAF personnel
IAP 4501 Detailed instructions on various matters Dte of Org, Air HQ
pertaining to administrative matters
Air HQ ASI 01/99 Instructions Standard Operation Procedure for Dte of Air Staff
Operations Room Inspection, Air HQ

Technical Staff Instructions Instructions regarding maintenance of Dte of Maint

Instructions various systems and equipment in IAF Planning, Air HQ

IGSI 1/99 Instructions Detailed instructions governing various A F Publications &

matters pertaining to Inspection Form stores
Air HQ, RK Puram
 8
New Delhi.
Aircraft Maint Manual Manual Instructions regarding maintenance of Dte of Maint
aircraft Planning, Air HQ

Personal Licensing Manual The document is published by The Director General

International Civil Aviation organization Civil Aviation (DGCA),
(ICAO) and lay down the International Technical HQ, Opp
Standards And Recommended Practices to Safdargung Airport,
be adopted by contracting states. India is New-Delhi-110003
one of the contracting states and we Tele No: 24622495
adopt these standards. Fax: 24644764
Email: dgca.nic.in
Aeronautical Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) on
Information Circular various subjects is issued by Director
(AIC) General Civil Aviation (DGCA). The AIC on
medical deals with various criteria for
evaluation specified disability / disease for
considering certification.
Circular
Civil Aviation Civil Aviation requirement (CAR) is also
requirement (CAR) issued by DGCA. The CAR on medical
requirement is issued under section 7,
Flight Crew Standards.
Medical Information Medical Information Circular (MIC) is
Circular issued by DGMS (AIR) to IAF, boarding Air Headquarters
Centres carrying out medical evaluation DGMS (Air)
for issue of civil pilot licence. These West Block – VI,
circulars deal with criteria for assessing RK Puram
various diseases/ disability in connection New Delhi – 110 066
with medical evaluation of civil aircrew. Tele No: 23010231
The same criteria/ guidelines are Extn: 7807
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forwarded to DGCA for issue as AIC
whenever required.
IAP 4303 (3rd Manual It is the manual of Medical examinations &
Edition) Medical boards of IAF.

RMS AF 1983 Regulation Regulations for the Medical Services of the

Armed Forces

AFO/ AFI’s on Medical (i) AFO 168/74 Med Exam & Med Boards
Medical Orders “Flt Cadets, Offrs and airmen aircrew
(ii) AFO 20/97 Introduction med
treatment entitlement certificate for ex-
servicemen and their widows and families
of ser personnel residing away from the
head of the family
(iii) AFO 52/98 Preservation of medical
documents after non effectiveness/ other
ranks
(iv) AFO 29/88 Physical fitness rating
tests,
(v) AFO 10/99 Appeal medical board :
Candidates enrolment in IAF
(vi) AFO 11/99 Extension of engagement :
Airmen
(vii) AFO 33/95 Discharge of Airmen/NCs
(E) on medical grounds except for cases of
pulmonary TB/ Leprosy,
(viii) AFO 266/77 Reporting of casualties
in the Indian Air Force,
(ix) AFO 282/74 Medical treatment and
disposal of Armed Forces Personnel and
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their families suffering from Pulmonary
TB/Leprosy,
(x) AFO 112/77 Discharge of Airmen on
medical grounds,
(xi) AFO 102/98 Payment procedure for
re- imbursement of medical treatment
taken in civil/private hospitals by officers,
airmen and their families,
(xii) AFO 9/2004 Procedure for appeal
medical board candidates for enrolment in
IAF
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CHAPTER 5

PARTICULARS OF ANY ARRANGEMENT THAT EXISTS FOR

CONSULTATION WITH, OR REPRESENTATION BY, THE MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC IN RELATION TO THE FORMULATION OF ITS POLICY
OR IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF

Formulation of Policy

5.1. Whether there is any provision to seek consultation/ participation of

public or its representatives for formulation of policies? If there is, please
provide details of such policy in following format:

Not applicable since the policies of IAF pertain to only service

personnel subject to AF Act, 1950 and are not concerned with
general public.

Implementation of Policy

5.2. Whether there is any provision to seek consultation/ participation of

public or its representatives for implementation of policies? If there is,
please provide details of provisions in following format:

Not applicable since the policies of IAF pertain to only service

personnel subject to AF Act, 1950 and are not concerned with
general public.
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CHAPTER 6

A STATEMENT OF THE CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS THAT ARE

HELD BY IT OR UNDER ITS CONTROL

All branches of HQ EAC IAF maintain Files for the subject matter
handled by them. For every subject, a policy file, a general correspondence
file and separate files for individual cases are maintained. This is in addition
to the info provided under Chapter four of this Hand Book.

Sr. Category Name of the Procedure to obtain the Held by

No of the Document and its document /under
document introduction control of
in one line

1 Files Policy, 1. A citizen can request for Concerned

Correspondence the specific info/ document Directorate
and required by him under
Individual Section 6 of the RTI Act by
Cases an application made on plain
paper addressed to CPIO/
CAPIO, HQ EAC, IAF.

2. Rs 10/- should be paid

alongwith application, by way
of DD/Local Cheque payable
to ‘Air Force Public Fund
Account, Elephanta Falls’ or
Cash against receipt from
Accounts Section, HQ EAC(U)
AF.

3. He should also write his

correspondence details along
with telephone number, if
any, so that he can be
contacted for payment of
additional fees and providing
the info without delay.
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CHAPTER 7

A STATEMENT OF BOARDS, COUNCILS, COMMITTEES AND OTHER

BODIES CONSTITUTED AS ITS PART

No board/ council / committee has been formed as part of HQ

EAC IAF which pertains to general public.
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CHAPTER 8

THE NAMES, DESIGNATIONS AND OTHER PARTICULARS OF THE

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS

8.1. Please provide contact information about the Public Information

Officers, Assistant Public Information Officers and Departmental Appellate
Authority of the Public authority in the following format:

DESIGNATION NAME ADDRESS PHONE/ FAX

Central Public Wing Commander CPIO 0364-2560880

Information Atul Kumar HQ EAC, IAF Extn: 2425 (O)
Officer PO- NONGLYER 2511 (R)
SHILLONG FAX : 0364-2561322
Pin code-793009

Central Squadron Leader CAPIO 0364-2560880

Assistant Sanjeev Bindra HQ EAC, IAF Extn: 2425 (O)
Public PO- NONGLYER 2475 (R)
Information SHILLONG FAX : 0364-2561322
Officer Pin code-793009

Department Air Vice Marshal Senior Officer-in- 0364-2560880

Appellate JS Gandyok Charge Extn: 2401 (O)
Authority: AVSM VSM Administration, 2451(R)
Senior Officer HQ EAC, IAF 0364-2560781 (R)
in charge PO- NONGLYER FAX : 0364-2561322
Administration SHILLONG
Pin code-793009
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CHAPTER 9

PROCEDURE FOLLOWED IN DECISION MAKING PROCESS

9.1. What is the procedure followed to take a decision for various matters?

(a) In all matters, notes are put up on file in the following

chain of hierarchy depending on the organizational set up for
decision to the Concerned Section Commander and PSO.

(b) In policy matters, the decision of AOC-in-C would be

obtained through PSO. In certain cases concurrence of Air HQ
is also obtained.

9.2. What are the documented procedures/ laid down procedures/ Defined
Criteria/Rules to arrive at a particular decision for important matters? What
are different levels through which a decision process moves?

Same as in para 9.1

9.3. What are the arrangements to communicate the decision to the public?

Wherever applicable, letter(s) communicating the decision

would be sent directly to the concerned persons by concerned
officers.

9.4. Who are the officers at various levels whose opinions are sought for the
process of decision making?

Same as in para 9.1

9.5. Who is the final authority that vests the decision?

(a) In policy matters: AOC-in-C

(b) In other matters: Concerned PSO

9.6. Please provide information separately in the following format for the
important matters on which the decision is taken by the public authority.
As mentioned above
Contact information of above mentioned officers
As given in Directory
If not satisfied by the decision, where and how to appeal.
Not Applicable
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CHAPTER 10

DIRECTORY OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEE

HQ EAC IAF being a sensitive Organisation, the details of

Officers and other employees employed at this HQ are considered to
be sensitive information which if falls in the hands of anti-national
elements may jeopardize the security of the nation. Therefore the
directory of officers and employees are not published in this
handbook in the interest of the security of the nation. However,
relevant details can be made available to a genuine citizen of India
with bonafide interest on a case to case basis in accordance with the
RTI Act, 2005.
 17

CHAPTER 11

THE MONTHLY REMUNERATION RECEIVED BY EACH OF ITS

OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING THE SYSTEM OF
COMPENSATION AS PROVIDED IN REGULATIONS

Air Force Central Accounts Office (AFCAO) maintains the

records pertaining to monthly remunerations of all employees of
IAF. The records are variable, huge and sensitive in nature.
Therefore it will not be feasible to catalogue and index such
individual records of pay and allowances. However, any information
requested by public in any particular case can be provided by AFCAO
as per records.
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CHAPTER 12

THE BUDGET ALLOCATED TO EACH AGENCY

(PARTICULARS OF ALL PLANS, PROPOSED EXPENDITURES AND
REPORTS ON DISBURSEMENT MADE)

For Public Authorities responsible for developmental, construction,

technical works

1. Not applicable since no developmental, construction, technical

works concerning public are undertaken by IAF.

2. However, information related to infrastructure development

and technical works pertaining to the EAC, can be provided on a
request submitted under RTI Act, subject to the provisions of
Section 8 of the Act.
 19

CHAPTER – 13

THE MANNER OF EXECUTION OF SUBSIDY PROGRAMMES

Not Applicable since no subsidy programmes are undertaken in IAF.

 20

CHAPTER -14

PARTICULARS OF RECIPIENTS OF CONCESSIONS, PERMITS OR

AUTHORIZATION GRANTED BY IT

Not applicable since there are no concessions, permits or

authorizations granted to the public by IAF.
 21

CHAPTER 15

NORMS SET BY IT FOR THE DISCHARGE OF ITS FUNCTIONS

Highest possible norms and standards are set for execution.

Restricted and S & C classified information on the types and nature
and specifies of projects cannot be provided. However, the
unclassified information is available on Air Force website.
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CHAPTER 16

INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN AN ELECTRONIC FORM

1. Rules and Regulations governing administration of air force viz,

Air Force Act, 1950, Air Force Rules, 1969, Regulations for the Air
Force, 1964 (Revised) and all current policy letters/ AFOs/ and IAPs
are available in electronic form with concerned sections/branches of
HQ EAC as well as on the IAF website: ‘www.iaf.nic.in’.

2. Some of the information related to records and other

documents pertaining to various files are also available in electronic
form with concerned sections/branches of HQ EAC.

3. Old records/ documents are made available in electronic form

by scanning or reproducing certified true copies of the relevant
document, as and when need arises.
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CHAPTER 17

PARTICULARS OF THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO CITIZENS FOR

OBTAINING INFORMATION

1. Facility is available as mandated by RTI Act 2005. Citizens can

approach CPIO/ CAPIO for information under the provisions of the
RTI Act and the same shall be made available within the specified
time frame. Particulars of the CPIO/ CAPIO of HQ EAC are given
below.

DESIGNATION NAME ADDRESS PHONE/ FAX/

EMAIL

Public Wing Commander CPIO 0364-2560880

Information Atul Kumar HQ EAC, IAF Extn: 2425 (O)
Officer PO- NONGLYER 2511 (R)
SHILLONG FAX: 0364-2561322
Pin code-793009

Assistant Squadron Leader CAPIO 0364-2560880

Public Sanjeev Bindra HQ EAC, IAF Extn: 2425 (O)
Information PO- NONGLYER 2475 (R)
Officer SHILLONG FAX : 0364-2561322
Pin code-793009

2. These are also published on the IAF website: ’www.iaf.nic.in’.

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CHAPTER 18

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

18.1. Frequently Asked Questions and their Answers by Public:

Nil

18.2. Related to seeking Information

• Application form (a copy of filled application form for reference) :

No Standard Application forms are available. Applications can

be made on plain papers addressed to CPIO/ CAPIO.

• Fee :

(a) Rs 10/- should be paid alongwith application, by way of

DD/Local Cheque payable to ‘Air Force Public Fund Account,
Elephanta Falls’ or Cash against receipt from Accounts Section,
HQ Eastern Air Command (Unit), Air Force.

(b) Additional fees for providing the required information

shall be charged as per Right to Information (Regulation of fee
and cost) Rules, 2005 and the Right to Information (Regulation
of Fee and Cost) (Amendment) Rules, 2005, which are as
follows: -

(i) Rs.2/- per page (A4/A3 size paper) created or

copied.

