Major General Ashok Kumar Pradhan sets new benchmarks for troops welfare

Express Buzz 08 Mar 2012 09:04:48 AM IST
BANGALORE: Major General Ashok Kumar Pradhan, the man who unleashed a silent revolution in Indian Army, by inspiring his men through a slew of HR-centric measures is bidding goodbye to Karnataka.
Pradhan, currently the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Head Quarters, Karnataka and Kerala (K&K) Sub-Area, will hand over the baton to Maj Gen K S Venugopal.
Army sources told Express on Wednesday that Venugopal had till recently handled the operations and logistics of the Indian Army at the Southern Command. The man of the moment touched down in Bangalore on Wednesday and will take over the reins of Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area on March 9 at a ceremonial event.
Pradhan will move to the prestigious Infantry School in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) as the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor.
Venugopal, an alumni of the National Defence Academy, joined the Army in 1976 and took part in a number of counter-insurgency operations over the years. A recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Venugopal comes with loads of expertise executing numerous critical missions and projects for the Army.

Pradhan, the first Major General of K&K Sub-Area, is being credited with many initiatives that set new benchmarks for the welfare of troops. “His biggest weapon is patience and won many ‘battles’ and hearts by being a down-to-earth soldier. We were given absolute freedom, and he set himself high standards of integrity. Welfare of Ex-Servicemen was paramount and he kept reminding every solider that they too will join the ranks of retired men one day,” a senior serving official with Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area said.

While it is seldom that a serving official gets such accolades in the Army, considering the highly politicised set-up within the ranks and among the units, Pradhan executed most of his missions as a silent soldier. In a recent interaction with Express, Pradhan had said: “If you want your troops to follow you, then you will have to be closer to them.
Venugopal Sub-Area GOC

Play Role in Development: Khanduri to Ex-Servicemen

Khanduri asks ex-servicemen to play active role in development
PTI | 08:10 PM,Oct 30,2011
Dehra Dun, Oct 30 (PTI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister B C Khanduri today asked the ex-servicemen to play an active role in the development of the state as well as the country. At a function in Srinagar town in Pauri district, Khanduri said ex-servicemen can contribute to the country's development even after their retirement due to their disciplined lifestyle and spirit of sacrifice for the nation, an official release said. Uttarakhand provides highest annuity and one-time grant in the country to the gallantry award winners, he said, adding a representative on an honorarium of Rs 4,000 has been appointed in every block of the state to resolve the problems of the soldiers. The Chief Minister also gave financial assistance of Rs 30,000 and Rs 25,000 to two ex-servicemen's wives for the marriage of their daughters and Rs 5,000 each to 16 others. Commandant of Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre Brigadier Sarad Chandra thanked the Chief Minister for giving 22 bighas of land and financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh for construction of Warrior Girls and Wives Hostel.
Play Role in Development: Khanduri to Ex-Servicemen

Defence Minister inaugurates IGNOU Gyandeep Centre for Army

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

Climate Change Your Biggest Enemy: Dr. Pachauri Warns Indian Army

Source: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Saturday, June 27, 2009 07:50 PM IST (02:20 PM GMT)
New Delhi, Delhi, India, Saturday, June 27, 2009 -- (Business Wire India)
Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Padma Vibhushan, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), gave this warning while delivering the keynote address at the convocation ceremony at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow. As the Chief Guest, he presented the Chief of Army Staff Trophy and other awards to the winners.
In his Valedictory Address, Dr. Pachauri complimented the officers for their performance on the course. He praised the Corps of Signals for their good work in the field of modern communications and computer networks and their remarkable use of advanced systems of Optical Fiber, Satellite Communications, and other networks to conduct its operations, including Low Intensity Conflict Operations and UN missions. Corps of Signals has done exemplary work during various natural calamities across the length and breadth of the country. He stressed on the global issue of climate change. “Climate change poses new threats to India.” “Melting snows in the north open up passages for terrorists, just as melting glaciers affect water supply in the subcontinent’s northern part, sharpening possibility of conflict with our neighbours. Changing rainfall patterns affect rain fed agriculture, worsening poverty which can be exploited by others.”

He added, “Our defence forces might find themselves torn between humanitarian relief operations and guarding our borders against climate refugees, as rising sea-levels swamp low-lying areas, forcing millions of ‘climate refugees’ across India’s border.”

The Commandant, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in his farewell address, exhorted the passing out officers to apply their knowledge in their units and to keep abreast with the latest in the field of technology.
Climate Change Your Biggest Enemy: Dr. Pachauri Warns Indian Army

Management is building Human Relationships

THE “PHOOK” THEORY
The literal meaning of the Punjabi word, ‘phook’ is air pressure. Metaphorically, it is used to describe an ego-state. Thus, if someone is hogging a lot of ‘phook’, he is ‘gassed’ or brash.

The year, 1988. Location: No 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD),IAF, Chandigarh
The little man who sat as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the BRD was my brother. Our father found him bone lazy, incapable doing any strenuous work. But I suspect he was clever. The Air Force chose to overlook his sloth and let him rise. Now, having completed his course at the National Defense College, it was clear that he was going places. I had gone to the BRD to learn the rudiments of command.

As I entered, the two officers who were sitting in the office took leave of him. He sat there, completely relaxed. There was no paper in the two trays marked “IN” and: OUT” The customary “Pending” bin was conspicuous by its absence. The walls of the large office were bare. No bar charts, no performance curves. On the table, there was a small hand written paper, which my brother permitted me to see. It said, “I hate work. Even if some one else does it”.

It was clear as crystal that my dear brother had not changed. I asked him how he managed such a large outfit. And he said, “Come, I will show you” And we set off for a ‘darshan’ of the unit. Wherever we went, people rushed to greet him. He had a word or two to say to every one. In most cases, he let his officers speak. He would then say just a sentence or two, and then move on. But I noticed that his tone was different each time. At one workstation, we saw a tall officer, who had a lot of charts and diagrams, and he gave us a detailed account of his achievements. The curve showed that the output of his shop had tripled since he took over. He was keen to give a lecture to the other officers of the BRD on the management techniques he had employed to achieve those results. My brother gave a cold look to him and said, “Yes. You can do that. But first you must improve the quality of your stuff. That gyro-stabilizer which failed in the flight test last month was overhauled here. Right? If the pilot was not alert, you would have his blood on your hands!”
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Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

War Veterans Party: Some Suggestions

ESM Organisation Concept feedback loop
I strongly feel that there is a need to strengthen the base. With this in view I had sent a paper to the Air Force Association about six year's back and a couple of month's back to the IEsL and to the DGR. A copy is enclosed. The ESM retired from service and not from life but have a good physique and ability to work hard. I spoke to a very senior Air officers. They feel that somebody should take the lead. The endeavour will ensure a strong base of ex servicemen which in turn becomes a potent and reckoning force in the political arena. If the suggestions are of some use, you may consider implementation.

Group Captain B U B Murthy (Retd)
War Veteran Party
Link to Concept Paper: Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Ex- Servicemen: A concept Paper

Copy of letter reproduced below:
To: Brig R K S Gulia, President, Indian Ex Servicemen’s League
REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT – ESM A CONCEPT PAPER

With the Sixth Pay Commission submitting its recommendations, the efforts and running around by you, in the various Organizations to get a reasonable Pension to ESM is quite laudable.

With the abundant human resource capital, in the form of disciplined and skilled ESM on hand with us spread over the nook and corner of the country, I am sure that we will be able to establish ourselves as a potent organization, by creating rehabilitation avenues for ESM even to the District level.

I enclose herewith copy of the concept paper forwarded by me to the Air Force Association in Jan/ Feb 2005. The paper is prepared with special reference to ESM of Air Force. The fate of the paper is not known.

The Govt both the Central and State, will be happy to support us since the scheme envisages generation of (create) employment avenues to the local youth as well besides the ESM. Our organization could be participative even in ventures like Universalising of Education, Skill Training to Uneducated youth and other ventures even in the remote areas.

The proposal envisages setting up of comprehensive units of Workshops/ Education/ Technical/ Management/ Other Institutes/ Services at the State HQ/ Regional level extending it later to the District Level with the ESM as nucleus.

Moreover, this venture will also help as a catalyst in motivating and guiding the youth to join the services. If you feel the concept is of any appeal, you may consider the same on the tri- service basis.

Copy to:
Director General of Resettlement

Prudent Economics and Human Relationships

Cycles in Mhow: Picnic with Nangia
Cycling
My major contribution to the economy of Mhow Cantonment on posting to MCTE was in a spurt in the sale of cycles in the town. I used to cycle in the college campus. Once General Sundarje also decided to cycle to his office; it started as a fad with most of the staff of the two colleges rushing to the cycle shops acquiring or hiring cycles.

Short course in human relationship
Six most important words "I admit I made a mistake".
The five most important words "You did a good job".
The four most important words "What is your opinion".
The three most important words "If you please".
The two most important words "Thank you".
The least Important word is "I". My suggestion Change "I" to "We".

Brig Lakshman Singh, VSM (Retd)

New Vision of Military Leadeship

Leadership Success Secrets

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion." --Theodore Hesburgh, President of the University of Notre Dame

"There's nothing more demoralizing than a leader who can't clearly articulate why we're doing what we're doing." --James Kouzes and Barry Posner

The fundamentals necessary for a vision that excites and motivates soldiers to follow the leader.

Clearly set direction and purpose.

Inspire loyalty and caring through the involvement.

Display and reflect the unique strengths, traditons,cultures, values and beliefs.

Inspire enthusiasm, belief, commitment and excitement in Juniors.

Help everyone believe that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and their daily routine work is training for perfection.

Be regularly communicative and sharing.

Challenge all under command to outdo themselves, to stretch and reach.

Characteristics of a Successful Leadership Style in the Armed Forces

Choose to lead.

Be the person others choose to follow.

Provide vision for the future.

Provide inspiration.

Make other people feel important and appreciated.

Live your values. Behave ethically.

Set the pace through your expectations and example.

Establish an environment of continuous improvement.

Provide opportunities for all under command to grow, both personally and professionally.

Care and act with compassion.

Extracts from Leadership Vision by Susan M Heathfield
(Modified for Military Leadership)

Urgent Remedial Measures
Rising Indiscipline In Armed Forces

Defence Ministers Speech at Kendriya Sainik Board Meeting

Following is the full text of the speech delivered by Defence Minister Shri A K Antony at the 27th Meeting of the Kendriya Sainik Board held in New Delhi on 19/5/2007. This has been reproduced for benefit of all ESM, as it spells out many tangible benefits in the pipeline.

I welcome you all to the inauguration of XXVII Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) meeting. It is indeed a privilege that the Hon’ble Prime Minister is here with us on this occasion. His presence and words of advice will surely motivate and encourage us in our endeavour.

Our Armed Forces have been serving the nation with dedication and commitment, braving extreme weather conditions. They have to live away from their families, which makes their task even more difficult and challenging. During my visit to forward areas, I have had a first-hand experience of the difficult conditions. Thus, special attention by the Central and State Governments and support and care by the local administrations towards their families is really crucial. We want our troops to maintain a high morale and perform their duties without any worries.

Nearly 60, 000 Armed Forces personnel either retire, or are released each year. They are between 35-45 years of age and are a rich repository of knowledge in different fields. We cannot and must not let this potential go unutilized. Moreover, keeping in mind their service to the nation, it is our moral responsibility to give them ample opportunities for reemployment and resettlement. Keeping this in view, the Government has declared 2007 as “The Year of the Placement of Ex-servicemen.”

Our Government has taken several measures for the welfare of ex-servicemen. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for wards of Ex-servicemen for their technical and professional education has been launched from the academic session this year.

Many State Governments have taken steps to promote the welfare of Ex-servicemen by employing them in police force, to man forests, as well as toll plazas. I strongly urge all State Governments to optimally utilise the services of Ex-servicemen for mutual benefit. I also request all State Governments and Union Territories to raise at least one battalion each for afforestation. This investment will pay rich dividends in the future.

Of late, the gap in the understanding between the defence services and the corporate sector has been reduced considerably. Retired Armed Forces Personnel are landing up responsible and lucrative jobs in the private sector and PBORs are getting equally dignified placements.

I am happy to note that at the Seminar On “Defence-Industry Partnership in Human Resource Management” held earlier this year, a commitment was made by ASSOCHAM for absorbing approximately 10, 000 Ex-Servicemen in various capacities. I am sure that ASSOCHAM, in consultation with the Directorate General, Resettlement would make concerted efforts to honour the commitment.

The private sector must also do its utmost to help the society and the nation in promoting the welfare and resettlement of the Ex-servicemen. Directorate General, Resettlement is exploring the possibility of providing Ex-Servicemen suitable jobs in Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro. Such an arrangement will provide mutual benefits to both – the Ex-Servicemen and these organisations. With the Commonwealth Games scheduled in the year 2010, I am sure there will not be any dearth of employment opportunities for Ex-Servicemen, in particular.

Kendriya Sainik Board has to play the most vital role in the resettlement of Ex-Servicemen. Though the Board has a widespread reach, we have unfortunately not been able to make full use of it in a planned and coordinated manner. This must be the primary objective of today’s meeting. The States need to fill up about 25% of the sanctioned posts lying vacant in Rajya Sainik Boards and Zilla Sainik Boards to strengthen this organisation. We look forward to your valuable views and suggestions towards achieving these objectives.

I take this opportunity to request you all to help the families of Armed Forces personnel posted in operational areas, or who are far away from their homes. I would like to set up a mechanism to monitor the redressal of grievances by attaching serving defence personnel in Sainik Boards linking them through Internet. I request the Service Headquarters to nominate the personnel in consultation with Kendriya Sainik Board. Such small steps would go a long way in raising the morale of our troops.

I am happy to announce that financial assistance to Ex-Servicemen, widows and their wards under Raksha Mantri’s Discretionary Fund has been doubled. This assistance will also be available for marriage of daughters of Ex-Servicemen, assistance to infirm Ex-Servicemen, medical treatment of non ECHS members and penury grant to all categories of Ex-Servicemen. In addition, new areas of financial assistance such as house repair grant, funeral allowance, assistance to orphan daughters, children education grant for girl child upto graduation level and emergency grant have also been introduced for the first time. This also includes a grant for marriage of widows. I am sure that these measures would benefit ex-servicemen and their dependents.

The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) for Ex-Servicemen has been launched in all the States. It will be our endeavour to set up as many as polyclinics as possible in District Centres. I suggest that these polyclinics be set up alongside the Rajya and Zila Sainik Board Offices, so that all facilities are available within the same complex. I request all State Governments to provide necessary assistance in land acquisition and construction of polyclinics so that the scheme becomes fully operational.

I once again thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister for gracing this occasion. I also thank everyone present here for giving their valuable time to participate in this meeting. I am sure our deliberations today will help the Ex-Servicemen in getting their due.