IESM

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Veterans Meet at DSOI Dehra Dun

Maj Gen Nandwani, Lt Gen TPS Rawat, brig Kg Behl, Lt Col BM Thapa & others With Maj Gen B C Khanduri, Ex CM

Col KL Dewan with Brig KG Behl & Lt Col B M Thapa on pep talk

Get to gather of officers & families was organized by Dehradun Ex-Services League on 14 Dec 09 at DSOI. More than 160 defence officers and families from three services of Army, Navy & Air Force attended the function . Many of senior veterans met after long spell of time refreshed their old reminiscences. Brig KG Behl, President Dehradun Ex-Services League along with Col K L Dewan and Lt Col B M Thapa, Gen Secy ,DESL,gave brief talk on ONE RANK ONE PENSION and disseminated the valuable information about burning issue of one rank one pension as per the details given below so that Govt can accept the workable plan once the detail presentation given to them for which letter has already been sent to concerned authorities.
Band concert of ASC unit was enjoyed by every one. Complimentary drinks were offered to all by Sapper veteran Lt Col S K Makin, Makin Associates. Veterans, those who attended the function were:- Maj Gen B C Khanduri,AVSM, Ex CM, Lt Gen H B Kala, Lt Gen T P S Rawat, Air Marshl D C Dhyani, , Air Comde A K Khanna, Air Comde P badoni, Lt Gen Y S Tomar, Lt Gen C B Jhaldiyal, Maj Gen Pranav Dutt,Maj Gen P K Gosain,Maj Gen P K Chhiber,, Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, Brig P S Gurung, Brig K G Behl,president DESL, Brig M K Shukla, Lt Col B M Thapa, General Secretary D E S L, Lt Col B S Chhetri,Lt Col R P Jairath, Lt Col R K Arya, Lt Col S S Thapa, Col R C Joshi & others.

In Put
Lt Col B M Thapa, Retd,Gen Secy, Dehradun Ex-Serivices League
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6th Pay Commission has made recommendations on the basis of Data fed to them by MOD. If the Data fed is wrong the recommendations are bound to be wrong. This is exactly what has happened in the case of Defence Forces in 6th CPC awards. Piecemeal decisions of committees, based on limited data supplied by MOD, further complicated the issues.

Defence Forces had no representation in the 6th CPC and MOD supplied Data to them and all the committees made by the Govt., where again there was no representation of Defence Forces. Salient points required for consideration and on the basis of which decisions were to be taken were either not presented to them or were presented in distorted form. Those include the following;
1. That during 3rd CPC all Officers, JCOs and Jawans retired at the maximum of the scale in which they were working at the time of retirement and were given 50%: as pension subject to completion of 30 years of service.
1.The Fourth Pay Commission granted Military Pay, called Rank Pay from 1.1.1986, which was to be over and above the normal Pay but our financial Pundits gave the Rank Pay but reduced the Substantive Pay of the Rank by an amount equivalent to Rank Pay granted. It not only nullified the affect of giving Rank Pay over and above the normal Pay, but lowered the substantive Pay by that much of amount. It amounted to not only getting less emoluments but losing the status and allowances which accrue on that amount.

2.Secondly, the 4th CPC recommended fixation of Pay under integrated Pay Scale so that officers may keep on getting their increments of Pay even after they were over looked for higher promotions But our Financial Pundits did not allow even that and carried out bunching where they were denied increments envisaged there in.
3. In Fifth Pay Commission the Rank Pay got doubled and they showed it as paid in pay slip but since the deduction made from basic pay was not restored , we actually got half the rank pay and also lost the benefit of getting more TA/DA on that amount.
4. The basic Pay being drawn by Defence Officers on 1.1.2006 as submitted to the 6th CPC was less in comparison with the civilian counterparts by the amount equivalent to their rank pay. Working on this less Basic Pay the 6th CPC has give less Grade Pay to Defence Officers in comparison to their civilian counterparts, which is very evident from the anomalies noticed. The basic Pay of jawans has to be raised to higher scales as he is a highly skilled person and not an ordinary peon or chaprasi. He knows how to handle weapons and goes to field area to fight against the enemy at the stake of his life.
5. To remove the word of Rank Pay, where the problem was created, the sixth Pay Commission coined the word Military Pay, there by removing the very important rank structure on which the Armed Forces exist and recommended Rs. 1000/- to PBOR, which was later increased to Rs. 2000/- and Rs.6000/- to officers as Military Pay.
6. A number of committees were formed and they made recommendations piecemeal as they were not fully apprised of all facts and made recommendations on the basis of data provided to them. These created more confusion as while setting one thing right they disturbed other parts of which they were not made aware. In some cases instead of bridging the gaps they widened those. Unless the things are seen in totality and fully understood, it is not possible to arrive at decisions which are beneficial to all.
7. The story does not end here but extends to issuing of instructions to PDAs again and again. You will be surprised to know that in quite a number of cases the payments are yet to be made by the PDAs under one or the other excuse showing their ignorance of rules wanting data which is already available with PCDAs, Thus, the arrears which were to be paid by 1.1.2009.are still pending. Actually PCDAs should have worked out the arrears due themselves and told PDAs to simply pay, there would have been no confusion and delay but PCSAs dumped their duty on PDAs, who had neither the extra staff nor the know how to work out arrears properly, delayed matters.
8. Secondly, the 6th Pay commission Recommendations which have been accepted by the Govt., make no where mention of the Pension would be worked on the basis of Lowest of the new scales introduced and the examples for working out Pay, given there in, illustrate how on the basis of ‘Grade Pay’ the Pay is to be calculated and 50% of the same will be Pension. It is surprising as to how the word Minimum of the new Scale has been coined when there is no mention of that in the Gazette Notification.
The matter was referred to PCDA(P) Allahabad, who has said that it is a matter of Policy and be taken up with authorities who issued .Original letters. Once a Gazette Notification has been issued there is no question of further Policy on that. It should be paid as per Govt. Notification. This itself makes difference of Rs.600/- to 4000/- per month from Jawan to Officers.
9. We are glad that improvements have been made in the pension of some ranks but still more is required and can be done.
We in Dehradun constitutes a team, under Col K.L.Dewan, the well known expert on pension matters, comprising of Brig K.G.Behl and Cdr Sanjiv Dewan who have worked out a table where on the basis of length of rank held at the time of retirement, data has been worked out for all ranks which fits in well with the concept of one rank one pension on the basis of equal number of years spent in rank in which one retired and equal pension. If taken in totality the Govt. can manage within the sanctioned budget, keeping in mind the funds which are likely to accrue and would have to be paid once pending Court cases get decided.
A demo can be given to the Minister of Defence and the team of officials he appoints ,who are capable to take decision on such matters, once they make up their mind that one rank one pension has to be implemented as desired by the President of India in her address to the Parliament on 4th June 2009.
Let us hope and wish that some solution works out soon.

Brig(Retd) K.G.Behl
President Dehradun Ex- Services League

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Brij Mohan Thapa

Sent: Mon, 14 December, 2009 11:22:50 PM
Subject: FW: VETERAN OFFICERS & FAMILIES GET TO GATHER AT OF DOON VALLEY AT DSOI DEHRADUN ON 14 DEC 09

Dear Brig Kamoj,
Cordial regards.
Further to my previous mail to you, the following veteran officers have become life member of IESM from Doon Valley whose contribution is being deposited in HDFC bank as per the procedure:-
1.SQN LDR D K BALI
2.MAJOR VINOD KUMAR BALI
3.LT COL K B SETHI
4.BRIG K J BEHL
5.COL B B UPRETI
6.LT COL AMAR SINGH BHANDARI
7.COL RAMESH CHANDRA JOSHI
8.LT COL B S CHHETRI
9.LT COL R K CHAWLA
10.LT COL R K ARYA
11.LT COL DIWAN SINGH KHADKA

In Put
Lt Col B M Thapa,Veteran
gen Secy, DESL & Member IESM

VETERAN OFFICERS & FAMILIES GET TO GATHER AT OF DOON VALLEY AT DSOI DEHRADUN ON 14 DEC 09

Get to gather of officers & families was organized by Dehradun Ex-Services League on 14 Dec 09 at DSOI. More than 160 defence officers and families from three services of Army, Navy & Air Force attended the function . Many of senior veterans met after long spell of time refreshed their old reminiscences. Brig KG Behl, President Dehradun Ex-Services League along with Col K L Dewan and Lt Col B M Thapa, Gen Secy ,DESL,gave brief talk on ONE RANK ONE PENSION and disseminated the valuable information about burning issue of one rank one pension as per the details given below so that Govt can accept the workable plan once the detail presentation given to them for which letter has already been sent to concerned authorities.
Band concert of ASC unit was enjoyed by every one. Complimentary drinks were offered to all by Sapper veteran Lt Col S K Makin, Makin Associates. Veterans, those who attended the function were:- Maj Gen B C Khanduri,AVSM, Ex CM, Lt Gen H B Kala, Lt Gen T P S Rawat, Air Marshl D C Dhyani, , Air Comde A K Khanna, Air Comde P badoni, Lt Gen Y S Tomar, Lt Gen C B Jhaldiyal, Maj Gen Pranav Dutt,Maj Gen P K Gosain,Maj Gen P K Chhiber,, Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, Brig P S Gurung, Brig K G Behl,president DESL, Brig M K Shukla, Lt Col B M Thapa, General Secretary D E S L, Lt Col B S Chhetri,Lt Col R P Jairath, Lt Col R K Arya, Lt Col S S Thapa, Col R C Joshi & others.

In Put
Lt Col B M Thapa, Retd,Gen Secy, Dehradun Ex-Serivices League
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, December 14, 2009

IESM AGM Pics at AVCC Noida 13 Dec 2009

IESM AGM Pics at AVCC NOIDA on 13 Dec 2009

IESM AGM Pics at AVCC Noida 13 Dec 2009

IESM AGM Pics on 13 Dec 2009 at AVCC Sec 37 , Noida

Human Rights Commission - Misplaced compliments

From: Ravindran Major majorravi@gmail.com
To: minister-law@kerala.gov.in
Cc: speaker@niyamasabha.org; chiefminister@kerala.gov.in
Sent: Sun, 13 December, 2009 8:01:00 AM
Subject: [SoldiersForDemocracy] Human Rights Commission - Misplaced compliments

Mr Minister
I have read a report wherein it was mentioned that you had complimented the Kerala State Human Rights Commission for the exemplery work it has been doing. I am writing to you now to place on record the fact that you have not only exposed your own ignorance and incompetence but also insulted the citizens who have been approaching the Commission seeking justice and waiting endlessly for the same. I do not know if you are aware that these quasi judicial institutions- Human Rights Commission, Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Womens Commission etc- have been set up to deliver easy, fast and free justice but have grossly failed in their tasks. Taking the example of the HRC itself, I had the occassion to approach them with a complaint when 13 of us activists were arrested by the police for holding a dharna in front of the venue where the Chief Information Commissioner of the Kerala State Information Commission was the chief guest. In a state where illegal bandhs masqurading as hartals is the order of the day and police refuse to register FIRs even when citizens approach them with serious complaints, this obviously was a gross human rights violation. So initially a copy of the complaint addressed to the police authorities themselves and the Home Minister was endorsed to the Human Rights Commission also. But it was NOT accepted on the ground that copies of complaints addressed to other authorities will not be accepted. Subsequently, I lodged a complaint addressed to them during their sitting here at Palakkad on 26/5/08. NO acknowledgement was given. After three months, when the Commission held its sitting here, on enquiry I was told that the matter was being investigated. Next time I was told that since it involved another Commission, legal opinion was being sought. This was a patent lie because there was no other Commission involved in the complaint as it was purely against the Dy SP for abuse of authority. Though the dharna was held against the CIC there was NO official complaint from him (or, for that matter, from the organisers or participants of their program). Third time I was told that the report from the police has been sought but response was awaited. Finally in Apr 2009, I was told that the complaint was not traceable and I was asked to submit another copy. I refused to submit a fresh copy until I was informed in writing the disposal of my original complaint. It was then, after returning to Thiruvananthapuram, that I was rung up and informed of the complaint number (2752/08)! Thereafter both the present Chairman and one member have held single member sittings here and on both occassions they have expressed ignorance of the matter because they were new to the job!
Meanwhile the case filed by the police in the court of the Judicial First Class Magistrate here has been dismissed! Well, though the case was ultimately dismissed it cannot be overstated that the process was indeed a torture in itself. More about that later.
Coming back to the HRC, you may also be aware of the report that appeared in the media sometime back about the then Chairman of the Commission holding regular sittings of the Commission at Guruvayur, the most famous temple town in Kerala, on the 1st of every malayalam month. It doesn't need much intelligence to understand what sort of hearing was being held there so regularly. I do not know if even after that exposure you had botherd to check about the goings on in the Commission. For example, which are the locations other than district headquarters where the Commission was holding sittings (as different from visiting a site in connection with a particular case), the periodicity and regularity of such sittings, whether they were holding such sittings as per a schdule that was drawn up and published well in advance etc. In fact it may be investigated why this and other commissions cannot hold their sittings at various district headquarters on fixed days of the month. It must also be ensured that when there is failure to abide by this schedule a report is immediately forwarded by the Chairman to the Minister, or a monitoring cell instituted by him, giving the detailed reasons for such failure. I also take this opportunity to suggest that a study of the cost to exchequer of this and similar other commissions vis a vis their performances should be undertaken and I can guarantee that it would be an eye opener.

Yours truly

P M Ravindran
Aathira, Kalpathy-678003
Tel: 0491-2576042

IESM PUNE GET TOGETHER

From: Ravindra Pathak
Date: 2009/12/11
Subject: IESM PUNE GET TOGETHER
To:

Dear Sir

The much delayed IESM members Lunch get together is now planned for
24 Jan 2010. We are expecting Col Kirit Joshipura Convener Maharashtra, Hq IESM, and Gr Capt V K Gandhi, Gen Secretary IESM, to be with us on that day.

The Venue for event is

VIVEKANAND HALL
WRANGLER PARANJAPE ROAD
OFF APTE ROAD

VEHICULAR ENTRY FROM FC ROAD LANE NEXT TO VAISHALI

PEDESTRIAN ENTRY FROM APTE ROAD OPPOSITE THE UNITED BANK OF INDIA distance 50 meters
The members are requested to gather by 1100 hrs at the venue. We will have a small update on various issues by the Delhi Members followed by some interaction between members and then Lunch at about 1230 hrs.

All members and family are invited to the meet. The per head contribution will be Rs 150.ANY SAVINGS DUE TO INCREASED ATTENDANCE WILL BE GIVEN AS DONATION TO IESM.

Please encourage your other friends who are not members to also come and join. The membership for them will be done on the spot.

You are also requested to inform those of your friends who are members but not on internet. I shall of course try to call them on landline.

Medals for depositing with the President of India will also be collected on that day. So don't forget to get the medals.

Kindly confirm you will attend single or with wife. Please indicate if some more friends would also attend with you. Conformation to reach me by 16 Jan 2010 latest.

If amount can also be sent in the Name of Cdr R W Pathak, it would be appreciated.

Any donations are most welcome

Brgds

R W Pathak
IESM
Pune
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)

Just to add an observation on OROP:

From: AVM S Krishnaswamy [mailto:avm_krishnaswamy@hotmail.com]
Sent: 13 December 2009 06:42
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - EMAIL 823/2009 - 13 DEC 09 (H to Z)

Just to add an observation on OROP:

The concept of OROP has been misinterpreted at various levels as the same ramk same pension irrespective of other factors as differing length of service, the period for which the rank was held at the time of retirement with corresponding increments in the rank etc. In a masterly 'Analysis of the Cabinet Committee's Recommendation dates 30-Jun 09', Maj Gen Radhakrishnan had pointed this out and introduced a more appropriate phrase-Absolute Parity in Pension (APIP) in the place of One Rank One Pension (OROP). This would clarify the position as 'Same Rank, Same Length of Service Same Pension' including thus the influence of varying average emoluments due to varying length of service as well. This would also be in keeping with the spirit of the observations of the Supreme Court.

Krishnaswamy
---------
From: Ravindran Major [mailto:majorravi@gmail.com]
Sent: 13 December 2009 07:41
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: rajkadyan@yahoo.com; satbirsm@yahoo.com; prenjen@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - EMAIL 823/2009 - 13 DEC 09 (H to Z)

Dear Sir

The other day I just read that our DSP had been promoted to SSP and now he is expected to take over as Commissioner of Police at Erankulam in Jan when he is expected to be elevated to DIG. He is from 1996 IPS batch. Even with all the restructuring-including Col at 20 (has it been notified yet?) we are no patch on them and they are no patch on the babus either. I do not know if any veteran has got any data on the career progression of these IAS/IFS/IPS lot so that a tabular comparison can be made and, if necessary, advertised in the media.

I made an attempt but the info provided by the DoPT is so vague that it cannot be tabulated in any worthwhile manner.

Also there was a report that the intake at IMA has increased. Given an earlier report that QR should be relaxed as a one time measure to make up the shortage of officers I get the feeling that even though it was officialy opposed by services hqs then it has now been quitely put through.

Lastly, the National Ex-Servicemen Co-ordination Committee is going for a rail roko on 15 Dec. In Kerala it being done only at Ernakulam. Though I do not consider it wise to cause harassment to the common public , it appears that it has become the only language that the people in the corridors of power seems to understand.

regards n bw

ravi

Pensions of Majors

From: krishangopal behl [mailto:kgbehl@hotmail.com]
Sent: 13 December 2009 07:03
To: bsec234@hotmail.com; Kamboj Chander
Cc: colram40@yahoo.com; rajkadyan@yahoo.com; satbirsm@yahoo.com; bag1944@yahoo.co.in; vk_gandhi@yahoo.com
Subject: PENSION OF PRE 2006 MAJORS AND EQUIVALENTS - EMAIL 822/2009 - 12 DEC 09 (A to G)

It is wrong to say that no one is bothered about Majors who are drawing much less pension than what they should get in compasrison to others.

We have under the able guidance of Col K.L.Dewan, a noted expert on pension matters, have worked out a table which caters for all ranks and is based on the number of years one spent in the rank from which one retired. He should get 50% of the equivalent pay for those number of years on that rank on the new scale.

This new interpretation of 'One Rank One Pension' fits in well right from a Jawan to the senior most officer. If accepted by the Ministry, it will solve our demand of OROP once for all without linking it with other factors.
This needs to be dicdussed at appropriate level with the Ministry of Defence officials team, which the Minister of Defence should nominate.
Regards,
Vetron Brig K.G.Behl
President Dehradun Ex- Services League

Pension for pre 2006 Majors and equivalents

From: RP Mishra avmrpm@gmail.com

Sent: Sun, 13 December, 2009 10:19:04 AM

Subject: Pension for pre 2006 Majors and equivalents

Dear Veteran Bhupal Singh,
Difference of pension between pre 2006 Majors and Lt Cols has all along been in the minds of those organizations and individuals who have been fighting for OROP. It is understood that matter has been taken up at Highest level in Services Headquarters with RM. As per my information , a pension of Rs22135/- has been recommended for Majors.

