Views by AVM RP Mishra on what all happened...??

From: RP Mishra

Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 10:49 AM

Subject: Your Comments in MilitaryVeterans] Digest Number 403

Dear friends,

I am a member of IESM and had attended its first meeting when it was under conception. I had to opt out as I could not take very active part in its future activities. Later, I was asked by President IESL whether I would like to be a part of the committee formed by MoD for bridging the gap between pre and post 2006 pensioners. I agreed. While IESM peaceful demonstrations have forced Government to act, we now had to prepare a proper case to be put up to MoD.

We, myself, Lt General Radha Krishnan and Rear Admiral Ramsay and one PBOR as service members of the committee, made all efforts to get quantitative information about how OROP is to be implemented. We drew a blank. Then we evolved various formulae ourselves and decided that best option perceived by us should be projected. After this, IESL, who were providing secretariat to us, invited representatives of various ESM organizations to attend a presentation on our proposal. Here a Table (attached) showing comparison of proposed rank-wise pensions submitted by Major General Radha Krishnan (he mentioned during the presentation that figures shown against his proposal required to be amended in some cases), IESM( based on a paper written by Vice Admiral Ghose on behalf of IESM forwarded to us by an ESM, attached herewith)), and two options proposed by us, were presented and we said we were in favour of our option 2, tables
attached herewith.

Some very useful suggestions were given by Lt General Kadyan for improvement in the text of the paper which were incorporated. Lt
General Bahri suggested that JCOs be given 60% of pay as pension in stead of 50% we had recommended . This was incorporated as additional recommendation.
However, as the pensions recommended by IESL were less than those recommended by us, we stuck to our option. After the presentation, during discussions, I mentioned to Vice Admiral Ghose, IESM, that MoD may not invite them for discussions as they had given recognition to only IESL and Air Force Association and that IESM should make efforts to get MoD recognition. There are a large number of IESM organizations having their own points of view. In the discussions, Lt General Kadyan insisted that the Tables proposed by IESM, (which are less beneficial to pensioners), are more logical.These,as per our knowledge, are same as recommended by Services Headquarters. As an alternative, it was suggested that no Tables be sent, only principle of OROP projected and let MoD make Tables themselves. AFA Senior Vice President said that we must accept whatever Services Headquarters propose. Naval Foundation, in a brief prepared for their members, have recommended acceptance of pensions proposed by us. IESM have finally sent a concept paper to Authorities concerned without any proposed pensions but only the concept, and as Committee member, I would like to mention how difficult it was to quantify our demand.

I mentioned to Lt General Kadyan that he had mentioned in one of his sitreps that ex-service members of the Committee formed by MoD are pliable and may
agree to whatever Mod decides. I told him very clear language that we shall put a Note of dissent in the Committee recommendations rather than agreeing
to some thing which our conscience may not permit. He said he did not know who were the members of the Committee and that is why he wrote about
amenability of members nominated. He has, however not clarified it in any of his further sitreps. The result is that all comments on wrong information
are being circulated. It is the time we all forget our egos and unite.

It is unfortunate that a full Committee meeting, whose chairman was Secretary Ex-servicemen Welfare has never met, only Cabinet Secretary called
a meeting where he mentioned that all representations have been considered.

For Gp Capt Vidyadhar. Kindly let me know whether the opinion formed by you about IESL/Committee members based on wrong information fed to you through
mails is still valid.

For Parvez Jamasji. IESL stands for Indian Ex-Services League. It is one of the oldest Ex-servicemen organization founded in 1964 by Late Field Marshal
KM Cariappa and Late General KS Thimayya. It has been recognized by Government of India and is affiliated to numerous International ESM organizations. Presently Brigadier Gulia is its elected President. Before being nominated as Committee member, I had hardly any knowledge about it.
After going to its Headquarters a number of times in connection with Committee work, I have learnt more about it.
They are doing a very good job for ESM welfare.

(Comments -
If IESL has been doing such a fine job - why they did not succeed in getting OROP in last 25 years or so.
By saying that IESL was founded by Late Field Marshal KM Carriappa, it is not necessary that the present incumbents are also as sincere and efficient as the Founder of IESL.
Number of State Presidents of IESL and the immediate past President (who was President of IESL for eight continuous years before the present President) of IESL are in favour of the IESM MOVEMENT and they have disapproved the approach taken by the present President of IESL towards the movement started by IESM.
Readers of this email must analyse that in the past few months what moved the media, the public the politicians and the Govt that they felt convinced about the need of OROP? What united the ESM all over India and even the ESM abroad - it is the movement started by IESM that the whole country understood the need of OROP. Number of former Chiefs joined the movement of IESM. Large number of ESM from all over the world sent contributions for the IESM movement.
- Chander Kamboj)

As a policy, neither IESL, nor Air Force Association and Naval Foundation have taken part in demonstrations so far, but they have made it clear that members as individuals are free to act as they want.

(Comments -

If the AFA and Naval Foundation felt it was OK for the Air Force and Naval ESM to join IESM movement what is preventing these associations to join the movement enbloc.
Three Former Naval Chiefs joined the IESM movement and large number of Senior Air Force officers also joined the IESM movement.
Of course from the Army also Former Chiefs, large number of Army Commanders, VCOAS, DCOAS and other senior officers supported the IESM movement.
Large number of ESM from Air Force and Navy are doing their utmost to enroll members for IESM from all the three Services.
The success of IESM movement would have been much faster and more beneficial to all ESM if Naval Foundation and Air Force Association had joined the IESM movement enbloc.
All ESM should question the heads of Naval Foundation and Air Force Association as to why have they not supported the IESM MOVEMENT whole heartedly.
Why have these associations let down the ESM???
Is it because the heads of these association are already in receipt of OROP and because they are not aware as to how badly the PBOR of the three Services are affected by 6 CPC???
Please study the tables of 6 CPC - the PBOR have been dealt with most unfairly for their pension.
- Chander Kamboj)
For Brigadier Kamboj and Col Rajan. You may kindly bring my communication to all your members.

Regards
AVM RP Mishra
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