ESM meeting at Balasore

Statesman News Service
BALASORE, April 13: “Despite numbers of provision such as employment and welfare schemes for ex-servicemen and their family members, they are yet to reap the benefits to the fullest as we lack strong legal action for its violation,” opined former Union minister of state for defence Brig KP Singh Deo. He was addressing a massive gathering here on the occasion of the first annual meeting of Indian Ex- services League (IEL) of North Orissa chapter.

Observing that several schemes for the retired defence personnel and their wards are not implemented properly, he stressed on formation of a statutory body like a commission backed by power to monitor the community problems and welfare measures.
Noting further that the ex-servicemen are languishing after retirement in the want of reemployment, he demanded a clear policy. As per records, there are 21 lakhs ex-servicemen and each year nearly 70,000 are added to this figure, he pointed out.
"The recommendations of sixth pay commission for defence sector are not encouraging," he said and informed that he has personally apprised the commotions pertaining to demands and anomalies within the recommendations to the prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Mrs Sonia Gandhi and defence minister Mr AK Antony.

Underscoring the need for one rank- one pension policy, he said: “The long-standing demand- one rank one pension still remains unresolved. Whether a person retired from a particular rank 50 years before or now all should get same pension like the parliamentarians get”. Similarly, he also pointed out the service incongruity in civilian and defence sectors. He urged upon all ex- servicemen organisations to raise voice in a democratic manner.

Speaking on the occasion, Major General (retired) SD Mohanty lamented on the alleged apathetic attitude of government in implementing the ex- servicemen welfare schemes and rued "it is ridiculous when we claim the second largest defence force in the world and ignore their genuine problems". Among others, Major General (retd) RK Sahoo, the patrons and chairman of advisory council the IEL north Orissa branch, Group Capt (retd) J Brahma, the state president of IEL, Mr Maheswar Behera, Mr Manoj Se and Mr Pratap Biswal spoke to the occasion.

ESM hold Rally at Balasore

Comments: There is urgent need for all ESM and Veteran organisations to come under a unified umbrella to ensure our voice is heard. Democracy is only vibrant if voice of the Public are heard by the Government. Our Socialist Government is truly not democratic in so far as welfare of the underdogs are concerned.