IESM: Pension of Widows stalled

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
When you read the reply received from MoD, appended below, regarding the pension of widows, it will leave no doubt in your mind about the mental capability of those governing us.
GOD save this country.
A widow’s pension is governed by the pension amount of the soldier, therefore, if the pension amount of a soldier in increased, the pension of the widow should also be enhanced.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

From: raj kadyan
Sent: 12 August 2010 11:25
Subject: ESM sitrep 12 Aug evening
Dear Colleagues,
When 8.3.2010 letter on pension enhancement was issued, we were all horrified that the increase did not cover Service widows. I had written to the Secretary ESW and later to the Defence Minister and still later, when nothing was heard, to the PM. I have now received a reply. Not able to scan it, I am reproducing the contents:
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

COPY OF MOD LETTER
New Delhi, 03 August, 2010
Subject: Increase in family pension in respect of widow pensioners.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to your application dated 15.7.2010 addressed to Honourable Prime Minister and Honourable Defence Minister regarding left out of widow pensioners from the ambit of MoD letter dated 8.3.2010.
2. The matter regarding applicability of Govt. letter dated 8.3.2010 to family pensioners has been examined in this Ministry and it was viewed that since the quantum of family pension has no relationship with the length of service rendered by the deceased ex-servicemen and family pension is computed with reference to pay scale, it can be improved only if the pay scales are enhanced. Enhancement of pay is not within the scope of Govt letter dated 8.3.2010, hence it does not cover family pensioners.
Sd XXXXXX

Dear Veterans
The reply from the MoD in response to an application to Prime Minister of India, is insulting, disgusting, inhuman and atrocious ... to say the least. If this is the attitude towards defence widows by our politicians and babus, then God save this country if there is any threat on the borders hereafter.

This letter must be sent to The Chief for his perusal. If it does not boil his blood and spur him into some action, then he too is a party to the injustice meted out to veterans and widows. How long is this attitude and injustice towards defence forces going to be tolerated by us? There is a limit to insult. Is sarkar in a hurry to fill our cup of patience? How long are we going to tolerate this system and be slave to it?

Our movement must now become more visible and active. Politicians, babus, tooth-less judiciary and media ... have all let us down. The home minister recently said some veterans have joined underground elements and are training their cadre. Should there be any surprise in this statement?
Veteran Ram Gulrajani

Armed Forces Special programme on DD
This is to inform you that there will be an "Armed Forces Special" programme on DD NEWS channel on 15 August 2010 from 1330 to 1400 hrs.
The subject is Financial Planning for Serving and Retired Armed Forces Personnel - Officers and PBOR.
This may please be given wide publicity.
Regards and Best Wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Colonel Arun Gupta (Veteran)