Rank Pay and SCPC Anomalies: Military discipline and morale on the decline?

Recipe for disaster for the military
by Arun K. Singh.
The writer, a vice-admiral, retired as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam
The state of morale in the armed forces in general, and the Army in particular, should be a cause for worry because of the latter’s rapidly declining combat capability. Moreover, an Army with low morale, insufficient manpower and lacking in the required combat equipment is a recipe for national disaster at the hands of foreign invaders.
The recent Supreme Court ruling giving “rank pay” to those officers who were in military service between 1986 to 1996 following a 25-year-long court battle by a few retired officers shows how this rank pay, given by the fourth Central Pay Commission (4th CPC), had been withheld by unaccountable bureaucrats, who had issued the final implementation orders. Even if the rank pay is finally given in the coming months, many of those eligible have passed away or are bed-ridden, and, many had received lower pension also. Today, there are 39 unresolved anomalies from the 6th CPC, which gave its award in 2008...
The Army, for its part, needs to set its own house in order, weed out corruption, reward merit and concentrate on regaining its past glory, which was based on pure professionalism, discipline and leadership. Can the Prime Minister do something drastic to improve morale and combat capability of the military?
Extracted from original article click here for more

Pension of Honorary Naib Subedars

08 September 2011
IESM/Pension/ Hony Nb Sub
Shri AK Antony
Hon’ble Defence Minister
South Block, New Delhi – 110 011
Pension of Honorary Naib Subedars: Non Implementation of Court Orders
Dear Hon’ble minister,
I would like to bring to your kind notice that in accordance with GOI, Dept Ex Servicemen Welfare letter No. 1(8)2008-D (Pen/Policy) dated 12.06.2009 and recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission contained in Para 5.1.62 of their report, Havildars who are granted Honorary rank of Naib Subedars are entitled to get the same pension as a Naib Subedar promoted in the regular stream. This is also in accordance with the judgments of Armed Forces Tribunal and Supreme Court. However, this is not happening and legitimate claims of the affected pensioners are being denied on the specious plea that the provisions of parity of pension between Naib Subedar and Hony Naib Subedar is applicable to only those Hon Naib Subedars who retired on or after 01.01.2006.

It needs to be noted that this contention does not stand ground as the DESW letter No. 1(8)2008-D(Pen/Policy) dated 12.06.2009 does not speak in that spirit. This matter has been also been adjudicated at AFT Chandigarh on 08.02.2010, which ruled that those provisions apply to both pre and post 01.01.2006 retirees. The GOI appeal against this judgment has also been dismissed by the Honorable Supreme Court by upholding the verdict of the AFT Chandigarh on 20.12.2010. On 11.01.2011, AFT Jaipur also gave similar ruling and directed that the arrears be paid with 6 % penal interest to the litigants. It, therefore, leaves no doubt that the GOI has to sanction the pension of a Naib Subedar also to all those Honorary Naib Subedars who retired prior to 2006.

May I request you to kindly look into the anomaly and have the orders of the court implemented at the earliest.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Copy to:
General V K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADCChief of Army Staff
Integrated Headquarters of MoD (Army)
South Block
New Delhi- 110011

IESM: CGDA Pension Adalat on 28 Oct at Alwar

Dear All
A delegation of IESM met CGDA Shri Nand Kishor on 25 Oct 2010 at 1530h. Many points pertaining to difficulty in pension calculations, pension disbursement were discussed. The details of the discussion will be issued shortly.
However it has been confirmed by the CGDA that they have been regularly holding pension adalats to solve problems of ex-servicemen on the spot. So CGDA has held 100 pension adalats and have helped many ex-servicemen. Last adalat was held at Bangalore on 30/31 Aug 2010.
It is for the information of all that the next Pension Adalat of CGDA will be held at Army Public School Alwar on 28 and 29 Oct 2010. The adalat will assemble at 1000h onwards on both days.
All the exservicemen/widows living in and around alwar can take help of CGDA staff in finding a solution to their pension problems. It is important to take following documents with you for getting on the spot solution from the CGDA staff. Representative from the Banks will also be available in the Adalat.

Original PPO

Pension/ discharge book of the veteran.

Some document to confirm your address.

Some document to confirm your date of birth, like driving licence, election id card, Identity card issued by services, identity card issued by soldier sainik board or any document supporting and giving your date of birth.
In case of widows same documents must be carried to the adalat.
All are requested to take advantage of the adalat and solve your problems.
Regards,
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM

OROP takes centre stage. Will the bureaucrats still stall the issue?

Dear Chander,
Shri Badal had rung me up late last night. I am currently in Pune. The Akali Dal government is tabling the issue of OROP in the Vidhan Sabha today.
I have sent him a brief just now, a copy of which I am enclosing for everyone's information.
Warm regards.
Vijay Oberoi
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
President
War Wounded Foundation
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)
Former Director Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
30 September 2010

BRIEF ON ‘OROP’ FOR SHRI MANPREET SINGH BADAL, FINANCE MINISTER OF PUNJAB
By
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
Meaning of OROP
‘One Rank One Pension’ or OROP means that a soldier's pension be determined by just two factors: his rank and the length of his service. That is, two military pensioners who retired in the same rank after rendering equal service should get equal pension irrespective of their dates of retirement. Nobody has so far cogently rebutted this rationale to be unreasonable.

Rationale
The concept of rank is unique to the military. Those in non-military services may carry designations/posts like 'director general', ‘secretary’ etc. but these have no formal sanctity the world over. However, those in/from the military are always referred to by his rank, even after death.

While those serving in the military retire by rank, the other government employees retire by age. To keep the forces young, all jawans retire in their mid-30s; all JCO’s retire in their mid-40’s and the bulk of officers retire in the early fifties. Only a handful-about 60 Lt Gens serve up to 60 years. On the other hand, all civilian government employees serve up to the age of 60 years, whether they are peons or constables or secretaries and DGP’s. Since the date of retirement also determines the quantum of pension, with each pay commission (with periodicity of 10 years), the military veterans who retired early receive lesser pension compared to those who retired later with the same rank and same service. As military pensioners are subjected to three or more pay commissions in their lifetime, they have to suffer the disparities bred by it every 10 years.

The take-home package of a jawan for example and a constable hardly bears comparison, as the jawan starts getting half pay (pension) at the average age of 35 years, while the constable continues to serve till the age of 60 years, thus getting full pay for another 25 years. In addition, he gets pay rise with each subsequent pay commission, as well as increments. Furthermore, if we take the current average age of death (67 years), the constable will perhaps see only one pay commission after his retirement but the jawan will see a minimum of three or four pay commissions, each of which will further downgrade his pension when compared to the serving jawans or his comrades who retired in subsequent years. Where is equity and fairness? Should the veteran not get compensated? OROP will fill this lacuna.

The governments reasoning that civilian pensioners will also demand OROP is simply a bogey. They have never sought the equivalent of OROP to date, as they understand that their requirements are adequately met by serving up to 60 years. Further, when the 'one time increase' was granted to the armed forces, civilian pensioners never made it a bone of contention.
The pension structure of the defence personnel is distinct and no other central service has sought a similar structure or parity with the ex-servicemen.

The parliamentary standing committee in its 2004 report had estimated the annual cost of implementing OROP to be Rs 614 crores. Even after catering for inflation, the resultant amount is small change to governments that unabashedly hand out princely sums to patronise cronies, to cultivate vote banks and to feather their nest.

It is a great pity that the government, and the blinkered bureaucracy that steers it, do not think straight, merely on the assumption that the military will accept whatever is given to them without complaining. I am afraid the military veterans have now reached the end of their tethers and are in no mood to drop their highly legitimate demand.

Major Landmarks in the Tortuous Journey of OROP
In the early eighties, with a view to rationalise military pensions, the Supreme Court gave its nod to the concept of OROP on December 17, 1982. Consequently, a committee headed by K P Singh Deo was tasked two years later to settle the issues raised by the ex-servicemen. It made 62 recommendations including for OROP. While most of these were accepted, about 15 others, including OROP remained unresolved.

In a placatory gesture, the government granted a 'one time increase' in 1992. Later the fifth pay commission merged all the pre-1996 pensioners into one category, and created a new breed of post-1996 pensioners.

All political parties pledged bipartisan backing to OROP, both inside and outside Parliament. OROP has featured in the election manifesto of all major political parties. On April 10, 1999, George Fernandes, then defence minister, proclaimed at Anandpur Sahib that OROP would become a reality in 'a few days.'

Sonia Gandhi endorsed OROP in a Congress party rally at Chandigarh on November 23, 2002.

The parliamentary standing committee on defence, chaired by Madan Lal Khurana spiritedly favoured OROP in its twentieth report and it urged the inter-ministerial committee to examine the issue and operationalise it expeditiously.

It was the report of the sixth pay commission that broke the camels back on account of its highly biased and anti-military formulations, The committee of secretaries tasked to reconcile the contentious proposals did little for the military as the bureaucrats were hell-bent in keeping the ‘military in its place’, as publicly stated by no less a person than the Cabinet Secretary.

The central government further drove the nail in the coffin by their kowtowing with the bureaucrats. In a written reply, Defence Minister A K Antony informed the Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2008 that the government has not found acceptable the demand for 'one rank one pension' (OROP) by the ex-servicemen. The defence minister did not assign any compelling reasons for dumping OROP. Hence the government’s reluctance to sanction OROP is truly boggling.

Majors reduced to Minors by successive Pay Commission Recommendations

REF: Guest Post : How Majors became Minors and more... click here
BeeCee is a senior naval officer who in the past has remained closely associated with pay and status issues. He has earlier contributed through his guest posts on my blog which can be viewed by clicking here and here. Here is another one in the aftermath of the ruling of the Hon’ble SC in the rank pay case. These are his personal views. Enjoy!
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 10:12 AM

4th Pay Commission Anomaly: Grant of Rank Pay

In accordance with the recommendations of the 4th Pay commission and the Govt. decision thereon, as promulgated under Gazette of India (Extra ordinary) Notification No 91 dated 18.3.1987, officers of the Army. Navy and Air Force were granted an integrated pay in the scale of Rs.2300-100-3900-150-5100.

In addition to the pay in the integrated scale as above, Rank Pay for Captain, Major, Lt Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier and equivalent in the Navy and Air Force, were also granted @ Rs 200/-, 600/-, 800/-, 1000/-, and 1200/- PM respectively.

Although the Rank Pay was sanctioned in addition to the basic pay, while fixing the pay in the integrated scale: an amount equal to the Rank Pay was deducted from the total emoluments and the pay was fixed. This has resulted in heavy financial loss to the officers which has also cumulative effect on pay, D.A., Pension, Gratuity, etc.

Having failed to get a proper consideration of the ease, Major A.K.Dhanapalan, now retired had approached the Hon’ble High Court or Kerala for justice. In the case or Major A.K Dhanapalan Vs Union of India in O.P 2448/96, the Hon’ble High Court or Kerala was pleased to allow the plea of the officer and held that the deduction of the Rank Pay from basic pay is NOT correct and directed to re-fix the Basic Pay with effect from 1.1.1986.

However the Union of India preferred an appeal before the larger Bench of the High Court against the judgment. Larger bench of High Court has been pleased to dismiss the appeal but the Union of India again filed an SLP in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. This appeal was also dismissed on 10-7-05.

Officers (Serving/ Retired) of the Armed Forces who were in service on 1-1-86 in the Rank of Captain, Major, Lt Col, Col, Brigadier are affected by the above judgment. According to the judgment, Pay of Major A.K Dhanapalan has been re-fixed with effect from 1-1-86 and Govt. sanction for payment of arrears was issued, whereas the benefit has not been extended to other similarly placed Officers of the Army, Navy & Air Force. This is injustice to the affected Officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Officers are eligible to receive minimum* arrears after re-fixation will be as under:
Capt and Equivalent Rs 55,000/
Major and Equivalent Rs 1,50,000/-
Lt Col and Equivalent Rs 2,00,000/-
Colonel and Equivalent Rs 2,50,000/-
Brigadier and Equivalent Rs 3,30,000/-
*This is subject to length of service from 1-1-86

A few retired affected officers joined together to make an association to take further legal action against this injustice. Like minded affected officers who are willing to join for this noble cause are welcome and may write to the General Secretary, Major A.K Dhanapalan (Retd), the President, Major K.P Sreedharan (Retd).

