Affliction in the Indian Armed Forces

Many commanders, even after rising above unit level, fail to shed their regimental mindset. Non-development of broadmindedness forces them to behave in prejudiced and partisan manner"
Communal Parochialism
Indian society has always been plagued by divisive forces. As precedence is given to communal identity (based on region, religion, caste and sub-caste) over nationalism, most people remain embroiled in petty bickering and internal squabbles. Earlier, community bias was unheard of in the services. It was considered a sacrilege. Indian armed forces had inherited a legacy of keeping religion and region out of its normal functioning. Religion (along with politics and women) was never allowed to be discussed in the officers’ messes. Unfortunately, the spreading virus of communalism in the country appears to be affecting some military leaders as well.

In the recent past, a senior commander was derisively called ‘clan chief’. He was known to surround himself with cronies from his clan and was forever ready to take up cudgels on their behalf. Through his ‘clan contacts’ at the Ministry, he managed extra-ordinary dispensations for his clan mates. Similarly, another senior commander was known to provide unhindered access to soldiers from his state. During his outstation visits, a discreet message used to be passed around. Both the commander and his wife used to receive their state-mates and note down their complaints/requests. Needless to say, both the above mentioned commanders forfeited respect of the services. By their communal acts, they had betrayed the trust of their commands and let them down. Their failure to rise above petty parochialism proved their unfitness to occupy high appointments.

Communal predisposition is the worst and most destructive type of parochialism. It has the potential to split the services on communal lines – a dreadful scenario indeed. Thankfully, communal parochialism is a recent phenomenon and is at a nascent stage at present. It is time cognizance is taken of this threat and suitable measures initiated to nip it in the bud.

Finally, it is time to act
Parochialism is an anathema. It poses a grave threat to the credibility of the military leadership. To be trusted by one’s subordinates is the greatest reward and highest accolade that a leader can earn. Trust is a non-substitutable, priceless, intuitive and complex force. It flourishes on credibility that a leader enjoys in his command. Trust is the expectancy that the followers can rely on a leader’s impartial and just approach. Subordinates feel let down when they witness partisan conduct of their commanders.

Merit is invariably the first casualty of parochialism. No organisation can flourish unless there are strong merit-performance ethical linkages in place. Every dispensation extended on the basis of parochial disposition amounts to depriving a deserving claimant of his lawful rights. As soldiers lose faith in the fairness of the system, a certain degree of despondency sets in, forcing the aggrieved to approach courts for getting their due
Let Parochialism not Afflict the Services: More... By Maj Gen Mrinal Suman

64th Independence Day: Bollywood Songs

Indo-Asian News Service Mumbai, August 14, 2010First Published: 18:54 IST(14/8/2010)

Bollywood songs have always stirred patriotic sentiments among listeners. Come Sunday and India's 64th Independence Day, and one may soak in the national fervour with IANS's list of 20 evergreen patriotic songs from Bollywood.

Aao bachchon tumhe dikhaye: Composed in the year 1954 by Hemant Kumar, the song tries to inculcate patriotism among children. The fast-paced number was crooned by Pradeep in the film Jagriti.

Hum laayein hain toofan se: This track also belonged Jagriti and was equally popular. The slow-paced track was sung by legendary Mohammad Rafi.

Yeh desh hai veer jawanon ka: This energetic and upbeat song is one of the most popular patriotic songs, owing to its tempo and fervour. Composed by O.P. Nayyar and voiced by Rafi, the song was from the film Naya Daur that released in 1957. The Punjabi tone and the beats in the song lend a very rural setting.

Chhodo kal ki baatein: From the 1960 film Hum Hindustani, this track was composed by Usha Khanna. It depicted a feeling of patriotism, optimism and free thinking. It was sung by Mukesh.

Aye mere pyare watan: This track from the film Kabuliwala (1961) had all the ingredients of a legendary song. It was composed by Salil Choudhury, with Manna Dey behind the mike.

Nanha munna rahi hun: This song from the 1962 film Son Of India brings forth love for the country through a child. Crooned by Shanti Mathur, the simple and endearing composition was made by Naushad Ali.

Apni azadi ko hum: This song gave the message of toughness and a strong will. It brought forward the sentiments of people who were not ready to bow down under any circumstances. From the film Leader (1964), it had brilliant vocals by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi.

Ab tumhare hawale watan saathiyon: This beautiful and soul-stirring track from 1964 film Haqeeqat, depicted the feelings of the soldiers of the country. The song, synonymous with patriotism in India, was sung by Rafi with Madan Mohan as the music director.

Jahan daal daal par: From the film Sikandar-e-Azam, this Rafi sung and Hans Raj Bahal composed song talks about the beauty of our country. It sings praises in honour of the country and makes the listener proud of India.

Mera rang de basanti chola: The song depicts the life of freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh. From the film Shaheed (1965), it was sung by Rafi and Mahendra Kapoor and was composed by Prem Dhawan.

Aye watan aye watan: The song, again from Shaheed, talks about the secularity of our nation and the patriotic feelings of the people towards our mother land. It instils a sense of pride among the countrymen. Like most patriotic songs of that period, this too has been crooned by Rafi while the composition is of Prem Dhawan.

Mere desh ki dharti: No Independence Day celebrations are complete without this iconic number. The song, from the film Upkar, featured Manoj Kumar. This melodious track talking about the fertility of the Indian land was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji and was sung by Mahendra Kapoor.

Dil diya hai: Music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Karma released in 1986 and belted out this melodious patriotic song. Sung by Kavitha Krishnamurthy, it was a big hit.

Bharat humko jaan se pyara hai: Composed by Oscar winning composer A.R Rahman, this song from the 1992 film Roja was sung by Hariharan. It advocates the feeling of brotherhood between people and its sudden change of tempo gives it an edge.

It happens only in India: This song was sung in a lighter vein by Anand Raj Anand for the film Pardesi Babu that released in 1998. It talks about the various traditions and cultures of the country.

Zindagi maut na ban jaaye: This is one of the new age patriotic songs. Featured in 1999 film Sarfarosh, this song that urges people to stand against terrorism and other issues was sung by Sonu Niigaam and Roop Kumar Rathod and composed by music director duo Jatin-Lalit. The song in the genre of a qawwalli is quite impressive.

Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani: This song from the film of the same name that released in 2002 is a fun song. It brings forth the positives and negatives of the country in an amusing manner. It has a hummable melody created by Jatin-Lalit and has been sung by Udit Narayan.

Desh mere desh mere: The Legend of Bhagat Singh, yet another film on Bhagat Singh, offered this song which was passionate yet hard-hitting. It brought forward the sentiments of people who were ready to do anything for the country. It was composed by A.R. Rahman and was voiced by Sukhwinder Singh and the composer himself.

Yeh jo desh hai tera: Swades, that released in the year 2004, boasted of this track that was meant for Indians who live away from their country. The song reminds them about their association with their homeland. It is sung and composed by A.R. Rahman.

Khandon se milte hain khande: From the Hrithik Roshan starrer Lakshya, the song brought forward the sentiments of our soldiers. It was composed by music director trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and was sung by a host of singers like Sonu Niigam, Shankar Mahadevan, and Hariharan.
64th Independence Day: Bollywood Songs

Abolish IAS, says Infosys’ Murthy: Is GDP faked or a myth?

Published: Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010, 2:17 IST
By Sreejiraj Eluvangal | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA

For a country accustomed to gloating about GDP growth figures and taking these as a measure of achievement, here is sobering advice from NR Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys Technologies, India’s second-largest infotech firm. Stop focusing exclusively on 8 or 8.5% growth, look at the sorry state of affairs on the governance front, he said at a function here.

Drawing a contrast between the success of the private sector and the decay and corruption in the government sector, he said: “In areas where public governance is involved, we have hardly made any progress.”

Murthy said the politicians and bureaucrats are trapped in a colonial mindset. “They feel they are the masters and there is no need to show fairness and transparency,” he said. Murthy, seen as an idealist by many, owns less than 5% of the total shares of Infosys. He will step down as chairman of the company in 10 days.

