IESM 2 Years ago: Will future Jantar Mantar Protests yield any results?

EX-SERVICEMEN RALLY AT JANTAR MANTARON SUNDAY, 28 NOV 201011.
On the Ex-Servicemen Rally of 28 Nov 2010 organised by IESM at Jantar Mantar, as against the earlier ones of 8 Feb 2009 & 12 Apr 2009; I observed that:

Attendance. The attendance was comparatively thinner, not exceeding 1000, as against the claimed 5000 Ex-Servicemen having taken part in the Rally. It is necessary that we all realize that until & unless IESM spreads its wings all over the Country, ONE RANK ONE PENSION will only remain a mirage. And, our presumption that 1000 Ex-Servicemen rallying at Jantar Mantar would coerce the Govt. of India to grant ONE RANK ONE PENSION, is badly misplaced.

Signing of Petition in Blood. At Jantar Mantar, the venue of the Rally, on Sunday, 28 Nov 2010; around 10.00 AM, I saw a Nursing Asst. draw blood from Ex-Servicemen and store it in a bottle. When Col Himmat Singh Kaushal from Ambala and Lt Cdr Mayil Vahanan from Tanjavur (Tamil Nadu) went the table where Ex-Servicemen were busy signing their names in blood and stretched out their hands for blood to be drawn; they were told to dip a quill in the bottle of blood kept on the table and affix their signatures. It is felt that drawing of blood from Ex-Servicemen and their signing the Petition in blood ought to be done more visibly, in full glare of the Media to enable photographs of the same to appear in leading media, on the next day.
Finally, considering that the elections for a pan-India organisation were conducted without enabling any serious level of participatory credibility; with immense pain, I hereby choose to resign from the primary membership of IESM, an organisation of which I had the privilege of being one among the Founder Members.
JAI HIND.
Regards,
Col SS Rajan
click here for the full report
Comment: Lessons learnt in earlier Rallies must be analysed before jumping into another protest rally. OROP is slowly losing steam because the case is not projected precisely with adequate legal baggage. Just harping on OROP like a broken record will not enhance our Pension rights/ entitlements to satisfy all sections of the Military. What will be more prudent is to fight for enhanced pay and pensions for our Sepoys, NCOs and JCOs and removal of all anomalies. The Rank Pay case should act as an eye opener. IESM need to employ advocates who can fight our cases in a befitting manner. Wasting money on Rallies will bear no fruit unless backed with at least a lakh of protestors.

IESM in perspective

Dear Veterans,
Sanjha Morcha formation on 02 Dec 2009, was the outcome of all ESM organisation/ Individuals who disassociated themselves from IESM in 2009, formed a common umbrella to continue struggle for OROP.
IESM is now a fragmented Organisation. Veterans like Col Rajan who played pivot role in formation of IESM was shown the door, Veteran Col Bharwaj again a stalwart also dissociated himself due to mishandling of funds and went to court and now asking for elections. Veteran Major SS Dhillon, Col Ranjit Bopari, Col SS Sohi and many others who generated heat in Punjab also dissociated themselves as IESM deviated toward BJP, Leader like Mr LK Advani to meet their own ambitions. In the bargain Gen Satbir Got security contract for his security company and Gen Kadiyan as one of the organisor during Asian games. Again they are up, to degrading the ESM community to meet their own ends and collection of funds. Now asking ESM to be present in uniform to degrade the same like medals. click here to read more
The Views expressed above by Veterans/ ESM organisation are appreciated and Sanjha Morcha agrees with them. Even today IESM has not approached any organisation/ Individuals who have left the IESM in 2009. We don't believe in collection of funds, nor there is need for the same, the funds held in large amount with IESM belong to all ESM hence let individuals organisation look after themselves.
Major SS Dhillon Chairman
Col R S Boparai President
Sanjha Morcha
Moderator Comment
The multi- branded ESM's need to cement their differences and ideas to fight for the rights and welfare of Veterans especially the Jawans who retire early after 17 to 20 years service. Senior retired Officers who govern the ESM Bodies need to be service oriented and not confine to generating funds and enriching the banks. Ideally the Bank Balance should be zero before asking for more... (ref to rules and guidelines incorporated in the Indian Society Act of 1860).

