From: harindersingh [mailto:admiralharinder@gmail.com]
Sent: 10 January 2011 09:10
To: Kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Fwd: Official Minutes of the Meeting / Discussions with CPS and MD,ECHS
Dear Members,
Please refer to our earlier email copied below, forwarding the Agenda that we had prepared for the meeting with CPS/ MD,ECHS and our minutes of the meeting.Copies of the earlier attachments have also been retained.for your convenience.
We have since received the minutes of the meeting and are attached. Some of the points of interest have been highlighted in red. (NFDC CPS Minutes of Meeting Jan 11.doc)
We are pleased to report that we have made substantial headway in providing better facilities for the Veterans and propose to build on the decisions taken at this meeting , with NHQ/ECHS in the future.
Warm regards
Vice Admiral Harinder singh
President NFDC
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Dear Members,
There has been some delay in promulgating these minutes as we were waiting for the official record of discussions and which have still not arrived. As some members of NFDC wanted a feed -back, a summary of the discussions held is attached.
Also attached are the Copy of the Agenda Points given in advance to the ECHS and a Copy of the brief given by Capt Narayanan of the ECHS, Navy at the meeting.
Copy of the official minutes will be forwarded on receipt pl.
Warm regards
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh,
C 26, Sector 23,
Noida 201301
0120-2412412 9811668776
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Tele : 2410 1319
ECHS/012A/INF 22 Dec 10
INTEGRATED HEADQUARTERS MINISTRY OF THE DEFENCE (NAVY)
ECHS OFFICE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 09 DEC 10 AT KOTA HOUSE
MDECHS INTERACTION WITH PRESIDENT NFDC
1. The following were present :-
Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, CPS - Chairman
Maj Gen A Srivastava, MDECHS
Cmde MVS Kumar PDESA
Captain AL Narayan Director ECHS(Navy)
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd) President NFDC
Cmde VK Thakur (Retd) Secy NFDC
Oi/Cs of ECHS Polyclinics Lodhi Road, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad (Hindon)
Approx 20 retired Naval Officers of NCR/ Delhi
2. CPS has welcomed the members for the meeting especially president Navy Foundation Delhi Charter and MDECHS.
AGENDA POINTS
ITEM I & II -
ISSUE OF THREE MONTHS MEDICINES AND
LONG TERM ISSUE OF MEDICINES
3. Status. We were informed by CNS, COP, CPS and Capt, AL Narayan Director, ECHS (Navy) that “MDECHS has informed that AG/Army HQ had a meeting recently with DGMS (Army) & MDECHS regarding issue of medicines for three months to Veterans. AG has directed DGMS (Army) to resume issue of three months medicines to ECHS members on medical officer’s prescription. The policy letter on the subject is being promulgated to the environment shortly. But medicines are not being issued on the ground. It will avoid work load on Polyclinics, Doctors, Reception and Medicine issue counters. More than 60% members in ECHS are on CT. Veterans are being denied medicines when proceeding out of the country etc for longer periods despite showing air tickets and passports to the officer in charge (ECHS Polyclinic NOIDA).We feel we should be issued medicines for such long absences as there is no additional cost to the exchequer and medicines are the legitimate dues of the patient.
4. Discussion. The issues of medicines is the total responsibility of DGAFMS. Necessary funds from ECHS for example for this financial year an amount of Rs. 360 Crore have been placed with DGAFMS. However, AFMSDs functioning under DGAFMS are supplying only 10% of the required medicines. The remaining 90% are being supplied through the existing Local Purchase procedure as is being done for serving personnel in Military Hospitals. A case has also been taken up for review of financial powers of Oi/C polyclinics for local purchase by Oi/C polyclinic including military polyclinics Rs. two lac for ‘A’ and ‘B’ type polyclinics and Rs. one lac for ‘C’ and ‘D’ type polyclinics. Not withstanding the above, MDECHS has intimated that policy letter on the subject for issue of three months medicines exists in ECHS but DGAFMS has issued a overriding directive that medicines will be issued for only one month and more importantly the Oi/C of polyclinics have informed that the stock being held does not permit them to issue three months medicines and that is the reason why polyclinics are unable to issue three months medicines to ECHS members. However, MDECHS has intimated that Navy could make necessary arrangements at Commands / Naval Hospitals levels so that medicines could be issued for three months. As far as Delhi / NCR is concerned MDECHS would again take up the issue with DGAFMS for resolving this issue of medicines.
5. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue of three months medicines with DGAFMS and thereafter promulgate the policy letter.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM III -
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY BASE / R&R / SERVICE HOSPITAL
MUST ACCEPT VETERANS
6. Status. Officers staying in vicinity of Base hospital & R&R and needing medical attention be seen at these hospitals in cases of emergency, rather turning down without attending and life is lost/ condition deteriorates.
7. Discussion. The military hospitals will accept cases of emergency for providing medicare subject to availability of facility / beds. Refusal to attend to medical emergencies is against medical ethics. Any case of this nature would be brought to the notice of concerned DGMS / DGAFMS.
8. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue of medicare in Base / R&R with DGAFMS and thereafter promulgate the policy letter.
Action By : MDECHS
LODHI ROAD ISSUES
ITEM IV & V -
APPOINTMENT OF SUITABLE MEDICAL OFFICERS / RADIOLOGIST
9. Status. A large number of retired officers are being served by Lodhi road Polyclinic however the only and good medical specialist namely Manoj Aron was replaced. Available GPs are inexperienced and very slow. It takes a couple of hours for one's turn to come and the place is always over crowded. There is one old X-ray equipment without any radiologist. This results into R&R not accepting the X Ray report without radiologist's findings and the patient has to be X Rayed again with additional trips to R&R or Base Hospital This is taxing. You are requested to consider appointing at least two Medical specialists at the earliest. The third MO has just come after months of a single MO and the second Med Specialist has not been there for many months and only up to 1300 hrs.
10. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that necessary steps will be taken to ensure good medical specialists are appointed at the polyclinic. He also further intimated that he would consider posting of two medical specialists by re appropriating. The issue of Radiologist will be resolved once the additional manpower sanction is obtained from MOD.
11. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to authorise two medical specialists to Lodi Road Polyclinic and expedite obtaining additional manpower sanction from MoD for authorising Radiologist.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM VI -
REFERRAL TO PRIVATE EMPANELMENT HOSP DIRECTLY BY
LODHI ROAD POLYCLINIC
12. Status. Lodi Road Clinic is not authorized to refer cases to the empanelled Hospitals directly but has to refer all cases to the Base Hospital which in turn depending on the occupancy/facilities refer the case to the Empanelled hospitals. For the large number of ECHS members residing in East Delhi the Base Hospital is on the other extremity of the city and over 30-35 kilometers. Considering Delhi’s traffic and the age of the ECHS members, driving this distance is most trying to say the least.
It is suggested that ECHS Lodi Road be authorized to refer cases directly to RR Hospital, the RR hospital in turn may further refer the case to the empanelled hospital in case the capacity/facility in RR does not exist.
13. Discussion. MDECHS has agreed to this point to consider favorably and that the suitable policy letter will be promulgated at the earliest subject to confirming non availability of facilities / beds.
14. Decision. Executive orders in this regard have since been issued by the Central Organisation ECHS.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM – VII –
AVAILABILITY OF EQUIPMENTS IN OPERATIONAL STATUS
15. Status. Adequate and serviceable diagnostic equipment is not available. For example, the dental XRay machine took over a year to repair. We had to get XRays done privately.
16. Discussion. This issue will be addressed expeditiously as required. The issue of stocking personal catheters at polyclinics will be taken up with DGAFMS / concerned SEMO.
17. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue with DGAFMS for necessary action.
Action By : MDECHS
NOIDA SPECIFIC ISSUES
ITEM VIII -
REFERRAL FOR DENTAL IN NOIDA TO JANAKPURI
18. Status. Referral for Dental cases in Noida is made only to AFDC, which is overloaded with patients and difficult to get an appointments. Alternatively one has to go to some empanelled Dental Clinic in Janakpuri which is 40 Kms from Noida. Suggestion is to allow patients to be referred to some good empanelled hospitals’ in Noida.
19. Discussion. Since the Janakpuri dental clinic is 40 Km away and the local dental clinics are not coming forward for empanelment due to low rates or for other reasons, the Chairmen requested the retired fraternity to use their good social network and ensure the local dental clinics come up for empanelment as the new 2010 ECHS rates are on the higher side. ECHS is also planning to create own dental laboratory adjunct to the polyclinics for meeting the denture requirement. ECHS has been authorized 58 procedures like CGHS.
20. Decision. Retired fraternity has been requested to use their influence for getting suitable dental centres in Noida for empanelment under ECHS.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM IX -
NON AVAILABILITY OF SPECIALISTS – ENT, CARDIOLOGIST
21. Status. Non availability of specialists - ENT, Cardiologist.
22. Discussion. MDECHS explained that Polyclinics are meant to provide general OPD cover including physician and gynae. For Specialist / super specialist cover, patients are referred to service / empanelled facilities.
23. Decision. MDECHS has intimated that Polyclinics are meant to provide general OPD cover including physician and gynae. For Specialist / super specialist cover, patients are referred to service / empanelled facilities.
Action By : Oi/C Polyclinics (Delhi / NCR)
ITEM X –
STATUS OF DENTAL POLYCLINIC
24. Status. Non availability of Medical Staff for X-ray, physiotherapy/. There is also is an acute shortage of space for Medicine Store and medical staff. The equipment including instruments in Dental Centre Noida needs to be repaired/ replaced so that the doctors good do Justice. At times even proper Lighting and filling material is not available. If we compare the facilities with R & R/ AFDC, ECHS Noida will be rated ‘sub-standard’
25. Discussion. Oi/C Noida Polyclinic was requested to ensure that the complaints of dental centre are addressed aggressively at the earliest.
26. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to ask Oi/C Noida Polyclinic to ensure that the complaints of dental centre are addressed aggressively at the earliest.
Action By : Oi/C Polyclinic Noida
ITEM XI –
FUNDS FOR LOCAL PURCHASE NEED TO BE INCREASED
27. Status. Funds for local purchase – need to be increased.
28. Discussion. This issue is pending with Mod and once the approval is received the Oi/C Polyclinic both at the military and non military will have power of 2 lakh in ‘A’ and ‘B’ Type of polyclinic and 1 lakh in ‘C’ and ‘D’ type of polyclinic.
29. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to promulgate the policy letter after approval from MoD.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XII –
DOCTORS MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS
30. Status. The Doctors don’t have a stethoscope, thermometer, BP instrument, torch and instrument to check the throat etc. These must be provided to all doctors.
31. Discussion. Oi/C Noida Polyclinic has been requested to ensure at the earliest that the doctors are provided medical equipment like Stethoscope, Thermometer, BP instrument, torch and instrument to check the throat etc at the earliest. Oi/C polyclinic has intimated that this was a lapse because doctors posted to the polyclinic are more than the authorised strength but he said that he would ensure that these instruments are made available to all the doctors at earliest.
32. Decision Oi/C Noida Polyclinic has been requested to provide medical equipment to all the doctors of Noida Polyclinic.
Action By : Oi/C Polyclinic Noida
MUMBAI ISSUES
ITEM XIII –
NO PVT. EMPANELMENT HOSPITAL AND INHS ASVINI IS OVERLOAD
33. Status. There is no Civil hospital on the panel of ECHS in Mumbai and INHS Asvini is overcrowded.
34. Discussion. More private hospitals are not coming up for empanelment under ECHS because they have enough loads on direct cash payment basis and ECHS is on credit basis. One more polyclinic is being set up in Navi Mumbai which should reduce the load of OPD at Asvini.
35. Decision One more polyclinic is being set up in Navi Mumbai which should reduce the load of OPD at Asvini.
Action By : Dir ECHS(N)
GENERAL ISSUES
ITEM XIV –
REPEAT POINT OF POINT 6
ITEM XV –
AVAILABILITY OF ORTHO FACILITY IN BASE HOSP
36. Status. A Veteran had an Ortho problem and visited ECHS on Saturday. He was referred to the Base Hospital Ortho Surgeon who sees outpatients only on Tuesdays and Fridays. He started his journey at 0700hrs and could manage to reach the Base hospital at 0845. On reporting to counter for registration he was informed that Ortho Surgeon is on leave. On further enquiry as to when the Ortho Surgeon will be on duty, he was informed " not this week". There are many who suffer similarly.
37. Discussion. Ortho facility in Base hosp can be availed only subject to availability of facility / beds. The ECHS members are entitled to visit any empanelled hospital for treatment in case of non availability of facility in Base Hospital and intimate the polyclinic the next day alternately if the emergency is such he could visit any of hosp including non empanelled and seek reimbursement.
38. Decision. MDECHS has intimated that ECHS members are entitled to visit any empanelled hospital for treatment in case of non availability of facility in Base Hospital.
Action By : ECHS Members
ITEM XVI –
ISSUE OF FAKE / SPURIOUS MEDICINES
39. Status. Issue of possibly fake / spurious medicines has been brought to the notice of OI/c the Clinic and the same was also given in writing for pursuing the matter further. The OI/c and MO i/c concurred that the medicine in question was spurious/fake. The matter needs to be pursued.
40. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that he would bring this to the notice of DGAFMS and remedial action initiated to avoid recurrence.
41. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue with DGAFMS for necessary action to avoid recurrence.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XVII –
REPEAT POINT OF POINT 7
.
ITEM XVIII –
TRANSPORT FOR AGED VETERANS
42. Status. At times very old and infirm Veterans, some over 90 years old have problems and they are not in a position to take the car ride to a hospital. We need to devise ways to provide support in such cases.
43. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that it is not possible to provide car to the ECHS Member to the hospital with the existing infra structure of transport. However should there be medical requirement due to the status of the patient the ambulance at the polyclinic will be provided to transfer the patient to the referred hospital.
44. Decision. MDECHS has intimated that it is not possible to provide car to the ECHS Member to the hospital with the existing infra structure of transport. However should there be medical requirement due to the status of the patient the ambulance at the polyclinic will be provided to transfer the patient to the referred hospital.
Action By : Oi/C Polyclinics(Delhi / NCR)
ITEM XIX –
POLYCLINICS ROUND THE CLOCK
45. Status. There is no Polyclinic support available on Sundays and holidays and this totals some 70 plus days in a year and this issue needs to be addressed. Similarly, since many Veterans’ take a second job after retirement, therefore Sundays may be made half working days and staff granted compensatory leave on a working day.
46. Discussion. During non consultation period / holidays, patients are free to get treatment from empanelled hospitals in emergency. Suitable policy instructions are intended to be issued enabling essential treatment at empanelled hospitals on holidays / non-working hours.
47. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to issue the policy letter regarding enabling essential treatment at empanelled hospitals on holidays / non-working hours.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XX –
MILITARY HOSPITALS SHUTTING DOORS TO ESM AND PRIVATE SUPER SPECIALTY HOSPITAL NOT EMPANELLING
48. Status. Military Hospitals shutting doors to the ESM and sufficient private super specialty hospitals not keen on getting to be empanelled to the ECHS.
49. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that he would take up this issue with DGAFMS to provide medicare subject to availability to facility / beds. With the implementation of 2010 CGHS rates which are higher, the private super specialty hospitals would be keen to come under ECHS.
50. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up this issue with DGAFMS and thereafter promulgate the policy letter.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XXI –
TAC CERTIFICATE
51. Status. Need to review the requirement of TAC (temp att cert) to be able to get medicines for than 7 days and of course, the concept of parent polyclinic.
52. Discussion. The TAC certificate requirement is relevant because of the status of the data base of members expected to the polyclinics however with the online of computerization / automation this issue will be addressed favourably for the purpose of issue of medicines of more than seven days if not for obtaining costly individual equipment like hearing aids / medical equipment etc.
53. Decision. The TAC certificate requirement is relevant because of the status of the data base of members expected to the polyclinics however with the online of computerization / automation this issue will be addressed favourably for the purpose of issue of medicines of more than seven days if not for obtaining costly individual equipment like hearing aids / medical equipment etc.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XXII –
WEBSITE USER FRIENDLY / E-MAIL ID REGISTRATION
54. Status. The official ECHS website needs to be redesigned to make it member friendly where information should be available conveniently. It should have provision for giving feed back / suggestions / complaints and date of up-dating of the site should be displayed. Complaints may also be received on the net. All members should be given the facility to get their email ID registered so that any future policy change or information can be communicated to those who have registered for the facility seamlessly by email.
55. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that this will be implemented.
56. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to implement this at the earliest and promulgate to all concerned.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XXIII –
CGHS DOCTORS WORKING HOURS / VISITING RESIDENCE OF PATIENT
57. Status. CGHS have the following facilities, which could be considered for induction in ECHS besides bringing in, other improvements given below in the comparison between CGHS and ECHS :-
(a) CGHS Doctors are available on shift during off working hours to attend to patients after working hours. In the present ECHS system a patient can go to empanelled Hospitals only if they are critically ill as per list promulgated. If the illness does not fall within the promulgated list we have to go private doctor and pay the fees from our pocket.
(b) CGHS Doctors visit residence of patients if they are unable to go the clinics because of nature of sickness, very old age or other reasons.
58. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that CGHS does not open all dispensaries during off working hours. They only provide some high pressure dispensaries with minimal medical facilities. This issue can be considered once we have sanction for additional staff from MoD.
59. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to consider the issue after the sanction for additional staff from MoD is obtained and promulgate to all concerned thereafter.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XXIV –
DOCTORS TO SIGN DRIVING LICENCE RENEWAL FORMS
60. Status. ECHS doctors refuse to sign, Driving Licence renewal medical form, RTO insists that these should be signed by a Govt Doctor. Please request ECHS to help us in this.
61. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that he would promulgate the policy letter on the subject directing doctors to sign the Driving Licence renewal form and if required the necessary approval from RTO will be obtained, so that their signatures are acceptable.
62. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to promulgate the policy letter on the subject so that ECHS doctor's signature are acceptable for driving licence renewal medical form.
Action By : MDECHS
ITEM XXV –
VALIDITY OF MOA WITH PRIVATE EMPANELMENT HOSPITALS
63. Status. Examination of the list of ECHS Empanelled Hospitals in NCR and other Regions shows that the MOA with a large number of Hospitals has expired in June 2010. It is possible that some of these may have been renewed but this information has not been updated on the Army ECHS website. It is suggested that the list of empanelled hospitals in the Army/Navy website be regularly updated so that the ECHS members can make an informed choices Further it is also suggested that the contact persons telephones- of the respective hospitals be also put on the website and updated at the time of renewal of the MOA.
64. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that this request will be complied and ensure that the list of private empanelment hospitals with valid MOA will be hosted on website to enable ECHS members to make their choice of treatment.
65. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to update the list of private empanelment hospitals to enable ECHS members to make their choice of treatment.
Action By : MDECHS
COMMON ISSUES
ITEM XXVI –
VISION STATEMENT AND NEED FOR SETTING STANDARDS BY ECHS / APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONE
66. Status. There is a very urgent need for the promulgation of a Vision statement and ‘Standards’ to be achieved in all spheres including standards of cleanliness and hygiene, waiting times, facilities at the Policlinics, distance of polyclinic from residence, reaching out to those in the hinterland etc etc. Arrangement to see doctors with prior appointments rather than waiting in long queues.
67. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that vision statement and standard for ECHS has already been promulgated and a copy of the same could be obtained from ECHS Central Organisation. Arrangements to meet doctors on appointment on telephone in the afternoons has already been implemented.
68. Decision. Director ECHS (N) is requested to obtain the vision statement from MDECHS and forward to NFDC.
Action By : Director ECHS (N)
ITEM XXVII –
CLEANLINESS OF TOILETS AT POLYCLINIC
69. Status. There is considerable concern on the poor standard of cleanliness, especially the bathrooms, they really stink and the unhygienic atmosphere in the waiting halls on a daily basis.
70. Discussion. This is a cause of concern and that Oi/C polyclinic must ensure that standard of cleanliness in the toilets at polyclinic is of highest standard in spite of constraints of water / cleaning labourers problems.
