Meeting at Jantar Mantar on 12 Nov 2011

Dear All VETERANS


It is very unfortunate that some irresponsible veterans are spreading rumours about the existence of IESM and its well meaning actions. These disgruntled veterans are responsible for veterans being divided in small fractions and not able to unite as one single force. I normally do not give any credence to rumours but I am constrained to issue clarification because these rumours are being spread to neutralise the planned rally of IESM on the 12 November at Jantar Mantar.


Few member of IESM had been suspended from the primary membership of IESM because of indiscipline and not keeping the accounts properly. These few disgruntled ex-servicemen have started a breakaway group of ex-servicemen. Sep DS Sheoran calls himself as the President and Col K Bhardwaj as the Gen Sec of the new dispensation. Sep DS Sheoran had been denied membership of IESM because he is not an ex-serviceman as he does not get pension from the defence account which is the minimum condition of being called an ex-serviceman. This breakaway group has started rumours that they are office bearers of IESM. They have also filed cases in the court about their group being the original IESM. The matter is very strongly being contested in the court and very soon the breakaway group would loose the case in the court as all the evidence is in our favour.


Environment is aware of the legal procedure in India that anyone can file any case in Indian courts and let the case drag for years. This breakaway group has also done the same and have been requesting the court for dates to keep the case alive and create confusion in the minds of veterans. IESM has always appeared in the court on the designated dates but to our surprise the breakaway group has been absenting from appearance on one flimsy reason or the other and have been requesting for the fresh dates for hearing with the clear intentions, that is to prolong the case for many years to keep the rumours alive.


IESM office bearers have been maintaining a dignified silence on the wrong doings and ill intentions of the breakaway group and have not been issuing any statements to the environment. I have been constrained to issue clarification because of the runours spread by the breakaway group. This has been necessitated because of the demand from the large number of veterans with whom I interacted during my visit to Punjab on 5 and 6 November 2011. It is important for us to note that IESM is for welfare of all the veterans and have not spoken against any organisation. IESM believes that all organisations are doing good work and are helping the veterans. IESM welcomes and appreciates all ex-servicemen organisation which are taking up problems on behalf of veterans with the Govt.


In view of above following is issued for the benefit of environment and as rejoinder to the rumours.
IESM whose Chairman is Gen Raj Kadyan is working for the benefit of all ex-servicemen and would continue to take up cases of ex-servicemen with the Govt.
IESM is fully functional and has complete control on its activities and bank accounts.
IESM is holding a big rally at 1000h to 1400h at Jantar Mantar on 12 November 2011 Saturday to press for the demand of OROP for the ex-servicemen. Ex-servicemen from all states of India are reaching Delhi to attend the rally. All ex-servicemen are requested to attend the rally in large numbers.
IESM is holding AGM at 1030h to 1400h on 13 Nov 2011 Sunday at AVCC Sector 37 Noida. All members of IESM are requested to attend the AGM in large numbers.
IESM will be leading a delegation of widows to discuss the problem of widows pension with Raksha Mantri on 14 Nov 2011.
IESM will continue to take up issues of ex-servicemen with the Govt.
IESM has more than 16000 members from all states of India and the number is increasing by the day.
IESM has been pledged support by a large number of ex-servicemen organisations, from various states of India, in its fight for justice and self respect of ex-servicemen.
IESM is planning to have rallies in all states of India to air the problems of ex-servicemen to the authorities.
IESM has been able to convince the state assemblies of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to pass unanimous resolution for grant of OROP for ex-servicemen. Effort is on to convince other state Govt to pass the similar resolution.
IESM has been able to convince the Parliament committee on defence to recommend OROP for ex-servicemen. This committee has recommended OROP for ex-servicemen in three different papers to the Govt of India.
IESM along with other organisations has made a strong presentation to petition committee of Parliament to recommend OROP for the ex-servicemen. This committee would submit its report to Speaker Lok Sabha in the winter session of Parliament. IESM is very hopeful that the report would be in favour of ex-servicemen.
IESM has also been interacting with MsP of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to support the case of OROP for ex-servicemen.

IESM requests to all ex-sevicemen to be careful of such rumours and please note that the grand rally of IESM will be held as per program on 12 Nov 2011 at 1000h to 1400h at Jantar Mantar New Delhi. Ex -servicemen from all states of India will be reaching Delhi to attend the rally. All ex-servicemen are requested to attend the rally in large numbers.


ITS NOW OR NEVER ALL VETERANS PLEASE COME FOR THE RALLY AND BE COUNTED.


INDIVIDUALLY WE ARE WEAK BUT TOGETHER WE WOULD BE LIKE A TORNADO AND SHAKE UP ANY LARGE TREE. TOGETHER WE WOULD BE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH.


Regards


Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01204313951
Mobile 09810541222

IESM_GovBody] Amdalshahpur (Jhajjhar) Rally 23 Oct 2011

JOB OF TECNICIAN

From: triloki bhatara
To: IESM ; IESM Pune
Sent: Saturday, 17 September 2011 12:16 PM
Subject: JOB OF TECNICIAN

A job opening from naukri.com for ESMs, especially for ex-IAF technicians.
Gp Capt (Retd) TK Bhatara tkbhatara@yahoo.co.in
Technician
11 Opening(s)
HBE Group

Summary

Experience:15 - 25 Years
Location:Coimbatore, Port Blair, Srinagar
Compensation:Best in industry
Education:UG - Any Graduate - Any Specialization,Graduation Not Required
PG - Any PG Course - Any Specialization,Post Graduation Not Required
Industry Type:Aviation / Aerospace Firms
Role:Maintenance Engnr
Functional Area:Site Engg., Project Management
Posted Date:13 Sep
Job Description
Preventive & Breakdown Maintenance of Air Survillance radar.Required local Ex Air force, Ex Army, Ex Navy Personnel for following location:
Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Sullur, P Blair, Carnicobar, Pune, Tezpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore
Keywords: Radar, Ex - Army, Ex - Airforce, Ex - Navy, Ex - Defense, Ex - Defence
Desired Candidate Profile
Required local Ex Air force, Ex Army, Ex Navy Personnel (non commisioned officer). Experience in Maintenance of Radar is a must.
Company Profile
HBE Group was Founded in the year 1997 with the vision of delivering state of the art solutions for Broadcast Industry .

The organization soon diversified in to high technology area of Aviation with offerings comprises wide range of solution for Communication, Navigation, Surveillance (ATC) and modernization of airports related products

Recently HBE Group has added complete range of meteorological solutions and entered in to Defence segment with syenergical offerings for Air Traffic Management (ATM), Modernization of Airfields (Indian Air force & Indian Navy) and Meteorological solutions and our core strengths entrenched in high tech electronics coupled with IT.

Turnover - USD 60 Millions for FY 2008, Current Headcounts-150.

Major Principals- Tandberg, Harris, Axia, Latens, Visilink, Net Insight, Jampro, RGB, Vaisala, Aerodate, Terma, ST, Sensis, Frequentis, Rapiscan and others esteemed partners……!!!

We have also established a brand independent service company to offer installation, testing, commissioning and operation and maintenance activities for high end technical projects. Our state of the art service division is accredited by ISO 9001-2000 certification. You may also visit www.hbeindia.com to get more information.
Contact Details
Company Name:HBE Group
Website:http://www.hbeindia.com
Executive Name:Swati Mittal
Address:Not Mentioned
Email Address:careers@threedis.com
Telephone:Not Mentioned

Visit to Nagpur.by Brig Luktuke/Gp Capt Pathak/Cdr Ravi/Col Patil...new IESM members

Nagpur Meeting of IESM..by Brig Luktuke/Gp Capt Pathak/Cdr Ravi/Col Patil.

Nagpur Meeting of IESM..by Brig Luktuke/Gp Capt Pathak/Cdr Ravi/Col Patil.


Dear Sir


The Pune Team of Brig Lutuke/Gp Capt Phatak/Col Patil and self returned from Nagpur on 26 Sep after a very very successful visit.


The planning and arrangement and the success of the visit goes to Brig Luktuke who with a lot of patience and perseverance got the officers at Nagpur to arrange a Rally.


At Nagpur Wg Cdr Mukund Limaye and Mrs Anuradha Phadnis with the help of their local team had made excellent arrangements for the rally and our stay.


The newspapers carried news items in advance of the rally and the DSWO Capt Nimse also helped by informing all.Our thanks to Col Suhas Jatkar of RSB who gave approval to the DSWO to help out our team at Nagpur.Capt D R Limsay was also present at the rally.


The rally was attended by about 350 to 400 veterans.We have been able to get a total of 113 members and one supporter who donated Rs 1000/ to IESM.


After the rally TV99 a local Hindi TV channel also interviewed us.


Some photographs of the rally are attached.


On 26 Sep we talked to 42 DSC veterans at the Ambazari OF.THe Officer Commanding had organised the meet well and we were also treated to a much loved "langer" lunch.We expect membership to come from the unit a little letter in bulk.


Besides the Rally Gp Capt Phatak also met the officers ar Airforce command there to brief them about the 11 airman case(Reservist pension)


We were also met by the Manager of CPPC of Bank On India(Shri Kanetkar) He requested us to conduct a training program for BOI officers handling pensions.The training would be at Pune at their training center.
List of Members is attached.


