The concept of paying Enhanced rate of family pension to the widow, for a period of 7 years from the date of death of pensioner or up to the age of 67 was introduced to protect the family due to the premature death of the pensioner. (i.e. before attaining the age of 67)
Normally the enhanced rate of family pension will be the same pension which was paid to the pensioner. In case of Defence pensioners/family pensioners, the concept is totally forgotten by the banks. Due to the lethargic attitude of the banks in the matter, many JCO’s widows are drawing just ordinary pension of a Sepoy’s widow..
For example a Civil govt. servant retired at the age of 60 was drawing a pension of Rs.8000/-. Suppose he dies at the age of 64, his will continue to get the same pension of Rs.8000/- till the deceased govt.. servant attained the age of 67. Thereafter her pension will be reduced to Rs.4800/- which is called ordinary family pension (i.e. 30% of his last drawn pay)
This is a simple rule easily followed and applied to a civilian pensioner and family pensioner. Since a civil govt.. servant is in service upto the age of 60 and the number of pay commissions he is going to meet after retirement is also limited to one or two. Therefore revising/ enhanced pension after his death is also limited and current. Where as in case of a Defence pensioner, who get discharged at the age of 35 with a pro-rata pension meets at least 4 pay commissions and his service pension is revised 4 times during his life time. The PDAs keeps the original PPO intact and revise the pension of the pensioner only but they do not revise the enhanced family pension and ordinary family pension at least for record purpose.
Therefore a defence pensioner (who retired in the year say 1987 during 4th CPC ) after 22 years at age of 57 draws a pension as per 6th CPC say Rs.5000/-. Suppose if he dies in the year 2008, his wife will have to be given the same Rs.5000 as enhanced pension till the deceased attained the age of 67 or for 7 years from the date of death whichever is earlier. In this case the Banks are finding it difficult to arrive at the correct family pension entitlement as the family pension entitlement has not been revised correspondingly for 22 years. The original PPO indicates an enhanced pension of Rs.500 only and an ordinary pension of Rs.375 as per 4th CPC. There are no clear guidelines to banks in this regard. Even if it is there on various govt.. orders, the banks are not ready to implement it in favour of the pensioners. Unless some learned persons intervenes in the matter with the Bank, the banks continue to pay Rs.500 with DA as enhanced rate of pension instead of Rs.5000/-.
Unless every pensioner/ family pensioner is clearly aware of their entitlements, it is very difficult to get the correct pension from the banks. So it high time that we know our pension entitlement first.
C Muthukrishnan (Ex Sgt)
Active Member IESM
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
SNI 2/S/2008 issued for PB4 fo Commander's
Dear Members,
Copy of Special Navy Instruction dated 21 Apr 2009 regarding amendment to SNI 2/S/2008 on Govt decision on Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendations regarding placement of Cdrs/Equ in PB-4 has been issued.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Copy of Special Navy Instruction dated 21 Apr 2009 regarding amendment to SNI 2/S/2008 on Govt decision on Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendations regarding placement of Cdrs/Equ in PB-4 has been issued.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Views from members 25 Apr 2009
MISSION JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES
25 Apr 09.
To,
All Members And ESM Organisations
On Emailing List of "Report My Signal".
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Some of the emails received from members are reproduced below.
On behalf YOU ALL, 'i' thank all the members who sent these emails to us.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
-----------
From: spsinha_1 . spsinha_1@sify.com
Subject: Mantra for ex-servicemen
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Saturday, 25 April, 2009, 2:05 PM
Dear Gen Kadiyan,
There was a talk organised by the 'Conclave of Military Veterans' on the theme of 'Armed Forces and the Nation' on Sunday 19 April at AVI Club, Noida at 1030 hrs. (Lt Gen Niranjan Malik (Retd) is the chairman of the conclave.) The main speakers were Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha, former Governor of J&K and Admiral Sushil Kumar, former CNS. In his talk Lt Gen Sinha advocated a four point 'mantra' for the ex-servicemen community, which incorporates their immediate struggle for OROP, but simultaneously transcends it and opens up space for a wider creative engagement with civil society. Broadly, these were explained as under:
· Ex-servicemen should try to create awareness of national security amongst general public in whatever way possible
· Maintain discipline and motivation as was displayed immediately after independence
· Be a spokesperson for serving soldiers
· Fight for your just rights
The above reconciles aptly with the Chetwode credo. I wonder if the above mantra cold be adopted by our movement in some way.
Regards
Sincerely
SP Sinha
Brig (Retd.)
272-C, Sector-29,
Noida 201303
Tele: 0120-2450316
-----------
From: hrwntsingh@yahoo.co.in hrwntsingh@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Election Meeting
To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL(CS Kamboj)" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Cc: "Core Group" CoreG15@yahoogroups.com , "K Krishan" kkrishan123@sify.com , "Sadhu Singh" sadhusohi@gmail.com
Date: Friday, 24 April, 2009, 10:17 PM
Dear Friends ,
A very large election meeting was held at Panchkula ( Sect-5 , Hotel Oscar) organised by Brig K Krishan , IESM Co-ordinator North Haryana , in which well over 200 ESM took part . Lt Gen Depinder Singh , former Overall Force Commander , Sri Lanka , was the Chief Guest .
Col SS Sohi , Co-Ordinator Punjab , highlighted the problems and demands of the ESM which were applauded by all . He had also motivated large number of ESM from Punjab to attend the meeting .
Brig KK explained all aspects concerning us , specially the OROP in a very logical , forceful and 'poetic' manner to the BJP Candidate from Ambala constituency , Mr R. Kataria , who guaranteed to have it accepted in 100 Days of NDA Govt coming in to power
Thereafter in the 'Press Conference ' the undersigned explained that if the recommendtions of the " 20th Report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence on the Subject of Welfare of the Servicemen and Ex-Servicemen" 2003 ,( also called 'Khurana Committee Report') were impemented , most of our problems would be resolved . Mr Kataria (Candidate) assured its imlementation at the earliest .
Forwarded for info of all please
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
Address :- 54, Phase- 7 , MOHALI . (Punjab).PIN 160 062
Phones :- 91+98144 32554 and 91+172- 2270154.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" I N E Q U I T Y " i s " I N I Q U I T O U S "
it' hurts' FAR MORE more than "Inadequacy"
---------
From: Krishan K Punchhi kkpunchhi@yahoo.ca
Subject: PAY HIKE FOR LT GENS OKAYED
To: "Chander Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; TRUNCATED
Date: Saturday, 25 April, 2009, 4:37 AM
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090425/nation.htm#5
Pay hike for Lt Gens okayed
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 24
Rectifying earlier anomalies in the Sixth Pay Commission, the government has accorded financial sanction for moving Lieutenant Generals and equivalents into a higher pay band. The orders were signed by the Ministry of Defence (Finance) today, thereby clearing the last hurdle for the issue of the Special Army Instruction detailing the new pay scales.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalents (other than Army Commanders) have been placed lower in pay than Directors General of Police. A substantial number of three star generals will now be placed in the Higher Administrative Grade--Plus (HAG+) pay band of Rs 75,500-80,000.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalent holding the appointments of GOC-in-C (Army Commander) or equivalent in the sister services are already in the apex scale of Rs 80,000 (fixed).
The anomaly of lowering of status of Lt Gens crept up when they were placed in pay band-4 (Rs 37,400--67,000) with grade pay of Rs 12,000 while state police chiefs were upgraded to HAG+ at the time of implementation of the sixth CPC recommendations.
-----------
From: RP Mishra avmrpm@gmail.com
Subject: Military Dignity and Demonstrations
To: "Brig CS Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Saturday, 25 April, 2009, 12:44 PM
I had attended one of the IESM rallies in which we marched from JANTAR MANTAR through a part of RAJIV CHOWK. On the way, I went to some police men on duty and expressed my regret as they had been called for extra work. Reply was that they knew there would be no work for them as they were aware that it was an ex-servicemen rally. For a change, they said, they could relax during a demonstration.
AVM RP Mishra
D-187 Jal Vayu Vihar, Sector-30, Gurgaon-122001
0124-4032590 avmrpm@gmail.com
25 Apr 09.
To,
All Members And ESM Organisations
On Emailing List of "Report My Signal".
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Some of the emails received from members are reproduced below.
On behalf YOU ALL, 'i' thank all the members who sent these emails to us.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
-----------
From: spsinha_1 . spsinha_1@sify.com
Subject: Mantra for ex-servicemen
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Saturday, 25 April, 2009, 2:05 PM
Dear Gen Kadiyan,
There was a talk organised by the 'Conclave of Military Veterans' on the theme of 'Armed Forces and the Nation' on Sunday 19 April at AVI Club, Noida at 1030 hrs. (Lt Gen Niranjan Malik (Retd) is the chairman of the conclave.) The main speakers were Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha, former Governor of J&K and Admiral Sushil Kumar, former CNS. In his talk Lt Gen Sinha advocated a four point 'mantra' for the ex-servicemen community, which incorporates their immediate struggle for OROP, but simultaneously transcends it and opens up space for a wider creative engagement with civil society. Broadly, these were explained as under:
· Ex-servicemen should try to create awareness of national security amongst general public in whatever way possible
· Maintain discipline and motivation as was displayed immediately after independence
· Be a spokesperson for serving soldiers
· Fight for your just rights
The above reconciles aptly with the Chetwode credo. I wonder if the above mantra cold be adopted by our movement in some way.
Regards
Sincerely
SP Sinha
Brig (Retd.)
272-C, Sector-29,
Noida 201303
Tele: 0120-2450316
-----------
From: hrwntsingh@yahoo.co.in hrwntsingh@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Election Meeting
To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL(CS Kamboj)" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Cc: "Core Group" CoreG15@yahoogroups.com , "K Krishan" kkrishan123@sify.com , "Sadhu Singh" sadhusohi@gmail.com
Date: Friday, 24 April, 2009, 10:17 PM
Dear Friends ,
A very large election meeting was held at Panchkula ( Sect-5 , Hotel Oscar) organised by Brig K Krishan , IESM Co-ordinator North Haryana , in which well over 200 ESM took part . Lt Gen Depinder Singh , former Overall Force Commander , Sri Lanka , was the Chief Guest .
Col SS Sohi , Co-Ordinator Punjab , highlighted the problems and demands of the ESM which were applauded by all . He had also motivated large number of ESM from Punjab to attend the meeting .
Brig KK explained all aspects concerning us , specially the OROP in a very logical , forceful and 'poetic' manner to the BJP Candidate from Ambala constituency , Mr R. Kataria , who guaranteed to have it accepted in 100 Days of NDA Govt coming in to power
Thereafter in the 'Press Conference ' the undersigned explained that if the recommendtions of the " 20th Report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence on the Subject of Welfare of the Servicemen and Ex-Servicemen" 2003 ,( also called 'Khurana Committee Report') were impemented , most of our problems would be resolved . Mr Kataria (Candidate) assured its imlementation at the earliest .
Forwarded for info of all please
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
Address :- 54, Phase- 7 , MOHALI . (Punjab).PIN 160 062
Phones :- 91+98144 32554 and 91+172- 2270154.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" I N E Q U I T Y " i s " I N I Q U I T O U S "
it' hurts' FAR MORE more than "Inadequacy"
---------
From: Krishan K Punchhi kkpunchhi@yahoo.ca
Subject: PAY HIKE FOR LT GENS OKAYED
To: "Chander Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; TRUNCATED
Date: Saturday, 25 April, 2009, 4:37 AM
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090425/nation.htm#5
Pay hike for Lt Gens okayed
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 24
Rectifying earlier anomalies in the Sixth Pay Commission, the government has accorded financial sanction for moving Lieutenant Generals and equivalents into a higher pay band. The orders were signed by the Ministry of Defence (Finance) today, thereby clearing the last hurdle for the issue of the Special Army Instruction detailing the new pay scales.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalents (other than Army Commanders) have been placed lower in pay than Directors General of Police. A substantial number of three star generals will now be placed in the Higher Administrative Grade--Plus (HAG+) pay band of Rs 75,500-80,000.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalent holding the appointments of GOC-in-C (Army Commander) or equivalent in the sister services are already in the apex scale of Rs 80,000 (fixed).
The anomaly of lowering of status of Lt Gens crept up when they were placed in pay band-4 (Rs 37,400--67,000) with grade pay of Rs 12,000 while state police chiefs were upgraded to HAG+ at the time of implementation of the sixth CPC recommendations.
-----------
From: RP Mishra avmrpm@gmail.com
Subject: Military Dignity and Demonstrations
To: "Brig CS Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Saturday, 25 April, 2009, 12:44 PM
I had attended one of the IESM rallies in which we marched from JANTAR MANTAR through a part of RAJIV CHOWK. On the way, I went to some police men on duty and expressed my regret as they had been called for extra work. Reply was that they knew there would be no work for them as they were aware that it was an ex-servicemen rally. For a change, they said, they could relax during a demonstration.
AVM RP Mishra
D-187 Jal Vayu Vihar, Sector-30, Gurgaon-122001
0124-4032590 avmrpm@gmail.com
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pay Hike for Lt Gens Okeyed..Tribune News Service
Pay hike for Lt Gens okayed
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 24
Rectifying earlier anomalies in the Sixth Pay Commission, the government has accorded financial sanction for moving Lieutenant Generals and equivalents into a higher pay band. The orders were signed by the Ministry of Defence (Finance) today, thereby clearing the last hurdle for the issue of the Special Army Instruction detailing the new pay scales.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalents (other than Army Commanders) have been placed lower in pay than Directors General of Police. A substantial number of three star generals will now be placed in the Higher Administrative Grade--Plus (HAG+) pay band of Rs 75,500-80,000.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalent holding the appointments of GOC-in-C (Army Commander) or equivalent in the sister services are already in the apex scale of Rs 80,000 (fixed).
The anomaly of lowering of status of Lt Gens crept up when they were placed in pay band-4 (Rs 37,400--67,000) with grade pay of Rs 12,000 while state police chiefs were upgraded to HAG+ at the time of implementation of the sixth CPC recommendations.
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 24
Rectifying earlier anomalies in the Sixth Pay Commission, the government has accorded financial sanction for moving Lieutenant Generals and equivalents into a higher pay band. The orders were signed by the Ministry of Defence (Finance) today, thereby clearing the last hurdle for the issue of the Special Army Instruction detailing the new pay scales.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalents (other than Army Commanders) have been placed lower in pay than Directors General of Police. A substantial number of three star generals will now be placed in the Higher Administrative Grade--Plus (HAG+) pay band of Rs 75,500-80,000.
Lieutenant Generals and equivalent holding the appointments of GOC-in-C (Army Commander) or equivalent in the sister services are already in the apex scale of Rs 80,000 (fixed).
The anomaly of lowering of status of Lt Gens crept up when they were placed in pay band-4 (Rs 37,400--67,000) with grade pay of Rs 12,000 while state police chiefs were upgraded to HAG+ at the time of implementation of the sixth CPC recommendations.
Friday, April 24, 2009
ESM Advisory by Col SS Rajan , Bangalore
KARNATAKA EX SERVICEMEN FORUM
AN APPEAL TO EX-SERVICEMEN, THEIR FAMILIES & THEIR FRIENDS
VOTE FOR BJP
Considering the fact that BJP headed by Shri LK Advani has openly come out in support of Ex-Servicemen and committed themselves to the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and other concessions relating to welfare & re-settlement of Ex-Servicemen, in their Manifesto; and considering our stated stand that WE shall extend our support & vote for only that party or individual, who supports OUR cause; the KARNATAKA EX-SERVICEMEN FORUM hereby endorses Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming parliamentary elections
EX SERVICEMEN’ BATTLE CRY
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ka Maan aur Maryaada rakhega
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ko ONE RANK, ONE PENSION dilwayaga
BJP’s CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEFENCE SERVICES
Sanctioning of Married Accommodation Projects (MAPs). Considering the acute shortage of married accommodations for the Defence Services personnel, especially for the JCOs, NCOs & Sepoys (and their equivalents in the Navy and Air Force ), the Directorate General (DG) Married Accommodation Projects (MAPs) was setup in 2003; and, construction of 2 lakh dwelling units was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 18,000 cores, to be completed in four phases by the year 2015. The first phase for construction of 60,000 dwelling units is nearing completion.
ECHS. Considering the urgent requirement of providing proper medical care and treatment to lakhs of Ex Servicemen and their families, spread all over the country, ECHS was sanctioned in 2002.
Increased Promotional prospects. In 2003, the then NDA Govt. headed by the BJP, announced massive structural changes in promotions of Service personnel and for grant of Honorary rank of Naik, Havildar, Naib Subedar, Subedar and Sub Major benefitting lakhs of JCOs NCOs and Sepoys (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force) who retire year after year.
Increase in allowances. Considering the hardships faced by the Armed Forces personnel deployed in High altitude area and the Snow bound Siachen Glacier, it was the BJP heading the NDA regime which granted considerable increase in High Altitude Allowance (HAA) and Siachen allowance.
Honouring of Martyrs. It was during the NDA regime headed by the BJP that bodies of soldiers martyred during the Kargil conflict, were flown to their respective towns and villages and accorded Military funerals, thus honouring the soldiers for their supreme sacrifice to their mother land.
IN COMPARISON WHAT HAS THE CONGRESS DONE?
The recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has been highly discriminatory, devaluing & debasing the Izzat of soldiers. The 6th CPC had recommended grant of only Rs. 1000/- as Military Service Pay (MSP) to the JCOs, NCOs & Sepoys of the Army (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force); and when the three Service Chiefs pointed out to the Government that Rs 1000/- granted as MSP was grossly inadequate and recommended grant of Rs 3000/- as MSP, the UPA Government headed by the Congress sanctioned only Rs 2000/- as MSP. Indeed a shame that the UPA Govt. treats its soldiers with such disdain.
In Nov 2003, Madam Sonia Gandhi, the head of the congress party, addressed a huge Ex Servicemen rally at Chandigarh, wherein she promised that grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION wound be favourably considered in case Congress was voted to power in 2004. But, what did they do? The UPA Govt. headed by the Congress rejected the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and thus betrayed the Ex Servicemen.