71. Decision. Oi/C Polyclinics have been requested to take necessary action regarding cleanliness of toilets of polyclinics if required by obtaining the necessary assistance from station commanders with respect to constraints of availability of water / safaiwalas.
Action By : Oi/C Polyclinics – Delhi / NCR
CONCLUDING REMARKS
72. There being no other points, the meeting was over.
73. In conclusion, CPS requested MDECHS to resolve the issues raised during the meeting for clientele satisfaction as medicare is most important need for the veterans.
74. These minutes issue with the approval of the Chairman.
(AL Narayan)
Capt (IN)
Director ECHS(N)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
ET : Bring PPP projects under RTI: CIC..Cmde L Batra
10 January 2010
Dear All,
The issue raised in ET story below is extremely important.
A case study of one of the initial PPP project on : "Concession for the Delhi Noida Bridge" by Sheoli Pargal (August 2007) can be perused at link below.
http://infrastructure.gov.in/pdf/NOIDA.pdf \
I recollect a reference was made to this Case Study by Shri Gajendra Haldea, Advisor (infrastructure) to Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, in September, 2010, at the two-day national convention on the completion of five years of the implementation of the RTI Act.
This 'Delhi-Noida-Delhi' Bridge's Case Study also brings out shortcomings of this PPP project.
Please go ahead and read ET story "Bring PPP projects under RTI: CIC" published today.
Rgds,
Commodore Lokesh. K. Batra (Retd.)
BringChange
www.bringchange.org
The Economic Times
10 Jan, 2011, 05.29 AM IST, NIDHI SHARMA, ET Bureau
Bring PPP projects under RTI: CIC
NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission ( CIC ., the final appellate authority for the Right to Information (RTI) Act, has asked the Planning Commission to include disclosure norms in all future public-private-partnership (PPP) projects undertaken by the Centre and the state governments.
Chief Information Commissioner Satyananda Mishra has written to Planning Commission deputy-chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia to incorporate disclosure norms, so that any project which has the participation of private firms and concessionaires come under the purview of the transparency legislation. A full Commission ..................
For more Click on link below:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/bring-ppp-projects-under-rti-cic/articleshow/7250598.cms
--------------
THE END
Dear All,
The issue raised in ET story below is extremely important.
A case study of one of the initial PPP project on : "Concession for the Delhi Noida Bridge" by Sheoli Pargal (August 2007) can be perused at link below.
http://infrastructure.gov.in/pdf/NOIDA.pdf \
I recollect a reference was made to this Case Study by Shri Gajendra Haldea, Advisor (infrastructure) to Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, in September, 2010, at the two-day national convention on the completion of five years of the implementation of the RTI Act.
This 'Delhi-Noida-Delhi' Bridge's Case Study also brings out shortcomings of this PPP project.
Please go ahead and read ET story "Bring PPP projects under RTI: CIC" published today.
Rgds,
Commodore Lokesh. K. Batra (Retd.)
BringChange
www.bringchange.org
The Economic Times
10 Jan, 2011, 05.29 AM IST, NIDHI SHARMA, ET Bureau
Bring PPP projects under RTI: CIC
NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission ( CIC ., the final appellate authority for the Right to Information (RTI) Act, has asked the Planning Commission to include disclosure norms in all future public-private-partnership (PPP) projects undertaken by the Centre and the state governments.
Chief Information Commissioner Satyananda Mishra has written to Planning Commission deputy-chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia to incorporate disclosure norms, so that any project which has the participation of private firms and concessionaires come under the purview of the transparency legislation. A full Commission ..................
For more Click on link below:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/bring-ppp-projects-under-rti-cic/articleshow/7250598.cms
--------------
THE END
SLP in supreme court
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
Please publish the following in RMS Blog.
Dear All,
This is to inform you that the MOD has filed the Special Leave petition with Supreme Court against the judgement of AFT. The details are not known.
While the judgement of AFT is applicable only to those who are listed in the petition, the Supreme Court verdict shall be applicable to all Major Lt Cdrs and Sqn Ldrs.
In fact it shall be applicable to all officers from Hon Lt to Brigadier and equivalent rank.
I through this e mail appeal to you all to join hands and assist us to achieve our goal.
After filing second petition comprising of 64 officers I received several telephone calls offering me funds for fighting the case. Since the case was getting delayed I had declined the good offer.
Bow to fight the case in Supreme Court additional funds would be required. I therefore appeal to both the present petitioner as well as other brother officers to be prepared to contribute for the cause.. The exact amount shall be intimated at a later date.
A telephone call from you or confirmation thru e mail shall be much appreciated.
Avtar Singh
Lt Cdr(Retd0
10-1-2010
Please publish the following in RMS Blog.
Dear All,
This is to inform you that the MOD has filed the Special Leave petition with Supreme Court against the judgement of AFT. The details are not known.
While the judgement of AFT is applicable only to those who are listed in the petition, the Supreme Court verdict shall be applicable to all Major Lt Cdrs and Sqn Ldrs.
In fact it shall be applicable to all officers from Hon Lt to Brigadier and equivalent rank.
I through this e mail appeal to you all to join hands and assist us to achieve our goal.
After filing second petition comprising of 64 officers I received several telephone calls offering me funds for fighting the case. Since the case was getting delayed I had declined the good offer.
Bow to fight the case in Supreme Court additional funds would be required. I therefore appeal to both the present petitioner as well as other brother officers to be prepared to contribute for the cause.. The exact amount shall be intimated at a later date.
A telephone call from you or confirmation thru e mail shall be much appreciated.
Avtar Singh
Lt Cdr(Retd0
10-1-2010
Monday, January 3, 2011
New members IESM..secunderabad
Sl #Service #RankNamePayment Received Towards
M'shipDonationTotal
131280MrsSudha Raman 01500015000
2948MajBalakrishnan, TK035003500
331935ColTumati, SR045004500
413758BrigDeshpande, SB025002500
526112MrsPrabhakar, Ranjini000
6640321JWOGowd, KHS4019602000
714235534NkSatyanarayan, V1000100
823967LtKumar, KV10014001500
914201027HavMurmu, JN1000100
10220365Hon CaptZaidi, ZH2000200
11372125SubRao, MSS2000200
12654492JWOKadari, R200100300
1335817Lt ColMalude, RG50035004000
1425166MajDowla, SI50045005000
153649Lt ColSarangi, NK5000500
1636984ColReddy, GS5000500
1738596ColGogate, AL5000500
188415Wg CdrSonpar, DK5000500
1916779Maj GenRajendra Singh5000500
2017733Lt GenMadan Gopal5005001000
2112577Lt GenAiyenger, SRR50020002500
2228605Lt GenSivakumar, KS50010001500
Total59404046046400
M'shipDonationTotal
131280MrsSudha Raman 01500015000
2948MajBalakrishnan, TK035003500
331935ColTumati, SR045004500
413758BrigDeshpande, SB025002500
526112MrsPrabhakar, Ranjini000
6640321JWOGowd, KHS4019602000
714235534NkSatyanarayan, V1000100
823967LtKumar, KV10014001500
914201027HavMurmu, JN1000100
10220365Hon CaptZaidi, ZH2000200
11372125SubRao, MSS2000200
12654492JWOKadari, R200100300
1335817Lt ColMalude, RG50035004000
1425166MajDowla, SI50045005000
153649Lt ColSarangi, NK5000500
1636984ColReddy, GS5000500
1738596ColGogate, AL5000500
188415Wg CdrSonpar, DK5000500
1916779Maj GenRajendra Singh5000500
2017733Lt GenMadan Gopal5005001000
2112577Lt GenAiyenger, SRR50020002500
2228605Lt GenSivakumar, KS50010001500
Total59404046046400
UTTARAKHAND - UESL’s INITATIVE TO REACH OUT TO ESM AT PIPALKOTI TO RESOLVE 6th CPC RELATED ISSUES
UTTARAKHAND - UESL’s INITATIVE TO REACH OUT TO ESM AT PIPALKOTI TO RESOLVE
6th CPC RELATED ISSUES
1. Having made efforts to reach out to ESM & dependents within Dehradun, since Sep 2008, to ensure that all dues, consequent to 6CPC, are correctly credited into the individual accounts by banks, it was decided that remote areas in Uttarakhand be visited to extend similar support to the needy & perhaps neglected pensioners. Despite inclement weather, UESL undertook a trip to Pipalkoti, Chamoli, from 23 to 25 Dec 2010. It was a hurriedly planned trip to take advantage of an annual mela organized at Pipalkoti. Based on the experience gained during this trip, further visits will be enrichened.
2. Composition of the team:-
(a) Air Cmde Amul Kapoor VM (Retd) – Senior Vice President.
(b) Brig RS Rawat VSM (Retd) – Vice President.
(c) Lt Col MM Kukreti (Retd) – Coord Secy General.
(d) Assisted by Maj HS Chaudhari (Retd).
3. Paucity of funds compelled UESL to use personal transport for the journey. Air Cmde Amul Kapoor took his car for this trip. This arrangement cannot be followed as an SOP in all such visits for obvious reasons. Some long term solution may have to be sought. The ideal arrangement is resorting to suitable transport hired by the UESL. However, with the present state of funds, this option is a distant dream.
4. Programme of the visit : -
(a) Departure Dehradun - 23 Dec/0800 hrs.
(b) Arrival Mayapur - “-“ /1630 hrs.
(c) Interaction with ESM - 24 Dec/1030 -1530 hrs.
(d) Visit SBI Pipalkoti - “-“ /1545 to 1630 hrs.
(e) Departure for Dun - 25 Dec/ 0800hrs.
(f) Arrival Dun - “-“ /1700 hrs.
5. In all cases, the team would have to depend entirely on the local district ESL for satisfactory publicity, liaison & all essential administrative arrangements.
6. Accommodation at Mayapur, Pipalkoti, was arranged by Hav Clk Sharad Gairola (Retd) who took pains to ensure that the stay was comfortable. He is sufficiently motivated to further the aims of UESL in its endeavor to reach out to as many ESM as possible.
7. Highlights of interaction with ESM.
(a) It was most encouraging to see that approximately 50 ESM, including widows came to seek assistance related to their pension & related dues. Some learnt about our arrival through local TV & print media while others through word of mouth. All claimed that despite individual efforts, their correct pension was NOT being paid by the PDAs (banks).
(b) They were not aware of the precise form & content of the Circular No 430 (New Pension) & the correct manner in which they are to identify their pension, both post Jun 2009 & 6CPC Pension wef Jan 2006 to Jun 2009.
(c) Most of the aggrieved were Widows, Sepoys, Naiks & Honorary Nb Subedars.
(d) None of pre 2006 pensioners had taken steps to ensure that the Date of Birth of their wives is registered in the Records Offices, CDA Allahabad & PDAs – that will entitle the wives, if widowed, to Additional Pension after attaining age of 80 years.
(e) A few ESM came from as far as Narainbaggar, located on the Gwaldam axis.
(f) Widows were mostly unaccompanied. They, as expected, had little knowledge of the intricacies of 6th CPC. They sought help to approach the banks to resolve their cases regards payment of correct dues.
(g) It was evident that Central Police Forces eg Assam Rifles, BSF etc had no organization from their retired personnel who attend to their problems. Two BSF & one Assam Rifles pensioners too sought assistance. Their cases have been registered & will be taken up with the CPPC at Dehradun.
8. Organization of Work.
(a) The work was divided among the three officers as follows:-
(i) Lt Col MM Kukreti meticulously recorded personal data of each individual to enable UESL to take up their cases with Records, CDA & Banks.
(ii) Brig RS Rawat accessed their correct Table based on each individual’s Rank, Length of Service, Group, Date of Retirement to identify the correct pension entitled. This data was passed on to Air Cmde Amul Kapoor.
(iii) Air Cmde Amul Kapoor worked on his Laptop Computer to work out the complete details, month wise, if required, of the pension entitled, DA, Commuted Value, Paid by Bank & Arrears due. He gave a stamped & signed slip with details of the entitled Basic Pension, pre & post Jul 2009, Additional Pension, etc so that they are aware of their legitimate entitlements & interact with the respective banks.
(iv) Two widows were directed to proceed to SBI Pipalkoti where the team joined them to resolve their pension with the help of the Branch Manager.
(b) All data collected thus will be scrutinized at the UESL Office at Dehradun to pursue each case on its merit.
(c) At Dehradun, the CPPC Extension Office at SBI Zonal Office at New Cantt Road would be contacted to take each issue to its logical conclusion. Then, & only then, would our work, set out for Pipalkoti be complete.
(d) Based on the experience gained, UESL will proceed to refine the road map for subsequent tours.
9. In conclusion UESL can confidently state that:-
(a) Results far exceeded initial expectations.
(b) The learning curve has given UESL valuable lessons for better organizing such visits to provide a higher degree of satisfaction to our ESM & widows in remote areas of Uttarakhand.
(c) There is a crying need for more retired offrs, JCOs & Ors to offer their services for this limited objective.
10. On 30 Dec 2007, Mr Manoj Sharma has confirmed that the specific cases forwarded by SBI Pipalkoti have been credited into their individual accounts.
OUR IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL ESM OF UTTARAKHAND GET THEIR CORRECT DUES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
Sunday, January 2, 2011
NEW YEAR 2011 -THE EXPLOITATION PHASE OF IESM by Col Raman
NEW YEAR 2011 -THE EXPLOITATION PHASE OF IESM
Col TN Raman
Let us Welcome the New Year 2011!!
In a short time of less than three years, IESM has captured the imagination of the ESM all over our country & abroad. The reason is the right strategy adopted, that is to concentrate on the battle of the minds instead of the numbers on ground. All ESM Organisations, barring a few, have readily accepted the leadership provided by IESM to challenge the authority of the Bureaucracy & the Political masters of the day. The Govt had to concede many of our demands, which were being shelved for many years.
The year 2010 saw the consolidation of IESM, which had its AGM. The Chairman, Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, was re-elected turning out a result far better than the Bihar Assembly Election, which brought back Nitish Kumar. All other appointments were for the taking, since none volunteered. However, a few had to sacrifice their comforts for the sake of the Movement, so that the vacancies could be filled. The Members of the Governing Body, most of whom were re-elected, were doing the same for the past two years, & will continue to do the same in the next two years also. Our salute to their dedication.
Like any growing Movement, it had its own internal turmoil, with some leading lights deciding to quit & some other elements knocking at the doors of Courts, in futile exercises. In all these affairs, a valuable lesson was learnt. “No one is indispensable in an Organisation”. On the other hand, if an Organisation has to become personality oriented, it is better that the same is dispensed with, at the earliest.
From my point of view, from the south of our Country, the Movement has caught the imagination of the ESM. On just a mail from me, Veterans contributed voluntarily to the tune of more than Rs 40,000/-. Still some more are pending with me to be sent to the treasurer. Such spontaneous reaction speaks volumes about the spirit of our Veterans. Veterans of Tamilnadu, do care about our Movement.
The year 2011 will be a challenging one for the IESM. Are we as a team competent to reciprocate the faith of all the Veterans, whether they are our Members or not? This will be real exploitation phase.
Many teams of IESM are already working on different aspects of the Veterans Welfare, covering ECHS, CSD, Pension Guidance, Grievances Redressal Commission recently formed by the Govt on the orders of SC, cases being progressed under the AFTs & last but not the least the OROP. The time has come to put in action the Road Maps drawn so far & also update the maps with the experience gained in the last two years plus.
Let the success not blunt our minds to the reality. We have tremendous responsibility towards our Nation & our brothers & sisters who are serving the Nation through the Armed Forces. Any indecent act, un- soldierly behaviour or unnecessary comments on the present Brass, may not be viewed with sympathy by our own Veterans. We have to exercise more caution while making a political statement. It would be better if such statements are avoided.
With passage of time, the existing members of the Governing Body are growing older. Our top priority must be to bring in more youngsters as replacements. This effort should start from the State Levels.
The greatest achievement of IESM was to educate all the ESM that they have a voice, which must be raised when injustice is done. We really acted as the “Voice of Veterans”. Let us continue to do so.
Jai Hind!!
Veteran Raman
Col TN Raman
Let us Welcome the New Year 2011!!
In a short time of less than three years, IESM has captured the imagination of the ESM all over our country & abroad. The reason is the right strategy adopted, that is to concentrate on the battle of the minds instead of the numbers on ground. All ESM Organisations, barring a few, have readily accepted the leadership provided by IESM to challenge the authority of the Bureaucracy & the Political masters of the day. The Govt had to concede many of our demands, which were being shelved for many years.
The year 2010 saw the consolidation of IESM, which had its AGM. The Chairman, Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, was re-elected turning out a result far better than the Bihar Assembly Election, which brought back Nitish Kumar. All other appointments were for the taking, since none volunteered. However, a few had to sacrifice their comforts for the sake of the Movement, so that the vacancies could be filled. The Members of the Governing Body, most of whom were re-elected, were doing the same for the past two years, & will continue to do the same in the next two years also. Our salute to their dedication.
Like any growing Movement, it had its own internal turmoil, with some leading lights deciding to quit & some other elements knocking at the doors of Courts, in futile exercises. In all these affairs, a valuable lesson was learnt. “No one is indispensable in an Organisation”. On the other hand, if an Organisation has to become personality oriented, it is better that the same is dispensed with, at the earliest.
From my point of view, from the south of our Country, the Movement has caught the imagination of the ESM. On just a mail from me, Veterans contributed voluntarily to the tune of more than Rs 40,000/-. Still some more are pending with me to be sent to the treasurer. Such spontaneous reaction speaks volumes about the spirit of our Veterans. Veterans of Tamilnadu, do care about our Movement.
The year 2011 will be a challenging one for the IESM. Are we as a team competent to reciprocate the faith of all the Veterans, whether they are our Members or not? This will be real exploitation phase.
Many teams of IESM are already working on different aspects of the Veterans Welfare, covering ECHS, CSD, Pension Guidance, Grievances Redressal Commission recently formed by the Govt on the orders of SC, cases being progressed under the AFTs & last but not the least the OROP. The time has come to put in action the Road Maps drawn so far & also update the maps with the experience gained in the last two years plus.
Let the success not blunt our minds to the reality. We have tremendous responsibility towards our Nation & our brothers & sisters who are serving the Nation through the Armed Forces. Any indecent act, un- soldierly behaviour or unnecessary comments on the present Brass, may not be viewed with sympathy by our own Veterans. We have to exercise more caution while making a political statement. It would be better if such statements are avoided.
With passage of time, the existing members of the Governing Body are growing older. Our top priority must be to bring in more youngsters as replacements. This effort should start from the State Levels.
The greatest achievement of IESM was to educate all the ESM that they have a voice, which must be raised when injustice is done. We really acted as the “Voice of Veterans”. Let us continue to do so.
Jai Hind!!
Veteran Raman
No magic bullet for the military
Amid growing corruption and divisiveness, the forces must choose between the harder right and easier wrong
On 23 April 1961, Lt Gen. P.N. Thapar, then Chief of Army Staff designate, wrote two top secret letters apparently “on the directions of the Prime Minister”, to the outgoing chief, Gen. K.S. Thimayya, and Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen. S.P.P. Thorat. The letters made a series of allegations against both officers, ranging from possible financial impropriety to deliberate undermining of the political leadership. They also asked for a reply for the prime minister’s consideration, “before government decides what further action should be taken”.
While we do not know how the matter was resolved, these letters, only recently made available, indicate two issues of contemporary relevance. The first is the widely acknowledged civil-military discord that preceded that disastrous 1962 war with China. The second, less well known, is the deep division that existed among senior military officers at that time. Then Chief of General Staff Lt Gen. B.M. Kaul, due to his proximity with politicians, allegedly nurtured a band of loyal officers disparagingly called “Kaul’s boys”. This trend divided the officer class. Both these, as well as corruption—a dangerous cocktail for national security—are present in India today.
The dispute over the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations has left a bitter legacy between civilian principals in the defence ministry and the military. There are two vastly differing perspectives on this matter—civilian officials argue that the chiefs of staff demurred on a previously agreed deal on the Pay Commission; later, by making their disagreement public, they forced the government to give in to their fresh demands. This, the officials claim, created a dangerous precedence and undermined civilian control. The narrative commonly accepted within the military, on the other hand, portrayed the episode as one where devious bureaucrats conspired to ensure that the services got a raw deal; the chiefs rightly took a strong stance to prevent this. Regardless of the truth, which in such cases is usually somewhere in between, this spat has vitiated the working relationship between civilians and the military. There have been tentative attempts to repair some of the damage. But an honest debate on civil-military relations is long overdue.
The Sukhna land scam, followed by the Adarsh society scam, revealed two dangerous trends within the military—a divided officer class and allegations of corruption. To a large extent, this is due to the controversial legacy of Gen. Deepak Kapoor as Chief of Army Staff. Three issues have cast aspersions on his tenure: the unprecedented shifting of Lt Gen. H.S. Panag from Northern to Central Command under questionable circumstances; continued support for his military secretary, Lt Gen. Avdesh Prakash, despite the latter’s implication in an inquiry into the Sukhna scam; and involvement in the Adarsh society scam.
However, focusing only on Kapoor’s tenure would be unfair as these episodes are indicative of larger trends within the military. First, favouritism based on parochial grounds of regimental or cadre loyalty—what Admiral Arun Prakash has termed “tribalism”—is an increasingly common and worrisome phenomenon. This has been perpetuated by the actions of previous chiefs who have initiated policies favouring their parochial interests. Second, divisions within senior military officers have led to groupism or targeted vendettas against junior officers seen to be in the ‘other’ camp. Finally, the considerable devolution of financial powers to military commanders has led to increasingly common charges of corruption and misuse of public funds.
Actions of a few senior officers should not tarnish the image of the entire military—which still largely adheres to the ideals of honour, service and patriotism. There are steps that can be taken to uphold the image of the military. First, all officers above the one star rank in all three services, numbering around 2,000, should in a transparent and public manner declare their assets every two years to their respective vigilance directorates. Similar measures should be implemented by officials in all ministry of defence bureaucracies and in defence public sector units. Second, senior officers have to enact a code of conduct for themselves, just like the one they impose on soldiers serving in the field. This should focus on ethical, financial and professional issues. For instance, senior officers should resist accepting, at least for a period of two years, post-retirement jobs that are a potential conflict of interest. This includes government-appointed positions like governors, or executive positions in public and private sector units. Instead, they should accept positions related either to education or philanthropy, like welfare for ex-servicemen or war widows. Finally, policies and norms should be formulated to guard against parochial interests and ad-hoc, personality- driven policy making which divides the officer class.
It is not enough, as the three service chiefs have done, to issue bland statements from the National Defence Academy. Instead they must recall the academy’s prayer that they once recited daily: calling for the strength to “do the harder right than the easier wrong”. In hindsight, despite our non-existent and immature declassification policy, we are now aware about how civil-military tensions and a divided officer class contributed to the disaster of 1962. To prevent another disaster, it is time for the defence minister, his ministry and the services to engage in an honest, critical self-examination.
Anit Mukherjee is a doctoral candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and a research fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi.
Comments are welcome at theirview@livemint.com
On 23 April 1961, Lt Gen. P.N. Thapar, then Chief of Army Staff designate, wrote two top secret letters apparently “on the directions of the Prime Minister”, to the outgoing chief, Gen. K.S. Thimayya, and Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen. S.P.P. Thorat. The letters made a series of allegations against both officers, ranging from possible financial impropriety to deliberate undermining of the political leadership. They also asked for a reply for the prime minister’s consideration, “before government decides what further action should be taken”.
While we do not know how the matter was resolved, these letters, only recently made available, indicate two issues of contemporary relevance. The first is the widely acknowledged civil-military discord that preceded that disastrous 1962 war with China. The second, less well known, is the deep division that existed among senior military officers at that time. Then Chief of General Staff Lt Gen. B.M. Kaul, due to his proximity with politicians, allegedly nurtured a band of loyal officers disparagingly called “Kaul’s boys”. This trend divided the officer class. Both these, as well as corruption—a dangerous cocktail for national security—are present in India today.
The dispute over the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations has left a bitter legacy between civilian principals in the defence ministry and the military. There are two vastly differing perspectives on this matter—civilian officials argue that the chiefs of staff demurred on a previously agreed deal on the Pay Commission; later, by making their disagreement public, they forced the government to give in to their fresh demands. This, the officials claim, created a dangerous precedence and undermined civilian control. The narrative commonly accepted within the military, on the other hand, portrayed the episode as one where devious bureaucrats conspired to ensure that the services got a raw deal; the chiefs rightly took a strong stance to prevent this. Regardless of the truth, which in such cases is usually somewhere in between, this spat has vitiated the working relationship between civilians and the military. There have been tentative attempts to repair some of the damage. But an honest debate on civil-military relations is long overdue.
The Sukhna land scam, followed by the Adarsh society scam, revealed two dangerous trends within the military—a divided officer class and allegations of corruption. To a large extent, this is due to the controversial legacy of Gen. Deepak Kapoor as Chief of Army Staff. Three issues have cast aspersions on his tenure: the unprecedented shifting of Lt Gen. H.S. Panag from Northern to Central Command under questionable circumstances; continued support for his military secretary, Lt Gen. Avdesh Prakash, despite the latter’s implication in an inquiry into the Sukhna scam; and involvement in the Adarsh society scam.
However, focusing only on Kapoor’s tenure would be unfair as these episodes are indicative of larger trends within the military. First, favouritism based on parochial grounds of regimental or cadre loyalty—what Admiral Arun Prakash has termed “tribalism”—is an increasingly common and worrisome phenomenon. This has been perpetuated by the actions of previous chiefs who have initiated policies favouring their parochial interests. Second, divisions within senior military officers have led to groupism or targeted vendettas against junior officers seen to be in the ‘other’ camp. Finally, the considerable devolution of financial powers to military commanders has led to increasingly common charges of corruption and misuse of public funds.
Actions of a few senior officers should not tarnish the image of the entire military—which still largely adheres to the ideals of honour, service and patriotism. There are steps that can be taken to uphold the image of the military. First, all officers above the one star rank in all three services, numbering around 2,000, should in a transparent and public manner declare their assets every two years to their respective vigilance directorates. Similar measures should be implemented by officials in all ministry of defence bureaucracies and in defence public sector units. Second, senior officers have to enact a code of conduct for themselves, just like the one they impose on soldiers serving in the field. This should focus on ethical, financial and professional issues. For instance, senior officers should resist accepting, at least for a period of two years, post-retirement jobs that are a potential conflict of interest. This includes government-appointed positions like governors, or executive positions in public and private sector units. Instead, they should accept positions related either to education or philanthropy, like welfare for ex-servicemen or war widows. Finally, policies and norms should be formulated to guard against parochial interests and ad-hoc, personality- driven policy making which divides the officer class.
It is not enough, as the three service chiefs have done, to issue bland statements from the National Defence Academy. Instead they must recall the academy’s prayer that they once recited daily: calling for the strength to “do the harder right than the easier wrong”. In hindsight, despite our non-existent and immature declassification policy, we are now aware about how civil-military tensions and a divided officer class contributed to the disaster of 1962. To prevent another disaster, it is time for the defence minister, his ministry and the services to engage in an honest, critical self-examination.
Anit Mukherjee is a doctoral candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and a research fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi.
Comments are welcome at theirview@livemint.com
Changing face of the Indian soldier
Suresh Bangara: Changing face of the Indian soldier
Prolonged use of the Army in counter insurgency operations can easily corrupt personnel who witness misgovernance and maladministration
Suresh Bangara / January 02, 2011, 0:42 IST
The Soldier and the State: The Theory and Politics of Civil-Military Relations was written by Samuel Huntington in the 1950s. Much later I was presented a copy by my commanding officer when I was quite wet behind the ears. Those were the days when we had recovered from the Chinese aggression and the failed Pakistani attempt to grab some territory in 1965.Those were also the days when senior officers spent valuable time with their young officers to groom them and educate them on the virtues of being totally apolitical, among other things. A distinct feature of the Indian Navy in particular was its approach to secularism. No pictures of Gods and goddesses were permitted where officers or sailors lived. No religious ceremonies of any kind were permitted on board a naval ship.
In his book, Huntington referred to the role of a soldier vis-a-vis the State by drawing upon events and anecdotes that threw up challenges to a democracy whenever there was tension between the armed forces and the democratically elected leadership. Just as the Americans went through a critical phase of challenges thrown at the elected government by some military leaders, we too will have to learn to live with such episodes. It is often forgotten that India is a very young democracy and that both the government and the military would need to accommodate intrusions in each other’s limited space.
It is axiomatic that the soldier’s performance while practising the skills of management of violence is directly proportional to the support and aspirations of society. When military leaders are isolated from the decision-making structure of governance, the political leadership is bound to be isolated from the factors governing preparedness and morale of the forces. This in turn results in bureaucratic interpretations and increased isolation due to the trust deficit between the political leadership and the military. What are the symptoms of such isolation and what can be done to alleviate the situation?
The symptoms have been very discernible in India for many decades. First, inadequately equipped forces, much like the paramilitary and police forces, are often expected to deliver against innumerable odds. Second, compare a battle-ready soldier and his clothing and equipment (with the exception of soldiers at Siachen) with those of our immediate neighbours. Does he have a modern helmet, clothing and fatigues to match the terrain and weather, bullet-proof jackets, and quality footwear that can launch him into action in all terrain? Most of all, does he have modern communication and night vision devices and a fail-proof personal weapon? Third, is he treated as a professional and respected in society and well cared for after retirement? Fourth, few democracies have witnessed the sorry sight of veterans returning medals to the supreme commander. India has, and what is more, the government has chosen to ignore a sign which has the potential of demoralising the large number of personnel who are on the threshold of retirement. Even worse, such sights and the inaction could adversely impact the youth who wish to enlist.
How do we end this apathy? By simply restoring the self-esteem of our armed forces personnel. Give them the respect they deserve and do not deny them their due. Armed forces should neither be compared with civil services nor are they to be treated as policemen. Setting up a war memorial in Delhi has been under debate for decades. Only the minister of state for defence from Delhi attended the funeral of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: reportedly, protocol prevented the Union defence minister and above from doing so. Why do countries which have faced long-drawn-out wars ensure that soldiers are treated with utmost respect and memorial services and war memorials treated as temples? Because they are convinced that the soldier is willing to “die for the ashes of his father and the temples of his god.”
There is evidence to show that the military is fast being identified with the police forces in the manner in which governments have tended to treat it. Prolonged use of the Army in counter insurgency operations can easily corrupt the personnel who witness misgovernance and maladministration. Soldiers sprawled across railway stations in various forms of undress due to the inability of the nation to provide compartments to perform official duties are but a symptom of apathy and contempt. It is our collective responsibility to care for them in peace time.
By keeping the Service Chiefs/Chief of Defence Staff (when created as a single-point advisor) out of the decision-making process we have removed their accountability to the system, for, ipso facto, they are expected to deliver with what they have. What they should have is outside their prerogative. They follow the laws of Epictetus: “Do not be concerned with things that are beyond your power.” Restore their rightful role and then make them accountable.
Samuel Huntington also wrote about how society should treat a soldier. So before you display shock and anger at the recent aberrations which have come to light, do ask yourselves whether you have stood by the soldier by holding governments in power accountable for his neglect.
The author is a former C-in-C of the Southern Naval Command
-------------
Prolonged use of the Army in counter insurgency operations can easily corrupt personnel who witness misgovernance and maladministration
Suresh Bangara / January 02, 2011, 0:42 IST
The Soldier and the State: The Theory and Politics of Civil-Military Relations was written by Samuel Huntington in the 1950s. Much later I was presented a copy by my commanding officer when I was quite wet behind the ears. Those were the days when we had recovered from the Chinese aggression and the failed Pakistani attempt to grab some territory in 1965.Those were also the days when senior officers spent valuable time with their young officers to groom them and educate them on the virtues of being totally apolitical, among other things. A distinct feature of the Indian Navy in particular was its approach to secularism. No pictures of Gods and goddesses were permitted where officers or sailors lived. No religious ceremonies of any kind were permitted on board a naval ship.
In his book, Huntington referred to the role of a soldier vis-a-vis the State by drawing upon events and anecdotes that threw up challenges to a democracy whenever there was tension between the armed forces and the democratically elected leadership. Just as the Americans went through a critical phase of challenges thrown at the elected government by some military leaders, we too will have to learn to live with such episodes. It is often forgotten that India is a very young democracy and that both the government and the military would need to accommodate intrusions in each other’s limited space.
It is axiomatic that the soldier’s performance while practising the skills of management of violence is directly proportional to the support and aspirations of society. When military leaders are isolated from the decision-making structure of governance, the political leadership is bound to be isolated from the factors governing preparedness and morale of the forces. This in turn results in bureaucratic interpretations and increased isolation due to the trust deficit between the political leadership and the military. What are the symptoms of such isolation and what can be done to alleviate the situation?
The symptoms have been very discernible in India for many decades. First, inadequately equipped forces, much like the paramilitary and police forces, are often expected to deliver against innumerable odds. Second, compare a battle-ready soldier and his clothing and equipment (with the exception of soldiers at Siachen) with those of our immediate neighbours. Does he have a modern helmet, clothing and fatigues to match the terrain and weather, bullet-proof jackets, and quality footwear that can launch him into action in all terrain? Most of all, does he have modern communication and night vision devices and a fail-proof personal weapon? Third, is he treated as a professional and respected in society and well cared for after retirement? Fourth, few democracies have witnessed the sorry sight of veterans returning medals to the supreme commander. India has, and what is more, the government has chosen to ignore a sign which has the potential of demoralising the large number of personnel who are on the threshold of retirement. Even worse, such sights and the inaction could adversely impact the youth who wish to enlist.
How do we end this apathy? By simply restoring the self-esteem of our armed forces personnel. Give them the respect they deserve and do not deny them their due. Armed forces should neither be compared with civil services nor are they to be treated as policemen. Setting up a war memorial in Delhi has been under debate for decades. Only the minister of state for defence from Delhi attended the funeral of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: reportedly, protocol prevented the Union defence minister and above from doing so. Why do countries which have faced long-drawn-out wars ensure that soldiers are treated with utmost respect and memorial services and war memorials treated as temples? Because they are convinced that the soldier is willing to “die for the ashes of his father and the temples of his god.”
There is evidence to show that the military is fast being identified with the police forces in the manner in which governments have tended to treat it. Prolonged use of the Army in counter insurgency operations can easily corrupt the personnel who witness misgovernance and maladministration. Soldiers sprawled across railway stations in various forms of undress due to the inability of the nation to provide compartments to perform official duties are but a symptom of apathy and contempt. It is our collective responsibility to care for them in peace time.
By keeping the Service Chiefs/Chief of Defence Staff (when created as a single-point advisor) out of the decision-making process we have removed their accountability to the system, for, ipso facto, they are expected to deliver with what they have. What they should have is outside their prerogative. They follow the laws of Epictetus: “Do not be concerned with things that are beyond your power.” Restore their rightful role and then make them accountable.
Samuel Huntington also wrote about how society should treat a soldier. So before you display shock and anger at the recent aberrations which have come to light, do ask yourselves whether you have stood by the soldier by holding governments in power accountable for his neglect.
The author is a former C-in-C of the Southern Naval Command
-------------
A new year but the same goal and the same resolve
Dear and Respected Sirs and Colleagues,
At the very beginning I would like to wish a very happy new year to all of you and your families.
Its that time of the year again when we dig deep and look at the past to move ahead in the future. Its that time of the year when we look at what we have done, what we could have done and what needs to be done.
There is no doubt in my mind that as a unit, as an organization we have achieved great success in the year 2010 for the cause of the ESM, That said, the challenge still remains in front of us. And what gives me a lot of heart is the fact that we still stand shoulder to shoulder with the same resolve, grit and determination that we are prepared to fight as long as it takes. A lot still needs to be accomplished and I am confident, more than I have ever been, that together we can and we will get there. Together.
With this email I once again want to assure all of you of my total commitment and dedication to IESM as well as the cause of ESM across the country.
Once again a happy new year and may we all have an exciting and successful 2011.
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
Governing Body Member
Indian ESM Movement
At the very beginning I would like to wish a very happy new year to all of you and your families.
Its that time of the year again when we dig deep and look at the past to move ahead in the future. Its that time of the year when we look at what we have done, what we could have done and what needs to be done.
There is no doubt in my mind that as a unit, as an organization we have achieved great success in the year 2010 for the cause of the ESM, That said, the challenge still remains in front of us. And what gives me a lot of heart is the fact that we still stand shoulder to shoulder with the same resolve, grit and determination that we are prepared to fight as long as it takes. A lot still needs to be accomplished and I am confident, more than I have ever been, that together we can and we will get there. Together.
With this email I once again want to assure all of you of my total commitment and dedication to IESM as well as the cause of ESM across the country.
Once again a happy new year and may we all have an exciting and successful 2011.
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
Governing Body Member
Indian ESM Movement
Empaneled Hospitals at Chennai
SRI RAMACHANDRA MEDICAL CENTRE,
No 1, Ramachandra Nagar
Porur, Chennai – 600 119.
SANKARA NETHRALAY UNIT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
No 18, College Road,
Chennai – 600 006.
BHARAT SCANS PVT LTD
No 197, peters road
Royapettah, Chennai - 14
VITA DIAGNOSTIC LIMITED
51, Montieth Road, Egmore
Chennai – 600 008.
(Behind Kwality Restaurant, Opp: Rajarathinam Stadium)
MIOT Hospitals,
4/112, Mount Poonamalee Road, Manapakkam,
Chennai -600 089
PATERSON CANCER VIJAYA HEALTH CENTRE,
175, NSK Salai
Vadapalani, Chennai-28
SUGAM HOSPITAL
349, TH Road,
Thirivotriyur, Chennai-600019.
FRONTIER LIFE LINE PVT LTD,
R-30C, Ambattur Industrial Estate Road, Chennai-600101
HIBEAM CT SCAN CENTRE 56, Arathoon Road
Chennai-13
MADRAS MEDICAL MISSION
Unit Institute of Cardio Vascular Disease, 4 A, Dr JJ Nagar, Mogappier, Chennai-37
EHRLICH LAB & DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE
No. 46 & 48, Masilamani Road,
Balaji Nagar, Royapettah, Chennai – 600 014
RAJAN DENTAL INSTITUTE 58, Dr Radha Krishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai-04
AARTHI ADVANCED CT SCAN & MRI
766,PH Road,
Kilpauk Chennai-10
ALPHA PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRE
No 5, 6th Street,
Nandanam Extn , Nandanam,Chennai-35.
HINDU MISSION HOSPITAL 103, GST Road
Tambaram
Chennai-45
UDHI HOSPITAL
No 09, Nurrays Gate Road , Alwar Pet, Chennai 600018
KKR ENT HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE,
827, Poonamalee Road ,
Kilpauk, Chennai-600010
MADRAS ENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION (P) LTD
No. 1, 1st Cross Street, (off) II Main Road, RA Puram, Chennai – 28.
TRINITY ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL
33, Desaikan Road , Mylapore,
Chennai-600004
RG STONE UROLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 391/392,Annasalai, Saidapet, Chennai-15
DURGABHAI DESHMUKH GENERAL HOSP & RESEARCH CENTRE (Andhra Mahilr Sabha)
No.11, Dr, Durgabhai Deshmukh Road, Chennai-28
PREM CENTRE FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
Swarnam, 21/9, Third Avenue
Indira nagar, Adyar
Chennai – 600 020.
SRISHTI DENTAL HOSPITAL
No.1, Baby Nagar, First Cross Street, Velacherry, Chennai –42
SRUSHTI HOSPITAL
No.1 Padmavathy Street
Thirumalai Nagar,
Ramapuram
Chennai – 600 089.
Dr. AGARWAL’S EYE HOSPITAL LTD
No. 19, Cathedral Road,
Chennai – 600086.