Regards
AVM RP Mishra
D-187 Jal Vayu Vihar
Sector-30
Gurgaon-122001
Telephone 0124-4032590

22 हजार से ज्यादा पूर्व सैनिक लौटाएंगे मेडल

नोएडा।। वन रैंक, वन पेंशन की मांग को लेकर केंद्र सरकार से लड़ाई लड़ रह रहे पूर्व सैनिक एक बार फिर अपना
मेडल सरकार को लौटा सकते हैं। ऑल इंडिया एक्स सर्विस मूवमेंट के प्रेजिडेंट रिटायर्ड लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल राज कादयान ने बताया कि उनकी मांगे पूरी नहीं हुईं तो जनवरी 2010 में 22 हजार से ज्यादा पूर्व सैनिक अपना मेडल लौटाएंगे।

नोएडा के सेक्टर-37 स्थित अरुण विहार कम्यूनिटी सेंटर में रविवार को हुई मीटिंग में पूर्व सैनिकों ने इस प्रस्ताव पर सहमति भी जताई। इससे पहले भी पूर्व सैनिक अपनी नाराजगी जताते हुए पांच बार मेडल लौटा चुके हैं। दरअसल, अक्टूबर 1996 से पहले और 1 जनवरी 2006 के बाद रिटायर हुए फौजियों को वन रैंक वन पेंशन से वंचित रखा गया है।

मूवमेंट के प्रेजिडेंट ने कहा कि केंद्र सरकार से इस बारे में कई बार बातचीत की जा चुकी है। लेकिन अब तक कोई भी वाजिब जवाब नहीं मिला है। इस तरह फौजियों के सम्मान को ठेस पहुंचा है। नोएडा के कम्यूनिटी सेंटर में हुई मीटिंग में इस मूवमेंट से जुड़े करीब 150 पूर्व सैनिक शामिल थे। जनवरी 2010 में मेडल लौटाने पर सभी रिटायर सैनिकों से सहमति जताई है लेकिन अब तारीख तय नहीं हो पाई है।

पूर्व सैनिकों ने फिर भरी हुंकारDec 14, 01:25

पूर्व सैनिकों ने फिर भरी हुंकारDec 14, 01:25 amबताएं
Twitter Delicious Facebook

नोएडा, संवाददाता : कानून के दायरे में रहेंगे, फौजी अनुशासन नहीं तोड़ेंगे,बिना हक लिए चैन से नहीं बैठेंगे। पूर्व सैनिकों ने अपनी मांगें मनवाने के लिए एक बार फिर से हुंकार भर दी है। वन रेंक, वन पेंशन की मांग पूरी होने तक उनका संघर्ष जारी रहेगा। जनवरी में देश के सभी पूर्व सैनिक छठी बार राष्ट्रपति प्रतिभा सिंह पाटिल को अपने मेडल वापस करेंगे। यह मुहिम तब तक जारी रहेगी जब तक उन्हें वन रेंक, वन पेंशन का लाभ नहीं दिया जाता। ये निर्णय रविवार को ऑल इंडिया एक्स सर्विसमैन मूवमेंट के देश भर से आए पदाधिकारियों ने नोएडा के सेक्टर 37 स्थित अरुण विहार सामुदायिक केंद्र में लिए।

ऑल इंडिया एक्स सर्विसमैन मूवमेंट के चेयरमैन लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल राज कादयान ने बैठक में कहा कि केंद्र सरकार उनके सब्र का इम्तिहान न लें। देश के 22 लाख फौजी अगर बिफर पड़े, तो सरकार को लेने के देने पड़ जाएंगे। पूर्व सैनिक अब तक पांच बार राष्ट्रपति को 22 हजार मेडल लौटा चुके हैं। छठी बार जनवरी में वापस करेंगे व इनकी संख्या पहले से अधिक होगी। सरकार से कई बार पूर्व सैनिक वार्ता कर चुके हैं, लेकिन उन्हें संतोषजनक जवाब नहीं मिला है। सरकार को पूर्व सैनिकों की भावनाओं की कद्र करनी चाहिए। दूसरे कर्मचारियों को जहां 60 व 58 साल की आयु में सेवानिवृत्ति मिलती है वहीं सैनिकों को 15 साल बाद घर भेज दिया जाता है। इसलिए सरकार बिना देर किए जनवरी 2006 के बाद व अक्टूबर 1996 से पहले रिटायर्ड हुए सैनिकों को वन रेंक, वन पेंशन का लाभ दे।

मूवमेंट की वार्षिक आमसभा में इस वर्ष के कार्यो की समीक्षा की गई व वित्तीय लेखा-लेखा जोखा पेश किया गया। कमोडोर लोकेश बत्रा ने बताया कि अगले वर्ष के कार्यो की समीक्षा के लिए निरीक्षक नियुक्त कर दिए गए हैं। उनकी मांगें वाजिब हैं, सरकार को वन रेंक, वन पेंशन लागू करना चाहिए।

Monday, December 7, 2009

Armed forces personnel abroad by Maj Navdeep Singh

Monday, December 7, 2009
MEA being unfair to non-IFS Group A as well as Commissioned Officers
Everybody’s a royalty within his or her own domain. The MEA hence has its turf in our missions abroad.

Officers of Central Group A Services and Commissioned Officers are not getting their due while being on the strength of foreign missions. And this applies to status, entitlements as well as allowances. As we know, after the 6th CPC, Grade Pay is the determinant of all entitlements and allowances under the Central Government in India, but the same analogy is not being followed by the MEA in foreign missions, which are in fact, in accordance with law, a part of Indian Territory.

Colonels and equivalent of the Army (PB-4/GP 8700) and at times officers of the Rank of Director to Govt of India (PB-4/GP 8700) are being equated with First Secretaries of the MEA staff (PB-3/GP 7600) for the purposes of protocol and also foreign allowances. The Counsellor of the Mission from the IFS (PB-4/ GP 8700) outranks all other officers of similar grade from other services and in fact is granted a higher protocol than even a Brigadier of the Army (PB-4/GP 8900). Brigadiers have been tagged with Counsellors for rates of entitlements. Officers of the grade of Director to Govt of India with 20 years of service when on deputation to missions are being designated ‘First Secretaries’, an appointment which is essentially held by officers of the IFS with 9 years of service. It is also learnt that officers of the rank of Lt Col (PB-4/GP 8000) are being equated with IFS officers who are two ranks junior, that is, Second Secretaries (PB-3/GP 6600), for the purposes of certain entitlements whereas as far as I know, even MoD letter No 4(1)/98/D(Pay/Services) dated 19 May 1999 states that it is Majors who shall be equated with Second Secretaries for such purposes. Incidentally the ibid MoD letter also clearly stipulates that ‘pay’ for defence officers shall include (the then applicable)‘rank pay’.

The correct equation in Missions after the 6th CPC definitely has to be the following as far as the Defence Services are concerned : Minister – Brigadier – Counsellor / Colonel – Lt Col – First Secretary – Second Secretary / Major.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:30 AM 6 comments
Labels: Grade Pay, Status
Friday, December 4, 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009

AGM NOTICE

AGM OF IESM WILL BE HELD ON 13 DEC 09 AT 1000H TO 1200 AT AVCC
SECTOR 37 NOIDA

ALL MEMBERS OF THE IESM ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND

AGENDA

1. TO PASS THE DULY AUDITED BALANCE SHEET OF THE YEAR 2008-2009.
2. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR 2009-2010
3. DISCUSSION ON POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS.

REFRESHMENT WILL BE SERVED ON COMPLETION OF THE AGM

Friday, December 4, 2009

AGM OF IESM IS PLANNED FOR 13 DEC 09 AT 1000H TO 1200 AT AVCC SECTOR 37.

AGM NOTICE

AGM OF IESM IS PLANNED FOR 13 DEC 09 AT 1000H TO 1200 AT AVCC SECTOR 37.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE IESM ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE AGM.

AGENDA OF THE AGM

1. TO PASS THE DULY AUDITED BALANCE SHEET OF THE YEAR 2008-2009.
2. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR 2009-2010
3. DISCUSSION ON POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS.

HIGH TEA WILL BE SERVED ON COMPLETION OF THE AGM

'War veteran to get pension after 40 years'..By Lt Col Khera

'War veteran to get pension after 40 years' Pls Click here

Chief Minister Karnataka hosting Lunch for ESM on 16 Dec 2009

For your info please.

The Hon'ble CM of Karnataka would also be hosting a lunch for Ex-Servicemen at the Banquet Hall at Vidhan Soudha on 16 Dec 2009.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Colonelrajan Srinivas

Date: 2009/12/3
Subject: Daily Log: 7 PM 03 Dec 2009

To: Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar

LOG BOOK

Date Time Details

03.12.2009

1. 10.30 AM. Met Capt Ganesh Karnik in his office.
Handed over two letters addressed to the Hon’ble CM:
(a) requesting his kind participation on VIJAY DIWAS
(b) inviting him to the SZMV Meet as the Guest of Honour.
Capt Ganesh Karnik, MLC & Dy Chairman NRI Cell told me that he has already discussed the requirement with the Hon’ble CM; and that the Hon’ble CM has most graciously agreed to come and lay a wreath at the War Memorial on Vijay Diwas on 16 Dec 2009. A formal letter giving the Hon'ble CM's programme on 16 Dec , with copies to all concerned would be issued in due course.

