From: prem parkash batra premprempb@rediffmail.com
Subject: Fw: Connectivity Remote Areas== EMAILS FROM MEMBERS - EMAIL 600/2009 - 14 AUG 09 - (A to B) (LAST TWO EMAILS WERE ERRONEOUSLY NUMBERED AS 598)
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Cc: DELETED
Date: Friday, 14 August, 2009, 2:26 PM
Brig CS Kamboj
Dear Sir,
1. Regard spreading of IESM aims and communications to non-holders of Email Account and to remote areas, it is a very important and sensitive issue. Therefore it needs full attention and solution by putting heads together. Where GOI, Defence Forces, ECHS and others have failed, the IESM needs to blaze the trail. Hopefully we do not want any NGO particularly from outside to hold our hands.
2. Sir, it is my considered view that if we had put in place a sound and easy way of communicating with our Fishing Villages, the Mumbai 26/11 Terror Attack would have never happend.
3. ... edited ...
4. ... edited ...
5. Moral of the story is how does the Governing Body of the IESM reach out to all the Veterans in far flung places and most those who do not have Computers. Is IESM going to deny them their goodness just because they are not members. Even the Unique Identity Card System would not help solve these problems. We cannot adopt the American System.
6. So how do we go about it. Once IESM is strong, funds would come from Government and Philanthropists. A way has been suggested in the Email which is trailered. But that is not comprehensive and do not cater to remote villages. I remember some ex-servicemen being settled in remote Islands of Nicobar Islands for enhancing the security scene. Tomorrow GOI in enlightened interest may offer sufficient help Ex-Servicemen to colonise remote areas, the way Chinese have done. But we need to figure out real time and effective and secure communication interactive system. It need not be single agency. It has to be multiple agencies including Light Houses and Light Ship Department, Army Pickets/Posts, Fishery Department, Tribal Ministry and so on.
7. When I go for my evening walks I update the Ex-Servicemen Security Guards at the NPL Colony. May be some relay system. If we remember that in BC, the Persian King used to send his FIRMANS 2100 kilometers in 7 days by horse teams? Runners and Pigeons are out. But may be each one of us can make our unique contribution to this cause.
With best regards,
Prem Batra
Sunday, August 16, 2009
letter from Department of Pension, especially for old veterans
An important letter from Department of Pension, especially for old veterans
This very important letter was issued on 21 May 2009 by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ welfare concerning modalities regarding revision of pre-06 pensioners.
The letter also contains a list of documents which may be accepted to grant additional percentage of pension to pensioners and family pensioners over the age of 80 years.
Veterans, widows and war widows facing problems concerning grant of enhanced pension and family pension may bring this letter to the knowledge of PDAs such as Banks and DPDOs.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 12:28 AM 5 comments
Labels: Pay Commission, Pension
This very important letter was issued on 21 May 2009 by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ welfare concerning modalities regarding revision of pre-06 pensioners.
The letter also contains a list of documents which may be accepted to grant additional percentage of pension to pensioners and family pensioners over the age of 80 years.
Veterans, widows and war widows facing problems concerning grant of enhanced pension and family pension may bring this letter to the knowledge of PDAs such as Banks and DPDOs.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 12:28 AM 5 comments
Labels: Pay Commission, Pension
Ex-Armymen plan to sue govt..the ASIAN AGE by Cmde LK Batra
From: Lokesh K Batra lkbatra@rediffmail.com
Subject: AsianAge : Ex-Armymen plan to sue govt
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 11:05 PM
Commodore LK Batra
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/ex-armymen-plan-to-sue-govt.aspx
THE ASIAN AGE
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, London
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Ex-Armymen plan to sue govt
Sridhar Kumaraswami
New Delhi
Aug. 15: A group of former major-generals is planning to file a lawsuit against the government for not granting "One Rank One Pension" for ex-servicemen. A corpus fund could also be created to fund the proposed legal battle against the government.
One of the former major-generals, speaking on condition of anonymity to this newspaper, said that the group of former major-generals are also planning to send a legal notice to the defence secretary, ministry of defence (MoD). The group of former major-generals who retired before 2006 is considering a legal battle on the grounds that they are getting less pension than Brigadiers who retired after June, 2006.
"This issue was deliberated at length and it was decided that government is not likely to approve OROP. Veterans would have to knock at the door of courts to get a favourable decision and force the Govt to agree to give OROP ... It was decided that preparation for filing the lawsuit should be completed at the earliest and lawsuit should be filed without delay," stated a former officer.
OROP refers to the grant of pensions (according to rank) irrespective of the date of retirement. For instance, this means that an officer retiring as major-general ought to get the same pension as another officer who retired as major-general irrespective of date of retirement.
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "We are proud of our brave soldiers.
It is our duty to ensure that ex-servicemen are able to lead a life of comfort. We have accepted the recommendations of the committee constituted to examine the issue of pension of ex-servicemen. This will lead to increased pension for about 12 lakh retired jawans and Junior Commissioned Officers."
However, ex-servicemen point out that there was no mention of "One Rank One Pension" for former (full-commission) officers in the speech and add that the government has not accepted OROP even for jawans and JCOs (who are personnel below officer rank-PBOR). The government had recently announced measures for reducing the disparities in pensions among PBORs. Thousands of medals had earlier been returned by aggrieved ex-servicemen.
-------------
Subject: AsianAge : Ex-Armymen plan to sue govt
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 11:05 PM
Commodore LK Batra
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/ex-armymen-plan-to-sue-govt.aspx
THE ASIAN AGE
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, London
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Ex-Armymen plan to sue govt
Sridhar Kumaraswami
New Delhi
Aug. 15: A group of former major-generals is planning to file a lawsuit against the government for not granting "One Rank One Pension" for ex-servicemen. A corpus fund could also be created to fund the proposed legal battle against the government.
One of the former major-generals, speaking on condition of anonymity to this newspaper, said that the group of former major-generals are also planning to send a legal notice to the defence secretary, ministry of defence (MoD). The group of former major-generals who retired before 2006 is considering a legal battle on the grounds that they are getting less pension than Brigadiers who retired after June, 2006.
"This issue was deliberated at length and it was decided that government is not likely to approve OROP. Veterans would have to knock at the door of courts to get a favourable decision and force the Govt to agree to give OROP ... It was decided that preparation for filing the lawsuit should be completed at the earliest and lawsuit should be filed without delay," stated a former officer.
OROP refers to the grant of pensions (according to rank) irrespective of the date of retirement. For instance, this means that an officer retiring as major-general ought to get the same pension as another officer who retired as major-general irrespective of date of retirement.
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "We are proud of our brave soldiers.
It is our duty to ensure that ex-servicemen are able to lead a life of comfort. We have accepted the recommendations of the committee constituted to examine the issue of pension of ex-servicemen. This will lead to increased pension for about 12 lakh retired jawans and Junior Commissioned Officers."
However, ex-servicemen point out that there was no mention of "One Rank One Pension" for former (full-commission) officers in the speech and add that the government has not accepted OROP even for jawans and JCOs (who are personnel below officer rank-PBOR). The government had recently announced measures for reducing the disparities in pensions among PBORs. Thousands of medals had earlier been returned by aggrieved ex-servicemen.
-------------
Now or Never by Col K Malaiappan
From: Col K Malaiappan - malli2121@yahoo.co.in
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 8:18 AM
16-8-2009
Dear General
NOW OR NEVER
1. Please kep up the momentum.. It will be now or never. Babus will always do this. As on date the statement in Parliament has not materialise. There is no OROP. Hence go ahead with full throttle till we achiee all the OROP, pay, promotions etc at par with civil services
With best wishes and regards
Yours Sincerly
Colonel K Malaiappan (Retd), BE,MBA,(BL)
[DSM,DPMIR,D
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 8:18 AM
16-8-2009
Dear General
NOW OR NEVER
1. Please kep up the momentum.. It will be now or never. Babus will always do this. As on date the statement in Parliament has not materialise. There is no OROP. Hence go ahead with full throttle till we achiee all the OROP, pay, promotions etc at par with civil services
With best wishes and regards
Yours Sincerly
Colonel K Malaiappan (Retd), BE,MBA,(BL)
[DSM,DPMIR,D
Views By Lt Gen YN Sharma
From: yoginder sharma yogi2g@gmail.com
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 8:56 AM
Dear Satbir,
Impressive post.
Vivid contrast of pensionary figures and consequent inequities and absurdity.
Persuasive stats that justify the good fight-an insanely illogical dispensation. Needs lot more airing-beyond the 'converted'.
... edited ...
Bless you all and best wishes for success; shall keep up support in ways possible.
Yogi Sharma.
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander)
----------
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 8:56 AM
Dear Satbir,
Impressive post.
Vivid contrast of pensionary figures and consequent inequities and absurdity.
Persuasive stats that justify the good fight-an insanely illogical dispensation. Needs lot more airing-beyond the 'converted'.
... edited ...
Bless you all and best wishes for success; shall keep up support in ways possible.
Yogi Sharma.
(Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander)
----------
Friday, August 14, 2009
A REAL DOWNFALL OF INDIAN ARMED FORCES
A REAL DOWNFALL OF INDIAN ARMED FORCES
The implementation of sixth pay commission has drastically changed the warrant of precedence (WoP) for the Indian Armed Forces. The chairperson of UPSC has been upgraded to article 9A over services chiefs (at article 12). He/she used to be earlier at article 17 below Services Chiefs and also below officiating chiefs of the rank of Lt Gen who were on article 16.
Chairperson of SCs and STs were added in article 17. Both these chairpersons are now higher than Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs who are in article 23.
Members of SCs & STs placed at same level of Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs at article 23. What more can one say, even Field Marshall Manekshaw was placed at article 12 below two former civil servants (Brijesh Mishra and Vijay Kapoor). Now, does anyone know what these gentlemen have done for INDIA????
As was well known, Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs were equated with secretaries to Govt. of India on article 23. However, Note 10(c) of the WoP make an interesting distinction: In official functions held at Delhi, Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs of the Army Staff or equivalent in other services will always rank after the secretaries to the Government of India.
Following are the deductions:
1. DIG is now officially equivalent to a Brigadier (Earlier this rank was even junior to a Colonel)
2. Ministry of Home Affairs has declared that all IPS officers shall attain the rank of DIG in 14 year's service.
3. Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) is now officially equivalent to the rank of Major General.
4. Dept of Pers & Trg has declared that all IAS officers shall attain the rank of SAG in 14 year's service.
5. What would be achievable by 100% IPS officers in 14 years would now be achievable by 7% defence officers in 28 years..
6. What would be achievable by 100% IAS officers in 14 years would now be achievable by 2% defence in 33 years.
It is pertinent to mention that the senior most civilian rank in a state was equivalent to a Colonel during independence; whereas, over a period of time, the nation has only seen the downfall our BABUS. Their machinery collapses even with a simple storm, whereas, their protocol has kept on rising. I dont need to mention the professionalism of our Armed Forces; the nation knows this well.
In principle, our politicians need to give an explanation for this remarkable erosion of a soldier's status over the past sixty years, the Generals, too, are equally responsible. They have virtually failed in restoring the pride of their own men whom they command. No wonder, now even they don’t send their children to the Services; they rather prefer beauty contests or becoming Bollywood stars. I don’t blame them also, they have seen it all.
It is high time that we speak up or else only GOD can save this country.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
The implementation of sixth pay commission has drastically changed the warrant of precedence (WoP) for the Indian Armed Forces. The chairperson of UPSC has been upgraded to article 9A over services chiefs (at article 12). He/she used to be earlier at article 17 below Services Chiefs and also below officiating chiefs of the rank of Lt Gen who were on article 16.
Chairperson of SCs and STs were added in article 17. Both these chairpersons are now higher than Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs who are in article 23.
Members of SCs & STs placed at same level of Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs at article 23. What more can one say, even Field Marshall Manekshaw was placed at article 12 below two former civil servants (Brijesh Mishra and Vijay Kapoor). Now, does anyone know what these gentlemen have done for INDIA????
As was well known, Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs were equated with secretaries to Govt. of India on article 23. However, Note 10(c) of the WoP make an interesting distinction: In official functions held at Delhi, Army Commanders/Vice Chiefs of the Army Staff or equivalent in other services will always rank after the secretaries to the Government of India.
Following are the deductions:
1. DIG is now officially equivalent to a Brigadier (Earlier this rank was even junior to a Colonel)
2. Ministry of Home Affairs has declared that all IPS officers shall attain the rank of DIG in 14 year's service.
3. Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) is now officially equivalent to the rank of Major General.
4. Dept of Pers & Trg has declared that all IAS officers shall attain the rank of SAG in 14 year's service.
5. What would be achievable by 100% IPS officers in 14 years would now be achievable by 7% defence officers in 28 years..
6. What would be achievable by 100% IAS officers in 14 years would now be achievable by 2% defence in 33 years.
It is pertinent to mention that the senior most civilian rank in a state was equivalent to a Colonel during independence; whereas, over a period of time, the nation has only seen the downfall our BABUS. Their machinery collapses even with a simple storm, whereas, their protocol has kept on rising. I dont need to mention the professionalism of our Armed Forces; the nation knows this well.
In principle, our politicians need to give an explanation for this remarkable erosion of a soldier's status over the past sixty years, the Generals, too, are equally responsible. They have virtually failed in restoring the pride of their own men whom they command. No wonder, now even they don’t send their children to the Services; they rather prefer beauty contests or becoming Bollywood stars. I don’t blame them also, they have seen it all.
It is high time that we speak up or else only GOD can save this country.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
1 year IESM by Maj gen jaini
Our HEARTIEST BEST WISHES & FELICITATIONS to ALL members of the IESM
on the occasion of completion of our ONE SUCCESSFULL YEAR in our ' cause '
Regards
General Jaini
Member CG & Stg Commof IESM.
Fm USA
on the occasion of completion of our ONE SUCCESSFULL YEAR in our ' cause '
Regards
General Jaini
Member CG & Stg Commof IESM.
Fm USA
FIRST RAISING DAY of IESM (13 Aug ) By Brig Harwant singh
Dear Friends ,
Heartiest Greetings to all members , associated members of IESM and its other well wishers on the occasion of FIRST RAISING DAY of IESM (13 Aug ).
No other organisation has achieved in ONE YEAR what IESM has achieved .
Grateful thanks and congratulations to its most dedicated leadership and ALL workers .
Let IESM achieve still more glory in the 'CAUSE' of the welfare of the Defence Fraternity in times to come
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),GFOE,
Heartiest Greetings to all members , associated members of IESM and its other well wishers on the occasion of FIRST RAISING DAY of IESM (13 Aug ).
No other organisation has achieved in ONE YEAR what IESM has achieved .
Grateful thanks and congratulations to its most dedicated leadership and ALL workers .
Let IESM achieve still more glory in the 'CAUSE' of the welfare of the Defence Fraternity in times to come
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),GFOE,
Request to give link..MNS
Subject: Re: Request to give link
To: "mns veterans"
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 6:37 AM
Dear (Brig) Ms Jasbeer,
I am certain by now you are convinced that IESM goal is to secure One Rank One Pension for all including MNS Officers.
For achieving the aims we need your help:
1. Please nominate a representative to form part of IESM Pension Cell, who is preferably from Gurgoan/ NCR area. Contact details to be intimated to Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (bag1944@yahoo.co.in ).
2. Request all MNS to become life members...you can do online bulk Registeration after payment of cash in local HDFC bank...the method is
described in the IESM webpage (http://www.iesm.org/) also reflected in Report My Signal Blog.
3. All MNS who have email can opt to be on the email list of Report My signal. Should get in touch with Brig CS Kamboj (kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in). This will enable you all to get the latest inputs regarding ESM and also exchange views.
If still you are any other Officer need any more clarifications please feel free to contact any of us.
With regards,
James Kanagaraj
Blog Team
To: "mns veterans"
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 6:37 AM
Dear (Brig) Ms Jasbeer,
I am certain by now you are convinced that IESM goal is to secure One Rank One Pension for all including MNS Officers.
For achieving the aims we need your help:
1. Please nominate a representative to form part of IESM Pension Cell, who is preferably from Gurgoan/ NCR area. Contact details to be intimated to Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (bag1944@yahoo.co.in ).
2. Request all MNS to become life members...you can do online bulk Registeration after payment of cash in local HDFC bank...the method is
described in the IESM webpage (http://www.iesm.org/) also reflected in Report My Signal Blog.
3. All MNS who have email can opt to be on the email list of Report My signal. Should get in touch with Brig CS Kamboj (kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in). This will enable you all to get the latest inputs regarding ESM and also exchange views.
If still you are any other Officer need any more clarifications please feel free to contact any of us.
With regards,
James Kanagaraj
Blog Team
"FOOT-IN-MOUTH DISEASE?" - The PIONEER Edit by Mr R. Ghosh
From: raj mehta raj_s_mehta12@yahoo.com
Subject: Letter to the Editor: "FOOT-IN-MOUTH DISEASE?" - The PIONEER Edit by Mr R. Ghosh
To: "Brig CS Kamboj, VSM (Retd)" kamboj_csk@yahoo.co.in TRUNCATED.
Cc: "Colonel Kanagaraj Report Your Signal" jkraj46@gmail.com
Date: Thursday, 13 August, 2009, 2:10 PM
Dear Sir,
The Pioneer has chosen to publish the u/m excerpt from my mail to the Editor, in response to what I saw as unfair criticism of Admiral Sureesh Mehta, CNS and Chairman COSC.
If you consider it appropriate, the correspondence may be published in Report Your Signal.
Warm regards,
Raj Mehta
....
Edit by Mr. R Ghosh: Foot-in-Mouth is (an) Incurable Disease
By Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd) on 8/12/2009 7:50:17 PM
Mr R. Ghosh has shocked me by his insensitivity towards the real import of Admiral Sureesh Mehta's (no relative) statement. He has done it as a serving Chief and as Chairman COSC, and in all probability, after first sounding the Government. I take his warning most positively, that as a nation, we need to change tack with regard to our China policy, and without delay.
The letter that was sent to the Editor is reproduced below:
FOOT-IN THE-MOUTH(AN) INCURABLE DISEASE
Mr. Rudroneel Ghosh has shocked me by his insensitivity towards the real import of Admiral Sureesh Mehta's (no relative) statement. He has done it as a serving Chief and as Chairman COSC, and in all probability, after first sounding the Government. I take his warning most positively, that as a nation, we need to change tack with regard to our China policy, and without delay. Our MEA as well as MoD cannot mind getting quality advice from an officer who heads his Service as also an Inter Service body and who has every right to draw attention to our lack of focus and preparedness towards China. Had Mr Ghosh chosen to read Kautilya's Arthashastra, he would have realised the real merit in the Naval Chief's advice. Admiral Mehta, obviously a well read man, has gone beyond what Sun Tzu's the Art of War has to offer, forcing me to request Mr Ghosh to read the Arthashastra before he speaks of Foot-in-the-Mouth disease again. I certainly do not want him to suffer from it, in this season of viruses of all kinds...
Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd), Mohali, Punjab.
The Pioneer Edit in question is reproduced below:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/195256/Foot-in-mouth-is-incurable-disease.html
Foot-in-mouth is incurable disease
Rudroneel Ghosh
Navy chief and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee Admiral Sureesh Mehta’s admission that India neither has the capability nor the intent to match up to China’s military prowess and that the former should ensure that its policies are in consonance with this “reality” can only be described as a huge strategic blunder. The views expressed by Admiral Mehta exemplify everything that is wrong with our handling of foreign policy issues. It clearly represents a fundamental lack of understanding among our politicians, bureaucrats and the defence establishment that when it comes to dealing with other countries we have to treat each bilateral relationship separately, keeping in mind our national interests. Our relationship with Sri Lanka cannot be based on the same parameters as that with China. Similarly, the relationship that we share with Bangladesh encompasses issues that are different from our ties with Nepal..
Not only is each relationship different because of historical reasons, but also because of strategic reasons. It is the latter that we seem to be unable to grasp. Strategy is an inseparable component of international relations. Every foreign policy initiative must be backed by strategy to maximise the national interest. It is when you disregard this that you end up cornering yourself. This is precisely what happened at Sharm el-Sheikh, and again when Admiral Mehta blurted out in his National Maritime Foundation address that India could not match China “force for force”.
India and China share a rocky relationship. We have fought a war, disputes on border issues remain, Beijing’s strategic military ties with Islamabad are well known and China’s opposition to India at various international forums is hardly a secret. Also, China’s growing military clout in the region and the fact that it sees South Asia as within its ‘sphere of influence’ are common knowledge. It is in this background that the strategy component in our bilateral relationship with China becomes extremely important. When we know that China isn’t shy of flexing its muscle, the last thing we need is for our Navy chief to admit that we are not capable of matching it. This is bound to reflect in our diplomatic dealings with Beijing.
Even if we aren’t as militarily strong we should posture otherwise. If India can’t afford a war with China, China too can’t afford a war with India.
Meanwhile, Admiral Mehta would do well to read Art of War by Sun Tzu.
Subject: Letter to the Editor: "FOOT-IN-MOUTH DISEASE?" - The PIONEER Edit by Mr R. Ghosh
To: "Brig CS Kamboj, VSM (Retd)" kamboj_csk@yahoo.co.in TRUNCATED.
Cc: "Colonel Kanagaraj Report Your Signal" jkraj46@gmail.com
Date: Thursday, 13 August, 2009, 2:10 PM
Dear Sir,
The Pioneer has chosen to publish the u/m excerpt from my mail to the Editor, in response to what I saw as unfair criticism of Admiral Sureesh Mehta, CNS and Chairman COSC.
If you consider it appropriate, the correspondence may be published in Report Your Signal.
Warm regards,
Raj Mehta
....
Edit by Mr. R Ghosh: Foot-in-Mouth is (an) Incurable Disease
By Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd) on 8/12/2009 7:50:17 PM
Mr R. Ghosh has shocked me by his insensitivity towards the real import of Admiral Sureesh Mehta's (no relative) statement. He has done it as a serving Chief and as Chairman COSC, and in all probability, after first sounding the Government. I take his warning most positively, that as a nation, we need to change tack with regard to our China policy, and without delay.
The letter that was sent to the Editor is reproduced below:
FOOT-IN THE-MOUTH(AN) INCURABLE DISEASE
Mr. Rudroneel Ghosh has shocked me by his insensitivity towards the real import of Admiral Sureesh Mehta's (no relative) statement. He has done it as a serving Chief and as Chairman COSC, and in all probability, after first sounding the Government. I take his warning most positively, that as a nation, we need to change tack with regard to our China policy, and without delay. Our MEA as well as MoD cannot mind getting quality advice from an officer who heads his Service as also an Inter Service body and who has every right to draw attention to our lack of focus and preparedness towards China. Had Mr Ghosh chosen to read Kautilya's Arthashastra, he would have realised the real merit in the Naval Chief's advice. Admiral Mehta, obviously a well read man, has gone beyond what Sun Tzu's the Art of War has to offer, forcing me to request Mr Ghosh to read the Arthashastra before he speaks of Foot-in-the-Mouth disease again. I certainly do not want him to suffer from it, in this season of viruses of all kinds...
Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd), Mohali, Punjab.
The Pioneer Edit in question is reproduced below:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/195256/Foot-in-mouth-is-incurable-disease.html
Foot-in-mouth is incurable disease
Rudroneel Ghosh
Navy chief and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee Admiral Sureesh Mehta’s admission that India neither has the capability nor the intent to match up to China’s military prowess and that the former should ensure that its policies are in consonance with this “reality” can only be described as a huge strategic blunder. The views expressed by Admiral Mehta exemplify everything that is wrong with our handling of foreign policy issues. It clearly represents a fundamental lack of understanding among our politicians, bureaucrats and the defence establishment that when it comes to dealing with other countries we have to treat each bilateral relationship separately, keeping in mind our national interests. Our relationship with Sri Lanka cannot be based on the same parameters as that with China. Similarly, the relationship that we share with Bangladesh encompasses issues that are different from our ties with Nepal..
Not only is each relationship different because of historical reasons, but also because of strategic reasons. It is the latter that we seem to be unable to grasp. Strategy is an inseparable component of international relations. Every foreign policy initiative must be backed by strategy to maximise the national interest. It is when you disregard this that you end up cornering yourself. This is precisely what happened at Sharm el-Sheikh, and again when Admiral Mehta blurted out in his National Maritime Foundation address that India could not match China “force for force”.
India and China share a rocky relationship. We have fought a war, disputes on border issues remain, Beijing’s strategic military ties with Islamabad are well known and China’s opposition to India at various international forums is hardly a secret. Also, China’s growing military clout in the region and the fact that it sees South Asia as within its ‘sphere of influence’ are common knowledge. It is in this background that the strategy component in our bilateral relationship with China becomes extremely important. When we know that China isn’t shy of flexing its muscle, the last thing we need is for our Navy chief to admit that we are not capable of matching it. This is bound to reflect in our diplomatic dealings with Beijing.
Even if we aren’t as militarily strong we should posture otherwise. If India can’t afford a war with China, China too can’t afford a war with India.
Meanwhile, Admiral Mehta would do well to read Art of War by Sun Tzu.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
आर्म्ड फोर्सेस ट्रिब्यूनल का उद्घाटन
JAGRAN– HINDI DAILY, Aug 08, 06:44 pm
नई दिल्ली। राष्ट्रपति प्रतिभा पाटिल ने शनिवार को थल सेना, नौसेना और वायु सेना के सदस्यों को उनकी सेवाओं से संबंधित न्याय दिलाने के लिए सशस्त्र बल पंचाट [आर्म्ड फोर्सेस ट्रिब्यूनल] का उद्घाटन किया। बहुप्रतीक्षित पंचाट 15 लाख सैन्यकर्मियों और करीब 20 लाख से ज्यादा पूर्व सैनिकों की समस्याओं का समाधान करने के लिए न्यायिक फोरम है।
राष्ट्रपति ने इस अवसर पर कहा कि पंचाट उनके आत्मविश्वास को बढ़ाएगा। पाटिल ने कहा कि एएफटी नियम, कायदे और काम करने के तरीके बना सकता है जो उसके मकसद को प्रभावी तरीके से पूरा करेगा।
उद्घाटन समारोह के दौरान उन्होंने कहा, 'ट्रिब्यूनल की स्थापना करने वाला अधिनियम नागरिक प्रक्रिया संहिता से बंधा हुआ नहीं है और इसलिए इसकी प्रक्रियाओं में लचीलापन है।' पाटिल ने कहा कि एएफटी को मामलों को लंबित करने से बचना चाहिए क्योंकि इससे इसकी स्थापना का उद्देश्य ही खत्म हो जाएगा।
पंचाट को नई तकनीकों का उपयोग करने की सलाह देते हुए राष्ट्रपति ने कहा, 'मामलों की सूची और उनकी सुनवाई की तारीख को आनलाइन रखा जाना चाहिए।' दिसंबर 2007 में संसद के एक अधिनियम के तहत स्थापित पंचाट 11 अगस्त से काम करना शुरू कर देगा।
पंचाट की मुख्य शाखा नई दिल्ली में होगी, जबकि देश भर में इसकी आठ क्षेत्रीय शाखाएं होंगी जहां सेना के जवान कोर्ट मार्शल की सजा को चुनौती दे सकेंगे। इसे सेना की हिरासत में रखे किसी भी व्यक्ति को जमानत देने की शक्ति भी होगी। सुप्रीम कोर्ट के पूर्व न्यायाधीश ए के माथुर को पंचाट का पहला अध्यक्ष बनाया गया है।
पंचाट को भारतीय सेना के इतिहास में मैग्ना कार्टा [1215 में जारी स्वतंत्रता का महान घोषणापत्र] की संज्ञा देते हुए कानून एवं न्याय मंत्री एम वीरप्पा मोइली ने कहा कि पंचाट सेना की समस्याओं के समाधान के लिए मंच का काम करेगा। उन्होंने उम्मीद जताई कि पंचाट में नौकरशाही हावी नहीं रहेगी।
भारत के प्रधान न्यायाधीश के जी बालाकृष्णन ने कहा कि पंचाट सैन्यकर्मियों को बेहतरीन न्याय दिलाएगा खासकर उन लोगों को जो सुदूरवर्ती एवं अगम्य इलाकों में रह रहे हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि यह सामान्य धारणा थी कि कोर्ट मार्शल के अधिकारी निष्पक्ष न्याय नहीं करते। उन्होंने कहा कि पंचाट की सफलता का मानदंड होगा कि वह निष्पक्ष और त्वरित न्याय करे।
इस अवसर पर रक्षा मंत्री ए के एंटनी ने कहा कि पंचाट सैन्य न्याय प्रणाली में रिक्त स्थान को भरेगा। समापन अवसर पर रक्षा राज्यमंत्री एम एम पल्लम राजू ने कहा कि पंचाट से सेना के जवानों के लिए न्याय के नए युग की शुरुआत हुई है।
नई दिल्ली। राष्ट्रपति प्रतिभा पाटिल ने शनिवार को थल सेना, नौसेना और वायु सेना के सदस्यों को उनकी सेवाओं से संबंधित न्याय दिलाने के लिए सशस्त्र बल पंचाट [आर्म्ड फोर्सेस ट्रिब्यूनल] का उद्घाटन किया। बहुप्रतीक्षित पंचाट 15 लाख सैन्यकर्मियों और करीब 20 लाख से ज्यादा पूर्व सैनिकों की समस्याओं का समाधान करने के लिए न्यायिक फोरम है।
राष्ट्रपति ने इस अवसर पर कहा कि पंचाट उनके आत्मविश्वास को बढ़ाएगा। पाटिल ने कहा कि एएफटी नियम, कायदे और काम करने के तरीके बना सकता है जो उसके मकसद को प्रभावी तरीके से पूरा करेगा।
उद्घाटन समारोह के दौरान उन्होंने कहा, 'ट्रिब्यूनल की स्थापना करने वाला अधिनियम नागरिक प्रक्रिया संहिता से बंधा हुआ नहीं है और इसलिए इसकी प्रक्रियाओं में लचीलापन है।' पाटिल ने कहा कि एएफटी को मामलों को लंबित करने से बचना चाहिए क्योंकि इससे इसकी स्थापना का उद्देश्य ही खत्म हो जाएगा।
पंचाट को नई तकनीकों का उपयोग करने की सलाह देते हुए राष्ट्रपति ने कहा, 'मामलों की सूची और उनकी सुनवाई की तारीख को आनलाइन रखा जाना चाहिए।' दिसंबर 2007 में संसद के एक अधिनियम के तहत स्थापित पंचाट 11 अगस्त से काम करना शुरू कर देगा।
पंचाट की मुख्य शाखा नई दिल्ली में होगी, जबकि देश भर में इसकी आठ क्षेत्रीय शाखाएं होंगी जहां सेना के जवान कोर्ट मार्शल की सजा को चुनौती दे सकेंगे। इसे सेना की हिरासत में रखे किसी भी व्यक्ति को जमानत देने की शक्ति भी होगी। सुप्रीम कोर्ट के पूर्व न्यायाधीश ए के माथुर को पंचाट का पहला अध्यक्ष बनाया गया है।
पंचाट को भारतीय सेना के इतिहास में मैग्ना कार्टा [1215 में जारी स्वतंत्रता का महान घोषणापत्र] की संज्ञा देते हुए कानून एवं न्याय मंत्री एम वीरप्पा मोइली ने कहा कि पंचाट सेना की समस्याओं के समाधान के लिए मंच का काम करेगा। उन्होंने उम्मीद जताई कि पंचाट में नौकरशाही हावी नहीं रहेगी।
भारत के प्रधान न्यायाधीश के जी बालाकृष्णन ने कहा कि पंचाट सैन्यकर्मियों को बेहतरीन न्याय दिलाएगा खासकर उन लोगों को जो सुदूरवर्ती एवं अगम्य इलाकों में रह रहे हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि यह सामान्य धारणा थी कि कोर्ट मार्शल के अधिकारी निष्पक्ष न्याय नहीं करते। उन्होंने कहा कि पंचाट की सफलता का मानदंड होगा कि वह निष्पक्ष और त्वरित न्याय करे।
इस अवसर पर रक्षा मंत्री ए के एंटनी ने कहा कि पंचाट सैन्य न्याय प्रणाली में रिक्त स्थान को भरेगा। समापन अवसर पर रक्षा राज्यमंत्री एम एम पल्लम राजू ने कहा कि पंचाट से सेना के जवानों के लिए न्याय के नए युग की शुरुआत हुई है।
Revised referral policy for NCR
Dear Brig Kuthiala,
Revised referral policy for NCR is given below.
For rest of India, we are in process of revising.
Any suggestions could be emailed at mdechs@bol.net.in
(Maj Gen A Srivastava)
...
Central Organisation ECHS
Adjutant General’s Branch
Integrated HQ of MoD
Maude Lines, Delhi Cantt –10
Tele: 011-25684945
Mil: 233 36833
B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral Aug 09
Air HQ (VB), DPS
HQ Western Command (A ECHS/Med)
REFERRAL TO EMPENELLED HOSPITALS IN DELHI/NCR
1. A number of requests and representations had been recd from ex –servicemen orgs and environment to review the referral system in ECHS in view of the following:-
(a) Inconvenience and hardships to the patients from ECHS Polyclinics (non –mil) who have to shuttle between Polyclinic and MHs for consultation/referral for speciality/super speciality. The problem gets compounded because of old age and medical condition of the ECHS beneficiaries.
(b) The issue of hardships faced by our veterans on acct of present referral system was brought out by the Army Cdrs during the Army Cdrs Conf in Apr 09.
(c) DGAFMS/DGMS(Army) had highlighted that service to serving soldiers and their dependents was suffering because of excessive load of ECHS beneficiaries on Army/Base/Zonal hospital OPDs.
(d) Deliberations during ECHS Seminar at Chandimandir on 16 Jul 09 substantiated above problems.
2. Review of ECHS referral system had accordingly been included as one of the priority issues in the ‘Time Bound Action Plan’ to give momentum to ECHS as directed by COAS.
3. Earlier ECHS policy governing referrals had been formulated with the aim of controlling excessive referrals to empanelled hospitals through evaluation of patient by a Service Specialist as also to ensure that spare capacity of service hospitals is fully utilized.. This was necessary for a mega-medical scheme during its stabilisation phase. While the scheme is yet to see its final state, it has now become inescapable to review and refine the referral system. The review primarily covers ECHS Polyclinics (non-mil) or those without service hospitals. Revised policy is contained in succeeding paras.
4. The revised referral policy in respect of Polyclinics in Delhi/NCR will be as follows:-
Ser NAME OF POLYCLINIC POLICY OF REFERRAL
(a) Delhi Cantt and Lodhi Road All referrals to empanelled hospitals in NCR having MOA with Stn Cdr will be subject to non availability of spare capacity with Base Hospital/Army Hosp (R&R).
(b) Noida, Gurgaon & Faridabad
(i) Direct referral to empanelled hospitals in NCR having MOA with Stn Cdr.
(ii) Cases for Jt Replacement will be referred to Army Hospital (R&R) for evaluation.
(c) Hindan
(i) All referrals to empanelled hospitals in NCR having MOA with Stn Cdr, will be subject to non-availability of spare capacity with 11 AFH.
(ii) Cases for Jt Replacement will be referred to Army Hospital (R&R) for evaluation.
5. Referral will only be made once all available facilities of the Polyclinic are fully utilised. Choice of empanelled hospital/ diagnostic centre will be with the ECHS member.
6. ECHS Cells have been established at Army Hosp (R&R) and Base Hosp Delhi Cantt. Prior written intimation by the ECHS Cells about non-availability of Specialist/facilities /bed space for a particular duration will become an authority for OsIC Polyclinics Delhi Cantt, Lodhi Road and Hindan to refer patients directly to empanelled hospitals.
7. On remarks by the service specialists of Army Hosp (R&R)/BHDC indicating treatment from empanelled hospital, ECHS Cell at these hospitals will directly refer patients to the empanelled hospital of patient’s choice. Photocopy/fax of such referral form will be forwarded to the originating ECHS Polyclinic.
8. In case veteran desires to be treated at Service Hospital, referral will be made to Army Hospital (R&R)/Base Hospital Delhi Cantt/11 AFH as per his choice.
9. The above policy will be implemented with effect from 01 Sep 09. Following letters are hereby superseded :-
(a) B/49774/AG/ECHS dated 23 Aug 2006.
(b) B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral dated 18 May 2009.
(c) B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral dated 01 Jul 2009.
10. The policy shall be reviewed after six months.
(A Srivastava)
Maj Gen
MD ECHS
Ajit/*
Copy to:-
Integrated HQ MoD (Navy)
HQ WAC, Subroto Park (PMO)
HQ Delhi Area, Delhi Cantt-10
Army Hosp (R&R), Delhi Cantt-10
Base Hospital Delhi Cantt-10
Regional Centre ECHS, Delhi Cantt-10
Revised referral policy for NCR is given below.
For rest of India, we are in process of revising.
Any suggestions could be emailed at mdechs@bol.net.in
(Maj Gen A Srivastava)
...
Central Organisation ECHS
Adjutant General’s Branch
Integrated HQ of MoD
Maude Lines, Delhi Cantt –10
Tele: 011-25684945
Mil: 233 36833
B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral Aug 09
Air HQ (VB), DPS
HQ Western Command (A ECHS/Med)
REFERRAL TO EMPENELLED HOSPITALS IN DELHI/NCR
1. A number of requests and representations had been recd from ex –servicemen orgs and environment to review the referral system in ECHS in view of the following:-
(a) Inconvenience and hardships to the patients from ECHS Polyclinics (non –mil) who have to shuttle between Polyclinic and MHs for consultation/referral for speciality/super speciality. The problem gets compounded because of old age and medical condition of the ECHS beneficiaries.
(b) The issue of hardships faced by our veterans on acct of present referral system was brought out by the Army Cdrs during the Army Cdrs Conf in Apr 09.
(c) DGAFMS/DGMS(Army) had highlighted that service to serving soldiers and their dependents was suffering because of excessive load of ECHS beneficiaries on Army/Base/Zonal hospital OPDs.
(d) Deliberations during ECHS Seminar at Chandimandir on 16 Jul 09 substantiated above problems.
2. Review of ECHS referral system had accordingly been included as one of the priority issues in the ‘Time Bound Action Plan’ to give momentum to ECHS as directed by COAS.
3. Earlier ECHS policy governing referrals had been formulated with the aim of controlling excessive referrals to empanelled hospitals through evaluation of patient by a Service Specialist as also to ensure that spare capacity of service hospitals is fully utilized.. This was necessary for a mega-medical scheme during its stabilisation phase. While the scheme is yet to see its final state, it has now become inescapable to review and refine the referral system. The review primarily covers ECHS Polyclinics (non-mil) or those without service hospitals. Revised policy is contained in succeeding paras.
4. The revised referral policy in respect of Polyclinics in Delhi/NCR will be as follows:-
Ser NAME OF POLYCLINIC POLICY OF REFERRAL
(a) Delhi Cantt and Lodhi Road All referrals to empanelled hospitals in NCR having MOA with Stn Cdr will be subject to non availability of spare capacity with Base Hospital/Army Hosp (R&R).
(b) Noida, Gurgaon & Faridabad
(i) Direct referral to empanelled hospitals in NCR having MOA with Stn Cdr.
(ii) Cases for Jt Replacement will be referred to Army Hospital (R&R) for evaluation.
(c) Hindan
(i) All referrals to empanelled hospitals in NCR having MOA with Stn Cdr, will be subject to non-availability of spare capacity with 11 AFH.
(ii) Cases for Jt Replacement will be referred to Army Hospital (R&R) for evaluation.
5. Referral will only be made once all available facilities of the Polyclinic are fully utilised. Choice of empanelled hospital/ diagnostic centre will be with the ECHS member.
6. ECHS Cells have been established at Army Hosp (R&R) and Base Hosp Delhi Cantt. Prior written intimation by the ECHS Cells about non-availability of Specialist/facilities /bed space for a particular duration will become an authority for OsIC Polyclinics Delhi Cantt, Lodhi Road and Hindan to refer patients directly to empanelled hospitals.
7. On remarks by the service specialists of Army Hosp (R&R)/BHDC indicating treatment from empanelled hospital, ECHS Cell at these hospitals will directly refer patients to the empanelled hospital of patient’s choice. Photocopy/fax of such referral form will be forwarded to the originating ECHS Polyclinic.
8. In case veteran desires to be treated at Service Hospital, referral will be made to Army Hospital (R&R)/Base Hospital Delhi Cantt/11 AFH as per his choice.
9. The above policy will be implemented with effect from 01 Sep 09. Following letters are hereby superseded :-
(a) B/49774/AG/ECHS dated 23 Aug 2006.
(b) B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral dated 18 May 2009.
(c) B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral dated 01 Jul 2009.
10. The policy shall be reviewed after six months.
(A Srivastava)
Maj Gen
MD ECHS
Ajit/*
Copy to:-
Integrated HQ MoD (Navy)
HQ WAC, Subroto Park (PMO)
HQ Delhi Area, Delhi Cantt-10
Army Hosp (R&R), Delhi Cantt-10
Base Hospital Delhi Cantt-10
Regional Centre ECHS, Delhi Cantt-10
ECHS Referral procedure NCR by Brig S Kuthiala
From: sateesh kuthiala
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 7:59 PM
Subject: ECHS Referral procedure NCR
A major hurdle in the referral procedure for NCR veterans has been removed. The letter below issued by the MD ECHS is self explanatory. In a nut shell -
Firstly. Patients in NCR can be referred directly to any empanelled hospital in the NCR.
Secondly. However delhi patients will continue to be routed to empanelled hospitals if required via base hosp and RR to ensure full utilisation of RR and base hosp facilities.
Thirdly. Hindan patients will be routed to empanelled hosps thru 11 AFH to ensure full utilisation of 11 AFH facilities.
Fourthly. Cases for Jt Replacement will be referred to Army Hospital (R&R) for evaluation in all cases to ensure full utisation of RR facilities.
Fifthly. An echs cell is being created in RR and base hosp with an MO to permit telephonic appts etc.
Sixthly. If a patient desires he will be referred to RR/ base hosp.
Seventhly. Effective from 1 sep 2009.
FINALLY PLEASE NOTE SIMILAR EXERCISE IS UNDERWAY FOR ALL STAS AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON A TIME BOUND BASIS .
PLEASE SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS IN BRIEF TO - mdechs@bol.net.in
Sateesh Kuthiala
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 7:59 PM
Subject: ECHS Referral procedure NCR
A major hurdle in the referral procedure for NCR veterans has been removed. The letter below issued by the MD ECHS is self explanatory. In a nut shell -
Firstly. Patients in NCR can be referred directly to any empanelled hospital in the NCR.
Secondly. However delhi patients will continue to be routed to empanelled hospitals if required via base hosp and RR to ensure full utilisation of RR and base hosp facilities.
Thirdly. Hindan patients will be routed to empanelled hosps thru 11 AFH to ensure full utilisation of 11 AFH facilities.
Fourthly. Cases for Jt Replacement will be referred to Army Hospital (R&R) for evaluation in all cases to ensure full utisation of RR facilities.
Fifthly. An echs cell is being created in RR and base hosp with an MO to permit telephonic appts etc.
Sixthly. If a patient desires he will be referred to RR/ base hosp.
Seventhly. Effective from 1 sep 2009.
FINALLY PLEASE NOTE SIMILAR EXERCISE IS UNDERWAY FOR ALL STAS AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON A TIME BOUND BASIS .
PLEASE SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS IN BRIEF TO - mdechs@bol.net.in
Sateesh Kuthiala
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
GoMs To Resolve War Memorial Row In Delhi..Cdr Prem P Batra Retd
From: premparkashbatra
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:51 AM
Subject: GoMs To Resolve War Memorial Row In Delhi
Lt Gen NS Malik
Convener Of Conclave
Delhi
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo
War Memorials
Maj Gen Prince JS Sandhu
DDE/USI
CS Kamboj
Dear Sirs,
GOM TO RESOLVE WAR MEMORIAL ROW=P-8/ 10TH AUG/ INDIAN EXPRESS
-------------------------------------------------------------
WHITE SOLDIERS BLOOD : INDIAN SOLDIERS BLOOD AND 1857 BLOOD
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. Most times History leaves me bewildered and unsure. There is School History, Pre and Post Independence, there is a Military History at NDA, there is contemporary History which may have been partly witnessed. All are at variance. Depends who is having structured and written.
2. Now we need a GoM to resolve War Memorial Row as per News Clip.
Armed Forces want it to be in some way part of Memorial at India Gate which is objected to by Urban Development Ministry. So PM has appointed a GoM headed by FM-Shri Pranab Mukerji [ Minister for all seasons], RM-Shri AK Antony [ Always friendly] and UDP-Shri S Jaipal Reddy[ Always vociferous unless he is a Minister].
3. Celebrations for the 150th anniversary of 1st War of Independence of 1857 were organized and funded by GOI when Ex-Minister Shri Mani Shankar Iyer was at the helm of Ministry of Youth Affairs. The Celebrations went on for one year. The Chairman of the Committee was one of the 3 Turks whose most famous face was Shri Chandra Shekhar. A Seminar was held at Constitutional Hall. I was pleasantly surprised to be told that where India Gate is, the place earlier was a huge Graveyard! So they wanted a piece of place for 1857 SHAHIDS. One gathered the impression that there are some forces who are always trying to establish that the real Architect of India's Independence was our beloved 1st Prime Minister Pundit Nehruji.
4. Of course Leyton constructed War Memorial at India Gate mostly for white soldiers in mind. Then no one could, quiet rightly, change anything without the expressed permission of PM-Pundit Nehruji. Now there is some Art Board whose sanction must be evoked to construct anything that may affect the sanctity and sky line of the Raj-New Delhi.
5. Armed Forces also quiet rightly want to honour their Dead Soldiers where the Eternal Flame burns which they guard. The GOI, I believe, also has not decided where the Memorial for 1857 SHAHIDS should come up. Delhi Police wants one too. In one State there is no think as to how the SMAARAKS and Parks should come up but they must.
6. Army and the Navy too are ambiguous in their approach. Battles before 1947 are studied mostly the way the British wrote them. Agreed Indian side battle history mostly is embedded in folklore and unwritten form. But why it must be grudged. If India's post Independence history can be written in official and non official forms probably due fear factor then why grudge earlier peoples when dissent was ruthlessly smothered. Navy too has history at Naval Barracks Mumbai but it is lying mostly in dark corners.
7. RTI here would be of little use. Media, the 4th pillar of the State is very active now.
8. Honestly, Sirs, I would like to be enlightened. And why there is a difference in bloods on Indian soil.
With best regards,
Cdr Prem P Batra Retd.
(Email ID - premprempb@rediffmail.com )
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:51 AM
Subject: GoMs To Resolve War Memorial Row In Delhi
Lt Gen NS Malik
Convener Of Conclave
Delhi
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo
War Memorials
Maj Gen Prince JS Sandhu
DDE/USI
CS Kamboj
Dear Sirs,
GOM TO RESOLVE WAR MEMORIAL ROW=P-8/ 10TH AUG/ INDIAN EXPRESS
-------------------------------------------------------------
WHITE SOLDIERS BLOOD : INDIAN SOLDIERS BLOOD AND 1857 BLOOD
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. Most times History leaves me bewildered and unsure. There is School History, Pre and Post Independence, there is a Military History at NDA, there is contemporary History which may have been partly witnessed. All are at variance. Depends who is having structured and written.
2. Now we need a GoM to resolve War Memorial Row as per News Clip.
Armed Forces want it to be in some way part of Memorial at India Gate which is objected to by Urban Development Ministry. So PM has appointed a GoM headed by FM-Shri Pranab Mukerji [ Minister for all seasons], RM-Shri AK Antony [ Always friendly] and UDP-Shri S Jaipal Reddy[ Always vociferous unless he is a Minister].
3. Celebrations for the 150th anniversary of 1st War of Independence of 1857 were organized and funded by GOI when Ex-Minister Shri Mani Shankar Iyer was at the helm of Ministry of Youth Affairs. The Celebrations went on for one year. The Chairman of the Committee was one of the 3 Turks whose most famous face was Shri Chandra Shekhar. A Seminar was held at Constitutional Hall. I was pleasantly surprised to be told that where India Gate is, the place earlier was a huge Graveyard! So they wanted a piece of place for 1857 SHAHIDS. One gathered the impression that there are some forces who are always trying to establish that the real Architect of India's Independence was our beloved 1st Prime Minister Pundit Nehruji.
4. Of course Leyton constructed War Memorial at India Gate mostly for white soldiers in mind. Then no one could, quiet rightly, change anything without the expressed permission of PM-Pundit Nehruji. Now there is some Art Board whose sanction must be evoked to construct anything that may affect the sanctity and sky line of the Raj-New Delhi.
5. Armed Forces also quiet rightly want to honour their Dead Soldiers where the Eternal Flame burns which they guard. The GOI, I believe, also has not decided where the Memorial for 1857 SHAHIDS should come up. Delhi Police wants one too. In one State there is no think as to how the SMAARAKS and Parks should come up but they must.
6. Army and the Navy too are ambiguous in their approach. Battles before 1947 are studied mostly the way the British wrote them. Agreed Indian side battle history mostly is embedded in folklore and unwritten form. But why it must be grudged. If India's post Independence history can be written in official and non official forms probably due fear factor then why grudge earlier peoples when dissent was ruthlessly smothered. Navy too has history at Naval Barracks Mumbai but it is lying mostly in dark corners.
7. RTI here would be of little use. Media, the 4th pillar of the State is very active now.
8. Honestly, Sirs, I would like to be enlightened. And why there is a difference in bloods on Indian soil.
With best regards,
Cdr Prem P Batra Retd.
(Email ID - premprempb@rediffmail.com )
Help from an expert cdr Balaji for pension issue..pls write to him
From: CDR BALAJI
Subject: Re: DISCREPANCY WITH COMMUTED VALUE OF PENSION : NO 14267027K EX HAV GOPAL SINGH (ARMY/SIGNALS) SUS DATE 01 AUG 08
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 9:59 AM
Dear Shri Gopal Singh ji,
1.At the out set I would like to appreciate you for your perseverance and you have written to everybody regarding the ANOMOLY in your Pension, which was earlier not fixed and subsequently fixed at the old scale (adding the loading Factor in view of your being in Pmt Low Med Category P3). However, PCDA, Allahabad has acknowledged vide their letter dated 28.7..09 that the Corrected PPO is incorrect.
2. Thus, you have made your point.
3.Next is only to Flood them with Reminders to all concerned from your side including a copy to the Raksha Mantri/ Defence Secretary, enclosing this copy as also a translated copy. Keep the Original very Safe – it may be required later if there is need to seek legal remedy if you need to claim interest on the amount due to you and not paid due to the negligence of the Staff of PCDA, Allahabad.
4.With out a corrected PPO nothing further can be pursued. On receipt of this, balance commuted value and reworked Pension + arrears we can than think of not only claiming Interest but also damages.
5.I have taken Hard Copies of your Letter + Attachments and opened a File. Your File no. is your Official no. 14267027K/ARMY. Yours is the first case I am dealing.
6.Could you please tell me the reason for your being placed in P3 and is it attributable to Service or not. This can be quoted as a reason for claiming more damages, citing that this has a reason for your health having suffered as also mental agony.
7.How far is Chittorogarh from Allahabad and I would suggest you take a trip if you are in a physically fit state to resolve the issue. The second part we can take up later. I agree that things should be done as per the laid down Rules and Regulations and everybody should be satisfied, but it does not always happen.
LEGAL PART – This part is very simple. You need not spend a single paise. The Lawyer whom you hire would fight your case and his fees would be a % of the damages finally awarded by the Court. The present % in Chennai is around 12%. Stamp duty for filing the Affidavit is Rs368/ for the first 1 lakh and Rs.1000/- thereafter for every lakh being claimed.All this expenditure would be incurred by the Lawyer and he will appear on your behalf. Don’t surrender any of the PPO’s received by you till date. All these would be required to be admitted as exhibits as and when the necessity arises to prove the point. Where are your original Medical papers, these also would be required later on. Please prepare side by side. I have done and assisted in more than 30 Court Martials in the Indian Navy both as Prosecutor and Defending Officer and now in my present Portfolio in the Private Sector, all legal issues are referred to me for making parawise comments and follow up in Courts through Lawyers.
First of all go ahead with Point no. 3 and also try para 7.
Please wait for 2 months and then we can take recourse to further action.
Thanks and Regards,
L/Commander GK Balaji
MOB:99625-00199
RES:044-24866518
Subject: Re: DISCREPANCY WITH COMMUTED VALUE OF PENSION : NO 14267027K EX HAV GOPAL SINGH (ARMY/SIGNALS) SUS DATE 01 AUG 08
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 9:59 AM
Dear Shri Gopal Singh ji,
1.At the out set I would like to appreciate you for your perseverance and you have written to everybody regarding the ANOMOLY in your Pension, which was earlier not fixed and subsequently fixed at the old scale (adding the loading Factor in view of your being in Pmt Low Med Category P3). However, PCDA, Allahabad has acknowledged vide their letter dated 28.7..09 that the Corrected PPO is incorrect.
2. Thus, you have made your point.
3.Next is only to Flood them with Reminders to all concerned from your side including a copy to the Raksha Mantri/ Defence Secretary, enclosing this copy as also a translated copy. Keep the Original very Safe – it may be required later if there is need to seek legal remedy if you need to claim interest on the amount due to you and not paid due to the negligence of the Staff of PCDA, Allahabad.
4.With out a corrected PPO nothing further can be pursued. On receipt of this, balance commuted value and reworked Pension + arrears we can than think of not only claiming Interest but also damages.
5.I have taken Hard Copies of your Letter + Attachments and opened a File. Your File no. is your Official no. 14267027K/ARMY. Yours is the first case I am dealing.
6.Could you please tell me the reason for your being placed in P3 and is it attributable to Service or not. This can be quoted as a reason for claiming more damages, citing that this has a reason for your health having suffered as also mental agony.
7.How far is Chittorogarh from Allahabad and I would suggest you take a trip if you are in a physically fit state to resolve the issue. The second part we can take up later. I agree that things should be done as per the laid down Rules and Regulations and everybody should be satisfied, but it does not always happen.
LEGAL PART – This part is very simple. You need not spend a single paise. The Lawyer whom you hire would fight your case and his fees would be a % of the damages finally awarded by the Court. The present % in Chennai is around 12%. Stamp duty for filing the Affidavit is Rs368/ for the first 1 lakh and Rs.1000/- thereafter for every lakh being claimed.All this expenditure would be incurred by the Lawyer and he will appear on your behalf. Don’t surrender any of the PPO’s received by you till date. All these would be required to be admitted as exhibits as and when the necessity arises to prove the point. Where are your original Medical papers, these also would be required later on. Please prepare side by side. I have done and assisted in more than 30 Court Martials in the Indian Navy both as Prosecutor and Defending Officer and now in my present Portfolio in the Private Sector, all legal issues are referred to me for making parawise comments and follow up in Courts through Lawyers.
First of all go ahead with Point no. 3 and also try para 7.
Please wait for 2 months and then we can take recourse to further action.
Thanks and Regards,
L/Commander GK Balaji
MOB:99625-00199
RES:044-24866518
DISCREPANCY WITH COMMUTED VALUE OF PENSION
Subject: Fw: Re: DISCREPANCY WITH COMMUTED VALUE OF PENSION :
NO 14267027K EX HAV GOPAL SINGH (ARMY/SIGNALS) SUS DATE 01 AUG 08
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 1:52 PM
Dear All
This is the second instance of the good work done by members of the Pension Cell, one by an Air Force ESM and now by a Naval ESM. In both cases the professional approach is apparent. If the Pension Cell Members continue this selfless service, the ESM community will benefit
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Director Pension Cell
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
B 449 Sushant Lok I
NO 14267027K EX HAV GOPAL SINGH (ARMY/SIGNALS) SUS DATE 01 AUG 08
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 1:52 PM
Dear All
This is the second instance of the good work done by members of the Pension Cell, one by an Air Force ESM and now by a Naval ESM. In both cases the professional approach is apparent. If the Pension Cell Members continue this selfless service, the ESM community will benefit
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Director Pension Cell
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
B 449 Sushant Lok I
ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM
ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM
AT 1030H ON 30 AUG AT AVCC NOIDA
Dear All
Members from all corners of India have expressed their desire to attend the meeting on 30 Aug 2009 at Noida. The desire of veterans was discussed in steering committee meeting and it was decided that in deference to desire of all veterans the meeting on 30 Aug should be converted to ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM. AGM is therefore postponed and its date would be informed to all the veterans.
It is for information of all defence veterans pan India that a meeting is planned to be held at 1030h to 1430h on 30 Aug 2009 at AVCC (Arun Vihar Community Centre) NOIDA. IESM requests all defence veterans to join hands and attend the meeting in large numbers. My request would be to have a representative member from all districts of India. Veterans are requested to make their own arrangements of travel and stay in Delhi/Noida.
We all know that Govt has steadfastly refused to listen to veteran's rightful demand of OROP. This demand has been pending since last 25 years. Many commitees have discussed the issue and had recommended OROP in principle but the Govt has denied OROP to the veterans on flimsy grounds. Govt has betrayed the faith of veterans and after having announced OROP through The President of India in a speech to both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and also through Finance Minister in budget speech but has given nothing to the veterans. The recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary committee has approved correction of only one anomoly of 5 CPC that too under court order and Govt is misleading all that OROP has been granted to ex servicemen. This announcement is no where near OROP and is a mere eye wash, and veterans can not be deceived with this.
IESM therefore gives a call to all Veterans all over India to come to NOIDA to attend the all India meet of defence veterans on 30 Aug 2009. The main agenda of this meeting will be to think and brain storm and decide the future road map to put up a joint fight to the Govt policy of ignoring ex servicemen's demand of OROP and of lowering the morale of ex-servicemen.
Col DP Singh from Panvel has been very kind to offer refreshment to all the veterans who are passing through Panvel for this meeting. All veterans are requested to inform their time and date to Col DP Singh at and he and his team will provide free refreshment to all the veterans. IESM salutes this gesture of Col DP Singh and his team.
Col Rajan Srinivas has also issued an appeal to all veterans to come in large numbers to reach Noida on the 30 Aug and participate in this meeting to decide future route map of veteran's struggle with the Govt for their just demand of OROP.
I request all the veterans to kindly forward their points and names of the speakers so that agenda for the meeting can be finalised and list of the speakers can also be firmed up. Points and the name of speaker should reach to me latest by 17 August.
IESM appeals to all the veterans to donate generously to fight for the cause of ESM/W. We are looking for donors who are ready to sponsor this meet. Kindly come forward and donate generously for a good cause. Please confirm by Email/telephone to the undersigned about the donation or any other querry.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222
AT 1030H ON 30 AUG AT AVCC NOIDA
Dear All
Members from all corners of India have expressed their desire to attend the meeting on 30 Aug 2009 at Noida. The desire of veterans was discussed in steering committee meeting and it was decided that in deference to desire of all veterans the meeting on 30 Aug should be converted to ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM. AGM is therefore postponed and its date would be informed to all the veterans.
It is for information of all defence veterans pan India that a meeting is planned to be held at 1030h to 1430h on 30 Aug 2009 at AVCC (Arun Vihar Community Centre) NOIDA. IESM requests all defence veterans to join hands and attend the meeting in large numbers. My request would be to have a representative member from all districts of India. Veterans are requested to make their own arrangements of travel and stay in Delhi/Noida.
We all know that Govt has steadfastly refused to listen to veteran's rightful demand of OROP. This demand has been pending since last 25 years. Many commitees have discussed the issue and had recommended OROP in principle but the Govt has denied OROP to the veterans on flimsy grounds. Govt has betrayed the faith of veterans and after having announced OROP through The President of India in a speech to both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and also through Finance Minister in budget speech but has given nothing to the veterans. The recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary committee has approved correction of only one anomoly of 5 CPC that too under court order and Govt is misleading all that OROP has been granted to ex servicemen. This announcement is no where near OROP and is a mere eye wash, and veterans can not be deceived with this.
IESM therefore gives a call to all Veterans all over India to come to NOIDA to attend the all India meet of defence veterans on 30 Aug 2009. The main agenda of this meeting will be to think and brain storm and decide the future road map to put up a joint fight to the Govt policy of ignoring ex servicemen's demand of OROP and of lowering the morale of ex-servicemen.
Col DP Singh from Panvel has been very kind to offer refreshment to all the veterans who are passing through Panvel for this meeting. All veterans are requested to inform their time and date to Col DP Singh at
Col Rajan Srinivas has also issued an appeal to all veterans to come in large numbers to reach Noida on the 30 Aug and participate in this meeting to decide future route map of veteran's struggle with the Govt for their just demand of OROP.
I request all the veterans to kindly forward their points and names of the speakers so that agenda for the meeting can be finalised and list of the speakers can also be firmed up. Points and the name of speaker should reach to me latest by 17 August.
IESM appeals to all the veterans to donate generously to fight for the cause of ESM/W. We are looking for donors who are ready to sponsor this meet. Kindly come forward and donate generously for a good cause. Please confirm by Email/telephone to the undersigned about the donation or any other querry.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222
welcome Gp Capt SS Phatak joins IESM pension cell
Subject: Pension Cell IESM
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 9:36 AM
Dear Gp Capt Pathak (Gp Capt SS Phatak) sushan1005@yahoo.com
It is very heartening to note that you have decided to spare your valuable time to assist Vice Admiral Barin Ghose in pension cell of IESM. I welcome you on behalf of IESM.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222
...
From: Barin Ghose
Subject: Pension Cell IESM
To: "Suhas phatak"
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 5:31 PM
Dear Group Captain (Phatak),
I hold the officers of the Accounts Branch in high esteem.
... edited ...
You will be an asset to the Pension Cell.
Regards
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Director Pension Cell
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
B 449 Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
Phone 124-4044069, Mobile 9871381479
E Mail bag1944@yahoo.co.in
--- On Mon, 10/8/09, Suhas phatak wrote:
From: Suhas phatak
Subject: Re: Yeomen service by Gp Capt SS Phatak
To: "Barin Ghose"
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 4:04 PM
Dear Sir,
I have already sent my willingness to do my bit.I have been commissioned in 1965 in 'Accounts Branch' and retired in 1994.I was posted twice at AFCAO (NPO equivalent) for 6 years and again last one year before my retirement.I have been dealing with pay ,pension etc during my two tenures including as Officer i/c Officers pay wing and Airman's Pay Wing.
Thanking once again,
Gp Capt SS Phatak(retd)
--- On Mon, 10/8/09, Barin Ghose wrote:
From: Barin Ghose
Subject: Yeomen service by Gp Capt SS Phatak
To: sushan1005@yahoo.com, TRUNCATED
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 8:03 AM
Dear Group Captain Phatak
You have done yeoman service. This is just the type of initiative that we at IESM Pension Cell are looking forward to. It gives satisfaction in helping ESM especially widows.
Would you like to join the Pension Cell. You need no expertise in pensions but a strong desire to help.
Regards
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Director Pension Cell IESM
B 449 Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
Phone
124-4044069, Mobile
9871381479
E Mail
bag1944@yahoo.co.in
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 9:36 AM
Dear Gp Capt Pathak (Gp Capt SS Phatak) sushan1005@yahoo.com
It is very heartening to note that you have decided to spare your valuable time to assist Vice Admiral Barin Ghose in pension cell of IESM. I welcome you on behalf of IESM.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222
...
From: Barin Ghose
Subject: Pension Cell IESM
To: "Suhas phatak"
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 5:31 PM
Dear Group Captain (Phatak),
I hold the officers of the Accounts Branch in high esteem.
... edited ...
You will be an asset to the Pension Cell.
Regards
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Director Pension Cell
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
B 449 Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
Phone 124-4044069, Mobile 9871381479
E Mail bag1944@yahoo.co.in
--- On Mon, 10/8/09, Suhas phatak
From: Suhas phatak
Subject: Re: Yeomen service by Gp Capt SS Phatak
To: "Barin Ghose"
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 4:04 PM
Dear Sir,
I have already sent my willingness to do my bit.I have been commissioned in 1965 in 'Accounts Branch' and retired in 1994.I was posted twice at AFCAO (NPO equivalent) for 6 years and again last one year before my retirement.I have been dealing with pay ,pension etc during my two tenures including as Officer i/c Officers pay wing and Airman's Pay Wing.
Thanking once again,
Gp Capt SS Phatak(retd)
--- On Mon, 10/8/09, Barin Ghose
From: Barin Ghose
Subject: Yeomen service by Gp Capt SS Phatak
To: sushan1005@yahoo.com, TRUNCATED
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 8:03 AM
Dear Group Captain Phatak
You have done yeoman service. This is just the type of initiative that we at IESM Pension Cell are looking forward to. It gives satisfaction in helping ESM especially widows.
Would you like to join the Pension Cell. You need no expertise in pensions but a strong desire to help.
Regards
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Director Pension Cell IESM
B 449 Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
Phone
124-4044069, Mobile
9871381479
E Mail
bag1944@yahoo.co.in
Monday, August 10, 2009
Photographs: Kargil Diwas at Bangalore on Sunday, 26 July 2009
Jul 26 Kargil Divas at Bangalore..Pls Click Me here..
Kargil Divas...More Pictures..Pls Click Me here..
: Colonelrajan Srinivas colonelrajan44@gmail.com
Subject: Photographs: Kargil Diwas at Bangalore on Sunday, 26 July 2009
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 9:22 PM
Here it is finally.
Slideshow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarnathpix/sets/72157621857411667/show/
Individual Pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarnathpix/sets/72157621857411667/
Regards
S Amarnath (s.amarnath@gmail.com)
(Brother of Col SS Rajan)
Download att to see Newspaper reports
(Not attached in this email here – Chander Kamboj)
Regards,
Col Rajan
Kargil Divas...More Pictures..Pls Click Me here..
: Colonelrajan Srinivas colonelrajan44@gmail.com
Subject: Photographs: Kargil Diwas at Bangalore on Sunday, 26 July 2009
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 9:22 PM
Here it is finally.
Slideshow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarnathpix/sets/72157621857411667/show/
Individual Pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarnathpix/sets/72157621857411667/
Regards
S Amarnath (s.amarnath@gmail.com)
(Brother of Col SS Rajan)
Download att to see Newspaper reports
(Not attached in this email here – Chander Kamboj)
Regards,
Col Rajan
PACK FOOD ENROUTE for Aug 30 , 2009 meet at Noida ,BY Col DP Singh
From: Colonel DPSingh
To: pravesh renjen; rajkadyan ; satbirsm
Cc: nambiar
Sent: Saturday, 8 August, 2009 7:18:40 AM
Subject: PACK FOOD
Dear general,
1 All the veterans coming from south and goa and going to delhi for the rally to be held on 30 aug 09 are likely to pass through a station called PANVEL approximately 15 km from NAVI MUMBAI .
2. If the leader of each group contacts us on the mobile one day in advance and gives us the following details we shall consider it a privilage to serve them with pack breakfast , lunch or dinner as per the time.
3. Our only request is that the group should be large enough to make the effort worthwhile. The upper limit of the group is limitless so also the number of groups.
4 This is the least our league can do.
With sincere regards to you and the brave veterans who are going to participate.
Lt Col(retd) DP Singh
PRESIDENT EX SERVICEMEN LEAGUE , CBD, NAVI MUMBAI.
To: pravesh renjen
Cc: nambiar
Sent: Saturday, 8 August, 2009 7:18:40 AM
Subject: PACK FOOD
Dear general,
1 All the veterans coming from south and goa and going to delhi for the rally to be held on 30 aug 09 are likely to pass through a station called PANVEL approximately 15 km from NAVI MUMBAI .
2. If the leader of each group contacts us on the mobile one day in advance and gives us the following details we shall consider it a privilage to serve them with pack breakfast , lunch or dinner as per the time.
3. Our only request is that the group should be large enough to make the effort worthwhile. The upper limit of the group is limitless so also the number of groups.
4 This is the least our league can do.
With sincere regards to you and the brave veterans who are going to participate.
Lt Col(retd) DP Singh
PRESIDENT EX SERVICEMEN LEAGUE , CBD, NAVI MUMBAI.
Revision no 2 AN APPEAL TO ALL VETERANS TO JOIN IESM AND STRENGTHEN YOUR VOICE
Dear All
We have received requests that associate membership
fee of iesm needs restructuring. This issue was deliberated
in the steering committee meeting on 9 Aug 09 and it has
been decided to introduce one clause of more than
1000 members of a registered body joining IESM.
Membership will be 10% of the individual membership
in case of 1000 or more members join IESM enblock.
This clause has been added and revised appeal is appended
below. Membership fee structure will remain unaltered for
the remaining categories.
Brig Kamboj is requested to publish this in RMS.
Cdr Sharan is requested to upload this on the website.
Gp Capt VK Gandhi, VSM
Gen Secy , IESM
We have received requests that associate membership
fee of iesm needs restructuring. This issue was deliberated
in the steering committee meeting on 9 Aug 09 and it has
been decided to introduce one clause of more than
1000 members of a registered body joining IESM.
Membership will be 10% of the individual membership
in case of 1000 or more members join IESM enblock.
This clause has been added and revised appeal is appended
below. Membership fee structure will remain unaltered for
the remaining categories.
Brig Kamboj is requested to publish this in RMS.
Cdr Sharan is requested to upload this on the website.
Gp Capt VK Gandhi, VSM
Gen Secy , IESM
Views by Cdr KK Punchhi from Canada
Date: Saturday, 8 August, 2009, 2:09 AM
Dear Gen Oberoi,
I have been following your excellent writings. They are sane, lucid and to the point. I have already told you earlier on when we spoke on telephone that I'm an unabashed admirer of yours.
Your latest piece appearing as RMS 583/2009 is very pertinent and timely. Hopefully, all ESMs and ESM orgs will heed your words for our collective good.
Gen Bahri has embarked on a mission to unify all ESMs/orgs. So far, he has met with a measure of success. Let us hope for the best.
Best wishes and warm regards.............K K Punchhi
(Cdr KK Punchhi, 7th JSW Course, settled in Canada)
Dear Gen Oberoi,
I have been following your excellent writings. They are sane, lucid and to the point. I have already told you earlier on when we spoke on telephone that I'm an unabashed admirer of yours.
Your latest piece appearing as RMS 583/2009 is very pertinent and timely. Hopefully, all ESMs and ESM orgs will heed your words for our collective good.
Gen Bahri has embarked on a mission to unify all ESMs/orgs. So far, he has met with a measure of success. Let us hope for the best.
Best wishes and warm regards.............K K Punchhi
(Cdr KK Punchhi, 7th JSW Course, settled in Canada)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Views of Col SS Sohi
Date: Sunday, 9 August, 2009, 6:43 PM
Dear Friends & Sirs,
1. Last year, we compromised with Politicians (Def Min) that our OROP will be accepted if IESM/ we do not press on for other 3 demands, for the time being. Govt promised & announced it too, but gradually fading away from OROP too. God knows, where 2140 crores are going, now??
2. We have noticed that Govt is basically complying with Court's orders mainly (ie 1997 PBOR & Maj Gen's cases) and providing some relief (OTI) to pre 1997 Jawans only. Which comes to fulfilling less than 10% of our/ IESM demand. Govt may keep on bargaining & keep testing our metal time to time.
3. Therefore, we should not now reduce our 28 demands & press on for 4 basic demands imdly like:
a. OROP for all, (PBORs & Offrs) and not leave scope for Govt to devide & rule.
b. Job up to 60 yrs of age or 85% Pension of last pay drawn. OR Side stepping to Govt Civil jobs only (not to para mil Forces) as misguided by Bureaucrats
c. ESM Commission with statutory powers, so that we can fight for justice like minority communities, with dignity & gracefully.
d. ESM rep in all decision making bodies, like: from Panchayat to Parliament.
4. Public & most ESM like Maj Jallo (of Mohali- see Tribune letters dt 9/8/09) feel that Govt have heaped colossal monetary benefits to ESM. To clear the doubts and project the true and correct picture, I have prepared a small poster, which may help us, as under:
One Rank One Pension or JOKE? OTI for some
a. Jawan's Pension after 10 Yrs is stepped up from Rs 3700 to 5500/- ie Rs 1800 only. Jawans are still unskilled workers, hence get lower wagwes in spite of 24 Hrs, tough duty & risks and no resettlement?
b. NCOs (Nk & Hav) are not class 4 employees, hence they deserve to be put in PB-2, like Civ.
c. Sepoy to Major (99% forces) are not benefitted at all by 6th CPC (of Civ), hence we need imdt formation of Separate Pay Commn for & of Def Forces to settle out 107 existing anomalies. Civ are ignorant of rank structure???
d. Sub Maj (Hony Capt) JCO & Offr Capt are getting the same Pension ie Rs 13850 for Offrs & JCOs. AHQ civ staff replies, that its no anomaly??
e. Lt Col get Pension Rs 25700, Col 26050, Brig 26150 and Maj Gen get 26700 (Lt Col to Maj Gen are closed up in just Rs 1000. Where as Lt Gen gets Rs 36500, ie a gap of 10,000+??
f. Too much gap also exists between Pensions of Major (Rs 14100) to Lt col, ie 11,600 and between Maj Gen & Lt Gen. It happens in India only!
g. ESM Commission with statutory powers is also needed imdtly, because Civ Babus often turn down our most legitimate points/ demands.
h. There is no ESM Rep in decision making bodies & our voice reaches nowhere.
All ESM, Org/ NGOs are requested to join IESM Seminar in Delhi (NOIDA) Sector 37, on 30/8/09. Please contact for more details & to coord move. Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement is born to Struggle for Justice to ESM Community.
Col SS Sohi (Retd)
Dear Friends & Sirs,
1. Last year, we compromised with Politicians (Def Min) that our OROP will be accepted if IESM/ we do not press on for other 3 demands, for the time being. Govt promised & announced it too, but gradually fading away from OROP too. God knows, where 2140 crores are going, now??
2. We have noticed that Govt is basically complying with Court's orders mainly (ie 1997 PBOR & Maj Gen's cases) and providing some relief (OTI) to pre 1997 Jawans only. Which comes to fulfilling less than 10% of our/ IESM demand. Govt may keep on bargaining & keep testing our metal time to time.
3. Therefore, we should not now reduce our 28 demands & press on for 4 basic demands imdly like:
a. OROP for all, (PBORs & Offrs) and not leave scope for Govt to devide & rule.
b. Job up to 60 yrs of age or 85% Pension of last pay drawn. OR Side stepping to Govt Civil jobs only (not to para mil Forces) as misguided by Bureaucrats
c. ESM Commission with statutory powers, so that we can fight for justice like minority communities, with dignity & gracefully.
d. ESM rep in all decision making bodies, like: from Panchayat to Parliament.
4. Public & most ESM like Maj Jallo (of Mohali- see Tribune letters dt 9/8/09) feel that Govt have heaped colossal monetary benefits to ESM. To clear the doubts and project the true and correct picture, I have prepared a small poster, which may help us, as under:
One Rank One Pension or JOKE? OTI for some
a. Jawan's Pension after 10 Yrs is stepped up from Rs 3700 to 5500/- ie Rs 1800 only. Jawans are still unskilled workers, hence get lower wagwes in spite of 24 Hrs, tough duty & risks and no resettlement?
b. NCOs (Nk & Hav) are not class 4 employees, hence they deserve to be put in PB-2, like Civ.
c. Sepoy to Major (99% forces) are not benefitted at all by 6th CPC (of Civ), hence we need imdt formation of Separate Pay Commn for & of Def Forces to settle out 107 existing anomalies. Civ are ignorant of rank structure???
d. Sub Maj (Hony Capt) JCO & Offr Capt are getting the same Pension ie Rs 13850 for Offrs & JCOs. AHQ civ staff replies, that its no anomaly??
e. Lt Col get Pension Rs 25700, Col 26050, Brig 26150 and Maj Gen get 26700 (Lt Col to Maj Gen are closed up in just Rs 1000. Where as Lt Gen gets Rs 36500, ie a gap of 10,000+??
f. Too much gap also exists between Pensions of Major (Rs 14100) to Lt col, ie 11,600 and between Maj Gen & Lt Gen. It happens in India only!
g. ESM Commission with statutory powers is also needed imdtly, because Civ Babus often turn down our most legitimate points/ demands.
h. There is no ESM Rep in decision making bodies & our voice reaches nowhere.
All ESM, Org/ NGOs are requested to join IESM Seminar in Delhi (NOIDA) Sector 37, on 30/8/09. Please contact for more details & to coord move. Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement is born to Struggle for Justice to ESM Community.
Col SS Sohi (Retd)
IESM: Pension Parity- Responses from Readers ..well done gp Capt SS Pathak
Date: Saturday, 8 August, 2009, 11:48 PM
Dear Brig Kamboj,
When I reviewed list of defence pensioners drawing pension at bank of Maharashtra, Shankarshet Road Branch,Pune. I came across two widows, Mrs Sushila Bhagwat, w/o late Lt Col S Y Bhagwat(MR-00511) and Mrs Leela P Rege, w/o late Lt Col P Rege,Vr C ,Dogra Regt who were being given pension as per Vth Pay Commission. Mrs Bhagwat is born on 13 Mar 1920 and Mrs Rege is born on 8 Jan 1925. Mrs Bhagwat has not moved out of her house for last few years and was drawing pension as given through her maid. I visited both ladies and got all details necessary for revision of pension.After my interaction with the Branch manager and later with BOM HO that my worksheets were accepted and both have received not only arrears but revised pension including additional pension due to their advanced age.I have completed similar exercise at 4 branches of BOM and in few cases at SBI, Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank.This is my contribution to vetarans and colleagues.
As per my information SBI has formed Central Pension Processing Cell(CPPC)at Navi Mumbai covering Maharashtra, Gujrat and Goa states and they have huge cases to be dealt with.I have managed to establish contact with Chief Manager, CPPC, and cleared few cases.SBI had outsourced this job and could not achieve the result.
This is for your information.
regards,
Gp Capt SS Phatak (Retd)
Dear Brig Kamboj,
When I reviewed list of defence pensioners drawing pension at bank of Maharashtra, Shankarshet Road Branch,Pune. I came across two widows, Mrs Sushila Bhagwat, w/o late Lt Col S Y Bhagwat(MR-00511) and Mrs Leela P Rege, w/o late Lt Col P Rege,Vr C ,Dogra Regt who were being given pension as per Vth Pay Commission. Mrs Bhagwat is born on 13 Mar 1920 and Mrs Rege is born on 8 Jan 1925. Mrs Bhagwat has not moved out of her house for last few years and was drawing pension as given through her maid. I visited both ladies and got all details necessary for revision of pension.After my interaction with the Branch manager and later with BOM HO that my worksheets were accepted and both have received not only arrears but revised pension including additional pension due to their advanced age.I have completed similar exercise at 4 branches of BOM and in few cases at SBI, Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank.This is my contribution to vetarans and colleagues.
As per my information SBI has formed Central Pension Processing Cell(CPPC)at Navi Mumbai covering Maharashtra, Gujrat and Goa states and they have huge cases to be dealt with.I have managed to establish contact with Chief Manager, CPPC, and cleared few cases.SBI had outsourced this job and could not achieve the result.
This is for your information.
regards,
Gp Capt SS Phatak (Retd)
Change of timing , ESM Helpline , Re broadcast by Brig Harwant Singh
Dear Friends ,
The all India Radio will now re-broadcast programme on ESM Helpline at 9 PM (2100 hrs) IST at FM 103.1 MHz on Monday (10 Aug) and NOT in the morning as intimated earlier
You may like to inform other friends also
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),GFOE,
The all India Radio will now re-broadcast programme on ESM Helpline at 9 PM (2100 hrs) IST at FM 103.1 MHz on Monday (10 Aug) and NOT in the morning as intimated earlier
You may like to inform other friends also
With Warm Regards,
Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),GFOE,
ADDITIONAL DA & PAYMENT 60% ARREARS
A POSTING FROM ANOTHER GROUP:
ADDITIONAL DA & PAYMENT 60% ARREARS
1. Central Govt Employees Forum has conveyed the following:-
2. 5 % DA hike w.e.f 01 Jul (making a total of 27% D.A.) is calculated based on consumer price index as on June 30. Govt order will come in second week of September. Addl DA & DA arrears would be paid with Sept Salary/pension payable on 01 Oct. 60% arrears is expected to be given in October only.
ADDITIONAL DA & PAYMENT 60% ARREARS
1. Central Govt Employees Forum has conveyed the following:-
2. 5 % DA hike w.e.f 01 Jul (making a total of 27% D.A.) is calculated based on consumer price index as on June 30. Govt order will come in second week of September. Addl DA & DA arrears would be paid with Sept Salary/pension payable on 01 Oct. 60% arrears is expected to be given in October only.
AN APPROACH PAPER SEMINAR OF ESM ORGANISATIONS ( Col (Retd) TN Raman
AN APPROACH PAPER
SEMINAR OF ESM ORGANISATIONS
( Col (Retd) TN Raman)
Introduction
1. I thank all the Veterans who have responded to my appeal for a Seminar of all ESM Organisations. At the outset, I wish to clarify that there was & is, no intention of floating any New ESM Organisation in the form of a Federation. The concept of Federational approach to be adopted by the existing ESM Organisations is the most important factor to be considered. This concept will help the ESM Organisations, which are working for the same cause with divergent views & methods, to harness their strength in Unity, focus the attention at National level to the real problems of the ESM as a community & act in unison to achieve our goals.
2. The idea is not to break up any Organisation to form a new one. Instead to allow each Organisation to flourish on its own slated path, bring about the cohesion that is required to build up a National level challenge to the arbitrary decisions of the Govt in power.
3. How to achieve this objective is what to be discussed in the Seminar. Such an ideal situation cannot be wished for, unless the major ESM Organisations come together & debate.
Points for Discussion in the Seminar
4. The proposed points for discussion in the Seminar are given below.
a. Projection of our demand of OROP. This was the main issue which dominated the entire struggle of IESM over the last year, which led to various forms of protests including the Return of Medals. Though it could galvanize the emotions, sympathy & the spirit of the ESM as a whole & projected a nascent IESM to lime light, it could not muster the numbers required to dominate the proceedings. With the result, some of the leading ESM Organisations could not see eye to eye with the concept of OROP as envisaged by IESM. The result was the OTI or PIP concept the Govt managed to push through. Since the time for post mortem is over, what should be our future strategy? Are we capable of achieving this by the present form of dissipated protests by individual Organisations & a few interviews in the Electronic Media? Or is there a requirement of synergising our efforts into a single forum, however loosely knit & by whatever name we may call it?
b. ESM Welfare. The present ESM Welfare set up, both at the Centre & States level are well known to all of us. We are also aware of the enormous funds that are available for this activity. We are also aware that all ESM Committees floated by the Centre or the States are dominated by non ESM members. What should be our Road Map for the future ESM Welfare Management?
c. ECHS. The subject of medical facilities to the ESM & their dependents, or the lack of it is the predominant issue today. Various Seminars & Interactive Sessions are being held Nation wide. But the benefits have not trickled down to the Rural Areas. How to revamp the system?
d. Second Career for the PBOR. We have discussed various probable avenues for the assured employment of PBOR till the age of 60 years. But no concrete proposal, which is implementable, has emerged so far. Can we jointly submit a paper to the Govt on this issue?
Conclusion
5. The above mentioned points are only a few that require detailed discussion & decision taken. There may be some more points which require urgent resolution. It is unfortunate that the enormous potential of the ESM Community in Nation Building & other constructive tasks has not come to light so far. All this can be achieved only by us all joining our hands together. Not necessarily in the literal sense. But, emotionally & morally.
6. I am not the first one to moot the idea of a Seminar. Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Maj Gen RN Radhakrisnan & a few others had already found the necessity of the same. I am trying to give a shape to their thoughts.
7. You comments, views & suggestions would be of great help to me.
Veteran Raman
SEMINAR OF ESM ORGANISATIONS
( Col (Retd) TN Raman)
Introduction
1. I thank all the Veterans who have responded to my appeal for a Seminar of all ESM Organisations. At the outset, I wish to clarify that there was & is, no intention of floating any New ESM Organisation in the form of a Federation. The concept of Federational approach to be adopted by the existing ESM Organisations is the most important factor to be considered. This concept will help the ESM Organisations, which are working for the same cause with divergent views & methods, to harness their strength in Unity, focus the attention at National level to the real problems of the ESM as a community & act in unison to achieve our goals.
2. The idea is not to break up any Organisation to form a new one. Instead to allow each Organisation to flourish on its own slated path, bring about the cohesion that is required to build up a National level challenge to the arbitrary decisions of the Govt in power.
3. How to achieve this objective is what to be discussed in the Seminar. Such an ideal situation cannot be wished for, unless the major ESM Organisations come together & debate.
Points for Discussion in the Seminar
4. The proposed points for discussion in the Seminar are given below.
a. Projection of our demand of OROP. This was the main issue which dominated the entire struggle of IESM over the last year, which led to various forms of protests including the Return of Medals. Though it could galvanize the emotions, sympathy & the spirit of the ESM as a whole & projected a nascent IESM to lime light, it could not muster the numbers required to dominate the proceedings. With the result, some of the leading ESM Organisations could not see eye to eye with the concept of OROP as envisaged by IESM. The result was the OTI or PIP concept the Govt managed to push through. Since the time for post mortem is over, what should be our future strategy? Are we capable of achieving this by the present form of dissipated protests by individual Organisations & a few interviews in the Electronic Media? Or is there a requirement of synergising our efforts into a single forum, however loosely knit & by whatever name we may call it?
b. ESM Welfare. The present ESM Welfare set up, both at the Centre & States level are well known to all of us. We are also aware of the enormous funds that are available for this activity. We are also aware that all ESM Committees floated by the Centre or the States are dominated by non ESM members. What should be our Road Map for the future ESM Welfare Management?
c. ECHS. The subject of medical facilities to the ESM & their dependents, or the lack of it is the predominant issue today. Various Seminars & Interactive Sessions are being held Nation wide. But the benefits have not trickled down to the Rural Areas. How to revamp the system?
d. Second Career for the PBOR. We have discussed various probable avenues for the assured employment of PBOR till the age of 60 years. But no concrete proposal, which is implementable, has emerged so far. Can we jointly submit a paper to the Govt on this issue?
Conclusion
5. The above mentioned points are only a few that require detailed discussion & decision taken. There may be some more points which require urgent resolution. It is unfortunate that the enormous potential of the ESM Community in Nation Building & other constructive tasks has not come to light so far. All this can be achieved only by us all joining our hands together. Not necessarily in the literal sense. But, emotionally & morally.
6. I am not the first one to moot the idea of a Seminar. Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Maj Gen RN Radhakrisnan & a few others had already found the necessity of the same. I am trying to give a shape to their thoughts.
7. You comments, views & suggestions would be of great help to me.
Veteran Raman
Friday, August 7, 2009
OROP Billboards, Samman Samaroh Invite, ESM unity and readers responses
Dear Members,
An invitation from one Maj TC Rao of Congress Party, to some Veterans and VIPs, and a reply by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, are reproduced below. If you remember Maj Rao, who had recently put up lot of posters in Delhi Cantt, with his photograph and announced that the UPA Government has granted OROP to All Ranks of Defence Services.
Regards,
Chander Kamboj.
Dear Major Rao,
Have you ever thought of honouring the war disabled? They also desrve to be placed on the radar of you party in the same manner as the war widows and the gallantry award winners. At present, they are conspicuous by their absence. Do you know how many are there in the country, as well as in Haryana? You have listed a whole lot of names on your mail - all political persons, as obvious VIP's. Don't you think the senior veterans, especially the heads of various veteran organisations, also needed to be included in the list of VIP's, not mere spectators, as your mail implies?
Regards,
Vijay Oberoi
Dear Friends,
1. We are conducting a state level “Shahidi Samman Samaroh” on 09 Aug 2009 (Sunday) at ITI Ground Narnaul, where all War Widows and Gallantry Award winners will be honoured by Sh Jagan Nath Pahadia, HE Governor of Haryana. Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, Minister of Irrigation, PWD & Elections will preside and Smt Shruti Chaudhary, Hon’ble MP from Bhiwani-Mohindergarh would be Chief Guest of Honour. Dr Karan Singh Yadav, Ex MP Alwar, Smt Shakuntala Bhagwadia, MLA Bawal, Ch Sukhbir Singh Jonapuria, MLA Sohna, Rao Dharampal, Ex-Minister Haryana, Smt Anita Yadav, MLA Salhawas, Rao Yadvendra Singh, MLA, Jatusana, Maj OP Yadav, MLA, Mandawar, Ch Habbibur Rehman, MLA Nuh, Sh Tika Ram, MLA, Alwar (Rural) and Maj Narpender Sangwan, MLA Dadri will also attend the Samman Samaroh.
2. You are cordially invited to attend.
3. Transport will be made available at Rajiv Chowk on 09 Aug 2009 at 0800h
With Regards
Yours sincerely
Maj (Dr) T C Rao
An invitation from one Maj TC Rao of Congress Party, to some Veterans and VIPs, and a reply by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, are reproduced below. If you remember Maj Rao, who had recently put up lot of posters in Delhi Cantt, with his photograph and announced that the UPA Government has granted OROP to All Ranks of Defence Services.
Regards,
Chander Kamboj.
Dear Major Rao,
Have you ever thought of honouring the war disabled? They also desrve to be placed on the radar of you party in the same manner as the war widows and the gallantry award winners. At present, they are conspicuous by their absence. Do you know how many are there in the country, as well as in Haryana? You have listed a whole lot of names on your mail - all political persons, as obvious VIP's. Don't you think the senior veterans, especially the heads of various veteran organisations, also needed to be included in the list of VIP's, not mere spectators, as your mail implies?
Regards,
Vijay Oberoi
Dear Friends,
1. We are conducting a state level “Shahidi Samman Samaroh” on 09 Aug 2009 (Sunday) at ITI Ground Narnaul, where all War Widows and Gallantry Award winners will be honoured by Sh Jagan Nath Pahadia, HE Governor of Haryana. Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, Minister of Irrigation, PWD & Elections will preside and Smt Shruti Chaudhary, Hon’ble MP from Bhiwani-Mohindergarh would be Chief Guest of Honour. Dr Karan Singh Yadav, Ex MP Alwar, Smt Shakuntala Bhagwadia, MLA Bawal, Ch Sukhbir Singh Jonapuria, MLA Sohna, Rao Dharampal, Ex-Minister Haryana, Smt Anita Yadav, MLA Salhawas, Rao Yadvendra Singh, MLA, Jatusana, Maj OP Yadav, MLA, Mandawar, Ch Habbibur Rehman, MLA Nuh, Sh Tika Ram, MLA, Alwar (Rural) and Maj Narpender Sangwan, MLA Dadri will also attend the Samman Samaroh.
2. You are cordially invited to attend.
3. Transport will be made available at Rajiv Chowk on 09 Aug 2009 at 0800h
With Regards
Yours sincerely
Maj (Dr) T C Rao
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
SEMINAR OF ESM ORGANISATIONS by Col TN Raman
SEMINAR OF ESM ORGANISATIONS
COL (Retd)) TN Raman
General
1. The present scenario of ESM Organisations pursuing their own courses of action in communicating & negotiating with the MOD or Secretary ESMW, has left a deep divide amongst the ESM as a community. This has been fully exploited by the UPA Govt. Even the so called Core demand of our OROP has been diluted not by the Bureaucrats but we ourselves. The Consensus Committee headed by our stalwarts, produced various tables which were in no way related to the issue of OROP, but a compromise formula, as required by the Buearocrats. They gave the name as Parity or Modified Parity & got it passed. The only ESM Organisation which spear headed the Movement had been kept out of the loop, stating that it was not a recognised outfit.
2. There are a number of unresolved issues apart from the OROP. The first & foremost is, whether all ESM are being paid as per their present entitlements? What about the widows of ESM? What about the ECHS facilities? What about the second career prospects of the ESM? Do the ESM have a say in the functioning of the DSS&A Board or even have the access to the enormous funds collected on behalf of Veterans during the Flag Day? Are the Welfare Committees for the Veterans & their dependents constituted by the Centre & the States having the representation of ESM as the members? The list can carry on.
Resolving the Problems
3. If any single ESM out fit can take on the magnitude of such diverse problems, both at the Centre & the States, it is most welcome. Unfortunately, we have none at present. Even the larger Organisations, which have been in existence for decades have not developed the wherewithal to execute such tasks. More unfortunate is the political alignment of many of these Organisations, which has precluded them from taking a serious stance against the Govt. The latest victim to such a posture is the IESM, which is branded, rightly or wrongly, as the stooge of BJP. The result is the negative reaction by the Govt, even to a reasonable cause, stating that it is engineered by the opposition party. Hence, recognition to the Organisation has been denied.
4. It will be crystal clear now to all ESM, that the immediate requirement for us is to first unite & pose a common front which cannot be easily dissipated, by external agencies. All the decades old ESM Organisations will not pack up their show & join any new out fit, where they may not even be recognised.
Federation of ESM Organisations
5. One of the ways to get over the trauma is to adopt a concept of Federation of the ESM Organisations. Here, all the existing ESM Organisations retain their own colours, Office Bearers, their own Constitutions & members. They will all pool their resources to create a Central Organisation which shall be responsible to guide the Movement & negotiate with the Govt. This Federation shall be absolutely APOLITICAL. Over a period of time, this Federation can build up enough strength to be considered as a Vote Bank of ESM, so that any political party would like to deal with it with respect. However, the concept of Federation is left for the Seminar to debate & resolve & in no way a precondition or an undertaking by the participants.
Seminar
6. The aim of the Seminar is not to attract new members to the IESM. I am a member of the IESM & am proud of the fact. I am not a member of any other ESM Organisation. The purpose of the Seminar, which was rightly pointed out by Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan, is to provide a platform for all ESM Organisations & some leading ESM Personalities to hold a free & frank discussion on the options available for us. This shall include the legal option also.
7. I also wish to thank Maj Gen Inderjit Kashyap for his sane advice to the IESM. I cannot visualise a Seminar sans the presence of the representatives from IESM, which was instrumental in giving Nation wide publicity to the ESM cause.
8. The Seminar is being planned for the last week of October 09, provided we receive the assurance from the various ESM Organisations & personalities of their participation.
Conclusion
9. I request all ESM to kindly go through the paper. The Agenda will be prepared on the receipt of your inputs.
Best Wishes,
Veteran Raman
COL (Retd)) TN Raman
General
1. The present scenario of ESM Organisations pursuing their own courses of action in communicating & negotiating with the MOD or Secretary ESMW, has left a deep divide amongst the ESM as a community. This has been fully exploited by the UPA Govt. Even the so called Core demand of our OROP has been diluted not by the Bureaucrats but we ourselves. The Consensus Committee headed by our stalwarts, produced various tables which were in no way related to the issue of OROP, but a compromise formula, as required by the Buearocrats. They gave the name as Parity or Modified Parity & got it passed. The only ESM Organisation which spear headed the Movement had been kept out of the loop, stating that it was not a recognised outfit.
2. There are a number of unresolved issues apart from the OROP. The first & foremost is, whether all ESM are being paid as per their present entitlements? What about the widows of ESM? What about the ECHS facilities? What about the second career prospects of the ESM? Do the ESM have a say in the functioning of the DSS&A Board or even have the access to the enormous funds collected on behalf of Veterans during the Flag Day? Are the Welfare Committees for the Veterans & their dependents constituted by the Centre & the States having the representation of ESM as the members? The list can carry on.
Resolving the Problems
3. If any single ESM out fit can take on the magnitude of such diverse problems, both at the Centre & the States, it is most welcome. Unfortunately, we have none at present. Even the larger Organisations, which have been in existence for decades have not developed the wherewithal to execute such tasks. More unfortunate is the political alignment of many of these Organisations, which has precluded them from taking a serious stance against the Govt. The latest victim to such a posture is the IESM, which is branded, rightly or wrongly, as the stooge of BJP. The result is the negative reaction by the Govt, even to a reasonable cause, stating that it is engineered by the opposition party. Hence, recognition to the Organisation has been denied.
4. It will be crystal clear now to all ESM, that the immediate requirement for us is to first unite & pose a common front which cannot be easily dissipated, by external agencies. All the decades old ESM Organisations will not pack up their show & join any new out fit, where they may not even be recognised.
Federation of ESM Organisations
5. One of the ways to get over the trauma is to adopt a concept of Federation of the ESM Organisations. Here, all the existing ESM Organisations retain their own colours, Office Bearers, their own Constitutions & members. They will all pool their resources to create a Central Organisation which shall be responsible to guide the Movement & negotiate with the Govt. This Federation shall be absolutely APOLITICAL. Over a period of time, this Federation can build up enough strength to be considered as a Vote Bank of ESM, so that any political party would like to deal with it with respect. However, the concept of Federation is left for the Seminar to debate & resolve & in no way a precondition or an undertaking by the participants.
Seminar
6. The aim of the Seminar is not to attract new members to the IESM. I am a member of the IESM & am proud of the fact. I am not a member of any other ESM Organisation. The purpose of the Seminar, which was rightly pointed out by Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan, is to provide a platform for all ESM Organisations & some leading ESM Personalities to hold a free & frank discussion on the options available for us. This shall include the legal option also.
7. I also wish to thank Maj Gen Inderjit Kashyap for his sane advice to the IESM. I cannot visualise a Seminar sans the presence of the representatives from IESM, which was instrumental in giving Nation wide publicity to the ESM cause.
8. The Seminar is being planned for the last week of October 09, provided we receive the assurance from the various ESM Organisations & personalities of their participation.
Conclusion
9. I request all ESM to kindly go through the paper. The Agenda will be prepared on the receipt of your inputs.
Best Wishes,
Veteran Raman
By Veteran Muthu Krishnan from Tirunelveli
On Sun, Aug 2, 2009 at 6:10 AM, Muthu Krishnan wrote:
Dear Sir,
Your Blog is going very fast. I am unable to to cope up with the speed because of some
family commitments. Please bear with me. However I am reading daily.
Now, please publish about a medical camp we have conducted at Tirunelveli on 25.7.09 (See my Blog) remembering the Kargil day. About 174 aged non-pensioners ex-servicemen & families attended the camp. We have helped 13 patients for cataract surgery with the support of Local Shifa Hospital. Please publish this information with photos in your Blog Sir.
What about the improved pension orders for the PBORs ?
Thanking you,
With good wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Sgt C.Muthukrishnan. - cm_krish@yahoo.co.in
Dear Sir,
Your Blog is going very fast. I am unable to to cope up with the speed because of some
family commitments. Please bear with me. However I am reading daily.
Now, please publish about a medical camp we have conducted at Tirunelveli on 25.7.09 (See my Blog) remembering the Kargil day. About 174 aged non-pensioners ex-servicemen & families attended the camp. We have helped 13 patients for cataract surgery with the support of Local Shifa Hospital. Please publish this information with photos in your Blog Sir.
What about the improved pension orders for the PBORs ?
Thanking you,
With good wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Sgt C.Muthukrishnan. - cm_krish@yahoo.co.in
Absence of spouses age hampers bankers from payment of enhanced family pension
Dear Veterans,
I wish to bring to your notice that in none of our PPOs issued by the CDA(P) the date of birth of the spouse is mentioned. You may like to have this checked by scrutinising your PPO. The problem arises where the pensioner passes away and is survived by the spouse and if she crosses the age of 80 she will not be able to get the extra 20% without proof of age. There is therefore an urgent need to take up case with the govt and CDA to resolve this issue. The best and easiest way is to to Show ECHS card where the date of birth of spouse is mentioned. Someone needs to take up the case.
Col N Viswanthan(Retd)
I wish to bring to your notice that in none of our PPOs issued by the CDA(P) the date of birth of the spouse is mentioned. You may like to have this checked by scrutinising your PPO. The problem arises where the pensioner passes away and is survived by the spouse and if she crosses the age of 80 she will not be able to get the extra 20% without proof of age. There is therefore an urgent need to take up case with the govt and CDA to resolve this issue. The best and easiest way is to to Show ECHS card where the date of birth of spouse is mentioned. Someone needs to take up the case.
Col N Viswanthan(Retd)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Hats Off to DD Bangalore
To: MilitaryVeterans@yahoogroups.com
From: cavmurthy1936@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 06:30:17 +0000
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] Hats Off to DD Bangalore!
Hats off to DD Bangalore!. DD Bangalore in collaboration with Subramaniam Foundation, Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Govt of Karnataka, organised a music and dance programme titled 'SMARANANJALI' to pray tribute to martyrs, their sacrifices and the spirit of patriotism, and to honour the families of martyrs. The event at Gayathri Vihar (Palace grounds, Bangalore) was very largely attended and they were richly rewarded by some fine music by Pankaj Udhas, Kavita Krishna Murthy and excellent violin recital by Dr. L Subramaniam, and a dance by MEG jawans. Even the TOI has given a good coverage for the function!
From: cavmurthy1936@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 06:30:17 +0000
Subject: [MilitaryVeterans] Hats Off to DD Bangalore!
Hats off to DD Bangalore!. DD Bangalore in collaboration with Subramaniam Foundation, Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Govt of Karnataka, organised a music and dance programme titled 'SMARANANJALI' to pray tribute to martyrs, their sacrifices and the spirit of patriotism, and to honour the families of martyrs. The event at Gayathri Vihar (Palace grounds, Bangalore) was very largely attended and they were richly rewarded by some fine music by Pankaj Udhas, Kavita Krishna Murthy and excellent violin recital by Dr. L Subramaniam, and a dance by MEG jawans. Even the TOI has given a good coverage for the function!
Kargil Day at Tirunelveli
Kargil Day: Medical Relief Camp for ESM- Photos
********************************************************************
********************************************************************
Director IDSA spews Venom on the Military- Most unkind cut ever
Anil Dalal's a civilian response given below is to my posting in "JATLAND" about the IDSA Director's comments has more relevance than Military rebuffs.......
Brig Lakhsman Singh (veteran)
Sir,
I agree it is quite a ridiculous argument. Indian armed forces have always shown exemplary behavior in not seeking a political role for themselves and deferring to the democratically chosen leaders even if they are crap. The danger to Indian democracy comes more from the politicians who time and again show contempt for the rule of law and would go to any extent to seek power. The only time democracy went for a toss in India was during emergency in 1975-77, and that was because of a politician, Indira Gandhi. In fact, the armed forces showed remarkable restraint even in that period.
Even the rationale used by Mr. Sisodia is quite weak. If his "inversely proportional" logic has to be taken at face value, then is he arguing that a strong democratic state is based on weak armed forces? That is counter-intuitive, as if you don't have strong (and disciplined) armed forces, then you run into a danger of having local militias, strongmen, insurgents and what not. Indeed, the problems seen locally in many parts of India like Naxalism, private armies or insurgency are in part due to the weak state police. Moreover, he discounts the diverse nature of Indian army itself. Most armed dictatorships can be traced back to a strong ethnic bias and/or homogenous nature of the dominant force- Pakistan has Army controlled by Punjabis, Saddam had Baathists who were Sunni Muslims, etc. Indian armed forces have regional, ethnic as well as institutional diversity. Apart from Army, Navy and Air Force, where it would be difficult to argue which one is supreme, there are also lots of paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, etc. And all these forces have ethinc/regional diversity in their ranks between and within themselves. It becomes very difficult for anyone to organize such a diverse force for an unconstitutional act like a coup. (of course making a leap of faith assumption that someone actually has that intention)
Anil Dalal
Dear Sir,
Please refer to the blog by Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM, Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement, captioned above. (Background- given below)
Perhaps the Director IDSA was partially correct in that undue use of the Armed Forces in aid of civil powers does weaken the Democratic set up of a country. Beyond that, the connotation of the passage is totally unacceptable. General Satbir Singh has outlined some action plan to counter it. I would suggest an alternative starting plan. Why can't the politicians be confronted with this statement directly & asked to either agree or disagree with the IDSA Director? If they agree, AF would know where they stand. If not, AF should demand sacking the IDSA Director, as a message to the Babus. That way our plan of action to have OROP implemented would assume more clarity.
Regards
MB Ghosh (Veteran)
Background
Mr N.S. Sisodia an IAS Officer said that if Defence Forces are given more powers, they will seize power like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such statements by bureaucrats of the status of Director IDSA are highly objectionable and to say the least are totally unfair to the most patriotic Defence Forces who have very strongly held the flag of democracy flying high in our country. The relevant part of the written script of the Director IDSA is as under:
“Heavy reliance on armed forces weakens civilian authority. Their frequent use enhances their power and influence in the polity. This enhanced power can become a threat to democracy as we have seen in the cases of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries which have suffered military coups. The extent of democratic control is inversely proportionate to the democratic governments dependence on the armed forces.”
Tailpiece
What about corruption of IAS Officers which is daily news now? Who is involved in looting the wealth of the nation, benami transactions, hawala operations, hoarding illegal money in Swiss Bank accounts, FDI investments through back door, generation of black money? Only the IAS are using the Military like a spanner to set their mess in order! The Military is right now shod of honour and teeth. It cannot bite thanks to AV Singh- Upgrade to degrade command and control structure (fully implemented in all phases- in entirety). The IAS- ISDA Director and his folk and ilk can rest in peace! Bureaucrat's Maxim: "Truth shall never prevail in the Power Corridors of Bureaucracy". They should remain buried forever in the files like Henderson Brookes Report which depicts future outcome for India...repeat of 1962. Will the Nation learn lessons when the truth remains buried?
Posted by SIGNAL on Saturday, August 01, 2009 Links to this post
Brig Lakhsman Singh (veteran)
Sir,
I agree it is quite a ridiculous argument. Indian armed forces have always shown exemplary behavior in not seeking a political role for themselves and deferring to the democratically chosen leaders even if they are crap. The danger to Indian democracy comes more from the politicians who time and again show contempt for the rule of law and would go to any extent to seek power. The only time democracy went for a toss in India was during emergency in 1975-77, and that was because of a politician, Indira Gandhi. In fact, the armed forces showed remarkable restraint even in that period.
Even the rationale used by Mr. Sisodia is quite weak. If his "inversely proportional" logic has to be taken at face value, then is he arguing that a strong democratic state is based on weak armed forces? That is counter-intuitive, as if you don't have strong (and disciplined) armed forces, then you run into a danger of having local militias, strongmen, insurgents and what not. Indeed, the problems seen locally in many parts of India like Naxalism, private armies or insurgency are in part due to the weak state police. Moreover, he discounts the diverse nature of Indian army itself. Most armed dictatorships can be traced back to a strong ethnic bias and/or homogenous nature of the dominant force- Pakistan has Army controlled by Punjabis, Saddam had Baathists who were Sunni Muslims, etc. Indian armed forces have regional, ethnic as well as institutional diversity. Apart from Army, Navy and Air Force, where it would be difficult to argue which one is supreme, there are also lots of paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, etc. And all these forces have ethinc/regional diversity in their ranks between and within themselves. It becomes very difficult for anyone to organize such a diverse force for an unconstitutional act like a coup. (of course making a leap of faith assumption that someone actually has that intention)
Anil Dalal
Dear Sir,
Please refer to the blog by Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM, Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement, captioned above. (Background- given below)
Perhaps the Director IDSA was partially correct in that undue use of the Armed Forces in aid of civil powers does weaken the Democratic set up of a country. Beyond that, the connotation of the passage is totally unacceptable. General Satbir Singh has outlined some action plan to counter it. I would suggest an alternative starting plan. Why can't the politicians be confronted with this statement directly & asked to either agree or disagree with the IDSA Director? If they agree, AF would know where they stand. If not, AF should demand sacking the IDSA Director, as a message to the Babus. That way our plan of action to have OROP implemented would assume more clarity.
Regards
MB Ghosh (Veteran)
Background
Mr N.S. Sisodia an IAS Officer said that if Defence Forces are given more powers, they will seize power like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such statements by bureaucrats of the status of Director IDSA are highly objectionable and to say the least are totally unfair to the most patriotic Defence Forces who have very strongly held the flag of democracy flying high in our country. The relevant part of the written script of the Director IDSA is as under:
“Heavy reliance on armed forces weakens civilian authority. Their frequent use enhances their power and influence in the polity. This enhanced power can become a threat to democracy as we have seen in the cases of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries which have suffered military coups. The extent of democratic control is inversely proportionate to the democratic governments dependence on the armed forces.”
Tailpiece
What about corruption of IAS Officers which is daily news now? Who is involved in looting the wealth of the nation, benami transactions, hawala operations, hoarding illegal money in Swiss Bank accounts, FDI investments through back door, generation of black money? Only the IAS are using the Military like a spanner to set their mess in order! The Military is right now shod of honour and teeth. It cannot bite thanks to AV Singh- Upgrade to degrade command and control structure (fully implemented in all phases- in entirety). The IAS- ISDA Director and his folk and ilk can rest in peace! Bureaucrat's Maxim: "Truth shall never prevail in the Power Corridors of Bureaucracy". They should remain buried forever in the files like Henderson Brookes Report which depicts future outcome for India...repeat of 1962. Will the Nation learn lessons when the truth remains buried?
Posted by SIGNAL on Saturday, August 01, 2009 Links to this post
Colour of a martyr’s blood- Vikram Batra by Maj Gen Raj Mehta
Dear Sir,
The recent desecration and belittling of the sacrifices made by our martyrs at Kargil, by a standing MP has upset the soldiering fraternity as well as their dependents and the nation at large. Using Vikram Batra as a point of reference, I had written an article for publication on the oped page of The Tribune; not as a middle; in the belief that rather more number of readers browse the oped page than they do browsing middles.
The article has been published today and the link to original post click me will take the reader to it. Also reproduced below for easy reading.
May I request you to allow its replication in RMS and perhaps in the RMS blog that Col Kanagaraj runs so well as a key member of your team. The aim is to let your readership know that we care, each in his own way. I speak for the ESM fraternity at large.
Warm regards,
Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd)
Colour of a martyr’s blood by Maj Gen (retd) Raj Mehta
It is July 26, 2009 — another hot, humid, rainless day in the tricity. I am back home after a round of golf, followed by attendance with my better-half at a moving, well-conducted public function at the imposing Major Sandeep Sankhla memorial at Panchkula, by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, to pay homage to the Kargil dead and injured.
Restless, my thoughts wander... unaffected by the stifling heat, to the chill winds, the icy fastnesses of the brooding, gaunt mountains that overlook Dras, Kargil and Batalik.
Ten years ago, 527 soldiers died in those unforgiving mountains; another 1,334 were wounded; some reduced to mortifying stumps; caricatures of once erect, alert, combative, dignified soldiers — all because they swore deathless allegiance to the idea of India; of upholding the sovereignty of their country at the cost of death or permanent maiming.
They swore allegiance with passion, at times with prescience and quiet acceptance of grim reality, of either planting the tricolour on their objective; or returning with their bodies wrapped in it.
The TV channels have been going ballistic covering the 10th anniversary of the famous victory. The newspapers speak of the need to learn lessons from the mistakes of 1999.
This is intelligent, thoughtful stuff. What rankles the rank and file, numbs the nation are the comments of a member of Parliament, who opines that that “Kargil isn’t a thing to be celebrated. The war was fought within our territory. We didn’t even come to know when the Pakistani army crossed over and built bunkers inside our territory...”
My thoughts are overtaken by the darkness that surrounds me. I light a candle and hold vigil over its flickering flame, as ex-servicemen and citizens are doing all over India, in honour of those who died in those trying days when Kargil happened. Yet again, my mind returns to memories of the past...
It was past the witching hour. My time was up. Though still in uniform, I had just retired after 38 years in uniform; had ‘hung up my spurs’ with a heavy heart. With the majestic Dhauladhars as a backdrop, I stood outside the just refurbished War Memorial in Yol Cantonment, near Dharamsala, addressing an audience of serving and retired soldiers, their ladies and a few, distinguished gentry.
Amongst them were the parents of the late Capt Vikram Batra, PVC, the brother of late Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first PVC and himself the ex Army Chief, Gen VN Sharma, along with his wife.
Days earlier, I had visited the Batra’s at Palampur, to pay homage to Vikram, seek permission to borrow for display a few of his artifacts at the Yol museum and request his dignified yet grieving parents to join us for the ceremony.
The Batra home, set beyond a tea garden in the low hills surrounding Palampur, is a far cry from the mountains that claimed him. Yet, his parental home exudes his passion, his fervour, his commitment to the pledge he took on becoming a soldier; the country first, always and every time.
I showed a nine-minute TV clip on Vikram, on that hugely moving last day, at Yol. It was the Barkha Dutt recording of his now iconic ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’ and ‘fly the tricolour or come back wrapped in it’ sound bytes. Barkha stated very recently that she had intuitively sensed he would not return.
So had his father, Mr GL Batra, as he watched that last, touching interview. They were both right. She had unknowingly essayed her first obituary. Mr Batra had lost a son, and Vishal, who resembles him so heart breakingly, his extraordinarily brave twin brother.
Recalling Vikram’s sacrifice, Vishal broke down inconsolably, during the TV interview with Barkha, conducted under the shadows of Point 4875 where he died. We, the nation, broke down too. I wonder, though, how our honorable MP must have reacted.
He needs to be reminded that the colour of a martyr’s blood across the continuum of time, era, history, country, location, is always red. Blood red. It is never daubed in the colours of political parties. May God, Allah Talah, forgive this MP his trespasses as the ESM fraternity and perhaps the nation at large are certainly going to have a problem doing that.
Colour of a martyr’s blood by Maj Gen (retd) Raj Mehta
The recent desecration and belittling of the sacrifices made by our martyrs at Kargil, by a standing MP has upset the soldiering fraternity as well as their dependents and the nation at large. Using Vikram Batra as a point of reference, I had written an article for publication on the oped page of The Tribune; not as a middle; in the belief that rather more number of readers browse the oped page than they do browsing middles.
The article has been published today and the link to original post click me will take the reader to it. Also reproduced below for easy reading.
May I request you to allow its replication in RMS and perhaps in the RMS blog that Col Kanagaraj runs so well as a key member of your team. The aim is to let your readership know that we care, each in his own way. I speak for the ESM fraternity at large.
Warm regards,
Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd)
Colour of a martyr’s blood by Maj Gen (retd) Raj Mehta
It is July 26, 2009 — another hot, humid, rainless day in the tricity. I am back home after a round of golf, followed by attendance with my better-half at a moving, well-conducted public function at the imposing Major Sandeep Sankhla memorial at Panchkula, by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, to pay homage to the Kargil dead and injured.
Restless, my thoughts wander... unaffected by the stifling heat, to the chill winds, the icy fastnesses of the brooding, gaunt mountains that overlook Dras, Kargil and Batalik.
Ten years ago, 527 soldiers died in those unforgiving mountains; another 1,334 were wounded; some reduced to mortifying stumps; caricatures of once erect, alert, combative, dignified soldiers — all because they swore deathless allegiance to the idea of India; of upholding the sovereignty of their country at the cost of death or permanent maiming.
They swore allegiance with passion, at times with prescience and quiet acceptance of grim reality, of either planting the tricolour on their objective; or returning with their bodies wrapped in it.
The TV channels have been going ballistic covering the 10th anniversary of the famous victory. The newspapers speak of the need to learn lessons from the mistakes of 1999.
This is intelligent, thoughtful stuff. What rankles the rank and file, numbs the nation are the comments of a member of Parliament, who opines that that “Kargil isn’t a thing to be celebrated. The war was fought within our territory. We didn’t even come to know when the Pakistani army crossed over and built bunkers inside our territory...”
My thoughts are overtaken by the darkness that surrounds me. I light a candle and hold vigil over its flickering flame, as ex-servicemen and citizens are doing all over India, in honour of those who died in those trying days when Kargil happened. Yet again, my mind returns to memories of the past...
It was past the witching hour. My time was up. Though still in uniform, I had just retired after 38 years in uniform; had ‘hung up my spurs’ with a heavy heart. With the majestic Dhauladhars as a backdrop, I stood outside the just refurbished War Memorial in Yol Cantonment, near Dharamsala, addressing an audience of serving and retired soldiers, their ladies and a few, distinguished gentry.
Amongst them were the parents of the late Capt Vikram Batra, PVC, the brother of late Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first PVC and himself the ex Army Chief, Gen VN Sharma, along with his wife.
Days earlier, I had visited the Batra’s at Palampur, to pay homage to Vikram, seek permission to borrow for display a few of his artifacts at the Yol museum and request his dignified yet grieving parents to join us for the ceremony.
The Batra home, set beyond a tea garden in the low hills surrounding Palampur, is a far cry from the mountains that claimed him. Yet, his parental home exudes his passion, his fervour, his commitment to the pledge he took on becoming a soldier; the country first, always and every time.
I showed a nine-minute TV clip on Vikram, on that hugely moving last day, at Yol. It was the Barkha Dutt recording of his now iconic ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’ and ‘fly the tricolour or come back wrapped in it’ sound bytes. Barkha stated very recently that she had intuitively sensed he would not return.
So had his father, Mr GL Batra, as he watched that last, touching interview. They were both right. She had unknowingly essayed her first obituary. Mr Batra had lost a son, and Vishal, who resembles him so heart breakingly, his extraordinarily brave twin brother.
Recalling Vikram’s sacrifice, Vishal broke down inconsolably, during the TV interview with Barkha, conducted under the shadows of Point 4875 where he died. We, the nation, broke down too. I wonder, though, how our honorable MP must have reacted.
He needs to be reminded that the colour of a martyr’s blood across the continuum of time, era, history, country, location, is always red. Blood red. It is never daubed in the colours of political parties. May God, Allah Talah, forgive this MP his trespasses as the ESM fraternity and perhaps the nation at large are certainly going to have a problem doing that.
Colour of a martyr’s blood by Maj Gen (retd) Raj Mehta
medical camp we have conducted at Tirunelveli on 25.7.09 by Veteran Muthu Krishnan
Muthu Krishnan wrote:
Dear Sir,
Your Blog is going very fast. I am unable to to cope up with the speed because of some
family commitments. Please bear with me. However I am reading daily.
Now, please publish about a medical camp we have conducted at Tirunelveli on 25.7.09 (See my Blog) remembering the Kargil day. About 174 aged non-pensioners ex-servicemen & families attended the camp. We have helped 13 patients for cataract surgery with the support of Local Shifa Hospital. Please publish this information with photos in your Blog Sir.
What about the improved pension orders for the PBORs ?
Thanking you,
With good wishes.
Yours sincerely,
C.Muthukrishnan.
Dear Sir,
Your Blog is going very fast. I am unable to to cope up with the speed because of some
family commitments. Please bear with me. However I am reading daily.
Now, please publish about a medical camp we have conducted at Tirunelveli on 25.7.09 (See my Blog) remembering the Kargil day. About 174 aged non-pensioners ex-servicemen & families attended the camp. We have helped 13 patients for cataract surgery with the support of Local Shifa Hospital. Please publish this information with photos in your Blog Sir.
What about the improved pension orders for the PBORs ?
Thanking you,
With good wishes.
Yours sincerely,
C.Muthukrishnan.
Mail By Cdr Prem Batra...interesting ???
From: premparkashbatra
Sent: Sunday, August 02, 2009 11:43 PM
Remains of pilot missing 18 years in Iraq found Michael "Scott" Speicher.
Brig CS Kamboj
Dear Sir,
1. Cdr Harpreet has forwarded an excerpt to show to what length Veterans in USA can go for their Veterans. That is why they have their own Ministry with the Secretary of Veterans. And no peace deal can be concluded without all the demands of the Veterans, including bones of the dead.
2. A few days back a notification was issued establishing few Cells.
Perhaps IESM needs to establish full range of measures for the Welfare of the Ex-Servicemen.
3. It should not just be question of War Memorial not withstanding flip flops by the Government. POWs and accounting of missing in action should also be equally important. GOI is never well disposed towards Defence personnel, serving or retired. They have only given in when war is on. IESM should force GOI not only for suitable War Memorial in Delhi but Composite Dialogue with Pakistan should also have comprehensive Agreement for exchange of all POWs and Accounting of all Missing in Action under the Supervision of UNO and/or ICRC.
4. One Appreciation is unanimous. Hot Encounters with Pakistan would be per manant feature in the foreseeable future. Therefore full rehabilitation's of War Disabled should not be limited to Gratuities and Jaipur Foot/Arms. Countries spend funds on future research in particular on space for spin offs for adopting and exploitation for the benefit of their peoples , more so far rehabilitation of War injured. Last President being SA to Defence Minister and later to PM had asked R&Ds on space to be used for giving near normal life to War Disabled. But GOI has stopped that. They are not only doing taking limbs from Dead to be re fixed but also arms with almost full control as good as born with.
5. Both these subjects are very dear to the heart of Maj Gen Cardozo. He should agree to help.
Please do forward to the IESM Core Committee.
With best regards,
Prem Batra
Sent: Sunday, August 02, 2009 11:43 PM
Remains of pilot missing 18 years in Iraq found Michael "Scott" Speicher.
Brig CS Kamboj
Dear Sir,
1. Cdr Harpreet has forwarded an excerpt to show to what length Veterans in USA can go for their Veterans. That is why they have their own Ministry with the Secretary of Veterans. And no peace deal can be concluded without all the demands of the Veterans, including bones of the dead.
2. A few days back a notification was issued establishing few Cells.
Perhaps IESM needs to establish full range of measures for the Welfare of the Ex-Servicemen.
3. It should not just be question of War Memorial not withstanding flip flops by the Government. POWs and accounting of missing in action should also be equally important. GOI is never well disposed towards Defence personnel, serving or retired. They have only given in when war is on. IESM should force GOI not only for suitable War Memorial in Delhi but Composite Dialogue with Pakistan should also have comprehensive Agreement for exchange of all POWs and Accounting of all Missing in Action under the Supervision of UNO and/or ICRC.
4. One Appreciation is unanimous. Hot Encounters with Pakistan would be per manant feature in the foreseeable future. Therefore full rehabilitation's of War Disabled should not be limited to Gratuities and Jaipur Foot/Arms. Countries spend funds on future research in particular on space for spin offs for adopting and exploitation for the benefit of their peoples , more so far rehabilitation of War injured. Last President being SA to Defence Minister and later to PM had asked R&Ds on space to be used for giving near normal life to War Disabled. But GOI has stopped that. They are not only doing taking limbs from Dead to be re fixed but also arms with almost full control as good as born with.
5. Both these subjects are very dear to the heart of Maj Gen Cardozo. He should agree to help.
Please do forward to the IESM Core Committee.
With best regards,
Prem Batra
volunteers for the Pension Cell by V Adm Barin Ghose
Dear Sir
The mails below show the efforts of IESM to start tackling the problems of Pension.V Adm Barin Ghose is alone and needs people to join him as volunteers to work on pension issues.
Anyone with adequate knowledge of pension matters pls communicate with him bag1944@yahoo.co.in directly.
Let us act rather than merely sit with a drink and be verbose.
Brgds
R W Pathak
Dear Raghubir,
You may rest assured that IESM Pension Cell will continue its efforts. I am overwhelmed by the messages of goodwill blessings and what have you especially PBOR who respond to even my interim reply. I must live up to their expectations. But the Pension Cell consists of only one ESM, namely Barin Ghose. Even the ECHS Cell has three members and no one minds
I therefore seek volunteers for the Pension Cell and look forward to some ESM who are familiar with pensions, an extremely complex subject and have a penchant for social service
Regards
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
B 449 Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
The mails below show the efforts of IESM to start tackling the problems of Pension.V Adm Barin Ghose is alone and needs people to join him as volunteers to work on pension issues.
Anyone with adequate knowledge of pension matters pls communicate with him bag1944@yahoo.co.in directly.
Let us act rather than merely sit with a drink and be verbose.
Brgds
R W Pathak
Dear Raghubir,
You may rest assured that IESM Pension Cell will continue its efforts. I am overwhelmed by the messages of goodwill blessings and what have you especially PBOR who respond to even my interim reply. I must live up to their expectations. But the Pension Cell consists of only one ESM, namely Barin Ghose. Even the ECHS Cell has three members and no one minds
I therefore seek volunteers for the Pension Cell and look forward to some ESM who are familiar with pensions, an extremely complex subject and have a penchant for social service
Regards
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
B 449 Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
ECHS COLLAPSING? By Carl Gomes
From: Carl Gomes
Date: 2009/8/2
Subject: ECHS COLLAPSING?
To: carlgomes_2000@yahoo.com
Hello Folks,
The ECHS has been operational for quite a few years now. The satisfaction level varies from “disgusted and frustrated” to “OK, but there is room for improvement.” The scheme was meant to bring quality medical care to veterans which the overloaded service hospitals were finding it difficult to deliver for various reasons. The reality is otherwise and there is even a clamour to shut it down – but that is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. ECHS is years behind for OTC (over the counter) & specially prescribed medicines. One is forced to accept alternative medication / formulations from unheard pharmaceutical manufacturers. ECHS is also Delhi - centric, uncomfortably close to the powers that be, besides, catering for an unusually high numbers of retired "Generals".
It will be good to know the views of Navy and Air Force on ARMY CENTRIC character of ECHS. Many ruling /policy letters issued from the Files bearing ARMY HQs ( AG / DGMS -Army ) lack jurisdiction and legal force for enforcement. If you have adequate knowledge of the ECHS and are keen on exchanging notes etc on that subject, you may like to join a new Group that has just been started which is dedicated PURELY to Ex Servicemen Health Services. The salient features of the group are as follows:
1. An interactive group comprising of Veteran ESM of Indian Armed Forces in receipt of any type of pension or compensation which entitles them and their dependents for HEALTH CARE FACILITIES through appropriate Health Care Delivery Apparatus put into place by Govt of India.
2. The membership is also open to dependents of above mentioned group as well as those serving personnel of Armed Forces of India who feel that sooner or later they will join the que and it is in their own interest to develop a fitting Health Care Delivery System for veterans as well as support it from within the service.
You will soon be receiving (or already received) an invitation to join the group (esmhs). Please sign up and check it out – you can always leave if dissatisfied.
See you there soon.
Carl H Gomes.
Date: 2009/8/2
Subject: ECHS COLLAPSING?
To: carlgomes_2000@yahoo.com
Hello Folks,
The ECHS has been operational for quite a few years now. The satisfaction level varies from “disgusted and frustrated” to “OK, but there is room for improvement.” The scheme was meant to bring quality medical care to veterans which the overloaded service hospitals were finding it difficult to deliver for various reasons. The reality is otherwise and there is even a clamour to shut it down – but that is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. ECHS is years behind for OTC (over the counter) & specially prescribed medicines. One is forced to accept alternative medication / formulations from unheard pharmaceutical manufacturers. ECHS is also Delhi - centric, uncomfortably close to the powers that be, besides, catering for an unusually high numbers of retired "Generals".
It will be good to know the views of Navy and Air Force on ARMY CENTRIC character of ECHS. Many ruling /policy letters issued from the Files bearing ARMY HQs ( AG / DGMS -Army ) lack jurisdiction and legal force for enforcement. If you have adequate knowledge of the ECHS and are keen on exchanging notes etc on that subject, you may like to join a new Group that has just been started which is dedicated PURELY to Ex Servicemen Health Services. The salient features of the group are as follows:
1. An interactive group comprising of Veteran ESM of Indian Armed Forces in receipt of any type of pension or compensation which entitles them and their dependents for HEALTH CARE FACILITIES through appropriate Health Care Delivery Apparatus put into place by Govt of India.
2. The membership is also open to dependents of above mentioned group as well as those serving personnel of Armed Forces of India who feel that sooner or later they will join the que and it is in their own interest to develop a fitting Health Care Delivery System for veterans as well as support it from within the service.
You will soon be receiving (or already received) an invitation to join the group (esmhs). Please sign up and check it out – you can always leave if dissatisfied.
See you there soon.
Carl H Gomes.
Views By Col Raman on future course..
Dear Veterans,
Kindly go through the in line mails from various personalities.
Without even trying to evolve a consensus, we cannot arrive at a conclusion that the Unity amongst various ESM Organisations is not achievable.
When I proposed the idea of a Seminar, many ESM from various organisations were for it, since it will provide a forum for open discussion & iron out the existing differences. The differences existing today, are basically about the approach to be adopted by us & not on the veracity of our claims as such.
Let us all be clear about what we are going to demand & the methods to be adopted. If it is the legal course, let us pursue it only as a last resort. Creating a favourable condition through the Media, the Public & other Pensioners Associations, are all inherent in any of the course we decide to follow. To enable us to achieve a concerted effort in all these activities, UNITY amongst us will be the guiding principle.
I am prepared to Organise a Seminar of all ESM Organisations in Chennai, in the last week of October 09 or the first week of Nov 09. Gen RN Radhakrishnan has been kind enough to suggest me a broad time schedule for the same, covering four sessions in two days.
If the leading ESM Organisations, including IESL, IESM, Navy Foundation & AF Association, War Wounded Organisation, FIESA & those headed by various other Personalities like Col Tyagi, Col SS Sohi, Col Inderjit Singh etc are prepared to be represented, then the Seminar would be worth the while.
I have given myself & our team in Chennai, till 15 August 09, to wait for the reaction from various ESM Organisations & Personalities, who have guided our efforts so far, before issuing the confirmation about the Seminar & dates.
Therefore, I earnestly request all of you to respond to this mail. Since I am not in the loop of Core Group IESM & Military Veterans group, may I request Cdr Sharan Ahuja to transmit this mail to the members of those groups.
Best Wishes,
Veteran Raman
colram40@yahoo.com
Kindly go through the in line mails from various personalities.
Without even trying to evolve a consensus, we cannot arrive at a conclusion that the Unity amongst various ESM Organisations is not achievable.
When I proposed the idea of a Seminar, many ESM from various organisations were for it, since it will provide a forum for open discussion & iron out the existing differences. The differences existing today, are basically about the approach to be adopted by us & not on the veracity of our claims as such.
Let us all be clear about what we are going to demand & the methods to be adopted. If it is the legal course, let us pursue it only as a last resort. Creating a favourable condition through the Media, the Public & other Pensioners Associations, are all inherent in any of the course we decide to follow. To enable us to achieve a concerted effort in all these activities, UNITY amongst us will be the guiding principle.
I am prepared to Organise a Seminar of all ESM Organisations in Chennai, in the last week of October 09 or the first week of Nov 09. Gen RN Radhakrishnan has been kind enough to suggest me a broad time schedule for the same, covering four sessions in two days.
If the leading ESM Organisations, including IESL, IESM, Navy Foundation & AF Association, War Wounded Organisation, FIESA & those headed by various other Personalities like Col Tyagi, Col SS Sohi, Col Inderjit Singh etc are prepared to be represented, then the Seminar would be worth the while.
I have given myself & our team in Chennai, till 15 August 09, to wait for the reaction from various ESM Organisations & Personalities, who have guided our efforts so far, before issuing the confirmation about the Seminar & dates.
Therefore, I earnestly request all of you to respond to this mail. Since I am not in the loop of Core Group IESM & Military Veterans group, may I request Cdr Sharan Ahuja to transmit this mail to the members of those groups.
Best Wishes,
Veteran Raman
colram40@yahoo.com
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Tax Time for Gallantry Awardees by maj Navdeep
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
(1) It’s tax time : Gallantry Awardees and Disability Pensioners should RELAX (2) GoI clarifies NPA not to be added into min of pay band for pension
It’s that time of the year again – time to pay income tax. But as mentioned earlier on this blog, gallantry awardees and disabled retirees are exempted from Income Tax on the entire pension. It would be worthwhile for such retirees to go through this earlier post for complete understanding of the requisite law and for downloading the requisite notifications if required.
Secondly, there was a controversy whether the NPA is to be added as an element in the minimum of the new pay bands for computing the new pension of pre-06 AMC retirees. The govt has clarified that NPA is not to be added into the pay band for computing pension of pre-06 AMC retirees as well as civil doctors. The directions of the govt are based on the 2006 decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Col B J Akkara (Retd) Vs UOI. The clarification of the govt can be accessed by clicking here.
(1) It’s tax time : Gallantry Awardees and Disability Pensioners should RELAX (2) GoI clarifies NPA not to be added into min of pay band for pension
It’s that time of the year again – time to pay income tax. But as mentioned earlier on this blog, gallantry awardees and disabled retirees are exempted from Income Tax on the entire pension. It would be worthwhile for such retirees to go through this earlier post for complete understanding of the requisite law and for downloading the requisite notifications if required.
Secondly, there was a controversy whether the NPA is to be added as an element in the minimum of the new pay bands for computing the new pension of pre-06 AMC retirees. The govt has clarified that NPA is not to be added into the pay band for computing pension of pre-06 AMC retirees as well as civil doctors. The directions of the govt are based on the 2006 decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Col B J Akkara (Retd) Vs UOI. The clarification of the govt can be accessed by clicking here.
Main features of the accepted report of the Committee on OROPby Maj Navdeep
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Main features of the accepted report of the Committee on OROP / PIP
The govt has accepted the recommendations of the committee on defence pension anomalies headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The govt sanction letters dealing with the subject would be published and notified in the (very) near future.
The major accepted and soon to be implemented recommendations are :
(a) Pensions of pre-2006 PBOR to be computed by taking into account the top end of 5th CPC scales and notionally (through fitment formula) configuring it within the 6th CPC pay bands instead of basing the same on the minimum of the new scales. Practically speaking, a pre-06 Sepoy who was placed at about Rs 3700 basic pension after the 6th CPC would now be granted a basic pension of appx Rs 5500, a jump of almost Rs 1800. There may now emerge some cases wherein the pension of pre-06 retirees may turn out to be more than those of post-06 retirees at certain levels. It may be recalled that prior to the 6th CPC, pensions of PBOR were calculated by taking into account the end of scale whereas for civilian employees and officers the start of scale was taken into consideration. However the 6th CPC had blurred this edge because of the introduction of running pay bands and abolition of separate pay scales for each rank.
(b) Pensions of pre-06 Lieutenant Generals to be upgraded to Rs 36,500 per month. The figure of Rs 36,500 is arrived at by taking into account 50% of the minimum of new HAG scale (Rs 67000-79000) and adding an MSP fitment of Rs 3000 (50% of MSP @6000).
(c) No further improvement or OROP for commissioned officers.
(d) Ceiling on war injury pension (that the total of service element and war injury element of war injury pension should not exceed the last drawn pay) has been removed.
(e) Anomalies in other casualty pensionary awards to be deliberated upon by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW) at MoD.
(Note : Readers are requested not to email me case-specific queries on the above since although I try my best to reply to individual mails, my profession does not allow me such fortune of time. Placing your queries as comments to blogposts would be a better idea. Thanks.)
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 12:30 AM 19 comments
Labels: Disability Pension, Pay Commission, Pension
Main features of the accepted report of the Committee on OROP / PIP
The govt has accepted the recommendations of the committee on defence pension anomalies headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The govt sanction letters dealing with the subject would be published and notified in the (very) near future.
The major accepted and soon to be implemented recommendations are :
(a) Pensions of pre-2006 PBOR to be computed by taking into account the top end of 5th CPC scales and notionally (through fitment formula) configuring it within the 6th CPC pay bands instead of basing the same on the minimum of the new scales. Practically speaking, a pre-06 Sepoy who was placed at about Rs 3700 basic pension after the 6th CPC would now be granted a basic pension of appx Rs 5500, a jump of almost Rs 1800. There may now emerge some cases wherein the pension of pre-06 retirees may turn out to be more than those of post-06 retirees at certain levels. It may be recalled that prior to the 6th CPC, pensions of PBOR were calculated by taking into account the end of scale whereas for civilian employees and officers the start of scale was taken into consideration. However the 6th CPC had blurred this edge because of the introduction of running pay bands and abolition of separate pay scales for each rank.
(b) Pensions of pre-06 Lieutenant Generals to be upgraded to Rs 36,500 per month. The figure of Rs 36,500 is arrived at by taking into account 50% of the minimum of new HAG scale (Rs 67000-79000) and adding an MSP fitment of Rs 3000 (50% of MSP @6000).
(c) No further improvement or OROP for commissioned officers.
(d) Ceiling on war injury pension (that the total of service element and war injury element of war injury pension should not exceed the last drawn pay) has been removed.
(e) Anomalies in other casualty pensionary awards to be deliberated upon by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW) at MoD.
(Note : Readers are requested not to email me case-specific queries on the above since although I try my best to reply to individual mails, my profession does not allow me such fortune of time. Placing your queries as comments to blogposts would be a better idea. Thanks.)
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 12:30 AM 19 comments
Labels: Disability Pension, Pay Commission, Pension
Clarifications by Maj Navdeep on Report of COS
Friday, July 31, 2009
Two clarifications on the new pensionary modalities post-acceptance of the report of Committee of Secretaries
Two lingering queries of veterans remained unanswered in my previous post. So I’ll clarify them :
In case of officers, will abolition of linkage of 33 years’ service for earning full pension be made applicable wef 1-1-06 instead of September 2008 ?
Yes, the abolition of requirement of serving for 33 years to earn full pension will now be made applicable wef 01 January 2006 instead of September 2008. Hence, officers who retired with 20 years of qualifying service after 1-1-06 would be entitled to full pension and their pension shall not be reduced on a pro-rata basis. Take this as 100% only once the govt letter is issued in black and white though.
50% of minimum of the new pay band (Rs 67000-79000) for Lieutenant Generals is Rs 33500, will pre-06 Lieutenant Generals be placed at a basic pension of Rs 33500 or 36500 as articulated in the previous post ?
Lt Gens who retired prior to 1-1-06 would be granted a basic pension of Rs 36,500 since an element of Rs 3000 in the form of 50% of the MSP fitment shall be added into the basic pension of Lt Gens. Take it for granted that Lt Gens shall be placed at a basic pension of Rs 36,500. Post-06 Lt Generals would be granted a pension @ 50% of last drawn emoluments depending upon their pay scale, that is, Rs 67000-79000 for Lt Gens in HAG and Rs 75500-80000 for Lt Gens in HAG+. Army Commanders and selected Corps Commanders in the Apex Grade (Rs 80000 fixed) shall continue to receive Rs 40,000 fixed basic pension. Pre-06 Army Commanders shall also continue to receive Rs 40,000 as fixed basic pension.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 8:08 AM 16 comments
Labels: Pay Commission, Pension
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Two clarifications on the new pensionary modalities post-acceptance of the report of Committee of Secretaries
Two lingering queries of veterans remained unanswered in my previous post. So I’ll clarify them :
In case of officers, will abolition of linkage of 33 years’ service for earning full pension be made applicable wef 1-1-06 instead of September 2008 ?
Yes, the abolition of requirement of serving for 33 years to earn full pension will now be made applicable wef 01 January 2006 instead of September 2008. Hence, officers who retired with 20 years of qualifying service after 1-1-06 would be entitled to full pension and their pension shall not be reduced on a pro-rata basis. Take this as 100% only once the govt letter is issued in black and white though.
50% of minimum of the new pay band (Rs 67000-79000) for Lieutenant Generals is Rs 33500, will pre-06 Lieutenant Generals be placed at a basic pension of Rs 33500 or 36500 as articulated in the previous post ?
Lt Gens who retired prior to 1-1-06 would be granted a basic pension of Rs 36,500 since an element of Rs 3000 in the form of 50% of the MSP fitment shall be added into the basic pension of Lt Gens. Take it for granted that Lt Gens shall be placed at a basic pension of Rs 36,500. Post-06 Lt Generals would be granted a pension @ 50% of last drawn emoluments depending upon their pay scale, that is, Rs 67000-79000 for Lt Gens in HAG and Rs 75500-80000 for Lt Gens in HAG+. Army Commanders and selected Corps Commanders in the Apex Grade (Rs 80000 fixed) shall continue to receive Rs 40,000 fixed basic pension. Pre-06 Army Commanders shall also continue to receive Rs 40,000 as fixed basic pension.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 8:08 AM 16 comments
Labels: Pay Commission, Pension
Thursday, July 30, 2009
This or that ? appeasement or independence ? by Maj Navdeep
Sunday, August 2, 2009
This or that ? appeasement or independence ?
“What good is the mind of a man if it’s run by another ?” : Prince (Cybersingle, 1996)
Some officers of the AMC took it on themselves when this blogpost highlighted the fact how Govt orders authorising medical facilities to non-pensioners were being flouted with impunity by some elements at M-Block. A section took it as an anti-AMC stance.
I or any other person who has served in uniform need not be reminded of the magnificent and difficult job being performed by the Army Medical Corps. And not only the uniformed community but even the society at large holds the military medicos in very high esteem.
However, why be so touchy that pointing out of a patently wrong action is taken as a slur on the entire medical military community ? Just because the AMC is performing a laudatory task would not ipso-facto mean that their officers cannot commit a wrong in an administrative capacity. Surprising were the comments of some officers who stated that I was bringing up this matter since I was an SSCO. To put the record straight, I am neither an SSCO nor affected / benefitted by the issue. If bringing to light some defects in our system is to be taken as an affront, then just as the ibid posts are being labelled anti-AMC, the banking community should call this blogpost as anti-banker for highlighting the incorrect deduction of tax from the pensions of disability pensioners and gallantry awardees, the PCDA (Pensions) Allahabad should take this blogpost as an anti-IDAS stance, Justice Srikrishna should be livid about this post here, state governments should be mightily unhappy about this one, Abhinav Kumar and Saikat Dutta should be cursing me about this post and this one here and the JAG Branch should have been terming this blogpost as anti-JAG. Then just about everything that you may see on paper, on the net, in the media would be anti-something.
Which brings us to the basic question whether we want to have a goody-goody exchange or a meaningful banter leading to improvement in the system? This blog, as a policy, does not believe in promoting or inciting controversy but that would not mean that as law abiding citizens we do not bring to light the slips in the mechanism. Being a lawyer, performing this role becomes even more pronounced in my case. Also the opinion expressed here may be dissimilar (or at times less popular) than the one which may be articulated by me in any of my official or advisory engagements or associations. Taking the instant subject as a backdrop, comments on various blogposts have been quite interesting and mottled, ranging from this blog being labelled a ‘mouthpiece of the government’ and ‘too pro-military’ to an array of other things on the other side of the spectrum.
I would hence like to discern whether you want views expressed on this blog to remain independent and autonomous or follow a policy of appeasement. Since the blog exists for you - the readers, I would like you to decide and comment.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:15 AM 28 comments
Labels: Misc
Friday, July 31, 2009
This or that ? appeasement or independence ?
“What good is the mind of a man if it’s run by another ?” : Prince (Cybersingle, 1996)
Some officers of the AMC took it on themselves when this blogpost highlighted the fact how Govt orders authorising medical facilities to non-pensioners were being flouted with impunity by some elements at M-Block. A section took it as an anti-AMC stance.
I or any other person who has served in uniform need not be reminded of the magnificent and difficult job being performed by the Army Medical Corps. And not only the uniformed community but even the society at large holds the military medicos in very high esteem.
However, why be so touchy that pointing out of a patently wrong action is taken as a slur on the entire medical military community ? Just because the AMC is performing a laudatory task would not ipso-facto mean that their officers cannot commit a wrong in an administrative capacity. Surprising were the comments of some officers who stated that I was bringing up this matter since I was an SSCO. To put the record straight, I am neither an SSCO nor affected / benefitted by the issue. If bringing to light some defects in our system is to be taken as an affront, then just as the ibid posts are being labelled anti-AMC, the banking community should call this blogpost as anti-banker for highlighting the incorrect deduction of tax from the pensions of disability pensioners and gallantry awardees, the PCDA (Pensions) Allahabad should take this blogpost as an anti-IDAS stance, Justice Srikrishna should be livid about this post here, state governments should be mightily unhappy about this one, Abhinav Kumar and Saikat Dutta should be cursing me about this post and this one here and the JAG Branch should have been terming this blogpost as anti-JAG. Then just about everything that you may see on paper, on the net, in the media would be anti-something.
Which brings us to the basic question whether we want to have a goody-goody exchange or a meaningful banter leading to improvement in the system? This blog, as a policy, does not believe in promoting or inciting controversy but that would not mean that as law abiding citizens we do not bring to light the slips in the mechanism. Being a lawyer, performing this role becomes even more pronounced in my case. Also the opinion expressed here may be dissimilar (or at times less popular) than the one which may be articulated by me in any of my official or advisory engagements or associations. Taking the instant subject as a backdrop, comments on various blogposts have been quite interesting and mottled, ranging from this blog being labelled a ‘mouthpiece of the government’ and ‘too pro-military’ to an array of other things on the other side of the spectrum.
I would hence like to discern whether you want views expressed on this blog to remain independent and autonomous or follow a policy of appeasement. Since the blog exists for you - the readers, I would like you to decide and comment.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:15 AM 28 comments
Labels: Misc
Friday, July 31, 2009
Kargil Divas- Activities at Rohini by Col Gurbinder Singh
Sir,
I got 1000 leaflet printed and purchase 600 candles. These were distributed as follows.
(a) Leaflet and candles were distributed in the residential area of Sector 7, 8, 9 of Rohini. My students went from house to house distributing the leaflets and candles. They informed the people of the house about the Kargil Divas requesting them to say a prayer and light a candle at 8 PM on 26 July.
(b) 100 leaflets and candles were distributed in New Mahavir Nagar and Dwarka Sector 22.
(c) Soft copy of the leaflet was circulated to all the employees of three MNCs.
In six schools in Rohini my students spoke about the Kargil Divas in the morning school assembly. They spoke from the leaflet followed by a poem I had written. The leaflet send by you was also given to the teachers and displayed on the school notice board. The leaflet and poem are forwarded as attachaments.
I received 20 tele calls/ mail from civilians on my effort.
Sorry for the delay in forwarding this information.
With Regards
Lt Col (retd ) Gurbinder Singh
I got 1000 leaflet printed and purchase 600 candles. These were distributed as follows.
(a) Leaflet and candles were distributed in the residential area of Sector 7, 8, 9 of Rohini. My students went from house to house distributing the leaflets and candles. They informed the people of the house about the Kargil Divas requesting them to say a prayer and light a candle at 8 PM on 26 July.
(b) 100 leaflets and candles were distributed in New Mahavir Nagar and Dwarka Sector 22.
(c) Soft copy of the leaflet was circulated to all the employees of three MNCs.
In six schools in Rohini my students spoke about the Kargil Divas in the morning school assembly. They spoke from the leaflet followed by a poem I had written. The leaflet send by you was also given to the teachers and displayed on the school notice board. The leaflet and poem are forwarded as attachaments.
I received 20 tele calls/ mail from civilians on my effort.
Sorry for the delay in forwarding this information.
With Regards
Lt Col (retd ) Gurbinder Singh
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Views on OROP by Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 10:09 PM
Dear Veterans,
Now that the cat is out of the bag and we know the principle, thanks to Admiral B Ghose, behind the pension revision by the very clever CS, we get a clear idea that fighting against the Bureaucrats is much trickier than an enemy at war. It is a different game altogether.
When Vth CPC recommended the so-called modified parity creating more than one class of pensioners - contrary to the opinions of the SC Judges - they did so, taking into account that each rank had a separate pay scale and thereby a separate minimum. The minimum is obviously higher than that of the junior rank. This recommendation was conveniently not accepted by the Government then. Not even immediately after the 6th CPC!
Now, after lot of representations of various forms, with magnanimity they have accepted the recommendation and apply it to the minimum of the pay band on the plea that Lt Col to Maj Gen is covered under one pay band, PB4. Cunningly they have brought out a new scale for Lt Gen, all of sudden increasing minimum of the pay from 37400 of PB 4 to 67000 of the new scale and eliminated the Rank Pay.
I am sure that they expect us to throw tantrums and make representations that the minimum of the pay of the rank in the pay band according to the fitment table of SAI 2/S/2008, as for the ranks of Lt Col to Maj Gen. Once again the Government shall show magnanimity and accept our representation - with a smirk of course - and we shall get what we demanded way back by way of individual representations to the Secy ESW. The fact that we pointed out the incorrect interpretation of the Pension Policy of 11 Sep 2008 is likely to be conveniently forgotten. And our demand of absolute parity is not logical, they seem to say. Let us put our heads and strength together, pitch a battle of wits and win what we want.
Regards,
RN Radhakrishnan
Date: Thursday, 30 July, 2009, 7:17 PM
Dear Veterans,
When the finance minister mentioned the figure 2144 crores, it become obvious that the Government intends to improve the pension not accede to our demand of full parity among pensioners of same rank and same length of total service.
The principle hitherto unknown to us has been made known. There shall be two classes of pensioners at any time. One class comprises of the pensioners of the vintage prior to the date of implementation of the latest pay commission and the other those who retire after the date. This is against the principle of the Constitution Bench of SC enunciated during the delivery of the Judgment in the well known case of Nakra Vs UoI, based on which recently a decision was given in favor of major generals. Does the Government expects us to go to the court to seek similar judgment now?
Quite cleverly the issue of two classes within those retiring after 10-01-2006 has been evaded, the ones retiring between 01-01-2006 and 01-08-2006 draw different pensions those of the same rank retiring with the same length of service subsequently. Let us mull over this and plan our future course of action.
Regards,
RN Radhakrishnan
Dear Veterans,
Now that the cat is out of the bag and we know the principle, thanks to Admiral B Ghose, behind the pension revision by the very clever CS, we get a clear idea that fighting against the Bureaucrats is much trickier than an enemy at war. It is a different game altogether.
When Vth CPC recommended the so-called modified parity creating more than one class of pensioners - contrary to the opinions of the SC Judges - they did so, taking into account that each rank had a separate pay scale and thereby a separate minimum. The minimum is obviously higher than that of the junior rank. This recommendation was conveniently not accepted by the Government then. Not even immediately after the 6th CPC!
Now, after lot of representations of various forms, with magnanimity they have accepted the recommendation and apply it to the minimum of the pay band on the plea that Lt Col to Maj Gen is covered under one pay band, PB4. Cunningly they have brought out a new scale for Lt Gen, all of sudden increasing minimum of the pay from 37400 of PB 4 to 67000 of the new scale and eliminated the Rank Pay.
I am sure that they expect us to throw tantrums and make representations that the minimum of the pay of the rank in the pay band according to the fitment table of SAI 2/S/2008, as for the ranks of Lt Col to Maj Gen. Once again the Government shall show magnanimity and accept our representation - with a smirk of course - and we shall get what we demanded way back by way of individual representations to the Secy ESW. The fact that we pointed out the incorrect interpretation of the Pension Policy of 11 Sep 2008 is likely to be conveniently forgotten. And our demand of absolute parity is not logical, they seem to say. Let us put our heads and strength together, pitch a battle of wits and win what we want.
Regards,
RN Radhakrishnan
Date: Thursday, 30 July, 2009, 7:17 PM
Dear Veterans,
When the finance minister mentioned the figure 2144 crores, it become obvious that the Government intends to improve the pension not accede to our demand of full parity among pensioners of same rank and same length of total service.
The principle hitherto unknown to us has been made known. There shall be two classes of pensioners at any time. One class comprises of the pensioners of the vintage prior to the date of implementation of the latest pay commission and the other those who retire after the date. This is against the principle of the Constitution Bench of SC enunciated during the delivery of the Judgment in the well known case of Nakra Vs UoI, based on which recently a decision was given in favor of major generals. Does the Government expects us to go to the court to seek similar judgment now?
Quite cleverly the issue of two classes within those retiring after 10-01-2006 has been evaded, the ones retiring between 01-01-2006 and 01-08-2006 draw different pensions those of the same rank retiring with the same length of service subsequently. Let us mull over this and plan our future course of action.
Regards,
RN Radhakrishnan
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