From: Navdeep Singh [mailto:navdeepsingh.india@gmail.com]
Sent: 12 November 2009 22:18
To: ;
Subject: some time reqd
On my blog www.indianmilitary.info I had floated an idea of basing pensions for various grades on a percentage system with reference to the highest amount of pension admissible under the Central Govt. The ibid idea has been received well by pensioners’ organisations on the civil side. I just thought of circulating through email this blog-post with the published comments (reproduced below). I would like readers of this mail to please provide me a feedback as to whether any pitfalls are visualised in such a proposal system. Though the mandarins at the Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions are real tough cookies, still I have been assured of a genuine application of mind if a proposal to the effect is water-tight and equity-based. May I have some of your seconds on this?
You may send in your feedback as an email or by leaving a comment on the said blog-post on my blog.
This may be circulated.
Thanks
Navdeep
Maj Navdeep Singh
Advocate Punjab & HaryanaHigh Court
navdeepsingh.india@gmail.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
A call for 2nd Freedom Struggle - Freedom from Political Corruption by Col Karan Kharb
Dear Friend,
We have been failing in our struggle against injustice as groups and individuals because the menace of corruption and crime has found safe sanctuaries in corridors of high power in our governing system. What a pity that a nation rich in natural resources, skilled human resource, universally acknowledged brain-power and a booming industry has farmers starving and dying in debt and war veterans running from pillar to post. In contrast to the 21st Century affluence, poverty-stricken tribals make you mistake India for Somalia, Rwanda and now even Afghanistan. There is no rule of law. Look at the deeds of naxalites from Bengal to Maharashtra, MNS in Mumbai or separatists in J&K. No one seems to have the courage to raise voice against MCPA or Raj Thackeray. Today, shamefully we are among the 20 worst corrupt nations of the world.
Administration is unresponsive, legal process too costly and torturously time consuming, leaders and political parties oblivious of bigger national interests remain busy furthering their own interests through divisive tactics that has only promoted animosities among castes, communities and regions. Indianhood is in danger.
Time was when we hailed soldiers and farmers with inspiring slogans like ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kissan’. Today he who gives nation its bread is starving and another who protects it from all dangers is haplessly insecure and demoralized. By treating ‘Corruption’, the mother of all ills in our governance today, we can make real advances in achieving genuine peace, prosperity and harmonious development in a genuinely all-inclusive manner.
We need to launch a 2nd Freedom Struggle – freedom from corruption & crime in our polity. Fortunately, we have a Gandhian veteran, Shri Shambhu Dutta who, at the call of Mahatama Gandhi, courted imprisonment in the 1942 Quite India Movement by resigning his job as a young Civilian Gazetted Officer in the then IAOC. He met Gandhiji in 1944. In free India he again courted imprisonment by opposing the 1975 Emergency. Since the last forty years he has been working from Delhi as a volunteer in the Servants of the People Society, founded by Lala Lajpat Rai and inaugurated by Gandhiji at Lahore in 1921. He is now the Hony. General Secretary of the Gandhian Satyagraha Brigade, Lajpat Bhawan, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi 110024. I am herewith attaching his letters to the Prime Minister, MPs, and some of the Cabinet Ministers in this connection. As you would see, these communications have been positively acknowledged with assurances by the honourable Prime Minister, Shri Veerappa Moily, the Law Minister and other concerned ministeries/departments. The momentum is building up in the right direction. Informing colleagues, friends and sensitising them to lend us their support in whatever manner they choose.
I, therefore, exhort you to please come forward and join this pious struggle that is against none but evils in our system. You are welcome to choose the way in which you wish to lend support to this noble cause. I shall be glad to furnish further details if desired.
Looking forward to your kind response.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
Karan Kharb
We have been failing in our struggle against injustice as groups and individuals because the menace of corruption and crime has found safe sanctuaries in corridors of high power in our governing system. What a pity that a nation rich in natural resources, skilled human resource, universally acknowledged brain-power and a booming industry has farmers starving and dying in debt and war veterans running from pillar to post. In contrast to the 21st Century affluence, poverty-stricken tribals make you mistake India for Somalia, Rwanda and now even Afghanistan. There is no rule of law. Look at the deeds of naxalites from Bengal to Maharashtra, MNS in Mumbai or separatists in J&K. No one seems to have the courage to raise voice against MCPA or Raj Thackeray. Today, shamefully we are among the 20 worst corrupt nations of the world.
Administration is unresponsive, legal process too costly and torturously time consuming, leaders and political parties oblivious of bigger national interests remain busy furthering their own interests through divisive tactics that has only promoted animosities among castes, communities and regions. Indianhood is in danger.
Time was when we hailed soldiers and farmers with inspiring slogans like ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kissan’. Today he who gives nation its bread is starving and another who protects it from all dangers is haplessly insecure and demoralized. By treating ‘Corruption’, the mother of all ills in our governance today, we can make real advances in achieving genuine peace, prosperity and harmonious development in a genuinely all-inclusive manner.
We need to launch a 2nd Freedom Struggle – freedom from corruption & crime in our polity. Fortunately, we have a Gandhian veteran, Shri Shambhu Dutta who, at the call of Mahatama Gandhi, courted imprisonment in the 1942 Quite India Movement by resigning his job as a young Civilian Gazetted Officer in the then IAOC. He met Gandhiji in 1944. In free India he again courted imprisonment by opposing the 1975 Emergency. Since the last forty years he has been working from Delhi as a volunteer in the Servants of the People Society, founded by Lala Lajpat Rai and inaugurated by Gandhiji at Lahore in 1921. He is now the Hony. General Secretary of the Gandhian Satyagraha Brigade, Lajpat Bhawan, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi 110024. I am herewith attaching his letters to the Prime Minister, MPs, and some of the Cabinet Ministers in this connection. As you would see, these communications have been positively acknowledged with assurances by the honourable Prime Minister, Shri Veerappa Moily, the Law Minister and other concerned ministeries/departments. The momentum is building up in the right direction. Informing colleagues, friends and sensitising them to lend us their support in whatever manner they choose.
I, therefore, exhort you to please come forward and join this pious struggle that is against none but evils in our system. You are welcome to choose the way in which you wish to lend support to this noble cause. I shall be glad to furnish further details if desired.
Looking forward to your kind response.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
Karan Kharb
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Request by Brig CS Kamboj
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
An email and its enclosure received from Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, Chairman IESM, are reproduced below.
I appeal to all ESM, that those of you have contacts with media persons, to kindly have the open letter to MPs published in as many newspapers and magazines as possible. Please also make all out efforts to have this letter translated in regional language and published in regional news papers.
Please appreciate that unless all of us (All ESM of Indian Defence Forces, spread All Over the World, of All Ranks and of All Three Services) support the actions of IESM whole heartedly and do our utmost, the success in our mission –
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES
can keep evading us.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
AND PRESS ON WITH ALL OUR MIGHT TO ACHIEVE OUR MISSION.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Kindly give widest possible publicity to the contents of this email - THANK YOU.
------------
From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Thu, 12 November, 2009 1:17:13 PM
Subject: Article for press
Dear Brigadier,
An open letter to the MsP is attached. I shall be grateful if this could be put on the RMS with a request that ESM may use their influence to get it published in maximum possible languages and publications.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262, +91981...
-------------------
An open letter to Hon’ble Members of Parliament
From IESM
Dear Hon’ble Members,
The winter session of the Parliament is to begin shortly. The eyes of some 1200 million Indians will be on you to consider and debate their problems and to take momentous decisions to move this country forward. This vast population includes some two million Indian Ex Servicemen (ESM), who also will look at you all with great hope and expectation. Their population in the overall context may be small but the contribution made by them to keep India safe and united is far out of proportion to their numbers. They have been demanding ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP), which is equal pension for equal service. The latter in their context is length of service combined with the rank on retirement, which in turn defines the level of responsibility they held while in uniform. So it is ‘same rank, same service, same pension’.
OROP is not a new demand. It has been on simmer for over 25 years. It received fresh impetus after the Sixth Central Pay Commission, where absence of a defence representative led to recommendations that are detrimental to the very ethos on which the edifice of our defence forces stands. That the government has since accepted a separate pay commission for the defence forces ‘from next time on’ underscores the acceptance of their mistake.
The ESM have the resilience to survive in their paltry pension. What they are demanding is not more money per se. They are seeking justice and equity. They want all pensioners, past and present, to get the same pension. Ignoring their demand is perceived by them as if they have been merely used and discarded. They feel cheated and hurt. One can live with poverty but living with injustice is difficult for self respecting humans.
Why is the government not sanctioning OROP? Even though you would be better placed to answer this question, let me give the reason gleaned during my various interactions with those who frame and influence national policies. No one has questioned the legitimacy of the demand; “If we give it to you, other government employees may also demand it”, has been the only argument. Other government employees are not our adversaries; they are our own kith and kin. However, their conditions of service are vastly different from those of the defence forces. Apart from risks, dangers, difficulties, separations, dislocations inherent in a soldier’s life, his 24x7 work schedule for months on end is unique. The biggest difference is in the age at which they retire. An Army Sepoy – and over 85% of all personnel go home as Sepoys – is compulsorily sent on pension after 15 years of service. Being thrown out of job in mid Thirties on a meagre pension when one’s financial commitments are at a peak is a great trauma. An example would put the issue of relativity in correct perspective. Of two young men of the same age and education background, one joins the Army and the other the police (taken only for illustrative purposes). If they survive till the age of 75 years, the total difference in their earnings from salary and pension is approximately 47 Lacs in favour of the Constable. The relativity with other civilian employees would not be materially different. That is why the non-defence personnel have not pressed for OROP. If they were indeed aggrieved, they would not wait for the ESM to take lead.
Seeking parity between old and current pensions is not something unethical. If it were so, one is sure you all as Hon’ble members would not have accepted its applicability to yourselves. Nor is such a demand illegal since our Hon’ble members of the judiciary are also enjoying benefits of this provision. The soldiers, in the normal course, should get preferential treatment. Here, they are not even being treated at par with others.
Selective comparisons are never fully valid. However, since soldiers all over the world face similar fate, it may be relevant to quote excerpts from a speech President Barack Obama gave at the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Convention on August 17, 2009:
“And our nation owes these Americans -- and all who have given their lives – a profound debt of gratitude… And as always, the thoughts and prayers of every American are with those who make the ultimate sacrifice in our defence… We will fulfil our responsibility to our veterans as they return to
civilian life… Whether you've left the service in 2009 or 1949, we will fulfil our responsibility to deliver the benefits and care that you earned… These are commitments that we make to the patriots who serve – from the day they enlist to the day that they are laid to rest…”
A soldier is intrinsically shy and is conditioned to project his problems through the established channels. However, when his demand for justice is repeatedly stonewalled, his options get limited. It is not only unusual but also unfortunate that the Indian veterans have been forced to state their demand publicly. They are resolved to continue their protest in a lawful manner till they get justice.
I have had occasion to interact in person with a number of you belonging to different political parties. Interestingly, each one has expressed sympathy and support for OROP. However, after the issue is processed through the government machinery, the colour seems to change and OROP continues to remain a pending issue. This dichotomy bothers us, the ESM.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan (Retd)
------------
THE END
Jai Hind.
An email and its enclosure received from Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, Chairman IESM, are reproduced below.
I appeal to all ESM, that those of you have contacts with media persons, to kindly have the open letter to MPs published in as many newspapers and magazines as possible. Please also make all out efforts to have this letter translated in regional language and published in regional news papers.
Please appreciate that unless all of us (All ESM of Indian Defence Forces, spread All Over the World, of All Ranks and of All Three Services) support the actions of IESM whole heartedly and do our utmost, the success in our mission –
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES
can keep evading us.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
AND PRESS ON WITH ALL OUR MIGHT TO ACHIEVE OUR MISSION.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Kindly give widest possible publicity to the contents of this email - THANK YOU.
------------
From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Thu, 12 November, 2009 1:17:13 PM
Subject: Article for press
Dear Brigadier,
An open letter to the MsP is attached. I shall be grateful if this could be put on the RMS with a request that ESM may use their influence to get it published in maximum possible languages and publications.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262, +91981...
-------------------
An open letter to Hon’ble Members of Parliament
From IESM
Dear Hon’ble Members,
The winter session of the Parliament is to begin shortly. The eyes of some 1200 million Indians will be on you to consider and debate their problems and to take momentous decisions to move this country forward. This vast population includes some two million Indian Ex Servicemen (ESM), who also will look at you all with great hope and expectation. Their population in the overall context may be small but the contribution made by them to keep India safe and united is far out of proportion to their numbers. They have been demanding ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP), which is equal pension for equal service. The latter in their context is length of service combined with the rank on retirement, which in turn defines the level of responsibility they held while in uniform. So it is ‘same rank, same service, same pension’.
OROP is not a new demand. It has been on simmer for over 25 years. It received fresh impetus after the Sixth Central Pay Commission, where absence of a defence representative led to recommendations that are detrimental to the very ethos on which the edifice of our defence forces stands. That the government has since accepted a separate pay commission for the defence forces ‘from next time on’ underscores the acceptance of their mistake.
The ESM have the resilience to survive in their paltry pension. What they are demanding is not more money per se. They are seeking justice and equity. They want all pensioners, past and present, to get the same pension. Ignoring their demand is perceived by them as if they have been merely used and discarded. They feel cheated and hurt. One can live with poverty but living with injustice is difficult for self respecting humans.
Why is the government not sanctioning OROP? Even though you would be better placed to answer this question, let me give the reason gleaned during my various interactions with those who frame and influence national policies. No one has questioned the legitimacy of the demand; “If we give it to you, other government employees may also demand it”, has been the only argument. Other government employees are not our adversaries; they are our own kith and kin. However, their conditions of service are vastly different from those of the defence forces. Apart from risks, dangers, difficulties, separations, dislocations inherent in a soldier’s life, his 24x7 work schedule for months on end is unique. The biggest difference is in the age at which they retire. An Army Sepoy – and over 85% of all personnel go home as Sepoys – is compulsorily sent on pension after 15 years of service. Being thrown out of job in mid Thirties on a meagre pension when one’s financial commitments are at a peak is a great trauma. An example would put the issue of relativity in correct perspective. Of two young men of the same age and education background, one joins the Army and the other the police (taken only for illustrative purposes). If they survive till the age of 75 years, the total difference in their earnings from salary and pension is approximately 47 Lacs in favour of the Constable. The relativity with other civilian employees would not be materially different. That is why the non-defence personnel have not pressed for OROP. If they were indeed aggrieved, they would not wait for the ESM to take lead.
Seeking parity between old and current pensions is not something unethical. If it were so, one is sure you all as Hon’ble members would not have accepted its applicability to yourselves. Nor is such a demand illegal since our Hon’ble members of the judiciary are also enjoying benefits of this provision. The soldiers, in the normal course, should get preferential treatment. Here, they are not even being treated at par with others.
Selective comparisons are never fully valid. However, since soldiers all over the world face similar fate, it may be relevant to quote excerpts from a speech President Barack Obama gave at the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Convention on August 17, 2009:
“And our nation owes these Americans -- and all who have given their lives – a profound debt of gratitude… And as always, the thoughts and prayers of every American are with those who make the ultimate sacrifice in our defence… We will fulfil our responsibility to our veterans as they return to
civilian life… Whether you've left the service in 2009 or 1949, we will fulfil our responsibility to deliver the benefits and care that you earned… These are commitments that we make to the patriots who serve – from the day they enlist to the day that they are laid to rest…”
A soldier is intrinsically shy and is conditioned to project his problems through the established channels. However, when his demand for justice is repeatedly stonewalled, his options get limited. It is not only unusual but also unfortunate that the Indian veterans have been forced to state their demand publicly. They are resolved to continue their protest in a lawful manner till they get justice.
I have had occasion to interact in person with a number of you belonging to different political parties. Interestingly, each one has expressed sympathy and support for OROP. However, after the issue is processed through the government machinery, the colour seems to change and OROP continues to remain a pending issue. This dichotomy bothers us, the ESM.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan (Retd)
------------
THE END
Views of Brig SS Jaswal on Medals Return
From: ss jaswal
To: Lt Gen Raj Kadyan
Cc: VSM VeteranBrig CS Kamboj
Sent: Thu, 12 November, 2009 4:27:10 PM
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 08 NOV 09 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 759/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (H to Z)
Dear Gen Kadyan,
To expect all/most ESM orgs in the country to come under one banner is the
`Height of Naivety`. Moreso, since many of them are affiliated to various political parties & their ESM orgs have their own `axe to grind`. We cannot & should not grudge them their `agenda` which they might be aspiring for, in the garb of ESM welfare. This is not to belittle some of the good/selfless work done by some orgs/indls for ESM.
Turbulence was expected ever since the IESM was formed because that woke up the `sleeping giant` IESL(in terms of numbers only), probably after a nugde from the `netas/babus` prior to the Lok Sabha elections. The IESL`s negative role towards OROP was expected being a Govt controlled org, though there have been some sincere efforts by some IESL members espousing the cause of ESM. This is evident from the corresp between the IESL President & Lt Gen SK Bahri. What is
surprising is the perceived non-involvement of most IESL `Top Brass`(ex Chiefs/
Army Cdrs/Lt Gens/Equivalents in IN/AF). How come their voices/views(if they have any) are not publicised/posted on the net or have they left it to the IESL President to conduct its business the way he likes. Why are they shirking to head the IESL as you have done so honourably to head the IESM.
Though the issue of OROP has been going on for the last 25 years, it is common
knowledge that it was the IESM which brought it to the centre stage by its peaceful agenda at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi and depositing of hard earned medals with the President. This obviously had the desired effect on the Nation, otherwise why did the IESL & some stooge orgs issue a `fatwa` against it so late(again it seems at the instance of the `netas/babus`.
Disability Pension - Even on an important issue of equitable disability pension the Govt is not bothered/procrastinating and has left the disabled soldiers to fight their `battles` in Courts(all at the cost of ESMs pension). Even after the Courts have ruled in favour of the disabled soldiers, frivolous SLPs/counter petitions are filed by the Govt just to delay the issue. Are the PM/RM/FM blind to these glaring anomalies or are they content with the delaying tactics of the `babus` to antagonise the ESM. What an ungrateful Congress Govt that sits on the sacrifices/lives/blood/sweat/toil of the soldiers. A lot was expected from the PM & RM - alas they have failed the Armed Forces. Even a war-disabled ex-VCOAS wrote to the RM but no response. Compare this with what the IIT Alumini achieved in a short time. The PM/RM/FM should be ashamed of themselves. Look how other nations treat their veterans/soldiers. The attitude of the Govt should be exposed nationally/internationally on the internet. Don`t expect much from the media, as they too have their compulsions. Expose the `babus` as the biggest culprits. Take the help of like-minded civil indls/orgs.
26/11 & Vijay Diwas - The disaster of 26/11 hit a chord with the people of Mumbai. They were all for the Armed Forces & the NSG(read Army). The first anniversary should be utilised effectively to convey our Agenda/Grievances & expose the misgivings of the `netas/babus` with specific ref to the Cabinet Secy`s
Anomalies report & the lies therein. Vijay Diwas should again be utilised to promote our causes The return of medals should be done with greater vigour & on a grander scale with the entire Indian/foreign media incl BBC/CNN/Chinese/Pak/Japanese/German/French/etc. Let them see how the " finest soldiers in the world" are treated by the Govt of India. In fact foreign countries give more honour to Indian soldiers. France honoured the Indian Armed Forces by inviting them to lead their ID parade. The planning for 26/11 & Vijay Diwas should
start imdt as there is very little time. Set targets for the State/Distt coordinators to collect ESM/medals.
Role of ex-Chiefs/Army Cdrs/Lt Gens/Equivalents - They should seek an audience collectively with the PM & RM and give a memorandum on the lines of
Lt Gen Harwant Singh`s letter in full media glare. Indl letters by them to PM/RM have had no effect. These senior Veterans have nothing to lose. In fact, they owe it to their subordinates who were mainly responsible for what they achieved. If reqd even MPs/MLAs should be coopted. The Armed Forces cannot be taken for a ride by `babus`. Look what the ex-CNS achieved, that too while in the Chair. He was true to the cause of soldiers. The other serving seniors need to take a cue from him.
It is now or never - otherwise the Courts will remain the last option. They are generally positive to ESM complaints regarding pay & allowances. I have already got a reprieve from the Punjab & Haryana High Court in my favour regarding bunching of my disability pension.
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE FORCES AT ALL COSTS - WE WILL WIN AS ALWAYS !!!
JAI HIND.
Best regards,
Brig SS Jaswal, Veteran,
IESM, Panchkula.
To: Lt Gen Raj Kadyan
Cc: VSM VeteranBrig CS Kamboj
Sent: Thu, 12 November, 2009 4:27:10 PM
Subject: Re: ESM SITREP 08 NOV 09 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 759/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (H to Z)
Dear Gen Kadyan,
To expect all/most ESM orgs in the country to come under one banner is the
`Height of Naivety`. Moreso, since many of them are affiliated to various political parties & their ESM orgs have their own `axe to grind`. We cannot & should not grudge them their `agenda` which they might be aspiring for, in the garb of ESM welfare. This is not to belittle some of the good/selfless work done by some orgs/indls for ESM.
Turbulence was expected ever since the IESM was formed because that woke up the `sleeping giant` IESL(in terms of numbers only), probably after a nugde from the `netas/babus` prior to the Lok Sabha elections. The IESL`s negative role towards OROP was expected being a Govt controlled org, though there have been some sincere efforts by some IESL members espousing the cause of ESM. This is evident from the corresp between the IESL President & Lt Gen SK Bahri. What is
surprising is the perceived non-involvement of most IESL `Top Brass`(ex Chiefs/
Army Cdrs/Lt Gens/Equivalents in IN/AF). How come their voices/views(if they have any) are not publicised/posted on the net or have they left it to the IESL President to conduct its business the way he likes. Why are they shirking to head the IESL as you have done so honourably to head the IESM.
Though the issue of OROP has been going on for the last 25 years, it is common
knowledge that it was the IESM which brought it to the centre stage by its peaceful agenda at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi and depositing of hard earned medals with the President. This obviously had the desired effect on the Nation, otherwise why did the IESL & some stooge orgs issue a `fatwa` against it so late(again it seems at the instance of the `netas/babus`.
Disability Pension - Even on an important issue of equitable disability pension the Govt is not bothered/procrastinating and has left the disabled soldiers to fight their `battles` in Courts(all at the cost of ESMs pension). Even after the Courts have ruled in favour of the disabled soldiers, frivolous SLPs/counter petitions are filed by the Govt just to delay the issue. Are the PM/RM/FM blind to these glaring anomalies or are they content with the delaying tactics of the `babus` to antagonise the ESM. What an ungrateful Congress Govt that sits on the sacrifices/lives/blood/sweat/toil of the soldiers. A lot was expected from the PM & RM - alas they have failed the Armed Forces. Even a war-disabled ex-VCOAS wrote to the RM but no response. Compare this with what the IIT Alumini achieved in a short time. The PM/RM/FM should be ashamed of themselves. Look how other nations treat their veterans/soldiers. The attitude of the Govt should be exposed nationally/internationally on the internet. Don`t expect much from the media, as they too have their compulsions. Expose the `babus` as the biggest culprits. Take the help of like-minded civil indls/orgs.
26/11 & Vijay Diwas - The disaster of 26/11 hit a chord with the people of Mumbai. They were all for the Armed Forces & the NSG(read Army). The first anniversary should be utilised effectively to convey our Agenda/Grievances & expose the misgivings of the `netas/babus` with specific ref to the Cabinet Secy`s
Anomalies report & the lies therein. Vijay Diwas should again be utilised to promote our causes The return of medals should be done with greater vigour & on a grander scale with the entire Indian/foreign media incl BBC/CNN/Chinese/Pak/Japanese/German/French/etc. Let them see how the " finest soldiers in the world" are treated by the Govt of India. In fact foreign countries give more honour to Indian soldiers. France honoured the Indian Armed Forces by inviting them to lead their ID parade. The planning for 26/11 & Vijay Diwas should
start imdt as there is very little time. Set targets for the State/Distt coordinators to collect ESM/medals.
Role of ex-Chiefs/Army Cdrs/Lt Gens/Equivalents - They should seek an audience collectively with the PM & RM and give a memorandum on the lines of
Lt Gen Harwant Singh`s letter in full media glare. Indl letters by them to PM/RM have had no effect. These senior Veterans have nothing to lose. In fact, they owe it to their subordinates who were mainly responsible for what they achieved. If reqd even MPs/MLAs should be coopted. The Armed Forces cannot be taken for a ride by `babus`. Look what the ex-CNS achieved, that too while in the Chair. He was true to the cause of soldiers. The other serving seniors need to take a cue from him.
It is now or never - otherwise the Courts will remain the last option. They are generally positive to ESM complaints regarding pay & allowances. I have already got a reprieve from the Punjab & Haryana High Court in my favour regarding bunching of my disability pension.
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE FORCES AT ALL COSTS - WE WILL WIN AS ALWAYS !!!
JAI HIND.
Best regards,
Brig SS Jaswal, Veteran,
IESM, Panchkula.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
IESM Article by Gp Capt VK Gandhi
From: Vinod Gandhi vk_gandhi@yahoo.com
To: DELETED
Sent: Sat, 7 November, 2009 1:42:45 PM
Subject: IESM; WELFARE OF EX-SERVICEMEN
Dear Veterans
Of late, few veterans have been indulging in vilification campaign against IESM. They are indulging in this vilification campaign to serve their narrow interest. They are inflicting immense damage to the clean image of ex-servicemen. It is evident from their mails that they are either not aware of the work done by IESM and its decision making procedures or intentionally indulging into vilification campaign with a specific design in their mind. In order to remove the doubts being created by these misguided Veterans about IESM, the following is submitted for information of all ESM: -
1. IESM is fully committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen and will continue to do so against all odds.
2. IESM has been successful in bringing the demand of OROP to the centre stage of the Government and will continue to pursue the case till Government approves the OROP for all ex-servicemen.
3. IESM does not support any particular political outfit and will support only those who will help IESM in getting OROP for all ex-servicemen.
4. AGM for the IESM is being planned in mid December 09.
5. IESM accounts have been audited by the CA and the balance sheet is ready. The balance sheet will be put up to AGM for approval. The approved balance sheet will be released for all to study and will be uploaded to IESM website.
6. Income tax return for the year 2008-09 has been filed.
7. IESM has a system of internal audit at regular intervals and all expenditure is vetted by steering committee.
8. IESM has received income tax exemption for the donations under section 80G of income tax. As per this clause, 50% of all donations are exempt from income tax; required receipts for claiming the IT relief is being issued to donors.
9. Steering Committee of the IESM takes decisions unanimously and in case of any differences, the issue is resolved peacefully and democratically by vote.
10. Core Group of IESM is a larger body. All State conveners and many JCOs, NCOs or ORs are member of core group. Core group meeting is held every quarter where JCOs and other ranks take active part in deliberations.
11. As per MOA of the IESM, the present team of office bearers has been elected for a period of two years. On completion of two years in Dec 2010, a new team of office bearers will be elected.
12. IESM is committed to peaceful demonstrations and will never support any disruptive kind of protest.
13. IESM has started three divisions to look after the interest of ex-servicemen. These are –
Pension division to help ex-servicemen to sort out their pension related problems.
ECHS division to improve the working of ECHS with a long term perspective that benefit of ECHS facility is available to all ex-servicemen even in remotest corners of India.
CSD division to help spread its reach and benefits even to ex-servicemen residing in villages by opening CSD counters or providing mobile counter facility.
IESM is also taking up other important demands like –
Job guarantee till 60 yrs of age for all ex-servicemen.
Assured alternate career on retirement such as parallel absorption in other organisations on release from service.
Ex-servicemen commission for welfare of all ex-servicemen to be manned by only ex-servicemen.
Inclusion of ex-servicemen in the committees set up to
consider issues pertaining to ex-servicemen.
Anomalies related to disability pension.
15. Other important issues affecting the welfare of ESM are also under planning and will also be looked into when necessary.
IESM requests ex-servicemen not to get misled by the vilification campaign by a few misguided and self-centered veterans.
For the success of the Mission – Justice for Defence Services, ALL ESM of THREE Services and All ESM organisations must stand shoulder to shoulder.
All ESM Organisations are doing their utmost for the benefit of ESM but, care has to be taken that the actions by ESM organisations are synergetic and complement each other.
Public criticism of any ESM organisation or any individual ESM must be avoided.
There are always ways and means of resolving differences in a peaceful and democratic manner.
IESM wishes all ex-servicemen organisations a grand success in pursuing their charter for the welfare of ex-servicemen.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25, NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440, Mobile 09810541222
Pls see IESM latest NEWS on http://www.iesm. org
IF YOU SEE SOMEONE WITHOUT A SMILE GIVE HIM ONE OF YOURS.
-----------
THE END
To: DELETED
Sent: Sat, 7 November, 2009 1:42:45 PM
Subject: IESM; WELFARE OF EX-SERVICEMEN
Dear Veterans
Of late, few veterans have been indulging in vilification campaign against IESM. They are indulging in this vilification campaign to serve their narrow interest. They are inflicting immense damage to the clean image of ex-servicemen. It is evident from their mails that they are either not aware of the work done by IESM and its decision making procedures or intentionally indulging into vilification campaign with a specific design in their mind. In order to remove the doubts being created by these misguided Veterans about IESM, the following is submitted for information of all ESM: -
1. IESM is fully committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen and will continue to do so against all odds.
2. IESM has been successful in bringing the demand of OROP to the centre stage of the Government and will continue to pursue the case till Government approves the OROP for all ex-servicemen.
3. IESM does not support any particular political outfit and will support only those who will help IESM in getting OROP for all ex-servicemen.
4. AGM for the IESM is being planned in mid December 09.
5. IESM accounts have been audited by the CA and the balance sheet is ready. The balance sheet will be put up to AGM for approval. The approved balance sheet will be released for all to study and will be uploaded to IESM website.
6. Income tax return for the year 2008-09 has been filed.
7. IESM has a system of internal audit at regular intervals and all expenditure is vetted by steering committee.
8. IESM has received income tax exemption for the donations under section 80G of income tax. As per this clause, 50% of all donations are exempt from income tax; required receipts for claiming the IT relief is being issued to donors.
9. Steering Committee of the IESM takes decisions unanimously and in case of any differences, the issue is resolved peacefully and democratically by vote.
10. Core Group of IESM is a larger body. All State conveners and many JCOs, NCOs or ORs are member of core group. Core group meeting is held every quarter where JCOs and other ranks take active part in deliberations.
11. As per MOA of the IESM, the present team of office bearers has been elected for a period of two years. On completion of two years in Dec 2010, a new team of office bearers will be elected.
12. IESM is committed to peaceful demonstrations and will never support any disruptive kind of protest.
13. IESM has started three divisions to look after the interest of ex-servicemen. These are –
Pension division to help ex-servicemen to sort out their pension related problems.
ECHS division to improve the working of ECHS with a long term perspective that benefit of ECHS facility is available to all ex-servicemen even in remotest corners of India.
CSD division to help spread its reach and benefits even to ex-servicemen residing in villages by opening CSD counters or providing mobile counter facility.
IESM is also taking up other important demands like –
Job guarantee till 60 yrs of age for all ex-servicemen.
Assured alternate career on retirement such as parallel absorption in other organisations on release from service.
Ex-servicemen commission for welfare of all ex-servicemen to be manned by only ex-servicemen.
Inclusion of ex-servicemen in the committees set up to
consider issues pertaining to ex-servicemen.
Anomalies related to disability pension.
15. Other important issues affecting the welfare of ESM are also under planning and will also be looked into when necessary.
IESM requests ex-servicemen not to get misled by the vilification campaign by a few misguided and self-centered veterans.
For the success of the Mission – Justice for Defence Services, ALL ESM of THREE Services and All ESM organisations must stand shoulder to shoulder.
All ESM Organisations are doing their utmost for the benefit of ESM but, care has to be taken that the actions by ESM organisations are synergetic and complement each other.
Public criticism of any ESM organisation or any individual ESM must be avoided.
There are always ways and means of resolving differences in a peaceful and democratic manner.
IESM wishes all ex-servicemen organisations a grand success in pursuing their charter for the welfare of ex-servicemen.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25, NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440, Mobile 09810541222
Pls see IESM latest NEWS on http://www.iesm. org
IF YOU SEE SOMEONE WITHOUT A SMILE GIVE HIM ONE OF YOURS.
-----------
THE END
Request from Brig Kartar Singh President IESL Rajasthan
From: Brig. Kartar Singh [mailto:ninerkartar24@rediffmail.com]
Sent: 11 November 2009 10:13
To: kiritjoshipura999@hotmail.com
Cc: rajkadyan@hotmail.com; Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: FW: [indianveterans] Message From IESM
Dear Sir,
I have been reading your mails for bast six months. I am president of Rajasthan IESL and i have made request(five times) to all those who are email savy as under:- "Let us all resolve that we donot write anything on email which is derogatory in letter or spirit to anyone in any organization. We are playing different instruments and signing the same tune called welfare of ESM. I am sure this request of mine comes from bottom corner of my heart and with your blog it will find place so that it can be read by all. May I request you to please send it on your blog report my signals for the good of all the organizations. In a democracy we can have as many organizations as we can sustain with dignity, pride and honour. Let us not cut into each others path. I am sure good sense will prevail once it is read by all."
Sincerely Yours,
Brig Kartar Singh
President RSEL
Sent: 11 November 2009 10:13
To: kiritjoshipura999@hotmail.com
Cc: rajkadyan@hotmail.com; Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: FW: [indianveterans] Message From IESM
Dear Sir,
I have been reading your mails for bast six months. I am president of Rajasthan IESL and i have made request(five times) to all those who are email savy as under:- "Let us all resolve that we donot write anything on email which is derogatory in letter or spirit to anyone in any organization. We are playing different instruments and signing the same tune called welfare of ESM. I am sure this request of mine comes from bottom corner of my heart and with your blog it will find place so that it can be read by all. May I request you to please send it on your blog report my signals for the good of all the organizations. In a democracy we can have as many organizations as we can sustain with dignity, pride and honour. Let us not cut into each others path. I am sure good sense will prevail once it is read by all."
Sincerely Yours,
Brig Kartar Singh
President RSEL
Mail from Maj Sardana ..USA
From: majorsn sardana majorsnsardana@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 755/2009 - 06 NOV 09 (H to Z)
To: "kamboj chander" kamboj@itintellectuals.com
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009, 11:47 AM
Dear Brig. Kamboj,
Thanks a million for your valuable support. I am obliged.
Some brother officers have asked my address, contact number in India.
We are planning to be back in Punchkula by early December. Settle down and be operational by mid december.
My Address is:
3802, Jal Vayu Vihar,
GH-4A, Sector 20
Punchkula -134116 (Haryana)
Ph-0172-2520127, Mobile: 09417190577
I will be happy to visit Delhi as and when required and put in my bit (whatever little worth it is) without any obligation. We could meet at the Press Club of India/Army Golf Course/USI/DSOI or any other more convenient place. However, if any brother officer is visiting Chandigarh/Punchkula, he is welcome to stay with us and be our honored guest.
In the meantime, while I am in the US, may I request Gen. Kadyan, Gen. Bahri and other officers to give me a few hard facts/talking points so that I can prepare the ground for the media strategy. More specifically what exactly we wish to achieve?? What is out immediate aim-priority wise?? Who are exactly our target audience at this point of time?? Regarding the media, do we have any particular newspapers/eletronic channel in mind? etc. These details will be of great help to me as I may not know the latest ground situation. I shall be greatful for this information.
Lastly, a humble submission to all brother officers-------as they say, "Each one of us is important. It does not matter whether you play the violin, the flute, the cello, or the drums. We all are part of the same orchestra-The Welfare of ESM"-so a little more Harmony please.
With Warm Regards,
Surender Sardana
Subject: RE: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 755/2009 - 06 NOV 09 (H to Z)
To: "kamboj chander" kamboj@itintellectuals.com
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009, 11:47 AM
Dear Brig. Kamboj,
Thanks a million for your valuable support. I am obliged.
Some brother officers have asked my address, contact number in India.
We are planning to be back in Punchkula by early December. Settle down and be operational by mid december.
My Address is:
3802, Jal Vayu Vihar,
GH-4A, Sector 20
Punchkula -134116 (Haryana)
Ph-0172-2520127, Mobile: 09417190577
I will be happy to visit Delhi as and when required and put in my bit (whatever little worth it is) without any obligation. We could meet at the Press Club of India/Army Golf Course/USI/DSOI or any other more convenient place. However, if any brother officer is visiting Chandigarh/Punchkula, he is welcome to stay with us and be our honored guest.
In the meantime, while I am in the US, may I request Gen. Kadyan, Gen. Bahri and other officers to give me a few hard facts/talking points so that I can prepare the ground for the media strategy. More specifically what exactly we wish to achieve?? What is out immediate aim-priority wise?? Who are exactly our target audience at this point of time?? Regarding the media, do we have any particular newspapers/eletronic channel in mind? etc. These details will be of great help to me as I may not know the latest ground situation. I shall be greatful for this information.
Lastly, a humble submission to all brother officers-------as they say, "Each one of us is important. It does not matter whether you play the violin, the flute, the cello, or the drums. We all are part of the same orchestra-The Welfare of ESM"-so a little more Harmony please.
With Warm Regards,
Surender Sardana
Views by Brig Shri Krishan
From: BrigShri Krishan [mailto:brigshrikrishan@rediffmail.com]
Sent: 07 November 2009 13:11
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Publicity /Ad : ORP
Sir,
i have have suggestion.
A no of def oriented seminars are held in capital and in other metros.
Generally these are inaugurated by def minister /RRM and bubu's from MOD also accompany.The attendance is large and the forum is fairy influential.A large no of veterans,who are either employ of companies or as invitees also attend.Indirect questions on ORP should be raised in seminars.Also when the entourage goes around the stalls/at tea,the entire media hovers around and they ask all sorts of questions,published as " on side lines of........ " That is the time a sponsored question by media pers or even direct by retired offices can be asked.Chances of it getting coverage are there.
Just for consideration.
With warm regards
shri
(Brig Shri Krishan, Gurgaon
Sent: 07 November 2009 13:11
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Publicity /Ad : ORP
Sir,
i have have suggestion.
A no of def oriented seminars are held in capital and in other metros.
Generally these are inaugurated by def minister /RRM and bubu's from MOD also accompany.The attendance is large and the forum is fairy influential.A large no of veterans,who are either employ of companies or as invitees also attend.Indirect questions on ORP should be raised in seminars.Also when the entourage goes around the stalls/at tea,the entire media hovers around and they ask all sorts of questions,published as " on side lines of........ " That is the time a sponsored question by media pers or even direct by retired offices can be asked.Chances of it getting coverage are there.
Just for consideration.
With warm regards
shri
(Brig Shri Krishan, Gurgaon
Views by Col K Malaiappan
From: Col K Malaiappan - [mailto:malli2121@yahoo.co.in]
Sent: 09 November 2009 07:25
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: ESM WELFARE ACTIVITIES
9-11-2009
Dear General
1. The activities and achievements of IESM are fantastic. This being first of its kind in Indian History, there will be lot of criticism from those who had been enjoying on ESM's behalf. Politics will enter. Please go ahead with the same speed. By this time you could have well judged the style out side uniform more so from the same feternity.
2. We are off, for and by you.
With best wishes and regards
Yours Sincerly
Colonel K Malaiappan (Retd), BE,MBA,(BL)
[DSM,DPMIR,D Tax,PGDFM]
President
Ex Sainik Welfare Association
Chennai
Sent: 09 November 2009 07:25
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: ESM WELFARE ACTIVITIES
9-11-2009
Dear General
1. The activities and achievements of IESM are fantastic. This being first of its kind in Indian History, there will be lot of criticism from those who had been enjoying on ESM's behalf. Politics will enter. Please go ahead with the same speed. By this time you could have well judged the style out side uniform more so from the same feternity.
2. We are off, for and by you.
With best wishes and regards
Yours Sincerly
Colonel K Malaiappan (Retd), BE,MBA,(BL)
[DSM,DPMIR,D Tax,PGDFM]
President
Ex Sainik Welfare Association
Chennai
Views by Veteran Parvez Jamasji
From: Parvez Jamasji [mailto:parvez1942@yahoo.com]
Sent: 08 November 2009 09:28
To: Kamboj Chander;TRUNCATED
Subject: Consider Please Re: AN EMAIL AND ARTICLE RECEIVED FROM LT GEN HARWANT SINGH, FORMER DCOAS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 758/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (H to Z)
SIRS, Generals; Veterans & Citizens
OBVIOUSLY WE ALL, including neta-babus; know it is discrimination, Injustice; & Inequality that hurts.
Emotional writings are perceived as a sign of Success\Victory by the babus & a sign of weakness by the netas.
This IS & HAS BEEN THEIR AGENDA.
Numerous Emails from the rank & file of Veterans, show this.
By writing emotionally WE the Faujis, are exposing our Achille's heel.
DON"T Live in hope & Die in Despair.
FIGHT ! in the court, in the media by Email; Whatever it takes.
Apology to Winston Churchill's 1941 Exhortation, during the dark days of Battle FOR Brittan
Bhense ke samne been mat bajao ! doodh degi ? ? ?
IF This Logic appeals, circulate or in the bin it goes
Best Wishes
Best Wishes
P
(Sqn Ldr Parvez R Jamasji, Mumbai. The views expressed in the email are those of the author – Chander Kamboj)
Sent: 08 November 2009 09:28
To: Kamboj Chander;TRUNCATED
Subject: Consider Please Re: AN EMAIL AND ARTICLE RECEIVED FROM LT GEN HARWANT SINGH, FORMER DCOAS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 758/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (H to Z)
SIRS, Generals; Veterans & Citizens
OBVIOUSLY WE ALL, including neta-babus; know it is discrimination, Injustice; & Inequality that hurts.
Emotional writings are perceived as a sign of Success\Victory by the babus & a sign of weakness by the netas.
This IS & HAS BEEN THEIR AGENDA.
Numerous Emails from the rank & file of Veterans, show this.
By writing emotionally WE the Faujis, are exposing our Achille's heel.
DON"T Live in hope & Die in Despair.
FIGHT ! in the court, in the media by Email; Whatever it takes.
Apology to Winston Churchill's 1941 Exhortation, during the dark days of Battle FOR Brittan
Bhense ke samne been mat bajao ! doodh degi ? ? ?
IF This Logic appeals, circulate or in the bin it goes
Best Wishes
Best Wishes
P
(Sqn Ldr Parvez R Jamasji, Mumbai. The views expressed in the email are those of the author – Chander Kamboj)
Views by Cdr Pran Prashar on Lt Gen Harwant Singh
From: pran parashar [mailto:pran.parashar@gmail.com]
Sent: 08 November 2009 05:31
To: Kamboj Chander; gen_harwant@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: AN EMAIL AND ARTICLE RECEIVED FROM LT GEN HARWANT SINGH, FORMER DCOAS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 758/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (H to Z)
Dear Gen. Harwant Singh and my veteran friends,
May God Continue to grant us peace.
It is all waste of time but not effort. No hard work ever goes waste. There is nothing to demystify. The fact is, and sooner we realise it, the better, whilst Mr. Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister, nothing would happen. He is a BABU. We have to think of some other approach. May be tackle the MPs. All these meetings by CLAWS etc should not be for the Services. We should try to get some of the MPs to attend these instead. Since the Service Chief is going to be present, Army Officers, who don't need this education are bound to come. I bet there would be hardly any MP attending the various sessions. We must try to get some Babus to attend also. They are our part. Only are trying to ensure their own security!!
Please think over it.
Lots of blessings.
Pran Parashar
(Cdr Pran Parashar, Commissioned in 1941, Founder Member Naval Aviation)
Sent: 08 November 2009 05:31
To: Kamboj Chander; gen_harwant@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: AN EMAIL AND ARTICLE RECEIVED FROM LT GEN HARWANT SINGH, FORMER DCOAS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 758/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (H to Z)
Dear Gen. Harwant Singh and my veteran friends,
May God Continue to grant us peace.
It is all waste of time but not effort. No hard work ever goes waste. There is nothing to demystify. The fact is, and sooner we realise it, the better, whilst Mr. Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister, nothing would happen. He is a BABU. We have to think of some other approach. May be tackle the MPs. All these meetings by CLAWS etc should not be for the Services. We should try to get some of the MPs to attend these instead. Since the Service Chief is going to be present, Army Officers, who don't need this education are bound to come. I bet there would be hardly any MP attending the various sessions. We must try to get some Babus to attend also. They are our part. Only are trying to ensure their own security!!
Please think over it.
Lots of blessings.
Pran Parashar
(Cdr Pran Parashar, Commissioned in 1941, Founder Member Naval Aviation)
Views by Maj bhupal Singh on Lt Gen Harwant Singh's article
From: bhupal singh [mailto:bsec234@hotmail.com]
Sent: 09 November 2009 10:41
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: Harwant Singh Maj Gen
Subject: RE: AN EMAIL AND ARTICLE RECEIVED FROM LT GEN HARWANT SINGH, FORMER DCOAS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 758/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (A to G)
Dear Chander,
Article on " Demstifying One Pension One Rank " by Gen Harwant Singh is meticulously composed and covers substantial facts and figures in respect of OROP case and written in his inimitable style. His shrewd writnig shows acumen and grasp of the subject. He is an illustrious and visionary writer and it is delight to read his articles. May we request the General and others of his ilk to forward similar articles to all leading print media papers ( English as well as Vernacular medium ) to highlight our case in order to make the general public more aware of our Movement.
My sincere compliments to the General for this vivid article.
(Maj Bhupal Singh, Australia)
Sent: 09 November 2009 10:41
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: Harwant Singh Maj Gen
Subject: RE: AN EMAIL AND ARTICLE RECEIVED FROM LT GEN HARWANT SINGH, FORMER DCOAS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 758/2009 - 08 NOV 09 (A to G)
Dear Chander,
Article on " Demstifying One Pension One Rank " by Gen Harwant Singh is meticulously composed and covers substantial facts and figures in respect of OROP case and written in his inimitable style. His shrewd writnig shows acumen and grasp of the subject. He is an illustrious and visionary writer and it is delight to read his articles. May we request the General and others of his ilk to forward similar articles to all leading print media papers ( English as well as Vernacular medium ) to highlight our case in order to make the general public more aware of our Movement.
My sincere compliments to the General for this vivid article.
(Maj Bhupal Singh, Australia)
Demystifying One PensionOne Rank by Lt Gen Harwant Singh
Demystifying One PensionOne Rank
Fear of opening Pandora’s Box is bureaucracy’s chicanery
Lt-Gen Harwant Singh ( Retd )
On 25 Oct 2009 Veterans returned the fifth pack of medals to the President of India: their supreme commander. For a veteran, his medals are his most valued and cherished possession. These are heirlooms for their families. Medals are earned under difficult conditions. Some by putting life at great risk during war, others for gallantry in the face of the enemy and yet some others for wounds suffered during operations. For veterans to part with their medals is an extreme step of desperation, caused by frustration and distress. So far more than twenty thousand medals have been returned to the President.Why have the veterans been driven to such a state of anguish!
Past and present Presidents and Prime Ministers of India, previous defence ministers and the chair person of congress party, at various times, accepted grant of One Rank One Pension ( OROP ) Given this background, why has OROP not come through. It is so because the babus have been frightening the political executive that giving OROP to the defence services will open a ‘Pandora’s Box.’ Every other government employee will ask for the same. This is a patently false input. Members of parliament, legislative assemblies, higher judiciary and top babus are all on OROP concept. Infact all of them decide their own pay, perks and allowances, yet there have been no protests against this dispensation.
The argument that granting OROP will open a Pandora’s Box is, baseless and mendacious. 85 percent of defence services personnel retire between the ages of 34 to 44 years. Another 10 to 13.8 percent retire at the ages between 44 to 56 years. While all civil employees serve upto the age of 60 years. All civil employees step upto the top of their respective pay bands, get all the three Assured Career Progressions (ACPs) and consequently not only draw increasing pay but end up with much higher pension. 83 percent of military personnel who retire at age 34/35 that is after 17 years service do not qualify for even the second ACP which comes into play only after 20 years service. Since some may not grasp the import of this gross injustice, more appropriately a mischief, I will translate these infirmities in monetary terms a little later.
Successive Central Pay Commissions (CPCs) repeatedly and viciously lowered the pay and status of defence personnel. To mention just one case, DIG of police whose pay and status was in between that of a lt-col and colonel till the 5th CPC now stands equated with a brigadier for pay etc. DIG rank comes after 14 years service while that of a brigadier after 28 years. Sixth Pay Commission introduced a dozen more anomalies, adding to the already unfair dispensation to defence personnel.
Subsequent to the ham-handed dispensation of 6th CPC which drew strong response from the defence services headquarters, the government appointed a committee of secretaries to go into these anomalies. The villain of the piece on the 6th CPC formed part of the Committee of Secretaries constituted to address the anomalies. Thus it became a case where the prosecutor also formed part of the jury! Predictably, instead of addressing the earlier anomalies for which this Committee of Secretaries was constituted, it introduced some more of its own. Lt-Gens are now split into four categories for pay and pension! Conspiracy and mischief in this scheme of things became palpably apparent.
A comparison of total amount drawn in terms of pay and pension by a soldier and pay by his counter part in the civil ( based on 6 CPC dispensation ) by the time both reach the age of 60 years is Rs 33.3 lakhs more for the civil servant and this figure at age 70 is Rs 42.670 lakhs. At age 75 it is Rs 47.310 lakhs. In the case of a Havaldar, his equivalent in the civil, at age 60, would get Rs 20.261 lakhs more and this figure is Rs 26.639 lakhs at age 70 and at 75 it is Rs 29.828 lakhs. In the case of a subedar these figures at ages 60, 70 and 75 years are Rs 13.979 lakhs, Rs 18.911 lakhs and Rs 21.277 lakhs respectively, more for the civil servant.
A soldier retiring at age 35 years will live through atleast four CPCs and suffer their dispensations for retirees. Whereas his counter part in the civil will, not only continue to benefit from successive CPCs while still in service for an additional 25 years, but on retirement will be effected by just one CPC, assuming 70 years as the average age expectancy. Therefore, even if One Rank One Pension is granted, defence personnel will continue to suffer these gross disadvantages.
Similar figures are available for officers. The disparities are due to early retirement, delayed and extremely limited promotions in higher ranks. All these features are service imperatives. Within the defence services, earlier retirees are further disadvantaged. A soldier who retired prior to 1.1.2006 will get far less pension than a soldier who retired after 1.1.2006. For a havaldar who retired prior to 1.1.2006, his pension is less than a sepoy who retired after 1.1.06. The ad-hoc compensation promised to the other ranks is completely inadequate and fails to address the core issue of OROP. Similar situation prevails in the case of officers. Only one with severely impaired vision, limited intelligence and or, deep seated bias can miss the incongruity in this working
Now the above disparities are independent of X factor which apply to only defence personnel About 15 percent of soldiers get the opportunity to live with their families for a period of 1 to 2 years in their entire service. In the case of others (including officers) only 40 to 50 percent of their service, they live with their families. Then there are other travails of service such as harsh living conditions in uncongenial and high altitude areas which results in approximately 5000 of them being annually boarded out on medical grounds and thousands other who continue to serve with a wide range of ailments picked up while posted in uncongenial areas. During the last 10 years army has lost approximately 8600 troops and around 570 officers in counter-insurgency operations in the North East and J and K. Entry into the officer cadre has become the last career choice for the country’s youth, consequently huge shortages persist. During the last sixty years army has fought four wars and been continuously committed in counter insurgency operations.
Some argue that, military personnel signed for such a service conditions so they damn well live with the consequences. However, the issue is of their repeated downgradation and all the other disadvantages relating to total take home pay/pension vis-Ã -vis their counterparts in the civil and not service conditions. In the case of bonded labour too there is some manner of agreement between the employer and the employee and yet such an arrangement is bad in law. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution has something to say on this issue and to which the supreme court too, has drawn governments attention is the case of SPS Vains vs MoD etc relating to the case where brigadiers were given more pension than maj-gens. In simple terms, OROP implies that two retirees with equal length of service in the same rank should draw the same pension, irrespective of their date of retirement.
Few seem to be aware of the bonding between the veterans and the serving. Every year veterans in lakhs visit their units on annual raising days and other important events. There is also constant inter-action between units and their retired personnel and that is how units sustain spirit and traditions. Besides this there are large number of veterans children in the defence services and they see the state of ex-servicemen at first hand. Therefore, there is the danger of spill over effect of this disenchantment, distress and disgruntlement of the veterans passing on to the serving. It will indeed be a sad day for the country, were this to happen. After all those now in service will also suffer the very same set of disadvantages presently inflicted on the veterans.
The demand for OROP is fair and just and is only a part compensation for early retirement, extremely limited promotions and a miniscule recompense for a hard and risk filled career. There is little merit for the political executive, to accept the bureaucracy’s argument that giving OROP to the veterans will result in a similar demand by the civil employees.
----------
THE END
Fear of opening Pandora’s Box is bureaucracy’s chicanery
Lt-Gen Harwant Singh ( Retd )
On 25 Oct 2009 Veterans returned the fifth pack of medals to the President of India: their supreme commander. For a veteran, his medals are his most valued and cherished possession. These are heirlooms for their families. Medals are earned under difficult conditions. Some by putting life at great risk during war, others for gallantry in the face of the enemy and yet some others for wounds suffered during operations. For veterans to part with their medals is an extreme step of desperation, caused by frustration and distress. So far more than twenty thousand medals have been returned to the President.Why have the veterans been driven to such a state of anguish!
Past and present Presidents and Prime Ministers of India, previous defence ministers and the chair person of congress party, at various times, accepted grant of One Rank One Pension ( OROP ) Given this background, why has OROP not come through. It is so because the babus have been frightening the political executive that giving OROP to the defence services will open a ‘Pandora’s Box.’ Every other government employee will ask for the same. This is a patently false input. Members of parliament, legislative assemblies, higher judiciary and top babus are all on OROP concept. Infact all of them decide their own pay, perks and allowances, yet there have been no protests against this dispensation.
The argument that granting OROP will open a Pandora’s Box is, baseless and mendacious. 85 percent of defence services personnel retire between the ages of 34 to 44 years. Another 10 to 13.8 percent retire at the ages between 44 to 56 years. While all civil employees serve upto the age of 60 years. All civil employees step upto the top of their respective pay bands, get all the three Assured Career Progressions (ACPs) and consequently not only draw increasing pay but end up with much higher pension. 83 percent of military personnel who retire at age 34/35 that is after 17 years service do not qualify for even the second ACP which comes into play only after 20 years service. Since some may not grasp the import of this gross injustice, more appropriately a mischief, I will translate these infirmities in monetary terms a little later.
Successive Central Pay Commissions (CPCs) repeatedly and viciously lowered the pay and status of defence personnel. To mention just one case, DIG of police whose pay and status was in between that of a lt-col and colonel till the 5th CPC now stands equated with a brigadier for pay etc. DIG rank comes after 14 years service while that of a brigadier after 28 years. Sixth Pay Commission introduced a dozen more anomalies, adding to the already unfair dispensation to defence personnel.
Subsequent to the ham-handed dispensation of 6th CPC which drew strong response from the defence services headquarters, the government appointed a committee of secretaries to go into these anomalies. The villain of the piece on the 6th CPC formed part of the Committee of Secretaries constituted to address the anomalies. Thus it became a case where the prosecutor also formed part of the jury! Predictably, instead of addressing the earlier anomalies for which this Committee of Secretaries was constituted, it introduced some more of its own. Lt-Gens are now split into four categories for pay and pension! Conspiracy and mischief in this scheme of things became palpably apparent.
A comparison of total amount drawn in terms of pay and pension by a soldier and pay by his counter part in the civil ( based on 6 CPC dispensation ) by the time both reach the age of 60 years is Rs 33.3 lakhs more for the civil servant and this figure at age 70 is Rs 42.670 lakhs. At age 75 it is Rs 47.310 lakhs. In the case of a Havaldar, his equivalent in the civil, at age 60, would get Rs 20.261 lakhs more and this figure is Rs 26.639 lakhs at age 70 and at 75 it is Rs 29.828 lakhs. In the case of a subedar these figures at ages 60, 70 and 75 years are Rs 13.979 lakhs, Rs 18.911 lakhs and Rs 21.277 lakhs respectively, more for the civil servant.
A soldier retiring at age 35 years will live through atleast four CPCs and suffer their dispensations for retirees. Whereas his counter part in the civil will, not only continue to benefit from successive CPCs while still in service for an additional 25 years, but on retirement will be effected by just one CPC, assuming 70 years as the average age expectancy. Therefore, even if One Rank One Pension is granted, defence personnel will continue to suffer these gross disadvantages.
Similar figures are available for officers. The disparities are due to early retirement, delayed and extremely limited promotions in higher ranks. All these features are service imperatives. Within the defence services, earlier retirees are further disadvantaged. A soldier who retired prior to 1.1.2006 will get far less pension than a soldier who retired after 1.1.2006. For a havaldar who retired prior to 1.1.2006, his pension is less than a sepoy who retired after 1.1.06. The ad-hoc compensation promised to the other ranks is completely inadequate and fails to address the core issue of OROP. Similar situation prevails in the case of officers. Only one with severely impaired vision, limited intelligence and or, deep seated bias can miss the incongruity in this working
Now the above disparities are independent of X factor which apply to only defence personnel About 15 percent of soldiers get the opportunity to live with their families for a period of 1 to 2 years in their entire service. In the case of others (including officers) only 40 to 50 percent of their service, they live with their families. Then there are other travails of service such as harsh living conditions in uncongenial and high altitude areas which results in approximately 5000 of them being annually boarded out on medical grounds and thousands other who continue to serve with a wide range of ailments picked up while posted in uncongenial areas. During the last 10 years army has lost approximately 8600 troops and around 570 officers in counter-insurgency operations in the North East and J and K. Entry into the officer cadre has become the last career choice for the country’s youth, consequently huge shortages persist. During the last sixty years army has fought four wars and been continuously committed in counter insurgency operations.
Some argue that, military personnel signed for such a service conditions so they damn well live with the consequences. However, the issue is of their repeated downgradation and all the other disadvantages relating to total take home pay/pension vis-Ã -vis their counterparts in the civil and not service conditions. In the case of bonded labour too there is some manner of agreement between the employer and the employee and yet such an arrangement is bad in law. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution has something to say on this issue and to which the supreme court too, has drawn governments attention is the case of SPS Vains vs MoD etc relating to the case where brigadiers were given more pension than maj-gens. In simple terms, OROP implies that two retirees with equal length of service in the same rank should draw the same pension, irrespective of their date of retirement.
Few seem to be aware of the bonding between the veterans and the serving. Every year veterans in lakhs visit their units on annual raising days and other important events. There is also constant inter-action between units and their retired personnel and that is how units sustain spirit and traditions. Besides this there are large number of veterans children in the defence services and they see the state of ex-servicemen at first hand. Therefore, there is the danger of spill over effect of this disenchantment, distress and disgruntlement of the veterans passing on to the serving. It will indeed be a sad day for the country, were this to happen. After all those now in service will also suffer the very same set of disadvantages presently inflicted on the veterans.
The demand for OROP is fair and just and is only a part compensation for early retirement, extremely limited promotions and a miniscule recompense for a hard and risk filled career. There is little merit for the political executive, to accept the bureaucracy’s argument that giving OROP to the veterans will result in a similar demand by the civil employees.
----------
THE END
Thursday, November 5, 2009
IESM: Thoughts put into action is better than just day dreaming! by Col RP Chaturvedi
Sentiments about 'neglect' of servicemen are common discussion points in service circles- messes, bars and social gatherings. We all hope, and PRAY that the Indian National Milieu will some day behave more empathetical with the Defence set up. They would... but for the sibling rivalry ridden 'babus' we feel. Correct? Yes, perhaps. But only just.
Question: Why are MOST of us only content to TALK about it? Why don't we step forward ourselves to contribute our effort to improve matters?
Illustrations:
1. In trying to improve ECHS services, we had requested volunteers to operate as Regional Liaison Cell members and Polyclinic Liaison Cell members. We got volunteers to man (only one or two each ) JUST 7 Regional Liaison Cells. 227 Poly clinics need manning. Just a handful have received attention! Where are the rest? BUSY?
2. Membership of the IESM can do with improvement. Lots of praise about the good work being done is received. So if you like the good work, why not JOIN and refer people to JOIN. When we like food in a restaurant, we refer our friends to that, don't we?
3. We all crib about the 'lack of knowledge of matters military' amongst the citizenry. How about doing something about it? Do you connect well with kids? (Most Grand fathers do). Can you identify schools that would allow you to talk to kids and talk about the '' Making of a Soldier- How does he do the seemingly impossible?' OR ' Positive Attitude as a Battle winning factor - in War and in Life'? Or such like. Remember, Positive strokes only . There is ample negativity going around in media anyway. AND I AM referring to Pan India. NCR is Not India. Sounds familiar? Yes, there are many more states/ parts of this great country.
4. Appreciate IESM work? Can you influence corporate to assist our aims of awareness through CSR activities? Sports matches, marathons, golf tournaments etc to commemorate military history milestones like Kargil Divas 26 July, or Vijay Divas 16 Dec?
5. Fund Raising? Now that we have 80G applicable?
6. A concluding question, if your answer to ANY ONE question above is YES.
Question. What are you waiting for? If the answer to my last question is that you are too busy (with grand children, work, earning money, sickness, family commitments etc), please be informed that the 'indifferent citizenry' is ALSO busy with the same. So let us respect that too.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
Member IESM Steering Committee and ECHS Division Coordinator
Question: Why are MOST of us only content to TALK about it? Why don't we step forward ourselves to contribute our effort to improve matters?
Illustrations:
1. In trying to improve ECHS services, we had requested volunteers to operate as Regional Liaison Cell members and Polyclinic Liaison Cell members. We got volunteers to man (only one or two each ) JUST 7 Regional Liaison Cells. 227 Poly clinics need manning. Just a handful have received attention! Where are the rest? BUSY?
2. Membership of the IESM can do with improvement. Lots of praise about the good work being done is received. So if you like the good work, why not JOIN and refer people to JOIN. When we like food in a restaurant, we refer our friends to that, don't we?
3. We all crib about the 'lack of knowledge of matters military' amongst the citizenry. How about doing something about it? Do you connect well with kids? (Most Grand fathers do). Can you identify schools that would allow you to talk to kids and talk about the '' Making of a Soldier- How does he do the seemingly impossible?' OR ' Positive Attitude as a Battle winning factor - in War and in Life'? Or such like. Remember, Positive strokes only . There is ample negativity going around in media anyway. AND I AM referring to Pan India. NCR is Not India. Sounds familiar? Yes, there are many more states/ parts of this great country.
4. Appreciate IESM work? Can you influence corporate to assist our aims of awareness through CSR activities? Sports matches, marathons, golf tournaments etc to commemorate military history milestones like Kargil Divas 26 July, or Vijay Divas 16 Dec?
5. Fund Raising? Now that we have 80G applicable?
6. A concluding question, if your answer to ANY ONE question above is YES.
Question. What are you waiting for? If the answer to my last question is that you are too busy (with grand children, work, earning money, sickness, family commitments etc), please be informed that the 'indifferent citizenry' is ALSO busy with the same. So let us respect that too.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
Member IESM Steering Committee and ECHS Division Coordinator
Views by Air Cmde Raghubir Singh
Raghubir Singh
Dear Veteran,
It is opined that the Chairmanship of major ESM org should be with Lt Gen eqv as far as possible to steer the ESM expectations now at most crucial stage to success. This would ensure more balanced approach,better leveraging interaction with govt functionaries which may otherwise suffer & ability to carry ESM's along more comfortably. My suggestion- whatever worth it may be -is not about any individuals.
Please discard it if not practicable.
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
Dear Veteran,
It is opined that the Chairmanship of major ESM org should be with Lt Gen eqv as far as possible to steer the ESM expectations now at most crucial stage to success. This would ensure more balanced approach,better leveraging interaction with govt functionaries which may otherwise suffer & ability to carry ESM's along more comfortably. My suggestion- whatever worth it may be -is not about any individuals.
Please discard it if not practicable.
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
Thanks to Maj Sardana by Gen Secy IESM Gp Capt Gandhi
Dear Major Sardana
I thankyou for the support you are ready to provide to ESM.
A concentrated effort is being put by IESM in the form of editorials, press conferences and rallies but unfortunately the national newspapers and TV media are intentionaly avoiding to give coverage to the efforts of IESM and the ex-servicemen community. It seems as if they are doing this under some orders. The only exception is the Tribune in Punjab and some newpapers and local TV channel in South of India.
It is very important to get some news coverage and TV time in main channels for us to educate the public and spread awareness about the ill treatment being given to ex servicemen on the hands of bureaucracy.
I sincerely thankyou for extending support to arrange press conference in Dec09/Jan10.
Please contact me or Maj Gen satbir singh satbirsm@yahoo. com for making all the arrangements for the press conference and interactive TV debates.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
I thankyou for the support you are ready to provide to ESM.
A concentrated effort is being put by IESM in the form of editorials, press conferences and rallies but unfortunately the national newspapers and TV media are intentionaly avoiding to give coverage to the efforts of IESM and the ex-servicemen community. It seems as if they are doing this under some orders. The only exception is the Tribune in Punjab and some newpapers and local TV channel in South of India.
It is very important to get some news coverage and TV time in main channels for us to educate the public and spread awareness about the ill treatment being given to ex servicemen on the hands of bureaucracy.
I sincerely thankyou for extending support to arrange press conference in Dec09/Jan10.
Please contact me or Maj Gen satbir singh satbirsm@yahoo. com for making all the arrangements for the press conference and interactive TV debates.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
Views from USA by Maj SN Sardana on Media help
From: majorsn sardana [mailto:majorsnsardana@hotmail.com]
Sent: 05 November 2009 01:42
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: OROP: A few suggestions/thoughts on role of media
Dear Brig.Kamboj,
Thanks a lot for keeping us informed on the issue of OROP and other matters pertaining to the welfare of ESM. I really appreciate your efforts-hats off to you and other brother officers for their contribution.
There's no doubt that whatever we have achieved so far is entirely due to the untiring efforts of Gen. Raj Kadyan, Gen. S.K. Bahri and other officers heading various ESM organizations.
However, ref Gen. S.K Bahri's email on ads in media, I have a few suggestions to make because of my having been in the field of Media after my retirement from the army in 1982 (even while in uniform I headed the Media & PR set-up of NTPC, Coal India, and PSUs including a stint with DPR(defence)
Further, I am making these suggestions based on the feedback I keep getting from my friends in the media (I am a member of the Press Club of India, New Delhi) and my earlier experiences having been involved in the activities as a member and as media adviser of IESL, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi during the early 90's.(when Brig. Ram Singh was heading the organization).
Even during that period an extensive media campaign was carried out on the issue of OROP which included editorials, advertising and write-ups by leading/senior journalists like Mr.Khushwant Singh and also covering the Electronic media.
The points I want to make for the consideration of Gen.S.K Bahri and other brother officers is the role of media-advertsing versus editorials are:
The cost of advertising vis-vis editorials and lead write-ups needs to be kept in mind
The effectiveness of the editorials versus advertising
Target audience/mileage to be achieved
Recently I had detailed discussions with one of my senior friends from the Press Corps who keeps interacting frequently with the V-VIPS and the senior "babus" from the south block. According to his assessment and the information gathered from other friends such is the feeling that:
There's enough awareness amongst the general public, the V-VIPS and the babus on the issue of OROP
While most of the politicians including the ruling party are with you, it is the babus who are unyielding
The large majority of general public is also with you
To clear the road blocks in "south block", you have to work out a new strategy and ops plan (a word with Col.B who lead a movement in rajasthan might help). The journalist even said something like "Offence is the..........
The concept of the babus is very clear that ESM is a dying force- they are all retired and may be tired. Its a spent up force and to quote their words "Chala Hua Kartoos"
Now the question arises how to deal with these thick-skinned babus??
I submit the following points for your consideration:
Launch a massive media campaign. You have an excellent organization and all the officers heading various ESM organizations have been doing a fine job. Our friends down south, Bala Tilakan and Kamleshwar Pandey are doing an excellent job.
Hold Press Conferences in all state capitals and have the exposure in the National and Regional papers and also cover the Electronic Media-it should be a an on-going campaign, bombarded them heavily-you have the support of all the three services
The impact of editorials and write-ups is much more effective as compared to advertising (after leaving the army I headed a couple of leading advertising agencies and worked with the newspapers)
The cost factor of a sustained advertising campaign covering the national and the regional media has got to be kept in mind
While I fully appreciate and support the on-going campaigns her steps being and undertaken by other brother officers in the country, I offer my services to organize press conferences in the Press Club of India, New Delhi and arrange interviews with senior journalists both from the print and electronic media for Gen. Bahri and other brother officers when I am back in Delhi during last week of Dec/first week of Jan.
The above are my humble suggestions for your consideration.
With Warm Regards,
Surender Sardana
(Major S. N Sardana)
New Jersey
USA
# 201-443-2371
CC:
Gen. Harbhajan Singh
(Former SO-in-C)
----------
Sent: 05 November 2009 01:42
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: OROP: A few suggestions/thoughts on role of media
Dear Brig.Kamboj,
Thanks a lot for keeping us informed on the issue of OROP and other matters pertaining to the welfare of ESM. I really appreciate your efforts-hats off to you and other brother officers for their contribution.
There's no doubt that whatever we have achieved so far is entirely due to the untiring efforts of Gen. Raj Kadyan, Gen. S.K. Bahri and other officers heading various ESM organizations.
However, ref Gen. S.K Bahri's email on ads in media, I have a few suggestions to make because of my having been in the field of Media after my retirement from the army in 1982 (even while in uniform I headed the Media & PR set-up of NTPC, Coal India, and PSUs including a stint with DPR(defence)
Further, I am making these suggestions based on the feedback I keep getting from my friends in the media (I am a member of the Press Club of India, New Delhi) and my earlier experiences having been involved in the activities as a member and as media adviser of IESL, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi during the early 90's.(when Brig. Ram Singh was heading the organization).
Even during that period an extensive media campaign was carried out on the issue of OROP which included editorials, advertising and write-ups by leading/senior journalists like Mr.Khushwant Singh and also covering the Electronic media.
The points I want to make for the consideration of Gen.S.K Bahri and other brother officers is the role of media-advertsing versus editorials are:
The cost of advertising vis-vis editorials and lead write-ups needs to be kept in mind
The effectiveness of the editorials versus advertising
Target audience/mileage to be achieved
Recently I had detailed discussions with one of my senior friends from the Press Corps who keeps interacting frequently with the V-VIPS and the senior "babus" from the south block. According to his assessment and the information gathered from other friends such is the feeling that:
There's enough awareness amongst the general public, the V-VIPS and the babus on the issue of OROP
While most of the politicians including the ruling party are with you, it is the babus who are unyielding
The large majority of general public is also with you
To clear the road blocks in "south block", you have to work out a new strategy and ops plan (a word with Col.B who lead a movement in rajasthan might help). The journalist even said something like "Offence is the..........
The concept of the babus is very clear that ESM is a dying force- they are all retired and may be tired. Its a spent up force and to quote their words "Chala Hua Kartoos"
Now the question arises how to deal with these thick-skinned babus??
I submit the following points for your consideration:
Launch a massive media campaign. You have an excellent organization and all the officers heading various ESM organizations have been doing a fine job. Our friends down south, Bala Tilakan and Kamleshwar Pandey are doing an excellent job.
Hold Press Conferences in all state capitals and have the exposure in the National and Regional papers and also cover the Electronic Media-it should be a an on-going campaign, bombarded them heavily-you have the support of all the three services
The impact of editorials and write-ups is much more effective as compared to advertising (after leaving the army I headed a couple of leading advertising agencies and worked with the newspapers)
The cost factor of a sustained advertising campaign covering the national and the regional media has got to be kept in mind
While I fully appreciate and support the on-going campaigns her steps being and undertaken by other brother officers in the country, I offer my services to organize press conferences in the Press Club of India, New Delhi and arrange interviews with senior journalists both from the print and electronic media for Gen. Bahri and other brother officers when I am back in Delhi during last week of Dec/first week of Jan.
The above are my humble suggestions for your consideration.
With Warm Regards,
Surender Sardana
(Major S. N Sardana)
New Jersey
USA
# 201-443-2371
CC:
Gen. Harbhajan Singh
(Former SO-in-C)
----------
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Views by Air Cmde Raghubir singh
From: Raghubir Singh raghubir_singh@yahoo.com
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
To: "Kamboj Chander" kamboj@itintellectuals.com , skbahri1@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, 2 November, 2009, 7:47 AM
Dear General,
We can also parallelise effort by writing to the media by way of articles on OROP, writing to all MP's . Our all ex-chiefs & Retd Lt Col eqv can be approached to write to the PM, RM. Ads are prohibitively costly and would be be big drain on our meager resources. Inviting editors or their reporters, giving press briefing would also be effective.
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
09890529860/09665059344
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
To: "Kamboj Chander" kamboj@itintellectuals.com , skbahri1@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, 2 November, 2009, 7:47 AM
Dear General,
We can also parallelise effort by writing to the media by way of articles on OROP, writing to all MP's . Our all ex-chiefs & Retd Lt Col eqv can be approached to write to the PM, RM. Ads are prohibitively costly and would be be big drain on our meager resources. Inviting editors or their reporters, giving press briefing would also be effective.
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)
09890529860/09665059344
Views by Col Sharad Paranjape
From: SHARAD PARANJAPE sharpara@gmail.com
To: REPORT MY SIGNAL (CS Kamboj) kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 6:48:08 AM
Subject: For your consideration
Dear Chander:
Here is a thought for considration and action by all ESM.
Most of us ESMs are closer to our final resting place than to the date of commission. For most of us now may be the time to make wills or revise the wills made in the past. It is also true that many of us have well settled children who are not dependent on our estate to make their lives better after we are gone. Some of us may not even have any heirs.
Under the circumstances, it is for consideration of all the ESMs, if they can will a percentage of their cash assets to IESM after their death. Even half a per cent or less can amount to a tidy sum in many cases. If they are not able to include such a provision in writing in their will, they should at least verbally express such a desire to their sons/daughters now. It can reasonably be expected that many sons/daughters will willingly fulfil the wish of their father when they become beneficiaries of his estate.
After all, IESM has done so much for all the ESM and continues to work for them, so a gesture of leaving a small portion of their assets for IESM will neither hurt the veteran nor his dependents. The departing ESM will be able to leave this world with the satisfaction that he will be making a posthumous donation to the cause of IESM.
Col Sharad Paranjape.
372 Central Park West #19Y
New York NY 10025, U.S.A.
Phone: 212-316-6575
To: REPORT MY SIGNAL (CS Kamboj) kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Sat, 31 October, 2009 6:48:08 AM
Subject: For your consideration
Dear Chander:
Here is a thought for considration and action by all ESM.
Most of us ESMs are closer to our final resting place than to the date of commission. For most of us now may be the time to make wills or revise the wills made in the past. It is also true that many of us have well settled children who are not dependent on our estate to make their lives better after we are gone. Some of us may not even have any heirs.
Under the circumstances, it is for consideration of all the ESMs, if they can will a percentage of their cash assets to IESM after their death. Even half a per cent or less can amount to a tidy sum in many cases. If they are not able to include such a provision in writing in their will, they should at least verbally express such a desire to their sons/daughters now. It can reasonably be expected that many sons/daughters will willingly fulfil the wish of their father when they become beneficiaries of his estate.
After all, IESM has done so much for all the ESM and continues to work for them, so a gesture of leaving a small portion of their assets for IESM will neither hurt the veteran nor his dependents. The departing ESM will be able to leave this world with the satisfaction that he will be making a posthumous donation to the cause of IESM.
Col Sharad Paranjape.
372 Central Park West #19Y
New York NY 10025, U.S.A.
Phone: 212-316-6575
Donations By Maj gen VK Khanna
From: Vinod K Khanna [mailto:vinodkhanna.vinod@gmail.com]
Sent: 02 November 2009 11:19
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
Dear Chander
Many of us are willing to contribute. I suggest a modus operandi may be defined as to how we should make that contribution
Regards
Maj-Gen VK Khanna
Sent: 02 November 2009 11:19
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
Dear Chander
Many of us are willing to contribute. I suggest a modus operandi may be defined as to how we should make that contribution
Regards
Maj-Gen VK Khanna
Donation by Brig MN Seshadri
From: Brig. Seshadri [mailto:manavasi.seshadri@gmail.com]
Sent: 02 November 2009 07:00
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
A very good idea .
I commit Rs 10000/ for this .
Do let me know how to send it and where to . Seshadri
Brig.M.N.Seshadri (Email - manavasi.seshadri@gmail.com )
Sent: 02 November 2009 07:00
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
A very good idea .
I commit Rs 10000/ for this .
Do let me know how to send it and where to . Seshadri
Brig.M.N.Seshadri (Email - manavasi.seshadri@gmail.com )
Donations by Maj Gen JS Talwar
From: Jasjit talwar [mailto:jasjittalwar@gmail.com]
Sent: 02 November 2009 20:02
To: Kamboj Chander; skbahri1@yahoo.com
Cc: jasjittalwar@gmail.com; jstalwar2007@rediffmail.com
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
Respected General Bahri Sir,
I would be delighted to send whatever contribution is required for our just and noble cause.
Whatever amount is needed would be sent.
Whether it is Rs 10,000,Rs 15000,or Rs 20,000,the amount would be sent without delay.
I request that I may please be told in whose name the cheque payable at par all over the country[HDFC Bank] is required to be sent.
With respects and warm regards,
Rocky
(Maj Gen JS Talwar, AVSM, Panchkula - 0172 2566671 , 2579899, 9316013497)
--------------
Sent: 02 November 2009 20:02
To: Kamboj Chander; skbahri1@yahoo.com
Cc: jasjittalwar@gmail.com; jstalwar2007@rediffmail.com
Subject: Re:
EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI ON FUNDING FOR ADVT IN NEWS PAPERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 746/2009 - 01 NOV 09 (H to G)
Respected General Bahri Sir,
I would be delighted to send whatever contribution is required for our just and noble cause.
Whatever amount is needed would be sent.
Whether it is Rs 10,000,Rs 15000,or Rs 20,000,the amount would be sent without delay.
I request that I may please be told in whose name the cheque payable at par all over the country[HDFC Bank] is required to be sent.
With respects and warm regards,
Rocky
(Maj Gen JS Talwar, AVSM, Panchkula - 0172 2566671 , 2579899, 9316013497)
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Monday, November 2, 2009
IESM: Perseverance- The success formula for OROP by Lt Col James Kanagaraj
It is necessary that we Ex- Servicemen reduce our rhetoric and silence those who so far are attempting disunion within us- by overwhelming their influence; and who at the same time have acted as if they had all the Veterans in their pockets.
Do not be deterred from your intentions by the fact that this or that majority resolution does not suit you. Such resolutions may be altered in the course of time. But the disgrace of separating here without accomplishing any results can never be blotted out; should such happen it would be equal to a crime against our cause which is the cause of the whole ESM Community. But the form can be found in which minor differences of opinion can be resolved in harmony, which the striving for a higher universally acknowledged ideal, common to us all- our legitimate demands.
Now friends, our sense of duty must be stronger than our self- will; our love for the cause must make us forget personal injustices we may have suffered; our entire thinking, feeling, and wishing must be consumed by enthusiasm for the work of rescue which we have to perform in common with with the aim of righting the injustices inflicted on ESM, be it Pension Parity or any other in the interests of our ESM brotherhood.
But perhaps one or other among you may say: “These are but words, phrases which cannot stand before the real facts as they exist.” In answer we need only point to the rich experiences in life that nothing comes without hard work to fight injustices- "No pain no gain". The proof is that what has been achieved till now is because of our perseverance. We must march ahead without looking back!
Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)
Blog Moderator
Do not be deterred from your intentions by the fact that this or that majority resolution does not suit you. Such resolutions may be altered in the course of time. But the disgrace of separating here without accomplishing any results can never be blotted out; should such happen it would be equal to a crime against our cause which is the cause of the whole ESM Community. But the form can be found in which minor differences of opinion can be resolved in harmony, which the striving for a higher universally acknowledged ideal, common to us all- our legitimate demands.
Now friends, our sense of duty must be stronger than our self- will; our love for the cause must make us forget personal injustices we may have suffered; our entire thinking, feeling, and wishing must be consumed by enthusiasm for the work of rescue which we have to perform in common with with the aim of righting the injustices inflicted on ESM, be it Pension Parity or any other in the interests of our ESM brotherhood.
But perhaps one or other among you may say: “These are but words, phrases which cannot stand before the real facts as they exist.” In answer we need only point to the rich experiences in life that nothing comes without hard work to fight injustices- "No pain no gain". The proof is that what has been achieved till now is because of our perseverance. We must march ahead without looking back!
Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)
Blog Moderator
Joint Letter to The PM by Lt Gen SK Bahri
To: Satish Bahri
Sent: Fri, 30 October, 2009 4:57:11 PM
Subject: Joint Letter to The PM
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter ( it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly, being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all orgs for a meeting to discuss the Cab Secs report on 6 Aug 09. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right. Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be incl in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action. Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up him over the last15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM, Leader of the Opposition and other MPs.
After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press.
Ways of financing the ads are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
Sent: Fri, 30 October, 2009 4:57:11 PM
Subject: Joint Letter to The PM
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter ( it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly, being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all orgs for a meeting to discuss the Cab Secs report on 6 Aug 09. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right. Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be incl in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action. Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up him over the last15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM, Leader of the Opposition and other MPs.
After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press.
Ways of financing the ads are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
View by Gp Capt VK Vidyadhar
Cc: "'Air Force India Group'"
Date: Sunday, 1 November, 2009, 5:15 AM
It’s a shame and pity that the Air Force Association has declined to be a signatory to this very important and telling letter by various ESM organizations of the army and navy. The air force seem to be operating on a different frequency.
Barring a few, most other senior air force veterans seem quite unconcerned and indifferent to “the rank discrimination and humiliation heaped” on the armed forced “over the last 60 years”
During the protest demonstrations organized by the IESM in Delhi last year not a single senior air force veteran participated though there must be several hundreds of them settled in and around Delhi. During the height of the protest demonstrations in Bangalore last year, members of the Air Force India (Yahoo) Group seemed quite happy discussing inane topics like “landing on the wrong runway”.
So, I am not at all surprised that the Air Force Association has declined to be a signatory to this letter. I am sending a copy of this message to the Air Force India Group but I am quite confident my message will be censored and won’t appear.
Laudable efforts are being made to get more veterans to join the IESM. In a democracy, strength, no doubt, lies in numbers. The total number of ex Chiefs of the three services presently living will be less than 100. If we can get THEM to join the IESM, it will carry more weight than the many lakhs of veterans of lower ranks.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Vidyadhar
Date: Sunday, 1 November, 2009, 5:15 AM
It’s a shame and pity that the Air Force Association has declined to be a signatory to this very important and telling letter by various ESM organizations of the army and navy. The air force seem to be operating on a different frequency.
Barring a few, most other senior air force veterans seem quite unconcerned and indifferent to “the rank discrimination and humiliation heaped” on the armed forced “over the last 60 years”
During the protest demonstrations organized by the IESM in Delhi last year not a single senior air force veteran participated though there must be several hundreds of them settled in and around Delhi. During the height of the protest demonstrations in Bangalore last year, members of the Air Force India (Yahoo) Group seemed quite happy discussing inane topics like “landing on the wrong runway”.
So, I am not at all surprised that the Air Force Association has declined to be a signatory to this letter. I am sending a copy of this message to the Air Force India Group but I am quite confident my message will be censored and won’t appear.
Laudable efforts are being made to get more veterans to join the IESM. In a democracy, strength, no doubt, lies in numbers. The total number of ex Chiefs of the three services presently living will be less than 100. If we can get THEM to join the IESM, it will carry more weight than the many lakhs of veterans of lower ranks.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Vidyadhar
Friday, October 30, 2009
Mail from Lt Gen SK Bahri (retd)
From: Satish Kumar Bahri skbahri1@yahoo.com
Sent: Fri, 30 October, 2009 4:57:11 PM
Subject: Joint Letter to The PM
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter ( it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly,being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all orgs for a meeting to discuss the Cab Secs report on 6 Aug 09. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right.Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be incl in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action.Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up him over the last15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM,Leader of the Opposition and other MPs.
After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press.
Ways of financing the ads are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
Sent: Fri, 30 October, 2009 4:57:11 PM
Subject: Joint Letter to The PM
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter ( it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly,being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all orgs for a meeting to discuss the Cab Secs report on 6 Aug 09. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right.Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be incl in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action.Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up him over the last15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM,Leader of the Opposition and other MPs.
After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press.
Ways of financing the ads are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
Mail from Lt Gen SK Bahri (retd)
From: Satish Kumar Bahri skbahri1@yahoo.com
Sent: Fri, 30 October, 2009 4:57:11 PM
Subject: Joint Letter to The PM
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter ( it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly,being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all orgs for a meeting to discuss the Cab Secs report on 6 Aug 09. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right.Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be incl in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action.Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up him over the last15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM,Leader of the Opposition and other MPs.
After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press.
Ways of financing the ads are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
Sent: Fri, 30 October, 2009 4:57:11 PM
Subject: Joint Letter to The PM
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter ( it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly,being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all orgs for a meeting to discuss the Cab Secs report on 6 Aug 09. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right.Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be incl in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action.Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up him over the last15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM,Leader of the Opposition and other MPs.
After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press.
Ways of financing the ads are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
Mails to President / PM RM etc by Warrant Officer Balathilakan
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Some important letters written by a very able Warrant Officer to various dignitaries are reproduced below.
These letters should be a good inspiration for our military writers, who frequently write articles for newspapers, magazines and web-magazines.
May I request all of you, who are gifted with the power of pen, to get on to writing articles in the media and arrange interviews on TV on these lines.
Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan, Veteran has written a very nice paper analysing the “Report by Committee of Secretaries”, which you all must have studied. You should kindly take cue from that paper and the letters reproduced below, and educated the media and the public as to how dust has been thrown in the eyes of the political leaders by the committee report and wrong decisions obtained against the ex-servicemen.
Those of you, who have not studied the paper by Gen Radhakrishnan, must read it. Please write to him obtain a soft copy (Email ID - rnrkrish@yahoo.com ).
All the ESM organisations are doing their utmost and playing their part very well. It is time for our military authors to take the field now.
Please launch the mission and help all the Indian ESM (and yourselves) and wake up our nation as to how deliberate injustice is being done to the Indian Defence Veterans.
Before concluding, on behalf of YOU ALL, ‘i’ wish to thank Lt Kameshwar Pandey for sending these letters to us and we congratulate Warrant Officer Balathilakan for so well written letters.
Keep it up Balathilakan. We all are proud of you.
For Lt Kameshwar Pandey Only – Kindly send me the email ID of Warrant Officer Balathilakan. Thank you.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
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From: Kameshwar Pandey [mailto:pandeykameshwar@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 October 2009 16:54
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: raj kadyan; prbalathilakan@gmail.com; R P Sharma; Sukhamay Biswas
Subject: LETTERS WRITTEN TO PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER, FINANCE MINISTER, DEFENCE MINISTER AND OTHER DIGNITARIES
Dear Kamboj Sir,
The letters written to the President, Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Defence Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Defence Secretary, Secretary Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Director of Pension during the month of October, 2009 by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.)
are enclosed as attachment for information of all Ex-Servicemen in the country.
The progress thereof is also being monitored on day to day basis by him.
With regards
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
230, Pocket-1,
DDA SFS Flats, Sector-1,
Dwarka, New Delhi - 110 075
.....
FOR INFORMATION OF ALL CONCERNED:
The following actions with regards to submission of letters, memoranda and presentations to various High Dignitaries have been initiated by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.) with his vigorous efforts. He has very good rapport while dealing with the subject of ONE RANK ONE PENSION with many High Dignitaries such as all M.Ps. from Kerala, present and past Chief Ministers of Kerala, all Central Ministers from Kerala including Shri A.K. Antony, Defence Ministers, Private Secretaries of the Hon’ble the President of India and Bureaucrats accessible to him in various Ministries on the above subject.
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To,
The Hon’ble the President of India
Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi
Sub : ONE RANK ONE PENSION : EX-SERVICEMEN
Hon’ble Madam,
I on behalf of all Ex-Servicemen salute your Excellency for announcing the grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION in your opening remarks of parliament session on 4th June, 2009. Your Excellency while addressing both houses of Parliament on 4th June, 2009 was pleased to announce that Government has appointed a High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary and the Committee expected to deliver its recommendations by end of June, 2009. It was nice to know that the government had announced implementation of Committee’s recommendations with regards to ONE RANK ONE PENSION in the budget speech. Even Hon’ble Prime Minister while unfurling National Flag and addressing the Nation on the eve of 62n Independence Day on 15th August, 2009 had announced that we must protect the interest of our Defence Forces. On this occasion, he also announced that the Government had implemented ONE RANK ONE PENSION for the past Ex-Servicemen pensions.
The recommendations report which was submitted to the Government by the Cabinet Secretary does not contains much improvement in the pension of all pre-2006 pensioners and your assurance on the subject of ONE RANK ONE PENSION has totally diluted. Further, there is no concrete information as to how much pension have been sanctioned to all pre-2006 Ex-servicemen to make their pension equal to ONE RANK ONE PENSION. We have consulted/contacted concerned Departments of Ministry defence, but nobody is interested to supply this information. Therefore, it is apprehend that there may be very less improvement in pension.
It is submitted for your Excellency information that your directions with regards to grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION has been negated by our bureaucrat brothers who are actually implementing the Govt. decision. We have no grievances against our Prime Minister, Defence Minister on this aspect, but it appears that the directions of our Prime Minister or Defence Minister that one rank one pension has been granted are not being implemented by the bureaucrats at Ministry of Defence
It is for your further information that the Ex-servicemen communities are very unhappy with this development as they have been deprived of their legitimate due since long and the recent announcement of the Govt. has betrayed them as the announcement is totally differ from the implementation. It is further submitted that 60% of the present strength of soldiers in Indian Armed Forces belong to the kith and kin of Ex-servicemen and are aware of their plight of their elders. This may create more dissatisfaction as today’s servicemen is tomorrow’s Ex-servicemen. So we request your Excellency to use your supreme power and impress upon the Govt. to grant ONE RANK OEN PENSION to Indian Armed Forces for the betterment of the country.
In view of the above, Your Excellency may personally intervene and solve this problem as the Ex-servicemen communities are restless about this tardy attitude of the staff at Ministry of Defence for not implementing your direction.
A copy of our suggestions with regards to the Cabinet Secretary’s Recommendations is also enclosed for your kind perusal and further directions.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM.
07/10/2009
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To,
Shri Manmohan Singh,
Hon’ble the Prime Minister
South Block
New Delhi
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
I on behalf of millions of Ex-Servicemen salute you. It was quite encouraging when with your blessing Hon’ble Finance Minister announced in a maiden Budget speech on 6th July, 2009 that UPA Government has considered grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to Ex-Servicemen and finally the same has been granted. This legitimate demand was pending quite some years and finally it was your Government who actually took a bold step to fulfil the same. Your Highness also during Your address from Red Fort on 15th august, 2009 had categorically announced that Government will strive hard to uphold the dignity of all Ex-Servicemen and will endeavor to look after their welfare for their sacrifice rendered to safeguard the safety, unity and integrity of the Nation. On that occasion, Your Highness also presented to the countrymen that the UPA Government has granted the long pending demand of Ex-Servicemen i.e. ONE RANK ONE PENSION in toto.
Further, on various forums, Hon’ble the defence Minister had stressed that though it may not be feasible to grant ONE RANK ONE PENRISON but Government will definitely solve it and will improvement the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen which will be very close to ONE RANK ONE PENSION.
I want to draw your kind attention that the above quotation of Your Highness, specifically Your Honor’s announcement from the red Fort on 15th August, 2009 made Ex-Servicemen communities and their families to feel more excitement about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. It is only your Government who had/have looked after our defence forces in a befitting manner.
I would like to submit here that though our Leaderships are quite affirmative about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION, but the real picture has been totally diluted by our Bureaucrat Brothers after putting so many words such as “if, not, but, how where, why” etc. etc. in the Recommendations submitted by Hon’ble Cabinet Secretary, thereby jeopardizing the very purpose of your announcement. This had led to only partial improvement in pension and not in its full form.
Sir, we are not at all demanding more pension for us, but are only requesting Your Honour to bring parity in pension between all Ex-Servicemen retired before 1.1.2006 with the pension of Ex-Servicemen retired/retiring after 1.1.2006 within the hierarchy of their respective ranks and years of service put up in the defence forces.
Sir, lastly I solicit and request Your Hour’s to impress upon our civilian brothers who are in-charge of enforcing the promises made by Your Honor to 23 Lakhs Ex-Servicemen for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to implement the same in its full form. Please keep your promise, Sir.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
09/10/2009
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To,
Shri Pranab Mukherjee,
Hon’ble the Finance Minister
Government of India
North Block
New Delhi
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
I on behalf of millions of Ex-Servicemen salute you. It was quite encouraging when with your Honour had announced alongwith your maiden Budget speech on 6th July, 2009 that UPA Government has considered grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to Ex-Servicemen and finally the same has been granted. This legitimate demand was pending quite some years and finally it was your Government who actually took a bold step to fulfil the same. Hon’le Prime Minister also during his address from Red Fort on 15th August, 2009 had categorically announced that Government will strive hard to uphold the dignity of all Ex-Servicemen and will endeavor to look after their welfare for their sacrifice rendered to safeguard the safety, unity and integrity of the Nation. On that occasion, he also presented to the countrymen that the UPA Government has granted the long pending demand of Ex-Servicemen i.e. ONE RANK ONE PENSION in toto.
Further, on various forums, Hon’ble the defence Minister had stressed that though it may not be feasible to grant ONE RANK ONE PENRISON but Government will definitely solve it and will improvement the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen which will be very close to ONE RANK ONE PENSION.
I want to draw your kind attention that the above quotation of Your Highness, specifically Your Honor’s announcement on the floor of Parliament on 6th July, 2009 made Ex-Servicemen communities and their families to feel more excitement about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. It is only your Government who had/have looked after our defence forces in a befitting manner.
I would like to submit here that though our Leaderships are quite affirmative about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION, but the real picture has been totally diluted by our Bureaucrat Brothers after putting so many words such as “if, not, but, how where, why” etc. etc. in the Recommendations submitted by Hon’ble Cabinet Secretary, thereby jeopardizing the very purpose of your announcement. This had led to only partial improvement in pension and not in its full form.
Sir, we are not at all demanding more pension for us, but are only requesting Your Honour to bring parity in pension between all Ex-Servicemen retired before 1.1.2006 with the pension of Ex-Servicemen retired/retiring after 1.1.2006 within the hierarchy of their respective ranks and years of service put up in the defence forces.
Sir, lastly I solicit and request Your Hour’s to impress upon our civilian brothers who are in-charge of enforcing the promises made by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Your Honor and Hon’ble Defence Minister to 23 Lakhs Ex-Servicemen for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to implement the same in its full form. Please keep your promise, Sir.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
09/10/2009
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To,
Shri Rahul Gandhi,
Hon’ble the General Secretary
A.I.C.C.
New Delhi
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
At the outset we all Ex-Servicemen salute and congratulate you and your party’s magnificent victory in the General Election and thereafter, in the recent concluded Legislative Assembly Election. It is indeed a great pleasure for the Ex-Servicemen community to support your party and indebted for the announcement of implementation of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to us.
Sir, we would like to draw your kind attention towards your announcement during the various election rallies in Uttaranchal that if, UPA returns to power, will make the provision of ONE RANK ONE PERNSION for the Ex-Servicemen. A copyof such election rally with Hon’ble Mr. Harish Rawatji is enclosed for your ready reference and perusal, please. Sir, please do not forget your promise made to millions of Ex-Servicemen and you should stand by it. In addition to this, Her Excellency, the President of India on 4th June, 2009 had categorically announced that the Government will be definitely grant ONE RANK ONE PEJSION. Fruther, this was later ratified by Hon’ble the Finance Minister in his Budget speech. On 15th August, 2009 Hon’ble the prime Minister addressed that Government will strive hard to uphold the dignity of all Ex-Servicemen and will endeavor to look after their welfare for their sacrifice rendered to safeguard the safety, unity and integrity of the Nation. On that occasion, he also presented to the countrymen that the UPA Government has granted the long pending demand of Ex-Servicemen i.e. ONE RANK ONE PENSION in toto.
Further, on various forums, Hon’ble the defence Minister had stressed that though it may not be feasible to grant ONE RANK ONE PENRISON but Government will definitely solve it and will improvement the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen which will be very close to ONE RANK ONE PENSION.
Sir, I want to draw your kind attention that the above porimise/assurance of Hon’ble the President, the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the Defence Misters at different forum, specifically Your Honours announcement at various Election Rallies in Uttaranchal made the Ex-Servicemen communities and their families to feel more excitement about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. It is only your Government who had/have looked after our defence forces in a befitting manner.
I would like to submit here that though our Leaderships are quite affirmative about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION, but our Bureaucrat Brothers are putting avoidable obstructions such as legal, administrative and financial etc. etc. before the Hon’ble Minister. Sir, all citizens are liable to lay their life for the sake of Nation’s integrity, but practically, it is only Defence Forces who are dying every day for the sake of country’s safety and security. So in that scenario, compensating their past contribution with ONE RANK ONE PENSION, the obstructions of legal, administrative or financial constraints should not come into picture.
Sir, we are not at all demanding more pension for us, but are only requesting Your Honour to bring parity in pension between all Ex-Servicemen retired before 1.1.2006 with the pension of Ex-Servicemen retired/retiring after 1.1.2006 within the hierarchy of their respective ranks and years of service put up in the defence forces.
Sir, lastly I solicit and request Your Hour’s to utilize your gesture to fulfil the promises made by our Hon’ble the Prime Minister, Hon’ble the Finance Minister, Hon’ble the Defence Minister and Your Honour to 23 Lakhs Ex-Servicemen for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. Please keep your promise, Sir.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
28/10/2009
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To,
Hon’ble the President of India
Hon’ble the Prime Minister
Hon’ble the Finance Minister
Hon’ble the Defence Minister
The Cabinet Secretary
The Defence Secretary
Secretary, Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Section, MOD
Shri Habans Singh, Director (Pension), Sena Bhavan
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
We are quite grateful to Hon’ble the Cabinet secretary for sparing his valuable times to meet our delegation on 11th June, 2009 with regard to appraising His Highness about the grievances to Ex-Servicemen about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. Hon’ble Cabinet Secretary was quite affirmative and had assured that the interest of all Ex-Servicemen especially pre-2006 will be taken care while recommending the issue of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. However, it is quite disheartening to learn from the recommendation dated 30th June, 2009 that there is no much significant improvement in the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen pensioners, while comparing with the pension of post-1.1.2006 pensioners. This scenario will further aggravate, once pension @ 70% of pay last drawn is sanctioned to post-1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Recommendations are fully grasp by the inability to grant OROP due to administrative and legal hurdles. The Ex-Servicemen and Service personnel of Armed Forces have put up their best ability for the safety and security of the Nation. Their services may not be compared with the civilian while considering the issue of OROP. The contention that OROP, if granted will invite similar demands from the quarters is totally untenable. It has been our experience and knowledge that our civilian brothers have no complaint or wrath about extra benefits/privileges extended to Defence forces for their multiple roles and voluminous assignments. So the Committee’s findings on this account are not justifiable.
We have some suggestions about the recommendations which may kindly look into and ONE RANK ONE PENSION if not feasible, the following may be considered favourably:
Relevant para No. in the Report Committee’s Observations/ Recommendations Our suggestions
2.5 (i) In the case of Commissioned Officers, total parity may be brought between pre-1.1.2986 and post- 1.1.1986 retires by notional fixation of pay in the post-1.1.1986 scales and the notional revised pension be worked out on the basis of this pay. Thereafter, for all pre-1.1.1996 retirees the fitments formula suggested for past civilian pensioners i.e. Basic Pension+ Dearness relief + Interim Relief + Interim relief 1 (Rs. 50) +Interim Relief 2 (10% of Basic Pension)+ 20% (revised by Govt. to 40%) of Basic Pension, may be applied. If the resultant figure falls short of the minimum pension application to the post-1.1.1996 retirees for the rank held, it may be stepped up to the minimum pension prescribed for the rank. As was done to bring parity of pension between pre-1.1.1986 and post-1.1.1986 retirees and where the pension figure of pre-1.1.1996 fall short of the minimum pension applicable to the post-1.1.1996 for the rank held, the pension f pre-1.1.1996 retirees was stepped upto the minimum pension prescribed for the rank.
We now request that the same formula may be applied for pre-1.1.2006 pensioners and their pension may be stepped up and brought at par with the pension of post- 1.1.2006 retirees.
2.5 (ii) In the case of PBORs, the need for notional fixation of pay does not exist in view of the existence of pension tables. Therefore, for PBOR all pre-1.1.1986 pensioners may be brought on to post – 1.1.1986 levels by bridging the present gap in the pension tables and the same fitment formula on pension as for offices may be applied. If the resultant figure falls short of the minimum pension for the rank and group for post – 1.1.1996 retiree, it may be upgraded to that level. In the case of PBOR, similar formula as envisaged for pre- 1.1.1986 PBOR pensioners may be applied to and the pension of pre-1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners of each rank and group may be stepped up and brought at par with the pension of post – 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners belonging to respective rank and group.
2.9 Finally, the GOM unanimously recommended that the pension of pre-1.1.1996 PBOR retirees may be revised with reference to maximum of post -1.1.1996 pay scales. In additional, the weightage of Sepoy, Naik and Havaldar rank for past as well as future retirees be increased to 10, 8 and 6 years respectively subject to a maximum of qualifying service of 30 years. The benefit was given only for service pension. The benefit of the above recommendation took effect from 1.1.2006. Since after implementation of 6th CPC, the fixation of pension of PBOR with reference to maximum of pay scales in the respective ranks has been dispensed with, the formula of stepping up of pension of pre-1.1.2006 PBOR may be adopted to and their pension may be brought at par with the pension of post- 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners. As a result of which the weightage has no relevance and may be scrapped.
5.2 (a) To Reckon the pension of all pre-1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners wit reference to a notional maximum in the post 1.1.2006 revised pay structure corresponding to the maximum of pre-sixth pay commission pay scales as per fitment table of each rank. These stop gap recommendations of the Committee will still not be sufficient to bridge gap of pension between pre and post 1.1.2006 pensioners. The disparity will be further complicated, once 70% last pay drawn given as pension to post – 1.1.2006 pensioners. Hence, our suggestion with reference to Committee’s presentation vides Para Nos. 2.5 (i) and 2.5 (ii) may please be implemented.
8 (iii) This dispensation xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Since this is a new concession aimed at improving the pension of PBORs, the benefit will be given prospectively and no arrears are to be given It is submitted that the benefits ought to have been sanctioned retrospectively from 1.1.2006, on implementation of 6th CPC Recommendations. Though the same was not considered by 6th CPC and the Govt. has taken a belated action after 3 ½ years with no fault of ex-Servicemen community, should have considered the case alongwith other matters at the time of accepting and implementing the 6th CPC Reports during August, 2008. There are evidence that the Govt. had altered/ enhanced/ modified/ introduced several benefits to the beneficiaries which were not recommended by 6th CPC and had effected the benefits which may be entitled to the PBORs with the improvement of pension may be sanctioned from 1.1.2006 and not from 1.7.2009.
Since, the Committee in its reports has rightly summarized the past precedence of stepping up of pension formula for pre- 1.1.1986 and pre-1.1.1996 pensioners by which their pensions were brought at par with the post – 1.1.1986 and post – 1.1.1996 pensioners, we now request and solicit your honour to kindly extend the same formula for the present and the pension of pre-1.1.2006 pensioners may be stepped up and brought at par with post – 1.1.2006 Ex-Servicemen pensioners.
Sir, before concluding our submission, I would like to appreciate the statement of Mr. Harbans Singh, Director, Pension, Ministry of Defence that the Government has made significant improvements in the Pay and Allowances of Defence personnel in the 6th CPC. We agree with his remarks that tremendous improvements have been given to serving Defence personnel and retired Ex-Servicemen retired on or after 1.1.2006. But he has no answer about the tremendous improvement given for pre-1.1.2006 Ex-Soldiers who in their service period were fighting the enemies in 1962, 1965, 1971, 1988 (IPKF), 1999 (Kargil War) etc. etc. and have to fight now for their survival. The significant improvements should have been equally extended and covered all and not a particular group. Please look into these aspects carefully and seriously to find an amicable solution.
In view of the above, we request to the concerned authorities to be more sympathetic and consider the suggestions and given the legitimate dues to the pre-1.1.2006 Ex-Servicemen Pensioners.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
07/10/2009
Jai Hind.
Some important letters written by a very able Warrant Officer to various dignitaries are reproduced below.
These letters should be a good inspiration for our military writers, who frequently write articles for newspapers, magazines and web-magazines.
May I request all of you, who are gifted with the power of pen, to get on to writing articles in the media and arrange interviews on TV on these lines.
Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan, Veteran has written a very nice paper analysing the “Report by Committee of Secretaries”, which you all must have studied. You should kindly take cue from that paper and the letters reproduced below, and educated the media and the public as to how dust has been thrown in the eyes of the political leaders by the committee report and wrong decisions obtained against the ex-servicemen.
Those of you, who have not studied the paper by Gen Radhakrishnan, must read it. Please write to him obtain a soft copy (Email ID - rnrkrish@yahoo.com ).
All the ESM organisations are doing their utmost and playing their part very well. It is time for our military authors to take the field now.
Please launch the mission and help all the Indian ESM (and yourselves) and wake up our nation as to how deliberate injustice is being done to the Indian Defence Veterans.
Before concluding, on behalf of YOU ALL, ‘i’ wish to thank Lt Kameshwar Pandey for sending these letters to us and we congratulate Warrant Officer Balathilakan for so well written letters.
Keep it up Balathilakan. We all are proud of you.
For Lt Kameshwar Pandey Only – Kindly send me the email ID of Warrant Officer Balathilakan. Thank you.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: Kameshwar Pandey [mailto:pandeykameshwar@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 October 2009 16:54
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: raj kadyan; prbalathilakan@gmail.com; R P Sharma; Sukhamay Biswas
Subject: LETTERS WRITTEN TO PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER, FINANCE MINISTER, DEFENCE MINISTER AND OTHER DIGNITARIES
Dear Kamboj Sir,
The letters written to the President, Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Defence Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Defence Secretary, Secretary Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Director of Pension during the month of October, 2009 by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.)
are enclosed as attachment for information of all Ex-Servicemen in the country.
The progress thereof is also being monitored on day to day basis by him.
With regards
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
--
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
230, Pocket-1,
DDA SFS Flats, Sector-1,
Dwarka, New Delhi - 110 075
.....
FOR INFORMATION OF ALL CONCERNED:
The following actions with regards to submission of letters, memoranda and presentations to various High Dignitaries have been initiated by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.) with his vigorous efforts. He has very good rapport while dealing with the subject of ONE RANK ONE PENSION with many High Dignitaries such as all M.Ps. from Kerala, present and past Chief Ministers of Kerala, all Central Ministers from Kerala including Shri A.K. Antony, Defence Ministers, Private Secretaries of the Hon’ble the President of India and Bureaucrats accessible to him in various Ministries on the above subject.
-------------
To,
The Hon’ble the President of India
Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi
Sub : ONE RANK ONE PENSION : EX-SERVICEMEN
Hon’ble Madam,
I on behalf of all Ex-Servicemen salute your Excellency for announcing the grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION in your opening remarks of parliament session on 4th June, 2009. Your Excellency while addressing both houses of Parliament on 4th June, 2009 was pleased to announce that Government has appointed a High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary and the Committee expected to deliver its recommendations by end of June, 2009. It was nice to know that the government had announced implementation of Committee’s recommendations with regards to ONE RANK ONE PENSION in the budget speech. Even Hon’ble Prime Minister while unfurling National Flag and addressing the Nation on the eve of 62n Independence Day on 15th August, 2009 had announced that we must protect the interest of our Defence Forces. On this occasion, he also announced that the Government had implemented ONE RANK ONE PENSION for the past Ex-Servicemen pensions.
The recommendations report which was submitted to the Government by the Cabinet Secretary does not contains much improvement in the pension of all pre-2006 pensioners and your assurance on the subject of ONE RANK ONE PENSION has totally diluted. Further, there is no concrete information as to how much pension have been sanctioned to all pre-2006 Ex-servicemen to make their pension equal to ONE RANK ONE PENSION. We have consulted/contacted concerned Departments of Ministry defence, but nobody is interested to supply this information. Therefore, it is apprehend that there may be very less improvement in pension.
It is submitted for your Excellency information that your directions with regards to grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION has been negated by our bureaucrat brothers who are actually implementing the Govt. decision. We have no grievances against our Prime Minister, Defence Minister on this aspect, but it appears that the directions of our Prime Minister or Defence Minister that one rank one pension has been granted are not being implemented by the bureaucrats at Ministry of Defence
It is for your further information that the Ex-servicemen communities are very unhappy with this development as they have been deprived of their legitimate due since long and the recent announcement of the Govt. has betrayed them as the announcement is totally differ from the implementation. It is further submitted that 60% of the present strength of soldiers in Indian Armed Forces belong to the kith and kin of Ex-servicemen and are aware of their plight of their elders. This may create more dissatisfaction as today’s servicemen is tomorrow’s Ex-servicemen. So we request your Excellency to use your supreme power and impress upon the Govt. to grant ONE RANK OEN PENSION to Indian Armed Forces for the betterment of the country.
In view of the above, Your Excellency may personally intervene and solve this problem as the Ex-servicemen communities are restless about this tardy attitude of the staff at Ministry of Defence for not implementing your direction.
A copy of our suggestions with regards to the Cabinet Secretary’s Recommendations is also enclosed for your kind perusal and further directions.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM.
07/10/2009
---------------
To,
Shri Manmohan Singh,
Hon’ble the Prime Minister
South Block
New Delhi
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
I on behalf of millions of Ex-Servicemen salute you. It was quite encouraging when with your blessing Hon’ble Finance Minister announced in a maiden Budget speech on 6th July, 2009 that UPA Government has considered grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to Ex-Servicemen and finally the same has been granted. This legitimate demand was pending quite some years and finally it was your Government who actually took a bold step to fulfil the same. Your Highness also during Your address from Red Fort on 15th august, 2009 had categorically announced that Government will strive hard to uphold the dignity of all Ex-Servicemen and will endeavor to look after their welfare for their sacrifice rendered to safeguard the safety, unity and integrity of the Nation. On that occasion, Your Highness also presented to the countrymen that the UPA Government has granted the long pending demand of Ex-Servicemen i.e. ONE RANK ONE PENSION in toto.
Further, on various forums, Hon’ble the defence Minister had stressed that though it may not be feasible to grant ONE RANK ONE PENRISON but Government will definitely solve it and will improvement the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen which will be very close to ONE RANK ONE PENSION.
I want to draw your kind attention that the above quotation of Your Highness, specifically Your Honor’s announcement from the red Fort on 15th August, 2009 made Ex-Servicemen communities and their families to feel more excitement about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. It is only your Government who had/have looked after our defence forces in a befitting manner.
I would like to submit here that though our Leaderships are quite affirmative about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION, but the real picture has been totally diluted by our Bureaucrat Brothers after putting so many words such as “if, not, but, how where, why” etc. etc. in the Recommendations submitted by Hon’ble Cabinet Secretary, thereby jeopardizing the very purpose of your announcement. This had led to only partial improvement in pension and not in its full form.
Sir, we are not at all demanding more pension for us, but are only requesting Your Honour to bring parity in pension between all Ex-Servicemen retired before 1.1.2006 with the pension of Ex-Servicemen retired/retiring after 1.1.2006 within the hierarchy of their respective ranks and years of service put up in the defence forces.
Sir, lastly I solicit and request Your Hour’s to impress upon our civilian brothers who are in-charge of enforcing the promises made by Your Honor to 23 Lakhs Ex-Servicemen for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to implement the same in its full form. Please keep your promise, Sir.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
09/10/2009
---------------
To,
Shri Pranab Mukherjee,
Hon’ble the Finance Minister
Government of India
North Block
New Delhi
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
I on behalf of millions of Ex-Servicemen salute you. It was quite encouraging when with your Honour had announced alongwith your maiden Budget speech on 6th July, 2009 that UPA Government has considered grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to Ex-Servicemen and finally the same has been granted. This legitimate demand was pending quite some years and finally it was your Government who actually took a bold step to fulfil the same. Hon’le Prime Minister also during his address from Red Fort on 15th August, 2009 had categorically announced that Government will strive hard to uphold the dignity of all Ex-Servicemen and will endeavor to look after their welfare for their sacrifice rendered to safeguard the safety, unity and integrity of the Nation. On that occasion, he also presented to the countrymen that the UPA Government has granted the long pending demand of Ex-Servicemen i.e. ONE RANK ONE PENSION in toto.
Further, on various forums, Hon’ble the defence Minister had stressed that though it may not be feasible to grant ONE RANK ONE PENRISON but Government will definitely solve it and will improvement the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen which will be very close to ONE RANK ONE PENSION.
I want to draw your kind attention that the above quotation of Your Highness, specifically Your Honor’s announcement on the floor of Parliament on 6th July, 2009 made Ex-Servicemen communities and their families to feel more excitement about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. It is only your Government who had/have looked after our defence forces in a befitting manner.
I would like to submit here that though our Leaderships are quite affirmative about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION, but the real picture has been totally diluted by our Bureaucrat Brothers after putting so many words such as “if, not, but, how where, why” etc. etc. in the Recommendations submitted by Hon’ble Cabinet Secretary, thereby jeopardizing the very purpose of your announcement. This had led to only partial improvement in pension and not in its full form.
Sir, we are not at all demanding more pension for us, but are only requesting Your Honour to bring parity in pension between all Ex-Servicemen retired before 1.1.2006 with the pension of Ex-Servicemen retired/retiring after 1.1.2006 within the hierarchy of their respective ranks and years of service put up in the defence forces.
Sir, lastly I solicit and request Your Hour’s to impress upon our civilian brothers who are in-charge of enforcing the promises made by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Your Honor and Hon’ble Defence Minister to 23 Lakhs Ex-Servicemen for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to implement the same in its full form. Please keep your promise, Sir.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
09/10/2009
---------------
To,
Shri Rahul Gandhi,
Hon’ble the General Secretary
A.I.C.C.
New Delhi
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
At the outset we all Ex-Servicemen salute and congratulate you and your party’s magnificent victory in the General Election and thereafter, in the recent concluded Legislative Assembly Election. It is indeed a great pleasure for the Ex-Servicemen community to support your party and indebted for the announcement of implementation of ONE RANK ONE PENSION to us.
Sir, we would like to draw your kind attention towards your announcement during the various election rallies in Uttaranchal that if, UPA returns to power, will make the provision of ONE RANK ONE PERNSION for the Ex-Servicemen. A copyof such election rally with Hon’ble Mr. Harish Rawatji is enclosed for your ready reference and perusal, please. Sir, please do not forget your promise made to millions of Ex-Servicemen and you should stand by it. In addition to this, Her Excellency, the President of India on 4th June, 2009 had categorically announced that the Government will be definitely grant ONE RANK ONE PEJSION. Fruther, this was later ratified by Hon’ble the Finance Minister in his Budget speech. On 15th August, 2009 Hon’ble the prime Minister addressed that Government will strive hard to uphold the dignity of all Ex-Servicemen and will endeavor to look after their welfare for their sacrifice rendered to safeguard the safety, unity and integrity of the Nation. On that occasion, he also presented to the countrymen that the UPA Government has granted the long pending demand of Ex-Servicemen i.e. ONE RANK ONE PENSION in toto.
Further, on various forums, Hon’ble the defence Minister had stressed that though it may not be feasible to grant ONE RANK ONE PENRISON but Government will definitely solve it and will improvement the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen which will be very close to ONE RANK ONE PENSION.
Sir, I want to draw your kind attention that the above porimise/assurance of Hon’ble the President, the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the Defence Misters at different forum, specifically Your Honours announcement at various Election Rallies in Uttaranchal made the Ex-Servicemen communities and their families to feel more excitement about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. It is only your Government who had/have looked after our defence forces in a befitting manner.
I would like to submit here that though our Leaderships are quite affirmative about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION, but our Bureaucrat Brothers are putting avoidable obstructions such as legal, administrative and financial etc. etc. before the Hon’ble Minister. Sir, all citizens are liable to lay their life for the sake of Nation’s integrity, but practically, it is only Defence Forces who are dying every day for the sake of country’s safety and security. So in that scenario, compensating their past contribution with ONE RANK ONE PENSION, the obstructions of legal, administrative or financial constraints should not come into picture.
Sir, we are not at all demanding more pension for us, but are only requesting Your Honour to bring parity in pension between all Ex-Servicemen retired before 1.1.2006 with the pension of Ex-Servicemen retired/retiring after 1.1.2006 within the hierarchy of their respective ranks and years of service put up in the defence forces.
Sir, lastly I solicit and request Your Hour’s to utilize your gesture to fulfil the promises made by our Hon’ble the Prime Minister, Hon’ble the Finance Minister, Hon’ble the Defence Minister and Your Honour to 23 Lakhs Ex-Servicemen for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. Please keep your promise, Sir.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
28/10/2009
--------------
To,
Hon’ble the President of India
Hon’ble the Prime Minister
Hon’ble the Finance Minister
Hon’ble the Defence Minister
The Cabinet Secretary
The Defence Secretary
Secretary, Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Section, MOD
Shri Habans Singh, Director (Pension), Sena Bhavan
Sub : PARITY IN PENSION : BETWEEN PRE AND POST – 1.1.2006 EX-SERVICEMEN PENSIONERS
Sir,
We are quite grateful to Hon’ble the Cabinet secretary for sparing his valuable times to meet our delegation on 11th June, 2009 with regard to appraising His Highness about the grievances to Ex-Servicemen about grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. Hon’ble Cabinet Secretary was quite affirmative and had assured that the interest of all Ex-Servicemen especially pre-2006 will be taken care while recommending the issue of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. However, it is quite disheartening to learn from the recommendation dated 30th June, 2009 that there is no much significant improvement in the pension of pre-2006 Ex-Servicemen pensioners, while comparing with the pension of post-1.1.2006 pensioners. This scenario will further aggravate, once pension @ 70% of pay last drawn is sanctioned to post-1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Recommendations are fully grasp by the inability to grant OROP due to administrative and legal hurdles. The Ex-Servicemen and Service personnel of Armed Forces have put up their best ability for the safety and security of the Nation. Their services may not be compared with the civilian while considering the issue of OROP. The contention that OROP, if granted will invite similar demands from the quarters is totally untenable. It has been our experience and knowledge that our civilian brothers have no complaint or wrath about extra benefits/privileges extended to Defence forces for their multiple roles and voluminous assignments. So the Committee’s findings on this account are not justifiable.
We have some suggestions about the recommendations which may kindly look into and ONE RANK ONE PENSION if not feasible, the following may be considered favourably:
Relevant para No. in the Report Committee’s Observations/ Recommendations Our suggestions
2.5 (i) In the case of Commissioned Officers, total parity may be brought between pre-1.1.2986 and post- 1.1.1986 retires by notional fixation of pay in the post-1.1.1986 scales and the notional revised pension be worked out on the basis of this pay. Thereafter, for all pre-1.1.1996 retirees the fitments formula suggested for past civilian pensioners i.e. Basic Pension+ Dearness relief + Interim Relief + Interim relief 1 (Rs. 50) +Interim Relief 2 (10% of Basic Pension)+ 20% (revised by Govt. to 40%) of Basic Pension, may be applied. If the resultant figure falls short of the minimum pension application to the post-1.1.1996 retirees for the rank held, it may be stepped up to the minimum pension prescribed for the rank. As was done to bring parity of pension between pre-1.1.1986 and post-1.1.1986 retirees and where the pension figure of pre-1.1.1996 fall short of the minimum pension applicable to the post-1.1.1996 for the rank held, the pension f pre-1.1.1996 retirees was stepped upto the minimum pension prescribed for the rank.
We now request that the same formula may be applied for pre-1.1.2006 pensioners and their pension may be stepped up and brought at par with the pension of post- 1.1.2006 retirees.
2.5 (ii) In the case of PBORs, the need for notional fixation of pay does not exist in view of the existence of pension tables. Therefore, for PBOR all pre-1.1.1986 pensioners may be brought on to post – 1.1.1986 levels by bridging the present gap in the pension tables and the same fitment formula on pension as for offices may be applied. If the resultant figure falls short of the minimum pension for the rank and group for post – 1.1.1996 retiree, it may be upgraded to that level. In the case of PBOR, similar formula as envisaged for pre- 1.1.1986 PBOR pensioners may be applied to and the pension of pre-1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners of each rank and group may be stepped up and brought at par with the pension of post – 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners belonging to respective rank and group.
2.9 Finally, the GOM unanimously recommended that the pension of pre-1.1.1996 PBOR retirees may be revised with reference to maximum of post -1.1.1996 pay scales. In additional, the weightage of Sepoy, Naik and Havaldar rank for past as well as future retirees be increased to 10, 8 and 6 years respectively subject to a maximum of qualifying service of 30 years. The benefit was given only for service pension. The benefit of the above recommendation took effect from 1.1.2006. Since after implementation of 6th CPC, the fixation of pension of PBOR with reference to maximum of pay scales in the respective ranks has been dispensed with, the formula of stepping up of pension of pre-1.1.2006 PBOR may be adopted to and their pension may be brought at par with the pension of post- 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners. As a result of which the weightage has no relevance and may be scrapped.
5.2 (a) To Reckon the pension of all pre-1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners wit reference to a notional maximum in the post 1.1.2006 revised pay structure corresponding to the maximum of pre-sixth pay commission pay scales as per fitment table of each rank. These stop gap recommendations of the Committee will still not be sufficient to bridge gap of pension between pre and post 1.1.2006 pensioners. The disparity will be further complicated, once 70% last pay drawn given as pension to post – 1.1.2006 pensioners. Hence, our suggestion with reference to Committee’s presentation vides Para Nos. 2.5 (i) and 2.5 (ii) may please be implemented.
8 (iii) This dispensation xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Since this is a new concession aimed at improving the pension of PBORs, the benefit will be given prospectively and no arrears are to be given It is submitted that the benefits ought to have been sanctioned retrospectively from 1.1.2006, on implementation of 6th CPC Recommendations. Though the same was not considered by 6th CPC and the Govt. has taken a belated action after 3 ½ years with no fault of ex-Servicemen community, should have considered the case alongwith other matters at the time of accepting and implementing the 6th CPC Reports during August, 2008. There are evidence that the Govt. had altered/ enhanced/ modified/ introduced several benefits to the beneficiaries which were not recommended by 6th CPC and had effected the benefits which may be entitled to the PBORs with the improvement of pension may be sanctioned from 1.1.2006 and not from 1.7.2009.
Since, the Committee in its reports has rightly summarized the past precedence of stepping up of pension formula for pre- 1.1.1986 and pre-1.1.1996 pensioners by which their pensions were brought at par with the post – 1.1.1986 and post – 1.1.1996 pensioners, we now request and solicit your honour to kindly extend the same formula for the present and the pension of pre-1.1.2006 pensioners may be stepped up and brought at par with post – 1.1.2006 Ex-Servicemen pensioners.
Sir, before concluding our submission, I would like to appreciate the statement of Mr. Harbans Singh, Director, Pension, Ministry of Defence that the Government has made significant improvements in the Pay and Allowances of Defence personnel in the 6th CPC. We agree with his remarks that tremendous improvements have been given to serving Defence personnel and retired Ex-Servicemen retired on or after 1.1.2006. But he has no answer about the tremendous improvement given for pre-1.1.2006 Ex-Soldiers who in their service period were fighting the enemies in 1962, 1965, 1971, 1988 (IPKF), 1999 (Kargil War) etc. etc. and have to fight now for their survival. The significant improvements should have been equally extended and covered all and not a particular group. Please look into these aspects carefully and seriously to find an amicable solution.
In view of the above, we request to the concerned authorities to be more sympathetic and consider the suggestions and given the legitimate dues to the pre-1.1.2006 Ex-Servicemen Pensioners.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(P.R. Balathilakan)
Co-ordinator IESM
07/10/2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Shed your ego....By Maj Bhupal Singh / Brig kamboj
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
It is time for all ESM and ESM organisations of India to raise a ‘white flag’.
Only if all ESM Organisations and all ESM of India, stand shoulder to shoulder - we can obtain
Justice for Defence Services.
Enough is enough.
Let us read the email below from Maj Bhupal Singh from Australia and act on it.
We cannot resolve differences among us by using rude language and shouting at each other from miles away.
Sit accross a table, with a cool mind and resolve issues. Majority of the ESM feel it is very much feasible.
Shed ago in the interest of all ESM.
Do not wait for the other party to call you on phone – you call and request for a meeting; forgive and forget.
(Also, some of the ESM which are equally respected by all other ESM, should kindly intervene and attempt to bring in reconciliation among all. Please do not wait for an invitation. It is already late.)
None of us as an individual is important.
Only one thing is important for all ESM of India –
Justice for Defence Services.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: bhupal singh bsec234@hotmail.com
To: Kamboj Chander kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Cc: naseemakeel@hotmail.com; mkkhera@yahoo.com;
Col Swarup Viru colonelviruswarup@gmail.com
Sent: Thu, 29 October, 2009 8:08:33 AM
Subject: RE: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - REPORT MY SIGNAL - EMAIL 741/2009 - 28 OCT 09 (A to G)
Dear All,
I appreciate the sound, logical and mature views expressed by Veterans Veru Swarup, Akeel Shaikh & Mahesh Khera. Let us bury the hatchet and forget & forgive and lead on with our Movement, which has been groomed with colossal efforts by the Core Group. I do not wish to eulogise any one in particular. However, I will be failing, if I do not make a mention of the "RMS" blog ably managed by Brig Kamboj & Col Kanag Raj with great aplomb, which effectively brought all of us ESM to-gether and thus revived the ESM Movement in it new avatar as IESM and without which we could not have done whatever little we have achieved so far. Suffice it to say that we should call it a day for in-house battle and fight out with our adversaries. Inspite of our best efforts since last 3 decades, OROP has remained elusive. So, let us make it a success by joining hands. No single entity can achieve our aim. Perforce, we all (all ESM orgs of Army, Navy & AF, big or small) have to act in unison only then we can hope to win our War.
2. Kindly ponder over the views of learned Veterans Shaikh, Swarup & mk khera and help the
Steering Committe to lead us as hither-to-fore. I am certain that they will not fail us, notwithsatnding Force Majeure .
With warm regards to all,
Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia
Jai Hind.
It is time for all ESM and ESM organisations of India to raise a ‘white flag’.
Only if all ESM Organisations and all ESM of India, stand shoulder to shoulder - we can obtain
Justice for Defence Services.
Enough is enough.
Let us read the email below from Maj Bhupal Singh from Australia and act on it.
We cannot resolve differences among us by using rude language and shouting at each other from miles away.
Sit accross a table, with a cool mind and resolve issues. Majority of the ESM feel it is very much feasible.
Shed ago in the interest of all ESM.
Do not wait for the other party to call you on phone – you call and request for a meeting; forgive and forget.
(Also, some of the ESM which are equally respected by all other ESM, should kindly intervene and attempt to bring in reconciliation among all. Please do not wait for an invitation. It is already late.)
None of us as an individual is important.
Only one thing is important for all ESM of India –
Justice for Defence Services.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: bhupal singh bsec234@hotmail.com
To: Kamboj Chander kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Cc: naseemakeel@hotmail.com; mkkhera@yahoo.com;
Col Swarup Viru colonelviruswarup@gmail.com
Sent: Thu, 29 October, 2009 8:08:33 AM
Subject: RE: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - REPORT MY SIGNAL - EMAIL 741/2009 - 28 OCT 09 (A to G)
Dear All,
I appreciate the sound, logical and mature views expressed by Veterans Veru Swarup, Akeel Shaikh & Mahesh Khera. Let us bury the hatchet and forget & forgive and lead on with our Movement, which has been groomed with colossal efforts by the Core Group. I do not wish to eulogise any one in particular. However, I will be failing, if I do not make a mention of the "RMS" blog ably managed by Brig Kamboj & Col Kanag Raj with great aplomb, which effectively brought all of us ESM to-gether and thus revived the ESM Movement in it new avatar as IESM and without which we could not have done whatever little we have achieved so far. Suffice it to say that we should call it a day for in-house battle and fight out with our adversaries. Inspite of our best efforts since last 3 decades, OROP has remained elusive. So, let us make it a success by joining hands. No single entity can achieve our aim. Perforce, we all (all ESM orgs of Army, Navy & AF, big or small) have to act in unison only then we can hope to win our War.
2. Kindly ponder over the views of learned Veterans Shaikh, Swarup & mk khera and help the
Steering Committe to lead us as hither-to-fore. I am certain that they will not fail us, notwithsatnding Force Majeure .
With warm regards to all,
Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia
On Letter to PM...Views by Col MMp Kala / Maj Gen Surjit Singh / Lt Col IS Gill
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
Thanks for the information.
I would like to say that the concept of OROP needs a wee bit modification. The Armed Forces do a great harm to the retirees by upgrading their rank structure e.g. a company, which was commanded by a major, is now being commanded by a Lt Col. While the serving officers may feel elated, see the plight of the old majors who, having put in over 26 years of service, are now being given pension equal to that of a platoon commander (Now Majs). In the revised scheme of things, no one remains major on putting in 14 years of service, and save for those who die in service, no one would be retiring as a major (SL commission officers included). My own battalion lost a number of majors in 1965 and 71 wars; why should their widows get the pension due to deceased platoon commanders as today?
I feel that there is a case for modifying the concept of OROP which should include equal pension for equal work; after all this is the principle being applied all over in the civil.
There is also a case for requesting the Three Chiefs not to upgrade the ranks arbitrarily as it hits the pensioners badly; they should have simply got the Majors in PB4 and saved the older lot, a lot of discomfort.
With best Regards,
Col MMP Kala, Retd
Dear Brig Kamboj,
This letter (click me) so painstakingly drafted by the indomitable Gen Bahri is, without doubt, the best paper produced by the veterans so far. It is simple, cogent and in fact compelling. I think the rest of us should simply stick to the logic of this communication, without complicating it with any more figures and tables. Perhaps one single example which reveals the imbalance of the current dispensation is in the following relativity:
"A Col (TS) with 26 years service who may have commanded no more than a company has been granted a pension which is just Rs 100 less than a Brigade Commander who had put in 36 years service."
Legal eagles tell me that we have a weak case, in the court of law. But I think that the present dispensation fouls with "natural justice" and I think we will be able to find a competent lawyer who will be able to take on the might of legal cell of the Govt of India.
We also need to continuously remind the serving generals to keep knocking at the doors of those who have the power to act.
The Pay Cell has all but wound up. Before leaving their office, they sent me some tables which I am attaching, for what they are worth.
(Note: The tables mentioned here require some processing before these can be mass emailed. Will be forwarded to all members soon – Chander Kamboj)
With best wishes,
Surjit
Maj Gen Surjit Singh, EME, Veteran, Member IESM Steering Committee
Dear All,
Thanks for circulating the JOINT LETTER, which is very well written. Hopefully it should bring results.
I had read in the blog of Maj Navdeep about 'disparity' in compensation given to a CADET and RECRUIT, when they are boarded out- while undergoing training. There would be some more such issues, which though do not form part of OROP yet have a great bearing on those unfortunate ones, who are affected.
Does our community of ESMs like to bring out such cases to the notice of people, who are still in uniform? These issues, once noticed by our friends in UNIFORM, should form part of normal 'CORRECTIVE DRILL'. At least we should be able to set our own house in order.
Warm regards,
Lt Col Inderjit Singh Gill, Veteran
Thanks for the information.
I would like to say that the concept of OROP needs a wee bit modification. The Armed Forces do a great harm to the retirees by upgrading their rank structure e.g. a company, which was commanded by a major, is now being commanded by a Lt Col. While the serving officers may feel elated, see the plight of the old majors who, having put in over 26 years of service, are now being given pension equal to that of a platoon commander (Now Majs). In the revised scheme of things, no one remains major on putting in 14 years of service, and save for those who die in service, no one would be retiring as a major (SL commission officers included). My own battalion lost a number of majors in 1965 and 71 wars; why should their widows get the pension due to deceased platoon commanders as today?
I feel that there is a case for modifying the concept of OROP which should include equal pension for equal work; after all this is the principle being applied all over in the civil.
There is also a case for requesting the Three Chiefs not to upgrade the ranks arbitrarily as it hits the pensioners badly; they should have simply got the Majors in PB4 and saved the older lot, a lot of discomfort.
With best Regards,
Col MMP Kala, Retd
Dear Brig Kamboj,
This letter (click me) so painstakingly drafted by the indomitable Gen Bahri is, without doubt, the best paper produced by the veterans so far. It is simple, cogent and in fact compelling. I think the rest of us should simply stick to the logic of this communication, without complicating it with any more figures and tables. Perhaps one single example which reveals the imbalance of the current dispensation is in the following relativity:
"A Col (TS) with 26 years service who may have commanded no more than a company has been granted a pension which is just Rs 100 less than a Brigade Commander who had put in 36 years service."
Legal eagles tell me that we have a weak case, in the court of law. But I think that the present dispensation fouls with "natural justice" and I think we will be able to find a competent lawyer who will be able to take on the might of legal cell of the Govt of India.
We also need to continuously remind the serving generals to keep knocking at the doors of those who have the power to act.
The Pay Cell has all but wound up. Before leaving their office, they sent me some tables which I am attaching, for what they are worth.
(Note: The tables mentioned here require some processing before these can be mass emailed. Will be forwarded to all members soon – Chander Kamboj)
With best wishes,
Surjit
Maj Gen Surjit Singh, EME, Veteran, Member IESM Steering Committee
Dear All,
Thanks for circulating the JOINT LETTER, which is very well written. Hopefully it should bring results.
I had read in the blog of Maj Navdeep about 'disparity' in compensation given to a CADET and RECRUIT, when they are boarded out- while undergoing training. There would be some more such issues, which though do not form part of OROP yet have a great bearing on those unfortunate ones, who are affected.
Does our community of ESMs like to bring out such cases to the notice of people, who are still in uniform? These issues, once noticed by our friends in UNIFORM, should form part of normal 'CORRECTIVE DRILL'. At least we should be able to set our own house in order.
Warm regards,
Lt Col Inderjit Singh Gill, Veteran
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Infantry, the Queen of the Battle by Col SS Rajan
Infantry, the Queen of the Battle.
27th October is celebrated as the Infantry Day, as it was on this day in 1947 that the first Indian Soldiers (1st Battalion of the SIKH Regiment) landed at Srinagar to defend the Country against the onslaught of Pakistan backed raiders.
This was the beginning of a new era of Valour and Sacrifice for the Indian Infantry.
On the occasion of Infantry Day, I, IC-15090 Colonel SS Rajan, son of IC-3398 Major MD Sambasivan, a Garhwali- The Bravest of the Brave, salute THE INFANTRYMAN for his Courage, Bravery, Gallantry and above all his fierce Patriotism & undying Spirit of Sacrifice.
27th October is celebrated as the Infantry Day, as it was on this day in 1947 that the first Indian Soldiers (1st Battalion of the SIKH Regiment) landed at Srinagar to defend the Country against the onslaught of Pakistan backed raiders.
This was the beginning of a new era of Valour and Sacrifice for the Indian Infantry.
On the occasion of Infantry Day, I, IC-15090 Colonel SS Rajan, son of IC-3398 Major MD Sambasivan, a Garhwali- The Bravest of the Brave, salute THE INFANTRYMAN for his Courage, Bravery, Gallantry and above all his fierce Patriotism & undying Spirit of Sacrifice.
Complaint against RMS by Lt col SS Sohi..Right/Wrong..??
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
An email from Lt Col SS Sohi, complaining against “Report My Signal” is reproduced below.
It is once again clarified that “Report My Signal” belongs to YOU ALL; it belongs to all ESM, of All Ranks of All Three Services and ESM organisation of Indian Armed Forces, spread all over the world.
It does not belong to “IESM” only.
“IESM” DOES NOT CONTROL “Report My Signal”.
It is decision of “Report My Signal” to publish or not to publish an email received from IESM.
The emailing list of “Report My Signal” is independent of the fact whether an ESM is a member of IESM or not.
Currently, the following type of emails are circulated on “Report MY Signal” –
· Emails related to current All India Movement for Justice to Defence Services.
· Emails pertaining to ECHS and other welfare measures about the Indian ESM.
· Any other email considered suitable in the interest of ESM, including good articles of interest.
· Emails trying to help to unite the ESM and advising the misguided individuals.
The following type of emails are not circulated –
· Emails aiming to create a divide among the ESM.
· Emails carrying accusations against individual ESM or ESM organisations.
· Emails conveying Self-Glory, with high ‘I’ and ‘J’ factors
A Brief History of “Report My Signal”
"REPORT MY SIGNAL" was started simply as a collection of email IDs and email-network, of retired Signals officers, spread all over the word.
‘i’ started it in mid 90s, with just a few email IDs of retired Signals officers from Delhi and Chandigarh. Today we have over 600 retired Signals officers, JCOs, NCOs and ORs, spread all over the world. The number is growing.
These Signals officers, found the emails being sent to them very informative and useful for retired Defence Officers and other Defence personnel.
The Signals officers in turn started forwarding "REPORT MY SIGNAL" emails to other retired officers, including retired officers of Navy and Air Force. Requests then started coming in from many retired officers from all three Services to include their names in the direct emailing list. Now besides over 600 retired Signals officers, we have over 700 officers, JCOs, NCOs and ORs. from Army, Navy and Air Force, from all over the world, on the direct emailing list of "REPORT MY SIGNAL". (Between 20 Oct and 25 Oct alone, 67 requests have been received for including their email IDs)
The sources of information are all the members on the emailing list of "REPORT MY SIGNAL", of All Ranks and from all three Services.
‘i’ scrutinise the emails received and at my discretion, after some editing, forward the contents, to all on the emailing list.
Information pertaining to domestic matters of the Corps of Signals is forwarded to Signals Veterans only. Rest of the information is shared with all Veterans.
In addition to individual Veterans, we have many organisations of retired Defence officers on our emailing list. We would like this list also to grow further so that the retired Defence personnel become a 'FORCE TO RECKON'. All these organisations have further large number of members on their own forward emailing lists. Therefore, the distribution of “Report My Signal” emails is increasing exponentially.
While the initial email of “Report My Signal” is addressed to around 1400 (plus) members, in next 24 hours or so, it reaches another 14,000 or more veterans (a rough estimate).
YOUR KIND JUDGEMENT REQUESTED
Is it fair for Lt Col SS Sohi and his supporters, who are trying to create a divide among the ESM of India, to make accusations against “Report My Signal”?
Your judgement be kindly conveyed to Lt Col SS Sohi on his email ID –
sadhusohi@gmail.com
Thank you Friends.
We all need to stand shoulder to shoulder and ruthlessly eliminate the divisive forces among the ESM.
They must be made to realise that for their personal gains how serious a damage they are causing to the All India ESM movement for
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: ss sohi [mailto:sadhusohi@gmail.com]
Sent: 27 October 2009 10:41
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: colcharanjit1403; iaf_jagdip; baldev dhillon; Lt Col Inderjit singh gill; Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi; Vinod Gandhi
Subject: Re: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - REPORT MY SIGNAL - EMAIL 734/2009 - 26 OCT 09 (H to Z)
Dear Friends/ Sirs,
1. Report my signal is being misused by IESM HQ for their publicty only and shoot down IESM Pb. They always publish one sided stories, like of Col Viru Swarup & others (Hav so & so....). Its not misuse only but collective & Org cheating as well.
2. Even media people have norms, rules & code of conduct, to seek views of both sides/ parties. They have no guts to convey their hollow views but always fire shots through bogy/ others. They have no moral right to continue like this & must be brought under check.
3. Col Viru does not know Mohali Bde (credentials/ achievements) & passing his views/ preachings as one of the elder & wise person, which we appre. Every possible advise & method have been used to accuse us/ throw out and not to keep unity & harmony. We take collective decisions as Gp & not Indls. Which IESM HQ under estimated us grossely, hence we all are at no return pt just because of one man show.
4.There are lot of basic differences, like NDA & UPA cannot be same. Their aim was to collect money & sit on it and not the ESM welfare being new.
5. Medals depositing action is sp at this stage by Gen Satbir & Co and not by any body else in the whole country. All NCR & other places NGOs opposed it. Your idea col Viru sir, is sp Gen Satbir & nothing else. Many segments of society are adversly commenting on it, we are in touch with many & with Delhi too. My time is also as valuable as of Brig Kamboj, in handling unwanted Emails. Hope, you will kindly understand it. We will seek your advise if time comes, please.
Regards. Col Sohi. 9815107744.
---------------
THE END
Jai Hind.
An email from Lt Col SS Sohi, complaining against “Report My Signal” is reproduced below.
It is once again clarified that “Report My Signal” belongs to YOU ALL; it belongs to all ESM, of All Ranks of All Three Services and ESM organisation of Indian Armed Forces, spread all over the world.
It does not belong to “IESM” only.
“IESM” DOES NOT CONTROL “Report My Signal”.
It is decision of “Report My Signal” to publish or not to publish an email received from IESM.
The emailing list of “Report My Signal” is independent of the fact whether an ESM is a member of IESM or not.
Currently, the following type of emails are circulated on “Report MY Signal” –
· Emails related to current All India Movement for Justice to Defence Services.
· Emails pertaining to ECHS and other welfare measures about the Indian ESM.
· Any other email considered suitable in the interest of ESM, including good articles of interest.
· Emails trying to help to unite the ESM and advising the misguided individuals.
The following type of emails are not circulated –
· Emails aiming to create a divide among the ESM.
· Emails carrying accusations against individual ESM or ESM organisations.
· Emails conveying Self-Glory, with high ‘I’ and ‘J’ factors
A Brief History of “Report My Signal”
"REPORT MY SIGNAL" was started simply as a collection of email IDs and email-network, of retired Signals officers, spread all over the word.
‘i’ started it in mid 90s, with just a few email IDs of retired Signals officers from Delhi and Chandigarh. Today we have over 600 retired Signals officers, JCOs, NCOs and ORs, spread all over the world. The number is growing.
These Signals officers, found the emails being sent to them very informative and useful for retired Defence Officers and other Defence personnel.
The Signals officers in turn started forwarding "REPORT MY SIGNAL" emails to other retired officers, including retired officers of Navy and Air Force. Requests then started coming in from many retired officers from all three Services to include their names in the direct emailing list. Now besides over 600 retired Signals officers, we have over 700 officers, JCOs, NCOs and ORs. from Army, Navy and Air Force, from all over the world, on the direct emailing list of "REPORT MY SIGNAL". (Between 20 Oct and 25 Oct alone, 67 requests have been received for including their email IDs)
The sources of information are all the members on the emailing list of "REPORT MY SIGNAL", of All Ranks and from all three Services.
‘i’ scrutinise the emails received and at my discretion, after some editing, forward the contents, to all on the emailing list.
Information pertaining to domestic matters of the Corps of Signals is forwarded to Signals Veterans only. Rest of the information is shared with all Veterans.
In addition to individual Veterans, we have many organisations of retired Defence officers on our emailing list. We would like this list also to grow further so that the retired Defence personnel become a 'FORCE TO RECKON'. All these organisations have further large number of members on their own forward emailing lists. Therefore, the distribution of “Report My Signal” emails is increasing exponentially.
While the initial email of “Report My Signal” is addressed to around 1400 (plus) members, in next 24 hours or so, it reaches another 14,000 or more veterans (a rough estimate).
YOUR KIND JUDGEMENT REQUESTED
Is it fair for Lt Col SS Sohi and his supporters, who are trying to create a divide among the ESM of India, to make accusations against “Report My Signal”?
Your judgement be kindly conveyed to Lt Col SS Sohi on his email ID –
sadhusohi@gmail.com
Thank you Friends.
We all need to stand shoulder to shoulder and ruthlessly eliminate the divisive forces among the ESM.
They must be made to realise that for their personal gains how serious a damage they are causing to the All India ESM movement for
JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: ss sohi [mailto:sadhusohi@gmail.com]
Sent: 27 October 2009 10:41
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: colcharanjit1403; iaf_jagdip; baldev dhillon; Lt Col Inderjit singh gill; Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi; Vinod Gandhi
Subject: Re: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - REPORT MY SIGNAL - EMAIL 734/2009 - 26 OCT 09 (H to Z)
Dear Friends/ Sirs,
1. Report my signal is being misused by IESM HQ for their publicty only and shoot down IESM Pb. They always publish one sided stories, like of Col Viru Swarup & others (Hav so & so....). Its not misuse only but collective & Org cheating as well.
2. Even media people have norms, rules & code of conduct, to seek views of both sides/ parties. They have no guts to convey their hollow views but always fire shots through bogy/ others. They have no moral right to continue like this & must be brought under check.
3. Col Viru does not know Mohali Bde (credentials/ achievements) & passing his views/ preachings as one of the elder & wise person, which we appre. Every possible advise & method have been used to accuse us/ throw out and not to keep unity & harmony. We take collective decisions as Gp & not Indls. Which IESM HQ under estimated us grossely, hence we all are at no return pt just because of one man show.
4.There are lot of basic differences, like NDA & UPA cannot be same. Their aim was to collect money & sit on it and not the ESM welfare being new.
5. Medals depositing action is sp at this stage by Gen Satbir & Co and not by any body else in the whole country. All NCR & other places NGOs opposed it. Your idea col Viru sir, is sp Gen Satbir & nothing else. Many segments of society are adversly commenting on it, we are in touch with many & with Delhi too. My time is also as valuable as of Brig Kamboj, in handling unwanted Emails. Hope, you will kindly understand it. We will seek your advise if time comes, please.
Regards. Col Sohi. 9815107744.
---------------
THE END
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