OROP: Lt Gens taken out of the equation

To: Brig CS Kamboj
Dear Sir,
1. Since Government of India has turned down OROP, time has come to re appreciate and find a way forward.
2. In my view, perhaps political approach was bit overdone. Return of Medals and going to Political Parties for inclusion of OROP in their Manifesto was justified. But forming a Political Party to fighting an Election perhaps came to over playing of hand. Ex-Servicemen cannot outplay seasoned and hereditary Politicians in politics. Plus I think it re-enforced their belief that this Political awakening must be crushed, that heightened their decades old fears of military.
3. They have divided IESM at many levels. It was led by Lt Gens, they have taken them out of the equation. They have taken care of PBORs which the EGOM already had cleared in UPA-1 times. The others have been left high and dry. My sense of History is that before even the British, the Mughals employed the same ploy. Give the Military less pay and pension and force them to become corrupt. Corrupt can never group as they are mutually afraid. Though paid the Englishman very well from India's treasury.
4. I wonder if the Lt Gens would lead the IESM with the same earlier zeal. But if they are for the good they would.
5. VADM Harinder Singh had the Legal Approach in mind. But the GOI has set up Tribunals! Now the Lt Gens in the Tribunal may not be as naturally inclined. If they go to SC, they can say go to Military Tribunals. In that case can the IESM ask for Special Pension Commission whose findings should be dealt at the Political Level. But they are not inclined to do any thorough work ordinarily; unless perhaps Opposition Parties also are involved with the Commission. OROP is not the only issue there are other compelling issues e.g. Medi Care-ECHS, POWs, Memorials, Jobs and Reemployment, R&D for battle casualties treatment, rehablitation and reintegration with others. Accounting of Missing Servicemen, etc.
6. Interaction with Elected Political Leadership at many levels with major National Parties to convince them of the apoliticalness of the Military. Allaying the fears or the superiority of IAS. They can be given one Rupee more for this. History is in our favour. All the other State Services are waiting to pounce on the Government if they accept OROP they would go to Courts too. One needs to find unbeatable arguments here. The best Brains of the Country and the Parliament are needed.
7. At the moment demoralisation seems to be gripping us. Morale must remain high. Not battles but wars have to be won.

With best regards,
Prem P Batra (Veteran)