From: Colonelrajan Srinivas colonelrajan44@gmail.com
To: DELETED
Sent: Saturday, 19 September, 2009 12:50:09 PM
Subject: [Stg_Comm] SOUTH ZONE MILITARY VETERANS MEET AT BANGALORE ON SUNDAY, 15 NOV 2009 [1 Attachment]
SOUTH ZONE MILITARY* VETERANS MEET AT BANGALORE
ON SUNDAY, 15 NOV 2009
[The term Military refers to Army, Nay & Air Force and the term JCO/NCO/OR includes personnel of equivalent ranks in the Navy & Air Force]
Respected Veterans,
Jai Hind & my salute to you all.
1. The South Zone Military Veterans (SZMV) Meet is scheduled on Sunday, 15 Nov 2009, at Bangalore. In all our Ex-Servicemen events & activities it is important that WE showcase our strength; and hence, I request all State Convenors to urge all Dist. Convenors to motivate at least one retired Officer or a retired JCO/NCO/OR from each Dist. to attend the SZMV Meet at Bangalore on 15 Nov.
2. Col Ashok Kumar (a Madras Sapper) spoke to me from Hyderabad last evening and was very kind to extend all help, assistance & support in making the SZMV Meet a GRAND success. He said that not only one Ex-Servicemen from each Dist. Of Andhra would attend the Meet; but was confident of bringing min of 300 Veterans from all over Andhra to attend the Meet.
3. I had the peasure of speaking to Col Sayam (of Kakinada) this morning and he too has pledged his support for the Meet.
4. I spoke to Col Arasu, AMC, Dist Convenor Tanjavoor, this morning and he too has promised to get not only one Ex-Servicemen from each of the 30 Dists. Of Tamil Nadu; but would bring a contingent of min 250 Veterans from all over Tamil Nadu, to attend the Meet on 15 Nov at Bangalore.
5. I also had the pleasure of speaking to Col RG Nair, State Convenor Kerala, this morning, who said that he too would do his best to get max no. of Veterans from Kerala.
6. In addition to above, it would be my endeavour to get at least one Officer to attend the Meet from each of the States of the North East, viz. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh.
7. A number of Officers from the North have also promised to come for the Meet, in addition to Officers coming from Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra & Chattisgarh.
Regards,
Col Rajan
IESM Zonal Convenor & State Convenor (Karnataka)
Bangalore, 9448024377
PS: I request all Veterans to give wide publicity to SZMV Meet at Bangalore on Sunday, 15 Nov 2009, by forwarding this email to as many Veterans as possible.
.
-----------__,_._,___
Friday, September 25, 2009
Vijay Divas 2009 celebrations
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:03 PM
Subject: Vijay Divas 2009
In its constant endeavor to honour independent India's major military operations, the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) will celebrate 16 Dec- Vijay Divas, as a series of checkered activities involving the citizenry at large. These would encompass sports, lectures in schools/ colleges, entertainment, social activities etc over one week/ fortnight. It is recommended that ESM authors/ those with a flair for writing, must plan a series of articles, commentries etc to appear during that period.
Obviously there will be a requirement for sponsors/ those who may be motivated to organize festivities in their organizations. It is for identifying such vibrant people that I write to seek your assistance.
May I request your inputs on the following ASAP?
References of corporate/ societies/ individuals who can be approached for sponsorship? Would you do the footwork/ canvassing for this?
References of corporate/ societies/ individuals who would be interested to ORGANIZE events, say Kavi Sammelan/ Musicals? Sound and Light shows?
References of ESM/ anyone, who would write about this remarkable operation that makes the WW2 Blitzkrieg look like slow traffic on MG Road? About this, the First Military Victory in Indian History?
...............and those who would be able to organize presentations on TV?
Suggestions on WHAT events can be organized? Remember its Pan India effort.
What activities/ assitance YOU can take on?
Any other points you feel would help us do a good job.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:03 PM
Subject: Vijay Divas 2009
In its constant endeavor to honour independent India's major military operations, the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) will celebrate 16 Dec- Vijay Divas, as a series of checkered activities involving the citizenry at large. These would encompass sports, lectures in schools/ colleges, entertainment, social activities etc over one week/ fortnight. It is recommended that ESM authors/ those with a flair for writing, must plan a series of articles, commentries etc to appear during that period.
Obviously there will be a requirement for sponsors/ those who may be motivated to organize festivities in their organizations. It is for identifying such vibrant people that I write to seek your assistance.
May I request your inputs on the following ASAP?
References of corporate/ societies/ individuals who can be approached for sponsorship? Would you do the footwork/ canvassing for this?
References of corporate/ societies/ individuals who would be interested to ORGANIZE events, say Kavi Sammelan/ Musicals? Sound and Light shows?
References of ESM/ anyone, who would write about this remarkable operation that makes the WW2 Blitzkrieg look like slow traffic on MG Road? About this, the First Military Victory in Indian History?
...............and those who would be able to organize presentations on TV?
Suggestions on WHAT events can be organized? Remember its Pan India effort.
What activities/ assitance YOU can take on?
Any other points you feel would help us do a good job.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
Thursday, September 24, 2009
100 IAF pilots applied for VRS, more may follow
Gandhinagar: Air Chief Marshal P V Naik today said over 100 pilots of the Indian Air Force had applied for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) as there were "fewer" promotional avenues for them.
"We have a very steep pyramid structure (in the Air Force) where there are fewer avenues of promotions," Naik told reporters here in reply to a question on IAF pilots seeking VRS.
"When one does not get promotions after 24-25 years of service, one wants to leave and try alternative avenues. Off hand I can tell that we have over 100 applications for VRS from pilots," Air chief said.
Naik said the number of pilots opting for VRS could increase after the improvement in market situation.
"Since there is a slump in the market outside there are fewer applications. Once the slump is over the (number of) applications might increase," he said.
Source: PTI
100 IAF pilots applied for VRS, more may follow
Related reading
India's aircraft strength one-third of China
"We have a very steep pyramid structure (in the Air Force) where there are fewer avenues of promotions," Naik told reporters here in reply to a question on IAF pilots seeking VRS.
"When one does not get promotions after 24-25 years of service, one wants to leave and try alternative avenues. Off hand I can tell that we have over 100 applications for VRS from pilots," Air chief said.
Naik said the number of pilots opting for VRS could increase after the improvement in market situation.
"Since there is a slump in the market outside there are fewer applications. Once the slump is over the (number of) applications might increase," he said.
Source: PTI
100 IAF pilots applied for VRS, more may follow
Related reading
India's aircraft strength one-third of China
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
More IESM members by Brig K Krishan..Panchkula
)
---------------
From: kiran krishan
To: Kamboj Chander ; TRUNCATED;
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 8:08 AM
Subject: Membership drive IESM
You would be happy to know, since my last report to you on August 20, we have enrolled 49 more ex-servicemen as Associate Members of the IESM as per details below:
1 Ambala City (visited on Sep 5) 2 Officers & 3 JCOs/OR
2 Panchkula 9 Officers & 5 JCOs/OR
3 Kalka Tehsil 9 JCOs/OR & 6 Widows
4 Raipur Rani Tehsil (visited on Sep 21) 15 JCOs/OR
Ever since the introduction of the Associate Membership category, membership has picked up commendably, though we continue to urge members to pay the full membership fee.
Early next month we intend visiting Yamuna Nagar.
Regards,
Brig Kiran Krishan, SM (Retd),
Coordiator, IESM, Panchkula &
President All Indian Defence Brotherhood (Haryana Unit)
-------------
---------------
From: kiran krishan
To: Kamboj Chander ; TRUNCATED;
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 8:08 AM
Subject: Membership drive IESM
You would be happy to know, since my last report to you on August 20, we have enrolled 49 more ex-servicemen as Associate Members of the IESM as per details below:
1 Ambala City (visited on Sep 5) 2 Officers & 3 JCOs/OR
2 Panchkula 9 Officers & 5 JCOs/OR
3 Kalka Tehsil 9 JCOs/OR & 6 Widows
4 Raipur Rani Tehsil (visited on Sep 21) 15 JCOs/OR
Ever since the introduction of the Associate Membership category, membership has picked up commendably, though we continue to urge members to pay the full membership fee.
Early next month we intend visiting Yamuna Nagar.
Regards,
Brig Kiran Krishan, SM (Retd),
Coordiator, IESM, Panchkula &
President All Indian Defence Brotherhood (Haryana Unit)
-------------
Veteran Bhupal sing Views ..Australia
From: bhupal singh bsec234@hotmail.com
To: DELETED
Cc: Kamboj Chander kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in ; TRUNCATED
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September, 2009 8:23:08 AM
Subject: RE: [MilitaryVeterans] Re:
Dear All,
I feel distraught and flabbergasted to read the unsavoury and at times undesirable critques being passed around lately in various e-mails. Gentlemen and my respected veterans, it is high time that we took ourselves out of the "well" and considered the larger interest of the ESM fraternity. We are all senior & experienced enough and do not need any advice in respect of our common aim i.e. OROP and other welfare meaures. So, let us STOP
the bickering about trivial issues, join hands for the larger issue at hand and get going. We all understand " United We Stand and Divided We Fall " . Disunity is an omen for failure. So, let us devote our efforts for UNITY of the Movement & the AIM of the Movement and not waste our time on extraneous issues. All other issues should be secondary & resolved mutually in a dignified manner.
2. I am sure our blog is being monitored by UNAUTHORISED individuals & agencies also. The
contoversary presently going onis bound to depict not only all of us in a very poor light but also the ' powers that be ' will not even give a thought to us and therefore, in the larger interest of all of us, we STOP it forthwith. This is my humble suggestion and I am certain all of you will give it a thought.
The IESM Movement has certainly brought all of us to-gether in just a little over one year by the selfless & devoted efforts of all of you especially the Core Group, the Steering Committee & the Regional Cells, which by itself is a great achievement. If we now by our mutual differences let it down, it will be a shame on all of us and we will never recover in times to come. Let us, therefore, bury the hatcet and unite to fight for our cause.
3. I sincerely hope that all of you will STOP further contoversary and find ways to generate
good-will amongst each other to lead the Movement to success.
With warm regards to all of you best wishes for the success of the movement,
Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia
To: DELETED
Cc: Kamboj Chander kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in ; TRUNCATED
Sent: Wednesday, 23 September, 2009 8:23:08 AM
Subject: RE: [MilitaryVeterans] Re:
Dear All,
I feel distraught and flabbergasted to read the unsavoury and at times undesirable critques being passed around lately in various e-mails. Gentlemen and my respected veterans, it is high time that we took ourselves out of the "well" and considered the larger interest of the ESM fraternity. We are all senior & experienced enough and do not need any advice in respect of our common aim i.e. OROP and other welfare meaures. So, let us STOP
the bickering about trivial issues, join hands for the larger issue at hand and get going. We all understand " United We Stand and Divided We Fall " . Disunity is an omen for failure. So, let us devote our efforts for UNITY of the Movement & the AIM of the Movement and not waste our time on extraneous issues. All other issues should be secondary & resolved mutually in a dignified manner.
2. I am sure our blog is being monitored by UNAUTHORISED individuals & agencies also. The
contoversary presently going onis bound to depict not only all of us in a very poor light but also the ' powers that be ' will not even give a thought to us and therefore, in the larger interest of all of us, we STOP it forthwith. This is my humble suggestion and I am certain all of you will give it a thought.
The IESM Movement has certainly brought all of us to-gether in just a little over one year by the selfless & devoted efforts of all of you especially the Core Group, the Steering Committee & the Regional Cells, which by itself is a great achievement. If we now by our mutual differences let it down, it will be a shame on all of us and we will never recover in times to come. Let us, therefore, bury the hatcet and unite to fight for our cause.
3. I sincerely hope that all of you will STOP further contoversary and find ways to generate
good-will amongst each other to lead the Movement to success.
With warm regards to all of you best wishes for the success of the movement,
Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia
Mail from Lt Gen YN Sharma
From: yoginder sharma
To: Inderjit Singh
Cc: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; TRUNCATED
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 6:23 PM
Subject: Re:
Dear Inder,
(Lt Col Inderjit Singh, Chairman All India Ex Services Welfare Association, New Delhi)
I am dismayed by the 'tone' of your letter.
It is impossible to achieve a cooperative effort for a worthy 'common cause' when, in the same breath, you insinuate wicked motives and hidden agenda.
It is pointless repeating history - is like digging graves. Instead, we owe it to the present/ future generations of Veterans to collaborate, in good faith. Sadly, I have not seen much of that, in recent exchanges.
Am I to believe that every time there is a pay revision we should await the condescending 'powers that be' to grant charity of modified parity, as in 5thCPC &indicated to you now OR should the ' principle' be conceded? Also, what about so many other inequities and anomalies???
It is time for new ldrship of Veterans move, and new directions, to emerge.
Our generation-both of us are 75 yrs or so - did what our 'lights' showed us-let the new order prevail; gracefully and with our full support and blessing. That is my sincere counsel to you and the like-minded.
Yogi Sharma
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander, settled at Secunderabad)
To: Inderjit Singh
Cc: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; TRUNCATED
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 6:23 PM
Subject: Re:
Dear Inder,
(Lt Col Inderjit Singh, Chairman All India Ex Services Welfare Association, New Delhi)
I am dismayed by the 'tone' of your letter.
It is impossible to achieve a cooperative effort for a worthy 'common cause' when, in the same breath, you insinuate wicked motives and hidden agenda.
It is pointless repeating history - is like digging graves. Instead, we owe it to the present/ future generations of Veterans to collaborate, in good faith. Sadly, I have not seen much of that, in recent exchanges.
Am I to believe that every time there is a pay revision we should await the condescending 'powers that be' to grant charity of modified parity, as in 5thCPC &indicated to you now OR should the ' principle' be conceded? Also, what about so many other inequities and anomalies???
It is time for new ldrship of Veterans move, and new directions, to emerge.
Our generation-both of us are 75 yrs or so - did what our 'lights' showed us-let the new order prevail; gracefully and with our full support and blessing. That is my sincere counsel to you and the like-minded.
Yogi Sharma
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander, settled at Secunderabad)
Special Family Pension not paid to widows- examples
Smt Subbulakshmi, M/O (Late) Gnr Krishnan is receiving the arrears calculation sheet for Rs.3,84,000 from Sgt S Kandiah (Retd)Special Family Pension is sanctioned to a widow only when the death of a soldier is aggravated by military service which is determined by the competent authorities. Therefore, a higher rate of pension is sanctioned to the widow. Normally this aspect in the PPO Number is identified by a Prefix ‘F’, or ‘BC’. The PDAs are not aware of this basic rule as a result, the higher rate of pension payable to the widow is denied forever.
