Non receipt of proper amount of pension is a disturbing matter for the Defence Personnel. But, not so, for the powers that be in the administration! The country first "CEASED TO BE GOVERNED" Now it has "CEASED TO BE ADMINISTERED". The UN- civil Babus have found a new way to taunt the defence personnel. For the first time in Independent India, the CDA has decided NOT TO ISSUE FRESH PPO AS WAS BEING DONE HITHERTO AFTER EVERY PAY REVISION. It has asked Banks to fix the pension and pay off, without causing extra work for them... they are on S N O O Z E. The banks say they do not know how to fix pension. I spoke to Mr Harbans Singh in the Ministry of Defence. The ministry appeared to be whole heartedly enjoying the humiliation of the soldiers. I have been advised to knock at the doors of the disbursing bank. If the branch does not act, I should approach higher bank authorities. The Banks want you to make an application for revision of your pension, giving all service details (forget that these are already held by them!!!) and a copy of earlier PPO. You must state your date of birth, date of joining service, date of retirement and total service rendered. Then your case will be studied by the banks. So, after usage of millions of papers, envelopes and postage payment to the postal department by two million ESM and dependants, you can hope to have your pension revised. GOD HELP THOSE WHO CANNOT WRITE . THEY WILL SUFFER ENDLESSLY.
Gp Capt KP Sharma
20 Mar 2009
An Introduction to One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) by Maj Gen Surjit Singh
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Short Service Commissioned Officers- Guinea Pigs left high and dry!
This was a very important point which has been raised by Sachin.
The short service commission officers(SSCO) are given second grade treatment... Probably the ESM organisations and the Government have started diluting their outlook towards this breed of commissioned officers who form the backbone in operations as young officers, sacrifice their youth and walk off from service when they actually need to leverage the benefits of service perks...
As per my understanding the paucity of officers in the armed forces is in the levels of Lt Cols and below. As an SS officer you can serve up to the rank of Major. Ideally in the army you are worth your salt only in your young days to lead the men into war and CI-Ops... thereafter you are just administering the daily routine which anyone can do. So an SS officer is a guinea-pig who will be sorted out during the younger days of his life and then gradually shown the way out after 5/10 years......and when he comes out after 5/10years he will be in his thirties with a family to look after. He will get nothing but a useless CSD facility and nothing more.....the army can use him during the prime of his life and then leave him...no pension benefits required to be paid......so a win win situation for the army but a lost situation for the officer. He is left high and dry..... If Directorate General Of Resettlement (DGR) or MOD wants to retain it's image of serving the interests of only the regular officers there is no problem at all. It's a question of policy, but my point is.. nothing should be hidden from the people of this country. The People must know the facts after having served for several years most of us are left in the lurch without any thing solid with us. Its high time to know that how many times our ESM Organizations have raised their voices against the disparity and let's hear their view about the SS officers and let the public know about it let us know the reason why an officer after having served for 5/10 years is not entitled for ECHS just because he was a SS officer? Let's know why a SS officer is denied entry into Defence Officers' Institute (DOI) or DSOI Delhi for that matter, where as the son of Mr Mulayam Singh is invited to become the member of DOI in Lucknow. What great has been done by Mr Akhilesh Yadav apart from marrying the daughter of a Lt Col and being a person of controversial nature. We have given our youth and fought for our Nation with the same valour and courage as anyone else did. We do not deserve this kind of treatment.......I do not want to victimize any one but believe that the nation must know about the outlook of the Army towards it's own ex officers.
Praveer Gahlaut
(This is from the website Jatland.com where 1964 visits till date have been made on the thread started by me on ORP.)
Needs introspection.
Brig Lakshman Singh (VSM)
One Rank One Pension (OROP) for Defence Pensioners- Jatland Forums
Short Service Commissioned Officers- Some pertinent questions.
1. Percentage of officers in each rank who hold short service commissions?
2. What is the estimated cost of training short service commissioned officers, including pay, allowances and maintenance costs to exchequer, prior to their posting to units/ Bns/ Sqns, and the period of such training?
3. The percentage of discharged short service officers who, within six months of discharge, obtain employment in the Public Sector firms/ industries, obtain other employment, and fail to obtain employment respectively?
4. For what minimum period prior to discharge these officers are posted to units near their home with a view to giving them opportunity for seeking other employment or training?
5. Number of SS Officers absorbed in Government service including para military forces?
6. Does the Nation have a scheme to use their services or is it that the resources spent on them is wasted after terms of engagement are over?
The short service commission officers(SSCO) are given second grade treatment... Probably the ESM organisations and the Government have started diluting their outlook towards this breed of commissioned officers who form the backbone in operations as young officers, sacrifice their youth and walk off from service when they actually need to leverage the benefits of service perks...
As per my understanding the paucity of officers in the armed forces is in the levels of Lt Cols and below. As an SS officer you can serve up to the rank of Major. Ideally in the army you are worth your salt only in your young days to lead the men into war and CI-Ops... thereafter you are just administering the daily routine which anyone can do. So an SS officer is a guinea-pig who will be sorted out during the younger days of his life and then gradually shown the way out after 5/10 years......and when he comes out after 5/10years he will be in his thirties with a family to look after. He will get nothing but a useless CSD facility and nothing more.....the army can use him during the prime of his life and then leave him...no pension benefits required to be paid......so a win win situation for the army but a lost situation for the officer. He is left high and dry..... If Directorate General Of Resettlement (DGR) or MOD wants to retain it's image of serving the interests of only the regular officers there is no problem at all. It's a question of policy, but my point is.. nothing should be hidden from the people of this country. The People must know the facts after having served for several years most of us are left in the lurch without any thing solid with us. Its high time to know that how many times our ESM Organizations have raised their voices against the disparity and let's hear their view about the SS officers and let the public know about it let us know the reason why an officer after having served for 5/10 years is not entitled for ECHS just because he was a SS officer? Let's know why a SS officer is denied entry into Defence Officers' Institute (DOI) or DSOI Delhi for that matter, where as the son of Mr Mulayam Singh is invited to become the member of DOI in Lucknow. What great has been done by Mr Akhilesh Yadav apart from marrying the daughter of a Lt Col and being a person of controversial nature. We have given our youth and fought for our Nation with the same valour and courage as anyone else did. We do not deserve this kind of treatment.......I do not want to victimize any one but believe that the nation must know about the outlook of the Army towards it's own ex officers.
Praveer Gahlaut
(This is from the website Jatland.com where 1964 visits till date have been made on the thread started by me on ORP.)
Needs introspection.
Brig Lakshman Singh (VSM)
One Rank One Pension (OROP) for Defence Pensioners- Jatland Forums
Short Service Commissioned Officers- Some pertinent questions.
1. Percentage of officers in each rank who hold short service commissions?
2. What is the estimated cost of training short service commissioned officers, including pay, allowances and maintenance costs to exchequer, prior to their posting to units/ Bns/ Sqns, and the period of such training?
3. The percentage of discharged short service officers who, within six months of discharge, obtain employment in the Public Sector firms/ industries, obtain other employment, and fail to obtain employment respectively?
4. For what minimum period prior to discharge these officers are posted to units near their home with a view to giving them opportunity for seeking other employment or training?
5. Number of SS Officers absorbed in Government service including para military forces?
6. Does the Nation have a scheme to use their services or is it that the resources spent on them is wasted after terms of engagement are over?
IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- ninty fifth day
Date: Friday, 20 March, 2009, 8:24 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue continues to remain under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
IESM and Politics
There has been unfortunate apprehension among some ESM regarding the perceived political forays of the IESM. It might have been partly due to misinterpreting the emails emanating from Core Gp members. Pressed for time, and in our effort to keep the brotherhood updated, our communications at times may take liberty with clarity for the sake of speed and brevity. Satbir is the latest mouse-victim in this regard, for which he has been cavilled. His reference to “Power of Vote” was actually intended to convey that the current political milieu in the country has come to recognise the collective voting strength of the ESM community.
Let me put any nagging doubts at rest. The IESM is an apolitical body and is intended to be kept so. We have buttoned up with an existing registered party– Rashtriya Raksha Dal- and some candidates would be fielded under their symbol. Some others may fight as Independents and we will support them. However, this support would be in several forms but no IESM finances will be utilised for elections. Whatever skimpy sum we have been able to collect through your kind contributions/ donations is your trust with us and we will use it only for furthering the IESM cause. I request that we close the to-and-fro exchanges on this subject.
Visits
Gen Satbir and his team leave for Punjab tonight to attend ESM rallies at Gurdaspur, Faridkot and Ludhiana. Colonel Kanwar Bhardwaj and I are attending two rallies at Hisar and Bhiwani in Haryana Mar 21.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Veterans' Voice
Dear Gen Satbir,
Please accept hearty congratulations for this, being one of the great achievement of IESM as BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate Sh. LK Advani’s visit to Jantar-Mantar on behalf of his Party and its NDA partners, have realised the mistake of present Govt and accordingly promised for implementation of “One Rank One Pension” without any delay if they come in power. Today every citizen of the country knows the injustice meted to defence services.
Major Credit goes to you, Gen Raj Kadyan, Brig C S Kamboj, Cdr Sharan Ahuja and all other Core group members who are working day and night for the last three months. This way all ESM can definitely do a lot more for the justice and welfare of Defences Services which was neglected by the Government since idependence of the country, as there was no dedicated organisation like IESM to raise the voice of ESM and present before the Govt for justice and welfare of veterans. Implementation on guide lines issued by you are in hand to achieve the Mission. Almighty God is with us to guide and help us in achieving our Mission.
With Kind Regards,
Brij
Lt Col B M Thapa (Retd)
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue continues to remain under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
IESM and Politics
There has been unfortunate apprehension among some ESM regarding the perceived political forays of the IESM. It might have been partly due to misinterpreting the emails emanating from Core Gp members. Pressed for time, and in our effort to keep the brotherhood updated, our communications at times may take liberty with clarity for the sake of speed and brevity. Satbir is the latest mouse-victim in this regard, for which he has been cavilled. His reference to “Power of Vote” was actually intended to convey that the current political milieu in the country has come to recognise the collective voting strength of the ESM community.
Let me put any nagging doubts at rest. The IESM is an apolitical body and is intended to be kept so. We have buttoned up with an existing registered party– Rashtriya Raksha Dal- and some candidates would be fielded under their symbol. Some others may fight as Independents and we will support them. However, this support would be in several forms but no IESM finances will be utilised for elections. Whatever skimpy sum we have been able to collect through your kind contributions/ donations is your trust with us and we will use it only for furthering the IESM cause. I request that we close the to-and-fro exchanges on this subject.
Visits
Gen Satbir and his team leave for Punjab tonight to attend ESM rallies at Gurdaspur, Faridkot and Ludhiana. Colonel Kanwar Bhardwaj and I are attending two rallies at Hisar and Bhiwani in Haryana Mar 21.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Veterans' Voice
Dear Gen Satbir,
Please accept hearty congratulations for this, being one of the great achievement of IESM as BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate Sh. LK Advani’s visit to Jantar-Mantar on behalf of his Party and its NDA partners, have realised the mistake of present Govt and accordingly promised for implementation of “One Rank One Pension” without any delay if they come in power. Today every citizen of the country knows the injustice meted to defence services.
Major Credit goes to you, Gen Raj Kadyan, Brig C S Kamboj, Cdr Sharan Ahuja and all other Core group members who are working day and night for the last three months. This way all ESM can definitely do a lot more for the justice and welfare of Defences Services which was neglected by the Government since idependence of the country, as there was no dedicated organisation like IESM to raise the voice of ESM and present before the Govt for justice and welfare of veterans. Implementation on guide lines issued by you are in hand to achieve the Mission. Almighty God is with us to guide and help us in achieving our Mission.
With Kind Regards,
Brij
Lt Col B M Thapa (Retd)
Friday, March 20, 2009
One Rank One Pension as heard in the Whispering Corridors of the Bureaucracy
L.K. Advani NDA's PM candidate he on behalf of his Party and his NDA partners fully endorsed the demand of "One Rank One Pension" and categorically committed that future BJP Government, if elected will implement this demand without any delay. He made this promise during his visit to Jantar-Mantar on March 19, 2009 where Veteran Defence Personnel are on a relay hunger strike since December 16, 2008 to press their demand for implementation of "One Rank One Pension".L. K. Advani promises Implementation of one rank, one pension
Advani picks up gauntlet for ex-servicemen
BS Reporter/ New Delhi March 20, 2009, 1:04 IST
The demand for one-rank, one-pension (OROP) raised by ex-servicemen has taken on a political hue with the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA’s) prime ministerial candidate, L K Advani, promising that the BJP would fulfill this demand if voted to power.
Addressing retired soldiers in the capital on Thursday, Advani said the current policy of different pensions for two individuals retiring after equal length of service and from the same rank is “illogical.”
Under the existing system, a havaldar who retired before January 2006 receives Rs 5,239 as pension, but another soldier of the same rank and who retired after 2006 receives Rs 8,030. The BJP would make the OROP demand a part of its election agenda and would “insist” that its NDA allies would approve of this demand, said Advani.
India’s national security and the honour of the tri-services, which provides that security is paramount for the BJP, as reflected in its “costly” decision to conduct nuclear tests soon after coming to power in 1998, said Advani.
Similarly, despite the so-called burden on the exchequer due to the implementation of the OROP, the BJP would go ahead since the “problem is not about inadequacy (of money) but of inequity,” he added.
So far, political parties have taken note of the OROP demand, but it has remained only in their election manifestos. The Congress too had listed it in its 2004 manifesto, but the United Progressive Alliance government did not fulfill the demand.
In a report tabled in Parliament by the Standing Committee on Defence, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it’s “unfeasible to accept the (OROP) demand” due to “additional financial liability and repercussions elsewhere.”
As per MoD estimates, instead of Rs 460 crore an annum allotted for providing pension for ex-servicemen, Rs 1,200-1,300 crore would be spent if the OROP demand is met.
Advani picks up gauntlet for ex-servicemen
Dear All,
After all politicians are and shall remain politicians. LKA is drawing mileage from our fight for 'OROP' without making any firm commitment. Mark what he has said as quoted by Gen Kadyan:
"They would be able to pursuade their allies (meaning NDA) and implement OROP."
This is no commitment leave alone firm commitment. Afterwards he would say we tried to pursuade but the allies do not agree!
When a politicians says 'yes' he means perhaps, when he says 'perhaps' he means 'No' and when he says 'No' he is not a politician.
So beware of the politicians.
Lt Col MG Kapoor
Advocate
The demand for one-rank, one-pension (OROP) raised by ex-servicemen has taken on a political hue with the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA’s) prime ministerial candidate, L K Advani, promising that the BJP would fulfill this demand if voted to power.
Addressing retired soldiers in the capital on Thursday, Advani said the current policy of different pensions for two individuals retiring after equal length of service and from the same rank is “illogical.”
Under the existing system, a havaldar who retired before January 2006 receives Rs 5,239 as pension, but another soldier of the same rank and who retired after 2006 receives Rs 8,030. The BJP would make the OROP demand a part of its election agenda and would “insist” that its NDA allies would approve of this demand, said Advani.
India’s national security and the honour of the tri-services, which provides that security is paramount for the BJP, as reflected in its “costly” decision to conduct nuclear tests soon after coming to power in 1998, said Advani.
Similarly, despite the so-called burden on the exchequer due to the implementation of the OROP, the BJP would go ahead since the “problem is not about inadequacy (of money) but of inequity,” he added.
So far, political parties have taken note of the OROP demand, but it has remained only in their election manifestos. The Congress too had listed it in its 2004 manifesto, but the United Progressive Alliance government did not fulfill the demand.
In a report tabled in Parliament by the Standing Committee on Defence, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it’s “unfeasible to accept the (OROP) demand” due to “additional financial liability and repercussions elsewhere.”
As per MoD estimates, instead of Rs 460 crore an annum allotted for providing pension for ex-servicemen, Rs 1,200-1,300 crore would be spent if the OROP demand is met.
Advani picks up gauntlet for ex-servicemen
Dear All,
After all politicians are and shall remain politicians. LKA is drawing mileage from our fight for 'OROP' without making any firm commitment. Mark what he has said as quoted by Gen Kadyan:
"They would be able to pursuade their allies (meaning NDA) and implement OROP."
This is no commitment leave alone firm commitment. Afterwards he would say we tried to pursuade but the allies do not agree!
When a politicians says 'yes' he means perhaps, when he says 'perhaps' he means 'No' and when he says 'No' he is not a politician.
So beware of the politicians.
Lt Col MG Kapoor
Advocate
Armed forces still await enhanced pay
New Delhi, March 18
The long wait of the 13 lakh strong armed force for better salary and status continues as no orders have been issued, so far, to implement the decision that was taken on certain issues of the forces.
Four core issues still remain unresolved despite directions of the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) in this regard.
Since the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not issued directions, the central defence accounts (CDA) cannot implement any hike or change that was cleared by the PMO, resulting no change at the ground level.
The Armed forces had raised four core issue after the Sixth Pay Commission submitted its report.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formed a three-member ministerial committee headed by Pranab Mukherjee, which submitted its report in the last week of December. Subsequently, Chief of Staffs Committee Admiral Sureesh Mehta took up the matter.
A Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence issued a letter some time in the last week of January, clarifying that Lieutenant Colonels, with a few exceptions of those who are on deputation to public sector units, will be placed under the enhanced pay-band IV structure.
That was the last written word on the subject. In a normal course, instructions are issued and conveyed to the CDA informing it that Lt Cols and their equivalents in the IAF and the Navy, are now placed in pay-band IV and not pay-band III as suggested by the pay commission.
Armed forces still await enhanced pay
The long wait of the 13 lakh strong armed force for better salary and status continues as no orders have been issued, so far, to implement the decision that was taken on certain issues of the forces.
Four core issues still remain unresolved despite directions of the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) in this regard.
Since the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not issued directions, the central defence accounts (CDA) cannot implement any hike or change that was cleared by the PMO, resulting no change at the ground level.
The Armed forces had raised four core issue after the Sixth Pay Commission submitted its report.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formed a three-member ministerial committee headed by Pranab Mukherjee, which submitted its report in the last week of December. Subsequently, Chief of Staffs Committee Admiral Sureesh Mehta took up the matter.
A Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence issued a letter some time in the last week of January, clarifying that Lieutenant Colonels, with a few exceptions of those who are on deputation to public sector units, will be placed under the enhanced pay-band IV structure.
That was the last written word on the subject. In a normal course, instructions are issued and conveyed to the CDA informing it that Lt Cols and their equivalents in the IAF and the Navy, are now placed in pay-band IV and not pay-band III as suggested by the pay commission.
Armed forces still await enhanced pay
President confers gallantry and distinguished service awards
Friday,20 March 2009
President, Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil conferred six Kirti Chakras and seventeen Shaurya Chakras to serving armed forces personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty at a solemn ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi today.
The President also conferred nine Param Vishisht Seva Medals, one Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, fifteen Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order. The following is the list of awardees:
GALLANTRY AWARDS
KIRTI CHAKRA
1. IC-31794 Brig Ravi Datt Mehta (Posthumous)
2. IC-52871 Lt Col Saurabh Singh Shekhawat
3. SC-00134 Major Sushil Kumar Singh
4. SC-00137 Major Rajinder Kumar Sharma
5. IC-64615 Capt Sunil Kumar Choudhary (Posthumous)
6. 2791244 Hav Rale Santosh Tanaji
SHAURYA CHAKRA
1. IC-55535 Maj Rajesh Singh
2. IC-57157 Maj Sunder Bisht
3. IC-60439 Maj Chirag Singh Barak
4. IC-61732 Maj Raman Yadav
5. IC-65235 Maj Aditya Kumar Devrani
6. IC-65357 Maj Vijayant Chauhan,
7. IC-65693 Capt Amit Bhardwaj
8. IC-65706 Capt Kuldeep Raj
9. IC-65732 Capt Rahul Singh
10. JC-520181 Sub Dhian Singh (Posthumous)
11. JC-420360 Nb Sub Ramesh Chander
12. 4184821 Hav Tribhuwan Singh
13. 13753884 L/Hav Aziz Mohd (Posthumous)
14. 3189649 Nk Sukhvir
15. 3199037 Sep Sanny Tomar
16. G/5003882 Rfn Sagongdymei Bishong Thangal
17. 15483066 Swr Yadav Arbeshankar Rajdhari (Posthumous)
PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-23011 Lt Gen Isac John Koshy
2. IC-24178 Lt Gen Prabodh Chandra Bhardwaj
3. IC-24255 Lt Gen Amar Nath Aul
4. IC-24604 Lt Gen Digambar Singh Bartwal
5. IC-24611 Lt Gen Avadhesh Prakash
6. MR-02669 Lt Gen Jayakrishnan Jayaram
7. IC-23928 Lt Gen (Retd) Rajender Singh
8. IC-19391 Lt Gen (Retd) Baldev Singh Pawar
9. IC-194 Lt Gen (Retd) Rama Ranjan Goswami (something wrong with IC Number!)
BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-24584 Lt Gen Baljit Singh Jaswal
ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-23801 Lt Gen Anil Kumar Lamba
2. IC-24652 Lt Gen Raj Kumar Karwal
3. IC-25562 Lt Gen Partha Mohapatra
4. IC-32844 Lt Gen Ram Pratap
5. IC-19401 Lt Gen (Retd) Yatindra Singh Panwar
6. IC-24749 Maj Gen Praveen Chandra Kharbanda
7. IC-27778 Maj Gen Jagbir Singh Kundu
8. IC-27793 Maj Gen Jatinder Singh
9. IC-27994 Maj Gen Palvinder Singh Bhalla
10. IC-30053 Maj Gen Rajiv Kumar Kalra
11. IC-30708 Maj Gen Ashok Kumar Choudhary
12. IC-30109 Maj Gen Vinod Kumar Tiwari
13. IC-31016 Maj Gen Subrahmanyam Sunder
14. MR-03436 Maj Gen Charanjit Singh
15. IC-30612 (Retd) Maj Gen Sankarapilla Sarachandran Nair
Samir / RC / RAJ
President confers gallantry and distinguished service awards
Report My Signal Team congratulates all the awardees. Lt Gen YS Panwar who has joined veteran fraternity deserves a double handshake.
President, Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil conferred six Kirti Chakras and seventeen Shaurya Chakras to serving armed forces personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty at a solemn ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi today.
The President also conferred nine Param Vishisht Seva Medals, one Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, fifteen Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order. The following is the list of awardees:
GALLANTRY AWARDS
KIRTI CHAKRA
1. IC-31794 Brig Ravi Datt Mehta (Posthumous)
2. IC-52871 Lt Col Saurabh Singh Shekhawat
3. SC-00134 Major Sushil Kumar Singh
4. SC-00137 Major Rajinder Kumar Sharma
5. IC-64615 Capt Sunil Kumar Choudhary (Posthumous)
6. 2791244 Hav Rale Santosh Tanaji
SHAURYA CHAKRA
1. IC-55535 Maj Rajesh Singh
2. IC-57157 Maj Sunder Bisht
3. IC-60439 Maj Chirag Singh Barak
4. IC-61732 Maj Raman Yadav
5. IC-65235 Maj Aditya Kumar Devrani
6. IC-65357 Maj Vijayant Chauhan,
7. IC-65693 Capt Amit Bhardwaj
8. IC-65706 Capt Kuldeep Raj
9. IC-65732 Capt Rahul Singh
10. JC-520181 Sub Dhian Singh (Posthumous)
11. JC-420360 Nb Sub Ramesh Chander
12. 4184821 Hav Tribhuwan Singh
13. 13753884 L/Hav Aziz Mohd (Posthumous)
14. 3189649 Nk Sukhvir
15. 3199037 Sep Sanny Tomar
16. G/5003882 Rfn Sagongdymei Bishong Thangal
17. 15483066 Swr Yadav Arbeshankar Rajdhari (Posthumous)
PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-23011 Lt Gen Isac John Koshy
2. IC-24178 Lt Gen Prabodh Chandra Bhardwaj
3. IC-24255 Lt Gen Amar Nath Aul
4. IC-24604 Lt Gen Digambar Singh Bartwal
5. IC-24611 Lt Gen Avadhesh Prakash
6. MR-02669 Lt Gen Jayakrishnan Jayaram
7. IC-23928 Lt Gen (Retd) Rajender Singh
8. IC-19391 Lt Gen (Retd) Baldev Singh Pawar
9. IC-194 Lt Gen (Retd) Rama Ranjan Goswami (something wrong with IC Number!)
BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-24584 Lt Gen Baljit Singh Jaswal
ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1. IC-23801 Lt Gen Anil Kumar Lamba
2. IC-24652 Lt Gen Raj Kumar Karwal
3. IC-25562 Lt Gen Partha Mohapatra
4. IC-32844 Lt Gen Ram Pratap
5. IC-19401 Lt Gen (Retd) Yatindra Singh Panwar
6. IC-24749 Maj Gen Praveen Chandra Kharbanda
7. IC-27778 Maj Gen Jagbir Singh Kundu
8. IC-27793 Maj Gen Jatinder Singh
9. IC-27994 Maj Gen Palvinder Singh Bhalla
10. IC-30053 Maj Gen Rajiv Kumar Kalra
11. IC-30708 Maj Gen Ashok Kumar Choudhary
12. IC-30109 Maj Gen Vinod Kumar Tiwari
13. IC-31016 Maj Gen Subrahmanyam Sunder
14. MR-03436 Maj Gen Charanjit Singh
15. IC-30612 (Retd) Maj Gen Sankarapilla Sarachandran Nair
Samir / RC / RAJ
President confers gallantry and distinguished service awards
Report My Signal Team congratulates all the awardees. Lt Gen YS Panwar who has joined veteran fraternity deserves a double handshake.
As Indian Growth Soars, Child Hunger Persists
Malnutrition in India is worse than in many African nations, stunting the growth of children like this girl in Shivpuri, photographed in November 2008 By SOMINI SENGUPTA
Published: March 12, 2009
NEW DELHI — Small, sick, listless children have long been India’s scourge — “a national shame,” in the words of its prime minister, Manmohan Singh. But even after a decade of galloping economic growth, child malnutrition rates are worse here than in many sub-Saharan African countries, and they stand out as a paradox in a proud democracy.
India’s sluggish and sometimes corrupt bureaucracy has only haltingly put in place relatively simple solutions — iodizing salt, for instance, or making sure all children are immunized against preventable diseases — to say nothing of its progress on the harder tasks, like changing what and how parents feed their children.
As Indian Growth Soars, Child Hunger Persists
Comment: NGO's too are not spared by corrupt bureaucrats- they take a bite of major funds and resources and ensure that money and funds do not reach the needy. Even UN organisations and World Bank resources are subtly looted by Bureaucrats...they seek employment of their wards and relatives in these world bodies to thwart any benefit to the poorest of the poor!
Advani vows to address retired soldiers' grievances
BJP leader L.K. Advani openly backs the ex-servicemen and promises that his party would implement the 'one rank, one pension' policy if voted to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Photo: Yasbant Negi/ India TodayPress Trust Of India
New Delhi, March 19, 2009
Terming the ex-servicemen demand for 'one-rank, one-pension' as "logical and rational", senior BJP leader L K Advani on Thursday said the party, if voted to power at the Centre, would implement it.
"If the people of this country give me the mandate to form the government I will convince my colleagues to implement this demand for one-rank, one-pension", he said.
"It (the demand) is so logical and rational. I don't see why it should not be done," Advani said, addressing hundreds of ex-servicemen, who are holding a dharna for the last 94 days.
The senior BJP leader expressed his dismay at the situation which had led some ex-servicemen to return their medals in protest against the UPA government's alleged apathy to their cause.
"I identify with your cause. It is not a problem of inadequacy but of inequity. It is not a question of funds but of respect. I will ensure that your medals are duly returned," Advani said. The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement had announced that it will vote only for those who will keep up the respect and dignity of the fraternity.
Advani vows to address retired soldiers' grievances
Media coverage
Advani supports 'one-rank, one-pension' to ex-servicemen: HT
Advani promises One Rank One Pension for ex-servicemen: India Today
Advani supports 'one-rank, one-pension' to ex-servicemen: Zee News
Advani to hear grievances of retired soldiers: The Hindu
IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- ninty fourth day
Date: Thursday, 19 March, 2009, 8:33 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue remains under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
Shri Advani’s Visit
As scheduled, Shri LK Advani visited Jantar Mantar today. The gathering of about 60-70 comprised mainly officers and families. Due to short notice, only a few PBOR could attend. Media was present in full force.
In introductory remarks, among other points, I mentioned that it was unfortunate that in the 94 days of our fast at Jantar Mantar, neither any political leader in power, nor any government official has had the time to talk to us about our problems.
Using a quote from our memorandum to the President submitted on 9 Mar 2009 - Inequity hurts more than inadequacy – Mr Advani empathised with our cause and expressed support for OROP. He asserted that money should be no consideration while giving dues of the Ex Servicemen.
He categorically stated that if his party came to power, they would be able to pursuade their allies (meaning NDA) and implement OROP.
In the end, on behalf of the ESM I thanked Mr Advani for his assurance of support to our demand of OROP.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue remains under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
Shri Advani’s Visit
As scheduled, Shri LK Advani visited Jantar Mantar today. The gathering of about 60-70 comprised mainly officers and families. Due to short notice, only a few PBOR could attend. Media was present in full force.
In introductory remarks, among other points, I mentioned that it was unfortunate that in the 94 days of our fast at Jantar Mantar, neither any political leader in power, nor any government official has had the time to talk to us about our problems.
Using a quote from our memorandum to the President submitted on 9 Mar 2009 - Inequity hurts more than inadequacy – Mr Advani empathised with our cause and expressed support for OROP. He asserted that money should be no consideration while giving dues of the Ex Servicemen.
He categorically stated that if his party came to power, they would be able to pursuade their allies (meaning NDA) and implement OROP.
In the end, on behalf of the ESM I thanked Mr Advani for his assurance of support to our demand of OROP.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Thursday, March 19, 2009
IESM: Shree LK Advani Visits Jantar Mantar- Promises Implementation of OROP
Dated: 19 Mar 2009
Dear Friends,
1. Shree LK Advani, the NDA PM designate visited Jantar Mantar today at 1215 PM. In his brief speech, he on behalf of his Party and his NDA partners fully endorsed the demand of “One Rank One Pension” and categorically committed that future BJP Government, if elected will implement this demand without any delay. Press Release alongwith photograph is enclosed.
2. Friends, Our persistent efforts to intensify our protest Movement PAN India has started yielding results. The people of our country are getting aware of the Injustice being done to the Defence Forces. There is need to further intensify our Movement. We need to magnify our visibility at NCR and in all parts of the country. Besides getting our demands accepted, we need to show case the “Power of Vote” in the coming Lok Sabha Election. Some of the actions/ events are given below:
3. It is time that all Defence Veterans Organisations and veterans must unite under one Umbrella Organisation IESM and in one voice showcase our demands and other issues. We as ESM can do a lot in nation building. We need to make the people of India aware that this huge mass of trained and experienced soldiers should be treated with care and compassion and their services utilized to propel the growth of our Country “Bharat”.
With regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
One Rank One Pension
Dated: 19 Mar 2009
Dear Members of the Press
BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate Sh. LK Advani visited Jantar-Mantar today at 12.15 PM, where Veteran Defence Personnel are on Relay Hunger Strike since 16 Dec 2008 to press their demand for implementation of “One Rank One Pension”.
He was welcomed by a large number of veterans assembled at the venue.
Welcoming Mr. Advani, Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, and Chairman Indian Ex Servicemen Movement broadly explained the concept of One Rank One Pension. He expressed surprise that this, most emotive demand of Defence Personnel has not been accepted by the Govt. When all our efforts to get it implemented did not bring any result, we were forced to start a protest Movement. Though 94 days have passed since our starting the Relay Hunger Strike, no leader of any political party or the Govt has come to listen to our genuine demands. Expressing their anguish, Ex Servicemen have deposited over 13000 medals on three occasion to the President of India, being the Supreme Commander of Defence Forces.
In a brief speech, Mr Advani said that he had been briefed about the demand and found it logical and justified. He expressed surprise that it had not been implemented despite the Chairperson of UPA having committed to it, and despite its finding a mention in a Presidential address to the Parliament. He on behalf of his Party and its NDA partners, fully endorsed the demand and categorically stated that if elected to office, they will implement “One Rank One Pension” without any delay.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
“Your protest does not raise the question of inadequacy, but that of inequity. It is only logical that your demands are met.”
-- L. K. Advani
(speaking at the Ex. Servicemen’s protest in New Delhi on 19th March 2009)
Advani’s promise leaves ex-servicemen unmoved
18 Mar 2009 03:56:00 AM IST
BANGALORE: Every vote counts. And at the time of elections, even of those whose pleas have been ignored so far. BJP prime ministerial candidate L K Advani has gone all out to assure ex-servicemen that if voted to power his party would implement the ‘One Rank One Pension’ policy.
This assurance given by Advani is not enough to appease the ex-servicemen who have been returning their gallantry medals protesting the government’s lack of concern for their demand of pension parity.
Major Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, vice-chairman of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement has termed Advani’s assurance as a political statement and that the veterans of the three armed forces will not vote for any party based on promises made in the runup to the elections.
“There have been assurances in the past made by both the NDA and the UPA on the One Rank One Pension policy for ex-servicemen, but nothing has materialised,” he said.
On Advani’s assurance on the long-pending demand, he said that if the BJP leader makes an announcement at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi where the ex-servicemen have been staging a hunger strike since December 16 last year, then they would be convinced.
“Let him make a public statement at the venue where we are protesting for the past 90 days, only then we will be convinced. Till today no politician has called on us,” he said. Around 7,500 medals have been surrendered by the exservicemen in protest so far.
