IESM: Fast for Justice 20 Oct 2008, Tricity

Indian Ex-Servicemen Move (IESM Pb)
To: Press Media: You may Kindly cover the this event.

Sir,

1. The Ex- Servicemen Community of the Tricity will be sitting on Hunger strike series wef 20/10/08 at YPS Chowk (Phase-8) Mohali from 9am to 5pm daily. We will have Black Diwali also as mark of protest, peacefully. Because, none of our genuine demand have been considered so far.

2. This Hunger Strike on 20 Oct will also be observed all over India in 600 cities, including 14 main cities of Punjab & Tricity. Same way BLACK DIWALI will also be observed through out the Country by ESM Community, first time in history of India. We cannot tolerate any more humiliation.

3. Govt has delinked ESM Pensions increase in 6th Pay Commission & to keep us at old scale of 5th Pay Commission. Last 3 Central Pay Commissions (CPCs) have been unfair & neglected our interests, dishonestly. With every war victory, we have been harmed & down graded wrongfully. Because, there have never been Defence Forces member in CPCs.

4. Soldiers are still unskilled workers; hence, our N/ Subedar (class II officer) get Pension less than a civil peon. NO Job/ resettlement, so Jawans are forced/ exploited to stand as gate sentries with lowest wages.

5. We deserve to have separate Pay Commission for Defence Forces & ESM/ Widows, democratically & demographically, like other countries. We have been deprived off illegally.

6. Soldiers are deprived off Voting right at place of duty, unconstitutionally & wrongfully all over India, even after the Govt orders. Why cannot Soldiers vote in J&K when they can die for country there?

7. Defence Casualties/ disabilities & Widows (family pension) get too less compensation in lieu of sacrifices/ sufferings. Even our One Rank One Pension accepted in Parliament in not yet implemented since very long.

8. No CBI inquiry has been initiated against defaulters/ manipulators of grade pay/ increments in 4th, 5th & 6th CPCs.

9. Soldier's enrolment should be on merit & not as per region/ population. This will improve quality intake for stronger Forces. Same way Officer's shortage should not be made up/ forced by women induction. This is increasing more problems & weakening fighting potentials of Forces. Officer's intake standards should not be lowered/ compromised against the National security interests.

10. Kendrya Sainik Boards (KSB & RSB) Rajya Sainik Boards etc must be quashed & reconstructed for effective welfare of ESM Community. They are toothless & on the mercy of Babus. Same way ESM commission was approved but with 2 women/ IAS. Our all problems/ Grievances are due to these Babu's discriminatory attitudes. Therefore, No IAS civilian be posted for our welfare & in MOD depts, when our own 98% ESM are wandering unemployed. This will improve professionalism, reliability & better understanding.

Released on behalf of all ESM Orgs by
Lt Col SS Sohi, Retd
Coordinator, IESM (Pb)
President, ESM Grievances Cell, Mohali