Case study One
Sep No 8799083 Maruthiah Thevar died while on active service on 19.10.1971. His wife Smt Muthammal was sanctioned Special Family Pension wef 20.10.1971 under PPO No.F/5280/1974. She was drawing her family pension from Canara Bank, Veera Keralampudur Branch of Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. There have been 4 pay commissions after 1971. The pension has undergone revision in three pay commissions. There is distinct difference in Ordinary family pension and Spl Family pension. The 5th and the 6th CPCs doubled the minimum ordinary family pension for the Special Family pensioners. Now the question is, did the the increase in pension sanctioned by the successive pay commissions reach the family pensioners? Answer is No.
Case study two
Smt Muthammal, a special family pensioner was eligible for a monthly basic pension of Rs 2550 from 1.1.96 to 31.12.2005 but was paid only Rs 1275 during that period. Similarly from 1.1.2006 she was eligible for Rs 7000 as per 6th CPC, but was paid Rs 3500 only. The actual position from 1971 to 1995 is not traceable. In the meantime she died on 15.5.2009. When the Exwel Trust’s Chief Liaison Officer, Sgt S Kandiah (Retd) visited the Bank for arranging the payment of the Life Time Arrears to her legal heirs, he was surprised to see that the widow has been paid just minimum ordinary family pension from 1971 till date. The status of her special family pension was not at all effected in her monthly pension for the 33 years. None of the Bank’s auditors, Accountant General’s Auditors, the Reserve Bank’s pension auditors did notice this short payment to this widow for the past 33 years. what a pity! The poor widow could not enjoy her legitimate pension for the past 33 years. Now arrears amounting to Rs 4 lacs has to be claimed with lot of legal implications.
Case study three
There is similar case with the Canara Bank, Tenkasi of Tirunelveli District. Ex Gnr No 128413 Krishnan died while in service on 06.2.1979. His mother Smt Subbulakshmi was sanctioned a Special family pension under PPO No.F/2237/80 wef 7.2.79. This poor mother of a soldier is also being paid simply ordinary family pension instead of Special family pension from 1979 onwards. Fortunately, in this case, she is alive. Her another son Ex Hav S Sankaran came to know about the Exwel Trust’s services to the pensioner. He visited the Trust’s office with her mother’s pension papers. The short payment of about Rs.3,84,000 has been worked out and presented to the bank for immediate payment to Smt Subbulakshmi.
Posted by Muthukrishnan
Congratulations
Keep up the excellent work. ESM organisations should emulate extending similar services to NOK, spouses and widows of our veteran brothers who are no more.
sad demise Wg Cdr Deelip Gokhale at Pune on 21 Sep 09
Dear Sir
I am sorry to inform you of the sad demise Wg Cdr Deelip Gokhale at Pune on 21 Sep 09
id Mem_No Rank Name City
3266 003266L Wg Cdr GOKHALE DEELIP K PUNE
His son Col Gokhale can be contacted on 919760138010
R W Pathak
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)(Mobile 919822329340)
and
Warsha R Pathak(Mobile 919822329340)
1 Surashri
1146 Lakaki Road
Shivajinagar
I am sorry to inform you of the sad demise Wg Cdr Deelip Gokhale at Pune on 21 Sep 09
id Mem_No Rank Name City
3266 003266L Wg Cdr GOKHALE DEELIP K PUNE
His son Col Gokhale can be contacted on 919760138010
R W Pathak
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)(Mobile 919822329340)
and
Warsha R Pathak(Mobile 919822329340)
1 Surashri
1146 Lakaki Road
Shivajinagar
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Views by Air Cmde Raghubir Singh on Re-organisation
Dear Gen Raj Kadiyan/Gen Satbir Singh,
Objections, resentments & questions about the new appointments are signals of good health for the growth of our movement which has caught up the imagination of the ESM community in just about one year. For sure every one cannot be accommodated but those who have been working for the cause of ESM welfare need to be taken on board –primarily to enrich this movement with their experience. You may also like to lay down norms like ranks for the State Convener( Say Maj Gen/Brig age less than 65Yrs) certain min ratio between Officers/JCO/OR in the Committees & above all dynamism and commitment to the cause of the appointees. Let us take all criticism as healthy inputs to improve the org learning curve so essential during the initial phases of growth.
Regards
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
Objections, resentments & questions about the new appointments are signals of good health for the growth of our movement which has caught up the imagination of the ESM community in just about one year. For sure every one cannot be accommodated but those who have been working for the cause of ESM welfare need to be taken on board –primarily to enrich this movement with their experience. You may also like to lay down norms like ranks for the State Convener( Say Maj Gen/Brig age less than 65Yrs) certain min ratio between Officers/JCO/OR in the Committees & above all dynamism and commitment to the cause of the appointees. Let us take all criticism as healthy inputs to improve the org learning curve so essential during the initial phases of growth.
Regards
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW.).Some info
Friday, September 18, 2009 Ministry of Defence
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW), functioning under the Ministry of Defence, completes five years of its existence next week. Set up on September 22, 2004, the department caters exclusively to the rehabilitation and welfare of about 21 lakh Ex-Servicemen (ESM) population and another five lakh ESM widows. Nearly 60,000 ESM are added to this huge number every year, largely due to perhaps the highest attrition rate in any organized sector among the Armed Forces in order to retain a youthful profile of the fighting forces, their primary task. Taken together with ESM dependents ranging between 50-70 lakhs, the Department of ESW shoulders responsibility of the welfare of roughly one crore population of ESM and their dependents.
The Department of ESW achieves its objectives through its three attached offices, consisting of the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR), the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and the Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), besides coordinating with the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Allahabad. In January 2008 the Department of ESW came to be headed by a full-fledged Secretary-level officer, underlining the government’s commitment to the concerns of the huge ESM population. Besides helping the veterans resettle in a suitable second career, the department provides healthcare and ensures timely payment of benefits and pension to the ESM and their dependents.
The Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) is the first avenue for the Services personnel on the verge of superannuation. It imparted training to over 34,000 officers and Persons Below Officer Rank (PBORs) during 2008-09 besides granting jobs to 51,000 ESM and securing placement for another 30,000 ESM in DGR-sponsored security agencies last year. The DGR, being the nodal agency for resettlement of ESM, has in recent years tied up with reputed management institutes to offer post-graduate diplomas to Services officers. It runs several successful ESM reemployment programmes including the popular Mother Dairy Milk and Fruit and Vegetable booths, placement in empanelled private security agencies, coal tipper scheme, allotment of army surplus vehicles, management of CNG stations and toll plazas under the NHAI and sponsoring ESM for the allotment of 8 percent quota of LPG, petrol pump and kerosene outlets reserved for wartime/peacetime widows and disabled soldiers. Last year 287 Mother Dairy outlets were allotted to ESM/dependents sponsored by the DGR. The DGR’s stupendous success in the placement of ESM in security agencies can be gauged from the fact that the number of ESM employed jumped from over 27,000 in 2007 to over 40,000 in 2008 while another over 17,000 have been successfully granted placement this year till May, 2009.
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), the apex body for the welfare of war-wounded and other Ex-Servicemen (ESM), keeps in constant touch with the large ESM community, fulfilling their needs and aspirations through the 32 Rajya Sainik Boards and 355 Zila Sainik Boards spread across the country. KSB doles out about Rupees 7 crores aid every year to ESM, widows, children and orphans through welfare schemes out of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which includes the Raksha Mantri’s Discretionary Fund ranging between Rs.5,000-1,25,000. The government recently amended the eligibility to include ESM up to the rank of Havildar and equivalent in the Navy and Air Force under the scheme. In another major initiative the KSB has in recent years replaced the crude motorized tricycles with the new modified 4-wheeled Honda Activa scooters distributed free of cost to the disabled ESM. The KSB also provides funds to the Red Cross Society, Cheshire Homes and Military Hospitals for the treatment and care of ESM and their wards and administers the award of more than 3,500 Prime Minister’s scholarships every year to wards of ESM.
The Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is another big success story in the Department of ESW’s endeavours and concerns for the ESM welfare. Founded in April 2003, the ECHS today has a vast network of 2,267 polyclinics, its membership jumping nearly ten-fold, - from 3.5 lakhs in 2005 to over 30 lakhs. ESM with disabilities who had to travel long distances to the Artificial Limb Centre, Pune, are now getting such medical aid from about 150 Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) -empanelled centres across the country. The government has also hiked ECHS allocation from Rs. 82.85 crore in 2004-05 to Rs. 690 crores in the current financial year. The Department of ESW further proposes to include soon the Nepal-domiciled Gorkhas, who continue to receive medical aid from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, under the ECHS and has given ‘in principle’ approval for setting up a Pension Payments Office (PPO) in Butwal, Nepal.
But all efforts and welfare schemes would come to a naught if the ESM does not get his monthly dues on time. The Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Allahabad is the nodal office, handling pension for about a whopping 17 lakh ESM and dependents through banks, treasuries, Pension Disbursing Offices besides the vast postal network all over the country. The government has recently issued instructions to issue simultaneous notification of Service and Disability Pension to avoid delays in release of the latter. Unmarried daughters over 25 years of age and widowed/divorced daughters dependent on the ESM have now been granted family pension and several other steps to support the ESM dependents have been introduced. Other major initiatives include, - hiking minimum pension from Rs. 1,913 to Rs.3,500 pm, removal of linkage of full pension with a qualifying service of 33 years from Jan.01, 2006, commutation of pension increased, gratuity hiked from Rs.3.5 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs and special family pension hiked from Rs.2,550 to Rs.7,000 pm. The government has also improved pension for Ex-service personnel, besides benefits accruing out of the Sixth Pay Commission including Military Service Pay to Armed Forces personnel and awarding a higher separate Pay Bands for officers of the rank of Lt. General and Lt. Colonel, or equivalent, respectively. Additional pension has been granted in varying range for elderly pensioners, with the government granting cumulative benefits of Rs.2,144 crores to the men in the three Services and the ESM.
Pension Adalats have been a tremendous success in settling disputes related to ESM spread across the country; six such Adalats are normally held in places with large concentration of ESM population.
In contribution of the sacrifices made by the martyrs, war-wounded, Ex-Servicemen and their dependents, the DGR marks December 7 every year as the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) when the nation remembers its veterans and generously contributes to the Flag Day Fund.
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare – five years in service of veterans
Comments and Clarifications
1. DGR imparted training to over 34,000 officers and Persons Below Officer Rank (PBORs) during 2008-09 besides granting jobs to 51,000 ESM and securing placement for another 30,000 ESM in DGR-sponsored security agencies last year. What it means is that most of the 60,000 retiring ESM have found employment. This is not true.
2. Employment of 30,000 ESM in DGR sponsored security agencies is one of the demeaning manner of employing a trained combat Soldier.
3. ECHS had a membership of 3 lakhs initially and recent figure is that only about 9 lakhs of the total 25 lakhs ESM are members. The figure of 30 lakhs is misleading. It is likely that number of dependants too have been included.
4. KSB doles out about Rupees 7 crores aid every year to ESM, widows, children and orphans through welfare schemes out of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund- There is no check or audit. Is the money intended really reaching the widows, children or orphans. What is the feedback system? How much is collected and expended from Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?
5. 4-wheeled Honda Activa scooters distributed free of cost to the disabled ESM. The KSB also provides funds to the Red Cross Society, Cheshire Homes and Military Hospitals for the treatment and care of ESM and their wards and administers the award of more than 3,500 Prime Minister’s scholarships every year to wards of ESM.
How many, how much and who are the beneficiaries? Why are these statistical details not embedded in the webpages?
The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW), functioning under the Ministry of Defence, completes five years of its existence next week. Set up on September 22, 2004, the department caters exclusively to the rehabilitation and welfare of about 21 lakh Ex-Servicemen (ESM) population and another five lakh ESM widows. Nearly 60,000 ESM are added to this huge number every year, largely due to perhaps the highest attrition rate in any organized sector among the Armed Forces in order to retain a youthful profile of the fighting forces, their primary task. Taken together with ESM dependents ranging between 50-70 lakhs, the Department of ESW shoulders responsibility of the welfare of roughly one crore population of ESM and their dependents.
The Department of ESW achieves its objectives through its three attached offices, consisting of the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR), the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and the Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), besides coordinating with the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Allahabad. In January 2008 the Department of ESW came to be headed by a full-fledged Secretary-level officer, underlining the government’s commitment to the concerns of the huge ESM population. Besides helping the veterans resettle in a suitable second career, the department provides healthcare and ensures timely payment of benefits and pension to the ESM and their dependents.
The Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) is the first avenue for the Services personnel on the verge of superannuation. It imparted training to over 34,000 officers and Persons Below Officer Rank (PBORs) during 2008-09 besides granting jobs to 51,000 ESM and securing placement for another 30,000 ESM in DGR-sponsored security agencies last year. The DGR, being the nodal agency for resettlement of ESM, has in recent years tied up with reputed management institutes to offer post-graduate diplomas to Services officers. It runs several successful ESM reemployment programmes including the popular Mother Dairy Milk and Fruit and Vegetable booths, placement in empanelled private security agencies, coal tipper scheme, allotment of army surplus vehicles, management of CNG stations and toll plazas under the NHAI and sponsoring ESM for the allotment of 8 percent quota of LPG, petrol pump and kerosene outlets reserved for wartime/peacetime widows and disabled soldiers. Last year 287 Mother Dairy outlets were allotted to ESM/dependents sponsored by the DGR. The DGR’s stupendous success in the placement of ESM in security agencies can be gauged from the fact that the number of ESM employed jumped from over 27,000 in 2007 to over 40,000 in 2008 while another over 17,000 have been successfully granted placement this year till May, 2009.
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), the apex body for the welfare of war-wounded and other Ex-Servicemen (ESM), keeps in constant touch with the large ESM community, fulfilling their needs and aspirations through the 32 Rajya Sainik Boards and 355 Zila Sainik Boards spread across the country. KSB doles out about Rupees 7 crores aid every year to ESM, widows, children and orphans through welfare schemes out of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which includes the Raksha Mantri’s Discretionary Fund ranging between Rs.5,000-1,25,000. The government recently amended the eligibility to include ESM up to the rank of Havildar and equivalent in the Navy and Air Force under the scheme. In another major initiative the KSB has in recent years replaced the crude motorized tricycles with the new modified 4-wheeled Honda Activa scooters distributed free of cost to the disabled ESM. The KSB also provides funds to the Red Cross Society, Cheshire Homes and Military Hospitals for the treatment and care of ESM and their wards and administers the award of more than 3,500 Prime Minister’s scholarships every year to wards of ESM.
The Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is another big success story in the Department of ESW’s endeavours and concerns for the ESM welfare. Founded in April 2003, the ECHS today has a vast network of 2,267 polyclinics, its membership jumping nearly ten-fold, - from 3.5 lakhs in 2005 to over 30 lakhs. ESM with disabilities who had to travel long distances to the Artificial Limb Centre, Pune, are now getting such medical aid from about 150 Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) -empanelled centres across the country. The government has also hiked ECHS allocation from Rs. 82.85 crore in 2004-05 to Rs. 690 crores in the current financial year. The Department of ESW further proposes to include soon the Nepal-domiciled Gorkhas, who continue to receive medical aid from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, under the ECHS and has given ‘in principle’ approval for setting up a Pension Payments Office (PPO) in Butwal, Nepal.
But all efforts and welfare schemes would come to a naught if the ESM does not get his monthly dues on time. The Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Allahabad is the nodal office, handling pension for about a whopping 17 lakh ESM and dependents through banks, treasuries, Pension Disbursing Offices besides the vast postal network all over the country. The government has recently issued instructions to issue simultaneous notification of Service and Disability Pension to avoid delays in release of the latter. Unmarried daughters over 25 years of age and widowed/divorced daughters dependent on the ESM have now been granted family pension and several other steps to support the ESM dependents have been introduced. Other major initiatives include, - hiking minimum pension from Rs. 1,913 to Rs.3,500 pm, removal of linkage of full pension with a qualifying service of 33 years from Jan.01, 2006, commutation of pension increased, gratuity hiked from Rs.3.5 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs and special family pension hiked from Rs.2,550 to Rs.7,000 pm. The government has also improved pension for Ex-service personnel, besides benefits accruing out of the Sixth Pay Commission including Military Service Pay to Armed Forces personnel and awarding a higher separate Pay Bands for officers of the rank of Lt. General and Lt. Colonel, or equivalent, respectively. Additional pension has been granted in varying range for elderly pensioners, with the government granting cumulative benefits of Rs.2,144 crores to the men in the three Services and the ESM.
Pension Adalats have been a tremendous success in settling disputes related to ESM spread across the country; six such Adalats are normally held in places with large concentration of ESM population.
In contribution of the sacrifices made by the martyrs, war-wounded, Ex-Servicemen and their dependents, the DGR marks December 7 every year as the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) when the nation remembers its veterans and generously contributes to the Flag Day Fund.
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare – five years in service of veterans
Comments and Clarifications
1. DGR imparted training to over 34,000 officers and Persons Below Officer Rank (PBORs) during 2008-09 besides granting jobs to 51,000 ESM and securing placement for another 30,000 ESM in DGR-sponsored security agencies last year. What it means is that most of the 60,000 retiring ESM have found employment. This is not true.
2. Employment of 30,000 ESM in DGR sponsored security agencies is one of the demeaning manner of employing a trained combat Soldier.
3. ECHS had a membership of 3 lakhs initially and recent figure is that only about 9 lakhs of the total 25 lakhs ESM are members. The figure of 30 lakhs is misleading. It is likely that number of dependants too have been included.
4. KSB doles out about Rupees 7 crores aid every year to ESM, widows, children and orphans through welfare schemes out of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund- There is no check or audit. Is the money intended really reaching the widows, children or orphans. What is the feedback system? How much is collected and expended from Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?
5. 4-wheeled Honda Activa scooters distributed free of cost to the disabled ESM. The KSB also provides funds to the Red Cross Society, Cheshire Homes and Military Hospitals for the treatment and care of ESM and their wards and administers the award of more than 3,500 Prime Minister’s scholarships every year to wards of ESM.
How many, how much and who are the beneficiaries? Why are these statistical details not embedded in the webpages?
Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan (Retd) ...Views
Dear Veterans,
I had an opportunity to meet the RRM on 16th at 1500 H; thanks to Brig RKS Gulia, the President IESL. Brig Gulia apprised the Minister of the IESL and the various problems that haunt the ESM community.
One point, he made that I would take the liberty to convey to you all, is for initiating periodic meetings with ESM community not only at the Center level but also at the State levels. IESL also presented a brief on the Cabinet Secretary’s (CS for short) Report of 30th June 2009.
In my turn, as I was given the opportunity to talk about our demand on pension, I focused on the two misperceptions on the part of the CS.
First; his concentrated effort to drive home the fact that OROP was not approved by the Courts and the Ministers in the past, was based purely on the wrong perception of the interpretation of OROP. He had relied on the Ministry of Law and Justice’s comment describing OROP as one rank one pension with no regard to the difference in the service rendered thereby the difference in the average emoluments that count for the pension. I categorically pointed out to the RRM that presenting that argument is purely to divert the attention on the correct definition of our demand for pension as ‘same pension for same rank with same years of qualifying service’.
Second; The CS has repeatedly equated the Armed Forces personnel with Civilian Government employees, in his report. I had highlighted to the RRM the various points to prove that there can never be any comparison leave alone equation. For details you may read my earlier mail on the ‘Analysis of CS’s Report’- click me
However, I focused on the arbitrary gradation of the pension of the various ranks and the drastic difference in the pension of the senior of pre 2006 vintage to that of post 2006 vintage.
The point I am trying to make to you is not for any appreciation from you, but for your reconsideration of our efforts to get our dues from the Government.
It is not what we want but what is projected to the Ministers on file that impresses the Minister and they take decisions on the basis of the information projected on the file. As we know that misinformation has been projected on the files over the decades, it is our bounden duty to replace the misinformation with the correct facts.
We have to produce facts and figures to justify our demand. Can we expect that the bureaucrats shall do it for us? Or, do we expect that the Ministers should do it for us, getting convinced of authenticity of our demand, just because that we make emotional demand?
My submission is that we should form a task force to work out the implications of the implementation of our demand both financial and administrative in nature and present it to the Minister to convince him of the feasibility, and preferably in one voice. In my opinion, it is only method by which we can get our dream of OROP in its true meaning realized.
Regards,
Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan (Retd)
I had an opportunity to meet the RRM on 16th at 1500 H; thanks to Brig RKS Gulia, the President IESL. Brig Gulia apprised the Minister of the IESL and the various problems that haunt the ESM community.
One point, he made that I would take the liberty to convey to you all, is for initiating periodic meetings with ESM community not only at the Center level but also at the State levels. IESL also presented a brief on the Cabinet Secretary’s (CS for short) Report of 30th June 2009.
In my turn, as I was given the opportunity to talk about our demand on pension, I focused on the two misperceptions on the part of the CS.
First; his concentrated effort to drive home the fact that OROP was not approved by the Courts and the Ministers in the past, was based purely on the wrong perception of the interpretation of OROP. He had relied on the Ministry of Law and Justice’s comment describing OROP as one rank one pension with no regard to the difference in the service rendered thereby the difference in the average emoluments that count for the pension. I categorically pointed out to the RRM that presenting that argument is purely to divert the attention on the correct definition of our demand for pension as ‘same pension for same rank with same years of qualifying service’.
Second; The CS has repeatedly equated the Armed Forces personnel with Civilian Government employees, in his report. I had highlighted to the RRM the various points to prove that there can never be any comparison leave alone equation. For details you may read my earlier mail on the ‘Analysis of CS’s Report’- click me
However, I focused on the arbitrary gradation of the pension of the various ranks and the drastic difference in the pension of the senior of pre 2006 vintage to that of post 2006 vintage.
The point I am trying to make to you is not for any appreciation from you, but for your reconsideration of our efforts to get our dues from the Government.
It is not what we want but what is projected to the Ministers on file that impresses the Minister and they take decisions on the basis of the information projected on the file. As we know that misinformation has been projected on the files over the decades, it is our bounden duty to replace the misinformation with the correct facts.
We have to produce facts and figures to justify our demand. Can we expect that the bureaucrats shall do it for us? Or, do we expect that the Ministers should do it for us, getting convinced of authenticity of our demand, just because that we make emotional demand?
My submission is that we should form a task force to work out the implications of the implementation of our demand both financial and administrative in nature and present it to the Minister to convince him of the feasibility, and preferably in one voice. In my opinion, it is only method by which we can get our dream of OROP in its true meaning realized.
Regards,
Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan (Retd)
Views of Col Raman on V Adm Harinder Singh's letter
Dear Colonel Srinivas,
I request all Veterans to read the mail by V Adm Harinder Singh, which is published in the IESM Web Site. He has proclaimed the disassociation of Navy Foundation Delhi Chapter(NFDC) from all the ESM Movements, especially with the IESL. As far as Tamilnadu is concerned, both the Organisations, The IESM & IESL have been complementing each other. In fact most of our endeavours were supported by IESL, both in terms of man power & money.
Coming to your point about the Meet providing enough opportunity to a number of PBOR expressing their views, is granted. But the draw back is that these points would not be analysed & concrete action taken, due to paucity of time. The audience would be treated with a series of speeches, some even bordering instigation & threats, or castigating some other ESM Organisations. The control mechanism will be totally absent in such Meets, since the Show Casing of our strength will be of overriding consideration. We are witness to such events in Noida, though the Minutes of that Meet are silent about them.
The Seminar, on the other hand, is a deliberately planned affair, with a proper Agenda & points discussed by responsible members of the ESM Organisations, which can lead to the consensus on some of the issues at least, which shall be binding on all ESM Organisations.
What we require today is the UNITY of all ESM Organisations & not the individual Organisations trying to show case their own strength. Such efforts, to my mind, will only pave way of further splintering our ESM Community as already happened with IESM in Punjab & now with the Navy. In our own example, Col CT Arasu from Thanjavur, assured me of sending three reps from IESL Tamilnadu for the Noida Meet. But had to withdraw his assurance, since the communications, though proclaimed of All India ESM Meet, had the under tone of a purely IESM Anniversary.
My good wishes for the Meet are always there. I will definitely honour your invitation.
Regards,
Veteran Raman
--- On Mon, 21/9/09, Colonelrajan Srinivas
I request all Veterans to read the mail by V Adm Harinder Singh, which is published in the IESM Web Site. He has proclaimed the disassociation of Navy Foundation Delhi Chapter(NFDC) from all the ESM Movements, especially with the IESL. As far as Tamilnadu is concerned, both the Organisations, The IESM & IESL have been complementing each other. In fact most of our endeavours were supported by IESL, both in terms of man power & money.
Coming to your point about the Meet providing enough opportunity to a number of PBOR expressing their views, is granted. But the draw back is that these points would not be analysed & concrete action taken, due to paucity of time. The audience would be treated with a series of speeches, some even bordering instigation & threats, or castigating some other ESM Organisations. The control mechanism will be totally absent in such Meets, since the Show Casing of our strength will be of overriding consideration. We are witness to such events in Noida, though the Minutes of that Meet are silent about them.
The Seminar, on the other hand, is a deliberately planned affair, with a proper Agenda & points discussed by responsible members of the ESM Organisations, which can lead to the consensus on some of the issues at least, which shall be binding on all ESM Organisations.
What we require today is the UNITY of all ESM Organisations & not the individual Organisations trying to show case their own strength. Such efforts, to my mind, will only pave way of further splintering our ESM Community as already happened with IESM in Punjab & now with the Navy. In our own example, Col CT Arasu from Thanjavur, assured me of sending three reps from IESL Tamilnadu for the Noida Meet. But had to withdraw his assurance, since the communications, though proclaimed of All India ESM Meet, had the under tone of a purely IESM Anniversary.
My good wishes for the Meet are always there. I will definitely honour your invitation.
Regards,
Veteran Raman
--- On Mon, 21/9/09, Colonelrajan Srinivas
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Evolution of Military Law and necessity of the Armed Forces Tribunal
Maj Navdeep SinghChandigarh based noted lawyer Navdeep Singh places a perspective on the recently constituted Armed Forces Tribunal and traces the evolution of the practice of military law for the armed forces personnel.
It would not exactly be appropriate to say that the three military Acts are without enough checks to avoid miscarriage of justice. There are ample provisions parallel to those available under the criminal system of jurisprudence but the problem remains that unlike the criminal courts, court martials are presided over not by judicial officers but by officers of the regular army who neither have the acumen nor the bent towards legal and judicial modalities. Moreover, all procedures finally leading to conviction by a court martial (such as Courts of Inquiry, Summary of Evidence etc) are handled by military personnel who may just follow provisions of military Acts and Rules in formal letter but not in spirit - and this makes all the difference. And this also brings us to the answer why a body of professionals such as the AFT is so very urgently required to sit in judgement and appeal over justice rendered to men and women in uniform by another set of men and women in uniform.
Read full article:
Mail By V Adm Harinder singh on future course...viz IESL
Dear Brig Gulia,
I think the IESL has had several meetings with the big wigs in the South Block and few have been attended by NFDC rep to butteress our common case. We have been disappointed with the results and feel that these meetings have been, continue to be a waste of time, serve the ends of one ESM and only help the MOD in delaying every thing and give an impression that they want to help us. Your letter / discussions contain nothing but what we have gone over on several occasions and in several fora and can hardly be considered a success other that to advertise IESL.
NFDC has reviewed our current status of collaboration with other ESM Organisations in the light of our failure to get our demands met by the GOI and the failure of some of the ESM organisation to deliver on their promises and therefore want to disassociate our selves from all such future joint efforts.
NFDC will here after revert to our independence and will independently decide on our way ahead to achieve our goals. No NFDC rep will hereafter liasion or co-ordinate with IESM. All issues may please be referred to me or other Navy Foundation office bearers.
Thanks and Regards
I think the IESL has had several meetings with the big wigs in the South Block and few have been attended by NFDC rep to butteress our common case. We have been disappointed with the results and feel that these meetings have been, continue to be a waste of time, serve the ends of one ESM and only help the MOD in delaying every thing and give an impression that they want to help us. Your letter / discussions contain nothing but what we have gone over on several occasions and in several fora and can hardly be considered a success other that to advertise IESL.
NFDC has reviewed our current status of collaboration with other ESM Organisations in the light of our failure to get our demands met by the GOI and the failure of some of the ESM organisation to deliver on their promises and therefore want to disassociate our selves from all such future joint efforts.
NFDC will here after revert to our independence and will independently decide on our way ahead to achieve our goals. No NFDC rep will hereafter liasion or co-ordinate with IESM. All issues may please be referred to me or other Navy Foundation office bearers.
Thanks and Regards
Last opportunity for commutation of additional pension for defence personnel who retired between 01-01-2006 and 02-09-2008
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Very Important : Last opportunity for commutation of additional pension for defence personnel who retired between 01-01-2006 and 02-09-2008
Personnel who retired between 01 Jan 2006 and 02 Sept 2008 had availed their commutation of pension at old rates and at the old percentage. The Sixth Central Pay Commission had enhanced the percentage of commutable value to 50%. As a result, some personnel who had retired prior to the announcement of the acceptance of the 6th CPC had gone home with a commutation value at 5th CPC rates and at a lesser percentage. The Govt had then granted an option to such retirees to opt for the new rates if they so desired. Due to lack of circulation of this option, coupled with lack of knowledge of the issue, many did not exercise the same. The problem was compounded by the fact that no cut-off date or last date for exercising the option was mentioned in the letter issued by the Govt of India.
The Ministry of Defence has now decided that the said option for additional commutation may be exercised by such left out retired personnel by 10 October 2009. Those who do not exercise the option by 10-10-2009 would be deemed to have refused the additional commutation.
The entire circular of PCDA(P) on the issue alongwith the Govt letter dated 10-09-2009 on the subject can be accessed and downloaded by clicking here.
Please spread the word since there shall be no separate communication to defence personnel on the issue.
The earlier letter dated 12-11-2008 detailing the modalities of commutation after the 6th CPC can be accessed by clicking here. (Please refer to Para 9.3 of this)
The option certificates and corrigendum of the above mentioned letter dated 12-11-2008 can be accessed by clicking here.
Once again the same request : Please do not email me individual queries or doubts on calculations on the above, my profession does not allow me the luxury of such time. You are most welcome to post your queries / doubts as comments to this post. Thanks.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:01 AM
Very Important : Last opportunity for commutation of additional pension for defence personnel who retired between 01-01-2006 and 02-09-2008
Personnel who retired between 01 Jan 2006 and 02 Sept 2008 had availed their commutation of pension at old rates and at the old percentage. The Sixth Central Pay Commission had enhanced the percentage of commutable value to 50%. As a result, some personnel who had retired prior to the announcement of the acceptance of the 6th CPC had gone home with a commutation value at 5th CPC rates and at a lesser percentage. The Govt had then granted an option to such retirees to opt for the new rates if they so desired. Due to lack of circulation of this option, coupled with lack of knowledge of the issue, many did not exercise the same. The problem was compounded by the fact that no cut-off date or last date for exercising the option was mentioned in the letter issued by the Govt of India.
The Ministry of Defence has now decided that the said option for additional commutation may be exercised by such left out retired personnel by 10 October 2009. Those who do not exercise the option by 10-10-2009 would be deemed to have refused the additional commutation.
The entire circular of PCDA(P) on the issue alongwith the Govt letter dated 10-09-2009 on the subject can be accessed and downloaded by clicking here.
Please spread the word since there shall be no separate communication to defence personnel on the issue.
The earlier letter dated 12-11-2008 detailing the modalities of commutation after the 6th CPC can be accessed by clicking here. (Please refer to Para 9.3 of this)
The option certificates and corrigendum of the above mentioned letter dated 12-11-2008 can be accessed by clicking here.
Once again the same request : Please do not email me individual queries or doubts on calculations on the above, my profession does not allow me the luxury of such time. You are most welcome to post your queries / doubts as comments to this post. Thanks.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:01 AM
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Can Bureaucrats be ever made accountable By Lt Gen SK Bahri
Reforming the Civil Services: Can Bureaucrats be ever made accountable?
Saturday, 13 December, 2008 4:30:16 PM
Dear Mr Veerappa Moily,
I was very happy to hear on the TV news that the ARC has recommended that civil services will be be judged on their performance. The recommendation is against the ethos of government service which every Indian aspires to join for a life time of security. To my mind the ARC has a potential revolt on its hands. However, being an ex- serviceman I think such a result should be risked in the interest of our country.
I am of the opinion that the civil services have been feather bedding themselves during the last 61 years of our independence. It was not so obvious in the earlier years but the greed has increased in direct proportion to immorality of the politicians who have gone about looting the country with both hands. Consequently the civil servants feel empowered to do the same. Now that an IAS officer becomes a Joint Secretary in 14 years and, due to the new rule he cannot be proceeded, against legally, even if he is caught with his hands in the till. So he can serve over 20 years without let or hinderance as the rest of his Cadre will be there to deny or delay permission to prosecute even if found fit to be charged. We have the case of Goswami of Bihar Cadre who was found to have been involved in scam of Rs 17 crores. Same thing has happened in the case of Neerja Yadav and AK Singh ex- chief secretaries of UP, and many others. Why shouldn't the civil servants do the same, as the politicians are setting an example like Lalu Yadav, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh, Jayalalitaa et al.
I feel that the British modeled the administration in India on the lines obtaining in Great Britain. A small country with a number of counties being managed centrally, replicated by a similar organisation to manage India's provinces, each one of them equal to or greater, than the entire GB. With our administration in the states taking on new dimensions eg., looking after development, health, roads, electricity and an aggravated law and order situation, the present system is found wanting. As we found recently in our intelligence setup, accountability is defused. When an IAS/ IPS does not perform or is not found suitable by the political bosses he pulls all sorts of strings to get out of the state to job at the centre or in a non cadre job. With the result that non- performers never get pinned down and the AAM ADMI suffers. The present practise of political bosses picking up an officer from the bottom of the barrel because they like him, and all officers senior to him being promoted under the one below rule, must be stopped. Because in the bargain senior officers have to occupy posts which are tenable by those with lesser service.
The earlier India discards the UK model the better it would be. The country should adopt a model which is working in a country which is closer to our size and has a federal form of goverment. I think India should adopt a model like the one in the USA, where the states have a federal form of relationship with the Centre. The states should have their own civil services which are tailored to their size, requirement and finances. Now, when a pay commission award is announced the states cry out that they cannot afford the additional burden. Let the states recruit their own citizens and fix salaries according to their means. Such civil servants will be more accountable and not look over their shoulders for help if they are found wanting in their own jobs. If they are not suitable, they should be turfed out and not become a liability on the state exchequer. Security of a job should be offered only to performers while non- performers should feel the heat.
My other suggestion is that time scale promotions should be avoided. It leaves no incentive to perform above mediocrity. As in business, when there is competition the quality improves and price of a product falls. However, as we saw in our socialist era, without competition the quality was abysmal and the prices high. I am sure some of the states will be able to get better people at lower salaries. It is irrational to have uniform dearness allowance for all the states when the cost of living is quite different in each.
As regards staffing at the centre, it should be based on fitting round pegs in round holes and not that all shapes and sizes should fit all holes. Please get specialists for each department to get the maximum benefit. Imagine an IAS officer in DGCA, an IFS officer in IDPL and an IAS/ IPS officer as Tea Commissoner in Australia or the UK. The results can be predicted.
I know I am suggesting a drastic rethinking in the form of administration that we should design for our country, but drastic problems cannot be solved with minor tinkering. The country, which has all the potential of becoming a super power, will be grateful if the ARC does some thinking out of the box.
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)
Saturday, 13 December, 2008 4:30:16 PM
Dear Mr Veerappa Moily,
I was very happy to hear on the TV news that the ARC has recommended that civil services will be be judged on their performance. The recommendation is against the ethos of government service which every Indian aspires to join for a life time of security. To my mind the ARC has a potential revolt on its hands. However, being an ex- serviceman I think such a result should be risked in the interest of our country.
I am of the opinion that the civil services have been feather bedding themselves during the last 61 years of our independence. It was not so obvious in the earlier years but the greed has increased in direct proportion to immorality of the politicians who have gone about looting the country with both hands. Consequently the civil servants feel empowered to do the same. Now that an IAS officer becomes a Joint Secretary in 14 years and, due to the new rule he cannot be proceeded, against legally, even if he is caught with his hands in the till. So he can serve over 20 years without let or hinderance as the rest of his Cadre will be there to deny or delay permission to prosecute even if found fit to be charged. We have the case of Goswami of Bihar Cadre who was found to have been involved in scam of Rs 17 crores. Same thing has happened in the case of Neerja Yadav and AK Singh ex- chief secretaries of UP, and many others. Why shouldn't the civil servants do the same, as the politicians are setting an example like Lalu Yadav, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh, Jayalalitaa et al.
I feel that the British modeled the administration in India on the lines obtaining in Great Britain. A small country with a number of counties being managed centrally, replicated by a similar organisation to manage India's provinces, each one of them equal to or greater, than the entire GB. With our administration in the states taking on new dimensions eg., looking after development, health, roads, electricity and an aggravated law and order situation, the present system is found wanting. As we found recently in our intelligence setup, accountability is defused. When an IAS/ IPS does not perform or is not found suitable by the political bosses he pulls all sorts of strings to get out of the state to job at the centre or in a non cadre job. With the result that non- performers never get pinned down and the AAM ADMI suffers. The present practise of political bosses picking up an officer from the bottom of the barrel because they like him, and all officers senior to him being promoted under the one below rule, must be stopped. Because in the bargain senior officers have to occupy posts which are tenable by those with lesser service.
The earlier India discards the UK model the better it would be. The country should adopt a model which is working in a country which is closer to our size and has a federal form of goverment. I think India should adopt a model like the one in the USA, where the states have a federal form of relationship with the Centre. The states should have their own civil services which are tailored to their size, requirement and finances. Now, when a pay commission award is announced the states cry out that they cannot afford the additional burden. Let the states recruit their own citizens and fix salaries according to their means. Such civil servants will be more accountable and not look over their shoulders for help if they are found wanting in their own jobs. If they are not suitable, they should be turfed out and not become a liability on the state exchequer. Security of a job should be offered only to performers while non- performers should feel the heat.
My other suggestion is that time scale promotions should be avoided. It leaves no incentive to perform above mediocrity. As in business, when there is competition the quality improves and price of a product falls. However, as we saw in our socialist era, without competition the quality was abysmal and the prices high. I am sure some of the states will be able to get better people at lower salaries. It is irrational to have uniform dearness allowance for all the states when the cost of living is quite different in each.
As regards staffing at the centre, it should be based on fitting round pegs in round holes and not that all shapes and sizes should fit all holes. Please get specialists for each department to get the maximum benefit. Imagine an IAS officer in DGCA, an IFS officer in IDPL and an IAS/ IPS officer as Tea Commissoner in Australia or the UK. The results can be predicted.
I know I am suggesting a drastic rethinking in the form of administration that we should design for our country, but drastic problems cannot be solved with minor tinkering. The country, which has all the potential of becoming a super power, will be grateful if the ARC does some thinking out of the box.
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)
Rejoinder to Mr Davar by Cdr Pathak..Pune
Dear Pravin Davar
It appears that your stint with the Defence forces was extremely short and you have a longer political career.It is no wonder that you are very much interested in propagating the false information of your Masters.I now know where your loyalty lies ,since i have learnt how you transited from Defence forces to politics.
For your education since you seems to have no knowledge of what OROP is all about i am attaching a paper on the subject.
I hope after reading this paper you will understand what false information you are spreading.It does not show up well for a political party with such standing that it resorts to spreading false information.
I hope the party and you in particular will have the courage to face the truth and own up that you have made a mistake in your mail and by both the RM and FM is giving peanuts in the Budget and calling it OROP.
Brgds
R W Pathak
It appears that your stint with the Defence forces was extremely short and you have a longer political career.It is no wonder that you are very much interested in propagating the false information of your Masters.I now know where your loyalty lies ,since i have learnt how you transited from Defence forces to politics.
For your education since you seems to have no knowledge of what OROP is all about i am attaching a paper on the subject.
I hope after reading this paper you will understand what false information you are spreading.It does not show up well for a political party with such standing that it resorts to spreading false information.
I hope the party and you in particular will have the courage to face the truth and own up that you have made a mistake in your mail and by both the RM and FM is giving peanuts in the Budget and calling it OROP.
Brgds
R W Pathak
Rejoinder to Mr Davar by Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh
Mr Praveen Davar,
I am afraid you seem to have no knowledge at all of the feelings of neglect and hurt being felt by the Defence Services Veterans as a result of the step motherly treatment received by them consequent to the 6th Pay Commission, the unfulfilled promises made by the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister and the President during her address to the Parliament Regarding OROP.
The status of the Military, their pays and pensions have been continuously down graded/ reduced when ever the Congress Party has been in power. It has reached the lowest as a result of the 6th Pay Commission Report.
The present President of the Congress Party/ Chair person of UPA and the young budding leader have not said a word to assuage the feelings of hurt of the Veterans or listened to them with patience. They are too busy politicking and have no time even to meet the Defence veterans who have paid supreme sacrifices to defend the integrity of the Nation. Repeated requests for a meeting have borne no fruit. Isn't this a sad happening and attitude of disinterest and neglect of the Congress Leadership??
The UPA Government and its top political functionaries do not deserve any thanks from the Veterans. It is a Government run by the bureaucrats who have garnered the maximum pays, promotion prospects and thrown some crumbs to the Defence Services Veterans. The Political leadership has failed to give them appropriate directions. What has been doled out is inadequate and some of its provisions illogical and insufficient.
This has resulted in thousands of Veterans resorting to agitational approach, fasts and returning their service and gallantry medals to the Supreme Commander. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OUR COUNTRY, AND ALL DUE TO INTRANSIGENCE OF UPA GOVERNMENT AND ITS POLITICAL LEADERSHIP.
God save our country, where the Defence Veterans have to agitate to try and get their Pensions and the top political leadership does not even meet them!!! The UPA Government and its Chairperson and political leadership need to introspect. Their lack of empathy and interest for the Defence Personnel bodes ill for the security of the Nation.
The Defence Services Veterans are well versed in courtesies and will certainly thank the UPA or any other Government, as and when it is deserved.
Sincerely,
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd) Param Vashisht Seva Medal
I am afraid you seem to have no knowledge at all of the feelings of neglect and hurt being felt by the Defence Services Veterans as a result of the step motherly treatment received by them consequent to the 6th Pay Commission, the unfulfilled promises made by the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister and the President during her address to the Parliament Regarding OROP.
The status of the Military, their pays and pensions have been continuously down graded/ reduced when ever the Congress Party has been in power. It has reached the lowest as a result of the 6th Pay Commission Report.
The present President of the Congress Party/ Chair person of UPA and the young budding leader have not said a word to assuage the feelings of hurt of the Veterans or listened to them with patience. They are too busy politicking and have no time even to meet the Defence veterans who have paid supreme sacrifices to defend the integrity of the Nation. Repeated requests for a meeting have borne no fruit. Isn't this a sad happening and attitude of disinterest and neglect of the Congress Leadership??
The UPA Government and its top political functionaries do not deserve any thanks from the Veterans. It is a Government run by the bureaucrats who have garnered the maximum pays, promotion prospects and thrown some crumbs to the Defence Services Veterans. The Political leadership has failed to give them appropriate directions. What has been doled out is inadequate and some of its provisions illogical and insufficient.
This has resulted in thousands of Veterans resorting to agitational approach, fasts and returning their service and gallantry medals to the Supreme Commander. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OUR COUNTRY, AND ALL DUE TO INTRANSIGENCE OF UPA GOVERNMENT AND ITS POLITICAL LEADERSHIP.
