SCPC: ESM appeal to AK Anthony, Hon'ble Minister for Defence

Mr AK Antony
Honble Minister for Defence,
South Block, New Delhi

1. You must be aware of the deep hurt and anguish caused to the Defence Community (both serving and retired), by the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission , which have failed to meet our genuine aspirations. You are also aware of the ongoing agitation by the Veterans (Ex- Servicemen) movements against the recommendations of 6th Pay Commission and our major demand remains that of ‘One Rank one pension’ and the same has since been endorsed by the Supreme Court in the case filed by Maj Generals. We do believe that you will have this important judgment examined in the Ministry and a suitable redressal will follow. We, on our part will be seeking judicial redressal, if early justice is not meted to us.

2. We were waiting for a positive outcome of the deliberation of the various committees set up by the GOI including that of Ministers, following the 6PC recommendations, especially when on a number of occasions, you, the PM and others had stated that our concerns will be duly looked into. It is obvious that the welfare of the Veterans does not figure in Government’s priorities as it has been entirely ignored and we have been treated most unfairly. Both the political class and the self serving bureaucracy were ‘agitated’ when the Serving servicemen were not paid their dues on 30 Sep 08 but the MOD, who is responsible for our pensions, unfortunately forgot us, the Veterans whilst attending to their own entitlements. All serving and retired government servants from the Civil side have received their new emoluments/ pensions along with arrears and the serving defence community have been given an adhoc grant and now we remain the only community that has neither been paid their dues, nor any announcements made or orders issued. It is an adverse reflection on the MOD, its functioning and regard for the care and welfare of the Veterans and their families, who were also waiting, for their Deepawali ‘bonanza’ like the others.

3. On behalf of the retired community, may I request you to have the needful done so that the defence pensioners are paid their outstanding dues without further delay.

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President, Navy Foundation, Delhi Chapter

Our SPECIAL THANKS go to Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retired), PVSM, AVSM, President Navy Foundation Delhi Chapter, for joining the Mission for Justice for Defence Services, and appealing to the RM on behalf of all ESM.
Veteran's Voice