Advani’s promise leaves ex-servicemen unmoved
BANGALORE: Every vote counts. And at the time of elections, even of those whose pleas have been ignored so far. BJP prime ministerial candidate L K Advani has gone all out to assure ex-servicemen that if voted to power his party would implement the ‘One Rank One Pension’ policy.
This assurance given by Advani is not enough to appease the ex-servicemen who have been returning their gallantry medals protesting the government’s lack of concern for their demand of pension parity.
Major Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, vice-chairman of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement has termed Advani’s assurance as a political statement and that the veterans of the three armed forces will not vote for any party based on promises made in the runup to the elections.
“There have been assurances in the past made by both the NDA and the UPA on the One Rank One Pension policy for ex-servicemen, but nothing has materialised,” he said.
On Advani’s assurance on the long-pending demand, he said that if the BJP leader makes an announcement at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi where the ex-servicemen have been staging a hunger strike since December 16 last year, then they would be convinced.
“Let him make a public statement at the venue where we are protesting for the past 90 days, only then we will be convinced. Till today no politician has called on us,” he said. Around 7,500 medals have been surrendered by the exservicemen in protest so far.
Advani’s promise leaves ex-servicemen unmoved
IESM: LK Advani visits Fast for Justice Rally at Jantar Mantar
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Dear Col,
I attended the gathering at Jantar Mantar today. Shri Advani jee was punctual to the minute. A very well covered event by the media. Nice Speech with committment by BJP lead government if it comes in power, however, I could discern a small window to back out if required later on. It is good and we all left satisfied. However, I feel we should get more apolitical VIP also to Jantar Mantar. I am uploading a few pictures of the event, not very good due my position against the sun.
Regards,
Brig Lakshman Singh VSM
Dear Friends,
As planned and organised Shri LK Advaniji visited the IESM Venue (Jantar Mantar) at 1220 hrs toady and affirmed his commitment for One Rank One Pay (OROP). While saying so he also mentioned that it was shame for the nation that the Veterans have to go public demonstration and returning of their medals particularly when investiture ceremonies are being held to decorate them. He also asserted that BJP/NDA will not hesitate to earmark funds for OROP particularly when in the past they could take much more costlier decision for safeguarding our Nation;(this reference was on Pokhraan Test in the back-ground of the Chinese plans).
Gen Kadyan while welcoming Shri LK Advani ji highlighted the points on OROP and loudly explained the audience/press that the issue was more of inequity than adequacy and was well taken by them. Hopefully, the details will appear in the media news today. You can watch the details on 'Report My Signal Blog.
Let us all put our best to support the IESM and increase its membership. We owe to the society.
Regards.
Gp Capt I Jairath (Retd)
SCPC: Revision of Family Pension- MOD slip up
Respected Sir,
The 6th CPC had not recommended any specific rates of pension to certain categories of Special Family pensioners. The MOD also does not mention anything about the revised rates of pension to be paid to the above pensioners. But the Govt. accepted certain basic rates of pension for these special categories as per 5th CPC recommendations.
The MOD would have taken up the matter while issuing the circular on 6th CPC dt.11.11.08. But it had not done so. This involves lot of financial loss to the pensioners.
I have written an article on the subject along with a table for PBOR for your perusal and necessary action. REVISION OF SPECIAL FAMILY PENSION, DEPENDANT PENSION, DEPENDANT PENSION (LIBERALISED), LIBERALISED FAMILY PENSION- click link here
With best wishes to all the IESM functionaries. Long Live IESM. Jai Hind.
Yours sincerely,
C Muthukrishnan (Ex Sgt)
(Member of IESM)
Kindly visit Blog: indianexserviceman.blogspot.com
The 6th CPC had not recommended any specific rates of pension to certain categories of Special Family pensioners. The MOD also does not mention anything about the revised rates of pension to be paid to the above pensioners. But the Govt. accepted certain basic rates of pension for these special categories as per 5th CPC recommendations.
The MOD would have taken up the matter while issuing the circular on 6th CPC dt.11.11.08. But it had not done so. This involves lot of financial loss to the pensioners.
I have written an article on the subject along with a table for PBOR for your perusal and necessary action. REVISION OF SPECIAL FAMILY PENSION, DEPENDANT PENSION, DEPENDANT PENSION (LIBERALISED), LIBERALISED FAMILY PENSION- click link here
With best wishes to all the IESM functionaries. Long Live IESM. Jai Hind.
Yours sincerely,
C Muthukrishnan (Ex Sgt)
(Member of IESM)
Kindly visit Blog: indianexserviceman.blogspot.com
IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- ninty first/second day
Date: Wednesday, 18 March, 2009, 11:24 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue in under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
Political Shenanigans
Shri LK Advani is scheduled to visit Jantar Mantar at 1215 hours tomorrow (19 Mar 2009). While referring to OROP, he is likely to announce, "A future BJP-led government, if elected, will implement this demand without any delay".
A few comments on his likely statement:
1. A ‘BJP-led government’ implies the commitment from NDA and not only from BJP.
2. ‘Will implement’ is devoid of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ and is categorical as compared to the earlier ‘will re-examine’, ‘will seriously consider’ etc.
3. ‘Without any delay’ is an encouraging term of reference, particularly with the use of ‘any’. It could possibly have been more specific. (I had read in the media recently where the BJP had reportedly said that if voted to power they would bring in POTA within three days of assuming office, or words to that effect).
Those who are computer literate might see portal of LK ADVANI- PORTAL-HOME, Click here on internet. It has two articles on OROP as under:
On the 94th day of the relay fast, political leaders at the national level are taking note of our just demands. Members of the team who have been tenacoiusly carrying on with the struggle deserve our praise.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
The BJP Headquarter has confirmed this evening that Shree LK Advani will visit at IESM Shamiana at Jantar Mantar on 19 Mar 09, 1230 hrs, to announce BJP's support for OROP.
All Indian Military Veterans, All Ranks, living in and around NCR are requested to make it convenient to reach at Jantar Mantar latest by 1200 hrs.
All veterans, who are in touch with the media persons are also requested to activate their contacts and ensure maximum possible coverage of the function at Jantar Mantar on 19 Mar 09.
As we all know - firstly it is game of numbers and secondly intensity of the media coverage that can bring success to IESM.
Therefore, I request your best support in all possible ways.
Please be at Jantar Mantar with family, friends and your media support.
KINDLY GIVE WIDEST POSSIBLE PUBLICITY TO THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND ENSURE SUBSEQUENT ACTION.
THANK YOU.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
IESM: Report from State Convenor Bangalore
Date: Wednesday, 18 March, 2009, 10:32 PM
Respected Veteran Brig Kamboj Sir,
Jai Hind. I shall be obliged if you could please put out my Report in REPORT MY SIGNAL.
Regards,
Colonel Rajan
EX-SERVICEMEN* MARCH FOR JUSTICE
AND SURRENDER OF MEDALS AT MAHATMA GANDHI STATUE, ON MG ROAD, BANGALORE
AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 2009
Ex-Servicemen, comprising of retired Officers of the Army, Navy & Air Force and retired JCOs, NCOs & OR of the Army and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force
300 Ex-Servicemen assembled at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue on MG Road, Bangalore, at 10 AM on Sunday, 15 March 2009, and undertook a MARCH FOR JUSTICE and thereafter surrendered their Service medals for despatch to her Excellency The President Of India, as a mark of Protest for the pain & anguish caused to the Ex-Servicemen by the Govt. of India in not granting ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.
The IESM State Convenor of Karnataka is grateful to Ex-Servicemen from Tamil Nadu as per details given below who joined their brethren at Bangalore in the MARCH FOR JUSTICE and thereafter surrendered their Service medals:
(a) Capt (IN) Hariharan Balakrishnan from Chennai.
(b) Eleven Ex-Servicemen from TANJAVOOR led by Lt Cdr T Mayil Vahanan.
(c) Five Ex-Servicemen from Trichy led by Cdr V Vaidhyanathan.
(d) N/Sub S Alagu and Nk Mani from Madurai.
The IESM State Convenor of Karnataka is thankful and expresses his gratitude to Shri Rajeev Chandrashekar, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) for his unstinted support to IESM in their quest for Justice and for leading the MARCH FOR JUSTICE. We also express our thanks to Mr TV Mohandas Pai, Infosys HR director and Mr RK Misra, Lead India winner, who came and lent their support by taking part in the MARCH FOR JUSTICE.
18 Ex-Servicemen, as per details given below, surrendered their medals at Bangalore on 15 March 2009:
(a) Air Mshl KDK Lewis, PVSM,AVSM,VM
(b) Brig S Narasimhan, AVSM
(c) Brig DK Gunjal, UN Medal
(d) Brig CN Satya Murthy
(e) Brig DA Reddy
(f) Brig CA Govindraj
(g) Capt (IN) Hariharan Balakrishnan, Chennai.
(h) Col SS Rajan
(i) Col BN Kakde
(j) Col AJ Bhandary
(k) Lt Col PB Chengappa
(l) Lt Col Anand Laksmaiah
(m) Cdr BB Khilari
(n) Wg Cdr CAV Murthy
(o) Wg Cdr BJ Vaz
(p) CM EL(P) S Sethuram
(q) N/Sub S Alagu, from Madurai
(r) Sep M Thyagarajan from Mannargudi, TN
Colonel SS Rajan
IESM State Convenor Karnataka
Respected Veteran Brig Kamboj Sir,
Jai Hind. I shall be obliged if you could please put out my Report in REPORT MY SIGNAL.
Regards,
Colonel Rajan
AND SURRENDER OF MEDALS AT MAHATMA GANDHI STATUE, ON MG ROAD, BANGALORE
AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 2009
Ex-Servicemen, comprising of retired Officers of the Army, Navy & Air Force and retired JCOs, NCOs & OR of the Army and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force
300 Ex-Servicemen assembled at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue on MG Road, Bangalore, at 10 AM on Sunday, 15 March 2009, and undertook a MARCH FOR JUSTICE and thereafter surrendered their Service medals for despatch to her Excellency The President Of India, as a mark of Protest for the pain & anguish caused to the Ex-Servicemen by the Govt. of India in not granting ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.
The IESM State Convenor of Karnataka is grateful to Ex-Servicemen from Tamil Nadu as per details given below who joined their brethren at Bangalore in the MARCH FOR JUSTICE and thereafter surrendered their Service medals:
(a) Capt (IN) Hariharan Balakrishnan from Chennai.
(b) Eleven Ex-Servicemen from TANJAVOOR led by Lt Cdr T Mayil Vahanan.
(c) Five Ex-Servicemen from Trichy led by Cdr V Vaidhyanathan.
(d) N/Sub S Alagu and Nk Mani from Madurai.
The IESM State Convenor of Karnataka is thankful and expresses his gratitude to Shri Rajeev Chandrashekar, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) for his unstinted support to IESM in their quest for Justice and for leading the MARCH FOR JUSTICE. We also express our thanks to Mr TV Mohandas Pai, Infosys HR director and Mr RK Misra, Lead India winner, who came and lent their support by taking part in the MARCH FOR JUSTICE.