God save our country, where the Defence Veterans have to agitate to try and get their Pensions and the top political leadership does not even meet them!!! The UPA Government and its Chairperson and political leadership need to introspect. Their lack of empathy and interest for the Defence Personnel bodes ill for the security of the Nation.
The Defence Services Veterans are well versed in courtesies and will certainly thank the UPA or any other Government, as and when it is deserved.
Sincerely,
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd) Param Vashisht Seva Medal
Reforming the Civil Services by Lt Gen SK Bahri
From: Satish Kumar Bahri skbahri1@yahoo.com
To: Adm Reforms Commission arcommission@nic.in
Cc: Indian Express. editpage@expressindia.com
Sent: Saturday, 13 December, 2008 4:30:16 PM
Subject: Reforming the Civil Services
Dear Mr Veerappa Moily,
I was very happy to hear on the TV news that the ARC has recommended that civil services will be be judged on their performance. The recommendation is against the ethos of govt service which every Indian aspires to join for a life time of security. To my mind the ARC has a potential revolt on its hands. However, being an ex serviceman I think such a result should be risked in the interest of our country.
I am of the opinion that the civil services have been feather bedding themselves during the last 61 years of our independence. It was not so obvious in the earlier years but the greed has increased in direct proportion to immorality of the politicians who have gone about looting the country with both hands. Consequently the civil servants feel empowered to do the same. Now that an IAS officer becomes a jt secy in 14 years and, due to the new rule he cannot be proceeded, against legally, even if he is caught with hishands in the till. So he can serve over 20 yrs without let or hinderance as the rest of his Cadre will be there to deny or delay permission to prosecute even if found fit to be charged, We have the case of Goswami of Bihar Cadre who was found to have been involved in scam of Rs 17 crores. Same thing has happened in the case of Neerja Yadav and AK Singh ex chief secretaries of UP, and many others. Why shouldnt the civil servants do the same, as the politicians are setting an example like Lalu Yadav, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh, Jayalalitaa et al.
I feel that the British modeled the administration in India on the linesobtaining in Great Britain. A small country with a number of counties being managed centrally, replicated by a similar organisation to manage India's provinces, each one of them equal to or greater,than the entire GB. With our administration in the states taking on new dimensions eg., looking after development, health, roads, electricity and an aggravated law and order situation, the present system is found wanting. As we found recently in our intelligence setup, accountability is defused. When an IAS/IPS does not perform or is not found suitable by the political bosses he pulls all sorts of strings to get out of the state to job at the centre or in a non cadre job. With the result that non performers never get pinned down and the AAM ADMI suffers. The present practise of political bosses picking up an officer from the bottom of the barrel because they like him, and all officers senior to him being promoted under the one below rule, must be stopped. Because in the bargain senior officers have to occupy posts which are tenable by those with lesser service.
The earlier India discards the UK model the better it would be. The country should adopt a model which is working in a country which is closer to our size and has a federal form of govt. I think India should adopt a model like the one in the USA, where the states have a federal form of relationship with the Centre. The states should have their own civil services which are tailored to their size, requirement and finances. Now, when a pay commission award is announced the states cry out that they cannot afford the additional burden. Let the states recruit their own citizens and fix salaries according to their means. Such civil servants will be more accountable and not look over their shoulders for help if they are found wanting in their own jobs. If they are not suitable, they should be turfed out and not become a liability on the state exchequer. Security of a job should be offered only to performers while nonperformers should feel the heat.
My other suggestion is that time scale promotions should be avoided. It leaves no incentive to perform above mediocrity. As in business, when there is competition the quality improves and price of a product falls. However, as we saw in our socialist era, without competition the quality was abysmal and the prices high. I am sure some of the states will be able to get better people at lower salaries. It is irrational to have uniform dearness allowance for all the states when the cost of living is quite different in each .
As regards staffing at the centre, it should be based on fitting round pegs in round holes and not that all shapes and sizes should fit all holes. Please get specialists for each department to get the maximum benefit. Imagine an IAS officer in DGCA, an IFS officer in IDPL and an IAS/IPS officer as Tea Commissoner in Australia or the UK. The results can be predicted.
I know I am suggesting a drastic rethinking in the form of administration that we should design for our country, but drastic problems cannot be solved with minor tinkering. The country, which has all the potential of becoming a super power, will be grateful if the ARC does some thinking out of the box.
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts,
RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
To: Adm Reforms Commission arcommission@nic.in
Cc: Indian Express. editpage@expressindia.com
Sent: Saturday, 13 December, 2008 4:30:16 PM
Subject: Reforming the Civil Services
Dear Mr Veerappa Moily,
I was very happy to hear on the TV news that the ARC has recommended that civil services will be be judged on their performance. The recommendation is against the ethos of govt service which every Indian aspires to join for a life time of security. To my mind the ARC has a potential revolt on its hands. However, being an ex serviceman I think such a result should be risked in the interest of our country.
I am of the opinion that the civil services have been feather bedding themselves during the last 61 years of our independence. It was not so obvious in the earlier years but the greed has increased in direct proportion to immorality of the politicians who have gone about looting the country with both hands. Consequently the civil servants feel empowered to do the same. Now that an IAS officer becomes a jt secy in 14 years and, due to the new rule he cannot be proceeded, against legally, even if he is caught with hishands in the till. So he can serve over 20 yrs without let or hinderance as the rest of his Cadre will be there to deny or delay permission to prosecute even if found fit to be charged, We have the case of Goswami of Bihar Cadre who was found to have been involved in scam of Rs 17 crores. Same thing has happened in the case of Neerja Yadav and AK Singh ex chief secretaries of UP, and many others. Why shouldnt the civil servants do the same, as the politicians are setting an example like Lalu Yadav, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh, Jayalalitaa et al.
I feel that the British modeled the administration in India on the linesobtaining in Great Britain. A small country with a number of counties being managed centrally, replicated by a similar organisation to manage India's provinces, each one of them equal to or greater,than the entire GB. With our administration in the states taking on new dimensions eg., looking after development, health, roads, electricity and an aggravated law and order situation, the present system is found wanting. As we found recently in our intelligence setup, accountability is defused. When an IAS/IPS does not perform or is not found suitable by the political bosses he pulls all sorts of strings to get out of the state to job at the centre or in a non cadre job. With the result that non performers never get pinned down and the AAM ADMI suffers. The present practise of political bosses picking up an officer from the bottom of the barrel because they like him, and all officers senior to him being promoted under the one below rule, must be stopped. Because in the bargain senior officers have to occupy posts which are tenable by those with lesser service.
The earlier India discards the UK model the better it would be. The country should adopt a model which is working in a country which is closer to our size and has a federal form of govt. I think India should adopt a model like the one in the USA, where the states have a federal form of relationship with the Centre. The states should have their own civil services which are tailored to their size, requirement and finances. Now, when a pay commission award is announced the states cry out that they cannot afford the additional burden. Let the states recruit their own citizens and fix salaries according to their means. Such civil servants will be more accountable and not look over their shoulders for help if they are found wanting in their own jobs. If they are not suitable, they should be turfed out and not become a liability on the state exchequer. Security of a job should be offered only to performers while nonperformers should feel the heat.
My other suggestion is that time scale promotions should be avoided. It leaves no incentive to perform above mediocrity. As in business, when there is competition the quality improves and price of a product falls. However, as we saw in our socialist era, without competition the quality was abysmal and the prices high. I am sure some of the states will be able to get better people at lower salaries. It is irrational to have uniform dearness allowance for all the states when the cost of living is quite different in each .
As regards staffing at the centre, it should be based on fitting round pegs in round holes and not that all shapes and sizes should fit all holes. Please get specialists for each department to get the maximum benefit. Imagine an IAS officer in DGCA, an IFS officer in IDPL and an IAS/IPS officer as Tea Commissoner in Australia or the UK. The results can be predicted.
I know I am suggesting a drastic rethinking in the form of administration that we should design for our country, but drastic problems cannot be solved with minor tinkering. The country, which has all the potential of becoming a super power, will be grateful if the ARC does some thinking out of the box.
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts,
RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
Rejoinder to Mr Davar by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
From: VIJAY OBEROI oberoivijay@hotmail.com
To: exservicemen.congress@gmail.com; TRUNCATED
Sent: Tuesday, 15 September, 2009 12:20:36 PM
Subject: RE: Welfare Ex-Servicemen
Dear Shri Davar,
Thank you for your mail propagating the achievements of your party relating to the recommendations of the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary on OROP and related issues. As a loyal worker of your party and a Secretary AICC - a very important position, you have no doubt tried to impress the veterans, but has it had any effect? Please read on.
If the intention was to get grateful responses from the veterans, then you must have yourself seen the news of a massive 5000 medals being deposited, in protest and anguish, with the Rashtrapati precisely one day after you had sent your mail. Actions always tell the tale better!
In addition, the replies you must have received to your mail should give you a fair idea about the feelings of neglect and frustration that the veterans feel. You may well be under the impression that this state of affairs exists only amongst the veterans and that the serving military personnel do not harbour such sentiments. If you and the hierarchy of your party think so, then I am afraid you do not have a feel of the ground situation, which is a great shame, especially for a party that is governing the nation! The serving community may be gagged by the rules and regulations, but they are equally concerned and frustrated by the inadequate and anti-military policies of the government. The leadership of the party may like to ponder over this state of affairs, as it is not at all conducive for the security of the nation. I do not think I need elaborate any more on this aspect.
Coming to the specifics of the recommendations of the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary, the measures listed are not even a drop in the ocean and do reflect the bureaucratic machinations in totality. How strange that the leaders of stature in your very old and established party have either not been able to fathom them or are so helpless that they do not know how to deal with the burgeoning clout of the bureaucrats and the lengths they would go to for the continuation, nay increase of their power and pelf.
Since I head an NGO for the long-term rehabilitation of the war disabled, let me elaborate, if I may, on the minuscule recommendations so grandiously stated in the recommendations of the Committee. The major issue of treating the pre and post January 2006 war disabled at par and giving them war injury pay as a percentage of pay (as applicable for the post-January 2006 war disabled) has not even been addressed. Only two peripheral issues, largely meaningless, have been recommended. What a farce, especially when the total number of war disabled is so small. It is strange that even for the smallest and most neglected segment of the veteran’s population, the Committee had neither remorse nor sympathy! All it reflects is the callous attitude of the government even for those who fearlessly went into battle for the nation, knowing well that they may be maimed and disabled for life. This is no way to treat war wounded soldiers; no other nation does so. Perhaps the reason is the lack of any political oversight over such committees comprising wholly of bureaucrats.
Let me make one more point relating to the recommendations. Slogans and homilies may have some effect on the ignorant masses, but the veterans as well as the serving military personnel, being mature and aware, are no longer impressed by them. The situation has now gone much beyond that and if it is not retrieved at an early date, the consequences for the nation may well be catastrophic. Need I say any more!
I am sorry I have made this mail too long; you may not even have the time or the inclination to read it! However, since you are a very senior and influential functionary of the party, I thought it may be useful for you to know all the facts, especially the ground situation.
Warm regards.
Vijay Oberoi
(Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS)
To: exservicemen.congress@gmail.com; TRUNCATED
Sent: Tuesday, 15 September, 2009 12:20:36 PM
Subject: RE: Welfare Ex-Servicemen
Dear Shri Davar,
Thank you for your mail propagating the achievements of your party relating to the recommendations of the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary on OROP and related issues. As a loyal worker of your party and a Secretary AICC - a very important position, you have no doubt tried to impress the veterans, but has it had any effect? Please read on.
If the intention was to get grateful responses from the veterans, then you must have yourself seen the news of a massive 5000 medals being deposited, in protest and anguish, with the Rashtrapati precisely one day after you had sent your mail. Actions always tell the tale better!
In addition, the replies you must have received to your mail should give you a fair idea about the feelings of neglect and frustration that the veterans feel. You may well be under the impression that this state of affairs exists only amongst the veterans and that the serving military personnel do not harbour such sentiments. If you and the hierarchy of your party think so, then I am afraid you do not have a feel of the ground situation, which is a great shame, especially for a party that is governing the nation! The serving community may be gagged by the rules and regulations, but they are equally concerned and frustrated by the inadequate and anti-military policies of the government. The leadership of the party may like to ponder over this state of affairs, as it is not at all conducive for the security of the nation. I do not think I need elaborate any more on this aspect.
Coming to the specifics of the recommendations of the Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary, the measures listed are not even a drop in the ocean and do reflect the bureaucratic machinations in totality. How strange that the leaders of stature in your very old and established party have either not been able to fathom them or are so helpless that they do not know how to deal with the burgeoning clout of the bureaucrats and the lengths they would go to for the continuation, nay increase of their power and pelf.
Since I head an NGO for the long-term rehabilitation of the war disabled, let me elaborate, if I may, on the minuscule recommendations so grandiously stated in the recommendations of the Committee. The major issue of treating the pre and post January 2006 war disabled at par and giving them war injury pay as a percentage of pay (as applicable for the post-January 2006 war disabled) has not even been addressed. Only two peripheral issues, largely meaningless, have been recommended. What a farce, especially when the total number of war disabled is so small. It is strange that even for the smallest and most neglected segment of the veteran’s population, the Committee had neither remorse nor sympathy! All it reflects is the callous attitude of the government even for those who fearlessly went into battle for the nation, knowing well that they may be maimed and disabled for life. This is no way to treat war wounded soldiers; no other nation does so. Perhaps the reason is the lack of any political oversight over such committees comprising wholly of bureaucrats.
Let me make one more point relating to the recommendations. Slogans and homilies may have some effect on the ignorant masses, but the veterans as well as the serving military personnel, being mature and aware, are no longer impressed by them. The situation has now gone much beyond that and if it is not retrieved at an early date, the consequences for the nation may well be catastrophic. Need I say any more!
I am sorry I have made this mail too long; you may not even have the time or the inclination to read it! However, since you are a very senior and influential functionary of the party, I thought it may be useful for you to know all the facts, especially the ground situation.
Warm regards.
Vijay Oberoi
(Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS)
Retired military officers deserve a better deal by Lt col DK Havanoor
DECCAN HERALD
Tuesday 15 September 2009
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/25205/retired-military-officers-deserve-better.html
In Perspective
Retired military officers deserve a better deal
Lt Col (Retd) D K Havanoor
A majority of infantry officers spend the prime of their lives in gruelling conditions in field areas.
Recent discussions on pay scales of the armed forces in different television channels and media reportage in the print media suggest that civil society is fairly unaware about the insulated world of the military. While the government has approved a new policy of ‘One Rank One Pension’ only for soldiers, sailors and airmen, it has neglected the officer corps. More so, considering the officer corps comprises only three per cent of the armed forces with the remainder being the other ranks. Despite Defence Minister A K Anthony’s assurance in parliament to include the officer corps the rationale for not doing so is puzzling.
