We must visit our rural areas and interact with the rural-based veterans, the existence of such mini- organizations is unlikely to be known or appreciated. All these mini- organizations need to be co-opted by the bigger organizations, both to raise their memberships and to get them in the mainstream of the various actions that the bigger organizations are likely to take in the future.
The bigger organizations, numbering about 20, which include IESL, IESM, AIEWA, RDOA, Sainik Sangh, some very active organizations in Punjab, HP and Uttranchal. Then there are organizations at Ghaziabad, Meerut, Chennai, other places in Tamil Nadu and so on. Of course there are the two major Foundations– Navy and Air Force and many independent veterans who are well disposed to take up issues with the government or its functionaries. One could continue to list them but it is unlikely to add to the purpose of this paper. My reasons for listing them are that despite all organizations trying out their own methodology, the position remains the same as it was when the veterans had first decided to approach the government.
The various organizations had their own methodology for seeking redressal, from an agitational mode to lobbying to the through proper channels modes. None have really succeeded although all organizations lay a claim to so-called achievements. I do not think we need to go into any details, although many may not agree with me.
Where do we stand today? The government (read bureaucracy) has played a clever trick, resulting in the public perception that all aspirations of the veterans, especially relating to OROP have been met. That this is the real fact. The important question is what the veterans should do now. I feel the options are twofold:
The first and foremost is unity in perceiving and achieving the goals. I am sure every veteran has been hurt by the allegations and counter- allegations by various organizations in the last over one year. Many attempts at unity have fallen by the wayside, mainly because each organization was convinced it was right. It needs to be understood that however much the veterans try, no organization is willing to merge with any other. Therefore, the solution needs to be found wherein each organization retains its individuality and create a central body as an apex entity. Such an apex body will only be accepted by most veteran organizations (still not all), if there is adequate representation of at least the major organizations. Please look at the example of CII or NASSCOM. They steer the common issues of the individual organizations they represent, with the government and others. The CII has a membership of over 7800 organizations and NASSCOM has more than 1200 members. Their Executive Councils are elected bodies, with a fixed tenure. Modalities of a structure for the veterans can be worked out through discussions, but all veteran organizations must then conform without reservation. If the veterans are unable to achieve unity, nothing tangible would be achieved in the immediate future.
Lobbying and convincing everyone that grave injustice has been done that needs to be set right is a powerful democratic process. Lobbying not only with the government– political leadership as well as the bureaucracy, but also with the people. We have seen how obtuse the functionaries of the government are, so although one may expect little from them, lobbying does pay in the long run. The veterans should also launch a concerted campaign to inform the people of the perfidious actions of the government and convince them that the veterans of all ranks continue to be left high and dry. This is not something that can be achieved in a short period of time, but sustained efforts would be needed. The people must be convinced that all claims of the government that OROP has been given must be exposed as lies.
Col Jasjit Talwar (Retd)
Extracts from:Thoughts on future course of action for Veterans: click me to read more
No comments:
Post a Comment