Is Army really sensitive to the needs of ex-servicemen?

Jaipur, Oct 28 (PTI) Army Chief General Bikram Singh today said the Army is sensitive to the needs of ex-servicemen and will ensure that their issues are addressed.
Gen Singh, addressing a rally of ex-servicemen in Rajasthan''s Jhunjhunu district, said the Army would take all steps to ensure that ex-servicemen and their families are cared for.
This was his first major interaction with ex-servicemen in the state during which approximately 15,000 ex-servicemen were present, according to defence spokesperson S D Goswami.
The Army Chief said a military school would be opened in Jhunjhunu and he would pursue it from Delhi, sources present in the function said.
He said whenever he visits the prime minister, he reminds him about canteen, medical and health problems and one-rank- one-pension for ex-servicemen, the sources said. On the occasion, the Army Chief recollected the glorious history of courage and sacrifices made by the people of the state and motivated youth to join the Armed forces.
He exhorted the gathering to continue their selfless service towards society and nation building by encouraging the youth to join this noble profession. The event was marked by distribution of Mobility Scooters to disabled soldiers, financial grant for education and daughter''s marriage and felicitation of Veer Naris and elderly ex-servicemen.
Different agencies from the Army, state government and private sector established stalls to render assistance and spread awareness on pension, health, education, banking, insurance, agriculture, placement, rehabilitation and recruitment to resolve concerns of ex-servicemen.
Singh''s wife and president of AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association), Bubbles Singh, inaugurated a medical camp with doctors, including specialists, carrying out medical checkups, rendering advice and distributing medicines to large number of veterans on the occasion.
In Jhunjhunu, the Army Chief and the AWWA president were received by Army Commander Lt Gen Gyan Bhushan.
Army sensitive to ex-servicemen needs: Gen Singh
Army Chief Visits Yole and Addresses Ex-Servicemen Rally at Pathankot
Is the Chief really batting for the ESM? KRA for veterans remains only on paper
KRA- ESM Welfare- What it really means

Treating the ESM and defence force communities with courtesy, respect and sensitivity to their individual circumstances

Responding promptly to feedback, inquiries and correspondence

Demonstrating personal commitment to delivering quality service- like ECHS, CSD facilities and displaying correct and up to date Pension Entitlements

Improving the range, accessibility, quality, timeliness, consistency and coordination of services

Keeping the ESM and defence force communities informed of their full entitlements and available services- re employment and rehabilitation

Explaining welfare decisions clearly and facilitating interacion

Gallant Ex-Servicemen and Veer Naris Felicitated

'Know Your Army' draws crowd
TNN | Oct 22, 2012, 12.09PM IST
ALLAHABAD: Know Your Army, the fair to make civil population more acquainted with the Indian Army was inaugurated at the Polo Ground of the city on Saturday. The mela was inaugurated by chief justice (designate) Shiva Kirti Sinha of Allahabad High Court in presence of Major General GS Chandel, Yudh Seva Medal and General Officer Commanding of Red Eagle Division.
Know Your Army Mela, showcased the rich heritage, customs, traditions and professionalism of the Indian Army. An array of latest weaponry, guns, tanks, radars and sophisticated communication equipment were put on display for the common public. Valuable information stalls regarding various schemes initiated by the Army with respect to career opportunities and welfare of ex-servicemen were put up by the event organisers.
Detailing on the fair, the Public Relation Officer of defence, Group Captain Amit Mahajan said that the thrilling air show by helicopters, stunning equestrian and Malkhamb show, melodious band display, daring para gliding & joyous tank rides drew the crowds by the hundreds. The weapon, tanks, guns and equipment display saw the inquisitive masses trying to get a glimpse and feel about the difficult tasks that the men in uniform perform. The recruitment stall received inquires for the young who wish to join the defence services including Territorial Army.
The felicitations of gallantry Ex-Servicemen and Veer Naris made one and all nostalgic about their army tenure and daring also interacted with the ECHS staff for their medical benefits and the CDA (Pensions) for redressal of pension related issues.
The PRO further informed that the event has become the talk of the town and the number of visitors at the equipment display is likely to multiply on the concluding day on October 21, 2012.
'Know Your Army' draws crowd
State of Bihar ESM
Col Singh said the condition of ex-servicemen in Bihar is pathetic even after 50 years of Sino-India war. "Welfare work for these brave-hearts is still being denied by the Bihar government.
Plea to hand over Sainik Rest House in Danapur to Army

Department Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare: Vision and Mission

Vision, Mission, Objectives and Functions
Results-Framework Document (RFD) for Department Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare-(2012-2013)
To ensure the well being of the Retired Armed forces personnel/their dependants and to sensitize the general public about their potential and the positive role played by Ex-servicemen in the nation building.
Mission
Formulation of polices for the welfare of Ex-service men / dependents. Timely addressal of pension grievances as per entitlement, ensuring quality health care, resettlement and rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen and promoting activities that depict the positive role played by Ex-servicemen in society.
Objective
1 Improvement in procedures relted to delivery of medical benefits to ESM
2 Strengthening mechanisms/systems for ESM welfare
3 Facilitate prompt grievance redressal
4 To conduct media campaign to highlight the role of ESM in society
5 Resettlement & rehabilitation of Ex Servicemen
6 Improved data of Ex Servicemen/ dependants
Department Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare(2012-2013)

Indian Army launches campaign for ex-servicemen

Indian Army launches campaign for ex-servicemen
Lucknow: The Indian Army on Tuesday launched a campaign aimed at deepening its respect for aged and retired soldiers.

The army's Central Command launched the "Year of the Veteran" campaign in the presence of several ex-army men and serving officers.
They were drawn from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, an army official said. Lt Gen Anil Chait opened the event.
With over 300,000 ex-servicemen, the officer said two pilot projects had been taken up.
So far 911 complaints regarding issues like housing and pension have been registered with the army.
In the first phase, an officer said that army teams had fanned out in villages to obtain data about the problems faced by ex-servicemen.
Indian Army launches campaign for ex-servicemen

Pay and Allowances: Serving Officers

FAQ's for Serving Officers
Replies to FAQs have been provided with reference to the extant orders on the subject and practice being followed regarding the same. Difference in interpretation of rules, if any, may be referred to the Army authorities through staff channels. In case you notice any difference between these FAQs and the PCDA (O) handbook, please write back to PCDA (o).
FAQ's for Serving Officers: Click here
Click here for ECHS FAQ's
ECHS compendium of Government Letters

LT Gen AS Narula Takes Over as New Commandant of Army Hospital (R&R)

LT Gen as Narula Takes Over as New Commandant of Army Hospital(R&R)
Lt. General AS Narula has taken over as the new Commandant of the prestigious Army Hospital(R&R), Delhi Cantt. A graduate from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Gen Narula completed his MD (Medicine) from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and DM(Nephrology) from the prestigious PGI Chandigarh.
An eminent Nephrologist of National and International repute, Gen Narula has had a very illustrious career. He has been the head of Medicine department at Command Hospital (Central Command),Lucknow and Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. As an able administrator, GeneralNarula has successfully commanded Base Hospital Delhi and has served as Additional DG in the office of DGAFMS.
Prior to taking over as Commandant, Gen Narula was MG (Med) at Chennai. Gen Narula is also an eminent teacher par excellence with many national and international publications to his credit. DM/NN (Release ID :87318)
LT Gen as Narula Takes Over as New Commandant of Army Hospital(R&R)

ECHS: Letter to Chairman Oversight Committee

Dear General Raviraj,
I was delighted to speak with you on 27 Jun 2012 and to know you were heading a Committee to bring about improvement in the functioning of the ECHS. I would have been happier still if your charter included the possibilities of closing it down for at least those for whom it has become a pain in the neck.
On raising the Association the first essential thing we thought for Veterans was ASSURED MEDICAL FACILITY at Govt expense. During the first ten years we made many suggestions to the Govt about it but when we found a flaw in it we withdrew it, till we arrived at a flawless medicare policy scheme. This scheme was to be fully financed by the Govt.
It took me another ten years to get it sanctioned by no less a person than the Hon'ble PM himself on 26 Jul 2001. After its approval it was passed onto the Service Headquarters by the MOD with directions to produce the best scheme under those parameters and it would be fully financed by the Govt. The Govt was prepared to give that scheme within months.
Then our Service Headquarters came into play and denied us the best. I called it the greatest tragedy of life because my twenty years effort was destroyed , this time not by oft accused hostile bureaucracy but by our own Service Headquarters. When this was being destroyed I went and cried to the Chiefs and got course correction done three times, but finally the AG prevailed by deceit leaving us to curse our luck when we have to avail this facility.
What finally was dumped on us was a third rate copy of the outdated civil scheme of the CGHS. This scheme is basically a flawed scheme. No amount of flogging this dead horse is going to work. Your charter is therefore absolutely daunting and I sympathize with you.
Before the Scheme was launched the AG and the newly appointed MD of ECHS made a presentation at the USI telling us how good it was. I asked for perrmission to speak during the presentation,but was not allowed. Then I made out a paper and distributed to over 500 officers during the presentation. What I wrote then was true then and continues to be true even now. I am attaching that paper for you to go through now (not attached HERE being scan copy in pdf format). Will come back with more later.
This paper was presented to the COSC when they invited me for presntation to them on 25 Nov 2003 and to the Defense Parliamentary Committee several times. They all agreed with me but wanted to see its functioning for some time before reconsidering the decision. Now afer ten years we have not only seen its functioning but also suffered enough. Its time to act before it is too late. I will keep sending you some mails which would give you the immensity of the problem. Warm regards
Lt Col Inderjit Singh
Chairman AEIWA

ECHS: Army health scheme plagued

Owes Rs 60 crore to 30 empanelled centres, including Rs 40-cr Fortis bills
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 13
A couple of weeks ago, braving the scorching summer heat, an elderly ex-serviceman travelled from Bathinda to Mohali to avail himself of treatment at a hospital empanelled under the Ex-Servicemen's Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). On arriving here in the afternoon, he was, however, turned away on the grounds that no beds were available at the hospital.
On the matter being pursued by a local ex-servicemen's association, it was revealed that the ex-serviceman had not followed the proper referral channel and instead of being routed through the local ECHS office, he had landed directly at the hospital. This is not a singular case. Local associations taking up ex-servicemen's problems say about half a dozen cases have been brought to their notice in the past three months where ECHS patients have been turned away, ostensibly on the procedural grounds.

Almost a decade after it was launched, the ECHS continues to face functional and administrative problems. Large outstanding payments to private empanelled hospitals, complaints of senior citizens not being entertained, procedural anomalies and unavailability of medicines are among them.
Launched in April, 2003, the ECHS entitles ex-servicemen and their dependents to comprehensive medicare in service hospitals as well as the empanelled private hospitals. Prior to this, they could avail themselves of facilities only for specific high-cost surgeries or treatment for a limited number of diseases covered under the Army group insurance schemes, which provided only limited relief vis-a-vis the schemes available to the other Central Government employees.
The ex-servicemen associations have claimed that there have been instances where veterans have not been entertained by some hospitals, ostensibly due to their commercial interests. Some have also claimed that they have experienced difficulty in being admitted to a hospital in cases of minor or low-level treatment.
The representatives of private hospitals maintain that no patient is refused admission unless there is a genuine reason like unavailability of a bed or the specialist concerned. No emergency case is turned away. Another reason cited for patients being not entertained is that they have not been referred to the hospital by the designated ECHS polyclinic, which would result in administrative hassles later on. Given the quantum of ECHS patient inflow, the number of patients turned away, if unavoidable, is negligible, they say.
Many of these issues were raised at a meeting over ECHS held at the Headquarters, Western Command, Chandi Mandir, about a month ago. Besides the matter of pending bills, allegations of hospitals inflating bills also cropped up. In fact, it was reportedly a representative of a private hospital who himself pointed out that some hospitals were inflating bills.
There are 30 empanelled hospitals, diagnostic centres and laboratories in the tricity region and their total outstanding payment is estimated to be over Rs 60 crore.
In the tricity, the ECHS authorities owe about Rs 40 crore to Fortis Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in the region. A spokesperson for the hospital said on an average 180 or 200 ECHS patients are attended to daily at the OPD while on any given day there are 25 or 30 ECHS patients in the various ICUs/CCUs of this hospital and another 55 or 75 admitted as in patients.
A senior staffer at another private hospital claimed that his institute had outstanding payments worth over Rs 15 crore. Chandigarh is a high-pressure centre where patients come from the neighbouring states. He said while bills might take up to five or six months to be cleared from the Chandigarh centre of the ECHS, those from other centres like Dharamsala take much longer. The Alchemist in Panchkula owed about Rs 1.5 crore to the ECHS authorities, he added.
Official sources at the Headquarters, Western Command, said they were ‘alive’ to the problems being faced by the stakeholders and efforts were being made to bring down the time period for releasing payments. “We have started online bill processing at five major stations, including Chandigarh, where bills can be submitted online by hospitals, which will cut down the time period,” a senior officer said.
“We are also working out a system where a hospital would give us 2 per cent discount on the bills that are cleared within seven or 10 days,” he added.
According to the hospital authorities, the verification process for bills is long and tedious, involving several establishments and hierarchical levels.
A new system of dispensing medicines is also being adopted, where the dispensaries at the ECHS polyclinics would be outsourced to private players. They would be responsible for procuring and stocking medical supplies and disbursing them as prescribed, with the cost of the supplies being borne by the ECHS as mutually fixed. A meeting between the ECHS authorities and prospective vendors to discuss the modalities of outsourcing was held in New Delhi a few days ago.
Army health scheme plagued

Declining standards of medical treatment for Veterans

Ex-servicemen’s families in Ahmedabad share their problems
Published: Monday, Apr 2, 2012, 15:50 IST
By DNA Correspondent | Place: Ahmedabad | Agency: DNA
A seminar was held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel memorial, Shahibaug, in the city on Sunday to address the issues of ex-army officials and their families. The seminar, titled 'Ex-servicemen welfare seminar' discussed issues and problems faced by families of defence personnel. National convenor of Defence cell, General NS Malik who was the chief guest at the seminar, heard and addressed the issues of several army families present at the event.
Speaking to DNA, General Malik said that protection of the nation is a burning issue presently, which needs to be handled at the earliest. "For this, every citizen is equally responsible and needs to be informed about country's defense." He further said that awareness programmes have been planned for the country's youth as part of which activities like talks, lectures will be held.
Various issues and problems of defence personnel were discussed at length during the session. Stating their problems, Mann Singh Tomar, a resident of the city, said, "My father was in army. After his death, my mother and I had to struggle a lot to receive the pension." He further complained to Malik that to start receiving pension one has to submit documents at the regiment office to which the deceased belongs. "In our case, my father belonged to Kumaon regiment and we had to go to Uttarakhand thrice for pension," added Tomar.
Tomar suggested that every state should have an office of the regiments, so that army families after transfer in different states do not have to face much problem for pensions. Malik replied that such an office is being planned in every state.
Others complained about issues of land allotment by the government and irregular medical treatment.
Ex-servicemen’s families in Ahmedabad share their problems

Deplorable State of Tirunelveli ECHS

THE STATE OF ECHS POLYCLINIC AT TIRUNELVELI: Is INS Kattaboman Sinking?

This is a Polyclinic situated in a Non Military Station in South Tamil Nadu. This is a Type ‘C’ clinic. This was established in the year 2004. For the past eight years, this clinic has been running smoothly under the control of Station HQ Thiruvananthapuram. Problems started mounting after it was taken over by INS Kattabomman. (A naval unit situated nearby)
The main problems are:
1. Two empaneled hospitals (Shifa Clinic and Galaxy Hospital) are refusing to admit ECHS members, because of the large amount of their bills not paid for a very long period. The O i/c ECHS Polyclinic helpless in this regard.
2. There is only one Medical officer, against the vacancy of four. There is no Medical specialist (MD) for more than two years in this clinic. Other medical officers (One Dentist and one Medical officer have resigned). So far no action is being taken to appoint medical officers.
3. There is acute shortage of medicine in the clinic. Since the Station HQ INS Kattabomman is not procuring the medicine in time, funds allotted for the medicine to the tune of Rs.30 lacs have been surrendered in the past.
4. In the absence of any empanelled hospitals in the city, the ECHS members are suffering a lot. There is no other empanelled hospital nearby.
The situation is very bad. The ECHS administered by the Indian Army, should not let it go in this way. The ECHS members and the Polyclinic Staff including the O i/c ECHS Polyclinic are very much upset over the condition prevailing now.
It is requested that the Regional Centre, Chennai and the ECHS Central Organisation Delhi to take immediate action on this issue and save the ECHS members. If the situation continues, this clinic will have to be closed without any notice. Please save our members and the Scheme.
-- Posted By Muthukrishnan to indianexserviceman at 3/16/2012 11:07:00 AM
Comment: Why Naval Ships have to administer ECHS Polyclinics? There is a ocean of difference between administering sea based ships and land locked ECHS which is to cater to the health and well being of EX Servicemen. Probably a better idea would be to shift the ECHS to a Naval Ship and perhaps matters will liven up!

ECHS catching up with the digital era and networking

Finally ECHS has its own website. Please click link below:
ECHS Live Website Feb 2012
It includes email ids of Region Centres and tele numbers of ECHS functionaries. There is also a click on for Claim status. This should be a Great help.
Please send in your suggestions for improvement to ECHS, with cc to me if you wish.
Its really a GREAT site. DO visit. You will find answers to all your queries. Cheers. And lots of Good Health.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturved

ECHS Helpline. Now call 080-4300-4300 or 1800-103-8666 for any ECHS query. You can also SMS your ECHS query on 09741494300.
Click here for ECHS Newsletter

Comment: What is lacking is an online complaint and suggestion facility which can easy be incorporated.

Captain Arminder Singh of Congress Campaigns for the Cause of Ex Servicemen

CONGRESS DI BULAND AWAAZ For the benefit of our Ex-Servicemen1. Refer to Punjab Pradesh Congress advertisement appearing on Page 5 of THE TRIBUNE Dated 22 Jan 2012.
Dear Veterans the following points were accepted by Capt Amrinder Singh for implementation in front of 6000 Plus ESM of Punab. This has got reflected in the Advertisement of Punjab Pradesh Congress.
1. Will pursue with the central Government for 100% implementation of One Rank One Pension Scheme which will benefit 8 Lakh Servicemen of Punjab.
2. Pursue and engage the central Government to extend the benefits such as Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), gratuity etc to non pensioners.
3. Ex-servicemen would be exempted from paying Toll-Tax on State highways to be constructed on Public Private Partnership basis.
4. Every effort shall be made to remove anomalies of 6th Pay commission for Defence Personnel.
5. VAT on all CSD items will be exempted.
6. Financial Grant for marriage of the daughters of ESM widows will be enhanced.
7. Funds will be released for creation of ESM Institutes along with Zila Sainik Welfare Centers.
8.All ESM affairs will be directly under CM.
9. All ESM & Defence Personnel will be attended to on Priority by the State Govt Officials.
NAVI SOCH NAVA PUNJAB

ECHS extended to Nepal

Extension of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme facilities to Nepal domiciled Gorkhas
January 4, 2012
The Cabinet has approved the extension of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to Nepal Domiciled Gorkhas (NDGs) pensioners Ex-Service Men (ESM). The scheme will be optional for retired Ex-Servicemen NDG Pensioners. Only NDG Ex-servicemen pensioner (paid from Defence Estimates) are eligible for ECHS membership.

There are about 1 lakh ex-servicemen and 2.17 lakh dependents domiciled in Nepal who benefit from the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, (ECHS). They are entitled for medical treatment under ECHS Scheme at Polyclinics, and ECHS empanelled civil hospitals in India. Emergency treatment in India under existing provisions is also available. Considering the practical difficulties being faced by NDG ESM in taking treatment, the Govt. has decided to provide medical facilities to them in Nepal itself. The facilities would be available on the same pattern as is available to Indian ESM residing in India.
Extension of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme facilities to Nepal domiciled Gorkhas

ECHS Indisposed- lack of funds and infrastructure

ECHS indisposed
Private hospitals await crores in dues
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 13
All may not be well with the much-hyped Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), a welfare initiative launched by the Centre for providing comprehensive medicare to veterans and their dependants.

While some new measures are being implemented to streamline the functioning of the ECHS, some issues like large outstanding payments to private hospitals empanelled under the scheme and modifying some procedures for availing treatment need urgent redress.

With outstanding payments mounting, some private hospitals are reluctant to entertain veterans and there have been instances where they have been turned away. Over the past few years, several reputed hospitals across the country have opted out of the scheme over procedural delays and deferred payments.

Among the largest private hospitals in the tricity, Fortis in Mohali, for instance, is reported to have outstanding payments amounting to Rs 30 crore since 2004. Silver Oaks, another private hospital, has outstanding dues of Rs 8.9 crore for the past four years.

Mukut Hospital, Sector 34, is awaiting payments of Rs 4.5 crore for the past two years and-a-half. Bills worth several lakhs each by laboratories and diagnostic centres are still to be cleared.

“The verification process for bills is long and tedious, involving several establishments and hierarchical levels,” Hemendra Jain, the official dealing with ECHS as Silver Oaks, has said.

There are 30 empanelled hospitals, diagnostic centres and laboratories in the tricity and 1,400 across the country. Going by the dues, outstanding payments nationwide may run into hundreds of crores, according to the ex-servicemen’s association.

Some issues also pertain to the functioning of the polyclinics that are directly operated by the ECHS. This includes heavy patient load and inadequate infrastructure.

To cater to a clientele of about 35 lakh, including 11 lakh ex-servicemen and 24 lakh dependants, and to operate 227 polyclinics, along with medical and paramedical staff and medical supplies, the ECHS has a budget of Rs 1,000 crore.

According to a study done by the Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement recently, the per capita expenditure under the ECHS is Rs 2,700 compared to Rs 5,100 from the Central Government Health Scheme for civilian retirees.

Sources at Western Command Headquarters claim that ECHS bills of private hospitals are being cleared within two weeks and payments of about Rs 20 lakh are being disbursed every day. A weekly roster has been developed, under which a particular day is devoted to dealing with bills of specific hospitals.

Sources at the headquarters admit that complaints and suggestions from the ECHS clientele keep coming in and various problems at the functional level are being sorted out from time to time.

They have also hinted at some policy changes and overhaul of the ECHS system, with a new managing director assuming charge of the ECHS. Maj-Gen A George has been posted from Chandi Mandir as the new ECHS head on a short notice.

Some measures like automating polyclinics to cut down manual administrative processes and releasing payments to private hospitals online within 10 days are being devised. Universal smart cards, that can be used to avail treatment at any polyclinic instead of only the user’s parent polyclinic, are also being issued.
ECHS indisposed Tribune report

Hospital for ex-servicemen to come up at Manarcad

Hospital for ex-servicemen to come up at Manarcad
Staff Reporter The Hindu
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has reiterated his government's commitment to the cause of ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Speaking at the ex-servicemen meet organised by the State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Department here on Sunday, the Chief Minister said his government would take the issues concerning war widows, dependents of servicemen who laid their lives in the service of the nation, physically challenged ex-servicemen and their dependents, in all its seriousness.
Assistance for widows
Already, the government has doubled the financial assistance to WWII veterans from Rs.500 to Rs.1,000. A new scheme of providing monthly assistance of Rs.500 to their widows has been initiated.
The Chief Minister announced that a rest house-cum-hospital complex for ex-servicemen and their dependents would be constructed at Manarcad. The government has identified 50 cents of land for the purpose and has earmarked Rs.2.5 crore for the project, he said.
The work on the rest house at Ernakulam is nearing completion and that at Malappuram would commence immediately, he said.
Aid doubled
The financial assistance to the dependents of jawans who lay their lives in war or war-like situations, has been doubled to Rs.10 lakh.
The income ceiling for availing of financial assistance has been increased from Rs.75,000 to Rs.1.5 lakh, he said.
The government is seriously thinking of introducing a new scheme which would extend financial support to those who have received bravery awards, the Chief Minister said.
The government has also decided to extend financial assistance to ex-servicemen and their dependents who undergo dialysis. Total financial assistance of Rs.10,000 at the rate of Rs.1,000 per dialysis will be provided to the eligible.
The government also provides a monthly financial assistance of Rs.200 to poor, aged ex-servicemen who are staying at old age homes.
Speaking on the occasion Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Minister for Revenue, said the interests of those who have served in the services and their dependents would be protected by the State.
Brig (Rtd) MJ Prakadan, District Panchayat President Radha V Nair and others spoke.
Hospital for ex-servicemen to come up at Manarcad

IESM takes up welfare issues

Dear Colleagues,
As part of ongoing IESM efforts, copies of following letters are attached for information:

Letter to Mrs Sonia Gandhi dated 17 Oct 2011 about OROP

Memo to Defence Minister dated 14 Nov 2011 about widows’ pension

Letter to AG dated 17 Nov 2011 about treatment of Maj Pancholi (Retd) 9 SIKH
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Letter to Sonia Gandhi
Widows meeting with Def Minister
Letter to AG about Maj Pancholi

Lt Gen A K Choudhary lauds NGO working for ex servicemen

Lt Gen A K Choudhary lauded NGO working for ex servicemen
Report by Arvind Sharma; Dharamsala:
Counting with its policy of “Army Cares for its veterans”, GOC of the Rising Star Corps Lt Gen A K Choudhary, AVSM,SM,VSM, in a simple ceremony at Yol Cantt near here, presented a large No of gifts to a NGO “Himachal Pradesh Poorav Sainik Sahayta Sangathan”. These gifts were given to enhance functional efficiency on the NGO, were received by NGO Chairman Col (Retd) S C Sharma.
Addressing the large gathering Lt Gen Choudhary said “ Sangathan is doing yeoman’s services by helping fellow soldiers which is exemplary emulation for worthy and noble cause. I would like more people to come forward to help the ex servicemen by ex-servicemen contributory health scheme polyclinics and also establishing ex servicemen helplines at all station headquarters to assist them.
“Himachal Pradesh Poorav Sainik Sahayta Sangathan “ was established in 2001 at Sidhwari in Dharamsala. Since then the sangathan has taken a lot of steps and initiatives at the grass root level to address the problems of Ex servicemen and their families if the remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. NGO is helping in so many problems from pension of ex servicemen to preparing youth for army recruitments. It also helps war widows to rebuild their future.
click here to read the original post

Army holds ex-servicemen rally

DARHAL: An ex-servicemen rally wаѕ organised fοr thе benefit οf ex-servicemen οf armed forces frοm Rajouri District οn Sunday аt Government Boys Higher Secondary School Darhal bу a Rashrtiya Rifles Battalion under thе aegis οf Sector Rashtriya Rifles аnԁ Counter Insurgency Force, Romeo.
Approximatly 500 ex-servicemen attended thе rally. Students frοm Government Higher Secondary School Darhal presented a cultural programme аѕ a mаrk οf respect tο ex-servicemen.
Thе rally wаѕ inaugurated bу Commander Sector Rashtriya Rifle. Eminent personalities frοm civil administration whο graced thе rally include Vijay Kumar, IPS DIG Poonch Rajouri, Raj Kumar, SDPO Rajouri, Maj (Retd) R.S Thakur, Secretary Zila Sainik Welfare Board, Rajouri, representatives frοm Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Rajouri, Defence Pension Disbursement Office, Fishery Department, KVIC аnԁ nationalised banks. Thеу addressed thе ex-servicemen аnԁ informed thеm аbουt various welfare activities whісh thе government hаѕ ѕtаrtеԁ fοr thеіr benefit.
Alongside, a medical camp wаѕ аƖѕο organised wherein five army doctors including, surgical specialist, medical officers аnԁ a team οf six civil doctors provided healthcare advice аnԁ free medicines tο thе ex-servicemen. A dental detachment wаѕ аƖѕο available tο treat thе dental cases.
An Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme counter, CSD Smart Card counter, CSD аnԁ Non CSD counter wеrе аƖѕο established аt thе rally site fοr thе benefit οf ex-servicemen. A grievance cell tο register thе grievances аnԁ problems οf ex-servicemen аnԁ аn information cell primarily tο provide multifarious information tο thеm wаѕ аƖѕο established аt thе site.
On thе occasion sixteen Veer Naris wеrе аƖѕο felicitated whose husbands hаԁ sacrificed thеіr lives fοr thе country. Overall thе rally wаѕ a ɡrеаt success wherein thе ex-servicemen wеrе apprised οf numerous schemes/projects conceived fοr thеіr welfare.
Army holds ex-servicemen rally

Ex-Servicemen's rally held at Imphal

Ex-Servicemen's rally for veterans of NE states held
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 15 2011: An Ex-Servicemen (Veterans) Rally and Seminar was organised at Likabali Military Station, Dhemaji, Assam on October 14 on behalf of the Spear Corp as the Year for Disabled Soldiers 2011. The seminar was organised with an aim to create awareness in the environment regarding the benefits being made available to the disabled soldiers, psychological rehabilitation of the disabled soldiers, the veterans and their families, stated a press release of PIB (Defence Wing).
Singing the National Anthem and observance of two minutes silence in remembrance of the valiant martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation marked the inauguration of the occasion.
The Station Commander, Likabali Military Station, addressing to veterans, disabled veterans (at about 2,500), war widows (Veer Naaris) and widows of veterans, senior officers from army and civil dignitaries, said that the soldiers who risked their lives and limbs in the highest call of duty are the real heroes.
Various stalls were set up at the venue of the Ex-Servicemen Rally by the Zila Sainik Welfare Board, to provide information for the disabled soldiers including pension benefits, re-settlement issues, vocational training, rehabilitation, employment and health/Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
A medical camp was also organised by the army wherein the services of various medical specialists were made available to the veterans and their families.
The army authorities had made elaborate and extensive arrangements for the event. A sumptuous lunch followed the grand event.
Retired Colonel PK Deori, on behalf of the veterans, thanked to the Chief of Army Staff, for initiating such a thoughtful and noble gesture towards the betterment of the disabled and other veterans.

Ex-Servicemen's rally for veterans of NE states held

DESL Report: Annual General Body Meeting

Dehradun Ex-Services League Honours War Widow & Gaurab Sainani- Release of News Letter No 18 on Welfare Issues Welfare- Annual General Body Meeting

Annual General Body Meeting of Dehradun Ex-Services League was held on 31 Jul 2011 at 1045 hrs at Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha Hall, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun which was attended by more than four hundred members and Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC, Maj Gen R P Singh, Sh Ganesh Joshi, MLA, Brig KG Behl, President DESL, Brig P S Gurung, YSM Vice President State Minor Committee Commission, Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy, Cols B S Chhettri, RP Jairath, R K Arya, K S Mann, SK Taneja, RC Joshi, CB Thapa, CPO(DR) BK Nautiyal PRO and many others. After two minutes silence on recent obituaries, Brig KG Behl, the PresidentDESL in his opening address, highlighted details of the welfare activities carried out during the year especially about rallies held in support of anomalies in 6th CPC and one Rank one Pension issue taken up with higher authorities. He also mentioned about the presentation submitted by him to petition committee in Rajya Sabha on parity in pension ie same rank same pension (OROP) on 16 May 2011f or which Mr Bhagat Singh Koshyari, MP & former CM of UK is the presiding officer and full hope was envisaged for positive results.
Brig Behl mentioned about the problems being faced in ECHS and CSD Canteen due to over crowding and hoped that by coming up of new polyclinics at Clement Town and Vikas Nagar, which has been sanctioned long back by the DG ECHS. With this the pressure on ECHS MH will ease.
The Secretary Lt Col BM Thapa presented his Annual Report and minutes of the last years AGM which were approved by the house by voice vote. Lt Gen Anand Swaroop, PVSM, MVC as new Patron in chief and Maj Gen Shamsher Sigh, MVC as new patron were welcomed alongwith New Shakha presidents Capt VS Thapa (Nawada), Sub DS Thapa (Chhidrawala), Capt NK Thapa (Harrawala) and Capt MS Rawat(Raiwala). Also out going Shakha Presidents Maj YB Thapa (Chhidrawala) and Capt OB Chhettri (Nawada) were thanked for excellent contribution by them. Lt Col RP Jairath, the treasurer presented Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet which was passed by the house with voice vote.
Shri Ganesh Joshi, MLA and Ex- Garhwal unit, in his speech appreciated the activities of DESL and fully supported to help ESM in all respects. Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC who was the chief guest and Maj RP Singh both honoured the 20 widows, veers Narees and very old veterans. Col KL Dewan, the expert on Pension matters, in his address explained latest on pension and what one Rank one pension means and how the matters stand at present. Ranipokhri Shakha was declared best shakha and Hav BP Sharma, President, received the award. Points were raised for over crowding at ECHS & CSD which was noted for implementation. The vote of thanks was presented by Lt Col BS Chhetri, Senior Vice President. The function was compered by Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy DESL and meeting ended with Barakhana.
Input:-Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy Dehradun Ex-Services League