While admitting to some exceptions, he noted many of the leaders and bureaucrats were completely out of touch with the dynamics of the current world. “Once I was with a senior bureaucrat discussing how badly our high school students had performed in an international competition and he said, ‘we must stop participating in such competitions’,” he said.

The outdated mentality of the political class, he said, is accentuated by an equally apathetic population, which has almost accepted corruption and inefficiency. “For over 1,000 years, the government belonged to someone sitting either 2,000 miles or 4,000 miles away. There is no sense of societal ownership,” he said. “The penalty (for corruption) is minimal. As a result, there is no fear of repercussions and there is no accountability.”

Murthy’s cure, besides tougher punishment, is to abolish the system of generalised administrators under the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and replace it with specialists under a new ‘Indian Management Service’.

The new breed of government servants would have specialised knowledge to manage projects. Their salaries must also be increased to ‘near private sector’ levels, while making 60% of their remuneration variable according to how well they are able to implement projects. “If we had kept track of the activities using a project management software, we would not be where we are,” he said, about the delays in setting up the Commonwealth Games infrastructure.

He, however, refused to encourage speculation that he would join public life. “I am too old. Besides there is already someone from Infosys,” he said, referring to former CEO Nandan Nilekani, currently heading the UID project.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_abolish-ias-says-infosys-murthy_1421753
Abolish IAS, says Infosys’ Murthy

A suggestion not a day too late!
The Indian bureaucracy is the biggest stumbling block in the nation's development as they are the real executives. In a survey by NDTV 86.87 percent participants agreed that we have the most corrupt bureaucracy in the world. A survey of 12 Asian economies done last year by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy based in Hong Kong blames India’s ‘suffocating bureaucracy’ for us falling behind countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar in providing our people with minimal standards of health care, sanitation and education. Tavleen Singh, writing in the Indian Express,said 'Every time I deal with Indian officials I become so depressed that I almost need therapy'.

One thing the Infosys mentor seems to have overlooked is the role of our judiciary. I can vouch for the fact that had the Indian judiciary been able to evoke even an iota of faith in the masses of getting justice in our courts there are enough pubic spirited persons who would have hauled all the corrupt politicians and bureaucrats over the coals. But the fact about our courts is what Arundhati Roy said: 'In India, everybody knows that as far as the legal system is concerned, the process is part of the punishment.'

When absurd and idiotic orders cannot be challenged for what they are, due to the Damocles' sword of contempt of court hanging over every body's head the quip 'power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely' is applicable in letter and spirit to the judiciary than to any other institution of governance in this country.
regards n bw
ravi
(Maj PM Ravindran, an activist about Corruption in Judiciary and RTI – Chander Kamboj)

Dear All,
Please find link to 2 websites with details of Our Honorable MPs of Lok Sabha as well as Rajaya Sabha.Those looking for email ids of our elected leaders may find it useful.
LOK SABHA
RAJAYA SABHA
Regards,
Jaspal Bhinder

Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations

Saturday,14 August 2010 13:43 IST
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / BROADCAST BEFORE AUGUST 15, 2010

The President has approved 114 gallantry awards to Armed Forces, Paramilitary and police personnel. This includes one Ashok Chakra, two Kirti Chakras, two Bar to Shaurya Chakras, nineteen Shaurya Chakras, two Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), eighty Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and five Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

ASHOKA CHAKRA
MR-08609 MAJOR LAISHRAM JYOTIN SINGH ARMY MEDICAL CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL (POSTHUMOUS).

KIRTI CHAKRA
IC-70151 CAPTAIN DAVINDER SINGH JASS 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS), SHRI VINOD KUMAR CHOUBEY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, RAJNANDGAON CHHATTISGARH POLICE (POSTHUMOUS).

BAR TO SHAURYA CHAKRA
IC-58637 MAJOR THONGAM JOTEN SINGH, SHAURYA CHAKRA, 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), SS-39651 MAJOR AJAY SINGH, SHAURYA CHAKRA 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY.

SHAURYA CHAKRA
IC-55217 LIEUTENANT COLONEL ADITYA NEGI, SENA MEDAL 3 GORKHA RIFLES / 32 RASHTRIYA RIFLES , IC-61307 MAJOR DEEPAK YADAV ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL(POSTHUMOUS), IC-61324 MAJOR NITESH ROY ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL(POSTHUMOUS), IC-66201 CAPTAIN SUNIL YADAV PUNJAB REGIMENT / 37 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-68043 CAPTAIN AMIT KUMAR SINGH, SENA MEDAL 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, IC-69150 CAPTAIN SUNIL NARANG 4TH BATTALION THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY, SS-42657 LIEUTENANT NAVIN NIROLA 4TH BATTALION THE KUMAON REGIMENT, JC-413360 NAIB SUBEDAR INDER KUMAR 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-560161 NAIB SUBEDAR SHIV PUJAN SHARMA 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, JC-2300474 NAIB SUBEDAR RANG BAHADUR YADAV 23 ASSAM RIFLES, 13621161 LANCE HAVILDAR RAJAN 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 2602065 NAIK BAIJU B 7TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, 4366857 LANCE NAIK NENGMAITHEM RAJESH SINGH 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 4001514 SEPOY RAVI KANT DOGRA REGIMENT / 11 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS), 4002995 SEPOY SURENDER KUMAR DOGRA REGIMENT / 62 RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS), 13627069 PARATROOPER MAKUNG SARANG HUCHONG 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 15619321 GUARDSMAN KRISHAN KUMAR BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS / 21 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS), COMMANDER DILIP DONDE, (03593-T), COMMANDER NITEEN ANANDRAO YADAV, (03965-K).

BAR TO SENA MEDAL(GALLANTRY)
IC-50367 LIEUTENANT COLONEL THANGJAM TIKENDRA SINGH, SENA MEDAL, GRENADIERS / 16 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-64395 CAPTAIN BASANT SEWADA, SENA MEDAL ARMOURED CORPS / 8 RASHTRIYA RIFLES.