Pennies from heaven by Karan Thapar

Pennies from heaven by Karan Thapar, Hindustan Times
April 09, 2011 First Published: 22:47 IST(9/4/2011)
I've done a little test to see how right or wrong my views can be, and I'm delighted to tell you that, at least in this one instance, I'm almost spot on. I sent some 50 different people — journalists, politicians, authors, ambassadors, civil servants, doctors, elderly aunts, etc — an sms outlining my response to the way state governments have competed with each other to shower gifts on our World Cup winning cricketers. To my pleasant surprise, almost everyone responded readily, if not also immediately. So, now, I'm pretty confident I know how most people think!
The sms I sent read: "What do you make of this competition to give money or land or houses to the team? I find it questionable if not distasteful. What's your view?"
Three things stand out about the responses I received. First, practically everyone replied. This has rarely happened before. So, clearly, this is a subject that struck a universal chord. Second, not one person defended this gratuitous money-giving. Third, several responded with passion, even anger. I don't recall any replies that suggested mild or lukewarm concurrence.
Let me, therefore, draw a few conclusions. No doubt we all want to acknowledge, applaud and, even, reward our World Cup winning cricketers but doling out cash, land or houses is both morally wrong and demeaning. One of my respondents, not inaptly, compared the outpouring of crores to the way maharajas used to throw gold coins at courtesans. By that token cricketers are today's nautch girls! Others pointed out, again quite justifiably, that this suggests the team was only playing for money.
The second conclusion is possibly more damning. This behaviour betrays our own twisted set of values. Is money the only way of saying thank you? Is it the most meaningful way of doing so? Our chief ministers should think carefully about this. Their gifts reflect their thinking.
The third conclusion is actually a question: whose money did they gift away? Not their own but the tax payers. Yet in a country where hundreds of millions live in miserable poverty — even if you don't want to accept Arjun Sengupta's figure of 77% living on Rs 20 a day or less, you can't dispute this — should we be giving crores to those who already have several, in some cases hundreds? Is that responsible government? And is this how the aam aadmi is best served?
I wish just one of our cricketers had politely declined the cash or, better still, announced he would donate it to charity. Even if the new players could not be expected to do so, what about Sachin or Dhoni or Yuvraj? They don't need this largesse but the respect they would have earned from a polite refusal to accept would have catapulted them to moral stardom. Instead, we've ensured they remain only cricket heroes.
Let me, however, end with a thought that was not part of my sms. If the team deserves Rs 1 crore each from the BCCI why should their coach, Gary Kirsten, without whom they all acknowledge they would not have won, get less?
I can think of sound arguments for giving him more. But that did not happen. The only case for giving him half what his team got is either he wasn't very good — but the team dispute that — or the BCCI doesn't believe in generosity to people who aren't Indian.
Once again, that raises a whole set of disturbing questions. But where do we get the answers?
The views expressed by the author are personal.
Pennies from heaven by Karan Thapar
Comment: Cricket has become a money spinner for Politicians- Cricketeers are their tools- BCCI, ICC and ICL are all suckers who steal the sweat of the tax payers!

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

Kalmadi determined to find the conman of XIX CWG 2010

Wednesday, 04 August, 2010 DD News
Under-pressure Kalmadi says ready for CAG or judicial probe

Cornered by allegations of corruption in the CWG preparations, under- fire Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi has said he is ready to face any CAG or judicial probe into the financial transactions related to the event.

"I, as Chairman of the Organising Committee, am prepared to face any scrutiny by (Comptroller and Auditor General) CAG or even a judicial probe for all financial transactions being reported by the media. All the people found guilty will be punished and brought to book," Kalmadi said in a statement on Wednesday.

Kalmadi's statement came a day after more allegations of irregularities and the Indian High Commission's e-mails being 'doctored' came to light. The Congress party also distanced itself from the Pune MP.

Kalmadi reiterated that the all transactions were carried out by the full approval of the OC's various finance committee and he did not have any individual say on these matters.

"The financial procedures at the Organising Committee are well laid down and transparent. Any proposal that is prepared by the Functional Area Head first gets vetted by the OC Finance Committee which has two representatives of Government of India, and after that it is referred to Finance Sub-Committee, comprising of three Senior representatives of Government of India," he explained.

"Thereafter, the proposals are submitted to the Executive Board for its final approval. Chairman OC, in his individual capacity, does not have any financial powers," he added.

Kalmadi said, nonetheless, he has taken note of the various reported bunglings.

"60 days are left for the start of XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 to be held in New Delhi and 43 days for Games Village to open when about 8000 athletes and Officials from all continents of the world start arriving to participate in the Games," Kalmadi said.

"During the last week, media has come out with various stories regarding the irregularities in the orders/ procurement etc. of QBR Launch Function at London/Overlays and association of M/S Sports Marketing and Management (SMAM) in obtaining the Sponsorship for the games.

"I have taken a serious note of these reports and appointed a three member committee headed by Mr. Jarnail Singh, the Chief Executive Officer and two members, Mr. G. C. Chaturvedi, Special Director General and Ms. Gurjot Kaur Chief Vigilance Officer of Organising Committee to look into all the details of QBR Launch Function, Overlays and SMAM issues. The Committee has been asked to submit its report by August 5, 2010," the statement read.

The Indian Olympic Association chief was left red-faced on Tuesday when the Ministry of External Affairs said that the e-mails from the Indian High Commission that he made public to justify huge payments to a UK-based firm were 'doctored'.

His back against the wall, Kalmadi has been isolated in the OC as well with some his own colleagues demanding an emergency meeting to discuss allegations of corruption, which have also been highlighted in a Central Vigilance Commission report. (DD-4.8)
Under-pressure Kalmadi says ready for CAG or judicial probe

Mani Shankar Aiyar airs views to ensure a "clean and successful" CWG 2010
...Read full article

The Indian Rope Trick: £70 million earmarked for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan project vanished

The Hindu: Tuesday, Jun 15, 2010
U.K. probe into charges of misuse of aid by India by Hasan Suroor
£14 million spent on items that had nothing to do with education.
LONDON: In an embarrassing development for New Delhi, the British government has ordered an inquiry into allegations of misuse of millions of pounds given to India in aid to educate poor children.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell described the allegations as “shocking” and said he had launched an “immediate inquiry”.

He also said that all “country programmes” were being reviewed to make sure that money was reaching the people it was intended for.

“These are shocking allegations and I have launched an immediate inquiry to ensure British aid money has not been misused,” he was reported as saying. .

He said had ordered a review of “every single one of the Department for International Development's country programmes to ensure we are giving aid to where it's most needed — to help the world's poorest people”.

Mr. Mitchell's strong reaction followed a report in the News of the World that £70 million of British aid earmarked for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan project — a scheme to educate poor children — had “vanished”.

“Millions of pounds of taxpayers' money sent to India to educate poor children is falling into the pockets of crooked officials in the country,” the newspaper said claiming that according to a report by the Auditor-General almost £14 million had been spent on items that had nothing to do with education.

Aid money, it alleged, was used to buy air-conditioners, luxury beds and colour television sets even though many of the schools which were supposed to benefit from these items were in areas where there was no electricity.

It said, according to a report by the Human Resources Development Ministry, “cash has been snaffled by officials running the massive scheme”.

India is the single largest recipient of U.K. overseas aid and received an estimated £1 billion between 2003 and 2008.
U.K. probe into charges of misuse of aid by India

Comments: The reasons are obvious. Most of the Aid agencies including WB operations are headed by a bunch of "educated" bureaucrats/ politicians children/ relatives/ friends and not by professionals! The money therefore vanishes into thin air creating a false illusion... this news is nothing new for the Indian Public!

Indian Cricket: BCCI echoes IPL scam pitch

Lalit Modi spills the beans: Amin part of bidding for Pune
New Delhi: Giving a new twist to the bidding controversy, suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi on Friday claimed that the Twenty20 league's interim chairman Chirayu Amin was part of the consortium that made an unsuccessful bid for the Pune franchise in March this year.

Modi said Aniruddha Deshpande, Managing Director of City Corporation in which Sharad Pawar and his family had 16 per cent shares, made the bid in March for a new consortium which included Amin.

"There were three members in the consortium that was part of the bid. They were Aniruddha, Akruti and Chirayu Amin," said Modi, whose suspension saw Amin being appointed as the interim IPL chairman.

"It's a fact of life and I cannot change or distort facts. They were the bidders, one can't change that," Modi said.

Amin was not available for comments. Amin, a Vadodara-based industrialist who heads the Baroda Cricket Association, was named the interim chairman in April after Modi was suspended on charges of financial irregularities, including bid-rigging.

Modi had earlier defended Pawar, saying no one from the Agriculture Minister's family had anything to do with Deshpande's bid.
Source: PTI
Amin was part of bidding for Pune: Modi

Can of worms exposed!
Manohar also claimed that contrary to Modi's assertions, the IPL Governing Council did not know that City Corporation's Managing Director Aniruddha Deshpande bid for the Pune team in his "individual capacity".
Convoluting the Cricket Controversy: Manohar lashes out at Modi

Moderator Comment
Is Cricket in India churning into a Money Laundering Business under the so called apex body of BCCI? Is there no one who can set the goals of sporting and games in order in India. Till today a billion plus citizens hardly produce world class sportsmen. The reasons are obvious from the scams that are erupting in the sports arena. It is here the Armed Forces can set an example to produce world class players and sportsman for the Nation to be proud of.

WELCOME TO DOWA COCHIN- A blog created on Mar 27, 2009

DEFENCE SERVICE OFFICERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION COCHIN
Established in 1988 by a small group of retired officers at Cochin to promote the interests of veteran officers. Welfare, Charity, Social and humanitarian activities are some of its charters. DOWA has a noticeable strength of 245 members today. The kith and kin of the members further enhance its size. DOWA has a pan India network through well wishers and friends. Life membership is given to all retired defence service officers at a nominal fee. Retired and serving defence and civilian dignitaries are welcome to become honorary members. DOWA is registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and charitable societies Registration Act XII of 1955.

BLOG TEAM
Brig (Retd) VA Narayanan, President
Col (Retd) MS Yohannan, Vice President cum Treasurer
Col (Retd) RB Nair, Secretary and Blog Moderator
Col VSM Makkar, Executive Member
DOWA Cochin: Click me

Comment: Col RB Nair is retired Corps of Signals Officer and we congratulate him and the blog team on launching the DOWA Blog.

IESM: Memorandum of Association Registered under the the Society Act

Dear Brig Kamboj,

I feel that something very important is missing on the Information Board of the Blog. This is : MOA and objectives (both short and long term) of the IESM. If this document is so placed, it will give easy and important access to everyone surfing the blog. At times I also wanted to refer to it and found its absence. I feel that it should be done.

Gp Capt I Jairath (Retd)

Memorandum of Association
INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT
(IESM)
An All India Federation of Military Veterans’ Organisations

PREAMBLE
1. The Indian Ex Servicemen Movement, hereafter referred to as IESM is an All India Federation of Ex Servicemen’s organisations. The term ‘Military Veterans’ means the retired personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. We, the Ex Servicemen of India, resolve to come under one umbrella in a unified federal structure at National, State and District levels in order to:-

Bring all Ex Servicemen of India of all the three services under one umbrella through spirit of camaraderie and fraternity to make them a strong and influential segment of the country.

Play a constructive role in nation building activities.

Promote intellectual and knowledge based growth of ESM fraternity.

Actively promote and support welfare and interest of ESM to ensure that they get a just and fair place in IESM.

Provide a unified voice to all ESM of India on issues of national interest.

Act as a forum of discussions of problems and vital needs of ESM which may arise from time to time.

Name of the Society: INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT (IESM).

Registered Office: HOUSE NO 543, SECTOR- 23
HUDA, GURGAON 122 017, (HARYANA), INDIA

Area of Operation: Throughout the Union of India and support to Ex Servicemen (ESM) settled abroad.

2. Aims & Objectives. In general the IESM will aim to bind the ESM fraternity together and use the talent and experience of the ESM towards nation building. In specific the aims and objectives will be, but not limited to, as follows:-

(a) To promote, support and organize suitable occupational opportunities for ESM.
(b) To provide assistance to ESM and their widows in their resettlement.
(c) To provide assistance to ESM in setting up own small scale ventures for livelihood.
(d) To provide assistance to all ESM in matters concerning medical, pension, grants etc.
(e) To organize social, cultural, educational and recreational events for the benefit of ESM and their wards.
(f) To periodically hold conferences, meetings, seminars, lectures and visual shows on topics of interest to the ESM.
(g) To pursue with the Centre and State governments for removal of any discriminatory rules and provisions adversely affecting the interests of ESM.
(h) To pursue establishment of Just & Fair place of Defence services in the country i.e. functioning of Defence services in a democracy.
(j) To undertake any other task considered appropriate by the Governing Body.

Click Link for full MOA
IESM: Memorandum of Association

IESM: Registered under the Society Act

Dear Gp Members

1. Another landmark in our Movement. The Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) has been duly registered. The Registration Certificate and the Memorandum of Association are being sent as email to individual members.

2. IESM Bank A/C with HDFC Bank has also been opened.

3. All members are requested to inform all veteran organizations and veterans PAN India join the Movement. We also request for voluntary contributions to sustain the Movement logistically. Draft Membership Form is enclosed below for your comments and suggestions please.

With Kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FORM
(Officer Rs .500, JCOs – Rs, 200, OR – Rs.100)

To,
The General Secretary
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
543, Sector 23, Gurgaon – 122017, Haryana

Through State President……………………..Dist. President……………………Dated………………..

1. No…………………..Rank………………..

Name…………………………………………….

S/o……………………Date of Birth………………. Next of Kin…………

Present Address………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Tele No…………………………………………………………………………………………..

2. Unit/Service/Corps……………………..

Date of Retirement………………………..

PPO No./discharge Book No……………………………………………………………………..

3. I certify that above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I also hereby undertake to abide by the IESM constitution if enrolled as member.

Signature of the Applicant
Date……………………….

RECEIPT
Received a sum of Rs………………………From No………Rank……………Name…………………….
………………………………….with thanks on account of IESMO Common Membership Fee.

Signature and Stamp Recipient

Six Questions To Ask before joining a ESM Society, Organisation or a League

1. Can your organisation or society clearly communicate who
they are and what they do? Does it struggle in articulating its mission and its program?. If so, it will probably struggle in delivering those programs. Organizations that can explain who they are and what they're trying to accomplish have a singularity of purpose and a commitment to focused institutional change. If it can't explain who it is and what it does, and why it is needed, find one that can. The stakes are too high and not too many good organizations exist who know exactly who they are, what they do, and why they are needed.

2. Can your Society define their short-term and long-term goals?
Organizations without quantifiable goals have no way to measure success. If they have no way to know if they are successful, how can you be sure they are working toward something? Demand that your membership tell you what it is trying to do. Good organizations relish this opportunity. They know what they are working toward today and tomorrow.

3. Can your organisation tell you the progress it has made (or is making) toward its goal? Once again, it's not enough to merely be concerned with a problem. Good intentions are no longer sufficient to warrant you seeking membership support. The marketplace is too crowded. Ask your organization what it has done to make the issue it confronts better. What are its results? You wouldn't buy a brand of toothpaste if the manufacturer couldn't prove to you that it fought cavities successfully. Why should you support a Veteran/ ESM organization if it can't show you that it is providing assistance or fighting for Justice of Veterans who are mostly cheated by ESM Welfare Government and NGO's and the society at large? Is Honour and Dignity of ESM an important element in the Society Charter?

4. Do your ESM Organisation's programs make sense to you?
If you support the mission of an organization, ask yourself if its programs also make sense. You believe in the cause, and you hope for the end result, but is the organization working toward that result in a way that seems rational and productive to you? If an organization's goal is to promote veteran bonds, unity and counselling, does it pursue its goal in a way that makes sense to you, or does it merely inflame the issue? Do you want your organizations doing advocacy? Do you want your outreach organizations making policy, or your policy organizations doing outreach? Maybe you do, maybe you don't. This doesn't mean that every organization should be singular in focus. It also doesn't mean, however, that you have to support every organization that has the same belief system as you. Just because you support the ends, you may not support the means. If you know you want to support the outcome aims to deliver, ask yourself if its method of arriving at that outcome makes sense to you.

5. Can you trust your ESM Organisation?
Research has shown that the overwhelming majority of Organisations in India are not responsible and honest, but ill- managed. This is not to shake your confidence but it is the truth. Don't support a ESM Society or organisation until you feel comfortable with it.

6. Are you willing to make a long- term commitment to your ESM organization? We like to think of giving time and service. Intelligent giving is motivated by altruism, knowledge, and perspective, not a knee-jerk reaction to a newsletter or to verbal assurances and utterances. You are an adult and a Veteran. You have the means to help others. You want to help. Ask yourself if your society is the type of organization to which you're willing to make a long- term commitment. When you do this, you agree to support them through good times and bad, and provide the services it needs to weather downturns. In return, it promises to continue working toward addressing the issue you both think is so vital. Look hard and find an organization you can support for many years to come. When you find that Society, become a active member.

India Together

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Comments
Accounts
An excellent website, but what caught my attention is the display of its yearly financial accounts. This is really unique and a trendsetter for others to emulate. The Armed Forces has so many Welfare organisations in public domain and functioning under The Societies Registration Act 1860 (non profit organistions). Seldom we get to know either the financial accounts (sources of income and expenditure) or the beneficiaries. It should be made mandatory under the RTI Act to have accounts of all welfare organisations Registered under the Society Act 1860 to be transparent and display the yearly finanicial income, sources and expenditure.