S No RankName

OFFICERS
1CmdeChitanavis U N
2Lt ColOnkar R M
3Lt ColBhaduri AS
4Lt CdrHastak M
5ColPimpalkhute MP
6Wg Cdr Purohit KB
7Gp CaptWannere AG
8Wg Cdr Contractor J B
9Wg Cdr Dantale, CR
Windows
9Mrs Anuradha Deo w/o Maj Deo SM
10Mrs Bharti Thakre w/o Nb Sub Thakre
11Mrs Suchita W/o Hav Thakre AD
12Mrs Kusum W/o Hav Sonule EK
13Mrs Nita W/o Rahan AB
14Mrs Tulsi w/o Hav Lasante, Kondaba
15Mrs Yashodara w/o Sub Adhav D
16Mrs Shakuntala w/o Lt Co Wankhede RS
17Mrs Rupa w/o L/Nk Sharma CP
18Mrs Anjali w/o S/L Gupta SM
19Mrs Pritam Kaul w/o Capt Harbans Singh
20Mrs Swatee w/o S/l Bhisey V
21Mrs Shashikala w/o LNK Bhakre VM
22Mrs Anusaya w/o Sep Raut Annaji
23Mrs Annapurna w/o Sep Vanaskar VG
24Mrs Sarubai w/o Sep Mehar Sudam
25Mrs Vandana w/o Dongre Baburao
26Mrs Ujjawala w/o PO Puriji AG
27Mrs Shobha w/o Hav Deshmukh Rajabhau
28Mrs Shalini w/o Sub Gaikwad Bhimjirao
29Mrs Kusumtai w/o Potanwar Naganna
30Mrs Indumati w/o Dandi Tejrao
31Mrs Archana w/o Nk Kalambe R
32Mrs Ujwala w/o Nk Nimgade R
JCO's
33WOMohod, DS
34JWOKanade ,MP
35Hon CaptBelekar, KN
36Hon LtMate, VM
37JWOPaddalwar, SN
38Nb SubShelke, NM
39SubSawai,SN
40MWOTrivedi, PN
41Nb SubBasole, AT
42Hon F/OGhawghave,NS
43Nb SubTitarmane, GY
44CPOShende, RD
45Hon CaptDhawade, SK
46WOKalbhore GB
47MWOChaurasia,ML
48WOTapas, SG
49Hon Sub MajKowale, CK
OR
50HavPatil RM
51L NKSethu, A
52CplBangalkar,RT
53Hav Wani, DP
54SgtDhadange,DT
55POVyahadkar,MR
56HavTagde,DM
57HavTalekar, BN
58NkZanke, PA
59HavJadhav, PY
60SepBhake, PG
61NkPatil,GB
62NkChakale, DH
63HavNarnaware, GM
64HavSalve, AM
65SepMarkhande, CK
66HavChaware,SK
67NkHole, SP
68NKKhandare, MM
69NkGaidhane,OS
70HavPhulmali, BN
71NkTayade, UB
72HavGabrial,JD
73SeamanDhakane, RU
74NkBaseshankar, LM
75CplGedamkar, VS
76NkSakhare, AS
77NkShendre, AK
78NkGautre,NM
79HavJanbandhu, PK
80Nk TSKarade,AB
81SgtKushwaha, PK
82NkPudige, GT
83CplBhusari, SW
84SepoyRanjane,YP
85NkMohod ,AR
86Sgt Zake, AN
87LNKVittal,P
88HavBagmare, CA
89NkLacharwar,SG
90SgtShirpurkar,OR
91HavDodke,DG
92NkDeo,PD
93NkShirporkurkar, VK
94NkBhure, KR
95NkPathan,MT
96LDFRMotilinge, PN
97HavGaikwad, SB
98NkMahalle, VC
99HavChinchole AM
100NKSomkuwar,NG
101SepShinde, ML
102SepShegokar, AN
103NkSoni, SR
104SgtGadre,MG
105NkWankhede,KB
106SgtOrke, KV
107HavNagose, SS
108NkBhadbhade, MA
109SgtKhatkhede,GG
110SgtThugaonkar AK
111SepLokhande, SL
112SepWagh, SB
113SgtKhedikar, SR
Supporter
114MrSovani AP



Brgds


Pathak

ECHS Gurgaon

DEAR SIR,
AT THE OUTSET LET ME APOLOGISE ON BEHALF OF MY STAFF FOR THE INCONVENIENCES CAUSED TO YOU ON ACCOUNT OF MEDICINE COLLECTION AT GURGAON POLYCLINIC.NOT WITHSTANDING THE SAME I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE OICs TO ENSURE THAT THE MEDICINES MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE VETERANS TO AVOID ANY INCONVENIENCE.YOU MAY ALSO PLEASE BE INFORMED SIR, THAT A NEW POLYCLINIC WILL COME AT GURGAON SOHNA ROAD SOON WHICH WILL REDUCE THE LOAD AT GURGAON POLYCLINIC AND WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE IN FUTURE..
I HAVE ALSO ADVISED THE OIC TO BE POLITE AND COURTEOUS TO THE VETERANS AT ALL TIMES.
I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VALUED FEED BACKS AND CONTINUED SUPPORT, SO THAT WE WILL FURTHER ENDEAVOUR TO STRENGTHEN THE SYSTEM

With Warm Regards,
Yours sincerely

Brig N Balan
Station Cdr
Delhi Cantt
New Delhi
PIN 110010

Welcome new members IESM

Dear Friends of IESM,

Today I have enrolled the following motivated Officers who have willingly become members of our IESM 'Movement'.

1. 60089-R Cmde PRAMOD KUMAR GOEL 500/= ' pk_goel2001@yahoo.com'

2. IC-8658 Maj R.N.ANAND 500/= ' Tel- 22151453'

3. IC-12053 Lt Col VINOD KUMAR JAIN 500/= ' colvinod2004@yahoo.com'

4. IC-10963 Lt Col P.S.BHATNAGAR 500/= 'Te- 22142203'

5. IC-22967-H Lt Col B.N. Dhingra 500/= ' bhupi43a@hotmail.com'

6. IC-10534 Lt Col YASHPAL DATT 500/= '

Maj Gen A.J.B.Jaini, AVSM
Member Governing Body of IESM
'

Tamil Nadu---> Big Hike in cash component for gallantry award winners

From THE HINDU. 18 Sep 2011, Page 9.

Big Hike in cash component for gallantry award winners.

The State ( Tamil Nadu ) Govt has increased manifold, the quantum of cash awards for recipients of gallantry awards, as follows :---

Award Present Amount New Amount.
( Rs ) ( Rs )

PVC 22,500 15 Lakhs.

MVC 15,000 10 Lakhs.

Vr C 7,000 7.5 Lakhs

Ashok Chakra 20,000 12 Lakhs.

Kirti Chakra 12,000 8 Lakhs.

Shaurya Chakra 5,000 5 Lakhs.

More Benefits for ESM working in T N Ex-Servicemen Corporation ( TEXCO )

The Tamil Nadu Govt has also announced the following benefits for the 8,500 ESM, employed by TEXCO :--
a ) Insurance cover upto Three Lakhs, under Personal Accident scheme.
b ) Rs 1.78 crore will be invested annually under the Group Superannuation Scheme.

nbs.

Brig SC Malik gets Rs 1 Lac as Donation from Modern Road Makers

Dear All,
We are truly grateful for this donation given for our common cause.
Thanking Brig SC Malik for his efforts.
Regards,
Gp capt SS Phatak(retd)

************************

From: Ravindra Pathak
To: gove body IESM
Cc: Malik S C ; subhash malik
Sent: Mon, 19 September, 2011 10:46:13 AM
Subject: [IESM_GovBody] Donation from Modern Road Makers [3 Attachments]


Dear Sir

Today i have deposited a cheque of Rs 1,00,000/ received from Modern Road Makers as donation.

This is the second year that we have got this donation and this is only possible due to efforts of Brig SC Malik.

C K Sir:Kindly send the receipt to my address so that i can give it to Brig Malik and it i snot lost like last year.

The C/VC may like to write to Mr Mhaiskar to thank him for his generous support.

Brgds

Ravi

Rank mis-match : some relief !

Saturday, September 10, 2011
Rank mis-match : some relief !
"About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age." - Gloria Pitzer

Since the last two years, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs – formerly known as CPOs) had been issuing advertisements for recruitment of Ex-Servicemen on a skewed rank equation. CAPFs were seeking Naib Subedars (GP 4200) to join at GP 2800 level and also Havildars (GP 2800) to join at GP 2000 level. The same was pointed out on this blog and also strongly taken up by me separately with the MHA as well as the AG’s Branch.

It seems that collective efforts have borne fruit to an extent. The CRPF is soon going to undertake a massive recruitment drive for ex-servicemen. I have been informed that a decision has been taken to rectify the rank equation as far as re-employment is concerned. Henceforth all JCOs, including Naib Subedars, would be recruited as Inspectors (GP 4600) while other ranks (including Sepoys) shall be recruited as Head Constables (GP 2400). Further, JCOs would be entitled to a handsome fixed compensation package of Rs 54000/- per month while other ranks would be entitled to a fixed package of Rs 34,000/- per month. Recruitment would be offered to those who have done courses related to explosives, field engineering and IEDs and the deployment would probably primarily be in naxal affected areas.

Goes to show that most of our problems emanate from the reason that we do not even want to try. There are people willing to listen but nothing shall move till we speak. Let us not just watch the show, let us engage ourselves with the problems that stare us in our face, and that includes the overall deterioration of our status and standing in the official hierarchy. We need to keep our eyes open, and most importantly it is the people currently in service who need to play a greater role, rather than people like us who are occupied in other professions and can at best maintain a hawk-eye but only from the side of the ring, rather than from bang in the middle of it !
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:12 AM 9 comments
Labels: Grade Pay, Policy and Benefits, Status

Follow up after visit to Bhusaval,Jalgaon etc

Dear All,
During last two days following cases have been taken up by me with respective agencies including CPPCs:-

1 TS Nk Pundge SC
2 Ts Nk N M Shaikh(2780367)
3 Nk Maruti S Takprere(13874918)
4 Cpl C R Bhat(247762)
5 Nk B M Patil(2773568)
6 Hav M P Patil(14394592)
7 Ts Nk B S Patil
8 Hav A Ramdev Pawar
9 Hon Lt Narkhede(JC 2010114)
10 Nk B T Kolate(1380416)
11 Flt Lt V S Chaudhary(144442)
12 Hon Capt Betal Singh(JC237948)
13 Nk Sudame Lal(14366513)
14 Nk V B Nikam(2757525)
Follow up and actual credit of arrears where due will take a month or so.In all cases I have also asked Banks to give interest for this delay as per RBI circular dated 11 Mar 2011.
Regards,
Gp Capt SS Phatak(retd)
Pune

Visit of Cdr Pathak / Gp capt Pathak and Brig S Luktuke

Dear Sudheer

Thanks a lot once gain for all that you and your team did and arrangements for us during the visit.