Among the problems underlying this issue is the inability of the political leadership and bureaucracy to comprehend the nuances of military culture both in times of war and peace. The popular perception of the armed forces appears to be limited only to peacetime activities, and not about what transpires during war and equally dangerous, war-like or insurgency situations called low intensity conflict operations, that are perpetual in the Indian context.
Illusion
The senior level civil-service officers, who are now decision makers on military matters, when on attachment with the army as probationers were given VIP treatment in the officers’ messes. This has probably given them an incorrect impression of the Service officers’ lifestyle. Our army is unique in terms of its operational environments.
Undoubtedly the air force and navy do have difficult conditions to work in — but nothing compares to the insurgency in snow-bound high-altitude areas and mountainous jungles.
Within the army, the infantry spends most of its time in field areas rather than in peace stations. Army officers and jawans work in the same conditions and not many infantry officers attend the glamourous parties of peace time army stations. There is camaraderie and no master-slave attitudes. But when our bureaucrats decide to have different policies for different cadre, men who were equals while in service are being treated differently when out of it. People, who stood together in the face of some of the most terrifying moments anyone ever sees in their lifetime, have been separated in retirement. This is unfair.
Army life is meant for resilient people. Army men have to bear years of separation from their families which contributes to an unsettled life for the wives and badly affects children’s education. During the long years of field tenure, running two establishments, wherein the army officer has to finance his own self and also ensure that his family doesn’t have to worry about normal daily expenses, many officers tend to exhaust their provident-fund which is crucial for retirement plans.
Another aspect of sacrifice is that officers have to lead from the front during war/war-like conditions; otherwise the jawans would not take a step forward in the face of bullets. It is for this reason that many young officers and company commanders have either lost their lives or have been rendered handicapped. If one considers the statistics of casualties among officers against the total number of officers in the armed forces, one will find that in sheer numbers, it is more than that for the subordinate ranks.
Public opinion
Even in the air force, the number of fighter/bomber pilots who are killed in action or crashes during routine flights is much higher than those among other ranks of air force. People sitting hundreds of kilometres away from the scenes of action and passing verdict should know this because in today’s day and age, public opinion matters.
The majority of infantry officers — who form the bulk of the army — have spent the prime of their lives in gruelling conditions in field areas and sacrificed the best years of their lives in the service of the nation; when these brave men return home on retirement to lead a peaceful life and are then offered an inadequate pension by a thankless nation, how would they feel?
Army men whose nerves were tested by the most perilous encounters and came back unscathed, who were not broken by the grit of hardened terrorists and who weathered everything that nature threw at them, will finally succumb to the crass reality of asking money in exchange for the priceless services rendered to the nation. The retired officers are asking for something as simple as making a policy to be applied to the entire force and not just a section of it.
------------
Tuesday 15 September 2009
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/25205/retired-military-officers-deserve-better.html
In Perspective
Retired military officers deserve a better deal
Lt Col (Retd) D K Havanoor
A majority of infantry officers spend the prime of their lives in gruelling conditions in field areas.
Recent discussions on pay scales of the armed forces in different television channels and media reportage in the print media suggest that civil society is fairly unaware about the insulated world of the military. While the government has approved a new policy of ‘One Rank One Pension’ only for soldiers, sailors and airmen, it has neglected the officer corps. More so, considering the officer corps comprises only three per cent of the armed forces with the remainder being the other ranks. Despite Defence Minister A K Anthony’s assurance in parliament to include the officer corps the rationale for not doing so is puzzling.
Among the problems underlying this issue is the inability of the political leadership and bureaucracy to comprehend the nuances of military culture both in times of war and peace. The popular perception of the armed forces appears to be limited only to peacetime activities, and not about what transpires during war and equally dangerous, war-like or insurgency situations called low intensity conflict operations, that are perpetual in the Indian context.
Illusion
The senior level civil-service officers, who are now decision makers on military matters, when on attachment with the army as probationers were given VIP treatment in the officers’ messes. This has probably given them an incorrect impression of the Service officers’ lifestyle. Our army is unique in terms of its operational environments.
Undoubtedly the air force and navy do have difficult conditions to work in — but nothing compares to the insurgency in snow-bound high-altitude areas and mountainous jungles.
Within the army, the infantry spends most of its time in field areas rather than in peace stations. Army officers and jawans work in the same conditions and not many infantry officers attend the glamourous parties of peace time army stations. There is camaraderie and no master-slave attitudes. But when our bureaucrats decide to have different policies for different cadre, men who were equals while in service are being treated differently when out of it. People, who stood together in the face of some of the most terrifying moments anyone ever sees in their lifetime, have been separated in retirement. This is unfair.
Army life is meant for resilient people. Army men have to bear years of separation from their families which contributes to an unsettled life for the wives and badly affects children’s education. During the long years of field tenure, running two establishments, wherein the army officer has to finance his own self and also ensure that his family doesn’t have to worry about normal daily expenses, many officers tend to exhaust their provident-fund which is crucial for retirement plans.
Another aspect of sacrifice is that officers have to lead from the front during war/war-like conditions; otherwise the jawans would not take a step forward in the face of bullets. It is for this reason that many young officers and company commanders have either lost their lives or have been rendered handicapped. If one considers the statistics of casualties among officers against the total number of officers in the armed forces, one will find that in sheer numbers, it is more than that for the subordinate ranks.
Public opinion
Even in the air force, the number of fighter/bomber pilots who are killed in action or crashes during routine flights is much higher than those among other ranks of air force. People sitting hundreds of kilometres away from the scenes of action and passing verdict should know this because in today’s day and age, public opinion matters.
The majority of infantry officers — who form the bulk of the army — have spent the prime of their lives in gruelling conditions in field areas and sacrificed the best years of their lives in the service of the nation; when these brave men return home on retirement to lead a peaceful life and are then offered an inadequate pension by a thankless nation, how would they feel?
Army men whose nerves were tested by the most perilous encounters and came back unscathed, who were not broken by the grit of hardened terrorists and who weathered everything that nature threw at them, will finally succumb to the crass reality of asking money in exchange for the priceless services rendered to the nation. The retired officers are asking for something as simple as making a policy to be applied to the entire force and not just a section of it.
------------
Rejoinder to Mr Davar by Sqd Ldr Bankim Sutaria
From: Bankim Sutaria bdsutaria@hotmail.com
To: exservicemen.congress@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, 15 September, 2009 7:26:01 PM
Subject: OROP
Dear Shri Praveen Davar,
I read your email forwarded by IESM. First of all I am not sure whether are you a ESM? If not than I feel it would have been better for you to keep away from the issue, And if you are an ESM I take pity on you for the ignorance about OROP.
All the ex MP gets equal pension after 4/5 years of tenure in loksabha or rajyasabha. No matter they last set in loksabha in 1962 or 2008. Our request is that please extend us the same privilege.
I would request you to convince this simple logic to your party superior.
May God bless you and your family.
Yours
Sqn.Ldr. Bankim Sutaria(retd)
To: exservicemen.congress@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, 15 September, 2009 7:26:01 PM
Subject: OROP
Dear Shri Praveen Davar,
I read your email forwarded by IESM. First of all I am not sure whether are you a ESM? If not than I feel it would have been better for you to keep away from the issue, And if you are an ESM I take pity on you for the ignorance about OROP.
All the ex MP gets equal pension after 4/5 years of tenure in loksabha or rajyasabha. No matter they last set in loksabha in 1962 or 2008. Our request is that please extend us the same privilege.
I would request you to convince this simple logic to your party superior.
May God bless you and your family.
Yours
Sqn.Ldr. Bankim Sutaria(retd)
New IESM members thanks to Cdr Pathak..Pune
From: Ravindra Pathak raviwarsha@gmail.com
To: satbirsm@yahoo.com
Cc: Brig C S Kamboj kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in TRUNCATED
Sent: Tuesday, 15 September, 2009 2:12:12 PM
Subject: IESM Membership
Dear Sir
Today i have registered the following members online.
Maj Gen N V Nerikar
Col M M Deshpande
The HDFC Receipt is enclosed
The application forms are being sent by courier
Brgds
R W Pathak
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)(Mobile 919822329340)
To: satbirsm@yahoo.com
Cc: Brig C S Kamboj kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in TRUNCATED
Sent: Tuesday, 15 September, 2009 2:12:12 PM
Subject: IESM Membership
Dear Sir
Today i have registered the following members online.
Maj Gen N V Nerikar
Col M M Deshpande
The HDFC Receipt is enclosed
The application forms are being sent by courier
Brgds
R W Pathak
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)(Mobile 919822329340)
Return of Medals 13 sep 2009 at Jantar MantarTuesday, September 15, 2009
Meeting with Governor Punjab by Brig Harwant Singh
Meeting with Governor Punjab
Sunday, 13 September, 2009 10:32:48 AM
...
1. A meeting was held by the Punjab Governor , Gen (Retd) SF Rodrigues on 10 Sep with about 30 prominent ESM of Punjab , wherein he wanted a Governor's Advisory and Monitoring ‘Committee’ (GAMC) to be in instituted for the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen . Lt Gen HRS Mann (Retd), former COS Western Command, would head this committee. Further ‘Sub- Committees’ for specific subjects, like, ‘Rehabilitation’, ‘Widows Welfare’, and ‘Grievances Redressal’ etc also to be constituted. Some names were finalised and some more may be added/ deleted. Hence, the list of all names would be given only on finalisation.
2. Director Sainik Welfare Punjab, Would Co-ordinate the functioning of the committee as rep of the Punjab Govt.
3. It was intended to seek help of HE the Governor in the meeting on following four major issues on behalf of the IESM:-
(a) Glaring and massive injustice done to the Ex-Servicemen by the 6th Pay Commission forcing them to resort to agitation , including depositing their most prized and dearest asset , their medals with the President of India in protest for their most genuine demand of OROP. Would the governor please take up the case with the PM for granting of OROP?
(b) The 4th Pay Commission denied ‘Rank Pay’ to affected persons , forcing one Major Dhanapalan to get redress from the court. Subsquently, the govt did not provide such redressal to others similarly placed persons, contrary to the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling which stated that if redressal was given to one person, the concerned department was expected to provide the same to all other similarly placed. Would the governor help?
(c) The Department of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare be headed by a military officer as is the case in most democracies and NOT by a bureaucrat.
(d) The National Commission for Ex-Servicemen be composed of members of the ‘User Group’ as is the case with commissions on ‘Women’ , ‘Minorities’ , ‘SC/BC’ and similar other such categories.
4. However only pt at (c) above could be raised and other pts could not be raised. Since the meeting was only 'Punjab Centric’, the Governor did not give any commitment on the point raised.
5. The Governor wanted a mechanism to be set up right up to each village, on which both factions of the IESL wanted to have a sole / dominant role on the plea that they had reps in each village, however the Governor preferred the mechanism under the aegis of Department of Sainik Welfare Punjab.
6. Some members raised extraneous issues, mainly to project themselves, to which the governor did not react kindly and they were told to raise the same later in separate meeting(s).
7. The meeting was concluded on the note that the vast experience and talents of the ESM must be used and they must contribute in the 'Nation Building'.
8. The press media highlighted the last mentioned aspect the next day.
With Warm Regards,
Yours' Sincerely,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),GFOE,
Sunday, 13 September, 2009 10:32:48 AM
...
1. A meeting was held by the Punjab Governor , Gen (Retd) SF Rodrigues on 10 Sep with about 30 prominent ESM of Punjab , wherein he wanted a Governor's Advisory and Monitoring ‘Committee’ (GAMC) to be in instituted for the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen . Lt Gen HRS Mann (Retd), former COS Western Command, would head this committee. Further ‘Sub- Committees’ for specific subjects, like, ‘Rehabilitation’, ‘Widows Welfare’, and ‘Grievances Redressal’ etc also to be constituted. Some names were finalised and some more may be added/ deleted. Hence, the list of all names would be given only on finalisation.
2. Director Sainik Welfare Punjab, Would Co-ordinate the functioning of the committee as rep of the Punjab Govt.
3. It was intended to seek help of HE the Governor in the meeting on following four major issues on behalf of the IESM:-
(a) Glaring and massive injustice done to the Ex-Servicemen by the 6th Pay Commission forcing them to resort to agitation , including depositing their most prized and dearest asset , their medals with the President of India in protest for their most genuine demand of OROP. Would the governor please take up the case with the PM for granting of OROP?
(b) The 4th Pay Commission denied ‘Rank Pay’ to affected persons , forcing one Major Dhanapalan to get redress from the court. Subsquently, the govt did not provide such redressal to others similarly placed persons, contrary to the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling which stated that if redressal was given to one person, the concerned department was expected to provide the same to all other similarly placed. Would the governor help?
(c) The Department of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare be headed by a military officer as is the case in most democracies and NOT by a bureaucrat.
(d) The National Commission for Ex-Servicemen be composed of members of the ‘User Group’ as is the case with commissions on ‘Women’ , ‘Minorities’ , ‘SC/BC’ and similar other such categories.
4. However only pt at (c) above could be raised and other pts could not be raised. Since the meeting was only 'Punjab Centric’, the Governor did not give any commitment on the point raised.
5. The Governor wanted a mechanism to be set up right up to each village, on which both factions of the IESL wanted to have a sole / dominant role on the plea that they had reps in each village, however the Governor preferred the mechanism under the aegis of Department of Sainik Welfare Punjab.
6. Some members raised extraneous issues, mainly to project themselves, to which the governor did not react kindly and they were told to raise the same later in separate meeting(s).
7. The meeting was concluded on the note that the vast experience and talents of the ESM must be used and they must contribute in the 'Nation Building'.
8. The press media highlighted the last mentioned aspect the next day.
With Warm Regards,
Yours' Sincerely,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),GFOE,
Welfare : Education in US by Veterans
From: Siddhartha Bose
Date: 2009/9/15
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] Welfare : Education in US by Veterans
To: M V
Cc: Colonelrajan Srinivas
As a Veteran, You Do Not Need to Pay for a Your Education in US
Here are 3 benefits that will not only cover their expenses, but will help them graduate faster.
GI Bill – Pays over $49,000
College Credit for Service – Schools may offer up to a full semester of credit
Scholarships – Over $300 million listed on Military.com
We also should make an endeavour to help needy Veterans as a part of our duty. IESM can think of opening a cell and attract donations from corporate sector.
Col Siddhartha Bose
9993032720
Date: 2009/9/15
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] Welfare : Education in US by Veterans
To: M V
Cc: Colonelrajan Srinivas
As a Veteran, You Do Not Need to Pay for a Your Education in US
Here are 3 benefits that will not only cover their expenses, but will help them graduate faster.
