Pune Ex-servicemen urge Centre to Enhance Pensions

Ex-servicemen urge Centre to address pension issues
TNN | Oct 4, 2012, 05.57AM IST
PUNE: The Pune chapter of the All India Federation of Military Veterans' Organisation on Wednesday alleged that the Union government was not serious about implementing one rank one pension scheme for all three defence wings.
The other pending issues such as help to widows and enhancement of pension were also not addressed, the organization said.
Addressing a news conference, Ravindra Pathak, coordinator of Pune chapter, said, "Issues relating to ex-servicemen, pension and related problems were being ignored by the Union government. Besides one rank one pension, enhancement of family pension, dual family pension and family pension to mentally or physically-challenged children of servicemen are not properly addressed."
Recently, the Union government had claimed that one rank one pension scheme would benefit families of ex-servicemen. Pathak claimed it was nothing but correction of anomalies that crept in as a result of wrong implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.
Enhanced family pension is only a correction of the Union government's error. In many situations, the family does not benefit from improvements in the scheme and for many it is also not possible to pursue the matter, he added.
All ex-servicemen are going to approach the Centre to pursue their demands and improvements in various policies that are currently affecting the ex-servicemen, said Pathak.
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Indian Army launches campaign for ex-servicemen

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

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

Army jawan’s widow wins battle that he couldn’t

The Tribune Vijay Mohan/TNS Chandigarh, March 11, 2012
About 49 years after her husband was discharged from the Army and nine years after he passed away, the widow of an Army jawan has been sanctioned family pension even though her husband never got his post-retirement benefits.
It was only after the death of Sep Gurdayal, an Army Ordnance Corps reservist from Gurdaspur, in 2003, that his widow Piaro, took up the case afresh with the Army authorities and the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) for the grant of reservist and family pension. Gurdayal had taken up the case for his pension earlier, but to no avail.
The sanction of pension came without the family members having to seek judicial intervention. It was largely through the efforts of a serving colonel posted in the Western Sector, who assisted the family with paperwork and procedural matters, that the widow got her benefits.
Besides getting a pension of Rs 6,000 per month in accordance with current Pay Commission rates, she has also got arrears of pension since 1963, when her husband was discharged. The reservist pension at that time was just Rs 10 per month.
According to a letter written by the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) Record to the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, Gurdayal was enrolled in the AOC in June 1947, when he was only 15 years old.
His service with the Regular AOC was extended till July 1958, following which he was transferred to the reservist establishment.

In 1963, he was invalided out of service on medical grounds.
His total service, including boy service when he did not complete 16 years of age, worked out to be 15 years and 213 days. According to Defence Ministry regulations issued in 2002, boy service is to be counted towards fixing pensionary benefits.

The fight after service

Sep Gurdayal, Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) reservist from Gurdaspur, was enrolled in the AOC Record in June 1947 at the age of 15 years

His service with the Regular AOC was extended till July 1958

He was later transferred to the reservist establishment

In 1963, he was rendered invalid on medical grounds

He applied for pension, but to no avail

After his death in 2003, his widow took up the case afresh

She has been sanctioned a pension of Rs 6,000 pm, besides arrears since 1963
Army jawan’s widow wins battle that he couldn’t

Appeal to President not to annexe war widows land for her retirement home

Anna takes up Khadki land issue
By: Vivek Sabnis Date: 2011-12-06 Place: Pune
Activist promises to join fight to get back land for those injured in war or jawans' widows; ex-servicemen say issue will reach logical conclusion soon
Being an ex-serviceman himself, anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare yesterday promised the ex-servicemen that he would join the fight to get back the Khadki land, which has been allotted to President Pratibha Patil for her retirement home.

