Ex Servicemen reduced to danda wielding chowkidars

WELFARE OF EX-SERVICEMEN
1. Dr T C Rao called on Dr M M Pallam Raju, Rajya Raksha Mantri (RRM) on 10 Dec 2010, to discuss various points of Welfare and Rehabilitation of Ex-Servicemen. He also stressed the difficulties faced by Ex-Servicemen by DGR office. Following points of discussion with him are enumerated below for your information:-
(A) WAIVING OF WRITTEN TEST BY DGR TO AVAIL SECURITY GUARD
Dr Rao mentioned to RRM that this test was introduced by DGR about three years back, without the knowledge of Ministry of Defence. Dr Rao apprised the RRM that officers are made to do 10 weeks of Officers Security Course, where all issues related to run the security agencies are discussed and taught. Hence, the logic of another exam by DGR is not understood hopefully this test will be scrapped.
(B) EMPANELMENT OF SECURITY AGENCIES FOR THOSE WHO WERE REGISTERED FOR TOLL PLAZA.
As per latest policy, NHAI is not going to offer the operation of Toll Plazas by Retired officers. Some of the officers are on waiting list for the last 2-3 years for the sponsorship of Toll Plaza by DGR. The DGR is not accepting their names for the empanelment of Security Companies those who have crossed the age of 59. It was suggested that such officers should be given a relaxation of one year e.g. up to age of 60 to register themselves for Security Agency. Orders on this aspect are being issued very soon.
(C) ADHOC POLICIES OF DGR & HARASSMENT TO OFFICERS.
On 18 Nov 2010, 51 Retired Officers were not permitted to sit for exam with an excuse that they had not taken prior sanction of DGR office to sit for exam. This adhoc rule / system were intimated on internet in first week of November 2010. Officers who were denied by the DGR made a request to Maj Gen Pramod Behl, Director General, to permit them to write for exam as provisional candidates. This strong argument of officers was not understood by Maj Gen Behl. Hence, officers were denied permission. Director General of Directorate General Resettlement did not appreciate that officers came from all over the country spending huge amount of expenditure on transportation and lodging and boarding at Delhi. RRM was apprised that he should convey to DG of DGR to be sympathetic towards Retired officers and not to show negative attitude.
2. Dr Rao made a request to RRM that a war memorial be constructed at Delhi Cantt for the Martyrs of Delhi State.
3. A request was also made to construct a Sainik Rest House at Delhi Cantt for Ex-Servicemen visiting Delhi as lodging and boarding at Delhi is very costly.
4. Numerous problems faced by Delhi Cantt residents were also discussed. RRM assured Dr Rao that he will ask GOC Delhi Area & CEO of Cantonment Board to do the needful.
5. I am hopeful that our problems will be solved.
Always at your service.
JAI HIND.
Comment: Wish Dr Rao's hopes are translated to concrete action on ground!