IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- hundred and first day

Date: Friday, 27 March, 2009, 11:32 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar Mantar continues to remain active.
New Members
We extend a heartful welcome to the new members from Noida into the IESM family. Thanks to Wg Cdr Agnihotri, Cdr DD Chopra Sgt De and Brig RN Kapoor. New Members List: Click here
Making of History
Following a telephone call from Brig RK Gulia, President IESL, on 26 March, I called on IESL HQ late that evening. There, apart from Brig Gulia, I met members of IESL Governing Body– Maj Gen Radhakrishnan, Brig Kartar Singh, Col Verma, and Col Bhag Singh and others. There was unanimity for bringing the two entities together and use the combined might of the two formations to press our demands. After initial doubts were clarified, I promised to request the IESM Core Gp to assemble at IESL HQ on 27 March evening for a joint session. (I had to literally wake up some members of the Core Gp to give the assembly call, but they all played up).
10 members of the IESM Core Gp accordingly visited IESL HQ at 1830 hours on 27 March. There was heart-to-heart talk behind closed doors with above IESL members including also Brig Nath and Col Janu. Despite my advice to talk only of tomorrow and not of yesterday, sparks did fly, as was only expected. However, at the end of two hours, the tempers cooled down enough to permit rational thinking. The main decisions taken were:
1. There was ‘in principle’ agreement that the two would henceforth work together.
2. Each can retain its identity and fly its own flag at joint gatherings.
3. The four core demands of the IESM would form the common mininmum programme.
4. The IESL agreed to join the 12 April 2009 rally at Jantar Mantar. An event-specific joint task force was constituted comprising four members from either side to button up details.
5. Depositing of medals (that the IESM is planning to do again on 12 April) was left to individuals’ choice.
While each participant rose above parochial considerations, I would like to place on record our deep appreciation for the facilitator’s role played by Maj Gen Radhakrishnan, President IESL Tamil Nadu. He anchored the discussion from the side of the IESL and displayed great maturity and understanding in the resolution of some inevitable irritants.
In two hours history was created. We wish the new jointness a happy future.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Google Translation: English » Hindi
Readers are requested to contribute to an improved/ accurate translation which will be re published here.
प्रिय साथियों,
इस जंतर मंतर सक्रिय रहने के लिए जारी है.
नए सदस्य
हम IESM परिवार के नए सदस्यों का हार्दिक स्वागत करता हूँ.
इतिहास का बनाना
26 मार्च पर ब्रिगेडियर आर के गुलिया, राष्ट्रपति IESL, से एक टेलीफोन कॉल के बाद, मैं IESL मुख्यालय पर देर हो चुकी है कि शाम को बुलाया. वहाँ, अलग ब्रिगेडियर गुलिया से, मैं, और कर्नल Bhag सिंह IESL शासी निकाय के सदस्य मेजर जनरल राधाकृष्णन, ब्रिगेडियर करतार सिंह, कर्नल वर्मा से मुलाकात की और अन्य. वहाँ मतैक्य एक साथ दो संस्थाओं को लाने और हमारी मांगों प्रेस करने के लिए दो फार्मेशनों की संयुक्त कर सकते हैं उपयोग के लिए गया था. प्रारंभिक संदेह के बाद, मैं IESL मुख्यालय में 27 मार्च शाम को एक संयुक्त सत्र के लिए इकट्ठा करने के लिए IESM कोर ग्रुप का अनुरोध करने का वादा किया स्पष्ट किया गया था. (मैं इस कोर ग्रुप के कुछ सदस्यों को सचमुच जागृत करने के लिए विधानसभा फोन देने के लिए किया था, लेकिन वे सभी को खेला).
इस IESM कोर ग्रुप के 10 सदस्यों के अनुसार 27 मार्च को 1830 घंटे में IESL मुख्यालय का दौरा किया. वहाँ दिल गया था के साथ बंद दरवाजों के पीछे करने के लिए दिल की बात भी ब्रिगेडियर नाथ और कर्नल चर्चा सहित IESL सदस्यों से ऊपर. मेरी सलाह है कल ही की है और कल की बात करने के लिए नहीं होने के बावजूद, स्पार्क्स, केवल आशा के रूप में उड़ गया था. लेकिन, दो घंटे के अंत में, इस भन्नाता नीचे तर्कसंगत सोच की अनुमति के लिए काफी ठंडा. मुख्य निर्णय लिया गया था:
1. इसमें 'सिद्धांत' करार कि दो होता अब साथ में काम में था.
2. हर एक अपनी पहचान बनाए रखने कर सकते हैं और संयुक्त सम्मेलनों में अपनी ही झंडा उड़.
3. इस IESM की चार प्रमुख मांगों को आम कम-से-कम कार्यक्रम फार्म जाएगा.
4. इस IESL जंतर मंतर (Jantar Mantar) में 12 अप्रैल रैली में शामिल होने के लिए सहमति व्यक्त की. एक घटना विशेष संयुक्त कार्यदल दोनों ओर से विवरण अप बटन के चार सदस्यों को शामिल किया गया था.
5. पदक की जमा (है कि IESM फिर 12 अप्रैल को करने के लिए) की योजना बना रहा है व्यक्तियों 'चुनाव के लिए छोड़ दिया गया था.
हालांकि प्रत्येक भागीदार संकीर्ण विचारों से ऊपर गुलाब, मैं रिकार्ड पर लश्कर-ए-तोइबा की भूमिका के लिए मेजर जनरल राधाकृष्णन, राष्ट्रपति IESL तमिलनाडु द्वारा खेला हमारी गहरी सराहना करना चाहूंगा. उन्होंने कहा कि IESL की ओर से चर्चा मुरलीधरन और कुछ अपरिहार्य उत्तेजक के समाधान में काफी परिपक्वता और समझ में प्रदर्शित होता है.
दो घंटे के इतिहास में बनाया गया था. हम एक खुश भविष्य को नए गूंथना की कामना करता हूं.
सादर,
लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल (Emeritus) राज Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
अध्यक्ष IESM

Mumbai Mayhem: Taliban at the doorstep

... school bombing in Pakistan
The events in Pakistan on its 69th National Day, showing bombed out buildings, bullet ridden walls and weapon carrying men everywhere, indicate that the influence of those who seek to seize control of the country is increasing with each passing day.

TWENTY FOUR HOURS is a long time, they say in politics. It seems it is even longer in the life of a nation. On the morning of March 23, 2009, a British news channel was busy showing a special programme covering the situation in Pakistan’s Swat valley. The scenic valley has been in the news for months now for its detiorating security situation and the capitulation of the Pakistani government to the militants there. It is, however, being presented as an accord to implement Sharia law and not a caving in to the diktat of the Taliban.

When interviewed by the TV journalist, President Zardari made a complete denial of the reports of Pakistani territories being in the control of militants. The channel then panned to the town of Mingora in the Swat valley. If the ticker below the screen shots were to not indicate that this is a Pakistani town, the average viewer could have been forgiven for assuming these to be shots of war scarred Afghanistan.

