Dear Veterans,
In the resent past major veteran issues have come up in the blogs concerning the Armed Forces Personnel and the Veterans.
A few of them are:
1 Non Functional Up gradation (NFU) to officers.
2. Amending the Pension Regulations of the Armed Forces.
3. Non Implementation of Judgments of AFTs (aboutg 2000).
4. Payment of 100% pension to the Veterans up to the age of 60 years (age for superannuation for central Govt employees) and payment of OROP.
5. Separate Ministry or a Defense Board (like that of Railway) for Armed Forces Personnel.
6. Cadre Review (being done every 5 years in other Departments).
7. Abnormal Difference of pension between two immediate Ranks to the tune of Rs.11,000/-PM
8. Withdrawal of existing Rank Pay by 6th CPC (replacing with grade pay to give additional emoluments to civilian employees and also to create an equation of imbalance between civ and Military.)
9. Majors with more than 15 years of service equated with cadets and Hony Lt's (PB-3).
10. A meaningful resettlement of Armed Forces Veterans.
11. Dignity (Izzath) of the personnel in uniform/ Protocol/ precedence vis a vis the civilian counterparts.
The above are some of the major issues that are being reflected in emails and blogs nowadays. The blame is palmed on to the babus of MOD and the Politicians. But one must think honestly - Are they fully responsible for these omissions. What is the role of the Service HQs?
click here for more
Showing posts with label Welfare Commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Welfare Commission. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Ex Servicemen News
Army chief's age row: Haryana ex-servicemen plan protest at Jantar Mantar
Manveer Saini, TNN Jan 25, 2012, 07.06AM ISTT
CHANDIGARH: Intensifying harden its support for chief of army staff, Gen V K Singh, the Rajput Pratinidhi Sabha and office bearers of ex-servicemen organizations from across the state on Tuesday threatened an agitation at Jantar Mantar on March 2 to press their demand for correction of the age of army chief. In a meeting held at Bapora, native village of the army chief, in Bhiwani district, the delegates, headed by Col (retd) Gajraj Singh, termed the government's stand as a move to bog down Gen Singh, who dared to recommend court martial against errant officers, after playing an important role in exposing various scams.
"We shall press the demand that government must consider Gen's date of birth as May 10, 1951. This is shocking that he had been given 8 promotions on the basis of this date of birth and now, just to retire him, the date of birth is being considered as May 10, 1951. Since various defense deals worth several thousand crores of rupees are lined up, some vested interests want him to go,'' Gajraj Singh told reporters after the meeting, sources said.
"We shall await the government's response. Else, thousands of ex-servicemen as well as those who support Gen Singh shall stage a dharna at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar," added Gajraj Singh.
Those who attended the meeting included Col (retd) Mahavir Singh, R P Singh, Col (retd) Veer Singh, Capt (retd) Suresh Tanwar, Kanwar Parveen Singh Tanwar and office bearers of various ex-servicemen associations and NGOs across Haryana.
Rajput Pratinidhi Sabha was the first to react soon after Gen Singh challenged the move to retire him on the basis of date of birth as May 10,1950.
Click here for the original post
IESL gets a high voltage jolt
In a jolt to the Indian Ex-Servicemen League (IESL) that counts 9 lakh veterans across the nation as its members, the President last month conveyed that her name is being used as the grand patron in chief without consent and the organisation should discontinue this practice. The organisation has contended that the President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has always been a grand patron in chief since it was set up in 1964 and has produced several documents, including letters by former Presidents Giani Zail Singh and V V Giri, to support its cause.
Senior functionaries of IESL contend that the reason for the harsh stand by Patil’s office are the antics of its rival — Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) — that has in the past months organised rallies and protests for pension hikes. The President’s office has come under increasing pressure after members of similarly named IESM started returning their medals in protest against perceived pension discrepancies.
However, in the official letter sent to the organisation, Patil’s office has said the President as a policy is not accepting ‘patronship’ of autonomous organisations. The letter says the name of the President should no longer be used in any document of the IESL. Countering this, IESL functionaries say that several Presidents have accepted this ‘tradition’ and named three former Supreme Commanders who have endorsed the organisation.
With the President’s office closing the case with a firm no, IESL has approached the ex-servicemen cell of the Congress in a bid to revive the ‘tradition’. “It is a serious matter and I will be taking it up through the proper channels,” secretary of AICC ex-servicemen department Captain Praveen Davar said
Click here to read more
Legal Remedy
IESL as an autonomous body should get themselves registered under the Indian Society Act of 1860, if it has not yet been done. Otherwise, it is an illegal entity and should not blame IESM or any other organisation for its derecognition by the Supreme Commander who is not happy with its Aim, Goals and Mission. All ESM organisations should come under the ambit of RTE and Lokpal Bill and confirm to the rules of the land in vogue.
Manveer Saini, TNN Jan 25, 2012, 07.06AM ISTT
CHANDIGARH: Intensifying harden its support for chief of army staff, Gen V K Singh, the Rajput Pratinidhi Sabha and office bearers of ex-servicemen organizations from across the state on Tuesday threatened an agitation at Jantar Mantar on March 2 to press their demand for correction of the age of army chief. In a meeting held at Bapora, native village of the army chief, in Bhiwani district, the delegates, headed by Col (retd) Gajraj Singh, termed the government's stand as a move to bog down Gen Singh, who dared to recommend court martial against errant officers, after playing an important role in exposing various scams.
"We shall press the demand that government must consider Gen's date of birth as May 10, 1951. This is shocking that he had been given 8 promotions on the basis of this date of birth and now, just to retire him, the date of birth is being considered as May 10, 1951. Since various defense deals worth several thousand crores of rupees are lined up, some vested interests want him to go,'' Gajraj Singh told reporters after the meeting, sources said.
"We shall await the government's response. Else, thousands of ex-servicemen as well as those who support Gen Singh shall stage a dharna at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar," added Gajraj Singh.
Those who attended the meeting included Col (retd) Mahavir Singh, R P Singh, Col (retd) Veer Singh, Capt (retd) Suresh Tanwar, Kanwar Parveen Singh Tanwar and office bearers of various ex-servicemen associations and NGOs across Haryana.
Rajput Pratinidhi Sabha was the first to react soon after Gen Singh challenged the move to retire him on the basis of date of birth as May 10,1950.
Click here for the original post
IESL gets a high voltage jolt
In a jolt to the Indian Ex-Servicemen League (IESL) that counts 9 lakh veterans across the nation as its members, the President last month conveyed that her name is being used as the grand patron in chief without consent and the organisation should discontinue this practice. The organisation has contended that the President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has always been a grand patron in chief since it was set up in 1964 and has produced several documents, including letters by former Presidents Giani Zail Singh and V V Giri, to support its cause.
Senior functionaries of IESL contend that the reason for the harsh stand by Patil’s office are the antics of its rival — Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) — that has in the past months organised rallies and protests for pension hikes. The President’s office has come under increasing pressure after members of similarly named IESM started returning their medals in protest against perceived pension discrepancies.
However, in the official letter sent to the organisation, Patil’s office has said the President as a policy is not accepting ‘patronship’ of autonomous organisations. The letter says the name of the President should no longer be used in any document of the IESL. Countering this, IESL functionaries say that several Presidents have accepted this ‘tradition’ and named three former Supreme Commanders who have endorsed the organisation.
With the President’s office closing the case with a firm no, IESL has approached the ex-servicemen cell of the Congress in a bid to revive the ‘tradition’. “It is a serious matter and I will be taking it up through the proper channels,” secretary of AICC ex-servicemen department Captain Praveen Davar said
Click here to read more
Legal Remedy
IESL as an autonomous body should get themselves registered under the Indian Society Act of 1860, if it has not yet been done. Otherwise, it is an illegal entity and should not blame IESM or any other organisation for its derecognition by the Supreme Commander who is not happy with its Aim, Goals and Mission. All ESM organisations should come under the ambit of RTE and Lokpal Bill and confirm to the rules of the land in vogue.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
DESW issues Pension Regulations
So there you have it, the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (sic) (DESW), on 06 Jan 2012, has issued Pension Regulations for the Army (2008), purportedly approved by the ‘Raksha Mantri’.
These Regulations supposedly supercede the Pension Regulations of 1961. Though the Regulations have been issued on 06 Jan 2012 and only apply to those who were released after 2008, these have not incorporated the drastic pensionary changes made by the 6th CPC which according to the DESW would be included in the form of ‘insertions’ to be decided by the office of the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions). These Regulations of 2008 have been jointly drafted by the office of the CGDA and PCDA(P). It seems illogical that these Regulations of ‘2008’ have been issued in 2012 and that too without incorporating changes introduced by the 6th CPC w.e.f 01-01-2006. What was the tearing hurry? Preliminarily speaking, even otherwise, rather than entrusting such an important policy-work to policy makers and experts at the govt level, the DESW has gone by the drafting submitted by defence accountants. But strictly speaking, are these Regulations even valid or legal?
These are not 'Regulations' but the imposition of the will of a couple of accountants whose limited understanding, drafting and thought-process has been thrust upon pensioners forcibly.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Read more
Comment: Is DESW an legal entity to regulate pensions or are they a bunch of number crunchers?
These Regulations supposedly supercede the Pension Regulations of 1961. Though the Regulations have been issued on 06 Jan 2012 and only apply to those who were released after 2008, these have not incorporated the drastic pensionary changes made by the 6th CPC which according to the DESW would be included in the form of ‘insertions’ to be decided by the office of the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions). These Regulations of 2008 have been jointly drafted by the office of the CGDA and PCDA(P). It seems illogical that these Regulations of ‘2008’ have been issued in 2012 and that too without incorporating changes introduced by the 6th CPC w.e.f 01-01-2006. What was the tearing hurry? Preliminarily speaking, even otherwise, rather than entrusting such an important policy-work to policy makers and experts at the govt level, the DESW has gone by the drafting submitted by defence accountants. But strictly speaking, are these Regulations even valid or legal?
These are not 'Regulations' but the imposition of the will of a couple of accountants whose limited understanding, drafting and thought-process has been thrust upon pensioners forcibly.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Read more
Comment: Is DESW an legal entity to regulate pensions or are they a bunch of number crunchers?
Sunday, September 4, 2011
DGR: Unsettling Resettlement
An unsettling resettlement
Go no further. First take a look at the website of the Indian military’s Directorate General Resettlement. Then scour the home page of the British military’s resettlement service and their civilian partner agency.
One talks about starting the process of career transition two years before leaving and continuing for two years after leaving the military. Its primary purpose is “to help eligible personnel leaving the Armed Forces to make a successful transition to civilian employment in a suitable second career, which is appropriate to their skills, knowledge and experience and/or in accord with their aspirations.”
The other one says that “In order to maintain a youthful profile of the Armed Forces, approximately 60,000 service personnel are retired/released every year at comparatively young age. Majority of the service personnel at the time of retirement are at an age where thay [sic] have numerous unfinished domestic responsibilities, which necessitate their taking up second occupation.”
Therein lies the difference between a modern military and an archaic military. Heck, which one needs reform!
@k_ram Comments
As always, lucid, detailed and bang on the target. The tragedy is that many service officers and veterans mistake “critique” for “criticism”. It is a state of denial — believe that everything is hunky dory, just by turning a blind eye to the faults. The next step — When a wrong is invariably proved, blame it on other external entities. I agree that these aren’t the signs of a learning organisation or a professional/ modern military.
click here for more interesting comments-Pragmatic Euphony
Go no further. First take a look at the website of the Indian military’s Directorate General Resettlement. Then scour the home page of the British military’s resettlement service and their civilian partner agency.
One talks about starting the process of career transition two years before leaving and continuing for two years after leaving the military. Its primary purpose is “to help eligible personnel leaving the Armed Forces to make a successful transition to civilian employment in a suitable second career, which is appropriate to their skills, knowledge and experience and/or in accord with their aspirations.”
The other one says that “In order to maintain a youthful profile of the Armed Forces, approximately 60,000 service personnel are retired/released every year at comparatively young age. Majority of the service personnel at the time of retirement are at an age where thay [sic] have numerous unfinished domestic responsibilities, which necessitate their taking up second occupation.”
Therein lies the difference between a modern military and an archaic military. Heck, which one needs reform!
@k_ram Comments
As always, lucid, detailed and bang on the target. The tragedy is that many service officers and veterans mistake “critique” for “criticism”. It is a state of denial — believe that everything is hunky dory, just by turning a blind eye to the faults. The next step — When a wrong is invariably proved, blame it on other external entities. I agree that these aren’t the signs of a learning organisation or a professional/ modern military.
click here for more interesting comments-Pragmatic Euphony
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
MoD Style- Blame Game to Cheat Veterans
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Blame Game : MoD style !
“We believe to err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics" : Hubert H Humphrey
The MoD is unfairly and unnecessarily blaming the Services for non-implementation of Court orders.
People who are familiar with the field of litigation in the defence services would be aware of the fact that most of the cases decided in favour of pensioners, especially disabled personnel, are not implemented in a timely manner and majority of decisions of Courts and Tribunals are implemented only after contempt petitions are filed by affected parties. Even the judgements that are implemented are done so in a reluctant manner with the feeling in the South Block being that the policies framed by the MoD are sacrosanct and that every decision against the thought-process of the MoD should be challenged in a higher Court of Law. Fair enough, since the Constitutional framework provides a right to appeal to every party to a case. But this assumes dangerous proportions when even verdict after verdict on a particular issue, including by the highest Court of the land, the MoD continues to file appeals in similar matters thereby burdening the pockets of veterans and dockets of Courts. This is done with one singular motive – that out of the many appeals filed, even if one succeeds, the MoD would be able to scuttle the move for a change in policy for the better. And this is done being fully aware that veterans cannot afford legal help, especially at Supreme Court level, and hence it is not surprising that in most of the cases where decisions were ultimately rendered in favour of the MoD the affected parties were either unrepresented or were appearing in person, the reason being common – inability to afford counsel fee.
The powers to implement Court orders have been delegated to the Services HQ. It was earlier felt that due to lack of proper understanding, the Services HQ were blindly following the dictates of the MoD, especially in pensionary matters, and recommending appeals even in settled issues and further making no moves to reduce litigation or to bring about changes in policies that had persistently faced flak from the Courts. But this changed in the recent few years when the AG’s branch and the Personnel Services Directorate truly started taking proper interest in these matters with actual application of mind resulting in some proactive policy decisions and also putting it on record that certain imbalanced policies of the MoD which were resulting in a major flux of litigation, required a re-look. It was also now clear that even in certain issues where the Services HQ were of the view that appeals were not required to be filed, the MoD still insisted on challenging the verdicts but publicly projecting that it were the Services which were going about filing appeals against their own pensioners and not the MoD since the powers to implement decisions were vested with the Services HQ. In fact, it was more than once communicated by the MoD on hard paper that they were not the ones filing appeals, but the Services HQ. This statement was, and remains, a sham. It appears that despite best efforts by all stake-holders, the perception in the corridors of the MoD, especially, the Pension Wing, is, that veterans are greedy and do not deserve more than what they are already getting. The efforts of the Services HQ to bring about a change in policy meet the waste-bin in ways more than one.
And now comes another hard to believe master-stroke. Now the MoD has blamed the Services for delay in implementation of orders by Benches of the AFT. It has also been stated before the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Defence that about 303 decisions are yet to be implemented due to the delay caused by the hierarchical structure of the services. The excuse is hogwash and so is the number since there must be well over 2000 decisions as on date which have not been implemented. 303 is a very mild figure and at best depicts an antiquated bolt action gun.
Hence in the ultimate analysis, when the public questions the MoD over appeals being filed against veterans and the disabled, it (the MoD) very conveniently blames the Services leaving the Services HQ at the mercy of public flak and ridicule, and when a Parliamentary committee questions the non-implementation of Court orders, again the Services are blamed for the delay when the actual culprit is the sadist attitude of those manning certain lower level appointments in the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the MoD.
The policy making mechanism at the Pension wing is leading to frustration and a sense of great disservice. In-principle decisions taken at the highest level are scuttled by lower staff by misleading file notings. Policy decisions take years to materialise, for example, certain anomalies of the 5th CPC are being resolved 15 years after the date of implementation of the 5th CPC. Rather than taking decisions at the govt level, files are sent to the offices of CGDA and PCDA(P) for drafting govt letters and seeking their opinions, whereas accountants have actually nothing to do with the process of decision making, their duty is to disburse payments based on govt policy and not make the policy itself. Rather than rectifying anomalous policies, appeals to the SC are made as a matter of routine, to take an example, the SC has in atleast 10 cases settled the issue of grant of service element to pre-1973 retirees irrespective of length of service even if the disability falls below 20%, but the MoD continues to file appeals in similar cases and at this particular moment, more than 50 appeals are pending on the subject filed by the MoD against disabled veterans, most of them over the age of 70 notwithstanding 10 verdicts in favour of veterans. In cases of disability pension, till the 5th CPC, the amount for disability element for say 20% disability was Rs 310/- per month and even in such cases appeals were filed as a matter of routine when disability pension was allowed by Courts wherein lacs of rupees were paid to the battery of counsel representing the MoD, the great MoD which has scant respect for the National Litigation Policy formulated by the Union of India, that great MoD which treats its disabled as its adversaries, that MoD which feels that pensioners are a greedy lot, that MoD which would wrongly blame the Army, Navy and the Air Force fully knowing the sleight of hand at play, that MoD whose staffers believe that they are better jurists than the Courts rendering verdicts in favour of pensioners and the proof of this attitude lies in the fact that the MoD has filed a review petition in every single case decided by the Supreme Court in favour of pensioners in the recent times.
Solution
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Blame Game : MoD style !
“We believe to err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics" : Hubert H Humphrey
The MoD is unfairly and unnecessarily blaming the Services for non-implementation of Court orders.
People who are familiar with the field of litigation in the defence services would be aware of the fact that most of the cases decided in favour of pensioners, especially disabled personnel, are not implemented in a timely manner and majority of decisions of Courts and Tribunals are implemented only after contempt petitions are filed by affected parties. Even the judgements that are implemented are done so in a reluctant manner with the feeling in the South Block being that the policies framed by the MoD are sacrosanct and that every decision against the thought-process of the MoD should be challenged in a higher Court of Law. Fair enough, since the Constitutional framework provides a right to appeal to every party to a case. But this assumes dangerous proportions when even verdict after verdict on a particular issue, including by the highest Court of the land, the MoD continues to file appeals in similar matters thereby burdening the pockets of veterans and dockets of Courts. This is done with one singular motive – that out of the many appeals filed, even if one succeeds, the MoD would be able to scuttle the move for a change in policy for the better. And this is done being fully aware that veterans cannot afford legal help, especially at Supreme Court level, and hence it is not surprising that in most of the cases where decisions were ultimately rendered in favour of the MoD the affected parties were either unrepresented or were appearing in person, the reason being common – inability to afford counsel fee.
The powers to implement Court orders have been delegated to the Services HQ. It was earlier felt that due to lack of proper understanding, the Services HQ were blindly following the dictates of the MoD, especially in pensionary matters, and recommending appeals even in settled issues and further making no moves to reduce litigation or to bring about changes in policies that had persistently faced flak from the Courts. But this changed in the recent few years when the AG’s branch and the Personnel Services Directorate truly started taking proper interest in these matters with actual application of mind resulting in some proactive policy decisions and also putting it on record that certain imbalanced policies of the MoD which were resulting in a major flux of litigation, required a re-look. It was also now clear that even in certain issues where the Services HQ were of the view that appeals were not required to be filed, the MoD still insisted on challenging the verdicts but publicly projecting that it were the Services which were going about filing appeals against their own pensioners and not the MoD since the powers to implement decisions were vested with the Services HQ. In fact, it was more than once communicated by the MoD on hard paper that they were not the ones filing appeals, but the Services HQ. This statement was, and remains, a sham. It appears that despite best efforts by all stake-holders, the perception in the corridors of the MoD, especially, the Pension Wing, is, that veterans are greedy and do not deserve more than what they are already getting. The efforts of the Services HQ to bring about a change in policy meet the waste-bin in ways more than one.
And now comes another hard to believe master-stroke. Now the MoD has blamed the Services for delay in implementation of orders by Benches of the AFT. It has also been stated before the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Defence that about 303 decisions are yet to be implemented due to the delay caused by the hierarchical structure of the services. The excuse is hogwash and so is the number since there must be well over 2000 decisions as on date which have not been implemented. 303 is a very mild figure and at best depicts an antiquated bolt action gun.
Hence in the ultimate analysis, when the public questions the MoD over appeals being filed against veterans and the disabled, it (the MoD) very conveniently blames the Services leaving the Services HQ at the mercy of public flak and ridicule, and when a Parliamentary committee questions the non-implementation of Court orders, again the Services are blamed for the delay when the actual culprit is the sadist attitude of those manning certain lower level appointments in the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the MoD.
The policy making mechanism at the Pension wing is leading to frustration and a sense of great disservice. In-principle decisions taken at the highest level are scuttled by lower staff by misleading file notings. Policy decisions take years to materialise, for example, certain anomalies of the 5th CPC are being resolved 15 years after the date of implementation of the 5th CPC. Rather than taking decisions at the govt level, files are sent to the offices of CGDA and PCDA(P) for drafting govt letters and seeking their opinions, whereas accountants have actually nothing to do with the process of decision making, their duty is to disburse payments based on govt policy and not make the policy itself. Rather than rectifying anomalous policies, appeals to the SC are made as a matter of routine, to take an example, the SC has in atleast 10 cases settled the issue of grant of service element to pre-1973 retirees irrespective of length of service even if the disability falls below 20%, but the MoD continues to file appeals in similar cases and at this particular moment, more than 50 appeals are pending on the subject filed by the MoD against disabled veterans, most of them over the age of 70 notwithstanding 10 verdicts in favour of veterans. In cases of disability pension, till the 5th CPC, the amount for disability element for say 20% disability was Rs 310/- per month and even in such cases appeals were filed as a matter of routine when disability pension was allowed by Courts wherein lacs of rupees were paid to the battery of counsel representing the MoD, the great MoD which has scant respect for the National Litigation Policy formulated by the Union of India, that great MoD which treats its disabled as its adversaries, that MoD which feels that pensioners are a greedy lot, that MoD which would wrongly blame the Army, Navy and the Air Force fully knowing the sleight of hand at play, that MoD whose staffers believe that they are better jurists than the Courts rendering verdicts in favour of pensioners and the proof of this attitude lies in the fact that the MoD has filed a review petition in every single case decided by the Supreme Court in favour of pensioners in the recent times.
Solution
Solution No 1
The top brass at the MoD including the RM, the RRM and the Secretary of the Department of ESW, starts taking proper interest in the affairs of veterans by way of initiating democratic decisions by involving all stake holders – the ESW staff, the Services, representatives of recognised veteran bodies with experts in the field. Look at the current lot dealing with the issues involving millions of veterans – An otherwise well meaning Secretary from the IAS who is retiring soon, a Joint Secretary from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre of the IAS who is currently on training and whose tenure under the Central Staffing Scheme ends this year, a Director (Pensions) who is from the Indian Forest Service and knows nothing about pensions and who would soon revert to his parent cadre, two Under Secretaries from the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) who again have no expertise in pensionary matters and who probably rule the roost of the pension branch, knowing that the department is entirely dependent on them, in all probability assuming more air of authority than what their so-called proficiency really warrants. Solution No 2
Disband the Army. Period.Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Friday, August 5, 2011
MPs panel slams army practice of soldiers as assistants
The Indian Army is facing the ire of a parliamentary panel over its continuing practice of employing trained soldiers as sahayaks (personal assistants) of officers.
New Delhi |Wednesday, 2011 6:35:06 PM IST
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on defence strongly condemned the system of employing sahayaks to carry out menial domestic chores of officers in one of its reports about three years ago. It has for the third time now slammed the defence ministry for defending the practice and for not heeding its recommendation of abolishing it.
The report on 'stress management in the armed forces', 31st by the committee during the 14th Lok Sabha, has said the sahayak system was "inhuman". It has also stated that the trained soldiers were for fighting wars for the country and they should be used only for such purposes and not stationed at the residences of officers.
But the committee's current report on the budgetary demands for grants, presented to the Lok Sabha Wednesday, said it "places on record the anguish over the disrespect of one of their important recommendation" to abolish the system.
The committee, headed by Congress MP Satpal Maharaj, has also declared that the defence ministry owed it an explanation for not implementing the recommendation.
Dismissing the repeated justification of the defence ministry that the sahayak system was a necessity, the committee said it was "not convinced" with the reasoning given by the defence ministry that the army personnel functioned in pairs and the soldier was the buddy of the officer.
--Indo-Asian News Service ncb/rn/vt
MPs panel slams army practice of soldiers as assistants
Comment: The Buddy system draws a flak. There is no justification for having Sahayaks in Peace Stations and Training Institutions. Senior Officers (Red Tabs) should set the trend and shed this Buddy system in Peace Stations and Cantonments.
New Delhi |Wednesday, 2011 6:35:06 PM IST
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on defence strongly condemned the system of employing sahayaks to carry out menial domestic chores of officers in one of its reports about three years ago. It has for the third time now slammed the defence ministry for defending the practice and for not heeding its recommendation of abolishing it.
The report on 'stress management in the armed forces', 31st by the committee during the 14th Lok Sabha, has said the sahayak system was "inhuman". It has also stated that the trained soldiers were for fighting wars for the country and they should be used only for such purposes and not stationed at the residences of officers.
But the committee's current report on the budgetary demands for grants, presented to the Lok Sabha Wednesday, said it "places on record the anguish over the disrespect of one of their important recommendation" to abolish the system.
The committee, headed by Congress MP Satpal Maharaj, has also declared that the defence ministry owed it an explanation for not implementing the recommendation.
Dismissing the repeated justification of the defence ministry that the sahayak system was a necessity, the committee said it was "not convinced" with the reasoning given by the defence ministry that the army personnel functioned in pairs and the soldier was the buddy of the officer.
--Indo-Asian News Service ncb/rn/vt
MPs panel slams army practice of soldiers as assistants
Comment: The Buddy system draws a flak. There is no justification for having Sahayaks in Peace Stations and Training Institutions. Senior Officers (Red Tabs) should set the trend and shed this Buddy system in Peace Stations and Cantonments.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Report from Dehradun Ex Services League
22 July 2011 11:15
Subject: Dehradun Ex Services League Governing Council quarterly meet held
DEHRADUN EX SERVICES LEAGUE GOVERNING COUNCIL QUARTERLY MEET
A meeting of Dehradun Ex Services League (DESL) governing Council was held on 21 July 2011 at 61F Subash Road(Opposite CMI- Haridwar Road
Dehradun) under Brig K.G.Behl, President DESL and was attended by the following:
Lt Col B.S,Chhetri- Senior Vice President, Lt Col R.K.Arya- Vice President, Lt Col B.M. Thapa- Secretary, Lt Col R.P.Jairath - Treasurer, Col G.R.Bharadwaj, Lt Col U.S.Thakur, Sub B S Thakur, H/B S Thapa, H/Capt Neel Kumar Thapa Harrawala, H/Capt S S Thapa, Jaitanwala, H/Capts B.S.Thapa, Sub Maj P S Gurung, Hav R.S.Gurung, and Hav B P Sharma.
Lt Col B.M. Thapa welcomed the members and read the salient features of last meeting report. Lt Col Thapa told members about the writings of the President Brig K.G.Behl on different topics and how the hasbeen honoured by the Intellectuals and Technocrats guild of India affiliated with UNESCO, appreciating hid association with a number of social societies and his work of projecting various social topics with solutions to create awareness in public and prompting concerned officials to take action. This was appreciated by one and all and gave him a standing ovation and presented a flower bouquet in their appreciation.
Brig Behl welcomed the participants and thanked them for their gesture. He said that he had been working on social uplift from 1993, when he retired and it gives him lot of satisfaction. Through out our lives we take help from society but we must try to pay back, after retirement, in whatever way we can.
Brig Behl told about the coming Kargil Day on 26th July, which is being elebrated by the Govt. of Uttarakhand as Shauriya Divas. Acultural Programme is being is being arranged by their cultural Directorate in the Auditorium of Survey of India, Hathibarkala on 25th July from 6 to 8 PM. The entry is through pass due to limited accommodation and those who are keen should give their names. On 26TH July wreaths will be places at the Kargil War memorial by the CM and other senior dignitaries only between 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs. in a solemn ceremony with full Military Honours. However the main function will start at 1100 hrs at Venkateshwara wedding Hall where the Kargil War Heroes/ Veer Naaries and other Gallantry award winners will be honoured by the Chief Minister. It will be followed by lunch.
Those who wish to participate must give the numbers attending to the secretary so that necessary arrangements could be made for their
seating and transport.
Brig Behl pointed out that we are celebrating AGM on 31st July at 0930 hours at Gurkhali Sabha Hall, Garhi Cantt. Transport is being arranged for which necessary data be provided to officers concerned. We will be honouring one person from each Shakha and the name be give by the president of Shakha. Desired material for publication of Annual News letter be supplied in time.
Brig Behl gave salient features of their presentation made before the Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee on ‘One Rank One Pension’ where he was called to make a presentation. He was accompanied by Brig R.S.Rawat and Col MMP Kala.
Brig Behl said that our Sr Vice President had resigned when he was to fight election to the post of chairman of Gorkha Sudhar Sabha. He congratulated him on his election but asked him to continue till next election, if it does not interfere with his duties.
Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy DESL
Subject: Dehradun Ex Services League Governing Council quarterly meet held
DEHRADUN EX SERVICES LEAGUE GOVERNING COUNCIL QUARTERLY MEET
A meeting of Dehradun Ex Services League (DESL) governing Council was held on 21 July 2011 at 61F Subash Road(Opposite CMI- Haridwar Road
Dehradun) under Brig K.G.Behl, President DESL and was attended by the following:
Lt Col B.S,Chhetri- Senior Vice President, Lt Col R.K.Arya- Vice President, Lt Col B.M. Thapa- Secretary, Lt Col R.P.Jairath - Treasurer, Col G.R.Bharadwaj, Lt Col U.S.Thakur, Sub B S Thakur, H/B S Thapa, H/Capt Neel Kumar Thapa Harrawala, H/Capt S S Thapa, Jaitanwala, H/Capts B.S.Thapa, Sub Maj P S Gurung, Hav R.S.Gurung, and Hav B P Sharma.
Lt Col B.M. Thapa welcomed the members and read the salient features of last meeting report. Lt Col Thapa told members about the writings of the President Brig K.G.Behl on different topics and how the hasbeen honoured by the Intellectuals and Technocrats guild of India affiliated with UNESCO, appreciating hid association with a number of social societies and his work of projecting various social topics with solutions to create awareness in public and prompting concerned officials to take action. This was appreciated by one and all and gave him a standing ovation and presented a flower bouquet in their appreciation.
Brig Behl welcomed the participants and thanked them for their gesture. He said that he had been working on social uplift from 1993, when he retired and it gives him lot of satisfaction. Through out our lives we take help from society but we must try to pay back, after retirement, in whatever way we can.
Brig Behl told about the coming Kargil Day on 26th July, which is being elebrated by the Govt. of Uttarakhand as Shauriya Divas. Acultural Programme is being is being arranged by their cultural Directorate in the Auditorium of Survey of India, Hathibarkala on 25th July from 6 to 8 PM. The entry is through pass due to limited accommodation and those who are keen should give their names. On 26TH July wreaths will be places at the Kargil War memorial by the CM and other senior dignitaries only between 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs. in a solemn ceremony with full Military Honours. However the main function will start at 1100 hrs at Venkateshwara wedding Hall where the Kargil War Heroes/ Veer Naaries and other Gallantry award winners will be honoured by the Chief Minister. It will be followed by lunch.
Those who wish to participate must give the numbers attending to the secretary so that necessary arrangements could be made for their
seating and transport.
Brig Behl pointed out that we are celebrating AGM on 31st July at 0930 hours at Gurkhali Sabha Hall, Garhi Cantt. Transport is being arranged for which necessary data be provided to officers concerned. We will be honouring one person from each Shakha and the name be give by the president of Shakha. Desired material for publication of Annual News letter be supplied in time.
Brig Behl gave salient features of their presentation made before the Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee on ‘One Rank One Pension’ where he was called to make a presentation. He was accompanied by Brig R.S.Rawat and Col MMP Kala.
Brig Behl said that our Sr Vice President had resigned when he was to fight election to the post of chairman of Gorkha Sudhar Sabha. He congratulated him on his election but asked him to continue till next election, if it does not interfere with his duties.
Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy DESL
Friday, June 10, 2011
Existing Military Covenant be Converted into a Law
09 June, 2011 18:59
Subject: Law needed to demonstrate Nation’s commitment to retired Armed Forces Personnnel, says Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MP
India must pass a law that ensures better treatment of the Retired Armed Forces Personnel and their families, and must emulate UK Government’s decision to convert its existing military covenant– an agreement under which the state pledges a duty of care towards its military personnel in return for the sacrifices that they make- into a law. In a letter written to the Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister Mr AK Antony, Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament urged them to pass UK-like law for India and demonstrate nation’s commitment to the honour and bravery of our retired Armed Forces Personnel and their families.
Please Click Here to read the full letter. Your feedback or comments are most welcome.
Best Regards,
V.Anand
Principal Public Affairs, Office of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament.
For more information on Rajeev Chandrasekhar, please visit www.rajeev.in
Subject: Law needed to demonstrate Nation’s commitment to retired Armed Forces Personnnel, says Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MP
India must pass a law that ensures better treatment of the Retired Armed Forces Personnel and their families, and must emulate UK Government’s decision to convert its existing military covenant– an agreement under which the state pledges a duty of care towards its military personnel in return for the sacrifices that they make- into a law. In a letter written to the Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister Mr AK Antony, Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament urged them to pass UK-like law for India and demonstrate nation’s commitment to the honour and bravery of our retired Armed Forces Personnel and their families.
Please Click Here to read the full letter. Your feedback or comments are most welcome.
Best Regards,
V.Anand
Principal Public Affairs, Office of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament.
For more information on Rajeev Chandrasekhar, please visit www.rajeev.in
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Will the Public Services Delivery Act improve performance of Sainik Boards
Public services delivery Act under consideration: Govt
The government said that multi-pronged action is being taken against corruption and black money in the country, the Prime Minister's office in a press release has outlined various measures taken and proposed in this regard.
These included drafting an effective Lokpal bill, strengthening administrative and legal framework to check black money, declaration of unaccounted wealth as national asset and setting up a special criminal investigation directorate.
The monitoring of frequent visitors to tax havens is being stepped up. The Government further stated that a bill is under consideration to ensure timely and quality public services to the people. (AKS-04/06)
Public services delivery Act under consideration: Govt
Comment: What about Ministers, Bureaucrats and their families who take a joy ride at Government expense to tax havens on the pretence of Official work? Are they being monitored?
The government said that multi-pronged action is being taken against corruption and black money in the country, the Prime Minister's office in a press release has outlined various measures taken and proposed in this regard.
These included drafting an effective Lokpal bill, strengthening administrative and legal framework to check black money, declaration of unaccounted wealth as national asset and setting up a special criminal investigation directorate.
The monitoring of frequent visitors to tax havens is being stepped up. The Government further stated that a bill is under consideration to ensure timely and quality public services to the people. (AKS-04/06)
Public services delivery Act under consideration: Govt
Comment: What about Ministers, Bureaucrats and their families who take a joy ride at Government expense to tax havens on the pretence of Official work? Are they being monitored?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Ex Service Personnel Welfare News
Ex-servicemen urged to register their new addresses by May 31, 2011
Bhopal: May 28, 2011 (Ataullah Faizan): The Directorate for Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare has urged the ex-servicemen of Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore and Vidisha districts, war widows and dependents of ex-servicemen registered with the District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Banganga Crossing, Bhopal, to get their correct address registered by May 31, 2011. According to Joint Director Col. V.K. Chaube (Retired), the directorate is unable to make contact and correspondence with a majority of ex-servicemen, widows and dependents on the addresses registered with the District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Bhopal. Due to this, difficulties are being faced in giving timely information to them about the welfare schemes meant for them and functions held on national festivals and other occasions.
In this context, the directorate has urged ex-servicemen of Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore and Vidisha districts, war widows and dependents of ex-servicemen to get their new addresses, phone number and mobile numbers registered with District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Bhopal, by May 31, 2011.
Ex-servicemen urged to register their new addresses by May 31, 2011
Comment: Why this urgency and a cut off date? The process should be continous. Updating veteran information is the main task of Zilla, Kendriya and Rajya Sainik Boards.
Plan to recruit ex-servicemen as postmen Special Correspondent
VILLUPURAM: The post offices at Kallakurichi and Thirukkoilur have proposed to recruit ex-servicemen as postmen. The interested ex-servicemen, up to 65 years of age, could apply to the Inspector Posts, either at Kallakurichi east sub-division or the Thirukkoilur sub-division. Further details could be obtained from the Assistant Director of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, according to a statement from the Villupuram Collectorate. click here
Ex-servicemen rally evokes massive response in Kupwara
Sringar Wednesday, May 11 2011 IST
An ex-servicemen rally evoked a massive response in the frontier district of Kupwara, once a hub of militants in north Kashmir, a Defence Ministry spokesman today. The rally was organised by 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) battalion under the aegis of Sector 8 at Krusan, Lolab yesterday. The rally was a part of welfare activity undertaken by Army for the ex-servicemen and veer naries of Kashmir. The rally evoked tremendous response from the retired soldiers of Lolab, who were apprised of the latest welfare schemes that have been launched by the Army for them.
The rally was inaugurated by Officiating Commander, 8 Sector RR who congratulated the ex-servicemen of Lolab for turning up in large numbers and making the event a huge success. He also appreciated and highlighted the role of ex-servicemen in development of Lolab Valley and expressed hope that the younger generation would be inspired by their patriotism and loyalty to the nation and follow in their footsteps.
Representative of Zila Sainik Board, Srinagar and Officer-in -Commander ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme also addressed the rally. They interacted with ex-servicemen and educated them about the various schemes being run for the benefit of ex-servicemen.
Ex-servicemen rally evokes massive response in Kupwara
ESM Guide Book
This latest edition of ‘Guide Book’ is published with a view to keep
the ESM well informed. This book will provide necessary information on the facilities available for them and also guide them on the procedures to be adopted to avail those facilities including details of agencies involved in the chain of assistance. Click here
Bhopal: May 28, 2011 (Ataullah Faizan): The Directorate for Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare has urged the ex-servicemen of Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore and Vidisha districts, war widows and dependents of ex-servicemen registered with the District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Banganga Crossing, Bhopal, to get their correct address registered by May 31, 2011. According to Joint Director Col. V.K. Chaube (Retired), the directorate is unable to make contact and correspondence with a majority of ex-servicemen, widows and dependents on the addresses registered with the District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Bhopal. Due to this, difficulties are being faced in giving timely information to them about the welfare schemes meant for them and functions held on national festivals and other occasions.
In this context, the directorate has urged ex-servicemen of Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore and Vidisha districts, war widows and dependents of ex-servicemen to get their new addresses, phone number and mobile numbers registered with District Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Office, Bhopal, by May 31, 2011.
Ex-servicemen urged to register their new addresses by May 31, 2011
Comment: Why this urgency and a cut off date? The process should be continous. Updating veteran information is the main task of Zilla, Kendriya and Rajya Sainik Boards.
Plan to recruit ex-servicemen as postmen Special Correspondent
VILLUPURAM: The post offices at Kallakurichi and Thirukkoilur have proposed to recruit ex-servicemen as postmen. The interested ex-servicemen, up to 65 years of age, could apply to the Inspector Posts, either at Kallakurichi east sub-division or the Thirukkoilur sub-division. Further details could be obtained from the Assistant Director of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, according to a statement from the Villupuram Collectorate. click here
Ex-servicemen rally evokes massive response in Kupwara
Sringar Wednesday, May 11 2011 IST
An ex-servicemen rally evoked a massive response in the frontier district of Kupwara, once a hub of militants in north Kashmir, a Defence Ministry spokesman today. The rally was organised by 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) battalion under the aegis of Sector 8 at Krusan, Lolab yesterday. The rally was a part of welfare activity undertaken by Army for the ex-servicemen and veer naries of Kashmir. The rally evoked tremendous response from the retired soldiers of Lolab, who were apprised of the latest welfare schemes that have been launched by the Army for them.
The rally was inaugurated by Officiating Commander, 8 Sector RR who congratulated the ex-servicemen of Lolab for turning up in large numbers and making the event a huge success. He also appreciated and highlighted the role of ex-servicemen in development of Lolab Valley and expressed hope that the younger generation would be inspired by their patriotism and loyalty to the nation and follow in their footsteps.
Representative of Zila Sainik Board, Srinagar and Officer-in -Commander ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme also addressed the rally. They interacted with ex-servicemen and educated them about the various schemes being run for the benefit of ex-servicemen.
Ex-servicemen rally evokes massive response in Kupwara
ESM Guide Book
This latest edition of ‘Guide Book’ is published with a view to keep
the ESM well informed. This book will provide necessary information on the facilities available for them and also guide them on the procedures to be adopted to avail those facilities including details of agencies involved in the chain of assistance. Click here
Friday, May 27, 2011
Welfare Measures for Ex Service Personnel at snails pace
CM honours ex-servicemen Tribune News Service Dehradun, May 22, 2011
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today reiterated his commitment to work for the welfare of ex-servicemen in Uttarakhand.
Addressing an ex-servicemen’s convention in Dehradun, Nishank said his government had taken a number of measures for the welfare of ex-servicemen. He said a one-time grant for decorated Army personnel had been increased substantially and was the highest in the country. Nishank said even pension of the Second World War veterans had been doubled by his government.
He said six new companies of the Eco Task Force had been constituted to provide employment to the ex-serivicemen. He said Uttarakhand had a large population of ex-servicemen and the government too had allotted free land for the construction of accommodations in Dehradun, Haldwani and the Kotdwar areas.
He said he had launched Antoyodaya Vikas Yatra to get first-hand information of the problems of the people. He said the Atal Khadhyan Yojana had been implemented in the state as relief to the people from rising prices.
The Chief Minister also honoured 102-year-old Dula Devi Gusain, a widow of an ex-serviceman. Another ex-serviceman widow Archana Negi, ex-servicemen Kedar Singh Bhandari and Bachchan Singh Bhandari were also honoured.
Uttarakhand Youth Welfare Board’s vice-president Subhash Barathwal, vice-chairman, Sainik Welfare, Col PD Kuriyal (retd), Capt Digambar Prasad Baloni, vice-president, Twenty Point Programme Implementation Committee, Jitendra Negi, district panchayat member Subhash Bhatt were among those present on the occasion.
CM honours ex-servicemen
Admission for wards of ex-servicemen
Published: May 24, 2011 00:00 IST | Updated: May 24, 2011 04:04 IST CHENNAI, May 24, 2011
A release from the District Collector's office said admission has been reserved for wards of ex-servicemen in B.E. (General) and B.E. (Anna University) and B.E. (Anna University) (lateral entry), besides medicine, arts and science colleges.
Wards of ex-servicemen who are registered in Chennai District may approach the office of the Director of District Ex-servicemen Welfare Assistance in Saidapet. click here
Chib hands over scooters keys to disabled ex-servicemen
Written by Newspoint Bureau Wednesday, 27 April 2011 23:12 Jammu tawi, April 27
Minister for Medical Education R S Chib today said that the government was committed to provide every help to the Rajya Sainik Welfare Board, which he observed is doing excellent job for the welfare of ex-servicemen in the state. He hoped that the Board would achieve new heights in its functioning under the capable patronage of the Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Minister was speaking at a function, organized by Rajya Sainik Welfare Board in connection with distribution of modified scooters to disabled ex-servicemen here today. These scooters have been provided by the Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence. Chib said the Rajya Sainik Welfare Board and Kendriya Sainik Board remain at the forefront in extending help to the ex-servicemen. He said the modified scooters provided to the disabled ex-servicemen are a part of series of the welfare measures to extend succor to the former army personnel and their families. He said the Union Government from time to time formulates welfare schemes for ex-servicemen with provisions for housing, scholarship and financial assistance to the wards and widows of army personnel. Referring to his recent meeting with Union Defence Minister, the Minister said that he took up various outstanding issues of ex-servicemen of the state with him. These included exemption of VAT on CSD item, construction of housing colonies and Sainik Bhawan in the state. He said that the Defence Minister assured early redressal of issues projected by him. Giving brief resume of the achievements of the board, Director Sainik Welfare Board Brig (Retd) R S Langeh said the Kendriya Sainik Board provided seven modified scooters for the disabled ex-servicemen of the state last year, adding 17 more such scooters would be provided to the disabled ex-servicemen shortly. Earlier, the Minister handed over keys to the disabled Ex-servicemen Puran Chand and Balak Ram. Among others, Chairman, Ex-services League Maj. Gen. (Retd) G S Jamwal, Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Lt. Col. R L Gangal, besides a number of retired army personnel were present on the occasion.click here
11 per cent Armymen are from Bihar
March 31, 2011 Patna. Army personnel have reasons to feel proud of their Bihari roots as Bihar accounts for about 11 percent of the total Army personnel strength.
Talking to TOI, Bihar Ex-Servicemen League president Col (retd) V.K. Singh said that Bihar had lost a large size of cantonment after its bifurcation from West Bengal and later due to creation of Jharkhand. While about 20,000 troops went to the Barrackpore Cantonment in West Bengal, it lost two training centres located at Ramgargh to Jharkhand. About 7,500 troops went to the Ramgargh Cantonment after creation of Jharkhand, he said, adding even the main canteen service is still located in Jharkhand.
Col (retd) Singh said that the Army from Bihar has to go to Jharkhand to purchase two or four wheelers. Besides, the League members have been paying state tax on each item of defence being transported to Danapur Cantonment from Jharkhand. He said that about 1.5 lakh personnel are in defence service from Bihar. click here
Punjab committed for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen- Capt Balbir Singh Bath
The Minister said that Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) on its part must get the Union Government to resolve the long outstanding issue of 'One Rank One Pension' and further the case of lateral absorption of Soldiers into the Para Military Forces and State police. He said that in Punjab we were in the process of recruiting 1600 Ex-servicemen for taking over the security related duties from the State Police. He said that there was also a need for the KSB to look at the various Central Schemes that benefit the ESM.
Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Punjab Sainik Welfare Mr. Jagjit Puri, Director Punjab Sainik Welfare Brig. (Retd.) Inderjit Singh Gakhal, Secretary K.S.B Brig. Sudhir Uppal, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) V.K. Jain Director Punjab Sainik Welfare Uttar Pradesh, Brig. (Retd.) R.S. Langeh Director Punjab Sainik Welfare J&K, Brig. (Retd.) J.S. Dulal, Secretary R.S.B Haryana, G.P Capt. (Retd.) R.K. Sharma Secretary R.S.B Delhi, Lt. Col. (Retd.) R.K. Singh District Sainik Board Chandigarh (UT), Maj. (Retd) J.S Puria Deputy Director RSB Himachal Pradesh, Maj. (Retd.) B.S. Negi, Deputy Director RSB Uttrakhand. click here
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today reiterated his commitment to work for the welfare of ex-servicemen in Uttarakhand.
Addressing an ex-servicemen’s convention in Dehradun, Nishank said his government had taken a number of measures for the welfare of ex-servicemen. He said a one-time grant for decorated Army personnel had been increased substantially and was the highest in the country. Nishank said even pension of the Second World War veterans had been doubled by his government.
He said six new companies of the Eco Task Force had been constituted to provide employment to the ex-serivicemen. He said Uttarakhand had a large population of ex-servicemen and the government too had allotted free land for the construction of accommodations in Dehradun, Haldwani and the Kotdwar areas.
He said he had launched Antoyodaya Vikas Yatra to get first-hand information of the problems of the people. He said the Atal Khadhyan Yojana had been implemented in the state as relief to the people from rising prices.
The Chief Minister also honoured 102-year-old Dula Devi Gusain, a widow of an ex-serviceman. Another ex-serviceman widow Archana Negi, ex-servicemen Kedar Singh Bhandari and Bachchan Singh Bhandari were also honoured.
Uttarakhand Youth Welfare Board’s vice-president Subhash Barathwal, vice-chairman, Sainik Welfare, Col PD Kuriyal (retd), Capt Digambar Prasad Baloni, vice-president, Twenty Point Programme Implementation Committee, Jitendra Negi, district panchayat member Subhash Bhatt were among those present on the occasion.
CM honours ex-servicemen
Admission for wards of ex-servicemen
Published: May 24, 2011 00:00 IST | Updated: May 24, 2011 04:04 IST CHENNAI, May 24, 2011
A release from the District Collector's office said admission has been reserved for wards of ex-servicemen in B.E. (General) and B.E. (Anna University) and B.E. (Anna University) (lateral entry), besides medicine, arts and science colleges.
Wards of ex-servicemen who are registered in Chennai District may approach the office of the Director of District Ex-servicemen Welfare Assistance in Saidapet. click here
Chib hands over scooters keys to disabled ex-servicemen
Written by Newspoint Bureau Wednesday, 27 April 2011 23:12 Jammu tawi, April 27
Minister for Medical Education R S Chib today said that the government was committed to provide every help to the Rajya Sainik Welfare Board, which he observed is doing excellent job for the welfare of ex-servicemen in the state. He hoped that the Board would achieve new heights in its functioning under the capable patronage of the Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Minister was speaking at a function, organized by Rajya Sainik Welfare Board in connection with distribution of modified scooters to disabled ex-servicemen here today. These scooters have been provided by the Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence. Chib said the Rajya Sainik Welfare Board and Kendriya Sainik Board remain at the forefront in extending help to the ex-servicemen. He said the modified scooters provided to the disabled ex-servicemen are a part of series of the welfare measures to extend succor to the former army personnel and their families. He said the Union Government from time to time formulates welfare schemes for ex-servicemen with provisions for housing, scholarship and financial assistance to the wards and widows of army personnel. Referring to his recent meeting with Union Defence Minister, the Minister said that he took up various outstanding issues of ex-servicemen of the state with him. These included exemption of VAT on CSD item, construction of housing colonies and Sainik Bhawan in the state. He said that the Defence Minister assured early redressal of issues projected by him. Giving brief resume of the achievements of the board, Director Sainik Welfare Board Brig (Retd) R S Langeh said the Kendriya Sainik Board provided seven modified scooters for the disabled ex-servicemen of the state last year, adding 17 more such scooters would be provided to the disabled ex-servicemen shortly. Earlier, the Minister handed over keys to the disabled Ex-servicemen Puran Chand and Balak Ram. Among others, Chairman, Ex-services League Maj. Gen. (Retd) G S Jamwal, Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Lt. Col. R L Gangal, besides a number of retired army personnel were present on the occasion.click here
11 per cent Armymen are from Bihar
March 31, 2011 Patna. Army personnel have reasons to feel proud of their Bihari roots as Bihar accounts for about 11 percent of the total Army personnel strength.
Talking to TOI, Bihar Ex-Servicemen League president Col (retd) V.K. Singh said that Bihar had lost a large size of cantonment after its bifurcation from West Bengal and later due to creation of Jharkhand. While about 20,000 troops went to the Barrackpore Cantonment in West Bengal, it lost two training centres located at Ramgargh to Jharkhand. About 7,500 troops went to the Ramgargh Cantonment after creation of Jharkhand, he said, adding even the main canteen service is still located in Jharkhand.
Col (retd) Singh said that the Army from Bihar has to go to Jharkhand to purchase two or four wheelers. Besides, the League members have been paying state tax on each item of defence being transported to Danapur Cantonment from Jharkhand. He said that about 1.5 lakh personnel are in defence service from Bihar. click here
Punjab committed for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen- Capt Balbir Singh Bath
The Minister said that Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) on its part must get the Union Government to resolve the long outstanding issue of 'One Rank One Pension' and further the case of lateral absorption of Soldiers into the Para Military Forces and State police. He said that in Punjab we were in the process of recruiting 1600 Ex-servicemen for taking over the security related duties from the State Police. He said that there was also a need for the KSB to look at the various Central Schemes that benefit the ESM.
Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Punjab Sainik Welfare Mr. Jagjit Puri, Director Punjab Sainik Welfare Brig. (Retd.) Inderjit Singh Gakhal, Secretary K.S.B Brig. Sudhir Uppal, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) V.K. Jain Director Punjab Sainik Welfare Uttar Pradesh, Brig. (Retd.) R.S. Langeh Director Punjab Sainik Welfare J&K, Brig. (Retd.) J.S. Dulal, Secretary R.S.B Haryana, G.P Capt. (Retd.) R.K. Sharma Secretary R.S.B Delhi, Lt. Col. (Retd.) R.K. Singh District Sainik Board Chandigarh (UT), Maj. (Retd) J.S Puria Deputy Director RSB Himachal Pradesh, Maj. (Retd.) B.S. Negi, Deputy Director RSB Uttrakhand. click here
Tall Promises for the Welfare of Ex Service Personnel
Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju on Sunday 06 feb 2011 at Tadepalligudem said pensions, resettlement and the healthcare of ex-servicemen and widows were on the top of the Defence Ministry's agenda.
Speaking at an Army Mela here, he informed that the government had streamlined the pension payment system. A software was introduced in the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) office to check errors in effecting hikes in pensions in line with the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) recommendations. Similar software would be introduced in the State Sainik Board and District Sainik Board Offices across the country, he added.
Polyclinics
Mr. Raju said the government had recently sanctioned an additional 300 polyclinics as part of the endeavour to provide better health care 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
Tall promises on paper- mission blunted by bureaucrats
Welfare of Ex-Servicemen and Their Resettlement by Sangeeta Agarwal
1. Introduction
Having given the best years of their lives to the country, it becomes a national obligation to resettle and rehabilitate the ex-servicemen.
An ex-serviceman is a person who has served in any rank, whether as a combatant or as non-combatant, in the Armed Forces of the Union of India, including the Armed forces of former Indian States, but excluding the Assam Rifles, Defence Security Corps, General Reserve Engineer?ing Force, Lok Sahayak Sena and Territorial Army, for a continuous period of not less than 6 months after attes?tation and has been released, otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inef?ficiency or has been transferred to the reserve pending such release or has to serve for not more than 6 months for completing the period of service requisite for becoming entitled to be released or transferred to the reserve.
2. Administrative Responsibility and Organisation
The Central and states/UTs are jointly responsible for the resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen. The Kendriya Sainik Board, whose designation was introduced in 1951 for the earlier organization i.e. the District Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Board, is the apex body at the Central Government level.
At the state level, the subject of resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen is allocated to one of the ministers in the state governments and Secretary of the Department concerned oversees the work of the Rajya Sainik Board.
The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are: Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.
3. Necessity of Resettlement Assistance
The releases from Armed Forces create a reservoir of trained manpower which can profitably be made use of in various skills; are a national asset and should be utilized as such. They should be merged in the mainstream of national life so that they continue to contribute their skills for national advantage. It is felt that any delay in resettling them will only cause dissatisfaction and frustration amongst them.
Resettlement on Land
The bulk of our Jawans come from rural areas with agricultural backgrounds. Resettlement on land, however, on a major scale is no longer feasible as land is increasingly becoming scarce. Effort is, however, made to persuade state governments to accord high priority to ex-servicemen for the allocation of surplus land.
Self-Employment
A large number of ex-servicemen have found avenues of self-employment by securing agencies of public sector undertakings in tea, fertilizers, cement, steel, salt, machine- tools, cloth, bakery products, petroleum items, photo-ma?terial, papers, transportation of scooters, milk-booths, elec?tronic goods etc.
In the field of transport, ex-servicemen are helped through provision of tractors, discarded vehicles, and bus, taxi and truck routes including allocation of national permits for transportation of goods. For those interested in starting small scale units, consultancy services are provided in preparing project reports. Assistance is given in securing finances from banks and in marketing of products.
Dissemination of Information
Dissemination of information in regard to benefits and concessions available to ex-servicemen and their families is of paramount importance. Apart from projection of resettlement and welfare activities pertaining to ex-service- men through different media of publicity, the Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defense, has brought out a comprehensive guide to Resettlement of Ex-servicemen both in English and Hindi.
Comment. Very laudable goals. The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are the Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund. The utilisation of these funds are questionable and really not audited to ensure they benefit the deserving Ex Service Personnel. Only a small percent of the funds reaches the beneficiaries!
Speaking at an Army Mela here, he informed that the government had streamlined the pension payment system. A software was introduced in the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) office to check errors in effecting hikes in pensions in line with the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) recommendations. Similar software would be introduced in the State Sainik Board and District Sainik Board Offices across the country, he added.
Polyclinics
Mr. Raju said the government had recently sanctioned an additional 300 polyclinics as part of the endeavour to provide better health care 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
Tall promises on paper- mission blunted by bureaucrats
Welfare of Ex-Servicemen and Their Resettlement by Sangeeta Agarwal
1. Introduction
Having given the best years of their lives to the country, it becomes a national obligation to resettle and rehabilitate the ex-servicemen.
An ex-serviceman is a person who has served in any rank, whether as a combatant or as non-combatant, in the Armed Forces of the Union of India, including the Armed forces of former Indian States, but excluding the Assam Rifles, Defence Security Corps, General Reserve Engineer?ing Force, Lok Sahayak Sena and Territorial Army, for a continuous period of not less than 6 months after attes?tation and has been released, otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inef?ficiency or has been transferred to the reserve pending such release or has to serve for not more than 6 months for completing the period of service requisite for becoming entitled to be released or transferred to the reserve.
2. Administrative Responsibility and Organisation
The Central and states/UTs are jointly responsible for the resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen. The Kendriya Sainik Board, whose designation was introduced in 1951 for the earlier organization i.e. the District Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Board, is the apex body at the Central Government level.
At the state level, the subject of resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen is allocated to one of the ministers in the state governments and Secretary of the Department concerned oversees the work of the Rajya Sainik Board.
The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are: Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.
3. Necessity of Resettlement Assistance
The releases from Armed Forces create a reservoir of trained manpower which can profitably be made use of in various skills; are a national asset and should be utilized as such. They should be merged in the mainstream of national life so that they continue to contribute their skills for national advantage. It is felt that any delay in resettling them will only cause dissatisfaction and frustration amongst them.
Resettlement on Land
The bulk of our Jawans come from rural areas with agricultural backgrounds. Resettlement on land, however, on a major scale is no longer feasible as land is increasingly becoming scarce. Effort is, however, made to persuade state governments to accord high priority to ex-servicemen for the allocation of surplus land.
Self-Employment
A large number of ex-servicemen have found avenues of self-employment by securing agencies of public sector undertakings in tea, fertilizers, cement, steel, salt, machine- tools, cloth, bakery products, petroleum items, photo-ma?terial, papers, transportation of scooters, milk-booths, elec?tronic goods etc.
In the field of transport, ex-servicemen are helped through provision of tractors, discarded vehicles, and bus, taxi and truck routes including allocation of national permits for transportation of goods. For those interested in starting small scale units, consultancy services are provided in preparing project reports. Assistance is given in securing finances from banks and in marketing of products.
Dissemination of Information
Dissemination of information in regard to benefits and concessions available to ex-servicemen and their families is of paramount importance. Apart from projection of resettlement and welfare activities pertaining to ex-service- men through different media of publicity, the Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defense, has brought out a comprehensive guide to Resettlement of Ex-servicemen both in English and Hindi.
Comment. Very laudable goals. The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are the Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund. The utilisation of these funds are questionable and really not audited to ensure they benefit the deserving Ex Service Personnel. Only a small percent of the funds reaches the beneficiaries!
Manipulation in the 6th CPC implementation
MANIPULATION IN THE WELL INTENTIONED RECOMMENDATION OF THE 6TH CPC
The Govt approved recommendation the 6th CPC states “The fixation of pension will be subject to the provision that the revised pensions, in no case, shall be lower than fifty percent of the sum of the minimum of the pay in the pay band and grade pay thereon corresponding to the pre-revised scale from which the pensioner had retired”.
However, above provisions having been duly approved by the Union Govt, were tweaked / tinkered / modified / manipulated as under to entirely change the essence of the govt resolution “The pension calculated at 50 percent of the minimum pay in pay band plus grade pay would be calculated (i) At minimum of pay band (irrespective of the pre-revised scale of pay ) plus the grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale”.
Kindly note- The wording “Minimum of Pay in the Pay Band” has been replaced by inserting words “At minimum of Pay Band (irrespective of the pre-revised scale of pay)”
Further the word “and” has been replaced by word “plus” thereby bringing about complete change to determent of the defence services. It may be noted that “the words “sum of” and “thereon” used by the 6th CPC have been omitted and the word “and” has been replaced by word “plus”. This mischievous insertion (of plus) side tracks/de-links wording “corresponding to the pre-revised scale from which the pensioner had retired” from the grade pay and relates ONLY to the “Grade Pay” of the rank, thereby de-linking the same from the words “Pay in the Pay Band”. The entire effect of the 'well- intentioned' Government resolution has been wiped out by this unauthorised and mischievous substitution.
Defence pensioners can only be benefited from the recommendation of the 6th CPC if Minimum of pay in the pre-revised scale of pay of the rank from which such pensioners retired, is taken into account for revision of pension of pre 2006 pensioners.
Consequent to above, not only are we nowhere near to the genuine demand of OROP but even the modified parity recommended by the 6th CPC and accepted by the Government has been mischievously and maliciously denied to defence personnel due to bureaucratic intrigue.
Extracted
Above is from the Memorandum submitted by IESM in response to public inputs sought with reference to petition praying for grant of OROP to the Armed Forces Personnel.
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM.
Extracted
Above is from the Memorandum submitted by IESM in response to public inputs sought with reference to petition praying for grant of OROP to the Armed Forces Personnel.
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
A year ago 'Should Implement One Rank One Pension Soon'
A year ago 'Govt Should Implement One Rank One Pension Soon'
PTI | New Delhi | May 07, 2010
A Parliamentary committee has asked the Defence Ministry to soon implement 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) for armed forces veterans, noting that a demand for this has not been accepted by it.
"The committee concludes that 'OROP' has not been accepted by the government. However, the pensionary benefits of ex-servicemen including disabled ex-servicemen have considerably been improved by implementation of the seven recommendations of a committee (headed by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar)," the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in Lok Sabha today.
The panel, headed by Satpal Maharaj (Congress) had considered the government replies to its earlier report submitted to Parliament in December last year.
"The committee still recommend that the government should implement OROP in a holistic manner so that large number of ex-servicemen can be benefited. The government should also ensure that the various benefits provided to the ex-servicemen due to implementation of the recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary-headed committee, along with arrears if any, are paid expeditiously," it said.
OROP implied that uniform pension should be paid to armed forces personnel retiring in the same rank with same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension should be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.
After the veterans had organised events to return their service and gallantry medals to the President in protest, the government had, on the directions of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, set up the committee to consider the demand made in the wake of implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations in September 2008.
The committee recommended a plan under which the pensions would be as close to OROP, but this was being accepted by the ex-servicemen. However, the government decided to implement it.
On the issue of lateral entry for ex-servicemen into central paramilitary forces, which the government was yet to implement, the Parliamentary panel said though it had highlighted the advantage of recruiting them in CPMF, it had not been implemented despite a CPC recommendation in this regard.
"The committee desires that the Ministry expedite the matter to resolve the lateral induction of ex-servicemen in CPMF, PSUs and state police," which was the highlight of the Group of Ministers' recommendation for 'Reforming National Security System' made in 2001, it said.
Outlook: 'Govt Should Implement One Rank One Pension Soon'
Comment: How serious is the Governement in Reforming the National Security System? Goof up on Terrorists Lists speaks volumes about National Security Status?
PTI | New Delhi | May 07, 2010
A Parliamentary committee has asked the Defence Ministry to soon implement 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) for armed forces veterans, noting that a demand for this has not been accepted by it.
"The committee concludes that 'OROP' has not been accepted by the government. However, the pensionary benefits of ex-servicemen including disabled ex-servicemen have considerably been improved by implementation of the seven recommendations of a committee (headed by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar)," the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in Lok Sabha today.
The panel, headed by Satpal Maharaj (Congress) had considered the government replies to its earlier report submitted to Parliament in December last year.
"The committee still recommend that the government should implement OROP in a holistic manner so that large number of ex-servicemen can be benefited. The government should also ensure that the various benefits provided to the ex-servicemen due to implementation of the recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary-headed committee, along with arrears if any, are paid expeditiously," it said.
OROP implied that uniform pension should be paid to armed forces personnel retiring in the same rank with same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension should be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.
After the veterans had organised events to return their service and gallantry medals to the President in protest, the government had, on the directions of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, set up the committee to consider the demand made in the wake of implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations in September 2008.
The committee recommended a plan under which the pensions would be as close to OROP, but this was being accepted by the ex-servicemen. However, the government decided to implement it.
On the issue of lateral entry for ex-servicemen into central paramilitary forces, which the government was yet to implement, the Parliamentary panel said though it had highlighted the advantage of recruiting them in CPMF, it had not been implemented despite a CPC recommendation in this regard.
"The committee desires that the Ministry expedite the matter to resolve the lateral induction of ex-servicemen in CPMF, PSUs and state police," which was the highlight of the Group of Ministers' recommendation for 'Reforming National Security System' made in 2001, it said.
Outlook: 'Govt Should Implement One Rank One Pension Soon'
Comment: How serious is the Governement in Reforming the National Security System? Goof up on Terrorists Lists speaks volumes about National Security Status?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Britain converts Military covenant into Law
Dear Brig Kamboj:
As I had anticipated, not it's official. The British PM has made a statement seeking to convert a military covenant into law, so affected members of the armed forces can take legal action, if government fails to abide by the law, that is, look after them and their families adequately. If you have time, please visit the following link.
click here
I would have gladly written a critique, but have inadequate knowledge of the functioning of the AFT. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Bhimaya
Maj Gen K Bhimaya, 10th JSW Course
STATUTORY MILITARY COVENANT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM..
Dear Brig Kamboj,
The news of the United Kingdom officially recognising her duties and obligations towards the Armed Forces personnel has implications for all of us, not only the servicemen and the ex-servicemen in the United Kingdom.
Following on from the statement, “If you fight for your country, your country will look after you,” new homes will be built for ex servicemen, there will be free use of gym and leisure centres and priority in getting medical treatment. Please see the full news published in the "Sunday Telegraph", London, today. (Sunday, May 15, 2011): click here
Regards
RS Rajput
Veteran (UK)
Defence Correspondent 15 May 2011 The Sunday Telegraph by SEAN RAYMENT
BRITISH troops and their families will receive priority access to school places, NHS treatment and housing under new Military Covenant laws.
Details of the package to help services personnel will be unveiled to Parliament tomorrow in a statement by Dr Liam Fox, the Defence Secretary, after government lawyers and officials spent the weekend finalising them.
It is understood the measures will include an offer of free cycles of IVF treatment to military families where a soldier has suffered injuries which make it difficult to conceive – a common occurrence in Afghanistan, where many have been hurt by improvised explosive devices.
Troops serving overseas will no longer be required to pay full council tax, while a new chief coroner will be put in charge of conducting the inquests of war dead.
Service personnel posted to different parts of Britain will be promoted to the top of health service waiting lists if they fall ill. It is also understood that Ministry of Defence working committees are looking at ways of striking a deal with banks to offer troops low interest “military mortgages”.
The Military Covenant has, until now, been an unwritten agreement under which the state pledges a duty of care toward military personnel who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. It has never been enshrined in law and there has been increasing concern that Britain’s soldiers aren’t getting the health care, housing or pay they deserve.
Following the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has been argued by both David Cameron and Dr Fox that the Covenant was broken by the then Labour government when it failed properly to equip troops for combat. Earlier this month, Mr Cameron was accused of backtracking on plans to “write the Covenant into law” when the third reading of the Armed Forces Bill was delayed.
The shelving of the Bill was understood to have been ordered afterTreasury lawyers warned that enshrining the Covenant in law could cost millions and would be beset by legal problems.
Under the latest proposals, while the Covenant measures will be written into law based on broad principles rather than specific statements of entitlement, there will be room for service personnel and veterans to ensure they have not been disadvantaged through military service.
Andrew Robathan, the defence minister overseeing the Armed Forces Bill, said the Coalition would “ensure the best possible treatment for all our service personnel, serving and retired”. He added: “We are putting the Military Covenant on a statutory basis for the first time.”
Last night Jim Murphy, the shadow defence secretary, said: “The Prime Minister appears to have finally done the right thing. I hope this marks the beginnings of a real reassessment of how the Government is treating our Armed Forces.
“We will now wait to hear the detail and will want to ensure that the principles of the Covenant are being properly set out in law,” he added. See page 23
As I had anticipated, not it's official. The British PM has made a statement seeking to convert a military covenant into law, so affected members of the armed forces can take legal action, if government fails to abide by the law, that is, look after them and their families adequately. If you have time, please visit the following link.
click here
I would have gladly written a critique, but have inadequate knowledge of the functioning of the AFT. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Bhimaya
Maj Gen K Bhimaya, 10th JSW Course
STATUTORY MILITARY COVENANT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM..
Dear Brig Kamboj,
The news of the United Kingdom officially recognising her duties and obligations towards the Armed Forces personnel has implications for all of us, not only the servicemen and the ex-servicemen in the United Kingdom.
Following on from the statement, “If you fight for your country, your country will look after you,” new homes will be built for ex servicemen, there will be free use of gym and leisure centres and priority in getting medical treatment. Please see the full news published in the "Sunday Telegraph", London, today. (Sunday, May 15, 2011): click here
Regards
RS Rajput
Veteran (UK)
Defence Correspondent 15 May 2011 The Sunday Telegraph by SEAN RAYMENT
BRITISH troops and their families will receive priority access to school places, NHS treatment and housing under new Military Covenant laws.
Details of the package to help services personnel will be unveiled to Parliament tomorrow in a statement by Dr Liam Fox, the Defence Secretary, after government lawyers and officials spent the weekend finalising them.
It is understood the measures will include an offer of free cycles of IVF treatment to military families where a soldier has suffered injuries which make it difficult to conceive – a common occurrence in Afghanistan, where many have been hurt by improvised explosive devices.
Troops serving overseas will no longer be required to pay full council tax, while a new chief coroner will be put in charge of conducting the inquests of war dead.
Service personnel posted to different parts of Britain will be promoted to the top of health service waiting lists if they fall ill. It is also understood that Ministry of Defence working committees are looking at ways of striking a deal with banks to offer troops low interest “military mortgages”.
The Military Covenant has, until now, been an unwritten agreement under which the state pledges a duty of care toward military personnel who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. It has never been enshrined in law and there has been increasing concern that Britain’s soldiers aren’t getting the health care, housing or pay they deserve.
Following the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has been argued by both David Cameron and Dr Fox that the Covenant was broken by the then Labour government when it failed properly to equip troops for combat. Earlier this month, Mr Cameron was accused of backtracking on plans to “write the Covenant into law” when the third reading of the Armed Forces Bill was delayed.
The shelving of the Bill was understood to have been ordered afterTreasury lawyers warned that enshrining the Covenant in law could cost millions and would be beset by legal problems.
Under the latest proposals, while the Covenant measures will be written into law based on broad principles rather than specific statements of entitlement, there will be room for service personnel and veterans to ensure they have not been disadvantaged through military service.
Andrew Robathan, the defence minister overseeing the Armed Forces Bill, said the Coalition would “ensure the best possible treatment for all our service personnel, serving and retired”. He added: “We are putting the Military Covenant on a statutory basis for the first time.”
Last night Jim Murphy, the shadow defence secretary, said: “The Prime Minister appears to have finally done the right thing. I hope this marks the beginnings of a real reassessment of how the Government is treating our Armed Forces.
“We will now wait to hear the detail and will want to ensure that the principles of the Covenant are being properly set out in law,” he added. See page 23
Feedback on Presentation to Petition Committee on OROP
Congratulations and compliments to Gens Kadyan , Satbir and their dedicated Team as also All other Veteran Leaders who have made such forceful presentations on our behalf- truly inspiring and selfless service to Servicemen.
Inspired feedback from Hony Lt Pandey- his write-up is brilliant.
May their example bring the ideal of Veterans Unity/harmony closer to 'being'.
Pray for your success and to the cause of Justice for Veterans.
Best wishes and warm regards
Yoginder Sharma
Lt Gen YN Sharma
Former Army Commander
From: Dhanesh Chandra Goyal
Sent: 18 May 2011 16:18
To: Brig Kamboj
Subject: RE: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Dear Brig,
It is really heartening that some of are fighting our cause. We are bound to be successful one day. Presently the Govt is concentrating only to face saving against corruption, hence delay.
Regards to those senior officers who are representing us.
Lt Col D C Goyal
Jaipur
From: kameswararao gadepally [mailto:krgplee@gmail.com]
Sent: 17 May 2011 20:05
To: Report My Signal (Chander Kamboj)
Subject: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Dear Brig Kamboj
Congratulations to IESM and its governing body for the illuminating presentation to the Committee on Petitions of the Parliament. It is good that almost all the various groups of Veterans have been involved in the presentation. The qoute by Gen Raj Kadyan is very appropriate and let us hope that it will open the eyes of the bureaucracy and the government to the realities leading to the success of our efforts and grant of OROP. May The Almighty add HIS Blessings for the success of the endeavours in this regard by all Veterans.
regards
yours sincerely
Lt Col (retd) Dr G Kameswara rao
Secunderabad
From: Hirak Nag
Sent: 17 May 2011 19:29
To: "Report My Signal" (Chander Kamboj)
Subject: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Very encouraging and all due to the continious, dedicated and tireless efforts of Gen Kadyan, Gen Satbir, Lt. Kameshwar Pandey, Col RP Chaturvedi, Hav Devi Lal, Brig Kamboj and all the selfless staff of IESM. I am proud to be a member.
Hirak Nag.
From: RDOA India
Sent: 18 May 2011 18:54
To: CS.Kamboj
Subject: Presentation on OROP to the Rajya Sabha Petition Commitee under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari
Dear Sir,
It is intimated that:
A Presentation was given on One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Rajya Sabha Petition Commitee under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member Rajya Sabha on 16 May 2011, 3 PM onwards. There were other associations present also. The presentation given by RDOA was very well appreciated. One of the Committee members remarked as 'Best Explanation' and asked for additional inputs which will be given by RDOA in a few days time. RDOA was represented by the President: Lt Col BK Sharma (Retd) & the Secretary: Lt Col Satwant Singh (Retd)
It is requested that the info be put on RMS for info of all concerned
With best wishes
Secy RDOA
OROP: Presentation to Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions by IESL
Dear colleagues,
1. A presentation was made to Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member Rajya Sabha on 16 May 2011 by team of IESL headed by Brig R K S Gulia, President, to include Brig Kartar Singh, AVM R P Mishra, Cdr B D Sharma and Col Sukhbir Singh on OROP. The thrust of the Presentation was to press home the long outstanding demand of Ex-Servicemen of the
Armed Forces for OROP. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari Chairman of the Committee and other members of the Committee gave a pateint hearing and appeared to be convinced of the grievances as regards to OROP put forward by the IESL delegation.
2. The IESL delegation was asked to make its presentation first amongst a total of 8 delegations/ individuals who had petitioned to the Committee. The salient details of the presentations were
(a) Indian Ex-Services League
(i) Only organisation recognised by Govt of India- for tri services.
(ii) Status also confirmed by Lok Sabha through a resolution.
(iii) Largest tri services all India based apolitical organisation.
(iv) Objective of the League- Welfare
(b) Salient features:-
(i) Military Rank Oriented
(ii) Degradation of Military Service
(iii) Origin of OROP
(iv) What is OROP
(c) Uniqueness of Military Service
(i) 50% of the Military strength remains 80% of the time away from families.
(ii) Leave is not a right.
(iii) Service Conditions- Roughest weather and toughest terrain.
(iv) Early retirement.
(v) Fundamental rights curtailed.
(vi) Being called in all calamities to include natural and man made.
(vii) Unlike other services a soldier is employed for
24X7 duties.
(d) Early retirement
(i) 85% retire below 38 years of age, 10% retire below 46 and 5% retire at 56.
(ii) Benefits of 1-2 pay commissions denied due to early retirement.
(iii) Second career not guaranteed.
(iv) Exploited by various agencies as welfare is not on
concurrent list.
(v) ACP (Assured career progression) and promotions denied due to early retirement and steep pyramidical structure.
(e) Why OROP to Military Veterans
(i) Pension is compensation for services rendered.
(ii) Right of equality for compensation.
(iii) Constitutional law of equal compensation for equal and same work.
(iv) Natural Justice- case of father, son and grand son in the same rank.
(v) Honour and pride.
(vi) Economic world.
3. For information please.
with regards,
Col Sukhbir Singh
Gen Secretary IESL
Inspired feedback from Hony Lt Pandey- his write-up is brilliant.
May their example bring the ideal of Veterans Unity/harmony closer to 'being'.
Pray for your success and to the cause of Justice for Veterans.
Best wishes and warm regards
Yoginder Sharma
Lt Gen YN Sharma
Former Army Commander
From: Dhanesh Chandra Goyal
Sent: 18 May 2011 16:18
To: Brig Kamboj
Subject: RE: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Dear Brig,
It is really heartening that some of are fighting our cause. We are bound to be successful one day. Presently the Govt is concentrating only to face saving against corruption, hence delay.
Regards to those senior officers who are representing us.
Lt Col D C Goyal
Jaipur
From: kameswararao gadepally [mailto:krgplee@gmail.com]
Sent: 17 May 2011 20:05
To: Report My Signal (Chander Kamboj)
Subject: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Dear Brig Kamboj
Congratulations to IESM and its governing body for the illuminating presentation to the Committee on Petitions of the Parliament. It is good that almost all the various groups of Veterans have been involved in the presentation. The qoute by Gen Raj Kadyan is very appropriate and let us hope that it will open the eyes of the bureaucracy and the government to the realities leading to the success of our efforts and grant of OROP. May The Almighty add HIS Blessings for the success of the endeavours in this regard by all Veterans.
regards
yours sincerely
Lt Col (retd) Dr G Kameswara rao
Secunderabad
From: Hirak Nag
Sent: 17 May 2011 19:29
To: "Report My Signal" (Chander Kamboj)
Subject: OROP - IESM PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
Very encouraging and all due to the continious, dedicated and tireless efforts of Gen Kadyan, Gen Satbir, Lt. Kameshwar Pandey, Col RP Chaturvedi, Hav Devi Lal, Brig Kamboj and all the selfless staff of IESM. I am proud to be a member.
Hirak Nag.
From: RDOA India
Sent: 18 May 2011 18:54
To: CS.Kamboj
Subject: Presentation on OROP to the Rajya Sabha Petition Commitee under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari
Dear Sir,
It is intimated that:
A Presentation was given on One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Rajya Sabha Petition Commitee under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member Rajya Sabha on 16 May 2011, 3 PM onwards. There were other associations present also. The presentation given by RDOA was very well appreciated. One of the Committee members remarked as 'Best Explanation' and asked for additional inputs which will be given by RDOA in a few days time. RDOA was represented by the President: Lt Col BK Sharma (Retd) & the Secretary: Lt Col Satwant Singh (Retd)
It is requested that the info be put on RMS for info of all concerned
With best wishes
Secy RDOA
OROP: Presentation to Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions by IESL
Dear colleagues,
1. A presentation was made to Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member Rajya Sabha on 16 May 2011 by team of IESL headed by Brig R K S Gulia, President, to include Brig Kartar Singh, AVM R P Mishra, Cdr B D Sharma and Col Sukhbir Singh on OROP. The thrust of the Presentation was to press home the long outstanding demand of Ex-Servicemen of the
Armed Forces for OROP. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari Chairman of the Committee and other members of the Committee gave a pateint hearing and appeared to be convinced of the grievances as regards to OROP put forward by the IESL delegation.
2. The IESL delegation was asked to make its presentation first amongst a total of 8 delegations/ individuals who had petitioned to the Committee. The salient details of the presentations were
(a) Indian Ex-Services League
(i) Only organisation recognised by Govt of India- for tri services.
(ii) Status also confirmed by Lok Sabha through a resolution.
(iii) Largest tri services all India based apolitical organisation.
(iv) Objective of the League- Welfare
(b) Salient features:-
(i) Military Rank Oriented
(ii) Degradation of Military Service
(iii) Origin of OROP
(iv) What is OROP
(c) Uniqueness of Military Service
(i) 50% of the Military strength remains 80% of the time away from families.
(ii) Leave is not a right.
(iii) Service Conditions- Roughest weather and toughest terrain.
(iv) Early retirement.
(v) Fundamental rights curtailed.
(vi) Being called in all calamities to include natural and man made.
(vii) Unlike other services a soldier is employed for
24X7 duties.
(d) Early retirement
(i) 85% retire below 38 years of age, 10% retire below 46 and 5% retire at 56.
(ii) Benefits of 1-2 pay commissions denied due to early retirement.
(iii) Second career not guaranteed.
(iv) Exploited by various agencies as welfare is not on
concurrent list.
(v) ACP (Assured career progression) and promotions denied due to early retirement and steep pyramidical structure.
(e) Why OROP to Military Veterans
(i) Pension is compensation for services rendered.
(ii) Right of equality for compensation.
(iii) Constitutional law of equal compensation for equal and same work.
(iv) Natural Justice- case of father, son and grand son in the same rank.
(v) Honour and pride.
(vi) Economic world.
3. For information please.
with regards,
Col Sukhbir Singh
Gen Secretary IESL
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Army Nurses Rank, Status and Honour Degraded?
Army nurses not at par with officers’ by Vijay Mohan/ TNS
Chandigarh, May 12, 2011
Holding that the Military Nursing Service (MNS) is an auxiliary force, the Armed Forces Tribunal has ruled that MNS officers cannot be granted parity with Army officers.
Disposing of a bunch of petitions filed by MNS officers seeking a higher pay-band and associated benefits at par with Army officers of equivalent rank, the Tribunal observed that the recruitment process and nature of duties of the MNS and Army officers is different and simply because the MNS officers are being granted ranks and perks admissible to combatant soldiers and officers, the position of MNS officers cannot be elevated to that of regular troops.
The MNS officers contended that making a distinction on the basis of being a combat and non-combat force and thereby placing them in a lower pay-band was discriminatory. They also contended that some other branches like education, postal and JAG were also non-combatant, but were granted higher scales. Observing that it was clear from the Army ordinance that the MNS was an auxiliary force and not the main combat force, the Tribunal ruled that the difference between the two is right from the induction into service and this distinction has been kept in view by the government while fixing their pay-band.
Ruling that it was a “total misnomer” to say that the nursing staff are same in status as the regular combat force, the Tribunal also observed that there would be functional and command difficulties in hospitals. Nurses have to work under the directions of doctors and have to follow their command. Directions given by doctors to persons of the same rank and status may cause difficulty in functioning.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110513/nation.htm#8
Army nurses not at par with officers’
Vijay Mohan/ TNS
Related reading
New Delhi, May 12, 2011
The government is planning to recruit 20,000 more armed women personnel in paramilitary forces in the next three years. According to the new plan formulated by the Home Ministry, all paramilitary forces, the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the NSG, will essentially have 5 per cent of their total force strength as women personnel in three to five years and 10 per cent in the subsequent five years. These women will be hired and deployed for general guard duties, patrolling, frisking suspects and other normal policing activities undertaken by their male counterparts. The government also plans to enhance the facilities being offered to women security personnel
Plan to recruit 20,000 women in paramilitary
Defence Secretary A.V. Singh, who chaired the committee which submitted its report in March 2003 said, "The cumulative effect of its implementation will be, we hope, a younger force".
What we have in reality is a top heavy bloated ageing Army Command Chain enhancing and encouraging Corruption and diluting decision making- Ideal for a Defensive Military. Thanks to AV Singh's Vision!
Degradation of Rank and Honour- In footsteps of AV Singh Committee
A military nurse holds rank in his or her respective service the same as other officers. A brand new nurse is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Nursing Service corps they are commissioned in. They work up through the ranks by completing career milestones and through a competitive process called a promotion board. Nurses have a long and remarkable history of serving and aiding the military from the Wars of early history to modern day conflicts. Nurses have served bravely and with great personal sacrifice in and out of uniform. Nursing has contributed to significant strides in improving medical care in the military and in civilian practice. Nurses participate in research, advanced medical care, and technology. But, the thing nurses are best known for is their caring compassionate expertise in treating sick and wounded military personnel.
Chandigarh, May 12, 2011
Holding that the Military Nursing Service (MNS) is an auxiliary force, the Armed Forces Tribunal has ruled that MNS officers cannot be granted parity with Army officers.
Disposing of a bunch of petitions filed by MNS officers seeking a higher pay-band and associated benefits at par with Army officers of equivalent rank, the Tribunal observed that the recruitment process and nature of duties of the MNS and Army officers is different and simply because the MNS officers are being granted ranks and perks admissible to combatant soldiers and officers, the position of MNS officers cannot be elevated to that of regular troops.
The MNS officers contended that making a distinction on the basis of being a combat and non-combat force and thereby placing them in a lower pay-band was discriminatory. They also contended that some other branches like education, postal and JAG were also non-combatant, but were granted higher scales. Observing that it was clear from the Army ordinance that the MNS was an auxiliary force and not the main combat force, the Tribunal ruled that the difference between the two is right from the induction into service and this distinction has been kept in view by the government while fixing their pay-band.
Ruling that it was a “total misnomer” to say that the nursing staff are same in status as the regular combat force, the Tribunal also observed that there would be functional and command difficulties in hospitals. Nurses have to work under the directions of doctors and have to follow their command. Directions given by doctors to persons of the same rank and status may cause difficulty in functioning.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110513/nation.htm#8
Army nurses not at par with officers’
Vijay Mohan/ TNS
Related reading
New Delhi, May 12, 2011
The government is planning to recruit 20,000 more armed women personnel in paramilitary forces in the next three years. According to the new plan formulated by the Home Ministry, all paramilitary forces, the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the NSG, will essentially have 5 per cent of their total force strength as women personnel in three to five years and 10 per cent in the subsequent five years. These women will be hired and deployed for general guard duties, patrolling, frisking suspects and other normal policing activities undertaken by their male counterparts. The government also plans to enhance the facilities being offered to women security personnel
Plan to recruit 20,000 women in paramilitary
Defence Secretary A.V. Singh, who chaired the committee which submitted its report in March 2003 said, "The cumulative effect of its implementation will be, we hope, a younger force".
What we have in reality is a top heavy bloated ageing Army Command Chain enhancing and encouraging Corruption and diluting decision making- Ideal for a Defensive Military. Thanks to AV Singh's Vision!
Degradation of Rank and Honour- In footsteps of AV Singh Committee
A military nurse holds rank in his or her respective service the same as other officers. A brand new nurse is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Nursing Service corps they are commissioned in. They work up through the ranks by completing career milestones and through a competitive process called a promotion board. Nurses have a long and remarkable history of serving and aiding the military from the Wars of early history to modern day conflicts. Nurses have served bravely and with great personal sacrifice in and out of uniform. Nursing has contributed to significant strides in improving medical care in the military and in civilian practice. Nurses participate in research, advanced medical care, and technology. But, the thing nurses are best known for is their caring compassionate expertise in treating sick and wounded military personnel.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Presentation: Petitions Committee on OROP
Hello All,
Here is an update of the meeting that Sanjay Prabhu, Rohit and myself had with Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions on OROP last week:
Presentation to the Petitions Committee on OROP, May 04th, 2011 – Highlights of the Meeting
Rajya Sabha Members Present
Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chairman
Ram Vilas Paswan
P Rajeeve
Nandi Yelliah
Paul Manoj Pandian
Avinash Pande
From our side
Sanjay Prabhu
Anand
Rohit Nair (Bangalore Patriots Society)
Highlights of the Meeting
The Meeting started with a brief invitation by Chairman of Committee and purpose of the meeting. He acknowledged that the role and sacrifices made by the defense personnel.
This was followed by our presentation which lasted about 10-12 minutes.
The theme of the presentation was emotional highlighting the courage, bravery and sacrifices of the Armed forces personnel and how this was an affront to the brave soldiers.
It also focused on how there was strong support for OROP from all sections of society – citizens, Parliamentary Committees, Political parties etc ( we read out quotes by past PMs and current political leaders who favoured OROP, Supreme Court and the Parliamentary Committee )
The Members were in agreement on slides which showed how other countries treated their soldiers in a far more dignified manner than India; and when support of politial parties was assured for OROP
Feedback from Members
There were 3-4 innocuous queries from the Committee to us – about how many veterans will be benefitted ; will civilians officers object etc – which were part answered by Chairman himself and us as per the presentation.
P Rajeev and Ram Vilas Paswan were the members who raised queries. Others were quiet and made notes.
Before the meeting concluded, Chairman thanked us for a “fine and excellent presentation” that “conveyed out points clearly” and said they will call Veterans, Government and other petitioners to hear their points of view.
Additional Opportunity
We landed an excellent opportunity to interact with the Chairman and Members of the Committee when they joined us for Tea.
We spent quality 20 minutes of informal interaction about OROP and related issues with the Members.
Chairman Koshyari seemed particularly happy with our presentation and said the Committee is keen to do justice to veterans and will arrive at a consensus on that. He will also be inviting Ex-servicemen, Serving Defense personnel and the Civilian bureaucracy.
Nandi Yelliah said there were no issues to implement OROP, except perhaps the financial obligations.
Rajeeve said he will support OROP.
Ram Vilas Paswan was the most emphatic of the lot. He said “he is aware of the issue and hurdles put by babus who don’t see the bodies of soldiers arriving at Palam”. He said the “Committtee will not make recommendations but ensure fulfillment.”
What Next
Anand will brief Lt Gen Kadyan on the meeting details so that they can depose with the knowledge of expectations and the kind of reaction to expect from the Committee. Regards,
V. Anand
Principal- Public Affairs,
Office of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament
Here is an update of the meeting that Sanjay Prabhu, Rohit and myself had with Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions on OROP last week:
Presentation to the Petitions Committee on OROP, May 04th, 2011 – Highlights of the Meeting
Rajya Sabha Members Present
From our side
Highlights of the Meeting
Feedback from Members
Additional Opportunity
What Next
Anand will brief Lt Gen Kadyan on the meeting details so that they can depose with the knowledge of expectations and the kind of reaction to expect from the Committee. Regards,
V. Anand
Principal- Public Affairs,
Office of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel
Dear Sir,
The Govt of India has put the subject of OROP in public domain inviting suggestion/ comments from the public as well as the stakeholders to the 'Committee on Petitions'. The ad has appeared in the HT of 09 Apr 11.Scanned copy att.
It is requested that the same be put on RMS on priority basis with a request to all to respond within the stipulated time of 15 days.
Thanking you
Secy RDOA
Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel
The Committee on Petitions of the Rajya Sabha, under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member, Rajya Sabha, is considering a petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel. The petitioners have pointed out that our Armed forces are a unique and dedicated group of personnel whose sense of selfless service, sacrifice and nationalism is a matter of pride and dignity for all.
2. The petition, accordingly, pray that the long pending demand of the Ex-Servicemen of the Armed Forces for One Rank One pension may be resolved on priority basis and the commitments made by the Government from time to time on this issue be honoured without any stipulations and conditions.
3. The petition is available on the Rajya Sabha's website (www.rajyasabha.nic.in) under the link: Committees → Standing Committees → Committee on Petitions → Petitions with the Committee.
4. The Committee has decided to undertake consultations with the cross-section of the society and invite written memoranda thereon. Those desirous of submitting memoranda to the Committee may send two copies (each in English and Hindi) thereof to Shri Rakesh Naithani, Joint Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi – 110 001 (Tel: 011-23035433(O), 23794328 (Telefax) and E-mail: rsc2pet@sansad.nic.in) within fifteen days of the date of publication of the press release..
5. Comments/suggestions, etc. submitted to the Committee would form part of its record and would be treated as confidential. Any violation in this regard may attract breach of privilege of the Committee.
6. Those who are willing to appear before the Committee besides submitting written comments/suggestions may indicate so. However, the Committee’s decision in this regard shall be final.
Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel
The Govt of India has put the subject of OROP in public domain inviting suggestion/ comments from the public as well as the stakeholders to the 'Committee on Petitions'. The ad has appeared in the HT of 09 Apr 11.Scanned copy att.
It is requested that the same be put on RMS on priority basis with a request to all to respond within the stipulated time of 15 days.
Thanking you
Secy RDOA
Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel
The Committee on Petitions of the Rajya Sabha, under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member, Rajya Sabha, is considering a petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel. The petitioners have pointed out that our Armed forces are a unique and dedicated group of personnel whose sense of selfless service, sacrifice and nationalism is a matter of pride and dignity for all.
2. The petition, accordingly, pray that the long pending demand of the Ex-Servicemen of the Armed Forces for One Rank One pension may be resolved on priority basis and the commitments made by the Government from time to time on this issue be honoured without any stipulations and conditions.
3. The petition is available on the Rajya Sabha's website (www.rajyasabha.nic.in) under the link: Committees → Standing Committees → Committee on Petitions → Petitions with the Committee.
4. The Committee has decided to undertake consultations with the cross-section of the society and invite written memoranda thereon. Those desirous of submitting memoranda to the Committee may send two copies (each in English and Hindi) thereof to Shri Rakesh Naithani, Joint Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi – 110 001 (Tel: 011-23035433(O), 23794328 (Telefax) and E-mail: rsc2pet@sansad.nic.in) within fifteen days of the date of publication of the press release..
5. Comments/suggestions, etc. submitted to the Committee would form part of its record and would be treated as confidential. Any violation in this regard may attract breach of privilege of the Committee.
6. Those who are willing to appear before the Committee besides submitting written comments/suggestions may indicate so. However, the Committee’s decision in this regard shall be final.
Petition praying for grant of one rank one pension to the armed forces personnel
Monday, March 21, 2011
Indian National Congress promises Department for Ex Servicemen Welfare
The Congress Agenda Promises Defence
Safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and unity against overt or covert external aggression is the supreme responsibility of the Government. Fashioning clear defense policies with precise consensus in priorities is required for the purpose. Keeping the nation’s armed forces fully prepared, backed up by necessary resources is important.
The Congress, if elected to power, will:
1. Speedily implement the recommendations made for the reforms and reconstructing of defense organizations and the armed forces of the country.
2. Congress will integrate the Defense Military with the Headquarters of the three services (Army, Navy, and the Air Force) with uniformed officers being given a participatory role in the formulation of defence policies and the higher management of national defence.
3. The Congress will allocate necessary financial resources for the defence of the country. Including special allocations for research and development and modernization of defence technology for the country. The functioning of the DRDO will be reviewed so as to impart a new element of dynamism.
4. The Congress will take steps to develop and deploy human resources for national defence.
5. The Congress will take necessary steps to fine tune the higher command for India’s nuclear and missile capacities.
6. The Congress will safeguard and maintain these capacities at appropriate level in the context of changing security environments, particularly in the Asian region.
7. The Congress will improve the terms of service and serving conditions of the armed forces personnel.
8. The Congress will also give special attention to the re-settlement and welfare of retired personnel from the armed forces of the country and their families. A separate Department of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare will be established in the Ministry of Defence and cooperatives of ex-servicemen will be mobilized extensively in tasks of nation-building like afforestation, literacy, management of ration shops, etc.
9. The Congress will attend to organizational problems, which have for long affected the armed forces, and will take purposive action to resolve these problems in terms of recruitment, ensuring of appropriate levels in the armed forces establishments.
10. The Congress will rationalize the salary and pension payments to the armed forces with the objective of maximum benefit to armed forces personnel, responsive to the higher responsibilities of national defence which they discharge.
Indian National Congress Agenda- Defence
Status of the Department of Ex Servicemen's Welfare (with Ref ser 8 click links below)
When the Government Becomes an Adversary of its Ex-servicemen
ESW Department becomes a Cosmetic Bureaucratic Appendage
Safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and unity against overt or covert external aggression is the supreme responsibility of the Government. Fashioning clear defense policies with precise consensus in priorities is required for the purpose. Keeping the nation’s armed forces fully prepared, backed up by necessary resources is important.
The Congress, if elected to power, will:
1. Speedily implement the recommendations made for the reforms and reconstructing of defense organizations and the armed forces of the country.
2. Congress will integrate the Defense Military with the Headquarters of the three services (Army, Navy, and the Air Force) with uniformed officers being given a participatory role in the formulation of defence policies and the higher management of national defence.
3. The Congress will allocate necessary financial resources for the defence of the country. Including special allocations for research and development and modernization of defence technology for the country. The functioning of the DRDO will be reviewed so as to impart a new element of dynamism.
4. The Congress will take steps to develop and deploy human resources for national defence.
5. The Congress will take necessary steps to fine tune the higher command for India’s nuclear and missile capacities.
6. The Congress will safeguard and maintain these capacities at appropriate level in the context of changing security environments, particularly in the Asian region.
7. The Congress will improve the terms of service and serving conditions of the armed forces personnel.
8. The Congress will also give special attention to the re-settlement and welfare of retired personnel from the armed forces of the country and their families. A separate Department of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare will be established in the Ministry of Defence and cooperatives of ex-servicemen will be mobilized extensively in tasks of nation-building like afforestation, literacy, management of ration shops, etc.
9. The Congress will attend to organizational problems, which have for long affected the armed forces, and will take purposive action to resolve these problems in terms of recruitment, ensuring of appropriate levels in the armed forces establishments.
10. The Congress will rationalize the salary and pension payments to the armed forces with the objective of maximum benefit to armed forces personnel, responsive to the higher responsibilities of national defence which they discharge.
Indian National Congress Agenda- Defence
Status of the Department of Ex Servicemen's Welfare (with Ref ser 8 click links below)
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