SENA MEDAL(GALLANTRY)
IC-51955 COLONEL KOLANKARA MOHAN NAIR 7TH BATTALITON THE MADRAS REGIMENT, IC-57241 MAJOR VINOD KUMAR MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY / 56 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-57884 MAJOR SURISETTY RAMESH REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 871 FIELD REGIMENT, IC-61427 MAJOR TATHAGATA DUTTA ARMOURED CORPS / 53 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-62075 MAJOR KULDEEP SINGH ARMY SERVICE CORPS / 61 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-62121 MAJOR NEERAJ KOTWAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS / 12 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-62225 MAJOR ANIL GAUTAM REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 12 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-62371 MAJOR AMIT KUMAR SINGH ARMY SERVICE CORPS / 53 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-63968 MAJOR KAMLESH KUMAR REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 13 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-64024 MAJOR KUBER SINGH KARKI KUMAON REGIMENT / 50 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-64108 MAJOR UPINDER PAL SINGH ARMOURED CORPS / 46 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-64894 MAJOR SANDEEP SINGH KUMAON REGIMENT / 26 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-65235 MAJOR ADITYA KUMAR DEVRANI, SHAURYA CHAKRA, REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 29 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-65403 MAJOR FARID UR REHMAN BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS / 61 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-65674 MAJOR PUNEET SINGH ATWAL 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), IC-66827 MAJOR JOG ABHISHEK SURESH JAT REGIMENT / 12 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-67973 MAJOR KULDEEP KUMAR DABRAL 4/8 GORKHA RIFLES, IC-68743 MAJOR AVINASH RANA 7TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, SS-41214 MAJOR JUGMAL SINGH VAGHELA, SHAURYA CHAKRA, 11TH BATTALION THE JAT REGIMENT, SS-41839 MAJOR TEJ PRATAP SINGH 8TH BATTALION THE SIKH REGIMENT, WS-00458 MAJOR MITALI MADHUMITA ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL, IC-67760 CAPTAIN SHAHZEB SHABIH CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 54 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, SS-41660 CAPTAIN BLESSON K DANIEL ARMY AIR DEFENCE / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, SS-42448 CAPTAIN GAUTAM KUMAR 12TH BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, IC-69699 LIEUTENANT SAMBHAV SAGAR 19TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, IC-70331 LIEUTENANT RAHUL RANA 3RD BATTALION THE KUMAON REGIMENT, IC-70923 LIEUTENANT SOURABH SIROHI 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, JC-412867 SUBEDAR ANAND SINGH 4TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-413027 SUBEDAR DALVIR SINGH MALHOTRA 4TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-559562 SUBEDAR BASU DEO TURI 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, JC-413372 NAIB SUBEDAR BALVIR SINGH 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-623840 NAIB SUBEDAR RAJESH THAPA 4/8 GORKHA RIFLES, 2785965 HAVILDAR PANCHAL IRAPPA DHANAPPA 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, G/3400147 HAVILDAR RAMESH CHAND 34 ASSAM RIFLES, 2793555 LANCE HAVILDAR RAJESH BS 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 2792488 NAIK SIRSAT BHANUDAS EKNATH MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY / 56 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2796299 NAIK MORE BAJARANG NARAYAN 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 2998657 NAIK GIRVAR 19TH BATTALION THE RAJPUT REGIMENT, 3187880 NAIK KULJEET KUMAR DOGRA REGIMENT / 62 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 4187374 NAIK BHIM SINGH KUMAON REGIMENT / 50 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 13622515 NAIK SELVA KUMAR P 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS), 13623415 NAIK MANOJ KUMAR 4TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 2605201 LANCE NAIK PRINCE JOSEPH 7TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, 2691126 LANCE NAIK TEJ RAM MEENA GRENADIERS / 39 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2803900 LANCE NAIK PUNDKAR SANDIP GANPATRAO 12TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 3193999 LANCE NAIK MANA RAM JAT REGIMENT / 61 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 4478918 LANCE NAIK BAPUKAN DAS 9TH BATTALION THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY, 12944107 LANCE NAIK DES RAJ 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 11 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12944336 LANCE NAIK AJAZ HUSSAIN 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 26 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12944663 LANCE NAIK NISAR AHMED 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2496006 SEPOY JASVIR SINGH PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2498188 SEPOY BALWINDER SINGH PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2499738 SEPOY LAKHVIR SINGH PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22 RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS), 2607537 SEPOY SINUMON S 19TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, 2607994 SEPOY G PRABU MADRAS REGIMENT / 54 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2804362 SEPOY PANDHARE MARUTI MAHADEV 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 2997779 SEPOY PARVESH KUMAR RAJPUT REGIMENT /10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 3001111 SEPOY RISHI RAJ SINGH 19TH BATTALION THE RAJPUT REGIMENT, 3003613 SEPOY SHRAWAN SINGH 9th BATTALION THE RAJPUT REGIMENT (POSTHUMOUS), 3202943 SEPOY ATUL KUMAR 11TH BATTALION THE JAT REGIMENT, 4427932 SEPOY LONGJAM RAM SINGH ASSAM REGIMENT / 42 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12944396 SEPOY AJNAITA LAL 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 11 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 13624561 SEPOY AVINASH KUMAR RAJPUT REGIMENT / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 14935024 SEPOY PURNA LIMBOO MECHANISED INFANTRY / 9 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2896969 RIFLEMAN SHREE KANT 5TH BATTALION (NAPIERS) THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES, 5756850 RIFLEMAN NARENDRA SAUD KCHHETRI 4/8 GORKHA RIFLES, 9103699 RIFLEMAN SUNIL KUMAR JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12974266 RIFLEMAN MOHAMMED ABASS TANTRY 162 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY / 42 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12974408 RIFLEMAN MOHAMMED AMIN GANIE 162 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY / 42 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 16013463 RIFLEMAN RAMENDRA SINGH BAISH RAJPUTANA RIFLES / 9 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 16014974 RIFLEMAN AJAY KUMAR RAJPUTANA RIFLES / 18 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, G/2502052 RIFLEMAN SANGLUNG MUANA 25 ASSAM RIFLES, G/2701836 RIFLEMAN MANSA KUMAR OJHA 46 ASSAM RIFLES, G/5000272 RIFLEMAN KSH SANAYAIMA SINGH 21 ASSAM RIFLES, 9113216 PARATROOPER IMTIYAZ AHMAD THOKER 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS), 13626673 PARATROOPER HAJARI LAL GURJAR 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 13626875 PARATROOPER LAKHWINDER PAL SINGH PARACHUTE REGIMENT / 31 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2693614 GRENADIER HARDEV SINGH GRENADIERS / 39 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2695623 GRENADIER JAI DEV GRENADIERS / 12 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 15168087 GUNNER FALTANKAR DIVAKAR DADURAM REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 32 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS).

NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
COMMANDER GANGUPOMU MURALI, (03943-K), LIEUTENANT COMMANDER AJAY KANWAR, (05240-H), RAJAN SINGH, SEA I CD III, (214217-H).

VAYU SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
WING COMMANDER SAGAR SINGH RAWAT (22711) FLYING (PILOT), SQUADRON LEADER ASHOK KUMAR (24900) FLYING (PILOT), SQUADRON LEADER AMIT SHARMA (26545) FLYING (PILOT), SQUADRON LEADER VISHAL MOHAN (27475) FLYING (PILOT), FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ROHIT RAI (27992) FLYING (PILOT). N Ao/DM/ RAJ
Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations

Defence Minister’s Message to the Armed Forces on The Eve of Independence Day

Saturday,14 August 2010 13:33 IST
==NOT TO BE BROADCAST / PUBLISHED BEFORE 1815 HRS TODAY==
Following is the English rendering of the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony’s address to the Armed Forces personnel broadcast over All India Radio on the eve of Independence Day:
My dear Jawans and members of our Armed Forces,
We celebrate our 64th Independence Day tomorrow. I pay my tributes to the martyrs and convey my greetings and best wishes to both uniformed and civilian personnel of the three wings of our Armed Forces on this occasion.

My sympathies are with the survivors of the Nature’s fury in Leh. I convey my heartfelt condolences to all those, who lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy, including several Armed Forces personnel. It is difficult to pick up the pieces after such a large-scale loss of life and property. The personnel from Army, Air Force, DRDO and Border Roads Organisation have been doing a commendable job in accelerating rescue and relief efforts, restoring communication links and in assisting in attempts to restore normalcy at the earliest. The Armed Forces personnel have on several other occasions, rendered invaluable service in times of natural calamities.

Our Armed Forces guard the land, sea and air frontiers in harsh weather conditions and in forbidding terrains. Living away from families makes your task all the more challenging. The challenges to our nation’s security are indeed varied and manifold.

Our rising economic stature has brought with it several challenges. The developments in and around our neighbourhood have forced us to review and upgrade our security apparatus. The security measures taken by us are often misunderstood by some nations. However, we have always been a peace-loving nation and we will continue to strive for peaceful relations with all our neighbours.

Post-26/11, we have taken several steps to strengthen the security apparatus, particularly along the coastline. We have cleared the setting up of four air enclaves at Goa, Kochi, Vizag, and New Mangalore. Coastal security has been strengthened, with acquisitions of new systems and platforms.

Armed Forces all over the world are modernising and becoming technology-intensive. I wish to take this opportunity to assure you that our modernisation plans are on the right track. We want to give our Armed Forces the latest and the best possible equipment. We would like the modernization process to proceed hand-in-hand with indigenisation. The success in the development of the indigenous nuclear submarine - INS Arihant must be replicated in other fields too.

We have accorded top priority to create infrastructure and build all-weather roads in inaccessible areas. The Border Roads organization has been given the responsibility of constructing the Rohtang tunnel. This tunnel will ensure that the remote areas in the northern region, which remained inaccessible for over six months, will now be connected and accessible throughout the year. The Rohtang tunnel would be the longest tunnel in our country at such a high altitude.

Dear jawans, despite all odds, you all have been doing a creditable job – both during warlike situation and in peace. During my visit to Siachen in June this year, the jawans raised the problems and difficulties being faced by them. Some of you wanted better quality socks and more snowmobiles for operational requirements. Some of you requested reduced telephone rates for better communication with your family members. I have directed the concerned officials and departments to take immediate remedial action. Though the pressure on our Armed Forces personnel is tremendous, the need for exercising maximum restraint cannot be over-emphasised. I wish to stress that any instance of human rights violation anywhere will not be tolerated.

Our Government has taken several welfare measures for the defence personnel. We are making efforts to improve the quality of atta, rice, vegetables, tea, pulses and other items. Similarly, we have made a provision for special rations to troops deployed in counter-insurgency operations. Special rations have also been authorised for additional troops serving in high-altitude areas – specifically above 12, 000 feet. A pilot project has been launched at 20 locations across the country for rail e-ticketing. With this facility, the system of railway warrants will be replaced and Armed Forces personnel will be able to book and print e-tickets through IRCTC websites at unit locations. This project will be gradually extended to more than 5, 000 Army, Air Force and Navy units across the country. We are committed to carry forward these measures and do a lot more for the all-round welfare of our jawans in the future.

We accord top priority to the welfare of our service personnel, as well as ex-servicemen. We are trying our best to ensure that there are no procedural delays in pension-related cases of ex-servicemen. Some Armed Forces personnel are retained in service, despite a disability that is attributed, or aggravated by military service, who forego a lump-sum compensation in lieu of the disability. Keeping in view their valour and sacrifice, it has been decided to grant them a disability element, or war injury element, at the time of their retirement, or discharge, in addition to the retiring/service pension or retiring/service gratuity. On the other hand, in case of pensioners who retire on disability pension, a decision has been taken to pay them a Constant Attendant at the rate of Rs 3, 000 per month, in addition to the disability pension.

Our Government has also granted permanent commission to women in non-combatant roles. I expect full cooperation from our Armed Forces in taking forward all such welfare schemes to their logical conclusion.

In our effort to further improve the living conditions of jawans, the Government has laid special emphasis on Married Accommodation Project (MAP). Under the project, a total of 1, 98, 881 Dwelling Units will be constructed in four phases. We are making all efforts to address the accommodation-related issues. We are sure that MAP will go a long way in boosting the morale of our Armed Forces.

Dear jawans, the nation is indeed proud of your devotion and sacrifice in securing our country’s borders. I once again extend my greetings on the eve of the Independence Day and convey my heartiest greetings and sincere wishes to all of you for a happy and a bright future. Jai Hind”. DM/RAJ
Defence Minister’s Message to the Armed Forces on The Eve of Independence Day

‘Thoughts are With Brave Hearts Who Lost Lives in Leh Mudslide’: Antony
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the near and dear ones of all those Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in the recent mudslide triggered by a cloudburst in Leh. In a message on the eve of the 64th Independence Day, Shri Antony said, as the nation prepares to celebrate the Red Letter Day, his thoughts go out to those brave hearts who lost their lives in the line of duty, especially in the mudslide in Leh. Shri Antony wished speedy recovery to all those undergoing treatment at various hospitals. As per the latest figures, Army has suffered 8 fatal and 41 non-fatal casualties till date. 27 Army personnel including 3 officers are missing. Shri Antony commended the personnel from Army, Air Force, DRDO and Border Roads Organisation who are now working day and night to restore normalcy in Ladakh. Sitanshu Kar
‘Thoughts are With Brave Hearts Who Lost Lives in Leh Mudslide’: Antony

Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

Saturday,14 August 2010 15:51 IST
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will unfurl the National Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2010 to celebrate the 64th Independence Day. After unfurling the Tricolor, Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the nation.

On arrival at Lahore Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju and Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar.

The Defence Secretary will introduce General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Major General Manvender Singh to the Prime Minister. The GOC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guard will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, Dr. Manmohan Singh will inspect the guard of honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

This year, Air Force being the coordinating agency, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wg Cdr P Panda. The Army contingent will be commanded by Maj Anindya Chatterjee, Naval Contingent by Lt Cdr DK Shrikantha and Delhi Police contingent by ACP Romil Baniya.

The Army contingent for PM’s Guard is from 15th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles. The battalion was raised on January 01, 1976 at Dhana (Madhya Pradesh). Soon after it was raised, it was inducted in Counter Insurgency Operations in Manipur, where it proved its mettle by capturing 55 hard core insurgent, including Chirom Ranjit Singh, 2IC PLA. During its first field tenure, the unit was awarded two Shaurya Chakra, four Sena Medals, two Vishist Seva Medal and one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card. Over the years the unit has had the opportunity to serve in varied terrain conditions. The unit has always performed to the satisfaction of its cadres wherever it has been deployed.

As with its Counter Insurgency tenure (1978-82), the unit once again excelled during its Line of Control / Counter Insurgency Operations tenure in Poonch (2001-04) where it was instrumental in the elimination of 77 terrorists without any threats, inflicted casualties and also causing immense damage to Pakistani military infrastructure and troops across the Line of Control. For the perseverance, grit and devotion to duty the battalion has also been awarded four Shaurya Chakras, nineteen Sena Medals, fourteen Chief of Army Staff Commendation cards and two General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Cards, in addition to individual award, the unit was also awarded Chief of The Army Staff Unit citation in “Op RAKSHAK & Op PARAKRAM 2001-03”.

The unit has the rare distinction of once again being awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation ‘Op Meghdoot and Op Falcon 2007-09’ for its successful tenure in Central Glacier (Op Meghdoot) & Eastern Laddakh (Op Falcon) without any casualty. It has also received one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card and three General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Card for its individual outstanding performance.

The battalion is presently the ceremonial battalion of the Indian Army, deployed in Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate and other important places in the capital. The Army Contingent is led by Maj Anindya Chatterjee.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts where he will be greeted by Defence Minister, the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.

The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronize with the 21 gun salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 299 Field Regiment. The battery will be commanded by Lt Col Hemant Kumar Sah and the Gun Position Officer will be Sub (AIG) Gurappadu R.

The National Flag Guard comprising 32 men and one officer each from Army, Navy Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Wing Commander J Christopher will command the Guards. The Naval Contingent for National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Cdr Amit Sood, the Army contingent by Captain Vikram Singh and Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP B Shanker Jaiswal.

The Air Force Band Number 6 will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashtriya Salute’ while unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Air Force Band will be commanded by Warrant Officer PN Yadav. Two Air Force Officers, Flying Officer A Vashishtha and Flying Officer Pankaj Gupta will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the PM for AsDC duties. Flt Lt Neha Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag.

The Army contingent for National Flag Guard is from the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, which was raised on November 30, 1798 at Badgaon. The Battalion designation was altered eight times, since the raising and finally rechristened as the 2nd Bn of the Rajput Regiment (Kalichindi) on independence. The Battalion has the distinction of having nine battle honours and two theatre honours and has taken part in 1947, 1962 and 1971 operations, where officers and men have exhibited extraordinary courage and valour. The Bn has been awarded Chief of Army Staff commendation for serving with distinction in ‘Op Rakshak’ in J&K in 1995. Before Independence, for showing perseverance and sacrifice the battalion got several awards to its credit which include one Victoria Cross. After independence, the battalion has been awarded with one MVC, ten VrC, three SC, two Param Vishist Sewa Medal, two Ati Vishist Sewa Medal, one Yudh Seva Medal, two Vishist Seva Medal, eleven Sena Medal and numerous Mention-in-Despatches and Commendation Cards.

The Battalion also has the honour to serve in Sudan as part of United Nation Peace Keeping Mission in 2007-2008. The smartly attired contingents of the 2nd Battalion, The Rajput Regiment comprises of two officers and 32 OR and is led by a very inspiring Capt Vikram Singh.

After unfurling the National Flag, the Prime Minister will address the nation. After the Prime Minister’s address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing National Anthem.

About seven hundred Junior Division Cadets of the National Cadet Corps from Delhi Directorate comprising Army, Navy and Air Force wings are participating in the flag hoisting ceremony this year. The cadets will also participate in the singing of patriotic songs along with school children. Three thousand five hundred girl students from 39 government and government-aided schools under the Directorate of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi will sing the National Anthem. They will also sing patriotic songs in different regional languages before the start of the Independence Day ceremony. These children dressed up in red, saffron, green and white colour will re-create the image of Red Fort and the National Flag.
Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

The final destination

Dear Brig Kamboj,
The reference to the inevitable journey on 'the long road to nowhere' which I posted in the memory of a friend, who passed away on the 7th August has evoked considerable response from the 'netizens'. My friend, Virin Bajaj says we are all in the queue. The destination is the same, and we are all in possession of confirmed 'one-way' tickets. Only the date is not known. For some unknown reasons, the Issuing Authority is rather secretive about it. Virin has added that this is perhaps the only queue which no one wants to jump!

Vijay Mayadev of the XIX course, has written in to remind us that the first one amongst our course mates to elbow his way into the bus on the ultimate journey was Hardhir Malia. I dug out my diary to discover, that by a queer coincidence, we lost Malia exactly fifty years ago, on the 11th Aug 1960. He met with an accident on Sunday, the 7th August 1960. I should know the exact details because I was riding the pillion of that ill-fated motor cycle. The late Pilot Officer Rajadhyaksha (He was the elder brother of the eminent writer, Shobha De) was on the other bike, and the two of them had challenged each other to win that wretched race. Rajadhyaksha was leading, and Malia was in no mood to accept defeat. His last words to me were,"Ghabraain naa" and then he turned the throttle...

He was in coma for four days, and the end came on the ensuing Thursday. Every single person in the Academy was shocked, from the commandant down to the humble peons and safaiwalas. For several days, Malia was the talk of the campus. His mother and sisters were inconsolable and the pain on his father's face could be sensed from miles. I still remember the words of the obituary of No. 2847, Cadet HRS Malia which was published. There was a detailed reference to his sterling qualities as a sportsman and his achievements as a daring rider.

Rajadhyaksha suffered from a sense of guilt. He believed that he should not have overtaken Malia, since Hardhir's driving experience was much less than his. At times, he would say, "I killed him..." and then, he would sob inconsolably. Raju, as he was affectionately called became a fighter pilot, but soon after earning his wings, died in an air crash, in 1962. I think Thomas or Jimmy Bhatia should write about him.
*
I compare Malia's death with those of the senior citizens who go after having lived their lives. There is a world of difference. I may be mistaken, but I have rarely seen a sense of shock on the faces of the offspring. The spouse is the principal mourner and the colleagues seem to be mournful, but for the younger generation, it is merely a logical conclusion to life. In cases where the person had gone through a prolonged illness, there is even a sense of relief! A six-line poem by Ogden Nash is worthy of being quoted to end this little piece:

OLD MEN
People expect old men to die,
They do not really mourn old men.
Old men are different.
People look at them with eyes, that wonder when…
People watch with unshocked eyes;
But the old men know when an old man dies.

I wish I could play 'rouse' after this sad 'last post'!
Surjit
(Maj Gen Surjit Singh, Chandigarh)

Clean up jobs for Veterans

Dear Veterans,
1. Dr T C Rao alongwith six members of Gramin Uthaan– Bharat Nirman (NGO) made a presentation to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt of NCT of Delhi on 07 Jul 2010, as to how our holy river “Yamuna” can be cleaned with the efforts of Ex-Servicemen.
2. Hon’ble Chief Minister agreed to engage Ex-Servicemen for operation, maintenance and guarding of water bodies and forests.
3. Accordingly, a meeting was called by Secretary Environment on 10 Aug 2010 about the deployment.
4. Following have been agreed with Delhi Jal Board for deployment of Ex-Servicemen:-
(a) 279 Gun Men at water plant patrolling of Water pipe during Common Wealth Games.
(b) 150 security guards are being deployed at various water points.
(c) Contract of existing 57 Security Guards are being renewed.
5. Forest. Officials of forest bodies mentioned that requirement of Ex-Servicemen is being worked out and being forwarded to DGR for execution.
6. Always at your call.
JAI HIND
Dr T C Rao, PhD, Veteran

ECHS needs to be tailored to reduce agony of Veterans

Interview on Doordarshan
Dear Brigadier Sir,
I could not keep awake till 2230 hrs so I missed the first telecast on DD News. I did view the repeat telecast yesterday. The question whether to send my views was hovering in mind till now. I have decided to e mail this to you.
There is nothing new that came out in interview. We the veterans were aware of burning problem like OROP. We are also aware about the history of ECHS.
In my opinion such interview should also include question from the viewer specially on ECHS because MD ECHS is not fully aware of the difficulties being faced by the veterans specially above age of 75 in getting specialised treatment.
Even after seven years in existence ECHS has a long way to go
Regards,
Avtar Singh

ENHANCED FACILITY AT ECHS NERUL
Dear brigadier,
I really appreciate your efforts.
I am totally dissatisfied with ECHS facilities in Mumbai.
I stay in Distt Raigad for approx 20 days in a month. The nearest ECHS polyclinic is in Nerul. It is about 100 km from my place. Considering timings, facilities, shortage of medicines etc, I visited it once and never went again.

I stay with family for approx 10 days in a month in mumbai at Andheri west. From there I have to go to INS Aswani. About 40 kms- 2 hours drive, long ques etc. I am on medicines for BP. They give only one months medicines. The medicines cost roughly Rs 700 per month. I need to spend 6-8 hours and about Rs 200 worth of petrol. Its so impractical. I end up in buying medicines from the market and collect from Aswani only when I happen to be in Colaba, once in a few months.
I wonder if something can be done. I was amazed to see the wonderful facilities available in NOIDA. Maybe because of proximity to Army HQ and a large No of senior officers staying there.
Looking forward to some better facilities available at Mumbai.
Regards
Sushil

AFT removes anomalies in disability pension rules

BROADBANDING FOR DISABILITY/ WAR INJURY
Dear Chander,
I was away at Delhi for a seminar and saw this only this morning on return. I have still to go through the actual judgement. Once I have done that, I will fwd relevant extracts for the information of all.
In the meantime you could place it on your Blog for the information of all. Thanks.
Warm regards.
Vijay Oberoi
(Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS, President War Wounded Foundation)

AFT removes anomalies in disability pension rules
Extends broad-banding plan benefits to thousands of pensioners
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 12
In a landmark judgment affecting thousands of disabled personnel, the Armed Forces Tribunal yesterday extended the benefits of “broad-banding” disability pension to those who are released on the completion of their terms of engagement or on superannuation. Earlier, these benefits were applicable only to those invalided out of service on medical grounds.

This had resulted in a peculiar situation wherein the disability pension for an individual discharged even a single day before his actual date of discharge or normal retirement was fixed on the basis of higher disability percentage, while a person discharged on his actual date is not entitled to the same.

Acting upon a petition filed by former vice-chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, the Bench comprising Justice NP Gupta and Lt Gen AS Bahia held that withholding the benefit of broad-banding from certain categories of ex-servicemen by the government was discriminatory. The pension of a large number of disabled ex-servicemen may now be enhanced.

In order to curtail medical subjectivity and mottled declaration of disability percentages for similar disabilities by different medical boards, the government had initiated a system of “broad-banding” or “rounding-off” of disability percentages in which it was provided that disability percentages for 20-49 per cent, 50-75 per cent and 76-100 per cent categories would be treated as 50, 75 and 100 per cent, respectively, for calculating disability pension.

The Ministry of Defence, however, added a line in the sanction letter that broad-banding would be applicable only to “invalided” personnel and not to those disabled persons who are released on the completion of terms or on superannuation.

Distinguishing the present case from a Supreme Court judgment in Lt Col PK Kapur vs UOI, where the principle of broad-banding was rejected, the Bench observed that the reason behind the concept of broad-banding and statutory rules concerned had not been then brought to the notice of the SC by the Defence Ministry and, hence, the judgment rendered without full disclosure of facts and law was sub-silentio and not binding on other courts as per the SC’s own rulings.

The MoD had “misleadingly” informed the SC in Kapur’s case that broad-banding was introduced to grant benefit to personnel whose career was cut short due to invalidation. Documents, however, show that the policy was in fact introduced to avoid subjectivity and variance in calculating disability percentage. Further, the SC was also not informed that according to rules, superannuating disabled personnel are deemed as “invalided” for the purpose of granting disability pension.
AFT removes anomalies in disability pension rules: The Tribune- Friday, August 13, 2010, Chandigarh, India

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)

Woman Officers: Bullet knows no gender

Armed forces need to accept the fact that more women officers will join their ranks and gender equality will occupy the centre stage. This requires attitudinal change in the predominantly male environ. A new set of directives and ground rules need to be worked out for women officers to pursue a credible career.
Bullet knows no gender
Lt Gen (Dr) S.B.S. Kochar (Retd)

Dawn of the new millennium has ushered in fresh hopes and challenges. The established order, where women took a back seat is in the process of imminent fade-out. Many exclusive male bastions and preserves are now extinct. Women have emerged as powerful portents of a new social order and are set to match men, stride for stride. Armed Forces are no exception.

No doubt the demands on national security and military cannot be swayed by attitudes and assumptions. All specialties should be open on a gender neutral standard to those who are qualified, capable and competent to undertake them. Major issues confronted by militaries the world over in so far as employment of women concerned, are social, behavioral and psychological. This is not to say that they must not be trained in the art of soldiering — they must

The strength of women officers in the army is just over a thousand (excluding medical stream) The present policy is to them grant short service commission for five years extendable to 14 years with identical benefits as available to similarly placed male officers. Permanent commission has been granted to women in Judge Advocate General’s Department and Army Education Corps. They are not assigned to the combat Arms. The strength of women officers in the air force who have served so far is 570 and in the navy, 250.
Bullet knows no gender by Lt Gen (Dr) S.B.S. Kochar (Retd)
The writer is a former Commandant of the National Defence Academy

High time army sheds retrograde outlook
Why not a permanent commission? This is the question that arises in the mind of each woman soldier, which is very much her right at par with gentleman officers who are granted permanent commission. When Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees right to equality, then why and how this gender bias set in, that too in one of the nation’s most robust system, the Indian Army? Click link below to read more...
High time army sheds retrograde outlook by Maj Seema Dagar- The writer served with the Army from 1997—2007 and is Manager, Delhi International Airport Ltd.

ECHS: Health Care for the Veterans remains elusive

HEALTH CARE FOR THE VETERANS

The experience of veterans makes a sad reading and we owe it to them to put our heads, hearts and hands together and set the system run smoothly. Some of the possible steps may be considered..

Since clearing of hospital bills seems to be the demon we must streamline it and lay down a time limit for clearance of bills after which the bills must be deemed ‘passed’.

Pending this we have to contact both empanelled and other super speciality hospitals and seek their assistance to provide facility to veterans at subsidised rates or alternately.

The veteran pays as per the ECHS rates and himself claims the bill money paid by him. Rather tough for us to bear but can be of use when no other avenue is open.

We must allowed to consult/get diagnosis from any super specialist of our choosing by paying ourselves and get the recommended treatment /medicines through ECHS.

Diabetics seem to be the worst hit. They require regular sugar level checks..Fasting,PP,3 AM,..before dinner ,after dinner. and random as advised by the specialist. They must be given a Glucometer once in 3 years and a pack of 25 strips every 3 months to relieve their ordeal. This is the way they test in the best specialist hospitals also. For Gurgaon the diabetes specialist on panel visits Rockland for 2 hours thrice a week but a full fledged Diabetic Centre Sitaram Bhartiya Research institute is not on panel even though the offer comprehensive packages to diabetitce esp veterans.

The point requiring immediate attention is the travelling of veterans from bus stops to ECHS and back .The sick and aged have to trudge along for good 5 km or so one way and get back again in rain,sun or cold by most uncomfortable means or on foot mostly having to carry the month’s CSD stuff also..

We have to immediately provide ,to begin with amenity transport from the unit running the show and the two CSD stores from canteen profits and along with contact corporate, TATAS, MAHENDRAS etc to lend a helping hand. Let us really take care of the men we commanded.

Now Let US FACE THE BALL... GoI, MOD, RRM or PM cannot be expected to come to our resecue because we are APOLITICAL...the neuteral...
The ECHS has all the senior officers, talented and well known and eminent as members we must request them to contact the various hospitals, corporates and NGOs and seek maximum help and cooperation. This can be our only hope to find solace and do our duty towards the vaterans'.
JAI HIND
Major Mehandru (Retd)

Door Darshan Programme on Veterans

Dear Veterans,
The programme on the DD Channel telecast at 10.30 pm, well past the prime time, ensured that only a few dedicated Veterans watched the show. How ever, the discussion was engrossing. Maj Gen Satbir Singh, was fully primed & was well prepared. So was Maj Gen Ashok Mehta, who appeared to have been well tutored by the MOD. He politely put across some views from the Govt side, ie, Returning of Medals, signing of memorandum in blood etc, which may be construed by the public as unbecoming of military behaviour.

Brig Gulia, President IESL, did not voice either his consent or dissent to such acts. Let us not conclude that the IESM, therefore, has the tacit approval for such forms of demonstrations from the IESL. Far from it.

The reason is, as brought out by Gen Satbir Singh himself, that IESL is the Govt recognised body & their Patrons are the President of India & the RM. Hence it has its own limitation in fighting for a cause & IESM does not have such inhibitions. Both the heads of these ESM Organisations, were in full agreement with each other that the ESM Committee must be tailored on the pattern of Minority Commission, fully manned by the Veterans themselves ( though Brig Gulia said maximum members from ESM), ESMW Directorate must be revamped with Serving Soldiers & the Veterans, the entire chain of Veterans Welfare must be revised, so that right up to the Districts level, we have some dedicated Serving Officers to look after the Veterans affairs.

On a question from Ashok Mehta, Gen Satbir explained that there are more than 300 recognised ESM Associations in the country, since the ESM feel that they require a forum, to take up the issues affecting them locally.

Air Marshal Kuldip Rai, was in complete control of his subject of ECHS. He admitted that the ECHS is still growing & there is a lot of distance to cover, to provide consumer satisfaction. Therefore, we can depend on him to implement some valid suggestions made by Brig Muthu Lashmi & Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan, in this regard (kindly refer to their mails).

This was the first time that the two stalwarts from IESL & IESM faced each other in a discussion, not to fight each other, but to lay a path of coexistence. Brig Gulia was there, as a matter of right. He has the numbers & the recognition by the Govt. Whereas, Maj Gen Satbir Singh was there, due to the psychological impact the IESM had made with much smaller membership base. In a span of couple of years, IESM has become the "Voice of the Veterans". The result is obvious. The Govt cannot ignore its presence. Do the numbers really matter?

Our complements to Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Brig Gulia & AM Rai. Of course to Maj Gen Ashok Mehta. He performed his role of anchor to perfection, because the participants in the discussion were well disciplined Veterans. Never exceeded the time & never seriously contradicted the differing views of the establishment. But, I could watch the anguish on the face of Satbir Singh, when he was cut short by the Anchor, immediately when the subject of Rank Pay came up. This is a solid case where the Supreme Court had ctegorically up held the contention of the ESM, but the Govt prefered an appeal. After all, the Anchor has his role to play, to save the Govt from some humiliation. Especially on a Govt TV Cahnnel. The discussion was terminated due to time up.

There are certain points made by Maj Gen Satbir Singh, which require some serious deliberations. He has stated that at present, the ESM Welfare in the States is funded by the respective States & the Centre on 50/ 50 basis. His suggestion was to have it entirely funded by the Centre, with States having no responsibility in funding. Is it feasible, practical or advisable, since all our Veterans belong to one State or the other & are in receipt of some concessions from their own States?

Other point is that the Supreme Court had upheld the concept of OROP, in a few of its verdicts. I feel that this view requires to be backed up by legal experts. Our own interpretation of various rulings may not suffice.
Veteran Raman
(Col TN Raman, Convener IESM Tamil Nadu)

Dear Veterans
I too watched the said programme on DD News. The input from Veteran Ranjit Rai is very apt.

Gen Satbir Singh put forth the point of view of veterans and about the injustices meted out to them, aptly and appropriately within the time constraints. Given a little more time and opportunity Gen Satbir would have laid bare many more discrimination on soldiers and veterans and put to shame all those pseudo patriots and their side- kicks who sing hypocritical paeans to defence forces on national occasions (one such approaching very soon).

It was very heartening to see Brig Gulia (IESL) and Gen Satbir (IESM) complementing each other on the issue of veterans.

However, my only regret is that the programme was telecast too late in the night when most of the people have already retired for the day and that it was on DD News, the least watched programme among the bouquet of news channels. All the same, as a sarkari channel, it was good.

Regarding the 'jar' at Gen Satbir calling Gen Mehta 'Sir' on the programme, I wish to state that it is in the ethos of Defence Forces (at least in the Army) to continue to address the person as 'Sir' who had been once his senior. Many youngsters who once called me 'Sir' and scaled greater heights in life, continue to address me 'Sir' even today. At one occasion when I addressed 'Sir' to an officer who had been a youngster in my regiment, he got down from the podium, embraced me and without any hesitation said: "Sir, I am still the same old bacha for you. Please don't call me Sir. I have still many things to learn from you." Touching elocution and down to earth sentiment. That is the culture which binds us and makes us unique in the otherwise jungli milieu in which we step in after retirement. As veterans we may be equal but in our approach we do not shed our respect for each other.

This American culture of equality is alien to both British and Indian culture.
Veteran Ram Gulrajani

CWG: Scams sans sports

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Sir,
Mr Milkha Singh, the legendary sportsman, has said that because of scams bedevilling the Commonwealth Games it would have been better had the Army handled the mega event (The Times of India, August 8). Whereas the respect and the trust reposed by Mr Singh in the Armed Forces is to be appreciated the fact remains that their prime function is to look after the security of the country and, in exceptional cases, perform any other task for which their help is specially solicited or asked for.

However, there is great scope for gainful utilisation of a large number of Military Veterans who are adept in the areas of their specialisation at various levels of the hierarchy besides being committed and disciplined. Invested with due authority and status they rise to the occasion and acquit themselves as creditably as any others.
Warm regards.
Sincerely,
Wing Commander SC Kapoor (retd)
Member Indian Ex Servicemen Movement Veterans Groups

With reference to the excellent letter to the editor, "The Times of India", written by Wing Commander SC Kapoor (retd), I would like to say:
He has rightly lodged his strong protest with the editor over the publicity given to the victims of atomic "bombs that shook the world," while ignoring any homage whatsoever to the sacrifices of our own Jawans who are killed in action.

I recall my own disgust a long time ago when our political leaders used to "wail and cry" over the partition of Palestine, hailing Yasser Arafat as a great leader and patriot but never ever mentioned the Partition of our own India that suffered huge loss of territory and created TEN TIMES more refugees than the number of Palestinian refugees.

Mr. Yasser Arafat was received and honoured in India as State guest. He used to go back laden with honours and cash awards. Indian news media covered every detail of his trips at full length. I realized then that it was India's official policy to ignore her own Partition but to make big fuss over similar tragedies thousands of miles away from our borders.

It is very bad, indeed, to see that decades on, the same policy of ignoring our own soldiers and their sacrifices by the Indian media continues.
Regards
Rajinder Singh Rajput

Shortage of officers impacts Military

The armed forces are short of 14,244 officers, as stated by Defence Minister A.K. Antony in Parliament. As the security environment throws up huge challenges, manpower issues continue to plague the armed forces, especially the officer cadre and some technical trades. The need to attract talent to maintain the forces’ cutting edge cannot be over-emphasised.
Inadequate numbers blunt the cutting edge
Brig Santokh Singh (Retd)

Shortage of officers in the armed forces, particularly the army, which besides fighting six wars (including Sri Lanka) after the Partition, has been constantly involved in internal security duties is a matter of serious concern.

Compared to other government establishments and the private sector, service conditions of the armed forces, which continue to receive step motherly treatment, are a lot more strict and difficult. Even the Supreme Court has opined that the government treats them as beggars. No wonder, therefore, that the well informed youth of today are not attracted to donning the military uniform, the prestige and love for it having considerably waned. A number of academies that came up in the 50s and 60s to train aspirants for getting a commission in the forces, have closed shop for this reason.

Against authorisation of 23 officers, infantry units, for example, are having a posted strength of only 10 officers. Considering officers on courses, leave or temporary duty, those actually present in a unit at any one time are just five of six. This adversely affects administrative and training commitments. The situation gets accentuated for units deployed in operational areas like J&K.

The armed forces are short of 14,244 officers, as stated by Defence Minister A.K. Antony in Parliament. As the security environment throws up huge challenges, manpower issues continue to plague the armed forces, especially the officer cadre and some technical trades. The need to attract talent to maintain the forces’ cutting edge cannot be over-emphasised.
Inadequate numbers blunt the cutting edge
Brig Santokh Singh (Retd)

Shortage of officers in the armed forces, particularly the army, which besides fighting six wars (including Sri Lanka) after the Partition, has been constantly involved in internal security duties is a matter of serious concern.

Compared to other government establishments and the private sector, service conditions of the armed forces, which continue to receive step motherly treatment, are a lot more strict and difficult. Even the Supreme Court has opined that the government treats them as beggars. No wonder, therefore, that the well informed youth of today are not attracted to donning the military uniform, the prestige and love for it having considerably waned. A number of academies that came up in the 50s and 60s to train aspirants for getting a commission in the forces, have closed shop for this reason.

Against authorisation of 23 officers, infantry units, for example, are having a posted strength of only 10 officers. Considering officers on courses, leave or temporary duty, those actually present in a unit at any one time are just five of six. This adversely affects administrative and training commitments. The situation gets accentuated for units deployed in operational areas like J&K.
Inadequate numbers blunt the cutting edge: The Tribune
Media Articles of Impact
Women in uniform: Permanent commission marks a triumph
Pak Army as dominant factor: Remote possibility of rapprochement with India
by Air Marshal R.S Bedi (retd)
Check exodus of technical manpower by Wg Cdr D.P. Sabharwal (Retd)
How Petraeus Is Conducting Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan: Reducing corruption is a winning factor

Maj Gen Pension Victory deflated by GOI

Hello every one,
Our SC case came up for hearing yesterday & Naresh & myself were present in the Court. Our Senior Counsel Nidhesh Gupta got up to argue the case
& the Govt Chart that they had given us .But the Govt lady counsel immediately got up & said it was not possible to discuss the case off hand & we must file a counter affidavit .

Justice Altamas Kabir agreed with her & the case is adjourned to 9th Sep & before that we have to give them our affidavit 10 days in Advance.
Thus another day was wasted & the never ending saga goes on & on . But I suppose one has to bear with system , I can however, assure you that it is NO joke to attend the hearing in this heat. !

All the same we have taken the responsibility so there is NO problem at all.

Please inform all your friends who are affected.
Warm regards
Satish
Maj Gen SC Suri (Retd)

IESM: March for Justice Jantar Mantar 22 Aug 2010

DEPOSITING OF MEDALS AND SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDUM SIGNED IN BLOOD BY THE ESM TO THE SUPREME COMMANDER ON 22 AUG 2010 FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM AT JANTAR MANTAR NEW DELHI
Dear Friends,
1. The gross injustice, apathy negative attitude and indifference of the Govt and the bureaucracy have crossed all levels of tolerance and acceptance. There are two options, one, to accept the status quo, live the life as it unfolds and melt away. The second option is to get up and fight for Justice. As a soldier, the have learnt to follow the second option.
2. I wish to quote a few instances of Govt apathy and injustices:-

All Party parliamentary Committee is supposed to be one of the most powerful committee. This committee headed by a congress MP Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj while tabling its report in the Parliament on 07 May 2010 had recommended the grant of OROP to the Defence Personnel. Three months have passed, the Govt has not taken the decision on this recommendation. Why the Govt has kept this committee report under the carpet is not understood? This was the chance before the Govt to undo the damage already inflicted on Defence Forces.

The Govt has not implemented any of the judgements recently passed favouring the Defence Personnel:
i. SC judgement in Rank Pay case. Instead of accepting its fault and implementing the judgement, it has appealed to the SC to recall its orders.
ii. In the case of pre 96 Maj Gens (Maj Gen Vains Vs Union of India), the Govt continues to ignore the implementation of judgement fully. Instead of giving the same pensions to similarly placed pre 96 Maj Gen as per Para 31 of the SC judgement, it has fixed arbitrarily the pension of pre 96 Maj Gen by increasing it by Rs 500 pm ie Rs 10000/-instead of Rs 11450 being given to similarly placed post 96 Maj Gens.
iii. In the case of Pre 2006 Maj Gen, the Govt has not implemented the judgement of AFT Chandigarh dated 03 Mar 2010 where in the Govt was to implement the judgement within 3 months. The execution proceedings have been filed by the Maj Gens and the hearing is on the 10 Aug 2010.
iv. In the case of Babu Ram Dhiman and Sohan Singh Vs Union of India, AFT Chandigarh judgement on OROP dated 08 Mar 2010 which was to be implemented within 4 months, has not been implemented.

The widows of JCOs and Jawans who need the maximum assistance, care and compassion have been left out from the recent enhancement in pension of JCOs and Jawans. Here, also instead of giving the enhancement with effect from 01 Jan 2006, it has been sanctioned with effect from 01 Jul 2009.

The 6th Pay Commission had granted three Assured Career Progressions (ACP). Strangely the ACP has not been applied notionally while fixing the pensions of Pre 01 Jan 2006 retirees. Even for Post 01 Jan 2006 retiree defence personnel, only two ACPs have been granted. Why the third has not been granted to a Sepoy who has been compulsorily retired from service after 17 years of service?

There is a large gap of Rs 11600 in pension of pre 2006 retiree Maj and Lt Col while the gap in their pay in the 5th Pay Commission was only Rs 1000/-. Similarly the pension gap between pre 2006 retiree Maj Gen and Lt Gen is Rs 9800/- while the difference in their pay prior to 2006 was only Rs 1200. Why this grave injustice?

The President has not granted the audience to the delegation of IESM depositing medals with the President.
3. The Govt indifferent attitude has irked the veterans severely who have decided to intensify the stir. The next event for deposit of medals and submission of Blood Signed Memorandum to the Supreme Commander will be held on 22 Aug 2010 at Jantar Mantar New Delhi from 11 AM to 2 PM. IESM delegation will leave for Rashtrapati Bhawan at 2.15 PM to deposit the medals and memorandum at 3 PM to the President. Chairman IESM Gen Raj Kadyan has written to the President:
Quote
“It is earnestly hoped that the Supreme Commander would relent and receive the delegation in person. However, should that unfortunately not happen, as already intimated vide ibid letter dated 08 June 2010, the delegation would return without depositing the medals and the memorandum”
Unquote
4. All conveners are requested to put in their best effort to motivate the ESM across the country to deposit their medals and sign/ thumb impression the memorandum in Blood voluntarily for the above event. We hope that in the country specially the Northern States where large number of ESM reside are able to reach the target of 5000 Blood Signatures and medals each district. These can either be sent to IESM HQ at 543 Sector 23 Gurgaon or brought to Jantar Mantar on 22 Aug 2010 by 11 AM. Conveners are requested to get maximum ESM at Jantar Mantar. Part payment of transport charges will be made from the IESM funds, Tea, water and lunch packets are being arranged for the ESM attending the event.
5. Logistic Instructions for the event will be issued by the General Secretary separately.
6. We are also, putting efforts to get support from all segments of society including all political parties, MPs, MLAs, CMs.
7. Please circulate these contents to maximum ESM across the country.
“To struggle for the Just Cause is the right of every person. Let us together join in the efforts to get Justice to the Defence Forces”.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

ON 08 AUG 2010- TV PROGRAMME ON ISSUES OF EX- SERVICEMEN
Dear Friends,
A Door Darshan Programme on issues of Ex Servicemen Titled. “Defence Watch” will be telecast at 10.30PM Today i.e. 08 Aug 10 at “DD News”. The programme will be repeated at 3.30 PM as Wednesday 11Aug 10.
This programme has Gen Ashok Mehta as the anchor with Air Marshal Roy (ECHS expert), Brig Gulia (President IESL) and self as participants.
You are requested to watch the programme. Pass on the info to as many ESM as possible.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

Jawans at borders get stale food: CAG Report

Wed, Aug 4 04:49 AM
The Indian Army soldiers posted at some of the most difficult locations in the world along the China and Pakistan border are getting food that is unfit for human consumption and at times is more than two years beyond the expiry date, a latest government report on supply of rations in the armed forces has revealed.

The audit report says the Army has violated its own norms and has been supplying troops with food items, including rice, sugar and wheat, which are way past their expiry date. Most of the cases, the report reveals, pertain to the Northern Command, the largest Army formation in the country that has troops along the Pakistan and China border as well as the Siachen glacier.

"It was found that atta, sugar, rice, tea, dal, edible oil and raisins were consumed six to 28 months after the expiry of their normal storage life," the report says, adding that the food items were given illegal life extensions by a Jammu-based lab that were against the standing rules of the Army.

While soldiers have been complaining about the bad quality of food served at forward locations, this is the first official report of a large-scale violation of norms across the Northern Command.

The report also suggests a large-scale rigging of prices by revealing that 36 per cent of cases of procurement of fresh rations were based only on single quotations, taking away any scope of competitiveness. Not only that, raising suspicions of corruption, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has found that rations worth almost Rs 2 crore, meant for soldiers in high altitude areas, remain untraceable in the Northern Command. A majority of these rations, the report says, were issued during 2005-06, during which former Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor was heading the Northern Command.

The report also quotes an internal Army study that reveals only one per cent of soldiers in units across the country find the quality of rations they receive as excellent. A majority of the jawans have graded their rations as satisfactory or below.

While the armed forces have been trying to improve rations, the damning report has come as a shocker. The ministry is currently working on a long term plan to improve the quality of food as well as storage locations and is likely to come up with a new set of regulations soon.
Jawans at borders get stale food: CAG Report

ECHS: Reducing travails of Veterans seeking health care

It is indeed sad that the ESM have to go through a lot of hardship while trying to get treatment at the empanelled hospitals. The reason is very simple. Instead of accrediting all the well known and established hospitals we have created a monopoly set up of a few. Since these hospitals have to MANAGE to get on the panel they act like they have been allotted a gas agency or a petrol pump and must get their pound of flesh. You have no other options but to go to them.

If all the good hospitals/ specialists were allowed to treat the ESM as per the rates fixed for empanelled hospitals, then all of them will not only woo them but would like to get them to add to their capacity utilisation they will also do their bit to show their gratitude to the veterans .The ESM will then be more than welcome as respected clients instead of being called ECHS PATIENTS awaiting documentation.

This will be more than welcomed by the big corporate owners of the hospital chains running world class hospitals across the country who want to do some service to the Nation and the veterans and utilise the super class equipment installed by them.

We have to ensure that we simplify the health care availability to all the veterans in cities big and small with due respect and comfort.
Major Mehandru