Bombed out buildings, schools razed to ground, bullet ridden walls and only weapon carrying men everywhere. Every street showed the same scenes of rugged, bearded men, most with black turbans. Nowhere were any women to be spotted, not even burqa clad ones.
Taliban at the doorstep: A President in denial

Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, March 27, 2009; 8:44 AM
PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Mar. 27 -- A suicide bomber detonated his explosives Friday in a crowded mosque in northwest Pakistan, killing at least 50 people and leaving more bodies buried in the rubble of the building, officials said. Officials said many of those killed and wounded Friday were members of the Frontier Corps, a paramilitary force that patrols the tribal zones. The mosque that was targeted was located in Jamrud town, near the main highway leading to the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan. It is very close to a major Frontier Corps barracks that dates back to British colonial rule.
Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 50 in Pakistan Mosque

Kupwara encounter
Eight members of the Army, one of them a Major, and 17 terrorists are reported to have been killed in a series of encounters between patrols of the Army and five different groups of terrorist infiltrators from the Pakistani territory in densely forested areas of the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir. The encounters, which started on March 20, lasted five days.
The ploy behind the Kupwara encounter

IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- hundredth day

Date: Thursday, 26 March, 2009, 11:00 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar Mantar venue remains active.
Press Conference
Gen Pravesh Renjen, Col Joshipura and self attended a well attended press conference at the Press club of India today. It had journalists from the print as well as visual media.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Hindi- Google Translate
प्रिय साथियों,
इस Jantar Mantar स्थल सक्रिय रहता है.
प्रेस सम्मेलन
जनरल प्रवेश Renjen, कर्नल Joshipura और आत्म आज भारत के प्रेस क्लब में एक अच्छी तरह से भाग लिया प्रेस सम्मेलन में भाग लिया. यह दृश्य मीडिया प्रिंट रूप से पत्रकारों था.
सादर,
लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल (Emeritus) राज Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
अध्यक्ष IESM

SCPC: Blue Ribbon Commission for the armed forces

The Tribune Sunday, March 22, 2009, Chandigarh, India
This writer is not about to argue the case of the ESM, but a brief summary of events would help to orient the reader. In early-2006 when the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) loomed into sight, the Service Chiefs, individually and collectively, through the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), appealed to the Defence Minister, on the basis of bitter past experience, that a service member be included in the CPC.

This request having been declined, when the CPC Report was released in 2008, the services found to their dismay that the recommendations expectedly contained many glaring anomalies impacting adversely on serving personnel as well as ESM. At the persistent urgings of the Service Chiefs, a Review Committee was constituted; ironically yet again bereft of a service representative. The Review Committee aggravated the anomalous situation by arbitrarily making some further unwarranted modifications.

A series of instructions were issued by the Defence Accounts and pension disbursing authorities which were self-contradictory and compounded the prevailing confusion as well as unhappiness. While the Chairman, COSC, took up the issues relating to serving personnel with the Government, the ESM became convinced that since no one was listening to them, they had no choice but to adopt agitational methods. They have, therefore, taken to the streets since April 2008.

Military veterans, world-wide are objects of spontaneous respect, affection and admiration because they are national symbols of courage, patriotism and sacrifice; a segment deserving of special consideration by the government. The grievances of our ESM, should, therefore, have been handled with far more sensitivity and responsiveness, than they actually were.

The current ESM movement has been able to mobilise opinion country-wide and gather self-sustaining momentum, mainly due to connectivity provided by the Internet and cellular phone networks. While the MoD seems to have adopted a disdainful and detached stance towards their grievances, the ESM roll-on agenda now encompasses canvassing political support for their cause, and even the formation of an ESM political party which will put up candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Thus it is now obvious that, while the nation slept, the process of “politicisation” of our armed forces is well under way, if not complete. The Sixth CPC has also inflicted serious collateral damage by deepening the existing civil-military chasm and thereby further slowing down the languid functioning of the MoD.

As a former Army Chief has pointed out, the ESM retain “an umbilical connection” with the serving personnel; they hail from the same regions or neighbouring villages and often belong to the same family. In any case, the Services and ESM are one big family. No one should have any doubts that the essence of whatever happens at Jantar Mantar or India Gate will slowly but surely filter back by a process of “reverse osmosis” to the men in uniform.

Were this to happen — even by default — it would constitute the most grievous injury to be needlessly inflicted on itself by the Indian state. India’s democracy requires that the armed forces must be restored to their original pristine apolitical state at the earliest.

The surest way of doing this is to remove the ESM from the streets, and the best means would be to constitute a Blue Ribbon Commission to examine and address their grievances. This can be done right now, because the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct does not come in the way.
Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd)
The writer is a former Chief of Naval Staff
Full article at: Buy the best for armed forces

A tale of two land forces: Army and Police

Image of Police in India
It is not my intention to comment on the quality of police service we Indians receive in return for our taxes. The traffic is managed reasonably well; free and fair elections are conducted and our religious processions and ‘kumbh melas’ receive due care. The forte of our police service is the protection of national leaders. The posse of armed guards and motor cavalcades that accompany them are an imposing sight. The most threatened are the senior-most police officers themselves. It is not unusual to see a canvas colony near the residence of a senior cop. But for the rest, and in the eyes of the lay Indian, the profile of a policeman is:

He is pot bellied, betel chewing, barely able to fit into his uniform

If caught for a traffic offence, you can bribe the cop and get away

Police stations are littered with garbage and not much use is made of technology to capture and process information

If an offence is committed by a VIP’s brat, the cop will turn the Nelson’s eye

If an accident occurs, the stupid will be caught; the clever need not worry

Para Military Forces and Central Police Organizations (CPOs)
Before independence, Assam Rifles and the Central Reserve Police were the only two forces under the Government of India. The proliferation began thereafter, and today the combined strength of the CPOs now exceeds six lakh. There is a plan to add 1.23 lakh in the near future. We seem to raise a new force whenever a new threat appears. These forces are under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the aggregate ‘culture’ which they imbibe is that of the police.

Sixth Central Pay Commission Recommendations
The Sixth Central Pay Commission recommended lateral absorption of Army personnel into the Police, and went on to suggest that the entrance examination and selection process should be common. The Commission wanted to bridge the gap between the Army and the CPOs. The Ministry of Home Affairs rejected the proposal summarily. The reasons advanced make pathetic reading. It has not been understood that mere numbers will not instill a sense of security amongst our citizens. The need of the hour is to identify root causes. Every time there is a Pay Commission, policemen cry and clamour for more ‘high level’ posts.

Way out of this Quagmire
It is a fact that the military is upset at the treatment meted out to soldiers. If the different land forces were operating in isolation, each could evolve its own cadre structure, wear uniforms of the kind that suits them, display a dozen stars on their cars.

But if they are to operate in the same environment, the norms must have a semblance of uniformity. Military and the Police must complement each other; not compete. Each has to see the viewpoint of the other. The road that divides North Block and South Block needs to be bridged; it must not turn into a moat. Some questions beg answers:

Soldiers get free rations, but have no pot bellies. Policemen get no free meal; from where do the nutrients come to sustain their enormous waistlines?

Indians are inherently untidy. Police stations can not be faulted for the litter of garbage. But why do military units give such a tidy appearance?

Corruption is a universal phenomenon, so if a cop accepts a bribe, why bother? But has anyone seen a soldier seeking protection money when deployed for Internal Security duties?

The reason for the relatively greater responsiveness is just one: in the military, every promotion has to be earned; in the civil services, it is claimed as a matter of right through seniority.

