ESM sitrep 27 Nov evening

From: Raghubir Singh [mailto:raghubirs@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 November 2010 05:28
To: iesm_group+owners@googlegroups.com
Cc: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; 20-29; 19-28 course; brigadier ptgangadharan; ESM Veterans site; iesmgroup 1
Subject: Re: [IESM_Group:52] ESM sitrep 27 Nov evening

Dear General Raj Kadiyan & General Satbir Singh

Please accept my heariest congratulations on being given the baton once again to lead the struggle for the next two years. I find my dear friend & one of the leading lights of the IESM Col Rajan not in the list of functionaries? Col Tyagi who has scored a dozen votes must be given due respect for keeping up the democratic tradition for standing up.

I had requested quite long time back to be taken off the Core Gp -for not being able to contribute much due to my pre-occupation with education.

I have one small suggestion that IESM should ask for Annual Subscription of say Rs 1000/- on voluntary basis instead of donation.
I will be contributing @ Rs 1000/- per year.

Congratulations to all members of the Governing Body.


Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
Pune

IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS

From: mehandru [mailto:mehandru@airtelmail.in]
Sent: 28 November 2010 13:48
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS - CHAIRMAN'S AND SECY GENERAL'S EMAILS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 551/2010 - (H to Z-3) - 27 NOV 2010

IESM....AGM....
GREEINGS TO OUR PRECIOUS TEAM,.
IT IS ONLY RARELY THAT PROVDENCE CONJURES UP A TEAM LIKE THIS.
The Services and the ESM have had in the last over 50years an abundance of such soldiers who individually were equally devoted and dedicated but the coming together of this team and the concept of collective work for collective good of the serving ,retired, disabled and widows has benefitted everybody selflessly and thus can neither be faulted nor replaced.You have touched the remote corners of the country and made the ESM aware..The blog RMS and efforts of Brig Kamboj has kept everyone well informed and well-knit.

KEEP IT UP,KEEP TOGATHER AND KEEP MOVING,..
WE MAY BE APOLITICAL BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE A VOICE...AND YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’
GOD BLESS US
Mehandru

AGM/Election

From: Ram Gulrajani [mailto:ramgulrajani@gmail.com]
Sent: 27 November 2010 19:38
To: IESM Kamboj CS, Brig; coregroup IESM; IESM GROUP
Cc: indianveterans; mil
Subject: Re: [IESM_Group:50] AGM/Election Prelim Rep 101127/4

Dear Veterans

Congratulations to the new and re-elected incumbents who have been doing a thankless job with so much dedication and enthusiasm. The movement under the Chairmanship of Generals Raj Kadyan and Satbir Singh has already created a ripple in the babudom, which will now be a wave if not a tsunami. My salutes and God Bless to the entire team.

Veteran Ram Gulrajani
Chennai.

IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS

From: Brigadier Dharam Prakash [mailto:brigadierdp@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 November 2010 13:19
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: CSK551@DATAONE.IN
Subject: Re: IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS - CHAIRMAN'S AND SECY GENERAL'S EMAILS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 551/2010 - (A to G-1) - 27 NOV 2010

HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS to OUT GOING committee,for the excellent work done so far despite odds.
Best wishes from all IESM members from Navi Mumbai for the new Committee,collectively we shall achieve what we set our sights on.

Brigadier Dharam Prakash (Retd)

Picasa Web Album - AGM and Elections at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and Rally at Jantar Mantar on 28 2010

From: Cdr Sharan Ahuja
Sent: 30 November 2010 16:48
Subject: Invitation to view indianexservicemenmovementindi's Picasa Web Album - AGM and Elections at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and Rally at Jantar Mantar on 28 2010

Pictures of the IESM's AGM and Election at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and the Rally at Jantar Mantar held on 28 Nov 2010. Both was well attended by ESM of 12 States. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan was re-elected as Chairman of IESM for the next 2 years along with other Governing Body members. Capt Sidhu from Punjab attended the rally on 28 along with many ESM from Punjab.


http://picasaweb.google.com/indianexservicemenmovementindi/AGMAndElectionsAtAVINoidaOn27Nov2010?feat=email#

Regards.
Cdr Sharan Ahuja
If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=indianexservicemenmovementindi&target=ALBUM&id=5361238502148557985&authkey=Gv1sRgCJCBtKXG3J24rQE&feat=email

Pension Anomaly removed but Lt Col Family Pension remains Jinxed

As per the current stipulation in vogue, the minimum guaranteed pension of personnel of some junior ranks was more than pension of senior ranks with the same length of service. This happened since the admissible weightage of junior ranks at places was more than senior ranks.

The said anomaly has been addressed and the MoD has issued a new letter rectifying the problem. Consequently, fresh amended annexures (i.e, Annexures II, IIA and III) replacing the ones appended with the earlier issued MoD letter dated 11 Nov 2008, have been promulgated for officers as well as JCOs and OR.

The said letter, alongwith another letter on medical boards, may be accessed by clicking here. It may however be noted that the family pension of a Lt Col has been mentioned incorrectly in the fresh letter as Rs 8760 per month in this letter whereas it actually is Rs 15420 (30% of minimum of Pay Band-4 + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay). The MoD has by mistake printed the family pension for the rank of Lt Col as per the old (Pay Band-3) scale.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:08 AM

New Members IESM by Hony Lt K Pandey

From: Kameshwar Pandey [mailto:pandeykameshwar@gmail.com]
Sent: 22 November 2010 12:13
To: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: Satbir Singh; Sharan Ahuja; CoreGpIESM@yahoogroups.com; kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: List of Newly Joined IESM Members

Dear Sirs,

Following is the list of newly joined IESM members:-

H/Capt Tulashi Ram Gyati
H/N/Sub Ram Murti Lal
N/Sub Madan Singh
Sub MaJ Zile Singh
H/Lt MS Negi
H/Capt Roshan Lal Puri
Sub T Yadaw
Sub Dibal Chad Verma
Sub Maj RS Pal
H/Cpt J R Narang
Sgt Harjit Singh
H/N/Sub Shrikrisna Thakar
Sub Jagdish Prasad Shama
Sub GN Tripathi
H/Capt NB Pathak
H/Capt Badri Singh
Hav Kuldip Singh
Hav SK Barua
Hav Birendar Kumar
Cpl Sanjay Dvibedi
Sea Man BD Sharma
CFN Mahesh Chandra Dutta
H/N/Sub Puran Singh
NK Rewat Singh Bist
Hav Madan Rai
W/O NK Netwar Prasad



Thank you.

Yours truly,
Kameshwar Pandey

ARTICLE BY Major General Mrinal Suman

From: kamaleshwar davar [mailto:kamaleshwar9@yahoo.co.in]
Sent: 21 November 2010 18:59
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ARTICLE BY Major General Mrinal Suman - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 540/2010 - (A to G-1) - 21 NOV 2010

An excellent, balanced and a well analysed article. I hope the three Services will look into the very significant points mentioned and rationalise the selections beyond the level of the Corps Cdrs too. Incidentally the Army follows the rule of min 2 years residual service for Corps Cdrs becoming Army Cdrs whereas the IAF and Navy follow only one year residual service. Thus what is happening is that in the large number of Inter service appts many Army offrs perforce get toserve under the IN and IAF offrs who were originally junior to them.Also the Supreme Court on many occasions have advised the Services HQs to streamline thier promotion policies for senior offrs. I am afraid some among the top hierarchy have not been fair to the Service they have the privilege to lead and thus' mediocrity with agreeability' reinforced by an unwarranted regimental loyalty becomes the major criteria for movement upwards and has brought a bad name to the Services. I pray for the best to lead the best in the service of the country. JAI HIND,
Lt Gen Kamal Davar (retd)

AN OLD SOLDIER SPEAKS

From: VIJAY OBEROI [mailto:oberoivijay@hotmail.com]
Sent: 21 November 2010 21:54
To: mmp_kala@yahoo.com
Cc: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: AN OLD SOLDIER SPEAKS

Dear MM, (Colonel MMP Kala, Dehra Dun)

Thank you for your mail. I am afraid I am unable to help you at this juncture. So far only an announcement has been made about the formation of a Commission. The Supreme Court has asked the government to issue implementation instructions in two months. There is no word about it yet. It is possible that the central government may amend the orders of the Supreme Court or at least try to do so.

One more member is still to be appointed. The Commission can only meet once the implementation instructions are issued.

I am afraid it is premature to ask me or any member of the proposed commision to provide answers to your queries or similar other queries.

Once the Commission starts functioning and has worked out modalities, I am sure we will be able to process various grievances.

Till then, I would request you to hold your horses and be patient.

I am endorsing a copy to Chander Kamboj, requesting him to publish this mail in its Blog.

Warm regards.
· Vijay Oberoi
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)
Former Director Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
RESIDENCE
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
'DAULAT'
#673, Sector - 6
Panchkula - 134109
Telephone - 0172 - 2587642, 2587648
e - mail : oberoivijay@hotmail.com
OFFICE
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
President

press release.....

DATED: 23 NOV 2010
PRESS RELEASE
ARMED FORCES GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION AND ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE BY EX SERVICEMEN

Dear Members of the Media

1. The formation of the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, “Suo Moto” could not have occurred if particular segments of our polity had not bear sensitized on OROP and other veterans issues. The Hon’ble Judge Sh.Markandey Katju even quotes Chankya and NDTV show, apart from medals return and burning of artificial limbs. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) which has brought about this landmark (almost revolutionary) occurrence, with the judiciary virtually divesting (albeit for a good cause) the executive of its basic function of governance- all these years past, no one else has been able to move the establishment one wee bit.

2. The Supreme Court has taken the historic step to constitute Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, where besides two retired judges of the Supreme Court and two senior retired Defence Officers (Gen Ved Malik, Former COAS and Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS). However, the commission is only a recommendatory body and not adjudicatory body. Hence, it is open to the Govt to accept or not to accept its recommendations. Though, the court has directed that since such recommendations will be coming from high powered body, the Govt must give due weightage to the same. It is here the doubts arise in the minds of Defence Personnel and the people of India that since the recommendations of the commission will be reviewed by the bureaucrats whose track record for the past six decades has not been to give fair justice to the Defence Forces, it is yet to be seen if any positive outcome would be achieved.

3. It is pertinent to mention that strong recommendations to grant OROP by All Parties Parliamentary Standing Committees on Defence have not been accepted by the Govt; the latest being the recommendations made by 31 MPs of the Parliament headed by Sh. Satpal ji Maharaj a Congress MP on 07th May 2010 and again repeated on 27 Aug 2010 where as Mr. AK Antony the RM recently in the Parliament quoted recommendations of Jul 2009 by a Committee of bureaucrats. The larger question here is the civilian control of Armed Forces which actually means control by the elected representatives of the people and not the bureaucrats. It is a common knowledge that the Ex Servicemen have been forced to launch a Movement to express their anguish is the result of the injustice heaped on them. The bureaucrats all along have been treating the military unfairly. The resentment has been increasing by the day. Downgradation of their status and unfair compensation package of emoluments by the 6th CPC have further intensified the resentment.

4. Under the circumstance, the ESM have decided to continue their struggle till all their demands are accepted. To highlight all these issues to the people of India, a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. After the Rally, delegation of ESM will go to Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit medals and memorandum signed in blood by the ESM with the President. They have also decided to enlist the support of other segments of the society, all political parties, MPs, CMs, MLA and have written to them regarding their demands and sought their help to raise these issues in the Parliament to press the Govt for early acceptance of these demands.

With Regards,

Jai Hind

Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com

Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM

DATED: 23 NOV 2010
PRESS RELEASE

Dear friends,

1. Press Release dated 23 Nov 2010 regarding a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. and depositing of medals and submission of memorandum signed in blood by the ESM to the Supreme Commander on 28 Nov 2010 is circulated. Maximum participation of ESM is requested.

2. You are requested to circulate it to the maximum ESM. Translation in the local languages may please be carried out and the same may please be got published in local media.

With Regards,

Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com

Update of IV Pay Commission Rank pay anomaly case as on 15 Nov 2010..Supreme Court‏

NOTE ON APPOINTMENT OF ARMED FORCES
GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION ANDPAYMENT OF RANK PAY TO DEFENCE OFFICERS

1. I.A. No. 9 of 2010 in T.P. (Civil) No. 56/2007, an application for modification/ recalling of final order dated 08.03.2010 and re-hearing of the matter, filed by Union of India came up for hearing today on 15.11.2010. The aforesaid T.P. was filed by the Union of India with a prayer to transfer several writ petitions pending in the various High Courts regarding correct fixation of rank pay as recommended by the IVth Pay Commission and accepted by the Central Government, to be effected from 01.01.1986 in respect of the officers of the Armed Forces and finally decided on 08.03.2010 in favour of the officers.