18 Ex-Servicemen, as per details given below, surrendered their medals at Bangalore on 15 March 2009:
(a) Air Mshl KDK Lewis, PVSM,AVSM,VM
(b) Brig S Narasimhan, AVSM
(c) Brig DK Gunjal, UN Medal
(d) Brig CN Satya Murthy
(e) Brig DA Reddy
(f) Brig CA Govindraj
(g) Capt (IN) Hariharan Balakrishnan, Chennai.
(h) Col SS Rajan
(i) Col BN Kakde
(j) Col AJ Bhandary
(k) Lt Col PB Chengappa
(l) Lt Col Anand Laksmaiah
(m) Cdr BB Khilari
(n) Wg Cdr CAV Murthy
(o) Wg Cdr BJ Vaz
(p) CM EL(P) S Sethuram
(q) N/Sub S Alagu, from Madurai
(r) Sep M Thyagarajan from Mannargudi, TN
Colonel SS Rajan
IESM State Convenor Karnataka
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
IPS officers prepare for fresh fight for parity
16 Mar 2009, 0255 hrs IST, TNN
NEW DELHI: IPS officers are gearing up to fight another battle against alleged pro-IAS bias of the government which is planning to give an "edge" to babus of the administrative service over officers of similar ranks in the police service by creating a higher salary grade.
If the provocation for the last across-the-ranks mobilisation was the "pro-IAS tilt" in the drafting of the sixth pay commission, the trigger for the fresh flutter among cops is what they call a hush-hush effort to create a higher salary slab for the IAS -- a move which IPS officers think is aimed at giving IAS a tag of "superior service".
Sources in the government said the proposal to have a higher salary slab of Rs 85,000 per month (fixed) for chief secretaries in states and secretaries at the Centre was being readied for government clearance.
Read more:
IPS officers prepare for fresh fight for parity
NEW DELHI: IPS officers are gearing up to fight another battle against alleged pro-IAS bias of the government which is planning to give an "edge" to babus of the administrative service over officers of similar ranks in the police service by creating a higher salary grade.
If the provocation for the last across-the-ranks mobilisation was the "pro-IAS tilt" in the drafting of the sixth pay commission, the trigger for the fresh flutter among cops is what they call a hush-hush effort to create a higher salary slab for the IAS -- a move which IPS officers think is aimed at giving IAS a tag of "superior service".
Sources in the government said the proposal to have a higher salary slab of Rs 85,000 per month (fixed) for chief secretaries in states and secretaries at the Centre was being readied for government clearance.
Read more:
IPS officers prepare for fresh fight for parity
IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- nintieth day
Date: Tuesday, 17 March, 2009, 9:19 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue contiues to be under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
Visits
Gen Satbir, Gen Pravesh Renjen and Col Bhardwaj visited Varanasi today. It was a saisfying visit with all attendees expressing appreciation for the IESM pursuit of a just cause and resolved to join the Movement.
Political Shenanigans
During the morning tele contact with the BJP they mentioned that instead of Mr Advani, some other senior BJP leader would come to Jantar Mantar. I told him that we do not normally let politicians use our IESM forums. (You might be aware that during our rally at India Gate on 27 May 2008, When Mr George Fernades arrived uninvited and wanted to ‘address’ us, I sent him away from the pavement only). I further added that we were making an exception in case of Mr Advani keeping in mind his special status and the firm support expected for our cause. Any other leader will not have the same impact. He suggested that we visit Mr Advani’s residence in large number for ‘media opportunity’. This I politely declined. I also pointed out that as gleaned from media reports Mr Advani has merely said that they will include OROP in their manifesto, and this is no different from the Congress manifesto. I clarified that this would not inspire confidence among the ESM community. I reiterated that we want a committal announcement that if voted to power they WILL implement OROP within a specified timeline.
From Around the Country
Brig Harwant has announced his candidature from Chandigarh as an independent. The media reports say that various parties have taken note of it. Even opponents have sympathised with the cause for which he is contesting. Analysts have said that the sitting Congress candidate Mr Bansal would be the main loser. Even Bansal’s political spokesperson has not criticised OROP; merely saying that being an issue of the Central Government, it would not affect local voting pattern. Best of luck to Harwant and other ESM like him.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue contiues to be under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
Visits
Gen Satbir, Gen Pravesh Renjen and Col Bhardwaj visited Varanasi today. It was a saisfying visit with all attendees expressing appreciation for the IESM pursuit of a just cause and resolved to join the Movement.
Political Shenanigans
During the morning tele contact with the BJP they mentioned that instead of Mr Advani, some other senior BJP leader would come to Jantar Mantar. I told him that we do not normally let politicians use our IESM forums. (You might be aware that during our rally at India Gate on 27 May 2008, When Mr George Fernades arrived uninvited and wanted to ‘address’ us, I sent him away from the pavement only). I further added that we were making an exception in case of Mr Advani keeping in mind his special status and the firm support expected for our cause. Any other leader will not have the same impact. He suggested that we visit Mr Advani’s residence in large number for ‘media opportunity’. This I politely declined. I also pointed out that as gleaned from media reports Mr Advani has merely said that they will include OROP in their manifesto, and this is no different from the Congress manifesto. I clarified that this would not inspire confidence among the ESM community. I reiterated that we want a committal announcement that if voted to power they WILL implement OROP within a specified timeline.
From Around the Country
Brig Harwant has announced his candidature from Chandigarh as an independent. The media reports say that various parties have taken note of it. Even opponents have sympathised with the cause for which he is contesting. Analysts have said that the sitting Congress candidate Mr Bansal would be the main loser. Even Bansal’s political spokesperson has not criticised OROP; merely saying that being an issue of the Central Government, it would not affect local voting pattern. Best of luck to Harwant and other ESM like him.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- eighty ninth day
Date: Monday, 16 March, 2009, 10:12 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue in under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
Visits
Gen Satbir, Gen Pravesh Renjen and Col Bhardwaj visited Lucknow today. The relatively low strength of attendees (Approx 150) was more than made up by their heightened gusto.
Political Shenanigans
I did not watch TV the whole day (was out to Rohtak). Was telephonically informed by Gen SBS Kochar that Shri Advani was announcing that if voted to power they would give OROP. In related developments in the evening, on urging of Air Commodore Chandrasekhar (father of Rajiv Chandrasekhar, MP who has been actively supporting OROP and who led the march in Bangalore March 15 while depositing medals) I spoke with Advani’s political coordinator to learn that Shri Advani wants to visit Jantar Mantar and wishes to make the announcement publicly from that platform. I have suggested he visit Wednesday, Mar 18. I do hope he makes a definite commitment that they WILL give OROP and within....weeks/ months of assuming power. Let us wait and watch.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue in under the charge of local team from Gurgaon.
Visits
Gen Satbir, Gen Pravesh Renjen and Col Bhardwaj visited Lucknow today. The relatively low strength of attendees (Approx 150) was more than made up by their heightened gusto.
Political Shenanigans
I did not watch TV the whole day (was out to Rohtak). Was telephonically informed by Gen SBS Kochar that Shri Advani was announcing that if voted to power they would give OROP. In related developments in the evening, on urging of Air Commodore Chandrasekhar (father of Rajiv Chandrasekhar, MP who has been actively supporting OROP and who led the march in Bangalore March 15 while depositing medals) I spoke with Advani’s political coordinator to learn that Shri Advani wants to visit Jantar Mantar and wishes to make the announcement publicly from that platform. I have suggested he visit Wednesday, Mar 18. I do hope he makes a definite commitment that they WILL give OROP and within....weeks/ months of assuming power. Let us wait and watch.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
IESM: Surrender of Medals in Bangalore
Bangalore: A medal is perhaps the only symbol of recognition and honour that a soldier gets after facing death in the eye, on the frontier. With their names engraved, the medals gleam in the light of the gallant lives they have led. But hundreds of ex-servicemen in Delhi surrendered their medals on March 8, and on Sunday in Bangalore, as a mark of protest to the present dispensation on their pension, as per the 6th Pay Commission. Since their pension amounts vary according to the year in which they have served, and not according to the period of service, they are demanding ‘one rank, one pension’. A total of 582 medals were surrendered on Sunday.
‘GOVT DOESN’T RESPECT US’
“Medals are most precious to a soldier. But today, we are ready to part even with that sole piece of honour because we realize that the government has no respect for soldiers. I might have retired long ago but if I have to live comfortably, then I should get pension equal to those who retire now. The police, MPs, everyone has ‘one rank, one pension’ system, then why discriminate us?” said Colonel Cyrus Dalal, who retired from the Corps of Signals. Ex-servicemen from different parts of South India like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tanjavur and Vellore were also present, and surrendered their medals. Service medals, including medals for gallantary in wars, will be sent back to President Pratibha Patil, who is also supreme commander of the Army.
UNITED THEY STAND
Some who have also served as major generals in different parts of the country, dropped their numerous medals. Infosys HR director T V Mohandas Pai, who supported the ex-servicemen at the protest, said: “These are the people who have been protecting us. They leave their families and personal lives for the country. It is shameful that we are forcing our brave soldiers to take this extreme step.” Lead India winner R K Misra regretted that there were no civil society members supporting the soldiers on Sunday. “What is the point of giving us these medals when you don’t respect us? War widows and mothers who have lost their sons in the wars have given back their medals in Delhi. Today, many soldiers from South India have surrendered their gallantry medals, some who had even won even nine medals,” said state convener, Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement, Colonel S S Rajan.
THEIR PRIVATE WAR
Ex-fighter pilot Keith Lewis surrendered the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VSM), Brigadier Narasimhan surrendered one AVSM and one Vishisht Seva Medal, and many others surrendered stars they had received during the 1971 war.
Navigate to TOI Bangalore, 16 March 2009, Page 2
Times of India Navigator
Monday, March 16, 2009
IESM: Soldiers return medals
New Delhi, March 14
In pursuit of their demand for ‘one rank one pension’, retired soldiers of varying ranks today returned 7,500 medals won in combat and for distinguished service, here.
Thousands of veterans gathered earlier in the day at the Jantar Mantar observatory in the heart of the national capital for the protest.
“This is for the third time that we collected the medals from across the country and returned them to the President. A 10-member team including two widows went to the President’s House and returned the medals,” commodore (retd) Lokesh Batra said.
On the first occasion, the ex-soldiers had returned 2,500 medals to a representative of the President. On the second occasion, over 3,000 medals were returned.
The veterans under the aegis of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement are demanding that irrespective of the date on which the soldier retires, he or she should get the same pension, which rises every time there is a wage revision.
The demand has arisen because of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, which did not address the ‘one rank one pension’ issue. The government has rejected the demand on administrative and financial grounds. — IANS
Soldiers return medals
Dear All,
One of our brave soldiers with his medals adorning his chest being returned to the President On 14 March 2009 which came out in the Tribune on 15 March 2009. Hope many more would become members of the growing IESM family sooner or later. Does the picture not stir you all to at least to try and make 10 more members each...by just becoming a member is not enough ...we have to increase this number thousand fold more. Please motivate 10 of your friends in a chain to become members of our IESM family.
Regards
Cdr Sharan Ahuja (retd)
Member Core Group IESM
Bureaucracy out to ruin armed forces in India
It is a sad commentary on the Indian political class that first time in the history of independent India, the armed forces decided to appeal for justice to the political masters against the ongoing mischief of bureaucrats over the Sixth Pay Commission. These gentlemen are ever ready to bring down the stature of the armed forces, but so much are the Indian politicians under the influence of these Babus that they dare not annoy them. There is just no reason why the armed forces should get inferior pay and perks as compared to their pen pushing civilian counterparts in the IAS and other central services working from their plush offices on an eight hour time schedule. What is so special that these Babus are doing for which they must get additional pay and perks? They do not even have accountability.