The Bottom Line
Before Independence, the highest ranking police officer was rated lower than Maj-Gen in the table of precedence. This inequity was rightly corrected, and for a long time every State had one Inspector General who ranked at par with a two-star soldier. Then suddenly, a snake bit the soldiers and cops found a ladder. In the wake of this Pay Commission, scores of police officers have been equated with the Army Commander and the numbers who rank above the General Officer Commanding cannot even be counted. The strength of the police forces has risen, and their status is rising. The citizens’ sense of security has diminished in the same proportion. Some recent indicators:

When a dozen terrorists sneaked into Mumbai, the Army had to be flown in from Delhi to flush them out

In the current recession when jobs are being slashed, private security industry has zoomed a whopping 25 percent

Anyone of means wants to hire a guard for his house; corporate firms hire specialists for the purpose

Some major business houses are toying with the idea of raising their own special forces on the lines of the National Security Guards, just as large condominium complexes install captive power generation plants, our 23 lakh security persons ably led by more than 300 Director Generals of Police are unable to guarantee security for a few cricket matches because of elections next month. So the Indian Premier League will be played in South Africa. This has put a big question mark on the Commonwealth Games next year.

Maj Gen Surjit Singh, AVSM,VSM, is an army veteran
Full article: A tale of two land forces: Army and Police

Ex-servicemen to field their own candidates in Lok Sabha polls

Thursday, March 26, 2009 : 1710 Hrs
New Delhi (PTI): An ex-servicemen's body on Thursday announced that its members will vote for parties which support their 'one rank one pension' (OROP) demand and even field its own candidates in the Lok Sabha elections to press their cause.

"We will support only those parties which support our OROP demand. The names of these parties will be announced shortly," Raj Kadyan, chairman of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) told reporters here. "IESM will also field candidates in the ensuing elections", he said.

Lt Gen (Retd) Kadyan said that over the years, all the major political parties in the country had promised to look into the implementation of the OROP demand. IESM members will continue depositing their gallantry and service medals with the President till the time their demands are accepted, he said.

"On April 12, we will deposit the next instalment of medals with President," Lt Gen Kadyan said. Officers and soldiers associated with IESM have till now have deposited over 12,000 medals with the President since February 8 this year.

Under the OROP demand, IESM is seeking that servicemen who have put equal number of years into service and retired from the same rank, should get equal pension irrespective of the date of retirement.
Ex-servicemen to field their own candidates in Lok Sabha polls

SBI sees tremendous response for Nano

Ratan Tata during the launch of Nano in Mumbai (TOI) see nano pictures click here
24 Mar 2009, 2122 hrs IST, PTI
MUMBAI: Bookings for Rs 1 lakh Nano car by the Tata Motors are pouring in from all parts of the country as the sole booking agent SBI on Tuesday said it has distributed lakhs of applications for the world's cheapest car.

"We have distributed lakhs of applications for Nano across the country. We are getting a tremendous response from people for Nano," SBI Chairman O P Bhatt told reporters here.

The lender has inked an exclusive agreement with Tata Motors for the management of the bookings of Nano through its pan-India network. Around 1,350 branches of SBI in 850 cities would assist in the booking process of the Nano. Booking forms will be distributed and the filled-up application forms with the booking amount will be collected through SBI's branches.

The bank will be marketing the application forms through its 11,111-plus branches. Customers will be provided end-to-end processing with a bouquet of retail products for the bookings. Apart from extending loans for Nano purchase, the refund to unsuccessful applicants will also be available at SBI branches, SBI said.

The sale of application forms and acceptance of booking amount at SBI branches will start from April 9 and will go on till April 25. SBI will be using its cash management product, SBI Fast, for the processing and has also set up a 24x7 helpline to facilitate the booking process, the release said.

SBI loan product will enable applicants for booking the Nano by financing 100 per cent amount at a low down-payment amount starting from Rs 2,999, the release said.

The Nano car loan can be availed up to a maximum period of seven years for 11.75-12 per cent interest rate, the release said.
SBI sees tremendous response for Nano

Mumbai Mayhem: Pakistan Terror Camps

Pa26 Mar 2009, 0046 hrs IST, TNN
NEW DELHI: Army chief General Deepak Kapoor on Wednesday said the terror infrastructure across the border was very much intact while hinting at continued support of the Pakistani establishment in the running of 40-50 terrorist camps still active in PoK. Speaking after an award function in the Capital, Gen Kapoor said the Lashkar-e-Taiba was still active in Pakistan despite the action that Islamabad claims to have taken against the outfit.

He said that about 40 to 50 terror camps were operational across the Line of Control (LoC) and terrorists are waiting for an opportunity to infiltrate.

The troops had for the last five days been engaged in a gun-battle in the forests of Kupwara and Handwara. The Army chief did not rule out the assistance of the Pakistani Army as terrorists had infiltrated under cover fire provided by the Pakistani Rangers.

Asked if the arrest of senior LeT operatives by Pakistan had had any impact on its activities, Gen Kapoor said: "I can definitely say that Lashkar is very much still active and as to the amount of difference those arrests have made, it's for you to judge." He said there were still a very large number of foreign militants operating in J&K.

On Wednesday, the Army had lodged a strong protest with its Pakistani counterparts over a ceasefire violation four days ago when Pakistani troops fired throughout the night at Indian posts in Uri sector.
Pakistan still running terror camps: Army chief
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IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- ninty ninth day

Date: Wednesday, 25 March, 2009, 10:44 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue continues to remain activated. There was a group of ESM from Bahadurgarh who visited the venue and spent a few hours with us.
Core Gp
The Core Gp had a long meeting this afternoon. Following decisions were take.
1. IESM continues to remain apolitical.
2. Any ESM fighting elections from any constituency should be supported by all the ESM in the area. In the rare chance of two ESM contesting from the same constituency, the suggested voting preference should be in the following order:

Candidate contesting on Rashtriya Raksha Dal ticket.

Candidate contesting as Independent.
Rally on 12 April 2009
The rally will be held at 1100 hours on 12 April 2009 at Jantar Mantar instead of Ram Lila ground. It will terminate into depositing of medals with the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

On defence?
We believe ‘one rank-one pension’ must be implemented. We will also take forward reform like the contributory health scheme for the armed forces and accelerate housing: I am boastful enough to say that was my contribution when I was defence minister.
'NDA's thrust is on governance' JASWANT SINGH, leader, Bharatiya Janata Party

The Ludhiana Rally of 24 Mar 09 photographs, received from Col SS Sohi




Gen Satbir, Gen Jaini, Brig Harwant Singh & many senior officers, alongwith Mohali Bde in full swing. It was another successful rally in Punjab

IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- ninty eighth day

Date: Wednesday, 25 March, 2009, 1:05 AM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue continues to remain activated.
Visits
Gen Satbir and his team visited Ludhiana today and received an encouraging response.
Core Gp
The Core Gp meets Mar 25. Col Rajan has come from Bangalore to attend the meeting. In his honour Brig & Mrs Kamboj hosted a dinner at The NOIDA Golf Club that was attended by all available members of the core Gp.
Congress Manifesto
The Congress manifesto for the 2009 Lok Sabha elections was released Mar 24. The portion pertaining to ESM appears on Page 10 and says, “Recognizing their special concerns, a new and separate department of ex-servicemen’s welfare was established in 2004 by the Congress-led UPA Government. Ex-Servicemen constitute a large cadre of dedicated and trained persons. We will utilize them extensively in crucial nation-building tasks.” Click here- Manifesto- 2009
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Contribution of the Armed Forces to the Freedom Movement

Dear Friends,
This to inform you of the publication of my latest book, CONTRIBUTION OF THE ARMED FORCES TO THE FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN INDIA. This was the result of project that I did in 2007-08 for the USI.
I am attaching the front and rear jacket and a copy of the contents page.
Regards
Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd)


Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research
United Service Institution of India New Delhi
Contribution of the Armed Forces to the Freedom Movement in India
Maj Gen VK Singh
knowledge world
KW Publishers Pvt Ltd
New Delhi
Contents
List of Abbreviations v
Glossary of Hindustani Terms vii
Prologue ix
1 The Vellore Mutiny –1806 1
2 The Barrackpore Mutiny – 1824 11
3 The Great Indian Mutiny – 1857 19
4 The Singapore Mutiny – 1915 55
5 The Peshawar Mutiny – 1930 69
6 Mutinies and Revolts During World War ii81
7 The Air Force Mutiny - 1946 91
8 The Naval Mutiny – 1946 105
9 The Jubbulpore Mutiny – 1946 131
10 Nationalism in the Armed Forces 151
11 The Soldier’s Contribution to Indian Independence 167
Bibliography 185

REAR JACKET
The saga of India’s independence movement has been documented by scores of Indian and foreign authors, but none has documented the role of the Indian soldier in the struggle for freedom from British rule. The general public remains unaware and the nation’s leaders have never acknowledged or appreciated the part played by the military in this important chapter of our history. Some lost their lives, while many were deprived of their livelihood and liberty, without recognition or compensation. This book attempts to undo this injustice and acquaint the nation with the soldier’s contribution to the freedom movement.

Except for the Great Indian Mutiny of 1857, also called the First War of Indian Independence, historians have virtually ignored the uprisings by soldiers that occurred during the British Raj, many of which were politically motivated and inspired by a spirit of nationalism. Though the mutiny of 1857 was quelled, the spirit of nationalism that it kindled could not be extinguished. A number of smaller mutinies and revolts took place during the next 90 years, especially during the two World Wars and immediately after wards. These rebellions were instrumental in the decision of the British Government to pull out of India in August 1947.

The non violent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi is universally credited for India’s independence in 1947. However, documentary evidence of that period conclusively proves that the crucial factor in the British decision to quit India was the realization that they could no longer trust the Indian military to maintain control over India. Had the Indian Armed Forces remained staunch, British rule would have continued for at least another 10 to 15 years.

Major General VK Singh is career soldier who was commissioned into the Corps of Signals on 27 June 1965. He served in the Army for 37 years, his last appointment being Chief Signal Officer of the Western Army. In November 2000 he joined the Cabinet Secretariat, (R&AW), where he served up to June 2004, when he retired from government service.

Major General VK Singh’s varied interests include adventure sports, military history and journalism. A regular contributor to magazines and journals, many of his short stories and poems were published in the Illustrated Weekly, Filmfare, Femina and Eve’s Weekly in the seventies and eighties. In later years he took to professional writing and has authored four books. His previous books are Through – Saga of the Corps of Signals (2001); Leadership in the Indian Army - Biographies of Twelve Soldiers, (2005); History of the Corps of Signals, Volume II, (2006) and India’s External Intelligence – Secrets of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in 2007.

Order the Book
Delhi: KW Publishers Pvt Ltd, 4676/21, Ansari Road, New Delhi - 110002.
tel 23289555, 23264676 e mail mail@kwpub.in and knowledgeworld@vsnl.net
Bombay: 15 Jay Kay Industrial Estate, Linking Road Extn., Santa Cruz,(W), Mumbai 400054

ESM: Salient Points from Congress Manifesto- Election 2009

Citizen Security

We will guarantee the maximum possible security to each and every citizen.
Our policy is zero-tolerance towards terrorism from whatever source it originates. We have already initiated the process of equipping our police and other specialist security forces with the latest weapons and technology to meet terrorist threats. This process will be taken forward vigorously. More specialist battalions will be raised and positioned in key locations across the country.
Citizenship is a right and a matter of pride. With the huge IT expertise available in our country, it is possible to provide every Indian with a unique identity card after the publication of the national population register in the year 2011.

Welfare of Defence Forces and Families

We will ensure the highest level of defence preparedness and also take further steps for the welfare of the defence forces and their families. During the BJP-led NDA government, over Rs 24,000 crores of funds meant for defence modernisation were simply not spent. In the last five years, modernisation of our defence forces has resumed substantially. This will continue at a rapid pace. The Indian National Congress also pledges to make India’s defence forces technology-enabled and equipped with modern weapons, aircraft, ships and delivery systems to repel any threat from land, sea or air. Recognizing their special concerns, a new and separate department of ex-servicemen’s welfare was established in 2004 by the Congress-led UPA Government. Ex-servicemen constitute a large cadre of dedicated and trained persons. We will utilize them extensively in crucial nation-building tasks.

Police Reforms

We will accelerate the process of police reforms
The Indian National Congress recognizes the imperative of police reforms. A clear distinction between the political executive and police administration will be made. The police force will be better provisioned especially in the matter of housing and education facilities; the police force will be made more representative of the diversity our population; and police recruitment will be made more effective and training professionalized to confront new and emerging threats. Accountability of the police force will be institutionalized.
Manifesto- 2009

Present Status of Welfare Department under MOD
It is a non functional organisation headed by civilian bureaucrats whose perception of Armed Forces as a second rate service is evident from the website at click here which has not been updated since 2006. The welfare Secretary is posted at fag end of his service to work out his post retirement employment and resettlement. In other words a Welfare Deparment for Bureaucrats! Empty promises galore by every Political Party. Once they obtain the mandate to rule the Soldiers Welfare is forgotten, as is evident for the last 60 years of Independent India! Surely Soldiers are Patriotic to the core!

SCPC: Will Maj Gens see light at the end of the bureaucratic tunnel?

Copy of letter to Mr AK Anthony Honble Minister for Defence, from President Naval Foundation Delhi Chapter dated 11 Mar 2009

1. You may be aware that the Maj Generals and equivalents had agitated their case before the Punjab High Court and then before the Supreme Court in their quest to get Pension parity with those brethren who retired after 1 Jan 1996 i.e. consequent to the 5th PC. The Supreme Court had given a very favorable judgment on 8 Sep 2008 and the GOI had gone in appeal and the same was again rejected by the same court a few days ago.
2. The SC had concluded that “The larger issue involved is whether there could be a disparity in payment of pension to officers of the same rank who had retired prior to the introduction of the revised pay scales, with those who retired there after”. It also noted that “16. The case of the respondents however, was that in view of the Constitution Bench decision of this court in the DS Nakara and others vs the UOI (1983) 1 SCC 305 the fixation of a cut off date as a result of which equals were treated as unequals, was wholly arbitrary and had been rightfully interfered with by the High Court. One of the questions posed in the aforesaid decision was whether a class of pensioners could be divided for the purpose of entitlement and payment of pension into those who retired by a certain date and those who retired there after. The question was answered by the Constitution Bench holding that such divisions being both arbitrary and unprincipled the classification did not stand the test of Article 14 of the Constitution.”
3. The Supreme Court has directed as follows :-
(a) 25. In our view, it would be arbitrary to allow such a situation to continue since the same also offends the provisions of Article 14 of the Constitution.
(b) 29. The directions ultimately given by the Constitution Bench in the said case in order to resolve the dispute which had arisen, is of relevance to resolve the dispute in this case also.
(c) 31. We, accordingly, dismiss the appeal and modify the order of the High Court by directing that the pay of all pensioners in the rank of Major General and its equivalent rank in the two other Wings of the Defence Services be notionally fixed at the rate given to similar officers of the same rank after the revision of pay scales with effect from 1.1.1996, and, thereafter, to compute their pensionary benefits on such basis with prospective effect from the date of filing of the writ petition and to pay them the difference within three months from date with interest at 10% per annum. The respondents will not be entitled to payment on account of increased pension from prior to the date of filing of the writ petition.
4. Though, over six months have elapsed since the judgment was pronounced, the MOD have yet to issue the relevant orders and effect payment to the concerned officers and in fact MOD are in contempt of the Supreme Court. This is a sad reflection on the standing and welfare of the ex-Servicemen with the MOD/GOI, that we are being denied our rightful dues and that too when they have been legally scrutinized and sanctioned. This has serious implications, for if the MOD/GOI, preaching and expecting us to follow the rule of law, do not go by the rule of law, who will, and that is a bad example to the men in uniform who are the one important set of people in this country who respect and follow the law.
5. Needless to say that there has been a constant undermining of the morale, of the serving and the retired community, as they feel ignored and slighted because they do not have the political clout and even those in uniform, who are tomorrows Veterans, are seething at the step motherly treatment by the MOD. The current agitation by Veterans with full support of their peers in uniform, neither brings credit to the Veterans nor to GOI, and does not bode well for the country’s future. Not one of the anomalies that the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri personally, and the Group of Ministers, had promised to settle by Diwali has yet seen the light of day and that speaks for itself.
6. The Veteran’s community solicits the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri’s personal help and support, to issue the necessary orders without any further delay. It may be mentioned that these Orders, consequent to a judicial decision, will not be covered under the Model code of conduct imposed for the forthcoming elections.

Dear Friends,
The issues raised by the President Naval Foundation had appeared earlier. Now in spite of the SC ruling in favour of the Maj Gen rank pay/ pension parity pre and post vth PC and virtually granting OROP, the GOI is just keeping silent on implementation of the ruling. Is this our fate accomplice? What other method is left for the veterans. The three Chiefs are also silent. What then is the way out of this impasse? Can you all imagine? Are we also heading towards civil/ military chaos as it has happened in some other countries. I am personally afraid that more and more awareness among the veterans, of injustice done to them and if not addressed by the powers-to-be, will ultimately lead to uncontrollable situation which may not be good for health of the democracy. We have to watch out.
I Jairath
Gp Capt (Retd)

Say sorry if you want the marriage to last!
The ever growing chasm between the duo of bureaucrats and politicians and the services due to the formers acts of omission and commission in progressively downgrading the status of the services bodes ill for all including the Nation and the Country and need urgent action towards reconciliation before the chasm becomes a rift.
The start point could be an apology from the duo- to quote from the times essay-
“They’re are so sorry” by Nancy Gibbs – ‘ An apology is that rare instrument that restores strength through an act of surrender. This is not a matter of etiquette. It is a matter of survival”
Perhaps a message too subtle to penetrate the proverbial thick skin.
Brig Lakshman Singh VSM (Retd)

Predictable Outcome: The Law has caught up with the Bureaucrats who want to cheat the Soldiers. What can you expect from Corrupt Bureaucrats except to find new methods to deny the benefits to the simple soldiers who are paid peanuts? The SC ruling will be circumvented dubiously by scheming Expenditure Secretary in connivance with MOD!

Charting the course of the Indian Armed forces

Photo credit: bharat rakshak
Sajini Sahadevan Monday, March 16, 2009 14:08 IST
Bangalore: Imagine a chronicle of the last 100 years of a country. It could well be the most fitting mark of respect to those who battle it out for the nation, braving not just the rain of bullets, but the forces of nature as well. Commemorating its hundredth year, Sainik Samachar has been released as a special compilation issue in hardback, making it a collector's piece.

The defence journal started by the Ministry of Defence and Indian Armed Forces in 1909, Sainik Samachar (or Fauji Akhbar, as it was known before independence) has found many loyal readers among laymen. An increase in the number of literate men in the Indian Army led to the magazine being brought out in Urdu. The journal was also printed in many regional languages to cater to its readers from every corner of the
country.

In the special compilation, articles have been reproduced from editions dating back to the 30s and 50s. Articles written in Hindi on World War II have been reproduced in Roman Hindi to bring back the zest of the past. Almost 85 years since the first issue, a majority of pictures have been in black and white. Most stories have been sourced from old issues of Sainik Samachar while certain external written material has been included to shed light on subjects from World War I and II to compensate for the absence of photographs -- that were of too poor a quality to be used -- and certain issues that were lost in bulk.

The book is a chronology of milestones, as the yellowing reproductions of articles remind one of the years fraught with struggles and violence. Cartoons featuring characters from various services and advertisements of brands like Brooke Bond tea bring forth realisation of how times have changed.

Copies of important events from 1914 - 1919, originally published in the Hindi edition of Fauji Akhbar, and press releases stating important events of the time have found a place in the book.

An overseas edition was also launched from Cairo in 1959, for the benefit of troops. A single copy of Sainik Samachar cost one anna in 1909. A hundred years later, it is available at Rs 5, well within the reach of one and all.

The black and white photographs include the 3/8 Punjab Patrol in Italy during WW II; King George V and the the Queen of England being received by the governor general; proceedings of the Delhi Durbar when Delhi was declared the new capital in 1911; students attending classes on seamanship and wireless telegraphy; an aerial view of Pakistani tanks running haphazardly during the Battle of Longewala in Rajasthan; and a photograph of Sonepat, the last serving elephant of the Indian Army who was sold out of service in 1932.

Pieces written by author Mulk Raj Anand, ornithologist Dr Salim Ali and journalist Amita Malik, carried in previous editions make an appearance in the commemorative issue.

It also covers many firsts including India's first nuclear test, the launch of the first satellite Aryabhatta, the first woman general in the Indian Army etc.

The book is a comprehensive record of events that made India proud through her Army, Navy and Air Force.
Charting the course of the Indian Armed forces

Mumbai Mayhem: Taliban enforces Sharia Law in Pakistan?

Hindustan Times, Wed, 25 Mar 2009
Vir Sanghvi
This was brought home to me most clearly by two major events over the last few weeks.

The first of these was the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team on the streets of Lahore. In their defence, Pakistanis said that they were powerless to act against the terrorists because religious fanaticism was growing. Each day more misguided youngsters joined jihadi outfits and the law and order situation worsened.

Further, they added, things had got so bad that in the tribal areas the government of Pakistan had agreed to suspend the rule of law under pressure from the Taliban and had conceded that sharia law would reign instead. Interestingly, while most civilised liberals should have been appalled by this surrender to the forces of extremism, many Pakistanis defended this concession.

