Government back on track

Anna Hazare's Crusade to Combat Corruption
The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that the agreement to combat corruption augurs well for democracy. Following is the text of the statement by the PM:
“I am happy that the Government and representatives of civil society have reached an agreement in our mutual resolve to combat corruption. This is a scourge that confronts all of us. The Government intends to introduce the Lokpal bill in Parliament during the monsoon session. The fact that civil society and Government have joined hands to evolve a consensus to move this historic legislation augurs well for our democracy. I am pleased that Anna Hazareji has agreed to give up his fast.
The interaction between the Government and representatives of Anna Hazareji was productive. I hope that the process of preparing this legislation will move forward in a constructive mode so that after consultation with a wide spectrum of stake holders the legislation is placed before the cabinet for introduction during the monsoon session.” *** AD/SK (Release ID :71559)


GOVERNMENT ISSUES NOTIFICATION TO CONSTITUTE A JOINT DRAFTING COMMITTEE TO PREPARE DRAFT LOK PAL BILL
The Government of India has issued a Notification constituting a Joint Drafting Committee to prepare a draft of the Lok Pal Bill.
The Joint Drafting Committee shall consist of Five nominee Ministers of the Government of India and Five nominees of Shri Anna Hazare (including himself).
The five nominee Ministers of the Government of India are as under:-
(i) Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Union Minister of Finance.
(ii) Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Minister of Home Affairs.
(iii) Dr Veerappa Moily, Union Minister of Law and Justice.
(iv) Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Human Resource and Development and Minister of Communication and Information Technology
(v) Shri Salman Khursheed, Union Minister of Water Resources and Minister of Minority Affairs
The five nominees of Shri Anna Hazare (including himself) are as under:-
(i) Shri Anna Hazare
(ii) Shri Justice N. Santosh Hedge
(iii) Shri Shanti Bhushan, Senior Advocate
(iv) Shri Prashan Bhushan, Advocate
(v) Shri Arvind Kejriwal.
The Chairperson of the Joint Drafting Committee shall be Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
The Co-Chairperson of the Joint Drafting Committee shall be Shri Shanti Bhushan.
The Convenor of the Join Drafting Committee shall be Dr M. Veerappa Moily. The Joint Drafting Committee shall commence its work forthwith and evolve its own procedure to prepare the proposed legislation.
The Joint Drafting Committee shall complete its work latest by 30th June, 2011.
Ministry of Law and Justice ( Legislative Department), Government of India
New Delhi, Friday, April 8, 2011/Chaitra 18, 1933 (Release ID :71560)
GOVERNMENT ISSUES NOTIFICATION TO CONSTITUTE A JOINT DRAFTING COMMITTEE TO PREPARE DRAFT LOK PAL BILL
Comment: The whole nation needs be on vigil and ensure each one contributes to fight this evil right from their home to office or school- Give nor take bribes- should be the norm.

Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel

Dear Sir,
The Govt of India has put the subject of OROP in public domain inviting suggestion/ comments from the public as well as the stakeholders to the 'Committee on Petitions'. The ad has appeared in the HT of 09 Apr 11.Scanned copy att.
It is requested that the same be put on RMS on priority basis with a request to all to respond within the stipulated time of 15 days.
Thanking you
Secy RDOA

Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel
The Committee on Petitions of the Rajya Sabha, under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member, Rajya Sabha, is considering a petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel. The petitioners have pointed out that our Armed forces are a unique and dedicated group of personnel whose sense of selfless service, sacrifice and nationalism is a matter of pride and dignity for all.
2. The petition, accordingly, pray that the long pending demand of the Ex-Servicemen of the Armed Forces for One Rank One pension may be resolved on priority basis and the commitments made by the Government from time to time on this issue be honoured without any stipulations and conditions.
3. The petition is available on the Rajya Sabha's website (www.rajyasabha.nic.in) under the link: Committees → Standing Committees → Committee on Petitions → Petitions with the Committee.
4. The Committee has decided to undertake consultations with the cross-section of the society and invite written memoranda thereon. Those desirous of submitting memoranda to the Committee may send two copies (each in English and Hindi) thereof to Shri Rakesh Naithani, Joint Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi – 110 001 (Tel: 011-23035433(O), 23794328 (Telefax) and E-mail: rsc2pet@sansad.nic.in) within fifteen days of the date of publication of the press release..
5. Comments/suggestions, etc. submitted to the Committee would form part of its record and would be treated as confidential. Any violation in this regard may attract breach of privilege of the Committee.
6. Those who are willing to appear before the Committee besides submitting written comments/suggestions may indicate so. However, the Committee’s decision in this regard shall be final.
Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel

Anna Hazare's viral spirals the Government to activity

Citizens Voice Versus Corrupt Netas- Defining Moment in India's History
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL INDIANS ON THEIR VICTORY AGAINST CORRUPTION
Dear Veterans,
Fourth day (8 April) of Veteran Anna Hazare's fast has galvanised the whole country and all Indians around the globe. All proud indians who dream of corruption free India are also observing fast to confirm their solidarity with Anna Sahib. The number of Indians observing fast and participating in the movement has crossed millions. IESM is supporting the protest in more than 50 cities in India. Protests are now spreading from cities to villages and will very soon cover entire India. This looks like a repeat of movement like QUIT INDIA OR DANDI MARCH. I got calls from veterans in Australia and USA who are appreciative of the IESM stand on the issue and encouraged us to continue supporting Anna Hazare and the noble cause and confirmed that they are also observing fast for this noble cause. One veteran who has settled in Australia has been visiting the IESM tent with his family for the last two days in support of veteran Anna Hazare and IESM. There were more than 10000 proud Indians from all parts of India at Jantar Mantar through out the day.

Veteran Anna Hazare is true soldier and is in good health. Rigorous army training is keeping him fit even today. While four other demonstrators had to be given medical aid and probably hospitalisation. Anna Sahib's health is good and he is in high spirits. He has rejected the half-hearted approach of the emissaries of the PM and has requested the emissary to take his message to the PM, "People of India are fed up with corruption in high places and will not accept any half-hearted approach to tackle this dragon, the dragon of corruption has to be killed and buried once for all. India needs stronger and effective laws to curb this menace. India also wants rules for strict implementation of these laws and HENCE JAN LOK PAL BILL."

Some veterans have been suggesting that media is not interviewing IESM office bearers and IESM is not visible in the footage shown on TV. IESM has aligned with this campaign to show solidarity with the Anna sahib and his team and the cause. IESM members are intentionally keeping a low profile and not appearing for spot interviews as a planned strategy. IESM has confirmed to the organisers that all ex- servicemen family of 23 lac members is supporting this cause and will keep extending support to the peaceful and non-violent movement. IESM banner is placed in a stragic location and is prominently visible in TV projections.

IESM tent is manned by volunteers and members of Governing body round the clock. A register is kept there for all the veterans to sign and confirm their support to the cause. Veterans visiting the tent have been joining the IESM more than 60 veterans have joined IESM today and have given donations also while visiting IESM tent.

BREAKING NEWS AT 2200H
By now you must have heard the breaking news that Govt has bowed down to the wishes of veteran Anna Hazare and has agreed to all the demands. IESM salutes and congratulates Veteran Anna Hazare and all citizens of India for the victory of people against corruption. It only goes to prove that any Govt will bow down to the wishes of people and the vote bank if the people are united. IESM is giving a call for all ex-servicement to unite and fight for OROP and Govt will be forced to give OROP.
Veteran Anna Hazare will break his fast after the Govt issues the letter accepting all the demands of the movement. It may happen by tomorrow morning.
IESM PRAYS TO GOD TO GIVE STRENGTH TO VETERAN ANNA HAZARE
Regards,
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM

Veerappa Moily Conveniently loses Jan Lokpal Bill Draft

Can careless Veerappa, the Law Minister be trusted?
Moodbidri Veerappa Moily (born January 12, 1940) is the current Minister of Law and Justice in the Indian government. Moily was elected as MP of the Chickballapur district by a wide margin in 2009. He is one of the senior members of the Congress Party and is a close adviser for the Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi. Moily is a former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Karnataka (19 Nov 1992- 11 Dec 1994). He was elected to Karnataka state legislative assembly from Karkala constituency of Udupi district. He was first ethnic Tuluva Chief Minister of Karnataka state.

