Veterans organisations: Is OROP the only Goal?

Date: Monday, 13 July, 2009, 12:10 PM
Sir,
May I congratulate Satish Kumar Bahri on making a beginning in trying to bring the warring ESMs together?

While on the subject may I, veteran of 69 years of age and who retired in 1986, make a suggestion? In those times a retired person was left to fend for himself. At least now we have some active veterans organisations spurred in by the injustice meted out by the 6thCPC and the politicians/babu combine.

All ESMs are now concentrating on the OROP goal. And nobody would have any objection to that. But at the same time shouldn't the ESMs also make a beginning to work on other matters too? I have pointed this out to IESM but my views have been ignored. And IESL, too, is not at all visible in cities like Mumbai. Isn't it a strategy of the Armed Forces to launch an attack from all sides to achieve your goal? If an impression is given to the public that the Armed Forces are fighting only for "money" how much sympathy and support can we expect? We must also show that we are fighting for our 'Dignity'.

What I want to say is that there is very little or no exposure to the general public for Armed Forces and the services they render to the nation, their tough life, difficulties, sacrifices, neglect of their families, affecting the education of their offspring etc. Only in times of war/border conflicts do the media take notice of the Armed Forces when they are glorified. But public memory being short, they are forgotten till something like 26/11 jolts them into realising that it is the Armed Forces (NSG, MARCOS) who come to their aid and not the Police/babus/politicians. It is essential to put pressure on the government/ politicians not only at the Centre but also government/politicians at the states also, who, too, desire to come to power and rule. This is true of local administrations also like Municipalities. Unless they feel that their rule is threatened at all levels, the politicians will not take notice of any protest. The protest at Jantar Mantar by IESM did make the Congress party sit up and take notice. But this had no effect in the other areas/states. In most of India, the agitation went un- noticed by the public as it was Delhi-centric. Moreover, the fight must continue whether we get OROP or no OROP.

Therefore, I feel it is necessary that the Armed Forces and veterans remain in the public eye all the time like in countries like the UK, the USA. where the veterans are revered and get exceptional treatment in all walks of life. In India, they are not only ignored but denigrated. Perhaps this is not the case in Northern states which are close to the border,where the Armed Forces are omnipresent.

In states like Maharashtra, Gujarat the lay public have the vaguest idea about the Military because they rarely see uniformed personnel who are confined to the cantonment (Colaba) area. They feel Air Force and Air India are the same organisations! The other day I was introduced to a retired Dy. Dir. of Doordarshan in Mumbai, an engineer, who when told that I am a Wing Commander (Retd of course), looked blank and was frank enough to admit that he has no idea of the rank structure of the Defence Services and that this was because of the fact that there is hardly any exposure for them. I do not blame him.

So it is time we veterans made ourselves visible by wearing something distinctive attire, like a side cap and preferably T shirts etc displaying slogans like " Do not Forget Kargil martyrs", "Army/Air Force/Navy to the Rescue", "Remember the Jawan" etc. Also it is necessary to have a constant contact with the Defence establishments in the local areas and the serving personnel to instill confidence in the minds of veterans that they are not left to their own fate and will get all help and support from the Army/Navy/Air Force Commanders in their area. There should be more functions apart from Army Day or Air Force Day or Navy day which come once a year. The agitation and visibility should encompass whole of India and not only Delhi and al year round. The task is a big one.
How to go about is a challenge for people like you and your organisations.
Regards,
Wg Cdr Shashank Bendre (Retd)

Memorandum of Association: INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT
Aims & Objectives. In general the IESM will aim to bind the ESM fraternity together and use the talent and experience of the ESM towards nation building. In specific the aims and objectives will be, but not limited to, as follows:-

(a) To promote, support and organize suitable occupational opportunities for ESM.
(b) To provide assistance to ESM and their widows in their resettlement.
(c) To provide assistance to ESM in setting up own small scale ventures for livelihood.
(d) To provide assistance to all ESM in matters concerning medical, pension, grants etc.
(e) To organize social, cultural, educational and recreational events for the benefit of ESM and their wards.
(f) To periodically hold conferences, meetings, seminars, lectures and visual shows on topics of interest to the ESM.
(g) To pursue with the Centre and State governments for removal of any discriminatory rules and provisions adversely affecting the interests of ESM.
(h) To pursue establishment of Just & Fair place of Defence services in the country i.e. functioning of Defence services in a democracy.
(j) To undertake any other task considered appropriate by the Governing Body.

Areas of Immediate Concern. To strongly take up important issues/ problems affecting the ESM like:

Constitution of Ex Servicemen Commission at the National level to look after welfare measures of the ESM. The ESM commission should be headed by an ESM and to have members from the ESM including ESM Widows.

Guaranteed Re-settlement/ Reemployment of servicemen on retirement until the age of 60 years or in the alternative, suitable enhanced compensation till attainment of 60 years of age.

To restore status, respect and self esteem which has been eroded in the past 60 years.

Revamping of ECHS Scheme so as to make it user friendly for all types of medical care, including super specialized care thereby improving the health care of ESM.

Representation of the ESM on all committees and other such bodies constituted for the purpose of looking into matters affecting the interests of the ESM.

Single window service to be established in all Civil/Govt. offices to avoid difficulty and delay of ESM problems.

Once a year a free railway warrant of the class authorized to be given to every ESM and his/her spouse of the life time.

Taking up case for Defence Constituency like graduate constituency for the serving & retired defence personnel to safeguard their interests in the Parliament & state legislatures. Till this is accepted asking for nominated members?

Taking up with state governments for allotment of residential plots & industrial sheds for the ESM’s.

Taking up cases collectively for removal of injustice through legal means

Building up funds by voluntary contributions as prescribed to have resources for building, office & legal aid.

To liaise with the services to help the PBOR’s in resettlement..
Memorandum of Association: INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT(IESM)