Maj KP Sreedharan (Retd)
Maj AK Dhanapalan (Retd)
Indian Armed Forces Retired officers' Association

IV Pay Commission Rank Pay Anomaly Case

Wed, 23 December, 2009 6:36:55 PM
Dear Sir,
The case has been listed for hearing on 04 Jan 2010 in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in the court of Justice Mr Markandey Katju & Justice RM Lodha (Court No 8).

It is requested that this information be put on 'Report my Signals' for info of the environment. Case in brief is given as:
In the case of Maj AK Dhanapalan Vs Union of India in OP 2448/96, The Hon’ble High Court of Kerala allowed the plea of the officer and held that the deduction of the rank pay was not correct and directed to re fix the basic pay of the officer from 1.1.1986. Appeal filed by the Union of India before the larger bench of the High Court & SLP in the Hon’ble Supreme Court against the judgment was dismissed. Although Govt sanction to pay arrears to Maj AK Dhanapalan were issued, the benefit was not extended to similarly placed officers of the three Services.

Similar cases were filed by a large number of officers in various courts throughout the country. The Supreme Court of India directed that such of the cases be transferred to the apex court. Retired Defence Officers Association (RDOA) has been able to transfer one of the ‘lead cases’ from Kerala to the Supreme Court.
Col Satwant Singh (Retd)
Secy RDOA

IESM: Call for "OROP" the just demand of the Ex- Servicemen

Mon, 21 December, 2009 9:05:51 PM
Dear Colleagues,
There had been complaints from ESM that banks are not playing fair and that in some cases they are underpaying the pensioners. It had been our effort to ask the government to issue instructions to banks and have these published in all major newspapers. Those who attended the AGM on 13 Dec 2009 would recall that I had made a mention of it. Happily, those instructions have been issued to the banks and this has appeared in English and vernacular press today. The instructions have been issued jointly by the Ministries of Defence and Finance leaving no doubt. This may kindly be given wide publicity and ESM advised to exercise their right to obtain Annexure IV and seek clarification from the banks in case of any doubt.
Despite our persistent efforts the government has not accepted the principle of OROP. As planned the next depositing of medals will take place on Sunday, 31 Jan 2010. Time of assembly at Jantar Mantar is at 1100 hours; detailed instructions on the subject will be issued separately. All State and District conveners are requested to further intensify efforts to spread the message so that we are able to deposit medals in massive numbers and pressurise the government into accepting our just demand of OROP.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Important Links for Pre 2006 Pensioners
GoI Notification
PPO_ Annexure IV
Media Report
Ex-servicemen blame babus for their plight by Umesh Dewan: Tribune News Service

National Anomaly Committee hibernates before attempting to resolve the anomalies

The government had officially closed the chapter for grant of any additional benefit to pre-2006 retirees or any improvement in the modified parity already implemented (2.26 times of old basic pension or 50% of minimum of new pay band + Grade Pay + MSP when applicable, whichever is higher). Similarly, the government had also officially closed the chapter for grant of full pension to retirees who had been released between 01-01-2006 and 02-09-2008 after putting in 20 years of service. As we know, the government has already relented on the latter aspect and even issued the letter granting the benefit. Now it seems that there is going to be a re-think on improving the modified parity granted to pre-2006 pensioners.

In a meeting between the National Anomalies Committee on the 6th CPC Chaired by the Secretary Personnel, Govt of India, and the Confederation of Central Govt Employees and Workers, the government has decided to consider the issue once again. It would be worthwhile to state that almost all pensionary modalities made applicable to civil employees are extended to defence personnel also.

More details on the meeting can be accessed at: National Anomaly Committee- Meeting and decisions

Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:14 AM
Indian Military Information

CWG 2010, OROP and responses

Dear Maj (Dr) TC Rao,
On the outset let me compliment you for your continued efforts to ameliorate the difficulties of the ESM's. Rehabilitation of the retired people who get superannuated when they are neither that young to pick up the threads of an altogether new vocation nor old enough to idle at home on pensions -is of paramount importance. You would have seen that whereas virtually all Cols & below have to take up a job post retirement, on the civil side there is no such need.

Since you know the problem & have a voice in political hierarchy- why not put in effort along with others to resolve issue of OROP- which is not only emotive but also just. The divide of 01 Jan 2006 has created not one but many a pension for one rank.Earlier they had fixed an entire generation of officers lower by 20% during the Fourth CPC as came out in Maj Dhanapalan's case. And now every one from Lt Col to Maj Gen has been put at the bottom of the PB-4 which is illogical, unreasonable & absurd. Promises made by political stalwarts from both sides have been negated.

Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)

Earlier I had written similarly to Capt Davar

Dear Capt Praveen Davar,
1.Thanks for your e-mail. While lot of good things have happened in our country due to some pragmatic decisions taken by successive Govts over the last two decades or so – yet lot needs to be done. In the UPA-2 Hon'ble Kapil Sibal has virtually heralded renaissance in our education system-which has been my arena since my retirement more than 13 yrs back. We need similar dynamism in our even more critical Ministry of Defence. You will appreciate that our Armed Forces are the only bulwark against internal disintegration as well as external threats -now growing at menacing pace. Be it Kargils or natural disasters or even the 26/11's, the Services have always stood by the Nation. The ex-servicemen & the serving soldiers have perennial emotional bonding through regimental & squadron ties. The ex-servicemen looking from the sidelines do not feel happy when for example the Service Chiefs are denigrated through inspired & conspired editorials in the media or the men in uniform get pushed down the protocol ladder by one-up-man-ship.

2. Regarding OROP, once the Chairperson of the UPA had committed to it- the Govt should have conceded it gracefully instead of making all efforts to deny it by going in round about manner. Passing off some thing else as OROP especially in the present information age is counter productive. There seems to be forces working at cross purposes who have taken on themselves to deny the legitimate dues to those who have been giving so much for so little to so many of us. For example fixing an entire generation of officers during the 4th CPC as brought out in Major Dhanapalan's case etc shows the mindset which needs to be changed. Though I am no expert – OROP to me means same pension for same rank irrespective of the post & pre 2006 dividing line at least. Yes there could be harmonizing for total length or qualifying years of service if needed.

3. Eminent persons like you who have had the privilege to serve in the Armed Forces & now occupy important positions in the Party in Power can work towards rebuilding the trust with the ex-servicemen- who mostly remain apolitical. OROP has become an emotive issue & misinformation in this regard would serve no purpose.You may like to interact with Lt Gen Raj Kadiyan & Maj Gen Satbir Singh who have been espousing the cause of ex-servicemen & are in a better position to apprise you about the expectations which are not much. I would much appreciate if all MP's & party functionaries with services background come forward and take up the cause of Services including modernization, making service conditions attractive enough to attract the brightest of our young men to the profession of soldiering once again & looking after the veterans who gave their yester -years for our better tomorrows.

Regards
Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd)


Dear Veteran’s,
1. On 08 Dec 09, the under signed met Shri Suresh Kalmadi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Chairman Indian Olympic Association and Organising Committee of Common Wealth Games(CWG) in his office.
2. A suitable presentation on the availability of Ex-servicemen (All ranks in Delhi & NCR) and their rehabilitation with the CWG was given by me.The Chairman himself being an Ex-servicemen appreciated the idea & showed keen interest in involving Ex-Servicemen in smooth conduct of Common Wealth Games. He briefed Mr NP Singh, Joint Director General (Admin and Work Force) and asked him to further interact with me. After having discussed the requirement, Mr NP Singh confirmed that the Officers can be accommodated at the appointments keeping in mind their management skills & administrative experience. The details of appointments, rank structure, Pay & Allces and No of vacancies are given as under :-

Rank/ Appointment/ Salary/ Approx Vacancies
Col/ Director/ Rs 60,000- PM/ Approx 10
Lt Col/ Maj/ Project Offrs/ Rs 45,000- PM/ Approx 20.
Capt/ Asst Project Offrs/ Rs 35,000- PM/ Approx 30.

3. Suitability will be assessed by Board of Officers of CWG and subsequently, who ever is selected, will be appointed. The duration of employment would be till Oct 2010.
4. I have also requested them to agree to appoint Ex-servicemen of Army Physical Training Corps (APTC) for the various events as supplement force. Ex-servicemen, who have represented Services/Comd level can also apply as there is huge requirement of trained Ex-servicemen for conduct of games.
5. They also agreed to take maximum Drivers to drive Cars @ Rs 15,000/- Per Month, the duration of their employment would be for four months. Yet it would be a proud assignment for all of us.
6. Ex-Servicemen/Students /Keen sports persons can be placed as volunteers during games. They can have an easy access to witness the games as also avail some special facilities designed for volunteers (Two sets of uniform, food coupons, free passes for Metro, DTC & other transport to be made available by CWG.
7. We would like to show the presence of Ex-servicemen during these games, to prove our loyalty to the nation and project high image, integrity and sincerity to the public. Since this is an international event, we should help our Government to make Common Wealth Game a success.
8. You are requested to give wide publicity to the above information and mail us the name of interested candidates for their suitable placement for Common Wealth Games.
9. I am available 24X7 for welfare of ex-servicemen. My telephone No 9811441189/0124-4557000(100 Lines) and E mail ID - cmd@skylarkworld.com

Jai Hind,
Maj (Dr) TC Rao
Chairman Ex-Servicemen Congress, Delhi & NCR

IESM: OROP- A frevent appeal made by Warrant Officer

Dear Brig Kamboj,
The letters written to the President, Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Defence Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Defence Secretary, Secretary Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and Director of Pension during the month of October, 2009 by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.) are enclosed as attachment for information of all Ex-Servicemen in the country. The progress thereof is also being monitored on day to day basis by him.
With regards
Yours truly,
Kameshwar
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony. Lt. (Veteran)

Appeal by Warrant Officer
Submission of letters, memoranda and presentations to various High Dignitaries have been initiated by Warrant Officer P.R. Balathilakan (Retd.). With his vigorous efforts he has achieved extraordinary rapport on the subject of ONE RANK ONE PENSION with many High Dignitaries icluding all MPs from Kerala, present and past Chief Ministers of Kerala, all Central Ministers from Kerala including Shri AK Antony, Defence Ministers, Private Secretaries of the Hon’ble the President of India and Bureaucrats accessible to him in various Ministries on the above subject.
Click here to read all the Letters addressed to PM and Ministries to quickly resolve the Pension Disparity muddle created by Bureaucrats

Mon, 26 October, 2009 8:58:46 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Col Kirit Joshipura, who had led the team that went to deposit the medals with the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 Oct 2009, had this to report:
Quote
As desired by stg com, i led the delegation of IESM to Rashtrapati Bhavan to deposit medals on 25 Oct. Col Phulka from Patiala though wheel chair bound accompanied me along with lions from Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, CHANDIGARH AND FEW OTHER PLACES.

THE DELEGATION WAS RECIEVED AT RASHTRPATI BHAVAN WITH GREAT REGARD AND RESPECT. Normally, only police vehecle is allowed. But this time, they allowed Col Phulka's personal car right upto reception on my request. Further, we were allowed to park it just outside reception hall for 30 Mins and also photography was permitted. Col Phulka`s son took photograghs of delegation with box containing medals in the backdrop of Rashtrpati Bhavan.

While handing over the box, I enquired about progress from Mr Jairaman, who accepted medals. He confirmed that President’s office is concerned about this issue and that he would inform us latest progress within a week.

It may please you all to know that all at reception praised IESM efforts and expressed their concern at this unwarranted delay and have asked me to convey their BEST WISHES to IESM.

Best part was that the one who sits at the reception desk in the reception room, said that he would ask his father, retd Sub/ Maj to join IESM.
IESM zindabad. Jai Hind
Unquote

Admittedly, the staff handling the issue at the Rashtrapati Bhavan are not the decision makers. However, they can be reasonably assumed to be the windsock, a kind of barometer of the hierarchical attitude.

New Members
Names of some of the new members from Haryana who joined the IESM family on 25 Oct 20 are listed here: click me
On behalf of the IESM family I extend a very warm welcome to all the new members.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Shortage of officers: Can the Armed Forces ever resolve the perennial problems?

Dear Gangadharan and friends,
This morning, I read in the papers that the army is very seriously 'concerned' at the shortage of 11,500 officers in its cadres. My mind's eye travelled back to 1983, when I was first posted to the Adjutant General's branch in the Pay Cell constituted for the IV Pay Commission. If my memory serves me right the shortage then was just a little under 12000 officers'and had been at that level for several years. The army was 'concerned' just as much as it is now.

A couple of years later, I was asked to assist the big boss for his 'presentation' to the top brass. As I went through the agenda, a queer thought crossed my inquisitive mind. I decided to see if any of those points had been discussed in an earlier conference. To my horror and amusement, I found that nearly ALL the points had been discussed, not once but several times!

On the personnel side, the following issues are perennial. Every senior officer believes that he has a cogent solution. They sit in all earnestness and ponder over the issues. Why they fail is that they want a solution which has no disadvantages (or, side effects) Since such a solution does not exist, they shoot each other down. Amongst the personnel 'problems' which are unlikely to be resolved during the next 25 years are the following:

Shortage of officers

Lateral shift of soldiers to police or para military forces

Issues related with the 'sahayak' cult in the army

Resolution of pay anomalies.

As for the veterans, they were very unhappy then. And they are more unhappy now. They complained that no one cared for them; that they received a shabby treatment and that the military service has lost its sheen. It is much the same now.
I am reminded of what a poet said:
"Phir wahi dard hai phir wahi jigar
Phir wahi raat hai phir wahi hai dar
Ham samjhe gham kar gaya safar
Dwar dil ka khul gaya, haathi nikal gaya
Dum reh gayi magar!!!"
In English they say, "It is old wine in new bottles"
Regards,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

Pension Arrears of pre-1996 Major Generals and equivalent

Battle won by Maj Gen's through the intervention of the Supreme Court
Some of the pre-1996 Major Generals have got corrigenda to their PPOs fixing their notional pay as Rs20000 with increase in pension of Rs450. Some of pre-1996 AVMs have also got the corrigendum fixing their notional pay as Rs19900 with increase in pension of Rs400. CDA (Navy) may also have issued fixing notional pay which may be at variance with the notional pay fixed so far for Army and Air Force. May I request pre-1996 Rear Admirals to please enlighten us as to notional pay for them.

I have calculated arrears for increase in pension by Rs400 and Rs450. click here for arrears tables. If there is any mistake, kindly let me know.

Wishing all veterans a very happy post Deepawali and hoping that in the years to come, ESM organizations will be able to put up the genuine grievances to the Government and champion for the legitimate rights of every veteran who has dedicated his life for the preservation of the Nation's security.

AVM RP Mishra (Retd)
IESM Core Team

Rank Based Pension: Consolidated Recommendations

Dear Members,
1. We have kept you briefed on the progress with our quest for OROP and in our last communication informed you of the inclusion of our demand in the President address to the Parliament.
2. After some discussion, all the major organisations fighting for OROP mutually decided to pool their resources and forward a single consolidated paper for consideration by the Cabinet Secretary Committee. This was co-ordinated by the IESL and we agreed to be one of the members and RAdm Sushil Ramsay was nominated as our representative on this committee. One of the other major issues was to safeguard the rights of the PBOR, who must come first, before us, as per our ethos and this was always kept in mind.
3. The committee received and looked into a large number of proposals that had been received by various orgs. RAdm Ramsay generally co-ordinated the examination of the proposal and has in fact in due course prepared the paper, presented the same before the entire committee and the Presidents of the participating Organisations. There were generous contributions by MajGen Radhakrsinan and some others. The final Presentation was very well attended and more importantly generated very constructive and meaningful discussions. All constructive and rational suggestions were thereafter incorporated in the final proposal.
4. The three Tables agreed to, are quite explicit to indicate the basis for formulation of our projections which were finalised with a view to arrive at a consensus. In addition we have included request for resolution of another anomaly for the pre 01 Jan 2006 Pensioners relating to Disability Pension/War Injury Pension/Special Family Pension/Liberalised Family Pension/Dependent Pension(Special), etc, which have emerged out of recent GOI notifications of 04 and 05 May 2006.
5. At the conclusion of the deliberations it was agreed to forward the attached proposal to the GOI for consideration. It may be added that the service headquarters were also requested and have forwarded a proposal. We feel that our proposal is somewhat better than the one forwarded by them and we all owe thanks to RAdm S Ramsay for the tremendous amount of effort put in and a job well done.
6. I , may conclude by saying that it is a very difficult task to synthesise and harmonise the views and aspirations of a large number of the Veterans of various vintages, issues and differently impacted by various Pay Commissions. We have arrived at an agreed consensus and that should be accepted as the most viable solution. Am sure, there will be some who will take issue but it is a corporate decision and is best left at that. We have, as a major milestone, managed consensus amongst all the major stakeholders and that's good too.
Regards
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President NFDC
Recommended Pension Tables

Positive Aspects
The existing wide Pension Disparity between a Sepoy and Lt Gen has been bridged to the right ratio of 3:10. The Government needs to accept the recommendations without creating anomalies or riders to the recommendations.

SCPC: Why ESM Pensions got short circuited?

Sixth Central Pay Commission was set up by Government of India on 5-10-2006 for revising the salaries and pensions of Central Government employees to fulfill its commitment in persuasion of advisory note given by the Fifth Central Pay Commission (CPC) in which the CPC drew a guideline for the Central Government to make permanent provision to appoint CPC after a gap of every 10 years.
The commission was comprised of following members:
1. Chairman Justices Sh. B. N. Sri Krishna
2. Member Prof Ravindra Dholakia
3. Member Mr JS Mathur
4. Member Secretary Smt Sushma Nath
(Sh. JS Mathur passed away in February, 2008 before the submission of the report to the Govt by the Commission)
Immediately after the formation, 6 CPC circulated a questionnaire on its official Website, Sixth Central Pay Commission" and invited all interested persons, including members of the public, peoples' representatives, consumers association, staff associations, State/UT governments, ministries/departments to send their views on the subject by 31st December 2006. Questionnaire had been prepared to facilitate response from Individuals/Groups on the items of specific interest to the Commission with facility for online response. Consequent to an addition in the terms of reference, Unions/Associations of officers and employees of the Supreme Court of India were requested to submit memorandums to the Commission before 31st August 2007. Unions and Associations of civilian officers and employees flooded the Commission with memorandums without waiting for a day whereas We, Gentlemen (Veterans) went on asking for an addition of member out of Veterans in the Pay Commission to which the Govt. did not accede. As per the record available on the website, a total of 412 (R) 412 memorandums were submitted to the Sixth CPC (R) CPC. Out of this total, 403 (R) 403 related to civilians (employees and pensioners) whereas only 9 (R) 9 memorandums related to serving Soldiers and Veterans which were submitted by the following NGOs and Government offices.
1. Air Force Association, Jodhpur
2. Air Force Association (Western Zone), Pune
3. Army War College, MP
4. Defence Services Officers' Institute, Kerala
5. Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh
(Then headed by Lt Col Chanan Singh Dhillon Retd. with present President, Sgt. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd. then working as General Secretary)
6. National Ex-Servicemen Coordination Committee, Delhi
7. 6th Pay Commission Cell (Army), New Delhi .
8. Tirunelveli District Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association Chennai.
9. Zila Sainik Welfare Office Shillong Meghalaya.
As evident from the above list, One and only One memorandum was submitted (By Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh) from Punjab in respect of serving Soldiers and the Veterans. Should we not think that, to same extant, we, the Veterans, are to be blamed for this un-justified recommendation by the Pay Commission in our case.
The Commission had meetings with officers, unions and associations in 22 cities, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Port Blair, Chennai, Puducherry, Guwahati, Gujarat, Banglore, Jummu & Kashmir, Hyderabad, Mussoorie, Ambarnath and a few other cities (from where the Commission received bunch of memorandums) apart from its New Delhi office. The Commission did not come to Punjab for meeting with the NGOS. Since there was only one (R) one memorandum from Punjab, the Commission did not give a chance of hearing to Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh, which has been regularly interacting with the previous Pay Commissions i.e. Fourth and Fifth CPCs.
In spite of denial of meeting with the Pay Commission, the following demands, which were projected only by Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh, in un-mincing words, in its memorandum, No. IESL/ Pay Commission/2006, dated 24 December, 2006 were acceded to and recommended, with certain changes, by the Pay Commission to the Government.
1. The league demanded a pay scale of Rs. 12000-24000 (minimum) for the serving soldiers and a minimum Pension of Rs. 6000/- for the Veterans. However, the Pay Commission took a lenient view for serving soldiers but crushed the Veterans up to the Rank of Havildars.
2. League demanded the right of family pension for un-married daughters above the age of 25 years in its memorandum. But this was agreed to by the Central Govt. as a result of sustained efforts being made by the League on the administrative channels before the Commission submitted its recommendations to the Govt. However, the Commission did take notice of it and affirmed that the Central Govt. has already agreed to this and issued the required instructions.
3. The league demanded an increase in basic pension above the age of 65 and 75 years quoting the example of Punjab Govt. which gave an increase of 5% in pension at the age of 65 years and an other increase of 5% at 75 years. However, the Commission gave an increase of 20% at the age of 80 years, 30% at 85 years, 40% at 90 years, 50% at 95 years and 100% at 100 years of age. Now it is up to the Veterans to see how long they can live to enjoy these increases in Pension.
4. The league demanded that Constant Attendant allowance be increased an made equal to the salary of class 'D' employee and DA also should be paid on this amount. The rate of this allowance was Rs. 600/-PM at that time. However, the Commission increased this amount to Rs. 3000/-PM and also recommended that their should be an increase of 25% in this amount when the DA increase by 50%. It may be noted that only this (R) this allowance has been increased five times where as all other allowances have been doubled only.
5. The league demanded two pensions for the widow of an Ex- Serviceman who drew two pensions during his life time. However, the Commission made a mention of this demand by the league but gave no comments regarding this.
6. The league demanded that Disability Pension (100%) should be at least two times than the normal pension and be reduced proportionately for lesser percentage of disability. However, the Commission has shown much favour to serving soldiers than the Veterans in the case of disability pension. Barring this, all other demands projected by Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh found not much favour in the hands of Pay Commission since the league did not get a chance to be heard or discuss the demands with the Pay Commission. Had the league been heard by the Pay Commission, the Veterans could have got a little more to be satisfied. While making recommendation for serving soldiers, the pay commission depended mainly on the note submitted by the Integrated HQs of Armed Forces and the suggestions made by the civilian staff of the Pay Commission where as in case of Veterans, the Pay Commission based its recommendation more on the suggestive brief prepared by its civilian staff than the demand projected by the NGOs of Veterans. When the civilian staff working in the Pay Commission found that there was a special allowance i.e. Constant Attendant Allowance which was, hitherto, being paid to Veterans only and it was increased five times, the lobby prevailed upon the Chairman and the members of the Pay Commission resulting in to grant of this allowance to the civilian disabled persons also.
The Veterans must note it clearly that the cause of delay for One Rank One Pension not being granted to Veterans in spite of several promises by different Govts is the bureaucratic pull and push which creates the hurdle.
Sgt Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd)
President.
Indian Ex-Services League,
Punjab & Chandigarh.

IESL: PBORs Clarion Call

Press Note Patiala- 25 May 2009
In its letter, dt 25-5-2009 faxed to Defence Minister, A.K. Antony, Indian Ex-services League, Punjab and Chandigarh, the oldest and a non-political body ex-servicemen, has thanked the Government for issuing the orders for assigning Pay –Band IV to Lt Cols and equivalents in the other forces but reminded the Defense Minister that though the Centre govenment has done enough for the officer cadre, it can not shirk its responsibility towards the PBORs (Personnel below the officer rank) who count for 96% of the total strength and in fact form the backbone of the Armed Forces of India.
The league has, categorically, demanded of Defence Minister that the Havildar and equivalents in other forces be placed in Pay Band PB-2 and Subedars and their equivalents in Pay Band PB-3 if the Govt really wants the justice to be done to the PBORs. The league has further demanded that provision of two family pensions be made for the widow of the ex-serviceman who drew two pensions during his life time. A large no. ex-servicemen, primarily PBORs up to the rank Hav. and equivalent have to seek second employment in the civil after their retirement from defence service and thus they earn second pension in their civil service but the widows of such PBORs are entitled for only one family pension as per the rules in vogue. The league has also asked for assured promotion up to JCO rank in 15 years for PBORs as has been provisioned for officers. It has also demanded suitable re-employment for PBOR up to age of 60 years as in the case civil employees.
The League lamented that PBORs have been betrayed on both the fronts. While on one hand, the Sixth Pay Central Commission has not done the justice with PBORs while recommending the Pay Band applicable to different ranks among the PBORs, on the other hand, the Senior Brass of the defense forces, who have been projecting themselves as their saviors, used them only for their own benefits and did not utter even a single word even after seeing the PBORs of the rank of Havildar in Pay –Band PB-I at par with the Class- IV employees and Subedar Major, the senior most rank among the PBORs, in Pay Band PB-II.
The league has sounded a clarion call to the PBORs, other like minded organizations and all well wishers of the ex-servicemen to gird up their loins and get ready for a long battle to get the injustice undone themselves because you can not breathe the air of heaven unless you die your-self. Even though, you stood firmly with big brothers, you can not be sure of their support when you need it now.
Sgt Prabhjot Singh PLS (Retd)
President,
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab and Chandigarh
Posted By Muthukrishnan

SCPC: A grave injustice to pre- 2006 defence pensioners

The 6th CPC recommended a same pay band PB-1 (5200-20200) for the three lower ranks (Sepoy, Naik and Havildar) and did not stipulate the maximum scale of pay for each rank to calculate the revised pension. Same is the case for the officers. Pension tables were prepared (Annexure II for Officers and Annexure III for PBOR) by taking the minimum pay of Rs.5200 for all the ranks (Sepoy to Hav) the same amount. How can the same basic pension of sepoy be taken for three different ranks to arrive at a revised pension for higher PBOR ranks? What is the justice for Senior/ Junior ranks?

The MOD officials have grossly erred, knowing very well that it a deliberate injustice. The tables Annexure II and III clearly showed reduction in the pension for Senior Ranks and increase in the pension for junior ranks. Even then the MOD did not attempt to correct or balance the tables so that the senior ranks are not affected. The MOD officials intelligently waved hand to refer Annexure I whenever Annexure II or III is not beneficial. It is a great mockery of justice. The officials responsible for this great/ grave mistake should be made to accept the fact and the entire orders on the revision of pension for the 6th CPC for the Defence pensioners (Pre 2006) to be withdrawn and re-issued in consultation with the representatives of the All India Ex-servicemen Organisations like IESM pending final decision by the government on the subject.

Detailed studies are being made on the subject with limited resources by ESM and their organisations. Unless the government comes out with clear orders on the subject and initiates immediate remedial measures, the adverse reactions are bound to demoralise the the ESM community further. In layman’s language, it is a question of cheating two million defence pensioners (Pre 2006) by the bureaucrats with the tip of their pens with tight lips and creating more anomalies to confuse the simple soldier.

C Muthukrishnan (Ex Sgt)
Active Member IESM
Blog: indianexserviceman.blogspot.com

Google English » Hindi
इस 6. सीपीसी और एक समान वेतन बैंड PB-1 (5200-20200) के तीन कम रैंक के लिए (भारतीय सिपाही, नायक और हवलदार) की सिफारिश की प्रत्येक पद के लिए संशोधित पेंशन की गणना करने के लिए भुगतान की अधिकतम वेतनमान निर्धारित नहीं किया. उसी के अधिकारियों के लिए भी ऐसा ही मामला है. पेंशन के लिए तालिकाओं PBOR अधिकारियों और अनुबंध क्ष्क्ष्क्ष् के लिए) सभी रैंकों के लिए (भारतीय सिपाही हवलदार करने के लिए) एक ही राशि Rs.5200 की न्यूनतम वेतन लेने से (संलग्नक तैयार किए गए. कैसे कर सकते हैं भारतीय सिपाही तीन विभिन्न रैंकों के लिए उच्च नीचे से पंक्ति अधिकारी कार्मिक (PBOR) रैंकों के लिए एक संशोधित पेंशन पर आने के लिए उठाए जाने का एक ही मूल पेंशन? क्या वरिष्ठ के लिए न्याय / जूनियर रैंकों है?

इस रक्षा मंत्रालय अधिकारियों निहायत, अच्छी तरह पता है कि यह एक विचार अन्याय जानने भटकना है. अनुबंध द्वितीय और तृतीय साफ रैंक के वरिष्ठ और कनिष्ठ रैंकों के लिए पेंशन में वृद्धि के लिए पेंशन में कमी दिखाई इस सारणी. फिर भी इस mod सही करने के लिए या तो यह है कि वरिष्ठ रैंकों प्रभावित नहीं कर रहे हैं मेज़ों संतुलन का प्रयास नहीं किया. इस mod अधिकारियों होशियारी जब अनुबंध द्वितीय या तृतीय लाभप्रद नहीं है अनुबंध मैं उल्लेख करने के लिए हाथ लहराया. यह न्याय का एक बड़ा मजाक है. यह अधिकारी इस महान/ गंभीर गलती के लिए और रक्षा पेंशनरों के लिए 6. सीपीसी के लिए पेंशन का संशोधन पर पूरे आदेश (पूर्व 2006) इस तथ्य को स्वीकार करने के लिए किया जाना चाहिए जिम्मेदार वापस लिया जाए और फिर से परामर्श के प्रतिनिधियों के साथ जारी किए अखिल भारतीय पूर्व IESM तरह कर्मियों संगठनों ने सरकार द्वारा इस विषय पर अंतिम निर्णय लंबित है.

विस्तृत अध्ययन भूतपूर्व सैनिकों (ESM) और उनके संगठनों द्वारा सीमित संसाधनों के साथ इस विषय पर किए जा रहे हैं. जब तक सरकार इस विषय पर स्पष्ट आदेशों के साथ बाहर आता है और तत्काल सुधारात्मक उपायों की प्रतिकूल प्रतिक्रिया गुरूओं आगे को ESM समुदाय नष्ट करना करने के लिए बाध्य कर रहे हैं. आम आदमी की भाषा में, यह तंग होंठों के साथ अपनी कलम की नोक से नौकरशाहों द्वारा (पूर्व 2006) बीस लाख रक्षा पेंशनरों को धोखा दे का सवाल है और सरल सैनिक को भ्रमित करने के लिए और अधिक विसंगतियाँ पैदा.

सी Muthukrishnan (पूर्व सार्जेंट)
सक्रिय सदस्य IESM

IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- hundred and second day

Date: Saturday, 28 March, 2009, 10:23 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Jantar Mantar continues to remain active.
Visits
Accompanied by Col Kanwar Bhardwaj I visited Jahajjar District in Haryana and attended a rally at village Dhor. Over 2000 ESM and families had come from far off villages. The address, received with rapt attention, was punctuated by loud applause. There were several among them who were in the Battalion that I commanded in 1978-1980 in Nagaland. I recalled how they were ever prepared and willing to lay down their life at my command in fighting insurgents. I could detect the same loyalty today. I was first overcome with guilt that so far we have not succeeded in getting them justice. Then I felt a renewed sense of resolve to carry on with the efforts till we get it.
There was chorus demanding our orders on which party to vote in the elections. I promised to get back to them soon with our advisory. Tomorrow, Gen Jaini, Col Krit Joshipura, Col Tyagi and I will be visiting Mathura and Agra to meet more of our colleague ESM.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Translation: English » Hindi
प्रिय साथियों,
इस जंतर मंतर (Jantar Mantar) सक्रिय रहने के लिए जारी है.
दौरा
कर्नल कंवर भारद्वाज द्वारा मैं हरियाणा में Jahajjar जिले का दौरा किया और गांव में एक रैली में भाग लिया Dhor के साथ थे. 2000 ESM और परिवारों से अधिक दूर गांवों से दूर से आया था. यह पता, तन्मय ध्यान के साथ मिला, जोर से तालियाँ द्वारा दर था. उनके बीच में जो मैं 1978-1980 में नागालैंड में आज्ञा दी कि इस बटालियन में किए गए कई थे. मैं कैसे वे कभी और तैयार किए गए स्मरण विद्रोहियों से लड़ने में अपने आदेश में अपने जीवन डालने के लिए तैयार. मैं आज भी यही वफादारी की पहचान कर सके. मैं पहले दोष है कि अब तक हम उन्हें न्याय प्राप्त करने में सफल नहीं किया है के साथ पार किया गया. तो मुझे लगता है कि हम मिल तक के प्रयासों के साथ पर ले जाने के लिए समाधान के एक नवीकरण भावना महसूस किया.
वहाँ कोरस जिस पर पार्टी को चुनावों में वोट करने के लिए हमारे आदेशों की मांग कर रहा था. मैं उन्हें जल्द ही हमारे सलाहकार के साथ प्राप्त करने का वादा किया. कल, जनरल जीत (Jaini), कर्नल कौशल उत्साह (Krit Joshipura), कर्नल त्यागी और मैं अपने सहयोगी ESM से अधिक को पूरा करने के लिए मथुरा और आगरा की यात्रा पर जाएंगे.
सादर,
लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल (आइशर) राज Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
अध्यक्ष IESM
Readers are requested to send in improved version of translation for republication.

SCPC: Blue Ribbon Commission for the armed forces

The Tribune Sunday, March 22, 2009, Chandigarh, India
This writer is not about to argue the case of the ESM, but a brief summary of events would help to orient the reader. In early-2006 when the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) loomed into sight, the Service Chiefs, individually and collectively, through the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), appealed to the Defence Minister, on the basis of bitter past experience, that a service member be included in the CPC.

This request having been declined, when the CPC Report was released in 2008, the services found to their dismay that the recommendations expectedly contained many glaring anomalies impacting adversely on serving personnel as well as ESM. At the persistent urgings of the Service Chiefs, a Review Committee was constituted; ironically yet again bereft of a service representative. The Review Committee aggravated the anomalous situation by arbitrarily making some further unwarranted modifications.

A series of instructions were issued by the Defence Accounts and pension disbursing authorities which were self-contradictory and compounded the prevailing confusion as well as unhappiness. While the Chairman, COSC, took up the issues relating to serving personnel with the Government, the ESM became convinced that since no one was listening to them, they had no choice but to adopt agitational methods. They have, therefore, taken to the streets since April 2008.

Military veterans, world-wide are objects of spontaneous respect, affection and admiration because they are national symbols of courage, patriotism and sacrifice; a segment deserving of special consideration by the government. The grievances of our ESM, should, therefore, have been handled with far more sensitivity and responsiveness, than they actually were.

The current ESM movement has been able to mobilise opinion country-wide and gather self-sustaining momentum, mainly due to connectivity provided by the Internet and cellular phone networks. While the MoD seems to have adopted a disdainful and detached stance towards their grievances, the ESM roll-on agenda now encompasses canvassing political support for their cause, and even the formation of an ESM political party which will put up candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Thus it is now obvious that, while the nation slept, the process of “politicisation” of our armed forces is well under way, if not complete. The Sixth CPC has also inflicted serious collateral damage by deepening the existing civil-military chasm and thereby further slowing down the languid functioning of the MoD.

As a former Army Chief has pointed out, the ESM retain “an umbilical connection” with the serving personnel; they hail from the same regions or neighbouring villages and often belong to the same family. In any case, the Services and ESM are one big family. No one should have any doubts that the essence of whatever happens at Jantar Mantar or India Gate will slowly but surely filter back by a process of “reverse osmosis” to the men in uniform.

Were this to happen — even by default — it would constitute the most grievous injury to be needlessly inflicted on itself by the Indian state. India’s democracy requires that the armed forces must be restored to their original pristine apolitical state at the earliest.

The surest way of doing this is to remove the ESM from the streets, and the best means would be to constitute a Blue Ribbon Commission to examine and address their grievances. This can be done right now, because the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct does not come in the way.
Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd)
The writer is a former Chief of Naval Staff
Full article at: Buy the best for armed forces