LETTER FROM MAHATMA ANNA HAZARE TO DR MANMOHAN SINGH, HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
Dear Dr. Singh,
I have started my indefinite fast at Jantar mantar. I had invited you also to fast and pray for a corruption free India on 5th April. Though I did not receive any reply from you, I am hopeful that you must have done that.
I am pained to read and hear about government's reaction to my fast. I consider it my duty to clarify the points raised on behalf of Congress party and the government by their spokespersons, as they appear in media:
1. It is being alleged that I am being instigated by some people to sit on this fast. Dear Manmohan Singh ji, this is an insult to my sense of wisdom and intelligence. I am not a kid that I could be "instigated" into going on an indefinite fast. I am a fiercely independent person. I take advice from many friends and critics, but do what my conscience directs me to do. It is my experience that when cornered, governments resort to such malicious slandering. I am pained that the government, rather than addressing the issue of corruption, is trying to allege conspiracies, when there are none.
2. It is being said that I have shown impatience. Dear Prime Minister, so far, every government has shown complete insensitivity and lack of political commitment to tackling corruption. 62 years after independence, we still do not have independent and effective anti‐corruption systems. Very weak versions of Lokpal Bill were presented in Parliament eight times in last 42 years. Even these weak versions were not passed by Parliament. This means, left to themselves, the politicians and bureaucrats will never pass any law which subjects them to any kind of objective scrutiny. At a time, when the country has witnessed scams of unprecedented scale, the impatience of the entire country is justified. And we call upon you, not to look for precedents, but show courage to take unprecedented steps.
3. It is being said that I have shown impatience when the government has "initiated" the process. I would urge you to tell me - exactly what processes are underway?
(a) You say that your Group of Ministers are drafting the anti‐corruption law. Many of the members of this Group of Ministers have such a shady past that if effective anticorruption systems had been in place, some of them would have been behind bars. Do you want us to have faith in a process in which some of the most corrupt people of this country should draft the anti‐corruption law?
(b) NAC sub‐committee has discussed Jan Lokpal Bill. But what does that actually mean? Will the government accept the recommendations of NAC sub‐committee? So far, UPA II has shown complete contempt for even the most innocuous issues raised by NAC.
(c) I and many other friends from India Against Corruptionmovement wrote several letters to you after 1st December. I also sent you a copy of Jan Lokpal Bill on 1st December. We did not get any response. It is only when I wrote to you that I will sit on an indefinite fast, we were promptly invited for discussions on 7th March. I wonder whether the government responds only to threats of indefinite fast. Before that, representatives of India Against Corruption had been meeting various Ministers seeking their support for the Jan Lokpal Bill. They met Mr Moily also and personally handed over copy of Jan Lokpal to him. A few hours before our meeting with you, we received a phone call from Mr Moily's office that the copy of Jan Lokpal Bill had been misplaced by his office and they wanted another copy. This is the seriousness with which the government has dealt with Jan Lokpal Bill.
(d) Dear Dr Manmohan Singh ji, if you were in my place, would you have any faith in the aforesaid processes? Kindly let me know if there are any other processes underway. If you still feel that I am impatient, I am happy that I am because the whole nation is feeling impatient at the lack of credible efforts from your government against corruption.
4. What are we asking for? We are not saying that you should accept the Bill drafted by us. But kindly create a credible platform for discussions - a joint committee with at least half members from civil society suggested by us. Your spokespersons are misleading the nation when they say that there is no precedent for setting up a joint committee. At least seven laws in Maharashtra were drafted by similar joint committees and presented in Maharashtra Assembly. Maharashtra RTI Act, one of the best laws of those times, was drafted by a joint committee. Even at the centre, when 25,000 tribals came to Delhi two years ago, your government set up a joint committee on land issues within 48 hours. You yourself are the Chairperson of that committee.
5. This means that the government is willing to set up joint committees on all other issues, but not on corruption. Why?
6. It is being said that the government wants to talk to us and we are not talking to them. This is utterly false. Tell me a single meeting when you called us and we did not come. We strongly believe in dialogue and engagement. Kindly do not mislead the country by saying that we are shunning dialogue.
7. We request you to take some credible steps at stemming corruption. Kindly stop finding faults and suspecting conspiracies in our movement. There are none. Even if there were, it does not absolve you of your responsibilities to stop corruption.
With warm regards,
K B Hazare

Can Veerappa Moily get the ARC address bureaucratic corruption?
Article 311, shields Corrupt government. All right thinking people, who dream of a corruption-free India, should come forward to revisit/ amend the constitutional provisions, including Article 311 which favours the corrupt. Government officials, especially the top brass including IAS and IPS officers, have been the curse of this country as they are neck deep in corruption and escape the law that is framed to favour them. It is decades since we heard of an IAS or IPS officer punished for his or her corrupt practices. And it is a naked truth that corruption has become a norm rather than an aberration in this country. Citizens need to rise up in unison to rid this curse of corruption and scourge.

Victory- A beginning for Democracy

Anna Hazare's Jan Lokpal Bill
Democracy is a form of government in which all citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal (and more or less direct) participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law. It can also encompass social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination. The term comes from the Greek: δημοκρατία – (dēmokratía) "rule of the people", which was coined from δῆμος (dêmos) "people" and κράτος (Kratos) "power", in the middle of the 5th- 4th century BC to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens following a popular uprising in 508 BC. Sadly our Indian Political System stems from bygone Royalty and Dynastic Rulers. The present system is an apology and insult to Democracy- The consititution is not worth the piece paper on which it is written- the founders have not visualised that Criminals can artfully run a fake Democracy and blind the citizens and attempt to make them criminals! We salute Anna Hazare who is reviving Democracy and awakening the National Conscience. This is the defining moment in India's history where 1.2 billion people and the poor are crying out for Freedom from Corruption. Power emanates from Citizens!

8 Apr, 2011, 10.58PM IST,IANS
Government's nod to joint panel not end of struggle: Kejriwal
NEW DELHI: The central government's acceptance of a joint committee to frame a strong anti-graft legislation is not the end of the struggle as the bill has to be passed by parliament where many "corrupt leaders" are present, social activist Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday.
Addressing the gathering at Jantar Mantar where social reformer Anna Hazare has for the past four days staged his indefinite fast, Kejriwal termed the government's acceptance of their demands as a "victory of the people of India".
He, however, said the protesters will only disperse after the text of the government notification reaches them and in case, the government tries any trickery, the protesters will re-assemble at Jantar Mantar.
"The people will be consulted at every step and all the decisions made by the joint committee will be shared," he said.
Kejriwal also said the people's struggle would only end after the Lokpal Bill is passed by parliament, where there are "many corrupt people" who would try to oppose the legislation.
He called on people from all across India to gather at Jantar Mantar if these elements sought to thwart the bill's passage.
Nod to jooint Panel not end of the struggle

"I will fight till death," he said addressing hundreds of supporters gathered near Jantar Mantar after word spread that talks between government and anti-corruption activists were deadlocked.
Govt tries, but Anna remains fast to his cause
Anna's campaign is people's pledge against corruption: Nitish
Lending his full support to Gandhian Anna Hazare's campaign against corruption, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has said that the agitation was manifestation of the people's pledge against corruption.
Nitish: click here to read more

Will Kapil Sibal let down Anna and the Citizens at large?

... his background does not say so!
Jan Lokpal Bill is the only way to regress and deflate ballooning corruption
Kapil Sibal was born in Jalandhar, Punjab to Hira Lal Sibal and Kailash Rani Sibal. His father was a renowned advocate, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2006. He studied at St. John's High School, Chandigarh till the 10th. He moved to Delhi in 1964 and obtained his M.A. in History from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, Delhi, LLB from Faculty of Law,University of Delhi and LL.M (Master's in Law) from Harvard Law School in 1977.

Kapil Sibal joined the Bar association in 1972. A year later in 1973, he qualified for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and was offered an appointment, but declined the offer. Instead he decided to set up his own law practice.[2][3] He was designated as a Senior Lawyer in 1983. He has been the Additional Solicitor General of India between 1989 and 1990.[2][4]

In August, 2008 an Anthology of Kapil Sibal's poems titled "i witness" was published by Roli Books, New Delhi. He has also contributed several articles on various prominent issues such as security, nuclear proliferation, terrorism etc., in national dailies and periodicals. He won a landslide victory in the constituency of Chandni Chowk for the Indian National Congress against popular TV star Smriti Irani of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Over the years, he has held several important positions in the Government of India and the Society, such as : Additional Solicitor General of India (December 1989–1990) ; Member, Board of Management, Indira Gandhi National Open University (1993) ; President, Supreme Court Bar Association (1995–96, 1997–98 and 2001–2002) ; Member, Rajya Sabha (July 1998) ; Member, Executive Council, Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies (July, 2001) ; Member, Business Advisory Committee (August, 2001) ; Member, Committee on Home Affairs (January, 2002) ; Co-chairman, Indo-US Parliamentary Forum (2002) ; Member, Board of International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (2002) ; Member, Programme Board of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Indian AIDS initiative (2003) ; Member, Working Group on Arbitrary Detention set up by the Human Rights Commission, Geneva.

Kapil Sibal has visited several countries such as the USA, Canada, Switzerland, China, Bhutan, Vietnam, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal and several South East Asian Countries, throughout Europe and North Africa.

He represented India in the Annual Meetings of the World Economic Forum in 2005 and 2009 held at Davos, Switzerland. He led the Indian delegation to the Annapolis Conference, USA, held to gather International support for establishment of a Palestinian State and the realization of Israeli–Palestinian Peace during November 2007. He led the Indian delegation to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Bali in December 2007.

In the 2004 general elections, Sibal won the elections by a large margin from Chandni Chowk constituency in the National Capital Territory representing the Congress Party by a and was inducted into the Cabinet under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as Union Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences. In the 2009 elections, he again won by a large margin from Chandni Chowk constituency and in the second Manmohan Singh government took charge of the key Human Resource Development ministry.

Minister Sibal has recently approved the creation of an Indian Institute of Technology Muddenahalli as part of the 11th 5 year plan.[5] He is also the person who introduced the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system in India for class IX and Class X.
Kapil Sibal
Comment: Constitution, Corruption, Context, Cancer, Cure all getting muddled by GOM
Breaking News
Anna calls for 'jail bharo' agitation from April 12, 2011

Veterans yearning for Justice must first fight Corruption

Join Anna Hazare's Movement Today- Be part of History
Dear Colleagues,
Everyone can see a Tsunami of public support building up. The government will surely relent and cave in, but only after a lot of feet dragging. The IESM support is gathering pace too. On April 7, (till 6:00 pm) 235 ESM had visited the protest site. This is higher than the previous two days. We need to keep the flow going.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Dear Veterans
07 April, 2011 is the third day of fast of Veteran Anna Hazare. He is in good health and is steadfast in his resolve to continue till Govt agrees to the demands for an effective LokPal bill. Three social activist who were supporting veteran Anna Hazare and were also observing fast felt uncomfortable and their health deteriorated in Delhi heat. These social activist had to be hospitalised. The mood at the venue is upbeat and veteran Anna sahib is fighting fit for the long battle with the Government. It is understood that Government mediators are in contact with the team and are trying to find a solution. Hopefully a workable solution would be found soon. Veteran Anna Hazare has already refused to head the committee to be set up for drafting the bill. He has proved that he is a social activist in true sense and is not after any post or office. More than two hundred veterans have visited the IESM tent every day and signed their support for the cause.
IESM WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT TO THE ANTI CORRUPTION CRUSADE OF VETERAN ANNA HAZARE Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
DO NO LOOK FOR EXCUSES TO BE ABSENT FROM JANTAR MANTAR. BE A PROUD SOLDIER AND BE AT IESM TENT TO SUPPORT ANNA HAZARE. DO SO WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj

DEFENCE VETERANS STRONGLY SUPPORT INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION AND ANNA HAZARE
Dear Veterans,
1. We have given our Blood to protect the Integrity and sovereignty of the Nation.
2. I don’t know if the country knows that 2 – 3 mortal remains of the martyr soldiers arrive at various Air Fields of the country everyday and 5000 soldiers are maimed and invalided out every year due to the serious injuries and other severe medical sufferings caused due to extreme and severe service conditions and operations.
3. The wealth of the Nation is being plundered away through the extreme terminal cancer of corruption in our country.
4. We therefore, decided to support and join India Against Corruption Campaign and the Veteran Anna Hazare’s Fast Unto Death.
5. All veterans are requested to visit Jantar Mantar wearing Regimental caps any time of the day and mark your presence by signing in a Register placed at Indian Ex – Servicemen Movement (IESM) enclosure just west of Annas Manch. No one should stay back. Come one Come all and support Anti Corruption Campaign.
JAN LOKPAL BILL must be passed by the parliament at the earliest to set the ball rolling to end corruption in our country. Don’t miss the date. “All those who wish to take part in one days relay fast to please give the name and the date to the staff at IESM enclosure at Jantar Mantar or through email/ SMS/ Phone to Gen Secy Gp Capt V K Gandhi (Email: vk_gandhi@yahoo.com, Tele no 01204313951; Mobile 09810541222) “Ham Ne to Wadie Gurbat Me Kadam Rakha Tha, To door Tak Madrie Vatan Ayee Thi Samjhane Ko” (S. Bhagat Singh)
6. “JAN LOKPAL BILL LAANAA HAI, BHARASHTACHAR MITAANA HAI” With Regards, Jai Hind Yours Sincerely, Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM Vice Chairman, IESM Mob : 9312404269,0124 – 4110570 Email : satbirsmgmail.com, satbirsmyahoo.com

Dear Chander,
A small write up is attached. May I request this on the RMS and all other affiliated groups. Chhikara Brig RS Chhikara, Secy Gen, Netaji Subhash Foundation Trust and a devoted member of IESM IS IT OUR DEMOCRACY THAT IS TO BLAME FOR THE SORRY STATE OF INDIA?
I have been witnessing the revolution at Jantar Mantar since yesterday and have listened to responses on TV debates. The Executive and the legislature are worried about losing what they consider their rights and their exclusive space. One basic premise of their responses runs as follows:
We are a democracy with a constitution and nothing can be done or even attempted out side the constitutional frame work. Legislative, Judiciary and Executive alone can make laws, change the constitution, adjudicate constitutional disputes until it is amended and execute laws through procedures and rules laid down by the executive. Civil Society and the citizen at large have no locus standi in decision making once they have sent their pseudo representatives to the legislature.
The following beg serious consideration.

Whose constitution is it? Is it of WE THE PEOPLE or is it of we the legislature?

Who is the sovereign? The Citizen or the MP/ MLA or the PM/ Cabinet?

Does the legislature indeed represent the majority as should be the case in a democracy? Most Win with 15 to 20% of total votes cast.

Do the voting citizen have any say in selecting candidates? Does he have a real choice of selecting? Parties allot tickets through an opaque mechanism.

Is the elected legislator free to work in the best interest of those who he pretends to represent? Or is he subservient to Party whip or his own political interest?

What recourse does the voting community have to correct an errant legislator who manages to get elected on promises he is neither sincere about nor capable of working for?

Does he have the right to recall?

Does our democracy enable citizens to get laws they wish passed? Is referendum not their right especially when his interests are obviously at variance from those of the elected legislators?

Are we not stake holders in our own governance in a democracy ‘of the people for the people and by the people’? People as in the public and as in the Civil Society.

Our legislature has a vested interest in Corruption and power of patronage. Are they our patrons or are they our servants? The question reverts to who is sovereign he or we?
Anna’s agitation as it is being termed is only the starting point for getting answers to these very basic questions in the public mind. It can not stop here because the root causes of the maladies of mis- governance and corruption lie, not in the lok Pal Bill not being in position. It lies with our Electoral System, with our Party System indeed with our democracy. The politician has to find his rightful place as a servant of society who must work for the common good of the majority and for the maximum good of the nation. His own survival (Not his best political interest) must be co terminus with the best interest of the people of India. To that end this movement must aim at rectification of our democratic system. The constitution is sacrosanct only so far as it serves the interest of the people who have adopted it for themselves. A stage of despair and frustration has reached the stage where People don’t give a damn for being called a Democracy. They would rather exchange it with good governance with or without the falce glory of being called the largest democracy in the world.
Long Live Veteran Anna Hazare
Long Live Veteran Solidarity with Anna.
Veterans need to support the Second War of Independence from Corrupt Rule.
Comment: If one answers all the above questions sincerely then one deduces that our Democracy is a Fake and a Farce. Even Banana Republics fair better!

Volunteers for the War Wounded

From: VIJAY OBEROI
Sent: 07 April 2011 08:16
Subject: WAR WOUNDED FOUNDATION- COORDINATING OFFICERS.
Dear Chander,
I am enclosing an appeal for the veterans, which is self explanatory. May I request you to place it on the blog REPORT MY SIGNAL, which has a wide reach. Thanks.
Warm regards.
Vijay Oberoi

Dear Veterans,
The War Wounded Foundation, in its endeavour to improve the financial prospects of the war disabled personnel of the three services is now venturing into the field of providing skills to such personnel to enable them to get either jobs or become service providers and thus augment their meager pension.
With the above in view, we would like to appoint “Coordinating Officers” in selected places initially, who can be our district level representatives and assist us with motivating war disabled personnel and organising courses/ capsules for them at selected places in their districts. The disciplines have been identified and details will be sent to the coordinating officers.
We are looking at it as a labour of love for helping/ assisting our disabled comrades to improve their skills. The Foundation does not believe in giving doles/ freebies to the war disabled, but provides opportunities in enhancing skills or learning new ones, so that the war disabled are able to stand on their feet and become financially independent and constructive members of the society. The cost of providing skills to the war disabled will be borne by us.
This would be volunteer work by the Coordinators, to help us reach out to the war disabled personnel in their districts/ designated areas & carry out coordination on behalf of the Foundation for outsourcing instructions to the disabled personnel locally. In the first instance, we are looking for volunteers in the following districts:

Pune, Satara & Kolhapur in Maharashtra;

Rohtak and Hisar in Haryana;

Kharrar, Ropar and Moga in Punjab; and

Jhunjhunu & Sikar in Rajasthan.
This is for the purpose of starting pilot projects at these locations. However, we would also like volunteers from locations across the country so that while the pilot projects are progressing, we are able to gather data and build up a data bank of the number of war disabled available in each district; the numbers willing to acquire skills; and availability of existing establishments for imparting designated skills. Such a data bank, for all districts of the country will be invaluable for further progressing and channelising assistance to the needy war disabled personnel, subsequently in phases.
The Foundation will cover all incidental expenses on postage, stationary & telephone charges, as well as on minimum indispensable travel by the Coordinating Officers. However, this is not a job and hence the Foundation will not be able to give pay to the volunteer officers. We are also working out plans to give our Coordinating Officers a small honorarium, even though we have limited funds with us.
There are no rank or age stipulations for becoming Coordinating Officers. What we are looking for are dedicated, diligent and honest people, who are willing to give a little of their time for assisting the war disabled, and in the process meet these personnel and other veterans when they carry out their visits for motivation and coordinating training details.
I would request various veteran organizations at the national as well as local levels to give vide publicity to this request. They may also be requested to facilitate identification of suitable coordinating officers and motivate officers to come forward and be part of this noble work we have planned.
The officers and others who are keen to become Coordinating Officers are requested to contact the office of the War Wounded Foundation at War Wounded Foundation Administrative Office, Flat No 313, Ground Floor (LIG), Pocket -1, Sector-23, Dwarka, New Delhi-110077. Tele: 011-45604116. E-mail: warwoundedrediffmail.com. The office is manned by Lt Col Gulshan Kumar, Executive Officer and Mrs. Neetu Datt. Office Executive, from 1000 to 1400 h, five days a week (Monday to Friday).
You may also contact any of the following office bearers of the War Wounded Foundation by e-mail or surface mail, giving us your particulars, to include rank, name, address, district & state and contact details, as well as details of their ages, regiment/ corps, dates of becoming non-effective and any other details that would facilitate us in appointing them as our Coordinating Officers.
DETAILS OF OFFICE BEARERS OF THE WAR WOUNDED ASSOCIATION

President: Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, # 673, Sector-6, Panchkula, Haryana. E-mail: oberoivijayhotmail.com.