Since 16 December 2008 ex-servicemen are on relay hunger strike still nobody is taking any notice. A large number of ex–servicemen and their families in disgust have returned their most cherished possession, the medals of gallantry earned by them in defending their beloved country including making supreme sacrifice of their lives, back to the President of India, after a rally on 8 February 2009 in New Delhi. These ex-servicemen are protesting the raw deal given to the armed forces in the Sixth Pay Commission. If this had happened in any other country it would have shaken up the entire nation but not MERA BHARAT MAHAN and its power brokers the NETA-BABU COMBINE. They have sufficient money stashed away in Swiss Bank Accounts to bother about what damage all this is doing to the morale of the armed forces in particular and security of the country in general.
Why should the cream of Indian youth join the armed forces if they are made to feel that they can get better pay and perks as also a comfortable life in pen pushing and no accountability jobs? In any case why should there be a common pay commission for civil services and armed forces with all this jugglery going on for parity? Armed forces have absolutely different working conditions and job requirements then their civilian counter parts. There should be a separate pay commission for the armed forces which is a long-standing demand of theirs. Incidentally this request of the armed forces has now been conceded by the GOM. However for its implementation the forces will have to wait for ten more years.
Bureaucracy out to ruin armed forces in India
Rising Indiscipline In Armed Forces
We need to accept that there is a decline in discipline, culture and ethics of the Army. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the poor standards of intake of Armed Forces personnel because of the poor pay and allowances commensurate to their hazardous service conditions. Secondly, there is no uniform system of promotions resulting in poor leadership. ----- INFA
(Copyright India News & Feature Alliance)
Rising Indiscipline In Armed Forces- URGENT NEED FOR REMEDIAL MEASURES
By Col. (Retd.) P. K. Vasudeva (Ph.D.)
(Prof, ICFAI Business School Chandigarh)
Declining standards
NEW DELHI: In yet indicator of the declining standards of probity and discipline in the armed forces, two Major-Generals from the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) are now in the dock for their alleged acts of commission and omission. Placing the Promotion Board high and dry and leaving the general officers and mandarins in South Block squirming. The case meanwhile rests in the court- MOD and AHQ seeking adjournments and playing the cat and mouse game!
2 Major-Generals face corruption charges
Since 16 December 2008 ex-servicemen are on relay hunger strike still nobody is taking any notice. A large number of ex–servicemen and their families in disgust have returned their most cherished possession, the medals of gallantry earned by them in defending their beloved country including making supreme sacrifice of their lives, back to the President of India, after a rally on 8 February 2009 in New Delhi. These ex-servicemen are protesting the raw deal given to the armed forces in the Sixth Pay Commission. If this had happened in any other country it would have shaken up the entire nation but not MERA BHARAT MAHAN and its power brokers the NETA-BABU COMBINE. They have sufficient money stashed away in Swiss Bank Accounts to bother about what damage all this is doing to the morale of the armed forces in particular and security of the country in general.
Why should the cream of Indian youth join the armed forces if they are made to feel that they can get better pay and perks as also a comfortable life in pen pushing and no accountability jobs? In any case why should there be a common pay commission for civil services and armed forces with all this jugglery going on for parity? Armed forces have absolutely different working conditions and job requirements then their civilian counter parts. There should be a separate pay commission for the armed forces which is a long-standing demand of theirs. Incidentally this request of the armed forces has now been conceded by the GOM. However for its implementation the forces will have to wait for ten more years.
Bureaucracy out to ruin armed forces in India
Rising Indiscipline In Armed Forces
We need to accept that there is a decline in discipline, culture and ethics of the Army. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the poor standards of intake of Armed Forces personnel because of the poor pay and allowances commensurate to their hazardous service conditions. Secondly, there is no uniform system of promotions resulting in poor leadership. ----- INFA
(Copyright India News & Feature Alliance)
Rising Indiscipline In Armed Forces- URGENT NEED FOR REMEDIAL MEASURES
By Col. (Retd.) P. K. Vasudeva (Ph.D.)
(Prof, ICFAI Business School Chandigarh)
Declining standards
NEW DELHI: In yet indicator of the declining standards of probity and discipline in the armed forces, two Major-Generals from the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) are now in the dock for their alleged acts of commission and omission. Placing the Promotion Board high and dry and leaving the general officers and mandarins in South Block squirming. The case meanwhile rests in the court- MOD and AHQ seeking adjournments and playing the cat and mouse game!
2 Major-Generals face corruption charges
IESM: Soldiers now fight for pension parity
The Hindu Karnataka, Monday, Mar 16, 2009, Staff Reporter
President to receive more medals as ex-servicemen start surrendering them
Nearly 100 ex-servicemen from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu participate in protest
They are demanding uniform pension across cadres who hold the same rank
Seeking justice: Members of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement displaying their medals before surrendering them, in Bangalore on Sunday.
BANGALORE: It was a wrenching moment for scores of ex-servicemen, who gathered at Mahatma Gandhi Road here on Sunday morning, to surrender their much-cherished service medals to the President of India. A total of 582 medals were surrendered, among them were service medals, Visisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medals.
These grizzled veterans joined hundreds of others across the country who, as part of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement, did the same recently to express their anguish at being sidelined with regard to their demands for a uniform pension across cadres who hold the same rank.
Colonel A.K.S. Dudani, who retired from the Army in 1983, said that it is truly distressing that soldiers like him, who had only obeyed orders all their life, have been reduced to staging a protest. “It is extremely difficult to part with a medal, which to every retired officer represents his honour,” he said.
Captain Hariharan Balakrishnan, who commanded Missile Frigate and INS Trishul, had tears in his eyes as he surrendered his Eastern Star. Air Marshal Keith Lewis, an ace fighter pilot of the 1965 and 1971 wars, surrendered his PVSM, AVSM and Vayu Sena Medal. Major General Nanjappa, proud recipient of two AVSMs and Yudh Seva medal, said though parting with a medal is really hard, it is necessary to do it to show the Government how important this issue is.
All over the country, retired officers are parting with their beloved service medals, including medals bestowed for gallantry. After the symbolic protest these medals will be sent to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ex-officers from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu participated in this movement, One Rank One Pension.
Colonel Bhimaiah, who retired from the Parachute Regiment in 1987, told The Hindu that giving up the medal was like parting with a child. Holding his decoration, which bears his number and name, he pointed to the two stars which represent his service in the 1965 and 1971 wars, and three others for field service. The emotional Colonel explained that he draws a pension of Rs. 14,000, while a person of the same rank who retired post-1996 gets Rs. 26,000.
Colonel S.S. Ranjan, State Convenor of IESM, pointed out that the parliamentary standing committee on Defence had recommended in its report that “one rank, one pension” be implemented. “When this right has been granted to bureaucrats, judges and legislators... then why have soldiers, who have worked so hard for the country, been left out?” he asked.
These soldiers now fight for pension parity
President to receive more medals as ex-servicemen start surrendering them
Nearly 100 ex-servicemen from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu participate in protest
They are demanding uniform pension across cadres who hold the same rank
BANGALORE: It was a wrenching moment for scores of ex-servicemen, who gathered at Mahatma Gandhi Road here on Sunday morning, to surrender their much-cherished service medals to the President of India. A total of 582 medals were surrendered, among them were service medals, Visisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medals.
These grizzled veterans joined hundreds of others across the country who, as part of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement, did the same recently to express their anguish at being sidelined with regard to their demands for a uniform pension across cadres who hold the same rank.
Colonel A.K.S. Dudani, who retired from the Army in 1983, said that it is truly distressing that soldiers like him, who had only obeyed orders all their life, have been reduced to staging a protest. “It is extremely difficult to part with a medal, which to every retired officer represents his honour,” he said.
Captain Hariharan Balakrishnan, who commanded Missile Frigate and INS Trishul, had tears in his eyes as he surrendered his Eastern Star. Air Marshal Keith Lewis, an ace fighter pilot of the 1965 and 1971 wars, surrendered his PVSM, AVSM and Vayu Sena Medal. Major General Nanjappa, proud recipient of two AVSMs and Yudh Seva medal, said though parting with a medal is really hard, it is necessary to do it to show the Government how important this issue is.
All over the country, retired officers are parting with their beloved service medals, including medals bestowed for gallantry. After the symbolic protest these medals will be sent to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ex-officers from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu participated in this movement, One Rank One Pension.
Colonel Bhimaiah, who retired from the Parachute Regiment in 1987, told The Hindu that giving up the medal was like parting with a child. Holding his decoration, which bears his number and name, he pointed to the two stars which represent his service in the 1965 and 1971 wars, and three others for field service. The emotional Colonel explained that he draws a pension of Rs. 14,000, while a person of the same rank who retired post-1996 gets Rs. 26,000.
Colonel S.S. Ranjan, State Convenor of IESM, pointed out that the parliamentary standing committee on Defence had recommended in its report that “one rank, one pension” be implemented. “When this right has been granted to bureaucrats, judges and legislators... then why have soldiers, who have worked so hard for the country, been left out?” he asked.
These soldiers now fight for pension parity
पूर्व सैनिकों ने राष्ट्रपति को लौटाए साढ़े सात हजार मेडल
Mar 15, 12:17 am
नई दिल्ली, जागरण संवाददाता
एक रैंक, एक पेंशन की मांग को लेकर सड़कों पर उतरे पूर्व सैन्य अधिकारियों एवं पूर्व सैनिकों ने शनिवार को फिर राष्ट्रपति को साढ़े सात हजार मेडल लौटा दिए। इनमें शौर्य चक्र, वीर चक्र, परम विशिष्ट सेवा पदक, अति विशिष्ट सेवा पदक सहित दर्जनों मेडल शामिल थे। इससे पहले 8 फरवरी को 2500 एवं 21 फरवरी को लगभग 3000 मेडल पूर्व सैन्य अधिकारी राष्ट्रपति को लौटा चुके हैं।
बावजूद इसके जब सरकार टस से मस नहीं हुई तो इन लोगों ने तीसरी बार सम्मान वापस करने का फैसला लिया। पूर्व की तरह शनिवार को भी राष्ट्रपति भवन में एक वरिष्ठ अधिकारी ने सभी मेडल ग्रहण किए। इस मौके पर कई पूर्व अधिकारी अपने आपको रोक नहीं पाए। उनकी आंखें छलक उठीं। उनका कहना था कि जिंदगी भर की कमाई इज्जत और सम्मान को सीने से उतारना बड़ा मुश्किल कदम है। एक मेडल के लिए फौजी दुश्मनों की अनगिनत गोलियों को झेल जाता है। इसके बाद उसकी छाती पर मेडल लटकाया जाता है। लेकिन, सरकार ने इसकी अहमियत नहीं समझी।
आंदोलन की अगुवाई कर रहे भारतीय पूर्व सैनिक आंदोलन के उपाध्यक्ष मेजर जनरल सतवीर सिंह ने कहा कि संघर्ष जारी रहेगा। देश भर में लगभग 24 लाख पूर्व सैनिक सरकार की गलत नीतियों के शिकार हो रहे हैं। यही कारण है कि पूर्व सैनिक देशव्यापी आंदोलन करने को
IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- eighty eighth day
Date: Sunday, 15 March, 2009, 11:41 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue in under the charge of Sub Hari Singh and his team from Hisar (Haryana).