2. I also requested Capt Ganesh Karnik to have a Directive issued to all Dist Collectors to pay homage to the Martyrs on VIJAY DIWAS and to host a Lunch for Ex-Servicemen in respective Dist HQ.

3. 11.30 AM. Met the following officials at the Minsk Square War Memorial and then took them to the loc of Rashtria Sainika Smaraka and told them where install the Statue of the Unknown Soldier, presently at Minsk Square. Shri BL Yashwanth Chavan, PRO BMRC was gracious to undertake the responsibility to shift the Statue and erect it at its new loc and was kind to assure me that the job would be completed by 11 Dec 2009.
(a) Shri BL Yashwanth Chavan, PRO BMRL
Cell No. 944 828 7987
(b) Shri Subrahmanya Gudge, Dy Chief Engineer, BMRC
Cell No. 944 820 1151
(c) Shri SL Purushotham, Asst Executive Engineer, BDA Cell No. 994 553 9574

Shri Purushtam said that he would get in touch with Mr Jayadev, Dy Director Horticulture, incharge of Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain & Park (where the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka is planned) to spruce up the area before 16 Dec 2009. Cell No of Mr Jayadev: 9945882015

Col Rajan
Bangalore, 9448024377

Mail from Col SS Cheema ...Canada

From: ss cheema
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Wed, 2 December, 2009 8:40:30 PM
Subject:

Dear Brig Kamboj,
I take this opportunity, on behalf of many a Veterans here in Toronto (Canada) in thanking you and the organisation for the tremendous efforts being put in by you and others in regard to the problems of Veterans. Whatever has been achieved is entirely your effort. Thanks a million for everything. We would have been ' up the gum tree', without you, The President, Vice President and others. What a devoted and a dedicated team we have.
I keep getting the info from my course mates( 23 NDA Course) and others too. I would like to pay whatever amount is due for the membership etc etc.Coming to India in Feb and would like to clear the dues then for becoming a life member. Please be kind enough to fwd the details at your convenience.
Thanks for everything. May the organisation grow ' from strength to strength ' under the leadership of each one of you.
Warm Regards.
Satvinder Cheema ( Col S S Cheema, SM, Veteran )

Navy Day ..Donation by Cdr Parashar

Dear Cdr Parashar Sir,
Reference your email below.
I totally disagree with you.
Every one IESM knows and place you at a very high pedestal.
We all are fully aware that you were the only one who was there at Jantar Mantar every day, when we were having representation there against the Sixth Pay Commission.

I am sure Navy, in particular the Naval Aviators can never forget their Indian Naval Aviaition founder member.
I know for sure that they all love you and respect you a lot.

Thank you so much for the additional contributions that you have sent to IESM.

We all look forward to see you during the AGM on 13 Dec 09, at Noida.

Very fond regards.
Chander Kamboj

From: pran parashar [mailto:pran.parashar@gmail.com]
Sent: 04 December 2009 11:56
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: VERY HAPPY INDIAN NAVY DAY - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 808/2009 - 04 DEC 09 (H to Z)

Dear Brig. Khamboj,

Blessings.

T U for the e-mail on Indian Navy Day. I am now a FORGOTTEN Navy Man. Not only the Navy but even the Aviators don't know of me anymore!!

I am following ur Directions and have accordingly decided to pay Rs. 7,500.00 additional donation to EMS. I checked with the Bank yesterday and have been paid arrears of PL4. I shall bring a cheque on 13th when i shall be visiting NOIDA. I note that even EMS has forgotten me! My name does not figure amongst the personnel who have joined EMS!! 1943 is very long ago!!

Lots of love and blessings.

Pran Parashar
On Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 8:59 AM, Kamboj Chander wrote:
Brigadier C. S. Kamboj, VSM., VETERAN,
Email - kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in

"REPORT MY SIGNAL - BLOG" - http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com/
IESM UPDATES AND REGISTRATION - http://www.iesm.org/

“REPORT MY SIGNAL”

WISHES ALL MEMBERS

A VERY HAPPY INDIAN NAVY DAY
HAVE A NICE DAY.

VISIT INDIAN NAVY WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FUN
http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/

In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Help from Col K Malaiappan

From: Col K Malaiappan - [mailto:malli2121@yahoo.co.in]
Sent: 29 November 2009 20:51
To: Kamboj Chander; Arumugam Rama; Arumugam Rama
Subject: Re: AN EMAIL FROM IESM - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 803/2009 - 29 NOV 09 (H to Z)

28-11-2009
Few veterans had joined IESM with their narrow interest or to give a fillip to their personal agenda
Dear Sirs
1. It is a clenstine move to thrawt the splendid service done by the IESM more so General Kadyan and his team of core committeee.
2. Since me formally studied Law in Dr Ambedkar Law College, Chennai, appeared Party in person in 2 WP as Petioner in the first and as respondent in the later which was opposed/defended/argued by the Advocate General of Tamil Nadu in WP No orders 1793 of 2004 dated 22-10-2004 & Wp No 21788 of 2008 dated 22-4-2009, got favourable orders in both the cases.
3. I do have the following practising Vetrans as Advocates with around 10 years of bar service at High Court of Madras who are thorugh in such maters:-
a) R Arumugam Ex IAF, MA, LLB, MBA, Advocate
b) Perumal Ex IAF, MA, LLB, Advocate
c) Khan Ex IAF, MA, LLB, ML, (Dr) Advocate
4. All are members of IESM and ready to extend any legal advice/assistance.

With best wishes and regards
Yours Sincerly
Colonel K Malaiappan (Retd), BE,MBA,(BL)
[DSM,DPMIR,D Tax,PGDFM]
Phones 91 44 2532 5757 Office
91 44 2663 1251 Residence
91 94443 83683 Mobile

Thursday, November 26, 2009

IESM at UAE....Maj BS Kohli

From: kskohli kohli [mailto:kskohli@hotmail.com]
Sent: 26 November 2009 06:49
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: ESM SITREP 25 NOV 09 - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 795/2009 - 25 NOV 09 (Hto Z)

Dear Brig Sahib,
Thank you for the mail.
My son Maj B S Kohli, SM settled in Dubai has just joined our org IESM and would be happy to take care of ESM issues. in UAE.

Can be contacted at:
MAJ B S KOHLI,SM
KOHLMAN FZC,
PO BOX 8586
SHARJAH FREE ZONE
SHARJAH (UAE)
E Mail :moshekohli@hotmail.com

He took voluntry retirement in 1989 after 11 years service as he was a Saichen Glacier casuality.

Kind regards and good wishes.
KSK
(Maj Gen KS Kohli, 5th JSW Course, New Delhi).

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Mail by Wg Cdr SC Kapoor to the Tribune

EMAIL BY Wing Commander SC Kapoor
TO TRIBUNE
To:

The Editor-in-Chief (Shri HK Dua)
THE TRIBUNE
Chandigarh

Sir:

We would hold ourselves unpardonably guilty of the very basic norms of etiquette if we do not observe even the minimal formality of thanking you for Brigadier Harwant Singh's letter that was published in your newspaper today (November 23).

Having said that, let's also hasten to add that the text of the letter as appearing in The Tribune is a big disappointment. We feel shortchanged.

We see no reason why on earth the letter should not have been published in full without excising/omitting any portion. (This certainly is no "editing" supposedly for reasons of "space", "clarity", "refinement" or whatever.) The letter carried a valid viewpoint, was politely worded, cogent and concise. What more is needed for a communication from your readers? (Copies of the letter sent and published are appended below for comparison.)

It seems someone down the line in his over zealousness has chosen to use the "delete" button with gay abandon.

In the bargain, the gravamen of arguments and the main thrust of the letter has been lost. This offends against the standards of journalistic ethics thus rendering it unacceptable to the veterans' groups to which Brigadier Harwant Singh and we all belong.

A survey was conducted and a whopping 94 percent of the respondents felt that it was not fair on your part not to publish the original text of the letter as submitted to you.

We request you, Sir, to consider the matter afresh and publish the letter as received by you, failing which an apology would be in order.

The defence personnel, by all accounts constituting your main catchment area, have always held THE TRIBUNE in high esteem. We hope we do not have to revise this opinion in a hurry because of just one incident.

Incidentally, reputed newspapers the world over devote half a page and more to readers' views. There are instances galore of letters that though highly acerbic and critical of the material published and opinions expressed in the newspapers, are carried with alacrity in the readers' columns. Why our mediapersons here have to feel unduly uncomfortable and chary of publishing what the readers write to them even if the communications from the latter conform to acceptable norms?

We will await your response, Sir.

Warm regards.

Sincerely,

Wing Commander SC Kapoor (retd)
{Member, IESM Veterans Groups}
E-145, Sector 21, Jal Vayu Vihar
Noida-201 301

LETTER AS PUBLISHED IN THE TRIBUNE ON NOVEMBER 23, 2009 by Brig Harwant Singh

LETTER AS PUBLISHED IN THE TRIBUNE ON NOVEMBER 23, 2009

Mr Dua’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha is well deserved. However, it is also a moment of reflection. While scientists, artists, sports persons, et al, find a place in the Rajya Sabha, few of the defence personnel are thus nominated, even though their contribution to defending the integrity of the country is tremendous.

Non-representation of defence services in Parliament has rendered them voiceless. It is in the fitness of things that some hero of the Kargil war or some other prominent ex-serviceman be nominated so that concerns of defence services find a voice in Parliament.

