One rank One Pension: Cabinet clears Rs. 2300 crore package

One rank One Pension: Cabinet clears Rs. 2300 crore package
Edited by Shamik Ghosh | Updated: September 24, 2012 20:14 IST
New Delhi: In a major victory for ex-servicemen, the government has set aside Rs. 2,300 crore to implement the one-rank-one-pension (OROP) demand that has been pending for years. This has been a major irritant between the armed forces and the bureaucracy.
In recognition of this demand, the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address this year, had announced OROP, apart from several other measures.
The Union Cabinet secretary Ajit K Seth was put in charge of a committee that has submitted its report, though after more than a month's delay.
OROP implies that servicemen of the same rank and same period of service should get the same pension, irrespective of when they retired. It also means that as and when pension is enhanced, the benefit will also be passed on to those who have retired earlier.
One rank One Pension: Cabinet clears Rs. 2300 crore package Comment: Happy news for the lakhs of retired Jawans struggling to keep pace with inflation. This small measure is sure to light up many Veteran Homes.

IESM takes up issue of widows pension

DEFENCE WIDOWS PENSION- IESM
12 September 2012
Dear Mrs Sonia Gandhi,
I draw your kind attention to my letter dated 21 Sep 2011(copy attached) regarding discrimination meted out to the widows when defence pensions were enhanced from 1.7.2009 following recommendations of the erstwhile Cabinet Secretary’s Committee.
On your instructions a delegation of widows had met the Defence Minister on 14 Nov 2011. Within ten days he personally told me on telephone that he has approved the enhancement. However, till date his decision taken under your directions has not been implemented. It is apparently stuck because of objections raised by the Finance Ministry bureaucrats. It is rather unfortunate that we start counting pennies when it comes to releasing the long pending legitimate dues of the weakest section of our society. This is causing great consternation among the Ex Servicemen in the country. Many are asking if it was a crime that their husbands died serving India.
I have been under tremendous pressure from the hapless widows to help get them their dues. They have been fully banking on your empathy and support. They have decided that in case their dues are not given to them by that date, they would come in a delegation of approximately 200 and present a memorandum to you at 10 Jan Path, at 11:30 hours on Sunday 18 November 2012. We do request you to kindly receive their delegation. They have promised to remain dignified and peaceful. I am confident they would be treated with courtesy and respect by the police and by all the agencies/staff involved.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
IESM Chairman
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon – 122 001
Smt Sonia Gandhi
President Indian National Congress and Chairperson UPA
10, Jan Path, New Delhi
Copy to:
Shri AK Antony, Hon’ble Minister of Defence
Police Commissioner, New Delhi – The delegation would follow the Teen Moorti-Akbar Road-10 Jan Path route and would debus to walk for the last 500 metres.

Deprived and Disabled ESM seek Justice

Ministry of Defence 03-September, 2012 15:30 IST
Deprived Section of Ex-Servicemen
Ex-servicemen with service less than 15 years are not entitled to pension as it is a mandatory requirement for a Personnel Below Officer Rank to render 15 years and for Commissioned Officers 20 years qualifying service to earn pension. Minimum qualifying service is an essential criterion for pension in the Government.
The Short Service Commissioned Officers who are not pensioners are eligible for certain schemes of DGR like Training, Security Agencies and other self-employment schemes. Ex-Defence personnel with more than 5 years of service are entitled to CSD canteen facilities available in units / establishment apart from being employed as security guards. Some grants out of Raksha Mantri Discretionary Funds is also provided to non-pensioners upto the rank of Havaldar.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr MM PallamRajuin a written reply to Shri Gopal Singh Shekhawatin Lok Sabha today. HS/HH/NN (Release ID :87211) Deprived Section of Ex-Servicemen
Related Reading
Relief for ex-servicemen

‘Ex-servicemen opting for higher grades should discard benefits’
By Express News Service - KOCHI 14th September 2012 10:47 AM
The Kerala High Court on Thursday held that the ex-service men preferring for higher grades after opting for civil pension should discard the retirement benefits of military pension.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice A M Shaffique passed the order while considering an appeal filed by the state government challenging a Single Bench order which permitted the pensioners not to remit the pension benefits.
The court made it clear that to avail of higher grade in the service, the Kerala Service Rules should be followed. “The statutory provision in question is Rule 8(c) of Part III of the Kerala Service Rules which makes it clear that ex-servicemen re-employed in civil services shall be allowed to count their military service, which is non-pensionable or pensionable under the Military Rules, but which is terminated before a pension has been earned in respect of it. War/military service is a pensionable service and pension has been earned by the incumbent in relation to such service, the same shall not be reckoned for the purpose of civil pension,” the court said.
The court also made it clear that for considering the reckoning military services along for higher grade in the state service all the pension benefits should be remitted.>br> ‘Ex-servicemen opting for higher grades should discard benefits’

Pension for ailing ex-serviceman
By Express News Service - KOCHI 17th September 2012 12:03 PM
The Armed Forces Tribunal Kochi bench has directed the Central government to disburse the disability pension to George Varghese of Kollam who sustained a disability during the military service within three months.
The bench comprising judicial member Justice Shrikant Tripathi and administrative member Lt General Thomas Mathew passed the order while considering a petition filed by George Varghese of Kollam seeking pension on the ground that the disability occurred due to military service.
Counsel for the petitioner C R Ramesh submitted that Varghese suffered bronchial asthma during the course of service and the medical board opined that disability suffered by the petitioner was attributable to military service.
The percentage of disability was 30 per cent.
The Central Government denied pension on the ground that he had himself sought for the discharge from the army on compassionate grounds.
The bench asked the state to grant the pension benefits from October 2008.
Pension for ailing ex-serviceman

Rising Suicides by Jawans

Thursday, September 6, 2012, Chandigarh, India
Alarmed at rising suicides by jawans, Antony to consult Services
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 5, 2012
Alarmed at seeing almost 100 Army soldiers commit suicide annually since 2006, Defence Minister AK Antony has asked the three Services to come up with additional suggestions to improve living conditions and methods to curb suicidal tendencies among jawans.
He has asked the Vice-Chief’s of the three services, the Defence Secretary and the head of the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) to be present at a brain storming session tomorrow.
Sources said the latest trigger to Antony’s reaction is the August 8 suicide of a jawan of the 16th cavalry regiment. Arun V, who hailed from Thiruvananthapuram, committed suicide with his service weapon. The incident occurred in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir. His angered mates later raised slogans against officers and surrounded their residences in protest. The Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry into the incident. The jawan had been reportedly refused leave to go home.
In 2010, the DIPR was tasked to provide parameters to enable officers to identify and spot the “at risk” soldiers. One of the studies was a psychological autopsy of suicides.
In all, 1,018 soldiers have committed suicide since 2003. This year alone, 62 suicides have been reported in the forces till July 31. The number of suicides over the past few years is: 2003 (96), 2004 (100), 2005 (77), 2006 (129), 2007 (118), 2008 (123), 2008 (96), 2010 (115), 2011 (102).
Antony told Parliament last month “the major causes of suicides were domestic problems, marital discord, stress and financial problems”.
In the past, the government has taken several steps to prevent such incidents. These included counselling, improvement in food and clothing, married accommodation, leave concession, air travel for movement of troops from border areas and establishing a grievance redressing mechanism in states.
Senior officials, however, admit the number of suicides is worrisome, especially when several steps have been initiated over the past few years to improve the quality of life for the troops.
Alarmed at rising suicides by jawans, Antony to consult Services

What is the status of Serious Fraud Probe into ESM job scam?

Serious fraud probe' into ex-servicemen job scam
New Delhi (IANS): The Defence Ministry handed over the probe into a job racket for ex-servicemen to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in the Corporate Affairs Ministry. Several senior officers of the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) have been found guilty in an internal inquiry.
Serious fraud probe' into ex-servicemen job scam

The information given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Harishchandra Chavan in Lok Sabha in 2010: Click here for ESM status and Statistics

Comment: Most of the ESM schemes are mired in corruption and scams. One example is Tamilnadu Ex Servicemen Corporation which continues to employ civilian fakes as Ex Servicemen for manning parking lots.

Army to lose a top notch General

The politics behind army chief’s age row
Seema Mustafa | Monday, January 9, 2012
The Indian Army is rallying behind its chief General VK Singh who is caught in an ‘age’ row with the defence ministry. Senior officers do not hesitate to point out that the political dispensation should not have turned the chief’s retirement age into such a major issue, and the dignity of the army chief and the institution should have ‘been respected.’

Fuelling the support is the unpopularity of Lieutenant General Bikram Singh, who is likely to succeed as the next army chief if General VK Singh is retired. Lt General Bikram Singh has been lobbying hard for the post, and has the support of the former army chief and now Governor General JJ Singh. Sources said Lt General Singh, currently the general officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Command, also has support from within the Prime Minister’s Office.

The anger within the army about what a senior officer described as this ‘conspiracy’ against the current chief is spilling over, with most officers unable to go on record. However, retired officers have started writing articles on the issue although as one brigadier pointed out, ‘several media houses are not interested in our views as it is not in keeping with the defence ministry’s position.’ Defence sources pointed out that reports about the army chief’s age controversy were emanating from the defence ministry, and the army was being wrongly blamed.

The one criticism against General VK Singh has been that he should have spent more time in chasing the implementation of his own report on the Transformation of the Indian Army, and less on what some see as a ‘personal matter.’ However, officers who are supporting him make it clear that the age issue was not a personal matter as it affected the dignity and stature of the army chief’s office as well as the institution of the Indian Army.

Significantly, there are no two views within the army about the fact that the birth year controversy would not have come in the way of General Singh taking over as chief, regardless of whether the government accepted — 1950 or 1951. And as a senior officer pointed out, ‘The defence ministry could have taken the required steps to clear this when General Singh was made corps commander but this was deliberately not done.’

Significantly, if General Singh succeeds in delaying his retirement, the present Northern Command Chief Lt General KT Parnaik will be the most likely candidate for the army chief’s post. He is very popular within the army, seen by his colleagues as well as seniors as a ‘thinking general.’ However, if Lt General Bikram Singh makes it to the top post as seems to be the intention of the Manmohan Singh government, Lt General Parnaik will retire and the army will have lost the benefit of a ‘top notch’ general.
The writer is a senior New Delhi-based journalist
The politics behind army chief’s age row

Widows Pension enhancement gets a nod from RM

Dear Colleagues,
The IESM has been pushing for an enhancement in the widows’ pension, similar to what was given in the case of our JCO/OR pensioners following recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee. In this connection, a delegation of widows accompanied by some of us had met the Defence Minister on 14 November 2011. (Sitrep dated 15 November 2011 refers). The Minister had assured us of his help.
The Defence Minister telephoned me earlier in the day today and informed me that he has cleared the pension enhancement of widows from his Ministry. That is a good development. Earlier, to our communications, the Defence Ministry had been sending a negative response citing some technical reasons. However, the new development is only a battle won in the long war. In the past, the Finance Ministry has been a big obstacle. We have yet to see how they react this time. We will continue building pressure until the demand is met. As already stated in our memorandum submitted to the Defence Minister on 14 November, in case the issue is not resolved by end December 2011, the widows would take a big delegation to 10 Janpath.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

DGR under investigation

Irregularities in ex-servicemen’s schemes
Defence Minister AK Antony orders further investigation
Monday, September 26, 2011, Chandigarh, India
New Delhi, September 25
An inhouse inquiry of Defence Ministry has detected irregularities in the resettlement of ex-servicemen, prompting Minister A K Antony to refer the case to Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under Corporate Affairs Ministry for further investigations.

The decision to seek the Fraud Investigation Office's assistance was taken after an inhouse inquiry report suggested that DGR officials flouted norms and guidelines of various schemes and were involved in administrative improprieties, Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said here.

"Defence Ministry has decided to request Ministry of Corporate Affairs to hand over to SFIO the case relating to a private company Ex-Servicemen Airlink Transport Services Pvt Ltd (EATS) for further investigation," he said.

To ensure transparency in functioning of DGR office, Defence Minister Antony has also initiated a series of measures after the inquiry found substance in allegations regarding subletting of security agencies and obtaining multiple benefits by few ex-servicemen officers, Kar said.

"The essence of inquiry and its analysis is that in the last couple of years efforts have been made to introduce transparency in the manner of the functioning of DGR office," he said. DGR is under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, which is responsible for training and rehabilitation of retired defence personnel and ex-servicemen through various self employment schemes.

One of these schemes relate to providing security services to central public sector undertakings. — PTI
Irregularities in ex-servicemen’s schemes
Related blog posts
DGR: Unsettling Resettlement
Resettlement Defence Scam and DGR Demystified

