Views by Lt Col IS Gill..Mhow

Lt Col Inderjit singh gill
toprabhjot_singh0@yahoo.com

dateTue, Jun 23, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Killing the Veteran inch by inch

Dear S Prabhjot Singh,

The issue mentioned in your mail gives prevailing situation of OLD pensioners and their families. The situation is worst for 'family pensioners' as they do not know, whom to contact. The dependants of FAMILY PENSIONERS are more concerned as to whatever they are getting without much efforts, is OK with them. It is GOOD LUCK of two ESM mentioned in your mail that they contacted your organisation and you did not give up till the dues were paid. I do not think, any punishment would have been given to PDA for giving less than entitlement for all those years.

PDA and our RECORD Offices / PCDA are responsible for this sorry state of affairs.There is NO set up at STATION HQ to assist the pensioners / their families. Added to that is 'could not care less' attitude of people in uniform.

With present day availability of computers, updation of records at PCDA / Record offices should not be a problem; provided they want to help the ESM and their families. Once fresh PPO are issued, there is NO scope of PDA / bankers paying less than entitled amount. Just because amended PPOs are delayed or NOT issued, all is left to PDA or banks, which should not be the case.

I feel, various Record Offices should carry out survey of their ESM at least once in 3 - 5 years to know the ground realities. A pre-printed letter with 'Reply Paid' envelop can be sent on postal address of ESM / their families in the local language. They should be intimated their correct entitlement of pension. Similarly, through banking channels, similar information should be asked.

Army HQ (rather SERVICES HQ) should also use their good offices to pressurise bankers (huge funds of AGIF/others are with some of the financial institutes) for giving dues to ESM / their families. I think there are special cells in Services HQ for ESM. They should be made more accountable.

The above being a genuine welfare activity of ESM and their families, a note should be taken by various ESM organisations to high light this in various forums as well as impress upon "ESM CELLS" in various Services HQ and RECORD OFFICES. Senior serving officers should make it a point to check on effectiveness of updation of pension records during their visits to various Training centres / record offices.

Brif CS Kamboj only.

Sir, you may like to include the above for 'brain storming' by our core group in IESM, as deemed fit. OROP is very important, but such issues are also important for the general well being of ESM and their families.

Warm Regards

Lt Col Inderjit Singh gill, Veteran
41, Signals Vihar,
MHOW(MP)

093018-77771