2. The aforesaid I.A. was listed for hearing before the Bench of Hon’ble Justice Markandey Katju and Hon’ble Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra before Court – 6 as Item No. 4 today i.e. 15.11.2010. Some connected matters were also listed. It may be noted that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has already passed final order in the aforesaid matters on 08.03.2010 and directed the Central Government to pay the rank pay to the affected officers w.e.f. 01.01.1986 along with 6% interest. Surprisingly, instead of implementing the aforesaid directions, UOI had filed an application for modification and recalling of the order dated 08.03.2010 and for re-hearing of the matters. The respondents i.e. writ petitioners in the High Court of Kerala and Ex-servicemen organizations namely Retired Defence Officres Association, Disabled War Veterans of India, Naval Chapter and Purva Sainik Prishad were represented by Advocates, Mr. Mahabir Singh, Gp Capt Karan Singh Bhati (Retd.) and Ms Aishwarya Bhati.



3. In the connected matter, W.P. (Civil) No. 291/2010 – “Pushpawanti Versus Union of India” wherein a pension of rs. 80/- p.m. was being paid to the widow of a highly decorated Major, the Hon’ble Court has been pleased to pass detailed directions for the formation of Commission, headed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kuldeep Singh, Retired Judge of the Supreme Court, Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.S. Sodhi, Retired Judge of Allahabad High Court, General V.P. Malik, Former Chief of Army Staff and Lt. General Vijay Oberoi (Retd.) and one member i.e. Civil Servant either serving or retired, to be nominated by the Union of India to look into and make recommendations with regard to the grievances of serving and retired Defence personnel like one rank one pension and other disparities and anomalies, without limiting the scope of reference. The matter will continue to be monitored by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.



4. The Hon’ble Court was very clear on the purpose and backdrop of the need for setting up such a Commission to provide an equitable Forum to look into and make recommendations for a fair redressal of grievances of the Men-In-Uniform, who had been at the receiving end of the Governmental/ Bureaucratic Apathy and indifference for years and decades.



5. The Hon’ble Court was extremely moved with instances of pittance being paid as pension to widows of highly decorated officers who laid down their lives for the Nation and years of indifferent and unfair policies leading to officers and men taking extreme steps of returning their gallantry medals and even burning their artificial limbs which were fixed upon loosing natural limbs in war/ action. The Hon’ble Court had specifically expressed its concern and intention on earlier occasions also when these matters were being heard and had directed the Union of India to file an affidavit on these lines, while expressing that the Commission could be formed by the court suo-moto also, however, the intention was to include the Union of India in the decision making process since such high degree of discontentment which was apparent among the personnel of Defence Forces, is not good for the country.



6. The Union of Indian had filed an additional affidavit in the aforesaid T.P. and connected matters, pursuant to the directions of this Hon’ble Court and the entire tone and tanner of the affidavit was to question the final order dated 08.03.2010 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court for grant of rank pay with arrears and 6% interest and acting in disregard to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court passed on 08.03.2010 and to somehow impress upon the court that all the grievances of defence personnel were being looked into by the Government. Interestingly, the Union of India, through the affidavit of under Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, only consented to referring the issue of fixation of rank pay to the proposed Commission and expressed its inability to consent to any other terms of reference.



7. During the hearing of the matter today, the Hon’ble Court termed the affidavit of the Union of India as contemptuous and disregarded the same. It was clear that the Hon’ble Court was disturbed with the attitude of the Government when the court pointed out that no law required consent from the Union of India to pass directions with regard to the setting up a Commission. The Hon’ble Court also refused to refer the issue of rank pay fixation to the Commission since it has already been settled in favour of the officers by the order of the Hon’ble Supreme court itself dated 08.03.2010 in T.P. (Civil) No. 56/2007. The Application for modification and recalling the order dated 08.03.2010 has been referred to the Chief Justice of India for placing the same before another Bench.



==========

Supreme Court Ruling ....today issued

Dear All.

You are all aware that today was date with Supreme court for 4Th Pay-
rank pay arears and Govt had offered to place a commission to resolve
all pending anomalies of 6Th pay Commission.

We can all pat ourselves and thank RDOA;Justice Katzu has given
following ruling.

A. A separate Commission consisting of Chief Justice Kuldip Singh
with Veteran Members as Gen Malik and Gen Oberoi.They will resolve all
anomalies of 6Th Pay Commssion.

B. Justice refused include rank pay case of 4Th pay Commission and
has ruled that the same will stand as ruled earlier by the Supreme
Court.

Three cheers.

More details will come soon.

Regards,

Brig Nawab Singh

Beware of unscrupulous elements : Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co by Col Rajan

Respected Veterans,

Jai Hind.

Only last evening I had a word on the subject with Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM, Vice Chairman IESM; and, I would like to convey the following;

1. Email from Lt Col SS Sohi is bogus, written with malicious intent; to spread falsehood amongst Veterans.

2. Their first case filed against the present leadership has been dismissed by the Court, a week or ten days ago. No doubt, they (Lt Col Sohi, Col Bharadwaj & Co) have filed a fresh case against the present leadership on Saturday, 13 Nov and notice of the same has been received on 14 Nov; and the case stands posted for hearing on 15 Nov; no where has the Court issued a 'stay order' for conduct of AGM on 27 Nov or holding of the Ex-Servicemen Rally on 28 Nov at Jantar Mantar.

3. This is the time for all Veterans of IESM to close ranks and present a United Front to defeat the machinations of unscrupulous elements, viz. Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co.

4. Rest assured that all counter measures as per law, viz, filing counters to the bogus cases filed by Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co has been / is being taken by the Vice Chairman; and there is nothing to worry about.

Regards,

Col Rajan

CGDA meetings on 25 Oct 2010

RECORD OF DISCUSSION OF THE MEETING OF DELEGATION OF IESM WITH CGDA AND HIS STAFF AT 1530H ON 25 OCT 2010

A meeting was held between delegation of IESM Indian ex-servicemen movement and CGDA Controller General of Defense accounts and his staff at 1530h on 25th Oct 2010 at CGDA office Dhoula kuan Delhi Cantt.

Following personnel attended the meeting;

IESM delegation was represented by;
Maj Gen Satbir Singh SM Vice Chairman IESM
Maj Gen AJB Jaini AVSM Member governing body IESM
Gp Capt SS Phatak Member Pension Cell IESM
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM Gen Sec IESM


CGDA was represented by;
Sh Nand Kishor CGDA
Smt UG Antony Addl CGDA
Sh AK Chopra Addl CGDA
Smt D Raghuvanshi Jt CGDA sengerdevika@yahoo.co.in
Smt K Garg

Following points were discussed;

1. Issue of Corrigendum to PPOs; IESM delegation explained to CGDA that the defense pensioners were facing very many difficulties because corrigendum to the PPOs had not been issued by the CGDA. It was also brought to the notice of CGDA that the railways had already initiated the process of issuing fresh PPOs to its retired employees.

CGDA explained that there were approximately 22.79 lac veterans who are drawing pension. A corrigendum was required to be issued with every amendment to the pension. After 6 CPC Ministry of Defense had issued 13 amendment letters affecting defense pensioner. It means CDA would have had to issue 13 corrigenda after the 6 CPC. Earlier CDA had more than 3000 employees to take care of PPOs and corrigendum, and now CDA had very little staff and it was not possible to undertake this gigantic task of issuing the 10 million corrigenda. He further explained that CDA would provide all help to the veterans in sorting out their pension problems.

2. Grant to the Banks for pension disbursement; IESM delegation explained that the GOI is paying Rs 60 to the banks for every entry of the pension of the veterans. It was a huge amount and if it was possible to divert this fund for the hiring of staff by CDA this task could be easily handled.

CGDA explained that this decision had been taken after lot of consultations and it was now not possible to revert it. It was also not possible to transfer funds from one head to another and hence this suggestion could not be implemented. He however explained that his staff was constantly issuing guidance to the banks and constantly monitoring the pension disbursement process. All the banks had confirmed that they were disbursing the pension as per CDA guidelines. Most of the banks had also confirmed that they were issuing annexure IV to the pensioners. However CGDA agreed to issue fresh instructions to the banks for issuance of annexure IV to all pensioners.

3. Incorrect Pension being disbursed by the Banks; IESM delegation explained that banks had been disbursing incorrect pension to the veterans. It had been seen that banks were playing safe and were paying less than approved pension to the pensioners. Unfortunately pensioners did not have the Govt letters with them to calculate and demand correct pension. Gp Capt SS Phatak explained that he had been visiting various banks and explaining to them the correct amount due to the pensioner. In some case he had been able to convince banks and got the arrears in lacs credited to the pensioners/widows. He had been visiting bank regional head offices and having regularly liaison with them to calculate correct pension for the veterans/widows.