New Members– NOIDA
We extend a heartful welcome to the following ESM into the family (thanks to Brig Kamboj, Col Vijay Sekkhri, Gen Kataria, Col Kewal Malhotra and others):
Army
1. Hav Ajit SIngh
2. Brig JN Virlley
3. Lt Col Sarbjit Singh Bhar
4. HFO Oti Singh
5. Ex LME Sudhir Kumar
6. Col PN Dharmi
7. Brig YC Bali yogi
8. Lt Col Jita Ram
9. Lt Col MS Matharoo
10. Lt Col Narinder Kalra
11. Lt Col Ramesh Kumar Talwar
12. Col SN Aggarwal
Navy
Cmdre LK Batra
Air Force
1.Gp Capt SC Sharma scsharma38@yahoo. com
2. Sgt (V) Manik LaL Dey
3. JWO TC MOHAN
Tamil Nadu
We thank Lt Col T Arunagiri who has motivated the following to join the iESM family:
76 M Robert Spr
77 N Sundaramurthy Nk 1259034L
78 M Padmanabhan Gnr 1160679Army
79 S Sankaramurthy Nk 2574194 Army
80 Mrs Govindaswamy (Widow) Hav 17212Army NK
81 V Vadivelu Nk6259525Army NK
82 Mrs Govindaswamy (Widow) Sep 1338890Army NK
83 P Vanarajan Nk 14331727 Army 19931201
84 S ManickamNb Sub JC-58204Army 19770901
85 J DevasagayamSubJC-1192269
Visits
1. Gen Satbir, Gen Pravesh Renjen and Col Bhardwaj visited Kanpur today and addressed a gathering of 400 ESM and families from Kanpur and Fatehgarh. They were enthusistically received and the gathering vowed to join the IESM in the pussuit of a just cause.
2. Col Joshipura and self visited Sikar. There was an eager gathering of 1000 ESM and families, which was described by the organisers as unprecedented. They had come from nearby districts. It included Sub Bhagwan Singh, President of the Sikar District Ex Services League (the host), Col NL Verma Senior Vice President IESL, Brig Kartar Singh President Rajasthan Ex Services League, Col Narayan Singh Janu, Member of the IESL Governing Council, Brig Bhagwan Singh, ex Secretary Rajasthan Sainik Board, Brig Arya and several others. If the frequecy and intensity of applause could be taken as an indicator of their fervor, their zeal was limitless. They all wanted 'nirdesh' on the voting choice in the coming elections.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue in under the charge of Sub Hari Singh and his team from Hisar (Haryana).
New Members– NOIDA
We extend a heartful welcome to the following ESM into the family (thanks to Brig Kamboj, Col Vijay Sekkhri, Gen Kataria, Col Kewal Malhotra and others):
Army
1. Hav Ajit SIngh
2. Brig JN Virlley
3. Lt Col Sarbjit Singh Bhar
4. HFO Oti Singh
5. Ex LME Sudhir Kumar
6. Col PN Dharmi
7. Brig YC Bali yogi
8. Lt Col Jita Ram
9. Lt Col MS Matharoo
10. Lt Col Narinder Kalra
11. Lt Col Ramesh Kumar Talwar
12. Col SN Aggarwal
Navy
Cmdre LK Batra
Air Force
1.Gp Capt SC Sharma scsharma38@yahoo. com
2. Sgt (V) Manik LaL Dey
3. JWO TC MOHAN
Tamil Nadu
We thank Lt Col T Arunagiri who has motivated the following to join the iESM family:
76 M Robert Spr
77 N Sundaramurthy Nk 1259034L
78 M Padmanabhan Gnr 1160679Army
79 S Sankaramurthy Nk 2574194 Army
80 Mrs Govindaswamy (Widow) Hav 17212Army NK
81 V Vadivelu Nk6259525Army NK
82 Mrs Govindaswamy (Widow) Sep 1338890Army NK
83 P Vanarajan Nk 14331727 Army 19931201
84 S ManickamNb Sub JC-58204Army 19770901
85 J DevasagayamSubJC-1192269
Visits
1. Gen Satbir, Gen Pravesh Renjen and Col Bhardwaj visited Kanpur today and addressed a gathering of 400 ESM and families from Kanpur and Fatehgarh. They were enthusistically received and the gathering vowed to join the IESM in the pussuit of a just cause.
2. Col Joshipura and self visited Sikar. There was an eager gathering of 1000 ESM and families, which was described by the organisers as unprecedented. They had come from nearby districts. It included Sub Bhagwan Singh, President of the Sikar District Ex Services League (the host), Col NL Verma Senior Vice President IESL, Brig Kartar Singh President Rajasthan Ex Services League, Col Narayan Singh Janu, Member of the IESL Governing Council, Brig Bhagwan Singh, ex Secretary Rajasthan Sainik Board, Brig Arya and several others. If the frequecy and intensity of applause could be taken as an indicator of their fervor, their zeal was limitless. They all wanted 'nirdesh' on the voting choice in the coming elections.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Sunday, March 15, 2009
IESM: Surrender of Medals at Bangalore, 15 March 2009
15 Mar 2009, 0557 hrs IST, TNN
Bangalore: Several ex-servicemen from Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tanjore, Madurai and Vellore will assemble at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on M G Road on Sunday to participate in a march for justice around Chinnaswamy Stadium.
They plan to surrender their most precious possession, service medals, to the President as a mark of protest against the callous treatment meted out by the government of India in not acceding to their earlier demand of `One Rank, One Pension'.
To live after retirement with honour and dignity, the ex-servicemen want the interests of old pensioners protected. Veteran Colonel S S Rajan said: "In civil services, a police constable serves comfortably till the age of 60 and retires in a much higher position with a larger pension. However, 85% of sepoys retire just after 15 years service.''
"Most civilians who retire at 60 years live to see only one more pay commission, considering longetivity to be 70-75 years. A jawan lives to see nothing less than four pay commissions. It is the older pensioners of the Army, Navy and Air Force who are worst affected,'' he added. MP Rajeev Chandrashekar will participate in the march.
Ex-servicemen to surrender their medals_TOI
Ex- servicemen to surrender medals- The Hindu
Ex-servicemen to surrender medals- Express
Bangalore: Several ex-servicemen from Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tanjore, Madurai and Vellore will assemble at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on M G Road on Sunday to participate in a march for justice around Chinnaswamy Stadium.
They plan to surrender their most precious possession, service medals, to the President as a mark of protest against the callous treatment meted out by the government of India in not acceding to their earlier demand of `One Rank, One Pension'.
To live after retirement with honour and dignity, the ex-servicemen want the interests of old pensioners protected. Veteran Colonel S S Rajan said: "In civil services, a police constable serves comfortably till the age of 60 and retires in a much higher position with a larger pension. However, 85% of sepoys retire just after 15 years service.''
"Most civilians who retire at 60 years live to see only one more pay commission, considering longetivity to be 70-75 years. A jawan lives to see nothing less than four pay commissions. It is the older pensioners of the Army, Navy and Air Force who are worst affected,'' he added. MP Rajeev Chandrashekar will participate in the march.
Ex-servicemen to surrender their medals_TOI
Ex- servicemen to surrender medals- The Hindu
Ex-servicemen to surrender medals- Express
IESM: Inequity hurts more than inadequacy
Dear friends,
I wish to place on record my appreciation of the superb press release dished out by Gen Kadyan on 14 March 2009. It is a brilliant piece, and reveals his writing prowess.
He concludes a paragraph with the words, "inequity hurts more than inadequacy". This is the crux of the matter. As I look back on the recent past, I think of the the circumstances which forced Maj Dhanapalan and the Maj Gens to go to the courts,were created by a sense of injustice,rather than insufficiency. The amounts of money for which they spent hours on end, preparing their cases and waiting for the 'honorable judges for the 'hearings' is a testimony of the kind of passions which the slight inequity had aroused in the hearts of these veterans is a testimony of our assertion.
Having to go to the courts of law in the evening of one's life is no joy. In fact it is one of the greatest curses that can befall a veteran. We are happier fighting on the battlefield, than in the courts of law, because that is what we are trained for! What our insensitive polity has done is strike at the root of our sensibilities.
During my service with Ashok Leyland, I learnt some very useful lessons about wage determination. A good system does not necessarily entail high salaries. it must ensure correct relativities. And it must be acceptable to the environment. Incidentally, if we look back, we would discover that we were not paid fancy salaries when we were commissioned fifty years ago. Our starting pay was Rs 460 out which what came to the bank was less than Rs 400 (the rest went to DSOP, room rent and Income Tax) The mess bill was about Rs 200 (including the instalment for the advance drawn for a bicycle). Most of us took a couple of years to save money needed to buy a scooter or motor cycle. But at that time, did any one complain of dearth of money? No one. In fact if you ever talked of money in the mess, you had to stand drinks to every one around!
And what of our 'veterans'? Well, my father retired soon after my commission. And many of our relations were ex-servicemen. However, I cannot remember a single incident of any one complaining on account of inadequacy of pension.
I think we must demand restoration of a sense of equity. The fight must go on until the last drop of blood. And the serving Generals must support our case, a bit more vigorously. May the Lord give more strength to their elbow!
"INEQUITY IS INIQUITOUS!"
Regards,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)
I wish to place on record my appreciation of the superb press release dished out by Gen Kadyan on 14 March 2009. It is a brilliant piece, and reveals his writing prowess.
He concludes a paragraph with the words, "inequity hurts more than inadequacy". This is the crux of the matter. As I look back on the recent past, I think of the the circumstances which forced Maj Dhanapalan and the Maj Gens to go to the courts,were created by a sense of injustice,rather than insufficiency. The amounts of money for which they spent hours on end, preparing their cases and waiting for the 'honorable judges for the 'hearings' is a testimony of the kind of passions which the slight inequity had aroused in the hearts of these veterans is a testimony of our assertion.
Having to go to the courts of law in the evening of one's life is no joy. In fact it is one of the greatest curses that can befall a veteran. We are happier fighting on the battlefield, than in the courts of law, because that is what we are trained for! What our insensitive polity has done is strike at the root of our sensibilities.
During my service with Ashok Leyland, I learnt some very useful lessons about wage determination. A good system does not necessarily entail high salaries. it must ensure correct relativities. And it must be acceptable to the environment. Incidentally, if we look back, we would discover that we were not paid fancy salaries when we were commissioned fifty years ago. Our starting pay was Rs 460 out which what came to the bank was less than Rs 400 (the rest went to DSOP, room rent and Income Tax) The mess bill was about Rs 200 (including the instalment for the advance drawn for a bicycle). Most of us took a couple of years to save money needed to buy a scooter or motor cycle. But at that time, did any one complain of dearth of money? No one. In fact if you ever talked of money in the mess, you had to stand drinks to every one around!
And what of our 'veterans'? Well, my father retired soon after my commission. And many of our relations were ex-servicemen. However, I cannot remember a single incident of any one complaining on account of inadequacy of pension.
I think we must demand restoration of a sense of equity. The fight must go on until the last drop of blood. And the serving Generals must support our case, a bit more vigorously. May the Lord give more strength to their elbow!
"INEQUITY IS INIQUITOUS!"
