Department Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare: Vision and Mission

Vision, Mission, Objectives and Functions
Results-Framework Document (RFD) for Department Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare-(2012-2013)
To ensure the well being of the Retired Armed forces personnel/their dependants and to sensitize the general public about their potential and the positive role played by Ex-servicemen in the nation building.
Mission
Formulation of polices for the welfare of Ex-service men / dependents. Timely addressal of pension grievances as per entitlement, ensuring quality health care, resettlement and rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen and promoting activities that depict the positive role played by Ex-servicemen in society.
Objective
1 Improvement in procedures relted to delivery of medical benefits to ESM
2 Strengthening mechanisms/systems for ESM welfare
3 Facilitate prompt grievance redressal
4 To conduct media campaign to highlight the role of ESM in society
5 Resettlement & rehabilitation of Ex Servicemen
6 Improved data of Ex Servicemen/ dependants
Department Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare(2012-2013)

OROP: Letter to President

Ex-armymen write to President, PM
HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times
Lucknow, October 16, 2012
Ex-servicemen of the state capital have approached the President with their demand of implementing ‘One Rank One Pay’ (OROP) with an immediate effect. This scheme, if implemented, means that personnel retiring at the same rank and putting in the same tenure of service gets the same pension irrespective of the year of retirement. Nearly 40 former soldiers have written to the President and the Prime Minister requesting them to clarify the government’s take on the issue to ensure a time-bound implementation of the scheme. As per the present system, exservicemen under the Sixth Pay Commission get more pension than their counterparts who have retired under previous pay commissions.
The demand comes days after UPA government’s recent Rs. 2,300- crore package for pensioners in the armed services. The ex-servicemen have expressed dissatisfaction over the package saying that even it has fallen short of their expectations.
“The pension-hike is deceptive. The government has wrongly interpreted the term OROP. They have merely made an enhancement in pension,” said Major (retd) SK Saxena, who is one among those who signed on the memorandum sent to the President. A copy has also been sent to the PM, finance minister, defence minister, leader of opposition, and chief of army staff among others.
Incidentally, a few days ago, some section of electronic media flashed that the government has accepted the demand only to be refuted by print media reports next day.
“A lot of confusion exists because of the contradictory reports in media. We request you to please ensure that OROP be implemented without any further delay,” said Col (retd) MC Papnai. Last month, Indian Ex-servicemen Movement (IESM) a pan India federation of ex- servicemen’s organisations wrote letters to PM and three service chiefs explaining how the government decision does not meet their long- pending demand to ensure equitable pensions.
“To illustrate, a sepoy, naik and havildar have been given an increase of only Rs 400 per month, whereas a sepoy who retired on January 2012 draws approximately Rs 4,000 more than those who retired prior to 2006,” the letter explains, adding that similarly disparity exists in the officer ranks too.
In all, there are 18 lakh exservicemen in the country. Of them, about 5.5 lakh, including 80,000 widows, are under the central command. In UP and Uttarakhand, the number is four lakh. In Lucknow there are nearly 20,000 ex- servicemen.
Ex-armymen write to President, PM

Rank Pay: Supreme Court Ruling of 3 months is too short a time for babus to deliver

Important Draft orders: Rank Pay Arrears Fourth pay Commission
Dear Sir,
It is brought to your kind notice that a draft letter on the likely notification to be issued in the IV CPC Rank pay case covering all aspects and the re- fixation tables from IV CPC to 6CPC in case of each rank from Capt to Brig is in circulation on email. The authenticity of this letter is questionable.
Such mails will only add confusion and chaos and put the cart before the horse in the instant case. It may also give food for thought to the sputniks who may not be keen to give us our desired dues.
It is requested that this information be put on "Report my Signals' so that further circulation and speculation stops. Please accord Priority.
Thanking you
With regards
Secy RDOA
Comment:
Some veterans are acting in a very irresponsible manner and spreading rumours regarding Govt letter having been issued regarding the Rank Pay case. There is NO TRUTH in such emails.
The fact is that the draft instruction on Rank Pay case is yet to finalised by the three Services Headquarters. After the draft is finalised, it will be sent to MoD. The MoD will take its own sweet time and do its usual amendments to the draft before it is issued as a letter to the three Services Headquarters. CDA (O) in the meanwhile is assessing the final outgo of funds on account of the Rank Pay Ruling by Supreme Court of 04 Sep 2012. This is an ongoing bureaucratic winding process under the umbrella of the Supreme Court Orders. The 3 month time criteria is no guarantee that our babus will deliver.

Chetwode Motto: Back to Basics

LEST WE FORGET OUR MEN
An Officer’s responsibility towards his Men does NOT end with his retirement; it is a lifelong commitment.
We, Officers, owe it to our Men; for having had the honour & privilege of leading them, while in service.

Lunch with Ex-Servicemen on Tuesday, 2 Oct 2012
1. With a view to reach out to Ex-Servicemen at Bangalore, I had most cordially invited a few Ex-Servicemen for lunch at my place on 2 Oct 2008. And it was gratifying that 11 Ex-Servicemen came over, couple of them with their spouses. 2. On arrival, the Ex-Servicemen mentioned, “Saab, hame retire hokar 10 saal ya 15 saal ho gaya. Hamaare puraane saab log kabhi kabhi CSD canteen me milthe hain. Thodaa saa Hello, Hello baath- cheeth hothaa hai. Bus uthnaa hi. Yeh pahli baar hai ki, ek Afsar saahibaanne, hame apne ghar me khaane ke liye bulaayaa hai”. I could see that the Ex-Servicemen were profoundly touched by my simple gesture of inviting them for lunch at my place. And so was I touched. And that day, I decided that, as long as I live, 2 Oct every year shall be the day when Ex-Servicemen shall be cordially invited to join me for lunch at my place.
3. On 2 Oct 2009, 17 Ex-Servicemen, a few of them with their families were gracious to join me for lunch at my place.
4. On 2 Oct 2010, over 100 Veteran Officers of the Army, Navy & Air Force joined hands and hosted a lunch for approximately 400 Ex-Servicemen, their families and Defence Family Pensioners. It was gratifying to see a galaxy of Generals, Admirals & Air Marshals present as hosts and talking to Ex-Servicemen, their families and Defence Family pensioners. A large number of Ex-Servicemen and Veteran Officers recalled their days together, with nostalgia.
5. Unfortunately, on account of my ill-health and personal commitments, I could not organize hosting of a station lunch for Ex-Servicemen on 2 Oct 2011 and 2 Oct 2012. All the same, lunch for Ex-Servicemen was hosted by me at my place on 2 Oct 2011 and on 2 Oct 2012.
6. Point for kind consideration by Veteran Officers. I suggest that 2 Oct every year should be a day when Veteran Officers host lunch for Ex-Servicemen, their families & Defence Family Pensioners, either individually at their place or collectively at a central location in all stations. The local mil Fmn Cdr or Station Cdr may be invited for Lunch. A small gesture as hosting of a lunch for Ex-Servicemen by Veteran Officers on 2 Oct every year would go a long way in strengthening the bonds of kinship, brotherhood & camaraderie amongst the Ex-Servicemen fraternity.
Regards,
Col Shaitan Singh Rajan of Jikargacha

IESM in perspective

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

Vellore ESM: Dilapidated building to be rebuilt

CM’s order rebuilds ex-servicemen’s hope
By V NarayanaMurthi|ENS - VELLORE 24th August 2012 08:27 AM

NEW LEASE OF LIFE: A view of the dilapidated building of the ex-servicemen office which would be rebuilt |Express

The ex-servicemen community has thanked Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for sanctioning `2.19 crore towards rebuilding the old office premises of the Ex-servicemen Welfare, in Vellore.
K Mathivanan, president of the Katpadi Ex-sainik Seva Sangam said Vellore which housed one of the highest population of ex-servicemen and serving personnel in the country, certainly deserved a spacious and well-equipped office premises to extend better facilities and services. The gesture of the Chief Minister in this regard was timely, he added.
Vellore had housed one of the earliest ex-servicemen welfare offices in the State, the foundation for which had been laid by the then Governor of Madras, Sir Arthur Hope on March 7, 1945, on the ring road of Vellore Fort. It was named after him as ‘Hope Ex-service Centre’. The building was completed in the same year and was declared open by Sir Normal Strathie, advisor to the Governor of Madras on November 29, 1945. Khan Bhadur S Ahmed Ali was the president of the District Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen (DSSA) Board then.
As the 60-year-old building had developed cracks and posed threats to safety, the office was shifted to ‘Jawans Bhavan’ building on the officers line.
The existing dilapidated structures would be replaced with a new two-storied building with 4,844 sqft ground floor and 5,888 sqft, each of first and second floor. While the ground floor would be occupied by the ex-servicemen welfare office, the first floor would have a nationalised bank. A part of the second floor would be rented to government departments.
The premises would also have a dormitory facility and two or three rooms that can be used as guestrooms for directorate’s senior officials to stay. The office would be equipped with communication and Internet facilities. The construction, being entrusted with the PWD, is likely to begin shortly.
The ex-servicemen welfare office has been extending various services to the 50,000 plus ex-servicemen and serving personnel, somewhat similar to what the district social welfare has been offering to the general public. The office is providing welfare assistance to the tune of `15 lakh per month, in terms of pensions (for veterans and war widows) and educational scholarships. The office is also helping veterans secure employment in various sectors besides focusing on their healthcare requirements.
It is also liaisoning with government departments to establish a Kendriya Vidyalaya at Vellore shortly.
CM’s order rebuilds ex-servicemen’s hope

Indian Army launches campaign for ex-servicemen

Indian Army launches campaign for ex-servicemen
Lucknow: The Indian Army on Tuesday launched a campaign aimed at deepening its respect for aged and retired soldiers.

The army's Central Command launched the "Year of the Veteran" campaign in the presence of several ex-army men and serving officers.
They were drawn from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, an army official said. Lt Gen Anil Chait opened the event.
With over 300,000 ex-servicemen, the officer said two pilot projects had been taken up.
So far 911 complaints regarding issues like housing and pension have been registered with the army.
In the first phase, an officer said that army teams had fanned out in villages to obtain data about the problems faced by ex-servicemen.
Indian Army launches campaign for ex-servicemen

The Army officer who wouldn't retire hurt

Pune: The Army officer who wouldn't retire hurt
Pune: In the summer of 1999, Lt Col (Dr) Samir Rawat was injured in the right leg while fighting against the Pakistan Army in Ladakh during the Kargil war. It was a serious knee injury that put an end to his active soldiering career, but the die-hard Rawat never let his spirits sag. The former tank trooper, who was still in service, started studying psychology. He acquired global certification in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), transactional analysis, advanced hypnotherapy, wellness and health management, rehabilitation, psychological assessment and testing, and went on to become the first psychologist at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
He retired a week ago. His posting as a psychologist in a premier category (A) cadet training institution of the Indian Army meant he was involved in training, counselling and mentoring, besides which he used to conduct classes on leadership, moderation, stress management, resilience building and gender sensitivity for instructors and personnel below officer rank of the entire Indian Army who came to the NDA.
“I still remember the day of June 21, 1999, when I was posted in Ladakh Scouts in 5230 Batalik Sector, where even after ceasefire shelling was continued by the Pakistan Army,” Rawat says, adding, “During the shelling, shrapnel entered my right leg and I became unconscious.”
He was shifted by helicopter to a hospital nearly a month after he got injured. “I was operated in Command Hospital in Chandigarh and was on a wheelchair for nearly five months,” he says. “I was so passionate about the army and that I channelised my energies and opened a new window for myself — of scholarly pursuit.”
The officer then took study leave for two years and completed his PhD in psychology. His studies completed, he spent the last decade and more counselling the cadets in NDA. “These cadets have many problems; the first, immediate problem they face after entering NDA is that they become homesick,” Rawat says. “Many of them come from rural parts of the country, and so my first duty is to make them realised that irrespective of their social background their status in the academy is only of cadet.”
He says many times he had to go for personal counselling in the case of cadets who were unable to perform certain tasks or who had a phobia about such tasks during their training. “I remember a cadet who could not jump from a height of 10 metres into a swimming pool,” he says. “He was about to be removed from the academy when he came to me. I told him just one thing, that it was not a fear he had but an irrational belief that if he jumped he would die.”
He says the cadet was finally convinced to take the jump after he was told the army worked on trust and that he should have faith in his instructor. “I told the cadet to trust his instructor as the army is all about trusting others,” Rawat says. “Later he not only jumped from 10 metres, but also told me it was an amazing experience and that he would like to do it again. That was the moment of greatest satisfaction for me.”
Rawat says he has no regrets and it does not bother him that had it not been for his injury he might have reached a higher rank. “The army is a way of life,” he says. “How you contribute to it is more important than getting a higher rank. When I look back, I get great satisfaction that I didn’t lose the opportunity to serve the nation even after getting injured in the war. I was, in fact, fortunate enough to get an opportunity to see and take part in the Kargil operation.”
The Army officer who wouldn't retire hurt

OROP is only a mirage

On 15 July 2012 18:50, Sailesh Ranade wrote:
Dear Veterans,
1. I have been closely following the situation with regard to OROP. I feel disgusted that veterans are crying like spoilt children for some fancy toy. This Tamasha has been going on for a few years now with no end in sight. In fact, we have brought this upon ourselves.
2. Now let us come to the main point. Veterans are not children. So stop behaving like children. If you think that the government (politicians and bureaucrats) is going to listen to you, forget it. Have you noticed that the government will notice you only if you do dharnas, hunger strikes, rallies and resort to things like rasta / rail roko. See how every other department is holding the government to ransom.
3. So what needs to be done? Get your butts off the ground and pull your finger out. Following points come to my mind readily.

Bring in a Tall and Clean Leader. Only one relevant present day ICON comes to my mind. Gen VK Singh. He has no financial historical baggage.

If you cannot muster VKS, bring in Anna Hazare.

Join Forces. Today we have all sorts of Brigadiers, Major Gen, Lt Gen and even a Major who run different types of organisation. Come together, but keep the tainted out. I used to see a lot of Generals on TV in the last 6 months. Dump them. Also dump all the military Governors and High Commissioners. They were all corrupt.

Form a Political Party. Call it the “Patriotic Front“. I guarantee, at least 100 seats in Parliament if there are clean candidates. The number of ex-servicemen and servicemen is easily close to 4 million. There is no bigger homogenous force in the world. If you include the paramilitary, it will easily touch 10 million. When in Parliament, make your own laws. Pass any bill in favour of the veterans.

The statement that “we will play by the rules” needs to be discarded. When your future is being decided by corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and judiciary, there is simply no future. Hold rallies, strikes, rasta roko etc. I am sure Delhi and surrounding areas can easily muster more people than what Anna Hazare and Ramdev could organise. And these two gentlemen brought the government on its knees.

As military veterans, we should consider all means. All is fair in love and war. The result will be quick and the lesson will sink in once and for all. We don’t need cry babies on TV. Act now. The mood is against the government. India desperately needs a revolution. A minor storm by military veterans will be enough.
Regards,
S Ranade

An excellent idea. Implementable.
Regards,
Col Rajan

Comment: Why are IESM and IESL the two large Veteran organisations losing steam? Is it because their primary aim is now refocussed on collection of funds and spending more and doing less for the Veteran community? What has happened to improvement of ECHS, CSD and Resettlement? We hear nothing on ground.

Congratulations, Gen Bikram Singh

Dear General Bikram Singh,
Heartiest Congratulations on your assumption of the appointment of COAS. I wish you an eventful and a satisfying tenure.
I have never met you, and neither did i have the opportunity to meet your predecessor Gen VK Singh. The only attachment i had with VK was that he joined NDA as a 36th course cadet when i was in the final term as a 31st course CSM(Cadet Sargeant Major). This created a natural bond and somehow compelled me voluntarily to take ownership of his conduct. I compliment him for all that he achieved and take full responsibility for his non achievements or misdemeanours (if any) as my cousemates and me may have been found wanting in his initial grooming. VK did a wonderful job and i salute him for single handedly taking on the political establishment where and when it mattered, notwithstanding the behind-the-scene effort by a faceless bureaucracy to place hurdles and sabotage well meaning and well intended initiatives of VK to promote the interests of the Army he commanded with courage of conviction and dignity. Of course he had a few irritants both from serving as well as ex-servicemen, disgruntled and trouble makers who always indulged in such activities for their vested interests.
Some say that you are taking over a controversial army. I am absolutely confident that you are not going to be mislead by such rumours and misinformation, created by the political class, voiced by a select group of subservient sycophants from the veterans and the journalistic field and an irresponsible and sensational media obsessed with TRPs. Not that you are not aware of these trouble makers, i thought it would be worthwhile to just apprise you to be a little discreet as to who you interact with in the public domain.
As regards the brothers-in-arms, i am a little wary of persons like Lt Gen Shankar Prasad (somehow has a close resemblance to Kapil Sibal of politics and Vinod Sharma of HT), another named Maj Gen Ashok Mehta (cannot spell out what everyone already knows as i have some degree of loyalty towards him being my DS in IMA), a young and innocent-looking Maj Gen Sheru Thapliyal (still to grow up) and lately Lt Gen Kadyan who appears to have lost his faculty of reasoning. Beware of the first visitor to your office, Lt Gen Tejinder Singh who is looking forward to call on you and renegotiate the TATRA deal at a more realistic offer.
Many say that you have a tough task ahead of you after a tumultous tenure of VK. Let me assure you that VK has given you a road map which is an absolute smooth ride. The netas will bend backwards to give you whatever is on your wishlist, the babus in the MOD are shell shocked and most have headed to Tirupati/Shiridhi/Vaishno Devi and will be down on their knees to give you full support. As regards your own Army is concerned they shall live up to each and every expectation of yours as they are charged, resolute, inspired and proud that they have another Chief with spunk, spine and guts, a distinct change from the days of the three successive predecessors of VK. A word about the media. Handle the anchors with shrewdness and smartness. Most of them consider to be know-all being fauji brats; do not fall for the likes of Karan Thapar/Arnab/Rahul Kanwal and of course Barkha Dutt. And take my advice, keep Shekhar Gupta at an arms length.
Bikram, all the best to you and your family. You have your own style and personality and i for one am sure that the Indian Army is in good hands. One thing which i have totally fallen for is your beautiful smile !! Keep smiling !!
With best regards,
ajb
(Col AJ Bahadur)
9/204, The Heritage, Yelahanka, Bangalore - 560064

Veteran Voice: Is our National Security Imperiled?

Dear Friends,
I was aghast at the TV debate that I heard yesterday. I feel differently and aware of the powerful lobbies operating, having been a Deputy Chief. I am told they are even more powerful today, influencing serious decisions of promotions and appointments. Some of you may know more. My take on this whole controversy is given below for whatever it is worth.
Niranjan Malik

NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERILED (The Chief of Army Staff Controversy) By
Lt Gen NS Malik, PVSM (Veteran)
Army is fighting a proxy war with the Pakistani infiltrators across our Western border, at Siachin, the highest battlefield and insurgents in the North East. That was not sufficient to keep the army in good shape or under control, and a war within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been waging between the mandarins in the MOD and the Army Chief, now escalating to open war between the government and the Army. It is most unfortunate and directly impinges on our nation’s security.
National security comprises of many facets, but the principal ones are the national economy, social harmony and the Defence Forces, the executive arm that is to remain ever ready to take to the field to defend the nation. To govern all this and to maintain the requisite command and control, the most important element of national security is the national leadership that harmonises all these. It is thus rightly said that National security is the first and most important function of any government. The person responsible for nation’s security is the Prime Minister as head of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), where the Raksha Mantri is the important Minister, besides other ministers. The three Service Chiefs are not members of this august body, and are only on invitation. So if at anytime national security is threatened, the person to answer must be the CCS in general, and Prime Minister and Raksha Mantri in particular
Having said that, now let us look at the controversy that has evolved around the Army Chief, General VK Singh. Three issues came up in a short period of time; Chief’s age controversy, Bribe case and the Letter written to the PM on state of the Army’s preparedness. Looking at these holistically establishes a certain pattern of sinister magnitude that has shaken the nation, jeopardizing its core values.
Age controversy was a non-issue that got blown out of proportion. A man can be born only once and hence cannot have two dates of birth. Such heavy baggage was made of it that it had to go to the Supreme Court, who also failed to deliver a verdict that would settle the issue once for all. But why the controversy? Gen VK Singh had set himself the aim of ridding the army of corruption, which flows through the unbridled arms mafia, and its breeding ground in the South Block, where decisions of immense proportions are made. This lobby is very powerful, reaching to the very top of government machinery and the army brass. Arms mafia continuously strives to buy off decision makers in one form or the other, by bribing or threatening. Bribe was tried earlier, but it did not work and hence the other method of the DOB controversy. Who lost or won is not the point, but in this murky war, the nation lost, saddled with a lame duck Chief.
Bribe bomb as it is called in the media is another one of the same. In this the point to note is that the bribe case was brought to the notice of the RM, who did nothing on it. Was it carelessness, total abdication of duty, or on purpose. A CBI enquiry has been ordered after the story broke. why not then when it was reported. Why the Chief did nothing is a fallout of the army ethos, which is a little different, in that once matter reported to superior authority, its duty is done and do not question the decision of the superior to take action or not. The non action by the RM has been highlighted by the Chief when he gave an interview to a news media. This is perhaps a part of his war on corruption continuing after realizing that no action is materializing even after his having apprised the RM of the arms lobby approaching him. Another factor in this episode is the intimate connection between the MOD and the Def PSU BEML. All purchases of Tatra vehicles are from BEML after they procure them through a UK based firm. The booking price set by the MOD is not only different but vastly different from the actual price. The question CBI should be probing is “Where does this spin-off go?”
The Letter bomb that is supposed to have jeopardized national security. A few pertinent questions arise...
1. Was this state of the army equipment in the know of the PM and the RM? If not why not? Isn’t National security, of which the preparedness of the armed forces is the most important factor, the direct responsibility of the RM and the PM. Were they made aware of this, and if so, what action was taken by them? In this context it is necessary to understand the functioning of the armed forces, where army commanders of all three services meet every six months and the complete preparedness of the armed forces is discussed and the RM and PM briefed.
2. SunTzu, the famed strategist of China had said that “If you know your enemy and yourself, you need not fear the outcome of a thousand battles, but if you know neither, you will be defeated” Are we in the terrible state of not knowing even our own selves?
3. The leak is bad and must be investigated and the guilty punished, but insinuations must stop till the facts are established. Though incorrect, yet the leak has brought to the nation’s notice the state of our armed forces, and hopefully it will spur the government to do something to mend the utterly unacceptable situation as pointed out by the Chief. Another point to be remembered is that it is not these leaks that give away the state of the armed forces to the enemy, all these details are available in any open publications like SIPRI and others where all import, export, equipment held and state is given in great detail
4. The most important thing that flows out of this leak is for the government to seriously undertake modernization of the armed forces and not get cowed down by the mafia. Though a whispering bird tells me that this leak is also organized by one of its minions to force the government hand in

expediting imports (perhaps good for the nation) and

force the government to sack the Chief, achieving its ultimate aim and showing to those that occupy that high office in future that the mafia can be ruthless
Let me now take you to the Hallowed grounds of the Indian Military Academy Dehradun, where the Gentleman Cadet becomes an officer and takes the final step into Chetwode Hall to imbibe the words of Field Marshal Chetwode that “ The Honour, safety, and Security of your country comes first always and every time”…” of the men that you command next and your own safety and comfort come last always and every time” But even more important is the last step over the “Antim Pug”, which signifies that this is your last step for your own self, thereafter you are for the nation and nothing but the nation. How many thousands have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security keeping these laudable principles in mind.
Final question is “has General VK Singh lived by this motto?” The answer lies in his zeal to clean the system and fight the mafia, staking his all for it, even to the extent where there is talk of his being dismissed. Could a country ask for more of its Army Chief?
Lt Gen NS Malik, PVSM (Veteran)

Veteran issues takes centerstage inspite of recession

US Budget Cuts and Veteran's Pensions/ B​enefits- commentry by Lt Gen Harhajan Signh
Friends,
I saw a 40 minutes TV program in USA about the US Budget cuts and Veteran's Pensions/benefits. In this program Pentagon correspondent of a newspaper was the expert and a number of veterans (mostly below officer rank) from US Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine Corps expressed their views and put up suggestions via telephone calls.
There is a debate going on in USA whether in view of the existing financial problems and likely Defence Budget cuts, so called high expenditure on Veteran's pensions/benefits should be reduced and how.
The following points got high lighted during the program-
1. The existing system is some what different in the four Defence Services.
2. The US Navy and the Air Force have requirement for more technical personnel and it is difficult to replace them. They need to be retained for longer periods and incentives for them to continue longer built in.
3. The System of Pensions in the Army and Marine Corps (probably) is that in case an officer/soldier serves for 20 years, he/she gets 50% of his basic salary at retirement as pension for life. If the service is 30 years or more the percentage of pension vis a vis
basic pay goes up to 75%.
4. For service less than 20 years there is no pension.
5. In addition the veterans get life long medical facilities.
6. All participants high lighted that the existing system has been in vogue for a number of years and it will be very difficult to change it, considering the sentiments of the veterans.
7. THE SERVICE CONDITIONS OF THE MILITARY JUST CANNOT BE COMPARED WITH THOSE IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR IN BUSINESS.The harsh and dangerous service conditions of especially those in combat arms; the casualties suffered, injuries sustained and psychological trauma experienced require special consideration.

March for Janlokpal

WHY
Dear friends, People in power have proved that they don't want a strong anti-corruption law because it will stop them from looting the nation. We cannot let this happen and we need to take affirmative action to ensure that people win this battle. Anna Hazare has decided to give a final and decisive push to Janlokpal by announcing his indefinite fast from 16th August. India needs to be awakened to come out on streets on 16th August. Its time to walk the talk!
We invite friends who would like to lead/organise/coordinate a March from their own city.

HOW AND WHEN August 1 to August 10
A mass mobilization programme across the country in the form of long marches is being planned starting August 1. These marches will originate from different cities and city coordinators are requested to plan one starting from their own city. For instance, the first march will start from Delhi on August 1 and end in Meerut (55 km) on the next day. Civil society leaders like Arvind Kejriwal will participate in this march. Several marches have already been planned in different cities of UP (starting from their own cities and culminating in Lucknow/Kanpur). In Maharashtra a march is being planned from Pune to Ralegan Sidhi.

LOGISTICS AND PREPARATION
A person can easily walk upto 25-35 kms in a day. Keeping this fact in mind and the time at your hand, plan a march of 50-200 km (2-8 days), work out the route/itinerary and inform us. Sole objective of this march is to make people aware of this historic movement and to urge them to participate in it actively. You will need some posters/banners and pamphlets for the march. Many of you already have these, in case you don’t, we will send you the files and you can get them printed as per your convenience.
While marching, make sure you have regular stopovers where you can interact with local people. Try to walk as much as possible during the morning and evening while keep the afternoon for rest and relaxation. Also, do share your plan with the local media, once you have informed us of the plan, we will push it in the national media in Delhi.
Politicians of all colours regularly undertake such walks for power and support, but this time India will walk for a better and corruption-free India!!! Spread the word.
Ideas and suggestions are most welcome.
Email: padyatra2011@gmail.com
Mobile: 9971900424, 8009664058
March for Janlokpal

IESM fast tracks ECHS to aid Veteran in Ventilator

Dear Colleagues,
The mobile phone has been on the buzz most of the day. Many ESM called up to confirm large attendance for the rally tomorrow. Those who cannot make it due to the distance involved, called up to express support and solidarity for the Movement. Over eight lac rupees have been donated by members for the event. The response has been overwhelming. The confidence and faith shown by the environment puts a heavy responsibility on us to steer the Movement to meet the expectations of the majority.
I was called today to unveil a martyr’s statue in village ‘Palda’ in Jhajjar District of Haryana. It was the wish of the ESM in the region that the honor is done by Chairman IESM and not by any politician or government official. It was a solemn ceremony attended by hundreds of ESM and families. School children sang patriotic songs. Palda has a proud history of valour and sacrifice. There are now four statues of martyrs in a row, the first being of Hony Capt Umrao Singh, VC.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM

Assistance to No 14606646 Ex L/Nk Hari Kumar KG For Specialized treatment at Cochin
Dear Veterans,
1. This is to bring to the notice of all veterans that IESM HQ moved on OP immediate basis to get the sanction of Sr consultant (MED) for the specialized treatment to No 14606646 Ex L/Nk Hari Kumar KG who is on ventilator in ICU at Amrita Institute of Medical Science an ECHS empanelled hospital at Cochin. We were approached by the family members of the veteran patient when all their efforts failed and the hospital was to start the treatment after the sanction from DGAFMS is given. The amount involved as on 24 Feb was Rs 3,58,100/-.
2. IESM HQ contacted whose who in the medical set up at RR hospital, DGAFMS, DGMS (Army), DGCW AG's Branch. the required documents sent by Air force Hospital Bangalore were not traceable in the office of DGAFMS. Emergency ops room functioned at IESM HQ and we were able to get the required sanction conveyed to OIC ECHS Cochin yesterday at 3 Pm. I can only say "God! you are too kind". We pray, with the commencement of treatment, our veteran soldier is blessed with speedy recovery.
3. Our special thanks to DG(CW) Lt Gen BG Nair, DG MS (Army) Lt Gen HR Kakaria Sr consultant (MD) Maj Gen AC Anand, Col Chatraj SO To DGMS (Army), Col SS Roy So to Sr, consultant MD DGAFMS, Col Summit Roy OC ECHS Cochin, AVM Anil Behal AF Hospital Bangalore; who voluntarily and positively understood the urgency and helped in expediting the sanction.
"Hum Teri bandagi karein na karein par tere bacho ko pyar karte hain"
Best regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM

Polyclinics
Mr. Raju said the government had recently sanctioned an additional 300 polyclinics as part of the endeavour to provide better healthcare to the ex-servicemen. Efforts were also underway to help the ex-servicemen have an access to the corporate hospitals. Resettlement courses for the ex-servicemen were getting fine-tuned in a bid to promote skill upgradation among them. The idea was aimed at preparing the ex-servicemen, who were used to do the conventional jobs associated with the refilling stations, toll plazas on the highways and security agencies, to take up the emerging and new generation employments like software as their second career. The Minister said the Centre had decided to increase its share of funds from 50 to 75 per cent for running the State Sainik Boards in a bid to provide more focus on the welfare of ex-servicemen and widows. The State-level boards are funded by the State and Central governments in a 50:50 ratio till now.
Welfare of ex-servicemen priority of Defence Ministry
Related Reading: JK CM announces Rs. 20 lakh as financial assistance for blind Ex-Servicemen

General Harwant's Blog

Dear All,
I am experimenting with a blog on the internet. Please visit when you get a chance and provide your comments / feedback. There are a lot more articles that i'm bringing onto the blog shortly. I will also send you a link directly from the blog, to make it easier to connect. The link is General Harwant's Blog- click here
Look forward to hearing from you
Regards,
Harwant (Lt Gen Harwant Singh, Former DCOAS)

ESM Welfare and Politics

Dear Veterans,
I write this email with reference to a recent email by a senior veteran from another ESM organization discounting the efforts and achievements of IESM in the past three years. I would like to begin with my opening statement that 'IESM' does not need any certification or approval from any ESM Organization.
It is rather outstanding and remarkable that despite having said it a thousand times, we at IESM have to continuously and repeatedly draw everyone’s attention to the cause behind the formation of IESM. If the other ESM Organizations were as effective, potent and efficient as they claim to be, all of us at IESM would have gladly become active members of them and by now OROP and other demands of the ESM would have already been fulfilled. The sad truth remains that they are not. And it is because of that that IESM was formed. IESM was formed because the Government chose to totally ignore the ESM of the country till the point they were forced to initiate civil action and civil movements like the dharna at Jantar Mantar and various other IESM rallies.
At this point I must again mention that IESM is by its very definition and remains completely apolitical. Our interests are the interests of ESM and that only. Nothing more and nothing less. Formed by selfless volunteers from all ranks, all arms with no objective but the welfare of ESM and a personal satisfaction of doing good work, IESM remains committed to the good of each ESM and ESM family in the country. IESM is answerable to every ESM of the country but NOT to any vested interest driven outfit/organization.
The IESM mission is a movement headed by some of the most efficient and driven personnel to have ever served the Indian military. And to make it even more effective our mission is further fortified by a remarkable set of officers, JCOs and Other Ranks that form the state, district and city/village level conveners, coordinators and representatives. If the IESM HQ is the Brains, this potent team of wonderful men is the ‘Heart and Lungs’ of IESM.
The insensitivity towards the ESM of the country is, as I have mentioned in the past, a dangerous game. That said, it is also a game that is about to finish. And the ESM of India will win this battle for justice. I do not say that IESM and IESM alone will take the credit for this victory but we do take the credit for organizing and mobilizing lakhs of ESM and ESM organizations across the country to spur into action and move this mission forward. The love and faith that ESM across the country have shown in IESM and its people speaks for itself and needs no proof. After all this love, affection and faith of millions of ESM is the very fuel that powers the IESM turbofan engine.
Any person or organization that goes about changing things is resisted, mocked at, ridiculed and countered. That is why IESM remains the only ESM Welfare Organization that receives all sorts of comments. But in the words of the Great Mahatma, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” And make no mistake, we are winning.
IESM as a part of its mission has written tens of hundreds of letters to all dignitaries irrespective of party/affiliation. IESM representatives have also had meetings with state and centre MPs and MLAs regardless of their political affiliation to any party. The letter to Shri LK advani was a part of the same strategy to sensitize the entire Indian political system regarding the challenges of the IESM.
The ESM of the country are not begging the country for something that is not justified. The ESM of the country are demanding what is rightful and justified. It is not a matter of ‘if’ it’s merely a matter of ‘when’…
With warm regards,
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/ Maj Hony Lt (Veteran)
Governing Body Member Indian ESM Movement

Twin tragedy this week

Dear Colleagues,
16 January has been a particularly sad day for the ESM community. On this fateful Sunday, two senior and highly respected veterans passed away in Delhi. Lt Gen Tripat Singh, 81, who breathed his last in the morning, was a renowned officer of the Corps of EME and had been the first officer from the Services to be appointed as a Principal Staff Officer (MGO). Very warm of heart he had a large following of admirers.
Lt Gen RIS Kahlon, 71, passed away in the R&R hospital in the evening. A hard core Infantry officer (GRENADIERS), he was MGO for nearly four years before superannuating. A professional giant he possessed endearing qualities of heart and was ever helpful.
We deeply mourn the twin tragedy and share the grief of the families. We all pray for peace for their souls.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Army needs a changed perspective

While no major modernisation has been effected since the 1980s, the army continues to be structured to fight wars of earlier eras. As the world’s third largest army observes Army Day, which marks the 62nd anniversary of General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Cariappa taking over as the first Indian army chief, the force faces multiple challenges. The army is in dire need of a major transformation into a lean, technology intensive and networked potent force to fight 21st century wars, says former army vice chief, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi.

ARMY NEEDS A CHANGED PERSPECTIVE
Another Army Day was flagged on Saturday. The Army Day has always been a day of reflection on the achievements and shortcomings of the past year and the plans for the ensuing year. However, this year it is not just the start of one more year for the army but the commencement of a new decade. The army therefore must look at two decades, the previous and the one ahead.

The army always has achievements to cite every year. These are well known and are always a source of inspiration and satisfaction. But it is also important to mull over the areas of weaknesses so that these are removed and the army remains both a potent and relevant force.

The major areas of concern are both internal and external. The first category includes a comprehensive transformation plan; a makeover in manpower policies; greater interaction and empathy with veterans who need to be valued as adding to the strength of the army; and finally the need to get away from the status quo and defensive mentality, which hinders progress.

The external areas are modernisation, joint endeavours, reductions in internal security commitments, an assertive stand in core areas where no dilution should be acceptable, and halting and then reversing the trend of diluting the status of the army.

Transformation needs to be speeded up, as without it the army would continue to wallow in old and inefficient structures that are out of sync with the present and future battlefield environment and the rapidly changing methodologies of waging war. The army has not seen any major structural changes since the mid-80s and essentially it is still structured to fight wars of earlier eras. We need to change or upgrade our doctrines and concepts, restructure the field force, efficiently manage internal conflicts, upgrade human resources, streamline logistics, and modernise the training methodology. Our aim must be to transform the army into a lean, technology intensive, networked and joint entity.

Manpower policies are not merely promotion policies, but include recruitment and in-service management, especially grooming for higher ranks. For officers, recruitment and training policies are fairly comprehensive. However, we continue to be a generalist army, with no specialisation. There is no sectoral or geographical specialisation, no continuity in specific appointments like those in information technology that require long tenures, and little language proficiency.

Command appointments for officers are a must, resulting in shorter and shorter command tenures to accommodate everyone. The compulsion on commanders to "show" themselves in these truncated tenures, results in their riding roughshod on their commands! As regards promotion of officers, the seniority of passing out of training academies remains throughout one's service. This has resulted in many bright officers losing out. The need is for a reassessment of each officer's caliber at least at 10 years intervals and re-fixing seniority in accordance with the officers' changed abilities and performance.

In the case of jawans, there is a mismatch between imbibing technology and educational qualifications. In non-technical arms, which also handle the latest weapons and equipment, intake qualification continues to be class-X. In a transformation study carried out over 10 years ago, I had suggested upgrading the criteria to class-XII by 2002 and to graduation by 2005, but we continue to remain in a time warp! Secondly, though JCO'S are an essential link in the organisational structure, they all are promoted from the ranks. They are of higher ages, are comparatively less fit and have the same educational qualifications as the troops. Despite discussing the issue a number of times for recruiting at least a percentage directly as graduates, we have always baulked at doing so.

Today's active soldier is tomorrow's veteran. However, there seems to be a firewall between the two categories, with different norms of treatment, emoluments, medical arrangements and other related issues. This has resulted in the veterans getting disillusioned and the bureaucrats widening the gulf even more. It is the veterans who are role models for our youth as they interact with them more than the serving personnel; they ensure that the best and motivated manpower joins the army. This has not only eroded but a very large number of veterans now speak ill of the army. The army needs to re-focus on this important issue and do away with the artificial division that is increasingly disillusioning the veterans. The veterans must again start feeling that the army chief is their chief too! Although a Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare is in existence for the last six years, it has done virtually nothing for the veterans. How can it, when it is exclusively manned by the bureaucracy?

Coming to the last two areas of internal concern, status quo is no doubt a safe option, but no organisation can prosper if it loses its ability to change as the environment demands. As regards the defensive syndrome, no country has won by being on the defensive, which even in military teachings is a temporary phase.

The external areas of concern are much better known and need not be amplified. Modernisation has been a crying need for the last at least two decades. It is a great pity that neither does the army receive a sufficiently large budget, nor does the procurement wing of the Ministry of Defence and other ministries concerned, especially that of finance, see any urgency in modernising the army. Lack of modernisation has substantially reduced the fighting capability of the army and if this continues, the army is unlikely to be the deterrent force it ought to be.

War is a joint endeavour. The complexity of modern war is likely to increase in the future on account of increased and sophisticated technology; the nature of modern war; new threats and challenges; and the reality of nuclear weapons in our neighbourhood. Consequently, a joint force, which acts in an integrated manner, is not just desirable but imperative. Most professional militaries have adopted jointmanship but the Indian military is unfortunately an exception. While everyone endorses the need for jointmanship, it eventually turns out to be merely lip service. This must change. Appointing a CDS and an integrated ministry of defence would be the first steps. We would then be able to generate the necessary synergy, so essential for winning conflicts, battles and wars.

The involvement of the Army against insurgents has been extensive. Despite the ever-increasing central police forces that should be conducting such operations, there is no reduction in the commitments of the army. We have unfortunately reached a stage where the army, instead of being the last option, is often the first recourse! The heavy commitments of the army have undoubtedly been at the expense of its war-readiness, as well as the desired quality of life. Even In situations where the employment of troops becomes essential, they should be withdrawn at the earliest opportunity.

The apolitical stance of the army is correct, but should not translate into meekly accepting whatever orders the bureaucracy relays. Unfortunately, our political leaders are shy of dealing with the army directly, preferring to do so through the bureaucracy. This has resulted in a skewed arrangement whereby gradually the services chiefs appear to have lost their power of dissent even when they find any dispensation that reduces the status, power, emoluments or morale of their command. This needs to stop. It is nobody's case that the chiefs should be confrontationists, but when it comes to their authority being usurped by the bureaucracy, they must hold their ground and get the best for their men.

The military has been and will continue to be the most potent instrument that is used for the most difficult tasks, when every other instrument has failed or given up. This cannot be done by a meek military. We need to educate our political leaders the correct meaning of civil control and supremacy in a democracy.
ARMY NEEDS A CHANGED PERSPECTIVE

Armed Forces Veterans symbol of unity

Dear Brig Kamboj,
I am sending you another article under the caption "A FORMIDABLE UNIFICATION OF DEFENCE VETERANS" published in Free Press, Indore Edition on Sunday, December, 5, 2010, for disseminating to our readers. Please specifically see the Paras in blue regarding Manish Tiwari and the second last Para about resolve of IESM.
Thanking you.
Col LK Anand Retd

Free Press, Indore, Sunday, December, 5, 2010 By Col LK Anand RetdA FORMIDABLE UNIFICATION OF DEFENCE VETERANS
The Sixth Pay Commission although gave a telling blow to the hopes and aspirations of the Defence Forces, by miserably lowering and compromising their status, financial benefits and morale, worse than a setback on a battlefield, for which the Government can never be excused, yet it has to a great extent helped in unification of the entire lot of Ex Servicemen or veterans in India and to a large extent the serving Soldiers as well. It is an equally sad moment for the loyal courageous and brave members of the three services viz Army, Navy and Air Force and lakhs of veterans including war wounded, disabled and widows who felt ignored, humiliated, degraded and denigrated by the Pay Commission Report, to realize that their overall unhappiness and disappointment has not moved any sections of the Indian society, including the Government and the bureaucracy, who seem to be least concerned about the deep pain in their hearts over such inept and indifferent handling of their cause.

The media who starts flashing/breaking News on the slightest of insignificant happenings in the country, do not seem to have budged at all, at the number of articles written, demonstrations made and concerns shown by various Ex Servicemen organizations and representatives of the forces to them, about the unfairness with which the Sixth Pay Commission has formulated their recommendations. These recommendations pleased very few, but have displeased the vast majority and the main fighting elements of the Defence forces especially the Defence Veterans. The media had plenty of time and space for covering insignificant events, but had no time or inclination for covering even the investiture of brave Indian sons of the soil many of whom laid down their lives for the Nation, by the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces (the President). The media invariably takes great interest in publicizing senseless serials of the like of “Big Boss” and “Rakhi Ka Insaaf” but is not interested in covering the bravery of Indian Soldiers. What a pity and a shame on the Indian Media?

Incidentally, the situation has now changed drastically from what it used to be earlier, when the ill feelings of servicemen were always moderated and motivated by their military leaders, to happily and without a frown to accept the decisions of the Government. These decisions were based invariably on the ill advice of the bureaucracy who never permitted the three services to flourish the way it was desired by their leaders. Now a time has come when the serving soldiers and veterans will not accept the disgrace and humiliation, being meted out to them by all and sundry lying down, and accept anything less than their justified needs and demands.

The veterans who earlier were dispersed in all parts of the country and hardly had any worthwhile identity as a group, have now decided to unify themselves throughout the Nation, and their leaders have started a movement to approach every nook and corner of the country to make their voice heard and feelings known to as many colleagues and subordinates as possible. The IT revolution has given a big boost to their awareness, not only of the unification movement but also of highlighting the genuine and legitimate demands of one and all. There is every possibility, that now such a unified movement of the veterans, with support of the serving soldiers, who would eventually be also veterans in the near future, would become an even more sizable force to reckon with and effectively and surely affect the election process of this country. There is no dearth of able leadership to guide their destiny in the desired direction. Such vast majority of a class of citizens, definitely deserve some reserved seats in the Lok Sabha as well as in the Rajya Sabha.

In the past two years on the basis of a call from the veterans’ leadership there was a tremendous response not only from the veterans of various states in over 60 cities of the country, but also from their circle of influence and impact amongst their families, friends and various associations linked with them. It may be a point to ponder that the veterans in the country numbering over 25 to 30 lacs and the serving soldiers numbering over 10 lacs possess sufficient power of numbers, to influence over 2.5 to 3 crores of the population of the country, which by all means can guide the course of any general election in the country. This inherent but latent strength and power of the total population of the Defence forces serving and retired personnel had never been harnessed in the past.

However, with the bureaucracy’s continued indifference towards the cause of the Defence Forces, their negative advice to the Government and the politicians against the will of the Defence Forces, has resulted in the Government succumbing and totally ignoring them. This has lead to continued degradation humiliation and denigration of their status and reputation (Izzat – upon which a soldier survives and functions under grave situations) ever since India attained freedom, causing detrimental effect, not only on their financial benefits but also on general lowering of their morale. This is bound to undoubtedly affect their battle worthiness in the long run. The country can ill afford such a situation as this could cause irreparable damage to its external as well as internal security and safety, knowing full well that the posture adopted by India’s neighbours is much more aggressive than ever before. The internal situation caused by Maoists, Naxalites and other militants is also highly unsatisfactory and may cause more serious problems than assessed by the Home Ministry.

It is indeed a shocking display of adamancy, on the part of the Government, duly misguided by the bureaucracy, to not only give a favourable consideration to the justified demands of the veterans, but also for totally ignoring and closing their eyes to the reality, as also the recommendations of some State Governments The Supreme Court and various high powered committees constituted by the Government itself. It is difficult to fathom any justified reasons, for the Government to have become hindrance in the path of granting rightful and just demand of One Rank One Pension (OROP), and to deny it even after acceptance by almost all the ruling Governments in the past 26 years. The Government seems to have totally closed its eyes, towards the disparities faced by its gallant soldiers, subjected to truncated service as compared to its other employees. There is evidence enough of its promise by the Congress party before the last Lok Sabha elections as well, as shown below.

“The Congress spokesman Shri Manish Tiwari had advocated in Ludhiana on 14 March 2009, for one rank one pension scheme for the ex servicemen across the country. An extract of the clipping of the news item in Punjab Newsline, Saturday, 14 March 2009, Tewari Advocates One Rank One Pension For Ex Servicemen.

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 on 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 ex-servicemen. 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 ex-servicemen 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.”

The Congress could have certainly shown magnanimity and granted the wish, at least after winning the elections.

A point worthy of note is that the Sixth Pay Commission had been rather liberal with the higher rung of officers of the three Services, which has created a general impression amongst the lower staff of the Defence Forces, that even their own big bosses though in a negligible strength, are not much concerned about the welfare and improvement in the lot of the lower and middle rung of officers, JCOs and the Other Ranks, and have become sycophants of the Government, as well as of the bureaucracy, for feathering their own nests by obtaining post retirement benefits in the form of lucrative and high posts for themselves. So they prefer to keep their mouths shut instead of taking firm stands when required, with the Government for getting the desired benefits for the lower staff. The Adarsh scam has unexpectedly and substantially tarnished the image of the top brass of Army as well as Navy. Involvement of big wigs amongst political and bureaucratic hierarchy, in such scams can always be expected in keeping with their culture and influence. They would go scot free anyhow.

The general feeling and expectation amongst the staff, this time was, that their top level superior officers, would not follow their predecessors, but would take a firm stand and some drastic and unexpected steps, so that the Government and the bureaucracy is compelled to accept, what is best for the Defence Forces and their subordinates get what had been sought for them and nothing less. It was also expected that all the top rung serving officers and the veterans in high posts of the Government, such as even Governors or Lt Governors, would put their foot down and pressurize the Government to fully and finally honour the recommendations or submit their resignations. But alas, nothing like that happened, and most of those officers maintained a neutral and indifferent stand, to let the bureaucracy and the Government play merry hell into the aspirations of the rest of the defence forces including the Veterans.

It is a pity that all the calls for getting justice from the government, so far have fallen on deaf ears and no solutions to the demands appear to be in sight. One of the largest organization of Defence Veterans ie IESM after due deliberations as an unified organization of veterans, has resolved that they would continue their peaceful struggle/agitation until the minimum genuine overdue demand of One Rank one Pension, without any exceptions is accepted by the Government, besides fully restoring the Status & respect of the Defence Forces Personnel, downgraded ever since the post independence era.

My personal view is that, since, the newly unified organization of the Defence veterans, would be a formidable and reckonable force, the Government should also consider reserving a few seats for them in the Lok Sabha as well as in the Rajya Sabha.
Col LK Anand (Retd)

Veterans Call for One Rank One Pension: Jantar Mantar Rally on November 28, 2010

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
I have received hundreds of emails from veterans which indicate that majority of them have no faith in the recently appointed Grievances Commission by the Government.
Although the Grievances Commission has most trusted and capable Judges and retired General Officers, veterans seem to be having doubts of the outcome of the Commission.
Sincerity of the Government became doubtful because of the Government trying to refer the case of ‘Rank Pay’ also back to the Commission.
It clearly indicates that even the cases decided by the Supreme Court in favour of the retired Defence personnel are not acceptable to the Government – what a shame to those pretending to be our well-wishers by appointing the recent Commission!
To most of the Military Veterans, the appointment of the Grievance Commissions appears to be a strong effort by the Government to mislead the Veterans and sabotage the strong All India Movement by the Veterans against injustice to Defence personnel.
We need to defeat these evil designs to sabotage our fight for justice.
While we may hope and pray for the success of the Grievances Commission to give us justice, the planned rally of IESM on 28 Nov 10, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi needs to be held in greater strength and with more josh by all Military Veterans, their families, friends and well wishers.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER AT JANTAR MANTAR, NEW DELHI, ON 28 NOV 10, 10 AM TO 3 PM AND FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES- IT IS NOW OR NEVER

Please read letter from Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Vice Chairman IESM, which has been posted yesterday. Kindly give wide publicity to the contents of this email.
I appeal to all members of "REPORT MY SIGNAL", that even if you are not a member of IESM, to kindly join the rally.
It is no use sending those emails praising the work of "REPORT MY SIGNAL" if you do not accept my humble request – PLEASE BE THERE AT JANTAR MANTAR ON 28 NOV 10.
Essential adm arrangements are being made by IESM at the rally site. Come with family and friends.
For those coming from NCR – the most convenient way is to come by the Metro à get down at the Patel Chowk Metro Station à walk towards Jantar Mantar, within 300 metres from the Patel Chowk Metro station you will find the IESM shamianas.
I also appeal to all veterans to kindly activate your media contacts and ensure maximum media coverage of the IESM Rally at Jantar Mantar, from 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM, on 28 Nov 10.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.