Partap Singh Bajwa promises welfare package for Ex-servicemen

Reuters: Election 2009
Punjab Newsline Network
Friday, 01 May 2009
GURDASPUR: Gurdaspur Congress candidate, Pratap Singh Bajwa while addressing a massive rally of ex-servicemen (ESM) at Sarna near Pathankot today promised the retired soldiers to get their long pending dues settled besides exempting the serving personnel from income tax.

He said, coming from a family that has produced many eminent soldiers, war heroes and generals, I have an intimate knowledge of their problems and can envisage solutions to them. As a people’s leader, I understand that a soldier who protects the nation and countrymen must be supported by the government in every manner possible and this is what I am promising to my soldier brothers, he asserted.

The rally was attended hundred of people from an Army background. Bajwa said, justice must be done to the ESM community by accepting their just demand for One Rank One Pension.

He further said that he would take up the case with the Dr. Manmohan Singh, PM and formulate opinion inside and outside the government to help them get this long-pending and much awaited justice.

Punjab has long been the sword arm of the country, pointed out Mr. Bajwa. However, in recent years the decreased recruitment from the state has meant that fewer young men from Punjab are getting a chance to serve their country, he rued. I will strive for the scrapping of the unfair RMP formula for recruitment to be replaced by a more fair system based on merit, fitness and acceptability of military service, maintained Bajwa.

Bajwa also promised that he would streamline the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme and also provide additional medical staff for them.

“I have already formed a panel of six eminent lawyers at the district level to provide free legal advice and aid, including representation in court for ex-servicemen. This will be further strengthened and the services extended to serving soldiers who face many legal and property problems. Besides, I will also take up the matter of opening more extension counters of CSD canteens in the remote areas of Gurdaspur with the Army authorities,” remarked Bajwa.

He said he would construct a Sainik Rest Houses for the comfort and convenience of soldiers and ESM at Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Dhar area.

Bajwa also proposed that a high-powered State Soldiers Tribunal should be set up to bring the issues to the notice of concerned authorities and resolve them.

Payment of OAP to all World War 2 veterans, provisions for payment of full salaries to all ESM working in PESCO, PSEB, bus stands and telephone exchanges as per Central guidelines and rules were some of his other promises to the ESM of his constituency.

During occasion, while supporting Bajwa in his efforts to help the servicemen, his elder brother, Brig. MPS Bajwa, YSM (retd), said that Pratap Singh Bajwa belongs to a family of soldiers and he has closely witnessed the plight of retired servicemen. What he is promising is not election agenda but something that he truly believes in and will fight for, asserted Brig. MPS Bajwa who is a war veteran of Bangladesh & Kargil war and was instrumental in capturing the Tiger Hill.
Partap Singh Bajwa promises welfare package for Ex-servicemen

Ex Servicemen League supports Congress in Punjab
Col Tihara, who had filed his nomination papers from Ludhiana parliamentary constituency as an independent candidate also withdrew his candidature in support of the Congress candidate Manish Tewari. He said, he was impressed with the policies of the Congress, particularly Amarinder Singh and Tewari towards the ex servicemen. He also appreciated the stand taken by Tewari in support of one rank one pension for the ex servicemen.

Thanking Col Tihara for his support, Tewari said, he has always been in favour of one rank one pension and he would ensure that this scheme is fully implemented without any delay or exception. He assured Col Tihara that he would ensure that the issues he has taken up for the redressal of the problems of the ex servicemen would be properly and duly addressed. He expressed his gratitude to the ex servicemen for their support to the Congress in general and to him in particular.
Ex Servicemen League supports Congress in Punjab
Related Reading
‘In India, democracy survives despite our faulty electoral system’

Comment: Tall promises for garnering votes. The Ex Servicemen remain cheated and forgotten after every election cycle. Empty promises galore!

Tamilnadu Ex Servicemen Corporation Not DGR Empanelled

Extract of Madras High Court Judgement
TEXCO Vs DGR Empanelled Security Agencies

27. I have carefully considered the above submissions and I am not convinced by the argument of the learned Additional Advocate General in this regard. Admittedly, the petitioner TEXCO has not been sponsored by the DGR. A plain reading of Instruction 20 (l) of the DGR Instructions, as it is contended by the learned counsel appearing for some of the respondents, would go to show that it speaks of the seniority of the agencies sponsored by the DGR. If this Instruction is read along with the other DGR Instructions, the same would go to show that the term "seniority" only refers to the age of the Proprietor / Director of an agency. Therefore, the seniority as referred to in Instruction 20 (i) of the DGR Instructions cannot have any application to a State Government Owned Corporation. For these two reasons viz., (1) this Instruction applies only to agencies sponsored by the DGR and (2) the term "Seniority" refers only to the agencies other than the State Government run Corporations, I am of the view that the State Government Owned Corporation cannot have any preferential right over the other agencies, who were sponsored by the DGR.

28. It is the contention of the Additional Advocate General that the State Government Owned Corporation has been established for the welfare and resettlement of Ex-servicemen and their dependants and the members of the Corporation or share-holders of the Corporation and therefore, the petitioner TEXCO should have been given preference by BSNL over the Private Security Agencies. This argument may appear to be attractive, but it does not persuade the Court for the reasons which follow.

29. As I have already recorded in the earlier paragraphs of this order, the DGR has formulated the Scheme available to the Ex-commissioned Officers of the three services to provide security service to various establishments. It is not as though the private agencies are run outside the scope of the Scheme formulated by the DGR. The aim of the Scheme is not only to provide employment to Ex-servicemen , but also to provide opportunity for Ex-commissioned Officers of Armed Forces to run security service agencies. Thus, this Scheme provides benefits to the Ex-commissioned Officers as well as the Ex-servicemen and it serves duel purpose. Only with a view to keep a complete control over these agencies which are run by the Ex-Commissioned Officers, several measures have been taken by way of instructions to empanel the agencies to sponsor the same. At the time of empanelling the agencies run by the Ex-Commissioned Officers, there are various formalities, which are to be followed and there are various legal requirements, which are to be satisfied by the said Ex-commissioned Officers of Armed Forces. If once, the said agency is empanelled by the DGR, it becomes fully eligible to appoint Ex-servicemen as its members and then to enter into contracts with PSUs for providing security services by employing Ex-servicemen.

30. There may be several such agencies run by Ex-Commissioned Officers and if all are allowed to directly participate in the tenders and enter into contract with PSUs, some may get opportunity very frequently and some may not get opportunity for ever. That is one of the reasons, why, there is a requirement that such agency should be sponsored by the DGR. To provide equal opportunity for all and to distribute the work to various agencies in a fair manner, further instructions have been issued by the DGR to sponsor the agencies on the basis of rotation and on the basis of seniority. Thus, it is ensured that every agency, which is run by the Ex-Commissioned Officers get some opportunity to provide security service to PSUs. Thus the interest of the empanelled agency run by the Ex-Commissioned Officers is also protected.
TEXCO not an DGR Empanelled Corporation
High Court Judgement: TEXCO vs DGR Empanelled Security Agencies in Chennai
High Court of Madras: JUDGMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM


Ref link above: WP 21788 of 2009- High Court of Madras order dated 22-4-2009
ESM Corporations like TEXCO, (which also applies to PESCO, MESCO, HESCO, etc) having Chairman, Directors from IAS category is illegal. The 5th Respondent in WP No 21788 of 2009 in this order is me. I argued the case in person and other advocates were silent spectators. All the orders passed are based on my arguments and counter affidavits.
With best wishes and regards,
Col K Malaiappan (Retd)

IESM: Widows Travails and Banks Negative Response

Here is a case of one Sgt. ‘X’ GP I discharged on 28.2.90. He was drawing his pension through Canara Bank ‘X’ Branch in south Tamil nadu. He died on 11.11.2006. There was a clear endorsement for family pension in the PPO for paying family pension to Mrs.’Y’ from 12.11.2006. But the Bank dragged on and paid family pension after 11 months after his death that too after repeated representations and complaints. Since Sgt.’X’ died on 11.11.2006, his wife Mrs.’Y’ is eligible for LTA with the arrears as per Circular 350, which was not at all taken care off, which affected the enhanced rate of family pension payable to her.

As per the original PPO, the enhanced rate of family pension was as per 4th CPC which was Rs.564. It was to be revised to Rs.1732 as per 5th CPC. Again it was required to be revised as per Circular 350 to Rs.1892 (Table 62). Then again as per 6th CPC, her pension has to be revised to Rs.4277 (As per Annexure I)

When we explained all these terms of revising her pension as explained in the previous para, the Bank flatly refused and tried to hand over the responsibility to CDA(P) Allahabad. When our team leader showed a number of direct correspondence to CDA(P) and their replies to our Association, the Bank understood the complexity of the situation and finally requested our team leader to do every thing.

A most respected and trusted person, the Assistant Secretary of our Association, a retired Sgt. S.Kandiah (A retired Canara Bank Officer) took all the pain to convince the bank branch and calculated all the arrears and arranged payment within two days.

Due to the untiring efforts and with vast knowledge of PBOR pension work undertaken by our dedicated team leader Sgt S Kandiah (Age 68) the widow was paid all the arrears. Mrs.'Y's monthly pension was also revised from Rs 3915 to Rs 4277. Without the intervention of such a hard working and dedicated team leader, I am sure, the widow would have never got her correct pension in her entire life time.

Our ESM team leader is a great inspiration to us. I pray that may God the Almighty give him good health throughout his life to continue helping our fraternity. Now please think about other widows in similar situation. This is not the only case, there are so many such cases pending in all the banks, and we have got limited dedicated team leaders like Sgt S Kandiah. Therefore the only solution is to educate our ESM and widows about their entitlement and make them visit the ESM Association/ Organisations regularly and seek timely advice and fix their pensions correctly.
--
Posted By Muthukrishnan to indianexserviceman at 5/01/2009 07:40:00 PM

The ocean writes its message on the shore with the waves...

Dear Friend,
Stand on a sea shore, and see. The waves as they come are similar, but never the same. Each wave is as different as the leaves of a tree, alike and yet just a bit characteristic. Gurudev Tagore, from whom I have learnt as much as I have from Mirza Asadullah Khan 'Ghalib' believed that the ocean has something to tell us, and he does so by writing a message on the sand.

Now, as every writer knows it is extremely difficult to express one's inner feelings. Even the best angst us, the likes of Khushwant Singh, write their drafts several times. Tagore, himself spent the last few years of his life trying to improve upon the words of "Gitanjali". And so, standing on a beach, Rabindranath Babu observed the waters of the Bay of his beloved Bengal and said,
"The ocean writes its message on the shores with its waves,
And, in despair, washes it again and again!"

So, if we mortals can not get our words right on the first attempt, let us not despair. The Lord Himself has been trying for aeon's to improve His message, and is at it 24X7, trying to do better than what He has been able to do so far. Rakesh Awasthy has sent a delightful set of pictures of waves (click link below). These are exquisite, and are a treat to the eyes. But make no mistake. The best is yet to come. The nature itself is improving, and so are the cameras and photographers.
"Kal aur aayenge,
mujhse behtar kehne wale
Tumse behtar sun-ne wale
Phir kyon mujhko koyi yaad kare
Kyon waqt apna barbaad kare?
Main pal do pal ka shayar hoon
Pal do pal meri jawani hai
Pal do pal mera nagma hai
Pal do pal meri kahani hai"

No prize on guessing the name of the poet.
Regards and love,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

Enjoy the Ocean Waves
Slide show click me: Most exquisite ocean waves...ever

IESM: Chairman's Desk

Maha Rally 12 April 2009


Dear Colleagues,
Homage
Late Wg Cdr Nara, who died in a Sukhoi crash in Rajasthan Apr 30, was cremated in his native village in Haryana today. A wreath on behalf of the IESM was laid by our Jhajjar District convener. While paying homage to the brave officer, we all condole with the bereaved family.
New Members
Thanks to Maj Gen Aditya JB Jaini’s untiring motivational efforts, we extend a heartful welcome to the following into the IESM family:
1. Lt Gen BK Bopanna -- Inf (GR)
2. Lt Col JOGENDRA SINGH -- EME
3. Lt COL KN MATHUR -- Engrs
4. Brig AK SRIVASTAVA -- EME
5. Lt Col RAMCHARAN -- Inf ( SIKH )
6. Wg Cdr RS SUKUMAR -- IAF ( Mumbai )
7. Lt Col ROSHAN LAL -- Inf ( PUNJAB )
8. Col SK SHARMA -- ARTY
9. Lt Col GB BORA -- Inf ( KUMAON )
10. Col ML JETLEY -- Inf ( GUARDS )

Further, we are grateful to Veteran Sgt C.Muthukrishnan for motivating the following new members, whom we heartily welcome:
1. H/Capt S.Shanmugavelu
2. H/F/L M.Packianatarajan
3. MWO E.Sivanu
4. WO A.Annamalai
5. PO N.Gurusamy
6. Hav P.Samuel Selvaraj P
7. Smt K.S.Kalliammal Sub. W/O Sankaramurthy
8. Smt.M.Shanthi, W/O Sgt.S.S.Mani
9. Hav S.Shanmugavel
10. Hav Sam Gilbert Rabi
11. Sgt R.Srinivasan

Election Related News
On 3 May 2009, all available Core Gp members and families are likely to attend the interactive sessions with some BJP stalwarts in Delhi. Maj Gen Aditya Jaini and I are slated to visit Sikar and some areas of Juhunjhunu District in Rajastahn that day to address rallies.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Interactive BJP Friendship Meet- for details click me

Mumbai Mayhem: India ill equipped to tackle terror, says US report

Friday, May 01, 2009
Washington: The Mumbai terror attacks have put the spotlight on how India's outdated and overburdened law enforcement and legal systems are hampering the country's counterterrorism efforts, says a US State Department report.

"Although clearly committed to combating violent extremism, the Indian government's counterterrorism efforts remained hampered by its outdated and overburdened law enforcement and legal systems," said the State Department's annual report on global terrorism released Thursday.

The Mumbai attackers appeared to have been well-trained and took advantage of technology, such as Global Positioning System trackers.

But "local and state police proved to be poorly trained and equipped and lacked central control to coordinate an effective response", said the report, exposing the inadequacies in India's counter-terrorism apparatus.

The Mumbai "attack was the most recent in a long list of lethal terrorist incidents" in India in 2008. But "none of the perpetrators of these attacks has yet been prosecuted", the report noted.

However, in response to the Mumbai attacks, India's parliament has introduced legislation to restructure counterterrorism laws and proposed creating a National Investigative Agency to build a national-level ability to investigate and prosecute alleged terrorist activity, it noted.

Also in response to the Mumbai attacks, the Indian government amended some existing laws to strengthen the hands of security and law enforcement agencies in fighting terrorism.

Two themes have framed the public debate on the new legislation: states' rights vs. federal power, and civil liberties vs. stronger law enforcement powers, the report noted.
Source: IANS
India ill equipped to tackle terror, says US report

"I'm more concerned that the civilian government there right now is very fragile and don't seem to have the capacity to deliver basic services -- schools, health care, rule of law, a judicial system that works for the majority of the people," Obama said in a prime-time news conference marking the 100th day of his presidency.
Obama censures Pak govt; says "very fragile"
Related reading
India among world's most terrorism-afflicted nations: US- Press Trust of India Friday, May 01, 2009, (Washington)

IESM: The vital role of Record Offices

THE RECORD OFFICES FOR THE PBORs
The Record Offices plays a vital role in the life of the Ex-servicemen and their families. Therefore, it is necessary that every Ex-Serviceman should know the address of their record office.
Normally, these record offices are located geographically far away places from each other. It is not practically possible for a Sepoy of Gorkha Rifles from Kanyakumari to go to his record office which is situated at Ghoom, Darjeeling.
Then comes the language used for correspondence, which must be in English or in Hindi. Most of the Ex-Servicemen from non Hindi speaking states can speak Hindi, but they cannot write in Hindi. But, they can get it written in English with the help of someone else.
All the Ex-servicemen must bear in mind that whatever letter written to their record office, must be neatly typed preferably in computer and sent by registered post only.
Also, all the Ex-servicemen must intimate any change in their permanent address, any change in their family events, such as marriage, child birth, death etc., to their record offices, without fail. This is very important.
I take this opportunity, to request the Army Headquarters (MOD) to provide at least one computer with broadband facility to all the record offices with E-mail addresses. So that, the communication can be improved and better service can be provided to the Ex-servicemen and their families.
Posted by Sgt Muthukrishnan (Veteran)
Addresses of Record Offices: click me

इस रिकार्ड कार्यालयों के पूर्व के जीवन में एक महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका सैनिकों और उनके परिवारों निभाता है. इसलिए, यह है कि हर Ex-serviceman उनके रिकार्ड कार्यालय का पता जानना चाहिए आवश्यक है.
आम तौर पर, इन अभिलेख कार्यालय स्थित हैं भौगोलिक दृष्टि से दूर एक दूसरे से स्थानों. यह व्यावहारिक रूप से एक देशी सिपाही गोरखा राइफल्स के कन्याकुमारी से अपने अभिलेख कार्यालय में जो Ghoom, दार्जिलिंग पर स्थित है जाने के लिए संभव नहीं है.
तब भाषा पत्राचार के लिए है, जो अंग्रेजी या हिन्दी में होना चाहिए प्रयोग किया जाता है. के पूर्व से अधिकांश-कर्मियों हिन्दी भाषी राज्यों हिन्दी गैर से बात कर सकता हूँ, लेकिन वे हिन्दी में नहीं लिख सकते हैं. लेकिन, वे इसे अंग्रेजी में किसी और की मदद से लिखा मिल सकता है.
सभी पूर्व सैनिकों को ध्यान कि जो पत्र उनके अभिलेख कार्यालय को लिखित में, बड़े करीने से अधिमानतः कंप्यूटर में टाइप किया जाना चाहिए बर्दाश्त करना होगा और पंजीकृत डाक से ही भेज दिया.
इसके अलावा, सभी पूर्व सैनिकों असफल बिना अपने स्थायी पते में कोई परिवर्तन, उनके रिकार्ड कार्यालयों के लिए शादी जैसे उनके परिवार की घटनाओं,, बच्चे के जन्म, मृत्यु आदि में कोई परिवर्तन, अंतरंग चाहिए. यह बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है.
मैं, ई मेल पतों के साथ सभी रिकार्ड कार्यालयों के लिए ब्रॉडबैंड की सुविधा के साथ कम से कम एक कंप्यूटर उपलब्ध कराने के लिए सेना मुख्यालय (mod) का अनुरोध करने के लिए इस अवसर पर ले. ताकि, संचार और बेहतर सेवा में सुधार किया जा सकता है कि पूर्व करने के लिए प्रदान की जा सकती है सैनिकों और उनके परिवारों.
सार्जेंट Muthukrishnan (वयोवृद्ध) द्वारा पोस्ट
रिकार्ड कार्यालयों के पते: मेरे क्लिक करें

IESM: Chairman's Desk

Date: Thursday, 30 April, 2009, 8:48 PM
Dear Colleagues,
New Members
We extend a heartful welcome to the following veterans from Mumbai that have joined the IESM family (Motivator- Wg Cdr Sukumaran):
1. AVM SM HUNDIWALA
2. Wg Cdr VS KOCHAR
3. Wg Cdr LN PANDE
4. Gp Capt RN JOSHI
5. Maj DIVESH VIRK
6. Cdr JASBIR SINGH
7. Gp Capt SARABJIT SINGH
8. Gp Capt SK BHALLA
9. Cmde S MITTAL
10. Sqn Ldr SR KANITKAR
11. Lt Col NS PATNAIK
12. Wg Cdr P CHAWLA
13. Sgt SJ SHINDE
14. Sgt SL TENDALKAR
15. JWO M SIRAJ KATKATI
16. Sgt VPN VIJAYAN
17. POAF R SINGH
18. POAF VH JOSHI
19. Nk BB DAGDU

We are also grateful to Brig Dharam Prakash for motivating CPO. wtr Ram Parkash Oberai, IN to join the IESM. A hearty welcome to Veteran Ram Parkash.
Election Related News
Maj Gen Satbir Singh and I addressed a well attended Press conference at The Press Club of India, New Delhi, today. The concept of OROP and the rationale for our advisory to the ESM for voting for the BJP was again explained and clearly spelt out.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Should we waste money on bottled mineral water for daily use: click me?

Mandate 2009: India Votes

It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes de-stabilizing and violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.

Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development and fending off terrorism -- but considering these challenges and its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions and cultures, is not only surviving, but thriving.

The nation where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth; where Christianity has existed for 2000 years; where the oldest Jewish synagogues and Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple; where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile reside; where the Zorostrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland; where Armenians and Syrians and many others have to come live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest only 200 years ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister and the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman, where the President is also a women, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist was a hero in the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year and is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class, already equal to the entire US population, by 2025; where its optimism and vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth, and voting, despite all the incredible challenges and hardships; where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world.

Where all of this is happening, is India, and as greater than 1/10 of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the World.
— V Mitchell, New York, NY
As Elections Near, Tightrope Awaits in India By SOMINI SENGUPTA

Demise of Nupur/ Rama Bahl

Dear Friend,
With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, I am forwarding this mail which has come from our esteemed veteran, Brig Thyagarajan. For those who may not readily remember Col Vinod Bahl, he was from the 16th NDA Course (Fox Sqn). He was commissioned in the Corps of EME and stood first in every course which he attended. He was sent to the UK for his Post Graduation which he did at the Cranfield. He proceeded on pre-mature retirement in 1982, and later migrated to the USA.

Rama ji (whom Vinod called Nupur) was an extremely warm hearted person, forever willing to help any one in need of her assistance. I say this with complete conviction because she was our neighbor in Agra during 1978-80. My wife fell ill and I took her to the Hospital, where she was admitted. By the time I returned, I found that upon learning about Surinder's illness, she had crossed over to our house, and taken our children aged seven and four under her wings and cared for them until my mother arrived a few days later. The important thing is that she did all this without any one approaching her for help. And she never permitted us to say a word of thanks!

May her soul rest in peace. And may the Lord grant courage and equanimity to Col Bahl and their boys, Twinkle and Shaund to bear this loss with fortitude.
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

God has been rather cruel with our very dear friend Lt col VK Bahl in snatching away Mrs Rama/Nupur Bahl from this mother earth. Those whom God loves die young.
I announce this with a deep sense of regret. Col Bahl and his sons along with their families are settled in USA.
Brig V Thyagarajan (Retd)

Report my Signal Forum and Readers offer their heartfelt condolences to bereaved members of the family.

Security Agencies: Rules Flouted

The Security Agencies empanelled and sponsored by Director General of Resettlement under the Ministry of Defence is fraught with many loopholes wherein the Jawans are cheated of the full entitlements. The most obvious are:
1. They sign for an amount as monthly pay package in the muster roll but are paid very much less. The reasons for deductions are not reflected in the records. If the Jawans question details of deductions and their dues, he is immediately asked to resign/ quit. In short they are not paid as per norms, structure and undertaking specified by DGR.
2. Jawans compulsorily contributing to EPF & ESI and all other deductions are not provided proof of deposit of the above for their information. No tamper proof records are maintained. Legitimate dues to Jawans are siphoned off.
Individual Declaration: Rules flouted by Security agencies- click me

The most shameful aspect is that our own officers in the guise of seeking self employment at the behest of DGR cheat our own brethren of their hard earned money. The ESM organisations need to monitor the security agencies so that our own Jawans are not cheated in their twilight years by Officers bent on making money at all costs.

Click me to download following forms- enunciating strict norms
60. Application for Empanelment of Security Agency Pvt Ltd Companies
(Appendix ‘E')
61. Data: Security Agency (Appendix ‘F')
62. Individual Declaration (Appendix ‘G')
63. Joint Declaration by All Directors of ESM Private Ltd Company
(Appendix ‘H')
64. Introduction –Interview for Empanelment (Appendix ‘J')
65. Re-sponsorship Requisition (Appendix ‘K')
66. Application for Converting Individual Proprietorship Into ESM Private Ltd Company (appendix ‘L')
67. JS Strength Return to be submitted by Employer/Security Agency to DGR (Appendix ‘M' & ‘M 1')
68. Initial Report on Commencement of Contract/Six Monthly/Annual Report to be submitted by Security Agencies (Appendix ‘N')
69. Updation Report (Appendix ‘N1')
70. Change of Address (Appendix ‘O')
71. Wage Structure (Appendix ‘P')
72. Contribution by the Employer and the Employee (Appendix ‘Q')
73. Leave/National Holidays and Weekly off relief @ 28.985 of Total Salary of Security Personnel (Appendix “R')
74. Minimum wages applicable in Delhi W.E.F. 01 April 2009 (Appendix ‘S')
75. Gazette Notification Cancelling GPF Exemption (Appendix ‘T')

TEXCO not an DGR Empanelled Corporation
High Court Judgement: TEXCO vs DGR Empanelled Security Agencies in Chennai

IESM: Chairman's Desk

Indian Ex Servicemen Movement Video


Date: Wednesday, 29 April, 2009, 9:40 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Election News
Efforts continue to help BJP in their elections. Addressing rallies, Press conferences, interactive sessions etc are some of the methods being followed by the Core Gp in particular and the ESM in general.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

IESM: Credit of pension to joint account

It has been decided in the year 2005 to permit credit pension also to a joint account operated by the pensioner with his/ her spouse in whose favour an authorization for family pension exists in the PPO. Still there are many pensioners operating single account.

The joint account of the pensioner with spouse could be operated either by “Former OR Survivor” or “Either OR Survivor” basis subject to certain conditions. It is better that all the pensioners (Specially aged above 60) convert their single account to joint account on “E or S” basis immediately, have one ATM card and use it safely. The Govt. order had been issued as early as 09.06.2005 by Central Pension Accounting Office, New Delhi under No.CPAO/Tech/Amendments/Sch.Book/2005-06/69 dt.09.06.05.

The pensioner should visit the Bank personally with his spouse and two sets of joint photographs, the pension book and a Xerox copy of the PPO where the spouse’s name is endorsed. On submitting the enclosed application with signature of the spouse, the Bank will convert your single account into a joint account with the joint photograph attested and affixed on the first page of the Pass Book with full details of the pensioner name and his spouse name in the reprinted first page.

Simultaneously, the pensioner can apply for ATM Card, if not done earlier. In an E or S account both the account holders can have ATM Cards. But it is advisable to have only one ATM card in this case.

This process of converting a single a/c to a joint a/c is separate from the nomination rules. Therefore all pensioners must give nomination to their Pension accounts separately in addition to this E or S a/c conversion.

Most of the readers may be aware of these rules, but they don’t take the pain of taking their spouses to the bank one day for this purpose. I therefore request all the defence pensioners to please convert their single pension a/c to joint a/c and help others also to do the same. This will help the entire ex-servicemen community in the long run.

Joint Operation- Application
From
(Address)
To
The Manager
(Bank Address)

Dear Sir,
Sub: PAYMENT OF PENSION UNDER PPO NO.... THROUGH YOUR BANK BRANCH.

I wish to receive my pension under PPO No………..by getting it credited to the Savings/Current bank account No.....which is operated jointly/E or S basis in your branch by me and my spouse. Mr./Mrs......in whose favour an authorization for family pension exists in the Pension Payment Order (PPO).

I have read and understood the contents of the Govt. of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of expenditure, Central Pension Accounting Office OM No.CPAO/Tech/Amendments/Sch.Book/2005-06/69 dated 09.06.2005 which contains the following terms and conditions: Once pension has been credited to a pensioners bank account, liability of the government/bank ceases. No further liability arises, even if the amount is wrongly drawn by the spouse.

(a) As pension is payable only during the life of a pensioner, his/ her death shall be intimated to the bank at the earliest and in any case within one month of the demise, so that the bank does not continue, crediting monthly pension to the joint account with the spouse, after the death of the pensioner. If however, any amount has been wrongly credited to the joint account, it shall be recoverable from the joint account and/or any other account held by the pensioner/spouse either individually or jointly. The legal heirs; successors, executors etc. shall also be liable to refund any amount, which has been wrongly credited to the joint account.
(b) Payment of arrears of Pension (nomination) Rules, 1983 would continue to be applicable to the joint account with pensioner’s spouse. Thus, if there is an “accepted nomination’ in accordance with Rule 5 and 6 of these Rules arrears mentioned in the Rules will be payable to the nominee.

I accept the above terms and conditions. My spouse too, in token of having accepted those terms and conditions, has put his/her signature below.
1. Signature of Pensioner.....
2. Signature of Spouse.....
Place:
Date:

Posted By Sgt Muthukrishnan (Retd)

IESM: Enhanced rate of family pension

The concept of paying Enhanced rate of family pension to the widow, for a period of 7 years from the date of death of pensioner or up to the age of 67 was introduced to protect the family due to the premature death of the pensioner. (i.e. before attaining the age of 67)

Normally the enhanced rate of family pension will be the same pension which was paid to the pensioner. In case of Defence pensioners/family pensioners, the concept is totally forgotten by the banks. Due to the lethargic attitude of the banks in the matter, many JCO’s widows are drawing just ordinary pension of a Sepoy’s widow..

For example a Civil govt. servant retired at the age of 60 was drawing a pension of Rs.8000/-. Suppose he dies at the age of 64, his will continue to get the same pension of Rs.8000/- till the deceased govt.. servant attained the age of 67. Thereafter her pension will be reduced to Rs.4800/- which is called ordinary family pension (i.e. 30% of his last drawn pay)

This is a simple rule easily followed and applied to a civilian pensioner and family pensioner. Since a civil govt.. servant is in service upto the age of 60 and the number of pay commissions he is going to meet after retirement is also limited to one or two. Therefore revising/ enhanced pension after his death is also limited and current. Where as in case of a Defence pensioner, who get discharged at the age of 35 with a pro-rata pension meets at least 4 pay commissions and his service pension is revised 4 times during his life time. The PDAs keeps the original PPO intact and revise the pension of the pensioner only but they do not revise the enhanced family pension and ordinary family pension at least for record purpose.

Therefore a defence pensioner (who retired in the year say 1987 during 4th CPC ) after 22 years at age of 57 draws a pension as per 6th CPC say Rs.5000/-. Suppose if he dies in the year 2008, his wife will have to be given the same Rs.5000 as enhanced pension till the deceased attained the age of 67 or for 7 years from the date of death whichever is earlier. In this case the Banks are finding it difficult to arrive at the correct family pension entitlement as the family pension entitlement has not been revised correspondingly for 22 years. The original PPO indicates an enhanced pension of Rs.500 only and an ordinary pension of Rs.375 as per 4th CPC. There are no clear guidelines to banks in this regard. Even if it is there on various govt.. orders, the banks are not ready to implement it in favour of the pensioners. Unless some learned persons intervenes in the matter with the Bank, the banks continue to pay Rs.500 with DA as enhanced rate of pension instead of Rs.5000/-.

Unless every pensioner/ family pensioner is clearly aware of their entitlements, it is very difficult to get the correct pension from the banks. So it high time that we know our pension entitlement first.
C Muthukrishnan (Ex Sgt)
Active Member IESM

DGR: Ex- Servicemen- outdated census

DIRECTORATE OF STATISTICS AND RECORDS WEB SITE MATERIALS
Introduction: Directorate of Statistics & Records is primarily responsible for conducting census of ex-servicemen & widows, collection of statistics relating to ex-servicemen, furnishing of clarifications concerning to status of ex-servicemen/widows, issuing guidelines/ clarifications for inter and intra states transfer of registration of ex-servicemen in addition to procurement and maintenance of computers and peripherals . Clarifications relating to eligibility to the status of ex-servicemen/widows and inter and intra states transfer of registration of ex-servicemen, if any may be addressed to Director, (Statistics and Records), Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, West Block-IV, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 (Telephone 26192364, e-mail mukat.singh@yahoo.com)
Public Information Officer: Director (S&R) has been designated as Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) for Directorate General Resettlement ( DGR) and Kendriya Sainik Board(KSB). For seeking information, in respect of DGR & KSB under The Right to Information Act, 2005, a request may be sent to Director, (Statistics and Records), Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, West Block-IV, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 (Telephone 26192364), e-mail: mukat.singh@yahoo.com.
Charter of Duties
ANNUAL RETIREMENTS/WASTAGE OFFICERS AND PBORS
CENSUS OF EX-SERVICEMEN
INFORMATION OF WW II VETERANS
NUMBER OF WAR WIDOWS REGISTERED WITH RSBs

Comment: ESM organisations should fully utilise the services of Public Information Officer to obtain statistical data on all worthwhile statewise welfare measures and programs that are utilised by Ex- Servicemen. The Zilla Sainik Boards are manned by low level corrupt civil staff who are bent on deceiving the ESM. The information is for free.

IESM: Chairman's Desk

Date: Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, 10:41 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Election News
Telephonic messages of support for the advisory continue to pour in from PBOR from various areas. They all agree that under the present circumstances, any hope for OROP lies only with the BJP.
Denigration of Uniform
Veteran Thaplial from Uttar Khand telephoned to inform that Mr Mantri Prasad Naithani, a former Congress Minister in the State, was canvassing in Pauri area dressed in a military uniform. (He himself is not even an ESM). This was taken badly by the ESM in the area who derided him and challenged him to have the courage of serving in difficult areas even for a day. The vernacular Press picked it up in a big way. Reportedly, this started an anti Congress wave in the region.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Readers Mail
Incorrect Pension fixation by State Bank of India
Date: Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, 1:05 PM
Dear Brig Kamboj,
If you think proper you could put this on your blog please.
This is for the benefit of those who are drawing their pension through State Bank of India. In case your pension has not been fixed correctly pl write a Complaint giving all possible details to the following address and those who have the facility for the Internet pl do so on both the channels. The address is as follows:-
General Manager (Customer Service)
Customer Service Department,
State Bank of India,
State Bank Bhawan,
8th Floor,
Madam Cama Road,
Mumbai - 400 021
Phones: 22029456 & 22029451
Fax: 22885369
E Mail ID: dgm.customer@sbi.co.in
I am sure your problem will be sorted out. I posted a letter on 27 Feb by speed post and on 01 Mar I got the reply, arrears and correct fixation. All the good luck.
Wg Cdr Rajeeve Lochan (Retd)

Payment of Gallantry Award Honorarium
From: dharam sood dharamsood@yahoo.co.in
To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL (CS Kamboj)"
Date: Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, 7:07 PM
Sainik Boards are harassing those getting Gallantry Award money. I have not received M-in-D money for the last nine months from Sianik Board Amritsar despite numerous tel calls to Col in charge. Quite clearly our own turn unhelpful, once in the chair.
regards,
dharam sood
Wg Cdr Dharam Sood, Noida

Antony urges troops to continue vigil

The Hindu: Shujaat Bukhari
Defence Minister tours border district of Rajouri in Jammu, praises their role
Photo: PTI
TAKING STOCK: Defence Minister A.K. Antony being briefed by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor about the fencing at the forward area in Rajouri district of Jammu on Monday.
SRINAGAR: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Tuesday impressed upon the troops to continue their vigil along the borders by maintaining a high degree of operational preparedness to meet any eventuality in future.

During his one-day tour of the border district of Rajouri in Jammu division, Mr. Antony lauded the role of the Army in curbing infiltration and reducing the levels of insurgency. “Army’s vigilance and proactive stance had ensured incident-free elections in the State which has been appreciated by one and all,” he told the troops expressing full satisfaction with the armed forces. He also appreciated their exceptional role in restoring normality in the region.

‘Operation Sadbhavana’
The Minister cited the projects under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ by which the socio-economic conditions of the local populace had been uplifted in the insurgency-affected remote areas of the region.

Accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor, Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, and General Officer Commanding, Northern Command, Lt. Gen. P.C. Bhardwaj, he was briefed about the situation in the forward areas.

Latest incursions
He was told about the latest incursions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the strategy to foil the attempts of militants and their mentors to sneak into this side. Mr. Antony complimented the forces on effectively dealing with the incursions in the Gurez and Kupwara sectors where 40 infiltrators were killed and the combing operation was on, the defence sources said.

The Minister later attended a ‘Sainik Bhoj’ where he personally interacted with all ranks of troops. He assured them that the government was committed to their welfare.

Ahead of the Minister’s visit, the Army achieved a major success by killing a top militant in the same area. Defence sources told The Hindu that Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Naib (deputy) divisional commander Abu Baber, a resident of Peshawar, was killed in a gunfight late Monday night.

Sources said that on the basis specific information, 37 Rashtriya Rifles along with the Special Operation Group of the local police cordoned off the Dharimal area in Saroti village 12 km from Mendher in Poonch district. One AK bullet action rifle, radio set and two magazines have been recovered from the slain militant commander.
Antony urges troops to continue vigil

IESM: Update and Future Course of Action

Dear Friends,
1. The Advisory having been issued by the IESM for the Lok Sabha Elections keeping in mind the best interests of Defence Services, we need to do a lot to spread the message and motivate all Defence Personnel to vote for BJP/NDA. By doing so, we will not only be achieving our aims of getting OROP and other demands implemented but also strengthening the Defence Forces to face the future National Security Challenges. Let us not spend time on “why” and “how” of the Advisory. Let us put our faith with the BJP/NDA as a “One Time Testing”. I am sure they will deliver this time and by any chance if they don’t measure up, we will launch a very strong Movement Against them.
2. This time, let us not split our Votes. Defence Forces, should go full hog to vote for BJP/ NDA. Victory of BJP will be the victory of IESM. We wish to assure you that, our decision to arrive at such an Advisory was taken after detailed deliberations, keeping in mind the future and the interest of Defence Forces. We need to develop such an environment wherein the Defence Services will be able to serve the nation with pride and dignity.
3. The Armed Forces have been kept out of the Decision Making loop of the Nation. We need to correct this serious anomaly both in the case of serving and retired personnel. We need to efficiently and effectively use the “Power of Vote” in order to create the required pressure and momentum with One Voice PAN India and ensure due justice to the Defence Forces.
4. Right to Vote at the place of posting for the serving personnel has been denied to us for the last five decades. Simple and workable rules have not been made to ensure each soldier and his/ her dependants can cast their votes at the place of posting. The existing rules are so cumbersome and difficult that practically, the defence forces personnel are unable to cast their votes. This has been the main reason that the political parties and the Government never took us seriously and kept on downgrading our status, Izzat and emoluments viz other central services. Brig GS Ghuman from Mohali has very rightly filed the writ petition in Punjab and Haryana High Court which has issued Notice to the Election Commission for not having carried out door to door survey for making defence personnel as voters at the place of their posting. This may not help us in this Lok Sabha Election, but surely we will benefit for future elections.
5. Civilian Control over the defence Forces, means the control of the elected representative of the people of India ie Parliament and the Govt and Not Repeat Not the bureaucracy which has been forcing its supremacy over the Defence Forces. This has been severely and strongly resented by defence personnel and the same needs to be corrected in the National interest.
6. My next point is with regard to membership drive of IESM. Friends, we have repeatedly requested all ESM Organizations and individual ESM to become members. There is no other way but to have One Umbrella Organization for all ESM of the Country. IESM has come a long way and it has all the requisite characteristics to function as the single Umbrella Organisation as a Federation of Ex servicemen Organisations. Let us work tirelessly to achieve the figure of over Two Million members. It can be done if every one puts in his/her best effort to spread the message, aims and objectives of IESM in every nook and corner of the country. Please volunteer to be convenors of, districts, cities, tehsils and block and forward your details at the earliest. The state convenors are requested for urgent actions on “Op Immediate Basis”.
7. As we go along, we will initiate other activities and plans to improve the satisfaction level of veterans. Employment opportunities, health care, education, including professional education, task forces for nation building activities are on our planning radars. We will evolve and develop ourselves as Forces to reckon with. Only then we will be able to suitably stop the likes of Abhishek Manu Singhvi who indulged in insulting our Former Chief of Army Staff and Dy Chief of Army Staff by intentionally calling them “Mr” instead of “General” during Karan Thapar’s TV Programme, knowing fully well that it is only the Defence Forces by the order of the President of India are allowed to prefix their rank before their name forever... post retirement and even after they fade away from this world.
8. The CD on 12 Apr 09 Rally at Jantar Mantar which includes the Advisory on voting in this election has been sent to all state Convenors and also circulated on the Net. Please show this CD in each village of the country and also during meetings and rallies across country. Forward the same to as many Defence Personnel as possible.
9. Mission “Justice for Defence Forces” has gained Momentum. Let us give it a further push. We are going to Help Ourselves, only then God will help us.
God Bless and God Speed.
With regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM

IESM: Returning of Medals- Rajya Sabha debate

RAJYA SABHA: SYNOPSIS OF DEBATE
(Proceedings other than Questions and Answers)
Friday, February 13, 2009/ Magha 24, 1930 (Saka)
IV. Returning of Medals By Ex-Army Officer
SARDAR TARLOCHAN SINGH: Around 300 retired Army
Generals and those Army Personnel who have been awarded several medals and their wives reached Rashtpati Bhawan on 9th February. I am to state with great anguish that these army men returned the medals they had been given for their valour. This happened because the Government did not pay any heed to the demand of one Rank one pay put forth by the Ex-service men.

The member of Ex-service men in our country is around 35 lakh, out of them the number of soldiers is around 19 lakh. Everyone is aware that our army men get retired in their early age. On account of early retirement they get nothing except pension but the Government made provisions with regard to pension in case of all other services but no action was taken with regard to the ex-service men. Due to this, the ex-service men retired at different points of time are getting pension in different modes. Some where the pension of Colonel is more than that of the Major General whereas somewhere else Havaldars get pensions more than their officers. I want to draw the attention of the Government towards this fact that the annoyance of the ex-servicemen affects the morale of the serving army men also. Therefore, the Government should fulfil their demand at earliest.

Their demand is very simple that uniform benefit should be given to one and all as is done in case of the other services. I fail to understand the reason behind silence of the government on this issue whereas the same has drawn the attention of the entire country. The might of army is the strength of the country.
(Shrimati Brinda Karat, Shri Abani Roy and Shri Ram Narayan Sahu, associated)
RAJYA SABHA: SYNOPSIS OF DEBATE- 13 Feb 2009

Comment: The Armed Forces (serving and retired) certainly and surely have lost faith in the present form of dispensation; who all along have remained the most favoured section of the Nation. The ESM feel cheated in the pension pay blunder of SCPC, payment of pension arrears, fixation of pension and the committees compounding the anomalies. Adding insult again, there are no worthwhile welfare measures in ground reality except on paper where multitude of programs are propagated to benefit only the bureaucrats. ESM ramain cheated all the time!

Mandate 2009

Monday, April 27, 2009
33 crorepatis, 20 criminals in fray for Delhi elections
New Delhi: As many as 33 millionaires and 20 people with criminal records will fight for Delhi's seven Lok Sabha seats that go to polls May 7. "A total of 33 'crorepatis' are contesting elections in Delhi. Of 33, seven are from the Congress and five each from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Delhi Election Watch (DEW) statement Monday said.

Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for BSP is Rs1.13 billion (Rs.113 crores), Congress Rs.70 million (Rs.7 crores) and BJP Rs.20 million (Rs.2 crores), the statement added.

Two candidates have declared their assets as zero, and four have declared assets of less than Rs 20,000, while 42 percent of the total candidates have not furnished their PAN card details as compared to 65 percent in 2004.

The average increase in individual assets has been 755 percent with one candidate showing a jump of over 3000 percent and most of them showing increase in three digits.

Of 160 candidates in the fray, the DEW looked into affidavits of 158 candidates and found that 20 candidates (12.5 percent) have criminal records.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded four candidates with criminal records, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded three and the Congress has given ticket to one candidate with criminal record," according to the statement.

"There are seven candidates who are charged with heinous crimes which includes murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and extortion. Amongst major parties, the BSP has fielded maximum (2) number of candidates with serious crimes in Delhi. No other major party has fielded any such candidates," the statement added.

Delhi Election Watch (DEW) is part of a nationwide National Election Watch (NEW) campaign, comprising more than 1200 NGOs and other citizen organisations working on electoral reforms, improving democracy and governance in India.
Source: IANS
MSN Special
General Elections 2009
33 crorepatis, 20 criminals in fray for Delhi elections

IESM: Chairman's Desk

Date: Monday, 27 April, 2009, 9:55 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Election News
Core Gp members continue to visit different places in our continuing efforts to stay in touch particularly with those veterans that do not use the internet.
I had addressed a Press conference in Sikar (Rajasthan) Apr 26. It has been very widely covered in all the Hindi papers. Today, many ESM from different districts of the State called me to say how enthused they were at my advisory of supporting the BJP and expressed full accord.
Neglect of ESM
A group of ESM from Kupwara (J&K) called up today complaining that no one listens to their problems. They further added that the Sainik Board staff openly demand money for doing their prescribed work. The affected ESM must be finding it very frustrating. I have asked them to mail specifics so that the cases can be taken up.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

IESM Supporting Activities in Pictures




Photo Courtesy Brig CS Kamboj

India ranks 5th in illicit financial outflows: report

Sunday, April 26, 2009
Washington: India ranks fifth globally among 127 developing countries for illicit financial outflows, according to a report released by the Global Financial Integrity (GFI). The report "Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 2002-2006" estimates the total illegal capital flight from developing countries to be as high as USD 1 trillion per year.

In 2006 around ten dollars were lost due to illicit outflows on every one dollar received as official development assistance(ODA), it said in a statement released through Asianet. "This massive loss of assets is the greatest impediment to economic development and poverty alleviation and should be a concern for all nations," Raymond Baker, director GFI said.

According to the report, the total illicit financial outflows from India rose to USD 27.3 billion per year during the period 2002-2006. The illegal outflows involve activities such as corruption (bribery and embezzlement of national wealth), proceeds of illicit business that becomes illicit when transported across borders in violation of laws and regulatory frameworks.
Source: PTI
India ranks 5th in illicit financial outflows: report

IESM: Chairman's Desk

Date: Sunday, 26 April, 2009, 10:36 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Core Gp members are visiting various places to meet the ESM, to analyse with them what choice of vote gives us greater hope and a higher chance to get OROP. The aim is to put the facts before them so that they can exercise their franchise in a more informed manner vis-a-vis our main demand as on date.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Passport officer held in city for taking bribe

The CBI's anti-corruption wing has arrested the Chennai regional passport officer, who is the daughter-in-law of finance minister K Anbazhagan of Tamilnadu. Sumathi, an Indian Postal Service officer, was appointed RPO in 2004 with the blessings of then Union communications minister Dayanidhi Maran of the DMK.
CBI arrests minister kin who is the daughter-in-law of finance minister K. Anbazhagan

BLOCKED EXIT: The CBI also recovered Rs five lakh from Sumathi's car
Photo: M. Periasamy
TAKING STOCK: Regional Passport Officer, Chennai, Sumathi Ravichandran (left), along with Project Director, Ministry of External Affairs, K.N. Sharma (second right), and K. Asokan, Under Secretary from the ministry, on Wednesday inspecting the works for the Coimbatore Passport office. —
Picture profile of high calibre Regional Passport officer

Businessmen, frequent travellers and film artists stand to benefitMORE INFORMATIVE: Regional passport officer Sumathi Ravichandran handing over a jumbo booklet passport to M.A.M.R. Muthiah, Managing Director, Chettinad Cements, and actor Karthi, in Chennai on Thursday.
Passport officer held in city for taking bribe
25 Apr 2009, 1717 hrs IST, A Selvaraj & Jayaraj Sivan, TNN

CHENNAI: The anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday arrested Sumathi Ravichandran, Chennai regional passport officer (RPO), for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 9,000 from a passport applicant through a tout — a travel agent in T Nagar.

Her husband, R Ravichandran, a health officer in Chennai Corporation, was arrested on Saturday for engaging the touts. Two touts — Fathima Muzaffar, director of Ahmed World Travels and daughter of former IUML MP Abdul Samad, and Raju, owner of Raja Travels in Triplicane — were also arrested. A case was registered under Sec 120B (criminal conspiracy) and Sec 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Sumathi and Fathima were produced before K Naganathan, principal special judge for CBI cases, at his residence on Saturday and remanded in judicial custody. Sumathi told the judge that the case was foisted against her, and requested that she be admitted to a hospital as she was suffering from severe back pain. However, the judge said adequate medical facilities were available at Puzhal prison. Ravichandran and Raju are yet to be remanded. Raju was arrested by the city police last year in a fake passport case.

Following Sumathi's arrest, CBI sleuths raided her residence at Aspiran Garden in Kilpauk and seized Rs 5 lakh cash, documents pertaining to immovable properties worth Rs 1 crore, bank deposit receipts for Rs 4 lakh and documents pertaining to investments in shares, mutual funds and insurance policies in her name and those of her family members. From a locker maintained in a family member's name, officials seized 92 sovereigns of gold jewellery.
Passport officer held in city for taking bribe
Touts stay put in passport office: Record Passports issued in 2008
Related reading
Jumbo booklet passport reintroduced
New passport office getting ready
Sumathi Ravichandran, Regional Passport Officer, nabbed
Regional Passport Officer, husband nabbed
CBI arrests army officer for corruption in Punjab
Comment: Shame on Indian Postal Service, IAS and IFS fratenity. Only 1% are proved to be corrupt and rest 90% of corrupt civil services officers remain under powerful influence to safeguard their anti- national activities. Now one knows how smugglers, terrorists, frequent travellers and hawala operators have multiple passports to proceed to tax havens and swiss banks incognito. Tamilnadu government is known for streamlining corruption to perfection. Chennai is hub of Hawala transanctions worldwide fuelling terrorism. Chennai needs a surgical operation on the lines of Taliban to get rid of VIP and Political terrorism.

The Hindu, 30 April 2009 an update
Chennai Corporation Health Officer epicentre of TOUTS for Statewide illegal Passport Racket
Ms. Sumathi was arrested on April 25 in connection with a graft case. Based on further investigation, a case was registered against her husband and Senior Medical Officer on the Chennai Corporation, Ravichandran. Seizure of some documents by the CBI in his office and clinic revealed that Dr. Ravichandran was entertaining Passport agents and travel agents in his clinic at Purasawalkam.
Sumathi arrested in another case: Medical Doctor (spouse) pursuing criminal activities- a deadly duo
Congratulations pour in for CBI through SMS for nabbing RPO

"We have recovered the coded slips issued by Sumathi's husband Dr Ravichandran based on which some tatkal passports were issued. In most of the slips, he has written as "good", "fresh" and "new", which could be code words. We have collected the samples of the hand writing of Ravichandran to compare with the slips we have recovered. These will be sent to forensic department for test," a senior CBI officer said.
CBI to review all 85,000 tatkals Passport issued

Volume of Black money generated in processing 85,000 Tatkal Passports
Simple maths: Rs 9000 x 85,000= Rs 765,000,000 which works out to whopping 76.5 crores or $ 15.3 million. Surely the greater chunk of money would have been invested in safe tax haven- like Swiss Banks. Now the task of CBI should be to bring the culprits to book and not be influenced by tainted Politicians who would use their power to soft pedal the issue! Kudos to CBI... Keep the Nation free from Hawala operators and Terrorists. War on terror must be combated from all angles.

Ex- Servicemen in election race in Karnataka

Capt G R Gopinath
Party: IND
Bangalore South
Karnataka
Age 57

Capt G R Gopinath is credited with having changed the face of flying in India. In 2003, he floated India's first low-cost airline Air Deccan which challenged the monopoly of expensive carriers in the skies. In 2007, he sold the airline to Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher, but continues to be its vice-chairman and the second largest individual shareholder. He was born in a village in Hassan district of Karnataka. A graduate from the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, he served in the Indian Army for 8 years. In 1994, Gopinath had contested the Assembly elections on a BJP ticket from Gandasi constituency in Hassan district in Karnataka. He was the party president of BJP in Hassan then. This time around, he is contesting as an Independent from Bangalore South Constituency.
Karnataka Poll date: April 23rd to April 30th

India’s million-strong military prepares to vote

Ritu Sharma
NEW DELHI - India’s apolitical military is proactively preparing to vote in parliamentary elections only a week away. Thanks to steps the military establishment has taken, more than one million forms have been submitted to the Election Commission so that soldiers can vote whereever they may be posted.

This follows the military brass’ decision to ensure that soldiers get to vote — a democratic privilege many are forced to skip because of flaws in the electoral exercise involving soldiers. The Indian Army has 1.1 million men and women, the air force has 140,000 and the navy has about 55,000 personnel.

‘About 10 lakh (1 million) forms have been forwarded by the army personnel for registration. The Election Commission has acknowledged nearly 45 percent,’ an army official told IANS, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media. In January, the armed forces, for the first time, asked all its personnel to get themselves registered with the poll panel in their area of posting to exercise their right to vote.

Most Indian soldiers, including airmen and sailors, have never or rarely voted while in service for want of an effective polling mechanism. Military personnel can vote in their area of posting only during general elections and provided they are registered with the Election Commission in that area. This, however, rarely happens.

Most soldiers also find the postal ballot system faulty, and appear to be unaware of the proxy voting system that allows a family member to vote on their behalf. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major told IANS recently: ‘Although there are proxy voting and postal ballots, things have not materialised as desired.’

The IAF chief has himself not been able to vote regularly because, like most of his colleagues, he has been away from where he has been registered as a voter during election time. ‘The last I voted was 10 years ago when I was home on vacation. I have voted only four times (in 41 years of service),’ he said.

The Indian Air Force has put all the procedures on its intranet. The notification of the Election Commission has been sent to various command headquarters, which in turn has informed the field units. ‘People are being encouraged to vote,’ a senior IAF official said. The Election Commission reiterated Monday that defence personnel can use proxy voting. But there are complaints against postal ballots. The system suffers from long delays, so much so that at times the postal ballots reach the units after a new government has already taken office.

Why the sudden desire to vote?
While no one is ready to speak on record, some retired and serving officers said this was linked to the discontent among the armed forces due to what they see as a raw deal in revision of pay scales. ‘The armed forces are being shortchanged in the Pay Commission and their lack of say in decision making is hurting them,’ said another high-ranking army official.
India’s million-strong military prepares to vote

I will revive economy in 100 days, if voted back: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has told mediapersons that he will revive the economy, if voted back to power. For this purpose, he will formulate a 100 day action plan to revive the economy by adding greater drive to the stimulus packages and tackling job losses.

"There is considerable scope to refuel the stimulus packages and our aim is to take the economy back to the stage where 9% to 10% growth is possible," he said, adding that such a boost would revive confidence in the economy.

Singh was quite hopeful for speedy economic recovery and creation of new jobs. He said that the economy recovery process was being initiated by cement, textiles and construction industries and these sectors would also create employment opportunities.

Singh has also added that in his 100 day action plan, he will try to bring back black money salted away in tax havens abroad by taking whatever steps required. He, however, disputed figures being quoted by BJP leader L K Advani. "I am not denying its existence but how much in Swiss banks, how much in tax havens, nobody knows." he said

On opaque banks in tax havens, he said, "We argued within a group of friendly countries for absolute transparency within the banking system and an international agreement to share information between tax authorities of different countries."

The PM has also said that given the international ramifications, his government would take immediate steps to modernize the security and intelligence mechanism if voted back to power. He also drew attention to the Taliban's growth in Pakistan and linked it to a spurt in terror directed against India.

On the role of home-grown terror, he said, "We cannot say there are no links between terrorists outside and terrorists within the country." He laid emphasis on getting the basics like ground-level policing right. "Ultimately, community policing is the best way (of handling the problem)," he said.
I will revive economy in 100 days, if voted back: PM

Comment: Police Reforms alone can bring ground level policing to perform and ensure safety of its citizens from VIP terror. Intelligence agencies can easily identify and tag frequent fliers to tax heavens and Swiss banks from the Airlines manifest which is available online. There must be Political will to apprehend tax evaders, hawala operators and smugglers who ultimately fuel terrorism. India is main hub of hawala transanctions which is fuelling terrorism worldwide because of lax laws and corrupt bureaucrats.

IESM: Best Use of the Advisory

Dear Friends,

The advisory has been issued. Let’s make the best use of the power of our vote.

The first thing needed is to keep our focus absolutely clear on the OROP. Anything else should be kept away. Within the constraints of time IESM has been trying to reach out to maximum number of veterans in the villages but may fall short of voting support for the Defence Candidates contesting in their respective constituencies. This will be the greatest challenge for our candidates requiring aggressive campaigning by ex servicemen in their constituencies. A constituency contains between 10 lakhs to 15 lakhs voters and an independent candidate will need 3.5 to 5 lakhs votes (1/3 of voter strength in a constituency) for a good probability of a win.

The question now is, “How many from a dozen of our defence candidates will be able to make it to the August House?” The question that will follow is “How will these elected representatives influence the OROP in favour of the ex servicemen?” Remember, we cannot deviate from the focus to get OROP. A miracle may happen that the outcome of the polls is a fractured verdict and the support of 3 to 4 independents is crucial to the formation of government or its subsequent fall. Our representatives can then certainly play a winning role for OROP. Such a miracle did happen in the case of Shibu Soren twice; once during Narasimha Rao’s Govt and second time recently during Manmohan Singh’s Govt. Of course, Shibu’s agenda was different and completely personal. Are we going to wait for another miracle to happen or we are going to do something to get what we have set out to get?

Our candidates will need to assess their own capability to reach out to the ex-servicemen and get their support despite the fact that IESM is making all efforts to obtain support for these candidates. This will be a challenging task in the constituencies which have a large spread of rural base. Time is the main constraint. If a candidate is unsure of a win, he may consider the alternative of withdrawing in favour of the party which is supporting our demand of OROP. This option has been wisely exercised by Brig Harwant who has withdrawn in favour of a candidate whose party is supporting OROP in its manifesto. This will ensure that the ex-servicemen’s votes are not wasted. Remember, the focus should not shift.

On the question of which national parties to choose from, the fact is that none of the two parties who were major constituents of the previous two governments, did anything to fulfill the promise made by them. I have heard some members of these parties trying to save their faces by saying that they were handicapped by not having a clear majority and the coalition common programmes could not support it. Reasons not withstanding, the non implementation of OROP by them is a fact we cannot ignore.

The present situation is that congress party has quietly ignored even the mention of OROP in their election manifesto, leave aside its implementation. BJP has made a commitment in its manifesto to implement OROP. The SAD is supporting it. The question is, “Will they honour this commitment if elected to power?” What if they do not? It would not be a surprise because they have a history of doing so. In that case, in constituencies not being contested by veterans, why not vote for the party which has promised to implement OROP in their manifesto. We do not lose anything but only stand to gain if wisdom prevails and they honour the commitment. Yes, this kind of miracle can happen. If there is another sound alternative, by all means adopt it. But again, remember, the focus must not shift. Best of luck to all of us.

Maj Gen Sudesh Kumar (Retd)

Taliban: When attacked, we must hit back- Response

Hello Everyone,
An article by Mr. Vir Sanghvi published in The Hindustan Times dated 25 Apr When attacked, we must hit back: Vir Sanghvi, Hindustan Times
I could not help responding to it. My message to Mr. Vir Sanghvi is given below his Article. Some of you might also like to write to him.
Best wishes.
Harbhajan Singh

Dear Mr. Vir Sanghvi,
DER AAE LEKIN DARUST AAE!! This is my first reaction to your column. Appreciate what you have written.

I am same age as Dr. Manmohan Singh. Was in high school in Lahore, when the Partition took place. So have vivid and clear memories of the Freedom Struggle and the communal violence during 1947. In Jan 1949 joined the First Course of NDA, at Clement Town, Dehradun. Did three stints in J&K.

So one has experienced the Pakistani mind set from the childhood and during Service. The Pathans, Jehlam Wallas made excellent drivers, waiters, Darbans. Were loyal by and large.The Punjabi Muslman was crafty. Punjab, Delhi, Agra etc all experienced Hindu Sikh riots in independent India, mostly due to intolerance of Muslims. Where ever, the Hindus and Sikhs stood up, the Muslims behaved. All of them respected STRENGTH.

Let me tell you, that it is the Jan Sangh (RSS) which saved thousands of Hindus and Sikhs in Lahore, in particular. They were so well organized on Military lines and dared to strike back. It is unfortunate that due to assassination of Mahatma Gandhi they got a bad name. I still believe, that if they shed the Hinduvta face, they can be an excellent organization for the youth of India to keep Indian values, bring in discipline and even wean them away from excessive Western culture.

In J&K along the LOC, Pak troops create pin pricks, encroach on Indian land, fire rounds on our picquets on daily basis. When a tough and good Indian battalion takes over a portion of the LOC, they do not allow such activities and shoot down one or two of the Pakis. They immediately realize that the Indians mean business. They wave white flags and approach the Indian troops and say, GALTI HO GAI, AAGE SE AISA NAHIN HO GA"!!

We have seen the Pak Establishment's mind set since Oct 1947, when they invaded Kashmir. Ever since, things have only deteriorated. They are compulsive lairs, Musharraf included and so crafty. Ever ready to do down India.

Pakistan's India policy is decided by the Pak Army, who so ever may be the President/Prime Minister and will continue to be so decided!! Pak Army will always see India as the main threat. Of course, break up of Pakistan in 1971, has cemented their thinking that India is bent upon undoing Pakistan!! They have some how managed to have enough well equipped conventional forces to ensure a stalemate in wars and with their nuclear and missile capability they feel emboldened to even do a Kargil on us!!.

Pakistani propaganda, doctored history being taught in schools and colleges, Islamization of the society, penchant to identify with the Arab Muslims, nostalgia for hay days of Mughal Empire, break up of Pakistan in 1971 and the Kashmir problem, will never allow them to be at peace with India. They will find some or the other excuse to make enemies with India!! WE TWO NATIONS CANNOT EVEN PLAY A HOCKEY OR CRICKET MATCH WITHOUT RAISING THE EVIL PITCH!!

So what is the answer to deal with this sore in India's side.

1. India must become more strong militarily, along with economic development.
2. India needs military reforms to make its forces more lethal, mobile and modern.
3. The higher Defence Management needs to be streamlined including having a CDS.
4. The media needs to pay more attention to the Strategic scenario around India and this not be left only to the Military Think Tanks.
5. The Nation needs to be made alive to long term strategic requirements, keeping in view rise of China and not only the threat from Pakistan. Our domination of the Indian Ocean is necessary for India's economic and industrial growth. MR. SANGHVI, MAJORITY OF LEADERS/ PEOPLE IN MUMBAI, CHENNAI, BANGALORE ETC FEEL THAT ALL THIS TALK ABOUT PAKISTAN AND CHINA DOES NOT CONCERN THEM MUCH. IT IS THE PROBLEM OF NORTH INDIANS. This is a fact!! It is people like you and the TV Moghuls whose responsibility it is to highlight the Strategic aspects of India's security impinging on economic development.
6. The record of the Congress Party has been dismal as far as India's National security are concerned. 1948 J&K premature Cease Fire, 1962 war defeat by China, 1965 War giving back territories, 1971 though Pak was dismembered, we failed to cash on so many Pak prisoners held by us and solve the J&K problem, Sri Lanka Operations, very poorly dealing with internal insurgencies and for over two decades terrorism in J&K and rest of India.
7. The Congress now led by a foreign Lady (she can never never) feel truly like an Indian and has no Strategic culture/expertise. She, her son and daughter, have never visited any military troops. Why should not Rahul Gandhi join the TA?? They just depend on the bureaucracy. Dr. Manmohan Singh may be a great economist but basically he is professor and a bureaucrat. He has no strategic bent of mind. He has also not visited any forward troops!! THE WAY THE CONGRESS PARTY/THE PM HAVE HANDLED THE AGITATION BY THE EX SERVICEMEN AND 6TH PAY COMMISSION RAMIFICATIONS FOR THE DEFENCE SERVICES, IS AMPLE PROOF!!
8. The Chinese are a day's travel from Terrai through Maoist Nepal. Who cares!! The Prime minister is more pre- occupied with G8 and G20!! Another 1962 is not too far!!
9. Sadly, history is against us. We always let the invaders come in and fought them at Panipat! We failed and are failing to realize that OFFENCE IS THE BEST FORM OF DEFENCE!!
10. Against Pakistan and China, India needs to take a tough stand. Pakistan in particular needs to be deterred from fomenting trouble inside India, including J&K. We have let them believe for too long that INDIA IS A SOFT STATE AND THAT ITS LEADERSHIP CANNOT TAKE TOUGH DECISIONS. Striking back is reacting!!
11. We must dispel this feeling by openly laying down our response options ie our doctrine against acts of terrorism etc and then implement it. Pakis will buckle down in no time. They do not have the stomach for big fight. They are good at pin pricks only.
12. People to people dialogue may continue but all other parleys should be kept on hold. We should warn Pakistan and the World about continued following of Indus Water Treaty. Such treaties are only possible between countries following normal norms of behavior.
13. We need to tell the Americans bluntly that they have now realized that Pakistan is the epicenter of terrorism. What we are doing will be for their good to put Pak in its place. In fact the US should encourage a conventional war between India and Pakistan to put Pak military in its place and then deal with the Taliban freely in the NWFP!!
14. Above all, Pak nuclear and missile assets must be taken out by surgical strikes and other means by Israel/the US. This will ensure that these lethal weapons do not fall in the hands of Taliban and keep Pakistan in line.

Please do write more on Strategic topics. Best wishes.

Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd)
Former Signal Officer-in-Chief

Pakistan Taliban: When attacked, we must hit back

Vir Sanghvi , Hindustan Times
Consumed as we are with the hurly-burly of the General Election, we may have lost sight of an important development in our neighbourhood. As the Pakistan government tries to persuade the Taliban to retreat from its latest encampment a mere 100 kilometers away from Islamabad, the world — and Washington, in particular — has finally come around to the view that Pakistan is on the brink of becoming the next Afghanistan.

As the steady slide into Talibanisation continues, it is also clear that we are at a watershed moment in our policy towards Pakistan. We need to decide, once and for all, how we are going to treat our north-western neighbour.

There have been two broad strands in India's attitude to Pakistan. The first is the view of much of the media, many liberals, and a large chunk of the political establishment. This view has as its basis the proposition: “A strong and stable Pakistan is in India's best interests.” My own view is that the “strong and stable Pakistan is in India’s best interests” proposition has failed.

And how does India help bring this about? Well, according to proponents of this view, we must extend support to the democratic process in Pakistan and help civilian governments. We should encourage people-to-people contacts and abandon the Pakistan-is-an-enemy rhetoric. We must recognise that Indians and Pakistanis are really the same people, divided by unscrupulous politicians.

The contrary view is the position of the Army, the intelligence establishment and many security analysts. This view states that a strong and stable Pakistan is not necessarily in India’s best interests. A weakened Pakistan is often the best guarantor of peace. For instance, after the 1971 defeat, when Bangladesh broke away, Pakistan did India no harm for nearly two decades.

According to this view, we should never let our guard down, put no faith in the so-called brotherliness of the Pakistani masses, distrust every civilian politician and recognise that the Pakistan army’s raison d’etre is the alleged threat from India. Proponents of this view say that the only language the Pakistani establishment understands is strength and the best way to check the threat posed by Pakistan is by running clandestine operations inside that country and financing such local trouble-makers as the Baluchis and the MQM.

Of the two views, the first one has held sway for many years. The security establishment is treated with scorn by many educated Indians and its hawkish views are dismissed with contempt. During his brief stint as Prime Minister, Inder Gujral even asked the R&AW to roll up its clandestine networks within Pakistan, one reason why Indian intelligence now finds it so difficult to get accurate information out of that country.

But with the current situation in Pakistan threatening to spin out of control, this might be a good time to stop and think about our policy in the future.

My own view is that the “strong and stable Pakistan is in India’s best interests” proposition has failed.

Over the last several years, we have done everything we can to help Pakistan. We have hosted General Musharraf, we have offered talks on Kashmir, we have supported civilian politicians and welcomed Asif Zardari with open arms. We have tried our hardest to understand the mindset of civil society, with a steady stream of Pakistani intellectuals arriving in India, and, each evening, our channels offer endless TV time to Pakistanis to tell us what their country’s position is.

Here’s what this policy has got us: General Musharraf is still blatantly hostile to India as his last rant at the India Today Conclave demonstrated. Asif Zardari has refused to help in the investigation of the Bombay attacks. Terrorists continue to be sent across the border to foment trouble in India. Far from following a liberal policy, the new civilian government has done deals with the Taliban and imposed the medieval Sharia law in parts of Pakistan.

All opinion polls suggest that the average Pakistani hates India, loves Osama bin Laden and believes that 9/11 was a Jewish plot to malign global Islam. Worse still, the evidence suggests that if you push the Pakistani masses about their true identity they would pick Muslim over Pakistani. Do you have to be a genius to see that the good neighbour policy has been an utter and complete disaster?

What Indians find shocking is the extent to which so many educated Pakistanis seem unable to divorce their Islamic identity from political discourse.Is it not time to concede that General Musharraf’s attitude is symptomatic of the view of the Pakistan army: India is the enemy and must always be fought? Shouldn’t we accept that Pakistan’s civilian politicians are such untrustworthy sleazeballs that they make Mayawati shine like a goddess in comparison? Even if a crook like Zardari is sincere (which I doubt; his ultimate loyalty is to Credit Suisse) he simply does not have the clout to deliver on the kind of peace and love nonsense that he gushed about at the HT Summit.

More worrying is that Pakistan’s civil society seems to have only the most minimal commitment to the liberal values that we in India enshrine in our Constitution. Even someone like Imran Khan, who improved his mind at Oxford and developed his loins on Sloane Street, turns into a reactionary when he addresses his own people, going so far as to praise Sharia law.

What Indians find shocking is the extent to which so many educated Pakistanis seem unable to divorce their Islamic identity from political discourse.You and I can get up and say that Hindu fanatics are thugs and goons or even that Narendra Modi is a mass murderer. How many Pakistanis get up and say that about their own fanatics? We speak up for MF Husain’s right to paint Hindu goddesses in the nude. How many Pakistanis speak up for the Danish cartoonist?

As for people-to-people contacts, I am still in favour of letting Pakistanis come to India to see what a liberal society looks like. But I have given up all hope that it will make a difference to the general Pakistani mind-set. After all, if you’re dealing with a country whose people have bought Al-Qaeda propaganda about how all terrorism is really an American and Israeli plot, a people who are content to live off the Yankee dollar while simultaneously hating the US, and a people who venerate the suicide bombers that bin Laden dispatches around the world, then do you really believe that they will suddenly see the light when they land in Bombay and discover that our three biggest stars are all Muslim?

It’s gone too far for people-to-people contacts to make much difference.

So, what do we do? I think we should accept that the intelligence establishment may have had a point. We should resume clandestine operations, we should do to the Pakistanis what they are doing to us, and hit back every time we are attacked.

We should tell the US that we are tired of this policy of equivalence. When America attacked Afghanistan, we did not treat the US and Afghanistan as moral equals. Similarly, America should stop treating India and Pakistan on the same plane. One of us is the world’s largest democracy. And the other is a terrorist state.

But if we are to ensure that the world sees through Pakistan’s pretensions and recognises it for what it is, then we must first rid ourselves of our own illusions. Let’s stop kidding ourselves about the true nature of the enemy. Let’s recognise the magnitude of the threat — growing by the day as Taliban influence spreads — and work out a strategy to fight it.

The time for lighting candles at the Wagah border has long since passed.
When attacked, we must hit back: Vir Sanghvi, Hindustan Times