Regards,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)
IESM: Ex-armymen return medals over pay row on 14 March 2009
March 14: As many as 7,500 medals were returned by aggrieved ex-servicemen, protesting against the government’s refusal to concede the "one rank one pension", on Saturday, prominent ex-servicemen have said. Saturday marked the third and final protest meeting that involved return of medals to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ex-servicemen said that the total number of medals, conferred for distinguished service, returned by ex-servicemen over the past two months is now a staggering 13,000. "We will give the government some time to react. If it does not, we will take other measures like a nationwide signature campaign. The ex-servicemen will use their voting rights effectively," said Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh (Retd).
Row over pension: Ex soldiers return 7,500 gallantry medals
Ex-servicemen return gallantry medals over pension spat: Headlines India
Ex- Servicemen return 7,500more medals: Asian Age
Row over pension: Ex soldiers return 7,500 gallantry medals
Ex-servicemen return gallantry medals over pension spat: Headlines India
Ex- Servicemen return 7,500more medals: Asian Age
IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- eighty seventh day
Date: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 9:56 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue in under the charge of Gurgaon representatives.
Depositing of Medals
As planned the third tranche of medals was deposited today with the Rashtrapati Bhawan. In a very heartening development, 7,500 medals were collected and sent off to the Supreme Commander for safe custody till our demands are met. Press covered the event at Jantar Mantar. A Press Note issued on the occasion is attached.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Date: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 8:50 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Gurgaon contingent is looking after the Jantar mantar venue.
Spread of Awareness
It is heartening to know that the cause being pursued by the IESM has aroused great awareness. Many ESM (and even others) in gatherings mention the subject and talk of the effort in appreciative terms. Credit goes to all members of the team that have been working relentlessly on the issue, as well as to all other well-wisher ESM colleagues who bless us with support, advice and guidance. History is in the making. We are only seeing the beginning of the great wave. It is destined to turn into a tsunami.
Return of Medals
All is buttoned up for the return of the third trannche of medals on Marh 14. The President is out to Varanasi and the staff would receive the medals on her behalf. Police escort to take the team to Rashtrapati Bhawan is lined up. Press is aware and is expected to cover the event like before.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Press Release: 14 March 2009 Today the third tranche of Ex Servicemen are depositing their medals with the President and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The medals have been sent from all over India. The soldiers must have parted with their medals with a heavy heart, with nary a dry eye. The medals are the sodier’s most visible link with his larger family ie the armed forces. These are his ornament, his jewellery that he still wears on his aging chest. These are a record of his gallantry, his meritorious service, record of his participation in various wars, a sumtotal of his military achievements.
No one willingly parts with his most prized possession. If the Ex Servicemen are doing so, it is because of extreme provocation. This is a provocation of injustice. They have been consistently demanding justice in grant of pensions. Pension being a payment for past services rendered, logic demands that two individuals rendering equal service should get equal pension. In other words we are demanding that an old pensioner should get the same pension as a new pensioner, provided they both have rendered equal length of service and have retired from the same rank. This forms the basis of the demand of ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP). It is a demand for equity and not for more pension per se.
OROP is an old demand, promised by different political parties but later ignored. In their election manifesto for the 2004 Parliamentary elections, the Congress Party had said, ‘The long pending issue of one-rank one-pension will once again be re-examined and the satisfactory solution arrived at expeditiously’. However, the government led by the same party has now rejected the demand citing administrative, financial and legal diffulties. These so-called difficulties must have been there even in 2004 when the Congress Party drafted their manifesto. The only thing that has changed is the fiscal health of the country. Our economy today is happily much healthier and the government is in a much better position to pay the military veterns their just due.
The ‘administrative difficulty’ is reportedly born out of a perceived apprehension that in case OROP were granted to the military pensioners, it could raise similar demand from other civilian employees. This amounts to comparing unequals. Military service is unique and cannot be compared to any other government service. Consider the following salient differences:
The defence personnel live under conditions of extreme hardship and operate on a 24X7 cycle in an environment of perpetual danger to their life and limb.
Most of the defence personnel stay separated from their families during their entire service and are not able to meet the usual family obligations expected of them. They do not see their children grow up.
Nearly 85% of defence personnel are compulsariy retired at 35-42 years of age when their financial needs are at their peak. They are the only ones who retire by rank, while all other government employees retire by age.
There is no provision for a second career for the early retirees.
Since the pension is related to last pay drawn, those who retire early – and at a relatively lower salary – are granted a meagre pension. Thus, not only do they lose the earnings that would have accrued if they were to serve upto the age if sixty like others, they also get a lower pension. They thus suffer a double disadvantage. Just to take one example, if a military person and a police person were to retire in the lowest rank of Sepoy/Constable, and they both survived till 75 years, the cumulative earnings of a Constable would be higher by Rs 47.35 Lac.
Even in a no-war scenario, the prolonged involvement in counter insurgency operations takes a heavy toll. In the last 20 years in J&K alone, we have been losing nearly 400 military personnel every year.
The ‘legal difficulties’ too appear more an excuse than a reason. When it wants, the government always skirts around legal hurdles through a legislative route. It is just a question of having the desire and a ‘will’ to implement a policy.
The demand for OROP is neither unique nor extraordinary. This provision is already applicable to the President, the Vice President, the Governors, the judges, the Members of Parliament/Legislative Assemblies, Secretaries and Special Secretaries to the Government of India and several others. We are only demanding to be treated equal. Inequity hurts more than inadequacy.
The Ex-Servicemen, determined to keep their efforts peaceful and within the law, have been sitting on a relay fast at Jantar Mantar since the 16th of December 2008. So far, there has been no resonse from the government. The ongoing efforts of the Ex Servicemen under the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement have united them across the country. They are all together in this just demand of OROP and are determined to continue trying till they get justice.
In the prevailing milieu, it is mainly the wards of the Ex Servicemen themselves, who are joining the armed forces. Though we sincerely hope and wish it does not happen, but when a serving soldier sees his family elder being treated with such indifference by the authorities, then being a future pensioner himself, he may get adversely affected. One shudders to think of the consequences if that feeling took root.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman
The Hindu Report
Ex-servicemen return 7,500 gallantry medals over pension spat
New Delhi (IANS): In pursuit of their demand for 'one rank one pension', retired soldiers of varying ranks here on Saturday returned 7,500 medals won in combat and for distinguished service.
Thousands of veterans gathered earlier in the day at the Jantar Mantar observatory in the heart of the national capital for the protest.
“This is for the third time that we collected the medals from across the country and returned them to the president. A 10-member team including two widows went to the President House and returned the medals,” commodore (retd) Lokesh Batra said.
On the first occasion, the ex-soldiers had returned 2,500 medals to a representative of the president. On the second occasion, over 3,000 medals were returned.
The veterans under the aegis of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement are demanding that irrespective of the date on which the soldier retires, he or she should get the same pension, which rises every time there is a wage revision.
The demand has now arisen because of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, which did not address the 'one rank one pension' issue. The government has rejected the demand on administrative and financial grounds.
Ex-servicemen return 7,500 gallantry medals over pension spat
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue in under the charge of Gurgaon representatives.
Depositing of Medals
As planned the third tranche of medals was deposited today with the Rashtrapati Bhawan. In a very heartening development, 7,500 medals were collected and sent off to the Supreme Commander for safe custody till our demands are met. Press covered the event at Jantar Mantar. A Press Note issued on the occasion is attached.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Date: Saturday, 14 March, 2009, 8:50 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Gurgaon contingent is looking after the Jantar mantar venue.
Spread of Awareness
It is heartening to know that the cause being pursued by the IESM has aroused great awareness. Many ESM (and even others) in gatherings mention the subject and talk of the effort in appreciative terms. Credit goes to all members of the team that have been working relentlessly on the issue, as well as to all other well-wisher ESM colleagues who bless us with support, advice and guidance. History is in the making. We are only seeing the beginning of the great wave. It is destined to turn into a tsunami.
Return of Medals
All is buttoned up for the return of the third trannche of medals on Marh 14. The President is out to Varanasi and the staff would receive the medals on her behalf. Police escort to take the team to Rashtrapati Bhawan is lined up. Press is aware and is expected to cover the event like before.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
No one willingly parts with his most prized possession. If the Ex Servicemen are doing so, it is because of extreme provocation. This is a provocation of injustice. They have been consistently demanding justice in grant of pensions. Pension being a payment for past services rendered, logic demands that two individuals rendering equal service should get equal pension. In other words we are demanding that an old pensioner should get the same pension as a new pensioner, provided they both have rendered equal length of service and have retired from the same rank. This forms the basis of the demand of ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP). It is a demand for equity and not for more pension per se.
OROP is an old demand, promised by different political parties but later ignored. In their election manifesto for the 2004 Parliamentary elections, the Congress Party had said, ‘The long pending issue of one-rank one-pension will once again be re-examined and the satisfactory solution arrived at expeditiously’. However, the government led by the same party has now rejected the demand citing administrative, financial and legal diffulties. These so-called difficulties must have been there even in 2004 when the Congress Party drafted their manifesto. The only thing that has changed is the fiscal health of the country. Our economy today is happily much healthier and the government is in a much better position to pay the military veterns their just due.
The ‘administrative difficulty’ is reportedly born out of a perceived apprehension that in case OROP were granted to the military pensioners, it could raise similar demand from other civilian employees. This amounts to comparing unequals. Military service is unique and cannot be compared to any other government service. Consider the following salient differences:
The ‘legal difficulties’ too appear more an excuse than a reason. When it wants, the government always skirts around legal hurdles through a legislative route. It is just a question of having the desire and a ‘will’ to implement a policy.
The demand for OROP is neither unique nor extraordinary. This provision is already applicable to the President, the Vice President, the Governors, the judges, the Members of Parliament/Legislative Assemblies, Secretaries and Special Secretaries to the Government of India and several others. We are only demanding to be treated equal. Inequity hurts more than inadequacy.
The Ex-Servicemen, determined to keep their efforts peaceful and within the law, have been sitting on a relay fast at Jantar Mantar since the 16th of December 2008. So far, there has been no resonse from the government. The ongoing efforts of the Ex Servicemen under the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement have united them across the country. They are all together in this just demand of OROP and are determined to continue trying till they get justice.
In the prevailing milieu, it is mainly the wards of the Ex Servicemen themselves, who are joining the armed forces. Though we sincerely hope and wish it does not happen, but when a serving soldier sees his family elder being treated with such indifference by the authorities, then being a future pensioner himself, he may get adversely affected. One shudders to think of the consequences if that feeling took root.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman
The Hindu Report
Ex-servicemen return 7,500 gallantry medals over pension spat
New Delhi (IANS): In pursuit of their demand for 'one rank one pension', retired soldiers of varying ranks here on Saturday returned 7,500 medals won in combat and for distinguished service.
Thousands of veterans gathered earlier in the day at the Jantar Mantar observatory in the heart of the national capital for the protest.
“This is for the third time that we collected the medals from across the country and returned them to the president. A 10-member team including two widows went to the President House and returned the medals,” commodore (retd) Lokesh Batra said.
On the first occasion, the ex-soldiers had returned 2,500 medals to a representative of the president. On the second occasion, over 3,000 medals were returned.
The veterans under the aegis of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement are demanding that irrespective of the date on which the soldier retires, he or she should get the same pension, which rises every time there is a wage revision.
The demand has now arisen because of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, which did not address the 'one rank one pension' issue. The government has rejected the demand on administrative and financial grounds.
Ex-servicemen return 7,500 gallantry medals over pension spat
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