Imran Khan (Keble College, Oxford, 1973-76) even declared that sharia law would be better because justice would be dispensed more swiftly! (I know this is politically incorrect but the Loin of the Punjab’s defence of sharia law reminded me of the famous Private Eye cover when his marriage to Jemima Goldsmith was announced. The Eye carried a picture of Khan speaking to Jemima’s father. “Can I have your daughter’s hand?” Imran was supposedly asking James Goldsmith. “Why? Has she been caught shoplifting?” Goldsmith replied. So much for sharia law.)

The second contrasting event was one that took place in Los Angeles but which was perhaps celebrated more in India than in any other country in the world. Three Indians won Oscars: A.R. Rahman, Resul Pookutty and Gulzar.

Their victory set off a frenzy of rejoicing. We were proud of our countrymen. We were pleased that India’s entertainment industry and its veterans had been recognised at an international platform. And all three men became even bigger heroes than they already were.

But here’s the thing: Not one of them is a Hindu.

Can you imagine such a thing happening in Pakistan? Can you even conceive of a situation where the whole country would celebrate the victory of three members of two religious minorities? For that matter, can you even imagine a situation where people from religious minorities would have got to the top of their fields and were, therefore, in the running for international awards?

On the one hand, you have Pakistan imposing sharia law, doing deals with the Taliban, teaching hatred in madrasas, declaring jihad on the world and trying to kill innocent Sri Lankan cricketers. On the other, you have the triumph of Indian secularism.
Read more click here: The same people? Surely not

IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- ninty seventh day

Date: Monday, 23 March, 2009, 8:52 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar Mantar venue remains active.
Visits
Gen Satbir and his team are continuing their scheduled visit to Punjab. The feedback from all stations is very encouraging.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Bangalore IESM Rally on 15 Mar 2009Click here for slideshow of 22 photos

Subject: PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR ESM BY NAVI MUMBAI MUNCIPAL CORPORATION
Dear Defence fraternity,
We had taken up a case for exempting property tax for ESM by Navi Mumbai Muncipal Corporation(NMMC). We had a meeting with with Commissioner NMMC on 02 feb 2008. This was followed by meetings with Mayor, Chairman Standing Committee NMMC & Cabinet Minister and Gaurdian Minister Of Navi Mumbai. We are informed that in principle decision has been taken by NMMC to exempt ESM from property tax. Official orders are likely to be issued after "ACHAR SANGITA" period is over.
For information please
Brigadier Dharam Prakash
Congratulations Brig Dharam Prakash

Honour and Glory10 Para- An Added Edge- Battle Honour Chachro and Theatre Honour Sind
Army’s plan to advertise through NCERT books to make up its man power deficiency, especially of officers, may discern its desperation. Even though our country has reached a critical stage in our quest for a developed nation, the actual success depends only on ensuring our security from external pressures and internal strife. The unprecedented shortage of officers in our Armed Forces which has reached, 24, 17 and 12 percent in the Army , Navy and Air Force respectively, is a cause for national worry. Having now understood the gravity of the problem, the Parliamentary Committee is highly perturbed and have already asked the Ministry of Defence to take immediate corrective actions.
The nagging questions are:

why the deficiency of officers can not be made up by enhanced recruitment?

Why the exodus of the serving officers can not be contained?

Can we restructure the time tested format of the ‘Service Selection Board’ (SSB), to accommodate candidates of lower merit?

Can we compromise on the essential qualitative requirement of ‘Officer like Qualities’ OLQ?
The country’s high expectation of the Armed Forces are legitimate and justifiable. The government while considering a compromise on the officer’s recruitment procedure, should keep in mind the long term objectives of our armed forces. India today stands faced with the daunting task of making the Army career attractive among the young educated people. Our history for the last six decades indicates that the political and bureaucratic nexus has been trying to systematically devalue the status Indian Armed Forces. Having lost the 'honour and glory' even the Service Chiefs have lost direct access to the political leadership at the apex level and continue to be deprived of participation in the decision making process of the country, even on defence matters. Let this country address the issue of parity with a feeling that our Armed Forces have a more vital role to play as compared to bureaucrats.
Major Mathew Oommen (Retd)

ECHS: Health care given a go by- RTI exposes corruption

Treatment in Military Hospitals
Are Somnath, Pranab soldiers?
Eklavya Atray
Thursday, March 19, 2009
New Delhi: They swear by the Indian soldier in public. But in private, Union ministers, senior bureaucrats and many others do not hesitate to exploit health facilities meant exclusively for the Indian soldier.

With the Right to Information Act, DNA carried out a detailed inspection of records at the army's Research and Referral (R&R) Hospital in the capital. It found that hundreds of civilians were treating themselves at the prestigious hospital using their powerful connections.

Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee, external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, former president R Venkatraman and several IAS officers, including secretaries, former defence secretaries and serving defence ministry bureaucrats were among hundreds of civilians treating themselves at the prestigious hospital.

There were also many unknown faces, who obviously came with strong recommendations. In fact, R&R hospital, the largest military hospital in India, has treated over 750 non-entitled patients in the last five years.

DNA found that these men and women were treated for diseases ranging from common dysentery to complicated surgeries, viral fever to life-threatening complications. In return the patients paid peanuts, the subsidised rate military personnel are entitled to.

The authorities covered up the staggering exploitation of military resource by saying that the hospital commandant was empowered to make exemptions for outsiders. But this comes at a time when the defence ministry is paying crores annually to private hospitals for treating retired military personnel and their kin under the ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, due to shortage of facilities in military hospitals.
Are Somnath, Pranab soldiers

Army Hospital (Research & Referral)
R&R Hospital: Better Than The Best
The first human patient simulator
Beating heartz surgery
X-knife surgery
Robotic total hip replacement surgery
Biplane Digital Subtraction Angiograhpy
'dual head gamma camera SPECT system'
Molecular Lab
Digital fundus camera

Comment: The ECHS evolved to treat ESM and dependants is in a sordid state of decay sans funds. Military Hospitals refuse to treat ESM. Crores of Rupees spent in treating unauthorised civilians at Military Hospitals does not affect either the conscience of Military authorities or the Government as governance is by a bunch of corrupt bureaucrats. We thank DNA for exposing such a fraud perpetuated on the ESM fraternity.

IESM: Fast for Justice- ninty sixth day

22 March 2009
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue continues to remain active.
Meeting
Krit Joshipura and self had a meeting with two veterans to work out a strategy to expand IESM into parts of HP and Western UP. Some good ideas got tossed about.
Blessings
85-year old retired lecturer Ragahvan lives in a Tamil Nadu village along the Chennai-Bangalore highway. He has learnt of the IESM through his cousin Wg Cdr Vasudevan. Mr Raghvan called up this morning to convey his appreciation for the work the IESM is doing and to bless our efoorts. Thank you sir, for your kind gesture. It is blessings like these that help us keep going.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Aims & Objectives
In general the IESM will aim to bind the ESM fraternity together and use the talent and experience of the ESM towards nation building. In specific the aims and objectives will be, but not limited to, as follows:-
(a) To promote, support and organize suitable occupational opportunities for ESM.
(b) To provide assistance to ESM and their widows in their resettlement.
(c) To provide assistance to ESM in setting up own small scale ventures for livelihood.
(d) To provide assistance to all ESM in matters concerning medical, pension, grants etc.
(e) To organize social, cultural, educational and recreational events for the benefit of ESM and their wards.
(f) To periodically hold conferences, meetings, seminars, lectures and visual shows on topics of interest to the ESM.
(g) To pursue with the Centre and State governments for removal of any discriminatory rules and provisions adversely affecting the interests of ESM.
(h) To pursue establishment of Just & Fair place of Defence services in the country i.e. functioning of Defence services in a democracy.
(j) To undertake any other task considered appropriate by the Governing Body.

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

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

One Rank One Pension.

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

To remove all anomalies of the previous Pay Commissions and get due justice for the Defence Services.

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

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

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

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

One ESM must be appointed as PET/ NCC Instructor in all School & Colleges.

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

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

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

Taking up cases collectively for removal of injustice through legal means

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

To liaise with the services to help the PBOR’s in resettlement.

SCPC: Military Conned and the Myths of Multiple Salary Tables

Sunday, March 22, 2009 7:43 PM
Subject: Have we been shafted? An Analysis of the 6th CPC
This has been extracted to draw attention of larger Military population ESM and Serving, since one has no time to analyse 650 pages of pay commision report. The general perception in our near n dear ones is that Defence Services have got a fairly good deal, but the myths of exchequer needs to be broken down to mere facts to expose the raw deal. By now all of you must have read a part of the Pay Commission Report. 650 pages of honey and crap mixed together so that one can swallow it.

Here are some observations:

Previously Defence were at a slightly better position vis-a-vis IAS and Central Services (See Pg 73 onwards for details). We have been shafted in the name of Military Service Pay (MSP) that all think is good. Think again.

The starting pay band has historically been different for defence (Faujis) and them (Babus). Faujis have always been given about one increment over the IAS during pay fixation. If we take into account the new MSP, Faujis are at a slight edge only initially. This gets compensated for the IAS Cadre by the Rank of Major. After that IAS, IFS (Same scales) and even Civilian Gde A employees are well ahead (despite MSP).

The running pay scale for all of Fauji Commissioned offficers is 15600- 39100 (till Brig).

IAS Starting is 21000/-(Ref Pg 166 Para 3.2.5). This means that their basic pay is 4400 more than Faujis from the initial stages itself and continues throughout their careers. This means, better perks for IAS/ Civilian Gde A employees.

A Lt will have a basic of 15600-39100, Gde Pay of 5400 and MSP of 6000. A Lt was equivalent/ at a higher scale than a Junior Time Scale (JTS). JTS starts at 21000. Thus pay for Lts is 4400 lesser initially. (If you add MSP it is only 600 extra which will be compensated by IAS by the rank of Capt as you see later)

A Capt gets a Grade Pay of 5700. The equivalent Senior Time Scale (STS) with Pay Bands not mentioned anywhere gets a gde pay of 6500. Gde Pay for IAS higher by 800 at this stage. Hence IAS has compensated themselves by the Capt equivalent. A Capt is hence lower in status than STS, whom he was higher than earlier.

Major's Gde Pay is 6100. Earlier equated to STS. Gde pay for STS continues to be 400/- more at this stage. In effect majors are now below STS (who has a Gde Pay 6500 and Basic Pay much higher).

A Lt Col gets a Gde Pay of 6600. The equivalent Jr Admin Gde (JAG) gets a Gde Pay of 7500. Hence the Gde Pay for a Lt Col is 900/- lesser. His status is thus lesser than a JAG which was equivalent rank earlier.

A Col will get a Gde Pay of 7600. The Civ equivalent the Non Functional Select Grade (NFSG) gets a Gde Pay of 8300 which is 700 extra.

Guess what will Faujis status be determined by? Pay + Gde Pay + MSP or Pay + Gde Pay? You can bet that finally status will be determined by Basic + Gde Pay which the IAS will have more of in all categories. Also, since their Basic Pay is higher, they will get all the privileges.

ARREARS
So Faujis thought that they will get a lot of arrears? By defining MSP as a new Pay Justice Sri Krishna has denied arrears in MSP. Well! All the IAS and Civil Servants get it since their starting Basic has been changed without any conditions. Actually Fauji's MSP is equivalent to what has been excluded from their Basic Pay. Hence each and every officer of the Armed forces has been suckered for (6000 X Number of Months since 1 Jan 2006)+ DA thereon. By defining the MSP as a new Pay, each Officer gets at least 1 lakh less in Arrears.

Also the 650 pages do not give any breakdown table for IAS/ Civilians! Guess we in defence were always considered dumb and so the pay for Faujis has been given in a lot of tables so that they can determine their pay along with the UDC/ LDC/ Class B,C, D s and teachers.

The pay recommendations for IAS/ Civil Servants is hidden in various pages. If they had been given, some of the less dumber of Faujis would have spotted the discrepancies in Faujis pay and theirs.

So, have Faujis been shafted in the name of Military Service Pay? Earlier Faujis were given something called Rank Pay, which never mattered when determining status. This has been replaced by the Military Service Pay (MSP) now, which won't matter later. In other words, the demands for X Factor and Military Service Pay have been used against Faujis.

Guess, Justice Krishna, Babus and Govt think that the sacrifices and dedication of NDTV INDIAN OF THE YEAR 2007 are sufficient to prove that they are foolhardy... as such they don't matter. Media too has analysed the superfluous details on day one and thereafter shifted 'Forces Request' to smallest columns on Page 7, 8 or 9. SCPC have given the senior levels enough to keep them happy. You all and the Indian Military has got conned. If you thought the Military will get a fair deal- You have not. SORRY BUT THAT IS THE TRUTH.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,

Yes, rightly, where does IESM go from here?
That Kshatriyas dont go on strike is of course debatable. Kshatriyas, like all of us in the Army once were, before reverting, some in teaching, to Brahamanism, some as Vaishyas in business and some elsewhere being just golfers, do adopt tactics to fight. Those tactics vary with demands of situations. El Alamein, Sangro, Haji Pir, Nathu La, CI, Fifth column, neutron bombs (unethical I am told), and now on civviee street, Dharanas, Hunger strike I guess. These are tools we use to effect, depending on situation. Devoid of the sword, we fight with NON (Kshatriya) violence.

In our service we used to endorse on Summary of Evidence :The statement has been read out to the accused in the language understood by him" (or words to that effect). Here in the civviiee street, the language needs to conform to the 'hearing ability of the receiver' BAHRON KO SUNAANEIN KE LIYE ZORRRR SE BOLNA PADTA HAI.

You are right, the statement of Mr Advani needs to be taken with a TON of salt. Yes. Thats right. But the greatest 'uplapdhi' of this event has been that SARKAR NE AAA KE, MERA HAAL TO PUCHHHHA. Now for some reason or the other, atleast someone came to find out and talk to us. We recall Sonia making the same statement, years ago. The same retractment may take place. But Saanp ka Kaata Bichhu se katwa lega, saanp se nahin. What Advani said has 50% chance of falsehood. Say 90%. But there is still that small percentage it may happen. And as practitioners of military science we know, there is nothing to lose. Are we giving up our agitation (though we are ourselves not happy doing it , possessing same OLQ as most of our veterans sitting on the fence)???? NO. REPEAT NO. The IESM will carry on till we get to our objectives.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi

IESM: LK Advani assures OROP- Video of full speech

L K Advani One Rank One Pension Part 1


L K Advani supporting one rank one pension part 2


National Democratic Alliances (NDA) prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani, assured retired soldiers that he will fulfill their 'one rank one pension' demand. Advani addressed the retired veterans, who have been protesting in New Delhi for the last 3 months. In pursuit of their demand for one rank one pension, the retired soldiers of varying ranks have returned more than 10,000 medals to the president.
Lt. Gen. N S Malik, convener of the Defense Cell of the BJP and Shri Rajiv Chandrashekhar, Member of Parliament were also present at the protest.

SCPC: OROP promise yet again?

News item exactly 5 years ago
19 Mar 2004, 0109 hrs IST, Rajat Pandit , TNN
NEW DELHI: Ex-servicemen, be forewarned. Politicians will once again try to woo you with tall promises of ushering in the long-sought "one-rank, one-pension" (OROP) principle in the run-up to the general election.

But, as has happened in the past, they will promptly consign it to the dusty files in South Block once they assume power.

Successive Union governments have brushed aside recommendations by parliamentary committees to swiftly resolve "the disparity of pensionary benefits between pensioners of the same rank" without much ado.

"The OROP proposal," say defence ministry officials, "is simply not feasible at the moment. If the principle is accepted, the total financial implication is estimated to be well over Rs 3,500 crore, with the additional liabilities being around Rs 650 crore annually."

This estimate takes into account payment of arrears with effect from January 1, 1996, the date from which the recommendations of the fifth pay panel were effective.

"It's also not possible to implement OROP due to administrative reasons and possible repercussions from the civil side, public sector and autonomous bodies," said an official.

Political parties, however, continue to pull the OROP rabbit out of their hats every time a general election comes near. Ex-servicemen, after all, constitute a sizable vote-bank.

Defence pensioners alone notch up a tally of over 20 lakh, with another 55,000 being added every year. If you add family members, over one crore people in India are directly connected with defence personnel or ex-servicemen.

So, it's no wonder that most political parties want to lure ex-servicemen to their fold. The Congress, in its 1999 election manifesto, for instance, said: "The issue of OROP will be re-examined and a solution to the satisfaction of ex-servicemen found expeditiously."

The BJP said, "The government will recognise the services and sacrifices of retired personnel."
One-rank, one-pension promise yet again?

Comment: Bureaucrats rule the roost. The Armed Forces have been ruined and slowly and surely command and control degraded! No resources for the soldiers legitimate entitlements. Certainly in days to come armed civilians to protect the nation is the only viable option?

President wants soldiers to be ‘technology efficient’

The Hindu Sunday, Mar 22, 2009
— Photo: S. R. RaghunathanBEST PERFORMANCE: President Pratibha Patil honours a meritorious candidate at the passing out parade at the OTA in Chennai on Saturday.


CHENNAI: Modern warfare must necessarily incorporate measures to counter terrorism, President Pratibha Patil said here on Saturday.

Speaking after reviewing a passing-out parade at the Officers Training Academy here, at which 151 men and women were inducted into the Army, the President said terrorism posed a grave threat to global peace, stability and progress. The country was a victim of such attacks. This menace had to be tackled with determination and eradicated.

“During your training, you would have been sensitised about the external security scenario, particularly of our region,” Ms. Patil pointed out, adding that an understanding of the threat perceptions was important for the young officers’ preparedness in dealing with such challenges. The modern army was a knowledge-based force and application of science and information technology had become an integral part of defence preparedness and warfare. “In today’s knowledge-centric era, every soldier should be ‘technology efficient’, a requirement that highlights the need for better training and increased efficiency,” the President said.

Matter of pride
Turning her attention to women officers, she said it was a matter of pride that they had joined the Army after successfully completing the full training capsule in the first Short Service Course for Women. “It shows they have come a long way since our national freedom movement and today are standing, firm and determined, on the frontiers of the nation with matching zeal and enthusiasm.” She noted that youth from friendly countries — Afghanistan, Jamaica and Seychelles — were trained here and was confident the training would benefit their country and their friendship with Indian cadets would strengthen ties between the nations.

Medals presented
The President gave the Sword of Honour for the Best All Round Cadet and Silver Medal for standing second in order of merit to Prashant R.Pillai; the Gold Medal for standing first in order of merit to Shikha Bhaduria; and the Chief of Army Staff Banner to Jessami Company.

During the Pipping Ceremony she got down from the stage, walked around the lawn interacting with cadets, congratulating them and their parents and obliging children who wanted to be photographed with her.

General Deepak Kapoor, Chief of Army Staff, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, members of the Diplomatic Corps were among the dignitaries present.

Prashant R.Pillai, hails from Pattanamthitta in Kerala and joined Indian Air Force as an Airman after completing Plus-Two. During his seven-year stint with IAF, he completed B.A. (History) through correspondence from Indira Gandhi National Open University.

Shikha Bhaduria, a physics graduate, belongs to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and comes from a family whose many members are in the armed forces. This is the first time that women were trained for nine months, on a par with men, ever since they were inducted for training in 1992, an OTA officer said.
President wants soldiers to be ‘technology efficient’

IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- ninty sixth day

Date: Saturday, 21 March, 2009, 11:06 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar mantar venue continues to remain activated.
Visits
Col Kanwar Bhardwaj, Sub Ramsarup Yadav and self visited Hisar and Bhiwani in Haryana today. The attendance was approx 150 and 250 ESM respectively, with a goodly sprinkling of IESL members, particularly at Bhiwani. There was enthusiastic support for the IESM cause at both places. There was also unanimity in the view that the ESM must come together to achieve our aim of getting OROP.
Gratitude
During my last visit in Jan 2009 to Bawal in Rewari District of Haryana, the ESM had requested that the surroundig villages had to travel far to Rewari for purchases from the CSD canteen. I promised to get a mobile canteen visiting Bawal every month. That promise got fulfilled today with the first visit of the mobile canteen. The President and General Secretary of the Bawal Chaurasi called up to convey their gratitude.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

SCPC: ESM widows receive Pension Googlies from Banks

Respected Sir,
The accuracy of defence pension payments is far from satisfactory. This has been accepted by concerned authorities at various forums. But so far no remedial measures are in place to set it right. Now that a great organisation IESM has come up besides fighting for the OROP we will have to fight for the payment of correct pension to all the veterans and their families.

Recently, the Tirunelveli District Ex-servicemen Welfare Association, traced out that there were 6 widows who were paid Rs 1,275/- pm instead of Rs 2550/-(Pre-revised) for the past 12 years. It took us 3 months to get the arrears of Rs 15 lakhs and revised pension to them through vigorous correspondence with various authorities. I am sure still there are many more defence pensioners all over India who are not paid their correct pension. The AG Audit, the RBI Audit, Bank Audits and Pension Adalats are all an eye wash. The CDA(P) Allahabad has done nothing in this regard. The Bank (IOB) and the various Auditors who have done audit for the last 12 years have not even regretted their mistakes. If an accountability norm was fixed for the erring official, the widows would have have got an interest of Rs 1,35,000 for the delayed payment. No accountability is fixed on the part of the Bank officials in this regard. Unless we take up the issue seriously now itself, things will worsen day by day.

In the circumstances, I am attaching an article 'How to update the pensions of PBOR' for your perusal and dissemination to all ESM organisations. If necessary, we will form a team to work in this direction and fight for justice of Widows and PBORs.

Yours sincerely,
C.Muthukrishnan, (Ex Sgt)
Active Member of IESM
Blog: indianexserviceman.blogspot.com
HOW TO UPDATE THE PENSIONS OF PBOR