SCPC: Press Release against injustice to Defence Forces

INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT AGAINST INJUSTICE TO
DEFENCE FORCES: 6TH PAY COMMISSION

Dear Members of the Press.
1. It is our conviction that media which is a very potent pillar of our democracy must play its rightful role to enlighten the people about the true facts of issues before the Nation and assist create environments for taking the most appropriate decisions in the interest of the Nation. Some hidden hands are at work to stir up the sentiments of the Defence Personnel by twisting the facts and adversely commenting on them. You are aware that grave injustices have been done to the Defence Services by over jealous bureaucracy by hiding/ twisting the facts which has resulted into the present adverse situation. We, the veteran Defence personnel sincerely request our media fraternity to objectively cover our issues so that appropriate decisions are taken by the Govt on our demands.

2. It is now coming to light that the bureaucracy in all the concerned Ministries and departments have mislead the politicians by hiding and misrepresenting the facts. They have all through cheated the Defence Services which has resulted in their grave humiliation, down gradation of their status, respect and self- esteem. It is for everyone to know that under what circumstances the committee of secretaries recommended Lt Cols to be in PB3 and SEs and Directors who were drawing less pay that the Lt Col to be moved up in PB4 resulting in Rs 14000/- more to them as compared to the Lt Col. This can only happen in India. A serious wrong was done to the Defence Forces Officers in the 4/5th CPC with regard to the rank pay. Major Dhalapalan went to the court and won the case from SC. In the true sense of justice, the Govt should have compensated all officers automatically. On the ill advice of bureaucracy, the Govt has not yet given the benefit to all the concerned officers. Does the Govt want all officers to go to the courts? What a display of mockery of justice?. Is this the way the profession of soldering treated? Likewise, how can the status of Lt Gen be degraded vis DGP rank, and not give grade pay at par with other civil services?

3. The veteran Defence Services Personnel have been totally ignored and their long services to the Nation forgotten. The Govt has not even looked at their genuine demands. One Rank One Pension, Assured career till 60 years of age through an act of Parliament or the last pay drawn as pension till 60 years of age, constitution of Ex– Servicemen commission consisting of members only from Ex-Serviceman, and having Ex- Servicemen on all future commissions/ committees on addressing issues of Ex- Servicemen are the demands of veterans. We don’t know why the Govt is silent on these demands? We have been respectfully protesting since 27 Apr 08 but our demands have not been met.

4. We are left with no other option but to intensify our Movement. In case our demands are not met by that date, we will go on “Relay Hunger Strike” throughout the country from 20 Oct 2008 onwards. We will continue to upgrade our Movement in intensity till all our demands are met.

5. We request our worthy members of the press to give widest publicity to our cause “Justice for Defence Services” Through the media, we wish to appeal the PM & RM to accept all the demands of the veterans and the serving personnel.

With Kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement (IESM)