IESM: Fast for Justice at Jantar Mantar- Twenty Ninth Day

Date: Wednesday, 14 January, 2009, 10:45 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar Manch front continues under charge of team from Punjab. Navy is sailing full steam. We welcome Commodore Thakur (Secy Navy Foundation) and Cdr Tushar Dutt as new IESM members. More are hopefully to follow. Lt Gen Sher Amir Singh from MHOW has been in telephone contact with me. Extracts of his latest email are given below: Quote

I have been following the events and dedication with which you and your team are conducting the activities of the IESM. It has deeply moved me and others in Mhow. A number of us are going to became members of the ESM and will also be individually sending their contribution for this great cause that you all have taken up. Own my part I will be sending my contribution of Rs 2,100 to you by cheque by post ,as there is no HDFC bank branch in Mhow.

I am very happy to note that the movement has gathered momentum and the response from ESM is increasing by the day. This is the only way out with present insensitive setup both at political and bureaucratic levels. Even the media has shown itself in its true colours; no one wants to risk its' neck for the cause of those who have given their lives and precious years to the country. May better sense prevail on them. Unquote

Thank you, sir, for your words of encouragement and your support to the ongoing efforts.

Subscriptions/ Contributions
We are sorry we are lagging behind in sending receipts/acks to those who have sent their subscriptions and contributions. We have not hired any accounting staff and are doing everything ourselves. Gens Satbir and Renjen are both at it. Each member will get his ack. I beseech your patience at the delay.

MOD Meeting
The scheduled meeeting with Secretary Ex Servicemen Welfare Department and his staff took place on 14 Jan 2009. Gens Satbir, Parvesh Renjen and self attended from IESM. There was Maj TC Rao (Chairman, AICC Ex Servicemen Haryana Cell) and two other Colonels. The relevant points that emerged are given ensuingly:
• The govt is concerned that respectable people like the ESM have had to go on hunger strike.
• The principle of OROP (pension equality based on length of service and rank) was reiterated and was endorsed by all ESM present. The Secy said that he is now clear on what it is.
• We declined to give any figure on financial outlay, as we do not have access to data. Mrs Pannu (FADS) however mentioned that Finances are not an issue. This was a departure from the common perception and we thanked her for the clarification.
• On being asked whether in the history OROP was ever in existence, we expressed ignorance of history and clearly stated that even if it never existed, it must do so now. We drew attention to Madan Lal Khurana Committee, which had clearly stated that if there was no precenedent for OROP, it (precedent) must be created.
• We conveyed that the ESM were edgy and angry. The IESM as the unbrella has been exercising control but we do not know how long we can do it.
• It was conveyed that the ongoing protest might also affect the serving though we do not wish it so.
• On being repeatedly asked for the govt response that we could carry back to Jantar Mantar, the Secy merely said the govt is considering the issue. We then stated that this was no assurance and the ongoing fast would continue.
• The 11 Dec 2008 pension letter came up in discussion. After the usual efforts to defend it, they agreed to amend the instructions.

Positive step
As a first meeting, it was a positive step. The Secretary’s claim that the meeting was only at his own behest and not on directions of political leadership carried little conviction. We believe more meetings would follow.

Clarification/ present status
Some members have asked progress about Lt Cols being put in PB 4. The govt orders have been received in writing, including a suggestion that Lt Cols not be sent on deputation hereafter. The Army HQ have on 14 Jan 2009 reverted to govt and raised, inter alia, following observations:

Non-deputation of Lt Cols is unacceptable.

The Grade pay of LT Cols is raised from 8,000 to 8700 to maintain their status.

The non-combat posts need clarification as every officer is ever ready for combat.

The issue is likely to take time and there may not be a gift on 26 Jan 2009 as Col Janakiraman Reddy and others are hoping.

Next Major Rally
After consultation with some others, it has been decided to have the next Rally on Sunday, 8 Feb 2009 instead of 10 Feb 2009. We must put in our best in all corners of the country. Thousands must line the streets and show our strength in a peaceful manner.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM