12/08/2011
Washington urges restraint, India says comment needless; Govt ready for Lokpal talks: PC
New Delhi/ Washington: Ahead of activist Anna Hazare's fast, the US said it counted on a democratic India to "exercise restraint" against peaceful protesters, eliciting a sharp reaction from New Delhi that the comments were "needless."
"As you know, we support the right of peaceful, non-violent protest around the world," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters in Washington when asked if the US was concerned over alleged police brutality against peaceful demonstrators in India.
"That said, India is a democracy, and we count on India to exercise appropriate democratic restraint in the way it deals with peaceful protest," Nuland said, responding to a question about planned protests against corruption Aug 16, 2011.
Team Anna Hazare has declared they will go ahead with an indefinite fast in New Delhi beginning Aug 16 for a stronger Lokpal (ombudsman) bill, and has called for tightening the draft anti-corruption legislation.
The US comments did not go down well with New Delhi. "We have seen the needless comments by the US State Department spokesperson on handling of peaceful protests in India," Vishnu Prakash, the spokesperson of India's external affairs ministry, told reporters here in response to a question.
"Freedoms of speech and expression, as well as of peaceful assembly, are enshrined in the Constitution of India and exercised by citizens of this country of 1.2 billion people," he said. However, in her Independence Day message, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held India as a powerful example of what people can achieve through peaceful means.
"India's independence movement and the inspirational leadership of Mahatma Gandhi still move people to be the change that they want to see in the world," Clinton said in a message of best wishes on India's Independence Day.
"At this time of profound change and hope for millions of people, India's story stands as a powerful example of what people can achieve through the peaceful pursuit of inalienable rights," she said.
Meanwhile, The government is ready for talks on the Lokpal bill but it is for civil society leader Anna Hazare to decide, Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Friday.
"It is for Hazare to decide (whether to take part in the discussion)," Chidambaram told a press conference here. Asked if the proposed fast by Hazare here from Aug 16 will be permitted, Chidambaram said the police will decide. Chidambaram said there was no deal between the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on conducting parliament business. Source: IANS
India, US spar over Anna fast
Comment: Will criminal Lawyers and corrupt Politicians ruling the roost will ever allow a strong Lokpal Bill to be Passed by the Parliament?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
DESL Report: Annual General Body Meeting
Dehradun Ex-Services League Honours War Widow & Gaurab Sainani- Release of News Letter No 18 on Welfare Issues Welfare- Annual General Body Meeting
Annual General Body Meeting of Dehradun Ex-Services League was held on 31 Jul 2011 at 1045 hrs at Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha Hall, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun which was attended by more than four hundred members and Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC, Maj Gen R P Singh, Sh Ganesh Joshi, MLA, Brig KG Behl, President DESL, Brig P S Gurung, YSM Vice President State Minor Committee Commission, Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy, Cols B S Chhettri, RP Jairath, R K Arya, K S Mann, SK Taneja, RC Joshi, CB Thapa, CPO(DR) BK Nautiyal PRO and many others. After two minutes silence on recent obituaries, Brig KG Behl, the PresidentDESL in his opening address, highlighted details of the welfare activities carried out during the year especially about rallies held in support of anomalies in 6th CPC and one Rank one Pension issue taken up with higher authorities. He also mentioned about the presentation submitted by him to petition committee in Rajya Sabha on parity in pension ie same rank same pension (OROP) on 16 May 2011f or which Mr Bhagat Singh Koshyari, MP & former CM of UK is the presiding officer and full hope was envisaged for positive results.
Brig Behl mentioned about the problems being faced in ECHS and CSD Canteen due to over crowding and hoped that by coming up of new polyclinics at Clement Town and Vikas Nagar, which has been sanctioned long back by the DG ECHS. With this the pressure on ECHS MH will ease.
The Secretary Lt Col BM Thapa presented his Annual Report and minutes of the last years AGM which were approved by the house by voice vote. Lt Gen Anand Swaroop, PVSM, MVC as new Patron in chief and Maj Gen Shamsher Sigh, MVC as new patron were welcomed alongwith New Shakha presidents Capt VS Thapa (Nawada), Sub DS Thapa (Chhidrawala), Capt NK Thapa (Harrawala) and Capt MS Rawat(Raiwala). Also out going Shakha Presidents Maj YB Thapa (Chhidrawala) and Capt OB Chhettri (Nawada) were thanked for excellent contribution by them. Lt Col RP Jairath, the treasurer presented Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet which was passed by the house with voice vote.
Shri Ganesh Joshi, MLA and Ex- Garhwal unit, in his speech appreciated the activities of DESL and fully supported to help ESM in all respects. Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC who was the chief guest and Maj RP Singh both honoured the 20 widows, veers Narees and very old veterans. Col KL Dewan, the expert on Pension matters, in his address explained latest on pension and what one Rank one pension means and how the matters stand at present. Ranipokhri Shakha was declared best shakha and Hav BP Sharma, President, received the award. Points were raised for over crowding at ECHS & CSD which was noted for implementation. The vote of thanks was presented by Lt Col BS Chhetri, Senior Vice President. The function was compered by Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy DESL and meeting ended with Barakhana.
Input:-Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy Dehradun Ex-Services League
Brig Behl mentioned about the problems being faced in ECHS and CSD Canteen due to over crowding and hoped that by coming up of new polyclinics at Clement Town and Vikas Nagar, which has been sanctioned long back by the DG ECHS. With this the pressure on ECHS MH will ease.
The Secretary Lt Col BM Thapa presented his Annual Report and minutes of the last years AGM which were approved by the house by voice vote. Lt Gen Anand Swaroop, PVSM, MVC as new Patron in chief and Maj Gen Shamsher Sigh, MVC as new patron were welcomed alongwith New Shakha presidents Capt VS Thapa (Nawada), Sub DS Thapa (Chhidrawala), Capt NK Thapa (Harrawala) and Capt MS Rawat(Raiwala). Also out going Shakha Presidents Maj YB Thapa (Chhidrawala) and Capt OB Chhettri (Nawada) were thanked for excellent contribution by them. Lt Col RP Jairath, the treasurer presented Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet which was passed by the house with voice vote.
Shri Ganesh Joshi, MLA and Ex- Garhwal unit, in his speech appreciated the activities of DESL and fully supported to help ESM in all respects. Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC who was the chief guest and Maj RP Singh both honoured the 20 widows, veers Narees and very old veterans. Col KL Dewan, the expert on Pension matters, in his address explained latest on pension and what one Rank one pension means and how the matters stand at present. Ranipokhri Shakha was declared best shakha and Hav BP Sharma, President, received the award. Points were raised for over crowding at ECHS & CSD which was noted for implementation. The vote of thanks was presented by Lt Col BS Chhetri, Senior Vice President. The function was compered by Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy DESL and meeting ended with Barakhana.
Input:-Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy Dehradun Ex-Services League
Thursday, August 11, 2011
आम आदमी ही मेरा भगवान: अण्णा हजारे
आम आदमी ही मेरा भगवान: अण्णा हजारे
समय ताम्रकर
बुधवार, 10 अगस्त 2011( 17:14 IST )
अण्णा हजारे ने फैसला कर लिया है कि वे सरकार के खिलाफ आर-पार की लड़ाई लड़ेंगे और 16 अगस्त से वे नई दिल्ली में अपना अनशन शुरू करने वाले हैं। इसे वे आजादी की दूसरी लड़ाई बताते हैं। अन्ना ने पूरे देशवासियों से आह्वान किया है कि वे अपने स्तर पर उन्हें सहयोग करते हुए इस लड़ाई का हिस्सा बनें।
अण्णा और उनके सहयोगी इन दिनों जनता तक अपनी बात पहुंचाने के लिए सभी साधनों का सहारा ले रहे हैं। मुंबई में अण्णा से वेबदुनिया ने बातचीत की जिसमें अण्णा ने अपने बारे में बहुत सी अनकही बातें बताई, पेश उसके मुख्य अंश -
सरकार से आप क्या चाहते हैं?
मैं सिर्फ इतना चाहता हूं भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ सख्त कानून बनाया जाए। भ्रष्टाचार के कारण गरीबों का जीना मुश्किल हो गया है। लोकपाल बिल लाया जाए ताकि हर आदमी लोकपाल से शिकायत कर सके। लोकपाल इस मामले की जांच करे। भ्रष्टाचारियों को उम्र कैद होनी चाहिए। उनकी संपत्ति को जब्त किया जाना चाहिए, लेकिन सरकार भ्रष्टाचारियों को बचाने में लगी हुई है।
क्या इससे भ्रष्टाचार पर काबू पाया जा सकता है?
लोकपाल के जरिये हमें भ्रष्टाचार से मुक्ति मिल सकती है। सोचिए कि राइट टू इनफॉर्मेशन के जरिये ही आदर्श सोसायटी, 2 जी, कॉमनवेल्थ गेम्स जैसे कई घोटाले उजागर हुए। मंत्रियों को सजा मिली। मैं चाहता हूं कि सभी देशवासी इसके लिए आगे आएं।
एक आम आदमी आपकी कैसे मदद कर सकता है?
16 अगस्त से हम दिल्ली के जंतर मंतर पर ‘आजादी की दूसरी लड़ाई’ शुरू कर रहे हैं। पर जरूरी नहीं है कि सभी लोग नई दिल्ली पहुंच जाएं। अनशन करें। अपने घर, गांव, तहसील और शहर में रहकर भी वे मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं। वे सात दिनों की छुट्टी लें।
भ्रष्ट व्यवस्था के विरोध में सड़कों पर आएं। मौन रैली निकालें। इंकलाब जिंदाबाद के नारे लगाएं। और भी कई विकल्प हैं हर भारतीय को अपने स्तर पर भ्रष्टाचार का विरोध करना होगा। यदि सभी भारतीय सड़क पर उतर आएं तो सरकार के पास कोई चारा नहीं होगा।
आपने इस आंदोलन को ‘आजादी की दूसरी लड़ाई’ की संज्ञा क्यों दी?
आजादी के लिए लड़ने वाले स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों ने कभी नहीं सोचा होगा कि आजादी के कुछ वर्षों बाद हमारे देश की यह हालत हो जाएगी। गोरे मालिक चले गए तो काले मालिक आ गए। बजाय देश सेवा करने के वे अपनी तिजोरियां भर रहे हैं। आज चारों ओर दहशत का माहौल है, गुंडादगर्दी है, लूट है, भय है। यह कैसी आजादी है। हमें ‘वास्तविक आजादी’ चाहिए इसलिए हमें दूसरी बार यह लड़ाई लड़ना पड़ रही है।
समाज सेवा और देश सेवा की प्रेरणा आपको कहां से मिली?
अपनी मां से। उन्होंने मुझे सिखाया कि समाज के लिए हमें कुछ न कुछ करते रहना चाहिए। मेरी मां ने भी मेरे साथ अनशन में हिस्सा लिया। उन्होंने कहा कि अनशन के जरिये जीवन मत समाप्त करना क्योंकि बहुत कुछ अभी करना है।
क्या आप कभी हताश या निराश हुए हैं?
मैं जब 26 वर्ष का था तो जिंदगी से निराश हो गया था। हर कोई पैसे के पीछे भाग रहा है। देश और समाज के लिए सोचने की फुर्सत किसी के पास नहीं। यह देख मैंने आत्महत्या का फैसला किया। तब नई दिल्ली स्टेशन पर स्वामी विवेकानंद की किताब मेरे हाथ लगी। स्वामी विवेकानंद की उस किताब को पढ़कर मुझे जीने का मकसद मिला।
क्या भगवान पर आप विश्वास करते हैं?
हां करता हूं, लेकिन मंदिर वाले भगवान पर नहीं। मैं तो नर को ही नारायण मानता हूं। मुझे तो हर दु:खी या पीड़ित आदमी में भगवान नजर आता है। मैं उनकी सेवा करने को ही पूजा मानता हूं।
क्या अनशन के दौरान आपको भूख नहीं लगती है?
सच कहूं तो पहले दिन तो भूख लगती है, लेकिन दृढ़ निश्चय से इस पर काबू पाया जा सकता है। दूसरे दिन भूख कम लगती है और तीसरे दिन से भूख लगना बंद हो जाती है।
आपने परिवार क्यों नहीं बसाया?
मैं सेना में रहा हूं और युद्ध में भी भाग लिया। उसी दौरान मैंने देश सेवा का फैसला ले लिया था। मां ने कई बार शादी का कहा, लेकिन मैं टालता रहा। शादी करता तो छोटा-सा परिवार होता। अब पूरा देश ही मेरा परिवार है। बिना शादी किए इतना विशाल परिवार मुझे मिल गया।
अण्णा के साथ आए रेमन मैग्सेसे अवार्ड विजेता अरविंद केजरीवाल ने बताया कि वे 1992 में भारतीय लोक सेवा में चुने गए और आयकर विभाग में आयुक्त के पद पर रहे हैं। इस लड़ाई में उन्होने अपना जीवन देश को समर्पित कर दिया है। आज उनके पास मात्र दो जोड़ी कपड़ो के सिवा कुछ नहीं है।
आम आदमी ही मेरा भगवान: अण्णा हजारे
समय ताम्रकर
बुधवार, 10 अगस्त 2011( 17:14 IST )
अण्णा हजारे ने फैसला कर लिया है कि वे सरकार के खिलाफ आर-पार की लड़ाई लड़ेंगे और 16 अगस्त से वे नई दिल्ली में अपना अनशन शुरू करने वाले हैं। इसे वे आजादी की दूसरी लड़ाई बताते हैं। अन्ना ने पूरे देशवासियों से आह्वान किया है कि वे अपने स्तर पर उन्हें सहयोग करते हुए इस लड़ाई का हिस्सा बनें।
अण्णा और उनके सहयोगी इन दिनों जनता तक अपनी बात पहुंचाने के लिए सभी साधनों का सहारा ले रहे हैं। मुंबई में अण्णा से वेबदुनिया ने बातचीत की जिसमें अण्णा ने अपने बारे में बहुत सी अनकही बातें बताई, पेश उसके मुख्य अंश -
सरकार से आप क्या चाहते हैं?
मैं सिर्फ इतना चाहता हूं भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ सख्त कानून बनाया जाए। भ्रष्टाचार के कारण गरीबों का जीना मुश्किल हो गया है। लोकपाल बिल लाया जाए ताकि हर आदमी लोकपाल से शिकायत कर सके। लोकपाल इस मामले की जांच करे। भ्रष्टाचारियों को उम्र कैद होनी चाहिए। उनकी संपत्ति को जब्त किया जाना चाहिए, लेकिन सरकार भ्रष्टाचारियों को बचाने में लगी हुई है।
क्या इससे भ्रष्टाचार पर काबू पाया जा सकता है?
लोकपाल के जरिये हमें भ्रष्टाचार से मुक्ति मिल सकती है। सोचिए कि राइट टू इनफॉर्मेशन के जरिये ही आदर्श सोसायटी, 2 जी, कॉमनवेल्थ गेम्स जैसे कई घोटाले उजागर हुए। मंत्रियों को सजा मिली। मैं चाहता हूं कि सभी देशवासी इसके लिए आगे आएं।
एक आम आदमी आपकी कैसे मदद कर सकता है?
16 अगस्त से हम दिल्ली के जंतर मंतर पर ‘आजादी की दूसरी लड़ाई’ शुरू कर रहे हैं। पर जरूरी नहीं है कि सभी लोग नई दिल्ली पहुंच जाएं। अनशन करें। अपने घर, गांव, तहसील और शहर में रहकर भी वे मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं। वे सात दिनों की छुट्टी लें।
भ्रष्ट व्यवस्था के विरोध में सड़कों पर आएं। मौन रैली निकालें। इंकलाब जिंदाबाद के नारे लगाएं। और भी कई विकल्प हैं हर भारतीय को अपने स्तर पर भ्रष्टाचार का विरोध करना होगा। यदि सभी भारतीय सड़क पर उतर आएं तो सरकार के पास कोई चारा नहीं होगा।
आपने इस आंदोलन को ‘आजादी की दूसरी लड़ाई’ की संज्ञा क्यों दी?
आजादी के लिए लड़ने वाले स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों ने कभी नहीं सोचा होगा कि आजादी के कुछ वर्षों बाद हमारे देश की यह हालत हो जाएगी। गोरे मालिक चले गए तो काले मालिक आ गए। बजाय देश सेवा करने के वे अपनी तिजोरियां भर रहे हैं। आज चारों ओर दहशत का माहौल है, गुंडादगर्दी है, लूट है, भय है। यह कैसी आजादी है। हमें ‘वास्तविक आजादी’ चाहिए इसलिए हमें दूसरी बार यह लड़ाई लड़ना पड़ रही है।
समाज सेवा और देश सेवा की प्रेरणा आपको कहां से मिली?
अपनी मां से। उन्होंने मुझे सिखाया कि समाज के लिए हमें कुछ न कुछ करते रहना चाहिए। मेरी मां ने भी मेरे साथ अनशन में हिस्सा लिया। उन्होंने कहा कि अनशन के जरिये जीवन मत समाप्त करना क्योंकि बहुत कुछ अभी करना है।
क्या आप कभी हताश या निराश हुए हैं?
मैं जब 26 वर्ष का था तो जिंदगी से निराश हो गया था। हर कोई पैसे के पीछे भाग रहा है। देश और समाज के लिए सोचने की फुर्सत किसी के पास नहीं। यह देख मैंने आत्महत्या का फैसला किया। तब नई दिल्ली स्टेशन पर स्वामी विवेकानंद की किताब मेरे हाथ लगी। स्वामी विवेकानंद की उस किताब को पढ़कर मुझे जीने का मकसद मिला।
क्या भगवान पर आप विश्वास करते हैं?
हां करता हूं, लेकिन मंदिर वाले भगवान पर नहीं। मैं तो नर को ही नारायण मानता हूं। मुझे तो हर दु:खी या पीड़ित आदमी में भगवान नजर आता है। मैं उनकी सेवा करने को ही पूजा मानता हूं।
क्या अनशन के दौरान आपको भूख नहीं लगती है?
सच कहूं तो पहले दिन तो भूख लगती है, लेकिन दृढ़ निश्चय से इस पर काबू पाया जा सकता है। दूसरे दिन भूख कम लगती है और तीसरे दिन से भूख लगना बंद हो जाती है।
आपने परिवार क्यों नहीं बसाया?
मैं सेना में रहा हूं और युद्ध में भी भाग लिया। उसी दौरान मैंने देश सेवा का फैसला ले लिया था। मां ने कई बार शादी का कहा, लेकिन मैं टालता रहा। शादी करता तो छोटा-सा परिवार होता। अब पूरा देश ही मेरा परिवार है। बिना शादी किए इतना विशाल परिवार मुझे मिल गया।
अण्णा के साथ आए रेमन मैग्सेसे अवार्ड विजेता अरविंद केजरीवाल ने बताया कि वे 1992 में भारतीय लोक सेवा में चुने गए और आयकर विभाग में आयुक्त के पद पर रहे हैं। इस लड़ाई में उन्होने अपना जीवन देश को समर्पित कर दिया है। आज उनके पास मात्र दो जोड़ी कपड़ो के सिवा कुछ नहीं है।
आम आदमी ही मेरा भगवान: अण्णा हजारे
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
More Powers for Armed Forces Tribunals
Govt plans more powers for AFTS by Manu Pubby
Indian Express Posted: Mon Aug 08 2011, 03:39 hrs
With the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) expressing anguish over the lack of power to get its orders executed, the government is working on a proposal to give more teeth to the tribunal by amending the AFT Act, 2007. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said a proposal to grant the AFT the powers to punish for civil contempt is under consideration and if approved will “take care of the concerns expressed by the Armed Forces Tribunal”.
While the tribunal has been handling thousands of cases related to services issues which were earlier being looked at by high courts, the Principal Bench had recently remarked that the lack of power to punish for civil contempt was hampering the implementation of its orders.
The remark came after several key decision made by the tribunal were not implemented by the defence forces. “The proposal (to increase powers) is under examination in the CoSC (Chiefs of Staff Committee) /Ministry of Defence. If finally approved...will take care of the concerns expressed by AFT,” the ministry has written in a detailed reply to the parliamentary standing committee on defence.
Govt plans more powers for AFT
Comments by Maj Navdeep Singh- MoD's Blame Game
Government keen to legitimise Corruption?
The dangers of redefining democracy
Indian Express Posted: Mon Aug 08 2011, 03:39 hrs
With the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) expressing anguish over the lack of power to get its orders executed, the government is working on a proposal to give more teeth to the tribunal by amending the AFT Act, 2007. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said a proposal to grant the AFT the powers to punish for civil contempt is under consideration and if approved will “take care of the concerns expressed by the Armed Forces Tribunal”.
While the tribunal has been handling thousands of cases related to services issues which were earlier being looked at by high courts, the Principal Bench had recently remarked that the lack of power to punish for civil contempt was hampering the implementation of its orders.
The remark came after several key decision made by the tribunal were not implemented by the defence forces. “The proposal (to increase powers) is under examination in the CoSC (Chiefs of Staff Committee) /Ministry of Defence. If finally approved...will take care of the concerns expressed by AFT,” the ministry has written in a detailed reply to the parliamentary standing committee on defence.
Govt plans more powers for AFT
Comments by Maj Navdeep Singh- MoD's Blame Game
Government keen to legitimise Corruption?
The dangers of redefining democracy
IESL confirms Majors and Widows Pension Grounded by MoD
To: President IESL
Subject: Pension and other related matters
Dear all,
Please see the attachment above.
Regards!
Col Sukhbir Singh
Secretary General IESL
Tailpiece
This is how politicians treat the martyrs. MERA DESH MAHAN? It is shameful. God saves this country.
Sqn Ldr Ian Steele Loughran,
Indian Air Force Association UK
Alcohol or Army?
Do you remember Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the Malayali army commando officer who sacrificed his life to save Mumbai from the terrorist attacks ? His bravery will remain unsurpassed. The Kerala Govt., headed by Shri VS Achuthanandan awarded Rs 3 lakhs to the family of Maj Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The same govt headed by the same Chief Minister, donated Rs 5 lakhs to the victims of the recent Malappuram Liquor tragedy. Now you decide- what should a youngster do? To join Army & die for the Nation?... or die by consuming illicit liquor?
Gandhian Veteran being Victimised
Govt checking records in Army, trying to dig out information about me: Hazare
Mumbai: Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare today alleged that the Government was trying to dig out information about his past by checking his records in the Army and sending people to his village in Maharashtra to check on his organisation.
"They (Government) have sent people to check my records in the Army. They want to see if they can find something during my service years. I have not done anything wrong throughout my life," Hazare, who served as a jawan in the Army for 15 years, told reporters at the Mumbai Press Club.
"They have put people after me. They have sent people to my village to check on my organisation. I have no bank balance, so what will you find? I live in a temple in an eight feet by ten feet room. I just have a plate to eat and a bed to sleep on. What will you find?" Hazare, who hails from Ralegan Sidhi village in Ahmednagar district, said.
Alleging that the Government's intentions are not right and that is the reason why they are trying to defame the civil society spearheading the anti-graft campaign, Hazare said, "I haven't allowed a single blot on my character in my entire life."
The 74-year-old Gandhian said he was firm on his decision to go on an indefinite fast in Delhi from August 16 for a strong Lokpal Bill to tackle corruption.
"Mumbaikars should come and support the agitation against corruption," he added.
Criticising the government's draft of the Lokpal Bill that was presented in the Lok Sabha recently, he said it was a betrayal of the people.
"The Government said they would present their draft as well as our draft before the Union Cabinet but they betrayed the people by presenting only their draft," he said, adding that the government should withdraw their Lokpal Bill and either bring a new Bill afresh or make amendments in it."
Read more at: Govt checking records in Army, trying to dig out information about me: Hazare
"They (Government) have sent people to check my records in the Army. They want to see if they can find something during my service years. I have not done anything wrong throughout my life," Hazare, who served as a jawan in the Army for 15 years, told reporters at the Mumbai Press Club.
"They have put people after me. They have sent people to my village to check on my organisation. I have no bank balance, so what will you find? I live in a temple in an eight feet by ten feet room. I just have a plate to eat and a bed to sleep on. What will you find?" Hazare, who hails from Ralegan Sidhi village in Ahmednagar district, said.
Alleging that the Government's intentions are not right and that is the reason why they are trying to defame the civil society spearheading the anti-graft campaign, Hazare said, "I haven't allowed a single blot on my character in my entire life."
The 74-year-old Gandhian said he was firm on his decision to go on an indefinite fast in Delhi from August 16 for a strong Lokpal Bill to tackle corruption.
"Mumbaikars should come and support the agitation against corruption," he added.
Criticising the government's draft of the Lokpal Bill that was presented in the Lok Sabha recently, he said it was a betrayal of the people.
"The Government said they would present their draft as well as our draft before the Union Cabinet but they betrayed the people by presenting only their draft," he said, adding that the government should withdraw their Lokpal Bill and either bring a new Bill afresh or make amendments in it."
Read more at: Govt checking records in Army, trying to dig out information about me: Hazare
Kargil Divas: Report from Mangalore
KARGIL VIJAYA DIWAS - 26 JUL 2011
My dear Brig,
I am submitting a brief account of activities of AFVs of Mangalore, on, Kargil Diwas, with a request to publish the same, in RMS.
We held a press briefing at the Press Club, Mangalore, on 25 Jul 11.
On 26 Jul 11, Radio "Mirchi"( 98.3 MHz ), organised a real time live Radio broadcast, from 0830 - 1100 hrs, where in, three AFVs, my self from Army, W O Radhakrishna Shetty from IA, P O Joachim D' Souza from IN, were interviewed. Two telephone interviews were also conducted with Brig I N Rai, SIKH LI, and Col Prem Kumar Shetty , JAK Rifles. It was well received by the public.
In the evening, at 1700 hrs, four Veterans were honoured at a public function. at the Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore. The AFVs were : Brig I N Rai, Col N S Bhandary, Wg Cdr D R Belle,and Cdr G P Mascarenhas.
Wing Commander D R Belle, Brigadier I N Rai, Colonel N S Bhandari and Lt Commander G P Mascarenhas were felicitated by Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner Dr K N Vijayprakash on the commemoration of Kargil Vijay Divas.
At 2000 hrs, AFVs gathered at the War Memorial, at Kadri Hills, Mangalore. A large number of people including civilians and LIONS club members, attended. LIONS district Governor, Ln J K Rao, graced the occasion.
We all lit a candle each and placed a flower next to it.
It was a solemn and graceful function. There after, LIONS club, hosted a dinner for us.
With good wishes and warm regards,
Your's sincerely,
Col Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandary (Retd)
Ex servicemen observe Kargil Vijay Diwas on Kadri Hills
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangalore, July 27, 2011 :The 12th anniversary of the Kargil victory was celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 Tuesday by the DK District Ex Servicemen Association and Lions Club Mangalore on Kadri Hills, during which the soldiers who had laid down their lives while on duty were honored.
The dignitaries and eminent personalities present offered floral tributes to the martyrs at the war memorial. Candles were lit and a minutes silence was observed.
Kargil Vijay Diwas was held in commemoration of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1999. The two-month war, which commenced in May 1999 ended at the end of July when the Pakistani army retreated. The Indian Army lost 543 soldiers during the war, and these soldiers were honored after their death.
Ex servicemen observe Kargil Vijay Diwas on Kadri Hills
My dear Brig,
I am submitting a brief account of activities of AFVs of Mangalore, on, Kargil Diwas, with a request to publish the same, in RMS.
We held a press briefing at the Press Club, Mangalore, on 25 Jul 11.
On 26 Jul 11, Radio "Mirchi"( 98.3 MHz ), organised a real time live Radio broadcast, from 0830 - 1100 hrs, where in, three AFVs, my self from Army, W O Radhakrishna Shetty from IA, P O Joachim D' Souza from IN, were interviewed. Two telephone interviews were also conducted with Brig I N Rai, SIKH LI, and Col Prem Kumar Shetty , JAK Rifles. It was well received by the public.
In the evening, at 1700 hrs, four Veterans were honoured at a public function. at the Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore. The AFVs were : Brig I N Rai, Col N S Bhandary, Wg Cdr D R Belle,and Cdr G P Mascarenhas.
At 2000 hrs, AFVs gathered at the War Memorial, at Kadri Hills, Mangalore. A large number of people including civilians and LIONS club members, attended. LIONS district Governor, Ln J K Rao, graced the occasion.
We all lit a candle each and placed a flower next to it.
It was a solemn and graceful function. There after, LIONS club, hosted a dinner for us.
With good wishes and warm regards,
Your's sincerely,
Col Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandary (Retd)
Ex servicemen observe Kargil Vijay Diwas on Kadri Hills
Mangalore Today News Network
The dignitaries and eminent personalities present offered floral tributes to the martyrs at the war memorial. Candles were lit and a minutes silence was observed.
Kargil Vijay Diwas was held in commemoration of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1999. The two-month war, which commenced in May 1999 ended at the end of July when the Pakistani army retreated. The Indian Army lost 543 soldiers during the war, and these soldiers were honored after their death.
Ex servicemen observe Kargil Vijay Diwas on Kadri Hills
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
CAG slams military authorities for Adarsh housing scam
Slamming military authorities for misappropriating prime defence land for the Adarsh housing society, the CAG has said rules were bent to benefit relatives of politicians, public servants and senior Service officers including former Army chiefs Gen Deepak Kapoor and N C Vij.
In a report tabled in Lok Sabha today, the Government auditor also targeted the Union Environment Ministry and the Maharashtra Urban Development Ministry saying indications were there that procedures were skirted to enable grant of No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society (ACHS) in Mumbai.
The CAG said welfare of servicemen and ex-servicemen was used as a ruse to grab piece of public land for the Society.
It said the entire episode reveals "glaring examples of dereliction of duty and severe lack of probity and accountability which needs to be seriously investigated".
"Action of the Local Military Authorities acting in collusion with Defence Estates Organisation (DEO) enabled misappropriation of prime government land in Mumbai for the benefit of a select few," it said.
The report said these officials were "responsible for protection of defence land and they betrayed the trust reposed in them for the personal benefit of a number of favoured individuals- all of whom are highly placed."
The auditor pointed out that the membership of the society kept expanding where "junior service and civilian officers went out of the society and many senior service officers and public servants became members."
"Notable among Service officers who became members of the society at a later date were two former Army Chiefs General N C Vij and Deepak Kapoor," it said.(ST-09/08)
CAG slams military authorities for Adarsh housing scam
In a report tabled in Lok Sabha today, the Government auditor also targeted the Union Environment Ministry and the Maharashtra Urban Development Ministry saying indications were there that procedures were skirted to enable grant of No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society (ACHS) in Mumbai.
The CAG said welfare of servicemen and ex-servicemen was used as a ruse to grab piece of public land for the Society.
"Action of the Local Military Authorities acting in collusion with Defence Estates Organisation (DEO) enabled misappropriation of prime government land in Mumbai for the benefit of a select few," it said.
The report said these officials were "responsible for protection of defence land and they betrayed the trust reposed in them for the personal benefit of a number of favoured individuals- all of whom are highly placed."
The auditor pointed out that the membership of the society kept expanding where "junior service and civilian officers went out of the society and many senior service officers and public servants became members."
"Notable among Service officers who became members of the society at a later date were two former Army Chiefs General N C Vij and Deepak Kapoor," it said.(ST-09/08)
CAG slams military authorities for Adarsh housing scam
Comment: What a shame and indictment: Dereliction of duty and severe lack of probity and accountability which needs to be seriously investigated. How these two former chiefs will be investigated and brought to justice is the moot question?
Interesting Reading
LETTER OF THE EDITOR OF "THE TIMES OF INDIA" TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIAPension Pamphlet for IAF Veterans
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 12:57 PM
Subject: Issue of updated pamphlet for IAF Pensioners
Dear Sir,
1. After retirement pensioners/ family pensioners have a lot of issues where they need help and guidance. The primary issue for most of the pensioners is to be sure that they are getting the correct pension from their bank. In addition other issues related with retiring pension, disability pension family pension, ECHS etc. could occupy their mind.
2. This Dte had issued a six page pamphlet for the benefit of IAF pensioners in March 2010. Since then a lot of rules have changed and based on queries received from pensioners an updated pamphlet “Check Your Pension Entitlement” has been released. This pamphlet is user friendly and covers a larger spectrum. It is updated as per Govt. letter received upto 01 August 2011.
3. t is requested that this pamphlet (attached) may be circulated to all the pensioners who are in contact with you.
sd/-
(BBP Sinha)
Air Cmde
CHECK YOUR PENSION ENTITLEMENT
Subject: Issue of updated pamphlet for IAF Pensioners
Dear Sir,
1. After retirement pensioners/ family pensioners have a lot of issues where they need help and guidance. The primary issue for most of the pensioners is to be sure that they are getting the correct pension from their bank. In addition other issues related with retiring pension, disability pension family pension, ECHS etc. could occupy their mind.
2. This Dte had issued a six page pamphlet for the benefit of IAF pensioners in March 2010. Since then a lot of rules have changed and based on queries received from pensioners an updated pamphlet “Check Your Pension Entitlement” has been released. This pamphlet is user friendly and covers a larger spectrum. It is updated as per Govt. letter received upto 01 August 2011.
3. t is requested that this pamphlet (attached) may be circulated to all the pensioners who are in contact with you.
sd/-
(BBP Sinha)
Air Cmde
CHECK YOUR PENSION ENTITLEMENT
MoD Style- Blame Game to Cheat Veterans
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Blame Game : MoD style !
“We believe to err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics" : Hubert H Humphrey
The MoD is unfairly and unnecessarily blaming the Services for non-implementation of Court orders.
People who are familiar with the field of litigation in the defence services would be aware of the fact that most of the cases decided in favour of pensioners, especially disabled personnel, are not implemented in a timely manner and majority of decisions of Courts and Tribunals are implemented only after contempt petitions are filed by affected parties. Even the judgements that are implemented are done so in a reluctant manner with the feeling in the South Block being that the policies framed by the MoD are sacrosanct and that every decision against the thought-process of the MoD should be challenged in a higher Court of Law. Fair enough, since the Constitutional framework provides a right to appeal to every party to a case. But this assumes dangerous proportions when even verdict after verdict on a particular issue, including by the highest Court of the land, the MoD continues to file appeals in similar matters thereby burdening the pockets of veterans and dockets of Courts. This is done with one singular motive – that out of the many appeals filed, even if one succeeds, the MoD would be able to scuttle the move for a change in policy for the better. And this is done being fully aware that veterans cannot afford legal help, especially at Supreme Court level, and hence it is not surprising that in most of the cases where decisions were ultimately rendered in favour of the MoD the affected parties were either unrepresented or were appearing in person, the reason being common – inability to afford counsel fee.
The powers to implement Court orders have been delegated to the Services HQ. It was earlier felt that due to lack of proper understanding, the Services HQ were blindly following the dictates of the MoD, especially in pensionary matters, and recommending appeals even in settled issues and further making no moves to reduce litigation or to bring about changes in policies that had persistently faced flak from the Courts. But this changed in the recent few years when the AG’s branch and the Personnel Services Directorate truly started taking proper interest in these matters with actual application of mind resulting in some proactive policy decisions and also putting it on record that certain imbalanced policies of the MoD which were resulting in a major flux of litigation, required a re-look. It was also now clear that even in certain issues where the Services HQ were of the view that appeals were not required to be filed, the MoD still insisted on challenging the verdicts but publicly projecting that it were the Services which were going about filing appeals against their own pensioners and not the MoD since the powers to implement decisions were vested with the Services HQ. In fact, it was more than once communicated by the MoD on hard paper that they were not the ones filing appeals, but the Services HQ. This statement was, and remains, a sham. It appears that despite best efforts by all stake-holders, the perception in the corridors of the MoD, especially, the Pension Wing, is, that veterans are greedy and do not deserve more than what they are already getting. The efforts of the Services HQ to bring about a change in policy meet the waste-bin in ways more than one.
And now comes another hard to believe master-stroke. Now the MoD has blamed the Services for delay in implementation of orders by Benches of the AFT. It has also been stated before the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Defence that about 303 decisions are yet to be implemented due to the delay caused by the hierarchical structure of the services. The excuse is hogwash and so is the number since there must be well over 2000 decisions as on date which have not been implemented. 303 is a very mild figure and at best depicts an antiquated bolt action gun.
Hence in the ultimate analysis, when the public questions the MoD over appeals being filed against veterans and the disabled, it (the MoD) very conveniently blames the Services leaving the Services HQ at the mercy of public flak and ridicule, and when a Parliamentary committee questions the non-implementation of Court orders, again the Services are blamed for the delay when the actual culprit is the sadist attitude of those manning certain lower level appointments in the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the MoD.
The policy making mechanism at the Pension wing is leading to frustration and a sense of great disservice. In-principle decisions taken at the highest level are scuttled by lower staff by misleading file notings. Policy decisions take years to materialise, for example, certain anomalies of the 5th CPC are being resolved 15 years after the date of implementation of the 5th CPC. Rather than taking decisions at the govt level, files are sent to the offices of CGDA and PCDA(P) for drafting govt letters and seeking their opinions, whereas accountants have actually nothing to do with the process of decision making, their duty is to disburse payments based on govt policy and not make the policy itself. Rather than rectifying anomalous policies, appeals to the SC are made as a matter of routine, to take an example, the SC has in atleast 10 cases settled the issue of grant of service element to pre-1973 retirees irrespective of length of service even if the disability falls below 20%, but the MoD continues to file appeals in similar cases and at this particular moment, more than 50 appeals are pending on the subject filed by the MoD against disabled veterans, most of them over the age of 70 notwithstanding 10 verdicts in favour of veterans. In cases of disability pension, till the 5th CPC, the amount for disability element for say 20% disability was Rs 310/- per month and even in such cases appeals were filed as a matter of routine when disability pension was allowed by Courts wherein lacs of rupees were paid to the battery of counsel representing the MoD, the great MoD which has scant respect for the National Litigation Policy formulated by the Union of India, that great MoD which treats its disabled as its adversaries, that MoD which feels that pensioners are a greedy lot, that MoD which would wrongly blame the Army, Navy and the Air Force fully knowing the sleight of hand at play, that MoD whose staffers believe that they are better jurists than the Courts rendering verdicts in favour of pensioners and the proof of this attitude lies in the fact that the MoD has filed a review petition in every single case decided by the Supreme Court in favour of pensioners in the recent times.
Solution
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Blame Game : MoD style !
“We believe to err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics" : Hubert H Humphrey
The MoD is unfairly and unnecessarily blaming the Services for non-implementation of Court orders.
People who are familiar with the field of litigation in the defence services would be aware of the fact that most of the cases decided in favour of pensioners, especially disabled personnel, are not implemented in a timely manner and majority of decisions of Courts and Tribunals are implemented only after contempt petitions are filed by affected parties. Even the judgements that are implemented are done so in a reluctant manner with the feeling in the South Block being that the policies framed by the MoD are sacrosanct and that every decision against the thought-process of the MoD should be challenged in a higher Court of Law. Fair enough, since the Constitutional framework provides a right to appeal to every party to a case. But this assumes dangerous proportions when even verdict after verdict on a particular issue, including by the highest Court of the land, the MoD continues to file appeals in similar matters thereby burdening the pockets of veterans and dockets of Courts. This is done with one singular motive – that out of the many appeals filed, even if one succeeds, the MoD would be able to scuttle the move for a change in policy for the better. And this is done being fully aware that veterans cannot afford legal help, especially at Supreme Court level, and hence it is not surprising that in most of the cases where decisions were ultimately rendered in favour of the MoD the affected parties were either unrepresented or were appearing in person, the reason being common – inability to afford counsel fee.
The powers to implement Court orders have been delegated to the Services HQ. It was earlier felt that due to lack of proper understanding, the Services HQ were blindly following the dictates of the MoD, especially in pensionary matters, and recommending appeals even in settled issues and further making no moves to reduce litigation or to bring about changes in policies that had persistently faced flak from the Courts. But this changed in the recent few years when the AG’s branch and the Personnel Services Directorate truly started taking proper interest in these matters with actual application of mind resulting in some proactive policy decisions and also putting it on record that certain imbalanced policies of the MoD which were resulting in a major flux of litigation, required a re-look. It was also now clear that even in certain issues where the Services HQ were of the view that appeals were not required to be filed, the MoD still insisted on challenging the verdicts but publicly projecting that it were the Services which were going about filing appeals against their own pensioners and not the MoD since the powers to implement decisions were vested with the Services HQ. In fact, it was more than once communicated by the MoD on hard paper that they were not the ones filing appeals, but the Services HQ. This statement was, and remains, a sham. It appears that despite best efforts by all stake-holders, the perception in the corridors of the MoD, especially, the Pension Wing, is, that veterans are greedy and do not deserve more than what they are already getting. The efforts of the Services HQ to bring about a change in policy meet the waste-bin in ways more than one.
And now comes another hard to believe master-stroke. Now the MoD has blamed the Services for delay in implementation of orders by Benches of the AFT. It has also been stated before the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Defence that about 303 decisions are yet to be implemented due to the delay caused by the hierarchical structure of the services. The excuse is hogwash and so is the number since there must be well over 2000 decisions as on date which have not been implemented. 303 is a very mild figure and at best depicts an antiquated bolt action gun.
Hence in the ultimate analysis, when the public questions the MoD over appeals being filed against veterans and the disabled, it (the MoD) very conveniently blames the Services leaving the Services HQ at the mercy of public flak and ridicule, and when a Parliamentary committee questions the non-implementation of Court orders, again the Services are blamed for the delay when the actual culprit is the sadist attitude of those manning certain lower level appointments in the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the MoD.
The policy making mechanism at the Pension wing is leading to frustration and a sense of great disservice. In-principle decisions taken at the highest level are scuttled by lower staff by misleading file notings. Policy decisions take years to materialise, for example, certain anomalies of the 5th CPC are being resolved 15 years after the date of implementation of the 5th CPC. Rather than taking decisions at the govt level, files are sent to the offices of CGDA and PCDA(P) for drafting govt letters and seeking their opinions, whereas accountants have actually nothing to do with the process of decision making, their duty is to disburse payments based on govt policy and not make the policy itself. Rather than rectifying anomalous policies, appeals to the SC are made as a matter of routine, to take an example, the SC has in atleast 10 cases settled the issue of grant of service element to pre-1973 retirees irrespective of length of service even if the disability falls below 20%, but the MoD continues to file appeals in similar cases and at this particular moment, more than 50 appeals are pending on the subject filed by the MoD against disabled veterans, most of them over the age of 70 notwithstanding 10 verdicts in favour of veterans. In cases of disability pension, till the 5th CPC, the amount for disability element for say 20% disability was Rs 310/- per month and even in such cases appeals were filed as a matter of routine when disability pension was allowed by Courts wherein lacs of rupees were paid to the battery of counsel representing the MoD, the great MoD which has scant respect for the National Litigation Policy formulated by the Union of India, that great MoD which treats its disabled as its adversaries, that MoD which feels that pensioners are a greedy lot, that MoD which would wrongly blame the Army, Navy and the Air Force fully knowing the sleight of hand at play, that MoD whose staffers believe that they are better jurists than the Courts rendering verdicts in favour of pensioners and the proof of this attitude lies in the fact that the MoD has filed a review petition in every single case decided by the Supreme Court in favour of pensioners in the recent times.
Solution
Solution No 1
The top brass at the MoD including the RM, the RRM and the Secretary of the Department of ESW, starts taking proper interest in the affairs of veterans by way of initiating democratic decisions by involving all stake holders – the ESW staff, the Services, representatives of recognised veteran bodies with experts in the field. Look at the current lot dealing with the issues involving millions of veterans – An otherwise well meaning Secretary from the IAS who is retiring soon, a Joint Secretary from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre of the IAS who is currently on training and whose tenure under the Central Staffing Scheme ends this year, a Director (Pensions) who is from the Indian Forest Service and knows nothing about pensions and who would soon revert to his parent cadre, two Under Secretaries from the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) who again have no expertise in pensionary matters and who probably rule the roost of the pension branch, knowing that the department is entirely dependent on them, in all probability assuming more air of authority than what their so-called proficiency really warrants. Solution No 2
Disband the Army. Period.Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Monday, August 8, 2011
Why Veterans want a strong Lokpal Bill
Dear Friends,
A strong Lokpal Bill will ensure that the corrupt political leaders and the corrupt Babus are removed from the scene of Governance of India soon.
Due to misinformation campaign by persons with vested interest, some of us have started believing that a Strong Lokpal Bill will destabilise the country and will be against the Constitution of India.
Do not be misled by these thugs. Read some more articles appended below. Let us all whole heartedly support the Jan Lokpal Bill and support Veteran Anna Hazare.
While in Service we sacrificed best part of our life to protect the nation from external threats – it is now time for us to protect the nation from these dishonest politicians and Babus, who are looting the national wealth and blocking progress of the country. Those of you who do not agree with the above statement, are probably justified in your own way, we respect your views.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
Related Reading
Padayatra, burning of bill copies mark protests
India Against Corruption: Kejriwal seeks support for Hazare's stir
'August 15 could be India's Tahrir moment'
A strong Lokpal Bill will ensure that the corrupt political leaders and the corrupt Babus are removed from the scene of Governance of India soon.
Due to misinformation campaign by persons with vested interest, some of us have started believing that a Strong Lokpal Bill will destabilise the country and will be against the Constitution of India.
Do not be misled by these thugs. Read some more articles appended below. Let us all whole heartedly support the Jan Lokpal Bill and support Veteran Anna Hazare.
While in Service we sacrificed best part of our life to protect the nation from external threats – it is now time for us to protect the nation from these dishonest politicians and Babus, who are looting the national wealth and blocking progress of the country. Those of you who do not agree with the above statement, are probably justified in your own way, we respect your views.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
Related Reading
March for Janlokpal
WHY
Dear friends, People in power have proved that they don't want a strong anti-corruption law because it will stop them from looting the nation. We cannot let this happen and we need to take affirmative action to ensure that people win this battle. Anna Hazare has decided to give a final and decisive push to Janlokpal by announcing his indefinite fast from 16th August. India needs to be awakened to come out on streets on 16th August. Its time to walk the talk!
We invite friends who would like to lead/organise/coordinate a March from their own city.
HOW AND WHEN August 1 to August 10
A mass mobilization programme across the country in the form of long marches is being planned starting August 1. These marches will originate from different cities and city coordinators are requested to plan one starting from their own city. For instance, the first march will start from Delhi on August 1 and end in Meerut (55 km) on the next day. Civil society leaders like Arvind Kejriwal will participate in this march. Several marches have already been planned in different cities of UP (starting from their own cities and culminating in Lucknow/Kanpur). In Maharashtra a march is being planned from Pune to Ralegan Sidhi.
LOGISTICS AND PREPARATION
A person can easily walk upto 25-35 kms in a day. Keeping this fact in mind and the time at your hand, plan a march of 50-200 km (2-8 days), work out the route/itinerary and inform us. Sole objective of this march is to make people aware of this historic movement and to urge them to participate in it actively. You will need some posters/banners and pamphlets for the march. Many of you already have these, in case you don’t, we will send you the files and you can get them printed as per your convenience.
While marching, make sure you have regular stopovers where you can interact with local people. Try to walk as much as possible during the morning and evening while keep the afternoon for rest and relaxation. Also, do share your plan with the local media, once you have informed us of the plan, we will push it in the national media in Delhi.
Politicians of all colours regularly undertake such walks for power and support, but this time India will walk for a better and corruption-free India!!! Spread the word.
Ideas and suggestions are most welcome.
Email: padyatra2011@gmail.com
Mobile: 9971900424, 8009664058
March for Janlokpal
Dear friends, People in power have proved that they don't want a strong anti-corruption law because it will stop them from looting the nation. We cannot let this happen and we need to take affirmative action to ensure that people win this battle. Anna Hazare has decided to give a final and decisive push to Janlokpal by announcing his indefinite fast from 16th August. India needs to be awakened to come out on streets on 16th August. Its time to walk the talk!
We invite friends who would like to lead/organise/coordinate a March from their own city.
HOW AND WHEN August 1 to August 10
A mass mobilization programme across the country in the form of long marches is being planned starting August 1. These marches will originate from different cities and city coordinators are requested to plan one starting from their own city. For instance, the first march will start from Delhi on August 1 and end in Meerut (55 km) on the next day. Civil society leaders like Arvind Kejriwal will participate in this march. Several marches have already been planned in different cities of UP (starting from their own cities and culminating in Lucknow/Kanpur). In Maharashtra a march is being planned from Pune to Ralegan Sidhi.
LOGISTICS AND PREPARATION
A person can easily walk upto 25-35 kms in a day. Keeping this fact in mind and the time at your hand, plan a march of 50-200 km (2-8 days), work out the route/itinerary and inform us. Sole objective of this march is to make people aware of this historic movement and to urge them to participate in it actively. You will need some posters/banners and pamphlets for the march. Many of you already have these, in case you don’t, we will send you the files and you can get them printed as per your convenience.
While marching, make sure you have regular stopovers where you can interact with local people. Try to walk as much as possible during the morning and evening while keep the afternoon for rest and relaxation. Also, do share your plan with the local media, once you have informed us of the plan, we will push it in the national media in Delhi.
Politicians of all colours regularly undertake such walks for power and support, but this time India will walk for a better and corruption-free India!!! Spread the word.
Ideas and suggestions are most welcome.
Email: padyatra2011@gmail.com
Mobile: 9971900424, 8009664058
March for Janlokpal
Rank Pay and Reserve Service Liability treading same path
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
Thank you for publishing the AFT order. After going through Air HQ letter addressed to PCDA as well as the AFT order, it appears that revision of pension will be applicable to petitioners only instead of all affected veterans which should include officers also who have reserve liability and are getting less pension as they may not have rendered service required to earn full pension even with weightage. This may lead to Supreme Court like rank pay case where only the pension for Major Dhanapalan has been revised so far.
Regards
AVM RP Mishra
Comments
Through RMS, I would like to appeal all veterans' organizations to take up the issue with Deptt of Ex-Sevicemen Welfare Ministry of Defence. I feel that for some time we should stop demanding everything else from Govt of India and only demand the following:
1. The Chairman of ESW Department of MoD, should be a serving Lt Gen/ Maj Gen or equivalent, in rotation from three Services; min tenure three years.
2. At the next level a Brig or equivalent, from all the three Services. They all should have done the LDMC. Should have a min tenure of three years.
3. All other officers in the Department should be retired Defence Officers, who should be allowed to serve up to the age of 62 years.
4. Below the officer level, the 50% of staff should be ESM and 50% civilians. (could be 100% ESM). The ESM in this Deparment should be allowed to serve upto the age of 62 years.
The present ESW Dept is a collection of clueless clots, who know nothing about Defence Services, in particular about the problems of ESM. Every letter they issue has anomalies. When they issue a letter to rectify and anomaly – they add many more anomalies.
I strongly recommend to ALL ESM organisations to put up the above demand at National Level, including writing articles in the print media and interviews on TVs.
ESW Department of MoD is proving to be our biggest enemy.
I appeal to all members to send this note of mine to some MPs and to those who matter in GoI.
Chander Kamboj
Thank you for publishing the AFT order. After going through Air HQ letter addressed to PCDA as well as the AFT order, it appears that revision of pension will be applicable to petitioners only instead of all affected veterans which should include officers also who have reserve liability and are getting less pension as they may not have rendered service required to earn full pension even with weightage. This may lead to Supreme Court like rank pay case where only the pension for Major Dhanapalan has been revised so far.
Regards
AVM RP Mishra
Comments
Through RMS, I would like to appeal all veterans' organizations to take up the issue with Deptt of Ex-Sevicemen Welfare Ministry of Defence. I feel that for some time we should stop demanding everything else from Govt of India and only demand the following:
1. The Chairman of ESW Department of MoD, should be a serving Lt Gen/ Maj Gen or equivalent, in rotation from three Services; min tenure three years.
2. At the next level a Brig or equivalent, from all the three Services. They all should have done the LDMC. Should have a min tenure of three years.
3. All other officers in the Department should be retired Defence Officers, who should be allowed to serve up to the age of 62 years.
4. Below the officer level, the 50% of staff should be ESM and 50% civilians. (could be 100% ESM). The ESM in this Deparment should be allowed to serve upto the age of 62 years.
The present ESW Dept is a collection of clueless clots, who know nothing about Defence Services, in particular about the problems of ESM. Every letter they issue has anomalies. When they issue a letter to rectify and anomaly – they add many more anomalies.
I strongly recommend to ALL ESM organisations to put up the above demand at National Level, including writing articles in the print media and interviews on TVs.
ESW Department of MoD is proving to be our biggest enemy.
I appeal to all members to send this note of mine to some MPs and to those who matter in GoI.
Chander Kamboj
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