For a cause: Lt Col Suresh Patil hands over the information about
Khadki land to Anna Hazare in Ralegansiddhi. Pic/Krunal Gosavi

Lt Col Suresh Patil (Retd), managing trustee of Green Thumb Environmental Group, had long discussions with Hazare at Ralegansiddhi yesterday morning. Patil told Hazare about their agitation since September 2011.
Patil said, "Anna has completely agreed with the cause and is officially backing us." He added that the land should be given either to the war casualties or widows of the jawans. Patil was accompanied by the state head of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement Commander Ravi Pathak, trustee of Green Thumb Environmental Group Jahangir Mulla and a member of Justice for Jawans Prakash Sawant.
Patil said that Hazare had agreed that over 60,000 ex-servicemen in the district were living in bad conditions, while many were living in slums. "Being the head of all defence services of the country, President Patil should set an example by not using the land for her personal benefit. Anna has agreed to these points and is wholeheartedly backing this cause," Patil added.
According to Patil, Hazare is one of the trustees of Green Thumb Environmental Group and was attending some of its programs since the past 20 years. "Anna's support has given us a morale boost and the fight to get back the Khadki land shall reach to its logical conclusion, soon he added.
Anna Hazare on Saturday had said that the 75 per cent of the taxpayers' money was being spent on a purchasing new cars and sophisticated air-conditioning equipment. "This is a total waste and government should stop the misuse of the tax-payers money," he had added.
Referring to Hazare's statement, Sawant said, "If the same is happening with the President's post, we demand that the post come under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal Bill. We are not against the President madam or her wish to possess a retiring home. In fact, the state government should give her land at any hill station in Lonawala, Khandala, Mahableshwar or Matheran."
Appeal to President
The Green Thumb Environmental Group submitted a memorandum to President Pratibha Patil on December 2, appealing to donate the Khadki land to the army widows or the Jawans injured in the war. "I am expecting an invitation from the President to discuss the issue in Delhi," Lt Col Patil said.
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Financial aid to non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows

TODAY - Thursday, Dec 08, 2011
Financial aid to non-pensioner ex-servicemen/widows
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 02 2011: The Office of the Rajya Sainik Board, Lamphelpat, Government of Manipur has announced that the following Financial Assistance for the Ex-Servicemen and widows of the state are available.
Penury Grant (above 65 years Non-pensioner upto Hav rank) @ Rs 1000/- pm for life time, Education Grant @ Rs 1000/- per month, Officer Cadet Grant @ Rs 1000/- per month, Disabled Children Grant @ Rs 1000/- per month, House Repair Grant @ Rs 20,000/-, Marriage Grant @ Rs 16000/-, Funeral Grant @ Rs 5000/-, Medical Grant @ Rs 30000/-, Orphan Grant @ Rs 1000/- per month, Vocational Training Grant for Widows @ Rs 20000/-, and for serious diseases like Cancer, Open Heart Surgery etc @ 75% to 90% for Officer Ranks and Below Officer Rank @ Rs 75,000/- per financial year, according to a press release of PRO (Defence) Further details can be obtained from the office of Rajya Sainik Board, Lamphel, Imphal between 1100 hrs to 1300 hrs during office hours.
Financial aid to non-pensioner ex-servicemen/widows

Widows Pension enhancement gets a nod from RM

Dear Colleagues,
The IESM has been pushing for an enhancement in the widows’ pension, similar to what was given in the case of our JCO/OR pensioners following recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee. In this connection, a delegation of widows accompanied by some of us had met the Defence Minister on 14 November 2011. (Sitrep dated 15 November 2011 refers). The Minister had assured us of his help.
The Defence Minister telephoned me earlier in the day today and informed me that he has cleared the pension enhancement of widows from his Ministry. That is a good development. Earlier, to our communications, the Defence Ministry had been sending a negative response citing some technical reasons. However, the new development is only a battle won in the long war. In the past, the Finance Ministry has been a big obstacle. We have yet to see how they react this time. We will continue building pressure until the demand is met. As already stated in our memorandum submitted to the Defence Minister on 14 November, in case the issue is not resolved by end December 2011, the widows would take a big delegation to 10 Janpath.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

IESM takes up welfare issues

Dear Colleagues,
As part of ongoing IESM efforts, copies of following letters are attached for information:

Letter to Mrs Sonia Gandhi dated 17 Oct 2011 about OROP

Memo to Defence Minister dated 14 Nov 2011 about widows’ pension

Letter to AG dated 17 Nov 2011 about treatment of Maj Pancholi (Retd) 9 SIKH
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Letter to Sonia Gandhi
Widows meeting with Def Minister
Letter to AG about Maj Pancholi

IESM Rally at Jantar Mantar on 12 Nov 2011

Dear Colleagues,
The planned IESM rally was held today at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. It had more than 2500 ESM and Service families from all over the country. There was palpable enthusiasm in support of continuing with our struggle for seeking justice for the ESM, fronted by OROP. There was also unanimity in demanding that we the ESM start using out voting strength in getting our just demands accepted.
A memorandum was thereafter submitted to the President highlighting the non-grant of OROP and discrimination against widows in not including them in the pension enhancement that was implemented in 2009.
Kudos to Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Group Captain Vinod Gandhi, Wing Commander CK Sharma and other team members for organizing the event in an excellent manner.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Vishal Rally at Jantar Mantar on 12 Nov 2011

DATED: 03 Nov 2011
PRESS RELEASE
“DEFENCE VETERANS AGAINST INJUSTICE”,
DEPOSIT MEDALS AND SIGN MEMORANDUM IN BLOOD
VISHAL RALLY AT JANTAR MANTAR
NEW DELHI ON 12th NOV 2011

Dear Members of the Media
1. Defence Veteran’s peaceful protest Movement throughout the country for the past over forty months, deposit of over 22000 Gallantry and Distinguished service medals and Memorandums signed in their blood by over one lac and fifty thousand defence veterans to the Supreme Commander the President of India and numerous letters and meetings with the Prime Minister, Raksha Mantri and other authorities, the Govt at the Centre has not accepted their genuine demands, their main demand being “One Rank One Pension” (OROP). It seems that the Government yields only to non peaceful agitations. The defence veteran’s are getting restless now and their patience is running out and before some misguided and volatile elements resort to unacceptable methods, the Government should grant their justified demands.

2. The Defence Veterans, their families and supporters have now resolved to intensify their protest Movement across the country to highlight the grave injustice which the Govt at Centre is doing to them by not accepting their genuine demands in total disregard to the services rendered by the erstwhile soldiers. The graver injustice has been done to the Defence Widows who are in receipt of family pension, by excluding them from the ambit of enhancement of pensions of JCOs and Other Ranks carried out in Mar 2010. Thus the weakest and the neediest segment of pensioners was leftout. The discrimination against the widows has caused great consternation among the entire Ex Servicemen community. The case was taken up with the Prime Minister by the IESM for extending the enhancement of pension to the Defence Widows; the same has not been carried out so far.

3. The Govt’s indifferent attitude towards the Defence Forces is unexplainable especially keeping in mind the hostile environment prevailing on our borders both at land and sea. A nation to survive in such hostile environment has to keep its forces well equipped, well trained, motivated and contented. It needs to be understood that service veterans are the extension of service personnel. Any injustice to the veterans also adversely affects the serving soldiers who will be the future veterans. These aspects need to the holistically addressed by the Govt.

4. Out of the cases filed in various AFTs, over 90 percent in have been won by the Defence Personnel in the last one year, but Govt is yet to implement the judgements. The recommendatory AFGRC ordered by the Supreme Court which was to be affective with effect from 15 Jan 2011 has been dispensed with by the Govt. The SC had passed this judgement after deliberating upon the illtreatement being meted out to the Defence Personnel by the Govt.

5. A petition filed by independent MP of Rajaya Sabha Sh. Rajeeve Chandersekhar was being heard by the Petition Committee of the Rajaya Sabha. The Govt is not mentioning anything about the Committee while giving reply to the question being raised by MPs regarding the non grant of OROP. They continue to quote two years old Committee of Secretaries.

6. The Govt has not also paid any heed to the recommendations of All Party Standing Committee on Defence Comprising 31 MPs strongly recommending OROP three times in the last one year. The way the Govt treats the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committees and gives credence to the Report of Committee of secretaries who are biased against the Defence Forces speak of the apathy of the Govt has towards the Defence Forces.

7. A Vishal Rally will be held by the Defence Veterans at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 12th Nov 2011 from 10 AM to 3 PM under the aegis of Indian Ex -Servicemen Movement (IESM) to peacefully protest against the Govt apathy and negative attitude towards their genuine demands. Thereafter, a delegation will leave for Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit medals and memorandum signed in blood to the President. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM,AVSM,VSM, Chairman IESM has already written to the President to accept the medals and the Memorandum herself by granting audience to the delegation of Defence veterans. The Military Veterans have also decided that incase the president herself does not accept the medals and the Memorandum, they will bring these back.

8. The media is cordially invited for the event and is requested to cover it extensively to bring to the notice of the people of India the ill-treatment being meted out to the Military by the Govt for which they hold the bureaucracy mainly responsible.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

Veterans of the Indian Armed Forces will stage a Vishal Rally at New Delhi s Jantar Mantar on November 12, under the banner of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM)

ESL Uttrakhund- Yeoman Service for Family Pensioners

Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:53:46 +0530
Hi Rawat, tremendous work. Makes one feel really proud. God bless you and your team. Regards,
Brig SC Kuthiala

From: rsrawat
To: kuthiala
Subject: REPORT BY A DEVOTED VETERAN WORKING IN REMOTE AREAS FOR INDIAN MILITARY VETERANS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 163/2011 - 10 APR 2011 (LIST-3)
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:17:30 +0530
Thank you Sir.
This is my second foray as part of "Farthest First". The earlier one was to Pipalkjoti in end Dec. We have helped 45 plus 16 ESM in these remote areas till now.
The banks have great faith in me. Every case sent by me is is settled promptly even by the CPPC Cell Dehradun. Even PNB Zonal office attaches great significance to my recommendations.
I have so far drawn approx Rs 1.5 cr from the banks in favour of ESM _ AT NO COST TO THEM & always at my cost as I do all errands for them in my car - even visit to the hills. Got my dad Rs 9.27 lakhs as arrears! Helped several Maj Gens get their arrears where they were awarded 10% penal interest. Most of the were unaware of the order & totally unaware of MS Excel & formulas.
I have helped several at Gurgaon too - latest case is of a Lt Col 's widow Mrs Reoti Charasia who I have been informed has been paid Rs 4 lakhs.
I can thank honest upright elders like you under whom I served.
I appreciate your letter on OROP.
Warm rgds
Raju Rawat
Brig RS Rawat, ESL Uttrakhund

-----------
From: rajender rawat
Sent: 14 April 2011 22:09
To: cs.kamboj
Subject: FW: Draft of Letter to CDA for incl name and DOB spouse
Importance: High

Dear Sir,
It was perhaps almost 2 years ago when I chanced upon the need to have the DOB of my wife endorsed in IHQ as also in a Corr PPO to be issued by the PCDA (Pension) so that when the time inevitably will come my wife will not have to knock the doors of Soldier Board & other ESM offices for assistance. Many very senior offrs took offence to this initiative stating that AG's Br already has this data. So, many, still to this date have taken no action.
The point I wish to highlight is that we at UESL have lost count of how many cases we have taken up with the IHQ, who, have been prompt enough to fwd the necessary letter to PCDA ( Pension) for issue of the Corr PPO. However to date, except for two cases, no one has been issued the Corr PPO.
The initial hurdle with the PCDA (Pension) was that a LPC cum Data Sheet had NOT been submitted. This was a new requirement as perhaps the good official at Allahabad did not want to browse through a maze of documents that we had to meticulously prepare & submit. Fair enough! The Data Sheet was prepared & forwarded. Still there has been no Corr PPO OR an ack. Perhaps the office is overloaded.
After all what is the great fuss that we are making over this subject - one may ask? This is why:-
(a) Smt Durga Maya Rai was paid approx Rs 2 lakhs as Addl Pension.
(b) Smt Rekha Rawat's LTA were paid to her son Col SPS Rawat.
(c) Widow of late Lt Col Kundan Singh Rawat was paid over Rs 1 lakh as Additional Pension.
(d) After over 6 months Smt Gayatri Gusain has still not been paid her Addl Pension. The GOI letter states that the bank will pay Addl Pension on submission of proof for a period of 6 months. This has NOT been done by Allahabad Bank till this aspect was brought to their notce. A total of over 10 trips have been made by me to this bank to resolve her FP & Addl Pension. Still no Addl Pension has been paid. A letter was written to PCDA (Pension) who promptly wrote back to IHQ to mail the LPC cum Data Sheet. Now at this end we are preparing the same for submission. Why are we doing this? Is this our job? If we don't who else will? AND if we do not then someone else will avail the LTA. How tragic - a widow will not be able to use the money meant for her during her life time.
The examples show how widows have got thier dues after our active intervention. Who is supposed to do all this?
Now I wish to come to the final point. PLEASE SEE WHAT THE INDIAN NAVY IS DOING & LEARN A LESSON. The NAVAL FOUNDATION has taken the initiative to post the attached application to all offrs who retired before 2006. Their procedure is simple with no hassles. PLEASE peruse this & compare it with the docus needed by PCDA (Pension). The former is simpler. Why are we being asked to present sheets of paper? Let me state here that IF the very first docu eg the easily obtained PAN Card has a fudged date no one will find out - neither the bank, Notary, Service HQ or PCDA Pension - all of who countersign it as correct! So, what kind of authentication & value addition is being accrued by preparing this document? Let us make it simple like the Navy has done.
KINDLY READ THE MAIL FWD & SEE HOW SIMPLE THE NAVY HAS MADE THIS PROCESS
Rgds
Brig RS Rawat
Vice President UESL

From: capthsrawat
To: rsrawat
Subject: FW: Draft of Letter to CDA for incl name and DOB spouse
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:30:16 +0530
Harinder Singh Rawat

Date: Mon, 6 Dec 2010 09:45:19 +0530
Subject: Draft of Letter to CDA for incl name and DOB spouse
From: vvadhera
Dear Member,
Some of our veterans have on verification of their PPO have observed that name and DOB of their spouse is missing from the PPO. You may like to verify your own PPO and if so , pse. do forward a letter, as attached, to the CDA(P) earliest. Please note that the DOB or year of birth of the spouse is necessary for getting the family pension by your best half Wife when you decide to leave for the heavenly abode.
Secy, NFMC

Application for inclusion wife's DOB to PPO
REGD POST ACK.DUE
File NO Date
From:
TO:
The Principal Controller Of Defence Accounts (Navy).
Varuna, No. 1, Cooperage Road,
Mumbai 400001
Dear Sir,
RE: INCLUSION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH OF SPOUSE IN THE PENSION PAYMENT ORDER.
Reference my PPO Nos:
(a)
(b)
(c)
and Govt of India, MOD, Dept of Ex-servicemen welfare letter No 17(4)2008(1)/D (Pen/Policy), Annexure – II (revised),Table-1 dated 20 Jan 2009.
1. Keeping the requirement of the Pension Disbursing Authority, regarding the authentication of the Name and Date of Birth of the widows by the Pension Sanctioning Authority (PSA) before payment of their entitled family pension/Additional pension; I request your office to issue me with a new PPO to include my spouse’s name and DOB.
2. My particulars are as under:-
(a) Personal No
(b) Rank
(c) Name
(d) Date of Birth
(e) Date of Commission
(f) Date of Retirement
(g) Present Basic Pension drawn
(h) Name of Spouse
(i) Date of Birth
3. I am forwarding the under mentioned documents duly attested pertaining to my wife Mrs……….. for your information.
a. Photocopy of her Passport/ PAN card/ SSLC Cert/ Voters Card/ Driving License/ ID card from PO/ Ration Card giving proof of DOB and Place of Residence.
b. Our Joint Photo (3copies).
4. May I request you to kindly issue a new PPO including the details of the Name & DOB of my spouse (Mrs... (DOB...) to my PDA whose details are given below with a copy to me.
5. Permanent Address:
6. Bank Address of the Bank branch from where pension is drawn(Pension SB a/c No....)
7. The new PPO will help my spouse to get her entitled family pension without any difficulties, if and when the need arises.
Thanking You,
Yours Truly
(XXXXXXX)
--
Cdr.Vijay Vadhera,N.M (Retd.)
Master Pilot , Mumbai Port Trust

Family Pension of Lt Col and Equivalent Ranks

Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon – 122 001
Mobile-9811226676
IESM/Pension/Family/2011
Dated: 17 January 2011

To:
Mrs Sushma Nath, IAS
Secretary Ex Servicemen Welfare Department
Ministry of Defence
South Block, New Delhi – 110 011

Family Pension: Lt Col and Equivalent Ranks
Widows of Lt Cols and their equivalent ranks had been drawing a monthly pension of Rs 15,420.00 after implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and after the Lt Cols were upgraded to Pay Band 4. This had been correctly worked out based on 30% of the sum of the minimum of pay band (Rs 37,400) + Grade Pay (Rs 8000) + Military Service Pay (Rs 6000). Widows have accordingly been getting their pension and have also received the arrears. However, an assumed error has now been introduced in the pension tables issued by the Ministry of Defence vide their circular dated 15.11.2010. According to these tables, the family pension of a Lt Col is fixed at Rs 8,760.00. It seems the Lt Col and equivalents have again been brought down to Pay Band 3 by those that prepared these tables.
The figure of Rs 8,760.00 as monthly family pension of Lt Col is beyond comprehension and this has caused avoidable consternation in the Ex Servicemen community, who are already edgy at their still pending demand of ‘one rank one pension’. I do sincerely hope this is only an error. May I request you to have it kindly rectified at the earliest.
A confirmation will be much appreciated.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Raj Kadyan