We reached this evening safely.

I can not close this mail without personally thanking Mrs Kumar for the excellent food that she served us the first day.It was all the more tasteful and it was so very Maharashtrian. Those Bharli Wangi were just to good.Thanks.

Can you kindly send me the email contacts of Varangaon team.Also the photos a few selected one's by email please.

In the meantime pls convey my and the teams sincere thanks to the Varangaon team for their spirit and the enthusiasm in general and their concern to be of help to the Veterans.This was our first experience of this kind so far.


Brgds

Pathak

SECY ESW TO RETIRE ON 31 AUG 2011

NEWS ITEM: SECY ESW TO RETIRE ON 31 AUG 2011

Ms. Neelam Nath to retire on August 31



Ms. Neelam Nath Secretary Ex Servicemen Welfare in the GOI is going to retire on August 31, 2011. She is an IAS officer of 1975 batch who belongs to the Jharkhand cadre.

LIEUTENANT : DID YOU DIE IN VAIN? By Sarvar Bali d/o Brig Pradeep Bali

LIEUTENANT : DID YOU DIE IN VAIN? Aug 24 2011
A friend from my organisation of yesteryears, Brigadier Pradeep Bali, sent me this piece written by his young daughter, Sarvar Bali. It is pathetic while the nation was engrossed in fighting the wrong-doings of our powers that be... our young ones were laying down their lives unheard, uncared and unsung on the borders. While our soldiers lay down their lives to protect their mother India, her better placed sons are robing her off not only her riches but also her chastity. This young girl, Sarvar Bali, has beautifully penned this piece on youngman's sacrifice in GUREJ SECTOR of KASHMIR on August 20, 2011. What a sad thing while soldiers are laying down lives, the GOI is concentrated on immunising its Prime Minister from investigations on charges of corruption.
Read on...click here
Note
This piece was written by a young Girl, SARVAR BALI, daughter of a serving Brigadier of Indian Army Brig Pradeep Bali.
The girl is barely out of the college, LSR of New Delhi, after graduating in journalism. I believe some corrupted versions of this are available on other various sites on the web where the site owners have not given the credit to this young girl. And some therefore do doubt the authenticity of this authorship and the story. This note is to dispel this doubt.

11 lakh ex-servicemen pensions held back

http://www.financialexpress.com/printer/news/810535/
11 lakh ex-servicemen pensions held back

Huma Siddiqui

Posted online: 2011-06-30

New Delhi : An allocation of R2,200 crore made in the 2009-10 Budget is lying unspent as the government has failed to figure out how to calculate and disburse pension to retired defence personnel.
After a sustained demand for more than two years from ex-servicemen, who were seeking “one rank, one pension”, the ministry of defence (MoD) decided in 2009 to enhance the pension of nearly 14 lakh defence personnel retiring before 2006. A new regime of Parity in Pensions was put in place and the same was announced in the 2009-10 Budget. The new system is applicable to JCOs and other ranks.

Talking to FE, Indian Ex-servicemen Movement (IESM) treasurer Wg Cdr CK Sharma (retd) said, “The amount has been sanctioned for disbursal. However, each individual bank is expected to do the necessary calculation in each case and then do the needful.”
“All these years, the system had been that any time there was a change in the pension rates, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension) would issue an amended Preferred Provider Organisation (PPO) for each individual, which would clearly mention the dues of an individual. The government, after the Sixth Pay Commission, has shirked this responsibility and palmed it off to the Pension Disbursing Authority (PDA), which means the bank,” Sharma explained.
According to government sources, so far only 3 lakh out of the 14 lakh ex-servicemen have managed to get the calculation done and get the enhanced pension.
“In some cases, where an individual is fortunate enough to have a bank with a clued-in staff, the work has been done and the money paid. However, as on today, such banks are very few,” . The huge majority have not got the amount due to them as the banks claim they do not have adequate staff to do these calculations, “ pointed out Sharma.
A new software, called Suwigya, has been introduced where an individual can enter his basic information and the software works out the pension dues. According to a official, the basic fact that needs to be remembered is that “a huge majority of the retired jawans from the Army, Navy and the Air Force live in villages and small towns. While a bank manager in Delhi may be guided by people around on how to go about doing these calculations, it is going to be a grave, uphill task for all the others”.

In July 2009, defence minister A K Antony had informed the Lok Sabha: “The government has accepted the recommendations of the cabinet secretary-led panel on ‘one rank, one pension’ and total financial implications on account of benefits to the personnel would be R2,144 crore.”

The committee had recommended inclusion of a Classification Allowance for the Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) from January 1, 2006 and removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from the same date

Senate panel passes bill on job training for military

Senate panel passes bill on job training
for military
By Steve Vogel,
Published: July 1
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has approved legislation that would require broad job-skills training for all U.S. service members before leaving the military.
The bill, aimed at cutting the high unemployment rate among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was unanimously endorsed by the panel Wednesday.
The legislation would provide “veterans with the broad job-skills training and support they need to break down barriers to employment,” committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said. “For the first time, this comprehensive bill will require service members to learn how to translate the skills they learned in the military into the working world.”
The Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 would require all departing service members to participate in the Transition Assistance Program, administered by the Labor Department in partnership with the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The training, now voluntary, includes job-search techniques, resume writing and interviewing tips.
“We ask our military men and women to risk their lives for our country each and every day,” said Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), a bill sponsor. “The least we can do is make sure they don’t have to struggle to stay healthy or get back to work when they come home.”
More than one in four veterans ages 20 to 24 are unemployed, according to Labor Department figures.
The bill would modify federal hiring practices to encourage the hiring of departing service members and would allow service members to begin the federal employment hiring process before their separation from the military. “It will . . . ensure that more veterans have jobs waiting for them when they leave the military by streamlining the path to private and federal employment,” Murray said.
--------------

REHABILITATION DISABLED WAR VETERANS AND OTHER DISABLED PERSONNEL

REHABILITATION DISABLED WAR VETERANS AND OTHER DISABLED PERSONNEL
We had a meeting with the Executive Director of Punjab National Bank yesterday to consider the useful employment of Disabled Veterans in Villages and urban areas to enable them to earn whilst doing other jobs as well. They were very receptive to the idea and immediately asked us to initiate persons willing to undertake to help themselves. The scheme is as below.
The areas that the PNB is presently interested in is Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, UP, Madya pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. Please give this wide publicity because through this scheme persons whilst at home in Villages could earn more than Rs 3000/- per month. SEED, PNB tie up to roll out micro MFs By Ritwik Mukherjee Oct 06 2010, Kolkata SEED, one of the largest business correspondents in the country working with a number of public sector and private banks, is now well set to get into micro mutual funds across Punjab, Hariyana, Bihar and Rajasthan in association with Punjab National Bank.
SEED- PNB will target people who have already been benefited from SEED’s financial inclusion programmes and other people who don’t have any bank account or access to any banking services.
“We will guide people with the help of banking correspondents about mutual funds and other banking products. Unlike regular mutual funds, micro mutual fund is available in smaller lots like Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Secondly, the criteria such as possessing a pan number as well the 3 years lock-in period will also have certain relaxations in this case. This is because the target in this case is the unbanked/ underbanked population,” Anirban Roy, founder & managing director of SEED, told FC.
SEED is also one of the leading providers of consultancy and implementation services in areas of resettlement & rehabilitation, CSR implementation, microfinance, financial inclusion, infrastructure development, social impact assessment, environment impact assessment and skill development.
SEED, which has so has so far created 1.5 million no frill accounts for various banks and is working towards a mandate size of more than 15 million accounts, is also introducing some microcredit schemes to offer finance to rural people to establish themselves and earn their basic requirements on their own. With the help of skill development classes and other vocational training modules, SEED is aiming at a pan-India microfinance project with several banks and companies, Roy said.
Col H N Handa
President Diwave

High Court ruling can make the Armed Forces Tribunal infructuous

High Court ruling can make the Armed Forces Tribunal infructuous
Lt Gen Harwant Singh (Retd)

THE defence services had been clamouring for an Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) for decades, essentially because the civilian courts took years and even decades to decide their cases. These inordinate delays had an adverse impact on discipline, morale and functioning of the military. Take just two cases. The Sixth Pay Commission gave Brigadiers more pension than Major Generals. It took the Punjab and Haryana High Court three long years to address this simple anomaly. Some five years later the case is still doing the rounds of the Supreme Court. Air Vice Marshal Masand, with outstanding service record and a pilot of great repute with the Vir Chakra to his credit, was superseded for promotion to the rank of Air Marshal. Long after he retired, he is still fighting his case in the civilian courts. Perhaps his children will have to continue the fight after he has left the scene.


Since the AFT has come into existence, its benches spread across the country have done a commendable job and have been deciding cases, not only with great scrutiny and application of mind, but with equal promptitude. They are moving quicker that the fast track courts, reinforcing the maxim that justice delayed is justice denied.They have been able to decide cases that have been hanging fire in civilian courts for as long as half a century. Though the AFT is established on the lines of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), they differ in one essential aspect in that the AFT reviews cases of defence services which have separate laws and courts of their own. These courts have full judicial powers. The AFT was set up after long prevarication, dithering and delay, recommendations of the law commission and innumerable articles in the national press pressing for its dire need.


The composition of the AFT was worked out with a view to relate it to the composition of the courts whose verdict, besides other service issues, it would also be called upon to review. This was so because civilian courts are generally not conversant with the military's working, systems, ethos, environment, and the circumstances under which it is required to operate and discharge its duties in peace and war. These special conditions require a rigorous law, quite apart from the general civilian laws. There was a time that for this obvious reason, civilian courts were somewhat reluctant to take on the military's cases. However civilian courts, for no apparent reason, now seem to adopt an altogether different approach.


As per the AFT Act, rulings and verdicts of the AFT can be reviewed only by the Supreme Court. The very purpose of setting up the AFT was to provide a dedicated forum for quick redressal of grievances and judicial review of court martial orders with the provision for just a one-stage review (Supreme Court in this case) for armed forces personnel, as disposal of cases in civilian courts took a long time and this inordinate delay impinged on the discipline and good order in the defence services.


The Delhi High Court, in its recent ruling noted that High Courts are constitutionally empowered to review decisions of the AFT, not withstanding the fact that the Armed Forces Tribunal Act of 2007 stipulated that appeals against AFT's orders would rest directly with the Apex Court. A Division Bench comprising Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Suresh Kait further ruled, "AFT, being manned by personnel appointed by the executive, albeit in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, cannot be said to be truly a judicious review forum as a substitute to High Courts that are constitutional courts and the power of judicial review, being a basic feature of the Constitution, under Article 226 and Article 227 of the Constitution is unaffected by the constitution of the AFT." Further, tribunals can perform a "supplemental as opposed to a substitutional" role vis-a-vis the high courts, the bench held.


The AFT was set up to exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to orders, findings or sentences of court martial and exercise original jurisdiction with respect to service disputes. This ruling puts the very purpose of having an AFT somewhat infructuous and takes us back to square one. It is in fact, a leap forward into the past. It will bring about the same painful and frustrating delays and their impact on the military's discipline and functioning as they existed before the promulgation of the AFT Act. The Delhi High Court, in its infinite wisdom, deep understanding of the Constitution and legal acumen, has turned the very idea and rationale of setting up the AFT on its head.


Now article 227(4) of the Constitution, on which the Delhi High Court has relied in passing the above noted order, provides superintendence of High Court over all courts/tribunals falling in its jurisdiction but it specifically excludes court martial cases. Therefore and quite simply and logically, it cannot have power of superintedence over the Armed Forces Tribunal that has appellate jurisdiction over verdicts of court martial cases. Further when there is specific provision for appeal against verdicts/orders of the Tribunal under sections 30/31 of the Act to only the Supreme Court, then how could a writ petition be entertained by a high court.
High Courts are already overloaded with work and the backlog runs into a million cases and it is to bypass this legal quagmire and the necessity for quick disposal of defence services cases that the AFT Act of 2007 was promulgated by the government as an act of Parliament and as such became a law, where the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was in the consultative loop. In case the rulings of the AFT are to be subjected to review by the high courts and later by the Supreme Court then the purpose of establishing the AFT is defeated.


On an earlier occasion, a High Court gave a ruling that court martial should record a "speaking order". Now the composition and working of a court martial is akin to the jury system, which for too obvious a reason does not record a "speaking order". Unfortunately, defence services did not contest this ruling in the Supreme Court and court martial proceedings are now required to be accompanied by a speaking order. The judge advocate, who is on the court martial merely to render advice to the members on purely technical legal issues and has no voting right, is the only one who is qualified to write a speaking order. Consequently the judge advocate has come to exercise undue influence over the court, which in reality and practice has altered the very character and working of the court martial.


To avoid inevitable delays in the finalisation of defence services cases dealt by the AFT, in case these are subjected to review by the High Courts as well, the order of the Delhi High Court must be contested in the Supreme Court by the service headquarters. The need for early disposal of defence services cases hardly needs any emphasis.

The writer is a former Deputy Chief of the Army Staff

MEETING MOD 17 JUNE 2011..disabled war Veterans

From: DIWAVE Disabled war Veterans [mailto:diwave1@gmail.com]
Sent: 18 June 2011 08:59
To: DELETED

Subject: MEETING MOD 17 JUNE 2011

Dear ALL,

The meeting held in JS (ESW) office on 17 June 2011 does not provide good news for those retained in service in regards their broadbanding of disability. Please see notification attached.

While discussing the delay in issuing government sanctions for revised pension entitlement of pre-96 at par with their civilian counterparts, we were informed by US Malathi Narayanan that as per the latest clarification by DP&PW, BB benefit would not be extended to those retained in service after the injury. She referred to a Gazette Notification dated 22.2.11 by DP&PW to that effect. A scanned copy of the relevant page may be seen at the attachment. The Notification, however, is silent whether it is applicable with retrospective effect, which we doubt very much. We would need to clarify this.

A relevant point also is that with implementation of SC judgment in KJS Buttar's case, where even superannuated / discharged with disability would be deemed to have been invalided out.

Amazing, the far reaching ramifications of this judgment had not sunk in the head of JS (ESW). On realising that this judgment is a game-changer, he said they would have to consider all aspects including possibility of a review by SC, before implementing it.


We will keep you informed. Two DGL's are under preparation by CGDA.
--
Col H N Handa

General HL Kakria Takes Over as DGAFMS

General HL Kakria Takes Over as DGAFMS
Lt Gen HL Kakria has taken over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). Before taking charge as the DGAFMS yesterday, Lt. General Kakria was working as the Director General, Medical Services (Army).
An alumnus of GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Lt Gen Kakria joined the Army Medical Corps on February 14, 1972. A Post-Graduate in General Surgery and Orthopaedics from the Pune University, the General officer has been a renowned surgeon, teacher and an academician. He has published numerous research papers in various National and International journals. He was awarded the Major General Amir Chand award in 1990 for the best research work in Orthopaedics on Knee Joint injuries. An Executive Member of 'Bone and Joint Decade '(BJD) 2000-2010, Lt Gen Kakria has attained global recognition for his pioneering work in joint replacement and spinal surgery.
During his illustrious career spanning over 39 years, Lt. General Kakria has held key positions including Commandant, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt., Commandant of Artificial Limb Centre, Pune and Commandant of Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune. He has also held the staff appointment of Major General (Medical), HQ Southern Command and later became the Commandant of AMC Center & College. Appointed DGMS (Army) & Colonel Commandant on June 1, 2010, Lt. General Kakria has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1992, Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal in 2002, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2009 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011. DM/PK (PIB Release ID :72444)
General HL Kakria Takes Over as DGAFMS

MOD to be penalised if orders not complied by 05 Aug 2011

Military tribunal verdict brings respite for ex-servicemen
Ajay Sura, May 5, 2011, 05.09pm IST
CHANDIGARH: In an order with the potential of wide ramifications, the Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has ruled that the revised pay scales and consequently pensionary benefits on the recommendations of 5th Central Pay Commission to the Persons Below Officers Rank (PBOR) should be applicable with effect from January 1, 1996 instead of October 10, 997. While setting a deadline of three months to comply these orders, the military tribunal has also held that if the ministry of defence (MOD) failed to follow these orders, it would be liable to deposit Rs 10,000 to the tribunal as penalty.

With these orders thousands of soldiers who retired from January 1, 1996 to October 10, 1997 would be eligible for higher pay and pensionery benefits as per the recommendations of Ajit Kumar committee of the central 5th Pay Commission. The committee had revised the pay and pensioner benefits of Persons Below Officers Rank (PBOR) of Army, Navy and Air Force by removing anomalies.

Bench comprising its judicial member, Justice NP Gupta and administrative member, Lt Gen NS Brar of the AFT of has passed these orders while allowing various petitions filed by the ex-servicemen, Adarsh Pal and others. The petitioners were hailing from various districts of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

All the petitioners had retired from January 1, 1996 to October 9, 1997 were receiving lesser pension than those who retired on or after October 10, 997 because the Ajit Kumar committee recommendations were made applicable with effect from October 10, 1997 onwards. The grouse of the petitioners was that the cut off date of October 10, 1997 was not only illegal but arbitrary also as there is no objective and rationality of this cut off date to be achieved. Arguing before the bench, counsel for the petitioner, RC Chatrath contended that said cut off date has no nexus and objective to be achieved and also in view of the fact that the anomaly should be removed from the date it arose rather than subsequent date.

Accepting the contentions, the AFT, for the first time has also made a provision of penalty of Rs 10,000 in its orders, in case of non-compliance of its orders.
Military tribunal verdict brings respite for Ex Servicemen
Comment: The term PBOR is derogatory in nature. MOD drops term PBOR- click here

Welfare Measures for Ex Service Personnel at snails pace

CM honours ex-servicemen Tribune News Service Dehradun, May 22, 2011
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today reiterated his commitment to work for the welfare of ex-servicemen in Uttarakhand.

Addressing an ex-servicemen’s convention in Dehradun, Nishank said his government had taken a number of measures for the welfare of ex-servicemen. He said a one-time grant for decorated Army personnel had been increased substantially and was the highest in the country. Nishank said even pension of the Second World War veterans had been doubled by his government.

He said six new companies of the Eco Task Force had been constituted to provide employment to the ex-serivicemen. He said Uttarakhand had a large population of ex-servicemen and the government too had allotted free land for the construction of accommodations in Dehradun, Haldwani and the Kotdwar areas.

He said he had launched Antoyodaya Vikas Yatra to get first-hand information of the problems of the people. He said the Atal Khadhyan Yojana had been implemented in the state as relief to the people from rising prices.

The Chief Minister also honoured 102-year-old Dula Devi Gusain, a widow of an ex-serviceman. Another ex-serviceman widow Archana Negi, ex-servicemen Kedar Singh Bhandari and Bachchan Singh Bhandari were also honoured.

Uttarakhand Youth Welfare Board’s vice-president Subhash Barathwal, vice-chairman, Sainik Welfare, Col PD Kuriyal (retd), Capt Digambar Prasad Baloni, vice-president, Twenty Point Programme Implementation Committee, Jitendra Negi, district panchayat member Subhash Bhatt were among those present on the occasion.
CM honours ex-servicemen

Admission for wards of ex-servicemen
Published: May 24, 2011 00:00 IST | Updated: May 24, 2011 04:04 IST CHENNAI, May 24, 2011
A release from the District Collector's office said admission has been reserved for wards of ex-servicemen in B.E. (General) and B.E. (Anna University) and B.E. (Anna University) (lateral entry), besides medicine, arts and science colleges.
Wards of ex-servicemen who are registered in Chennai District may approach the office of the Director of District Ex-servicemen Welfare Assistance in Saidapet. click here

Chib hands over scooters keys to disabled ex-servicemen
Written by Newspoint Bureau Wednesday, 27 April 2011 23:12 Jammu tawi, April 27
Minister for Medical Education R S Chib today said that the government was committed to provide every help to the Rajya Sainik Welfare Board, which he observed is doing excellent job for the welfare of ex-servicemen in the state. He hoped that the Board would achieve new heights in its functioning under the capable patronage of the Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Minister was speaking at a function, organized by Rajya Sainik Welfare Board in connection with distribution of modified scooters to disabled ex-servicemen here today. These scooters have been provided by the Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence. Chib said the Rajya Sainik Welfare Board and Kendriya Sainik Board remain at the forefront in extending help to the ex-servicemen. He said the modified scooters provided to the disabled ex-servicemen are a part of series of the welfare measures to extend succor to the former army personnel and their families. He said the Union Government from time to time formulates welfare schemes for ex-servicemen with provisions for housing, scholarship and financial assistance to the wards and widows of army personnel. Referring to his recent meeting with Union Defence Minister, the Minister said that he took up various outstanding issues of ex-servicemen of the state with him. These included exemption of VAT on CSD item, construction of housing colonies and Sainik Bhawan in the state. He said that the Defence Minister assured early redressal of issues projected by him. Giving brief resume of the achievements of the board, Director Sainik Welfare Board Brig (Retd) R S Langeh said the Kendriya Sainik Board provided seven modified scooters for the disabled ex-servicemen of the state last year, adding 17 more such scooters would be provided to the disabled ex-servicemen shortly. Earlier, the Minister handed over keys to the disabled Ex-servicemen Puran Chand and Balak Ram. Among others, Chairman, Ex-services League Maj. Gen. (Retd) G S Jamwal, Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Lt. Col. R L Gangal, besides a number of retired army personnel were present on the occasion.click here

11 per cent Armymen are from Bihar
March 31, 2011 Patna. Army personnel have reasons to feel proud of their Bihari roots as Bihar accounts for about 11 percent of the total Army personnel strength.
Talking to TOI, Bihar Ex-Servicemen League president Col (retd) V.K. Singh said that Bihar had lost a large size of cantonment after its bifurcation from West Bengal and later due to creation of Jharkhand. While about 20,000 troops went to the Barrackpore Cantonment in West Bengal, it lost two training centres located at Ramgargh to Jharkhand. About 7,500 troops went to the Ramgargh Cantonment after creation of Jharkhand, he said, adding even the main canteen service is still located in Jharkhand.
Col (retd) Singh said that the Army from Bihar has to go to Jharkhand to purchase two or four wheelers. Besides, the League members have been paying state tax on each item of defence being transported to Danapur Cantonment from Jharkhand. He said that about 1.5 lakh personnel are in defence service from Bihar. click here

Punjab committed for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen- Capt Balbir Singh Bath
The Minister said that Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) on its part must get the Union Government to resolve the long outstanding issue of 'One Rank One Pension' and further the case of lateral absorption of Soldiers into the Para Military Forces and State police. He said that in Punjab we were in the process of recruiting 1600 Ex-servicemen for taking over the security related duties from the State Police. He said that there was also a need for the KSB to look at the various Central Schemes that benefit the ESM.
Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Punjab Sainik Welfare Mr. Jagjit Puri, Director Punjab Sainik Welfare Brig. (Retd.) Inderjit Singh Gakhal, Secretary K.S.B Brig. Sudhir Uppal, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) V.K. Jain Director Punjab Sainik Welfare Uttar Pradesh, Brig. (Retd.) R.S. Langeh Director Punjab Sainik Welfare J&K, Brig. (Retd.) J.S. Dulal, Secretary R.S.B Haryana, G.P Capt. (Retd.) R.K. Sharma Secretary R.S.B Delhi, Lt. Col. (Retd.) R.K. Singh District Sainik Board Chandigarh (UT), Maj. (Retd) J.S Puria Deputy Director RSB Himachal Pradesh, Maj. (Retd.) B.S. Negi, Deputy Director RSB Uttrakhand. click here

Ex Service Personnel Welfare News

Ex-servicemen urged to register their new addresses by May 31, 2011Bhopal: May 28, 2011 (Ataullah Faizan): The Directorate for Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare has urged the ex-servicemen of Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore and Vidisha districts, war widows and dependents of ex-servicemen registered with the District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Banganga Crossing, Bhopal, to get their correct address registered by May 31, 2011. According to Joint Director Col. V.K. Chaube (Retired), the directorate is unable to make contact and correspondence with a majority of ex-servicemen, widows and dependents on the addresses registered with the District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Bhopal. Due to this, difficulties are being faced in giving timely information to them about the welfare schemes meant for them and functions held on national festivals and other occasions.
In this context, the directorate has urged ex-servicemen of Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore and Vidisha districts, war widows and dependents of ex-servicemen to get their new addresses, phone number and mobile numbers registered with District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Bhopal, by May 31, 2011.
Ex-servicemen urged to register their new addresses by May 31, 2011
Comment: Why this urgency and a cut off date? The process should be continous. Updating veteran information is the main task of Zilla, Kendriya and Rajya Sainik Boards

Plan to recruit ex-servicemen as postmen Special Correspondent
VILLUPURAM: The post offices at Kallakurichi and Thirukkoilur have proposed to recruit ex-servicemen as postmen. The interested ex-servicemen, up to 65 years of age, could apply to the Inspector Posts, either at Kallakurichi east sub-division or the Thirukkoilur sub-division. Further details could be obtained from the Assistant Director of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, according to a statement from the Villupuram Collectorate. click here

Ex-servicemen rally evokes massive response in Kupwara Sringar | Wednesday, May 11 2011 IST
An ex-servicemen rally evoked a massive response in the frontier district of Kupwara, once a hub of militants in north Kashmir, a Defence Ministry spokesman today. The rally was organised by 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) battalion under the aegis of Sector 8 at Krusan, Lolab yesterday. The rally was a part of welfare activity undertaken by Army for the ex-servicemen and veer naries of Kashmir. The rally evoked tremendous response from the retired soldiers of Lolab, who were apprised of the latest welfare schemes that have been launched by the Army for them.
The rally was inaugurated by Officiating Commander, 8 Sector RR who congratulated the ex-servicemen of Lolab for turning up in large numbers and making the event a huge success. He also appreciated and highlighted the role of ex-servicemen in development of Lolab Valley and expressed hope that the younger generation would be inspired by their patriotism and loyalty to the nation and follow in their footsteps.
Representative of Zila Sainik Board, Srinagar and Officer-in -Commander ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme also addressed the rally. They interacted with ex-servicemen and educated them about the various schemes being run for the benefit of ex-servicemen.
Ex-servicemen rally evokes massive response in Kupwara

Military tribunal verdict brings respite for ex-servicemen May 5, 2011, 05.09pm IST TNN[ Ajay Sura ]

CHANDIGARH: In an order with the potential of wide ramifications, the Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has ruled that the revised pay scales and consequently pensionary benefits on the recommendations of 5th Central Pay Commission to the Persons Below Officers Rank (PBOR) should be applicable with effect from January 1, 1996 instead of October 10, 997. While setting a deadline of three months to comply these orders, the military tribunal has also held that if the ministry of defence (MOD) failed to follow these orders, it would be liable to deposit Rs 10,000 to the tribunal as penalty.

With these orders thousands of soldiers who retired from January 1, 1996 to October 10, 1997 would be eligible for higher pay and pensionery benefits as per the recommendations of Ajit Kumar committee of the central 5th Pay Commission. The committee had revised the pay and pensioner benefits of Persons Below Officers Rank (PBOR) of Army, Navy and Air Force by removing anomalies.

Bench comprising its judicial member, Justice NP Gupta and administrative member, Lt Gen NS Brar of the AFT of has passed these orders while allowing various petitions filed by the ex-servicemen, Adarsh Pal and others. The petitioners were hailing from various districts of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

All the petitioners had retired from January 1, 1996 to October 9, 1997 were receiving lesser pension than those who retired on or after October 10, 997 because the Ajit Kumar committee recommendations were made applicable with effect from October 10, 1997 onwards. The grouse of the petitioners was that the cut off date of October 10, 1997 was not only illegal but arbitrary also as there is no objective and rationality of this cut off date to be achieved. Arguing before the bench, counsel for the petitioner, RC Chatrath contended that said cut off date has no nexus and objective to be achieved and also in view of the fact that the anomaly should be removed from the date it arose rather than subsequent date.

Accepting the contentions, the AFT, for the first time has also made a provision of penalty of Rs 10,000 in its orders, in case of non-compliance of its orders

HQ West Comd Sainak Aramghar at Panchkula

HQ West Comd Sainak Aramghar at Panchkula

HQ West Comd has started a Sainik Aramghar "BASANTAR ", which is just 2 Km from HQ Western Comd at Panchkula.
There are 28 AC rooms with double bed, attached bathroom (@ Rs.350/- per day) and meals are available.
Also 28 Non AC but other facilities are the same (@ Rs250/- per day).
Initial allotment for 3 days, extendable on availability.
For marriages, a max of 10 rooms can be made available.

The address is -
Plot No 1, Sector 2, Panchkula (HARYANA)
Tel: 0172-2585818 OiC & Reception.
OiC: Col A K Tinjani Ph-0-8146998087

Feed BAck OROP...

From: Dhanesh Chandra Goyal
Sent: 18 May 2011 16:18
To: Brig Kamboj
Subject: RE: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Dear Brig,
It is really heartening that some of are fighting our cause. We are bound to be successful one day. Presently the Govt is concentrating only to face saving against corruption, hence delay.
Regards to those senior officers who are representing us.
Lt Col D C Goyal
Jaipur

From: kameswararao gadepally [mailto:krgplee@gmail.com]
Sent: 17 May 2011 20:05
To: Report My Signal (Chander Kamboj)
Subject: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Dear Brig Kamboj
Congratulations to IESM and its governing body for the illuminating presentation to the Committee on Petitions of the Parliament. It is good that almost all the various groups of Veterans have been involved in the presentation. The qoute by Gen Raj Kadyan is very appropriate and let us hope that it will open the eyes of the bureaucracy and the government to the realities leading to the success of our efforts and grant of OROP. May The Almighty add HIS Blessings for the success of the endeavours in this regard by all Veterans.
regards
yours sincerely
Lt Col (retd) Dr G Kameswara rao
Secunderabad

From: Hirak Nag
Sent: 17 May 2011 19:29
To: "Report My Signal" (Chander Kamboj)
Subject: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Very encouraging and all due to the continious, dedicated and tireless efforts of Gen Kadyan, Gen Satbir, Lt. Kameshwar Pandey, Col RP Chaturvedi, Hav Devi Lal, Brig Kamboj and all the selfless staff of IESM. I am proud to be a member.
Hirak Nag.