GI Bill – Pays over $49,000
College Credit for Service – Schools may offer up to a full semester of credit
Scholarships – Over $300 million listed on Military.com
We also should make an endeavour to help needy Veterans as a part of our duty. IESM can think of opening a cell and attract donations from corporate sector.
Col Siddhartha Bose
9993032720
Medals Return on 13 Sep 2009 to the President
Gen Satbir Singh Holding the Medals being returnedFormer Navy Chief Admiral Jayant G Nadkarni said that when uniform pension is applicable in other sectors then how can one expect a service personnel to live with the same amount of pension in the present times?
On the basis of what has come out, there is definitely disappointment as for long there was a demand that disparity in pension of personnel retiring at different points of time be removed. But, the government attempt is more or less to bridge the gap between former and present pensioners, which is not of much significance, said Lt Gen (Retd) Ashok Joshi.
Air Marshal (Retd) B N Gokhale said that although the government decision to implement the OROP is a good move but there seems to be a confusion on implementation aspect particularly for officers
Friday, September 11, 2009
FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation launched at Bangalore..NEWS
From: Colonelrajan Srinivas colonelrajan44@gmail.com
To: Lt Gen Raj Kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: Lt Gen Satish Kumar Bahri; Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar ; mkcgrd ; Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar Hon'ble MP ; Shri Rajeev Chandrasekar Honourable MP
Sent: Thursday, 10 September, 2009 9:11:29 PM
Subject: [Stg_Comm] FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation
Respected General,
Jai Hind.
You will be glad to know that Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon'ble MP of Rajaya Sabha who is a staunch supporter of IESM and a votary committed to the Honour of Soldiers, has since launched FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation, committed to taking care of families of Soldiers (of the Army, Navy & Air Force and also Para- Military Forces) who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the Nation.
Please click on the following links to know a little more about the FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation.
http://www.flagsofhonour.org/
http://www.flagsofhonour.org/pages/letters.html
FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation was launched at Bangalore, in July 2009 and many dignitaries attended the function.
A similar function is now planned to be held at Delhi in mid-Oct, and Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar requests the IESM Steering Committee's participation in the function and also requests if you could please speak to DG BSF, DG CRPF & DG RR and three serving Vice Chiefs & three retired Chiefs and request their presence & participation in the function.
I shall be obliged if you could please let me or Air Cmde MKChandrasekhar know their names with decorations & addresses to extend a formal invitation to them.
Regards,
Col Rajan
To: Lt Gen Raj Kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: Lt Gen Satish Kumar Bahri
Sent: Thursday, 10 September, 2009 9:11:29 PM
Subject: [Stg_Comm] FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation
Respected General,
Jai Hind.
You will be glad to know that Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon'ble MP of Rajaya Sabha who is a staunch supporter of IESM and a votary committed to the Honour of Soldiers, has since launched FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation, committed to taking care of families of Soldiers (of the Army, Navy & Air Force and also Para- Military Forces) who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the Nation.
Please click on the following links to know a little more about the FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation.
http://www.flagsofhonour.org/
http://www.flagsofhonour.org/pages/letters.html
FLAGS of HONOUR Foundation was launched at Bangalore, in July 2009 and many dignitaries attended the function.
A similar function is now planned to be held at Delhi in mid-Oct, and Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar requests the IESM Steering Committee's participation in the function and also requests if you could please speak to DG BSF, DG CRPF & DG RR and three serving Vice Chiefs & three retired Chiefs and request their presence & participation in the function.
I shall be obliged if you could please let me or Air Cmde MKChandrasekhar know their names with decorations & addresses to extend a formal invitation to them.
Regards,
Col Rajan
Thursday, September 10, 2009
MAj Gen Pension info pls........
Major General Chander Govindaswamy ( Retd. )
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
Major General Chander Govindaswamy ( Retd. )
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
Major General Chander Govindaswamy ( Retd. )
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
Major General Chander Govindaswamy ( Retd. )
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: A Ganesh
Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Subject: Fixation of Pay - Maj Gens
To: gchander@gmail. com
My dear Chander,
I had been to CDA(O) for some other work and happened to meet Mr Venkatesan, the DCDA looking after pensions. He has informed me that they are fixing the pay of all pre 96 Maj Gens as of 1.1.96 notionally at Rs 20000. So the pension would be Rs 10000. He tried to explain that this is arrived at looking at the seniormost Brigs then stepping up the pay of Maj Gens to give benefit of one increment etc but was generally incoherent in his 'logic'. I told him that this is not in accordance with the SC judgment but obviously he is just 'his master's voice'.
This is for your information and further necessary action in the contempt hearing. We will be getting peanuts as decided by the babus - the sons-in-law of the country who are above even God. What is mere SC?
regards,
ganesh
Sitrep on ESM unity by Lt Col JAmes Kangaraj
Dear Brig Kamboj,
Based on the above sitrep on ESM unity, I have added the following in the weblog post: http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com/2009/09/iesm-chairmans-desk-esm-unity.html
For information please.
What we can do?
IESM is a registered society under Indian Society Act of 1860 with present membership of about 3500 and with 15,000 supporters who have deposited gallantry awards to the president. This number is adequate to represent ESM. The Society Act makes no difference/ distinction to organisations having 3 lakh members or just 30 members. The organisations are at par as long as we have a laudable Memorandum of Association and an effective governing body who can represent and take up welfare issues with the Government of India. Therefore to imagine that unity of all ESM organisations will work miracles will only be in the figment of our imagination- literally catching the clouds. Let us rally therefore around our respective ESM leaders and work towards general welfare, dignity and honour of our Jawans. To start with let us as officers be determined not to employ Jawans in the demeaning manner as "Security Personnel" as empanelled by DGR wherein rules are flouted by Officers for their own welfare. The DGR empanelled "Security Agencies" is one of the foremost bureaucratic measures to demean our own Jawans by our own officers who have commanded them in combat during Service in the Armed Forces. The rules are so designed by DGR that are not enforceable.
OROP: Comment by a Civilian
By: Mrs.Jayanthi Frank
On: 30 Aug 2009 11:58 pm
The efforts taken by the Ex-service personnel are very reasonable. Our Government must take immediate action to release the One Rank One Pension (OROP) to all the retired defense personnel. The pension payable must be equal to all the defense pensioners as related to their rank, trade/post and years of defense service rendered by them irrespective of the date and year of their retirement. Let us recollect the sufferings sustained by our defense personnel during 1961 Goa operation, 1962 Chinese aggression, 1965 and 1971 Pakistan operation and the Kargi war. Also during the peace time, they are facing very hard living in order to safe guard the border of Our Country, Our Nation, Our Motherland and............... The amount spent for the retired defense personnel will be glorified by our God in Heaven. Hence, I request our Honourable Prime Minister to award the OROP in full to all the retired defense personnel.
With regards,
James Kanagaraj
Based on the above sitrep on ESM unity, I have added the following in the weblog post: http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com/2009/09/iesm-chairmans-desk-esm-unity.html
For information please.
What we can do?
IESM is a registered society under Indian Society Act of 1860 with present membership of about 3500 and with 15,000 supporters who have deposited gallantry awards to the president. This number is adequate to represent ESM. The Society Act makes no difference/ distinction to organisations having 3 lakh members or just 30 members. The organisations are at par as long as we have a laudable Memorandum of Association and an effective governing body who can represent and take up welfare issues with the Government of India. Therefore to imagine that unity of all ESM organisations will work miracles will only be in the figment of our imagination- literally catching the clouds. Let us rally therefore around our respective ESM leaders and work towards general welfare, dignity and honour of our Jawans. To start with let us as officers be determined not to employ Jawans in the demeaning manner as "Security Personnel" as empanelled by DGR wherein rules are flouted by Officers for their own welfare. The DGR empanelled "Security Agencies" is one of the foremost bureaucratic measures to demean our own Jawans by our own officers who have commanded them in combat during Service in the Armed Forces. The rules are so designed by DGR that are not enforceable.
OROP: Comment by a Civilian
By: Mrs.Jayanthi Frank
On: 30 Aug 2009 11:58 pm
The efforts taken by the Ex-service personnel are very reasonable. Our Government must take immediate action to release the One Rank One Pension (OROP) to all the retired defense personnel. The pension payable must be equal to all the defense pensioners as related to their rank, trade/post and years of defense service rendered by them irrespective of the date and year of their retirement. Let us recollect the sufferings sustained by our defense personnel during 1961 Goa operation, 1962 Chinese aggression, 1965 and 1971 Pakistan operation and the Kargi war. Also during the peace time, they are facing very hard living in order to safe guard the border of Our Country, Our Nation, Our Motherland and............... The amount spent for the retired defense personnel will be glorified by our God in Heaven. Hence, I request our Honourable Prime Minister to award the OROP in full to all the retired defense personnel.
With regards,
James Kanagaraj
New Links in IESM Web site www.iesm.org ( ECHS + CSD + PENSION)
From: Cdr Sharan Ahuja sharansahuja@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, 9 September, 2009 3:13:48 PM
Subject: New Links in IESM Web site www.iesm.org ( ECHS + CSD + PENSION)
Dear All,
3 Links as below have been put on the Home page of the IESM Web www.iesm.org site today.
All veterans are requested to give wide publicity to this and make use of the services of these 3 cells being headed by very capable Veterans from all 3 services.
Pension Help Cell of IESM
CSD Help Cell of IESM
ECHS Help Cell of IESM
Regards
Cdr Sharan Ahuja (Retd)
Member Core Group IESM
Sent: Wednesday, 9 September, 2009 3:13:48 PM
Subject: New Links in IESM Web site www.iesm.org ( ECHS + CSD + PENSION)
Dear All,
3 Links as below have been put on the Home page of the IESM Web www.iesm.org site today.
All veterans are requested to give wide publicity to this and make use of the services of these 3 cells being headed by very capable Veterans from all 3 services.
Pension Help Cell of IESM
CSD Help Cell of IESM
ECHS Help Cell of IESM
Regards
Cdr Sharan Ahuja (Retd)
Member Core Group IESM
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
युवाओं को आरटीआई के लिए किया जागरूक
युवाओं को आरटीआई के लिए किया जागरूक
Sep 07, 11:02 pm
नोएडा, संवाददाता :
सेक्टर 15 स्थित नोएडा पब्लिक लाइब्रेरी में नोएडा लोक मंच ने आरटीआई एक्ट की जानकारी के बारे में एक कार्यशाला का आयोजन कर युवाओं को जागरूक करने की पहल की। इस अवसर पर सेवानिवृत्त कोमोडोर लोकेश बत्रा आरटीआई एक्ट के बारे में जानकारी निठारी की केश स्टडी को उदाहरण देकर बताई। उन्होंने पूरे घटनाक्रम का विवरण देते हुए युवाओं को बताया कि किस तरह से आरटीआई एक्ट की जानकारी के बाद किसी केश की स्टडी की जा सकती है। युवाओं ने लोकेश बत्रा से सवाल भी पूछे और उन सभी सवालों का जवाब देकर युवाओं की
Sep 07, 11:02 pm
नोएडा, संवाददाता :
सेक्टर 15 स्थित नोएडा पब्लिक लाइब्रेरी में नोएडा लोक मंच ने आरटीआई एक्ट की जानकारी के बारे में एक कार्यशाला का आयोजन कर युवाओं को जागरूक करने की पहल की। इस अवसर पर सेवानिवृत्त कोमोडोर लोकेश बत्रा आरटीआई एक्ट के बारे में जानकारी निठारी की केश स्टडी को उदाहरण देकर बताई। उन्होंने पूरे घटनाक्रम का विवरण देते हुए युवाओं को बताया कि किस तरह से आरटीआई एक्ट की जानकारी के बाद किसी केश की स्टडी की जा सकती है। युवाओं ने लोकेश बत्रा से सवाल भी पूछे और उन सभी सवालों का जवाब देकर युवाओं की
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNORS by Brig Harwant singh
Dear Sir ,
A letter for publication in your most Esteemed Paper is attached. (Appended below). Since time is extremely short before the impending meeting with HE the Governor of Punjab, you are requested to publish the same at the earliest to enable HE to prepare for the questions please. Short reaction time given is deeply regretted.
With Warm Regards,
Yours' Sincerely,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNORS
While forthcoming meeting of prominent Ex-Servicemen on 10 Sep, by Gen (Retd) SF Rodrigues, the Governor of Punjab, who is a former Army Chief, to discuss matters related to their welfare is welcome, they are likely to ask some uncomfortable questions to His Excellency. Apart from the routine neglect of the Ex-Servicemen, many injustices have been heaped upon them by the govt .e.g. The 4th Pay Commission denied ‘Rank Pay’ to affected persons, forcing one Major Danapalam to get redress from the court but the govt did not provide such redressal to others similarly placed, contrary to the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling which stated that if redressal was given to one person, the concerned department was expected to provide the same to all other similarly placed. When the aforementioned case became public, what efforts did the retired army chief as governor make to get redressal to the thousands of affected Ex-Servicemen? Again, glaring and massive injustice has been done to the Ex-Servicemen by the 6th Pay Commission forcing them to resort to agitation, including depositing their most prized and dearest asset, their medals with the President of India. What action did the former Army chief take to get them justice? Why the Department of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare is NOT headed by a military officer as is the case in most democracies but by a bureaucrat? Why the National Commission for Ex-Servicemen is NOT composed of members of the ‘User Group’ as is the case with commissions on ‘Women’, ‘Minorities’, ‘SC/BC’ and similar other such categories?
All Governors, specially the former soldiers, are advised that holding ritualistic meeting and platitudes would NOT do. They MUST do some thing concrete towards the Ex-Servicemen, who gave their yesterday for Nation’s tomorrow.
BRIG HARWANT SINGH(Retd)
08 Sep 2009
Member Rajyia Sainik Board, Punjab
Member Steering Committee Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement
A letter for publication in your most Esteemed Paper is attached. (Appended below). Since time is extremely short before the impending meeting with HE the Governor of Punjab, you are requested to publish the same at the earliest to enable HE to prepare for the questions please. Short reaction time given is deeply regretted.
With Warm Regards,
Yours' Sincerely,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNORS
While forthcoming meeting of prominent Ex-Servicemen on 10 Sep, by Gen (Retd) SF Rodrigues, the Governor of Punjab, who is a former Army Chief, to discuss matters related to their welfare is welcome, they are likely to ask some uncomfortable questions to His Excellency. Apart from the routine neglect of the Ex-Servicemen, many injustices have been heaped upon them by the govt .e.g. The 4th Pay Commission denied ‘Rank Pay’ to affected persons, forcing one Major Danapalam to get redress from the court but the govt did not provide such redressal to others similarly placed, contrary to the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling which stated that if redressal was given to one person, the concerned department was expected to provide the same to all other similarly placed. When the aforementioned case became public, what efforts did the retired army chief as governor make to get redressal to the thousands of affected Ex-Servicemen? Again, glaring and massive injustice has been done to the Ex-Servicemen by the 6th Pay Commission forcing them to resort to agitation, including depositing their most prized and dearest asset, their medals with the President of India. What action did the former Army chief take to get them justice? Why the Department of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare is NOT headed by a military officer as is the case in most democracies but by a bureaucrat? Why the National Commission for Ex-Servicemen is NOT composed of members of the ‘User Group’ as is the case with commissions on ‘Women’, ‘Minorities’, ‘SC/BC’ and similar other such categories?
All Governors, specially the former soldiers, are advised that holding ritualistic meeting and platitudes would NOT do. They MUST do some thing concrete towards the Ex-Servicemen, who gave their yesterday for Nation’s tomorrow.
BRIG HARWANT SINGH(Retd)
08 Sep 2009
Member Rajyia Sainik Board, Punjab
Member Steering Committee Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement
COMPARISONS OF PAY LEVELS AS AN INDICATOR OF FAIRNESS by Gen Surjit Singh
COMPARISONS OF PAY LEVELS AS AN INDICATOR OF FAIRNESS
Some observers would argue that military pay policy should be fair to service members as well as effective in meeting GOI, MoD recruitment and personnel requirements. Although fairness is a subjective concept, one possible criterion is that military personnel should not be expected to work for substantially less than what workers of a similar age and educational background earn in the civilian sector. That is, people driven to serve by patriotism or a strong sense of duty should not have to suffer a sharp financial loss as a result.
Comparisons of pay levels in the military and civilian sectors can help policymakers form their own subjective judgments about whether the nation is treating its military personnel fairly. Accurate assessments of what a specific person might earn in civilian employment are difficult to make. Broad comparisons of military and civilian earnings may be the most useful, however, depending on the notion of fairness. For example, it may be unfair to ask a college-educated officer to accept lower pay than most similarly educated civilians in the Government departments. But fairness may not require that GOI pay the pilots to whom it has provided valuable training as much as that training would bring them in the civilian sector.
The results of a broad comparison of pay levels might surprise people who are concerned about the fairness of military pay levels and people who believe--perhaps because of the reports of a pay gap--that military personnel are paid substantially less than civilian workers of a similar age and educational background. Throughout the course of a typical military career--in either the PBOR or officer ranks--military pay falls short of pay among comparable civilian workers.
Yet because fairness is a subjective notion, the comparison may not satisfy all observers. Some might argue that a fair system would require an even larger premium because of the sacrifices that military service entails. Others might contend that the eligibility of all service personnel for free rations is a clear sign that military pay is unfairly low, even though most qualify only because the rules governing eligibility for free rations do not consider all of their military pay. Any particular approach to comparing military and civilian pay levels cannot address all of the arguments that might be raised.
THE PENSION- GAP CONCEPT AS A GUIDE TO POLICY
Because fairness is subjective, the findings by Maj Gen Surjit Singh deals only with the usefulness of the pension- gap concept as a guide to effective pension policy. Specifically, efforts to compare civilian and military pay levels or to track changes in relative salaries over a long period do not provide a useful guide as it seeks to meet its needs for well- qualified personnel. That conclusion is forcefully illustrated by the fact that comparisons of both wage levels and pay/ salary growth over time (after adjusting for some of the shortcomings in the conventional pay- gap measure) indicate that personnel below officer rank overall are not faring very well relative to their civilian counterparts. If those pension- gap indicators were used to guide policy, GOI should do well to bridge the increasing gap in Military Pensions further widened by the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
Some observers would argue that military pay policy should be fair to service members as well as effective in meeting GOI, MoD recruitment and personnel requirements. Although fairness is a subjective concept, one possible criterion is that military personnel should not be expected to work for substantially less than what workers of a similar age and educational background earn in the civilian sector. That is, people driven to serve by patriotism or a strong sense of duty should not have to suffer a sharp financial loss as a result.
Comparisons of pay levels in the military and civilian sectors can help policymakers form their own subjective judgments about whether the nation is treating its military personnel fairly. Accurate assessments of what a specific person might earn in civilian employment are difficult to make. Broad comparisons of military and civilian earnings may be the most useful, however, depending on the notion of fairness. For example, it may be unfair to ask a college-educated officer to accept lower pay than most similarly educated civilians in the Government departments. But fairness may not require that GOI pay the pilots to whom it has provided valuable training as much as that training would bring them in the civilian sector.
The results of a broad comparison of pay levels might surprise people who are concerned about the fairness of military pay levels and people who believe--perhaps because of the reports of a pay gap--that military personnel are paid substantially less than civilian workers of a similar age and educational background. Throughout the course of a typical military career--in either the PBOR or officer ranks--military pay falls short of pay among comparable civilian workers.
Yet because fairness is a subjective notion, the comparison may not satisfy all observers. Some might argue that a fair system would require an even larger premium because of the sacrifices that military service entails. Others might contend that the eligibility of all service personnel for free rations is a clear sign that military pay is unfairly low, even though most qualify only because the rules governing eligibility for free rations do not consider all of their military pay. Any particular approach to comparing military and civilian pay levels cannot address all of the arguments that might be raised.
THE PENSION- GAP CONCEPT AS A GUIDE TO POLICY
Because fairness is subjective, the findings by Maj Gen Surjit Singh deals only with the usefulness of the pension- gap concept as a guide to effective pension policy. Specifically, efforts to compare civilian and military pay levels or to track changes in relative salaries over a long period do not provide a useful guide as it seeks to meet its needs for well- qualified personnel. That conclusion is forcefully illustrated by the fact that comparisons of both wage levels and pay/ salary growth over time (after adjusting for some of the shortcomings in the conventional pay- gap measure) indicate that personnel below officer rank overall are not faring very well relative to their civilian counterparts. If those pension- gap indicators were used to guide policy, GOI should do well to bridge the increasing gap in Military Pensions further widened by the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Pension Cell Details IESM
Loaction: Rank : Name Contact Email Postal Address Landline Mobile
1.Karaikudi (Tamilnadu south) Ex-Warrant Officer R N.Thiruchelvam 04565225005 /919442044421 jaihindselva@yahoo.co.in 2/1316, Sivagami Illam, Thanthai Periyar Nagar 9th Street, Burma Colony, Karaikudi-630 002, TN.
***********************************************************
2.Pune Cdr (Retd) I.N. R W Pathak 020-25655792 / 919822329340 raviwarsha@gmail.com
1 Surshri,1146 Lakaki Road,Shivajinagar,Pune 411016
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3.Gurgaon V Adm (Retd) I.N. Barin Ghose 0124-4044069 / 919871381479 bag1944@yahoo.co.in B 449 Sushant Lok I Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
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4. Bangalore Col (Retd) Janakiraman 25359472 / 919448522740 coljanakiraman@gmail.com domlur layout - Bangalore 560071
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5.Pune Gr Capt (Retd) S S Phatak 02026442344 919421003200 sushan1005@yahoo.com
3/6 Vaishali Society Shankar seth road Pune
******************************************************
6.Chennai LCdr (Retd) I.N. C K Balaji balajicso@yahoo.co.in
G V Sreedhar gv_sreedhar@hotmail.com
*************************************************************
7. New Delhi Brigadier (Retd) Y S Rao 011-2031 4011 / 919871504820 sryellepeddy@yahoo.com 221 Narmada Apartments Alaknanda New Delhi 110 019
1.Karaikudi (Tamilnadu south) Ex-Warrant Officer R N.Thiruchelvam 04565225005 /919442044421 jaihindselva@yahoo.co.in 2/1316, Sivagami Illam, Thanthai Periyar Nagar 9th Street, Burma Colony, Karaikudi-630 002, TN.
***********************************************************
2.Pune Cdr (Retd) I.N. R W Pathak 020-25655792 / 919822329340 raviwarsha@gmail.com
1 Surshri,1146 Lakaki Road,Shivajinagar,Pune 411016
***********************************************************
3.Gurgaon V Adm (Retd) I.N. Barin Ghose 0124-4044069 / 919871381479 bag1944@yahoo.co.in B 449 Sushant Lok I Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
*******************************************************
4. Bangalore Col (Retd) Janakiraman 25359472 / 919448522740 coljanakiraman@gmail.com domlur layout - Bangalore 560071
********************************************************
5.Pune Gr Capt (Retd) S S Phatak 02026442344 919421003200 sushan1005@yahoo.com
3/6 Vaishali Society Shankar seth road Pune
******************************************************
6.Chennai LCdr (Retd) I.N. C K Balaji balajicso@yahoo.co.in
G V Sreedhar gv_sreedhar@hotmail.com
*************************************************************
7. New Delhi Brigadier (Retd) Y S Rao 011-2031 4011 / 919871504820 sryellepeddy@yahoo.com 221 Narmada Apartments Alaknanda New Delhi 110 019
Establishment of the CSD Committee by IESM..Lt Gen Jagdish Chander
From: jagdish chander jagimedi@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, 7 September, 2009 5:30:48 PM
Subject: Re: Establishment of the CSD Committee by IESM
Dear Harwant,
I understand there is a problem in purchase of cars for servicemen (serving and ex-servicemen alike) in the UT of Chandigarh.
On enquiry form CSD sources I am told it that while on the one hand the dealers in Chandigarh cannot charge VAT on interstate transfer, on the other hand the States of Haryana and Punjab stand to lose 4% VAT on every transaction from sale ex Chandigarh dealer.
For your information since introduction of sale of cars up to 1300 cc to JCOs/Ors, the sale of cars has jumped three fold in Punjab alone. As there is no CSD depot at Chandigarh and in interstate transfer the seller/dealer at Chandigarh can only charge CST on cars sold ex Ambala / Jullundur, the non payment of VAT has been observed adversely on CSD by the state authorities.
Obviously, in a case like this the solution lies in resolution with the State Govt Authorities.
A meeting is likely to be held by Western Command with the State Sales tax authorities in the coming week. Let’s wait and see what comes out of it.
Till then it’s a ?.
For your info.
Regards,
Jagdish
(Lt Gen Jagdish Chander, Former DG ASC, Former MD CSD (I) and Head IESM CSD Cell)
Sent: Monday, 7 September, 2009 5:30:48 PM
Subject: Re: Establishment of the CSD Committee by IESM
Dear Harwant,
I understand there is a problem in purchase of cars for servicemen (serving and ex-servicemen alike) in the UT of Chandigarh.
On enquiry form CSD sources I am told it that while on the one hand the dealers in Chandigarh cannot charge VAT on interstate transfer, on the other hand the States of Haryana and Punjab stand to lose 4% VAT on every transaction from sale ex Chandigarh dealer.
For your information since introduction of sale of cars up to 1300 cc to JCOs/Ors, the sale of cars has jumped three fold in Punjab alone. As there is no CSD depot at Chandigarh and in interstate transfer the seller/dealer at Chandigarh can only charge CST on cars sold ex Ambala / Jullundur, the non payment of VAT has been observed adversely on CSD by the state authorities.
Obviously, in a case like this the solution lies in resolution with the State Govt Authorities.
A meeting is likely to be held by Western Command with the State Sales tax authorities in the coming week. Let’s wait and see what comes out of it.
Till then it’s a ?.
For your info.
Regards,
Jagdish
(Lt Gen Jagdish Chander, Former DG ASC, Former MD CSD (I) and Head IESM CSD Cell)
CSD Cell IESM
Dear Sir,
Reference the decision conveyed at the IESM meeting at NOIDA on 30 August 2009 regarding setting up of the IESM CSD Division to address the grievances / problems of ex-servicemen related to CSD.
As you are aware that Brig Harwant and I were nominated to head this Division of the IESM. The Central Division is in place and ready to under take responsibilities to deal with complaints of ex-servicemen pertaining to CSD.
While initially we may face some teething problems we hope to be able to respond to every case individually / collectively depending on the type of complaint.
May I request you to please pass this information through your net work to all IESM members to please make a note of my/Brig Harwant's e-mail ID and send in their complaints through you, to us directly as they desire.
We shall then address the complaint and have it resolved.
(Lt Gen Jagdish Chander, Former DG ASC and Former MD CSD(I), settled at New Delhi)
Copy to:-
Brig Harwant Singh. Please confirm if this has your approval .
Note:
Dear Veterans.
Your suggestions or complaints pertaining to CSD (I) should kindly be sent directly to Gen Jagdish Chander and Brig Harwant Singh and please do not endorse copies of such emails to me.
I am much too overloaded with emails. – PLEASE. – Chander Kamboj.
Email IDs –
Lt Gen Jagdish Chander – jagi_medi@hotmail.com
Brig Harwant Singh (Chandigarh) - hrwntsingh@yahoo.co.in
-------------
Reference the decision conveyed at the IESM meeting at NOIDA on 30 August 2009 regarding setting up of the IESM CSD Division to address the grievances / problems of ex-servicemen related to CSD.
As you are aware that Brig Harwant and I were nominated to head this Division of the IESM. The Central Division is in place and ready to under take responsibilities to deal with complaints of ex-servicemen pertaining to CSD.
While initially we may face some teething problems we hope to be able to respond to every case individually / collectively depending on the type of complaint.
May I request you to please pass this information through your net work to all IESM members to please make a note of my/Brig Harwant's e-mail ID and send in their complaints through you, to us directly as they desire.
We shall then address the complaint and have it resolved.
(Lt Gen Jagdish Chander, Former DG ASC and Former MD CSD(I), settled at New Delhi)
Copy to:-
Brig Harwant Singh. Please confirm if this has your approval .
Note:
Dear Veterans.
Your suggestions or complaints pertaining to CSD (I) should kindly be sent directly to Gen Jagdish Chander and Brig Harwant Singh and please do not endorse copies of such emails to me.
I am much too overloaded with emails. – PLEASE. – Chander Kamboj.
Email IDs –
Lt Gen Jagdish Chander – jagi_medi@hotmail.com
Brig Harwant Singh (Chandigarh) - hrwntsingh@yahoo.co.in
-------------
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
EXEMPTION U/S 80 (G) FOR IESM DONORS
"EXEMPTION u/s 80 (G) OF THE IT ACT HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY THE IESM. 50% OF AMOUNT DONATED TO IESM CAN NOW BE DEDUCTED FROM THEIR INCOME BY THE DONORS. RECEIPTS GIVEN BY IESM FOR DONATIONS WILL INDICATE REQUIRED AUTHORITY TO ENABLE DONORS TO CLAIM EXEMPTION."
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