Pension of a Major's Widow: Rs 70 per month

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Please read the email and its enclosure below.
I think it is not only a shame for the GoI but the Army HQ has to be held equally responsible for it. If any ESM knows a serving senior officer in Army HQ, kindly do pass on this email to him.
While in service, if we had taken more care of our ESM, and we had the guts to stand up to the nonsense of GoI, we would not be in this terrible state.
How can we blame the present serving officers alone!
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

From: Krishan K Punchhi
Sent: 17 September 2010 16:44
Subject: PENSION OF MAJOR'S WIDOW...JUST SEVENTY RUPEES PER MONTH !!!!
SC: Rs 70 PENSION WHEN ARHAR DAL IS Rs 80?
R Sedhuraman, Legal Correspondent, The Tribune
New Delhi, September 17, 2010
Expressing shock over the payment of a monthly pension of Rs 70 to a 90-year-old widow of an Army officer, the Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre and the Army seeking its response to a PIL filed by her.
“What is this? You are paying her just Rs 70 a month. Even a kilo of arhar dal costs around Rs 80,” a Bench of Justices Markandeya Katju and TS Thakur observed while passing the order.
The petitioner’s husband, Major Dharam Chand, had died in 1967 after a heart attack. The petitioner, Pushpa Vanti, said her husband could not get regular medical treatment due to the 1962 and 1965 wars. She had written to the government several times demanding higher pension so that she could bring up her two children.
According to her, she is entitled to a pension of about Rs 27,000 a month. She feels ashamed and humiliated to receive Rs 70 as pension when families of sepoys get more than Rs 150 a month. Her husband was a recipient of 14 medals.

IESM: Pension of Widows stalled

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
When you read the reply received from MoD, appended below, regarding the pension of widows, it will leave no doubt in your mind about the mental capability of those governing us.
GOD save this country.
A widow’s pension is governed by the pension amount of the soldier, therefore, if the pension amount of a soldier in increased, the pension of the widow should also be enhanced.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

From: raj kadyan
Sent: 12 August 2010 11:25
Subject: ESM sitrep 12 Aug evening
Dear Colleagues,
When 8.3.2010 letter on pension enhancement was issued, we were all horrified that the increase did not cover Service widows. I had written to the Secretary ESW and later to the Defence Minister and still later, when nothing was heard, to the PM. I have now received a reply. Not able to scan it, I am reproducing the contents:
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

COPY OF MOD LETTER
New Delhi, 03 August, 2010
Subject: Increase in family pension in respect of widow pensioners.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to your application dated 15.7.2010 addressed to Honourable Prime Minister and Honourable Defence Minister regarding left out of widow pensioners from the ambit of MoD letter dated 8.3.2010.
2. The matter regarding applicability of Govt. letter dated 8.3.2010 to family pensioners has been examined in this Ministry and it was viewed that since the quantum of family pension has no relationship with the length of service rendered by the deceased ex-servicemen and family pension is computed with reference to pay scale, it can be improved only if the pay scales are enhanced. Enhancement of pay is not within the scope of Govt letter dated 8.3.2010, hence it does not cover family pensioners.
Sd XXXXXX

Dear Veterans
The reply from the MoD in response to an application to Prime Minister of India, is insulting, disgusting, inhuman and atrocious ... to say the least. If this is the attitude towards defence widows by our politicians and babus, then God save this country if there is any threat on the borders hereafter.

This letter must be sent to The Chief for his perusal. If it does not boil his blood and spur him into some action, then he too is a party to the injustice meted out to veterans and widows. How long is this attitude and injustice towards defence forces going to be tolerated by us? There is a limit to insult. Is sarkar in a hurry to fill our cup of patience? How long are we going to tolerate this system and be slave to it?