Brig HARWANT SINGH (retd), SAS Nagar

AFT directs revision of Brigadier’s pension by Col Khera

First Decision

AFT directs revision of Brigadier’s pension

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 23
Within a week of being established, the Chandigarh Bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) today disposed of the first case that came up before it, with directions to the government for revising the pension of a Brigadier in accordance with new scales.
The petitioner, Brig Raghu Kapoor, was getting pension at old rates that already stood abolished. Consequently, according to him, his retrial benefits amounting to over Rs 20 lakh were held up.
Acting upon the petition (OA-1 of 2009), the AFT Bench comprising Justice Ghanshyam Prashad and Lieut-Gen NS Brar directed the Central Government as well as the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) to undertake the necessary revisions within three months. The Bench also directed that a compliance report be forwarded to it for its information.
Brigadier Kapoor had contended that at the time of his retirement, he was drawing emoluments in accordance with the scales laid down by the Sixth Pay Commission. His pension, however, was fixed as per the old Fifth Pay Commission rates. According to the petition, he was supposed to draw a basic pension of Rs 34,000 per month, but was getting just Rs 16,000. This has also affected his gratuity, pension arrears and commutation value.
He said though about a year had lapsed since the new scales were brought into effect and he had retired a few months after the said notification was issued, his pension was fixed incorrectly. He had taken up the matter with the authorities concerned, both personally and through the Department of Sainik Welfare, Punjab, but no action was taken.
In fact, armed forces personnel who had retired during the period when the Fifth Pay Commission rates were in vogue have already been placed on the Sixth Pay Commission rates.

--
With Warm Regards
Col CJS Khera (Retd)
Gen Secy
Ex-Servicemen Joint Action Front
( Sanjha Morcha)
" OUR GREATEST GLORY LIES NOT IN NEVER FAILING, BUT IN RISING UP EVERY TIME WE FAIL"

AN APPEAL TO ESM AT ALLAHABAD

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.

IESM besides working hard for the major objectives announced by them, has also started running the following –

· IESM Pension Cell
· IESM ECHS Division and
· IESM CSD Cell.
All the above cells and division are doing excellent work in their respective fields, the progress of which is being intimated to you from time to time.
IESM now wants to further expand the functions of Pension Cell. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish an IESM Pension Sub-cell at Allahabad.

The Army HQ has also established a Pension Cell at Allahabad, which will be functioning from the premises of HQ Allahabad Sub Area.

Volunteers are required from among the ESM located at Allahabad, from All Three Services and All Ranks, to help IESM in establishing a Pension Cell of its own at Allahabad. Initially, we expect these volunteers to work with CGPDA (P) Allahabad through Army HQ Pension Cell. Slowly, we expect these IESM Volunteers to establish their direct link with the CGPDA (P) staff.

IESM is also trying to get official recognition to its pension cell through MoD.

The IESM Pension Cell at Allahabad will ensure that Government policies and procedures laid down by MoD, regarding pension and other related allowances, are implemented by CGPDA (P), all the banks and other pension paying authorities speedily, correctly and fairly.

The Pension Cell at HQ IESM will collect information about problems being faced by ESM from all over India (and abroad) in receipt of their pension and intimate these to the IESM Pension Cell at Allahabad for a follow up with CGPDA (P).

In turn, the Pension Sub Cell at Allahabad will keep the Pension Cell at HQ IESM updated about the progress of various points.

All relevant information received by the Pension Cell at HQ IESM will be disseminated to all ESM in India and abroad through emails, websites and notice through news papers and magazines if feasible.

We appeal to ESM settled at Allahabad to come forward and help IESM in resolving pension problems of their colleagues.

PLEASE HELP IESM TO HELP ALL ESM SPREAD ALL OVER THE WORLD
ABOUT THEIR PENSION PROBLEMS.

The volunteers should send their names to Vice Admiral Barin Ghose. His contact details are as under –

Vice Admiral Barin Ghose,
Head Pension Cell
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
B 449 Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon 122002 Haryana
Phone 124-4044069, Mobile 9871381479
E Mail bag1944@yahoo.co.in

Looking forward for an early response from ESM at Allahabad.

In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

AN APPEAL TO ESM AT ALLAHABAD

Monday, November 23, 2009

Non Payment of 6 PC dues by banks

Dear Members,

If your bank has not paid you your 6 PC dues so far pls forward following info to IESM Pension Cell or to me

Rank and Name
Name of the Bank
Branch details
Your Bank account number
If you want details of how much you are due pls fill up the following form and forward by mail to IESM Pension Cell

Brgds

R W Pathak
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)
Member and Coordinator IESM Pension Cell
(Mobile 919822329340)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

EX SAINIKS WELFARE] SECRET OF SIMPLE FORMULA ON GOVT. FIXATION OF MINIMUM/MA

From: Gavini VN Date: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 12:56 PMSubject: [EX SAINIKS WELFARE] SECRET OF SIMPLE FORMULA ON GOVT.FIXATION OF MINIMUM/MA...To: gavinivn@gmail.com

Stuck by the CONTINUED STONE-WALLED RESPONSE AND A DEAFENINGSILENCE from the Govt. in resolving the Pension issue of Armed ForcesPensioners (particularly the lower level ranks /cadres), the curiosityincreased to pore through the existing Govt orders. And sweetlysurprised to stumble upon the SIMPLE FORMULA OF FIXING THEMINIMUM/MAXIMUM PAY AND PENSIONS of the Central Govt Employees. Andhow they have passed on the BATON (SECRET OF THIS FORMULA) to theirsuccessor officials, unmindful of the financial DAMAGE they caused tothemselves and to their fellow employees(pensioners)(some of themmight have retired by now), besides inflicting the Govt with HUGEAVOIDABLE EXPENDITURE (in the form of the data,CP Commission Meetings,Interaction with various Depts at different places et.etc. Tours andTravels, The Voluminous and Thinck Bound Papered Reports, TheCeremonial Presentation of the Report to the Finance Minister etc.?).YES, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW! The said GOVT. MAGIC FORMULA of fixing of Minimum/MaximumPay/Pension of all Central Govt Employees and Pensioners, based on therecommendations of the CPCs can be seen below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIVILIAN GOVT EMPLOYEES -@ MIN/MAX.PAY/PENSION.IV CPC - 1.1.1986 / V CPC - 1.1.1996 / VI CPC - 1.1.2006@ MINIMUM PAY SCALE (INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.750/- X (3.4) Rs.2550/- X (2.745) Rs.7000(withGP1800) @MAXIMUM PAY SCALE(INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.9000/- X (3.34) Rs.30000/- X (3) Rs.90000/- @MINIMUM PENSION RATE(INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.375/- X (3.4) Rs.1275/- X (2.745) Rs.3500/- @MAXIMUM PENSION RATE (INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.4500/- X (3.34) Rs.15000/- X(3) Rs.45000/-
It is surprising to note that this FORMULA was quitely appliedby Successive Pay Commissions (from IV to V, from V to VI) forincreasing the Pay and Pension scales of the employees and thepensioners. And the figures are same for the Lowest and Highest PayScales and Pay Bands of the Central Govt Civilian Category employees,i.e. (

1)For Minimum Pay Scale/Pension Rate - Increase IV CPC Scalesby 3.4 Times and Fix the V CPC Scales. And then, Increase V CPCScales by 2.745 Times and fix the VI CPC scales( INCLUDES THE NEWLYDESIGNED GRADE PAY) in respect of the LOWEST SCALES/ CADRES,

(2) And For Maximum Pay Scale/Pension Rate - Increase IV CPCScales by 3.34 Times and Fix the V CPC Scales. And then, Increase VCPC Scales by 3 Times and fix the VI CPC scales, in respect of theHIGHEST SCALES/ CADRES. SURPRISED WITH THIS SIMPLE FORMULA APPLICATION? THIS IS,JUST, AS SIMPLE AS DRINKING WATER. Is it not? YES and NO? THERE IS A SMALL TWIST TO THE STORY. While the Multiplying factor, 3.4 (of V CPC), in r/o theLowest Side Scales of Pay/Pension Rates, was brought down to 2.745(of VI CPC), a reduction of 0.655, but the factor,

3.34(of V CPC), inr/o the Highest Side Scales of Pay/Pension Rates, was brought down to3.00 (of VI CPC), a mere reduction of 0.34. The deliberate reductionin r/o the Lowest Scales was more by 0.315, over the Highest scales. RULE OF LAW, EQUITY, FAIR PLAY AND NATURAL JUSTICE, demandsat least equal treatment given to all (here w.r.t. settled andexisting scales) and in fact, BETTER TREATMENT OR DISPENSATION GIVENTO THE LOWEST CADRE. HENCE, the CORRECT MULTIPLYING FACTOR, must andshould have been 3.4 (of V CPC) and 3.34(of VI CPC) (equal toofficers' factor of V CPC) for the lowest cadre/scale. As a result of this changed Multiplying factor of 3.34 (of VICPC) in respect of the Lowest Cadre employees, the Minimum PayScale/Pension Rate, w.e.f. 1.1.06, can be arrived at - (1) Min. Pay Scale of Rs.2550 X 3.34 = 8517 R/off to Rs.8520/-(including a GP of Rs.1800/-) (2) Min. Pension Rate of Rs.1275 X 3.34 =4259 R/0ff to Rs.4260(50% of Rs.8520/- Min.Pay)