Feedback on Presentation to Petition Committee on OROP by Gen YN sharma

Congratulations and compliments to Gens Kadyan , Satbir and their dedicated Team as also All other Veteran Leaders who have made such forceful presentations on our behalf- truly inspiring and selfless service to Servicemen.
Inspired feedback from Hony Lt Pandey- his write-up is brilliant.
May their example bring the ideal of Veterans Unity/harmony closer to 'being'.
Pray for your success and to the cause of Justice for Veterans.
Best wishes and warm regards
Yoginder Sharma
Lt Gen YN Sharma
Former Army Commander

ECHS...Noida by Col RP Chaturvedi

I went to Noida polyclinic this morning. It is today, by far one of the best in the country. This transition has come about with the untiring efforts of Col Bhardwaj, the OC Polyclinic, over the past two years. Comfortable sheltered waiting areas, TVs, helpful staff emulating the OC who insists we come inside and sit down, before giving everyone a patient hearing. Waiting time everywhere has come down considerably. Things move smoothly. Really good. I learnt today that the Colonel leaves this assignment over next fortnight, since he has finished his contract of two years. I wonder if he would consider staying on. He tells me that is against policy. Really? I know for one, I and a lot many Noida ESM will be sorry to see him go. AND his successor has a tough task cutout for him to match the standards of courtesy, efficiency and administrative acumen of Col Bhardwaj.
I saw a large crowd waiting to see Medical Specialist. L-O-N-G queues of impatient patients waiting for Darshan of the sole Medical Specialist. Earlier not too long we had two/ three.
Dr (Mrs) Agarwal, the other medical specialist had left some time ago, on superannuation at age 65. When Brig Tiwari expired soon after, she was reappointed and moved in. Queues could now progress faster. Now, moved in the Line of Communication Hqs. We all know the appointment of Doctors is 'Area Hq' Turf. SO, how could MD ECHS make this appointment, Area Hq wanted to know. They asserted their power and could prevail. Dr Agarwal is now out. We are back to the one medical specialist.
The above narrations point to a sad lack of development of the 'service industry' ethos in Fauji organizations that need to be more supportive of the needs of the USER, rather than the insistence on protocol, processes and of course egos. It is nobody's case that the present OC OR Dr Agarwal are indispensable. Only that a 'case by case' study of the situation needs doing. Shortly, we would be expanding the Polyclinic, the erstwhile MI room building has already been vacated and adjustments seem to have started. In the event, having the OC continue the good work would have been a good idea. I don't find it necessary, but must state that Col Bhardwaj is neither known to me earlier than my association with him after I started functioning as Coordinator of the IESM ECHS Division, nor is he going to pay me to write this.
Dr Agarwal. Ditto. If she was a surgeon I would perhaps feel her hand may quiver during a serious stage of an operation. But as Medical specialist, age 65 does not sound too high. Maybe she should have served us another year or two, till we found adequately skilled replacement. Why should there be a gap in the service. And I believe the GOC Delhi Area needs to be requested to review the decision. Again, I can't recall meeting Mrs Agarwal. I don't know her.
Would someone be able to take this forward? Thanks.
I am reminded of an advise I received from my Director when I joined the corporate the first time. "If something is working, Don't touch it".
And if you do touch it, may I advise you to please see the attached chart for suggestions of what to do next.



With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.

IESM PRESENTATION TO THE PETITION COMMITTEE OF RAJYA SABHA

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.

Please read the two emails reproduced below.

I am sure this will give you lot of confidence in the efforts being put in by your humble supporters IESM, who are spending sleepless nights to
get justice to YOU ALL INDIAN MILITARY VETERANS.
होंगे कामयाब हम एक दिन - एक दिनIt is time for all of us to support IESM.
Would you please –
Become member of IESM and give them whole hearted support.

You know and we all know – you cannot get very rich by saving those few hundred rupees, which are required to support IESM.
More support you can gather – better are chances of success of IESM.
We need much more momentum to move the political leaders away from the clutches of the Babus, who are bent upon cheating the Defence Services Veterans.


Please help and support IESM.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
-------------

From: Satbir Singh [mailto:satbirsm@gmail.com]
Sent: 17 May 2011 14:56
To: CS.Kamboj@yahoo.in
Subject: Fwd: [IESM_GovBody] IESM PRESENTATION TO THE PETITION COMMITTEE OF RAJYA SABHA AND OTHER RELATED UPDATES [9 Attachments]


Dated : 17 May 2011IESM PRESENTATION TO THE PETITION COMMITTEE OF RAJYA SABHA AND OTHER RELATED UPDATES
Dear Veterans

1. The Petition Committee of Rajya Sabha on One Rank One Pension (OROP) invited a number of veteran organizations and a few veterans for the presentation on 16 May 2011. We had requested the Petition Committee to grant us sufficient time to make the presentation to enable us to do justice to the cause. You will be glad to know that our request was accepted. Alongwith us, the Navy Foundation Delhi Chapter and Brig Mahalingam an IESM veteran also made their presentations.
2. Gen Kadyan, Col R P Chaturvedi, Hony Lt Kameshwar Pandey and self represented the IESM. Gen Kadyan made a gripping, impressive, forceful and excellent presentation bringing out all the relevant facts, logic and analysis for the grant of OROP. The members of the committee which comprised Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chairman Petition Committee and Members of Rajya Sabha, Shri Avinash Pande, Shri Rajeev Shukla, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Shri Nandi Yellaiah, heard our presentation fully engrossed and their body language demonstrated their compassion for the soldier. Col RP Chaturvedi, Hoy Lt Kameshwar Pandey made brief forceful comments. I was privileged to add a few points with a couplet commenting on the bureaucracy:-

“Mera Katil hi Mera Munsif Hai, Mere Haq Mein Kiya Faisla Dega”(My Murderer is the Judge, How will he give Judgement in my Favour?)

I appealed to the Hon’ble Members of the petition Committee that Injustice to the Defence Forces must end at the earliest in the interest of the Nation”.
3. The Navy Foundation led by Admiral Harinder made an equally strong presentation highlighting the issue of Non functional upgrades and other promotional avenues and benefits which the bureaucracy has given to itself.
4. We were also privileged to listen to Brig V Mahalingam to a very captivating, factually backed and emotionally charged presentation which was heard by the Committee members in rapt silence nodding in obvious agreement. They commented that during the day’s proceedings they had indeed been exposed to the facts hither to fore unknown to them.
5. We also take the privilege to release IESM Memorandum and Memorandum sent by self with related documents to the Petition Committee. Friends, we are thankful to other veteran organizations ie IESL, All India Ex Services Welfare Association, Naval foundation, IESL Uttrakhand and veterans Gen HB Kala, Gen Vijay Oberoi, Gen Radhakrishnan, AVM R P Mishra, Admiral Alan O’Leary, Admiral Arun Saxena, Brig V Mahalingam for forcefully presenting the case for OROP in their respective memorandums. During our presentation, we were also privileged to hear Mr. Ramachandran Gen Secretary of All India Central Confederation of Pensioners Association speaking in favour of the Defence Personnel. He remarked that if the Defence Personnel are Govt employees, they have to be given employment till the age of 60. In case they are being compulsorily retired earlier, suitable compensation for them is the bounden duty of the Govt.
6. Dear veterans, the time has come for the OROP to be sanctioned. Let us hope the Govt (read bureaucracy) does not derail it any more. As announced earlier, if the OROP is not granted by September 2011, the IESM has planned to carry out “Fauji Gaurav Yatras” in all states of the country starting first with Punjab. The Yatras will cover all the districts of the state. Defence veterans, their members of the families and supporters in large number are likely to take part in Yatras. The aim is to draw attention of the people of India about the ill-treatment of military by successive Govts for the last 62 years. We also plan to collect maximum medals and blood signatures on the memorandum to be deposited with the President of India and inform veterans across the country that those political parties who do not support or work to get us OROP have NO RIGHT TO ask for our votes in any election. Forgetting differences if any, all veteran organizations and individual veterans are requested to join in our crusade to get justice for Defence Forces.
7. We will conduct the Yatras in a peaceful and dignified manner keeping in view the democratic norms and discipline.
“We will succeed”
“God Bless God Speed”


With Regards,

Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM
Mob: 9312404269, 0124 – 4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com, satbirsm@yahoo.com
Attachment(s) from Satbir Singh9 of 9 File(s)
(The attachments received from Maj Gen Satbir Singh being very large in size, cannot be mass emailed. However these attachments are being placed on the following websites –
“REPORT MY SIGNAL - BLOG” – http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com
IESM UPDATES AND MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION – http://www.iesm.org/
SANJHA MORCHA WEBSITE - http://sanjhamorcha2009.blogspot.com/ )
---------------

From: IESM_GovBody@yahoogroups.com [mailto:IESM_GovBody@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kameshwar Pandey
Sent: 17 May 2011 16:04
To: gove body IESM
Subject:
CONGRATULATIONS ON AN OUTSTANDING PRESENTATION, SIR.


Dear Gen Kadyan Sir,

I am still recovering from the awe-effect of the presentation you made yesterday. To say that it was an outstanding presentation that you made in front of the petition committee would be a huge understatement. IESM is both lucky and proud to have you as our Chairman and I feel privileged to be able to work closely with you. Even the chairman and the other members of the petition committee had no option but to appreciate your presentation. The effect that the presentation had on the committee can be gauged by the remark that they made, "we would like to meet you again during the course of finalization of the committee recommendations." On behalf of our team and as an 'eye-witness' I would like to congratulate you on a remarkable presentation yesterday.

The beauty of presentation lay in the fact that all our claims, our points and our apprehensions were backed by solid, water-tight facts and figures. What was even more outstanding was that these were issues mostly related to war widows, JCOs, NCOs and other ranks - something that was missing from most of the other presentations made before the committee. It was, thus, proven one more time that Gen Kadyan follows the 'subordinates first' rule which so many senior veterans have forgotten.