(ii) Actual charge/ cost price for larger size papers

(iii) Actual cost/price for models/ samples.

(iv) For inspection of records: No fee for the first hour.

Rs.5/- for each 15 minutes (or fractions) thereafter.

(v) Rs. 50 per Diskette/ Floppy.

 25

(vi) In case of publications/ books, the actual cost of

such publication/book.

• How to write a precise information request. Few Tips:.

A citizen is expected to specify the details of exact information

/document required by him. He should not generalize. He should
also write his correspondence details along with telephone number if
any so that he can be contacted for payment of fees and providing
the information without delay.

• Right of the Citizen in case of denial of information and procedure to

appeal :

In case of denial of information or if the applicant is not satisfied

with the information provided by CPIO, he/she may submit an
appeal, within 30 days from the date of receipt of the reply from
CPIO, to the first Appellate Authority the details of whom are
provided below:-

Senior Officer in charge Administration (SOA)

HQ EAC, IAF
PO- NONGLYER
SHILLONG
Pin code-793009

Phone No : 0364-2560880 Extn: 2401 (O) 2451(R)

0364-2560781

FAX : 0364-2561322

18.3. With relation to training imparted to public by Public Authority:

NOT APPLICABLE

18.4. With relation to Certificate, No objection certificate etc issued by the

Public authority not included in Manual - 13:

NOT APPLICABLE
 26

18.5. With relation to registration process:

NOT APPLICABLE

18.6. With relation to collection of tax by Public Authority ((Municipal

Corporation, Trade Tax, Entertainment Tax etc):

NOT APPLICABLE
18.7. With relation to issuing new connection electricity / water supply,
temporary and permanent disconnection etc. (This will be applicable to local
bodies like Municipal Corporation/ Municipalities / UPCL):

NOT APPLICABLE

18.8. Details of any other public services provided by the Public Authority:

NOT APPLICABLE
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Appendix
(Refers to Para 2.4,
Chapter 2 of Hand
Book for HQ EAC)

DUTIES

AIR BRANCH

SASO

The SASO as head of the Air Staff is responsible to the Air Officer
Commanding-in-Chief for the state of training, operational effectiveness and
preparedness of all units and establishments under Eastern Air Command.
He is to execute all aspects of Air operations both during peace and war in
accordance with the directions of the AOC-in-C.

Air-1

The Air I works directly under the SASO to whom he is responsible for
the effective functioning of all offensive tactical elements of Eastern Air
Command. His primary functions are to control and direct the training and
operational preparedness of Fighter Squadrons. The Air-1 is also responsible
to SASO for AD Cdrs’ duties and Annual Training Grant (ATG).

Air-II

Air-II is responsible to SASO for effective conduct of Transport and

Helicopter operations in the EAC AOR. He is responsible for the planning and
conduct of Air Logistics for all agencies as approved by Air HQ. Air-II is also
responsible for all activities relating to aid to civil power including casualty
evacuation.

CSO

The CSO functions directly under the SASO and is responsible to him
for the efficient functioning of communications operating on various media in
EAC. He is also responsible for Command Computer Cell.
 28

MAINTENANCE BRANCH

SMSO

He is responsible to Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief for all

maintenance activities necessary to conduct air operations undertaken by
Eastern Air Command.

C ENG O

He would be responsible to the SMSO for ensuring fleet operational

effectiveness, Monitoring availability of all aircraft role eqpt, armament
ground handling equipment and aircraft modification status relating to
weapon delivery capabilities to ensure weapon system effectiveness.
 29

ADMINISTRATION BRANCH

SOA

He is responsible to the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief for efficient

and effective administration, discipline, personnel management, financial
management of Public & Non-Public funds and welfare activities of all units
under EAC.

PMO

The PMO is the Medical Adviser to the AOC-in-C on all medical matters
affecting the health of the personnel, control and administration of all
medical and dental units of the Eastern Air Command through SOA.
 30

Appendix
(Refers to Para 2.7, Chapter
2 Of Hand Book for HQ EAC)

ORGANISATION CHART: AIR BRANCH

AOC-in-C

SASO

Air-I Air-II CSO

 31

ORGANISATION CHART: MAINT BRANCH

AOC-IN-C

SMSO

C Eng O
 32

ORGANISATION CHART: ADMIN BRANCH

AOC-in-C

SOA

PMO