CGDA appreciated the effort being put in by IESM and explained that CGDA on their part had been conducting regular training of the bank staff for calculation of the correct pension to the veterans. Training courses were being conducted for bank staff regularly at CDA Allahabad. CGDA further stated that CDA has 61 DPDOs spread all over the country. List of all the DPDOs is attached with the report at App A. DPDOs are located depending on the population density of the veterans and are spread in Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, J&K and Kerala. CGDA centrally monitors the performance of all DPDOs. He further stated that all possible help would be given to the veterans in the DPDOs. He confirmed that the veterans can approach DPDOs and get their pension calculated and give the calculation sheet to their banks. It was also possible for the veterans to shift the pension account with DPDO in which case correct pension would be disbursed to the veterans and mistake by bank staff could be avoided.

4. Compendium of MOD letters to the Banks; IESM delegation requested CGDA that most of the branches of the banks did not have latest letters of the MOD governing pension hence banks did not have the basic tool of pension calculations. It was requested that a compendium of the letters be made and sent to the branches in rural area.

CGDA confirmed that the compendium of the all MOD letters had been made and given to the bank head offices. It was now there duty to circulate it to all branches. CGDA however would ask the bank head offices to circulate the compendium once again. CGDA also confirmed that all banks head offices were on the circulation list of MOD/CDA letters. CGDA further explained that a user friendly stand alone touch screen system (SUVIGYA) had been developed and gave the demonstration also. It would be possible to calculate any veterans’/widows’ pension with least amount of data. It was easy to operate and gave latest pension details with bare minimum inputs like basic pension and date of retirement and date of birth. He further confirmed that the effort would be made to place this stand alone system at DPDOs and CDA website also. IESM delegation insisted that SUVIGYA was a very good tool and should be installed at places like CSD canteens and ECHS polyclinics frequently visited by the veterans. CGDA expressed his inability to do so because someone should take the responsibility of the upkeep of the stand alone system. He further confirmed that this software thus developed would be shared with armed forces head quarters. However the problem of maintenance and upkeep and updating of the software would come and a solution would be found for that. IESM delegation further insisted that at least SUVIGYA should be made available with district soldier board offices. CGDA agreed to study this proposal and would confirm the possibility of installing SUVIGYA at district soldier board offices. CGDA confirmed that CDA would like to deal directly with pensioners but could not do so because of shortage of staff.

5. Pension Adalats; CGDA confirmed that CGDA staff regularly conducts the pension adalats at various locations all over India. CGDA conducts six adalats in a year in various parts of the country. So for 100 Defense Pension Adalats had been conducted. Last one (100th Pension adalat) was conducted in Bangalore on 30/31 Aug 2010. 101st Pension Adalat was planned at Army Public School Alwar on 28/29th Oct 2010. He requested the IESM delegation to spread the information through its sources and ensure that maximum veterans are benefited with the Adalat.

6. E-transfer of the Pension; IESM delegation suggested that in this modern era of computerization it should be possible to disburse the pension by electronic transfer.

CGDA explained that first of all veterans did not have bank accounts and secondly they had to give their life certificate to banks every year. It would therefore not be possible to make E-transfer of pension by the CDA as of now.

7. Disability Pension; CGDA confirmed that as per rules all veterans would have to fill up a form to claim increased disability pension. He requested IESM to communicate this information with all so that all veterans drawing disability pension can fill up their claims.
Pension of PSU veterans; Gp Capt Phatak expressed that Lt Col and equivalents who have returned back to Army/Navy/Air Force from deputation should be given PB4 automatically. CGDA explained that this will be decided from case to case.

8. Grievances Mechanism; IESM suggested that there should be grievances mechanism in the banks so that any veteran can approach for any mistake in his pension calculations. CGDA confirmed that Smt Raghuvanshi Jt CGDA would be writing to the banks to institute a grievances mechanism for addressing pension problems of veterans. She also confirmed that veterans can also register their complaint at ‘pcdapension.nic.in’ web-site of CDA.

9. Information to veterans about Latest orders on pension; IESM delegation expressed that pensioners should be informed about the latest orders of the GOI/MOD. IESM suggested that CGDA could give an advertisement in all main news papers and vernacular press about the latest compendium of the orders of MOD/CDA.

CGDA accepted the suggestion and confirmed that this information would be soon given in all news papers.

10. Pension Portal for veterans; IESM suggested that a pension portal needs to be made for all veterans to help them. All data would then be available for all veterans on the portal. IESM volunteered to undertake this task. Maj Gen Satbir Singh suggested that suitable monitory grant should be given to IESM to develop and then maintain the portal.

CGDA explained that this is good idea and the issue of monitory grant can be considered. He asked the IESM delegation to forward a proposal in this regard for consideration.

New IESM members

Dear Sirs,

The following are the new IESM joinings.

Yours truly,
Kameshwar


Lt Col Subas Kumar

H/Lt D C Dhasana

JWO Nadan Singh Negi

HFO Hari Prasad Dhasana

H/Cpt SPS Negi

N/Sub BS Bist

NK Gita Ram Sundriyal

L/NK Chandara Shekhar

Sep Amar Singh

NK S S Rawat

Hav GR Sundriyal

NK Dhiraj Mani

Hav Y S Rawat

Hav B B Chand

Hav Suresha Nand
Hav B S Yadaw

Views of Cdr HK Nag

From: Hirak Nag [mailto:hiraknag@yahoo.co.in]
Sent: 07 November 2010 20:07
To: ltcolhklanand@gmail.com
Cc: Kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Mail from Congress Party Defence Cell



Dear Col Anand (Lt Col HKL Anand, Ex-Servicemen Cell Indian National Congress),



Your mail to IESM denegrating our democratic appeal to get justice done comes as a disappointment. We are hurt that it has shocked the ruling party.



However, your comment on the INA is a casual statement and derogatory to the committed personal who joined the Azad Hind Force to free India of foreign rule.



My father, Lt. DC Nag, was made the DAG and had drafted the INA Act.



His trial at the Red Fort in Nov-Dec 1945 was, therefore substantive. He was retained in the Indian Army and continued to serve till superanuation in 1951 at HQ Southern Command.



He was later allowed , by the GOI, to use his INA rank of Col., and West Bengal CM BC Roy asked him to form the West Bengal National Voluntary Force ( WBNVF) at Kolkata



The Congress Party of yore had good leaders. When Clement Atlee was asked at Calcutta Governors House if Mahatma Gandhi's movement had effect in granting Independence, he is reported to have replied, " Very little" and inferred that the formation of the INA did. At the 4th Netaji Subhash Bose Memorial Lecture this year, Shri PN Sangma the Presiding Officer, lamented that India missed a strong leader like Netaji. Sardar Patel was one, and he had advised Pandit Nehru on 07 Nov 1950 to be aware of the Chinese and to build up our defences in the North and North East, but regrettably, Sardar Patel succumbed to cancer a month later and Panditji forsook his advice and allowed his friend Krishna Menon, a man with no vision, to run down the Indian Army capability resulting in the ignomy of 1962. As we know, Panditji died a sad death and is reported to have said, " I wish I had listened to the Generals".



We respect Sonia Gandhi and expect her to allow democratic appeals.





Regards,



Cdr. HK Nag, commissioned Jan 1957 and retired Sep 1979.

Commission for the Armed Forces..???

From: bhupal singh
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: KADYAN Lt Gen RAJ ; Satbir Singh Maj Gen
Sent: Tue, 9 November, 2010 7:18:10 AM
Subject: COMMISSION FOR ARMED FORCES

Dear Chander,

COMMISSION FOR THE ARMED FORCES

Some progress & good news from Govt. Consequent to the lambasting by the Supreme Court, at last the Govt has woken up. The entire credit goes to the untiring efforts by IESM, RDOA and Others like Lt Cdr Avtar & Sqn Ldr Ashok Kumar and others
who took lot of pains in pursuing our fight for our rights.

A news items on the subject, published in the Tribune e-paper, dated 09 Nov 2010, is appended below . May be circulated for info of all ESM.

Maj Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia

-----------
The Tribune

ON LINE EDITION

Tuesday, November 9, 2010, Chandigarh, India

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101109/nation.htm#17

Soon, a panel to address grievances of armed forces
R Sedhuraman
Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, November 8
The government is in the process of setting up a commission for the speedy redressal of the grievances of armed forces personnel, the Centre informed the Supreme Court today.



“We are setting out the proposed terms of reference” of the commission, Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium told a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra.



The SG, however, indicated that the commission would not cover personnel in all areas of the armed forces. “It may not be necessary for some areas as the government has taken positive decisions in these areas,” he said without giving details.



The SG sought a week’s time for providing the details of the proposed commission. The move could not be finalised before today’s hearing due to the intervening Divali holidays, he said. Allowing his plea, the Bench posted the next hearing for November 15.



On September 8 this year, the Bench had passed an order asking the government to consider setting up an independent commission headed by a retired SC Judge “for looking into all the grievances of the serving and former members of the armed forces. We feel this is necessary as the armed forces personnel have many grievances which they feel are not being properly addressed by the Union Government.”



Pointing out that the widow of a war veteran had approached the SC questioning the logic of paying her a meagre pension of Rs 70 against her claim of Rs 27,000, the Bench said this was the treatment meted out to highly decorated officers.



“It is shameful” that the government had allowed such cases to come to the Supreme Court. “Does it require a case? What are you people up to? It is very demoralising for the armed forces,” the Bench told the Solicitor General.



The SG assured the Bench that such grievances would also be addressed by the proposed commission. The court was hearing a petition filed by some serving and retired army officers, challenging the government’s refusal to accord them enhanced rank pay as recommended by the Fourth Pay Commission.

-----------

From: raj kadyan
To: bhupal singh ; Kamboj Chander
Cc: Satbir Singh Maj Gen
Sent: Tue, 9 November, 2010 8:58:55 AM
Subject: Re: COMMISSION FOR ARMED FORCES

One does sincerely hope this Commission is not a ploy to circumvent the rank pay imbroglio. The govt is quite capable of saying that the proposed commission would now deal with the rank pay issue; not very different from the 'committee' I had referred to in my sitrep a few days ago. Let us wait for 15 Nov.


Best regards,

Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM

Chairman IESM

262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262, +919811226676

Views of Gp capt VK Vidyadhar from Australia

From: Vaidun Vidyadhar [mailto:vvidya@optusnet.com.au]
Sent: 10 November 2010 13:37
To: MilVet Vet; 22nda@googlegroups.com; 84thpc24thnav@googlegroups.com; rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: REPORT (Chander Kamboj) MY SIGNAL
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (H to Z-2) - 09 NOV 2010



The IESM leadership is in good hands. Though I have not had the pleasure of meeting him or knowing him in person, from what I have seen of his actions and read his writings, I hold him in high esteem.



I wish to take this opportunity to thank Lt Gen Kadyan for his very mature and balanced Chairmanship of the IESM these two years. I am confident there will be many more veterans who hold a similar view about him.



I sincerely hope he will continue to lead the IESM in the coming years from strength to strength. He has my full support for what it is worth.



With very best wishes



Gp Capt VK Vidyadhar
Tamworth, Australia

Views of Col RP Chaturvedi

From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi
To: Kamboj Chander ; raj kadyan
Sent: Wed, 10 November, 2010 7:44:38 AM
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (A to G-2) - 09 NOV 2010

Dear General Kadyan,

I am deeply appreciative of your response- precisely worded, politely but firmly conveyed, and absolutely timely.

Conveys a high quotient of leadership talent and PR acumen that IESM requires.




With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,

Views of Gp capt I Jairath

From: Indarjit Jairath [mailto:ijairath@gmail.com]
Sent: 10 November 2010 09:07
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (H to Z-1) - 09 NOV 2010




Dear Brig Kamboj

I fully endorse the views expressed by the chairman IESM. Since any adverse news on defence services particularly when linked to scams, does affect the good image in the eyes of public, there is probably a need of caution. However, ours is a fight for the honourable cause of the veterans for which we should stand united as ever but with more vigour to set aside or neutralise the likely ill effects. Our agendas should continue to reflect promotion of honesty in dealings within and beyond the boundaries of IESM.

I, on behalf of Club-20, take liberty to express our solidarity with the IESM and its organisation as defined in its charter of objectives/responsibilities.However, changes if and when required, should be incorporated but after due and careful deliberations only in best interests of the Movement and the Veterans.

I.Jairath.
Gp Capt (Retd)
Club-20