OROP: Letter to President

Ex-armymen write to President, PM
HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times
Lucknow, October 16, 2012
Ex-servicemen of the state capital have approached the President with their demand of implementing ‘One Rank One Pay’ (OROP) with an immediate effect. This scheme, if implemented, means that personnel retiring at the same rank and putting in the same tenure of service gets the same pension irrespective of the year of retirement. Nearly 40 former soldiers have written to the President and the Prime Minister requesting them to clarify the government’s take on the issue to ensure a time-bound implementation of the scheme. As per the present system, exservicemen under the Sixth Pay Commission get more pension than their counterparts who have retired under previous pay commissions.
The demand comes days after UPA government’s recent Rs. 2,300- crore package for pensioners in the armed services. The ex-servicemen have expressed dissatisfaction over the package saying that even it has fallen short of their expectations.
“The pension-hike is deceptive. The government has wrongly interpreted the term OROP. They have merely made an enhancement in pension,” said Major (retd) SK Saxena, who is one among those who signed on the memorandum sent to the President. A copy has also been sent to the PM, finance minister, defence minister, leader of opposition, and chief of army staff among others.
Incidentally, a few days ago, some section of electronic media flashed that the government has accepted the demand only to be refuted by print media reports next day.
“A lot of confusion exists because of the contradictory reports in media. We request you to please ensure that OROP be implemented without any further delay,” said Col (retd) MC Papnai. Last month, Indian Ex-servicemen Movement (IESM) a pan India federation of ex- servicemen’s organisations wrote letters to PM and three service chiefs explaining how the government decision does not meet their long- pending demand to ensure equitable pensions.
“To illustrate, a sepoy, naik and havildar have been given an increase of only Rs 400 per month, whereas a sepoy who retired on January 2012 draws approximately Rs 4,000 more than those who retired prior to 2006,” the letter explains, adding that similarly disparity exists in the officer ranks too.
In all, there are 18 lakh exservicemen in the country. Of them, about 5.5 lakh, including 80,000 widows, are under the central command. In UP and Uttarakhand, the number is four lakh. In Lucknow there are nearly 20,000 ex- servicemen.
Ex-armymen write to President, PM

ESM gets a new definition

[To be published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub section (i)]
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, dated the 4th October , 2012
Amendment the Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services and Posts) Rules, 1979: Click here
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012 Proactive action by the Department of Personnel & Training : Definition of ‘Ex-Serviceman’ revised, ambiguities ironed out, categories expanded, proactive decisions taken.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has again proved its pro-public and proactive approach.
All ambiguities emanating from the last revision of the definition of ‘Ex-Serviceman’ (as provided in the rules of 1979 last majorly amended in 1987) have been attempted to be rectified.
The notification for redefining the term ‘Ex-Servicemen’ has been issued and can be downloaded and accessed by clicking here.
On a first glance, the following are the apparent changes:

The new notification covers aspects of all level of posts, that is, Group A, B, C and D.

Those released on reduction of establishment are also now covered.

Territorial Army pensioners of both categories, that is, those who earn pension after continuous service or in broken spells, would be covered.

All gallantry awardees covered.

Boarded out recruits in receipt of disability pension covered.

Adjustment and modalities of reservation vis-à-vis other reserved categories fully explained and specified.

Age relaxation for all levels of posts specified unambiguously including for Competitive Examinations.
Though one major apparent slip-up that appears visible from the notification is that while personnel released with ‘attributable’ disabilities have been mentioned in the notification, those released with ‘aggravated’ disabilities have not been mentioned. Although in the case of personnel of the Army Postal Service (APS), both attributable and aggravated categories have been specifically mentioned. Perhaps the Services and the Ministry of Defence need to take this up immediately with the DoPT.
An earlier post on the definition of ‘Ex-Serviceman’ through the ages can be accessed by clicking here.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 10:14 PM
Original Post

Vellore ESM: Dilapidated building to be rebuilt

CM’s order rebuilds ex-servicemen’s hope
By V NarayanaMurthi|ENS - VELLORE 24th August 2012 08:27 AM

NEW LEASE OF LIFE: A view of the dilapidated building of the ex-servicemen office which would be rebuilt |Express

The ex-servicemen community has thanked Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for sanctioning `2.19 crore towards rebuilding the old office premises of the Ex-servicemen Welfare, in Vellore.
K Mathivanan, president of the Katpadi Ex-sainik Seva Sangam said Vellore which housed one of the highest population of ex-servicemen and serving personnel in the country, certainly deserved a spacious and well-equipped office premises to extend better facilities and services. The gesture of the Chief Minister in this regard was timely, he added.
Vellore had housed one of the earliest ex-servicemen welfare offices in the State, the foundation for which had been laid by the then Governor of Madras, Sir Arthur Hope on March 7, 1945, on the ring road of Vellore Fort. It was named after him as ‘Hope Ex-service Centre’. The building was completed in the same year and was declared open by Sir Normal Strathie, advisor to the Governor of Madras on November 29, 1945. Khan Bhadur S Ahmed Ali was the president of the District Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen (DSSA) Board then.
As the 60-year-old building had developed cracks and posed threats to safety, the office was shifted to ‘Jawans Bhavan’ building on the officers line.
The existing dilapidated structures would be replaced with a new two-storied building with 4,844 sqft ground floor and 5,888 sqft, each of first and second floor. While the ground floor would be occupied by the ex-servicemen welfare office, the first floor would have a nationalised bank. A part of the second floor would be rented to government departments.
The premises would also have a dormitory facility and two or three rooms that can be used as guestrooms for directorate’s senior officials to stay. The office would be equipped with communication and Internet facilities. The construction, being entrusted with the PWD, is likely to begin shortly.
The ex-servicemen welfare office has been extending various services to the 50,000 plus ex-servicemen and serving personnel, somewhat similar to what the district social welfare has been offering to the general public. The office is providing welfare assistance to the tune of `15 lakh per month, in terms of pensions (for veterans and war widows) and educational scholarships. The office is also helping veterans secure employment in various sectors besides focusing on their healthcare requirements.
It is also liaisoning with government departments to establish a Kendriya Vidyalaya at Vellore shortly.
CM’s order rebuilds ex-servicemen’s hope

Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Rajya Sabha speaks for the Honour of Soldiers

RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR
A MESSAIAH OF THE SOLDIERS AND MILITARY VETERANS
HAIL RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR
THREE CHEERS TO RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR
Military Veterans are proud of the fact that Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar is son of Veteran Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM, an ace transport aircraft Pilot.
RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR IS THE ONLY MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT WHO HAS EVER SPOKEN SO UNEQUIVOCALLY IN SUPPORT OF SOLDIERS:

URGING THE GOVT TO CONSTRUCT A NATIONAL MILITARY MEMORIAL IN THE CAPITAL

IMMEDIATE GRANT OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION TO MILITARY VETERANS & DEFENCE FAMILY PENSIONERS AS PER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE FOR DEFENCE AND THE PARLIAMENT’S PETITIONS COMMITTEE

NOMINATION OF DEFENCE SERVICES PERSONNEL AS MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO THE RAJYA SABHA
Please hear Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar speak forcefully in support of the Soldiers, in the Rajya Sabha in Video above
Webpage: click here
Military Veterans who wish to thank and express their gratitude to Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar may email Shri V Anand PS to RC
Regards,
Col Rajan
Convenor, Military Veterans INDIA
Bangalore, 9449043770
Brig V A Subramanyam (Retd)

Corps of Signals Veteran, Bangalore
Dear Veterans and would be veterans sooner or later!!
The speech by Mr. Chandrasekhar in the Parliament is so powerful, to the point and crisp. One has also seen Mr. Chandrasekhar on TV Channels very ably articulating soldier's points of view. Time and again he has been peaking in the Parliament and writing to the PM and the RM supporting the cause of the soldiers and in support of the Defence Forces issues.
While quite a few veterans will and have sent messages to him individually, it would be befitting if thousands of us append our signatures to a communication thanking him and appreciating his efforts for his concern for India's Defence Forces and its personnel. May be Lt Gen Kadyan/ Maj Gen Satbir Singh the Adhikaris of IESM can take the initiative. Jai Hind
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen
Former Signal Officer-in-Chief

Ex Servicemen con their own brethren

3 dupe ex-servicemen of sites; absconding
Published: Sunday, Mar 4, 2012, 9:31 IST
By Imran Gowhar | Place: Bangalore | Agency: DNA
The Ashoknagar police are on the lookout for three “ex-servicemen” who were on the run after duping their colleagues of crores of rupees, promising them sites under ex-servicemen welfare organisation.

The scam came to light when the accused, identified as Guru Govind, Ningappa and PC Ganapathy, abruptly locked up their office and also shut down their website. According to the police, the trio, claiming to be ex-servicemen, launched ex-servicemen association two years ago and issued advertisements in the media offering sites for the ex-servicemen and retired government employees at affordable rates at Whitefield and Mysore Road, within two months, under the project name Indraprastha Layout.Hundreds of ex-servicemen approached the organisation and even made down payments, ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh as advance for booking sites.

The association members claimed they had already purchased land at Whitefield, Mysore Road and the layouts are being developed by Karnataka Land Army.

However, later when investors went to check about the status, they got evasive responses. After postponing the deadline a couple of times, the association wound up the business and the members went missing. Even the website, and the telephone numbers of the organisation were temporarily withdrawn.

Ananth Krishnan P, an ex-serviceman, had invested his life time saving and is currently running from pillar to post to get back his money. He said the association members used to move in posh cars and lived lavish lifestyle with our money and finally vanished when we started pressurising them, he said.

Out of greed, the association had even started extending the offers to civilians and retired government officials later on and collected huge amounts from them too, he added.
Saurabh, son of a retired colonel, told DNA that he had paid `50,000 to the organisation, on behalf of his father, for a site on Mysore Road in 2010.

Few months later the members went underground and since then I am trying to contact them. The office is locked and the telephone numbers have been terminated, he said.

Saurabh is in touch with a few members who had invested money. I have been in touch with ten persons from the army, who had invested their lifetime savings after retirement, he said.

The Ashok Nagar police have registered a case of cheating and are on the lookout for the members of the organisation.

We have taken a few people into custody and are questioning them to track down the absconding members, a police officer told DNA.
3 dupe ex-servicemen of sites; absconding
Comment: All ESM need to exercise caution when seeking membership or services from the numerous dubious ESM organisations. The mute question how one is to check the background of the governing body?

Ministry of Defence withdraws appeals against pre-1973 pensioners

MoD withdraws appeals against grant of ‘service element’
Pension to pre-1973 disabled ex-servicemen
Vijay Mohan/TNS
Chandigarh, February 24, 2012
Bringing succour to hundreds of disabled ex-servicemen pensioners across the country, the grant of “service element” to whom had been challenged by the government in the Supreme Court, the Defence Ministry today informed the apex court that it had decided to withdraw appeals in all such cases that were bunched and listed yesterday.

The veterans concerned, many of whom belong to this region, would now be entitled to get their dues and arrears in accordance with existing rules and court rulings. Lawyers associated with the cases said some of the affected veterans were in their nineties now.

Disabled personnel are entitled to a disability pension consisting of a “service element” commensurate with the length of service and a “disability element” that depends upon the quantum of injury. Prior to 1964, on disability decreasing below 20 per cent, the disability element used to be withdrawn, but the service element continued if the service rendered was more than 15 years. The service limit for service element was brought down to 10 years in 1964 and 5 years in 1968.

With effect from 1973, the qualifying service requirement for service element was totally abrogated and persons with even one day of service became eligible for service element. Even after 1973, the MoD refused to extend the benefit of service element to earlier retirees with lesser length of service, leading to a spate of litigation. Ultimately, various high courts ruled in favour of disabled ex-servicemen, asking the govt to release service element irrespective of length of service to pre-1973 retirees.

Though the appeals filed by the government against HC decisions were time and again dismissed by the SC, the MoD continued to file SLPs against its disabled veterans, leading to multiple litigation. Sources associated with the issue said the Adjutant General’s Branch and the Army’s Personnel Services Directorate repeatedly requested the MoD’s Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare to resolve the issue, but the requests were not acceded to.

Sources say the current Secretary DESW Samirendra Chatterjee, however, saw reason in the Army’s proposal and played an instrumental role in withdrawing all such appeals and conceding the matter.

On the last date earlier this month, the Supreme Court Bench hearing the case had asked the MoD to “seek instructions” if it did not want an adverse order. The veterans have welcomed the government’s move to withdraw the said cases.
Clicjk here for the Tribune Post
Click here for the earlier Blog Post
Comment: We need to thank the Media, Maj Navdeep and Ajai Shukla for taking on the "MOD Bulls". I hope similarly MoD finds sense in the two decade Rank Pay litigation case dragging on and release the arrears of pension entitled under the 4th Central Pay Commission to the Officers who were cheated of it.

British Officer of the Indian Army honoured for ESM Welfare Work

Renovated Earl Haig monument rededicated

Date 160311 Location Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh photo by Mark Owens Photo Caption: HRH Princess Anne at the re dedication ceremony today. HRH The Princess Royal unveils Earl Haig Statue in New Home
For almost 90 years, the Earl Haig monument commissioned to honour Field-Marshall Sir Douglas Haig and his welfare work for ex-servicemen
Douglas Haig, the son of John Haig, the head of the successful whisky distilling company, was born in Edinburgh in 1861. After obtaining a degree at Brasenose College he went to the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. After he completed his training Haig was commissioned into the 7th Hussars.

Haig was sent to India with his regiment in 1886 and while there worked his way through the ranks. Haig experienced active service in the Sudan (1898) and the Boer War (1899-1902), where he served under Major-General Sir John French. Promoted to the rank of colonel, Haig returned to India where he served in a variety of administrative posts under Lord Kitchener. When Haig became major-general he was the youngest officer of that rank in the British Army.
Read more- click here

IESM Rally at Hissar

20 Feb 2011
Dear Colleagues,
An IESM rally was held at Hisar today. It was organised by Sub Hari Singh and Hony Capt Chander Singh who had put in tremendous amount of hard work over the last few weeks. It was a gathering of over 200 ESM and Service families. Gen Adiya Jaini, Colonel Goyal and self attended from Delhi. 30 new members joined IESM during the event. The rain that started midway during the proceedings failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the participants.
Preparations for the 6 March rally at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi are on track. We are extremely grateful to all the 61 contributors (IESM members, other ESM and civilians) for their generosity in sending money for the event. Our special gratitude to Brig Chander Kamboj for playing a pivotal role in this.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

IESM Gen Secretary writes to Shree Rajiv Chandrasekhar, MP

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
An email received from Maj Gen Satbir Singh and its enclosures click here.
The letter of Shree Satpal Maharaj addressed to the RM, was received as a large PDF file, which could not be used for mass circulation. Therefore, I have typed the relevant portions of that letter in MS Word format.
The printed letter heads of both the letters had to be excluded to reduce the size of the email.
I also take this opportunity to add that whenever any one says that “ If we give OROP to the Indian Defence Services, other government services will also demand the same”, please educate them about the following important things which differentiate the Defence Services from others:
I. The Three Defence Services are the only services, which are denied “Fundamental Rights” granted by the Constitution of India to all its citizens. The serving soldiers cannot even form associations to represent their grievances.
II. Defence Services are the only services, where the personnel retire much before reaching the age of 60 years, the prescribed age of retirement for all other Government Services.
III. The Defence Services suffer the maximum casualties when defending the nation externally or internally.
IV. The Defence Services are the last hope of the Indian Nation, when everyone else fails miserably. CWG is the lastest example.

Therefore, the usual excuses given by the bureaucrats that if OROP is granted to Defence Services, other services will demand the same – are deliberate attempts to mislead the political leaders. Other issues which need attention are:
A. Ex-servicemen Welfare Commission. This was strongly recommended by the High Level Committee headed by Shree KP Singhdeo and is essential for the redressal of our problems besides protecting us from the wrath of the hostile bureaucracy. This needs to be put in place at the earliest. The Ex-servicemen Commission should consist of Armed Forces Veterans, including war wounded, and the Defence Widows.
B. Staffing of ESW Department of MoD. At present, the ESW Department of MoD has no representation of the Defence Services. The present staff of ESW Department, who do not know even the fundamentals of the functioning and working conditions of the Armed Forces, how they can understand our problems and look after our welfare. The entire staff of the ESW Department of MoD should be from among the serving and retired Defence personnel.
Another issue, which Col Inderjit Singh, Chairman All India Ex-Services Welfare Association, is pursuing with the Government since long (he is the eldest veteran who started the struggle of OROP) is (these are extracts from one of the letters of Col Inderjit sent to RM) –
Representation at the MOD. Every uniformed service other than the Armed Forces is represented at all levels of decision-making processes, which affect the functioning or welfare of that service. However, for the various committees appointed for Defence, whether it pertains to functioning of Defence Services or the welfare of serving and retired Defence personnel, no representatives of the Defence Services are included. This sidelining of the Armed Forces has created a feeling that they are suspect in the eyes of
their own leadership and, therefore, that of the Nation too. This has resulted in demoralisation and humiliation among the serving and retired Defence Forces personnel. Such demoralisation of the Defence personnel can be disastrous for the Nation itself. We, therefore, appeal to you to kindly set this aberration right, which is existing inspite of sixty-three years since we got Independence.
Friends, it is time that All ESM and ESM Organisations stand shoulder to shoulder and speak in one language. All ESM Organisations are doing very well in their own way to get Justice for Defence Services. We need to continue that multi pronged approach to achieve our aim.
I once again appeal to all ESM and ESM Organisations, not to criticise each other but support each other so that the pressure on the Government multiplies many fold and it is compelled to yield to our justified demands.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
AND DEMAND JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

Bureaucrats confuse the RM: MOD doubts ownership of Defence Land

The Hindu NEW DELHI, October 29, 2010
Defence Minister A.K. Antony has directed the Army and the Navy to ascertain facts about the ownership rights of the land of the Adarsh Housing Society in Mumbai and whether, at any time, the plot was a defence land.

Concerned about the developments in the wake of an alleged scam, the Minister asked the two Services to inform whether the high-rise structure that has come on the land in Colaba area casts a shadow on national security, sources in the Ministry said.

On Monday, Mr. Antony said the Ministry was seized of the issue and examining the report seriously. The sources, said the decision was taken after a meeting on the issue.

Replies from the Army and the Navy, would form the basis on the kind of action the Ministry could take, the sources said adding that if necessary investigations could be outsourced.

The Minister is keen that the two Services expedite the replies considering that the winter session of Parliament is scheduled to start on November 9. The government anticipates that the issue would figure in the coming session. At the same time, the Ministry is conscious that an earlier response in 2003 did not reflect the correct picture and this time it wants to make sure that the replies from the Army and the Navy get a closer examination.
Mumbai land ‘scam': Antony wants facts ascertained

Ashok Chavan's Mother in Law in the fray?
Mumbai: How did a plot of land in Mumbai set aside for war widows and veterans morph into a 31-storey building with flats for politicians, bureaucrats and former army chiefs?
A trio of inquiries - by the Army, the CBI and the Environment Ministry - is trying to uncover that mystery. The high rise - the Adarsh Society - has been built in prime property in Colaba in Mumbai. Its flats were sold at a fraction of market prices for this part of the city.
The CBI is now examining who signed off on environmental and other clearances...
Read more at:
NDTV: Adarsh society flat for Ashok Chavan's mother-in-law?

Door Darshan Programme on Veterans

Dear Veterans,
The programme on the DD Channel telecast at 10.30 pm, well past the prime time, ensured that only a few dedicated Veterans watched the show. How ever, the discussion was engrossing. Maj Gen Satbir Singh, was fully primed & was well prepared. So was Maj Gen Ashok Mehta, who appeared to have been well tutored by the MOD. He politely put across some views from the Govt side, ie, Returning of Medals, signing of memorandum in blood etc, which may be construed by the public as unbecoming of military behaviour.

Brig Gulia, President IESL, did not voice either his consent or dissent to such acts. Let us not conclude that the IESM, therefore, has the tacit approval for such forms of demonstrations from the IESL. Far from it.

The reason is, as brought out by Gen Satbir Singh himself, that IESL is the Govt recognised body & their Patrons are the President of India & the RM. Hence it has its own limitation in fighting for a cause & IESM does not have such inhibitions. Both the heads of these ESM Organisations, were in full agreement with each other that the ESM Committee must be tailored on the pattern of Minority Commission, fully manned by the Veterans themselves ( though Brig Gulia said maximum members from ESM), ESMW Directorate must be revamped with Serving Soldiers & the Veterans, the entire chain of Veterans Welfare must be revised, so that right up to the Districts level, we have some dedicated Serving Officers to look after the Veterans affairs.

On a question from Ashok Mehta, Gen Satbir explained that there are more than 300 recognised ESM Associations in the country, since the ESM feel that they require a forum, to take up the issues affecting them locally.

Air Marshal Kuldip Rai, was in complete control of his subject of ECHS. He admitted that the ECHS is still growing & there is a lot of distance to cover, to provide consumer satisfaction. Therefore, we can depend on him to implement some valid suggestions made by Brig Muthu Lashmi & Maj Gen RN Radhakrishnan, in this regard (kindly refer to their mails).

This was the first time that the two stalwarts from IESL & IESM faced each other in a discussion, not to fight each other, but to lay a path of coexistence. Brig Gulia was there, as a matter of right. He has the numbers & the recognition by the Govt. Whereas, Maj Gen Satbir Singh was there, due to the psychological impact the IESM had made with much smaller membership base. In a span of couple of years, IESM has become the "Voice of the Veterans". The result is obvious. The Govt cannot ignore its presence. Do the numbers really matter?

Our complements to Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Brig Gulia & AM Rai. Of course to Maj Gen Ashok Mehta. He performed his role of anchor to perfection, because the participants in the discussion were well disciplined Veterans. Never exceeded the time & never seriously contradicted the differing views of the establishment. But, I could watch the anguish on the face of Satbir Singh, when he was cut short by the Anchor, immediately when the subject of Rank Pay came up. This is a solid case where the Supreme Court had ctegorically up held the contention of the ESM, but the Govt prefered an appeal. After all, the Anchor has his role to play, to save the Govt from some humiliation. Especially on a Govt TV Cahnnel. The discussion was terminated due to time up.

There are certain points made by Maj Gen Satbir Singh, which require some serious deliberations. He has stated that at present, the ESM Welfare in the States is funded by the respective States & the Centre on 50/ 50 basis. His suggestion was to have it entirely funded by the Centre, with States having no responsibility in funding. Is it feasible, practical or advisable, since all our Veterans belong to one State or the other & are in receipt of some concessions from their own States?

Other point is that the Supreme Court had upheld the concept of OROP, in a few of its verdicts. I feel that this view requires to be backed up by legal experts. Our own interpretation of various rulings may not suffice.
Veteran Raman
(Col TN Raman, Convener IESM Tamil Nadu)

Dear Veterans
I too watched the said programme on DD News. The input from Veteran Ranjit Rai is very apt.

Gen Satbir Singh put forth the point of view of veterans and about the injustices meted out to them, aptly and appropriately within the time constraints. Given a little more time and opportunity Gen Satbir would have laid bare many more discrimination on soldiers and veterans and put to shame all those pseudo patriots and their side- kicks who sing hypocritical paeans to defence forces on national occasions (one such approaching very soon).

It was very heartening to see Brig Gulia (IESL) and Gen Satbir (IESM) complementing each other on the issue of veterans.

However, my only regret is that the programme was telecast too late in the night when most of the people have already retired for the day and that it was on DD News, the least watched programme among the bouquet of news channels. All the same, as a sarkari channel, it was good.

Regarding the 'jar' at Gen Satbir calling Gen Mehta 'Sir' on the programme, I wish to state that it is in the ethos of Defence Forces (at least in the Army) to continue to address the person as 'Sir' who had been once his senior. Many youngsters who once called me 'Sir' and scaled greater heights in life, continue to address me 'Sir' even today. At one occasion when I addressed 'Sir' to an officer who had been a youngster in my regiment, he got down from the podium, embraced me and without any hesitation said: "Sir, I am still the same old bacha for you. Please don't call me Sir. I have still many things to learn from you." Touching elocution and down to earth sentiment. That is the culture which binds us and makes us unique in the otherwise jungli milieu in which we step in after retirement. As veterans we may be equal but in our approach we do not shed our respect for each other.

This American culture of equality is alien to both British and Indian culture.
Veteran Ram Gulrajani

CSD Canteens for ESM

Had a meeting with the QMG today. He is agreable to Exservicemen CSD canteens.
However there appear to be certain laid down conditions which have to be fulfilled:

The Station/ Area must have a minimum of 5000 Exservicemen card holders for an ESM CSD Canteen to come up.

As per govt orders ESM canteens cannot come up on A-1 Defence land. However if ESM get together and offer a room/ house/ any suitable place on their own, which they hire/purchase,then a case can be taken up for opening a ESM CSD canteen.

Regards honouring the smart cards is concerned , he has issued strict instructions that URC's not honouring the smart card will be cosidered for closure.

He has noted down the request for creating a site within the CSD website where CSD and DDGCS Army HQ can be contacted to record suggestions and complaints.

Also suggested to him to consider creating a site for helping CSD customers to buy AFD items online.
Lt Gen Jagdish Chander(Retd)
Head CSD Division IESM, Former DG ASC, Former Chairman CSD,INDIA)

Military Pension: Removal of 33 years stipulation

Dear Friends,
Please visit the URL given below and read the letter issued by MoD, Dept of ESW, on 30 OCT 2009. This letter waives off the the stipulation of 33 years of service for all defence officer pensioners who retired after 1.1.2006. The Govt will now calculate their pension @ 50% of the last emoluments drawn or the average of last ten months', whichever is more beneficial to the individual.

Removal of 33 years stipulation post 2006 Retirees

All of us who retired before 1.1.2006, should ask for the same yardstick to be applied to our cases as well. This will ensure equitable justice.

This will mean that all of us with 20 yrs of "Qualifying ServiceS (QS)" will become entitled to the pension currently being given for 33 years of weighted service. That pension is currently based on the minimum reckonable emoluments under the existing pay band for those who are still in service.

I now request all ESM organisations to take up this point and ask the government to implement this yardstick. When accepted, we all with 20 years or more of QS will stand to gain substantially. I do not have the figures for all the ranks but for Lt Cols and equivalent, the pension will be Rs 25,700 pm, both for S and TS categories. Their current entitlement at 20 yrs of QS is Rs 21,028 and 19,470 respectively.

Pension cell of IESM may like to go into it and guide us all please.

We all should treat this demand as a step towards our ultimate goal of OROP.

Regards.
Cdr K K Punchhi (Retd)

Report My Signal

Dear Members of the RMS forum,
My email server is temporarily out of order for last 15 hours or so. Therefore, I cannot send out usual RMS emails and will resume on restoration of the server.
Regards,
Chander Kamboj

Punjab: War memorial alterations irk ex-servicemen

Jalandhar, January 20
The modern-day need for the railway overbridge across the Lyallpur Khalsa College crossing is leading to the squeezing up of the prestigious Punjab State War Memorial which stands up as an epitome of sacrifices laid down by the valiant soldiers of the region.

Major-Gen G.S. Sohi (Retd) had suggested, “This war memorial is the pride of Punjab and it was not built in a day. It took 26 years to bring it to this level. These things cannot be recreated. So instead of disturbing the memorial, the PWD should look out for some engineering alternatives.”

The plan to set up the Punjab State War Memorial was conceived in 1976 and it was raised in 1982. Though the site belongs to the Jalandhar improvement trust, its maintenance was handed over to the sainik welfare office in 1991 due to poor upkeep by the trust.

However, PWD SE Ram Pal said, “No alternative plan is possible in this case. A portion of memorial has to be covered in the project.”
War memorial alterations irk ex-servicemen

IESM: Tamilnadu

Dear Veterans,
On 18-01-09, IC 2556 Lt Gen C Sundara Rao, PVSM, an octogenarian with indominable spirit & Patron of the Armed Forces Veteran Officers Association (AFVOA) Chennai, had conveyed his blessings to our Movement & to further exhibit his solidarity has joined IESM as a member. Another highly respected Veteran, Col A Krishnaswami, VrC, VSM **, Founder Member of AFVOA, has also exhibited similar sentiments & joined us as a member.

The details of all new members are given below. Our special appreciation to Lt Col T Arunagiri, Arty, who has mobilised the Veteran PBORs for our cause. On 18-01-09, the following Officers have become members of the IESM:-

a. IC 2556 Lt Gen C Sundara Rao, PVSM 500/-
b. Col A Krishnaswami, VrC, VSM** 1,500/-
c. Brig SP Balachandran 500/-
d. Col M Sambamurthy, SM 500/-
e Lt Col Rangaraj Jairam (Thanjavur) 500/-
Total Rs 3,500/

In addition, Lt Col T Arunagiri had sent the following membership forms:-

a. Lt Col T Arunagiri 500/-
b. S/M V Sriramulu (Sigs) 100/-
c. Sep M Arjunan 100/-
d. Sep MSukumar 100/-
e. Nk S Perumal 100/-
f. SM (Hony Capt) R Ponnuraj 500/-
g. Nk S Subramanian 100/-
h. Hav S Seranthiyan 100/-
j. Hav M Albert 100/-
k. Hav P Karunanithi 100/-
l. S/M G Mukundhan 100/-
m. Hav Chandrasegaran 100/-
n. Nk K Sivanandam 100/-
o. Spr M Ramachandran 100/-
Total Rs 2,200/-
The amounts will be deposited in the acct of IESM in HDFC Bank, Chennai.

With Regards
Col TN Raman (Retd)
IESM Covenor Tamil Nadu

ESM Welfare Kohima

Nagaland Governor Sankaranarayanan seen here at the Assam Rifles’ rally for ex-servicemen in Kohima
Kohima : Pointing to the need to access all resources to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen, Governor K. Sankaranarayanan today said there is no dearth of funds for them. “What we require is to ensure that all intended beneficiaries and their family members are made aware of the scheme and are proactively helped in all arenas,” the governor said while addressing the Assam Rifles ex-servicemen rally here today at the 26th Assam Rifles complex.
Lt Gen K S Yadava, AVSM, SM, VSM, DGAR and Lt Gen Jai Prakash Nehra, IGAR (N) also spoke at the occasion. They expressed gratitude to the old hands of the force for their contribution and sheer hard work in bringing laurels to the force. Director General of Assam Rifles Lt. Gen. Karan Singh Yadava urged ex-servicemen from different districts to take advantage of such occasions and share their problems while asserting that the IGAR-N would try to address their grievances.
The rally, organized under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) was attended by a total 211 Ex-Servicemen (ESM), Veer Naris (widows) and others. Various stalls to provide advice on bank loans, medical and dental care, horticulture, and grievance resolution were made available to the ESM. Kamal Kumar, a senior retired solider of the Assam Rifles thanked the DGAR for organizing the ESM rally and looking into the grievances of the veterans. Following the programme, each ex-serviceman and Veer Nari was honored with a gift. Three disabled ESM were also gifted with cash of Rs 5000 each.
Governor stresses on welfare of veterans

IAF officers call for war memorial at Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, named after the Father of the Nation
Express News Service
Posted: Jan 19, 2009 at 0118 hrs IST

The state capital my soon get a war memorial in memory of the martyrs of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Indian Air Force (IAF) officers called for this at the annual meeting of the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association held at Gandhinagar on Sunday.

Air Marshal K D Singh, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command (SWAC), said the war memorial would remind of the sacrifices made by the IAF during the 1971 war.

The Air Marshal emphasised on the need for spreading awareness about the activities of the IAF. “Like the Army, which regularly conducts the Know Your Army campaign, the IAF also has been undertaking Surya Kiran aerobatic shows for public awareness. Ex-servicemen must also educate the public about the Armed Forces,” he said.

He released a souvenir and honoured mother of (late) Major Joje Joseph, a martyr from Gandhinagar, on the occasion. War widows, widows of Armed Forces veterans and meritorious children of the servicemen were also honoured.

Among others present at the function were Lieutenant General (retd) Mahipatsinhji, president, Gujarat Ex-servicemen League, Air Marshal (retd) P K Desai, president Air Force Association, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) M S Pannu, Lieutenant Colonel Kishore Sinh Gohil, Director Rajya Sainik Welfare and Resettlement Board, KG Vanzara, Director, Developing Caste Welfare-Gujarat, D C Joshi, GM IDEA Cellular, and B P Prajapati, president Gandhinagar Ex-servicemen Association.
IAF officers call for war memorial at Gandhinagar

IESM: Fast for Justice Rally Jantar Mantar- thirty second day

Dear Colleagues,

The Jantar Mantar (Relay) Fast continues. I spent the day among ESM of Jhajjar Distict in village Majra (Dubaldhan) approximately 100 km from Delhi. There were about 250 ESM who had assembled, hailing from different villages. It was good plain speaking. I updated all on the developments on OROP. I told them OROP was a long battle and no one should expect quick results. It would also need hard work and sacrifice from us all.

During discussion I also informed them that depending upon response of the present regime, prior to the General Elections we would be sending out an advisory on the voting choice of the ESM. This was enthusiastically received; some even called it a 'fatwa' and insisted that it must be done and promised to abide by it.

Everyone was charged up and decided to come to Delhi for the 08 Feb rally. I advised them to nominate Coordinators at Village, Block, Tehsil and District level and forward the names and contact details to us. I was happy to learn that some villages (like Siwana, thanks to Capt Om Prakash) have already done so. There was a great demand for IESM membership forms. This is being arranged.

The fast at Navi Mumbai went as scheduled. An email from Brig Dharam Prakash is reproduced below: Quote

Dear General,
As planned, Ex servicemen of NAVI MUMBAI were on DHARNA on 15 & 16 Jan 2009 at CBD Belapur railway station in sympathy with our fasting Veterans at Delhi.

Ex servicemen response was very good, we had Veterans coming from far places like Ratnagiri,Nava Shiva Port, and others from anvel, Kharghar, CBD Belapur, Nerul, Vashi, Airoli, Thane. Arrangements had to be doubled midway due to response. Briefing on IESM and OROP was done. Veterans were happy with steps being taken for OROP. Membership forms of IESM were distributed, till today about 25 completed forms with cheque have been received, more are expected in few days time. All completed forms will be couriered in few days. Some forms are likely to be sent directly to Gurgoan.

Above event was very well covered by print and electronic media. On 15 Jan 2009 we had 5 TV channels and 6/7 press reporters who attended press briefing by Brig Dharam Prakash and Lt Col DP Singh. Dharna is being shown on local/Regional channels like DRISHTI, NMTV, A PLUS, KARNALA TV and local cable network. Some news papers (Hindi, Marathi & English) are likely cover it shortly.

As venue was at public place, lot of general public enquired about OROP and were very sympathetic with the cause.Senior citizens association at Belapur was represented by its President and All India Senior Citizens Confederation(AISCON), General Secretary also joined the Veterans in expressing their solidarity with the cause.
Brigadier Dharam Prakash (Retd) Unquote

Well done Mumbai.
See all of you in Delhi on 08 Feb, 1100 hours at Jantar Mantar.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
View Photo Slideshow: IESM, Jantar Mantar

IESM: Poineering vision for future India

Report my signal forum/ blog is a pioneer of this great movement of IESM. There have been lot of achievements and many more to come. This movement should ultimately culminate into growth and National development, besides achieving all listed IESM objectives.

In democracy numbers matter a lot. Our strength: Patriotism, highly disciplined, educated, experienced, talented and graet numbers. Ex and serving together with family members, their relations, friends, sympathizers, like- minded citizens and supporters are a reckonable FORCE.

The indifference of so called GOI represented by few self seeking and short sighted bureaucrats and politicians is glaringly visible. National security and many other national interests are being compromised. WE cannot remain as passive citizens. We cannot achieve our intended objectives by passive movement alone. As the movement is getting galvanized it is time for the think tank to give shape and lay foundation for future IESM activities with vision of ultimate national prosperity.

Our numbers in democracy are in multiples of millions: ex- servicemen & serving 4.5+1.5= 6 million with multi- factor of spouses, children and their spouses, relations etc. This composition are all over the country with higher numbers in few states/ districts. We can exercise considerable swing in voting results in the near parliamentary elections- of victory or defeat of a candidate.

Appeals and all those efforts should be supplemented by demographic strength also. The Govt of the day is aware of this strength and force, they are concerned and even fear of IESM GETTING ORGANISED. Therefore pursue all those issues with position of strength. We as citizens, senior citizens should get organized. We should grow out of colonial and old beliefs that politics is untouchable activity and national defense is prerogative of few individuals.

In the immediate future ESM groups should get organized and exercise their vote banks for defeat/ victory of a candidate. In few constituencies where ESM are in considerable strength they should contest as independents with affiliation to IESM.

In democracy and in present political scenario of coalition govts we have seen how few MPs (even single digit indep) have used and abused national resources for their selfish ends. There were no limits. Therefore we should not shy away from this activity of political... active participation. One needs to be optimistic and need not be pessimistic on this score.

Our objectives and goals should include national interests. Having seen how the systems are being abused we must check these by political participation. We have done enough as soldiers to defend this country from external aggression. Now it is time to defend the country from internal sabotage. Our legitimate pay/ pension with parity (WITHOUT DISPARITY) is a RIGHT. That level of pension without protecting our national interests would not give desired happiness to us and our future generations.
THE IESM MOVEMENT SHOULD CRYSTALLISE INTO A FORCE OF POLITICAL STRENGTH OF ETERNAL STANDING.

Lt Col ABG Reddy (Retd)