Liberty High Scans Pvt Ltd
149/150, TTK Road
Alwarpet, Chennai – 600 018
Life Line Clinics & Multi Speciality Hospitals
No 5/639, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Perungudi,
Chennai – 600 096
No 1, Ramachandra Nagar
Porur, Chennai – 600 119.
SANKARA NETHRALAY UNIT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
No 18, College Road,
Chennai – 600 006.
BHARAT SCANS PVT LTD
No 197, peters road
Royapettah, Chennai - 14
VITA DIAGNOSTIC LIMITED
51, Montieth Road, Egmore
Chennai – 600 008.
(Behind Kwality Restaurant, Opp: Rajarathinam Stadium)
MIOT Hospitals,
4/112, Mount Poonamalee Road, Manapakkam,
Chennai -600 089
PATERSON CANCER VIJAYA HEALTH CENTRE,
175, NSK Salai
Vadapalani, Chennai-28
SUGAM HOSPITAL
349, TH Road,
Thirivotriyur, Chennai-600019.
FRONTIER LIFE LINE PVT LTD,
R-30C, Ambattur Industrial Estate Road, Chennai-600101
HIBEAM CT SCAN CENTRE 56, Arathoon Road
Chennai-13
MADRAS MEDICAL MISSION
Unit Institute of Cardio Vascular Disease, 4 A, Dr JJ Nagar, Mogappier, Chennai-37
EHRLICH LAB & DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE
No. 46 & 48, Masilamani Road,
Balaji Nagar, Royapettah, Chennai – 600 014
RAJAN DENTAL INSTITUTE 58, Dr Radha Krishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai-04
AARTHI ADVANCED CT SCAN & MRI
766,PH Road,
Kilpauk Chennai-10
ALPHA PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRE
No 5, 6th Street,
Nandanam Extn , Nandanam,Chennai-35.
HINDU MISSION HOSPITAL 103, GST Road
Tambaram
Chennai-45
UDHI HOSPITAL
No 09, Nurrays Gate Road , Alwar Pet, Chennai 600018
KKR ENT HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE,
827, Poonamalee Road ,
Kilpauk, Chennai-600010
MADRAS ENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION (P) LTD
No. 1, 1st Cross Street, (off) II Main Road, RA Puram, Chennai – 28.
TRINITY ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL
33, Desaikan Road , Mylapore,
Chennai-600004
RG STONE UROLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 391/392,Annasalai, Saidapet, Chennai-15
DURGABHAI DESHMUKH GENERAL HOSP & RESEARCH CENTRE (Andhra Mahilr Sabha)
No.11, Dr, Durgabhai Deshmukh Road, Chennai-28
PREM CENTRE FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
Swarnam, 21/9, Third Avenue
Indira nagar, Adyar
Chennai – 600 020.
SRISHTI DENTAL HOSPITAL
No.1, Baby Nagar, First Cross Street, Velacherry, Chennai –42
SRUSHTI HOSPITAL
No.1 Padmavathy Street
Thirumalai Nagar,
Ramapuram
Chennai – 600 089.
Dr. AGARWAL’S EYE HOSPITAL LTD
No. 19, Cathedral Road,
Chennai – 600086.
Liberty High Scans Pvt Ltd
149/150, TTK Road
Alwarpet, Chennai – 600 018
Life Line Clinics & Multi Speciality Hospitals
No 5/639, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Perungudi,
Chennai – 600 096
Empaneled Hospitals at Noida and Gurgaon
Kailash Hospital 2444444, 2445566, 2442466
Metro Hospital 2533491, 4366666
Fortis Hospital 2400222
Bharadwaj Hospital 2450111, 2450222, 2450333, 9811666123
Noida Medicare Centre (NMC) 4665555, 2453801-8, 2455550-4
Prakash Hospital 2505264-66, 2505555, 2505566
Vinayak Hospital 2444222, 2444333
Sumitra Hospital 2507725, 2507625
Prayag Hospital 2575555, 4021900
I Care Hospital (Eye Hospital) 406880, 2555969, 2536612
Trupti Eye Care Hospital 4266642, 2444349
Final Diagnosis (Pathological Lab)2455078, 2451452
Dr Lal Path Labs (Pathological Lab) 23342046, 23342075
ECHS Polyclinic, Sec 37, Noida 2433411
AFC, Delhi 011- 23012646, 23019405
AFDC, Delhi 011- 23019401
Station Hq (ECHS), Delhi 011-25694821
ECHS Polyclinic, Lodhi Road, Delhi 011- 24363230
ECHS Polyclinic, Gurgaon 0124-2349054
Metro Hospital 2533491, 4366666
Fortis Hospital 2400222
Bharadwaj Hospital 2450111, 2450222, 2450333, 9811666123
Noida Medicare Centre (NMC) 4665555, 2453801-8, 2455550-4
Prakash Hospital 2505264-66, 2505555, 2505566
Vinayak Hospital 2444222, 2444333
Sumitra Hospital 2507725, 2507625
Prayag Hospital 2575555, 4021900
I Care Hospital (Eye Hospital) 406880, 2555969, 2536612
Trupti Eye Care Hospital 4266642, 2444349
Final Diagnosis (Pathological Lab)2455078, 2451452
Dr Lal Path Labs (Pathological Lab) 23342046, 23342075
ECHS Polyclinic, Sec 37, Noida 2433411
AFC, Delhi 011- 23012646, 23019405
AFDC, Delhi 011- 23019401
Station Hq (ECHS), Delhi 011-25694821
ECHS Polyclinic, Lodhi Road, Delhi 011- 24363230
ECHS Polyclinic, Gurgaon 0124-2349054
Empanelled Hospitals at Delhi
Batra Hospital, Mehrauli Badarpur Road.
Orthonova Hospital, SDA.
Dharamshila Cancer Hospital, Vasundhara Enclave.
Delhi Heart & Lung Institute, Pachkuiyan Road.
Rockland Hospital, Qutab Institutional Area.
Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, Janakpuri.
Jeevan Mala Hospital, New Rohtak Road.
GM Modi Hospital &Research Centre, Saket.
Max Devki Devi Hospital and Vascular Institute.
Park Hospital, Outer Ring Road (Chaukhandi).
Metro Hospital, Lajpat Nagar.
National Heart Institute & Research Centre, East of Kailash..
RG Stone Urilogy & Leproscopy Centre.
Mool Chand (CT Scan etc).
Jain Hospital, Kirti Nagar.
Lion Kidney and Urology Research Centre, New Friends Colony.
Centre for Eye, in Safdarjung Hospital (??? Pls verify- my handwriting seems unclear)
Bharti Eye Hospital, East Patel Nagar.
Sri Jeevan Hospital, Rohtak Road.
Venu Eye Institute & Research Centre, Sheikh Sarai.
Chaudhary Eye Centre & laser.....(???)
Venu Eye Centre, West Patel Nagar.
Indian Institute of Opthomology, GK 2.
Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar.
Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, West Punjabi Bagh.
Saroj Hospital & Heart Institute, Rohini.
Dr Shroff Eye Hospital, Darya Ganj.
Metro Hospital and Cancer Institute, Preet Vihar.
Shroff Eye Centre, Kailash Colony.
Sunetra Eye Centre, Panchsheel.
Deepak Memorial Hospital, Vikas Marg Ext.
Primus Ortho Hospital, Chanakyapuri.
RVKC Hospital.
Metro Heart Institute, Pandav Nagar.
Bhagvati Hospital, Rohini.
Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla.
Orthonova Hospital, SDA.
Dharamshila Cancer Hospital, Vasundhara Enclave.
Delhi Heart & Lung Institute, Pachkuiyan Road.
Rockland Hospital, Qutab Institutional Area.
Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, Janakpuri.
Jeevan Mala Hospital, New Rohtak Road.
GM Modi Hospital &Research Centre, Saket.
Max Devki Devi Hospital and Vascular Institute.
Park Hospital, Outer Ring Road (Chaukhandi).
Metro Hospital, Lajpat Nagar.
National Heart Institute & Research Centre, East of Kailash..
RG Stone Urilogy & Leproscopy Centre.
Mool Chand (CT Scan etc).
Jain Hospital, Kirti Nagar.
Lion Kidney and Urology Research Centre, New Friends Colony.
Centre for Eye, in Safdarjung Hospital (??? Pls verify- my handwriting seems unclear)
Bharti Eye Hospital, East Patel Nagar.
Sri Jeevan Hospital, Rohtak Road.
Venu Eye Institute & Research Centre, Sheikh Sarai.
Chaudhary Eye Centre & laser.....(???)
Venu Eye Centre, West Patel Nagar.
Indian Institute of Opthomology, GK 2.
Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar.
Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, West Punjabi Bagh.
Saroj Hospital & Heart Institute, Rohini.
Dr Shroff Eye Hospital, Darya Ganj.
Metro Hospital and Cancer Institute, Preet Vihar.
Shroff Eye Centre, Kailash Colony.
Sunetra Eye Centre, Panchsheel.
Deepak Memorial Hospital, Vikas Marg Ext.
Primus Ortho Hospital, Chanakyapuri.
RVKC Hospital.
Metro Heart Institute, Pandav Nagar.
Bhagvati Hospital, Rohini.
Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
When a Soldier Cries
Major General Mrinal Suman, AVSM, VSM, PhD
The profession of arms is all about management of violence, destruction and death. As it is not easy to muster courage and nerve to kill other human beings, soldiers are trained to acquire a streak of raw ruthlessness and brutality. Consequently, according to common perception, soldiers are supposed to be cold-hearted and unsentimental fighters, totally impervious to emotional weaknesses. It is just not ‘soldierly’ to cry and shed tears like other mortals. But then as Voltaire said, “Tears are the silent language of grief”. Grief is a fundamental sentiment. It spares no one and soldiers are no exception. Soldiers by nature are highly sensitive to the environment and its responses.
However, soldiers do not grieve through wailing, howling, weeping and even sobbing. Their grief finds expression not through tears but through their silent anguish. Here are five triggers that overwhelm soldiers’ hearts and make them cringe with pain.
When he loses in battle
Soldiering is not a profession. It is a commitment that every soldier undertakes with missionary zeal to defend his country. It stretches much beyond the normal call of duty as is commonly understood. It is a matter of honour for a soldier to fight and win, whatever be the challenges and cost. It is a trait that becomes an inalienable part of every soldier’s character and provides motivational sustenance. Soldiers see themselves as the sole guardians of national security. Being the last bastion of the state, the military is fully aware of the fact that it cannot fail the nation, whatever may be the odds.
Memories of reverses suffered during the Chinese aggression of 1962 still cause immense pain. Despite the fact that the soldiers were ill-equipped and ill-clothed to fight in snow-bound areas, their devotion and valour were in the highest traditions of the services. Soldiers were not to blame for the failure, yet they felt that they had let the nation down. Scars of retreat in the face of the Chinese onslaught continue to haunt to date. Inability to dominate and crush forces inimical to national interests makes soldiers miserable. They become restless for an opportunity to redeem their lost honour.
When he loses a mate
Self preservation is a strong natural instinct and subordination of personal interests to group interests is against normal human psyche. However, military life is all about camaraderie and group cohesion. Indian military thrives on shared commitment among soldiers to achieving the assigned goal. Shared commitment flows from cohesion developed through rigorous training, caring and emotional bonding. It is not uncommon to see soldiers risk their lives for their colleagues. Soldiers are neither reckless nor impulsive. They are fully aware of the trauma and privations their families would have to suffer should they die in the call of duty. Their inexplicable behavior is purely due to intense attachment and loyalty to their colleagues and the group.
The worst thing for a soldier is to lose a ‘buddy’. Poignant notes of the ‘Last Post’ send shivers down the toughest of soldiers’ backs. Tears shed in the memory of a fallen comrade are invariably accompanied by a sense of guilt and helplessness. Many tend to blame themselves for their failure to save their colleague’s life. This is the reasons why arms are reversed while bidding final farewell to a friend.
When his leaders let him down
Military as an institution sustains itself on the trust-loyalty equation existing between the leadership and the rank and file. To be trusted is the greatest compliment that a leader can earn. Trust is the expectancy that the followers can rely on a leader’s immaculate personal conduct and professional competence. It flourishes on the credibility that a leader enjoys in his command. Soldiers willingly repose faith in a leader in the belief that he would remain incorruptible and morally upright.
When military leaders indulge in land grabbing, sale of liquor or fake encounters, soldiers start wondering whether such leaders deserve their trust and confidence. They get disillusioned as their faith in the uprightness and integrity of the leadership gets shaken. They feel let down by the leadership that they had trusted unquestioningly. Worse, loss of credibility makes soldiers doubt their military competence and worthiness. They cry out in anguish as they find that their icons of morality are unworthy of their trust.
When countrymen fail to understand him
Soldiers’ dedication to duty, loyalty to the nation and willingness for the supreme sacrifice are driven less by material considerations and more by an overwhelming urge to earn love and respect of their countrymen. As the soldiers know that their image in the society is dependent on media projections, they tend to be very sensitive to adverse publicity and undue criticism. They feel betrayed that their national media ignores their contribution and highlights a few aberrations.
Soldiers do not question subjecting the military to public scrutiny. However, they want it to be done in an objective and balanced manner. For example, quite unfairly, in the recent case pertaining to Adarsh Housing Society, the media has twisted the facts so blatantly to make it appear to be a scam perpetrated exclusively by the service officers. Worse, Army’s prompt action against transgressing officers is never recognized. Further, it is most demoralizing when a few self-proclaimed chair-bound activists make their living through regular military-bashing. According to them, anti-national crowds can throw stones at uniformed persons and maim them, but return fire in self-defence is not acceptable.
It is unfair to expect that there would be no aberrations in a 1.3 million strong force. However, it must be appreciated that 90 percent of the troops are deployed on borders or in counter-insurgency operations. Soldiers doing duty in remote and uncongenial areas feel terribly pained when a few acts of misdemeanor and indiscretion are cited to paint a negative picture of the services as a whole. They wonder if the countrymen understand their trials and tribulations. They cry for the nation’s empathy and recognition.
When the government shows apathy
A supportive government’s compassion acts as a major motivator for the soldiers. It is not a question of financial remunerations alone. It is the way a government treats and values its soldiers that matter. Except for token inanities on Independence Day, the Government has singularly failed to appreciate the intensity of sense of hurt of the soldiers at their continued neglect. Frequent degradation of their status through manipulated pay commission awards has made them skeptical about government’s intent.
In the recent past, India was witness to the most unfortunate sight of numerous military veterans returning their medals to the President to register their protest against Government’s indifference to their pleas. Medals earned during active service are the proudest possession of soldiers and their being driven to surrender them should have made the Government sit up and take note. But true to its wont, the Government remained totally unconcerned and unmoved. This episode will certainly go down as a dark chapter in the history of Independent India.
When the government expresses its inability to spare a small piece of suitable land for a war memorial in the capital to honour independent India’s martyrs, it hurts every soldier. They consider it to be an affront to the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice. When a senior member of the ruling party declares that commemoration of Kargil war is not warranted as the war took place due to an intelligence failure of the earlier government, soldiers are left aghast at the brazenness of the logic. When the government adopts a negative attitude and makes no effort to redress their genuine grievances, the soldiers are left a disillusioned lot with no one to provide solace.
Finally
Military is a social organization, albeit highly structured and disciplined. It consists of living human beings with their normal share of sentiments and idiosyncrasies. Soldiers also emote and go through phases of elation and sorrow. It is just that they are trained to keep their emotions under control lest it affects their performance in crisis situations. Their anguish remains muted due to their strong sense of loyalty to the country and to uphold military honour. For that reason, soldiers need to be handled with sensitivity and compassion.
Also see: Omar seeks 30,000 new Kashmiri cops to replace CRPF | Maoist threat: Deploy the Babus, not army
Major General Mrinal Suman, (retd) AVSM, VSM, PhD directs the Defence Acquisition Management Course for Confederation of Indian Industry and heads its Defence Technical Assessment and Advisory Service. A prolific writer, he is often consulted by policy makers and the Parliamentary Committee on Defence, and is regularly invited to address various industrial chambers in India and abroad. The views expressed here are his own.)
By the same author: Are ex-servicemen Enemies of the State? | Women in the Army? Not yet! |Why India is not a great nation | Unsung Heroes: The Ice Warriors | When a soldier prays | Why everybody loves a flood | Did the British Really Divide India to Rule? | Where are the real leaders?
When a Soldier Cries
The profession of arms is all about management of violence, destruction and death. As it is not easy to muster courage and nerve to kill other human beings, soldiers are trained to acquire a streak of raw ruthlessness and brutality. Consequently, according to common perception, soldiers are supposed to be cold-hearted and unsentimental fighters, totally impervious to emotional weaknesses. It is just not ‘soldierly’ to cry and shed tears like other mortals. But then as Voltaire said, “Tears are the silent language of grief”. Grief is a fundamental sentiment. It spares no one and soldiers are no exception. Soldiers by nature are highly sensitive to the environment and its responses.
However, soldiers do not grieve through wailing, howling, weeping and even sobbing. Their grief finds expression not through tears but through their silent anguish. Here are five triggers that overwhelm soldiers’ hearts and make them cringe with pain.
When he loses in battle
Soldiering is not a profession. It is a commitment that every soldier undertakes with missionary zeal to defend his country. It stretches much beyond the normal call of duty as is commonly understood. It is a matter of honour for a soldier to fight and win, whatever be the challenges and cost. It is a trait that becomes an inalienable part of every soldier’s character and provides motivational sustenance. Soldiers see themselves as the sole guardians of national security. Being the last bastion of the state, the military is fully aware of the fact that it cannot fail the nation, whatever may be the odds.
Memories of reverses suffered during the Chinese aggression of 1962 still cause immense pain. Despite the fact that the soldiers were ill-equipped and ill-clothed to fight in snow-bound areas, their devotion and valour were in the highest traditions of the services. Soldiers were not to blame for the failure, yet they felt that they had let the nation down. Scars of retreat in the face of the Chinese onslaught continue to haunt to date. Inability to dominate and crush forces inimical to national interests makes soldiers miserable. They become restless for an opportunity to redeem their lost honour.
When he loses a mate
Self preservation is a strong natural instinct and subordination of personal interests to group interests is against normal human psyche. However, military life is all about camaraderie and group cohesion. Indian military thrives on shared commitment among soldiers to achieving the assigned goal. Shared commitment flows from cohesion developed through rigorous training, caring and emotional bonding. It is not uncommon to see soldiers risk their lives for their colleagues. Soldiers are neither reckless nor impulsive. They are fully aware of the trauma and privations their families would have to suffer should they die in the call of duty. Their inexplicable behavior is purely due to intense attachment and loyalty to their colleagues and the group.
The worst thing for a soldier is to lose a ‘buddy’. Poignant notes of the ‘Last Post’ send shivers down the toughest of soldiers’ backs. Tears shed in the memory of a fallen comrade are invariably accompanied by a sense of guilt and helplessness. Many tend to blame themselves for their failure to save their colleague’s life. This is the reasons why arms are reversed while bidding final farewell to a friend.
When his leaders let him down
Military as an institution sustains itself on the trust-loyalty equation existing between the leadership and the rank and file. To be trusted is the greatest compliment that a leader can earn. Trust is the expectancy that the followers can rely on a leader’s immaculate personal conduct and professional competence. It flourishes on the credibility that a leader enjoys in his command. Soldiers willingly repose faith in a leader in the belief that he would remain incorruptible and morally upright.
When military leaders indulge in land grabbing, sale of liquor or fake encounters, soldiers start wondering whether such leaders deserve their trust and confidence. They get disillusioned as their faith in the uprightness and integrity of the leadership gets shaken. They feel let down by the leadership that they had trusted unquestioningly. Worse, loss of credibility makes soldiers doubt their military competence and worthiness. They cry out in anguish as they find that their icons of morality are unworthy of their trust.
When countrymen fail to understand him
Soldiers’ dedication to duty, loyalty to the nation and willingness for the supreme sacrifice are driven less by material considerations and more by an overwhelming urge to earn love and respect of their countrymen. As the soldiers know that their image in the society is dependent on media projections, they tend to be very sensitive to adverse publicity and undue criticism. They feel betrayed that their national media ignores their contribution and highlights a few aberrations.
Soldiers do not question subjecting the military to public scrutiny. However, they want it to be done in an objective and balanced manner. For example, quite unfairly, in the recent case pertaining to Adarsh Housing Society, the media has twisted the facts so blatantly to make it appear to be a scam perpetrated exclusively by the service officers. Worse, Army’s prompt action against transgressing officers is never recognized. Further, it is most demoralizing when a few self-proclaimed chair-bound activists make their living through regular military-bashing. According to them, anti-national crowds can throw stones at uniformed persons and maim them, but return fire in self-defence is not acceptable.
It is unfair to expect that there would be no aberrations in a 1.3 million strong force. However, it must be appreciated that 90 percent of the troops are deployed on borders or in counter-insurgency operations. Soldiers doing duty in remote and uncongenial areas feel terribly pained when a few acts of misdemeanor and indiscretion are cited to paint a negative picture of the services as a whole. They wonder if the countrymen understand their trials and tribulations. They cry for the nation’s empathy and recognition.
When the government shows apathy
A supportive government’s compassion acts as a major motivator for the soldiers. It is not a question of financial remunerations alone. It is the way a government treats and values its soldiers that matter. Except for token inanities on Independence Day, the Government has singularly failed to appreciate the intensity of sense of hurt of the soldiers at their continued neglect. Frequent degradation of their status through manipulated pay commission awards has made them skeptical about government’s intent.
In the recent past, India was witness to the most unfortunate sight of numerous military veterans returning their medals to the President to register their protest against Government’s indifference to their pleas. Medals earned during active service are the proudest possession of soldiers and their being driven to surrender them should have made the Government sit up and take note. But true to its wont, the Government remained totally unconcerned and unmoved. This episode will certainly go down as a dark chapter in the history of Independent India.
When the government expresses its inability to spare a small piece of suitable land for a war memorial in the capital to honour independent India’s martyrs, it hurts every soldier. They consider it to be an affront to the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice. When a senior member of the ruling party declares that commemoration of Kargil war is not warranted as the war took place due to an intelligence failure of the earlier government, soldiers are left aghast at the brazenness of the logic. When the government adopts a negative attitude and makes no effort to redress their genuine grievances, the soldiers are left a disillusioned lot with no one to provide solace.
Finally
Military is a social organization, albeit highly structured and disciplined. It consists of living human beings with their normal share of sentiments and idiosyncrasies. Soldiers also emote and go through phases of elation and sorrow. It is just that they are trained to keep their emotions under control lest it affects their performance in crisis situations. Their anguish remains muted due to their strong sense of loyalty to the country and to uphold military honour. For that reason, soldiers need to be handled with sensitivity and compassion.
Also see: Omar seeks 30,000 new Kashmiri cops to replace CRPF | Maoist threat: Deploy the Babus, not army
Major General Mrinal Suman, (retd) AVSM, VSM, PhD directs the Defence Acquisition Management Course for Confederation of Indian Industry and heads its Defence Technical Assessment and Advisory Service. A prolific writer, he is often consulted by policy makers and the Parliamentary Committee on Defence, and is regularly invited to address various industrial chambers in India and abroad. The views expressed here are his own.)
By the same author: Are ex-servicemen Enemies of the State? | Women in the Army? Not yet! |Why India is not a great nation | Unsung Heroes: The Ice Warriors | When a soldier prays | Why everybody loves a flood | Did the British Really Divide India to Rule? | Where are the real leaders?
When a Soldier Cries
Thursday, December 9, 2010
New IESM members by Brig JP Singh at Secunderabad
My dear veteran JP Singh
This is an absolutely fantastic effort by you -- do keep it up, please!
I notice that there have been some rather generous donations in all this. Were you able to have the Donation Forms filled? If not, please do try and get the attached Form filled for all donors and send back to me by email as well as at:
N-15 1st Floor
Greater Kailash 1
New Delhi - 110048
This would ensure prompt action in issuance of the Receipt under Section 80G, which qualifies the donor to a 50% set off on the Income Tax payable (this receipt, of course, is issued to those who donate more than Rs 1,000).
I have noticed that you have, yourself, been very generous when you joined by making a donation of Rs 4,500. Thank you very much for that, too -- those were the early days for IESM and this act of your may have gone unnoticed.
With people like you at Secunderabad, we are sure that IESM is in excellent hands!
Once again, thank you very much for this sterling effort.
On 9 December 2010 12:21, jagatpal singh wrote:
9th December, 2010
Dear Sir,
New Members – 09 December, 2010
Ser No.
No.RankNameMembership Fee (Rs)Donation (Rs)Total
(Rs)
1.IC 31935ColSudhakar R Tumati50045005000
2. Mrs Chhanda Sarkar W/O Ic 10465 Col SK Sarkar000
3.6738Gp CaptON Bhargava5005001000
4.MR 4457BrigBK Singh5005001000
5.640321JWOKHS Goud20020002200
6. Mrs Sudha Raman W/O TC 31280 Lt Col S Raman01500015000
7.RC 948MajBalakrishnan TK50035004000
8.JC 373006SubKVB Pillai2000200
9.JC 371518Hony Sub MajT Gopala Krishnan2000200
10.14240511NkK Mugdum Ali1000100
11.15356283HavP Sreenivasa Rao1000100
The following amounts have been deposited in IESM HDFC A/C No. 06162000001330 through HDFC Bank, Kapra Branch, Hyderabad:
1. 8 December, 2010: Rs. 5000 on behalf of Col Sudhakar R Tumati cheque
Rs. 1000 on behalf of Gp Capt ON Bhargava cheque
Rs. 2200 on behalf of JWO KHS Gowd cheque
Rs. 1000 on behalf of Brig BK Singh cheque
2. 9 December, 2010: Rs.15000 on behalf of Mrs Sudha Raman cheque
Rs. 4000 on behalf of Maj Balakrishnan TK cheque
Rs. 200 on behalf of Sub KVB Pillai cash
Rs. 200 on behalf of Sub Maj T Gopala Krishnan cash
Rs. 100 on behalf of Nk K Mugdum Ali cash
Rs. 100 on behalf of Hav P Sreenivasa Rao Cash
Application forms and photocopies of bank deposit slips have been sent by courier on 9 December, 2010.
With best wishes and regards,
Brig JP Singh, Veteran (IESM Membership No. 1407)
This is an absolutely fantastic effort by you -- do keep it up, please!
I notice that there have been some rather generous donations in all this. Were you able to have the Donation Forms filled? If not, please do try and get the attached Form filled for all donors and send back to me by email as well as at:
N-15 1st Floor
Greater Kailash 1
New Delhi - 110048
This would ensure prompt action in issuance of the Receipt under Section 80G, which qualifies the donor to a 50% set off on the Income Tax payable (this receipt, of course, is issued to those who donate more than Rs 1,000).
I have noticed that you have, yourself, been very generous when you joined by making a donation of Rs 4,500. Thank you very much for that, too -- those were the early days for IESM and this act of your may have gone unnoticed.
With people like you at Secunderabad, we are sure that IESM is in excellent hands!
Once again, thank you very much for this sterling effort.
On 9 December 2010 12:21, jagatpal singh
9th December, 2010
Dear Sir,
New Members – 09 December, 2010
Ser No.
No.RankNameMembership Fee (Rs)Donation (Rs)Total
(Rs)
1.IC 31935ColSudhakar R Tumati50045005000
2. Mrs Chhanda Sarkar W/O Ic 10465 Col SK Sarkar000
3.6738Gp CaptON Bhargava5005001000
4.MR 4457BrigBK Singh5005001000
5.640321JWOKHS Goud20020002200
6. Mrs Sudha Raman W/O TC 31280 Lt Col S Raman01500015000
7.RC 948MajBalakrishnan TK50035004000
8.JC 373006SubKVB Pillai2000200
9.JC 371518Hony Sub MajT Gopala Krishnan2000200
10.14240511NkK Mugdum Ali1000100
11.15356283HavP Sreenivasa Rao1000100
The following amounts have been deposited in IESM HDFC A/C No. 06162000001330 through HDFC Bank, Kapra Branch, Hyderabad:
1. 8 December, 2010: Rs. 5000 on behalf of Col Sudhakar R Tumati cheque
Rs. 1000 on behalf of Gp Capt ON Bhargava cheque
Rs. 2200 on behalf of JWO KHS Gowd cheque
Rs. 1000 on behalf of Brig BK Singh cheque
2. 9 December, 2010: Rs.15000 on behalf of Mrs Sudha Raman cheque
Rs. 4000 on behalf of Maj Balakrishnan TK cheque
Rs. 200 on behalf of Sub KVB Pillai cash
Rs. 200 on behalf of Sub Maj T Gopala Krishnan cash
Rs. 100 on behalf of Nk K Mugdum Ali cash
Rs. 100 on behalf of Hav P Sreenivasa Rao Cash
Application forms and photocopies of bank deposit slips have been sent by courier on 9 December, 2010.
With best wishes and regards,
Brig JP Singh, Veteran (IESM Membership No. 1407)
Monday, December 6, 2010
New Members of IESM..Thanks to Hony Lt Pandey
fromKameshwar Pandey
torajkadyan@yahoo.com
ccSatbir Singh,
Vinod Gandhi,
CoreGpIESM@yahoogroups.com,
Sharan Ahuja,
kamboj@itintellectuals.com
dateSun, Dec 5, 2010 at 11:39 PM
subjectNewly Joined IESM members
mailed-bygmail.com
signed-bygmail.com
hide details 11:39 PM (14 hours ago)
Dear Sirs,
Following are the newly joined members of IESM:-
Sub Victor Soni
Sep Ashok Kumar
H/Capt J S Negi
H/F Lt Subey Singh
Sgt Manoj Kumar Giri
W/O Hav Late R K Singh
NK Mahmood Alam
HCapt Puran Singh
HCapt I S Dhankhar
Wg Cdr K S Rawat
H/Capt I S Jakher
JWO BB Mourya
Sgt Beni Madhav
WO Lal Singh GusaI
MWO CS Negi
With Regards
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
torajkadyan@yahoo.com
ccSatbir Singh
Vinod Gandhi
CoreGpIESM@yahoogroups.com,
Sharan Ahuja
kamboj@itintellectuals.com
dateSun, Dec 5, 2010 at 11:39 PM
subjectNewly Joined IESM members
mailed-bygmail.com
signed-bygmail.com
hide details 11:39 PM (14 hours ago)
Dear Sirs,
Following are the newly joined members of IESM:-
Sub Victor Soni
Sep Ashok Kumar
H/Capt J S Negi
H/F Lt Subey Singh
Sgt Manoj Kumar Giri
W/O Hav Late R K Singh
NK Mahmood Alam
HCapt Puran Singh
HCapt I S Dhankhar
Wg Cdr K S Rawat
H/Capt I S Jakher
JWO BB Mourya
Sgt Beni Madhav
WO Lal Singh GusaI
MWO CS Negi
With Regards
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
Veterans cases cleared at SBI,CPPC at CBD Belapur alone on 22 Nov 2010
From: Suhas phatak
To: Ravindra Pathak
Cc: Vinod Gandhi; Maj Gen Satbir Singh ; pravesh renjen ; Maj Gen Kamboj
Sent: Fri, 3 December, 2010 9:55:58 AM
Subject: My visit to CPPC SBI on 22 Nov 2010
Dear Ravi,
I visited SBI,CPPC at CBD Belapur alone on 22 Nov 2010 since you had to rush to AZ.Following cases have been cleared:-
1 659884 Sgt SS Bhardwaj
2 297571 Hon Fg Offr A J Manohar
3 247181 Sgt VG Anap
4 232571 Sgt B L Tarate
5 224695 Hon Flt Lt M P Savarkar
6 222878 W O L V DEsai
7 201710 Hon Flt Lt V A Sant
8 231139 Sgt S N Phade
9 607921 JWO G R Sandbhor
10 232385 Sgt B S Angal
11 239235 Sgt S M Vaidya
12 222961 Smt Sushila P Salunke, w/o late MWO Salunke
13 400638 WO B G Sane
14 617686 Cpl D G Halady
15 226762 Cpl A G Ainapure
16 232404 Cpl M S Dere
17 608207 Sgt V B Joshi
18 PO BB Rayakar(IN)
19 617017 Sgt M A Sonawane
20 672407 Sgt S N Mane
21 621119 Sgt TR Dake
22 239634 Sub CV Pusadkar
23 6521 Late Gp Capt DS Jatar-Gallantry Award credited after 7 years.
24 V D Vaidya
25 Dadu Samudre
26 601061 Cpl B J Gurav
27 234828 WO AG Kulkarni
28 SL-3443 Maj HB Brall--(Time scale PPO awaited)
All IAF veterans have been personally informed on telephone/cell nos. Most of them are attending our next annual meeting on 17 Dec 2010 and if not they will become members on that day.
This also proves that real task of correct fixation of pensioners is yet to be completed when we have 2.4 million pensioners.We have not even touched tip of the iceberge.Winding up of our Pension cell will be a pramature step. There is a great need to reach out in all the States.I reiterate that we must write to the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee and request for a special audit to be carried out by respective PCDAs for widows,PBORs and lastly Officers as a follow up of our visit to CGDA otherwise we will reduce ourselves to be called 'Officers Club'.
Suhas Phatak
To: Ravindra Pathak
Cc: Vinod Gandhi
Sent: Fri, 3 December, 2010 9:55:58 AM
Subject: My visit to CPPC SBI on 22 Nov 2010
Dear Ravi,
I visited SBI,CPPC at CBD Belapur alone on 22 Nov 2010 since you had to rush to AZ.Following cases have been cleared:-
1 659884 Sgt SS Bhardwaj
2 297571 Hon Fg Offr A J Manohar
3 247181 Sgt VG Anap
4 232571 Sgt B L Tarate
5 224695 Hon Flt Lt M P Savarkar
6 222878 W O L V DEsai
7 201710 Hon Flt Lt V A Sant
8 231139 Sgt S N Phade
9 607921 JWO G R Sandbhor
10 232385 Sgt B S Angal
11 239235 Sgt S M Vaidya
12 222961 Smt Sushila P Salunke, w/o late MWO Salunke
13 400638 WO B G Sane
14 617686 Cpl D G Halady
15 226762 Cpl A G Ainapure
16 232404 Cpl M S Dere
17 608207 Sgt V B Joshi
18 PO BB Rayakar(IN)
19 617017 Sgt M A Sonawane
20 672407 Sgt S N Mane
21 621119 Sgt TR Dake
22 239634 Sub CV Pusadkar
23 6521 Late Gp Capt DS Jatar-Gallantry Award credited after 7 years.
24 V D Vaidya
25 Dadu Samudre
26 601061 Cpl B J Gurav
27 234828 WO AG Kulkarni
28 SL-3443 Maj HB Brall--(Time scale PPO awaited)
All IAF veterans have been personally informed on telephone/cell nos. Most of them are attending our next annual meeting on 17 Dec 2010 and if not they will become members on that day.
This also proves that real task of correct fixation of pensioners is yet to be completed when we have 2.4 million pensioners.We have not even touched tip of the iceberge.Winding up of our Pension cell will be a pramature step. There is a great need to reach out in all the States.I reiterate that we must write to the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee and request for a special audit to be carried out by respective PCDAs for widows,PBORs and lastly Officers as a follow up of our visit to CGDA otherwise we will reduce ourselves to be called 'Officers Club'.
Suhas Phatak
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
ESM sitrep 27 Nov evening
From: Raghubir Singh [mailto:raghubirs@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 November 2010 05:28
To: iesm_group+owners@googlegroups.com
Cc: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; 20-29; 19-28 course; brigadier ptgangadharan; ESM Veterans site; iesmgroup 1
Subject: Re: [IESM_Group:52] ESM sitrep 27 Nov evening
Dear General Raj Kadiyan & General Satbir Singh
Please accept my heariest congratulations on being given the baton once again to lead the struggle for the next two years. I find my dear friend & one of the leading lights of the IESM Col Rajan not in the list of functionaries? Col Tyagi who has scored a dozen votes must be given due respect for keeping up the democratic tradition for standing up.
I had requested quite long time back to be taken off the Core Gp -for not being able to contribute much due to my pre-occupation with education.
I have one small suggestion that IESM should ask for Annual Subscription of say Rs 1000/- on voluntary basis instead of donation.
I will be contributing @ Rs 1000/- per year.
Congratulations to all members of the Governing Body.
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
Pune
Sent: 29 November 2010 05:28
To: iesm_group+owners@googlegroups.com
Cc: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; 20-29; 19-28 course; brigadier ptgangadharan; ESM Veterans site; iesmgroup 1
Subject: Re: [IESM_Group:52] ESM sitrep 27 Nov evening
Dear General Raj Kadiyan & General Satbir Singh
Please accept my heariest congratulations on being given the baton once again to lead the struggle for the next two years. I find my dear friend & one of the leading lights of the IESM Col Rajan not in the list of functionaries? Col Tyagi who has scored a dozen votes must be given due respect for keeping up the democratic tradition for standing up.
I had requested quite long time back to be taken off the Core Gp -for not being able to contribute much due to my pre-occupation with education.
I have one small suggestion that IESM should ask for Annual Subscription of say Rs 1000/- on voluntary basis instead of donation.
I will be contributing @ Rs 1000/- per year.
Congratulations to all members of the Governing Body.
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
Pune
IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS
From: mehandru [mailto:mehandru@airtelmail.in]
Sent: 28 November 2010 13:48
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS - CHAIRMAN'S AND SECY GENERAL'S EMAILS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 551/2010 - (H to Z-3) - 27 NOV 2010
IESM....AGM....
GREEINGS TO OUR PRECIOUS TEAM,.
IT IS ONLY RARELY THAT PROVDENCE CONJURES UP A TEAM LIKE THIS.
The Services and the ESM have had in the last over 50years an abundance of such soldiers who individually were equally devoted and dedicated but the coming together of this team and the concept of collective work for collective good of the serving ,retired, disabled and widows has benefitted everybody selflessly and thus can neither be faulted nor replaced.You have touched the remote corners of the country and made the ESM aware..The blog RMS and efforts of Brig Kamboj has kept everyone well informed and well-knit.
KEEP IT UP,KEEP TOGATHER AND KEEP MOVING,..
WE MAY BE APOLITICAL BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE A VOICE...AND YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’
GOD BLESS US
Mehandru
Sent: 28 November 2010 13:48
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS - CHAIRMAN'S AND SECY GENERAL'S EMAILS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 551/2010 - (H to Z-3) - 27 NOV 2010
IESM....AGM....
GREEINGS TO OUR PRECIOUS TEAM,.
IT IS ONLY RARELY THAT PROVDENCE CONJURES UP A TEAM LIKE THIS.
The Services and the ESM have had in the last over 50years an abundance of such soldiers who individually were equally devoted and dedicated but the coming together of this team and the concept of collective work for collective good of the serving ,retired, disabled and widows has benefitted everybody selflessly and thus can neither be faulted nor replaced.You have touched the remote corners of the country and made the ESM aware..The blog RMS and efforts of Brig Kamboj has kept everyone well informed and well-knit.
KEEP IT UP,KEEP TOGATHER AND KEEP MOVING,..
WE MAY BE APOLITICAL BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE A VOICE...AND YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’
GOD BLESS US
Mehandru
AGM/Election
From: Ram Gulrajani [mailto:ramgulrajani@gmail.com]
Sent: 27 November 2010 19:38
To: IESM Kamboj CS, Brig; coregroup IESM; IESM GROUP
Cc: indianveterans; mil
Subject: Re: [IESM_Group:50] AGM/Election Prelim Rep 101127/4
Dear Veterans
Congratulations to the new and re-elected incumbents who have been doing a thankless job with so much dedication and enthusiasm. The movement under the Chairmanship of Generals Raj Kadyan and Satbir Singh has already created a ripple in the babudom, which will now be a wave if not a tsunami. My salutes and God Bless to the entire team.