Vice President: Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, 97, Munirka Vihar, New Delhi – 110067. E-mail: ian_cardozoyahoo.com.

Executive Director: Brig Veer Pratap, Flat No – G-8, Bandhu Vihar Society, Sector-10, Dwarka, New Delhi- 110045. E-mail: veerpratap1945yahoo.com.
Foundation Website: War Wounded
Best wishes and regards.
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi

Anna's crusade is citizens chance to crush corruption

Politicians do not want a Lokpal Bill because that will stop the 'loot'. Join Anna's Movement Today
New Delhi: Stepping up his anti-corruption campaign, Anna Hazare tonight brushed aside Sonia Gandhi's appeal to him to withdraw his hunger strike as Government initiated talks on formation of a joint committee to draft an effective Lokpal Bill but there was no consensus on two crucial aspects.
Government today agreed to the formation of a committee with equal representation for civil society members and government representatives. But it is said to be having reservations over how to formally notify constituting it and give its chairmanship to a private individual, which could be setting a precedent.
"I thank Sonia Gandhi for her statement (appealing to him to end the fast). Soniaji, tell the government to get the Lokpal bill enacted at the earliest," Hazare said in a terse reaction to Gandhi's appeal.
His address to the gathering at Jantar Mantar was received with wide approbation by his followers as his campaign received further momentum across the country.
Under pressure from a surging anti-corruption campaign, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with his Cabinet colleague Kapil Sibal late in the night and discussed ways to find a means to resolve the situation.
In his address to the supporters in the evening, Hazare said politicians do not want a Lokpal Bill because that will stop the 'loot'.
Hazare steps up campaign, brushes aside Sonia's appeal

Write to PM- Urgency of Jan Lokpal Bill

Mr Chief Public Servant,
Manmohan Singh
We have suffered enough due to corruption. We are deeply hurt and disappointed with any lack of a real and meaningful solution from you and your government.
We want change, and we want accountability and we cannot wait any longer to have this! We will not vote for you if an effective anti-corruption bill is not enacted. Not the farce Lokpal Bill proposed by your government, but the peoples “Jan Lokpal Bill”. We want strict and effective punishment for the corrupt. They MUST go to jail! Or you Mr. PM, along with your party, will fall from the people’s grace. We assure you, stand by us, and we will stand by you. The opposite will also hold true.
Your government has appointed a GoM to draft the Lokpal Bill. This GoM includes -
Sharad Pawar, Veerapa Moily and Kapil Sibal. Mr. Pawar and Mr. Moily have a past of corruption and misdeeds that the entire country is aware of. Mr. Sibal does not feel there was corruption in the 2G scam. Having these people draft the anti- corruption law– is it not an insult to the people of India? How can the corrupt be asked to draft an anti- corruption bill? We urge you to consider the choice put forth by the people– credible names such as Justice Santosh Hegde, Prashant Bhushan, Shanti Bushan and others, to be part of the committee to draft the Lokpal Bill.
Shri Anna Hazare, one of the Greatest Social Reformers India has ever seen has announced a Fast Unto Death beginning April 5th as evidenced in Jantar Mantar. His demands are extremely beneficial for the future of India. We urge you to immediately accept the demands of the people of India represented by the demands of Shri Anna Hazare lest the discontent among the people grows out of control.
The sentiments against rampant corruption in this country are quickly becoming as strong as those that led to the uprising in Tahrir Square. The honest and hardworking people of this country refuse to be innocent bystanders in the wholesale public looting that is taking place as you read this letter. We request your immediate and strong response to this concern of the people as corruption should be the top priority of your government. If the challenge is not met effectively and promptly, it has the potential of undermining every valuable effort made by upright citizens of this country over the last century- including you. It also has the potential of leaving your government with a legacy of shame.
Tahrir square can yet be a reality in India.
We trust you will take immediate steps to give us our solution, and not force us to take the above steps!
Citizen of India
Write to PM

Anna Hazare Crusade against Corruption Catapults the Youth into Action

Dear Colleagues,
Happily and expectedly, Anna Hazare’s campaign has gathered great nationwide momentum. His present aim, in the overall fight against corruption, is to have the Lokpal bill drafted through public participation. The support shown by the ESM has been encouraging. Admittedly, more could be done. Please visit Jantar Mantar any time of the day to show solidarity with the cause. The IESM enclosure is just West of Anna’s manch. Please visit it to mark your presence and support.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

ESM AT NAVI MUMBAI SUPPORT - ANNA HAZARE
As planned, a DHARNA was organised on 5th April from 8 AM to 8 PM at BELAPUR railway station in support of Shri ANNA HAZARE in fight against corruption, at the initiative of ESM at Navi Mumbai.Over 5000 handbills were distributed, in English & Marathi containing details of inaction by the Govt and merits of proposed Jan LOKPAL & LOKAYAUKT bills at Center & State level respectively.Four registers were kept for people to sign in support of Shri Anna Hazare,around 2500 people from all walks of society affixed their signature. Over a dozen Journalists from print and electronic media were present to cover the event.Same was covered in number of local (Sama,A Plus,24 hrs News,Drishti,) and national (TV9) TV channels.Write up appeared in Time of India,Mumbai,06 April,Navi Mumbai edition. Public response was overwhelming, it exceeded our expectations.(we ran short of handbills) ESM are happy to know that IESM has pitched tent at Jantar Mantar in support of Shri Anna Hazare. Brigadier Dharam Prakash (Retd)
Related Reading
Pawar quits GoM on corruption, Hazare continues fast, writes to PM
Join Anna Hazare's Fast To Bring the Jan Lokpal Bill- click here

Citizens Voice
Better future for you children- Jan Lokpal Bill. We have been a corrupt society since independence. And the level of corruption has been increasing exponentially over the years. By nature a corrupt society is also an incompetent society, as it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the meritorious to survive, let alone rise. One only needs to keep the eyes and ears open to see Peter Principle in operation in every sphere of activity and at every level. It is not the individual but the system. Everybody can see it and feel it, but is powerless to do anything about it except grin and bear it. With the advantage of English knowledge, India ought to have achieved a lot lot more in terms of garnering world investment and economic power. We are still investigating the Bofors case. 200 crore black money is under investigation and is likely to remain so (action being taken!) for quite a while 200+ crore is generated every day and taken out of circulation. In the 60+ years I doubt if there has been a single conviction for corruption. we debate in the parliament whether a case of corruption should be investigated or not. We are a country of law breakers being law makers and law enforcers. A man can with impunity go on inciting violence in Maharashtra while another in the East gets charged with sedition and imprisoned for having carried a letter. We have a law for everything but we are busy enacting more, on an average 1 every day. One can go on and on. As the saying goes, the situation is like being up shit creek without a paddle. This morning, when Anna Hazare started, there was a crowd. By evening there were thousands. Support for the cause is just not local but across the country and the world. We now have at least a paddle to do something about it and if we don't use it, we don't deserve anything better.
Regards and best wishes,
MJS Nandhu

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state

...But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
WORLD CUP EUPHOURIA AND FELICITATIONS AS COMPARED TO THOSE GIVEN TO GALLANTARY AWARD WINNERS (POSTHUMOUS/ LIVING)
Dear Sir,
The following is sent with a request to be put on RMS for info of all
Secy RDOA

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL VETERANS & VETERAN ‘GENERALS’
The whole nation is proud that the cricket team has won the world cup after a gap of 28 years since 1983. There were jubilations/ celebrations all around hailing Dhoni and his men in blue. Even the Chairperson of UPA Mrs Sonia Gandhi did not lag behind and was seen mixing with the crowd to be part of the frenzy. Starting from the ICC, States, corporate’s, railways everyone has come forward to shower praise and money/ wealth on to the players to endorsing brands making them richer by a couple of crores. No hard feelings. The team has done a good job and deserves a pat.
Now that the euphoria of the cup is waning it is time to do some introspection as to how the country views its war heroes and what the Govt/ State offers them to sacrifice their lives at the alter of duty.
Each player would get Rupees One crore from the BCCI in addition to its share from the ICC, 2cr for Dhoni and one cr each for the four Delhi boys; land/ house to Dhoni & Sachin by the Uttarakhand Govt; one crore to Sachin and Zaheer by Maharashtra Govt; one cr to Yuvraj and Harbhajan by Punjab Govt; land to Dhoni for cricket academy in Jharkhand; Housing plots to team members by karanatka Govt; Audi to Yuvraj and lifetime railway pass to travel by first AC to all.
The team partied at the same Taj Hotel which was the battle ground on 26/11 & witness to many a soldier giving up his life. Major Unnikrishnan who died while fighting the terrorists is yet to receive his complete NOK entitlements. He gave his today for the tomorrow of others so that they can party all night without any threat.
The world Cup finals at Mumbai was held under safe environments with the army, navy, coast guard, NSG and what not to ensure the conduct of the match without a hitch. Remove the men in uniform and see if the events pass smoothly, be it CWG games or cricket match.
The Kargil War has still its shadows on the number of officers/jawans who laid their lives to protect the nation and its territorial integrity. What the recipients of Param Vir Chakras/ Mahavir & Vir Chakras got in comparison to the cricket boys is known to all (peanuts). What the families of the dead go through can only be experienced by them. Having a decent living is hard to come by. It’s passé as far as the nation is concerned. There is no crib here, but for the value of blood, shed for others to have a peaceful life. The railways is not prepared to honour the percentage concession given to the war heroes in stark comparison to a lifetime FIRST AC FREE PASS throughout the country along with a aide to the cricket stars. Let us not forget the Kabul blast in which a Brig was also blown up with a bureaucrat. The Babu got all the cake and the icing, the Brig was treated as a casualty. The PM went and paid homage to the babu and his family, the Brig got the traditional ‘Shok Shashtra’. The naked truth is known to all but yet our tolerance levels are very high and we continue to be downgraded/ kicked around and accept with a smile.
Many have written to the PM on lot of issues without success. The PM himself is a seasoned bureaucrat. Perhaps it would be wise to remind him that one day he too would go away. When the PM passes away, the Generals will stand guard on his coffin and carry it to the pyre and sound the last post; it is for the PM to think whether he has done his bit towards those who guard the nation and would be part of his last entourage till he melts away.
Where do we go from here? Should we be a silent spectator to the happening around us or should we form part of the Anna Hazare team and mobilize people on the lines of Egypt or pass away into oblivion. I leave this thought with you.
Secretary RDOA
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RDOA Blog
Comment: Military is the watchdog for the Looters?

Why Dr Manmohan Singh is subservient to the IAS?

Ref: OROP- An obligation unfulfilled by GOI
How Babus Manipulate and Distort Facts
Dear Vidya and other veterans,
I went through the excellent article by Gp Capt Bewoor. Late Lt Gen Eric Vas's article Truly, an extraordinary fellow- Nehru was first published by Rediff mail several years back gives a rare Insight on the origin of Nehru's prejudice against the Armed Forces Officers which the Babus cleverly used. Please circulate it to other veteran groups. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh started his Government service in the Indian Economic Service (A subordinate Service controlled by the IAS). His mind set still seems to be subservient to the IAS.
2. As far as OROP is concerned, in a way we are ourselves responsible. Till 1985 the term One Rank One Pension meant that irrespective of the years of service the pension was the same for all officers of the same rank provided he had the minimum qualifying service (20 years for Capt, 22 for Major, 24 years for Colonel and so on) The Invisible weighted element was inbuilt in the Standard Pension for each Rank. The Service Hqs themselves wanted that officers with higher years of service should get more pension than an officer with lesser service of the same rank. So w.e.f 1/1/86 a modified Civilian system was introduced. Number of years of service Plus Weightage Divided by 33 entitled us for full pension (50 Percent of the Last Pay) So a Lt Col with 26 years service got full pension. A civilian taking premature retirement added 5 years to the qualifying service so after 28 years service he too got full pension. However the Civilian Counterpart of the same service generally got quicker promotion and thus Higher salary so his pension was higher. As per 4th CPC pre 1986 pensioners got an approximate increase of 20 percent of the basic pension with DR IR, Adhoc DA which they were drawing on 21/12/85 merged to come to a revised basic pension. Old pensioners found that in the bargain the disparity between old pensioners and those retiring after 1986 became bigger. So the demand for OROP was started.
3. In 1996 (5th CPC) as a partial solution to the OROP (Which was an Armed Forces Demand) the system of modified parity was introduced both for civilians (Cleverly by Babus) and Armed Forces. All Pre 1986 Pensioners irrespective of the date of retirement were notionally brought on the 4th CPC Pay scale and their pension worked out notionally on that basis. That notional Pension became the base for Revision of Pension w.e.f 1/1/96 as per the revised formula with an added provision that in no case it will be less than 50 percent of the Minimum Revised Basic pay under 5th CPC for each rank/ civilian grade. For Civilians 5 years extra was given in case of premature retirement. The Services got an advantage of weightage and Rank Pay to be added for Pension. In a way OROP was introduced both for civilians and Armed Forces. Since the pension of old pensioners was calculated at the minimum of the pay scale it was much lower than those who retired after 1996. At the same time there was a substantial increase compared to the total pay we were drawing at the time of retirement. By applying the same formula to Armed Forces and Civilians the Babus opined and convinced the Political Masters that when ever the demand for OROP was raised they say the same has to given to civilians also which will cost the Government too much.
4. I am linking a copy of the Cabinet secretary’s Committee Report on OROP OROP-Report By Committee of Secys- click here. If a neutral observer reads the report, he too may agree with it. I do not think Service HQs/ IESM (which became a self appointed spokesman for the Ex servicemen) presented the facts and demand in a convincing manner. The Government has already implemented OROP for JCOs and Other Ranks by implementing the rule that pension for pre 1997 retirees will be calculated at the maximum of the 2006 scales plus Rank pay and MSP. This is a significant FIRST step as the Jawans deserved this and much more.
5. As far as Officers are concerned they are still pegged at the minimum of the Pay Band plus Rank Pay and MSP. The MSP itself gives an advantage of Rs 3000 pm compared to Civil Counter parts which is highlighted in the report. Placing Lt Cols and Equivalent in PB 4 grade for pension has given them a substantial benefit. However the pension of those retiring now will be higher because they draw more Pay in the revised grade. Rank Pay and MSP is the same for purposes of pension.
6. In short the demand for OROP should be restricted to:

Pension of Armed Forces should be delinked from civilians due to nature of service conditions, restricted chances of promotion to higher ranks, early retirement to keep a young profile of the Armed Forces. In any case the only class of Central Government servants (joining after 1/1/2004) entitled to pension are Armed Forces Personnel. The rest are on Contributory Pension scheme. In other words the Government has already accepted the fact that the Armed Forces are a class apart and there need be no linkage with Civilians.

The calculation of pension for old retirees should not be based on the minimum of the revised pay scale but at the maximum of the grade or in between. The pension should be standardized for each rank without calculating the years of service for each individual (Old records will not be available)

Commissioned Officers retiring after 1/1/2006 are getting Max pension after 20 years service. The same has to be extended to pre 2006 officers based on decided Supreme Court Judgments. This is one of the Reliefs we are seeking in the AFT petition filed by us.

For the purposes of Pension Other Ranks should get full pension based at 80 percent of the maximum of the revised grade, JCOs at 75 percent of Maximum. Subalterns/ Capt/ Major at 70 percent of the median of the grade Lt Cols and Cols at65 percent. Brigs and Maj Gen/ Lt Gens at 60 percent. Army Commanders and Chiefs at 55 percent. There is a rationale in the differentials proposed by me.
7. I am against the approach of the IESM to use Satyagraha Methods like returning of Medals, Processions, Fasts. These methods according to me, are Unsoldier like more suited for politicians or with people with ambitions to dabble in Politics. The Indian Ex Services League (the officially recognized body) could not have a base because it was identified with political parties.
8. Instead of pleading with Bureaucrats/ Ministers/ Ruling Party MPs, Knowledge and Facts based Petitions should be sent to all MPs and to the Parliamentary Committee for Petitions which in turn seeks written opinions from the general public through periodic Media advertisements and giving a chance for personal hearings. It is a sad fact that most of the Senior Service Officers who hold posts like Adjutant General/ Chief of Personnel in Air/ Naval HQs are clueless on the nitty gritty of pension matters and rely heavily on Civilian Staff Officers with closed narrow minds and in many meetings they are taken for a ride by the Babus who are armed with reasons for not agreeing to the demands. To my mind the only AG who could outwit the civilian counter parts with facts and rationales was Lt Gen SK Sinha who after he became VCOAS was superseded by Indira Gandhi for the post of COAS as she thought that he was a thinking General who knew too much and the Bureaucrats planned his supersession as they knew that sooner or later he could convince the political class against the advice of the Babus in all matters concerning the Armed Forces. I am saying this with a full sense of responsibility because I had the good fortune of being a Staff Officer in the AGs Branch during his tenure as AG.
9. I must share this with you. On one hand the Babus scare the political class that conceding OROP to Armed Forces will open a flood gate of similar demands from Civilians. I do not know how many are aware that after the 5th CPC the disability element of pension of civilians became almost three times more than that of Armed Forces as Disability pension for 100 percent disability was calculated @ 30 percent of the Last Pay. Where as for Armed Forces it was pegged to 2600 pm irrespective of the Rank. Pre 1996 Civilian disability pensioners were also given modified parity. The civilian letter was issued in Sep 2001. The Armed Forces letter was issued in Jan 2001. I was perhaps the only Armed Forces Officer who protested against the disparity in Dec 2001. The Army HQ did not support my plea. In fact the Maj Gen who was the ADG PS gave me a lecture that we are a poor nation and “The cake is small and has to be shared by many. “ (His exact words). He boasted that the draft letter initiated by him on Disability Pensions was approved without deletion of even one comma or full stop by the Ministry. After retirement he was given civil re-employment and is still serving in some post beyond the age of 65. After a series of reminders and threat of a RTI my plea was rejected by the Ministry of Defence after 4 years and conveyed to me through a special Despatch Rider late in the evening. I sent a rejoinder representation for a personal hearing by the Defence Ministers Appellate Committee for Pensions. No reply was ever given.. I gave up because in a Court of Law it would be held that Civilians and Armed Forces are subject to different service Rules.
10. I was hoping that the 6th CPC would undo the injustice. The CPC recommended but the Babus ensured that it would be applicable only to post 2006 Disabled Armed Forces Personnel and not to forgotten veterans like me who were wounded and disabled 45 years back. I am glad to report that after 20 months of Representations including to the Parliamentary Committee on Petitions, by me almost single handed (but this time supported by Service HQs) the Government has conceded administratively and issued a letter on 15 Feb 2011 applicable to all pre 2006 disabled pensioners applying the Modified Parity system based on percentage of Revised scales. As a result my Disability element for 70 percent has increased from Rs 4116/- pm to Rs 10794/- pm (with corresponding increase in DR) wef 1/1/2006. The Babus very well knew that the Supreme Court has laid that whenever Pension Formula changes it has to apply to all old pensioners from the same date as given to new pensioners. This is the only time I have got a Pension redress other than through the Court. We got it 10 years after the civilians but Thank God for this mercy of Better Late Than Never.
I am sorry that this communication has become long but words did flow from the heart and mind to share these thoughts with you all.
Regards
Balbir Malhotra
Comment: IESM is an apolitical body and the protest methods adopted is Satyagraha- true Gandhian format- peaceful and soldier like. Let us for now join Anna Hazare and root out corruption. Once this is achieved OROP will be automatically granted as corrupt babus will think twice to degrade the Military!

Remembering Field Marshal SMH Manekshaw

Ref Blogpost: Field Marshal SMH Manekshaw
Dear Col Anand,
Thank you for your painstaking research on Field Marshal Manekshaw. I would however like to make a few observations so as to get the facts right.
Sam Manekshaw was never commissioned into the 8th Gorkha Rifles. He was commissioned into the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment which is now in Pakistan. On Partition he was transferred to the 5th Gorkha Rifles(FF) which was also a Frontier Force Regiment.
He was posted to MO Dte as a Lt Col at Partition and was promoted in situ as a Col. Sam never commanded an infantry battalion and has never served with the 8th Gorkha Rifles.
Although he was on the panel of the 5th Gorkha Rifles(FF), he was not made Col on the Regt because there were officers of the Regt who were senior to him. Sometime after 1958, when Maj Gen AS Pathania, MVC,MC was made Col of the 5th Gorkha Rifles(FF) Sam was offered and accepted Colonelcy of the 8th Gorkha Rifles and that regiment thereafter became ' His Regiment'. I hope I have been able to help you in some small way.
Best wishes
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo (Retd)

Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
I read with interest the details about Sam Manekhaw compiled by Brig LK Anand. Without detracting from his splendid effort, I would like to submit a few corrections and additions. These are based on Sam’s biography that is part of my book LEADERSHIP IN THE INDIAN ARMY – BIOGRAPHIES OF TWELVE SOLDIERS. The draft was vetted by Sam himself, not once but thrice, so I think it should be accurate.
The name of Sam’s mother was Hilla, and not Heerabai.
Sam did his Senior Cambridge from, Sherwood Collge, Nainital. He then joined and Hindu Sabha College, Amritsar, to study for his F.Sc. He Joined IMA on 1 October 1932. Sam passed out on 22 December 1934. He was commissioned on 1 February 1935, with the date of seniority fixed as 4 February 1934.
Sam was commissioned in 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment (FFR) and not 8th Gurkha Rifles. In fact, he never serviced in a Gurkha unit. Shortly after Independence, while he was in MO, he was posted as CO 3/5 Gorkha Rifles. However, before he could move, fighting broke out in Kashmir and his posting orders were cancelled. He was promoted Lt Col and Brig in MO itself. He never commanded a battalion. In April 1952, Sam was given command of 167 Infantry Brigade at Ferozepur. IN December 1957, Sam was promoted Major General and posted as GOC 26 Infantry Division. He became a Lt Gen in November 1962 (and not Dec 1963, as stated) and given command of 4 Corps. In December 1963, he was appointed GOC-in-C Western Command
He was married on 22 April 1939, to Silloo Bode. He has two daughters, Maja and Sherry. As regards the anecdotes, there are just too many. A large number are there in my book.
Regards
Maj Gen VK Singh

Dear Brig Kamboj
The following Para from the biography of Sam Manekshaw (RMS 140/2011) illustrates that for want of this element alone in our chiefs, not only the Defence Forces, but also the whole nation is suffering the manipulations of babus and politicians. Courage, gallantry, bravery, valour and all such words which every general chants at meetings with juniors sound hollow after witnessing all that is going on in this country. We are not the sentries of the nation; we are the guardians of the nation.
Is Military Watchdog for the Looters?
"Sub Para(h) Professional Competence. Once a defence secretary made an observation on the note written by Manekshaw for the PM and the Defence Minister. He walked straight into Mrs Gandhi’s office. He politely told her that if she found the defence secretary more competent than him on military matters, then she did not have a need for him. The defence secretary was given a new job."
Col Ram Gulrajani

Dear Chander,
Dehradun remembered Field Marshal SMH Manekshaw on 3rd April his birthday by cutting cake and paying rich tibutes to this unique soldier by lighting candles before his portrait at Hotel Regent. arranged by Marshal School and Dehradun Ex Servicemen. Different Papers in the town published articles eulogising his traits to mark the occasion. One such article published Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s Birth Anniversary- click here. We can never forget this illustrous soldier and he will keep youngsters inspiring the great traditions of Army which he practically followed in his life and rose to achieve the highest position.
Regards
Gopal
Veteran Brig KG Behl
President DESL

Victory to Veteran Anna Hazare- Corruption Crusade takes Center stage

Dear Colleagues,
As is known Veteran Anna Hazare is to sit on fast at Jantar Mantar on 5 April 2011. His is a clarion call against corruption in the country. The scourge of corruption is affecting each one of us who have contributed in India’s rise to her present position in the world order. Anna’s cause is dear to us and the IESM is extending full support to his movement. IESM will set up a tent close to the venue of Anna’s fast. All veterans in the NCR are requested to visit Jantar Mantar on 5 April 2011 from 10:00 am onwards and on all following days to express our solidarity with the cause of ‘India against Corruption’. Veterans in other cities are requested to join and support related events being held in other cities.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Dear All
FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION VETERAN ANNA HAZARE HAS STARTED FAST UNTO DEATH ON 05 APRIL 2011. The brave veteran Anna Hazare who had vowed to fight corruption has started his fast unto death at Jantar Mantar till Government agrees to the amendments suggested by citizen to the Draft LokPal bill. With these amendments the LokPal would be given teeth to fight corruption and to punish corrupt politicians, judges and bureaucrats. Veteran Anna Hazare, a true Gandhian, paid tributes to Mahatama Gandhi at Rajghat in the morning along with his team and marched from Rajghat to Jantar Mantar. Veteran Anna Hazare reached the Jantar Mantar at 1200h and started his fast with a Yajya. He was very peaceful and one could feel holy calm on him and on his body.
The podium was full with eminent citizens like swami Agnivesh, Kiran Bedi, Sh Arun Kejriwal, retired bureaucrats and retired judges and many more eminent citizens. The supporters of Baba Ramdev of Bharat vikas manch, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar of art of living and Indian Ex servicemen movement IESM were present in large numbers at Jantar Mantar. There were more than 7000 supporters and all were ecstatic and were shouting slogans for veteran Anna Hazare. Speaker after speaker criticized the Government and asked the Prime Minister to accept the amendments to the draft bill and make the institution of Lok Pal stronger and effective so that biggest evil, CORRUPTION, is routed out of India.
IESM has pitched a tent alongside the tent of Veteran Anna Hazare. Governing body of IESM was present there in full strength including the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Gen Secretary. More than 400 veterans (about 150 officers including 15 Generals and 250 JCOs and ORs) came to Jantar Mantar to show solidarity with the cause and one of their veteran who has displayed extreme courage to take on the Government and sought amendments to the draft of LokPal bill proposed by the Government.IESM confirms full support to the cause of veteran Anna Hazare and has decided that a minimum of five veterans (Officers, JCOs and ORs ) would be present at Jantar Mantar every day and would observe fast for the day in support of the cause of Veteran Anna Hazare. Some pictures of the event of 5 April 2011 are attached for the information of all. IESM requests all veterans in Delhi and NCR to come to Jantar Mantar to support the noble cause and observe minimum one day fast to show solidarity with the veteran Anna Hazare. All volunteers who wish to show solidarity with the cause and wish to volunteer to undertake the fast and be present at IESM tent may give names with date to the staff present in the IESM tent.
All state conveners are requested to support the cause and take similar action in state capitals to support the local citizens undertaking fast in support of the amendments. A report of the state activities supporting the cause may be put up on net.
ALL VETERANS TAKE A VOW THAT WE WOULD NOT GIVE BRIBE FOR ANY WORK AND WE WOULD MAKE INDIA A CORRUPTION FREE SOCIETY. LET US ALL GET-TOGETHER AND CONVERT HEAVE INTO A SHOVE AND REMOVE THIS MOUNTAIN OF CORRUPTION FROM INDIA
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM

Politicians and their relatives who have Swiss Bank/ Similar Accounts must remit office. Wise move by Pawar. Hope others will follow...
Happy to quit anti-corruption panel: Pawar

Join Anna's Crusade now before it is too late
Political corruption and bureaucratic corruption in India are vexing concerns of every citizen. A 2005 study done by Transparency International found that more than 15% (18 crore) of the people in India had first hand experience of paying bribe or peddling influence to get any type of job done in a public office. Transparency International estimates that truckers pay annually a whopping Rs 200 Crores in bribes (It is not fuel but bribes that are increasing transportation cost and corresponding inflation). For 2010, India was ranked 87th of 178 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. As of 2010, India is amongst the most corrupt governments in the world. Do you want this scourge to be erased or India go a Banana Republic? Join Anna in his crusade to cure the cancer of corruption. Anna's therapy is akin to Radiation Therapy "The Jan Lokpal Bill" to rid Cancerous Corruption.

Fighting corruption: Anna's fast-unto-death enters day two

New Delhi, April 6, (IANS)
Veteran activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death here gathered steam on its second day Wednesday as he pressed for a stronger anti-graft Lok Pal Bill through greater involvement of civil society - a protest he has dubbed as the second Satyagraha.
“This is democracy and we want people's participation in drafting the Lok Pal bill,” Hazare told reporters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi where he has parked himself along with around 5,000 supporters.
“We want representation from civil society in drafting the Lok Pal Bill, 50 percent from civil society and 50 percent from the government,” he said. The bill aims to fight corruption in public life.
According to India Against Corruption, the banner under which the activists have united to fight corruption, the government has not approached the fasting activist so far. Hazare, who has sat on the fast Tuesday, however said that government will have to bow to the wish of the people.
“I am not waiting for government, the government will have to bow to the wish of the people,” the 72-year-old crusader said. Hazare, who has named his fast the second Satyagraha on the lines of the movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi against the British rulers, has been joined by thousands of supporters all across the country and also abroad.
Fasts are being observed and rallies and demonstrations are being taken out in over 400 cities across the nation. Hazare, meanwhile, told reporters here that he is doing well and except for a little weakness, his health is fine.
“The doctor came, he said BP (blood pressure) is fine, I only have a little weakness,” he said, adding in jest: “I will only lose some weight, can carry it forward for 10 or 12 more days."
The activists are demanding the government adopt the alternative Jan Lok Pal Bill drafted by leading legal experts and personalities, including Arvind Kejriwal, former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan.
The Jan Lok Pal Bill calls for setting up of ombudsmen - a Lok Pal and Lokayuktas (in states) - independent of government control. In the activists' version, investigation in any case will have to be completed in one year and punishment would be a jail term of minimum five years and maximum of life imprisonment.
The government's version recommends a prison term of minimum six months and maximum seven years as punishment for corruption.
Fighting corruption: Anna's fast-unto-death enters day two
Comment: The most corrupt Nation in the world trying to frame its own anti corruption laws- Can the citizens movement get rid of corruption? Yes we can by joining Anna Hazare's Crusade.

10 yrs on, landmark decision on disability pension

Vijay Mohan Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 31
In a landmark judgment that would affect hundreds of disabled ex-servicemen, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) today quashed government instructions that had denied benefits to those who had retired before 1996. The instructions had placed them at a financial disadvantage vis-à-vis their civilian counterparts as well as similarly placed ex-servicemen who had retired since 1996.

Disposing of a bunch of 40 petitions, the tribunal’s bench comprising Justice NP Gupta and Lt-Gen NS Brar held that pre-1996 defence retirees would also be entitled to the same benefits that were granted to pre-1996 civilian retirees.

The Fifth Pay Commission had introduced the concept of “broad-banding” disability pension to overcome rigid mathematical calculations and subjectivity of medical boards while assessing the percentage of disability. The concept was initiated for all Central government pensioners.

The concept provided that people with disability less than 50 per cent would be granted pension by considering the disability percentage as 50 per cent, those with disability between 50-75 per cent would be granted a disability element of 75 per cent and those with above 75 per cent disability would be granted the benefits of 100 per cent disability.

The Department of Pensions (DoP) accordingly, had issued instructions in February 2000, implementing the broad-banding policy, initially only for post-1996 retirees. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) had also issued policy instructions with regard to post-1996 defence retirees in January 2001.

Later, in September 2001, the DoP implemented the broad-banding benefits for pre-1996 retirees also, with effect from January 1, 1996. The MoD however did not issue further implementation instructions related to pre-1996 retirees and denied the benefit to pre-1996 defence retirees.

It was only in January 2010, almost a decade later, that these benefits were granted by the MoD, but these were made applicable only from July 1, 2009, while for civilians in the MoD, these had already been made applicable from January 1, 1996.

Discussing all aspects of the issue and the law laid down by the Supreme Court, the bench held that the cut-off date of July 1, 2009, did not stand the scrutiny of law and it artificially divided and created discrimination within a single homogenous group of disabled personnel.
10 yrs on, landmark decision on disability pension

DEBUGGING ANOMALIES OF DISABLED WAR VETERANS
Thanks for circulating PCDA(P)'s instructions.
Regarding the war injury pension for the invalided out, Table 4 mentions the figures for minimum war injury element on the basis of 100% disability. However, the total (war injury element and disability element) will not exceed the figure mentioned in the column owing to the ceiling of 100% of reckonable pay. Any one with disability of 50% and above will get the same pension owing to the ceiling up to 30.6.09.
Those invalided out from 1.1.96 onwards have been granted the benefit of broad-banding; and their war injury element and total pension would be worked out accordingly, while maintaining the overall ceiling of 100% of reckonable pay (minimum pay of the relevant PB.)
However, the ceiling has been removed w.e.f. 1.7.09. Hence from that date onwards, those with over 50% disability element (with broad-banding for post-96 invalided out) will get correspondingly higher disability pension.
For instance, 100% disabled will get 150% (100% +50%) of the amount mentioned in the Table. Those with 75% disability will get 125% of the mentioned amount for their rank w.e.f. 1.7.09. Over and above this, DA as sanctioned from time to time. (51% w.e.f. 1.1.11)
Similarly, even for the superannuated, w.e.f. 1.7.09, the total figure can go beyond the figure mentioned in the Table. With 100% disability, total amount will be 110% (60% + 50%) of the reckonable pay (minimum pay in the PB).
Further, both for disability element and service element, reckonable pay of the rank in which invalided out/ superannuated/ discharged will count and not the rank in which a war veteran was injured.
It may also be noted that 2 further orders are expected to be issued within the next 2-3 months which would have further bearing on the disability element entitlement of the war injured:
a. Broad-banding of disability element for all pre-96 war disabled as also for post-96 superannuated/ discharged, which should entitle them too higher pension (beyond 100%) w.e.f. 1.7.09.
b. Entitling the superannuated/ discharged war disabled the same rate (100% for 100% disability) w.e.f. 1.1.96 as for the invalided out instead of the current rate of 60%.
Col H N Handa
President Diwave
Comment: We need to circulate the latest and comprehensive disability pension entitlements. The MOD, PCDA and other orders are fragmented and difficult to decode.
Dear Sir,
I am attaching an article titled Military Leadership and Trial by Media. You may consider its circulation please. It is running at click here
Warm regards,
Mrinal
Maj Gen Mrinal Suman Veteran

India Against Corruption Crusade by Anna Overwhelms the National Conscience

TNN | Apr 6, 2011, 12.20am IST CHENNAI: Social activist Anna Hazare's fast unto death in Delhi against corruption has evoked widespread response from activists in Chennai.
India Against Corruption, a non-governmental organisation, organised a prayer at Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore in support of Hazare who began the agitation on Tuesday demanding that the central government enact a comprehensive Lokpal Bill to prevent corruption.
K Banu Kumar, executive director of Fifth Pillar, an NGO, said the prayer was held because the activists were not given permission to stage a public programme to extend solidarity for Hazare's agitation.
Anti-Corruption Movement (ACM), another NGO, has planned an awareness campaign in front of Memorial Hall near Chennai Central on Saturday.
"It is high time the government addressed the demand of social activists to ensure transparency in governance. The whole nation should support Hazare to make his agitation a success," said ACM state general secretary S M Arasu.
Hazare has been demanding the adoption of the Jan Lokpal Bill, drafted by prominent civil society activists, as a law. The draft bill, among other things, seeks the setting up of a Jan Lokpal, an independent body'that would complete the investigation in corruption cases within a year, and envisages completion of trial in such cases in the next one year.
Widespread support in Chennai for Hazare's fast in Delhi
Read how babus are corrupted by Politicians
Some babus in same department for 34 years TNN | Apr 6, 2011, 03.35am IST

Raghu, ex-IAS officer, has 1 question for the GOI


Why and How Corruption a Cancerous National Scourge denuding India?- Does GOI have the will to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill? 42 years Corrupt Politicians have betrayed the Nation- Should we delay to destroy our nation!

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Very large number of cities are organising rallies in support of Veteran Anna Hazare for the “Jan Lokpal Bill” and in Support of the All India Movement Against Corruption. It is time we all join this battle to save India.
Please do appreciate, major cause all problems in India, including injustice to Defence Services, is corruption in every field – in particular corruption among the politicians and and large number of Babus. So if you are interested in Justice to All – do join these rallies.
Those of you who are in NCR should kindly be there at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi at 10.00 AM on Tuesday, 05 Apr 11.
Venteran Anna Hazare is starting his “FAST UNTO DEATH” at the above given time.
IESM is setting up a tent at Jantar Mantar for ALL military veterans - so be there on the above time and date and thereafter – as often as possible till Veteran Anna Hazare is there on fast. Further programmes of future Anti-corruption Rallies will be intimated to you. Please aslo read the emails below.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Reaching Jantar Mantar is very easy – just catch Delhi Metro from anywhere and get down at Patel Chowk Metro Station. Jantar Mantar is about 300 metre from Patel Chowk.
Good going!
Let us get out of shells and identify with the larger causes... Isn't it true that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere? In Palakkad we, a few NGOs and some activists, are organising a satyagraha at the Martyr's Column, Fort Maidan, on 5 Apr from 10 am to 1 pm to express solidarity with Anna and India against Corruption. I take this opportunity to request all the Palakkad- Veterans to participate and help to send the message strongly to the powers that be!
regards n bw
ravi
(Maj PM Ravindran, Social Activist)

Dear Brigadier,
I am so glad that IESM have finally decided to take active part in the protest by Anna Hazare. They should get as many ESMs as possible to join him in the fast on the 5th and thereon to a relay fast every day that he continues to fast.
Our solidarity in combating the worst cancer that is eating our nation is of utmost importance. We need to join the protestors in whichever State it is taking place and lead in the ones that hasn't yet woken up yet! I would like to congratulate the IESM leadership for their decision and hope they take it even further.
Regards,
Col Vivek Bopiah

What is the Jan Lokpal Bill, why it's important

New Delhi: The Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizen's ombudsman Bill) is a draft anti-corruption bill drawn up by prominent civil society activists seeking the appointment of a Jan Lokpal, an independent body that would investigate corruption cases, complete the investigation within a year and envisages trial in the case getting over in the next one year.
Drafted by Justice Santosh Hegde (former Supreme Court Judge and present Lokayukta of Karnataka), Prashant Bhushan (Supreme Court Lawyer) and Arvind Kejriwal (RTI activist), the draft Bill envisages a system where a corrupt person found guilty would go to jail within two years of the complaint being made and his ill-gotten wealth being confiscated. It also seeks power to the Jan Lokpal to prosecute politicians and bureaucrats without government permission.
Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi and other known people like Swami Agnivesh, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Anna Hazare and Mallika Sarabhai are also part of the movement, called India Against Corruption. Its website describes the movement as "an expression of collective anger of people of India against corruption. We have all come together to force/request/persuade/pressurize the Government to enact the Jan Lokpal Bill. We feel that if this Bill were enacted it would create an effective deterrence against corruption."
Anna Hazare, anti-corruption crusader, began a fast-unto-death today, demanding that this bill, drafted by the civil society, be adopted. The website of the India Against Corruption movement calls the Lokpal Bill of the government an "eyewash" and has on it a critique of that government Bill. It also lists the difference between the Bills drafted by the government and civil society.
What is the Jan Lokpal Bill, why it's important
Why Hazare, others oppose govt's Lokpal Bill 2010
IESM Supports Anti Corruption Crusade
Dear All,
The above photo taken today at Jantar Mantar where IESM is supporting Veteran Anna Hazare in his fight against Corruption. It was a huge gathering and as you can see almost every media team was there.
It was nice to hear Arvind Kejriwal of RTI fame explain the cause. He has clear thought and explained the crux of the issue very simple easy to understand manner. Of course, Kiran Bedi's speech was electrifying and waving of the flag during the song "Lokpal" energised everyone.
One of the veteran took part in the Havan by Gayatri Parivar from Shanti Kunj, Haridwar.
Best Regards,
Col. T N Baba (Veteran)
Comments: Veterans need to actively participate to get the "criminals behind bars". The citizens crusade on corruption is victory for the country.

My fast begins today, says Anna Hazare

Social activist Anna Hazare, the former IPS officer, Kiran Bedi, and Swami Agnivesh address a news conference in New Delhi on Monday, demanding an anti-corruption law on the lines of Lokpal Bill. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
My fast begins today, says Anna Hazare PTI/Amruta Byatnal
After Manmohan rejected demand by civil society to include them in joint panel to discuss the draft
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare will observe fast unto death from Tuesday until the government enacts a comprehensive law such as the Jan Lokpal Bill to tackle the menace.
“My fast unto death begins tomorrow. I was saddened when the Prime Minister rejected the demand by leading civil society members to include them and senior Ministers in the joint committee to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill [Citizen's Ombudsman Bill],” 72-year-old Mr. Hazare told a press conference here on Monday.
He said a Group of Ministers headed by Sharad Pawar was looking into the contents of the proposed anti-corruption bill and civil society members would be consulted later.
Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi and social reformist Swami Agnivesh were also present and pledged their support to Mr. Hazare.
Mr. Hazare lamented that the views of eminent persons such as Justice (retired) Santosh Hegde, advocate Prashant Bhushan and Swami Agnivesh were not considered important by the government and “a Minister like Sharad Pawar, who is known for possessing large amounts of land in Maharashtra, is heading a committee that will draft the bill.”
Swami Agnivesh said he attended the meeting in the morning of the sub-group on transparency of the National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by Sonia Gandhi. A ‘Jan Lokpal' should be set up at the Centre and a ‘Jan Lokayukta' appointed in each State to handle corruption cases, probe them and ensure prosecution.
“If the NAC had also decided to look into our demands, Hazare would not have to sit on fast. At an earlier meeting of ours with the GoM, Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily kept saying there was no precedent of having a joint committee to draft such a bill”, Swami Agnivesh said.
Ms. Bedi said just like the nation was united during the Cricket World Cup to boost India to victory, people, activists and the media had to create a non-stop movement till the Jan Lokpal Bill is adopted by Parliament.
The activists also claimed support of 1983 cricket world cup winning captain Kapil Dev and said he had written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to support their demand. — PTI
A resolve to end corruption Amruta Byatnal reports from Pune:
Gudi Padwa, the day celebrated as the beginning of the new year all over Maharashtra, was marked by a resolve to end corruption at Ralegan Siddhi, Mr. Hazare's hometown in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district.
In solidarity with the India against Corruption movement that is taking momentum across the country, 80 per cent of the residents erected a ‘gudi' with a black cloth, instead of the traditional red.
“The gudi outside every home symbolises a new beginning, and we want to start a life without corruption. Anna is undertaking a historic task tomorrow [Tuesday] by starting an indefinite fast. We want to show our support to the cause,” said Sanjay Pathade, a teacher.
A gram sabha was convened last week, where everyone was asked to erect the black gudi.
Those who did not have a black cloth did not erect a gudi at all, Mr. Pathade told The Hindu.
“There was no excitement over the festival, but the resolution is firm in people's minds. Anna has said he will not return without getting the Bill passed and we extend our whole-hearted support,” Mr. Pathade said.
My fast begins today, says Anna Hazare

Great and Charismatic Indian Soldier Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Remembering a Great and Charismatic Indian Soldier Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Dear Brig Kamboj,
I am sending you an article which is a compilation of facts and figures on Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw. I have done it on his Birthday ie 3 April, so that our friends could derive inspiration from the great qualities of head and heart of this charismatic soldier. You may like to further disseminate it as per your discretion. There are a number of photographs also with this article, which somehow I could not include here. These however could be viewed in my blog "India of my Dreams" whose link is given below.
Regards
Col LK Anand (Retd)
THE FIELD MARSHAL NOT ONLY GAVE US BANGLADESH, BUT ALSO 28 YRS OF COMPARABLE PEACE- click here