The above Just and Correct Pay/Pension Fixation of Minimumshall go a longway, and the Central Govt Employees and the Pensionerswould be indebted to the Govt, for this kind/benign gesture.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Now, the same GOVT. MAGIC FORMULA of fixing of Minimum/MaximumPay/Pension of all Armed Forces Personnel/Pensioners, based on therecommendations of the CPCs can be seen below:------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL/PENSIONERS-@ MIN/MAX.PAY/PENSION. IV CPC - 1.1.1986 / V CPC - 1.1.1996 / VI CPC - 1.1.2006@ MINIMUM PAY SCALE (INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.900/-X (3.3) Rs.3050/- X (3.02) Rs.9200/-(withGP+MSP) @MAXIMUM PAY SCALE(INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.9000/- X (3.34) Rs.30000/- X (3) Rs.90000/- @MINIMUM PENSION RATE(INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.375/- X (3.4) Rs.1275/- X (2.745) Rs.3500/- @MAXIMUM PENSION RATE (INCREASE MULTIPLIED BY)Rs.4500/- X (3.34) Rs.15000/- X(3) Rs.45000/-

It is surprising to note that this FORMULA was quitely applied bySuccessive Pay Commissions (from IV to V, from V to VI) for increasingthe Pay and Pension scales of the Armed Forces Personnel/ Pensioners.And the figures are same for the Minimum/Maximum Pay/Pensions of theHighest Pay Scales/Pay Bands of the AF Personnel/Pensioners, but theMin/Max pay/pensions in r/o lowest rank had been considerably reducedarbitrarily and for no apparent reason, i.e. (1)For Minimum Pay Scale/Pension Rate - Increase IV CPC Scales by3.3Times and Fix the V CPC Scales. And then, Increase V CPC Scales by3.02 Times and fix the VI CPC scales( INCLUDES THE NEWLY DESIGNEDGRADE PAY+ MILITARY SERVICE PAY) in respect of the LOWEST SCALES/RANKS PERSONNEL,

(2) And For Maximum Pay Scale/Pension Rate - Increase IV CPC Scales by3.34 Times and Fix the V CPC Scales. And then, Increase V CPC Scalesby 3 Times and fix the VI CPC scales, in respect of the HIGHESTSCALES/ CADRES. SURPRISED WITH THIS SIMPLE FORMULA APPLICATION? THIS IS, JUST, ASSIMPLE AS DRINKING WATER. Is it not? YES and NO? THERE IS A SMALL TWIST TO THE STORY. While the Multiplying factor, 3.3 (of V CPC), in r/o the Lowest SideScales of Pay/Pension Rates, was brought down to 3.02 (of VI CPC), areduction of a .28, but the factor, 3.34(of V CPC), in r/o the HighestSide Scales of Pay/Pension Rates, was brought down to 3.00 (of VICPC), a mere reduction of 0.34, unlike the Civilian Govt.Employees.The deliberate reduction in r/o the Lowest Scales was a mystery. RULE OF LAW, EQUITY, FAIR PLAY AND NATURAL JUSTICE, demands at leastequal treatment given to all (here w.r.t. settled and existing scales)and in fact, BETTER TREATMENT OR DISPENSATION GIVEN TO THE LOWESTCADRE. HENCE, the CORRECT MULTIPLYING FACTOR, must and should havebeen 3.4 (of VI CPC) for the lowest Ranks/Scales. As a result of this changed Multiplying factors of 3.4 (for V CPC andfor VI CPC) in respect of the Lowest Ranks/ Scales AFPersonnel/Employees, the Minimum Pay Scale(incl.GP+MSP)/Pension Rate,w.e.f. 1.1.96/1.1.06, can be arrived at - (1) Min. Pay Scale of Rs.900 X 3.4 = 3050/-) w.e.f. 1.1.96, and 3050 X3.4=10370- (6370+ GP(2000)+MSP(2000) w.e.f. 1.1.2006. (2) Min. Pension Rate of Rs.1525/- w.e.f.1.1.96 and 1525 X3.4 =5185-(50% of Rs.10370/- Min.Pen), w.e.f. 1.1.2006. The 100%Calssification Allowance (Highest) + the 3 GCB Pay (120+240) be addedto this figure, thus the Min pension would be = Rs.5285+360 =5645/-(for GP Y ACs of IAF and their equivalents) For all other ranks and similar dispensation of multiplying factor,with slight variations here and there could be applied for remedy ofall such anomalies, and put an end to the problem so that all stakeholders get justice and peace. The above Just and Correct Pay/PensionFixation of Minimum shall go a longway, and the Armed ForcesPersonnel/Pensioners would be indebted to the Govt, for thiskind/benign gesture.----------------------------------------------------------------

Letter to the Editor- Nomination to Rajiya Sabha by Brig Harwant Singh

From: Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)

Date: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 9:36 AM

Subject: Letter to the Editor- Nomination to Rajiya Sabha

To: Tribune -
Cc: The Tribune , The Tribune

NOMINATION TO RAJIYA SABHA

Sir,

We the Defence Fraternity, congratulate Mr HK Dua the Editor in Chief of the Tribune Group for his most deserved nomination to Rajiya Sabha (the Tribune 19 November ’09). Earlier, Mr Shekhar Gupta, of the Indian Express , an equally deserving case, was similarly nominated . While such nominations are most laudable , yet they call for reflection. Could these not be construed as the Establishment’s attempt to ‘oblige’ the media with a quid pro quo motive ? Also are all great achievers in other professions equally ‘recognised’ and thus rewarded? While the scientists , artists , sports personalities, etc, find place in the RS , few if any of the defence personnel are thus nominated, even though their contribution to defend the integrity of the country is maximum , yet , the recognition given to them is minimal. Though Gens JS Aurora and Shankar Roy Chaudhary did go to RS , they did so as representatives of a political party but were NOT ‘nominated’ for their great personal achievements , as in the instant case . Non representation of Defence Services in the Parliament has rendered them ‘Voiceless’. It is in the fitness of things that some hero of Kargil War or some other most prominent Ex-Serviceman be similarly ‘recognised’ so that the concerns of the of the Defence Services are given a suitable ‘Voice’ at the Parliamentary level .

With Warm Regards,
Yours' Sincerely,

Brig Harwant Singh (Retd),
Address :- 54 , Phase- 7, MOHALI . (Pb).PIN 160 062
Phones :- 91+98144 32554 and 91+172- 2270154

Rejoinder to Col Abel's article by CDR.AKEEL SHAIKH I.N.(retd)

----- Original Message -----
From: naseemakeel shaikh
To: maurice.abel@ukonline.co.uk
Cc: Chander Kamboj
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:54 PM
Subject: Col. Abel's take on why the British left India

Dear Col.Abel,

Your view is that an impoverished GREAT Britain, was just too tired to continue to "manage " their Empire, and thus left India. You also say that the common man was tired and only wanted to rebuild his home, and that the consensus among the leaders and the people was that India had become ungovernable and there was nothing to be gained from continuing to "manage " the Empire.

The fact that we all agree on is that India HAD become ungovernable. Shall we then agree that Great Britain had become unable to govern it since the will of the people of India was manifesting itself in a variety of ways? Britain's inability to continue to govern the Indian people is being linked to it's heroic efforts to save the world from the tyranny of Fascism and Communism, bringing it to the edge of it's capabilities, and there was nothing more to be gained from "Staying On." Nothing more to be gained by whom ? By India from the kind ministrations of the British,or the British after centuries of ruling India, having come in in the guise of traders?

This reminds me of an interesting talk by an American when I was in Vishakapatnam in 1964..He was part of a delegation from the U.S.A. He propounded the view that slavery in America, and the ongoing segregationist policies, were being seen in a wrong light.He claimed that the relationship between Negroes ( this was before it became politically incorrect to use this rascist word) & the whites was a love-hate kind of relationship and often platonic, and that the blacks in fact loved the whites. Since the rest of the audience was too polite and mature to laugh out loud, I decided in my immaturity to stand and ask this gentleman if he was serious, and what made him think that this platitude would be swallowed by the audience.

In the same vein I would like to know whether the same Government which condoned acts such as Jallianwalla Bagh, and had been systematically enriching itself from it's "management"of India, would leave India at a time when it could have speeded up it's own rehabilitation by squeezing it more energetically.

Conquerors and managers have traditionally attempted to garb themselves as benefactors. The U.S.A. was built by virtually extinguishing the Native American population,and exploiting Chinese and black labour.The Indian Reservations in the U.S.A. are like sores which will never go away,forced on the native Americans through blood-shed and chicanery and downright cheating.This is not MY view,but of a number of Western Scholars.

I think I will ask readers of your response in enlightening us whether they agree with your analysis, and whether there is any material evidence available anywhere which supports this view.

Yours sincerely,

CDR.AKEEL SHAIKH I.N.(retd)
-----------------

Donation by Col LS Braria

From: LSBraria Braria lsbraria@yahoo.in
To: C S Kamboj vsm kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Thu, 19 November, 2009 3:28:54 PM
Subject: membership IESM
Dear Brig Kamboj,

As advised , I have yesterday only sent by post another cheque for Rs 5000/00 to I E S M A/C 06162000001330 Towards membership and balance as contribution.
Due to my illness I was not able to operate the computer.