Some points of the presentation that I want to highlight that Gen Kadyan stressed on:

- The main focus of the presentation was, of course, on One Rank One Pension, its need and its justification.

- Intended and subtle pun on the cunning efforts of bureaucrats for the planned and tactical down-gradation of the military.

- Loved this quote, "mera qatil hi mera munsif hai, kya mere haq mein faisla dega..." which was delivered in an extremely emotional way by Gen Satbir sir which moved everyone sitting in the room.

- I salute the herculean effort put in by Gen Satbir sir as well as Col R P Chaturvedi sir who worked behind the scenes tirelessly which made this presentation a grand success that it was. We must also thank to Hav Devi Lal sahib who is always in the thick of every IESM activity. Hav Devi Lal sahib is an asset for IESM.

Finally, I apologize for taking the mic without your permission to support the points of Sh S S Ramachandran. The chairman, Mr Koshiyari, tried to interrupt him but I was in full agreement with the point raised by Mr S S Ramachandran, that the young lot of firearms trained soldiers, if left dissatisfied, can be misguided by anti national elements and that can be mighty dangerous.

The question before us, therefore, is weather these committees have any vested powers or are they merely an eye-wash and a governments gimmick to buy more time and further delay the issue. A member of the committee was saying that we are here to give you a hearing and that there are many committees above them that might or might not listen to their recommendations. What, then, is the use of all this lao-lashkar? And what should be our course of action?

I once again appreciate the collective efforst of IESM as a unit because of which such presentations and meetings are suddenly happening and everybody is talking about ESM and OROP. What is notable is the fact that IESM was called separately for making the presentation! That said,
लड़ाई लम्बी है. हमें शांति, धीरज और हिम्मत से आगे बढ़ाना है.


Thank you.
Yours truly.

Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
Governing Body Member Indian ESM Movement
Resi: 230, Pocket-1, DDA SFS Flats, Sector-1,
Dwarka, New Delhi - 110 075
Cell : +91-9811059825

‘Army nurses not at par with officers’

Chandigarh, May 12
Holding that the Military Nursing Service (MNS) is an auxiliary force, the Armed Forces Tribunal has ruled that MNS officers cannot be granted parity with Army officers.
Disposing of a bunch of petitions filed by MNS officers seeking a higher pay-band and associated benefits at par with Army officers of equivalent rank, the Tribunal observed that the recruitment process and nature of duties of the MNS and Army officers is different and simply because the MNS officers are being granted ranks and perks admissible to combatant soldiers and officers, the position of MNS officers cannot be elevated to that of regular troops.
The MNS officers contended that making a distinction on the basis of being a combat and non-combat force and thereby placing them in a lower pay-band was discriminatory. They also contended that some other branches like education, postal and JAG were also non-combatant, but were granted higher scales. Observing that it was clear from the Army ordinance that the MNS was an auxiliary force and not the main combat force, the Tribunal ruled that the difference between the two is right from the induction into service and this distinction has been kept in view by the government while fixing their pay-band.
Ruling that it was a “total misnomer” to say that the nursing staff are same in status as the regular combat force, the Tribunal also observed that there would be functional and command difficulties in hospitals. Nurses have to work under the directions of doctors and have to follow their command. Directions given by doctors to persons of the same rank and status may cause difficulty in functioning.

Major's anomoly under Radar

From: Col Mohan
Date: Fri, May 13, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Subject: Letter to RM on Pension anomaly- Majors & Equivalent
Please refer to my earlier mail in Apr 2011.
A copy of the letter received from Shri Antony, RM is attached for your information. I am amazed at the quick response from the RM but have little hope that he would follow it up. This is one of the may similar responses from this gentleman called Antony; and I am not inclined to take him seriously; you may be better informed about this man than I do.
Regards,
Mohan

Rejoinder to Shekhar Gupta.....worth reading

A letter written by our daughter in response to Shekhar Gupta's middle in Indian Express. Says it all.
Satish Bahri
--- On Sat, 14/5/11, Nandini Bahri-Dhanda wrote:

From: Nandini Bahri-Dhanda
Subject: Jantar, Chhu Mantar
To: sg@expressindia.com
Date: Saturday, 14 May, 2011, 4:06 PM
Dear Mr Gupta,
This is in reference to your article- Jantar, Chhu Mantar in IE 14 May 2011.
Frankly I was initially quite bewildered at the hostility from newspapers and its editors, sociologists and intellectuals at Anna Hazare's fast, his demands for modifications and changes etc in the Lokpal Bill, his drawing attention and articulating the general public anger at corruption.
I read article after article of regular contributors and columnists of your newspaper whose writings I had over the years read and enjoyed. Whose opinions I had respected and if I had for some reason disagreed, it had atleast opened my mind to another perspective.
However this time round I have seen the pettiness, the vindictiveness, the disdain, the cynicism of these writers and contributors, including you Mr Gupta.
“The Lokpal Bill is not going to end corruption”....no one claimed it would. It was only a first step in the right direction.
“Who chose these members from the civil society?”... these people volunteered, came forward and offered their services and expertise. Was anybody of stature and repute not allowed to participate?
“This Committee would by-pass the Parliament”... yes it would in the Bill formulating stage but it had to be eventually passed by the Parliament.In most developed democracies citizens do push and articulate bills and laws which are then eventually passed by their Senates, Congress or Parliaments after further debate and discussion.
And then the most hypocritical, inverse snobbery where one of your contributor’s mocked Hazare’s statement that he would never be able to win an election because he did not have the power of money to give TV’s, alcohol or sarees to buy his vote. Hazare’s disain for the Indian voter was dangerous she said, almost fascist!
The gloating that we are a democracy that has thrown out non performing governments 4 times in 64 years is pathetic!It seems most of our intellectuals, sociologists, writers, journalists, editors, industralists are cynical, hardened and a part of the system.
They “enjoy” proximity to the powers that be.
They “enjoy” their largesse, a Rajya Sabha seat perhaps?
They “socialise” with this lot. Some write little bits to keep their worth and value and some offer favours in a quid pro quo.
They are cynical to believe that this is how it is and will remain so.
Mr. Gupta your Jantar- Chhu Mantar is a misplaced piece of writing.
This election did not prove anything except the Indian voter just carries on and on the cycle- exchanging one lot for the other.
We are to put it mildly, a passive democracy.We exercise our vote every 5 years and throw one lot out for the other.DMK this time and the AIDMK last time.In the next elections DMK will be back.Is this a mature, thinking, aware voter?The DMK has looted enough to feed Tamil Nadu 20 times over for seven generations. They have not been punished- they are being “rested” in Karunnidhi’s own words.Did your mature voter ever demand what happens to our money? Where is it being spent? Why aren’t thieving people in prison?No- we simply vote them out.Then allow this lot to loot and plunder and bring the old lot back... ”vibrant” democracy indeed. Are we perhaps mistaking “noisy” for “vibrant”?
I was given to believe that a vibrant democracy is where citizens demand accountability from the people who have been voted in to administer and govern. Where they question and deserve a response.Where citizen groups and pressure groups see that the government “works”.Where the citizen expects justice as a right and not a favour.Where citizens do not have to grovel for what is basically theirs.
An aged man of another era from some remote part of the country, who cannot by any defintion be called cool, came to the Capital and drew the middle class out....and that is what has worried everybody.These were not Jimmy Choo and Armani clad glitterati that could be smirked at.These weren’t your Great Unwashed who could be talked down to.This was the Indian Middle Class Mr. Gupta which has so far been ignored.
I know because I was there.
I met a young man from Badarpur. He had recently filed his tax returns- for the first time he said with some pride. His two brothers were still looking for jobs.He worked 10-12 hours a day, drove back and forth his motor cycle on pot holed roads, returned home to electric outages and no water. He wanted to add a floor to his house but the MCD and police were harassing him......the same old story Mr Gupta...Ghar ghar ki kahani.The MLA of his locality spent 50 lakhs on his daughter’s shamiana and Kalmadi made those crores and crores, Raja made more......his anger was palpable.
I walked alongside a 45 year old single woman with 2 children who ran an export unit in Okhla. There was stinking garbage on her street which was not picked in weeks, electric outages, inspectors who demanded hafta, MCD would not let her raise her boundary wall despite 2 break-ins, no police patrolling. She paid her taxes but what was she getting in return? ...Sheila Dixit had made millions, substandard material was used in flyovers, there were 23000 MCD ghost workers....she was angry.
The word on the street is- Sharad Pawar, why is that man in every cabinet? Who does not know that he could buy India twice over? In another country, another democracy he would be serving a prison sentence. Any scam and his name is there !About Sonia Gandhi, the less said the better. Her son-in law, a costume jewellery businessman can buy The Aman.....??!Who will punish these people? Where is justice?
My parents, in their 70’s walked from Jantar Mantar to India Gate. My father, an ex soldier who has served in the army for 38 years and fought in 4 wars, believes the enemy is within. But then you don’t have much time for ex serviceman either, do you Mr. Gupta?You feel these chaps are paid to lay down their lives and they have no right to ask for higher salaries. Your opinion as been articulated in article after article that they should be there for patriotism and glory.I wonder if you have such advice for Karunanidhi’s brood or Sharad Pawar’s offspring?
This was not Tahrir Square. This was Jantar Mantar swarming with Middle Class India. Not with Anil Ambani and his pals, not with Rahul’s convenient Kalavati.But Jantar Mantar with educated, hardworking Indians who pay their taxes and try everyday- everyday to be honest.Listen to their voice. They are no pushover.....otherwise we may live to regret it.
Incidentally, I don’t recall anyone in Jimmy Choos.
Best regards,
Nandini Bahri-Dhanda

Regarding Jantar, Chhu Mantar
Like father like daughter. Afterall the genes. Its a powerful exposition and I have to agree with Nandini. Incidentally, Satish I didn’t know Shama did the route march too with you from the JM to the IG. Jai ho.
Madhav

