One rank One Pension: Cabinet clears Rs. 2300 crore package

One rank One Pension: Cabinet clears Rs. 2300 crore package
Edited by Shamik Ghosh | Updated: September 24, 2012 20:14 IST
New Delhi: In a major victory for ex-servicemen, the government has set aside Rs. 2,300 crore to implement the one-rank-one-pension (OROP) demand that has been pending for years. This has been a major irritant between the armed forces and the bureaucracy.
In recognition of this demand, the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address this year, had announced OROP, apart from several other measures.
The Union Cabinet secretary Ajit K Seth was put in charge of a committee that has submitted its report, though after more than a month's delay.
OROP implies that servicemen of the same rank and same period of service should get the same pension, irrespective of when they retired. It also means that as and when pension is enhanced, the benefit will also be passed on to those who have retired earlier.
One rank One Pension: Cabinet clears Rs. 2300 crore package Comment: Happy news for the lakhs of retired Jawans struggling to keep pace with inflation. This small measure is sure to light up many Veteran Homes.

Full speech: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to the nation

Full speech: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to the nation
NDTV.com | Updated: September 21, 2012 20:47 IST
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today addressed the nation, defending the economic reforms which were introduced last week.
Click here for the Video link
Here is the full text of Dr Singh's speech:
My dear brothers and sisters,
I am speaking to you tonight to explain the reasons for some important economic policy decisions the government has recently taken. Some political parties have opposed them. You have a right to know the truth about why we have taken these decisions.
No government likes to impose burdens on the common man. Our Government has been voted to office twice to protect the interests of the aam admi.
At the same time, it is the responsibility of the government to defend the national interest, and protect the long term future of our people. This means that we must ensure that the economy grows rapidly, and that this generates enough productive jobs for the youth of our country. Rapid growth is also necessary to raise the revenues we need to finance our programmes in education, health care, housing and rural employment.
The challenge is that we have to do this at a time when the world economy is experiencing great difficulty. The United States and Europe are struggling to deal with an economic slowdown and financial crisis. Even China is slowing down.
We too have been affected, though I believe we have been able to limit the effect of the global crisis.
We are at a point where we can reverse the slowdown in our growth. We need a revival in investor confidence domestically and globally. The decisions we have taken recently are necessary for this purpose.
Let me begin with the rise in diesel prices and the cap on LPG cylinders.
We import almost 80% of our oil, and oil prices in the world market have increased sharply in the past four years. We did not pass on most of this price rise to you, so that we could protect you from hardship to the maximum extent possible.
As a result, the subsidy on petroleum products has grown enormously. It was Rs. 1 lakh 40 thousand crores last year. If we had not acted, it would have been over Rs. 200,000 crores this year.
Where would the money for this have come from? Money does not grow on trees. If we had not acted, it would have meant a higher fiscal deficit, that is, an unsustainable increase in government expenditure vis-a-vis government income. If unchecked, this would lead to a further steep rise in prices and a loss of confidence in our economy. The prices of essential commodities would rise faster. Both domestic as well as foreign investors would be reluctant to invest in our economy. Interest rates would rise. Our companies would not be able to borrow abroad. Unemployment would increase.
The last time we faced this problem was in 1991. Nobody was willing to lend us even small amounts of money then. We came out of that crisis by taking strong, resolute steps. You can see the positive results of those steps. We are not in that situation today, but we must act before people lose confidence in our economy.
I know what happened in 1991 and I would be failing in my duty as Prime Minister of this great country if I did not take strong preventive action.
The world is not kind to those who do not tackle their own problems. Many European countries are in this position today. They cannot pay their bills and are looking to others for help. They are having to cut wages or pensions to satisfy potential lenders.
I am determined to see that India will not be pushed into that situation. But I can succeed only if I can persuade you to understand why we had to act.
We raised the price of diesel by just Rs. 5 per litre instead of the Rs. 17 that was needed to cut all losses on diesel. Much of diesel is used by big cars and SUVs owned by the rich and by factories and businesses. Should government run large fiscal deficits to subsidise them?
We reduced taxes on petrol by Rs. 5 per litre to prevent a rise in petrol prices. We did this so that the crores of middle class people who drive scooters and motorcycles are not hit further.
On LPG, we put a cap of 6 subsidised cylinders per year. Almost half of our people, who need our help the most, actually use only 6 cylinders or less. We have ensured they are not affected. Others will still get 6 subsidised cylinders, but they must pay a higher price for more.
We did not touch the price of kerosene which is consumed by the poor.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
You should know that even after the price increase, the prices of diesel and LPG in India are lower than those in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
The total subsidy on petroleum products will still be Rs. 160 thousand crores. This is more than what we spend on Health and Education together. We held back from raising prices further because I hoped that oil prices would decline.
Let me now turn to the decision to allow foreign investment in retail trade. Some think it will hurt small traders. This is not true.
Organised, modern retailing is already present in our country and is growing. All our major cities have large retail chains. Our national capital, Delhi, has many new shopping centres. But it has also seen a three-fold increase in small shops in recent years.
In a growing economy, there is enough space for big and small to grow. The fear that small retailers will be wiped out is completely baseless.
We should also remember that the opening of organised retail to foreign investment will benefit our farmers. According to the regulations we have introduced, those who bring FDI have to invest 50% of their money in building new warehouses, cold-storages, and modern transport systems. This will help to ensure that a third of our fruits and vegetables, which at present are wasted because of storage and transit losses, actually reach the consumer. Wastage will go down; prices paid to farmers will go up; and prices paid by consumers will go down.
The growth of organised retail will also create millions of good quality new jobs.
We recognise that some political parties are opposed to this step. That is why State governments have been allowed to decide whether foreign investment in retail can come into their state. But one state should not stop another state from seeking a better life for its farmers, for its youth and for its consumers.
In 1991, when we opened India to foreign investment in manufacturing, many were worried.
But today, Indian companies are competing effectively both at home and abroad, and they are investing around the world. More importantly, foreign companies are creating jobs for our youth -- in Information Technology, in steel, and in the auto industry. I am sure this will happen in retail trade as well.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The UPA Government is the government of the aam aadmi.
In the past 8 years our economy has grown at a record annual rate of 8.2 per cent. We have ensured that poverty has declined much faster, agriculture has grown faster, and rural consumption per person has also grown faster.
We need to do more, and we will do more. But to achieve inclusiveness we need more growth. And we must avoid high fiscal deficits which cause a loss of confidence in our economy.
I promise you that I will do everything necessary to put our country back on the path of high and inclusive growth. But I need your support. Please do not be misled by those who want to confuse you by spreading fear and false information. The same tactics were adopted in 1991. They did not succeed then. They will not succeed now. I have full faith in the wisdom of the people of India.
We have much to do to protect the interests of our nation, and we must do it now. At times, we need to say "No" to the easy option and say "Yes" to the more difficult one. This happens to be one such occasion. The time has come for hard decisions. For this I need your trust, your understanding, and your cooperation.
As Prime Minister of this great country, I appeal to each one of you to strengthen my hands so that we can take our country forward and build a better and more prosperous future for ourselves and for the generations to come.
Jai Hind.
Full speech: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to the nation

Babu shunted for leaking Army Chief's Top Secret Letter

Senior officer leaked army chief's letter to PM
May 13, 2012 21:58 IST
A joint secretary-rank officer in the Cabinet Secretariat has been found guilty of leaking Army Chief General V K Singh's letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] about the poor state of preparedness of his force and has been shunted out.
A probe into the leakage by the Prime Minister's Office has also cleared General Singh of any wrongdoing in the episode, highly-placed sources said.
In his letter, the army chief had highlighted the critical shortage of equipment and ammunition in artillery and armoured regiments.
The female officer, belonging to the Indian Economic Service, was handling the charge of intelligence agencies under the Cabinet Secretariat and was nailed after interrogation of some suspected people.
The officer has now been repatriated to her parent cadre and further action can be taken against her for leaking such a sensitive document, sources said.
After the letter surfaced, both the Houses of Parliament were rocked over the issue and certain parties had demanded action against General Singh.
At that time, General Singh had said that incident should be treated as "high treason" and the source of leakage should be dealt with "ruthlessly."
"The leakage of the letter should be treated as high treason. Cynical approach to tarnish my reputation should stop. Sources of the leakage should be found and dealt with ruthlessly," General Singh had said in a statement issued by the army headquarters. Following the incident, the government had asked the Intelligence Bureau to investigate the matter and find out the person responsible for it.
The letter was leaked to the media after General Singh made a sensational disclosure in an interview that he was offered a bribe of Rs 14 crore by a retired lieutenant general for favouring a sub-standard defence deal regarding the purchase of army trucks.

Readers comments sample

apology by aam admi on May 14, 2012 12:15 AM those political leaders, who abused and blamed the General for leaking the letter to Media, should apologise to General VK Singh, if they have left any grace in their behaviour, they should not shout and abuse people of the society in Parliament as and when they wish.This is disgraceful on their part.

by Raghvendra Singhon May 13, 2012 10:37 PM
Time and again it has come to light that General VK Singh has been correct in all his statements and actions. Yet every time there has been biased reporting against him, asking for his head. He has not been allowed to serve for an additional year as is rightfully his due, history will forever remember this. It is a National loss, but he will do his bit for the country in whatever direction Destiny will take him.
Senior officer leaked army chief's letter to PM
Babu shunted for 'leaking' army chief's letter
Army chief letter leak: Cabinet Secretariat officer found guilty
Government's Denial Drama and Dilemma
It's very understandable why the Prime Minister's office and the government is hurriedly issuing a denial because it gives a clean chit to the Army Chief but raises some alarming questions on the government's role behind this Army Chief controversy, and with the Opposition bound to corner the government once again on this, one can understand why the Prime Minister's office wants to step in and issue a denial.
Read More: Click here for the original post
Comment: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is correct when he said "After 60 years we are not a perfect Democracy". What he missed out was that we are fast graduating into a Banana Republic. The treatment meted out to a Patriotic Gen VK Singh by the Government speaks volumes of its gradual graduation!

Dr Singh, how do you want to be remembered?

By Rakesh Khar/DNA-Daily News & Analysis, 16/08/2011
Dr Singh, how do you want to be remembered?

The basic challenge of our time is to ensure that wealth creation is not only tempered by equity and justice but is harnessed to the goal of removal of poverty and development for all,” declared Dr Manmohan Singh in his famous July 24, 1991 budget speech.

Twenty years have passed since Dr Singh came to be recognized as the architect of the economic reform story in India but the challenge of either the goal of removal of poverty or development for all is far from over. The challenge has actually become bigger, tougher, and more complex, with no easy solutions in hand.

Ironic as it is, nobody is celebrating the 20 years of reforms era including Dr Singh himself. This is because the ground reality today is that the reform story, despite its many successes, faces the biggest credibility test: the ever growing chasm between the haves and have-nots.

It is a throwback to either the regulatory powers reigning supreme or a total policy paralysis for fear of being caught in the twin spin of judicial and media activism, a space created due to the total governance failure in the second stint of Dr Singh at the top job.

Dr Singh's supporters are out to trot some numbers but the significance of these is lost on the fast gaining view that the poor became poorer and rich became richer during the last 20 years. This has pitch-forked Dr Singh and his reform policy as the villain.

Consider the following:
Estimates say between a low of 37% (Tendulkar Committee) and a high of 77% (Arjun Sen Gupta committee report) Indians live in poverty (these are figures drawn from government appointed committees). For company they have about 25 to 35 dollar billionaires (Credit Suisse Wealth Report 2010). The same report said there were 1,080 Ultra High Networth Individuals (HNIs) in the wealth strata of $50 million-$500 million and 7,800 HNIs in the wealth strata $10 million-$50 million.

Worse, India's performance in the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI), which is a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education and standards of living for countries worldwide, has got worse in last two decades, receding from 95 in 1990 to 119 in 2010. Yes, there is a counter figure as well: 390 million Indians now belong to the middle class; one-third of them have emerged from poverty in the last 10 years. At the current rate of growth, a majority of Indians will be middle-class by 2025.

But the truth of the curse of poverty in the country is as cold as death. It is visible all over like a scar on our psychology. Blaming it purely on the reform programme is being as simplistic as it is a wishful thinking that more reforms would redeem India of all its problems.

Lack of nuance in our public debate as also Dr Singh's inexplicable silence in wake of falling credibility of his government due to a plethora of corruption scandals has only added to his woes. The PM has made it worse for himself and his paltry supporters by repeatedly saying "he has a job to do". The truth gaining ground is that he has merely a job to keep.

Management thinker Subroto Bagchi wrote in 'The Professional' that "if you qualify to be called a professional than you should be able to self certify completion of your work without supervision. And that is all about integrity. That is how only a true professional as opposed to a tactical climber can scale the summit of his profession and remain there."

Dr Singh, time you switched off for a while, to self-introspect. If not anything else, you might as well let us know how would you like to be remembered for posterity?
(The writer is Editor, Zee Research Group)
Copyright restricted. Under license from www.3dsyndication.com
Dr Singh, how do you want to be remembered?

Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

Saturday,14 August 2010 15:51 IST
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will unfurl the National Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2010 to celebrate the 64th Independence Day. After unfurling the Tricolor, Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the nation.

On arrival at Lahore Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju and Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar.

The Defence Secretary will introduce General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Major General Manvender Singh to the Prime Minister. The GOC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guard will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, Dr. Manmohan Singh will inspect the guard of honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

This year, Air Force being the coordinating agency, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wg Cdr P Panda. The Army contingent will be commanded by Maj Anindya Chatterjee, Naval Contingent by Lt Cdr DK Shrikantha and Delhi Police contingent by ACP Romil Baniya.

The Army contingent for PM’s Guard is from 15th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles. The battalion was raised on January 01, 1976 at Dhana (Madhya Pradesh). Soon after it was raised, it was inducted in Counter Insurgency Operations in Manipur, where it proved its mettle by capturing 55 hard core insurgent, including Chirom Ranjit Singh, 2IC PLA. During its first field tenure, the unit was awarded two Shaurya Chakra, four Sena Medals, two Vishist Seva Medal and one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card. Over the years the unit has had the opportunity to serve in varied terrain conditions. The unit has always performed to the satisfaction of its cadres wherever it has been deployed.

As with its Counter Insurgency tenure (1978-82), the unit once again excelled during its Line of Control / Counter Insurgency Operations tenure in Poonch (2001-04) where it was instrumental in the elimination of 77 terrorists without any threats, inflicted casualties and also causing immense damage to Pakistani military infrastructure and troops across the Line of Control. For the perseverance, grit and devotion to duty the battalion has also been awarded four Shaurya Chakras, nineteen Sena Medals, fourteen Chief of Army Staff Commendation cards and two General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Cards, in addition to individual award, the unit was also awarded Chief of The Army Staff Unit citation in “Op RAKSHAK & Op PARAKRAM 2001-03”.

The unit has the rare distinction of once again being awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation ‘Op Meghdoot and Op Falcon 2007-09’ for its successful tenure in Central Glacier (Op Meghdoot) & Eastern Laddakh (Op Falcon) without any casualty. It has also received one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card and three General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Card for its individual outstanding performance.

The battalion is presently the ceremonial battalion of the Indian Army, deployed in Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate and other important places in the capital. The Army Contingent is led by Maj Anindya Chatterjee.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts where he will be greeted by Defence Minister, the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.

The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronize with the 21 gun salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 299 Field Regiment. The battery will be commanded by Lt Col Hemant Kumar Sah and the Gun Position Officer will be Sub (AIG) Gurappadu R.

The National Flag Guard comprising 32 men and one officer each from Army, Navy Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Wing Commander J Christopher will command the Guards. The Naval Contingent for National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Cdr Amit Sood, the Army contingent by Captain Vikram Singh and Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP B Shanker Jaiswal.

The Air Force Band Number 6 will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashtriya Salute’ while unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Air Force Band will be commanded by Warrant Officer PN Yadav. Two Air Force Officers, Flying Officer A Vashishtha and Flying Officer Pankaj Gupta will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the PM for AsDC duties. Flt Lt Neha Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag.

The Army contingent for National Flag Guard is from the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, which was raised on November 30, 1798 at Badgaon. The Battalion designation was altered eight times, since the raising and finally rechristened as the 2nd Bn of the Rajput Regiment (Kalichindi) on independence. The Battalion has the distinction of having nine battle honours and two theatre honours and has taken part in 1947, 1962 and 1971 operations, where officers and men have exhibited extraordinary courage and valour. The Bn has been awarded Chief of Army Staff commendation for serving with distinction in ‘Op Rakshak’ in J&K in 1995. Before Independence, for showing perseverance and sacrifice the battalion got several awards to its credit which include one Victoria Cross. After independence, the battalion has been awarded with one MVC, ten VrC, three SC, two Param Vishist Sewa Medal, two Ati Vishist Sewa Medal, one Yudh Seva Medal, two Vishist Seva Medal, eleven Sena Medal and numerous Mention-in-Despatches and Commendation Cards.

The Battalion also has the honour to serve in Sudan as part of United Nation Peace Keeping Mission in 2007-2008. The smartly attired contingents of the 2nd Battalion, The Rajput Regiment comprises of two officers and 32 OR and is led by a very inspiring Capt Vikram Singh.

After unfurling the National Flag, the Prime Minister will address the nation. After the Prime Minister’s address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing National Anthem.

About seven hundred Junior Division Cadets of the National Cadet Corps from Delhi Directorate comprising Army, Navy and Air Force wings are participating in the flag hoisting ceremony this year. The cadets will also participate in the singing of patriotic songs along with school children. Three thousand five hundred girl students from 39 government and government-aided schools under the Directorate of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi will sing the National Anthem. They will also sing patriotic songs in different regional languages before the start of the Independence Day ceremony. These children dressed up in red, saffron, green and white colour will re-create the image of Red Fort and the National Flag.
Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

Gandhi used Army to crush Maoists

Indira Gandhi used Army to crush Maoists: Former General to NDTV
At a time when there are divisions within the government on whether or not to use the Army against the Maoists, a key former General in the Eastern Command told NDTV that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had indeed sent in the Army to crush the original Naxal uprising in West Bengal in the late 60s.

Lt General (Retd) J F R Jacob also added that para-commodes were also used against the Naxals in the 60s and 70s.

"In 1969 in the month of October, General Manekshaw and secretary Govind Narain came to Calcutta to see me. We had a meeting and Manekshaw told me that the government had decided that the Army would be used to break the Naxals and it is the order of Mrs Gandhi. She had directed that the Army be used to break the Naxals." he said.

"I told Manekshaw that I need more troops. We had 20 divisions in the Naxal areas but nothing south of the Ganga. He said, 'How much troops do you need?' I said I at least need two divisions. So he said Jake I will be good to you. I will not only give you two more divisions but I will give you 40 para-brigade as well. I said give me something in writing. He said nothing in writing. Then Govind Narain turned up and said no publicity and no records. There was no disturbed area act enforced, no AFSPA enforced. We just operated within the law. I would presume you would call it aid of civil power and we had no protection," he added.

The Cabinet Committee on Security will today on the Home Ministry's proposal for greater assistance from the Army in tackling the Naxals. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will chair this key meeting.

The Army leadership, however, continues to remain wary of getting embroiled in the Naxal areas, one reason why the Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly refrained from seeking Army's direct deployment in the counter-Naxalite strategy.

Instead, the Army has offered post brigadier-level officers in Naxal-affected states as advisers and part of the Unified Command.
Indira Gandhi used Army to crush Maoists: Former General to NDTV

Prime Minister Congratulates Newly Elected British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron

Photo courtesy The HINDU: click here

NEW MISSION: Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside No.10 Downing Street, in London, on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has congratulated Mr. David Cameron, the newly elected Prime Minister of United Kingdom. In a letter to Mr. Cameron, the Prime Minster extended his warm wishes and hoped the two countries will further strengthen the bonds of friendship. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s letter:
“Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Please accept my heartiest felicitations and congratulations on your assumption of the office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The elections in the United Kingdom and your stewardship of the Conservative Party reflect the best traditions of parliamentary democracy. I wish you the very best in your leadership of the United Kingdom in the years ahead.

I recall with great pleasure our meeting in New Delhi in September 2006. Over the years, our bilateral relations have diversified into a vibrant and multi-faceted strategic partnership encompassing almost all areas of human endeavour.

We are today well-placed to build upon this strong edifice not just for the welfare and benefit of our two peoples, but also to work together to address the pressing global challenges that we face today, and to harness the growing inter-dependence among nations for the good of humankind. I look forward to working with you to further advance and strengthen our bonds of friendship, to which India attaches the highest importance.

It gives me great pleasure to extend a most cordial invitation to you to visit India at your convenience.” *** AKT/SH/SKS

Prime Minister Congratulates Newly Elected British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron
Read the motivating acceptance speech
British Prime Minister David Cameron's acceptance speech

Misuse of Police Force for VIP Protection: Can we defeat Naxals?

Difference between Canada and India
Dear Friends,
My grandson is in his school's volleyball team. The other day I drove him to a big sports complex about 80 kms away for taking part in All Ontario school matches. He said his first match was against an Ottawa team. While the teams were warming up, guess who walks in ...... none other than Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada. He had come to watch his son play for his school in Ottawa. He was received by just one official, was ushered to a spectator bench where he sat along with all the other parents. No sniffer dogs, no black cats, no automatic weapons, no gun toting guards, no mobbing, no hysteria, no fawning over the Pradhan Mantri Ji !! To emphasize the informality of the occasion, he wasn't even wearing a tie.

Our eyes met and I asked him if I could have a photo with him ( I had spotted his official camera girl taking a few of them ). Sure Sir, he said, what's your name. I told him it was Krishan. It's my pleasure Krish-anne, he said, and his right arm went around my right shoulder. I asked him if it was done for the PM to put his arm around a very ordinary citizen. Absolutely, he said, unless the citizen objected. I assured him I did not object but it was a pleasent surprise.
The pic was shot and the camera girl gave me a card with her name and email id plus my photo number. One e-mail to her and I received the attached photo.
I had a dekho outside. Just 3 cars, no police escort cars with lights and sirens. Not a single policeman on the vast grounds or on the roads leading to the venue. Apparently, all the police men and women were busy doing their normal policing duties to live upto their motto of ' To Serve and Protect'.

My friends, this is the difference between Canada and India. If the Prime Minister and all politicians intermingle freely with and listen to the common folks, if the police are not used and misused in the name of VIP security, then dragons like maoism and naxalism do not get to spawn.

So, have look at the photo. If you cannot make out who Stephen is, well he is the one with specs. AND, ham bhi kisi Manmohan Ji se kam nahin, ham ne bhi Harper Ji ke saath tasveer khichai hai!!
Regards,
Cdr KK Punchhi (Retd), 7th JSW Course, Naval Aviation, settled in Canada

Do VIPs need security in India?
Not really. Hardly 0.0001 percent population own licensed guns. Hence chances of getting shot is negligible/ remote. Instead of misusing Police for VIP security they should be employed to apprehend illegal gun- toting criminals and assist in decriminalisation of citizens by the state who presently encourage citizens to participate in corrupt/ illegal activities.

NDA: An Ideal Instructor

1st POP at NDA, Khadakwasla... 10th course POP reviewed by Pt. Nehru : 5 Jun 1955

ABOUT RSM AYLING of NDA by a former cadet
Many of us had associations with RSM Ayling. I have cut and pasted what a 10th course cadet had to say about him... Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd)

An Ideal Instructor
This June, 10th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) would complete fifty years. This course had 232 cadets-one of the largest at that time. We first went to the Joint Services Wing, Clement Town, Dehra Dun in 1953. After completing eighteen months, we were shifted to NDA, Khadakvasla. The Academy was being developed at that time and roads were under construction. Only one wing of the Mess was ready. Most of the time we were carrying cycles on our heads.
Our course became one of the most illustrious courses. It poduced Chief of Army Staff, Gen S Roy Chowdhry, Vice Chief of Air Staff, one Army Commander-Lt Gen Jameel Mahood, Lt Gen Sher Amir Singh, Vice Admiral Kasz Raju,Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Surinder Nath, Lt Gen RN Batra, Lt Gen Surinder Kumar and fifty more Brigadiers, Admirals and Air Marshals.
In the process of becoming officers from Boys, some of the great staff of officers, civil professors and JCOs are always remembered for they “shape up” the future. One such great instructor was Regimental Sergeant Major Ayling. He was the first one to receive us at Dehra Dun. Monsoons had swept the Aravali Range of mountains and the train, with its steam engine puffing, was negotioating the slope from Hardwar to Dehra Dun. There was anxiety, uncertainty and fear writ on the faces of all. The only silver lining was the pitter-patter of rain and the lush green Dun Valley. Trees were laden with lichees, mangoes, grape fruit and there was abundance of flowers. The train screeched to a halt and number of whistles wer blown, followed by a stern bark of an order: “All future cadets, bring out your luggage and fall-in in front of your compartments”. No coolies were permitted and it was back-breaking to carry huge trunks and beddings in, now outdated, “holdalls”. We all somehow dragged the luggage on to the waiting trucks. The sight was quite close to the modern-day trucks which carry poultry for slaughter.
Half an hour later the trucks reached the Academy. Again a set of whistles and a voice thundered, “Get off, double time, fall in, get a move on!” Totally shaken up, we jumped off the trucks and stood in a line. Dressed in a spotless uniform, a man, 6 feet 3 inches in height, was the one who was shouting the orders. He shouted again, “Stop fidgetting like girls, stop moving and stop talking”. Soon there was a pin-drop silence and the voice thundered once again, “From now onwards you have no fathers, no mothers. I am your father, I am your mother, pick up your boxes and beddings and move to your Squadrons”.
Totally subdued and terrified we moved on. Later we discovered that the voice belonged to Regimental Sergeant Major Ayling of Grenadiers Guards of the British Army. The RSM was on deputation to teach the cadets the rudiments of discipline and drill. This very soldier honed, trained, disciplined and prepared us to become the worthy officers of Army, Navy and Air Force. Many of us won the highest bravery awards while some rose to the highest ranks in the three services.
When the words of command changed to Hindi, in the fifties, we thought that the world would come to an end. Sergeant Major Ayling just took one month to master the Hindi words of command and never faltered-not even once while training us. Though he owned a small Ford Prefact car, he always walked or cycled to the drill square since our Adjutant, Capt ML Whig owned only a cycle. For that matter, those days most officers owned only a bicycle.
His sense of humour was a legend. During a passing-out parade rehearsal, Corporal Kasz Raju (later Vice Admiral) and myself were the Right and Left Markers. For some reason the parade was halted but we the Markers did not hear the order and carried on slow marching towards the Quarter Deck. Sergeant Major shouted, “When you two reach the Quarter Deck, drop us a postcard” and of course all the cadets in the parade had a good laugh at us.
As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee at the National Defence Academy this June, this great soldier of Grenadier Guards will be remembered by the cadets of fifties who always hold him in veneration.
-Brig (Retd) Sudhir Arora
An Ideal Instructor


17 Course NDA Golden Jubilee Celebrations
The 17 Course NDA (1957-1959) celebrated their golden jubilee (50 years) from 7 to 9 December 2009, at NDA Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
See the cadet’s photos here.
It was attended by 88 former cadets of the 17 Course. Most of them had brought their wives. Also present were 4 grandchildren, 2 children, 2 daughters in law, and 4 ladies. Those who could not attend were sadly missed. See the participant’s photos here.

IESM: Press Release

JCO'S AND JAWANS NOT YET GRANTED ENHANCEMENT OF PENSIONS
Dated : 03 March 2010

Dear Members of the Media,
1. Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) an organization spear heading the protest Movement since 27 Apr 2008 to get Justice to the Defence Personnel, whishes to inform the people of India that the Govt continues to do Injustice to the Armed Forces specially the Ex-Servicemen. We watched with dismay on Lok Sabha TV Channel, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh making a Statement on the floor of the house that the enhancement of pensions to JCO’S and Jawans announced by the Govt on 06 July 09 has been implemented. This was in response to the statement by Hon’ble Shiri LK Adwani that OROP for which the Govt had earmarked over Rs 2100 Crores per year to benefit 12 Lacs JCO’S and Jawans has not been implemented.

2. The fact is, till today no Jawan or JCO has received any orders for the enhancement of pensions. Even the Service HQs where an inquiry was made has confirmed that orders for enhancement of pensions of JCO’S and Jawans as announced by the Govt on 06 July 2009 have not been received.

3. It is a very serious matter of impropriety by the person no less than the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on the floor of the house. Is it that some Bureaucrat has goofed it?. Like the 1962 war and Bombay Terror Attack, the concerned Bureaucrat will again get away unscathed.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen Satbir Singh (Retd)
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

PM’s reply to the debate on the President’s Address (Provisional Transcript)

Tuesday, June 09, 2009
I would, however, like to inform the House about the several steps that have been taken since November 2008 to further tighten the vigil against future terrorist attacks of this nature. As Members are aware, the perpetrators of the November 26 attack came by sea. We were all aware of our vulnerability to such attacks from this quarter and had taken already a number of steps, but obviously these were inadequate. A massive effort has hence been taken to streamline our maritime security which included the setting up of a Maritime Command under the Coast Guard with overall responsibility vested with our Navy.

We have increased the number of Marine Police Stations to supplement the efforts of the Coast Guard and the Navy. There have been several other steps that have been taken. But I shall enumerate only a few. Improvements in intelligence sharing is one. The Multi Agency Centre has been fully energised and Subsidiary Multi Agency Centres constituted in more States. The process will be completed shortly. The Net-Centric Information Command structure is being put in place to achieve online transfer of all actionable intelligence in a streamlined manner. Generation of actionable intelligence has simultaneously been given priority and measures put in place for this purpose. Technical innovation and technical support to intelligence production has been given the highest priority. Steps have also been taken to improve the quality of intelligence analysis. Investigation into serious terrorist offences will, from now on, be the responsibility of the newly-constituted National Investigation Agency.

Additional legal measures taken include - apart from the new NIA Act - significant amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Home Minister is in constant dialogue with Chief Ministers of States keeping them informed of the specific aspects of the two new pieces of legislation.

Madam, following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 26th November, 2008, the imperative necessity to have dedicated counter terrorist forces has been further reinforced. The National Security Guard is the principal counter terrorist force in the country. A major effort has been made to improve its capability, improving better mobility and state-of-the-art equipment. At least, four new NSG hubs have been set up in different parts of the country. In addition, certain other dedicated counter terrorist forces are sought to be created.

Madam, it goes without saying that both the challenges of the troubled times that we live in terms of security of our nation and the unique opportunities within our reach for the well being of our people, enjoin us to work together for common goals. I am grateful to the hon. leaders of the Opposition who offered their support on both these counts. I consider it the duty of my Government to build further unity of purpose. I have always felt that our differences will melt away when we consider the overwhelming nature of the challenge that our country faces.

Madam, I would like to say a few words about our relations with our neighbours. We are living in a neighbourhood of great turbulence. I have believed India cannot realize its ambitions unless there is peace and prosperity in South Asia as a whole and if our neighbourhood is suffering from instability, turbulence that has direct bearing on our own evolution as a democratic polity committed to sustained growth and development. I have, therefore, a vision for a transformed South Asia where, with the cooperation of all our neighbours, we move from poverty to prosperity, from ignorance to a knowledge society and from insecurity to lasting peace. What is at stake is the future of one-and-a-half billion people living in South Asia. I sincerely believe it is in our vital interest therefore to try again to make peace with Pakistan. I recognise, it takes two hands to clap. There are some disturbing trends, but I do hope that the Government of Pakistan will create an atmosphere in which we can realize this vision. I expect the Government of Pakistan to take strong, effective and sustained action to prevent the use of their territory for the commission of acts of terrorism in India, or against Indian interests, and use every means at their disposal to bring to justice those who have committed these crimes in the past, including the attack on Mumbai. I believe that such actions will be welcomed by the people of both countries.

If the leaders of Pakistan have the courage, the determination and the statesmanship to take this road to peace, I wish to assure them that we will meet them more than half way.

I should say a few words about Sri Lanka. We have centuries-old ties with the people of Sri Lanka and we have a deep and abiding interest in the well-being of the Tamil people in that country. The Tamil problem is larger than the LTTE and I sincerely hope that the Sri Lankan Government will show imagination and courage in meeting the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the Tamil people to live their lives as equal citizens and with dignity and self-respect. We have been taking an active part in the relief and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons in Sri Lanka and I have already earmarked Rs.500 crore for this purpose. We are willing to do more to restore normalcy and to return such people to their rightful homes and occupations.

In this House as well as in the other House, Members have expressed concern about the developments in Australia. Madam, Australia has emerged as a major destination for Indian students. Like many other Members who have spoken in this House, I have been appalled by the senseless violence and crime, some of it racially motivated against our students in Australia. I propose to engage the authorities in Australia in a high level dialogue with a view to taking stock of the situation and to providing adequate security for Indian students.

Madam, I have already spoken to Prime Minister Rudd of Australia on this subject. He assured me that any racist attacks on Indian students would be strongly dealt with. He made a Statement in Parliament in which he condemned and deplored the attacks and said that they were unacceptable. He emphasised that Australia is a multi-cultural nation which respects and embraces diversity. He said that these would be countered with the full force of the law.

Madam, I do not wish to under-play the anxiety of the parents of our students, but I wish to request the media to be mindful of the fact that there are over 200,000 Australian citizens of Indian origin. We should be mindful of their interests and avoid willy-nilly creating a situation where these citizens of Australia of Indian origin become the targets of racist intolerance. India and Australia have very good relations and it has been our effort to widen and deepen these ties in the last five years.

Madam, I should say a few words about our relations with China. Hon. Members have raised the issue of our relations with China and I should say that China is our strategic partner. We have a multi-faceted relationship with China. There is enough space – I have said so often – for both China and India to develop and contribute to global peace, stability and prosperity. We do not see our relations with China in antagonistic terms. We have a large trading relationship, we consult each other on global issues, whether in the G-20 process on climate change or terrorism, and we share a common commitment to maintain peace and tranquillity on our border.

There are, of course, issues which are complex such as the boundary question. But we have agreed upon a mechanism to address this matter. We wish to build a strong and stable relationship with China. This is in the mutual interest of both our countries. I have been assured by the Chinese leadership – I have interacted with them extensively in the last five years – that they also subscribe to the views I have expressed just now. But whether it is China or any country, we will ensure the territorial integrity and unity of our country and protect the security in every manner necessary. The House should have no misgiving on that score.

Madam, the President's Address has covered a vast territory. I could not do justice to all the points that have been raised. But as I listened to the debate, I was struck by an underlying sense of unity on all sides that India should move forward as a united nation to achieve its coveted place in the comity of nations. That is the mandate, a mandate for change, a mandate for inclusive development, a mandate to strengthen the secular foundations of our magnificent republic. It is to these tasks that I commit our Government and I invite all hon. Members to join me in passing this Motion of Thanks unanimously.”
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AD/SH/SKS
click me for the full address by Prime Minister

Dr Manmohan Singh a formidable intellectual and leader of intergrity

Dr Manmohan Singh is the 17th and current Prime Minister of India. Singh is a member of the Indian National Congress party and became the first Sikh to become Prime Minister of India on May 22, 2004. He is one of the most qualified and influential figures in India`s recent history, because of the economic liberalisation he started in 1991 when he was Finance Minister. Manmohan Singh is an economist by profession, and has formerly served in the International Monetary Fund. Singh is also known to be an unassuming politician, enjoying a formidable, highly respected and admired image.

Singh's image is of a formidable intellectual, a political leader of integrity (a prevalent public perception denounces most national bureaucracies as corrupt and tainted), someone who is compassionate and attentive to common people, and as a recognised technocrat. Although legislative achievements have been few and the Congress-led alliance is routinely hampered by conflicts, Singh`s administration has focused on reducing the fiscal deficit, providing debt-relief to poor farmers, extending social programs and advancing the pro-industry economic and tax policies that have launched the country on a major economic expansion course since 2002. Singh has been the image of the Congress campaign to defuse religious tensions and conflicts and bolster political support from minorities like Muslims and Christians.

The Prime Minister`s foreign policy has been to continue the new peace process with Pakistan initiated by his predecessor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Exchange visits by top leaders from both countries have highlighted this year, as has reduced terrorism and increased prosperity in the state of Kashmir. The peace process has also been used by the government to build stronger relations with the United States, China and European nations.

Dr. Singh is known as a bold leader. He made it clear in his address to Parliament in 2006 regarding his Nuclear Deal with US. He said he believed in taking India to new heights. Energy scarcity is hampering progress of the country. The speech gave signal of a new Manmohan Singh, who compelled his fellow parliamentarians to take a step forward for India`s sake. He reminded them of the fears and anxieties that existed when he announced reforms in the early 1990s.
Extracts from:
Dr Manmohan Singh

PM to resign on Sunday, new Govt formation in two days

PM Manmohan Singh with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at latter's residence in New Delhi
Posted: Saturday , May 16, 2009 at 1723 hrs IST
New Delhi: Indian Express
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will resign on Sunday and the process for formation of a new government headed by him is expected to be completed by Monday.
Singh and rest of the Cabinet will resign on Sunday, informed Congress sources after the Prime Minister met party chief Sonia Gandhi at her residence.
Subsequently, a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Board will be called which will be followed by a meeting of UPA, they said.
The entire process will be completed in a couple of days, the sources said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister said he would try to persuade Rahul Gandhi to join the Cabinet.
Soon after it became clear that Congress had emerged as the single largest party, a stream of senior leaders reached 10-Janpath residence of Sonia Gandhi. A large number of party supporters had gathered outside her residence to celebrate Congres's victory.
PM to resign on Sunday, new Govt formation in two days