Are military professionals unaware of their own civic and strategic illiteracy?
One of the most significant issues facing any democracy today, is the current state of civil- military relations. Why should the relationship between the military and society be of such concern to us? There are two principal reasons.
First, the military relationship to civilian authorities and to society more generally lies at the very heart of what democracy is all about. Democracy, Harry Truman suggested, is "based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with reason and justice." By the same token, what defines the state, Max Weber observed, is government's monopoly of the legitimate possession and use of force. The military is the principal embodiment of state-centered and -controlled violence. Thus, in a form of government where the people are supposed to rule, civilian supremacy over the military is essential; it is an ethical imperative. Where this relationship fails or falters, the very end of government--"the common benefit, protection, and security of the people," rights of citizens violated, massive and wide scale corruption and injustice--the Government stands in jeopardy. Further, Terrorism, Naxalism, Maoism and right wing fundamentalists are pointers and indicators of the degree of of failing/ falling governance.
Second, the three parties to the civil- military relationship--the military, its civilian masters, and the people themselves--are bound to one another by social contract. "The first principle of a civilized state," said Walter Lippmann, "is that power is legitimate only when it is under contract." A social contract is a mutually binding, though a tacit, set of expectations, obligations, and rights. Because it depends on the ability--and, more importantly, the willingness--of the parties involved to live up to their end of the unwritten bargain, it is, in every sense, an ethical compact- a bond.
What do civilian authorities and the people more generally expect of the military as part of this compact?
Operational Competence.
What Military Expects from the Civilian authorities?
Genuine welfare measures for the Jawans and Ex- Servicemen.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
IESL: Joint Letter to PM to address the Pension Disparity created, muddled and sullied by Cabinet Secretary Committee
Joint Letter to The Prime Minister (click me)
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter (it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly, being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all organisations for a meeting to discuss the Cabinet Secretary's report on 06 Aug 2009. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right. Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be included in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action. Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up to him over the last 15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM, Leader of the Opposition and other MPs. After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press. Ways of financing the advertisements are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have received numerous mails from you all appreciating the joint effort put in by all the signatory ESM Orgs in drafting the letter (it was not a single person's effort!) and importantly, being willing to sign it. I regret to say that even though I tried my best to get the Air Force Assn on board with personal calls, mails & SMS's, there was no response. I would like to place on record Brig Gulia's help, despite our differences on many occasions, as he played a major part in this joint effort. It was his initiative to call all organisations for a meeting to discuss the Cabinet Secretary's report on 06 Aug 2009. It was IESL which provided staff support for printing the letters, repeatedly till we got it right. Some suggestions have come to tweak the letter further. Regret they can only be included in the next letter, if any.
I can also report that the letter has reached the COAS and it has been passed down for action. Thanks to Air Cmde Chandershekhar, who was here from Bangalore, we have got a copy of the letter delivered to the RM by hand. Interestingly it had not been put up to him over the last 15 days. We are also exploring ways to see that a copy reaches the PM, Leader of the Opposition and other MPs. After lapse of say 5 weeks we will go to the press. Ways of financing the advertisements are being considered.
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)
Friday, October 30, 2009
IESM: Veterans who have deposited medals with the President seeking Pension Parity
Thu, 29 October, 2009 5:08:06 PM
Subject: MEDAL RETURN LIST NAMES OF ESM
Click here for the latest list of ESM who have deposited their medals with the President of India for safe custody as a mark of protest for NON- GRANT of "One Rank One Pension". The list is upto date till 25 Oct 2009.
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
Subject: MEDAL RETURN LIST NAMES OF ESM
Click here for the latest list of ESM who have deposited their medals with the President of India for safe custody as a mark of protest for NON- GRANT of "One Rank One Pension". The list is upto date till 25 Oct 2009.
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
IESM: Reducing the Pension Disparity is not Pension Parity
Dear Colleagues,
The announcement made by the Government in Jun/ Jul this year in the Parliament, on the enhancement in pension of PBOR, still remains a mere announcement. One sincerely hoped for the increased emoluments of pre 10.10.1997 PBOR to be released before Diwali. That did not happen. Nor is there any indication when the emoluments will be finally released. One may assume that these will come latest by 31 Mar 2010 i.e. within this financial year since a provision of Rs 2144 Crores has been made in this year’s budget. What will be the quantum of increase? This too remains a grey area. The expectation of those dealing with the issue is as under:
Rank (service) Likely new pension
Sep (19) Rs 5,800/-
Naik (24) Rs 6,500/-
Hav (26) Rs 6,500/-
Nb Sub (28) Rs 10,675/-
Sub (28) Rs 11,970/-
Sub Maj (28) Rs 12,285/-
It would be relevant to point out that the above figures as of now are only a deduction from what has been already accorded. Secondly, it is not the expected OROP since these figures do not match the post 1.1.2006 scales.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
The announcement made by the Government in Jun/ Jul this year in the Parliament, on the enhancement in pension of PBOR, still remains a mere announcement. One sincerely hoped for the increased emoluments of pre 10.10.1997 PBOR to be released before Diwali. That did not happen. Nor is there any indication when the emoluments will be finally released. One may assume that these will come latest by 31 Mar 2010 i.e. within this financial year since a provision of Rs 2144 Crores has been made in this year’s budget. What will be the quantum of increase? This too remains a grey area. The expectation of those dealing with the issue is as under:
Rank (service) Likely new pension
Sep (19) Rs 5,800/-
Naik (24) Rs 6,500/-
Hav (26) Rs 6,500/-
Nb Sub (28) Rs 10,675/-
Sub (28) Rs 11,970/-
Sub Maj (28) Rs 12,285/-
It would be relevant to point out that the above figures as of now are only a deduction from what has been already accorded. Secondly, it is not the expected OROP since these figures do not match the post 1.1.2006 scales.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
IESM: OROP- A frevent appeal made by Warrant Officer
Dear Brig Kamboj,
The letters written to the President, Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Defence Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Defence Secretary, Secretary Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Director of Pension during the month of October, 2009 by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.) are enclosed as attachment for information of all Ex-Servicemen in the country. The progress thereof is also being monitored on day to day basis by him.
With regards
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
Appeal by Warrant Officer
Submission of letters, memoranda and presentations to various High Dignitaries have been initiated by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.). With his vigorous efforts he has achieved extraordinary rapport on the subject of ONE RANK ONE PENSION with many High Dignitaries icluding all MPs from Kerala, present and past Chief Ministers of Kerala, all Central Ministers from Kerala including Shri AK Antony, Defence Ministers, Private Secretaries of the Hon’ble the President of India and Bureaucrats accessible to him in various Ministries on the above subject.
Click here to read all the Letters addressed to PM and Ministries to quickly resolve the Pension Disparity muddle created by Bureaucrats
The letters written to the President, Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Defence Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Defence Secretary, Secretary Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Director of Pension during the month of October, 2009 by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.) are enclosed as attachment for information of all Ex-Servicemen in the country. The progress thereof is also being monitored on day to day basis by him.
With regards
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)
Appeal by Warrant Officer
Submission of letters, memoranda and presentations to various High Dignitaries have been initiated by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.). With his vigorous efforts he has achieved extraordinary rapport on the subject of ONE RANK ONE PENSION with many High Dignitaries icluding all MPs from Kerala, present and past Chief Ministers of Kerala, all Central Ministers from Kerala including Shri AK Antony, Defence Ministers, Private Secretaries of the Hon’ble the President of India and Bureaucrats accessible to him in various Ministries on the above subject.
Click here to read all the Letters addressed to PM and Ministries to quickly resolve the Pension Disparity muddle created by Bureaucrats
IESL: Pension Disparity for War Disabled Jawans
Dear Avtar Singh Ji,
My approach has been to bring about parity among on pensioners of all categories based purely on the rank and total qualifying service. Any pensioner is entitled for the same pension if the conditions happen to be the same irrespecitve of the date or retirenment. We must win this first before studying anomalies in the application of the principle. We must concentrate on winning our princile of the demand on pension.
Regards RN Radakrishnan (Veteran)
Dear General,
1.Please refer to your "Analysis of CS Report on OROP" click me. It is an excellent analysis but,sadly,you have omitted to comment on the issue of disparity in Disability Pension(DP) rates of Pre-2006 disabled vetern retirees.
2. The CS & Secys have just brushed aside the demand (refer Para 7.1 ser 4 ) for DP at % basis instead of slab basis for pre2006 disabled veterns by stating that "it is a new dispensation ONLY for those disabled after 1.1.2006".However,mercifully,they go on to state that it "needs further exam with Dept of ESW to assess the financial implications". (What can one interpret from this ?)
3. It is evident that just like in the case of main OROP issue the preconcieved aim of the CS was to somehow deny DP on % basis to
the pre-2006 disabled veterns.
4. Consider the following:-
(a) The 6CPC in its Report/Recommendations(approved by GOI resolution) has not stated/implied anywhere that DP on % basis is "only for those disabled after 1.1.2006" .Infact it accepted the demand vide Para 5.1.68 to correct injustice being done to Armed forces disabled for a
long time vis a vis civilians.
(b) Is'nt Grade pay & MSP also a "New Dispensation" which is taken into calcutating the pension of all pre 2006 retirees?
(c) The CS report repeatedly talks about parity with civilians(paras 2.15,5.4ii,6.4 etc).Then why this disparity in DP rates between Armed forces disabled & similarly placed civilian diabled? All disabled civlians of ALL vintage (including Pre1.1.2006 retirees) have been & are getting DP on % basis.So why have the pre2006 disabled of Armed Forces been discriminated?
(d)It is apparent that the issue was not seriously deliberated by the CS & Secys before arriving at the pre-concieved recommendation at Para7.2(Ser 4).Asking the D o ESW to asses the "financial implications" is redicoulously points to that, as this would/should have been an input for arriving at the recommendation.
5.It is a clear case of anti Armed Forces stance of the top bureuocrats( including,unfortunatly,the Secy MOD) of the Nation.In one go
they have deprived all pre2006 disabled veterns,including those disabled(&still alive) in 1948,1962,1965,1971 Wars & IPKF operations , of their legitimate disability pension dues.
6.Considering that it is a clear case of discrimination we hope you will this resolved as well.
With Regards & Best Wishes
Brig AS Kahlon (Retd)
My approach has been to bring about parity among on pensioners of all categories based purely on the rank and total qualifying service. Any pensioner is entitled for the same pension if the conditions happen to be the same irrespecitve of the date or retirenment. We must win this first before studying anomalies in the application of the principle. We must concentrate on winning our princile of the demand on pension.
Regards RN Radakrishnan (Veteran)
Dear General,
1.Please refer to your "Analysis of CS Report on OROP" click me. It is an excellent analysis but,sadly,you have omitted to comment on the issue of disparity in Disability Pension(DP) rates of Pre-2006 disabled vetern retirees.
2. The CS & Secys have just brushed aside the demand (refer Para 7.1 ser 4 ) for DP at % basis instead of slab basis for pre2006 disabled veterns by stating that "it is a new dispensation ONLY for those disabled after 1.1.2006".However,mercifully,they go on to state that it "needs further exam with Dept of ESW to assess the financial implications". (What can one interpret from this ?)
3. It is evident that just like in the case of main OROP issue the preconcieved aim of the CS was to somehow deny DP on % basis to
the pre-2006 disabled veterns.
4. Consider the following:-
(a) The 6CPC in its Report/Recommendations(approved by GOI resolution) has not stated/implied anywhere that DP on % basis is "only for those disabled after 1.1.2006" .Infact it accepted the demand vide Para 5.1.68 to correct injustice being done to Armed forces disabled for a
long time vis a vis civilians.
(b) Is'nt Grade pay & MSP also a "New Dispensation" which is taken into calcutating the pension of all pre 2006 retirees?
(c) The CS report repeatedly talks about parity with civilians(paras 2.15,5.4ii,6.4 etc).Then why this disparity in DP rates between Armed forces disabled & similarly placed civilian diabled? All disabled civlians of ALL vintage (including Pre1.1.2006 retirees) have been & are getting DP on % basis.So why have the pre2006 disabled of Armed Forces been discriminated?
(d)It is apparent that the issue was not seriously deliberated by the CS & Secys before arriving at the pre-concieved recommendation at Para7.2(Ser 4).Asking the D o ESW to asses the "financial implications" is redicoulously points to that, as this would/should have been an input for arriving at the recommendation.
5.It is a clear case of anti Armed Forces stance of the top bureuocrats( including,unfortunatly,the Secy MOD) of the Nation.In one go
they have deprived all pre2006 disabled veterns,including those disabled(&still alive) in 1948,1962,1965,1971 Wars & IPKF operations , of their legitimate disability pension dues.
6.Considering that it is a clear case of discrimination we hope you will this resolved as well.
With Regards & Best Wishes
Brig AS Kahlon (Retd)
SCPC: Maj Gens- Pre/ Post- 2006 Pension Disparity
My Dear Brig Kamboj,
Letter addressed to all veteran Maj Gens/AVMs/Rear Admirals is given as link below.
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Maj Gens' Case Pre & Post 2006 Pension Disparity
Dear Veterans,
1. AVM JK Pathania, a veteran who is also a practising Advocate of Delhi High Court and Supreme Court has taken an initiative to file a court case on behalf of Maj Gens/AVMs/Rear Admirals to ask for removal of disparity in Pension of Pre and Post 2006 retirees.
2. He had issued a legal notice to the Defence Secretary and the three Chiefs on 13 Aug 2009 (copy enclosed).While no reply has been received from the Defence Secretary, he has received reply from Lt Gen V K Chaturvedi, AVSM, SM on behalf of Chairman COSC dated 14 Sep 2009 (copy linked below). He had also sought information under the RTI from PIO, Min of Def vide RTI application dated 13 Aug 09 (copy linked below). The information is yet to be received.
3. AVM JK Pathania has proposed to file the joint case of a group of Maj Gens/ AVMs/ Rear Admirals in High Court/ Supreme Court. For proper preparation of case, he needs to assess the number of veterans who are willing to be part of the group. All veterans of ranks of Maj Gen/ AVM/ Rear Admiral who want to be part of the group may send their particulars to AVM Pathania with copy to me at the earliest.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
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Letter addressed to all veteran Maj Gens/AVMs/Rear Admirals is given as link below.
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Maj Gens' Case Pre & Post 2006 Pension Disparity
Dear Veterans,
1. AVM JK Pathania, a veteran who is also a practising Advocate of Delhi High Court and Supreme Court has taken an initiative to file a court case on behalf of Maj Gens/AVMs/Rear Admirals to ask for removal of disparity in Pension of Pre and Post 2006 retirees.
2. He had issued a legal notice to the Defence Secretary and the three Chiefs on 13 Aug 2009 (copy enclosed).While no reply has been received from the Defence Secretary, he has received reply from Lt Gen V K Chaturvedi, AVSM, SM on behalf of Chairman COSC dated 14 Sep 2009 (copy linked below). He had also sought information under the RTI from PIO, Min of Def vide RTI application dated 13 Aug 09 (copy linked below). The information is yet to be received.
3. AVM JK Pathania has proposed to file the joint case of a group of Maj Gens/ AVMs/ Rear Admirals in High Court/ Supreme Court. For proper preparation of case, he needs to assess the number of veterans who are willing to be part of the group. All veterans of ranks of Maj Gen/ AVM/ Rear Admiral who want to be part of the group may send their particulars to AVM Pathania with copy to me at the earliest.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Men in Uniform are they obiligated to the Ex- Servicemen brethern?
Sent: Wed, 28 October, 2009 8:45:39 PM
Dear Colleagues,
On a family visit to Jaipur we stayed the Night 27/28 Oct with a Regimental battalion. It was nice being back to the freshness, warmth, and orderliness of a cantonment life. During the usual PT time walk through the officers' colony, we could see a noticeable improvement in the living standards. Roads are better maintained, lawns better manicured. More ACs than coolers can be seen jutting out of windows. Cars are bigger and better. Smartly dressed children could be seen rushing to catch the school buses – not the modified cagey trucks but proper buses. Odd Sahayaks could be seen walking Pugs and Danes, which fact is always used as a battering rod by the bureaucrats wanting the facility taken away.
A Subedar in his 28th Years of service gets 24-25000 in total. The mess waiter, who turned out to be from my own village (and claimed to have been helped by me in getting enrolled), gets a take- home of between 14000 and 15000 a month, that includes Salary, MSP, Grade Pay and Transport Allowance. Incidentally, every serving person is getting Rs 1600 pm as transport allowance.
One can have different views whether the existing salaries are adequate compensation for the dangers, hazards and difficulties of Service life. However, during my interaction, everyone from a Safaiwala to a Subedar Major appeared happy with what he gets.
I was pleasantly surprised that all the serving personnel are aware of the IESM and the efforts being made by it for betterment of the ESM. There was near unanimity that the Army is doing a lot for the serving but is not doing enough for the ESM and someone needs to focus in that direction.
New Members
We extend a very warm welcome to the following veterans and families who have joined the IESM:
Serial/ Number/ Rank/ Name/ Place
01. JC402013/ SUB/ RAMDHARI/ ROHTAK
02. JC1712850/ H CAPT/ WAZIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
03. JC695711/ SUB/ SURAN BHAN SIWACH/ ROHTAK
04. JC100803/ SUB/ BALWANT SINGH/ ROHTAK
05. JC1059527/ H NB SUB/ MAHABIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
06. JC2868263/ NK/ SAT PAUL/ ROHTAK
07. JC3168755/ NK/ SATBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
08. JC3171050/ HAV/ RAJBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
09. JC3161619/ NK/ DHANPAL SHINGH/ ROHTAK
10. JC1377478/ HAV/ RAJBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
11. JC1260804/ NK/ DHIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
12. JC2878358/ HAV/ SAT NARAIN/ ROHTAK
13. JC3178994/ HAV/ SURESH KUMAR/ ROHTAK
14. JC13610280/ HAV/ DHIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
15. JC4543414/ HAV/ BALRAJ/ ROHTAK
16. JC2867579/HAV/ KARTAR SINGH/ ROHTAK
17. JC14290739/ NK/ RANDHIR SINGH SIWACH/ ROHTAK
18. JC3168520/ HAV/ PREM SINGH/ ROHTAK
19. JC3160923/HAV/ SURAJ BHAN/ ROHTAK
20. JC2858760/ NK/ SUMERA/ ROHTAK
21. JC3157571/ NK/ MAHAVIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
22. JC2851675/ RFN/ JAG PAL/ ROHTAK
23. JC2645327/ NK (LATE)/ MEVI DEVI W/O/ ROHTAK
24. JC6882576/ NK(LATE)/ W/O (LATE) BALWAN SINGH/ ROHTAK
25. JC14290043/ L/NK (LATE)/ JAINO DEVI W/O LATE RAJKUMAR/ ROHTAK
26. JC3132731/ SEP (LATE)/ RUKMANI W/O LATE RISAL SINGH/
27. JC2882240/ NK (LATE)/ MUNI DEVI W/O LATE BHIM SINGH/ ROHTAK
28. JC3168068/ HAV(LATE)/ KALA DEVI W/O LATE JAGDISH CHANDER/ ROHTAK
29. JC3144697/ NK(LATE)/ CHANDRO W/O LATE DHANA RAM/ ROHTAK
30. JC6902556/ NK/ MAHA SINGH/ ROHTAK
31. JC6480199/ SEP/ PARTAP SINGH/ ROHTAK
32. JC1448635/ L/NK/ RAMDHARI/ ROHTAK
33. JC6817776/ SEP/ JAGDISH RAI/ ROHTAK
34. JC1085848/ DHARAM VIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
35. JC16395/ RAM SARUP/ ROHTAK
36. JC036637/ SUB (LATE)/ KRISHNA DEVI W/O SUB NAFE SINGH
37. JC1496422 SEP (LATE)/ CHAMELIDEVI W/O SEP SULTAN SINGH/
38. JC14202589/ L/NK(LATE)/ ROSHNI DEVI W/O RAM KANWAR/ ROHTAK
39. JC95346/ SUB(LATE)/ DHANO DEVI W/O GOPI RAM/ ROHTAK
40. JC15051/ SEP (LATE)/ JEEVO W/O JAGI RAM/ ROHTAK
41. JC2571961/ SUB MAJ/ KAMAN SINGH DIWA/ ROHTAK
42. JC218261/ N/SUB/ RANBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
43. JC1253855/ NK/ UMED SINGH/ ROHTAK
44. JC15177724/ NK/ SUNDER SINGH/ ROHTAK
45. JC36071/ SEP(LATE)/ KASTURI DEVI W/O DIWAN SHINGH/ ROHTAK
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Colleagues,
On a family visit to Jaipur we stayed the Night 27/28 Oct with a Regimental battalion. It was nice being back to the freshness, warmth, and orderliness of a cantonment life. During the usual PT time walk through the officers' colony, we could see a noticeable improvement in the living standards. Roads are better maintained, lawns better manicured. More ACs than coolers can be seen jutting out of windows. Cars are bigger and better. Smartly dressed children could be seen rushing to catch the school buses – not the modified cagey trucks but proper buses. Odd Sahayaks could be seen walking Pugs and Danes, which fact is always used as a battering rod by the bureaucrats wanting the facility taken away.
A Subedar in his 28th Years of service gets 24-25000 in total. The mess waiter, who turned out to be from my own village (and claimed to have been helped by me in getting enrolled), gets a take- home of between 14000 and 15000 a month, that includes Salary, MSP, Grade Pay and Transport Allowance. Incidentally, every serving person is getting Rs 1600 pm as transport allowance.
One can have different views whether the existing salaries are adequate compensation for the dangers, hazards and difficulties of Service life. However, during my interaction, everyone from a Safaiwala to a Subedar Major appeared happy with what he gets.
I was pleasantly surprised that all the serving personnel are aware of the IESM and the efforts being made by it for betterment of the ESM. There was near unanimity that the Army is doing a lot for the serving but is not doing enough for the ESM and someone needs to focus in that direction.
New Members
We extend a very warm welcome to the following veterans and families who have joined the IESM:
Serial/ Number/ Rank/ Name/ Place
01. JC402013/ SUB/ RAMDHARI/ ROHTAK
02. JC1712850/ H CAPT/ WAZIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
03. JC695711/ SUB/ SURAN BHAN SIWACH/ ROHTAK
04. JC100803/ SUB/ BALWANT SINGH/ ROHTAK
05. JC1059527/ H NB SUB/ MAHABIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
06. JC2868263/ NK/ SAT PAUL/ ROHTAK
07. JC3168755/ NK/ SATBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
08. JC3171050/ HAV/ RAJBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
09. JC3161619/ NK/ DHANPAL SHINGH/ ROHTAK
10. JC1377478/ HAV/ RAJBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
11. JC1260804/ NK/ DHIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
12. JC2878358/ HAV/ SAT NARAIN/ ROHTAK
13. JC3178994/ HAV/ SURESH KUMAR/ ROHTAK
14. JC13610280/ HAV/ DHIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
15. JC4543414/ HAV/ BALRAJ/ ROHTAK
16. JC2867579/HAV/ KARTAR SINGH/ ROHTAK
17. JC14290739/ NK/ RANDHIR SINGH SIWACH/ ROHTAK
18. JC3168520/ HAV/ PREM SINGH/ ROHTAK
19. JC3160923/HAV/ SURAJ BHAN/ ROHTAK
20. JC2858760/ NK/ SUMERA/ ROHTAK
21. JC3157571/ NK/ MAHAVIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
22. JC2851675/ RFN/ JAG PAL/ ROHTAK
23. JC2645327/ NK (LATE)/ MEVI DEVI W/O/ ROHTAK
24. JC6882576/ NK(LATE)/ W/O (LATE) BALWAN SINGH/ ROHTAK
25. JC14290043/ L/NK (LATE)/ JAINO DEVI W/O LATE RAJKUMAR/ ROHTAK
26. JC3132731/ SEP (LATE)/ RUKMANI W/O LATE RISAL SINGH/
27. JC2882240/ NK (LATE)/ MUNI DEVI W/O LATE BHIM SINGH/ ROHTAK
28. JC3168068/ HAV(LATE)/ KALA DEVI W/O LATE JAGDISH CHANDER/ ROHTAK
29. JC3144697/ NK(LATE)/ CHANDRO W/O LATE DHANA RAM/ ROHTAK
30. JC6902556/ NK/ MAHA SINGH/ ROHTAK
31. JC6480199/ SEP/ PARTAP SINGH/ ROHTAK
32. JC1448635/ L/NK/ RAMDHARI/ ROHTAK
33. JC6817776/ SEP/ JAGDISH RAI/ ROHTAK
34. JC1085848/ DHARAM VIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
35. JC16395/ RAM SARUP/ ROHTAK
36. JC036637/ SUB (LATE)/ KRISHNA DEVI W/O SUB NAFE SINGH
37. JC1496422 SEP (LATE)/ CHAMELIDEVI W/O SEP SULTAN SINGH/
38. JC14202589/ L/NK(LATE)/ ROSHNI DEVI W/O RAM KANWAR/ ROHTAK
39. JC95346/ SUB(LATE)/ DHANO DEVI W/O GOPI RAM/ ROHTAK
40. JC15051/ SEP (LATE)/ JEEVO W/O JAGI RAM/ ROHTAK
41. JC2571961/ SUB MAJ/ KAMAN SINGH DIWA/ ROHTAK
42. JC218261/ N/SUB/ RANBIR SINGH/ ROHTAK
43. JC1253855/ NK/ UMED SINGH/ ROHTAK
44. JC15177724/ NK/ SUNDER SINGH/ ROHTAK
45. JC36071/ SEP(LATE)/ KASTURI DEVI W/O DIWAN SHINGH/ ROHTAK
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Damage inflicted on Ex Servicemen due to Rank Upgradation by the Serving Chiefs'
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
Thanks for the information.
I would like to say that the concept of OROP needs a wee bit modification. The Armed Forces do a great harm to the retirees by upgrading their rank structure e.g. a company, which was commanded by a major, is now being commanded by a Lt Col. While the serving officers may feel elated, see the plight of the old majors who, having put in over 26 years of service, are now being given pension equal to that of a platoon commander (Now Majs). In the revised scheme of things, no one remains major on putting in 14 years of service, and save for those who die in service, no one would be retiring as a major (SL commission officers included). My own battalion lost a number of majors in 1965 and 71 wars; why should their widows get the pension due to deceased platoon commanders as today?
I feel that there is a case for modifying the concept of OROP which should include equal pension for equal work; after all this is the principle being applied all over in the civil.
There is also a case for requesting the Three Chiefs not to upgrade the ranks arbitrarily as it hits the pensioners badly; they should have simply got the Majors in PB4 and saved the older lot, a lot of discomfort.
With best Regards,
Col MMP Kala, Retd
Dear Brig Kamboj,
This letter (click me) so painstakingly drafted by the indomitable Gen Bahri is, without doubt, the best paper produced by the veterans so far. It is simple, cogent and in fact compelling. I think the rest of us should simply stick to the logic of this communication, without complicating it with any more figures and tables. Perhaps one single example which reveals the imbalance of the current dispensation is in the following relativity:
"A Col (TS) with 26 years service who may have commanded no more than a company has been granted a pension which is just Rs 100 less than a Brigade Commander who had put in 36 years service."
Legal eagles tell me that we have a weak case, in the court of law. But I think that the present dispensation fouls with "natural justice" and I think we will be able to find a competent lawyer who will be able to take on the might of legal cell of the Govt of India.
We also need to continuously remind the serving generals to keep knocking at the doors of those who have the power to act.
The Pay Cell has all but wound up. Before leaving their office, they sent me some tables which I am attaching, for what they are worth.
(Note: The tables mentioned here require some processing before these can be mass emailed. Will be forwarded to all members soon – Chander Kamboj)
With best wishes,
Surjit
Maj Gen Surjit Singh, EME, Veteran, Member IESM Steering Committee
Dear All,
Thanks for circulating the JOINT LETTER, which is very well written. Hopefully it should bring results.
I had read in the blog of Maj Navdeep about 'disparity' in compensation given to a CADET and RECRUIT, when they are boarded out- while undergoing training. There would be some more such issues, which though do not form part of OROP yet have a great bearing on those unfortunate ones, who are affected.
Does our community of ESMs like to bring out such cases to the notice of people, who are still in uniform? These issues, once noticed by our friends in UNIFORM, should form part of normal 'CORRECTIVE DRILL'. At least we should be able to set our own house in order.
Warm regards,
Lt Col Inderjit Singh Gill, Veteran
Thanks for the information.
I would like to say that the concept of OROP needs a wee bit modification. The Armed Forces do a great harm to the retirees by upgrading their rank structure e.g. a company, which was commanded by a major, is now being commanded by a Lt Col. While the serving officers may feel elated, see the plight of the old majors who, having put in over 26 years of service, are now being given pension equal to that of a platoon commander (Now Majs). In the revised scheme of things, no one remains major on putting in 14 years of service, and save for those who die in service, no one would be retiring as a major (SL commission officers included). My own battalion lost a number of majors in 1965 and 71 wars; why should their widows get the pension due to deceased platoon commanders as today?
I feel that there is a case for modifying the concept of OROP which should include equal pension for equal work; after all this is the principle being applied all over in the civil.
There is also a case for requesting the Three Chiefs not to upgrade the ranks arbitrarily as it hits the pensioners badly; they should have simply got the Majors in PB4 and saved the older lot, a lot of discomfort.
With best Regards,
Col MMP Kala, Retd
Dear Brig Kamboj,
This letter (click me) so painstakingly drafted by the indomitable Gen Bahri is, without doubt, the best paper produced by the veterans so far. It is simple, cogent and in fact compelling. I think the rest of us should simply stick to the logic of this communication, without complicating it with any more figures and tables. Perhaps one single example which reveals the imbalance of the current dispensation is in the following relativity:
"A Col (TS) with 26 years service who may have commanded no more than a company has been granted a pension which is just Rs 100 less than a Brigade Commander who had put in 36 years service."
Legal eagles tell me that we have a weak case, in the court of law. But I think that the present dispensation fouls with "natural justice" and I think we will be able to find a competent lawyer who will be able to take on the might of legal cell of the Govt of India.
We also need to continuously remind the serving generals to keep knocking at the doors of those who have the power to act.
The Pay Cell has all but wound up. Before leaving their office, they sent me some tables which I am attaching, for what they are worth.
(Note: The tables mentioned here require some processing before these can be mass emailed. Will be forwarded to all members soon – Chander Kamboj)
With best wishes,
Surjit
Maj Gen Surjit Singh, EME, Veteran, Member IESM Steering Committee
Dear All,
Thanks for circulating the JOINT LETTER, which is very well written. Hopefully it should bring results.
I had read in the blog of Maj Navdeep about 'disparity' in compensation given to a CADET and RECRUIT, when they are boarded out- while undergoing training. There would be some more such issues, which though do not form part of OROP yet have a great bearing on those unfortunate ones, who are affected.
Does our community of ESMs like to bring out such cases to the notice of people, who are still in uniform? These issues, once noticed by our friends in UNIFORM, should form part of normal 'CORRECTIVE DRILL'. At least we should be able to set our own house in order.
Warm regards,
Lt Col Inderjit Singh Gill, Veteran
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Solar Cars Race Across Australia
A pack of oddly shaped cars powered only by the suns rays are currently racing through the Australian outback, vying to be the first to complete the 1,860-mile course. The World Solar Challenge, now in its tenth year, is a grueling, three-day slog in which the cars race for nine hours each day, with the teams camping by the roadside each night.
This year's race attracted 38 teams from 17 countries including Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, Iran, Taiwan, and Japan. Click through the gallery for photos of some leading competitors.
Solar Cars Race Across Australia
The Indian Challenger?
Indian Armed Forces need to take on the challenge of racing with solar powered cars. The EME and Corps of Signals are capable of fabricating one in their workshops for the next International event.
3G Spectrum auction for legitimizing Secret Swiss Bank Account Holders through the FDI route.
Press Trust of India, Wednesday October 28, 2009, New Delhi
After announcing that 3G spectrum would be auctioned on January 14 next year, Telecom Minister A Raja has sought Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's help to resolve persisting differences with the Defence Ministry.
"I would like to point out that the differences between Department of Telecom (DoT) and Ministry of Defence on the 3G spectrum available for auction still persist, and hence, we have not mentioned actual frequencies of the spectrum to be auctioned in the revised Information Memorandum," he informed Mukherjee in a letter, the second in the last 10 days.
The DoT issued the Information Memorandum last week, saying auction would start on January 14 and for this to happen, the blocks of spectrum to be auctioned must be identified latest by the first week of December.
According to Raja's letter, the government would get the revenue, pegged at Rs 25,000 crore, during February next year, provided the auction is held as per schedule.
"I understand that a fast track mechanism is being put in place to sort out the differences between DoT and MoD so that 3G auction can take place in this financial year," the minister said in the letter.
The DoT, which is currently in the eye of a storm over alleged irregularities in 2G spectrum allocation, has allowed foreign entities to participate in the auction process subject to existing FDI rules and guidelines.
3G spectrum auction: Raja seeks Pranab's help
Secret Swiss Bank spin- offs facilitate FDI route to India
Black money parked by Indians in Swiss Banks will find the FDI route into India through high sounding International Telecoms Giants. The MOD must be cautious of the Swiss Bank terror more terrible than the Pakistan Taliban Terror. War on terror must be fought from all fronts. The FDI route to India is all about legitimizing the black money of Indian smugglers, hawala operators, money launderers, counterfeiters and money racketeers ultimately to finance terrorism in India!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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IV Pay Commission Rank Pay Anomaly hanging fire from 1986
In the case of Maj AK Dhanapalan Vs Union of India in OP 2448/96, The Hon’ble High Court of Kerala allowed the plea of the officer and held that the deduction of the rank pay was not correct and directed to re fix the basic pay of the officer from 1.1.1986. Appeal filed by the Union of India before the larger bench of the High Court & SLP in the Hon’ble Supreme Court against the judgment was dismissed. Although Govt sanction to pay arrears to Maj AK Dhanapalan were issued, the benefit was not extended to similarly placed officers of the three Services.
Similar cases were filed by a large number of officers in various courts throughout the country. The Supreme Court of India directed that such of the cases be transferred to the apex court. Retired Defence Officers Association (RDOA) has been able to transfer one of the ‘lead cases’ from Kerala to the Supreme Court.
The case was ‘mentioned’ in the court of Chief Justice of India on 22 Oct 2009. The court has passed orders that the case be listed for arguments in Jan 2010.
Secy RDOA
(Retired Defence Officers’ Association, New Delhi, a registered organisation)
Visit Us At:
http://rdoaindia.googlepages.com
http://retiredofficersforum.googlepages.com
Similar cases were filed by a large number of officers in various courts throughout the country. The Supreme Court of India directed that such of the cases be transferred to the apex court. Retired Defence Officers Association (RDOA) has been able to transfer one of the ‘lead cases’ from Kerala to the Supreme Court.
The case was ‘mentioned’ in the court of Chief Justice of India on 22 Oct 2009. The court has passed orders that the case be listed for arguments in Jan 2010.
Secy RDOA
(Retired Defence Officers’ Association, New Delhi, a registered organisation)
Visit Us At:
http://rdoaindia.googlepages.com
http://retiredofficersforum.googlepages.com
IESM: Media Coverage- OROP Campaign
It is with immense joy that I write to you regarding the outstanding work accomplished by WO Bala regarding the MEDIA COVERAGE for yesterday's Medal Deposition campaign.
WO Bala carried out tremendous ground work by repeatedly communicating and liaising with the South Indian media persons ensuring coverage for our event in those regions.
Reports from ESM from the southern parts of the country have come saying that the event was given ample media coverage. Certain news channels, including but not limited to, Sun TV, Surya TV, AsiaNet, have been carrying this news for two days in a row! Some newspapers have also carried the same news. We must all congratulate WO Bala on this achievement.
Also, I strongly recommend his name as our Media Manager based on his outstanding media coverage lining up capabilities. I am certain that he can handle the northern parts of the country as deftly as he handles the southern parts right now.
Once again congratulations to WO Bala.
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/ Maj Hony Lt (Veteran)
Heartiest congratulations Bala. Keep up the good work – Chander Kamboj
WO Bala carried out tremendous ground work by repeatedly communicating and liaising with the South Indian media persons ensuring coverage for our event in those regions.
Reports from ESM from the southern parts of the country have come saying that the event was given ample media coverage. Certain news channels, including but not limited to, Sun TV, Surya TV, AsiaNet, have been carrying this news for two days in a row! Some newspapers have also carried the same news. We must all congratulate WO Bala on this achievement.
Also, I strongly recommend his name as our Media Manager based on his outstanding media coverage lining up capabilities. I am certain that he can handle the northern parts of the country as deftly as he handles the southern parts right now.
Once again congratulations to WO Bala.
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/ Maj Hony Lt (Veteran)
Heartiest congratulations Bala. Keep up the good work – Chander Kamboj
IESM: Return of Medals over Pension Inequality- Media reports
New Delhi, Oct. 25 (ANI): Protesting against the inequality in new and old pensions, hundreds of ex-servicemen on Sunday returned their medals to the President of India. These retired personnel from the three wings of defence forces – Army, Navy and Air Force, also staged a sit-in protest against the non-implementation of equality in pension, popularly known as ‘One Rank-One Pension’.
“We are demanding just equality between the old and the new pension. If two pensioners are put in the same number of years of service, have undergone the same hardships, same risks, dangers, same separation, their services to the country have been same, then their pension also must be same,’ said Lieutenant General (retired) Raj Kadyan, Chairman of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM).
The ‘One Rank-One Pension’ was introduced in 2009-2010.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his speech at the Independence Day, had also stated that pensions of some ranked officers have been improved.
However, according to the ex-servicemen, the government hasn’t issued the orders as yet.
The IESM has been protesting for the last one and half year against the injustice to the pensioners of defence forces.
‘We tried our best initially to make representation to the Government, to meet the leaders and talk to them but nothing happened. Depositing of medal is the biggest hurt that a soldier can express to the government,’ Lt. Gen (retired) Kadyan said.
The ex-servicemen have already deposited 20000 medals with the President. (ANI)
Ex-servicemen return medals over pension equality
IESM News in other Newspapers
Ex-servicemen return medals over pension equality: Kahabarexpress
Ex-servicemen return medals over pension equality: news.indiaid.com
Ex-servicemen return medals over pension equality by ANI on October 25, 2009
Ex-servicemen return medals over pension equality: oneindia
Mon, 26 October, 2009 8:58:46 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Col Kirit Joshipura, who had led the team that went to deposit the medals with the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 Oct 2009, had this to report:
Quote
As desired by stg com, i led the delegation of IESM to Rashtrapati Bhavan to deposit medals on 25 Oct. Col Phulka from Patiala though wheel chair bound accompanied me along with lions from Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, CHANDIGARH AND FEW OTHER PLACES.
THE DELEGATION WAS RECIEVED AT RASHTRPATI BHAVAN WITH GREAT REGARD AND RESPECT. Normally, only police vehecle is allowed. But this time, they allowed Col Phulka's personal car right upto reception on my request. Further, we were allowed to park it just outside reception hall for 30 Mins and also photography was permitted. Col Phulka`s son took photograghs of delegation with box containing medals in the backdrop of Rashtrpati Bhavan.
While handing over the box, I enquired about progress from Mr Jairaman, who accepted medals. He confirmed that President’s office is concerned about this issue and that he would inform us latest progress within a week.
It may please you all to know that all at reception praised IESM efforts and expressed their concern at this unwarranted delay and have asked me to convey their BEST WISHES to IESM.
Best part was that the one who sits at the reception desk in the reception room, said that he would ask his father, retd Sub/ Maj to join IESM.
IESM zindabad. Jai Hind
Unquote
Admittedly, the staff handling the issue at the Rashtrapati Bhavan are not the decision makers. However, they can be reasonably assumed to be the windsock, a kind of barometer of the hierarchical attitude.
New Members
Names of some of the new members from Haryana who joined the IESM family on 25 Oct 20 are listed here: click me
On behalf of the IESM family I extend a very warm welcome to all the new members.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Colleagues,
Col Kirit Joshipura, who had led the team that went to deposit the medals with the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 Oct 2009, had this to report:
Quote
As desired by stg com, i led the delegation of IESM to Rashtrapati Bhavan to deposit medals on 25 Oct. Col Phulka from Patiala though wheel chair bound accompanied me along with lions from Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, CHANDIGARH AND FEW OTHER PLACES.
THE DELEGATION WAS RECIEVED AT RASHTRPATI BHAVAN WITH GREAT REGARD AND RESPECT. Normally, only police vehecle is allowed. But this time, they allowed Col Phulka's personal car right upto reception on my request. Further, we were allowed to park it just outside reception hall for 30 Mins and also photography was permitted. Col Phulka`s son took photograghs of delegation with box containing medals in the backdrop of Rashtrpati Bhavan.
While handing over the box, I enquired about progress from Mr Jairaman, who accepted medals. He confirmed that President’s office is concerned about this issue and that he would inform us latest progress within a week.
It may please you all to know that all at reception praised IESM efforts and expressed their concern at this unwarranted delay and have asked me to convey their BEST WISHES to IESM.
Best part was that the one who sits at the reception desk in the reception room, said that he would ask his father, retd Sub/ Maj to join IESM.
IESM zindabad. Jai Hind
Unquote
Admittedly, the staff handling the issue at the Rashtrapati Bhavan are not the decision makers. However, they can be reasonably assumed to be the windsock, a kind of barometer of the hierarchical attitude.
New Members
Names of some of the new members from Haryana who joined the IESM family on 25 Oct 20 are listed here: click me
On behalf of the IESM family I extend a very warm welcome to all the new members.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Monday, October 26, 2009
National Security: Interview with Lt Gen Hoon (Retd)
You are now watching: THE RKB SHOW– INTERVIEW WITH LT GEN HOON PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd)
GEN HOON TALKS ABOUT THE LIKELY FALLOUT OF THE SITUATION IN SOUTH WAZIRISTAN ON INDIA. GEN HOON ALSO CRITICIZES THE INACTION OF THE INDIAN GOVT AND THEIR TARDINESS IN DEALING WITH THE SECURITY THREAT. GEN HOON SAYS WE SHOULD BE PROACTIVE AND NOT REACTIVE IN DEALING WITH THE THREAT. GEN HOON STRESSES ON THE DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS AND THE POSSIBLE THREAT OF CHINA.
IESL: Eliciting OROP status from MoD
Dear Veteran (Brig.) Kamboj,
Regards.Find below a copy of our communique faxed to authorities regarding OROP for underprivileged veterans. Please post the same on 'Report my Signal' blog, if you deem it fit, for the information of underprivileged veterans. I shall be obliged.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh chhatwal PLS Retd.
President,
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh,
INDIAN EX-SERVICES LEAGUE PUNJAB & CHANDIGARH
(Regd. under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860)
3-GURU RAM DASS NAGAR, PATIALA, PUNJAB -147 004
IESL/13/2009 Dt. 23 Oct.2009
To
6th Pay Commission Cell (Army),
Adjutant General Branch,
Room No. 1, 'A' Wing, Sena Bhawan,
Integrated Hq. of MoD (Army),
New Delhi -110 105.
Sub. POST SIXTH CPC DEMANDS
Dear Col. Puneet Kapoor,
1. Please refer to your DO letter C/7086/VI-PCC ( Army ) dt.02.09.2009 in above connection.
2. Please advise the latest position of OROP as announced by the Govt in budget on 06-07- 2009.
3. We further request Ministry of Defence to restrict usage of nasty term 'PBOR' for JCOs, SNCOs, NCOs and other ranks as this section of veterans think it as most humiliating when addressed as such. Some other proper and respectable term may be coined as a substitute to this term.
An early response will be highly appreciated.
Sd/-
(Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.)
President.
Regards.Find below a copy of our communique faxed to authorities regarding OROP for underprivileged veterans. Please post the same on 'Report my Signal' blog, if you deem it fit, for the information of underprivileged veterans. I shall be obliged.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh chhatwal PLS Retd.
President,
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh,
INDIAN EX-SERVICES LEAGUE PUNJAB & CHANDIGARH
(Regd. under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860)
3-GURU RAM DASS NAGAR, PATIALA, PUNJAB -147 004
IESL/13/2009 Dt. 23 Oct.2009
To
6th Pay Commission Cell (Army),
Adjutant General Branch,
Room No. 1, 'A' Wing, Sena Bhawan,
Integrated Hq. of MoD (Army),
New Delhi -110 105.
Sub. POST SIXTH CPC DEMANDS
Dear Col. Puneet Kapoor,
1. Please refer to your DO letter C/7086/VI-PCC ( Army ) dt.02.09.2009 in above connection.
2. Please advise the latest position of OROP as announced by the Govt in budget on 06-07- 2009.
3. We further request Ministry of Defence to restrict usage of nasty term 'PBOR' for JCOs, SNCOs, NCOs and other ranks as this section of veterans think it as most humiliating when addressed as such. Some other proper and respectable term may be coined as a substitute to this term.
An early response will be highly appreciated.
Sd/-
(Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.)
President.
Report My Signal Blog- Statistics
Date of commencement: 25 Nov 2007
Total posts as on 26 Oct 2009: 2090
Average posts per day: 3
Time spent by Moderator: 2 to 3 hours daily
Total time spent: 1500 hours approx 60 days
Total Visitors: 3,31,750
Hits per day: 1500
Popular Topics
IESM- OROP
Sixth Central Pay Commision
ECHS- Health Care
Military- Veteran Welfare
National Security- combating terror
Indo- Pak and Indo- China Wars
War on Terror
Red Tape and bureaucracy
Combating Corruption
We thank all the Readers of Report My Signal Forum, who have contributed generously to the success of the blog. A big thanks also to all Veterans who have shared with us their experiences, articles and letters. Most of the Posts are linked with the media publications to ensure credibility of the blogpost.
James Kanagaraj, Veteran
Moderator
Total posts as on 26 Oct 2009: 2090
Average posts per day: 3
Time spent by Moderator: 2 to 3 hours daily
Total time spent: 1500 hours approx 60 days
Total Visitors: 3,31,750
Hits per day: 1500
Popular Topics
We thank all the Readers of Report My Signal Forum, who have contributed generously to the success of the blog. A big thanks also to all Veterans who have shared with us their experiences, articles and letters. Most of the Posts are linked with the media publications to ensure credibility of the blogpost.
James Kanagaraj, Veteran
Moderator
IESM Serving its Members
Dear All,
Maj Gupta's medical condition is a matter of great concern for all of us. It is really laudable that Gen Satbir and other members of the Steering Committee took timely and prompt action to rush medical team with ambulance to provide necessary medical aid. I feel proud of their devotion to the ESM cause and convey my heartfelt compliments for the same. I also pray and wish speedy recovery of Maj Gupta. Kindly convey my best wishes to Maj Gupta and his family members. I also take this opportunity to cnagratulate you all for the action taken to deposit medals with the President.
With regards to all,
Maj Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Information
Major DC Gupta, who was part of the IESM team coming from Kanpur to deposit medals at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, suffered a stroke while in the train.
The Kanpur team members in the train, informed Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Vice Chairman IESM, on mobile phone about Maj Gupta’s illness around 9.00 AM on 25 Oct 09. Gen Satbir took very prompt action and managed to rush an ambulance from Fortis Hospital to Ghaziabad railway station. Instead of first coming to Delhi, the medical team took charge of Maj DC Gupta at Ghaziabad railway station and rushed him to Noida Fortis Hospital. This saved very valuable time for the patient.
His three companions, Capt SNSharma, (Rank) CV Singh and Sgt K Kapur accompanied Maj Gupta in the ambulance to Noida.
All the ESM at Fortis Noida have been met by Gp Capt VK Gandhi, Secy Gen IESM and Col RP Chaturvedi, Member Steering Committee IESM and Coordinator ECHS Division of IESM. The necessary documents have been collected from Fortis Hospital to regularize and have an emergency referral made out tomorrow (26 Oct) at Noida polyclinic. That would take care of paper work.
Necessary contact numbers have been given to CV Singh. CV Singh is staying on while Capt Sharma and Sgt Kapur are returning to Kanpur late night. In the meantime, Maj Gupta's son is expected tonight. We wish veteran Maj DC Gupta a speedy recovery.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
Maj Gupta's medical condition is a matter of great concern for all of us. It is really laudable that Gen Satbir and other members of the Steering Committee took timely and prompt action to rush medical team with ambulance to provide necessary medical aid. I feel proud of their devotion to the ESM cause and convey my heartfelt compliments for the same. I also pray and wish speedy recovery of Maj Gupta. Kindly convey my best wishes to Maj Gupta and his family members. I also take this opportunity to cnagratulate you all for the action taken to deposit medals with the President.
With regards to all,
Maj Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Information
Major DC Gupta, who was part of the IESM team coming from Kanpur to deposit medals at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, suffered a stroke while in the train.
The Kanpur team members in the train, informed Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Vice Chairman IESM, on mobile phone about Maj Gupta’s illness around 9.00 AM on 25 Oct 09. Gen Satbir took very prompt action and managed to rush an ambulance from Fortis Hospital to Ghaziabad railway station. Instead of first coming to Delhi, the medical team took charge of Maj DC Gupta at Ghaziabad railway station and rushed him to Noida Fortis Hospital. This saved very valuable time for the patient.
His three companions, Capt SNSharma, (Rank) CV Singh and Sgt K Kapur accompanied Maj Gupta in the ambulance to Noida.
All the ESM at Fortis Noida have been met by Gp Capt VK Gandhi, Secy Gen IESM and Col RP Chaturvedi, Member Steering Committee IESM and Coordinator ECHS Division of IESM. The necessary documents have been collected from Fortis Hospital to regularize and have an emergency referral made out tomorrow (26 Oct) at Noida polyclinic. That would take care of paper work.
Necessary contact numbers have been given to CV Singh. CV Singh is staying on while Capt Sharma and Sgt Kapur are returning to Kanpur late night. In the meantime, Maj Gupta's son is expected tonight. We wish veteran Maj DC Gupta a speedy recovery.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
IESM: Fighting for Veteran Pension Parity- Surrender of Service Medals
Dear Colleagues,
The planned depositing of medals proceeded as per schedule today. Approximately 2000 medals were deposited with the President, by a team of 10 ESM led by Veteran Kirit Joshipura of the Steering Committee. These came from HP, Punjab , UP, Haryana and Rajasthan. ESM from distant places, who could not send their medals due to logistic problems, called up to express solidarity with the IESM pursuit of OROP. Approximately 150 ESM had brought medals from the above States. All the members of the Steering Committee were there to coordinate arrangements.
The event was covered by print and visual media.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM,
IESM: Press Release- click me
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Justice delivery in India: All pending cases will be cleared by AD 2459
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Veerappa Moily stresses goal oriented action to expedite the justice delivery system
Dr. Veerppa Moily, Union Minister of Law & Justice has stated that all the stakeholders should work for goal oriented action to expedite the justice delivery system in the country. Addressing the ‘National Consultation for Strengthening the Judiciary towards reducing pendency and delays’, Dr. Moily stressed the need for bringing down the pendency of cases in the courts across the country within a time frame. He said that justice delivery system is falling short of the common citizen’s expectations especially the weaker sections of the society and causing a feeling of injustice and alienation among them.
He further said that fifty three thousand cases are pending with the Supreme Court, Forty lakh with different High Courts and Two crore Seven lakh cases with Lower Courts up to July 2009. On this occasion Dr. Moily also presented vision statement to Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishan, Chief Justice of India. The Action Plan include immediate measures for implementations like creation of National Arrears Grid / Identification of Arrears, Identification of Bottlenecks in Crises Areas, Adoption of innovative measures for expeditious case disposal, focus on selection, training and performance assessment of judicial personnel and court management executives and procedural, management and administrative changes. VK/ AD/GC
Veerappa Moily stresses goal oriented action to expedite the justice delivery system
Tailpiece
To clear the backlog of over 20 million cases it will take the Indian Judicial System a time span of over 450 years as per current time consuming process. What this really implies is that the Government is keen to ensure that the litigant dies tenfold (45x10) to ensure that the case is buried forever. Chances of a criminal ever getting convicted is remote as he would have died literally during the litigation. Therefore the mute question is: Is Indian Democracy producing more criminals than citizens? It is only matter of time when criminal population surpass population of its genteel citizens.
Veerappa Moily stresses goal oriented action to expedite the justice delivery system
Dr. Veerppa Moily, Union Minister of Law & Justice has stated that all the stakeholders should work for goal oriented action to expedite the justice delivery system in the country. Addressing the ‘National Consultation for Strengthening the Judiciary towards reducing pendency and delays’, Dr. Moily stressed the need for bringing down the pendency of cases in the courts across the country within a time frame. He said that justice delivery system is falling short of the common citizen’s expectations especially the weaker sections of the society and causing a feeling of injustice and alienation among them.
He further said that fifty three thousand cases are pending with the Supreme Court, Forty lakh with different High Courts and Two crore Seven lakh cases with Lower Courts up to July 2009. On this occasion Dr. Moily also presented vision statement to Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishan, Chief Justice of India. The Action Plan include immediate measures for implementations like creation of National Arrears Grid / Identification of Arrears, Identification of Bottlenecks in Crises Areas, Adoption of innovative measures for expeditious case disposal, focus on selection, training and performance assessment of judicial personnel and court management executives and procedural, management and administrative changes. VK/ AD/GC
Veerappa Moily stresses goal oriented action to expedite the justice delivery system
Tailpiece
To clear the backlog of over 20 million cases it will take the Indian Judicial System a time span of over 450 years as per current time consuming process. What this really implies is that the Government is keen to ensure that the litigant dies tenfold (45x10) to ensure that the case is buried forever. Chances of a criminal ever getting convicted is remote as he would have died literally during the litigation. Therefore the mute question is: Is Indian Democracy producing more criminals than citizens? It is only matter of time when criminal population surpass population of its genteel citizens.
Do Retired Generals of the Armed Forces as Governors perform better than the rest?
Generals as Governors and Lt Governors of Indian States
1. Arunachal Pradesh Gen J.J. Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM(Retd)
2. Assam Lt Gen Ajai Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd)
3. Mijoram Lt Gen M.M. Lakhera, PVSM,AVSM,VSM (Retd)
4. Punjab Gen S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM, VSM (Retd)
5. Andaman & Nicobar Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd)
In the dominion of the Indian Constitution, the Governors have appraised powers and functions at the state level as that of the President of India at the capital. In this regard, it should be noted that like the governors at the National Capital of New Delhi and the lieutenant Governor in the union territories enjoys the same power and position as the President of the nation. On the other hand, it should be observed that in conformity with the measures of the Indian Constitution, the governor acts as the nominal head whereas the real power remains within the periphery of the Chief minister and with the council minister of the Chief minister.
In general, a Governor is elected for a term of 5 years. Different types of powers including the Executive Powers (all the executive powers of the state government), Legislative Powers and also the Discretionary Powers are also given to the Governors. In the appointment of the Chief Minister of a State the Governors performs as the main person. In the appointment of the Council of Ministers, the instrumental role player is the governor. The Governor also plays a cardinal role in the appointment of the judges of the District Courts.
In contrast the Governor writes the sessions of both houses of the State Legislature and holds over them. The governors are entrusted with the power to dissolve the State Legislature or the Vidhan Sabha. A bill that has passed by the State Legislature will not be eligible until and unless the Governor gives his/her assent to it. The Governor has the power to earmark certain bills for the President.
At certain situations the Governor can act according to own judgment. Though it is very important on the part of the Governors to act in accordance with the recommendation of the Council of ministers that is headed by the Chief Minister, and thereby to take decisions. These are enforced at the critical situations, and are called the discretionary powers of the Governor.
Governors of Indian States
Performance Audit: Apex ESM Organisations should evolve a rating system based on the following parameters:
Is their governance exemplary?
Are they trend setters?
Do they set high standards?
Exude personal example and leadership in improving development works?
Is interaction with citizens friendly and approachable?
Do they denigrate their status by VIP treatment given by the Administration?
1. Arunachal Pradesh Gen J.J. Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM(Retd)
2. Assam Lt Gen Ajai Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd)
3. Mijoram Lt Gen M.M. Lakhera, PVSM,AVSM,VSM (Retd)
4. Punjab Gen S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM, VSM (Retd)
5. Andaman & Nicobar Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd)
In the dominion of the Indian Constitution, the Governors have appraised powers and functions at the state level as that of the President of India at the capital. In this regard, it should be noted that like the governors at the National Capital of New Delhi and the lieutenant Governor in the union territories enjoys the same power and position as the President of the nation. On the other hand, it should be observed that in conformity with the measures of the Indian Constitution, the governor acts as the nominal head whereas the real power remains within the periphery of the Chief minister and with the council minister of the Chief minister.
In general, a Governor is elected for a term of 5 years. Different types of powers including the Executive Powers (all the executive powers of the state government), Legislative Powers and also the Discretionary Powers are also given to the Governors. In the appointment of the Chief Minister of a State the Governors performs as the main person. In the appointment of the Council of Ministers, the instrumental role player is the governor. The Governor also plays a cardinal role in the appointment of the judges of the District Courts.
In contrast the Governor writes the sessions of both houses of the State Legislature and holds over them. The governors are entrusted with the power to dissolve the State Legislature or the Vidhan Sabha. A bill that has passed by the State Legislature will not be eligible until and unless the Governor gives his/her assent to it. The Governor has the power to earmark certain bills for the President.
At certain situations the Governor can act according to own judgment. Though it is very important on the part of the Governors to act in accordance with the recommendation of the Council of ministers that is headed by the Chief Minister, and thereby to take decisions. These are enforced at the critical situations, and are called the discretionary powers of the Governor.
Governors of Indian States
Performance Audit: Apex ESM Organisations should evolve a rating system based on the following parameters:
Military caught in the web of Bureaucracy- Defence meetings at South Block
Discussions items on the agenda
The meeting should have begun at 10 O’ Clock, and it did. At the stroke of the hour, the chairman came in, and even before we had settled down in our chairs, the Staff Officer had read out the first item on the agenda. The ‘old man’ expounded the nuances of that very contentious issue and he enlightened us on the pros and cons of the various alternatives available to us. He regaled the audience with some real life stories on how a bad decision had created such complex problems for the posterity. Having done that, he threw the subject open for discussion. I was not concerned with that particular subject and could therefore objectively watch the proceedings. I saw that some officers wanted to say something merely to be noticed. And when they were snubbed by the ‘chair’ I saw the glee on the faces of the detractors. The discussion went on for a long time, and after that the chairman said, “Well we have heard all the views. Now please send us your comments within two weeks and we will discuss this issue in the next meeting.”
The second item on the agenda was taken up at ten minutes to eleven. And by the time was served at half past eleven, we had finished three out of the 29 items on the agenda. I got a little worried. I had fixed a game of bridge in the afternoon, and the way things were going, it was unlikely that we would be able to finish discussion on all our ‘points’ even at dinner time. I asked a neighbor whether the conference was scheduled to spill over to the next day. He replied in the negative. He told me that the chairman was scheduled to go on a temporary duty that evening.
I need not have worried. After tea, the pace of the conference improved after tea, and during the next one hour we had completed fifteen items. And then, it seems the chairman decided to rush through. The last fourteen items were given a summary treatment, and before one O’clock, we wound up.
Suddenly, it occurred to me that a similar phenomenon occurs during ‘mating’. The first item, i.e. foreplay takes a longish time. But after that, things speed up and towards the end the mating partners are in a frantic hurry. This, I soon discovered, is not the only similarity between the two activities. In meetings, as also mating, nothing really happens after the activity. After meetings, the tables have to be cleared of crockery and after mating there is a bit of cleaning to do. In both cases, nothing really results as a result of all that effort. In rare cases, when something does fructify, it takes several months to manifest by way of a result, despite all the hurry in the end.
My dirty mind went further. I discovered that soon after marriage or the change of boss, mating and meetings are more frequent and more intense. Finally, in winter these activities flourish more than summer. It became increasingly evident to me that the similarity in the spelling of the two words, ‘mating’ and ‘meeting’ is not just a coincidence. It is the result of systematic research carried out by those who created the lexicon.
At his point, I was reminded of the unorthodox ‘meetings’ which are convened by military commanders. These have no formal agenda, and the boss is the only one who speaks. These seamless monologs are a method by which the ‘commander’ asserts his position as the master; the views of the subordinates are neither sought nor entertained. No prize for guessing the equivalent of this phenomenon in the mating game. The only difference is that the authoritative form of such mating is a deadly offence, but in the military meetings of this nature is a routine occurrence and are the birth right of all commanding officers.
From this emerges, what is now known as ‘the Surjit’s principle for military conferences’. It says, “If a meeting is inevitable, just switch off; sit back and ‘conceive’ a short story.”
A Footnote
Between 1973 and ’97 I spent thirteen long years in and around the South Block in New Delhi. The most onerous part of the service in the defense headquarters was the seemingly unending conferences and meetings. In the beginning, I used to listen to every single speaker and try to follow everything which he said. I also took copious notes of all the proceedings. Then, one day in 1987, I was seated just behind the Additional Secretary (Defense) and the meeting was in the office of Sh Arun Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri. Our friend seemed to be taking notes, since his eyes were glued on to his note-pad. However, a peep on his work revealed some urdu couplets and pencil sketches of birds and flowers. If a question was directly addressed to him, he said, “I beg your pardon, Sir” and then gave an evasive answer like, “Let them send us a note. We will examine the issue on file.”
I had learnt a lesson. From there on I turned these meetings into occasions to reflect on life and do some serious thinking. A great deal of my writing is actually a result of what was ‘conceived’ during those interminable sessions!
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)
CHANDIGARH, 24 October 2009
The meeting should have begun at 10 O’ Clock, and it did. At the stroke of the hour, the chairman came in, and even before we had settled down in our chairs, the Staff Officer had read out the first item on the agenda. The ‘old man’ expounded the nuances of that very contentious issue and he enlightened us on the pros and cons of the various alternatives available to us. He regaled the audience with some real life stories on how a bad decision had created such complex problems for the posterity. Having done that, he threw the subject open for discussion. I was not concerned with that particular subject and could therefore objectively watch the proceedings. I saw that some officers wanted to say something merely to be noticed. And when they were snubbed by the ‘chair’ I saw the glee on the faces of the detractors. The discussion went on for a long time, and after that the chairman said, “Well we have heard all the views. Now please send us your comments within two weeks and we will discuss this issue in the next meeting.”
The second item on the agenda was taken up at ten minutes to eleven. And by the time was served at half past eleven, we had finished three out of the 29 items on the agenda. I got a little worried. I had fixed a game of bridge in the afternoon, and the way things were going, it was unlikely that we would be able to finish discussion on all our ‘points’ even at dinner time. I asked a neighbor whether the conference was scheduled to spill over to the next day. He replied in the negative. He told me that the chairman was scheduled to go on a temporary duty that evening.
I need not have worried. After tea, the pace of the conference improved after tea, and during the next one hour we had completed fifteen items. And then, it seems the chairman decided to rush through. The last fourteen items were given a summary treatment, and before one O’clock, we wound up.
Suddenly, it occurred to me that a similar phenomenon occurs during ‘mating’. The first item, i.e. foreplay takes a longish time. But after that, things speed up and towards the end the mating partners are in a frantic hurry. This, I soon discovered, is not the only similarity between the two activities. In meetings, as also mating, nothing really happens after the activity. After meetings, the tables have to be cleared of crockery and after mating there is a bit of cleaning to do. In both cases, nothing really results as a result of all that effort. In rare cases, when something does fructify, it takes several months to manifest by way of a result, despite all the hurry in the end.
My dirty mind went further. I discovered that soon after marriage or the change of boss, mating and meetings are more frequent and more intense. Finally, in winter these activities flourish more than summer. It became increasingly evident to me that the similarity in the spelling of the two words, ‘mating’ and ‘meeting’ is not just a coincidence. It is the result of systematic research carried out by those who created the lexicon.
At his point, I was reminded of the unorthodox ‘meetings’ which are convened by military commanders. These have no formal agenda, and the boss is the only one who speaks. These seamless monologs are a method by which the ‘commander’ asserts his position as the master; the views of the subordinates are neither sought nor entertained. No prize for guessing the equivalent of this phenomenon in the mating game. The only difference is that the authoritative form of such mating is a deadly offence, but in the military meetings of this nature is a routine occurrence and are the birth right of all commanding officers.
From this emerges, what is now known as ‘the Surjit’s principle for military conferences’. It says, “If a meeting is inevitable, just switch off; sit back and ‘conceive’ a short story.”
A Footnote
Between 1973 and ’97 I spent thirteen long years in and around the South Block in New Delhi. The most onerous part of the service in the defense headquarters was the seemingly unending conferences and meetings. In the beginning, I used to listen to every single speaker and try to follow everything which he said. I also took copious notes of all the proceedings. Then, one day in 1987, I was seated just behind the Additional Secretary (Defense) and the meeting was in the office of Sh Arun Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri. Our friend seemed to be taking notes, since his eyes were glued on to his note-pad. However, a peep on his work revealed some urdu couplets and pencil sketches of birds and flowers. If a question was directly addressed to him, he said, “I beg your pardon, Sir” and then gave an evasive answer like, “Let them send us a note. We will examine the issue on file.”
I had learnt a lesson. From there on I turned these meetings into occasions to reflect on life and do some serious thinking. A great deal of my writing is actually a result of what was ‘conceived’ during those interminable sessions!
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)
CHANDIGARH, 24 October 2009
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