From: jaimala gupta
Sent: 14 May 2011 21:08
Subject: Jantar, Chhu Mantar
Dear Nandani,
An extremely ,well articulated ,hard hitting reply to Shekher Gupta . In a limited circle of people who are actively involved in this campaign , we give his writings a cold shrug saying that he is only doing the bidding of his HANDLERS . We all know who prompts his writings. It is a pity that he has a strong platform of IE to use.
You also have the the fire in you like Putsy and the courage to say so . Great work. Press on regardless. We missed you all the other day at Jantar Mantar and IG . Our whole family was there, 3 gen, which was covered in Amar Ujala.
Love you beta
Mala & jai gupta

From: Murugan Subbiah
Sent: 14 May 2011 22:57
To: Satish Kumar Bahri
Cc: Chander Kamboj; Satbir Singh; milvets militaryveterans
Subject: Jantar, Chhu Mantar
Congratulations! An excellent rejoinder to Shekhar Gupta. The middle class that assembled in Jantar Mantar are not only the real producers of wealth in this country but also the leaders of local communities. The GDP growth of the country that our Media and politicians boast every day parrot like is due to the hard work and leadership provided by the middle class.History also tells us they were the leaders of successful revolutions.
S Murugan

From: Krishan K Punchhi
Sent: 15 May 2011 00:22
To: Satish Kumar Bahri
Subject: Jantar, Chhu Mantar
Satish,
Excellent piece.
Apart from wining and dining these journos (read sarkari hacks) and bestowing on them the ill deserved honours + giving them seats in the RS, there is another way they are rewarded. They are given housing plots at throway prices. One such colony for journalists in New Dlhi is known as Gulmohar Enclave. It is close to Green Park and Gautam Nagar. I'm sure there are many more such enclaves in many more cities.
Regards... Krishan

Kudos to Nandini. Wonderful Exposé of Greedy Journalists- like Shekar Gupta's Tribe!

ECHS communications improving..

A recent exchange of mails wrt ECHS is forwarded For Your Information Please.
Looking at the dates of the initial mail from Gen Satbir Singh, and the last in the chain provides evidence of the seriousness and expediency with which the ECHS Hq responds and takes note of suggestions for improvement. This is a positive sign, so even as we have reason to believe that a LOT is lacking and even MORE needs to be done, it is comforting to know that we have a spirited set up attending to inputs.

With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,

Dear Brig Kamboj, please see trailing mail (Gen Satbirs letter, my follow up and MDs response). Whereas there are problems and improvement is an ongoing process; what is heartening is the fact that we have an extremely caring and supportive Central Org ECHS. Whereas I can see that all questions with regards to Gen Satbirs letter have not been addressed specially with regards to why Army Hosps who have accepted to cater to ESMs cannot provide TOTAL treatment from consultation to post discharge care as required, I am of the opinion that we continue to give feed back and given the present totally positive response, matters will continue to improve. I am also aware that there are a number of veterans who feel that there are faults in the present org structure and micro management will not take us too far; we also need to look at the matter from the Service HQs point of view. Our top Services hierarchy is as committed to this cause as anyone can be. Those of us who have served at the Army HQ level and dealt with the MOD know only too well how Babudom and Netagiri function. These two roadblocks are a 'GIVEN' in any effort that we may make towards improvement in OROP-Pensions-Medicare and every other matter. So we will just have to 'Bash on Regardless'

May i request you to pass this on as a package to the environment.

Brig Sateesh Kuthiala

90 days medicine..easy..??

Some of you may find this interesting and of some use too.
I faced the same problem last year at INHS Asvini - that's
when I realised that there is nobody worse or more dangerous
than the bureaucrat in uniform. Ironically the doctor was
a lady(?) doctor!
Cheers,
Carl H Gomes

I am forwarding this shocking mail for knowledge of the ESM community about the devil within. Pls share this with maximum people so it can perhaps reach the villians in this story through their friends. Names in this mail should identify who is who; and who did what.
For some of us the Sarkari Custodian attitude never goes away. We LIKE to sit on what is actually entrusted to us for others to benefit from. It is little wonder that origin of most of our problems lies in internecine rivalries/ perceived rankings/ priorities etc, forgetting that at the end of the game, the King and the Pawn go back to the same box. And the 'box' IS indeed the future destination of even the chess pieces in play.

Col RP Chaturvedi
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: rajeeve lochan
Date: Thu, May 12, 2011 at 8:51 AM
Subject: ECHS
Cc: Col RP Chaturvedi

Dear Brigadier,
As I am proceeding to USA to be with my son on the night of 19th May, yesterday (11.05.11) I visited ECHS Polyclinic Meerut and approached the seniormost medical officer (Maj Ambuj Goel) and requested for 90 days medicines, he informed that though the orders have been received but they have not been implemented and I should contact the O I/C polyclinic (Col D V Singh). He informed me that medicines for the purpose of going abroad are not authorised/permitted.
He mentioned that medicines for 90 days can only be given to patients of T B, Hypertension and Diabetes and that it has to be approved by the Commandant.
The medical officer made out a prescription and I went to the Commandant (Brig Pareek), I sent the prescription through his P A for counter signatures, first he called for the book and after that he called me and explained to me his financial difficulties and then he informed me that since I was residing locally why I need medicines for 90 days, I informed him that I was proceeding to USA for 6 monthe but I am requesting medicines only for 90 days which is permitted under the rules. Of course he did not take a minute and signed the prescription.
I request confirmation if for proceeding abroad the medicines are authorised or not.
We keep criticising babus and the bureaucracy but I think we in the Armed Forces have more bureaucracy than any where else.
May I have your reply pl. With warm regards.

Wg Cdr Rajeeve Lochan (Retd)
4/205, Rakshapuram,
Mawana Road,
Meerut - 250 001
Phone: 91-121-2623333
Mobile: 91-941-003-1824

Ex Servicemen have a right to protest against injustices

Reference: IESM AND LAKSHMAN REKHA
Sir,
Congratulations to Gen K M Bhimaya,(Retd) for his brilliant article,sent from USA, which I hope will be read by our politicians, Babus and our own detractors. This is a view from an officer and a gentleman and is a vindication of what our IESM with excellent leadership is doing. Let us wholeheartedly join the Movement not only to project our demands; but join the people like Anna Hazare, to get freedom from the unscrupulous , corrupt and inept leadership provided by nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, criminals which are now joined by religious fanatics and a section of the media . Present leadership of our Defence Services barring a few, have been rendered impotent and made too subservient to their Netas and Babus and it is time for we the serving and retired Veterans in a concerted manner, strive to bring about a change, in National interest. In the process we should never lose our professionalism, apolitical nature and our strong bonds with the common people of India which sustain our Defence Services. The scams involving some of our senior officers and their wives have brought shame and sense of anger among our veterans especially among junior ranks, which is bound to erupt one day, if we continue our apathy towards them. Serving officers in responsible positions must take note of this and make the politicians and Government officials at every level with whom they deal with, to realize the long term adverse implications of this disturbing trend.

The rank and file of Veterans are getting angry with serving and retired officers particularly the senior ranking ones, for not doing enough to ensure their welfare and restore their izzat. Sainik Welfare organizations are now staffed by officers with no dedication to their jobs and getting ineffective and redundant. Even though it is grandly declared by the Karnataka Government that 10% of the government jobs are reserved in Gp A, B, C and D for ESM, not even one job has been given to ESM for several years now and who is there to protest?! The result is that there is no one in the Government, to know and honour their sacred and national duty to look after the welfare of ESM. None of the relatives of politicians and officials are in the Defence Services to know their needs. Why should they care, when someone else is there to make all the sacrifice to keep our Nation secure, so that they can live in comfort?!

Our worthy Chief Minister has enough time to visit many temples/ Mutts/ Religious institutions at public cost and dole out tax-payers money on vote catching gimmick: but he has had no time till now to chair even a single Rajya Sainik Board Meeting as its President, which is supposed to be held at least once a year. Who is there to protest?! At district levels our Deputy Commissioners do not even know that they are Presidents of Zilla Sainik Boards and they are supposed to hold meetings every quarter and supervise the work of Deputy Director in Sainik Welfare Office. They have no time for ESM and all the time for politicians and those who can offer favours. No meetings/ Sainik Rallies are being held in recent years, as in the past even though, funds are earmarked every year. Who is to protest? Who is to question?

Since 2004, some of us because of the apathy of Sainik Welfare Department took the initiative and relentlessly have been trying our very best to get 14 guntas of vacant revenue land covered with lantana bushes near our Sainik Welfare Office to build our ECHS Polyclinic and ESM canteen without success so far. All our letters/ appeals/visits/ Memorandum to the successive Deputy Commissioners/ Chief Ministers/ Governors/ Defence Ministers etc signed by hundreds of local ESM ,have landed up in desk officers’ files gathering dust without any progress. We have met these Deputy Commissioners, Governors, ministers and concerned principal secretaries in their air- conditioned offices. They all speak nicely and give assurances,( probably to get rid of us); but nothing happens thereafter! We do not as per our ethos give Bribe, Beg or Agitate. Are we being side lined because of the virtues we have been displaying as opposed to our civilian counter parts!? Yet the very same government officials sanctioned( as per newspaper reports) a much larger, prime de-notified pieces of land at throw away prizes to the Chief Minister’s and a Cabinet Minister’s sons within a fortnight ! Thank God their political rivals (who are no better) and the Press got together to expose the scam and the injustice was set right; but the said Ministers are firm in their seats.

We had defended the borders of the Country during wars and intervening disturbed peace with tremendous sacrifice. Is it too much to ask for measly 14 Guntas of land for welfare of ESM?! Has our civilian brothers have no sense of gratitude and patriotic feelings? I know, due to rampant divisiveness, this Country of ours will fall like a ton of bricks, if the Defence Services do not perform their duties with much more discipline and dedication than our civilian counterparts. In India, the much hyped pillars of democracy like the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are becoming very brittle, which will crumble without active interest from the people who are sovereign.

Let us join forces with IESM and well meaning people of India to toil till justice is done and Country is saved from utter chaos.
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen C K Karumbaya, SM(Retd)

Brilliantly argued and very persuasively projected.
Heartiest compliments to Gen Bhimayya. He should now take it up to the 'next level' with the IESM Leadership to evolve strategic thrusts and the Movement's plans.
Yogi
Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander