OROP: Let us unite to beat the inflation

Dear Mahendru,
Very laudable thoughts, but who is going to listen. You know how an attempt made by me in 2010 to work out a common Memorandum was literally butchered by our self proclaimed messiahs? Before this initiative i got all the organizations to form Confederations twice, for working together on common cause without in any way intruding into each others areas of influence. A true Confederation unlike the one that is being flaunted about by our friends. A proper Confederation does not enroll members directly. this is done by member organizations. A Confederation has only Organizations as members This basic rule is being flouted by this so called confederation, revealing their dishonest intentions. By this method they first used other organizations and got a foot hold. After getting a foot hold moved around and swallowed them up. Unity is always good and I have always worked for it. Actually we started the Association by pledging ourselves for the following:
a) To solve the problems of Veterans and their families. To begin with we took up five basic problems ie OROP, employment up to 58 years of age, proper pension for pre -1964 widows, restoration of commuted pension and vacation of lands and houses of Veterans on retirement.
b) Bring all organizations under one flag.
c) To fight corruption and communalism the greatest enemies of the Nation.
My thirty years experience is that Unity is not attainable due to personal ambitions and interests of us all. Nobody joins in to serve their brethren. They only take up this cause to ensure for themselves position and perks from the powers that be. I have never objected to it, actually I have always offered to help them achieve their ambitions as long as they did not barter away the cause of Veterans.
Having said this I want to very emphatically state that more than Unity the need of the hour now is that, in our desperation to take the credit for achieving the ultimate, we do not indulge in anything that may upset the leadership again and we are thrown once again back to square one. Can anybody ensure that? I will be the first one to go and bow in front of him.
Finally before I end I wish to thank you for your more than kind words.
With warm regards,
Inderjit Singh

Dear Sirs,
The history of OROP will always be remembered by the incredible fast by and return from the after land by our most respected col Inderjit Singh . This was a rare feat never before or after heard. There is no dispute sir, you are the symbol for the fight and just struggle for OROP. We all agree that the pension, for all veterans for same rank and length of time must be the same irrespective of the date of retirement and whenever it changes it must change equally for all by the same criteria .The family, the widows,disabled all are awaiting for our struggle to get us justice.
Let us keep together and push or at least have one target now that we are almost there. The only tragedy of veterans is that time is at the premium. we are heading for our destination fast. The cost of living is so exorbitant and time running out making us more feeble by the day that we cannot do anything to give a chance to babus to start anything to nullify our efforts. The unique case of officers who took pension after 20 years of service as majors then and lt col being the rank now is another unsolved misery. It has put the group of effected officers in a strange dilemma with not enough to even meet regularly increasing medical needs.
My humble prayer is for all of us to our shoulders to the wheel and heave. IESA/ IESL at Chankyapuri may also be asked to help.
With best regards,
mehandru

Rank Pay: UOI continues to cheat the Military

Rank Pay: Lt-Gen writes to Sonia against Centre's appeal
Bhopal, June 30 : An Indian Army veteran has approached United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Law Minister M Veerappa Moily regarding the Centre's filing an appeal against a Supreme Court judgement favouring military officers who had been denied benefit of Rank Pay.

"A committee of secretaries met to consider the judgement and within a week (a record of sorts) decided to appeal against it, as it was 'unviable'," Lieutenant-General (Retd) S K Bahri, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, wrote in a letter to Ms Gandhi. A copy was provided to UNI.

Can a fraud detected by the apex court be wished away due to its financial cost, the veteran asked while adding that in his earlier mail to Mr Moily he informed the Minister that the Centre's action is against Mr Moily's own statement that the Government should not be a persistent litigant.

"After your (Ms Gandhi's) assurance at Amritsar, inclusion in the Congress manifesto, declaration by the President (Pratibha Devisingh Patil) in her opening address to Parliament, the Finance Minister's statement in the Budget speech and proclamation by the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) from the ramparts of the Red Fort, One Rank One Pension remains a mirage," Lt-Gen Bahri pointed out. --UNI
Rank Pay: Lt-Gen writes to Sonia against Centre's appeal

Maj Navdeep's blog post
Many people keep inquiring about the status of the Rank Pay case which is now fixed for 22 Nov 2011 before the Supreme Court. Since the case is pending adjudication before the highest Court of the land, it is not proper to go into the merits of the stand taken by both parties before it. However, I cannot help but make the following observations on the affidavit filed by the UOI while seeking a review of the judgement (Sorry, this may be a bit technical): Click here

Baggage from the past haunts Ex Servicemen Pension Payments

Ministry of Defence30-September, 2011 17:19 IST
“Resolve Ex-Servicemen Pension Grievances Quickly”:
Antony’s Message to Defence Accounts on Annual Day
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today asked senior Defence Finance officials of his Ministry to consider the satisfaction level of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) pensioners as the benchmark of their performance. Addressing the 264th Annual Day Celebration of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) here today, Shri Antony pointed out that his office still continues to receive several pension settlement related grievances.

“True, most of these cases were a baggage from the past as a consequence of Pay Commission recommendations and Cabinet decision on pay and pension hike, yet these needed to be addressed at the shortest possible time,” Shri Antony said. “Ultimately, the taste of the pudding lies in its eating,” he quipped adding that “the veterans deserved their due as they had sacrificed the prime of their life safeguarding our borders.”

The Defence Minister hoped that the two IT projects ‘Sangam’, for pension payment, and ‘Dolphin’ related to monthly pay system for the Other Ranks (OR) in Army, will facilitate quick disbursal of dues to the serving ORs and ESM. “You must strive to provide enhanced customer satisfaction through hassle-free service and prompt and accurate payment of dues to the soldiers and their dependents.” Project ‘Sangham’ has fulfilled a long-pending demand of our ESM.

Commending the DAD for launching of its two IT projects – ‘Vishwak’ and ‘Bhawan’, Shri Antony said, “You should strive to utilise this advantage to assist the Services in achieving their goals.” Underlining the need for transparency in accounting procedures, the Defence Minister observed, “In today’s era of globalisation, accountability has acquired new connotations. Accountability is no longer restricted to quantitative techniques and financial inputs and outputs. It has become an integral part of good governance, with several aspects like integrity, transparency, responsiveness and sustainability becoming a part and parcel.”

On the occasion, the Shri Antony also presented the Raksha Mantri’s Awards for Excellence for the year 2011. The Excellence Award for Software Development was bagged by CGDA (IT Wing Team) headed by Shri S Murali Krishnan, which has developed Project ‘Suvigya’ (Pension inquiry system), Project ‘Aashraya (pension disbursement system) and Project ‘Darpan’ (Defence Accounts Receipts and Payments Analyses). CDA Secunderabad, Secunderabad team headed by Shri Y Rajareddy was awarded the Excellence Award for Project ‘Dophin’, an online PBOR Monthly Pay System. PCDA (Central Command) team headed by Shri HH Mishra also bagged the Excellence Award for launching of Monthly Pay System and its implementation on all Pay Accounts Offices.

Secretary, Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Shrimati Neelam Nath, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) Shri Nand Kishore and Additional CGDA Ms UG Antony were among the dignitaries present at the function.
Sitanshu Kar/PK/NN (Release ID :76384)
Resolve Ex-Servicemen Pension Grievances Quickly: Anthony

Rehabilitating retiring soldiers: Use them to combat Maoists and Naxalites

Wednesday, September 21, 2011, Chandigarh, India The Tribune by Lt-Gen Harwant Singh (retd)
More than 80 per cent soldiers retire at the age of 36 or 37 years and their annual number is almost 50,000. They do not even reach the midway point of their pay band, miss out on increments, get pension based on the point in the pay band they are retired, missing out 24/23 years of higher pay if they, like all civilian government employees, had to serve up to the age of 60 years.

Consequently, they suffer multiple disadvantages. Retired too early and given inadequate pension, they, in addition, lose out on the largesse of at least two subsequent Central Pay Commissions. After taking the best years of a soldier’s life, we throw him out to fend for himself in the harsh realities of life: to find a job in mid-life.

The Defence Minister has finally realised that ex-servicemen do need a second career. According to him, they could be accommodated in Central Police Organisations (CPOs — now called CAPFS), government jobs, etc, and that he will also write to the states to employ ex-servicemen. Surely, he should know that instructions to the states and the CPOs already exist to that end, but are not implemented. Simply because implementation of orders/instructions, enforcement of laws, timely completion of projects, etc, are extremely poor in this country. Above all, there is so much money to be made in fresh recruitment!

IESL takes up cudgels for Veterans

We all need to congratulate Brig RKS Gulia, for the letter he has sent to the RM.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

Major General's pension case languishing in the courts

Received from an affected Maj Gen
Maj Gen's Case
As u r aware that we had filed our counter affidavit on 02 June 11, 2011. The Govt was required to file rejionder affidavit within 3 weeks. Till now 3 months r over the govt has not complied with the directions of the SC.
The SC Registrar has suo moto initiated action to give notice to govt counsel for their failure to file rejoinder within stipulated time. The hearing was done on 26 aug 11. Our advocate was also present. No justifiable answer was given for the delay by the govt counsel. Accordingly the Registrar has forwarded the case to the SC Chamber Judge for hearing for reasons of Union of India being a defaulter.
The chamber Judge has the option of either to dismiss the appeal or grant more time. since govt is involved, the latter option is more probable. in any case will be heard soon with notice to both the parties. we shall try our best to argue for dismissal. Date of hearing will be intimated to u.
Note: It is not understood why the Courts are so indulgent towards the Govt. I thought the scales of justice were well balanced in the hands of the blind folded lady! VKD
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

UOI continues to cheat the Veterans of Rank Pay even after the court directives

Rank Pay case update: 01 Aug 2011
Dear Sir,
The case was heard in the court of Justice Aftab Alam and Justice RM Lodha in court no 10 today ie 01 Aug 2011. The UOI was represented by the new Solicitor General Mr Nariman. He put forth his views for 40 -45 mins on the gambit of IV CPC recommendations and the rank pay deduction and its cascading effect on V & VI CPC with the bogey of 1600cr.
There were queries from the court on the 'deduction of rank pay and pay fixation' which did not sound convincing. Senior Advocate for RDOA Shri Mahavir Singh drew the attention of the court to the Govt resolution issued after acceptance of the IV CPC report wherin it has been stated that rank pay would be paid in addition to the pay in the integrated scale.The court seemed to be to get to the bottom of the matter that if rank pay was to be given in addition to the pay in the integrated scale, then why the deduction. The court wanted to hear more on the matter. The case has been scheduled in the week beginning 22 Nov 2011.
It is requested that the update be put on RMS for info of all.
Thanking you
Secy RDOA-

Majors and Equivalents Pension

MINIMUM OF PAY BAND VERSUS MINIMUM OF PAY IN THE PAY BAND
Dear Major Sreedharan,
This refers to your mail published in REPORT MY SIGNAL 254/2011 dated 15 July 2011. Along with some other clarifications, I had asked Deptt Of ESW MoD through an application under RTI Act as to where minimum of pay band has been mentioned in the VI CPC report. I had also asked why new pay scale has been created for Lt Gen for whom the difference between minimum of pay band and minimum of the pay in the pay band is about 26% but Majors, for whom such difference is also about 26%, have been left out in the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries headed by Cabinet Secretary. They have not replied. My appeal to Central Information Commission was submitted in October 2010 but no date of hearing has yet been intimated to me. You have stated that Majors pension as per minimum of the pay band is 14100. Actually, CPC had specified that pension to be fixed as per Annexure II (based on revised pay scale) or Annexure I (PENSION PRIOR TO 2006 MULTIPLIED BY 2.26) whichever is higher. In case of Majors, pension as per Annexure I works out to 7550x2.26=14464 which is higher than 14100. If you have been getting pension of 14100, you must contact your bank to increase your pension immediately to 14464 and pay you arrears with interest @bank rate+2%. Interest will be applicable from 01 October 2008. Regards
AVM RP Mishra

Dear Brigadier,
I am sending a letter for your information. If you think it will be useful to Colonels and above, please circulate it in your RMS blog and kindly give publicity.
With regards
Major KP.Sreedharan (Retd)

Dear All,
I am a retired Major. I filed a petition along with others at the AFT Delhi for enhancement of pension and got a favourable verdict on 14 Sep 2010. So far the orders have not been implemented by the Govt. We the petitioners i.e. the affected retired Majors and their equivalents are initiating measures to ensure its implementation. In the verdict a very useful letter issued by the Government has been quoted by the AFT to differentiate between the phrases “Of the Pay Band” and “In the Pay Band“. I am mentioning this here, to draw the attention of all the retired Colonels, Brigadiers and Major Generals. I request you all to carefully go through the entire contents of the letter which is mentioned in the verdict as well as the table for calculation of the pension of retired majors given below and recalculate your pension accordingly. Presently your pension is being calculated on minimum OF the pay band and not minimum IN the pay band. The losses that accrue due to this anomaly is between Rs 2000/ to Rs 5000/ excluding DA as applicable every month Pre -2006 Majors Pension for 33 years of service was fixed as follows:
Minimum basic pay OF the pay band as taken by PCDA (P) for Major is Rs 15600/ Actual minimum basic pay IN the pay band for Major at 6 yrs service is Rs 23810/
Grade pay Rs 6600/ Grade pay Rs 6600/
MSP Rs 6000/ MSP Rs 6000/
Total Rs 28200/ Total Rs 36410/
50% of total Rs 14100/ 50% of total Rs 18205/-
Loss suffered every month = 18205 – 14100 = Rs 4105
With regards,
Major KP Sreedharan (Retd)

OROP: Presentation to Petition Committee

Dear Colleagues,
The presentation to the Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee took place as scheduled. It was heard by the Chairman Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiari, and many other members including Shri Ram Vilas Paswan and Shri Rajiv Shukla. Our team included, Hony Lt Kameshwar Pande, Col Rakesh Chaturvedi, Maj Gen Satbir Singh and self. Our 25-minute power point projection was heard with rapt attention. Body language of the Committee members betrayed a very positive response.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

PRESENTATION TO THE PETITION COMMITTEE OF RAJYA SABHA AND OTHER RELATED UPDATES
Dear Veterans,
1. The Petition Committee of Rajya Sabha on One Rank One Pension (OROP) invited a number of veteran organizations and a few veterans for the presentation on 16 May 2011. We had requested the Petition Committee to grant us sufficient time to make the presentation to enable us to do justice to the cause. You will be glad to know that our request was accepted. Alongwith us, the Navy Foundation Delhi Chapter and Brig Mahalingam an IESM veteran also made their presentations.
2. Gen Kadyan, Col R P Chaturvedi, Hony Lt Kameshwar Pandey and self represented the IESM. Gen Kadyan made a gripping, impressive, forceful and excellent presentation bringing out all the relevant facts, logic and analysis for the grant of OROP. The members of the committee which comprised Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chairman Petition Committee and Members of Rajya Sabha, Shri Avinash Pande, Shri Rajeev Shukla, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Shri Nandi Yellaiah, heard our presentation fully engrossed and their body language demonstrated their compassion for the soldier. Col RP Chaturvedi, Hoy Lt Kameshwar Pandy made brief forceful comments. I was privileged to add a few points with a couplet commenting on the bureaucracy-
“Mera Katil hi Mera Munsif Hai, Mere Haq Mein Kiya Faisla Dega” (My Murderer is the Judge, How will he give Judgement in my Favour?)
I appealed to the Hon’ble Members of the petition Committee that Injustice to the Defence Forces must end at the earliest in the interest of the Nation”.
3. The Navy Foundation led by Admiral Harinder made an equally strong presentation highlighting the issue of Non functional upgrades and other promotional avenues and benefits which the bureaucracy has given to itself.
4. We were also privileged to listen to Brig V Mahalingam to a very captivating, factually backed and emotionally charged presentation which was heard by the Committee members in rapt silence nodding in obvious agreement. They commented that during the day’s proceedings they had indeed been exposed to the facts hither to fore unknown to them.
5. We also take the privilege to release IESM Memorandum and Memorandum sent by self with related documents to the Petition Committee. Friends, we are thankful to other veteran organizations ie IESL, All India Ex Services Welfare Association, Naval foundation, IESL Uttrakhand and veterans Gen HB Kala, Gen Vijay Oberoi, Gen Radhakrishnan, AVM R P Mishra, Admiral Alan O’Leary, Admiral Arun Saxena, Brig V Mahalingam for forcefully presenting the case for OROP in their respective memorandums. During our presentation, we were also privileged to hear Mr. Ramachandran Gen Secretary of All India Central Confederation of Pensioners Association speaking in favour of the Defence Personnel. He remarked that if the Defence Personnel are Govt employees, they have to be given employment till the age of 60. In case they are being compulsorily retired earlier, suitable compensation for them is the bounden duty of the Government.
6. Dear veterans, the time has come for the OROP to be sanctioned. Let us hope the Govt (read bureaucracy) does not derail it any more. As announced earlier, if the OROP is not granted by September 2011, the IESM has planned to carryout “Fauji Gaurav Yatras” in all states of the country starting first with Punjab. The Yatras will cover all the districts of the state. Defence veterans, their members of the families and supporters in large number are likely to take part in Yatras. The aim is to draw attention of the people of India about the illtreatement of military by successive Govts for the last 62 years. We also plan to collect maximum medals and blood signatures on the memorandum to be deposited with the President of India and inform veterans across the country that those political parties who do not support or work to get us OROP have NO RIGHT TO ask for our votes in any election. Forgetting differences if any, all veteran organizations and individual veterans are requested to join in our crusade to get justice for Defence Forces.
7. We will conduct the Yatras in a peaceful and dignified manner keeping in view the democratic norms and discipline.
“We will succeed”. “God Bless God Speed”.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM

एक नया साल, लेकिन एक ही लक्ष्य है और एक ही संकल्प

प्रिय और आदरणीय सैनिकों और दोस्तों,
बहुत शुरुआत में मैं आपको और आपके परिवार के सभी के लिए एक बहुत खुश नया साल इच्छा करना चाहेंगे.
इसके साल का वह समय फिर जब हम गहरी खुदाई और अतीत को देखने के लिए भविष्य में आगे बढ़ने के. इसके साल का वह समय है जब हम हम क्या किया है पर देखो, हम और क्या कर सकता था कि क्या किया जाना चाहिए.
वहाँ मेरे मन में कोई संदेह नहीं है कि के रूप में एक इकाई है, एक संगठन के रूप में हम वर्ष 2010 में ESM के कारण, उस ने कहा के लिए बड़ी सफलता हासिल की है, चुनौती अभी हमारे सामने रहता है. और मेरे दिल का एक बहुत कुछ देता है क्या सच है कि हम अभी भी कंधे खड़ा करने के लिए एक ही संकल्प धैर्य और दृढ़ संकल्प है कि हम जब तक यह लेता है लड़ने के लिए तैयार हैं के साथ कंधे है. एक बहुत अभी भी पूरा करने की आवश्यकता है और मुझे विश्वास है, अधिक से अधिक मैंने कभी किया गया है, कि हम एक साथ हम वहाँ मिल सकती है और करेंगे. एक साथ.
इस ईमेल के साथ मैं एक बार फिर से IESM करने के साथ ही देश भर में ESM के कारण आप मेरे कुल प्रतिबद्धता और समर्पण के सभी आश्वस्त करना चाहता हूँ.
फिर से एक खुश नए साल में एक बार और हम सभी को है एक रोमांचक हो सकता है और 2011 सफल.
सच में तुम्हारा,
कामेश्वर पांडेय
सूबेदार मेजर मानद लेफ्टिनेंट (दिग्गज)
शरीर सदस्य शासी
भारतीय पूर्व सैनिक मूवमेंट

A new year but the same goal and the same resolve
Dear and Respected Sirs and Colleagues,
At the very beginning I would like to wish a very happy new year to all of you and your families.
Its that time of the year again when we dig deep and look at the past to move ahead in the future. Its that time of the year when we look at what we have done, what we could have done and what needs to be done.
There is no doubt in my mind that as a unit, as an organization we have achieved great success in the year 2010 for the cause of the ESM, That said, the challenge still remains in front of us. And what gives me a lot of heart is the fact that we still stand shoulder to shoulder with the same resolve, grit and determination that we are prepared to fight as long as it takes. A lot still needs to be accomplished and I am confident, more than I have ever been, that together we can and we will get there. Together.
I once again want to assure all of you of my total commitment and dedication to IESM as well as the cause of ESM across the country. A happy new year and may we all have an exciting and successful 2011.
Yours truly,
Kameshwar Pandey
Subedar Major Honorary Lieutenant (Veteran)
Governing Body Member
Indian ESM Movement

पूर्व सैनिकों संसद के पास 'एक रैंक एक पेंशन' के लिए विरोध प्रदर्शन करेंगे

जालंधर | शनिवार, 4 दिसम्बर 2010 नई दिल्ली
भारतीय पूर्व सेवाएं लीग (IESL) ने आज केंद्र को एक अल्टीमेटम सेवा की है कि लाखों में पूर्व सैनिकों संसद gherao अगर होगा 'एक रैंक एक पेंशन' के लिए उनकी मांग 18 अगले साल फरवरी तक स्वीकार नहीं था.
यहां पत्रकारों से बातचीत में Bhag सिंह, पंजाब और चंडीगढ़ IESLs अध्याय के अध्यक्ष ने कहा IESL 40 से 'एक रैंक एक पेंशन 30 ' जबकि के आंशिक सफलता हासिल की थी फीसदी मामलों अभी तक कर रहे थे बसे हो.
उन्होंने कहा कि लीग रक्षा मंत्री, राज्य मंत्री के अलावा रक्षा के लिए राष्ट्रपति के साथ 2009 के दौरान, लेकिन कोई लाभ उठाने के लिए बातचीत की थी. 21 अक्तूबर को, रक्षा राज्य मंत्री लीग जहां वह फिर से लीग के सदस्यों के साथ अलग से बातचीत द्वारा आयोजित सम्मेलन में भाग लिया.
उन्होंने कहा कि 'एक रैंक एक पेंशन' की मंजूरी पहले ही इस वर्ष 15 अगस्त को उसके ऐतिहासिक लाल किले से भाषण के दौरान किया गया था प्रधानमंत्री द्वारा दिए गए.
कर्नल सिंह ने आरोप लगाया कि सरकार अभी भी छुपाने और सेवारत और सेवानिवृत्त सेना व्यक्तियों के साथ की तलाश का खेल खेल रहा था. उन्होंने कहा कि देश सशस्त्र बलों की कीमत पर युद्ध और शांति के दौरान दोनों जीवित थे. उन्होंने कहा जब सरकार दी 'एक रैंक एक पेंशन' की थी और अन्य आईएएस कैडर तो क्यों सशस्त्र बलों की सुविधा से वंचित थे.
पूर्व सैनिकों संसद के पास 'एक रैंक एक पेंशन' के लिए विरोध प्रदर्शन करेंगे

IESL serves ultimatum to centre

Ex-servicemen to gherao Parliament for "One Rank One Pension".
Jalandhar | Saturday, Dec 4 2010 IST
Indian Ex-Services League (IESL) today served an ultimatum to the Centre that ex-servicemen in lakhs will gherao Parliament if their demand for 'One Rank One Pension' was not accepted by February 18 next year.

Interacting with mediapersons here, Bhag Singh, president of the IESLs Punjab and Chandigarh chapter, said the IESL had achieved partial success of 'One Rank One Pension' whereas 30 to 40 per cent cases were yet to be settled.

He said the league had interacted with the Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence besides the President during 2009 but to no avail. On October 21, the Minister of State for Defence attended a conference organised by the league where he again interacted separately with the league members.

He said 'One Rank One Pension' nod had already been given by the Prime Minister during his speech from the historical Red Fort on August 15 this year.

Col Singh alleged that the government was still playing the game of hide and seek with the serving and retired army persons. He said the country was surviving at the cost of Armed Forces both during war and peace. He asked when the government had given 'One Rank One Pension' to IAS and other cadres then why the armed forces were denied the facility. -- (UNI) -- 04DR67.xml
Ex-servicemen to gherao Parliament for'One Rank One Pension'

Ex-airmen seek one-rank one-pension
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Association for constituting panel to look into grievances
Demands free site for poor ex-servicemen
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Ex-Airmen Welfare Association has urged the Centre to implement the system of one-rank-one pension. In a release, the ex-Airmen Association said that a resolution to the effect was passed at a general body meeting held here recently.
Property tax
Another resolution urged for constituting committees comprising Defence Minister and Chiefs of the three Armed Forces to regularly look into their grievances. The association also urged the State Government to exempt them from paying professional and property tax as it was done in the neighbouring States. They also sought free house site for poor ex-servicemen.
Office-bearers
The following have been elected as office-bearers of the Association for a year at the meeting: S. Nithyanandan (President), G.E. Meyer and V. Subramanian (Vice-Presidents), G. Sankaran (General Secretary), C.K. Durairaj and M. Mallikarjuna (Joint Secretaries), K. Durairaj (Treasurer), K. Jagadeesan (Legal Advisor).
Ex Airmen seek One Rank One Pension

Report of All India ESM Rally Organised by IESM at Jantar Mantar on 28 Nov 2010

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
The All India ESM Rally, organised by IESM, was held as per schedule, today – 28 Nov 10, from 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The rally was a grand success.
Many ESM organisations, from many states attended the rally. Besides NCR, the states represented were- Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Individuals from many other states were also present.
Highlights

Total attendance around- 5000.

Total number of ladies, including very large number of widows who were present at the rally- 200

New veterans who signed the memorandum going to The President in blood- 1440.

New medals collected- 5000.

Medals collected earlier, sent to President but brought back as The President did not receive personally- 6000.

Total medals sent for being deposited to The President on 28 Nov 10- 11000.
(Medals already deposited with the President 22,000)

Veterans who went to The Rashtrapati Bhawan for depositing medals and the memorandum- 10.

Veterans who gave a talk at the rally Chairman, Vice Chairman IESM and others- 35

Maj Gen AJB Jaini, very efficiently managed the time

TV satellite links deployed by media to cover the rally

Media reporters and cameraman at rally site around- 20

On scheduled time 10 veterans, from all three services and all ranks, in a police vehicle, left for the Rashtrapati Bhawan, for depositing the medals and the memorandum.

What happened at Rashtrapati Bhawan
1. Three months ago, by a formal letter, Chairman IESM had informed The President of India, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, that military veterans will be depositing medals on 28 Nov 10. A few days ago, The President proceeded on a foreign tour, without her staff having the courtesy to inform the IESM about her tour.
2. On being informed by the staff that The President cannot receive the medals as she is out on a foreign tour, the veterans’ team decided not to deposit the medals with the staff.
3. The veteran team then handed over a copy of the memorandum and the sheets having the signatures in blood of 1440 veterans.
4. The President’s staff accepted the memorandum but, refused to handle the sheets having signatures in blood. The staff said that the medical authorities had advised them not accept the sheets containing signatures in blood.
5. The veterans’ team, returned to Jantar Mantar with the medals and the sheets containing the signatures in blood.
6. A copy of the memorandum to The President is appended below.
7. The photographs taken at the rally are being processed and shall be placed on the three weblogs mentioned above in the header of this email.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj
Rally Photographs: Click here for the slideshow

A MEMORANDUM FROM THE EX-SERVICEMEN OF INDIA TO SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVI SINGH PATIL, THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA AND THE SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES
To,
Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil,
Her Excellency, the President of India
and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
New Delhi - 110011
EX-SERVICEMEN OF INDIA SEEK JUSTICE WITH REGARD TO PENSION
AND RESETTLEMENT
Your Excellency,
1. With extreme anguish, we the former soldiers of India express our deeply hurt feelings to our Supreme Commander on the indifferent attitude of the Government towards our genuine demands.
2. After exhausting all other options, we the Ex Servicemen were forced to take to airing our demands in public. Our main demand is 'one rank one pension' implying equal remuneration for equal work. The demand is for justice and not for money per se. unfortunately, the government continues to ignore this demand. They have yet again rejected this demand that had been supported by the All Party Standing Committee on Defence in their report tabled in the Lok Sabha on 07 May 2010. The existing situation, where a pre-2006 pensioner gets less pension than their juniors who retired after 1.1.2006, is highly anomalous and the veterans cannot reconcile to it.
3. The government also continues to contest in the courts every legal decision that goes in favour of the Ex Servicemen. It is pertinent to mention that Armed Forces Tribunal had in the last one year decided around 4000 cases of armed forces personnel. Nearly 90 percent of these cases were in favour of the Ex Servicemen and were against the authorities, but the MoD is not complying with the tribunal's orders. This has been stated by head of the country's highest military tribunal, Justice (Retd) A K Mathur recently. It is beyond one's comprehension as to why the Government is not giving their due to its veterans, who have devoted their all and have demonstrated their patriotism, bravery, valour and courage and have in great measure assisted the country in strengthening its sovereignty and integrity?
4. In order to arouse the conscience of the countrymen the Ex Servicemen have also had to resort to depositing their medals. This serious development could have far-reaching consequences. For a soldier to part with his medals that he has won at great risk to his life and limb, is a tough decision and is reflective of his extreme disenchantment with the government's obduracy.
5. Ironically, the Service widows were kept out of the purview of government orders dated 8 March 2010, where the pension of junior commissioned officers and other ranks were enhanced. When this was pointed out in a letter to the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the government's reply was that the enhancement for widows had not been recommended by the Cabinet Secretary's committee that was constituted in the wake of widespread disenchantment with the Sixth Pay Commission. This was a strange response where the government has claimed to be bound by the dictate of a subordinate committee that the government itself had constituted. Whether it is a mere excuse to deny the Service widows their genuine dues, or whether this is an admission of the tail wagging the tiger, it makes strange and sad commentary.
6. Under the circumstances, the Ex Servicemen have no choice but to continue with their struggle for justice.
With best regards,
Jai Hind
Yours sincerely,
Sd xxx
Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Sd xxx
Maj Gen Satbir Singh
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

राष्ट्रपति को आज छह हजार पदक लौटाएंगे पूर्व सैनिक

भारतीय सैन्य दिग्गजों की सेवा में
चंदर.
भगवान की पूजा के साथ अन्याय के खिलाफ लड़ने के लिए है.
इसलिए कृपया सैन्य दिग्गजों 'जंतर मंतर, नई दिल्ली में रैली के लिए वहाँ हो, 28 नवम्बर 10 पर, 10.00 घंटे से 14.00 घंटे
और अन्याय के खिलाफ लड़ाई में शामिल किया / भारत का रक्षा सेवा करने के लिए किया जा रहा है

राष्ट्रपति को आज छह हजार पदक लौटाएंगे पूर्व सैनिक
राष्ट्रपति को आज छह हजार पदक लौटाएंगे पूर्व सैनिक
Nov 27, 08:40 pm

नोएडा, संवाददाता : 'वन रैंक-वन पेंशन' के लिए लंबे समय से लड़ाई लड़ रहे जंग-ए-आजादी के छह हजार जांबाज रविवार को राष्ट्रपति को अपने पदक लौटाएंगे। साथ ही तीनों सेनाओं के पूर्व अधिकारी दिल्ली स्थित जंतर-मंतर पर रैली निकाल विरोध दर्ज कराएंगे। वे राष्ट्रपति को खून से लिखा ज्ञापन भी देंगे। शनिवार को 12 राज्यों से आए तीनों सेनाओं के पूर्व अधिकारियों ने नोएडा के सेक्टर 29 स्थित अरुण विहार इंस्टीट्यूट क्लब में 'इंडियन एक्स सर्विसमैन' संगठन की वार्षिक सभा की। इसमें संगठन के चुनाव भी करा लिए गए। गुड़गांव के लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल राज कादयान को दोबारा भारी बहुमत से राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष चुना गया।

राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष कादयान ने बताया कि रविवार सुबह 11 बजे दिल्ली के जंतर-मंतर पर काफी संख्या में 'इंडियन एक्स सर्विसमैन' से जुड़े तीनों सेना के पूर्व अधिकारी विशाल रैली में शामिल होंगे। यहां से वह राष्ट्रपति भवन जाएंगे जहां महामहिम को खून से लिखा ज्ञापन देकर छह हजार पदक वापस लौटाए जाएंगे। इससे पहले इसी साल 22 अगस्त को भी संगठन 'वन रैंक-वन पेंशन' की मांग को लेकर राष्ट्रपति को खून से लिखा ज्ञापन दे चुका है। इस पर सवा लाख पूर्व सैनिकों के हस्ताक्षर थे। सैनिकों का आरोप है कि सुप्रीम कोर्ट द्वारा उनकी मांग के संबंध में गठित की गई कमेटी भी सरकार की कठपुतली बनी हुई है। अगर सरकार ने जल्द मांग नहीं मानी तो उन्हें मजबूरन उग्र प्रदर्शन पर उतारू होना पड़ेगा।

राज कादयान ने बताया कि 17 दिसंबर 2008 को 'इंडियन एक्स सर्विसमैन' संगठन का गठन किया गया था। इसके दो साल पूरे होने वाले हैं। इसलिए शनिवार को नोएडा के अरुण विहार क्लब में वार्षिक सभा आयोजित कर पूरे साल का लेखाजोखा प्रस्तुत किया गया। इसी मौके पर संगठन का पहला चुनाव भी कराया गया। राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष पद के लिए लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल राज कादयान के अलावा गुड़गांव के ही कर्नल पीपी त्यागी ने दावेदारी पेश की थी। राज कादयान 539 मतों से जीते। कर्नल पीपी त्यागी को मात्र 12 वोट मिले। पांच वोट अवैध घोषित किए गए। इसके अलावा सभी पदों के लिए सर्वसम्मति से पदाधिकारियों का चुनाव कर लिया गया। इनमें मेजर जनरल सतवीर सिंह को उपाध्यक्ष, विंग कमांडर सीके शर्मा को कोषाध्यक्ष, ग्रुप कैप्टन वीके गांधी को महासचिव और कमांडर शरण अहूजा को निर्विरोध संयुक्त सचिव चुना गया। इनके अलावा कार्यकारिणी में कर्नल आरपी

IESM resolves to break the OROP deadlock

Dear Colleagues,
The IESM had their AGM today at NOIDA. It had a very encouraging attendance with large number of ESM coming from 12 different States. Many important issues were debated and decided by a majority vote. Details will be circulated as the minutes of the meeting.
In the elections that followed, the entire governing body was given a fresh mandate for another two years. We all feel humbled. The verdict is also an endorsement of the direction the Movement has been following. We are fully conscious of the fact that a heavy responsibility has been placed on our shoulders to steer the Movement and to keep the pressure on the government in pursuit of our demands. I would like to give an assurance on behalf of the team that we will continue to do our best in our effort to come up to your expectations. We will request your continued support and your patience in resolving our vexed and long-pending issue of OROP.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
To fight against injustice is to WORSHIP GOD.
So kindly be there for MILITARY VETERANS’ Rally, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on 28 Nov 10, from 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM and join in the fight against Injustice done/ being done to Defence Services of India.
click here for slideshow of 31 photographs taken during IESM Elections

Commission for the Armed Forces: Readers Responses

Ref: SC wants commission for armed forces personnel
16 Nov 2010,
Dear Col Sharma ,
I am thrilled at the success that your efforts have resulted in , in bringing into being the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission with even the first members having been nominated .
As a very senior veteran , Born 18 Sep 1919 ,commissioned on 5 Oct 1942 , retired on 17 oct 1968, I take the liberty of sending you and the members of your team , my blessings for continued success in all your laudable endeavours . I congratulate you and the members of your team as well my friend Brig Kamboj , for having given your success story the publicity it deserves
Yours sincerely ,
Col M S Krishnamoorthy (Retd) (Member IESM, One of the Founder Members of IESL)
Dear Chander,
Constitution of a commission is a good development, but it is just the first step.
The more important is the projection of services case before the Commission. A lot of facts and figures will have to be worked out, considering issues of early retirement, extremely limited promotions ( as a service imperative ) and the X factor.
All these will have to be translated into monetary terms and compensated. I presume a committee will be formed by the IESM, which must take help from all those who have been dealing with this issue.
I am presently in the U.S. and will return only in Feb, 2011 and as such can be of little assistance.
Anyway there is enough talent and skill available for the task.
With regards and best wishes.
Harwant. (Lt Gen Harwant Singh, Former DCOAS)

Dear Colonel Sharma,
As I see it, what you, RDOA and the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India have achieved by legal means is something revolutionary. By ordering a Commission to be formed (with threat of 'suo moto' formation, if the Executive remains unheeding), the Supreme Court has not only indicted the present Government for mis-governance and incompetence in Veteran affairs, but in a way, taken over governance .
Heartiest congratulations and our admiration for your achievement. This is what our various ESM organizations have long been trying so hard for. It should be interesting as a citizen, to see how "The Empire Strikes Back", as try they will ! Regrettably, our polity has a surplus of expediency, but a deficit of a sense of justice and a complete lack of grace.
With best wishes and regards to you and RDOA and good luck in your further endeavours.
Sincerely,
Rajendra Prakash,
Maj Gen (Retd).

ARMED FORCES GRIEVANCE COMMISSION.
Dear General Kadyan,
I think that ordering the formation of the Armed Forces Grievance Commission almost 'suo moto', could not have occurred, if particular segments of our polity had not been sensitised to OROP and other Veterans' issues. Mr Justice Katju even quotes Chanakya (favourite of General Satbir Singh) and the NDTV show, apart from medals-return and burning artificial limbs. This should leave no doubt in anyone's mind that it is the 'doings' of IESM alone, which have brought about this landmark (almost revolutionary) occurrence, with the judiciary virtually divesting (albeit for a good cause) the executive of its basic function of governance - all these years past, no one else has been able to move the Establishment one wee bit !
The credit for this must go to you and the IESM team - formulation of a practical strategy, its dogged implementation and the results achieved speak for themselves. (Some of us ' fossils' have not favoured your pro-active measures, but then times change and proof of the pudding is in eating !). Congratulations on what has been achieved in a short time of two years by IESM - everyone who should, now knows of OROP, of course with the invaluable and devoted contributions of Brigadier Kamboj and his "Report my Signal".
We have to see how "The Empire Strikes Back", which they surely will try to do. So does IESM continue the present form of OROP struggle, or divert all effort to achieve this through the Supreme Court mandated Commission ? The Commission, at least initially, should be effective, with Generals Malik and Oberoi there for first two years. By itself, the Establishment would never concede OROP; with their well-honed 'evasion & escape' tactics, they will still have a try-on. So some weighty considerations for IESM to ponder over soon!
With good wishes and best of luck,
Rajendra Prakash,
Dehradun.

This is a land mark judgement in favour of ESM. My congratulations to
Col Sharma and other ESM of RDOA who spared no efforts in successfully marshaling this case in Supreme Court.
S.Murugan

Services Commission Setup By The SC
Congratulations.
A great achievement by you all. You have done wonders by putting across your case so convincingly that the SC had no option but to order the setting up of this Commission to look into the long outstanding problems faced by ESM. It is more like a Blue Ribbon Commission usually setup in the US I feel that we should not squander this opportunity by overloading the Commission with divergent view points.
Now is the time for all ESM orgs to close ranks and put up a paper to it. Views which are peculiar to a service may be put up separately. Lets forge a common sword to cut thru decades of neglect of our problems by the Govt .
Congratulations once again.
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course)

Dear Brig Kamboj,
Please refer to the mail below regarding the Honourable Supreme Court Directions for forming Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission.
The mere fact that Commission can only make recommendations, I am sceptical. Even in drafting this order a whole lot of inspiring sentences have been framed, giving a feeling to the reader that some thing good will finally happen, but when one reaches the stage of Charter, scepticism is bound to creep in the way the Government of India has treated the Defence Forces till now.
My apologies for blunt comments. It is called Grievances Redressal Commission but its mandate is only to make recommendations!!!!!!. What authority do they have to redress the grievances? How will the redressal be actually given fast and in good time?
With warmest regards,
Major General Balbir K Kataria (Veteran), VSM

Supreme Court Directive
Dear Colonel Sharma,
I wish to express my profound gratitude to you and your colleagues for having fought the issue for redressing of the grievances of serving and retired community of Armed Forces Officers before to highest judicial forum and for having precipitated a landmark judgement.
Really there are no words to thank you and your colleagues. you really have done a great service to our Services community.
Very warm regards,
Brig J L Kaul ( Veteran

Dear Colonel sahib,
Congratulations on your success in forcing the govt. to form a separate commission to look into the grievances of veterans, in a matter where the Babus have been shown their place by not making the body predominantly Babucentric, for the first time. By this you have made history and shown that Babus can be fought and floored too. We all appreciate your selfless efforts on behalf of the entire veteran community.
It is good to know that the SC refused to reconsider the Rank Pay case, yet the Babus have succeeded in playing dirty again by making the SC refer the Rank Pay case to another bench, which will delay the decision further and make your task more difficult.
May God give you and your organisation more and more strength for performing such selfless work.
Shashank Bendre
Wg.Cdr. (Retd)

Dear Sirs:
This is one of the best news pertaining to the Defence fraternity heard in years. Our profound thanks and gratitude to Lt Col BK Sharma, President Retired Defence Officers Association and his team of dedicated colleagues for this crowning victory worthy of soldiers. They all deserve a standing ovation. A wonderful performance, Lt Col Sharma--you have done more than your bit!
There is a lesson here... let's remain united and focused. Also that no one is too small--or too big--for undertaking a noble cause in the service of the nation. What indeed is needed is the spirit/craze/obsession/even mania, call it what you will---" ... that man is freed from servile bands/Of hope to rise or fear to fall ... "
THREE RESOUNDING CHEERS FOR LT COL SHARMA AND HIS ASSOCIATES!!!
Warm regards--and thank you all.
Wg Cdr SC Kapoor, Veteran

Official status of OROP: "Difficult to reach the goal in one go"

The Hindu NEW DELHI, August 26, 2010
The government on Wednesday said it was difficult to implement in one go ex-servicemen's demand for ‘one rank, one pension'.
Appealing to agitating ex-servicemen not to return their gallantry awards, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the government had started implementing the recommendations of a high-level committee on one rank, one pension. “We will not be able to implement it in one stretch, but we are near that goal.”
The government had implemented recommendations including pension benefits to personnel below rank of officer, costing the exchequer about Rs. 2,200 crore.
The Minister was responding to the issue raised by Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley, who said several ex-servicemen wanting to surrender gallantry medals was a “sad spectacle.”
While urging the government to look into their demands “seriously,” he also appealed to ex-servicemen to desist from that extreme step.
Ex-servicemen are agitating to press for an equal pension for personnel retiring in the same rank irrespective of their date of superannuation.
‘One rank, one pension' difficult in one go: Antony

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.

OROP Pricks Political Parties

Ref: In response to HKL Anand's letter click here
Dear Friends,
You all are well familiar of with Capt Davar, ex Armoured Corps, of the Ex-servicemen Cell of the Congress Party of India.
You all very kindly advised him what you thought of him.

Below I reproduce an email from Lt Col HKL Anand, of Signals, again a member of the Ex-servicemen Cell of the Congress Party of India.
Please do appreciate his hard work in drafting the email below in an appropriate manner.
Email ID of Lt Col HKL Anand is - ltcolhklanand@gmail.com.
I am also reproducing statement of by Shree Tewari click here, spokes-peron of Congress Party, which he made during the election campaign in Punjab, in March 2009.
It should be very clear to you all as to what is the aim of all these Ex-servicemen Cells of various political parties, –
ये सब एक ही थाली के चट्टे बट्टे हैं
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

Dear Col Anand,
You have gone to great length and spent considerable time and effort at a riposte' to Gen Satbir's letter.
I have no intention to match up to your marathon effort, but wish to make two points.
Your assumption that anyone is transgressing the Chief's turf, is mistaken. Opinions and impressions are always expressed by even veteran cricketers on matters the coach/ captain have responsibility over. A defence veteran's linkage with the services is far more stronger, familial and personal. So, to question the right of a fellow veteran to do things a sect feels strongly about, is not correct on your part. In the context of ESM particularly (say ECHS services), a veteran is actually more knowledgeable about where the shoe pinches. Its a path that's not yet been walked by the serving.
Your mail reminds me of the fisherman who educated a fellow oarsman that one does not need covers for a crab basket. As soon as a crab tries to climb out, the others reach out and pull him back. We ESM are likely to remain in our baskets, because of this.
"Dignity" you quote as the reason Pallam Raju feels ESM must not be protesting. He had actually said this on 27 May, during our second rally at India Gate, to which we had countered by asking if by same yardstick he was implying that Mahatma Gandhi and so many of our national leaders were also lacking in dignity, since they have resorted to same? A protest is a legitimate civilian method of protest. At least we were not chucking chappals, a la Parliament/ Legislative assemblies !! OR burning buses.
Last, although there is ample I differ over, is my (our) request. PBOR is an insulting term to JCOs who are also Officers........though Junior Commissioned. We have made do with Offrs, JCO and OR, which is just ONE letter more than Offrs and PBOR. Even if saving ink was the reason for this cryptic and insulting abbreviation, and irrespective of WHO (you quote many examples why We ourselves are at times responsible for our miseries- I agree), is responsible, let us at least change that. More so, since the civil services (babus if you please), aggressively call even the lowest ranks 'Officers'. Day is not far when a JCO or NCO may be put to disadvantage due to this.
My recommendation is, cool it Sir, and let us stop pretending that all is well. Chiefs, ESM organization heads like you.............all of us, have a common problem and should rightly be on converging lines. And if you don't agree to some methodology, don't join in. Do your own thing. And let us know, so we may join the effort, rather than be critical and opposing. The last, obviously IS the reason we are where we are.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,

Dear All
What Lt Col Anand has said is the parroted version of the bureaucracy and he, on behalf of bureaucracy, is trying to create a wedge among ESM. If he is so happy with his existing status let him be happy. I am sure his conscience would not permit him to accept the arrears for rank pay and OROP, whenever they come because of the fight of all ESM organisations.
We would like to see you refusing the arrears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Col Anand!!!!!!!!!!
May God bless you.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM

OROP: Political Promise or a Prank

Dear Chander,
I was scrolling through old e-mails and I noticed the e-mail of Lokesh Batra, circulated through RMS e-mail 225/2009 of 16 Mar 2009, in which Lokesh had appended the news item published Punjab Newsline on 14 Mar 2009, wherein Tiwari ( Congress spokesperson ) had stated his views about OROP. I am reproducing it as below. The views of Tiwari ( Congress spokes person ) expressed in this e-mail are at variance with his views expressed during the debate on TV channel. This may be brought to the notice of Tiwari as well as others as deemed appropriate and Tiwari asked to clarify his stand.
With regards,
Bhupal Singh, Veteran

Tewari advocates one rank one pension for ex servicemen
Punjab Newsline Network
Saturday, 14 March 2009
LUDHIANA: The national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari has advocated the one rank one pension scheme for the ex servicemen across the country.

In a statement issued here Saturday, Tewari said, he and his party were working out a comprehensive package for the ex servicemen with one rank one pension as the main focus. He said, although the one rank one pension scheme had been implemented till 1986, it is being extended to include all the exservicemen.

Referring to some reports claiming that he was not in favour of one rank one pension, Tewari clarified that these were absolutely false and baseless. He asserted, “the issue of my opposition to the one rank one pension does not arise as me and my party have always held the view that all the exservicemen should be governed by this policy”.

Tewari promised that once the Congress government is formed at the centre after the general elections, implementation of one rank one pension scheme would be his top priority as he believed that this was quite a justified demand.
Tewari advocates one rank one pension for ex servicemen