With regards

L S Braria.
(Col LS Braria, retired in 1981, as DDST AT&K Area)

Views of Lt Gen Jagdish Chander ....Joy Ride in Sukhoi

From: jagdish chander [mailto:jagi_medi@hotmail.com]
Sent: 19 November 2009 10:40
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: RE: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 784/2009 - 18 NOV 09 (H to Z)

Hi Kamboj,
I wonder what is the purpose of the President of India Ms Pratibha Patil taking a joy ride in a IAF Sukhoi jet. Surely these planes are not meant for joy rides/festivities of the rich and famous .At least not so in a poor country like India. It is a shame that no son of a gun in the media including Mr Shekhar Gupta ( self appointed watch dog of corruption) has had the guts to raise this as an issue which needs to be condemned . I know a lot of people will give the argument of she being the Supreme Commander! Let them not fool themselves. We all know the symbolism of that appointment. It does not grant the President to use the Services for seeking cheap thrills at the expense of the state.
I wonder what is the opinoin of others. Or is it - that it dosent matter.
Lt Gen Jagdish Chander(Retd) (Former DG ASC and Former MD CSD)
---------------

Defence Services Officers Association of Indo Canadians

Dear Cdr. Punchhi,

Defence Services Officers Association of Indo Canadians
(DSOI Canada)
*********************************************************
FYI
Copy of a letter sent to IESM in Feb 2009 is reproduced herewith.
Please extend maximum support to IESM. They are doing a great job.
contact for IESM:
Brigadier C. S. Kamboj, VSM., VETERAN,
Email - kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
********************************************************************************
From: DSOICanada@NVRGroupOnline.com
To: DSOICanada@NVRGroupOnline.com

Subject: Lost Glory!

Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:58:22 -0500

Wishing the Movement a great Success!
Some additional suggestions are as follows:

Establish a permanent rank of Chief of Defence staff by selection and merit.
His position should be next to the Prime Minister at all Public Ceremonies
Bangla Desh Government should be asked to invite a contingent of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force to attend all their functions connected to their Independence Day Celebrations.
Design and issue a Lapel Pin with the words 'Armed Forces Veteran' and instruct all civil servants including the IAS officers to show great respect to our Veterans and serving soldiers.

The status of the Armed Forces personnel be brought to the level of pre-partition days or in line with the British Army.

The name 'Ex Serviceman be replaced with the more modern and respectful name 'Armed Forces Veteran.' (Already done).

A separate pay commission be created for the Armed Forces and the pay hike should be automatic. The soldiers should not have to beg for a pay rise every time the inflation goes up.(Already done)

Some famous battles victories such as 'the battle of Longewala' (where a complete Armoured brigade of the Pakistani Army was destroyed) be celebrated at National level and the Officers and Men who took part in these battles be recognized and their stories of bravery aired on all TV channels. This will boost the National pride and encourage many young men and women to join the Armed Forces.

Public should be banned from wearing any article resembling the Defence Forces uniform at any time. We see some private Security Guards wearing an Army General's cap with red band standing out side a building and greeting the visitors. Such a practice is an insult to our Defence Forces. The Old Defence Services Regulations (DSR) clearly makes a mention of this rule.

The practice of frequently using the regular Army in aid of civil power should be discouraged. Para Military Forces are meant for this job and must be deployed when required.

Please pass on these suggestions to all concerned.

Col. Kulvinder (Kul) Singh, psc
Armed Forces Veteran

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

Kulvinder (Kul) Singh
Col.
Armed Forces Veteran
Cell: 416-41...

Reply E-mail: NVRGroup@NVRGroupOnLine.com

Air Force Vice-Chief hits out at politicians ..Tribune

Air Force Vice-Chief hits out at politicians

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 19

The Vice Chief of the IAF, Air Marshal PK Barbora, today dropped a proverbial bombshell. He summarised that “politics” over defence purchases impinged on the country's military requirements and plans to buy new equipment.
In a way he blamed the entire political class of stalling defence projects just to hit out at political opponents. Making some of the most forthright comments, Barbora said: “Internal politics over the years is such that whatever defence requirements are cleared by the government, they are opposed by the opposition parties and the same happens when roles change and opposition sits in the government." ”All this impinges very badly on our defence requirements,” he told said at a seminar ‘Energising aviation sector in India’ organised by the CII. Barbora also painted a dismal picture about the country's defence exports saying: “We don't even match up with Pakistan.”
On the present status of the country's capabilities in the aerospace sector, he said India was happy producing small parts of aircraft and exporting them to Airbus in Europe, but China has already started building whole aircraft for the same company.
Air Marshall Barbora asked the private companies to learn reverse engineering processes the way China did to develop most of its defence technologies. “Forget about ethics. China has done all the reverse engineering. Has anyone ever had the courage to ask China why are you doing it? No one cares a hoot. If you can't do it yourself, you should know how to do reverse engineering.”
Notably two days after he had created a major controversy with his comments over induction of women as fighter pilots, Barbora today issued an apology saying: “My remarks concerning induction of women fighter pilots into the IAF have come in for a lot of discussion in the media. I would like to clarify that my remarks concerning ‘off-spring’ and ‘imposing some conditions’ were my own personal opinion and not that of the IAF or the Defence Ministry.”

Remembering the brave by Lord Meghnad Desai

Subject: Lord Megnath Desai
Dear Chander

It may be interesting for the Report My Signals readers to read an article by Lord Megnath Desai, member of the British House of Lords on remembering the brave in Indian Express on Sunday.

The main theme of the article is that the Indian soldiers by fighting bravely in the two world wars were as much responsible for our freedom as the political leadership that led by non-violent techniques. His concluding remarks are telling by asking the government not to treat the armed services as 'step children'.

Kind regards,
Maj Gen VK Khanna (Retd)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Help to IESM by Veteran Sharad Paranjape from USA

From: SHARAD PARANJAPE
To: vk_gandhi@yahoo.com
Cc: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, 16 November, 2009 12:43:47 AM
Subject: Voluntary help

Dear Gp Capt Gandhi:

I have read the email of Gen Kadyan regarding voluntary help. I hereby renew my offer of voluntary help which I made to Maj Gen P Renjen some months ago.

I am sitting in U.S.A. but I am an exceptionally fast typist, well conversant with MS WORD and EXCEL, and in addition I have a reasonably good handwriting. I can undertake any clerical, typing, data entry or accounting work for IESM.

I will gladly bear any couriering expenses of documents to me or back from me to you, if they cannot be emailed.

I will call you on telephone at my expense in case you wish to discuss anything with me on phone at any time. In case you should ever have the necessity to call me I shall bear those expenses also.

This sincere offer is coming from an IESM member who has already donated more than Rs. 5700 in the past and does not mind spending time, effort and additional money in furtherance of IESM's cause.

Sharad.

--
Sharad & Nandini Paranjape
372 Central Park West #19Y
New York NY 10025, U.S.A.
Phone: 212-316-6575

RIN Mutiny by Colonel Maurice Abel, UK

Dear Brigadier Kamboj,

While the premise of the great importance of the actions of the Indian Services in helping the British to decide to leave India is very credible and probable, the conversation with Clement Attle needs to be understood in a wider context; specifically from a UK and world perspective.

This was earlier in an article in the Tribune at
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060212/spectrum/main2.htmcalled
RIN mutiny gave a jolt to the British
The ratings mutiny in the Royal Indian Navy made the British realise it was time to leave India. Dhananjaya Bhat on the uprising that took place 60 years ago on February 18

My responses are as follows in sequence to the discussion on the Veterans site.

"Dear All,
A very interesting series of comments and observations.
However, there is one glaring omission (which is very understandable seen from an Indian perspective)
The major reason why the British gave India Independence was that WW II had impoverished Britain, their industries and infrastructure had been destroyed to a considerable extent in the bombing raids, millions of people had lost their lives, there was an acute manpower shortage, cities were in ruins, industries had been geared to wartime production of military goods, their economy was in meltdown, their merchant shipping had been damaged and millions of tons of shipping sunk, etc., they owed the US huge amounts for the lend -lease shipping, and vast amounts for war materiel, food , etc., all their cash reserves and stockpiles of commodities were exhausted, - they were in a word 'broke', and did NOT have the energy, manpower, or interest to struggle with the Indians who they felt had become ungovernable and it was NOT worth their while anymore. They felt they had saved the world from the tyranny of Nazism and the fascism of Japan and had done enough for the world.
The British sent John Maynard Keynes ( from their Treasury Dept and a noted economist) to get the US Govt to clear their debt to the amount of $3 Bn ( a huge amount at the time) but the Senate did not agree and the British had to get a interest bearing loan instead. At this time also Churchill's ( he had just lost the election in 1945) 'Iron Curtain' speech in the US about the Soviet take over of Eastern Europe suddenly caused the US Govt to change its policy - they started the Marshall Plan which gave $15 Bn to Western European countries to rebuild as they were also shattered in WWII and the fear of Communism taking over Western Europe as well became a major US concern. Britain got an $3Bn in the Marshall Plan (In addition to the loan).

Maurice Abel

This is a very interesting anecdote.
In reply Attlee cited several reasons, the most important of which were the INA activities of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which weakened the very foundation of the British Empire in India, and the RIN Mutiny which made the British realise that the Indian armed forces could no longer be trusted to prop up the British. When asked about the extent to which the British decision to quit India was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s 1942 movement, Attlee’s lips widened in smile of disdain and he uttered, slowly, ‘Minimal’."

My comments:

Recently I mentioned that the British thought that India was ungovernable, which Atlee amplied mentioning the INA and the IN Mutiny Although Atlee is reported to have discounted the influence of the 'Quit India' movement of 1942, it contributed to the general public view in Britain among the British people that India did not want to be governed by Britain. This has to be considered in British context Britain is a small densely populated island - with half the land area of France but with about the same population. Britain produces only about 30% of the food it needs and the climate does not help much. Traditionally it developed sheep rearing in the less arable hilly areas and its wealth came from the export of wool and animal husbandry products of high value like milk, cheese, meat and butter etc., on the limited land available and for domestic use also. Fishing is also a important source for food. It also depends on producing high tech goods to export and ideas and services in the form of music, art, acting, financial expertise, etc.
Britian is both insular because of its island heritage, but also outward looking for reasons of trade.
Maintaining and managing a large empire by a small group of people is a national project/ endeavour of great magnitude. Ordinary people and the general viewpoint also influences politicians and their policies, both directly and in their guts - they are also people.
WWI and WWII which they were fought mainly alone ( the US joined much later in both the wars) and they suffered great losses of their people and exhausted their resources greatly.
After WWII the people wanted to rebuild their homes, businesses, factories and infrastructure , have a decent quality of life - they were still on food rationing well into the 1950s so it is unsurprising that few in Britain wanted to hang on in India , 'for what'? they would rightly ask? "

Best regards
Maurice Abel – Email ID - maurice.abel@ukonline.co.uk
(Colonel Maurice Abel, UK)

MPs don't get impressed by articles..by Maj Gen APS Chauhan

From: Sainiksangh [mailto:gs@sainiksangh.org]
Sent: 18 November 2009 10:50
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: SOME OF THE EMAILS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 781/2009 - 18 NOV 09 (A to G)

MPs don't get impressed by articles, logic or duty etc . If they did our world would have changed long back.They are after all the product of democracy (lootocracy) we have chosen to practice . However as a promotional exercise for keeping our cerebral joints greased this is at least a useful engagement in service of others.
jai hind
chauhan
(Maj Gen APS Chauhan, Vice President All India Ex Soldiers League)

ps in view nation building seems no loger a role of the Lok Sabha and has by peoples consent been assigned to cricketers why not start addressing our demands to Tandulkar!

REMEMBERING THE BRAVE OF INDIA by Col Govind Ram Sajjanhar, Mhow

From: Govind Sajjanhar gsajjanhar@yahoo.co.in
To: Shashi Kanwal shashikanwal@yahoo.co.in
Cc: Brig Chandar C Kamboj Kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Tue, 17 November, 2009 1:49:29 PM
Subject: Re: Fwd: REMEMBERING THE BRAVE OF INDIA
Dear Brig Kanwal & Brig Kamboj ,

Yes , what Lord Meghnad Desai has said is also true of Australia . On Sunday 11th Nov we were in Australia & saw the ceremony at the Shrine of Rememberence in Melbourne .It was a moving Spectacle . People had gathered in thousands & the Premier of Victoria gave a speech honouring those who had fought as part of the Allied Forces during the First & the Second World Wars .

Having said that & also having read what the seniors have said about the apathy & lack of awareness of the public about the Armed Forces we cannot help but blame the Political leadership of our great Country .
I do not feel guilty even for a moment to say that we are afterall NOT so great a Country ! We are at best " Opportunists & uncaring people " , otherwise with all the resources available we are the poorest of the poor & in some ways worse than some of the African countries .

What the solution to this is i donot know ! Our Attitude needs to change radically . But how is the question which we hope will be found by some younger & more emancipated leaders that we would like to see in the future .

With warm regards ,

Govind Sajjanhar
(Col Govind Ram Sajjanhar, Mhow, currently visiting Australia)

"WOMEN FIGHTER PILOTS" - LETTER TO INDIAN EXPRESS by Brig VA Subramanyam

From: Brig V A Subramanyam vasubramanyam@gmail.com
Sent: Wed, 18 November, 2009 9:55:02 PM
Subject: "WOMEN FIGHTER PILOTS" - LETTER TO INDIAN EXPRESS

Am sure that there is some "evidence" to justify that the 'jobs' in the Armed Forces are much different than those in the civilian environment, as given out in the studies carried out in the US and UK. Maybe this could be used to buttress the case of OROP et all.

You may consider publishing the same in RMS and possibly get additional inputs.

"Like birds, let's leave behind what we don't need to carry..............
Grudges, Sadness, Pain, Fear, and Regrets...Fly Light."
Have a Wonderful Day!
== Subramanyam

"WOMEN FIGHTER PILOTS" - LETTER TO INDIAN EXPRESS by Capt B Hariharan

From: balakrishnan hariharan
Date: 2009/11/18
Subject: "WOMEN FIGHTER PILOTS" - LETTER TO INDIAN EXPRESS

Dear Sir,

Reference Gautam Datt's " IAF not yet ready to have women pilots " - (TNIE-18 NOV).

For starters, the title of the report is ' misleading ', as women pilots in the IAF are already flying in the ' transport ' and ' helicopter ' squadrons !! This is tacitly acknowledged
in the report: ' The IAF thinks it is economically unfeasible to have women fighter pilots - -' !! Thus ' Not ready to have women pilots ' in the headline, becomes ' economically unfeasible to have women fighter pilots' !! Talk of ' journalistic accuracy '!!

That apart, there is another infirmity in the report: ' Several air forces around the world have allowed women to be fighter pilots '. That doesn't answer the crucial question: ' Do women fighter pilots FLY COMBAT MISSIONS'?

It will be instructive and educative for Datt & Co at TNIE to note, since we Indians have this slavish habit of 'aping the West', that in 1992, the United States constituted a Presidential Commission for precisely this purpose – to study the role of women in the American military. This is what the commission report stated bluntly :

" Decisions on the principle questions before the Commission -- whether American women should be assigned to combat on land, at sea or in the air -- involved a wide variety of issues and concerns. They include the history and nature of war, physiology, psychology, sociology, family and cultural values, the legal consequences of a change in the law, and most importantly, the overarching, classic concerns of the military itself: combat readiness, unit cohesion and military effectiveness -- defined as the ability to deter aggression and if necessary, to fight and win wars".

Again. " Civilian society forbids employment discrimination. But the military, in building fighting units, must be able to choose those most able to fight and win in battle. There is good reason for this. In a combat unit serving on land, at sea or in the air, the inability of any member of the group to perform at levels demanded by the battlefield can present a direct risk to the lives of others and to the accomplishment of the military mission . This is one of several reasons why the Armed Forces differ in many important respects from civilian employers, including police forces that preserve order close to home. It is a separate society governed by a different set of rules and regulations because its principle purpose is to fight and win wars".

The Commission then concluded : " Service members are encouraged to pursue opportunities and career enhancements in the Armed Forces, limited only by the needs and good of the Service. But when it comes to combat assignments, the needs of the military must take precedence over all other considerations, including the career prospects of individual service members. The military service is not a corporation, and being a soldier, sailor or airman is more than just a job. Civil society protects individual rights, but the military, which protects civil society, must be governed by different rules".

A similar study was undertaken by the British military too in 2002 and its findings, in essence, were no different from the findings of the US Presidential Commission. An extensive study ordered by British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon had reportedly recommended that women should not be allowed to fight in the front line. Citing evidence gathered over 18 months, the "Combat Effectiveness Gender Study" concluded that females lack the strength and stamina needed to serve in the infantry, armored regiments, Royal Marines or the RAF Regiment, the Air Force’s infantry unit.

In compiling the study for review by the Chiefs of Staff, British Army officials gathered information from several other countries with gender-integrated armed forces, and carried out tests of physical capabilities in Wales. According to the London Sunday Times, June 24, 2001, the women performed comparatively poorly in physical tasks. According to Army Times, a British medical report released in June of 2001 found that the rate of injuries among military women in co-ed training had tripled to 23 per 1,000 in 1996, from a 1992 rate of 8 per 1,000. (June 25, 2001) On January 3, 2002, an Army doctor confirmed that female soldiers were paying for "equal opportunities" with a much higher risk of injury.

The Ministry of Defence (U.K.) study concluded that it could not predict with certainty the impact on infantry and armor units from introducing women into their ranks. Secretary Hoon affirmed on May 22 that he was not prepared to risk the effectiveness of front-line infantry and armored combat teams in the absence of any hard evidence that allowing women to serve in such units would increase their capabilities. Women in the British military will be allowed to serve in 70 percent of all army roles, but they will be kept out of units that must "close with the enemy."

The IAF Vice Chief was spot on when he stated: " India can select some women to be fighter pilots, but they would be merely showpieces - -". And then have them posted at Southern Air Command, Trivandrum, or Car Nicobar, but not at Halwara, Adhampur or Pathankot etc!! Does Gautam Datt have any inkling of what it takes to fly a 'combat sortie' in a high performance fighter like the SU30-MKI? Does he have any knowledge of the physical effort it takes to be a ' Fighter Combat Leader ', and the toll it takes on the human body when one pulls 4 or 5G? Can a woman fighter pilot stand up to the physical rigours of being strapped to the cockpit in the 'Operational Readiness Platform'? Lastly, does Datt have any idea of the ethos of a 'Fighter Squadron' of the IAF?

This report reminded me of a similar media created controversy in 2006, on the statement of 'Women in Cambat Units' of the Army, by the then Vice Chief of Army Staff - Lt.Gen S.Pattabiraman. It died a 'natural death', but not before 'muck' was raised by the rabble rousers in the polity, much to the detriment of the Indian Army. I also query Datt as to what has the President flying in a SU30 for 10 or 20 minutes in most probably 'level flight' got to do with regular women fighter pilots in combat squadrons? Regret to say the analogy is wide off the mark!!

Lt.Gen.(retd) R.Narasimhan, wrote in the media on 02 Apr 2002:
" Unfortunately we do not have trained war correspondents who can analyse the strategic scenario and come to the right conclusions. In this day of instant TV wrong projections are made much to the detriment of the security of the country and morale of the Armed Forces who are doing their duties in an exemplary manner". How True Sir !!

Warm Regards

Capt(retd) H.Balakrishnan, I.N.