Veteran Ram Gulrajani
Chennai.
Sent: 27 November 2010 19:38
To: IESM Kamboj CS, Brig; coregroup IESM; IESM GROUP
Cc: indianveterans; mil
Subject: Re: [IESM_Group:50] AGM/Election Prelim Rep 101127/4
Dear Veterans
Congratulations to the new and re-elected incumbents who have been doing a thankless job with so much dedication and enthusiasm. The movement under the Chairmanship of Generals Raj Kadyan and Satbir Singh has already created a ripple in the babudom, which will now be a wave if not a tsunami. My salutes and God Bless to the entire team.
Veteran Ram Gulrajani
Chennai.
IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS
From: Brigadier Dharam Prakash [mailto:brigadierdp@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 November 2010 13:19
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: CSK551@DATAONE.IN
Subject: Re: IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS - CHAIRMAN'S AND SECY GENERAL'S EMAILS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 551/2010 - (A to G-1) - 27 NOV 2010
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS to OUT GOING committee,for the excellent work done so far despite odds.
Best wishes from all IESM members from Navi Mumbai for the new Committee,collectively we shall achieve what we set our sights on.
Brigadier Dharam Prakash (Retd)
Sent: 29 November 2010 13:19
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: CSK551@DATAONE.IN
Subject: Re: IESM AGM AND ELECTIONS - CHAIRMAN'S AND SECY GENERAL'S EMAILS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 551/2010 - (A to G-1) - 27 NOV 2010
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS to OUT GOING committee,for the excellent work done so far despite odds.
Best wishes from all IESM members from Navi Mumbai for the new Committee,collectively we shall achieve what we set our sights on.
Brigadier Dharam Prakash (Retd)
Picasa Web Album - AGM and Elections at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and Rally at Jantar Mantar on 28 2010
From: Cdr Sharan Ahuja
Sent: 30 November 2010 16:48
Subject: Invitation to view indianexservicemenmovementindi's Picasa Web Album - AGM and Elections at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and Rally at Jantar Mantar on 28 2010
Pictures of the IESM's AGM and Election at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and the Rally at Jantar Mantar held on 28 Nov 2010. Both was well attended by ESM of 12 States. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan was re-elected as Chairman of IESM for the next 2 years along with other Governing Body members. Capt Sidhu from Punjab attended the rally on 28 along with many ESM from Punjab.
http://picasaweb.google.com/indianexservicemenmovementindi/AGMAndElectionsAtAVINoidaOn27Nov2010?feat=email#
Regards.
Cdr Sharan Ahuja
If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=indianexservicemenmovementindi&target=ALBUM&id=5361238502148557985&authkey=Gv1sRgCJCBtKXG3J24rQE&feat=email
Sent: 30 November 2010 16:48
Subject: Invitation to view indianexservicemenmovementindi's Picasa Web Album - AGM and Elections at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and Rally at Jantar Mantar on 28 2010
Pictures of the IESM's AGM and Election at AVI , Noida on 27 Nov 2010 and the Rally at Jantar Mantar held on 28 Nov 2010. Both was well attended by ESM of 12 States. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan was re-elected as Chairman of IESM for the next 2 years along with other Governing Body members. Capt Sidhu from Punjab attended the rally on 28 along with many ESM from Punjab.
http://picasaweb.google.com/indianexservicemenmovementindi/AGMAndElectionsAtAVINoidaOn27Nov2010?feat=email#
Regards.
Cdr Sharan Ahuja
If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=indianexservicemenmovementindi&target=ALBUM&id=5361238502148557985&authkey=Gv1sRgCJCBtKXG3J24rQE&feat=email
Pension Anomaly removed but Lt Col Family Pension remains Jinxed
As per the current stipulation in vogue, the minimum guaranteed pension of personnel of some junior ranks was more than pension of senior ranks with the same length of service. This happened since the admissible weightage of junior ranks at places was more than senior ranks.
The said anomaly has been addressed and the MoD has issued a new letter rectifying the problem. Consequently, fresh amended annexures (i.e, Annexures II, IIA and III) replacing the ones appended with the earlier issued MoD letter dated 11 Nov 2008, have been promulgated for officers as well as JCOs and OR.
The said letter, alongwith another letter on medical boards, may be accessed by clicking here. It may however be noted that the family pension of a Lt Col has been mentioned incorrectly in the fresh letter as Rs 8760 per month in this letter whereas it actually is Rs 15420 (30% of minimum of Pay Band-4 + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay). The MoD has by mistake printed the family pension for the rank of Lt Col as per the old (Pay Band-3) scale.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:08 AM
The said anomaly has been addressed and the MoD has issued a new letter rectifying the problem. Consequently, fresh amended annexures (i.e, Annexures II, IIA and III) replacing the ones appended with the earlier issued MoD letter dated 11 Nov 2008, have been promulgated for officers as well as JCOs and OR.
The said letter, alongwith another letter on medical boards, may be accessed by clicking here. It may however be noted that the family pension of a Lt Col has been mentioned incorrectly in the fresh letter as Rs 8760 per month in this letter whereas it actually is Rs 15420 (30% of minimum of Pay Band-4 + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay). The MoD has by mistake printed the family pension for the rank of Lt Col as per the old (Pay Band-3) scale.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:08 AM
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
New Members IESM by Hony Lt K Pandey
From: Kameshwar Pandey [mailto:pandeykameshwar@gmail.com]
Sent: 22 November 2010 12:13
To: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: Satbir Singh; Sharan Ahuja; CoreGpIESM@yahoogroups.com; kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: List of Newly Joined IESM Members
Dear Sirs,
Following is the list of newly joined IESM members:-
H/Capt Tulashi Ram Gyati
H/N/Sub Ram Murti Lal
N/Sub Madan Singh
Sub MaJ Zile Singh
H/Lt MS Negi
H/Capt Roshan Lal Puri
Sub T Yadaw
Sub Dibal Chad Verma
Sub Maj RS Pal
H/Cpt J R Narang
Sgt Harjit Singh
H/N/Sub Shrikrisna Thakar
Sub Jagdish Prasad Shama
Sub GN Tripathi
H/Capt NB Pathak
H/Capt Badri Singh
Hav Kuldip Singh
Hav SK Barua
Hav Birendar Kumar
Cpl Sanjay Dvibedi
Sea Man BD Sharma
CFN Mahesh Chandra Dutta
H/N/Sub Puran Singh
NK Rewat Singh Bist
Hav Madan Rai
W/O NK Netwar Prasad
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Kameshwar Pandey
Sent: 22 November 2010 12:13
To: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: Satbir Singh; Sharan Ahuja; CoreGpIESM@yahoogroups.com; kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: List of Newly Joined IESM Members
Dear Sirs,
Following is the list of newly joined IESM members:-
H/Capt Tulashi Ram Gyati
H/N/Sub Ram Murti Lal
N/Sub Madan Singh
Sub MaJ Zile Singh
H/Lt MS Negi
H/Capt Roshan Lal Puri
Sub T Yadaw
Sub Dibal Chad Verma
Sub Maj RS Pal
H/Cpt J R Narang
Sgt Harjit Singh
H/N/Sub Shrikrisna Thakar
Sub Jagdish Prasad Shama
Sub GN Tripathi
H/Capt NB Pathak
H/Capt Badri Singh
Hav Kuldip Singh
Hav SK Barua
Hav Birendar Kumar
Cpl Sanjay Dvibedi
Sea Man BD Sharma
CFN Mahesh Chandra Dutta
H/N/Sub Puran Singh
NK Rewat Singh Bist
Hav Madan Rai
W/O NK Netwar Prasad
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Kameshwar Pandey
ARTICLE BY Major General Mrinal Suman
From: kamaleshwar davar [mailto:kamaleshwar9@yahoo.co.in]
Sent: 21 November 2010 18:59
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ARTICLE BY Major General Mrinal Suman - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 540/2010 - (A to G-1) - 21 NOV 2010
An excellent, balanced and a well analysed article. I hope the three Services will look into the very significant points mentioned and rationalise the selections beyond the level of the Corps Cdrs too. Incidentally the Army follows the rule of min 2 years residual service for Corps Cdrs becoming Army Cdrs whereas the IAF and Navy follow only one year residual service. Thus what is happening is that in the large number of Inter service appts many Army offrs perforce get toserve under the IN and IAF offrs who were originally junior to them.Also the Supreme Court on many occasions have advised the Services HQs to streamline thier promotion policies for senior offrs. I am afraid some among the top hierarchy have not been fair to the Service they have the privilege to lead and thus' mediocrity with agreeability' reinforced by an unwarranted regimental loyalty becomes the major criteria for movement upwards and has brought a bad name to the Services. I pray for the best to lead the best in the service of the country. JAI HIND,
Lt Gen Kamal Davar (retd)
Sent: 21 November 2010 18:59
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ARTICLE BY Major General Mrinal Suman - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 540/2010 - (A to G-1) - 21 NOV 2010
An excellent, balanced and a well analysed article. I hope the three Services will look into the very significant points mentioned and rationalise the selections beyond the level of the Corps Cdrs too. Incidentally the Army follows the rule of min 2 years residual service for Corps Cdrs becoming Army Cdrs whereas the IAF and Navy follow only one year residual service. Thus what is happening is that in the large number of Inter service appts many Army offrs perforce get toserve under the IN and IAF offrs who were originally junior to them.Also the Supreme Court on many occasions have advised the Services HQs to streamline thier promotion policies for senior offrs. I am afraid some among the top hierarchy have not been fair to the Service they have the privilege to lead and thus' mediocrity with agreeability' reinforced by an unwarranted regimental loyalty becomes the major criteria for movement upwards and has brought a bad name to the Services. I pray for the best to lead the best in the service of the country. JAI HIND,
Lt Gen Kamal Davar (retd)
AN OLD SOLDIER SPEAKS
From: VIJAY OBEROI [mailto:oberoivijay@hotmail.com]
Sent: 21 November 2010 21:54
To: mmp_kala@yahoo.com
Cc: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: AN OLD SOLDIER SPEAKS
Dear MM, (Colonel MMP Kala, Dehra Dun)
Thank you for your mail. I am afraid I am unable to help you at this juncture. So far only an announcement has been made about the formation of a Commission. The Supreme Court has asked the government to issue implementation instructions in two months. There is no word about it yet. It is possible that the central government may amend the orders of the Supreme Court or at least try to do so.
One more member is still to be appointed. The Commission can only meet once the implementation instructions are issued.
I am afraid it is premature to ask me or any member of the proposed commision to provide answers to your queries or similar other queries.
Once the Commission starts functioning and has worked out modalities, I am sure we will be able to process various grievances.
Till then, I would request you to hold your horses and be patient.
I am endorsing a copy to Chander Kamboj, requesting him to publish this mail in its Blog.
Warm regards.
· Vijay Oberoi
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)
Former Director Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
RESIDENCE
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
'DAULAT'
#673, Sector - 6
Panchkula - 134109
Telephone - 0172 - 2587642, 2587648
e - mail : oberoivijay@hotmail.com
OFFICE
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
President
Sent: 21 November 2010 21:54
To: mmp_kala@yahoo.com
Cc: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: AN OLD SOLDIER SPEAKS
Dear MM, (Colonel MMP Kala, Dehra Dun)
Thank you for your mail. I am afraid I am unable to help you at this juncture. So far only an announcement has been made about the formation of a Commission. The Supreme Court has asked the government to issue implementation instructions in two months. There is no word about it yet. It is possible that the central government may amend the orders of the Supreme Court or at least try to do so.
One more member is still to be appointed. The Commission can only meet once the implementation instructions are issued.
I am afraid it is premature to ask me or any member of the proposed commision to provide answers to your queries or similar other queries.
Once the Commission starts functioning and has worked out modalities, I am sure we will be able to process various grievances.
Till then, I would request you to hold your horses and be patient.
I am endorsing a copy to Chander Kamboj, requesting him to publish this mail in its Blog.
Warm regards.
· Vijay Oberoi
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)
Former Director Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
RESIDENCE
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
'DAULAT'
#673, Sector - 6
Panchkula - 134109
Telephone - 0172 - 2587642, 2587648
e - mail : oberoivijay@hotmail.com
OFFICE
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
President
press release.....
DATED: 23 NOV 2010
PRESS RELEASE
ARMED FORCES GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION AND ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE BY EX SERVICEMEN
Dear Members of the Media
1. The formation of the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, “Suo Moto” could not have occurred if particular segments of our polity had not bear sensitized on OROP and other veterans issues. The Hon’ble Judge Sh.Markandey Katju even quotes Chankya and NDTV show, apart from medals return and burning of artificial limbs. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) which has brought about this landmark (almost revolutionary) occurrence, with the judiciary virtually divesting (albeit for a good cause) the executive of its basic function of governance- all these years past, no one else has been able to move the establishment one wee bit.
2. The Supreme Court has taken the historic step to constitute Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, where besides two retired judges of the Supreme Court and two senior retired Defence Officers (Gen Ved Malik, Former COAS and Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS). However, the commission is only a recommendatory body and not adjudicatory body. Hence, it is open to the Govt to accept or not to accept its recommendations. Though, the court has directed that since such recommendations will be coming from high powered body, the Govt must give due weightage to the same. It is here the doubts arise in the minds of Defence Personnel and the people of India that since the recommendations of the commission will be reviewed by the bureaucrats whose track record for the past six decades has not been to give fair justice to the Defence Forces, it is yet to be seen if any positive outcome would be achieved.
3. It is pertinent to mention that strong recommendations to grant OROP by All Parties Parliamentary Standing Committees on Defence have not been accepted by the Govt; the latest being the recommendations made by 31 MPs of the Parliament headed by Sh. Satpal ji Maharaj a Congress MP on 07th May 2010 and again repeated on 27 Aug 2010 where as Mr. AK Antony the RM recently in the Parliament quoted recommendations of Jul 2009 by a Committee of bureaucrats. The larger question here is the civilian control of Armed Forces which actually means control by the elected representatives of the people and not the bureaucrats. It is a common knowledge that the Ex Servicemen have been forced to launch a Movement to express their anguish is the result of the injustice heaped on them. The bureaucrats all along have been treating the military unfairly. The resentment has been increasing by the day. Downgradation of their status and unfair compensation package of emoluments by the 6th CPC have further intensified the resentment.
4. Under the circumstance, the ESM have decided to continue their struggle till all their demands are accepted. To highlight all these issues to the people of India, a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. After the Rally, delegation of ESM will go to Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit medals and memorandum signed in blood by the ESM with the President. They have also decided to enlist the support of other segments of the society, all political parties, MPs, CMs, MLA and have written to them regarding their demands and sought their help to raise these issues in the Parliament to press the Govt for early acceptance of these demands.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com
PRESS RELEASE
ARMED FORCES GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION AND ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE BY EX SERVICEMEN
Dear Members of the Media
1. The formation of the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, “Suo Moto” could not have occurred if particular segments of our polity had not bear sensitized on OROP and other veterans issues. The Hon’ble Judge Sh.Markandey Katju even quotes Chankya and NDTV show, apart from medals return and burning of artificial limbs. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) which has brought about this landmark (almost revolutionary) occurrence, with the judiciary virtually divesting (albeit for a good cause) the executive of its basic function of governance- all these years past, no one else has been able to move the establishment one wee bit.
2. The Supreme Court has taken the historic step to constitute Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, where besides two retired judges of the Supreme Court and two senior retired Defence Officers (Gen Ved Malik, Former COAS and Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS). However, the commission is only a recommendatory body and not adjudicatory body. Hence, it is open to the Govt to accept or not to accept its recommendations. Though, the court has directed that since such recommendations will be coming from high powered body, the Govt must give due weightage to the same. It is here the doubts arise in the minds of Defence Personnel and the people of India that since the recommendations of the commission will be reviewed by the bureaucrats whose track record for the past six decades has not been to give fair justice to the Defence Forces, it is yet to be seen if any positive outcome would be achieved.
3. It is pertinent to mention that strong recommendations to grant OROP by All Parties Parliamentary Standing Committees on Defence have not been accepted by the Govt; the latest being the recommendations made by 31 MPs of the Parliament headed by Sh. Satpal ji Maharaj a Congress MP on 07th May 2010 and again repeated on 27 Aug 2010 where as Mr. AK Antony the RM recently in the Parliament quoted recommendations of Jul 2009 by a Committee of bureaucrats. The larger question here is the civilian control of Armed Forces which actually means control by the elected representatives of the people and not the bureaucrats. It is a common knowledge that the Ex Servicemen have been forced to launch a Movement to express their anguish is the result of the injustice heaped on them. The bureaucrats all along have been treating the military unfairly. The resentment has been increasing by the day. Downgradation of their status and unfair compensation package of emoluments by the 6th CPC have further intensified the resentment.
4. Under the circumstance, the ESM have decided to continue their struggle till all their demands are accepted. To highlight all these issues to the people of India, a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. After the Rally, delegation of ESM will go to Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit medals and memorandum signed in blood by the ESM with the President. They have also decided to enlist the support of other segments of the society, all political parties, MPs, CMs, MLA and have written to them regarding their demands and sought their help to raise these issues in the Parliament to press the Govt for early acceptance of these demands.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com
Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM
DATED: 23 NOV 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Dear friends,
1. Press Release dated 23 Nov 2010 regarding a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. and depositing of medals and submission of memorandum signed in blood by the ESM to the Supreme Commander on 28 Nov 2010 is circulated. Maximum participation of ESM is requested.
2. You are requested to circulate it to the maximum ESM. Translation in the local languages may please be carried out and the same may please be got published in local media.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
DATED: 23 NOV 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Dear friends,
1. Press Release dated 23 Nov 2010 regarding a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. and depositing of medals and submission of memorandum signed in blood by the ESM to the Supreme Commander on 28 Nov 2010 is circulated. Maximum participation of ESM is requested.
2. You are requested to circulate it to the maximum ESM. Translation in the local languages may please be carried out and the same may please be got published in local media.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
Update of IV Pay Commission Rank pay anomaly case as on 15 Nov 2010..Supreme Court
NOTE ON APPOINTMENT OF ARMED FORCES
GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION ANDPAYMENT OF RANK PAY TO DEFENCE OFFICERS
1. I.A. No. 9 of 2010 in T.P. (Civil) No. 56/2007, an application for modification/ recalling of final order dated 08.03.2010 and re-hearing of the matter, filed by Union of India came up for hearing today on 15.11.2010. The aforesaid T.P. was filed by the Union of India with a prayer to transfer several writ petitions pending in the various High Courts regarding correct fixation of rank pay as recommended by the IVth Pay Commission and accepted by the Central Government, to be effected from 01.01.1986 in respect of the officers of the Armed Forces and finally decided on 08.03.2010 in favour of the officers.
2. The aforesaid I.A. was listed for hearing before the Bench of Hon’ble Justice Markandey Katju and Hon’ble Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra before Court – 6 as Item No. 4 today i.e. 15.11.2010. Some connected matters were also listed. It may be noted that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has already passed final order in the aforesaid matters on 08.03.2010 and directed the Central Government to pay the rank pay to the affected officers w.e.f. 01.01.1986 along with 6% interest. Surprisingly, instead of implementing the aforesaid directions, UOI had filed an application for modification and recalling of the order dated 08.03.2010 and for re-hearing of the matters. The respondents i.e. writ petitioners in the High Court of Kerala and Ex-servicemen organizations namely Retired Defence Officres Association, Disabled War Veterans of India, Naval Chapter and Purva Sainik Prishad were represented by Advocates, Mr. Mahabir Singh, Gp Capt Karan Singh Bhati (Retd.) and Ms Aishwarya Bhati.
3. In the connected matter, W.P. (Civil) No. 291/2010 – “Pushpawanti Versus Union of India” wherein a pension of rs. 80/- p.m. was being paid to the widow of a highly decorated Major, the Hon’ble Court has been pleased to pass detailed directions for the formation of Commission, headed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kuldeep Singh, Retired Judge of the Supreme Court, Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.S. Sodhi, Retired Judge of Allahabad High Court, General V.P. Malik, Former Chief of Army Staff and Lt. General Vijay Oberoi (Retd.) and one member i.e. Civil Servant either serving or retired, to be nominated by the Union of India to look into and make recommendations with regard to the grievances of serving and retired Defence personnel like one rank one pension and other disparities and anomalies, without limiting the scope of reference. The matter will continue to be monitored by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
4. The Hon’ble Court was very clear on the purpose and backdrop of the need for setting up such a Commission to provide an equitable Forum to look into and make recommendations for a fair redressal of grievances of the Men-In-Uniform, who had been at the receiving end of the Governmental/ Bureaucratic Apathy and indifference for years and decades.
5. The Hon’ble Court was extremely moved with instances of pittance being paid as pension to widows of highly decorated officers who laid down their lives for the Nation and years of indifferent and unfair policies leading to officers and men taking extreme steps of returning their gallantry medals and even burning their artificial limbs which were fixed upon loosing natural limbs in war/ action. The Hon’ble Court had specifically expressed its concern and intention on earlier occasions also when these matters were being heard and had directed the Union of India to file an affidavit on these lines, while expressing that the Commission could be formed by the court suo-moto also, however, the intention was to include the Union of India in the decision making process since such high degree of discontentment which was apparent among the personnel of Defence Forces, is not good for the country.
6. The Union of Indian had filed an additional affidavit in the aforesaid T.P. and connected matters, pursuant to the directions of this Hon’ble Court and the entire tone and tanner of the affidavit was to question the final order dated 08.03.2010 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court for grant of rank pay with arrears and 6% interest and acting in disregard to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court passed on 08.03.2010 and to somehow impress upon the court that all the grievances of defence personnel were being looked into by the Government. Interestingly, the Union of India, through the affidavit of under Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, only consented to referring the issue of fixation of rank pay to the proposed Commission and expressed its inability to consent to any other terms of reference.
7. During the hearing of the matter today, the Hon’ble Court termed the affidavit of the Union of India as contemptuous and disregarded the same. It was clear that the Hon’ble Court was disturbed with the attitude of the Government when the court pointed out that no law required consent from the Union of India to pass directions with regard to the setting up a Commission. The Hon’ble Court also refused to refer the issue of rank pay fixation to the Commission since it has already been settled in favour of the officers by the order of the Hon’ble Supreme court itself dated 08.03.2010 in T.P. (Civil) No. 56/2007. The Application for modification and recalling the order dated 08.03.2010 has been referred to the Chief Justice of India for placing the same before another Bench.
==========
GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION ANDPAYMENT OF RANK PAY TO DEFENCE OFFICERS
1. I.A. No. 9 of 2010 in T.P. (Civil) No. 56/2007, an application for modification/ recalling of final order dated 08.03.2010 and re-hearing of the matter, filed by Union of India came up for hearing today on 15.11.2010. The aforesaid T.P. was filed by the Union of India with a prayer to transfer several writ petitions pending in the various High Courts regarding correct fixation of rank pay as recommended by the IVth Pay Commission and accepted by the Central Government, to be effected from 01.01.1986 in respect of the officers of the Armed Forces and finally decided on 08.03.2010 in favour of the officers.
2. The aforesaid I.A. was listed for hearing before the Bench of Hon’ble Justice Markandey Katju and Hon’ble Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra before Court – 6 as Item No. 4 today i.e. 15.11.2010. Some connected matters were also listed. It may be noted that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has already passed final order in the aforesaid matters on 08.03.2010 and directed the Central Government to pay the rank pay to the affected officers w.e.f. 01.01.1986 along with 6% interest. Surprisingly, instead of implementing the aforesaid directions, UOI had filed an application for modification and recalling of the order dated 08.03.2010 and for re-hearing of the matters. The respondents i.e. writ petitioners in the High Court of Kerala and Ex-servicemen organizations namely Retired Defence Officres Association, Disabled War Veterans of India, Naval Chapter and Purva Sainik Prishad were represented by Advocates, Mr. Mahabir Singh, Gp Capt Karan Singh Bhati (Retd.) and Ms Aishwarya Bhati.
3. In the connected matter, W.P. (Civil) No. 291/2010 – “Pushpawanti Versus Union of India” wherein a pension of rs. 80/- p.m. was being paid to the widow of a highly decorated Major, the Hon’ble Court has been pleased to pass detailed directions for the formation of Commission, headed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kuldeep Singh, Retired Judge of the Supreme Court, Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.S. Sodhi, Retired Judge of Allahabad High Court, General V.P. Malik, Former Chief of Army Staff and Lt. General Vijay Oberoi (Retd.) and one member i.e. Civil Servant either serving or retired, to be nominated by the Union of India to look into and make recommendations with regard to the grievances of serving and retired Defence personnel like one rank one pension and other disparities and anomalies, without limiting the scope of reference. The matter will continue to be monitored by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
4. The Hon’ble Court was very clear on the purpose and backdrop of the need for setting up such a Commission to provide an equitable Forum to look into and make recommendations for a fair redressal of grievances of the Men-In-Uniform, who had been at the receiving end of the Governmental/ Bureaucratic Apathy and indifference for years and decades.
5. The Hon’ble Court was extremely moved with instances of pittance being paid as pension to widows of highly decorated officers who laid down their lives for the Nation and years of indifferent and unfair policies leading to officers and men taking extreme steps of returning their gallantry medals and even burning their artificial limbs which were fixed upon loosing natural limbs in war/ action. The Hon’ble Court had specifically expressed its concern and intention on earlier occasions also when these matters were being heard and had directed the Union of India to file an affidavit on these lines, while expressing that the Commission could be formed by the court suo-moto also, however, the intention was to include the Union of India in the decision making process since such high degree of discontentment which was apparent among the personnel of Defence Forces, is not good for the country.
6. The Union of Indian had filed an additional affidavit in the aforesaid T.P. and connected matters, pursuant to the directions of this Hon’ble Court and the entire tone and tanner of the affidavit was to question the final order dated 08.03.2010 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court for grant of rank pay with arrears and 6% interest and acting in disregard to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court passed on 08.03.2010 and to somehow impress upon the court that all the grievances of defence personnel were being looked into by the Government. Interestingly, the Union of India, through the affidavit of under Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, only consented to referring the issue of fixation of rank pay to the proposed Commission and expressed its inability to consent to any other terms of reference.
7. During the hearing of the matter today, the Hon’ble Court termed the affidavit of the Union of India as contemptuous and disregarded the same. It was clear that the Hon’ble Court was disturbed with the attitude of the Government when the court pointed out that no law required consent from the Union of India to pass directions with regard to the setting up a Commission. The Hon’ble Court also refused to refer the issue of rank pay fixation to the Commission since it has already been settled in favour of the officers by the order of the Hon’ble Supreme court itself dated 08.03.2010 in T.P. (Civil) No. 56/2007. The Application for modification and recalling the order dated 08.03.2010 has been referred to the Chief Justice of India for placing the same before another Bench.
==========
Supreme Court Ruling ....today issued
Dear All.
You are all aware that today was date with Supreme court for 4Th Pay-
rank pay arears and Govt had offered to place a commission to resolve
all pending anomalies of 6Th pay Commission.
We can all pat ourselves and thank RDOA;Justice Katzu has given
following ruling.
A. A separate Commission consisting of Chief Justice Kuldip Singh
with Veteran Members as Gen Malik and Gen Oberoi.They will resolve all
anomalies of 6Th Pay Commssion.
B. Justice refused include rank pay case of 4Th pay Commission and
has ruled that the same will stand as ruled earlier by the Supreme
Court.
Three cheers.
More details will come soon.
Regards,
Brig Nawab Singh
You are all aware that today was date with Supreme court for 4Th Pay-
rank pay arears and Govt had offered to place a commission to resolve
all pending anomalies of 6Th pay Commission.
We can all pat ourselves and thank RDOA;Justice Katzu has given
following ruling.
A. A separate Commission consisting of Chief Justice Kuldip Singh
with Veteran Members as Gen Malik and Gen Oberoi.They will resolve all
anomalies of 6Th Pay Commssion.
B. Justice refused include rank pay case of 4Th pay Commission and
has ruled that the same will stand as ruled earlier by the Supreme
Court.
Three cheers.
More details will come soon.
Regards,
Brig Nawab Singh
Beware of unscrupulous elements : Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co by Col Rajan
Respected Veterans,
Jai Hind.
Only last evening I had a word on the subject with Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM, Vice Chairman IESM; and, I would like to convey the following;
1. Email from Lt Col SS Sohi is bogus, written with malicious intent; to spread falsehood amongst Veterans.
2. Their first case filed against the present leadership has been dismissed by the Court, a week or ten days ago. No doubt, they (Lt Col Sohi, Col Bharadwaj & Co) have filed a fresh case against the present leadership on Saturday, 13 Nov and notice of the same has been received on 14 Nov; and the case stands posted for hearing on 15 Nov; no where has the Court issued a 'stay order' for conduct of AGM on 27 Nov or holding of the Ex-Servicemen Rally on 28 Nov at Jantar Mantar.
3. This is the time for all Veterans of IESM to close ranks and present a United Front to defeat the machinations of unscrupulous elements, viz. Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co.
4. Rest assured that all counter measures as per law, viz, filing counters to the bogus cases filed by Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co has been / is being taken by the Vice Chairman; and there is nothing to worry about.
Regards,
Col Rajan
Jai Hind.
Only last evening I had a word on the subject with Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM, Vice Chairman IESM; and, I would like to convey the following;
1. Email from Lt Col SS Sohi is bogus, written with malicious intent; to spread falsehood amongst Veterans.
2. Their first case filed against the present leadership has been dismissed by the Court, a week or ten days ago. No doubt, they (Lt Col Sohi, Col Bharadwaj & Co) have filed a fresh case against the present leadership on Saturday, 13 Nov and notice of the same has been received on 14 Nov; and the case stands posted for hearing on 15 Nov; no where has the Court issued a 'stay order' for conduct of AGM on 27 Nov or holding of the Ex-Servicemen Rally on 28 Nov at Jantar Mantar.
3. This is the time for all Veterans of IESM to close ranks and present a United Front to defeat the machinations of unscrupulous elements, viz. Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co.
4. Rest assured that all counter measures as per law, viz, filing counters to the bogus cases filed by Sohi, Bharadwaj & Co has been / is being taken by the Vice Chairman; and there is nothing to worry about.
Regards,
Col Rajan
CGDA meetings on 25 Oct 2010
RECORD OF DISCUSSION OF THE MEETING OF DELEGATION OF IESM WITH CGDA AND HIS STAFF AT 1530H ON 25 OCT 2010
A meeting was held between delegation of IESM Indian ex-servicemen movement and CGDA Controller General of Defense accounts and his staff at 1530h on 25th Oct 2010 at CGDA office Dhoula kuan Delhi Cantt.
Following personnel attended the meeting;
IESM delegation was represented by;
Maj Gen Satbir Singh SM Vice Chairman IESM
Maj Gen AJB Jaini AVSM Member governing body IESM
Gp Capt SS Phatak Member Pension Cell IESM
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM Gen Sec IESM
CGDA was represented by;
Sh Nand Kishor CGDA
Smt UG Antony Addl CGDA
Sh AK Chopra Addl CGDA
Smt D Raghuvanshi Jt CGDA sengerdevika@yahoo.co.in
Smt K Garg
Following points were discussed;
1. Issue of Corrigendum to PPOs; IESM delegation explained to CGDA that the defense pensioners were facing very many difficulties because corrigendum to the PPOs had not been issued by the CGDA. It was also brought to the notice of CGDA that the railways had already initiated the process of issuing fresh PPOs to its retired employees.
CGDA explained that there were approximately 22.79 lac veterans who are drawing pension. A corrigendum was required to be issued with every amendment to the pension. After 6 CPC Ministry of Defense had issued 13 amendment letters affecting defense pensioner. It means CDA would have had to issue 13 corrigenda after the 6 CPC. Earlier CDA had more than 3000 employees to take care of PPOs and corrigendum, and now CDA had very little staff and it was not possible to undertake this gigantic task of issuing the 10 million corrigenda. He further explained that CDA would provide all help to the veterans in sorting out their pension problems.
2. Grant to the Banks for pension disbursement; IESM delegation explained that the GOI is paying Rs 60 to the banks for every entry of the pension of the veterans. It was a huge amount and if it was possible to divert this fund for the hiring of staff by CDA this task could be easily handled.
CGDA explained that this decision had been taken after lot of consultations and it was now not possible to revert it. It was also not possible to transfer funds from one head to another and hence this suggestion could not be implemented. He however explained that his staff was constantly issuing guidance to the banks and constantly monitoring the pension disbursement process. All the banks had confirmed that they were disbursing the pension as per CDA guidelines. Most of the banks had also confirmed that they were issuing annexure IV to the pensioners. However CGDA agreed to issue fresh instructions to the banks for issuance of annexure IV to all pensioners.
3. Incorrect Pension being disbursed by the Banks; IESM delegation explained that banks had been disbursing incorrect pension to the veterans. It had been seen that banks were playing safe and were paying less than approved pension to the pensioners. Unfortunately pensioners did not have the Govt letters with them to calculate and demand correct pension. Gp Capt SS Phatak explained that he had been visiting various banks and explaining to them the correct amount due to the pensioner. In some case he had been able to convince banks and got the arrears in lacs credited to the pensioners/widows. He had been visiting bank regional head offices and having regularly liaison with them to calculate correct pension for the veterans/widows.
CGDA appreciated the effort being put in by IESM and explained that CGDA on their part had been conducting regular training of the bank staff for calculation of the correct pension to the veterans. Training courses were being conducted for bank staff regularly at CDA Allahabad. CGDA further stated that CDA has 61 DPDOs spread all over the country. List of all the DPDOs is attached with the report at App A. DPDOs are located depending on the population density of the veterans and are spread in Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, J&K and Kerala. CGDA centrally monitors the performance of all DPDOs. He further stated that all possible help would be given to the veterans in the DPDOs. He confirmed that the veterans can approach DPDOs and get their pension calculated and give the calculation sheet to their banks. It was also possible for the veterans to shift the pension account with DPDO in which case correct pension would be disbursed to the veterans and mistake by bank staff could be avoided.
4. Compendium of MOD letters to the Banks; IESM delegation requested CGDA that most of the branches of the banks did not have latest letters of the MOD governing pension hence banks did not have the basic tool of pension calculations. It was requested that a compendium of the letters be made and sent to the branches in rural area.
CGDA confirmed that the compendium of the all MOD letters had been made and given to the bank head offices. It was now there duty to circulate it to all branches. CGDA however would ask the bank head offices to circulate the compendium once again. CGDA also confirmed that all banks head offices were on the circulation list of MOD/CDA letters. CGDA further explained that a user friendly stand alone touch screen system (SUVIGYA) had been developed and gave the demonstration also. It would be possible to calculate any veterans’/widows’ pension with least amount of data. It was easy to operate and gave latest pension details with bare minimum inputs like basic pension and date of retirement and date of birth. He further confirmed that the effort would be made to place this stand alone system at DPDOs and CDA website also. IESM delegation insisted that SUVIGYA was a very good tool and should be installed at places like CSD canteens and ECHS polyclinics frequently visited by the veterans. CGDA expressed his inability to do so because someone should take the responsibility of the upkeep of the stand alone system. He further confirmed that this software thus developed would be shared with armed forces head quarters. However the problem of maintenance and upkeep and updating of the software would come and a solution would be found for that. IESM delegation further insisted that at least SUVIGYA should be made available with district soldier board offices. CGDA agreed to study this proposal and would confirm the possibility of installing SUVIGYA at district soldier board offices. CGDA confirmed that CDA would like to deal directly with pensioners but could not do so because of shortage of staff.
5. Pension Adalats; CGDA confirmed that CGDA staff regularly conducts the pension adalats at various locations all over India. CGDA conducts six adalats in a year in various parts of the country. So for 100 Defense Pension Adalats had been conducted. Last one (100th Pension adalat) was conducted in Bangalore on 30/31 Aug 2010. 101st Pension Adalat was planned at Army Public School Alwar on 28/29th Oct 2010. He requested the IESM delegation to spread the information through its sources and ensure that maximum veterans are benefited with the Adalat.
6. E-transfer of the Pension; IESM delegation suggested that in this modern era of computerization it should be possible to disburse the pension by electronic transfer.
CGDA explained that first of all veterans did not have bank accounts and secondly they had to give their life certificate to banks every year. It would therefore not be possible to make E-transfer of pension by the CDA as of now.
7. Disability Pension; CGDA confirmed that as per rules all veterans would have to fill up a form to claim increased disability pension. He requested IESM to communicate this information with all so that all veterans drawing disability pension can fill up their claims.
Pension of PSU veterans; Gp Capt Phatak expressed that Lt Col and equivalents who have returned back to Army/Navy/Air Force from deputation should be given PB4 automatically. CGDA explained that this will be decided from case to case.
8. Grievances Mechanism; IESM suggested that there should be grievances mechanism in the banks so that any veteran can approach for any mistake in his pension calculations. CGDA confirmed that Smt Raghuvanshi Jt CGDA would be writing to the banks to institute a grievances mechanism for addressing pension problems of veterans. She also confirmed that veterans can also register their complaint at ‘pcdapension.nic.in’ web-site of CDA.
9. Information to veterans about Latest orders on pension; IESM delegation expressed that pensioners should be informed about the latest orders of the GOI/MOD. IESM suggested that CGDA could give an advertisement in all main news papers and vernacular press about the latest compendium of the orders of MOD/CDA.
CGDA accepted the suggestion and confirmed that this information would be soon given in all news papers.
10. Pension Portal for veterans; IESM suggested that a pension portal needs to be made for all veterans to help them. All data would then be available for all veterans on the portal. IESM volunteered to undertake this task. Maj Gen Satbir Singh suggested that suitable monitory grant should be given to IESM to develop and then maintain the portal.
CGDA explained that this is good idea and the issue of monitory grant can be considered. He asked the IESM delegation to forward a proposal in this regard for consideration.
A meeting was held between delegation of IESM Indian ex-servicemen movement and CGDA Controller General of Defense accounts and his staff at 1530h on 25th Oct 2010 at CGDA office Dhoula kuan Delhi Cantt.
Following personnel attended the meeting;
IESM delegation was represented by;
Maj Gen Satbir Singh SM Vice Chairman IESM
Maj Gen AJB Jaini AVSM Member governing body IESM
Gp Capt SS Phatak Member Pension Cell IESM
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM Gen Sec IESM
CGDA was represented by;
Sh Nand Kishor CGDA
Smt UG Antony Addl CGDA
Sh AK Chopra Addl CGDA
Smt D Raghuvanshi Jt CGDA sengerdevika@yahoo.co.in
Smt K Garg
Following points were discussed;
1. Issue of Corrigendum to PPOs; IESM delegation explained to CGDA that the defense pensioners were facing very many difficulties because corrigendum to the PPOs had not been issued by the CGDA. It was also brought to the notice of CGDA that the railways had already initiated the process of issuing fresh PPOs to its retired employees.
CGDA explained that there were approximately 22.79 lac veterans who are drawing pension. A corrigendum was required to be issued with every amendment to the pension. After 6 CPC Ministry of Defense had issued 13 amendment letters affecting defense pensioner. It means CDA would have had to issue 13 corrigenda after the 6 CPC. Earlier CDA had more than 3000 employees to take care of PPOs and corrigendum, and now CDA had very little staff and it was not possible to undertake this gigantic task of issuing the 10 million corrigenda. He further explained that CDA would provide all help to the veterans in sorting out their pension problems.
2. Grant to the Banks for pension disbursement; IESM delegation explained that the GOI is paying Rs 60 to the banks for every entry of the pension of the veterans. It was a huge amount and if it was possible to divert this fund for the hiring of staff by CDA this task could be easily handled.
CGDA explained that this decision had been taken after lot of consultations and it was now not possible to revert it. It was also not possible to transfer funds from one head to another and hence this suggestion could not be implemented. He however explained that his staff was constantly issuing guidance to the banks and constantly monitoring the pension disbursement process. All the banks had confirmed that they were disbursing the pension as per CDA guidelines. Most of the banks had also confirmed that they were issuing annexure IV to the pensioners. However CGDA agreed to issue fresh instructions to the banks for issuance of annexure IV to all pensioners.
3. Incorrect Pension being disbursed by the Banks; IESM delegation explained that banks had been disbursing incorrect pension to the veterans. It had been seen that banks were playing safe and were paying less than approved pension to the pensioners. Unfortunately pensioners did not have the Govt letters with them to calculate and demand correct pension. Gp Capt SS Phatak explained that he had been visiting various banks and explaining to them the correct amount due to the pensioner. In some case he had been able to convince banks and got the arrears in lacs credited to the pensioners/widows. He had been visiting bank regional head offices and having regularly liaison with them to calculate correct pension for the veterans/widows.
CGDA appreciated the effort being put in by IESM and explained that CGDA on their part had been conducting regular training of the bank staff for calculation of the correct pension to the veterans. Training courses were being conducted for bank staff regularly at CDA Allahabad. CGDA further stated that CDA has 61 DPDOs spread all over the country. List of all the DPDOs is attached with the report at App A. DPDOs are located depending on the population density of the veterans and are spread in Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, J&K and Kerala. CGDA centrally monitors the performance of all DPDOs. He further stated that all possible help would be given to the veterans in the DPDOs. He confirmed that the veterans can approach DPDOs and get their pension calculated and give the calculation sheet to their banks. It was also possible for the veterans to shift the pension account with DPDO in which case correct pension would be disbursed to the veterans and mistake by bank staff could be avoided.
4. Compendium of MOD letters to the Banks; IESM delegation requested CGDA that most of the branches of the banks did not have latest letters of the MOD governing pension hence banks did not have the basic tool of pension calculations. It was requested that a compendium of the letters be made and sent to the branches in rural area.
CGDA confirmed that the compendium of the all MOD letters had been made and given to the bank head offices. It was now there duty to circulate it to all branches. CGDA however would ask the bank head offices to circulate the compendium once again. CGDA also confirmed that all banks head offices were on the circulation list of MOD/CDA letters. CGDA further explained that a user friendly stand alone touch screen system (SUVIGYA) had been developed and gave the demonstration also. It would be possible to calculate any veterans’/widows’ pension with least amount of data. It was easy to operate and gave latest pension details with bare minimum inputs like basic pension and date of retirement and date of birth. He further confirmed that the effort would be made to place this stand alone system at DPDOs and CDA website also. IESM delegation insisted that SUVIGYA was a very good tool and should be installed at places like CSD canteens and ECHS polyclinics frequently visited by the veterans. CGDA expressed his inability to do so because someone should take the responsibility of the upkeep of the stand alone system. He further confirmed that this software thus developed would be shared with armed forces head quarters. However the problem of maintenance and upkeep and updating of the software would come and a solution would be found for that. IESM delegation further insisted that at least SUVIGYA should be made available with district soldier board offices. CGDA agreed to study this proposal and would confirm the possibility of installing SUVIGYA at district soldier board offices. CGDA confirmed that CDA would like to deal directly with pensioners but could not do so because of shortage of staff.
5. Pension Adalats; CGDA confirmed that CGDA staff regularly conducts the pension adalats at various locations all over India. CGDA conducts six adalats in a year in various parts of the country. So for 100 Defense Pension Adalats had been conducted. Last one (100th Pension adalat) was conducted in Bangalore on 30/31 Aug 2010. 101st Pension Adalat was planned at Army Public School Alwar on 28/29th Oct 2010. He requested the IESM delegation to spread the information through its sources and ensure that maximum veterans are benefited with the Adalat.
6. E-transfer of the Pension; IESM delegation suggested that in this modern era of computerization it should be possible to disburse the pension by electronic transfer.
CGDA explained that first of all veterans did not have bank accounts and secondly they had to give their life certificate to banks every year. It would therefore not be possible to make E-transfer of pension by the CDA as of now.
7. Disability Pension; CGDA confirmed that as per rules all veterans would have to fill up a form to claim increased disability pension. He requested IESM to communicate this information with all so that all veterans drawing disability pension can fill up their claims.
Pension of PSU veterans; Gp Capt Phatak expressed that Lt Col and equivalents who have returned back to Army/Navy/Air Force from deputation should be given PB4 automatically. CGDA explained that this will be decided from case to case.
8. Grievances Mechanism; IESM suggested that there should be grievances mechanism in the banks so that any veteran can approach for any mistake in his pension calculations. CGDA confirmed that Smt Raghuvanshi Jt CGDA would be writing to the banks to institute a grievances mechanism for addressing pension problems of veterans. She also confirmed that veterans can also register their complaint at ‘pcdapension.nic.in’ web-site of CDA.
9. Information to veterans about Latest orders on pension; IESM delegation expressed that pensioners should be informed about the latest orders of the GOI/MOD. IESM suggested that CGDA could give an advertisement in all main news papers and vernacular press about the latest compendium of the orders of MOD/CDA.
CGDA accepted the suggestion and confirmed that this information would be soon given in all news papers.
10. Pension Portal for veterans; IESM suggested that a pension portal needs to be made for all veterans to help them. All data would then be available for all veterans on the portal. IESM volunteered to undertake this task. Maj Gen Satbir Singh suggested that suitable monitory grant should be given to IESM to develop and then maintain the portal.
CGDA explained that this is good idea and the issue of monitory grant can be considered. He asked the IESM delegation to forward a proposal in this regard for consideration.
New IESM members
Dear Sirs,
The following are the new IESM joinings.
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
Lt Col Subas Kumar
H/Lt D C Dhasana
JWO Nadan Singh Negi
HFO Hari Prasad Dhasana
H/Cpt SPS Negi
N/Sub BS Bist
NK Gita Ram Sundriyal
L/NK Chandara Shekhar
Sep Amar Singh
NK S S Rawat
Hav GR Sundriyal
NK Dhiraj Mani
Hav Y S Rawat
Hav B B Chand
Hav Suresha Nand
Hav B S Yadaw
The following are the new IESM joinings.
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
Lt Col Subas Kumar
H/Lt D C Dhasana
JWO Nadan Singh Negi
HFO Hari Prasad Dhasana
H/Cpt SPS Negi
N/Sub BS Bist
NK Gita Ram Sundriyal
L/NK Chandara Shekhar
Sep Amar Singh
NK S S Rawat
Hav GR Sundriyal
NK Dhiraj Mani
Hav Y S Rawat
Hav B B Chand
Hav Suresha Nand
Hav B S Yadaw
Views of Cdr HK Nag
From: Hirak Nag [mailto:hiraknag@yahoo.co.in]
Sent: 07 November 2010 20:07
To: ltcolhklanand@gmail.com
Cc: Kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Mail from Congress Party Defence Cell
Dear Col Anand (Lt Col HKL Anand, Ex-Servicemen Cell Indian National Congress),
Your mail to IESM denegrating our democratic appeal to get justice done comes as a disappointment. We are hurt that it has shocked the ruling party.
However, your comment on the INA is a casual statement and derogatory to the committed personal who joined the Azad Hind Force to free India of foreign rule.
My father, Lt. DC Nag, was made the DAG and had drafted the INA Act.
His trial at the Red Fort in Nov-Dec 1945 was, therefore substantive. He was retained in the Indian Army and continued to serve till superanuation in 1951 at HQ Southern Command.
He was later allowed , by the GOI, to use his INA rank of Col., and West Bengal CM BC Roy asked him to form the West Bengal National Voluntary Force ( WBNVF) at Kolkata
The Congress Party of yore had good leaders. When Clement Atlee was asked at Calcutta Governors House if Mahatma Gandhi's movement had effect in granting Independence, he is reported to have replied, " Very little" and inferred that the formation of the INA did. At the 4th Netaji Subhash Bose Memorial Lecture this year, Shri PN Sangma the Presiding Officer, lamented that India missed a strong leader like Netaji. Sardar Patel was one, and he had advised Pandit Nehru on 07 Nov 1950 to be aware of the Chinese and to build up our defences in the North and North East, but regrettably, Sardar Patel succumbed to cancer a month later and Panditji forsook his advice and allowed his friend Krishna Menon, a man with no vision, to run down the Indian Army capability resulting in the ignomy of 1962. As we know, Panditji died a sad death and is reported to have said, " I wish I had listened to the Generals".
We respect Sonia Gandhi and expect her to allow democratic appeals.
Regards,
Cdr. HK Nag, commissioned Jan 1957 and retired Sep 1979.
Sent: 07 November 2010 20:07
To: ltcolhklanand@gmail.com
Cc: Kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Mail from Congress Party Defence Cell
Dear Col Anand (Lt Col HKL Anand, Ex-Servicemen Cell Indian National Congress),
Your mail to IESM denegrating our democratic appeal to get justice done comes as a disappointment. We are hurt that it has shocked the ruling party.
However, your comment on the INA is a casual statement and derogatory to the committed personal who joined the Azad Hind Force to free India of foreign rule.
My father, Lt. DC Nag, was made the DAG and had drafted the INA Act.
His trial at the Red Fort in Nov-Dec 1945 was, therefore substantive. He was retained in the Indian Army and continued to serve till superanuation in 1951 at HQ Southern Command.
He was later allowed , by the GOI, to use his INA rank of Col., and West Bengal CM BC Roy asked him to form the West Bengal National Voluntary Force ( WBNVF) at Kolkata
The Congress Party of yore had good leaders. When Clement Atlee was asked at Calcutta Governors House if Mahatma Gandhi's movement had effect in granting Independence, he is reported to have replied, " Very little" and inferred that the formation of the INA did. At the 4th Netaji Subhash Bose Memorial Lecture this year, Shri PN Sangma the Presiding Officer, lamented that India missed a strong leader like Netaji. Sardar Patel was one, and he had advised Pandit Nehru on 07 Nov 1950 to be aware of the Chinese and to build up our defences in the North and North East, but regrettably, Sardar Patel succumbed to cancer a month later and Panditji forsook his advice and allowed his friend Krishna Menon, a man with no vision, to run down the Indian Army capability resulting in the ignomy of 1962. As we know, Panditji died a sad death and is reported to have said, " I wish I had listened to the Generals".
We respect Sonia Gandhi and expect her to allow democratic appeals.
Regards,
Cdr. HK Nag, commissioned Jan 1957 and retired Sep 1979.
Commission for the Armed Forces..???
From: bhupal singh
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: KADYAN Lt Gen RAJ; Satbir Singh Maj Gen
Sent: Tue, 9 November, 2010 7:18:10 AM
Subject: COMMISSION FOR ARMED FORCES
Dear Chander,
COMMISSION FOR THE ARMED FORCES
Some progress & good news from Govt. Consequent to the lambasting by the Supreme Court, at last the Govt has woken up. The entire credit goes to the untiring efforts by IESM, RDOA and Others like Lt Cdr Avtar & Sqn Ldr Ashok Kumar and others
who took lot of pains in pursuing our fight for our rights.
A news items on the subject, published in the Tribune e-paper, dated 09 Nov 2010, is appended below . May be circulated for info of all ESM.
Maj Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia
-----------
The Tribune
ON LINE EDITION
Tuesday, November 9, 2010, Chandigarh, India
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101109/nation.htm#17
Soon, a panel to address grievances of armed forces
R Sedhuraman
Legal Correspondent
New Delhi, November 8
The government is in the process of setting up a commission for the speedy redressal of the grievances of armed forces personnel, the Centre informed the Supreme Court today.
“We are setting out the proposed terms of reference” of the commission, Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium told a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra.
The SG, however, indicated that the commission would not cover personnel in all areas of the armed forces. “It may not be necessary for some areas as the government has taken positive decisions in these areas,” he said without giving details.
The SG sought a week’s time for providing the details of the proposed commission. The move could not be finalised before today’s hearing due to the intervening Divali holidays, he said. Allowing his plea, the Bench posted the next hearing for November 15.
On September 8 this year, the Bench had passed an order asking the government to consider setting up an independent commission headed by a retired SC Judge “for looking into all the grievances of the serving and former members of the armed forces. We feel this is necessary as the armed forces personnel have many grievances which they feel are not being properly addressed by the Union Government.”
Pointing out that the widow of a war veteran had approached the SC questioning the logic of paying her a meagre pension of Rs 70 against her claim of Rs 27,000, the Bench said this was the treatment meted out to highly decorated officers.
“It is shameful” that the government had allowed such cases to come to the Supreme Court. “Does it require a case? What are you people up to? It is very demoralising for the armed forces,” the Bench told the Solicitor General.
The SG assured the Bench that such grievances would also be addressed by the proposed commission. The court was hearing a petition filed by some serving and retired army officers, challenging the government’s refusal to accord them enhanced rank pay as recommended by the Fourth Pay Commission.
-----------
From: raj kadyan
To: bhupal singh; Kamboj Chander
Cc: Satbir Singh Maj Gen
Sent: Tue, 9 November, 2010 8:58:55 AM
Subject: Re: COMMISSION FOR ARMED FORCES
One does sincerely hope this Commission is not a ploy to circumvent the rank pay imbroglio. The govt is quite capable of saying that the proposed commission would now deal with the rank pay issue; not very different from the 'committee' I had referred to in my sitrep a few days ago. Let us wait for 15 Nov.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262, +919811226676
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: KADYAN Lt Gen RAJ
Sent: Tue, 9 November, 2010 7:18:10 AM
Subject: COMMISSION FOR ARMED FORCES
Dear Chander,
COMMISSION FOR THE ARMED FORCES
Some progress & good news from Govt. Consequent to the lambasting by the Supreme Court, at last the Govt has woken up. The entire credit goes to the untiring efforts by IESM, RDOA and Others like Lt Cdr Avtar & Sqn Ldr Ashok Kumar and others
who took lot of pains in pursuing our fight for our rights.
A news items on the subject, published in the Tribune e-paper, dated 09 Nov 2010, is appended below . May be circulated for info of all ESM.
Maj Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia
-----------
The Tribune
ON LINE EDITION
Tuesday, November 9, 2010, Chandigarh, India
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101109/nation.htm#17
Soon, a panel to address grievances of armed forces
R Sedhuraman
Legal Correspondent
New Delhi, November 8
The government is in the process of setting up a commission for the speedy redressal of the grievances of armed forces personnel, the Centre informed the Supreme Court today.
“We are setting out the proposed terms of reference” of the commission, Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium told a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra.
The SG, however, indicated that the commission would not cover personnel in all areas of the armed forces. “It may not be necessary for some areas as the government has taken positive decisions in these areas,” he said without giving details.
The SG sought a week’s time for providing the details of the proposed commission. The move could not be finalised before today’s hearing due to the intervening Divali holidays, he said. Allowing his plea, the Bench posted the next hearing for November 15.
On September 8 this year, the Bench had passed an order asking the government to consider setting up an independent commission headed by a retired SC Judge “for looking into all the grievances of the serving and former members of the armed forces. We feel this is necessary as the armed forces personnel have many grievances which they feel are not being properly addressed by the Union Government.”
Pointing out that the widow of a war veteran had approached the SC questioning the logic of paying her a meagre pension of Rs 70 against her claim of Rs 27,000, the Bench said this was the treatment meted out to highly decorated officers.
“It is shameful” that the government had allowed such cases to come to the Supreme Court. “Does it require a case? What are you people up to? It is very demoralising for the armed forces,” the Bench told the Solicitor General.
The SG assured the Bench that such grievances would also be addressed by the proposed commission. The court was hearing a petition filed by some serving and retired army officers, challenging the government’s refusal to accord them enhanced rank pay as recommended by the Fourth Pay Commission.
-----------
From: raj kadyan
To: bhupal singh
Cc: Satbir Singh Maj Gen
Sent: Tue, 9 November, 2010 8:58:55 AM
Subject: Re: COMMISSION FOR ARMED FORCES
One does sincerely hope this Commission is not a ploy to circumvent the rank pay imbroglio. The govt is quite capable of saying that the proposed commission would now deal with the rank pay issue; not very different from the 'committee' I had referred to in my sitrep a few days ago. Let us wait for 15 Nov.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262, +919811226676
Views of Gp capt VK Vidyadhar from Australia
From: Vaidun Vidyadhar [mailto:vvidya@optusnet.com.au]
Sent: 10 November 2010 13:37
To: MilVet Vet; 22nda@googlegroups.com; 84thpc24thnav@googlegroups.com; rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: REPORT (Chander Kamboj) MY SIGNAL
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (H to Z-2) - 09 NOV 2010
The IESM leadership is in good hands. Though I have not had the pleasure of meeting him or knowing him in person, from what I have seen of his actions and read his writings, I hold him in high esteem.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Lt Gen Kadyan for his very mature and balanced Chairmanship of the IESM these two years. I am confident there will be many more veterans who hold a similar view about him.
I sincerely hope he will continue to lead the IESM in the coming years from strength to strength. He has my full support for what it is worth.
With very best wishes
Gp Capt VK Vidyadhar
Tamworth, Australia
Sent: 10 November 2010 13:37
To: MilVet Vet; 22nda@googlegroups.com; 84thpc24thnav@googlegroups.com; rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: REPORT (Chander Kamboj) MY SIGNAL
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (H to Z-2) - 09 NOV 2010
The IESM leadership is in good hands. Though I have not had the pleasure of meeting him or knowing him in person, from what I have seen of his actions and read his writings, I hold him in high esteem.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Lt Gen Kadyan for his very mature and balanced Chairmanship of the IESM these two years. I am confident there will be many more veterans who hold a similar view about him.
I sincerely hope he will continue to lead the IESM in the coming years from strength to strength. He has my full support for what it is worth.
With very best wishes
Gp Capt VK Vidyadhar
Tamworth, Australia
Views of Col RP Chaturvedi
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi
To: Kamboj Chander; raj kadyan
Sent: Wed, 10 November, 2010 7:44:38 AM
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (A to G-2) - 09 NOV 2010
Dear General Kadyan,
I am deeply appreciative of your response- precisely worded, politely but firmly conveyed, and absolutely timely.
Conveys a high quotient of leadership talent and PR acumen that IESM requires.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
To: Kamboj Chander
Sent: Wed, 10 November, 2010 7:44:38 AM
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (A to G-2) - 09 NOV 2010
Dear General Kadyan,
I am deeply appreciative of your response- precisely worded, politely but firmly conveyed, and absolutely timely.
Conveys a high quotient of leadership talent and PR acumen that IESM requires.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Views of Gp capt I Jairath
From: Indarjit Jairath [mailto:ijairath@gmail.com]
Sent: 10 November 2010 09:07
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (H to Z-1) - 09 NOV 2010
Dear Brig Kamboj
I fully endorse the views expressed by the chairman IESM. Since any adverse news on defence services particularly when linked to scams, does affect the good image in the eyes of public, there is probably a need of caution. However, ours is a fight for the honourable cause of the veterans for which we should stand united as ever but with more vigour to set aside or neutralise the likely ill effects. Our agendas should continue to reflect promotion of honesty in dealings within and beyond the boundaries of IESM.
I, on behalf of Club-20, take liberty to express our solidarity with the IESM and its organisation as defined in its charter of objectives/responsibilities.However, changes if and when required, should be incorporated but after due and careful deliberations only in best interests of the Movement and the Veterans.
I.Jairath.
Gp Capt (Retd)
Club-20
Sent: 10 November 2010 09:07
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 09 NOV 10 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 518/2010 - (H to Z-1) - 09 NOV 2010
Dear Brig Kamboj
I fully endorse the views expressed by the chairman IESM. Since any adverse news on defence services particularly when linked to scams, does affect the good image in the eyes of public, there is probably a need of caution. However, ours is a fight for the honourable cause of the veterans for which we should stand united as ever but with more vigour to set aside or neutralise the likely ill effects. Our agendas should continue to reflect promotion of honesty in dealings within and beyond the boundaries of IESM.
I, on behalf of Club-20, take liberty to express our solidarity with the IESM and its organisation as defined in its charter of objectives/responsibilities.However, changes if and when required, should be incorporated but after due and careful deliberations only in best interests of the Movement and the Veterans.
I.Jairath.
Gp Capt (Retd)
Club-20
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