IESM: Goals to be achieved

Dear Colleagues,
The first AGM of IESM was held as per schedule in NOIDA today. It was attended by over 400 ESM from different States – Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, UP, HP, Punjab , and Haryana etc. Apart from the customary business of passing of the accounts and selection of auditors, which were done unanimously, the meeting also took stock of the progress made by the IESM in its first year of infancy. It was brought out that even though the OROP issue is yet to be fully resolved by the govt, the IESM can be legitimately proud of the following that have undeniably come about only because of the struggle launched by the Movement:

The almost forgotten issue of OROP has come on the national radar screen.

As per media reports, the government has been forced to accept the two demands of having a separate pay commission for the armed forces and of constituting an ESM Commission. Both these are part of IESM demands.

Two major political parties, BJP and CPM included the OROP issue in their election manifesto by categorically stating that if voted to power, they would sanction OROP. It may be relevant to recall that the same BJP had not sanctioned OROP during their over six years NDA rule.

The President of India included mention of the term OROP in her address to the opening session of the Parliament on 04 June 2009. This was the first time in India ’s history that the ‘taboo’ word was used by the First Citizen of the country.

A high level committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary was constituted (on the eve of General Elections) to examine OROP.

Substantial pension benefits for pre 1997 PBOR are in the pipe line and an amount of Rs 2144 Crore has already been set aside for this purpose.

It was unanimously resolved to continue with the struggle. It was reiterated that the struggle must continue to remain within the ambit of law and discipline, and that we must not do anything that might put the public at inconvenience thereby risking their support and sympathy. Keeping these tenets in mind it was mentioned that after trying out various methods, depositing of medals was found to be the most potent form of protest. It has tremendous psychological significance, high visibility and has left the government groping for an appropriate counter. Admittedly, it is not spectacular and earth-shattering, but it is powerful and lasting in its effect. This must continue.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
For more details and photographs taken during the IESM AGM, held on 13 Dec 09 at Noida, kindly visit the IESM website http://www.iesm.org/

Dear Brig Kamboj,
I take this opportunity, on behalf of many a Veterans here in Toronto (Canada) in thanking you and the organisation for the tremendous efforts being put in by you and others in regard to the problems of Veterans. Whatever has been achieved is entirely your effort. Thanks a million for everything. We would have been ' up the gum tree', without you, The President, Vice President and others. What a devoted and a dedicated team we have.
I keep getting the info from my course mates( 23 NDA Course) and others too. I would like to pay whatever amount is due for the membership etc etc.Coming to India in Feb and would like to clear the dues then for becoming a life member. Please be kind enough to fwd the details at your convenience.
Thanks for everything. May the organisation grow ' from strength to strength ' under the leadership of each one of you.
Warm Regards.
Col S S Cheema, SM, Veteran