Defence Minister inaugurates IGNOU Gyandeep Centre for Army

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Defence A.K. Antony today inaugurated the 'Gyandeep Centre of Excellence' at the Ashoka Auditorium, Manekshaw Centre in the capital. The Centre will be established at the main campus of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) which will function as a national-level coordinating body between the Army and IGNOU Community Colleges to promote educational facilities for the army personnel.
"The main objectives of the Centre shall be to promote job opportunities for the retiring army personnel, develop compatible curriculum and promote partnership with other universities / institutions. It will facilitate and encourage inter-disciplinary higher education and research facilities at IGNOU and affiliated universities/ institutions/ other centres of excellence," said V-C Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, in his address.
Over 3.5 lakh students have already enrolled in Gyandeep Project and nearly 1.5 lakh candidates have been awarded Certificates, Diplomas and Associate Degrees.
The Associate Degree holders are also admitted in the third year of IGNOU Degree programmes through vertical mobility. More than 300 officers have already been admitted for the MBA Programme designed specifically for the officers in the Indian Army.
For IGNOU, this centre means a phenomenal increase in the strength of students and the campuses. For the Army, it would be a great welfare measure and gainful use of resources. For soldiers, this programme has the potential to transform the post-retirement life by equipping them with a formal qualification and preparing them for competitive job avenues. And for the country, it means a boost in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) as well as the Gross Graduation Ratio (GGR).
The Indian Army and IGNOU began its association in July 2009. In a short span of time, this association fructified into a path-breaking collaborative effort — in the form of Project Gyandeep, when a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Army and IGNOU on September 4, 2009.
Gyandeep was dedicated to the nation by President Pratibha Patil on November 19, 2009. Since then, the association between the Indian Army and IGNOU has progressed in all spheres. Project Gyandeep, a visionary and revolutionary idea, has created an impact in the educational arena at both national and international levels.
Gen V.K. Singh, Chief of the Army Staff and Lt Gen Mukesh Sabharwal were present along with senior defence officers and academicians.
Defence Minister inaugurates IGNOU Gyandeep Centre for Army

Government committed to welfare of armed forces: Antony

Sunday, August 14, 2011 10:33:08 AM by IANS
New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) Defence Minister A.K. Antony Sunday said the government was committed to the welfare of the armed forces and had taken steps to improve the quality of their rations, clothing and equipment.

Extending his heartiest greetings and best wishes to members of the Indian armed forces - uniformed and civilian - on the eve of the country’s 65th Independence day, the defence minister in a statement said: “On this occasion, I pay my tributes to all the martyrs who gave the supreme sacrifice for the nation.”

Antony said he has visited the frontiers in the northeast, Jammu and Kashmir, and seen the preparation in the desert and other areas.

“On these visits, I have come to know about the challenges that troops have to face. Keeping such challenges in mind, the government has taken several steps to improve the facilities. An improvement in the quantity and the quality of rations, clothing and equipment has been brought about,” he said.

“The government is committed to the all-round welfare of our jawans (troops) and will continue to provide them the best facilities and living conditions, especially for those living in inhospitable and difficult conditions,” said Antony.

“We have taken several steps for the welfare of our ex-servicemen. 199 new polyclinics and 15 new regional health centres have been started to provide better health care facilities to ex-servicemen. Besides, a pilot online automation scheme has been started to address pension related problems.”

Speaking on ex-servicemen, Antony said he had asked states to provide more employment opportunities to ex-servicemen at all levels.

The defence minister expressed confidence that the armed forces would “leave nothing to chance in defending our land, air and sea borders. Your vigil on the borders and commitment to the nation will enhance the prestige of the Forces and do the nation proud”.
Government committed to welfare of armed forces: Antony

Justice And The Armed Forces: A Mirage

Gentlemen,
I enclose herewith a copy of the letter I have sent to Mrs Sonia Gandhi, with copies to the RM, Mr Antony and Chairman, Chiefs' of Staff Committee, ACM Naik.
I doubt if any earthshaking effect will come out of this letter but we have to keep on chipping at this boulder till it is a pebble and can be disregarded!
Wish more of us were to do it.
Lt Gen SK Bahri PVSM (Retd)

Justice And The Armed Forces: A Mirage
I had written a letter to you on 14 Jun 10 on the above subject (click here) and was hoping that you as Head of The National Advisory Committee, a body which is trying to give justice to people who have long been denied it, will respond favourably to the request of the Armed Forces. You passed my letter on to the Ministry of Defence for necessary action. To my surprise I got a reply from JS (Pension) dated 11 Feb 11 (click here to read the JS reply).

The JS could not have replied in a more bureaucratic manner. Wasted a whole sheet of paper telling half truths and provides garbled information, taking me to be an ignoramus who can be fooled, just as this babudom has been doing to our hapless country for the last 60 years. Not realising that I served my last four years in Army HQ and am quite aware of bureaucratic subterfuges. No wonder the Services chafe against such Joint Secretaries, who consider themselves equal to a Major General but we would be loathe to equate him to a Major!

Firstly, he talks about the Govt having filed an appeal (IA No 9/2010) seeking modification of the Supreme Court order dated 8 Mar 2010. He talks as though it affects the pay and allowances of many serving/retired officers favourably and, so asks us to await the Court’s order that will be delivered on 24 Feb 11. He does not reveal that his Ministry is fighting tooth and nail the Supreme Court order of 8 Mar 2010, only because it is favourable to the Officers. During the hearing on 24 Feb 11 the Supreme Court termed the affidavit filed by the MOD as contemptuous and disregarded it. The typical attitude of the Govt, about which I had complained to you and Mr Veerappa Moily. I have a feeling that when the matter is heard in 8 Mar 11, the Supreme Court will flay the Govt with full fury for prevaricating against soldiers who are defenceless in their own country.

I can understand the bureaucracy being jealous of the Services (despite the babus and some of the the media trying to run them down) but it seems the political masters (including the Supreme Commander), despite pronouncements to the contrary, think on the same lines. An organisation which binds the country together, works selflessly in extreme conditions and maintains high standards of probity amidst the all pervading corruption, is being singled out for denying its legitimate dues. Is it because the Services do not form a vote bank?

Secondly, the JS is miserly with truth when he says that Cabinet Secretary’s Committee although “did not recommend One Rank One Pension, substantial improvement in the pension of Commissioned Officers and PBORs have been recommended”. Whereas the Committee flatly recommended that there is no need to treat the Armed Forces officers differently from the civilian officers. The JS then goes on to quote letters which have no relevance to the Committee’s recommendations on officers’ pensions. I would recommend to the Minister of Defence that action should be taken against this civil servant for not giving answers based on facts.

Lastly, I have a question on the staffing pattern of the MOD. Why is it that the Department of Ex Servicemen Welfare and the Department Of Pensions under it, do not have any representatives of the Services? In our Country the heads of the Minority & SC/ST Commissions or the Minister of Minority Affairs is always from the affected parties, but the Department of Ex Sevicemen Welfare is headed by an IAS officer and there is not a single defence officer in the Pension Department. Do you believe that Armed Forces officers cannot be relied upon to do a job honestly, impartially and diligently? Or is the IAS the only service which produces honest, impartial and diligent officers? It is this unwillingness to hear the affected parties which is responsible for the governance deficit in our country.

The Armed Forces need answers and they will not be fobbed off by bureaucratic shenanigans as attempted by Mr Harbans Singh, JS (Pension).
With warm regards.
Yours sincerely,
(Lt Gen SK Bahri)

Mrs Sonia Gandhi
Chairperson UPA
10 Janpath
New Delhi 110001
Copy to:

Mr AK Antony
Honourable Minister of Defence
9 Krishna Menon Marg
New Delhi 110011

Mr Harbans Singh
Joint Secretary (Pension)
Ministry of Defence

Dept of Ex Servicemen Welfare
DHQ PO
New Delhi 110011

Can selfish MsP ever ensure justice for its citizens?

This refers to the report 'Implementation of panel suggestions on' in TNIE of 26 Aug 2010.
Hope that Mr Clean, the Defence Minister has not forgotten the old dictum 'you cannot fool all the people for all the time'. We have seen how expeditiously this very government has exponentially increased the pay and perks of MPs. Even some known parliamentarians themselves have decried the way MPs had voted to increase their own pay and perks. But for the armed forces, the once-in-10-years pay commissions themselves have been nothing but farces, what with pay, perks and status being downgraded with each commission! Unfortunately for these poor souls who have been fed on the belief that they are doing a noble job worthy of sacrificing their lives, it has taken a bit too long to see through the fraud being played on them by the self-seeking politicians and the scheming bureaucrats. And ever since the 6th CPC awards were announced there have been regular protests from various ex-serviceman's organisations in Delhi as well as all over the country. Fasting, returning of medals and signing of petitions in blood have all been tried out without any worthwhile results.

The unfortunate thing has been that the media has also been found playing to the tune of these very politicians and bureaucrats. The latest has been the publishing of a statement by a stooge of the Congress that the ex-servicemen have been returning fake medals and signing petitions in fake blood, without checking the reality. One wonders how somebody can so easily forget the fact that Indian bureaucracy is the worst in the world and is actually the impediment to progress here! (Look at how the bureaucracy had torpedoed the granting of an honorary doctorate to Chess maestro Viswanathan Anand leading to a shameful situation were a cabinet minister had to apologise! But in this case the concerned minister at least apologised promptly but did any one hear the "honourable' Prime Minister apologise to the nation for the lie he told in Parliament on 3 Mar 2010? Just to refresh the memory of those who have no time to remember these small little things- Dr Man Mohan Singh had on that black day lied to the parliament that the Rs 2200 crores earmarked in the budget for 2009-2010 for effecting a 'modified parity' in the pension between pre 2006 and post 2006 pensioners had been disbursed! And, shockingly, no heads have rolled till date!)

To cut a long story short, it is becoming more and more clear that ex-servicemen will have no other go but to take the matter directly to the youth, especially those aspiring to join the armed forces, by staging protests at recruiting rally venues. They will have to be told that conservancy staff employed by local bodies are better off than soldiers, even while in service, but definitely so after retirement. As it is no intelligent youngster opts to join the armed forces as an officer (the shortage reported in the army is about 12,000 or about 25 percent of the authorisation!) Why would he? Once in, by clearing a meaning less competitive examination, he could easily go up the hierarchy in the IAS/IPS without any effort at all. (Meaning less exam because it has no relation whatsoever with the job content, which is only to write briefs and do some comprehension exercise like tasks, which are actually learnt in middle schools!) By being hand maidens of the decision makers they have ensured that all of them get in 14 years to where only 2.7 percent of the armed forces officers get to in 26 years! The cumulative loss to a soldier, joining and retiring at the lowest rank after 17 years of service, has been valued at Rs 30 lakhs compared to a person joining the govt service as a civilian at the lowest level and serving for well over 30 years!

In conclusion, a word of caution: if the last bastion of national integrity is condemned, how long will we last as nation?
Yours truly
PM Ravindran Veteran

Dear Veterans,
Do not be fooled by the assurance of the Defence Minister in the Rajya Sabha that the govt is considering OROP and that the issue will take time to resolve (the news appeared in the Times of India, Mumbai edition too), which is utter nonsense. This is not such a complicated issue that it will need time to implement. Please note that he also never said explicitly that the govt has accepted OROP (as enumerated by Veterans organisations and NOT the govt version if there is any) in principle.
It is a standard tactic by the govt to deflect the current onslaught by the opposition members and to buy time. It knows that after some period the issue will die its natural death as the MPs will have got instant publicity which is their main aim and NOT the welfare of Veterans. The minister obviously just read out a statement prepared by the Babus and the way it is crafted, it is clear that the minister was far from sincere about it.
Shashank Bendre
Wg Cdr (Retd)
Member Pension Cell IESM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Security: Brace for two-front war, Army told

Rahul Datta | New Delhi Tuesday, June 29, 2010
In an unprecedented move that has confirmed India’s concerns about China’s growing military might, the Government has for the first time given a directive in writing to the armed forces to enhance their military capabilities vis-a-vis the neighbouring country and prepare for a two-front war scenario with China and Pakistan.

Asking the armed forces to prepare themselves to fight simultaneous wars on the eastern and western fronts with China and Pakistan, Defence Minister AK Antony has directed the chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force to rapidly modernise and upgrade their weapon systems and tone up operational preparedness.

The Services have been assured full support from the Government in this endeavour, sources said.

Explaining the significance of the directive, the sources maintained that it came against the backdrop of the armed forces’ apprehensions about the rapid modernisation programme of their Chinese counterparts. The directive will allow the armed forces to build capabilities to rapidly move troops from one theatre of war to the other by procuring more transport planes and improved rail and road network for ferrying weapons systems.

Modern warfare was all about speed, lethality and mobility and the directive would go a long way in helping the armed forces achieve this objective as soon as possible, the sources added.

The directive follows the Cabinet Committee on Security’s (CCS) nod to the Army to raise two more mountain divisions (each division has 10,000 troops) on the China front. With the focus on improving infrastructure, the Army was last year allowed to raise two mountain divisions. It means that in the next four or five years, it would have four divisions on the China front.

The Government has also removed the 10-year cap on recruitment and permitted the Army to go for fresh intakes. Coupled with this important development, the Government has cleared the proposal to acquire more than 200 Howitzer guns for these divisions through the foreign military sale route from the US.

“The Howitzer guns are light. These can be dismantled and carried on horseback or by helicopters to the remote and rugged terrain of Arunachal Pradesh and other such regions in Jammu & Kashmir where road infrastructure is non-existent,” sources said.

While the two-front war concept was in public domain and being discussed in seminars and TV debates, the political leadership had so far refrained from joining the debate. The recently-issued directive clearly indicates that the Government has finally heeded the concerns of the armed forces and given them unambiguous orders to go ahead and do the needful, sources said.

This decision would give the necessary momentum to the security establishment to improve the infrastructure, including all-weather roads right up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and airports and helipads in remote regions of States like Arunachal Pradesh. In fact, the armed forces are already engaged in upgrading nearly 25 airports in the North-East and the project is likely to be over within the next two years.

India and China have a 5,000-km-long disputed border and the Chinese have over the years rapidly improved their logistical lines by building roads right up to their side of the LAC. India is in a disadvantageous position as the terrain on its side is hilly and building roads there takes more time than in the plains, sources said, adding that the slopes on the Chinese side are gentler.
Brace for two-front war, Army told by Rahul Datta | New Delhi

DRDO: Delayed Research Derailed Organisation to be revamped

Finally, Govt Orders Full Revamp Of DRDO, Formally Sanctions Mark-II Versions Of MBT Arjun & Akash SAM
by Shiv Aroor on Thursday, May 13th 2010

More than three years after the Indian Express special series on the woeful state of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by me and Express senior editor Amitav Ranjan, the government has finally managed to order a comprehensive restructuring plan for the beleaguered organization with immediate effect. It was our 8-part special front-page series, titled Delayed Research Derailed Organisation in late 2006 which set the ball rolling. For starters, it compelled the government to set up a committee in February 2007, chaired by Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Dr. P Rama Rao to review and suggest measures to improve the functioning of DRDO. After years of stiff resistance from some quarters in DRDO, the revamp plan has finally been pushed through.

A statement from the MoD today said, "To give a major boost to Defence Research in the country and to ensure effective participation of the private sector in Defence technology, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today approved a series of measures that will transform and revitalise the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – in form and substance."
Read more:
Finally, Govt Orders Full Revamp Of DRDO, Formally Sanctions Mark-II Versions Of MBT Arjun & Akash SAM by Shiv Aroor
Thursday 13 May, 2010. Govt to set up new Defence Technology Commission- DD News

Common law for all three defence services drafted

3 May 2010 Statesman News Service
New Delhi, 3 May: The government today said it has prepared a draft common law applicable to all three defence forces to ensure coordination in operations and functions and its enactment was under the active consideration of the defence ministry.
In a statement laid on the table of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, defence minister Mr AK Antony said the work on the common law, to be called the Tri Service Act, had begun in 2002 and the draft submitted to the ministry after approval from the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) in August 2009.
The Tri Service Act was “under consideration in consultation with the three services,” Mr Antony said on the status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Parliamentary Standing Committee report on Unified Command for Armed Forces submitted to the Lok Sabha in February 2009.
With regard to the creation of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as recommended by the Kargil Review Committee (KRC), the Minister said the proposal was “under examination”, though the institutional support and infrastructure had already been created in the form of the Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters to support the CDS, whenever created.
He said the case for finding consensus on appointment of CDS, as suggested by the KRC, had been taken up with political parties, but a number of them were yet to respond.
On setting up of Indian National Defence University, the minister said the draft cabinet note, after inter-ministerial consultation, had been submitted for approval of competent authority.
He also said that the process of internal review of security threats and challenges and restructuring of the IDS headquarters had been completed, and the case for external review through a high-powered expert committee was under examination and approval of COSC Chairman.
Gratuity ceiling Bill
A Bill to raise the ceiling of gratuity for employees to Rs 10 lakh from Rs 3.5 lakh was passed by the Lok Sabha without discussion today.
Common law for all three defence services drafted

Empty promises on One Rank One Pension

Our indomitable Vice- Chairman deserves kudos for critically confronting on the issue of OROP so clearly bringing out hard facts which would be difficult to ignore. I had written on OROP late in the afternoon yesterday -so far DNA & one local papaer Sakaal Times have published it. Veterans may like to read.

DNA-24 Apr 2010
Empty promises
It needed an upright AK Antony to come clean on the one-rank, one-pension plan (OROP) after much bluster and statements to the contrary on the floor of the house. At least now it is official that OROP cannot be given due to legal, financial and administrative reasons. Plugging the leakages in our welfare schemes by even 5% and levying taxes on money-spinners like IPL can yield enough funds to pay for soldiers' pensions. Administrative problems can always be overcome by proper management. As far as legalities are concerned, justice has always been on the side of ex-servicemen, as has come out in various cases. Very recently, moved by the plight of Capt CS Sidhu, who had fought a long-drawn, one-armed battle (having lost one arm in the service of our nation), the Supreme Court expressed its indignation that army officers were being treated shabbily by the government. Denial of OROP is a continuation of the same beggarly treatment.
—Raghubir Singh (Veteran)

Antony leads nation in paying homage at Jallianwalan Bagh

Tuesday 13 April, 2010.
Defence Minister A K Antony on Tuesday led the nation to pay homage at the Jallianwala Bagh on the 91st anniversary of the brutal massacre of innocent people, including women and children who had gathered to listen to their leaders on the occasion of Baisakhi.

He laid the wreath at the Flame of Liberty in the presence of Central Ministers including Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Punjab Jail Minister Hira Singh Gabria and Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla.

In an emotional speech, Mr Antony said, he felt proud to be in the sacred land of Punjab but at the same time, it was a matter of regret and pain that the dreams of the freedom fighters remained unfulfilled.

''The barbaric episode had electrified the freedom fighters and there was a need to spread the information about this major incident of Indian history,'' he said and appealed to the people to re-dedicate themselves for the national cause.

Appreciating Punjab's contribution in ''ending starvation in remote states like his homeland Kerala'', Mr Antony said Punjab had always been in forefront when the nation was in need.

All the speakers were unanimous in noting that the ''dreams'' for which the freedom fighters sacrificed their life remained ''unfulfilled'' and there was a need to spread awareness about the freedom struggle and instil the feeling of patriotism among masses as barely 400 people had gathered on the occasion.

Ms Soni agreed to Ms Laxmi Kanta Chawla's suggestion that a daily slot should be dedicated on television and radio for programmes, films or documentaries on the freedom struggle highlifghting the life of martyrs, to spread awareness among the youth.

Noting that today was also an auspicious day as the beginning of harvest season and founding day of the 'Khalsa Panth', the leaders felicitated the people on the occasion.

A light and sight programme would be formally inaugurated later in the day to highlight the Jallianwalan event and the freedom struggle.(ST-13/04)
Antony leads nation in paying homage at Jallianwalan Bagh

Committee Report circumnavigates main issue of Pension Parity for Defence Forces

Date: Wednesday, 26 August, 2009, 11:26 AM
Sir,
I happened to lay my hands (courtesy Lt Cdr Balaji of Pension Cell of IESM) for the first time on the 'Report of the committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary to (specifically study OROP Demand of the Armed Forces' click me formed under the directions of the Prime Minister on a reference from the Raksha Mantri.

The President had also announced in the Parliament the formation of this committee specifically for the Armed Forces as related to their demand of OROP. The clear inference of this is that the terms of reference for this committee were as related to the reference to issues raised by the Raksha Mantri. Therefore the committee was supposed restrict their study only to the demand of OROP of the Armed Forces. Yet, the committee advises the extension of one of the recommendations to the civilians also. This is with regard to the pay scale and consequently pension in respect of Lt.Gen. and equivalent ranks in the other two services. Para (V) of the report 'summary of recommendations' advocates a separate pay-scale(67000-79000) for Lt. Gens in the HAG. In the same breath the committee recommends the extension of this benefit to Addl Secretaries,Chief Commissioners of Income Tax, Addl Dir Gens of police/eq grade. If so many arguments are advanced by the committee against accepting OROP, how does the same committee makes such a recommendation without even one line of justification for its own ilk?

This shows how babus extend all benefits meant for others to themselves conveniently and without any struggle. And how they ensure that their ascendancy is always maintained.

But the main issue at consideration is whether this underhand dealing is legally or ethically sustainable? Can an official committee formed with a specific terms of reference enlarge the scope of its study on its own and whether acceptance/ implementations by the government of its recommendations on such enlarged scope legally/ ethically valid? The inference is also that the President misled the Parliament when she announced that the government is committed to the welfare of the Armed Forces resulting in the formation of the committee, while the committee was also committed to the welfare of its own tribe. Has this yet been questioned by any ESM?

I request the legal cell of IESM to study the matter. This will also be useful for taking a decision on further course of action once the RTI information on the 5 committees sought by Cmde Batra is available.
Regards,
Shashank Bendre
Wg Cdr (Retd)

Sunday, August 23, 2009
Complete recommendations: report of the Committee of Secretaries
Readers may access and download the complete recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries by clicking here. Though most of the important issues have already been amplified in earlier posts, some other recommendations are :

(a) Like defence personnel, linkage of full pension with 33 years’ service also to be removed for civilians who retired between 01 January 2006 and 31 August 2008.

(b) Broad-banding of disability percentage would be extended to pre-1996 pensioners too. It may be recalled that the 5th Pay Commission, in order to curtail medical subjectivity of medical boards, had recommended that personnel with a disability percentage below 50% may be released a disability element by taking the disability @ 50%, those with 50%-75% disability may be paid @ 75% and those with a disability percentage of over 76% may be paid by taking the disability as 100%. This was accepted by the Govt in 2001 but was made applicable only to post-96 pensioners. The Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court had however held that this dispensation should be extended to pre-96 disability pensioners too but the said decision was challenged by the Govt in the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

(c) Removal of the cap on war-injury pension (known as Disability pension of Category E in case of civilians) to be extended to personnel of civilian forces too.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Recommendations of Cabinet Secretary

IESM: Chairman's Desk

Date: Tuesday, 14 July, 2009, 10:23 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Statement made in the Parliament by the Defence Minister on 13 July does little to clear the fog. In fact it further adds to the confusion prevailing on the issue of pension benefits. It is clear that although they all have been using the term ‘one rank one pension’, that is not what they apparently intend to sanction.
The ESM are advised to wait for government orders to be issued in black and white. Circulating individual interpretations in the form of speculative tables might not do us any good. In fact it might even shock and stun the gullible when the reality does not match with the hyped hopes that get built up.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM