Vishal Rally Press Release by IESM

Dear Veterans,
1. Press Release on the Rally held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi is enclosed.
2. Please circulate the same to the maximum ESM across the globe. Those who have contacts with the media are requested to kindly get the same covered in both print and electronic media.
3. It is time now for to us to be recognized as a force to be reckoned with- UNITE AND DELIVER OR SUFFER.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

Press Release 07 Mar 2011
Peeved by continous neglect by the government, Defence veterans held Vishal Rally at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 6th March 2011
Dear Members of the Media,
1. Peeved by the continuous neglect, apathy, and non acceptance of their demands, the main being the One Rank One Pension (OROP) ,the defence veterans including widows of the martyrs held a Vishal Rally at Jantar-Mantar New Delhi on 06th Mar 2011. Not only, they were anguished and angry but were deeply hurt on the negative attitude of the Govt towards the affairs of the Defence Personnel. How long the Government wants us to be on the streets sitting on dharanas? They resolved to continue their struggle PAN India till the Govt sees the reason and accepts their demands.
2. The Vishal Rally was attended by over 6500 Defence Veterans, and their family members including 105 widows of the martyrs who had come from 16 states of the country ie Punjab, Haryana, UP, HP, Uttarkhand, J & K, Rajasthan, MP, Jharkhand, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, AP, TN, Karnataka, Kerla. 3800 medals were voluntarily deposited by the veterans and 3000 voluntarily signed memorandum to the President in their blood. The veterans marched in threes for approx 3 Kms in Connaught Place area in a most disciplined manner. The placards carried by them and slogans ranting the area demonstrated all for which they had gathered. The police witnessed entirely different conduct than they were generally exposed to in various other Protest Rallies.
3. A large number of veteran representatives from various States expressed their views on their demands of OROP, non enhancement of widows pensions, serious anomalies in their pensions, non implementation of over 3600 judgements which went in their favour out of the 4000 cases filed in toothless Armed Forces Tribunals in the last one year, the Govt not even honouring the Supreme Court ruling to establish Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commissions, non enhancements of Hony Rank pensions, reservists pensions, large unacceptable gap in pensions of over Rs 14000 in Maj and Lt Col and over Rs 9800 gap in Maj Gen and Lt Gen, the list of injustices was never ending. They were rather surprised as to why the Govt is not listening to their tale of woes?. They expressed that they felt cheated by the Govt.
4. The following important resolutions were unnamaniously passed by raising hands by all attendees with words “Jai Hind” and – Yes, ranting the air:

They will continue with their struggle till their demands are met.

They will not only not take back the medals already deposited with the president but will continue to deposit the same in future.

They will bring back medals if President did not receive these herself.

The parties in power in the States would be requested to support their demand of OROP and have a resolution passed in their State Assemblies. If they did not do so, the Party in power in the State will have no right to ask for their ‘Votes’ in any future elections.

The party in power at the Centre if it does not accept the demand of OROP will
have no right to ask for their votes in any future election.
5. The above resolutions will be given wide publicity throughout the country to unite all Defence Personnel, their members of the family and their supporters to demonstrate the power of their Votes if Govt understands this criteria of acceptance of their genuine demands.
6. You are requested to carry this important news in your esteemed paper/magazine.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

Genetic Orientation of Military Officers is Autocracy as opposed to Democracy

References

Col SS Rajan- IESM AGM Report of 28 Nov 2010- click here

Response by Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM, Gen Sec IESM- click here

Dear Col Ranjan,
I believe I owe it to you to write this mail as I can see the passion with which you have been raising these points for the improvement of the IESM. I am a new member in the organization, have never met you, and will not know the personal equation of all members with each other. But I have served under Gen Raj Kadiyan when he was my Corps Cdr and have a very high respect for the fellow senior officer. He will not know me but suffice to say that he is the most suited person to lead a fledgling organization like the IESM. Most general officers settled here in Panchkula play golf, at times give some bytes to media and retire to their homes in the evening. There are very few to stick their neck out and take on the government, agencies and the system on behalf of the veterans.

Coming on to the functioning of such bodies, I see in our AWHO meetings in Panchkula, a lone member (served in JAG) drags every other meeting and members to the court, since he feels that only his view should prevail. I have been trying to dissect the psyche of soldiers out of uniform, as to why do they believe that whatever they say must be heard by the majority and implemented or else....

The problem lies in our genetic orientation, which is highly undemocratic. We were driven in a top down structure and autocratic leadership style. Post retirement, in such forums, we suddenly find our vote being counted and every member finds a voice. While it is good to voice our concerns as you have a right to do so, we ought to learn to go with the majority views. That is something the politicians know but we are yet to learn. I appreciate your concerns but once a decision is made by a majority vote; someone of your passion should go and implement it.

The movement perhaps will fall apart not due to the MOD bureaucrats or Antony or the President not receiving our medals; but by a dissent within and made public so often. The politicians play this game all the time, getting insiders to sabotage well intentioned groups. We need to guard against any such attempts. I am sure you will not play into the hands of media or a bureaucrat or a politician to malign such a noble organisation and the only voice of the veterans.
It is my personal request and hope it is of every other member of the IESM.
with regards
Col KK Sharma (Retd)
IESM Report by Col SS Rajan
IESM General Secretary's Response to Col Rajan's Report

EC asks Cabinet secretary to clarify on OROP

Wed-May 06, 2009 New Delhi / Press Trust of India
Taking note of reports of government coming out with sops to attract ex-servicemen in its favour, the Election Commission on Wednesday asked the Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar to clarify on issues like One Rank-One Pension (OROP) and higher disability pension.

The Commission has asked the Cabinet Secretary to clarify as to any special committee or panel has been set up for the OROP demand of armed forces.

The Cabinet Secretary has also been asked to clarify whether any notification has been issued for higher disability pension to those injured or killed in battle, both in times of war and peace.

He has been asked to reply by 5 pm on May 8, Deputy Election Commissioner R Balakrishnan told reporters.

Reports said that UPA government has set up a high-level committee under the Cabinet Secretary to consider their 'One Rank-One Pension' (OROP) demand and reduce the gap in pensionary benefits of the 1.5-million-strong armed forces.

Government has also notified new, increased disability and family pension benefits across the board for those injured or killed in battle, both in times of war and peace.
EC asks Cabinet secretary to clarify on OROP

Mandate 2009: India Votes

It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes de-stabilizing and violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.

Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development and fending off terrorism -- but considering these challenges and its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions and cultures, is not only surviving, but thriving.

The nation where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth; where Christianity has existed for 2000 years; where the oldest Jewish synagogues and Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple; where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile reside; where the Zorostrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland; where Armenians and Syrians and many others have to come live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest only 200 years ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister and the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman, where the President is also a women, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist was a hero in the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year and is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class, already equal to the entire US population, by 2025; where its optimism and vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth, and voting, despite all the incredible challenges and hardships; where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world.

Where all of this is happening, is India, and as greater than 1/10 of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the World.
— V Mitchell, New York, NY
As Elections Near, Tightrope Awaits in India By SOMINI SENGUPTA

Ex- Servicemen in election race in Karnataka

Capt G R Gopinath
Party: IND
Bangalore South
Karnataka
Age 57

Capt G R Gopinath is credited with having changed the face of flying in India. In 2003, he floated India's first low-cost airline Air Deccan which challenged the monopoly of expensive carriers in the skies. In 2007, he sold the airline to Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher, but continues to be its vice-chairman and the second largest individual shareholder. He was born in a village in Hassan district of Karnataka. A graduate from the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, he served in the Indian Army for 8 years. In 1994, Gopinath had contested the Assembly elections on a BJP ticket from Gandasi constituency in Hassan district in Karnataka. He was the party president of BJP in Hassan then. This time around, he is contesting as an Independent from Bangalore South Constituency.
Karnataka Poll date: April 23rd to April 30th

IESM: Election Related News

Date: Tuesday, 14 April, 2009, 10:47 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Election Related News
ESM from different parts of India have reported that the BJP candidates have expressed happiness, gratitude and relief that the ESM are supporting them. We do sincerely hope that we succeed in our mission of getting OROP.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Dear Friends from the Media,
On behalf of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM), I feel duty bound, to thank you for all your support in our campaign against injustice by the Government. Your presence at the Maha Rally today, was very encouraging to us. As you are aware, after lengthy confabulations at the rally, particularly on aspects related to manifestos of various political parties, it was decided by majority that ESM across the country will vote & support the BJP. Exception to the above will be in the following constituencies whereas Ex servicemen are being fielded by Ex servicemen parties supported by IESM:
Col Malkiat Singh- Hamirpur (H.P.)
Col Thakur Singh- Mandi (H.P.)
Dr Col Mathur- Lucknow (U.P.)
Brig Shivarama Subarmanium- Krishnagiri (TN)
Col Kuldeep Singh Grewal- Patiala (Punjab)
Col Bhag Singh- Ludhiana (Punjab)
Capt Budhram- Gurgaon (HR)
Sgt Subash Joshi- Faridabad (HR)
Maj Sangeeta Tomar- New Delhi
Gen G S Uban- South Delhi
And two Ex- servicemen from Rajasthan names later.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM,
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement.

Article 49-O of our Constitution. Does it exist?

Image from: Churumuri, swalpa sihi, swalpa spicey

By now, most of readers of this blog must have received a chain mail stating that there is a right provided to every citizen under Article (sic) 49-O of the Constitution of India wherein voters can refrain from voting and if such voters exceed the number of votes of the winning candidate, then the winning candidate’s candidature gets cancelled and re-poll has to be ordered.

Well, the above is untrue and the email is a fake.

For starters, there is no Article 49-O in our Constitution. The said rumour emanates from Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Election Rules, the said Rule 49-O reads as below:

49-O. Elector deciding not to vote.- If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form 17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.

Hence this rule deals with persons who decide not to vote. But the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, nowhere provide any cancellation of candidature or negative declaration of result on the basis of this rule. There is no cancellation on the basis of Rule 49-O and there is no re-poll. Readers are advised and encouraged to read the complete rules to satisfy themselves.

Negative voting if introduced may be a debatable concept since just as voters may get swayed by unethical electoral tactics in regular voting, the same can also happen in negative voting resulting in a sway of voters towards negative votes through unethical enticement.

So people, do not get enthused by fake emails, the right to vote is the most potent tool in your hand, exercise it, and exercise it with due diligence.
But Vote you must.

Posted by Navdeep/ Maj Navdeep Singh (TA)
(Major Navdeep Singh, Serving TA officer, Practising Law in Chandigarh HC)
Indian Military: Service Benefits and Issues

Comment: We thank Maj Navdeep for enlighting us on the false email doing the rounds. It is the duty and responsibility of all ESM organisations to educate their members to vote which is a sacred duty of every citizen. ESM newsletters, brochures, and thrust must be proactive advocating genuine interest in the welfare of Jawans and the Nation at large, rather than conceiving dubious means of garnering more and more funds to enrich the bank accounts without matching contribution to the welfare of its members.

ESM enter State Elections

RASHTRIYA RAKSHA DAL, FIELDS MAJOR IS JAKHAR (RETD) FROM DELHI CANTT CONSTITUENCY

Dear Members of the Press,
Responding to a widely and long felt need for efficient and clean governance, retired Defence Personnel of India have decided to enter the legislative arena. Not only will such an effort inject dedicated, honest and experienced leaders into the polity, but also give a voice to the hitherto unrepresented but one of the largest communities- that of the retired defence services personnel (with a voting strength, which can be built up to eighty million).
Defence Personnel while in service, have so far been denied the rights to vote at the place of posting, the provision of which existed in the Election rules but was never put into practice in any of the Elections so far.
Rashtriya Raksha Dal, a party formed by Ex-Servicemen, is a Registered National Party.
Defence personnel are specially endowed with qualities of high integrity, loyalty, honesty and administrative acumen and ability to withstand long durations of sustained stress and strain. If Ex Servicemen, who have decades of experience, are elected as MPs and MLAs, they can contribute a lot to the nation building process. It is tragic that such talent as theirs has not so far been fully utilized, in spite of their retirement from active service at a relatively young age. This effort is aimed to correct this HRD shortcoming.
Major IS Jakhar, nominated by RRD, to stand for the Delhi Cantt constituency, besides being a voice for Defence personnel, will work with scrupulous honesty, total commitment and unparalleled efficiency to develop and maintain Delhi Cantt to a high standard as a livable constituency.
It is reliably learnt that Serving Defence personnel at Delhi Cantt have, once again not been registered as voters despite instructions by the Election Commissioner. Maj IS Jakhar has petitioned to the Chief Election, Officer Delhi State to order revision of voters to ensure 100 percent serving Defence personnel and their dependents are given the option to exercise their franchise at the place of posting before the Elections. This HQ is pursuing the correction of this injustice with the electoral authorities at different stages.
His Election symbol is "Pair of Candles". You are requested to kindly cover this item in your news paper/ TV Channel.

Yours faithfully,
Col MS Krishnamoorthy (Retd)
General Secretary
For Rashtriya Raksha Dal

War Veterans' Party launched

I have great pleasure in informing you that the web site of our Party has been formally launched by me at Delhi, at 10:25 AM this morning under orders from the High Command of War Veterans Party. This date coincides with our Independence Day.

We have this day drawn up tentative territorial demarcation of six admin zones . (Equivalent to our Commands). This demarcation is notional, in the sense that while the zonal heads have the most important responsibility to go all out to enroll primary members within their own zones, there is no bar on any one bringing into our fold those known to them even from outside their zones. Zones will be further divided into States, Districts, Blocs and Panchayat units in due course. The names, addresses and other details of all zonal chiefs as well as heads of all down stream establishments will be put on the web site as and when these are finalized.

I take this opportunity to request all those who would like to actively participate in building up the strength of the Party rapidly, so that we could plan to field candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, to come forward and let us have the details of the areas in which they can help and the time that they can spare for party work, part-time or whole -time i

Such volunteers are requested to send us their details showing their name, address telephone numbers, email id, responsibility they would like to take on and the level at which they feel they would be most effective. They may also help by suggesting names of others who have done good work in the past and whose support can be sought.

Time is short before the last date for filing nominations for the next Lok Sabha elections are announced, So,speed is the predominant factor that should guide our actions. Bearing this in mind, we will keep on putting out our ideas and requirements from time to time and compile our Standard Operating Procedure Manual (Equivalent of Standing orders) later. To assist our party-men and party-men to be, we will put out on this web site, the format of the application form, as it is now, without waiting for the flashy form which is under design. Forms for enrolment of PRIMARY MEMBERS can be down loaded and copies in the numbers needed may be made locally. By this we can ensure that the membership drive can be launched without any delay.

Simultaneously, we should start building up support for our party, by disseminating information about our aims and objects and our operational plans .We are in the final stages of compiling what the Party promises to do for the people and the country. This will be useful in the beginning, in explaining what the public can expect from us. A proper brochure on this subject will take a little time to bring out. The web site is War Veterans' Party

May the Almighty Architect of the Universe confer on us His blessings and give us the strength to work in unison , with an attitude based on truly selfless and patriotic concerns and complete submission to the dictates of our conscience.

Detailed letter: Letter War Veterans Party
Jai Hind, Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.
Col M S Krishnamoorthy (Retd)
Secretary General