Congress ne 2004 mein vaadha kiya thaa ki, ONE RANK, ONE PENSION denge. Par kiya kya? Faujiyon ke saath DHOKAA aur Faujiyon kaa APMAAN.
WHY ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.
Military Service is UNIQUE, with a highly demanding 24 by 7 work culture under hostile environments; and, Military Service is the only Service wherein a Jawan is bundled out at the young age of 35, when he has a wife, two small children, unmarried sisters & his parents to be taken care of; without the STATE bothering to give him an alternative employment. It is absolutely callous. A young man who joins service in civil as a LDC or a Police constable; serves comfortably till the age of 60 years and retires in a much higher position with a good amount as pay & pension. Not so in the case of a Jawan. 85% of the Sepoys retire as Sepoys only after 15 years service. Most civilians who retire at 60, would live to see only one Pay Commission after retirement, considering their longevity to be 70-75 years and a few, two pay commissions; but a Sepoy would live to see nothing less than four Pay Commissions after retirement. It is the older pensioners of the Army, Navy & Air Force who are the worst sufferers. It is not only the serving soldier that the STATE is duty bound to take care of; but also the Ex Servicemen who have sacrificed their youth in service of the Nation with no other thought but DUTY, HONOUR and COUNTRY.
The callousness and insensitivity of UPA Govt. headed by the Congress in not granting ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, has forced the Ex Servicemen all over the country to MARCH FOR JUSTICE & FAST FOR JUSTICE and deposit their Medals with Her Excellency the President of India, to express their pain & anguish brought about by years of neglect & apathy by the Central Govt. What a shame. A civilian passerby rightly remarked, “Faujion kaa sadak par aanaa, Desh kaa durbhaagya hai”. (Ex Servicemen being forced to take to the streets, is indeed a tragedy for the Nation). The unfair treatment being meted out to the Ex Servicemen is not lost on the serving soldier, either; for one can hear them say, “Aaj unke saath, kal hamaare saath”. But who cares? Definitely not the politicians in power.
God and the Soldier, We Adore. In times of danger, Not before.
The danger Past and all things Righted, God is forgotten and the Soldier Slighted.
Rudyard Kipling.
BJP’s MANIFESTO
The BJP is committed to the following measures:-
a. The pending issues of pay and privileges of Service personnel will be revisited and resolved to the satisfaction of the Defence forces.
b. The modalities for setting up a separate Pay Commission for the forces will be expedited.
c. All personnel of the Army, Air Force and Navy, as also paramilitary
forces, will be exempt from paying income tax on their salaries and
perquisites.
d. The honorarium for winners of gallantry awards like Pram Vir Chakra,
which is abysmally low at Rs 500 to Rs 3,000, will be increased ten-fold to Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000. This will be done with retrospective effect; the
Honorarium will be taxfree.
e. The principle of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, will be implemented.
f. Incentive-based steps will be taken to make joining the Defence
Services an exciting proposition for young men and women to overcome the shortage of officers.
g. Incentives will be offered to State Governments for ensuring
honourable settlement of retired personnel of the Defence services.
NOW YOU DECIDE FOR WHOM TO VOTE
Are you going to vote for Dhokebaaz Congress or Vote for Fauji friendly BJP
VOTE FOR BJP
Ex Servicemen’ “bhalaai” ie. interest lies in Voting for BJP
Victory for BJP is Victory for Ex Servicemen
A vote for BJP is a vote for strong India,
Prosperous India and a Safe & Secure India
GOD HELPS THOSE, WHO HELP THEMSELVES
Veteran Colonel SS Rajan, State Convenor, Karnataka Ex Servicemen Forum.
AN APPEAL TO EX-SERVICEMEN, THEIR FAMILIES & THEIR FRIENDS
VOTE FOR BJP
Considering the fact that BJP headed by Shri LK Advani has openly come out in support of Ex-Servicemen and committed themselves to the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and other concessions relating to welfare & re-settlement of Ex-Servicemen, in their Manifesto; and considering our stated stand that WE shall extend our support & vote for only that party or individual, who supports OUR cause; the KARNATAKA EX-SERVICEMEN FORUM hereby endorses Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming parliamentary elections
EX SERVICEMEN’ BATTLE CRY
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ka Maan aur Maryaada rakhega
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ko ONE RANK, ONE PENSION dilwayaga
BJP’s CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEFENCE SERVICES
Sanctioning of Married Accommodation Projects (MAPs). Considering the acute shortage of married accommodations for the Defence Services personnel, especially for the JCOs, NCOs & Sepoys (and their equivalents in the Navy and Air Force ), the Directorate General (DG) Married Accommodation Projects (MAPs) was setup in 2003; and, construction of 2 lakh dwelling units was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 18,000 cores, to be completed in four phases by the year 2015. The first phase for construction of 60,000 dwelling units is nearing completion.
ECHS. Considering the urgent requirement of providing proper medical care and treatment to lakhs of Ex Servicemen and their families, spread all over the country, ECHS was sanctioned in 2002.
Increased Promotional prospects. In 2003, the then NDA Govt. headed by the BJP, announced massive structural changes in promotions of Service personnel and for grant of Honorary rank of Naik, Havildar, Naib Subedar, Subedar and Sub Major benefitting lakhs of JCOs NCOs and Sepoys (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force) who retire year after year.
Increase in allowances. Considering the hardships faced by the Armed Forces personnel deployed in High altitude area and the Snow bound Siachen Glacier, it was the BJP heading the NDA regime which granted considerable increase in High Altitude Allowance (HAA) and Siachen allowance.
Honouring of Martyrs. It was during the NDA regime headed by the BJP that bodies of soldiers martyred during the Kargil conflict, were flown to their respective towns and villages and accorded Military funerals, thus honouring the soldiers for their supreme sacrifice to their mother land.
IN COMPARISON WHAT HAS THE CONGRESS DONE?
The recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has been highly discriminatory, devaluing & debasing the Izzat of soldiers. The 6th CPC had recommended grant of only Rs. 1000/- as Military Service Pay (MSP) to the JCOs, NCOs & Sepoys of the Army (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force); and when the three Service Chiefs pointed out to the Government that Rs 1000/- granted as MSP was grossly inadequate and recommended grant of Rs 3000/- as MSP, the UPA Government headed by the Congress sanctioned only Rs 2000/- as MSP. Indeed a shame that the UPA Govt. treats its soldiers with such disdain.
In Nov 2003, Madam Sonia Gandhi, the head of the congress party, addressed a huge Ex Servicemen rally at Chandigarh, wherein she promised that grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION wound be favourably considered in case Congress was voted to power in 2004. But, what did they do? The UPA Govt. headed by the Congress rejected the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and thus betrayed the Ex Servicemen.
Congress ne 2004 mein vaadha kiya thaa ki, ONE RANK, ONE PENSION denge. Par kiya kya? Faujiyon ke saath DHOKAA aur Faujiyon kaa APMAAN.
WHY ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.
Military Service is UNIQUE, with a highly demanding 24 by 7 work culture under hostile environments; and, Military Service is the only Service wherein a Jawan is bundled out at the young age of 35, when he has a wife, two small children, unmarried sisters & his parents to be taken care of; without the STATE bothering to give him an alternative employment. It is absolutely callous. A young man who joins service in civil as a LDC or a Police constable; serves comfortably till the age of 60 years and retires in a much higher position with a good amount as pay & pension. Not so in the case of a Jawan. 85% of the Sepoys retire as Sepoys only after 15 years service. Most civilians who retire at 60, would live to see only one Pay Commission after retirement, considering their longevity to be 70-75 years and a few, two pay commissions; but a Sepoy would live to see nothing less than four Pay Commissions after retirement. It is the older pensioners of the Army, Navy & Air Force who are the worst sufferers. It is not only the serving soldier that the STATE is duty bound to take care of; but also the Ex Servicemen who have sacrificed their youth in service of the Nation with no other thought but DUTY, HONOUR and COUNTRY.
The callousness and insensitivity of UPA Govt. headed by the Congress in not granting ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, has forced the Ex Servicemen all over the country to MARCH FOR JUSTICE & FAST FOR JUSTICE and deposit their Medals with Her Excellency the President of India, to express their pain & anguish brought about by years of neglect & apathy by the Central Govt. What a shame. A civilian passerby rightly remarked, “Faujion kaa sadak par aanaa, Desh kaa durbhaagya hai”. (Ex Servicemen being forced to take to the streets, is indeed a tragedy for the Nation). The unfair treatment being meted out to the Ex Servicemen is not lost on the serving soldier, either; for one can hear them say, “Aaj unke saath, kal hamaare saath”. But who cares? Definitely not the politicians in power.
God and the Soldier, We Adore. In times of danger, Not before.
The danger Past and all things Righted, God is forgotten and the Soldier Slighted.
Rudyard Kipling.
BJP’s MANIFESTO
The BJP is committed to the following measures:-
a. The pending issues of pay and privileges of Service personnel will be revisited and resolved to the satisfaction of the Defence forces.
b. The modalities for setting up a separate Pay Commission for the forces will be expedited.
c. All personnel of the Army, Air Force and Navy, as also paramilitary
forces, will be exempt from paying income tax on their salaries and
perquisites.
d. The honorarium for winners of gallantry awards like Pram Vir Chakra,
which is abysmally low at Rs 500 to Rs 3,000, will be increased ten-fold to Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000. This will be done with retrospective effect; the
Honorarium will be taxfree.
e. The principle of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, will be implemented.
f. Incentive-based steps will be taken to make joining the Defence
Services an exciting proposition for young men and women to overcome the shortage of officers.
g. Incentives will be offered to State Governments for ensuring
honourable settlement of retired personnel of the Defence services.
NOW YOU DECIDE FOR WHOM TO VOTE
Are you going to vote for Dhokebaaz Congress or Vote for Fauji friendly BJP
VOTE FOR BJP
Ex Servicemen’ “bhalaai” ie. interest lies in Voting for BJP
Victory for BJP is Victory for Ex Servicemen
A vote for BJP is a vote for strong India,
Prosperous India and a Safe & Secure India
GOD HELPS THOSE, WHO HELP THEMSELVES
Veteran Colonel SS Rajan, State Convenor, Karnataka Ex Servicemen Forum.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Vote me must..by brig CS Kamboj
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
An email received from Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Vice Chairman IESM, is reproduced below.
Kindly give widest possible publicity to the contents of email from Gen Satbir.
While majority of ESM have strongly supported the IESM decision of supporting the BJP and other NDA members during the on going Lok Sabha elections, some ESM feel that aligning with political parties is against the Military ethos.
We fully respect the sentiments of all such ESM, if they do not wish to change with the need of the hour.
All the same, kindly appreciate that IESM has not said that we shall forever support BJP and other NDA members.
At this hour that is our best bet.
If they fail to keep their promise - we have to rethink, plan new strategy and execute new plans.
Even if BJP and constituents of NDA do not win a majority, we will still have a very strong lobby in our support in the Parliament, which was lacking so far.
To say 'let us go to the court' is very easy. While Navy Foundation and IESM are jointly preparing for that option also - you all know how many such cases are pending in courts. Even where the decisions of courts are in favour of the ESM, Govt has not acted on those decisions.
A favourable political support can only help us get Justice for Defence Services.
In spite of the 'advisory' issued by IESM, of course you all are free to vote for anyone you wish to - but vote you must for the benefit of the Nation and also Defence Services.
While the media is free to use the term 'Fatwa' for the advisory issued by IESM, it is a pity that some senior veterans also are propagating this term.
You all must help us and ensure that no ESM go around and canvass in favour of Congress or UPA;
if this happens declare the person or organisation as enemy of the ESM and treat them accordingly.
It is Congress and NDA which is responsible for accepting such poor award by 6 CPC for the Defence Services. Those political parties must not be supported by us.
If some ESM still goes around and supports such parties - obviously he has some ulterior motives.
It is a very important phase of our struggle against injustice to Defence Services.
Think twice before you vote - BUT VOTE YOU MUST.
We request all ESM, all over India, to spend next few weeks doing what you think is the best for the Indian Nation and The Indian Defence Forces.
Do not be a silent spectator.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
AND
SUPPORT WHAT MAJORITY OF ESM WANT.
OUR PERSONAL OPINIONS
ARE OF NO CONSEQUENCE AT PRESENT.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS - The CNBC 18 programme which was not held on 21 Apr at 2230 hrs was held on 22 Apr at 2230 hrs. Sorry I too missed it.
Jai Hind.
An email received from Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Vice Chairman IESM, is reproduced below.
Kindly give widest possible publicity to the contents of email from Gen Satbir.
While majority of ESM have strongly supported the IESM decision of supporting the BJP and other NDA members during the on going Lok Sabha elections, some ESM feel that aligning with political parties is against the Military ethos.
We fully respect the sentiments of all such ESM, if they do not wish to change with the need of the hour.
All the same, kindly appreciate that IESM has not said that we shall forever support BJP and other NDA members.
At this hour that is our best bet.
If they fail to keep their promise - we have to rethink, plan new strategy and execute new plans.
Even if BJP and constituents of NDA do not win a majority, we will still have a very strong lobby in our support in the Parliament, which was lacking so far.
To say 'let us go to the court' is very easy. While Navy Foundation and IESM are jointly preparing for that option also - you all know how many such cases are pending in courts. Even where the decisions of courts are in favour of the ESM, Govt has not acted on those decisions.
A favourable political support can only help us get Justice for Defence Services.
In spite of the 'advisory' issued by IESM, of course you all are free to vote for anyone you wish to - but vote you must for the benefit of the Nation and also Defence Services.
While the media is free to use the term 'Fatwa' for the advisory issued by IESM, it is a pity that some senior veterans also are propagating this term.
You all must help us and ensure that no ESM go around and canvass in favour of Congress or UPA;
if this happens declare the person or organisation as enemy of the ESM and treat them accordingly.
It is Congress and NDA which is responsible for accepting such poor award by 6 CPC for the Defence Services. Those political parties must not be supported by us.
If some ESM still goes around and supports such parties - obviously he has some ulterior motives.
It is a very important phase of our struggle against injustice to Defence Services.
Think twice before you vote - BUT VOTE YOU MUST.
We request all ESM, all over India, to spend next few weeks doing what you think is the best for the Indian Nation and The Indian Defence Forces.
Do not be a silent spectator.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
AND
SUPPORT WHAT MAJORITY OF ESM WANT.
OUR PERSONAL OPINIONS
ARE OF NO CONSEQUENCE AT PRESENT.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS - The CNBC 18 programme which was not held on 21 Apr at 2230 hrs was held on 22 Apr at 2230 hrs. Sorry I too missed it.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
PB 4 explained by Maj Gen Surjit Singh
Dear Brig Kamboj and Friends,
Since the issue of orders for the grant of PB-4 to Lt Col and equivalents, I have received a large number of calls and e-mails, seeking my comments on this dispensation. I am impelled to say that this instruction has come more as a relief than joy. It got delayed so inordinately that some of us begun to doubt whether it would be issued at all. Now here are the salient features.
Economics of the award. There is no doubt that the Lt Col have gained more than any other rank in the military. When the Report came last year, the Army Cdrs had benefited the most, by a factor of 3.07. The gain of the Lt Col was the minimum at 2.57. With the issue of this new instruction, their gain has gone up to 3..48. Therefore the arrears and the proportional increase in the salary of the half-colonels is the highest, in relative terms. For those who care for figures, here they are:
Pre-revised Basic Pay of Lt Col 15,100
Amount granted by the Pay Commission 38,880
Pay sanctioned by the Govt through SAI 41,690
Revised pay now granted (at start) 52,530
Relativity with Civilians. In terms of relativity with the civilians, the soldier has been done down on two counts.
The grade pay granted to civilians of S-25 is Rs 8700, while the faujis have been given 8000
The start point for the S-25 scale is 39,690 while that for the Lt Col is 38,550
In terms of the status equation, the soldier has slided down by one rung on the ladder. But this is true of all ranks from Lt Gen to Lt Col.
Effect on the Past Pensioners The past pensioners have no status to worry about. The financial gain is significant. And that should bring cheer amongst the veteran fraternity. Since this benefit is likely to be extended to Lt Col(TS) also, the population affected is fairly large.
The sum and substance is that this measure which was resisted stoutly by the MHA has become a reality, and that is a good augury. Our civilian friends had two reasons to protest. One that the military has been given MSP and two, that the present Lt Col is granted by time scale to all officers after completing only 13 years of service.
Be that as it may, there is reason to believe that if the service chiefs dig in on an issue, they are able to make a difference.
I would like to conclude this mail by suggesting to the veteran fraternity that we must continue to project our issues through the men in the South Block. They are still our best bet.
My greetings to all Lt Cols and equivalents.
Surjit
Since the issue of orders for the grant of PB-4 to Lt Col and equivalents, I have received a large number of calls and e-mails, seeking my comments on this dispensation. I am impelled to say that this instruction has come more as a relief than joy. It got delayed so inordinately that some of us begun to doubt whether it would be issued at all. Now here are the salient features.
Economics of the award. There is no doubt that the Lt Col have gained more than any other rank in the military. When the Report came last year, the Army Cdrs had benefited the most, by a factor of 3.07. The gain of the Lt Col was the minimum at 2.57. With the issue of this new instruction, their gain has gone up to 3..48. Therefore the arrears and the proportional increase in the salary of the half-colonels is the highest, in relative terms. For those who care for figures, here they are:
Pre-revised Basic Pay of Lt Col 15,100
Amount granted by the Pay Commission 38,880
Pay sanctioned by the Govt through SAI 41,690
Revised pay now granted (at start) 52,530
Relativity with Civilians. In terms of relativity with the civilians, the soldier has been done down on two counts.
The grade pay granted to civilians of S-25 is Rs 8700, while the faujis have been given 8000
The start point for the S-25 scale is 39,690 while that for the Lt Col is 38,550
In terms of the status equation, the soldier has slided down by one rung on the ladder. But this is true of all ranks from Lt Gen to Lt Col.
Effect on the Past Pensioners The past pensioners have no status to worry about. The financial gain is significant. And that should bring cheer amongst the veteran fraternity. Since this benefit is likely to be extended to Lt Col(TS) also, the population affected is fairly large.
The sum and substance is that this measure which was resisted stoutly by the MHA has become a reality, and that is a good augury. Our civilian friends had two reasons to protest. One that the military has been given MSP and two, that the present Lt Col is granted by time scale to all officers after completing only 13 years of service.
Be that as it may, there is reason to believe that if the service chiefs dig in on an issue, they are able to make a difference.
I would like to conclude this mail by suggesting to the veteran fraternity that we must continue to project our issues through the men in the South Block. They are still our best bet.
My greetings to all Lt Cols and equivalents.
Surjit
Pay Band 4 for Armed Forces ...PTI New Delhi
Govt. partially agrees to armed forces' demand on salaries
New Delhi (PTI): Partially accepting demands of the armed forces for parity in salaries with their civilian counterparts, the government has issued orders for placing officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and equivalents in the pay band-4 (PB-4).
The government's orders in the regard were received by the Serviceson Monday, Defence Ministry sources said. But the issues of Lt Cols getting grade pay equal to their IAS counterparts, and command and control are yet to be resolved.
As per the new orders, Lt Cols will now be in upgraded pay bracket of Rs 37,400-67,000 (PB-4) with a grade pay of Rs 8,000 from the earlier scale of Rs 15,600-39,100 (PB-3) with grade pay of Rs 7,600. The Services were demanding a grade pay of Rs 8,700 for this pay band created after the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.
With upgraded pay-scales, Lt Cols and their equivalents in the other two services will now be senior to deputy secretaries in central government, directors in state governments and senior superintendents of police, commandants (junior grade) in the Coast Guard and the non-functional selective grade in central engineering services, they said.
As per the letter issued by a senior Defence Ministry official, PB-4 would now be applicable to tenure postings with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Director General (Quality Assurance) and National Cadet Corps as these organisations fall within the purview of the ministry and the pay allowances are paid from the its budget.
Officers on deputation and training on foreign assignments would also be in PB-4.
Officers posted with organisations such as Assam Rifles, National Security Guards and Border Road Organisation (BRO) will also benefit from the government's move.
Only a handful of Lt Col level officers would now be left in the PB-3. "Officers on deputation to organisations such as National Highway Authority, Railways, Pawan Hans and state governments, where the nature of duty is not in line with normal combat profile of service personnel, would draw PB-3 scales," a source said.
It said the number of such officers in the three services would be less than 50.
Officers are expected to get the revised salaries from next month, sources said.
Last month, in a letter to the Defence Ministry, tri-services' Principal Personnel Officers Committee chairman Vice-Admiral D K Dewan had last month said the armed forces wanted all Lt Cols to be placed under the Pay B and 4 including those on deputation to paramilitary and other services.
The armed forces had told Defence Ministry that it did not favour another PMO proposal to not to send Lt Cols on deputation to other services.
It said the services and the rules governing them did not make any distinction and that all of the officers were performing combat/ready-to-combat jobs.
Dewan had written the letter replying to a verbal query from the Defence Ministry on a December 31 PMO note that the government proposed to place only those Lt Cols serving in "combat/ready-to-combat" roles in Army, Navy and Air Force the Pay Band-4 benefits.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Pay Band 4 for Lt Cols/Cdrs/Wg Cdrs is here
Justice for Lt Cols after a span of 25 years
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Papa Bravo– FOUR has officially confirmed (Amendment to SAI also downloadable)
“Have you had your plus sign today” : Prince (Positivity / 1988)
So how are my naysayer friends doing?
Well, PB-4 orders have been issued.
Details
Initial fixation– Rs 38530
Current Deputation status– All current deputationists to be fixed in PB-4
Status of Pensioner – Orders would be issued by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare functioning under the Ministry of Defence
PB-4: Lt Col and equivalent upgrade and contents of SAI and salary tables: click me
Papa Bravo– FOUR officially confirmed
Posted by Navdeep/ Maj Navdeep Singh
Dear Navdeep,
It is a great news for Lt Col/Cmdr/Wg Cdr rank officers. It was long awaited. You have been doing a yeoman's service for the fraternity of defence servicemen, by keeping them informed and updated from time to time. I have been reading your activities and the active role being perfomed by you for their interests. Please do accept my Greetings in this regards. Hopefully the news for the pensioners should also be out shortly.
I.Jairath
Gp Capt (Retd)
Club-20
Comment: Department of Ex Servicemen Welfare is almost defunct. Not one single issue of Pay Commission Anomalies has been debugged. What a waste of resources time and tax payers money!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Papa Bravo– FOUR has officially confirmed (Amendment to SAI also downloadable)
“Have you had your plus sign today” : Prince (Positivity / 1988)
So how are my naysayer friends doing?
Well, PB-4 orders have been issued.
Details
Initial fixation– Rs 38530
Current Deputation status– All current deputationists to be fixed in PB-4
Status of Pensioner – Orders would be issued by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare functioning under the Ministry of Defence
PB-4: Lt Col and equivalent upgrade and contents of SAI and salary tables: click me
Papa Bravo– FOUR officially confirmed
Posted by Navdeep/ Maj Navdeep Singh
Dear Navdeep,
It is a great news for Lt Col/Cmdr/Wg Cdr rank officers. It was long awaited. You have been doing a yeoman's service for the fraternity of defence servicemen, by keeping them informed and updated from time to time. I have been reading your activities and the active role being perfomed by you for their interests. Please do accept my Greetings in this regards. Hopefully the news for the pensioners should also be out shortly.
I.Jairath
Gp Capt (Retd)
Club-20
Comment: Department of Ex Servicemen Welfare is almost defunct. Not one single issue of Pay Commission Anomalies has been debugged. What a waste of resources time and tax payers money!
Civil Service Accountability to people...panelist Shri Wajahat Habibullah
The Civil Services Day will be observed tomorrow.
The Vice President of India, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari is to inaugurate the fourth Civil Services Day in the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The theme for this year is "Excellence in Governance". This Day is observed by all the Central Civil Services to rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people. It provides a unique opportunity for introspection as also chalking out future strategies to deal with the challenges being posed by the changing times. The Day is being celebrated since 2006.
The Vice President will give away the "PM Award for Excellence in Public Administration" for the year 2007 – 08. Nine outstanding initiatives in three categories – individual, group and organization - have been selected for the award. These are: (i) Financial Sustainability of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Karnataka), (ii) Evacuation of Indian National from Beirut during the war, (iii) State Motherhood and Child Survival Programme (Gujarat) and (iv) Activity Based Learning (ABL) Modules (Tamil Nadu) in the individual category.
In the group category, the winners are: (i) Computerization of Personnel Information System in Manipur (Manipur), (ii) SCORE: e-Registration in Bihar (Bihar), (iii) MCA-21 and (iv) Improved Health and Sanitation Practices through Convergence among district administration, panchayats and community in district Surguja (Chattisgarh). The third category of ‘Organization’ includes one initiative i.e Implementation of Risk Management in Customs.
A book on initiatives in e-Governance titled “BYOB” compiled by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances will also be released on the occasion.. The book covers various innovations successfully tried out by different Ministries / Departments, state / UT administrations, national and international organisations.
After the inauguration, the technical session would commence with successive panel discussion on two issues. The panel discussion will be chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. The panelists of the first panel discussion on ‘Performance Management in Government’ are Sh. C.M.Vasudev, Shri E.Sreedharan, Shri P.C.Halder, and Dr. Prajapati Trivedi. For the second panel discussion on ‘Civil Service: Accountability to People’, the penalists are Shri Wajahat Habibullah, Shri V.N.Dhoot, Shri. D.Swarup, and Shri G.K.Pillai. The valedictory session will feature an address by the Chief Justice of India.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions: Vice President to inaugurate Civil Services Day tomorrow
Comment: The "Civil Services" the most notorious for their "INCIVILITY" are literally being tried and penalised by Shri Wajahat Habibullah, Shri V.N.Dhoot, Shri D.Swarup, and Shri G.K.Pillai!
The Vice President of India, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari is to inaugurate the fourth Civil Services Day in the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The theme for this year is "Excellence in Governance". This Day is observed by all the Central Civil Services to rededicate and recommit themselves to the cause of the people. It provides a unique opportunity for introspection as also chalking out future strategies to deal with the challenges being posed by the changing times. The Day is being celebrated since 2006.
The Vice President will give away the "PM Award for Excellence in Public Administration" for the year 2007 – 08. Nine outstanding initiatives in three categories – individual, group and organization - have been selected for the award. These are: (i) Financial Sustainability of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Karnataka), (ii) Evacuation of Indian National from Beirut during the war, (iii) State Motherhood and Child Survival Programme (Gujarat) and (iv) Activity Based Learning (ABL) Modules (Tamil Nadu) in the individual category.
In the group category, the winners are: (i) Computerization of Personnel Information System in Manipur (Manipur), (ii) SCORE: e-Registration in Bihar (Bihar), (iii) MCA-21 and (iv) Improved Health and Sanitation Practices through Convergence among district administration, panchayats and community in district Surguja (Chattisgarh). The third category of ‘Organization’ includes one initiative i.e Implementation of Risk Management in Customs.
A book on initiatives in e-Governance titled “BYOB” compiled by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances will also be released on the occasion.. The book covers various innovations successfully tried out by different Ministries / Departments, state / UT administrations, national and international organisations.
After the inauguration, the technical session would commence with successive panel discussion on two issues. The panel discussion will be chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. The panelists of the first panel discussion on ‘Performance Management in Government’ are Sh. C.M.Vasudev, Shri E.Sreedharan, Shri P.C.Halder, and Dr. Prajapati Trivedi. For the second panel discussion on ‘Civil Service: Accountability to People’, the penalists are Shri Wajahat Habibullah, Shri V.N.Dhoot, Shri. D.Swarup, and Shri G.K.Pillai. The valedictory session will feature an address by the Chief Justice of India.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions: Vice President to inaugurate Civil Services Day tomorrow
Comment: The "Civil Services" the most notorious for their "INCIVILITY" are literally being tried and penalised by Shri Wajahat Habibullah, Shri V.N.Dhoot, Shri D.Swarup, and Shri G.K.Pillai!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Raising an Army of Politicians for a better tomorrow
Col MS Krishnamoorthy , a member of RRD ( Rastriya Raksha dal ) The party is fielding 10 candidates from 5 different states.
Hindustan Times Delhi April 21, 2009
Raising an army of politicians for a better nation
THEY ARE fighting for their country but on the political battlefield.
A group of retired armymen have come together with the ambition to change Indian politics. Their party the Rashtriya , Raksha Dal, aims to improve lives of villagers, the downtrodden and the socially disadvantaged.
Registered in 1999, the party concentrated on Punjab for a while. This year, it has fielded 10 candidates in five states for the Lok Sabha election.
"We decided to take up the cause of improving rural life because most of the population resides in the villages, but they are neglected. Politicians visit villages only during elections and then forget them," said Colonel M.S. Krishnamoorty, a 90-year-old World War-II veteran and a core party member.
"If we improve life in rural areas, it will also address several problems like migration," he said.
The party believes it can bring about a positive change because, according to the party members, army officers are well-educated, patriotic and self-sacrificing, and they always put the country before themselves. "We will also enlist members of the defence forces who are young and educated.
These are the kind of people needed to lead and will attract the youth," said Colonel Satish Dewan, the party coordinator.
Rather than a manifesto, the party prefers to call its agenda "a broad spectrum view".
Along with developmental issues and employment, defence and national security also figure on the agenda.
"There is an urgent need to check terrorism. Defence personnel must be given their former status and respect and the rural population needs to be educated on keeping a watchful eye," said Krishnamoorty .
Instead of having a reservation system, the party plans to create a specially tailored education system for the socially weaker sections. Women's issues and their health are also on the agenda. "We want to encourage ayurveda and the planting of medicinal plants," Krishnamoorty said.
Considering that corruption does not spare even the defence forces, how does the party plan to ensure they don't fall into the same trap?
"We have devised a recall system," said Colonel Krishnamoorty. "The moment a worker is found guilty of corruption, he would be made to file his resignation."
tanya.ashreena@hindustantimes.com
Retired and Hurt by Syed Nazakat
Collateral damage: Subedar Sardar Singh surrenders his medals at Jantar Mantar|Photo: Sanjay Ahlawat
******************************************
ARMY Unhappy with low pensions, ex-servicemen return their medals By Syed Nazakat
They sacrificed their best years for the armed forces. Yet, a generation of soldiers, sailors and airmen are still battling for a fair pension. Some, after a lifetime of loyalty, have to retire to a life of poverty.
Hawaldar Bagh Singh fought in the Bangladesh war. He kept firing at the enemy even after taking 12 bullets in his legs and won a Sena Medal. Later, he served on the Rajasthan border and in the northeast, and retired in 1989.
Today, Bagh makes do with a meagre pension of Rs 4,500. On March 14, after years of pleas for a better pension, he packed his medal in a polythene bag and mailed it to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the place where he was so memorably decorated. At age 65, Bagh works his land to support his family.
"It is painful to return the medal. But medals can't earn you a living. It is a disgrace that after all those years of service and sacrifice we have been denied decent pension," Bagh told THE WEEK. "We want a fair pension so that we live the rest of our lives with dignity."
Like him, thousands of ex-servicemen returned their medals to the President, protesting the government's failure to accept their demand for One Rank One Pension (OROP), i.e., equal pension in each rank irrespective of the date of retirement. Currently, there is no parity. For instance, a soldier who retired on December 31, 2005 gets Rs 3,917 as pension, but another who retired a day later gets Rs 6,100. Likewise, a hawaldar who retired in December 2005 with 24 years in service gets ?Rs 5,600 and a sepoy, who is two ranks his junior but retire after 2006 with 17 years of service, gets Rs 6,860. About 13,000 medals have been returned in the last two months.
"We will give the government some time to react. If it does not, we will take other measures, like a nationwide signature campaign. We are soldiers. We will not sit silent," said Major General (retd) Satbir Singh, vice-chairman of Indian ex-servicemen movement. In March, a group of veterans descended on New Delhi from all parts of the country and staged a quiet, dignified protest, wearing their medals. "We have been campaigning in vain for years. Our anger is against politicians who have never fulfilled their promises," said Satbir.
India has nearly two million ex-servicemen, whose ranks swell by 55,000 every year. Unlike other government servants, who retire at the age of 60, most soldiers are relieved in their late 30s or early 40s to keep the forces young. In the absence of jobs, pension becomes the only rallying point for them.
When Hawaldar Ram Chander Dagar retired from the Army at age 37, the eldest of his four children was in class 10. A pension of Rs 3,000 was not enough even to feed them. "Fortunately, we had some land, and we all worked to make our living from that," said Dagar, who lost his right arm in a road accident some years ago.
Lt Gen. (retd) Raj Kadyan, who heads the Indian ex-servicemen movement, said those who attack OROP, saying it could raise a similar demand from civilian employees, are ignorant of the forces. Raj returned his 19 medals-including a Param Vishisht Seva Medal, an Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and a Vishisht Seva Medal-earned over four decades. "When a jawan retires at the age of 40 and becomes jobless, you can only imagine how he survives with such a meagre pension," he said.
The veterans, fighting the battle from 1983, expected the Sixth Pay Commission to eliminate the differences, but it further widened the gap. The UPA government had ruled out OROP. Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju said OROP was unacceptable due to administrative, financial and legal reasons. But the ex-servicemen's move to return medals just ahead of the general elections will embarrass the Congress, whose 2004 election manifesto had promised to resolve the issue.
BJP leader L.K. Advani promised that his party would implement OROP if voted to power. "I was pained to see that many ex-servicemen recently gave up their bravery medals in protest against the non-fulfilment of this demand. We are fully committed to implementing OROP," said Advani.
The veterans won't be taken in by a promise made so close to the election. Said Bagh: "We are not going to give up. We might have lost a battle, but we can still win the war."
Retired and hurt
Veterans' view
They [ex-servicemen] have a genuine demand. It should be fulfilled.
Former Army chief, Gen VP Malik
As a mark of protest, we are returning the medals to the President. A soldier wears his medal with pride, but we are left with no choice.
Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Kadyan
It is unfortunate that veterans are on roads demanding pension.
Brigadier (Retd) Gurmeet Kanwal,
director, Centre for Land Warfare Studies
The right to equal pension at each rank for the same length of service derives from the same tenet.
Maj Gen (Retd) Surjit Singh
Military veterans’ wake-up call for UPA govt! B R HARAN
Military veterans’ wake-up call for UPA govt! B R HARAN |
Mon, 26 May, 2008 , 03:51 PM
If Parliament is the ‘Heart’ of Democracy, then the Armed Forces can be called as the ‘Central Nervous System’ which is vital for the democracy to survive and succeed.
The political class might feel proud of being the Members of Parliament of the world’s largest democracy, but it had miserably failed to take care of its ‘central nervous system’, which is now threatening to complicate the system of democracy, which is not good for the health of the country.
The Armed Forces, serving as well as retired have been deeply perturbed by the callous attitude of the UPA government. They are a disappointed and demoralised lot with regards to the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.
In fact, the resentment in the Armed Forces has actually started from the Third Pay Commission (1976) itself and it has been growing since then and has reached a boiling point now due to the total neglect by the Sixth Pay Commission. It is high time the government wakes up to the issue and solves it, or otherwise, a volcano is waiting to erupt.
The Armed Forces and the organisations like ‘All India Veterans Welfare Association’ (AIVWA) have been repeatedly airing their grievances to the government, but to no avail. Even at the time of constitution of the Sixth Pay Commission, they have requested for the inclusion of a few serving and retired military officers as members, but the government had refused.
The Armed Forces strongly feel that the government has acted as per the whims and fancy of the bureaucracy, which has resulted in the total neglect of the Armed Forces and its requirements. The Sixth Pay Commission, which comprises members only from bureaucracy, has allegedly taken care of its self- interests while turning a blind eye to the aspirations of Armed Forces.
While there is a growing tendency of showing lack of interests to join military service among the youth, over 120 officers have sought early retirement and 15 officers have refused to join the higher command course reserved only for the best.
Former Army Chief Shankar Roy Choundhury feels the government is just being callous. He has reportedly said, ‘These 15 officers would be the best of the very best. It takes about 20 years to be the full Colonel whereas to be the joint secretary takes about 14 years. It has eroded the self-esteem of the defence forces. Political apathy and bureaucratic design and indifference are responsible.
Army is one good institution. For heaven’s sake, don’t destroy it like you have destroyed everything else’.
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi feels that, the report of the 6th CPC has come as a rude shock and a major disappointment for both the serving and the retired military personnel, as it attempts to further erode not just the pay and allowances, but also the status of the military.
He says, ‘We, the military veterans have no faith in the Review Committee and we totally reject the recommendations of the Committee in advance, as we know that they will neither be fair nor ameliorate the genuine concerns of both the serving and the retired personnel of the defence forces’.
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, echoing the feelings of the entire military establishment, minces no words in saying, ‘A political leadership that has forced the ‘soldier’ to resort to taking to the streets, because its vision is blinkered by a fawning and cunning bureaucracy, must take note that if the situation escalates, it would be solely responsible for the highly adverse consequences for the nation, which may well result’.
Lt Col S K Menon, who is based at Coimbatore, had written a letter to UPA chairperson Sonia requesting her to reverse the humiliation meted out to the Indian service men and to block its subversion by an inept bureaucracy that has presented to the nation failed regions like J&K, Andhra, North East and many more in the pipeline.
In his letter, he has asked, ‘why a government which can allocate Rs 60000 crore to waive of loans to farmers cannot chip in a fraction for the dignity of the saviours of the nation. While the civil services and government machinery have repeatedly failed the people, it is the Armed Forces that have always stood the test of time. Waiving off loans which have been taken by touts while illiterate farmers will get no benefits is election eyewash while degradation of the services is no optical illusion’.
Col S S Rajan, who is based at Bangalore says, ‘There is a growing sense of resentment amongst the MILITARY VETERANS, i.e. Ex-Servicemen in India, on account of their pain and anguish brought about by years of neglect and apathy by the government of the Union of India, in not addressing the various issues relating to their pension and resettlement.
He wants to remind the government of its solemn, commitment & sacred duty to take care of its MILITARY VETERANS who have given their sweat & blood and sacrificed their youth in the service of the nation; and of the epitaph on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier: ‘When you go home, tell them of us; for your Tomorrow; we gave our Today’.
Captain Balakrishnan, who is based in Chennai, says, ‘It is atrocious and outrageous that the government has refused to include some of our people as members in the Sixth Pay Commission. In western countries like the US, the UK, France and others a separate commission has been functioning for the welfare of the Armed Forces and to take care of their grievances. We want the government of India to follow such a policy and if that is not possible, it should at least include some officers from the defence forces as members of the commission. Like adding insult to injury, it has not included any of us even in the review committee’.
There seems to be a lot of anomalies in things like Military Service Pay (MSP), which has been introduced for the first time as compensation to the defence personnel. There are also anomalies with respect to Grade Pay, Pay of PBOR and Pay of Officers, etc.
The long- pending demand of ‘One Rank One Pension’, which has been granted by the Parliamentary Committee for Defence, has been taken away by the Sixth Pay Commission.
The leaders of different veterans organisations held a meeting at Indian Ex-Services League (IESL) HQ at 9 Nyaya Marg Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on 9 May under the aegis of IESL. They were unanimous that they need to put up a united front. It was decided to constitute a Steering Committee to plan and coordinate the strategy at the national- level and intensify the ‘Movement for Justice to Defence Services’, throughout India. Pressing the following demands they have decided to conduct a peaceful protest by name ‘FAST FOR JUSTICE’ on 27 May across the country.
In Coimbatore, the veterans from the armed forces as well as war widows will stage a peaceful silent protest on 27 May in front of the RED CROSS building on Hozur Road from 9 am to 11 am. The families of veterans will also take part in this silent protest. In the Nilgiris the protest will also be expressed at an assembly of Ex- Servicemen of the region. In Bangalore, military veterans FAST FOR JUSTICE at Mahatma Gandhi statue on MG Road from 10 am to 4 pm.
The veterans have issued a press release highlighting the following genuine demands:One-Rank-One- Pension (OROP): The long- standing demand of ‘one-rank-one- pension’ must be accepted immediately. Almost every political party has accepted this demand and it part of their election manifestos. This demand must be implemented by the government without any further delay.
Resettlement of Veterans: An overwhelming number of veterans are jobless. Pension is their sole means of livelihood. With the passage of time their nutrition levels fall, reducing life expectancy. They are also considered a burden by their kinsfolk. It is the duty of the government to provide guaranteed jobs for them.
Representation of Soldiers on Premier Committees: Why does the government not trust soldiers? All committees to resolve problems of soldiers consist of bureaucrats, who have no knowledge of the military. Strange indeed!
Inequities in the Report of Sixth Pay Commission: The report is heavily biased against the soldier. It shows complete lack of knowledge of the working environment and the ethos of the Military. Has it been done to keep soldiers below the civil services? Why?
Formation of a Commission for Defence Services: The problem is systemic and essentially relates to civil-military relations. These issues can only be resolved by appointing an independent Commission, which must be predominantly composed of Military personnel.
Address All Anomalies: The Services headquarters have already addressed a detailed note to the government, pointing out the discrepancies and anomalies in the recommendations of the 6thCPC. These relate to status, pay, allowances, military service pay and pensionary benefits. These must be rectified at the earliest.
Compensation for the War Disabled: They must be treated at par with martyrs, in terms of ex-gratia grants. War Injury Pay needs to be substantially enhanced.
Compensation for Early Retirement: Military personnel who retire earlier than their civilian counterparts must be compensated as their life time earnings are much less than others. This should be done by giving them enhanced pension.
The service rendered by the Armed Forces is not just service but a ‘Sacred Sacrifice’, which needs to be respected and appreciated. Their needs must be addressed as top priority and served at any cost. If the Armed Forces get disheartened and disgruntled and if the military veterans take to the streets under grief, it is not good for the health of democracy, and the government and the political class must take the entire blame. A situation like this is a ‘shame on the nation’ and this nation cannot tolerate it. It will force the nation to ultimately look up on the Armed Forces to take care of the governance of this great country!
Military veterans’ wake-up call for UPA govt!
Mon, 26 May, 2008 , 03:51 PM
If Parliament is the ‘Heart’ of Democracy, then the Armed Forces can be called as the ‘Central Nervous System’ which is vital for the democracy to survive and succeed.
The political class might feel proud of being the Members of Parliament of the world’s largest democracy, but it had miserably failed to take care of its ‘central nervous system’, which is now threatening to complicate the system of democracy, which is not good for the health of the country.
The Armed Forces, serving as well as retired have been deeply perturbed by the callous attitude of the UPA government. They are a disappointed and demoralised lot with regards to the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.
In fact, the resentment in the Armed Forces has actually started from the Third Pay Commission (1976) itself and it has been growing since then and has reached a boiling point now due to the total neglect by the Sixth Pay Commission. It is high time the government wakes up to the issue and solves it, or otherwise, a volcano is waiting to erupt.
The Armed Forces and the organisations like ‘All India Veterans Welfare Association’ (AIVWA) have been repeatedly airing their grievances to the government, but to no avail. Even at the time of constitution of the Sixth Pay Commission, they have requested for the inclusion of a few serving and retired military officers as members, but the government had refused.
The Armed Forces strongly feel that the government has acted as per the whims and fancy of the bureaucracy, which has resulted in the total neglect of the Armed Forces and its requirements. The Sixth Pay Commission, which comprises members only from bureaucracy, has allegedly taken care of its self- interests while turning a blind eye to the aspirations of Armed Forces.
While there is a growing tendency of showing lack of interests to join military service among the youth, over 120 officers have sought early retirement and 15 officers have refused to join the higher command course reserved only for the best.
Former Army Chief Shankar Roy Choundhury feels the government is just being callous. He has reportedly said, ‘These 15 officers would be the best of the very best. It takes about 20 years to be the full Colonel whereas to be the joint secretary takes about 14 years. It has eroded the self-esteem of the defence forces. Political apathy and bureaucratic design and indifference are responsible.
Army is one good institution. For heaven’s sake, don’t destroy it like you have destroyed everything else’.
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi feels that, the report of the 6th CPC has come as a rude shock and a major disappointment for both the serving and the retired military personnel, as it attempts to further erode not just the pay and allowances, but also the status of the military.
He says, ‘We, the military veterans have no faith in the Review Committee and we totally reject the recommendations of the Committee in advance, as we know that they will neither be fair nor ameliorate the genuine concerns of both the serving and the retired personnel of the defence forces’.
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, echoing the feelings of the entire military establishment, minces no words in saying, ‘A political leadership that has forced the ‘soldier’ to resort to taking to the streets, because its vision is blinkered by a fawning and cunning bureaucracy, must take note that if the situation escalates, it would be solely responsible for the highly adverse consequences for the nation, which may well result’.
Lt Col S K Menon, who is based at Coimbatore, had written a letter to UPA chairperson Sonia requesting her to reverse the humiliation meted out to the Indian service men and to block its subversion by an inept bureaucracy that has presented to the nation failed regions like J&K, Andhra, North East and many more in the pipeline.
In his letter, he has asked, ‘why a government which can allocate Rs 60000 crore to waive of loans to farmers cannot chip in a fraction for the dignity of the saviours of the nation. While the civil services and government machinery have repeatedly failed the people, it is the Armed Forces that have always stood the test of time. Waiving off loans which have been taken by touts while illiterate farmers will get no benefits is election eyewash while degradation of the services is no optical illusion’.
Col S S Rajan, who is based at Bangalore says, ‘There is a growing sense of resentment amongst the MILITARY VETERANS, i.e. Ex-Servicemen in India, on account of their pain and anguish brought about by years of neglect and apathy by the government of the Union of India, in not addressing the various issues relating to their pension and resettlement.
He wants to remind the government of its solemn, commitment & sacred duty to take care of its MILITARY VETERANS who have given their sweat & blood and sacrificed their youth in the service of the nation; and of the epitaph on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier: ‘When you go home, tell them of us; for your Tomorrow; we gave our Today’.
Captain Balakrishnan, who is based in Chennai, says, ‘It is atrocious and outrageous that the government has refused to include some of our people as members in the Sixth Pay Commission. In western countries like the US, the UK, France and others a separate commission has been functioning for the welfare of the Armed Forces and to take care of their grievances. We want the government of India to follow such a policy and if that is not possible, it should at least include some officers from the defence forces as members of the commission. Like adding insult to injury, it has not included any of us even in the review committee’.
There seems to be a lot of anomalies in things like Military Service Pay (MSP), which has been introduced for the first time as compensation to the defence personnel. There are also anomalies with respect to Grade Pay, Pay of PBOR and Pay of Officers, etc.
The long- pending demand of ‘One Rank One Pension’, which has been granted by the Parliamentary Committee for Defence, has been taken away by the Sixth Pay Commission.
The leaders of different veterans organisations held a meeting at Indian Ex-Services League (IESL) HQ at 9 Nyaya Marg Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on 9 May under the aegis of IESL. They were unanimous that they need to put up a united front. It was decided to constitute a Steering Committee to plan and coordinate the strategy at the national- level and intensify the ‘Movement for Justice to Defence Services’, throughout India. Pressing the following demands they have decided to conduct a peaceful protest by name ‘FAST FOR JUSTICE’ on 27 May across the country.
In Coimbatore, the veterans from the armed forces as well as war widows will stage a peaceful silent protest on 27 May in front of the RED CROSS building on Hozur Road from 9 am to 11 am. The families of veterans will also take part in this silent protest. In the Nilgiris the protest will also be expressed at an assembly of Ex- Servicemen of the region. In Bangalore, military veterans FAST FOR JUSTICE at Mahatma Gandhi statue on MG Road from 10 am to 4 pm.
The veterans have issued a press release highlighting the following genuine demands:One-Rank-One- Pension (OROP): The long- standing demand of ‘one-rank-one- pension’ must be accepted immediately. Almost every political party has accepted this demand and it part of their election manifestos. This demand must be implemented by the government without any further delay.
Resettlement of Veterans: An overwhelming number of veterans are jobless. Pension is their sole means of livelihood. With the passage of time their nutrition levels fall, reducing life expectancy. They are also considered a burden by their kinsfolk. It is the duty of the government to provide guaranteed jobs for them.
Representation of Soldiers on Premier Committees: Why does the government not trust soldiers? All committees to resolve problems of soldiers consist of bureaucrats, who have no knowledge of the military. Strange indeed!
Inequities in the Report of Sixth Pay Commission: The report is heavily biased against the soldier. It shows complete lack of knowledge of the working environment and the ethos of the Military. Has it been done to keep soldiers below the civil services? Why?
Formation of a Commission for Defence Services: The problem is systemic and essentially relates to civil-military relations. These issues can only be resolved by appointing an independent Commission, which must be predominantly composed of Military personnel.
Address All Anomalies: The Services headquarters have already addressed a detailed note to the government, pointing out the discrepancies and anomalies in the recommendations of the 6thCPC. These relate to status, pay, allowances, military service pay and pensionary benefits. These must be rectified at the earliest.
Compensation for the War Disabled: They must be treated at par with martyrs, in terms of ex-gratia grants. War Injury Pay needs to be substantially enhanced.
Compensation for Early Retirement: Military personnel who retire earlier than their civilian counterparts must be compensated as their life time earnings are much less than others. This should be done by giving them enhanced pension.
The service rendered by the Armed Forces is not just service but a ‘Sacred Sacrifice’, which needs to be respected and appreciated. Their needs must be addressed as top priority and served at any cost. If the Armed Forces get disheartened and disgruntled and if the military veterans take to the streets under grief, it is not good for the health of democracy, and the government and the political class must take the entire blame. A situation like this is a ‘shame on the nation’ and this nation cannot tolerate it. It will force the nation to ultimately look up on the Armed Forces to take care of the governance of this great country!
Military veterans’ wake-up call for UPA govt!
Thanjvur meet is put "Off"..
THANX a Million, Col Raman,
I would have loved to be there with U all.
But, I understand that the Thanjavur rally is ' off' due to elections.
Never mind. As & when it is to be held, we WILL be there to support U all in our sacred Mission of ESM Welfare.
Wonderfull feeling in having personally met YOU, Sir
Regards
Gen Jaini, AVSM ( Veteran )
I would have loved to be there with U all.
But, I understand that the Thanjavur rally is ' off' due to elections.
Never mind. As & when it is to be held, we WILL be there to support U all in our sacred Mission of ESM Welfare.
Wonderfull feeling in having personally met YOU, Sir
Regards
Gen Jaini, AVSM ( Veteran )
Karnatka ESM support BJP by Col SS Rajan
KARNATAKA EX SERVICEMEN FORUM
AN APPEAL TO EX-SERVICEMEN, THEIR FAMILIES & THEIR FRIENDS
VOTE FOR BJP
Considering the fact that BJP headed by LK Advani has openly come out in support of Ex-Servicemen and committed themselves to the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and other concessions relating to welfare & re-settlement of Ex-Servicemen, in their Manifesto; and considering our stated stand that WE shall extend our support & vote for only that party or individual, who supports OUR cause; the KARNATAKA EX-SERVICEMEN FORUM hereby endorses Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming parliamentary elections
Ex Servicemen’ Battle Cry
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ka Maan aur Maryaada rakhega
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ko ONE RANK, ONE PENSION dilwayaga
A vote for BJP is a vote for strong India, Prosperous India and a Safe & Secure India
What has BJP done for Service Personnel during the NDA regime during the period: 1999-2004
Massive construction of Married Accommodation for Defence Services personnel. Considering the acute shortage of married accommodations for the Defence Services personnel, especially for the JCOs, NCOs & OR (and their equivalent in the Navy and Air Force ), Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister announced on 15 Aug 2000 from the ramparts of the Red Fort that adequate married accommodation would be provided in all peace stations all over the country to cater to the urgent needs of Armed Forced personnel; and accordingly the Directorate General (DG) Married Accommodation Projects (MAPs) was setup in 2003; and, construction of 2 lakh dwelling units was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 18,000 cores, to be completed in four phases by the year 2015. The first phase for construction of 60,000 dwelling units is nearing completion and Phase II has since been sanctioned.
ECHS. Considering the urgent requirement of providing proper medical care and treatment to lakhs of ex servicemen and their families, spread all over the country, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee the then Prime minister announced the cabinet approval for setting up ECHS on 18 Oct 2002.
Increased Promotional prospects. It was again in 2003, that the then NDA Govt. head by the BJP, announced massive structural changes in promotions of Service personnel and granted approval for enhanced number of Maj Gen, Brig, Colonel, Lt Col and grant of Honorary rank of Naik, Havildar, Naib Subedar, Subedar and Sub major benefitting lakhs of JCOs NCOs and Sepoys (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force) who retire year after year.
Increase in allowances. Considering the hardship faced by the Armed Forces personnel deployed in High altitude area and the Snow bound Siachen Glacier, it was the BJP heading the NDA regime which granted considerable increase in high altitude allowance and Siachen allowance.
Honoring of Martyrs. It was during the NDA regime headed by the BJP that bodies of soldiers martyred during the Kargil conflict where flown to their respective towns and villages and accorded Military funerals, thus honouring the soldiers for their supreme sacrifice to their mother land.
In comparison what has the Congress done?
The recommendations of the sixth pay commission has been highly discriminatory, devaluing & debasing the Izzat of soldiers. The 6th Central Pay Commossion had recommended grant of only Rs. 1000/- as Military Service Pay to the JCOs & OR of the Army (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force), and when the three service chief pointed out to the Government that Rs 1000/- granted as MSP was crossly inadequate and recommended grant of Rs 3000/- as MSP to JCOs & OR, the UPA Government headed by the congress sanctioned only Rs 2000/- as MSP to JCOs & OR. It is not a shame to disregard the interest of it soldiers and not paying them adequately for their services rendered day and night, standing vigil all over the far flung borders of Bharatvarsh.
In Nov 2003, Madam Sonia Gandhi, the head of the congress party, addressed a huge Ex Servicemen rally at Chandigarh, wherein she promised that grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION wound be favourably considered in case congress was voted to power in 2004; but, what did they do? The UPA Govt. heads by the Congress rejected the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and thus betrayed the ex servicemen.
Congress ne 2004 mein vaadha kiya thaa ki, ONE RANK, ONE PENSION dhenge. Par kiya kya? Faujiyon ke saath dhokaa aur Faujiyon kaa apmaan.
WHY ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.
Military Service is UNIQUE, with a highly demanding 24 by 7 work culture under hostile environments; and secondly, Military Service is the only Service wherein a Jawan is bundled out at the young age of 35, when he has a wife, two small children, unmarried sisters & his parents to be taken care of; without the STATE bothering to give him an alternative employment. It is absolutely callous. A young man who joins service in civil as a LDC or a Police constable; serves comfortably till the age of 60 years and retires in a much higher position with a good amount as pay & pension. Not so in the case of a Jawan. 85% of the Sepoys retire as Sepoys only after 15 years service. Most civilians who retire at 60, would live to see only one Pay Commission after retirement, considering their longevity to be 70-75 years and a few, two pay commissions; but a Sepoy would live to see nothing less than four Pay Commissions after retirement. It is the older pensioners of the Army, Navy & Air Force who are the worst sufferers. It is not only the serving soldier that the STATE is duty bound to take care of; but also the Ex Servicemen who have sacrificed their youth in service of the Nation with no other thought but DUTY, HONOUR and COUNTRY.
The callousness and insensitivity of UPA Govt. head by the Congress in not granting ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, has forced the Ex Servicemen all over the country to MARCH FOR JUSTICE, FAST FOR JUSTICE and deposit their Medals with the Her Excellency the President of India, to express their pain & anguish brought about by years of neglect & apathy by the Central Govt. What a shame. A civilian passerby rightly remarked, “Faujion kaa sadak par aanaa, Desh kaa durbhaagya hai”. (Ex Servicemen being forced to take to the streets, is indeed a tragedy for the Nation). The unfair treatment being meted out to the Ex Servicemen is not lost on the serving soldier, either; for one can hear them say, “Aaj unke saath, kal hamaare saath”. But who cares? Definitely not the politicians in power.
God and the Soldier We Adore. In times of danger Not before.
The danger Past and all things Righted, God is forgotten and the Soldier Slighted.
Rudyard Kipling.
BJP’s MANIFESTO
DEFENDING INDIA: NO COMPROMISE, NO CONCESSION.
The Indian Army, Air Force and Navy need to be strengthened in view of
rapidly changing regional and global realities. Tragically, the services
have been ignored by the Congress and failure to address the concerns of the
Army, Air Force and Navy has bred undesirable discontent. The BJP will
address all pending issues immediately. It will be guided by the following
solemn commitments while dealing with the Defence of India:
1. The long-pending acquisition of military hardware will be expedited
through absolutely transparent means in a time-bound manner.
2. Budget allocations for Defence forces will be spent without being
allowed to lapse. The criminal negligence of the Defence forces by the UPA
Government has resulted in nearly Rs 24,000 Crores by way of budgetary
allocations being allowed to lapse over five years. This not only endangers
the lives of our soldiers but also the security of the nation.
3. Our forces are performing a service to the nation and deserve better
pay and privileges. Towards this end, the BJP is committed to the following
measures:
a. The pending issues of pay and privileges will be revisited and
resolved to the satisfaction of the Defence forces. The modalities for setting up a separate Pay Commission for the forces will be expedited.
b. All personnel of the Army, Air Force and Navy, as also paramilitary
forces, will be exempt from paying income tax on their salaries and
perquisites.
c. The honorarium for winners of gallantry awards like Pram Vir Chakra,
which is abysmally low at Rs 500 to Rs 3,000, will be increased ten-fold to
Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000. This will be done with retrospective effect; the
honorarium will be taxfree.
d. The principle of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, will be implemented;
e. Incentive-based steps will be taken to make joining the Defence
services an exciting proposition for young men and women to overcome the
shortage of officers.
f. Incentives will be offered to State Governments for ensuring
honourable settlement of retired personnel of the Defence services.
4. The present shortage of Defence personnel at all levels will be met
by making the Services an attractive career option. This would include
competitive pay and privileges, and pension benefits. This task will be
completed in a time-bound manner.
5. The capacities of Defence Research and Development Organisation will
be enhanced. The PPP route will be explored for conventional Defence
production bearing in mind the nation’s needs and to make India a
competitive player in the global market by 2020.
NOW YOU DECIDE
Would you vote for Dhokebaaz Congress or Vote for Fauji friendly BJP
Vote for BJP
Our “bhalaai” ie. interest lies in Voting for BJP
Victory for BJP is Victory for Ex Servicemen
GOD HELPS THOSE, WHO HELP THEMSELVES
Veteran Colonel SS Rajan,
State Convenor, Karnataka Ex Servicemen Forum,
77 Shankara Mutt Parallel Road, Shankarpuram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore-560004
Tele No.91-80-26679490 Cell No. 9448024377 Email: colonelrajan@gmail.com
__._,_.___
AN APPEAL TO EX-SERVICEMEN, THEIR FAMILIES & THEIR FRIENDS
VOTE FOR BJP
Considering the fact that BJP headed by LK Advani has openly come out in support of Ex-Servicemen and committed themselves to the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and other concessions relating to welfare & re-settlement of Ex-Servicemen, in their Manifesto; and considering our stated stand that WE shall extend our support & vote for only that party or individual, who supports OUR cause; the KARNATAKA EX-SERVICEMEN FORUM hereby endorses Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming parliamentary elections
Ex Servicemen’ Battle Cry
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ka Maan aur Maryaada rakhega
Faujiyon ka Vote siraf unko milega, jo Faujiyon ko ONE RANK, ONE PENSION dilwayaga
A vote for BJP is a vote for strong India, Prosperous India and a Safe & Secure India
What has BJP done for Service Personnel during the NDA regime during the period: 1999-2004
Massive construction of Married Accommodation for Defence Services personnel. Considering the acute shortage of married accommodations for the Defence Services personnel, especially for the JCOs, NCOs & OR (and their equivalent in the Navy and Air Force ), Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister announced on 15 Aug 2000 from the ramparts of the Red Fort that adequate married accommodation would be provided in all peace stations all over the country to cater to the urgent needs of Armed Forced personnel; and accordingly the Directorate General (DG) Married Accommodation Projects (MAPs) was setup in 2003; and, construction of 2 lakh dwelling units was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 18,000 cores, to be completed in four phases by the year 2015. The first phase for construction of 60,000 dwelling units is nearing completion and Phase II has since been sanctioned.
ECHS. Considering the urgent requirement of providing proper medical care and treatment to lakhs of ex servicemen and their families, spread all over the country, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee the then Prime minister announced the cabinet approval for setting up ECHS on 18 Oct 2002.
Increased Promotional prospects. It was again in 2003, that the then NDA Govt. head by the BJP, announced massive structural changes in promotions of Service personnel and granted approval for enhanced number of Maj Gen, Brig, Colonel, Lt Col and grant of Honorary rank of Naik, Havildar, Naib Subedar, Subedar and Sub major benefitting lakhs of JCOs NCOs and Sepoys (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force) who retire year after year.
Increase in allowances. Considering the hardship faced by the Armed Forces personnel deployed in High altitude area and the Snow bound Siachen Glacier, it was the BJP heading the NDA regime which granted considerable increase in high altitude allowance and Siachen allowance.
Honoring of Martyrs. It was during the NDA regime headed by the BJP that bodies of soldiers martyred during the Kargil conflict where flown to their respective towns and villages and accorded Military funerals, thus honouring the soldiers for their supreme sacrifice to their mother land.
In comparison what has the Congress done?
The recommendations of the sixth pay commission has been highly discriminatory, devaluing & debasing the Izzat of soldiers. The 6th Central Pay Commossion had recommended grant of only Rs. 1000/- as Military Service Pay to the JCOs & OR of the Army (and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force), and when the three service chief pointed out to the Government that Rs 1000/- granted as MSP was crossly inadequate and recommended grant of Rs 3000/- as MSP to JCOs & OR, the UPA Government headed by the congress sanctioned only Rs 2000/- as MSP to JCOs & OR. It is not a shame to disregard the interest of it soldiers and not paying them adequately for their services rendered day and night, standing vigil all over the far flung borders of Bharatvarsh.
In Nov 2003, Madam Sonia Gandhi, the head of the congress party, addressed a huge Ex Servicemen rally at Chandigarh, wherein she promised that grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION wound be favourably considered in case congress was voted to power in 2004; but, what did they do? The UPA Govt. heads by the Congress rejected the grant of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION and thus betrayed the ex servicemen.
Congress ne 2004 mein vaadha kiya thaa ki, ONE RANK, ONE PENSION dhenge. Par kiya kya? Faujiyon ke saath dhokaa aur Faujiyon kaa apmaan.
WHY ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.
Military Service is UNIQUE, with a highly demanding 24 by 7 work culture under hostile environments; and secondly, Military Service is the only Service wherein a Jawan is bundled out at the young age of 35, when he has a wife, two small children, unmarried sisters & his parents to be taken care of; without the STATE bothering to give him an alternative employment. It is absolutely callous. A young man who joins service in civil as a LDC or a Police constable; serves comfortably till the age of 60 years and retires in a much higher position with a good amount as pay & pension. Not so in the case of a Jawan. 85% of the Sepoys retire as Sepoys only after 15 years service. Most civilians who retire at 60, would live to see only one Pay Commission after retirement, considering their longevity to be 70-75 years and a few, two pay commissions; but a Sepoy would live to see nothing less than four Pay Commissions after retirement. It is the older pensioners of the Army, Navy & Air Force who are the worst sufferers. It is not only the serving soldier that the STATE is duty bound to take care of; but also the Ex Servicemen who have sacrificed their youth in service of the Nation with no other thought but DUTY, HONOUR and COUNTRY.
The callousness and insensitivity of UPA Govt. head by the Congress in not granting ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, has forced the Ex Servicemen all over the country to MARCH FOR JUSTICE, FAST FOR JUSTICE and deposit their Medals with the Her Excellency the President of India, to express their pain & anguish brought about by years of neglect & apathy by the Central Govt. What a shame. A civilian passerby rightly remarked, “Faujion kaa sadak par aanaa, Desh kaa durbhaagya hai”. (Ex Servicemen being forced to take to the streets, is indeed a tragedy for the Nation). The unfair treatment being meted out to the Ex Servicemen is not lost on the serving soldier, either; for one can hear them say, “Aaj unke saath, kal hamaare saath”. But who cares? Definitely not the politicians in power.
God and the Soldier We Adore. In times of danger Not before.
The danger Past and all things Righted, God is forgotten and the Soldier Slighted.
Rudyard Kipling.
BJP’s MANIFESTO
DEFENDING INDIA: NO COMPROMISE, NO CONCESSION.
The Indian Army, Air Force and Navy need to be strengthened in view of
rapidly changing regional and global realities. Tragically, the services
have been ignored by the Congress and failure to address the concerns of the
Army, Air Force and Navy has bred undesirable discontent. The BJP will
address all pending issues immediately. It will be guided by the following
solemn commitments while dealing with the Defence of India:
1. The long-pending acquisition of military hardware will be expedited
through absolutely transparent means in a time-bound manner.
2. Budget allocations for Defence forces will be spent without being
allowed to lapse. The criminal negligence of the Defence forces by the UPA
Government has resulted in nearly Rs 24,000 Crores by way of budgetary
allocations being allowed to lapse over five years. This not only endangers
the lives of our soldiers but also the security of the nation.
3. Our forces are performing a service to the nation and deserve better
pay and privileges. Towards this end, the BJP is committed to the following
measures:
a. The pending issues of pay and privileges will be revisited and
resolved to the satisfaction of the Defence forces. The modalities for setting up a separate Pay Commission for the forces will be expedited.
b. All personnel of the Army, Air Force and Navy, as also paramilitary
forces, will be exempt from paying income tax on their salaries and
perquisites.
c. The honorarium for winners of gallantry awards like Pram Vir Chakra,
which is abysmally low at Rs 500 to Rs 3,000, will be increased ten-fold to
Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000. This will be done with retrospective effect; the
honorarium will be taxfree.
d. The principle of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION, will be implemented;
e. Incentive-based steps will be taken to make joining the Defence
services an exciting proposition for young men and women to overcome the
shortage of officers.
f. Incentives will be offered to State Governments for ensuring
honourable settlement of retired personnel of the Defence services.
4. The present shortage of Defence personnel at all levels will be met
by making the Services an attractive career option. This would include
competitive pay and privileges, and pension benefits. This task will be
completed in a time-bound manner.
5. The capacities of Defence Research and Development Organisation will
be enhanced. The PPP route will be explored for conventional Defence
production bearing in mind the nation’s needs and to make India a
competitive player in the global market by 2020.
NOW YOU DECIDE
Would you vote for Dhokebaaz Congress or Vote for Fauji friendly BJP
Vote for BJP
Our “bhalaai” ie. interest lies in Voting for BJP
Victory for BJP is Victory for Ex Servicemen
GOD HELPS THOSE, WHO HELP THEMSELVES
Veteran Colonel SS Rajan,
State Convenor, Karnataka Ex Servicemen Forum,
77 Shankara Mutt Parallel Road, Shankarpuram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore-560004
Tele No.91-80-26679490 Cell No. 9448024377 Email: colonelrajan@gmail.com
__._,_.___
Press meet at Chandigarh 21 Apr at 1215 hrs ..IESM support to BJP
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
dateSun, Apr 19, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Dear Friends ,
1. A Media Conference will be held on 21 April (Tuesday) at Press Club Chandigarh Sector 27 , at 12.15 PM to explain why the ESM support the BJP, as per the programme given below :-
(a) Media Conference - 1215 to 1300 hrs
(b) Interactive Session
with the Hon'ble attendees
(non media personnel ) - 1300 to 1330 hrs
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
Address :- 54, Phase- 7 , MOHALI . (Punjab).PIN 160 062
Phones :- 91+98144 32554 and 91+172- 2270154.
(c) Lunch - 1330 to 1430 hrs.
2. You are requested to inform ALL friends around Chandigarh to attend the aforesaid Press Conference (on 21 April at 12.15 PM )for first hand information please and forward their names to be included in the 'Press Release' .
3. Press Release to be isued during the 'Media Conference' is attached for your kind information please .
dateSun, Apr 19, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Dear Friends ,
1. A Media Conference will be held on 21 April (Tuesday) at Press Club Chandigarh Sector 27 , at 12.15 PM to explain why the ESM support the BJP, as per the programme given below :-
(a) Media Conference - 1215 to 1300 hrs
(b) Interactive Session
with the Hon'ble attendees
(non media personnel ) - 1300 to 1330 hrs
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
Address :- 54, Phase- 7 , MOHALI . (Punjab).PIN 160 062
Phones :- 91+98144 32554 and 91+172- 2270154.
(c) Lunch - 1330 to 1430 hrs.
2. You are requested to inform ALL friends around Chandigarh to attend the aforesaid Press Conference (on 21 April at 12.15 PM )for first hand information please and forward their names to be included in the 'Press Release' .
3. Press Release to be isued during the 'Media Conference' is attached for your kind information please .
Friday, April 17, 2009
ARMY GETS READY TO VOTE..HT
Hindustan Times
April 03, 2009
http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/default.aspx
Hindustan Times Exculusive –
Army gets ready to vote of its rights
Varghese & George and Rahul Singh
New Delhi
THE ARMY didn't like the rough deal handed to it by the sixth pay commission. It protested and petitioned whoever could help.
Stonewalled at every stage, it is now ready to fire its most potent weapon yet: the vote.
There are 11.3 lakh men and women in the Indian Army and together with their families and ex-servicemen, they add up to one crore, according to one estimate.
ArmychiefGeneralDeepak Kapoor has directed all formations across the country to make vigorous efforts to achieve 100 per cent registration of service voters. Soldiers have also been asked to get their families registered as voters.
And the Army headquarters are not leaving it at that -just another order There is going to be regular follow-up. All units have been directed to send monthly reports on progress made.
"A large number of regiments have achieved complete registration of service voters," said an army officer, refusing to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media.
"Soldiers now have the poten- tial to change political fortunes." This may make the UPA a litt1e nervous. The army believes the sixth pay commission handed it a bad deal.
There is sweeping discontent in the military over the government still sitting on a revised proposal to place lieutenant colonels and equivalent posts in the air force and navy in the same pay band as their counterparts in the paramilitary/ Group A services and IAS. There have been more such issues: gg The Army had to virtually wage a lonely battle with the government last year to restore the existing pensionary weightages for j awans from 50 per cent to 70 per cent to cater to their truncated careers.
gg The generalstoohavefeltbetrayed by the government with lieutenant generals and equivalent (who are not army commanders) being excluded from the HAG+ (higher administrative grade) pay band. Only army commanders and DGP (director generals of police) figure in this grade. Pay scales have traditionally determined inter-se status among government ofIicials.
ig The veterans are also unhappy as their demand for one-rank-one-pay has not been accepted. There are over 20 lakh defence pensioners in the country and ex-servicemen groups claim they can influence at least two to three crore votes.
"Rank and pay concerns raised by the armed forces have still not been addressed. As usual, the bureaucrats have walked away with the benefits," said a senior officer Discontent fuelled by the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission had triggered an exodus from the armed forces with officers in the middle rung seeking premature release in large numbers last year Now the army is fighting back with their votes.
Documents with Hindustan Times show that Army cantonments and military stations have been asked to make adequate provisions to address equests for canvassing by political parties in cantonment areas.
Citing relevant government rules, the Army headquarters has told all units that there is no need for them to seek prior permission from anyone for hosting public meetings on defence land.
The Army headquarters has instructed all commands including the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Strategic Forces Command to encourage soldiers to cast their votes at their place of posting in the forthcoming elections.
Official Army identity cards may be accepted as proof of identity at the time of voting. Regiments have also been asked to explain the provisions for proxy voting and postal ballot to soldiers to have the highest ever service voter turn out.
vamhese.geome@hindustantimes.com
--------------
THE END
April 03, 2009
http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/default.aspx
Hindustan Times Exculusive –
Army gets ready to vote of its rights
Varghese & George and Rahul Singh
New Delhi
THE ARMY didn't like the rough deal handed to it by the sixth pay commission. It protested and petitioned whoever could help.
Stonewalled at every stage, it is now ready to fire its most potent weapon yet: the vote.
There are 11.3 lakh men and women in the Indian Army and together with their families and ex-servicemen, they add up to one crore, according to one estimate.
ArmychiefGeneralDeepak Kapoor has directed all formations across the country to make vigorous efforts to achieve 100 per cent registration of service voters. Soldiers have also been asked to get their families registered as voters.
And the Army headquarters are not leaving it at that -just another order There is going to be regular follow-up. All units have been directed to send monthly reports on progress made.
"A large number of regiments have achieved complete registration of service voters," said an army officer, refusing to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media.
"Soldiers now have the poten- tial to change political fortunes." This may make the UPA a litt1e nervous. The army believes the sixth pay commission handed it a bad deal.
There is sweeping discontent in the military over the government still sitting on a revised proposal to place lieutenant colonels and equivalent posts in the air force and navy in the same pay band as their counterparts in the paramilitary/ Group A services and IAS. There have been more such issues: gg The Army had to virtually wage a lonely battle with the government last year to restore the existing pensionary weightages for j awans from 50 per cent to 70 per cent to cater to their truncated careers.
gg The generalstoohavefeltbetrayed by the government with lieutenant generals and equivalent (who are not army commanders) being excluded from the HAG+ (higher administrative grade) pay band. Only army commanders and DGP (director generals of police) figure in this grade. Pay scales have traditionally determined inter-se status among government ofIicials.
ig The veterans are also unhappy as their demand for one-rank-one-pay has not been accepted. There are over 20 lakh defence pensioners in the country and ex-servicemen groups claim they can influence at least two to three crore votes.
"Rank and pay concerns raised by the armed forces have still not been addressed. As usual, the bureaucrats have walked away with the benefits," said a senior officer Discontent fuelled by the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission had triggered an exodus from the armed forces with officers in the middle rung seeking premature release in large numbers last year Now the army is fighting back with their votes.
Documents with Hindustan Times show that Army cantonments and military stations have been asked to make adequate provisions to address equests for canvassing by political parties in cantonment areas.
Citing relevant government rules, the Army headquarters has told all units that there is no need for them to seek prior permission from anyone for hosting public meetings on defence land.
The Army headquarters has instructed all commands including the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Strategic Forces Command to encourage soldiers to cast their votes at their place of posting in the forthcoming elections.
Official Army identity cards may be accepted as proof of identity at the time of voting. Regiments have also been asked to explain the provisions for proxy voting and postal ballot to soldiers to have the highest ever service voter turn out.
vamhese.geome@hindustantimes.com
--------------
THE END
Election Related News...Gen Kadyan
Date: Tuesday, 14 April, 2009, 10:47 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Election Related News
ESM from different parts of India have reported that the BJP candidates have expressed happiness, gratitude and relief that the ESM are supporting them. We do sincerely hope that we succeed in our mission of getting OROP.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Friends from the Media,
On behalf of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM), I feel duty bound, to thank you for all your support in our campaign against injustice by the Government. Your presence at the Maha Rally today, was very encouraging to us.
As you are aware, after lengthy confabulations at the rally, particularly on aspects related to manifestos of various political parties, it was decided by majority that ESM across the country will vote & support the BJP. Exception to the above will be in the following constituencies whereas Ex servicemen are being fielded by Ex servicemen parties supported by IESM:
Col Malkiat Singh- Hamirpur (H.P.)
Col Thakur Singh- Mandi (H.P.)
Dr Col Mathur- Lucknow (U.P.)
Brig Shivarama Subarmanium- Krishnagiri (TN)
Col Kuldeep Singh Grewal- Patiala (Punjab)
Col Bhag Singh- Ludhiana (Punjab)
Capt Budhram- Gurgaon (HR)
Sgt Subash Joshi- Faridabad (HR)
Maj Sangeeta Tomar- New Delhi
Gen G S Uban- South Delhi
And two Ex- servicemen from Rajasthan names later.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Dear Colleagues,
Election Related News
ESM from different parts of India have reported that the BJP candidates have expressed happiness, gratitude and relief that the ESM are supporting them. We do sincerely hope that we succeed in our mission of getting OROP.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Friends from the Media,
On behalf of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM), I feel duty bound, to thank you for all your support in our campaign against injustice by the Government. Your presence at the Maha Rally today, was very encouraging to us.
As you are aware, after lengthy confabulations at the rally, particularly on aspects related to manifestos of various political parties, it was decided by majority that ESM across the country will vote & support the BJP. Exception to the above will be in the following constituencies whereas Ex servicemen are being fielded by Ex servicemen parties supported by IESM:
Col Malkiat Singh- Hamirpur (H.P.)
Col Thakur Singh- Mandi (H.P.)
Dr Col Mathur- Lucknow (U.P.)
Brig Shivarama Subarmanium- Krishnagiri (TN)
Col Kuldeep Singh Grewal- Patiala (Punjab)
Col Bhag Singh- Ludhiana (Punjab)
Capt Budhram- Gurgaon (HR)
Sgt Subash Joshi- Faridabad (HR)
Maj Sangeeta Tomar- New Delhi
Gen G S Uban- South Delhi
And two Ex- servicemen from Rajasthan names later.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rejoinder to Brig BM Kapoor's views on IESM
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Some of the emails received from members are reproduced below.
On behalf of YOU ALL, 'i' thank all the members who have sent these emails to us.
The pending emails numbers with me is now over 900; I am sorry if your email is one of those 900.
I am not getting time even to process and forward to you the photographs taken by me during the IESM rally on 12 Apr 09.
Secondly - Regarding the IESM Directive for Voting for the Lok Sabha Election.
Some of the members have been sending emails saying that IESM should not have issued an advisory for voting in favour of BJP or its allies, but all most all of them have failed to give any constructive advice as to what should have been done by IESM, when ESM from village after village were asking a directive as to what should they do when voting for the forthcoming elections for the Lok Sabha.
It is very easy to criticise what others do - giving a workable suggestion/ alternative is not that easy. Most of the veterans who are sending the emails criticising the IESM Advisory are taking the easy course only.
While all most all the PBOR have highly appreciated the advisory issued IESM about Lok Sabha elections, it is some of the veteran officers who continue to harp on 'we should remain apolitical'.
The reason for this point of difference between some officers and all the PBOR is very simple - the officer cadre is least affected by the misdeeds of 6 CPC.
It is the PBOR who are the worst affected. The PBOR want a definite advice that can give them some hope of justice.
I often meet officers in Noida who say "Oh Chhado yar - kuch nahin hona. Oh kafi chhangi pension aandi hai. Hor ki chaida he tanoo". (Forget friend. Nothing will happen. We are getting good pension, what else you want)
It is such self-centered officers who are the main cause of all our troubles.
I get about 15 to 20 telephone calls a day - which are almost 100 percent from officers; the duration of these calls ranges from 5 minutes to 20 minutes each.
Most of the calls pertain to Lt Cols being granted PB4 status, some pertain to " I have not received correct arrears amount what should I do?"
Not one of these callers ever asked or knows how badly are the PBOR affected by 6 CPC. What a shame? Those of you who talk of Military ethos - was this the ethos in Services that we only bother about our own self and forget the Jawans?
You should either give positive suggestions what IESM should have done when PBOR were asking about voting advisory on Lok Sabha elections or do not repeat those dogmatic views about being apolitical. It is these dogmatic views which have landed the Defence Services, in particular the ESM, in this pathetic condition.
Yes, we must maintain the basic ethos of the Defence Services and must remain disciplined but do not remain "Lakir ke Fakir".
We must adapt to the changing times and changing situations.
Unless we learn to use the power of politics - we can keep crying for justice - no one will give it to us.
Some of you are wrongly accusing IESM for having invited Shree LK Advani to Jantar Mantar. It is Shree Advani who sent a request to visit Jantar Mantar and meet the ESM present there. What did you expect IESM should have done? Should we have said "No Mr Advani you cannot meet ESM?"
Yes before Mr Advani visited Jantar Mantar, IESM leaders were invited to the BJP office, which was refused by IESM. So please do not pass comments when you do not know facts; and facts you cannot know by sitting at your home - come out and attend IESM rallies, visit the ESM in villages to know what they want.
The ESM in villages are not interested in your and my emails; they want justice. Your emails and dogmatic views cannot fetch justice for them.
On 12 Apr 09, Shree VK Malhotra and few other BJP leaders came to Jantar Mantar while the IESM rally was on. They were categorically denied permission to come on to the stage or even in front of the stage. I am a witness to it.
Another observation I have about the officers who are not happy about the IESM advisory regarding the voting for Lok Sabha - most of them never attended a single IESM rally (there are few exceptions) and have never interacted with PBOR; a few of them not even bothered to become members of IESM. Then what knowledge or right those ESM have to comment on the advisory issued by IESM?
My humble appeal to all those who are not happy with the IESM advisory on Lok Sabha elections is -
SIRs you have said enough against the advisory issued, but now please support IESM in its efforts.
UNLESS WE ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
SUCCESS WILL EVADE US.
SO LET US CLOSE THIS DISCUSSION
AND
VOTE FOR THE PERSON YOU THINK BEST.
BUT VOTE YOU MUST.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
-------------
----- Original Message -----
From: brig_bmk@dataone.in
To: CS Kamboj
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:27 AM
Subject: CIRCULATION OF MAIL
Dear Chander,
It seems that my mail was sent by you only selectively to some addressees.
Please be kind to send my mail and its rejoinders(given below) to all veterans.
Brig B M Kapoor
********************
----- Original Message -----
From: brig_bmk@dataone.in
To: CS Kamboj
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 5:27 PM
Subject: The Transformation of IESM
*PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS MAIL TO ALL VETERENS*
Dear Veterans,
The IESM has grown from strear Chander,ngth to strength in a very short period. Its continued protests at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi have drawn
members from far and wide. The IESM objectives were indeed laudable, though one could question its strategies. It had resolved to remain apolitical in the hallowed traditions of the Defence Services.
While in service, we remain totally apolitical, whereas the ex-servicemen in their individual capacities are of course free to exercise their choice. However, with the recent advisory by the Chairman IESM for the members to vote for a particular political party in the General Elections, the fine ethos of the Services has been severely damaged. By aligning an organization like IESM with a political party, its top management has put it the risk of making it a tool in the hands of the party.
There being an organization like the IESL already in existence, it was indeed questionable as to why another organization was being floated and registered as it would only fragment our strength. It makes us wonder now whether there was a political or a personal agenda all along. The large outlay of the IESM funds on rallies and tours has been grossly inappropriate.
I feel that the advisory for members to vote in a particular way is most uncalled for. I suggest the following actions:
a) The Chairman IESM must withdraw the voting advisory issued by him.
b) The IESM should be disbanded now that it has achieved its aim of getting its protests registered.
Brig B M Kapoor
email: brig_bmk@dataone.in
-----------
From: CS Kamboj
Date: Monday, April 13, 2009 11:08 pm
Subject: Re: The Transformation of IESM
To: brig_bmk@dataone.in
13 Apr 09.
Dear Brig Kapoor,
Reference your email below.
We are a democratic country. You and every one else is free to have his/ her own views. However, I am constraint to say that what you have said in your email below is a dogmatic view. It is the dogmatic views of the Indian Defence Forces in the past that we reached such poor state of the welfare of the serving and retired Defence Personnel.
We must learn to move with the times or learn to lump nonsense which we have been getting in our service so far. The younger generation of the Defence Services while continues to be disciplined and follows the ethos of Services, it is not used to accepting nonsense.
If you know any other way of achieving what we the Indian Military Veterans want, then please let us know what is that way; just saying we should not support a particular party is no solution. We want a solution - please give us your solution - still better would be for you to come forward and lead the way. Criticising others is very easy.
Can you please accept this challenge?
With regards as ever before.
Chander Kamboj.
From: CK Sharma
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 12:22 am
Subject: Your Advisory on IESM ASdvisory
To: BM Kapoor
Dear Kapoor,
It is so very nice to see that you have not forgotten the art of wagging your finger and, in a most admonishing tone, tell others how wrong they are! Bravo!
How about standing up and being counted? Do YOU have the courage to even give a vague outline of what YOU think should have been done and what should be done? Will you kindly quantify it as precisely as your school-teacher-like attitude permits you to do?
Don't just sit there in a sanctimonious manner and lecture -- put your noble thoughts down clearly for others to be able to follow and emulate the higher
moral path that you may enunciate, will you?
As active servicemen, we were enjoined to remain apolitical -- for a very sensible and logical reason: our job, for which wqe had donned the uniform,
was to protect our borders and repel any adventurous forces trying to invade us. Obviously, this aim and focus would continue to be the same, regardless
of what dispensation was available in the centre as the then Government. What makes you recommend that now that we are no more in uniform, we must continue to be spineless enough to permit anyone and everyone to run roughshod over us?
Did you read the full statement by the Chairman of IESM? He has said very unequivocally that we shall go with BJP this time, since the Congress
has already, in December 2008, informed the nation, and us, that the very correct demand of One-Rank-One-Length-of-Service-One-Pension is NOT
feasible.
Your assumption that you can see things better than anyone else is rather presumptuous! We, Sir, are just as capable of clear thinking as anyone else!
If the BJP does not do anything, well, why? We shall use the same tool with which we hope to help them come to power against them! We are not tied to
the apron strings of BJP by the advisory issued!! We have ONLY THE ONR AIM: To ensure that the Indian Ex Servicemen are given an equitable and just
pension that they have EARNED!
Wake up and smell the coffee, won't you?
PS: If and when our demand of OROP comes through, please do clearly indicate which charity will you be giving away all the 'filthy lucre' that comes your way?
PPS: Are YOU a Congress mole/ sympathiser? Also known by the alias of
Jaichand?
Warm Regards!
CK Sharma
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 7:52 am
Subject: Your advise on the Advisory
To: BM Kapoor
Dear Brig Kapoor,
I have seen your mail about the voting advisory issued by chairman IESM. To recall, the latter spoke about IESM advise to vote BJP to power. Some ten
exceptions BY NAME of ESM from parties wholly registered by ex servicemen, were also mentioned in the ibid advisory.
You have a view and I respect it. It is an emotional response, conditioned by years of our service in uniform. Many of us initially felt the same way, but on analyzing it, feel the Chairman IESM has done well to furthur the interests of ESM, by offering the advisory that he has given. While a full fledged debate on it is likely on net, I just wish to make a couple of points.
- History is replete with examples of issue based alliances, where organizational interest calls for 'hard decisions'. These have invariably
borne favorable results.
- "Apolitical" was an operational requirement while in service. One could not, not respond operationally, just because the government in office was
one you did not support.Post retirement, we don't have the same working constraint/ environment and hence the liberty.
- Apolitical perhaps is a wrong term in the current scenario. Perhaps 'non aligned' would better describe the nature of IESM. Means we take issue based decisions on approach to be adopted.
- It has taken 60 years for us to come to this state of affairs. Please dont forget this includes 51 odd years of congress governance, where a couple of times there has been talk of 'disbanding ' the defence forces !!! And each time, we have had external reminders that such decisions were not practical/ desirable/ sensible.
- BJP manifesto on the other hand, includes issues of national security on their horizon. It also includes OROP, which IS our cause.
- Lastly, your point on IESM functioning. While Ends justify Means, we are committed to a disciplined, organized and responsible manner of taking our cause forward. IESL was indeed existing when our movement started, and we indeed WENT to them to take up a leadership role in taking the ESM cause forward. It is only when they refused/ expressed inability to get on, did we commence a persevering journey that has taken us where we are today. As you acknowledge, we have come a long way. IESL had its chance to DO something other than the measures that have neither got us critically needed improvements, but unfortunately it did not work out. I wont get into a 'blame game' but would urge you to see that in a democratic society as ours, we need to repect the aspirations of the 'aam aadmi'. At soldier sailor and airman level, discontent is high on issues being spoken about. We need to support their expectations. IESM is doing it, by a methodology that factors in a lot more than our personal bias/ past loyalties. AND definitely, self interest is NOT a factor.
I urge you to seriously consider the above. Come join us. We can do things together. And better.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
From: CS Kamboj
Subject: [Stg_Comm] Fw: The Transformation of IESM
Date: Monday, 13 April, 2009, 10:54 PM
Reference email below. For information of the Steering Committee.
Regards.
Chander Kamboj
----- Original Message -----
From: satbir singh
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:28 pm
Subject: Re: [Stg_Comm] Fw: The Transformation of IESM
To: brig_bmk@dataone.in
Cc: Stg_Comm@yahoogroups.com
Dated: 15 Apr 2009
My Dear Brig BM Kapoor,
1. I respect your sentiments. Everyone has right to his views.
Having said that, I would like to request you to kindly respect the majority view on an issue which concerns a large number of people.
IESM was born to function as an Umbrella Organisation for all ESM of India and fight against the injustice done to the Defence Forces.
2. One of the demand which affects all ESM is OROP. The relay hunger strike at Jantar Mantar was planned and executed for 118 days
to get OROP since all other democratic and disciplined means had failed to bring any result.
3. Cong has not accepted our demand and has not included it in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha Election. Defence Personnel therefore,
cannot expect any justice from the Congress Party. The down gradation, degradation and mistreatment of Defence Forces are primarily due to the anti defence policies of the congress which has been ruling the country for 52 years out of 62 years since independence. The BJP in its 6 years of rule also did not do much to
reverse the trend. However, it is the BJP out of the Major National Parties which has included implementation of OROP and other beneficial schemes in its manifesto. After analyzing all aspects and keeping in view the interest of Defence Personnel, the IESM has issued the Advisory to Vote and Support BJP in the coming Lok Sabha Election. The IESM is not aligning with the BJP but suggesting the best option at this point of time to showcase the “power of our vote”. Incase BJP comes to power and does not fulfill its promises, the ESM will launch extensive protest Movement against them.
4. I am once again enclosing the Short Brief of IESM. You will notice that IESM has an important duty and role to play as an Umbrella organisation of all ESM of India. I would request you not to compare it with IESL. You very well know the ineffectiveness of IESL in getting the due Justice to the Defence Forces. The birth of IESM took place because IESL had failed to get the due justice to the Defence Forces. So there is no question of IESM to close down. I would
request you to reconsider your views.
5. There is a lot which we ESM can do, to not only strengthen the Movement but also increase its membership to cover the maximum ESM of the country. Let us all work towards the Advisory given for the Lok Sabha Election and ensure Victory for the BJP. The victory of BJP will be the victory of ESM of India. Let this opportunity not be wasted. Let us all join hands for its success.
With regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email:
satbirsm@yahoo.com
----------
From: pravesh renjen
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 2:04 PM
Subject: RE: IESM Movement
Dear Maj SR Singh,
We are grateful for your sentiments but, please do not make us bigger than we really are! Our only desire is to do what we can to get justice for our brothers who may be 'in' and 'out' of uniform. Our judgements can be wrong at times. For instance a large number of ESM feel that the IESM should;
a) Not indulge in public protests; strikes, rallies, marches etc.
b) Not deposit medals with the President in protest. (Please note that we are NOT returning our medals but only depositing these until our demands are met. Once they are met, we shall take back our medals. After all no one can take away the honour bestowed on us for valour and service. We have also told that to the President and other leaders in our Memorandum, as also explained this in our Press briefs and interviews with the media.)
c) Not involve ourselves in politics; supporting an Ex Servicemen Political Party (Rashtriya Raksha Dal) and its ESM candidates, encouraging Mr Advani to address us at Jantar Mantar, issuing an advisory on voting choice to all ESM (which we did on the rally of 12 Apr) etc.
Who is to say whether we are right in our decisions or those who express above opinions?? What will be the short & long term implications of our decisions?? Only history will tell. But we, in the IESM Steering Committee, believe in our decisions, which are taken with great deliberation, debate and noisy disagreements within the Committee before we arrive at a final majority decision. We can only hope that these decisions will survive the test of time and history and will prove beneficial to our serving and retired soldiers, and more importantly to our national security and integrity.
Maj Gen (Retd) PK Renjen, AVSM
Ph: 9810044542
........
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:44:59 -0700
Subject: IESM Movement
From: ssr.singh@gmail.com
To: brig_bmk@dataone.in
CC: rajkadyan@yahoo.com; satbirsm@yahoo.com; prenjen@hotmail.com; csk551@dataone.in ; sharansahuja@gmail.com; pksingh05vns@gmail.com
Dear Sir (Brig BM Kapoor, Noida),
I as a veteran am pained to go through your missive and view point. Your view point really demotivates us. Sir, do you know that when Gen Satbir and Gen Rengen visited Varanasi -ex service were crying. One of them had a photograph of Gen Kadyan and worships him as his God. Sir, I know Gen Kadyan for last 20 years and have no hesitation to say that 'he can do no wrong'.
I think this is the first time that we ESMs have found these leaders who are really giving their everything for us. Sir, it is very convenient to comment and air view point from our dressing rooms which sounds very apt and correct politically.
Sir, it may not be received well by many but let me announce that Gen Kadyan and his core team has attained iconic status and any remarks aimed towards them hurts us. They are now house hold name in ESMs family and influence circle. Please do whatever you feel like but please do not humiliate us by advising our icons.
With best wishes and regards.
Maj SR Singh
Varanasi
----------
From: v mahalingam
To: manioberoi@hotmail.com
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 1:20 PM
Subject: RE: Protecting India from Terror
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your mail. Kindly go through pages 5 and 6 and compare the role of Armed Forces in page 14. The Congress Party perhaps feels that what is happening in J&K and Assam are not acts of terrorism. What does the Congress Party wish to do to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces fighting in these two specific areas? Why not specify those aspects as clearly as what has been stated in the case of Police Forces?
Isn't it a failure of the Government in not being able to carryout Police Reforms? Is it incorrect for the voter to assume that the Government which he has voted to power will provide the best in terms of Security to protect lives and properties in the country? Is it asking for too much?
Does any one assume that the measures suggested by the Congress will improve the professionalism in the Police Forces? We need a Professional and an efficient Police Force but the approach aims at increasing the numbers without improving their professionalism. The State Police Forces and the Central Police Organisations unfortunately lack training, leadership, motivation and suitable equipment which are very essential to fight terrorism. Please study the case regarding loss of Armoury to the Naxals by the State Police Forces at Nayagarh (Orissa) and the ambush of the Special Operations Group (SOG) at Malkangiri district. Have you ever come across such incidents with the Army even in places like J&K or Srilankha? Please ponder over the reasons which should throw some light on the issue. To my mind, it is not very easy to inculcate these qualities in a force until and unless their very basic ethos are changed. I had written a paper on Police Reforms to the then Home Minister and to Mr P Chidambaram during the last calender year which elaborates these issues. This paper must be available in the Home Ministry as the then Home Minister had acknowledged my paper.
Please remember that numbers cannot replace quality in the matter of fighting terorism. Calling a group of security personnel by fancy terminologies such as Grey hounds, Commandos etc do not make them a commando force. Also, the concept "once a commando ever a commando" needs to get out of the minds of the planners. NSG hubs all around the country may not be the solution. What happens if the terror strikes are shifted to our B Class cities? Why aren't the Special Rangers Groups (SRGs) of the NSG not as effective as the Special Action Groups (SAGs) of the NSG? Can you discern the reason? An elite foce has to be small. Please go through the size, organisations and training aspects of the Special Forces of the countries like USA (Delta Force), Germany (GSG 9 ), UK (SAS), Israel(Shariad Madkal). These aspects should throw some light on the subject.
Please be assured that whatever I am writing is in the interest of the country. I have no personal interest or other interest in the matter.
regards,
Brigadier V Mahalingam
Ex Force Commander NSG (Black Cat Commandos)
........
From: manioberoi@hotmail.com
To: sanjiv.kapoors@gmail.com
CC: mahalingamv_2000@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Protecting India from Terror
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:50:26 +0530
It is not correct to say that Congress has not given any regard to role of Defence Forces in fighting terrorism. On Page 14 the role of the Armed Forces is precisely spelt out. There can be no contesting the fact that primary responsibility in fighting terrorism is of the police forces - of course police reforms are long long overdue as we all know but political will is lacking on this count as politicos of all hues, BJP, Congress, SP, BSP etc, zealously guard their control of police functioning and do not want a professional approach to policing as it would curb their extra legal activities.
I hope Brig Mahalingam would send a correction on this count to all those who may have received this incorrect information.
Regards.
Sarvadaman Oberoi
Tower 1 Flat 1102, The Uniworld Garden,
Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122018 Haryana INDIA
Mobile: +919818768349 Tele: +911244227522
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/homeopathy249/
email: manioberoi@hotmail.com
..............
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:48:58 +0530
Subject: Protecting India from Terror
From: sanjiv.kapoors@gmail.com
Hi All,( Courtesy Brig V Mahalingam)
Kindly go through the Congress Party's paper on it pledge to terrorism. Click on the English version to read the paper. While the Party talks about the Police, no word about the Defence forces have been mentioned. Perhaps the Party thinks that the Defence Forces have been wasting their time and effort all these days fighting terrorism in all parts of the country.
Good Luck to the country and to the congress Party's efforts to combat terrorism exclusively with the Police Forces.
Regards,
Brigadier V Mahalingam
.........
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:33:42 +0000
From: jairam@congress.org.in
To: mahalingamv_2000@hotmail.com
Subject: Protecting India from Terror
Dear Friend,
I wanted to share with you a document that summarizes the Congress Party's approach to fighting terrorism - what we have done so far and what we commit to doing further to tackle it.
"The Congress Party's Pledge: Protecting India from Terror"
English: www.aicc.org.in/new/TERROR_final.pdf
Hindi: www.aicc.org.in/new/hindi/TERROR_HINDI.pdf
The Congress led UPA government has instituted a number of measures to protect India from terror, many of which have been drowned under the din of opposition rhetoric. Some of these include:
Setting up a functional National Investigation Agency
Establishing and activating a Multi Agency Centre (MAC) to ensure inter-agency collaboration
Enacting a stronger Anti-Terrorism Law
Setting up 20 Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism Schools
Establishing a network of NSG Hubs across the country
Phased Implementation of a Multi-Purpose National Identity Card (MNIC) for all Indian citizens
In addition, we will institute a number of addition initiatives if we are voted to power:
Launching a Citizens Campaign against terror
Undertaking a comprehensive Review of VIP/VVIP Security
Setting up a permanent Crisis Management "War Room" to manage national security threats
A Judicial Task Force on Fast-track Trials
Fighting terror is a long haul, and a number of high-impact measures that we have instituted will begin to bear fruit in the coming months and years.
Nevertheless, we cannot waste even a day - the Congress Party is alive to this challenge, and is committed to providing strong and decisive leadership to meet it. This is our pledge to the people of India.
We believe that it is only the Indian National Congress that can deal with the scourge of terrorism squarely and decisively but without weakening the delicate strands that have, together, bound our society for centuries.
Please feel free to share this document with others, in order to generate informed discussion and decision making.
I welcome the opportunity to receive your thoughts.
Best Regards,
Jairam Ramesh
Coordinator, Election Related Affairs,
Lok Sabha Elections 2009, Indian National Congress
jairam@congress.org.in
------------
From: Krishan K Punchhi kkpunchhi@yahoo.ca
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] SUBHASH KAPOOR'S LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To: TRUNCATED
Cc: "Chander Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Thursday, 16 April, 2009, 3:02 AM
From The Tribune Chandigarh of 16 April 2009.
Shabaash Subhash.
regards..... .....K K Punchhi
(Cdr KK Punchhi, 7 JSW Course, settled in Canada)
......
The Tribune
ON LINE EDITION
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090416/letters.htm
Thursday, April 16, 2009, Chandigarh, India
Veterans’ protest
It is true that the defence forces have their conduct rules and are known to those who intend to join the services (Letters to the Editor, “Veterans’ agitation” by Neeraj Kishore Sharma, April 7). But does it mean that the armed forces have to be mute spectators to their continuous degradation in status and pay vis-a-vis other government employees as has been happening in India over the past decades? The Sixth Pay Commission was the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back.
Serving in defence forces may not be mandatory but so is the case in other departments of the government. If the civilian employees can indulge in agitations on flimsy grounds, why can’t the retired defence personnel take recourse to peaceful protests to highlight the injustice and humiliation being routinely heaped on them? Are they bonded slaves or lumpen elements to be shooed and snubbed at will?
“One rank, one pension”, the main demand of the veterans, is a sensitive issue because of the specific ethos of the defence personnel and the very early age at which most of them are edged out and made to retire as compared to the civilians.
Frankly, a nation that ignores and insults its soldiers, sooner or later comes to grief. Do we want this to happen to India?
WG-CDR S C KAPOOR (retd), Noida
-----------
From: Deepak Verma
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 12:31 PM
Subject: Defending India: No Compromise, No Concession-N S Malik-16 April 2009
(Group Capt Deepak Verma, New Delhi)
Jai Hind.
Some of the emails received from members are reproduced below.
On behalf of YOU ALL, 'i' thank all the members who have sent these emails to us.
The pending emails numbers with me is now over 900; I am sorry if your email is one of those 900.
I am not getting time even to process and forward to you the photographs taken by me during the IESM rally on 12 Apr 09.
Secondly - Regarding the IESM Directive for Voting for the Lok Sabha Election.
Some of the members have been sending emails saying that IESM should not have issued an advisory for voting in favour of BJP or its allies, but all most all of them have failed to give any constructive advice as to what should have been done by IESM, when ESM from village after village were asking a directive as to what should they do when voting for the forthcoming elections for the Lok Sabha.
It is very easy to criticise what others do - giving a workable suggestion/ alternative is not that easy. Most of the veterans who are sending the emails criticising the IESM Advisory are taking the easy course only.
While all most all the PBOR have highly appreciated the advisory issued IESM about Lok Sabha elections, it is some of the veteran officers who continue to harp on 'we should remain apolitical'.
The reason for this point of difference between some officers and all the PBOR is very simple - the officer cadre is least affected by the misdeeds of 6 CPC.
It is the PBOR who are the worst affected. The PBOR want a definite advice that can give them some hope of justice.
I often meet officers in Noida who say "Oh Chhado yar - kuch nahin hona. Oh kafi chhangi pension aandi hai. Hor ki chaida he tanoo". (Forget friend. Nothing will happen. We are getting good pension, what else you want)
It is such self-centered officers who are the main cause of all our troubles.
I get about 15 to 20 telephone calls a day - which are almost 100 percent from officers; the duration of these calls ranges from 5 minutes to 20 minutes each.
Most of the calls pertain to Lt Cols being granted PB4 status, some pertain to " I have not received correct arrears amount what should I do?"
Not one of these callers ever asked or knows how badly are the PBOR affected by 6 CPC. What a shame? Those of you who talk of Military ethos - was this the ethos in Services that we only bother about our own self and forget the Jawans?
You should either give positive suggestions what IESM should have done when PBOR were asking about voting advisory on Lok Sabha elections or do not repeat those dogmatic views about being apolitical. It is these dogmatic views which have landed the Defence Services, in particular the ESM, in this pathetic condition.
Yes, we must maintain the basic ethos of the Defence Services and must remain disciplined but do not remain "Lakir ke Fakir".
We must adapt to the changing times and changing situations.
Unless we learn to use the power of politics - we can keep crying for justice - no one will give it to us.
Some of you are wrongly accusing IESM for having invited Shree LK Advani to Jantar Mantar. It is Shree Advani who sent a request to visit Jantar Mantar and meet the ESM present there. What did you expect IESM should have done? Should we have said "No Mr Advani you cannot meet ESM?"
Yes before Mr Advani visited Jantar Mantar, IESM leaders were invited to the BJP office, which was refused by IESM. So please do not pass comments when you do not know facts; and facts you cannot know by sitting at your home - come out and attend IESM rallies, visit the ESM in villages to know what they want.
The ESM in villages are not interested in your and my emails; they want justice. Your emails and dogmatic views cannot fetch justice for them.
On 12 Apr 09, Shree VK Malhotra and few other BJP leaders came to Jantar Mantar while the IESM rally was on. They were categorically denied permission to come on to the stage or even in front of the stage. I am a witness to it.
Another observation I have about the officers who are not happy about the IESM advisory regarding the voting for Lok Sabha - most of them never attended a single IESM rally (there are few exceptions) and have never interacted with PBOR; a few of them not even bothered to become members of IESM. Then what knowledge or right those ESM have to comment on the advisory issued by IESM?
My humble appeal to all those who are not happy with the IESM advisory on Lok Sabha elections is -
SIRs you have said enough against the advisory issued, but now please support IESM in its efforts.
UNLESS WE ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
SUCCESS WILL EVADE US.
SO LET US CLOSE THIS DISCUSSION
AND
VOTE FOR THE PERSON YOU THINK BEST.
BUT VOTE YOU MUST.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
-------------
----- Original Message -----
From: brig_bmk@dataone.in
To: CS Kamboj
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:27 AM
Subject: CIRCULATION OF MAIL
Dear Chander,
It seems that my mail was sent by you only selectively to some addressees.
Please be kind to send my mail and its rejoinders(given below) to all veterans.
Brig B M Kapoor
********************
----- Original Message -----
From: brig_bmk@dataone.in
To: CS Kamboj
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 5:27 PM
Subject: The Transformation of IESM
*PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS MAIL TO ALL VETERENS*
Dear Veterans,
The IESM has grown from strear Chander,ngth to strength in a very short period. Its continued protests at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi have drawn
members from far and wide. The IESM objectives were indeed laudable, though one could question its strategies. It had resolved to remain apolitical in the hallowed traditions of the Defence Services.
While in service, we remain totally apolitical, whereas the ex-servicemen in their individual capacities are of course free to exercise their choice. However, with the recent advisory by the Chairman IESM for the members to vote for a particular political party in the General Elections, the fine ethos of the Services has been severely damaged. By aligning an organization like IESM with a political party, its top management has put it the risk of making it a tool in the hands of the party.
There being an organization like the IESL already in existence, it was indeed questionable as to why another organization was being floated and registered as it would only fragment our strength. It makes us wonder now whether there was a political or a personal agenda all along. The large outlay of the IESM funds on rallies and tours has been grossly inappropriate.
I feel that the advisory for members to vote in a particular way is most uncalled for. I suggest the following actions:
a) The Chairman IESM must withdraw the voting advisory issued by him.
b) The IESM should be disbanded now that it has achieved its aim of getting its protests registered.
Brig B M Kapoor
email: brig_bmk@dataone.in
-----------
From: CS Kamboj
Date: Monday, April 13, 2009 11:08 pm
Subject: Re: The Transformation of IESM
To: brig_bmk@dataone.in
13 Apr 09.
Dear Brig Kapoor,
Reference your email below.
We are a democratic country. You and every one else is free to have his/ her own views. However, I am constraint to say that what you have said in your email below is a dogmatic view. It is the dogmatic views of the Indian Defence Forces in the past that we reached such poor state of the welfare of the serving and retired Defence Personnel.
We must learn to move with the times or learn to lump nonsense which we have been getting in our service so far. The younger generation of the Defence Services while continues to be disciplined and follows the ethos of Services, it is not used to accepting nonsense.
If you know any other way of achieving what we the Indian Military Veterans want, then please let us know what is that way; just saying we should not support a particular party is no solution. We want a solution - please give us your solution - still better would be for you to come forward and lead the way. Criticising others is very easy.
Can you please accept this challenge?
With regards as ever before.
Chander Kamboj.
From: CK Sharma
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 12:22 am
Subject: Your Advisory on IESM ASdvisory
To: BM Kapoor
Dear Kapoor,
It is so very nice to see that you have not forgotten the art of wagging your finger and, in a most admonishing tone, tell others how wrong they are! Bravo!
How about standing up and being counted? Do YOU have the courage to even give a vague outline of what YOU think should have been done and what should be done? Will you kindly quantify it as precisely as your school-teacher-like attitude permits you to do?
Don't just sit there in a sanctimonious manner and lecture -- put your noble thoughts down clearly for others to be able to follow and emulate the higher
moral path that you may enunciate, will you?
As active servicemen, we were enjoined to remain apolitical -- for a very sensible and logical reason: our job, for which wqe had donned the uniform,
was to protect our borders and repel any adventurous forces trying to invade us. Obviously, this aim and focus would continue to be the same, regardless
of what dispensation was available in the centre as the then Government. What makes you recommend that now that we are no more in uniform, we must continue to be spineless enough to permit anyone and everyone to run roughshod over us?
Did you read the full statement by the Chairman of IESM? He has said very unequivocally that we shall go with BJP this time, since the Congress
has already, in December 2008, informed the nation, and us, that the very correct demand of One-Rank-One-Length-of-Service-One-Pension is NOT
feasible.
Your assumption that you can see things better than anyone else is rather presumptuous! We, Sir, are just as capable of clear thinking as anyone else!
If the BJP does not do anything, well, why? We shall use the same tool with which we hope to help them come to power against them! We are not tied to
the apron strings of BJP by the advisory issued!! We have ONLY THE ONR AIM: To ensure that the Indian Ex Servicemen are given an equitable and just
pension that they have EARNED!
Wake up and smell the coffee, won't you?
PS: If and when our demand of OROP comes through, please do clearly indicate which charity will you be giving away all the 'filthy lucre' that comes your way?
PPS: Are YOU a Congress mole/ sympathiser? Also known by the alias of
Jaichand?
Warm Regards!
CK Sharma
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 7:52 am
Subject: Your advise on the Advisory
To: BM Kapoor
Dear Brig Kapoor,
I have seen your mail about the voting advisory issued by chairman IESM. To recall, the latter spoke about IESM advise to vote BJP to power. Some ten
exceptions BY NAME of ESM from parties wholly registered by ex servicemen, were also mentioned in the ibid advisory.
You have a view and I respect it. It is an emotional response, conditioned by years of our service in uniform. Many of us initially felt the same way, but on analyzing it, feel the Chairman IESM has done well to furthur the interests of ESM, by offering the advisory that he has given. While a full fledged debate on it is likely on net, I just wish to make a couple of points.
- History is replete with examples of issue based alliances, where organizational interest calls for 'hard decisions'. These have invariably
borne favorable results.
- "Apolitical" was an operational requirement while in service. One could not, not respond operationally, just because the government in office was
one you did not support.Post retirement, we don't have the same working constraint/ environment and hence the liberty.
- Apolitical perhaps is a wrong term in the current scenario. Perhaps 'non aligned' would better describe the nature of IESM. Means we take issue based decisions on approach to be adopted.
- It has taken 60 years for us to come to this state of affairs. Please dont forget this includes 51 odd years of congress governance, where a couple of times there has been talk of 'disbanding ' the defence forces !!! And each time, we have had external reminders that such decisions were not practical/ desirable/ sensible.
- BJP manifesto on the other hand, includes issues of national security on their horizon. It also includes OROP, which IS our cause.
- Lastly, your point on IESM functioning. While Ends justify Means, we are committed to a disciplined, organized and responsible manner of taking our cause forward. IESL was indeed existing when our movement started, and we indeed WENT to them to take up a leadership role in taking the ESM cause forward. It is only when they refused/ expressed inability to get on, did we commence a persevering journey that has taken us where we are today. As you acknowledge, we have come a long way. IESL had its chance to DO something other than the measures that have neither got us critically needed improvements, but unfortunately it did not work out. I wont get into a 'blame game' but would urge you to see that in a democratic society as ours, we need to repect the aspirations of the 'aam aadmi'. At soldier sailor and airman level, discontent is high on issues being spoken about. We need to support their expectations. IESM is doing it, by a methodology that factors in a lot more than our personal bias/ past loyalties. AND definitely, self interest is NOT a factor.
I urge you to seriously consider the above. Come join us. We can do things together. And better.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
From: CS Kamboj
Subject: [Stg_Comm] Fw: The Transformation of IESM
Date: Monday, 13 April, 2009, 10:54 PM
Reference email below. For information of the Steering Committee.
Regards.
Chander Kamboj
----- Original Message -----
From: satbir singh
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:28 pm
Subject: Re: [Stg_Comm] Fw: The Transformation of IESM
To: brig_bmk@dataone.in
Cc: Stg_Comm@yahoogroups.com
Dated: 15 Apr 2009
My Dear Brig BM Kapoor,
1. I respect your sentiments. Everyone has right to his views.
Having said that, I would like to request you to kindly respect the majority view on an issue which concerns a large number of people.
IESM was born to function as an Umbrella Organisation for all ESM of India and fight against the injustice done to the Defence Forces.
2. One of the demand which affects all ESM is OROP. The relay hunger strike at Jantar Mantar was planned and executed for 118 days
to get OROP since all other democratic and disciplined means had failed to bring any result.
3. Cong has not accepted our demand and has not included it in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha Election. Defence Personnel therefore,
cannot expect any justice from the Congress Party. The down gradation, degradation and mistreatment of Defence Forces are primarily due to the anti defence policies of the congress which has been ruling the country for 52 years out of 62 years since independence. The BJP in its 6 years of rule also did not do much to
reverse the trend. However, it is the BJP out of the Major National Parties which has included implementation of OROP and other beneficial schemes in its manifesto. After analyzing all aspects and keeping in view the interest of Defence Personnel, the IESM has issued the Advisory to Vote and Support BJP in the coming Lok Sabha Election. The IESM is not aligning with the BJP but suggesting the best option at this point of time to showcase the “power of our vote”. Incase BJP comes to power and does not fulfill its promises, the ESM will launch extensive protest Movement against them.
4. I am once again enclosing the Short Brief of IESM. You will notice that IESM has an important duty and role to play as an Umbrella organisation of all ESM of India. I would request you not to compare it with IESL. You very well know the ineffectiveness of IESL in getting the due Justice to the Defence Forces. The birth of IESM took place because IESL had failed to get the due justice to the Defence Forces. So there is no question of IESM to close down. I would
request you to reconsider your views.
5. There is a lot which we ESM can do, to not only strengthen the Movement but also increase its membership to cover the maximum ESM of the country. Let us all work towards the Advisory given for the Lok Sabha Election and ensure Victory for the BJP. The victory of BJP will be the victory of ESM of India. Let this opportunity not be wasted. Let us all join hands for its success.
With regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email:
satbirsm@yahoo.com
----------
From: pravesh renjen
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 2:04 PM
Subject: RE: IESM Movement
Dear Maj SR Singh,
We are grateful for your sentiments but, please do not make us bigger than we really are! Our only desire is to do what we can to get justice for our brothers who may be 'in' and 'out' of uniform. Our judgements can be wrong at times. For instance a large number of ESM feel that the IESM should;
a) Not indulge in public protests; strikes, rallies, marches etc.
b) Not deposit medals with the President in protest. (Please note that we are NOT returning our medals but only depositing these until our demands are met. Once they are met, we shall take back our medals. After all no one can take away the honour bestowed on us for valour and service. We have also told that to the President and other leaders in our Memorandum, as also explained this in our Press briefs and interviews with the media.)
c) Not involve ourselves in politics; supporting an Ex Servicemen Political Party (Rashtriya Raksha Dal) and its ESM candidates, encouraging Mr Advani to address us at Jantar Mantar, issuing an advisory on voting choice to all ESM (which we did on the rally of 12 Apr) etc.
Who is to say whether we are right in our decisions or those who express above opinions?? What will be the short & long term implications of our decisions?? Only history will tell. But we, in the IESM Steering Committee, believe in our decisions, which are taken with great deliberation, debate and noisy disagreements within the Committee before we arrive at a final majority decision. We can only hope that these decisions will survive the test of time and history and will prove beneficial to our serving and retired soldiers, and more importantly to our national security and integrity.
Maj Gen (Retd) PK Renjen, AVSM
Ph: 9810044542
........
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:44:59 -0700
Subject: IESM Movement
From: ssr.singh@gmail.com
To: brig_bmk@dataone.in
CC: rajkadyan@yahoo.com; satbirsm@yahoo.com; prenjen@hotmail.com; csk551@dataone.in ; sharansahuja@gmail.com; pksingh05vns@gmail.com
Dear Sir (Brig BM Kapoor, Noida),
I as a veteran am pained to go through your missive and view point. Your view point really demotivates us. Sir, do you know that when Gen Satbir and Gen Rengen visited Varanasi -ex service were crying. One of them had a photograph of Gen Kadyan and worships him as his God. Sir, I know Gen Kadyan for last 20 years and have no hesitation to say that 'he can do no wrong'.
I think this is the first time that we ESMs have found these leaders who are really giving their everything for us. Sir, it is very convenient to comment and air view point from our dressing rooms which sounds very apt and correct politically.
Sir, it may not be received well by many but let me announce that Gen Kadyan and his core team has attained iconic status and any remarks aimed towards them hurts us. They are now house hold name in ESMs family and influence circle. Please do whatever you feel like but please do not humiliate us by advising our icons.
With best wishes and regards.
Maj SR Singh
Varanasi
----------
From: v mahalingam
To: manioberoi@hotmail.com
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 1:20 PM
Subject: RE: Protecting India from Terror
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your mail. Kindly go through pages 5 and 6 and compare the role of Armed Forces in page 14. The Congress Party perhaps feels that what is happening in J&K and Assam are not acts of terrorism. What does the Congress Party wish to do to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces fighting in these two specific areas? Why not specify those aspects as clearly as what has been stated in the case of Police Forces?
Isn't it a failure of the Government in not being able to carryout Police Reforms? Is it incorrect for the voter to assume that the Government which he has voted to power will provide the best in terms of Security to protect lives and properties in the country? Is it asking for too much?
Does any one assume that the measures suggested by the Congress will improve the professionalism in the Police Forces? We need a Professional and an efficient Police Force but the approach aims at increasing the numbers without improving their professionalism. The State Police Forces and the Central Police Organisations unfortunately lack training, leadership, motivation and suitable equipment which are very essential to fight terrorism. Please study the case regarding loss of Armoury to the Naxals by the State Police Forces at Nayagarh (Orissa) and the ambush of the Special Operations Group (SOG) at Malkangiri district. Have you ever come across such incidents with the Army even in places like J&K or Srilankha? Please ponder over the reasons which should throw some light on the issue. To my mind, it is not very easy to inculcate these qualities in a force until and unless their very basic ethos are changed. I had written a paper on Police Reforms to the then Home Minister and to Mr P Chidambaram during the last calender year which elaborates these issues. This paper must be available in the Home Ministry as the then Home Minister had acknowledged my paper.
Please remember that numbers cannot replace quality in the matter of fighting terorism. Calling a group of security personnel by fancy terminologies such as Grey hounds, Commandos etc do not make them a commando force. Also, the concept "once a commando ever a commando" needs to get out of the minds of the planners. NSG hubs all around the country may not be the solution. What happens if the terror strikes are shifted to our B Class cities? Why aren't the Special Rangers Groups (SRGs) of the NSG not as effective as the Special Action Groups (SAGs) of the NSG? Can you discern the reason? An elite foce has to be small. Please go through the size, organisations and training aspects of the Special Forces of the countries like USA (Delta Force), Germany (GSG 9 ), UK (SAS), Israel(Shariad Madkal). These aspects should throw some light on the subject.
Please be assured that whatever I am writing is in the interest of the country. I have no personal interest or other interest in the matter.
regards,
Brigadier V Mahalingam
Ex Force Commander NSG (Black Cat Commandos)
........
From: manioberoi@hotmail.com
To: sanjiv.kapoors@gmail.com
CC: mahalingamv_2000@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Protecting India from Terror
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:50:26 +0530
It is not correct to say that Congress has not given any regard to role of Defence Forces in fighting terrorism. On Page 14 the role of the Armed Forces is precisely spelt out. There can be no contesting the fact that primary responsibility in fighting terrorism is of the police forces - of course police reforms are long long overdue as we all know but political will is lacking on this count as politicos of all hues, BJP, Congress, SP, BSP etc, zealously guard their control of police functioning and do not want a professional approach to policing as it would curb their extra legal activities.
I hope Brig Mahalingam would send a correction on this count to all those who may have received this incorrect information.
Regards.
Sarvadaman Oberoi
Tower 1 Flat 1102, The Uniworld Garden,
Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122018 Haryana INDIA
Mobile: +919818768349 Tele: +911244227522
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/homeopathy249/
email: manioberoi@hotmail.com
..............
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:48:58 +0530
Subject: Protecting India from Terror
From: sanjiv.kapoors@gmail.com
Hi All,( Courtesy Brig V Mahalingam)
Kindly go through the Congress Party's paper on it pledge to terrorism. Click on the English version to read the paper. While the Party talks about the Police, no word about the Defence forces have been mentioned. Perhaps the Party thinks that the Defence Forces have been wasting their time and effort all these days fighting terrorism in all parts of the country.
Good Luck to the country and to the congress Party's efforts to combat terrorism exclusively with the Police Forces.
Regards,
Brigadier V Mahalingam
.........
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:33:42 +0000
From: jairam@congress.org.in
To: mahalingamv_2000@hotmail.com
Subject: Protecting India from Terror
Dear Friend,
I wanted to share with you a document that summarizes the Congress Party's approach to fighting terrorism - what we have done so far and what we commit to doing further to tackle it.
"The Congress Party's Pledge: Protecting India from Terror"
English: www.aicc.org.in/new/TERROR_final.pdf
Hindi: www.aicc.org.in/new/hindi/TERROR_HINDI.pdf
The Congress led UPA government has instituted a number of measures to protect India from terror, many of which have been drowned under the din of opposition rhetoric. Some of these include:
Setting up a functional National Investigation Agency
Establishing and activating a Multi Agency Centre (MAC) to ensure inter-agency collaboration
Enacting a stronger Anti-Terrorism Law
Setting up 20 Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism Schools
Establishing a network of NSG Hubs across the country
Phased Implementation of a Multi-Purpose National Identity Card (MNIC) for all Indian citizens
In addition, we will institute a number of addition initiatives if we are voted to power:
Launching a Citizens Campaign against terror
Undertaking a comprehensive Review of VIP/VVIP Security
Setting up a permanent Crisis Management "War Room" to manage national security threats
A Judicial Task Force on Fast-track Trials
Fighting terror is a long haul, and a number of high-impact measures that we have instituted will begin to bear fruit in the coming months and years.
Nevertheless, we cannot waste even a day - the Congress Party is alive to this challenge, and is committed to providing strong and decisive leadership to meet it. This is our pledge to the people of India.
We believe that it is only the Indian National Congress that can deal with the scourge of terrorism squarely and decisively but without weakening the delicate strands that have, together, bound our society for centuries.
Please feel free to share this document with others, in order to generate informed discussion and decision making.
I welcome the opportunity to receive your thoughts.
Best Regards,
Jairam Ramesh
Coordinator, Election Related Affairs,
Lok Sabha Elections 2009, Indian National Congress
jairam@congress.org.in
------------
From: Krishan K Punchhi kkpunchhi@yahoo.ca
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] SUBHASH KAPOOR'S LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To: TRUNCATED
Cc: "Chander Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Thursday, 16 April, 2009, 3:02 AM
From The Tribune Chandigarh of 16 April 2009.
Shabaash Subhash.
regards..... .....K K Punchhi
(Cdr KK Punchhi, 7 JSW Course, settled in Canada)
......
The Tribune
ON LINE EDITION
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090416/letters.htm
Thursday, April 16, 2009, Chandigarh, India
Veterans’ protest
It is true that the defence forces have their conduct rules and are known to those who intend to join the services (Letters to the Editor, “Veterans’ agitation” by Neeraj Kishore Sharma, April 7). But does it mean that the armed forces have to be mute spectators to their continuous degradation in status and pay vis-a-vis other government employees as has been happening in India over the past decades? The Sixth Pay Commission was the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back.
Serving in defence forces may not be mandatory but so is the case in other departments of the government. If the civilian employees can indulge in agitations on flimsy grounds, why can’t the retired defence personnel take recourse to peaceful protests to highlight the injustice and humiliation being routinely heaped on them? Are they bonded slaves or lumpen elements to be shooed and snubbed at will?
“One rank, one pension”, the main demand of the veterans, is a sensitive issue because of the specific ethos of the defence personnel and the very early age at which most of them are edged out and made to retire as compared to the civilians.
Frankly, a nation that ignores and insults its soldiers, sooner or later comes to grief. Do we want this to happen to India?
WG-CDR S C KAPOOR (retd), Noida
-----------
From: Deepak Verma
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 12:31 PM
Subject: Defending India: No Compromise, No Concession-N S Malik-16 April 2009
(Group Capt Deepak Verma, New Delhi)
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