The recent statement of the Prime Minister in Parliament that the recommendation regarding enhancement in the pensions of jawans and JCOs has been implemented, has created a flutter among members of the Indian Ex-servicemen (ESM) Movement. Taking strong exception to the recent statement of the Prime Minister, Major General (retd) Satbir Singh, vice-chairman, the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement, said the reason as to why the PM made this “wrong” statement was beyond comprehension.
In an exclusive interaction with The Tribune, here today, Satbir Singh said the way the PM brushed aside the issue of pensions of defence personnel by stating that the enhancement recommended by the committee had been implemented, revealed that either the staff at his office had not correctly briefed him or the government itself was indifferent to their genuine entitlements.
“It is emphatically reiterated that the enhancement of pensions of jawans and JCOs as announced by the government in Parliament on July 6, 2009 and again announced by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2009 from the ramparts of the Red Fort for which Rs 2,140 had been earmarked to benefit 12 lakh ex-servicemen jawans and JCOs has not at all been implemented,” claimed Satbir Singh.
Accusing the system of damaging the morale of the ex-servicemen, the vice-chairman of the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement said, “It is a sad reflection of the government's attitude that 22000 prestigious medals have been returned to the President of India by ex-servicemen on six different occasions to express their anguish and hurt feeling. Still, the government continues to ignore their main demand of one rank, one pension (OROP).”
“Witnessing the callous attitude of the government towards our problem, we are going to intensify the protest. Ex-servicemen from all states will deposit their medals with the President of India for the seventh time on March 14 along with a memorandum signed in blood to express deep anguish over the apathy of the government,” said Satbir Singh.
“This is not the only pain. The President of India is not even granting audience to the delegation of the movement, who have been leading the protest to secure justice for the Defence personnel,” alleged the vice-chairman.
Terming it as the job of the forces to uphold the democratic values of the country and safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country, the Major General (retd) warned, “Any tinkering with the ethos and morale of the armed forces would be to the country's peril.”
Targeting the government for depending upon imports from other countries, Satbir Singh said, “The Arjun Tank, which is supposed to be an indigenous production, has now a major import dependency. The government is somewhere ignoring that one of our neighbouring country is increasing its all-round capacity, and is waiting for a chance to pounce upon us.”
PM remark irks ex-servicemen
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