SCPC: ESM Protest Rally at Delhi

Press Note Dated: 16 Dec 2008
Dear Members of the Press,

1. The statement of Mr. AK Antony in the Rajya Sabha on 11 Dec 08 is a disturbing development. He has categorically stated that One Rank One Pension (OROP) is unacceptable without giving any reasons. He further stated that the Defence Forces Personnel have not “Rejected” the 6th CPC recommendation. The statement is appended below :-

"Government has not found acceptable the demand of Ex-Servicemen for one rank one pension. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Kalraj Mishra in Rajya Sabha today. The defence personnel have not rejected the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission, he added."

2. The RM has given no reasons for non acceptance of OROP demand. How can Lt Gen draw less pension that a Colonel and Havildar draw less pension than a Sepoy. This is clearly in violation of Article 14 of the constitution as also ruled by the Supreme Court while delivering judgment in the case of Maj Gens. The Govt has to answer this not only to the Defence Forces but also to the Nation. As regards Defence Forces Not Rejecting the 6th CPC recommendations, RM seems to have misled the Rajay Sabha and the Nation. We need to know whether there was an option available to the Defence Forces to reject the 6th CPC recommendations. The Chiefs had twice represented to the Govt about the glaring anomalies in the 6th CPC recommendation and these needed to be resolved. The Ex Servicemen have been protesting ever since the 6th CPC recommendation were made public clearly rejecting the recommendations. Under the circumstances, the statement of the RM is totally misleading. We will have to intensify our Movement to get our due Justice.

3. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) is organizing “Paying Homage to the Defence Martyrs” on Vijay Diwas (Victory Day of 1971 War) at Amar Jawan Jyoti India Gate from 12 PM to 1 PM on 16 Dec 08. Large number of Defence Veterans and their families are attending the event. You are requested to cover the event in large numbers and express your solidarity to the Defence Services and their Martyrs of having done the great service to the Nation.

4. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) is also organizing a “Protest Rally and Relay Fast For Justice” at Jantar Mantar New Delhi from 1 PM onwards on 16 Dec 08. Through you (the media), we invite all citizens who support the cause of Defence Services “Injustice to them” by successive Govts in lowering their status and respect for the past six decades to attend the Rally at Jantar Mantar on 16 Dec 08 at 1 PM and strengthen their resolve for peaceful protest Movement and ask the Govt to accept their genuine demands. The protests are also being organised in major cities of the country. You are requested to kindly cover the event extensively.

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