Our movement must now become more visible and active. Politicians, babus, tooth-less judiciary and media ... have all let us down. The home minister recently said some veterans have joined underground elements and are training their cadre. Should there be any surprise in this statement?
Veteran Ram Gulrajani

Armed Forces Special programme on DD
This is to inform you that there will be an "Armed Forces Special" programme on DD NEWS channel on 15 August 2010 from 1330 to 1400 hrs.
The subject is Financial Planning for Serving and Retired Armed Forces Personnel - Officers and PBOR.
This may please be given wide publicity.
Regards and Best Wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Colonel Arun Gupta (Veteran)

IESL Objectives: WWII Veterans financially neglected

Ref: World War veterans to get financial aid by Vijay Mohan: Tribune News Service: click here

IESL Objectives
While we all should be very happy with the decision of AFT given above, and we hope that the Government of India does wake up to the injustice it is doing to the Indian Military Veterans, I wish to inform all Indian Military Veterans that Indian Ex Services League (IESL), besides its own huge annual earnings from property in prime areas and other sources every year- it gets crores of rupees every year from England to look after the veterans of World Wars. As per the existing brochure of IESL, its main activities are supposed to be as under:
MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE IESL AS STATED IN ITS BROCHURE
1. Indian Ex-Services League assists Ex-Servicemen, widows and their children by disbursing financial help under following schemes:-

Distress Grant

Education Stipends

RCEL Grant (to II War Veterans)

RCEL Medical Grant (to II War Veterans)
2. IESL is also extends financial help to Word War-II Veterans on behalf of Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services Leagues, London UK, (RCEL), (Ex British Commonwealth Ex Services League) and is also granting them medical grants.
3. Financial Assistance is disbursed for the following: -

DISTRESS GRANT

EDUCATION STIPENDS

RCEL GRANT - Approximately Rs. 2 Crores are disbursed to World War II veterans and their widows.

RCEL MEDICAL GRANT

ONE TIME GRANTS - For natural calamities/unforeseen situations to individuals and states.
4. WWII Veterans may get in touch with IESL for financial assistance.
The President of IESL is Brig RKS Gulia. His contact details are as under:
Email ID - brigrksguliaatgmaildotcom
The postal address of IESL is– 9, Nayaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
For further information of ALL Indian Military Veterans the Aims of Objectives of IESL are:

To assist Ex-Servicemen and their dependents in matters relating to pensions, allowances, grants, war gratuities, resettlement and rehabilitation in close co-operation with the Government of India, Governments of States and other official and Non-Official Agencies and Organisations and render financial and other assistance to them in distressed circumstances.

To support the United Nations Organisation and all other agencies, which have the cause of world peace, based on justice, freedom, secularism and democracy and to support the country in the time of National Emergency in every possible way.

To educate people and build up a Public Opinion with a view that maintenance of disabled Ex-Servicemen and women and their welfare and that of their families is a National Duty.

To endeavour to obtain public support to get to the Ex-Servicemen and their ladies a fair treatment in all matters relating to finding or provisioning of employment.

IESM OROP demand: A disciplined and dignified struggle to seek justice

Dear Colleagues,
An IESM rally was held today at Charkhi Dadri in Haryana. It was attended by Gen Satbir, Hony Lt Pandey and self. There was a good representation of Service families in the 1500 strong group of participants. The event was anchored by Subedar Ved Pal and had representatives of several Districts.
The proclaimed theme of the rally was to thank the IESM for being instrumental in getting the recent enhancement in pensions. Several became IESM members on the spot; many others collected membership forms. There was a free exchange of views. Non extension of the enhancement to the widows was unanimously deplored.
It was resolved to continue with the struggle till our demand of OROP is met by the government. The need for keeping the struggle disciplined and dignified was also adequately underscored by several speakers.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Related articles on disability pension and widows pension
Ex-Army vice-chief challenges disability pension policy Vijay Mohan/TNS
The curious case of Surjit Kaur: Babus new lesson on Military History and Geography

IESM: Letters to Supreme Commander and Defence Minister

Letter to Supreme Commander for pleading for Pension Parity
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman
8 June 2010
Kindly refer to our letters No IESM/Medals/2010 dated 16th March, 2010 and 13153/RK/2010 dated 12th April, 2010 on the subject of depositing medals with the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces.

It is submitted that we still have not received a reply to our request to the Hon’ble Supreme Commander to receive medals of the ex-servicemen in person. The depositing of medals is symbolic of the disenchantment of the entire ex-servicemen population at the rejection at their long standing demand of `One Rank One Pension’ (OROP).

It is once again requested that the Supreme Commander find time to make it convenient to receive in person the delegation deputed to hand over the 5,000 medals that were brought back earlier from the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Do allow me to mention that if your availability or any other response is still not intimated to us within a reasonable time, in deference to the wishes of the ex-servicemen community, our delegation carrying the medals will have no choice but to visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan on a pre-announced date. In case, your Excellency does not meet the delegation and does not receive the medals personally, the delegation will come back without handing over the medals. This will be repeated every month till we get OROP.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
(Raj Kadyan)

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
Hon’ble President of India &
Supreme Commander of Armed Forces

Letter to Raksha Mantri pleading for enhanced pension to service widows
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman
09 June 2010
I write to approach you in connection with non grant of enhanced pensionary benefits to the Service widows. As you are aware, enhanced pensionary benefits were announced by the government vide there letter dated 08 March 2010. This announcement covered personnel other than officers. Even though this is not ‘one rank one pension’, for which our efforts will continue, the increase in pension was a positive and welcome step. However, for some inexplicable reason the Service widows have been kept out of the ambit of this provision. This omission has come as a great surprise and shock. Ironically, we are not even in a position to explain the rationale for this discrimination during our interaction with the Service families.
On receipt of the government orders announcing the enhancement, I had written a letter to the Secretary Ex Serviceman Department pointing out the above anomaly. However, there has been no reply. This being an important issue affecting a large section of the pensioners’ population, I request your kind intervention in enlarging the ambit of the government orders to cover all categories of Defence pensioners.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
(Raj Kadyan)

Mr AK Antony
Hon’ble Minister of Defence

We congratulate and applaud IESM for the dedicated governing body headed by Veteran Raj Kadyan for grappling, addressing and taking up the welfare related issues of Ex Servicemen with the concerned authorities on regular basis.

IESM: Visit to Jath

Jath is a town/ Tehsil in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, about 85 km from Sangli city.

Yesterday Lt Col V D Patil and self visited Jath in Sangli district. Distance 280 Km from Pune. We were accompanied by Col Bhagat Singh Deshmukh the Ex Director Rajya Sainik Board.

The meeting was organized by Hon Capt Takale and was attended by a group of 150 Veterans who included Reps of the neighborhood Tehsils and an Ex Havaldar who was a Ministerial rank official for 15 years.

We were well received and heard grievances patiently. I briefed them on OROP and IESM and Col Patil on ECHS. After that Col Deshmukh and Ex MLC addressed the meeting and the common call was to strengthen IESM at Center and work towards a Federation of Veteran Organizations at State level.

One question asked was WHY WIDOWS WERE NOT GIVEN ANYTHING IN THE SO CALLED OROP. Of course we had no answer and the reply given was let us unite and ask our MP and government why?

Expect a good response to membership. We have also requested the Rep of Sangli Dist Ex Servicemen organization who was also present to plan a District level meet at Kavathe Mahankal soon. Shall follow up on that.

I have an invitation to visit Umarga about 8 hrs drive from Pune next month and also Gadhinglaj list of 1000 members is ready and they want us to come there too. I intend to go to Gadhinglaj only when Col Joshipura plans his visit.
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N.(Retd)
Member and Coordinator IESM Pension Cell

Demands of Ex Services League Punjab and Chandigarh

Monday, 28 September 2009
PATIALA: Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh has sought a better deal for Havildars and Sub Majors from the Centre Government Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal, president of league in his memorandum faxed to Defence Minister, AK Antony, has asked the government to change the Pay-Band for Havildars and equivalent ranks from PB-I to PB-II and for Subedar Majors and equivalent ranks from PB-II to PB-III since the Sixth Pay Commission have degraded their ranks.

League stressed upon the government that the soldiers of the rank of Havildar form the real backbone of Defence Forces and Sub Maj acts as a Chief executor of the strategy in the war. These two ranks have been virtually crushed by the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission and further demeaned by faulty implementation resulting in reduced pay and salaries. The Havildars have been virtually equated to class-IV civilians such as Peons, Chowkidars, Mali and Dhobi etc in respect of pay.

League has further asked the Minister to release immediately the orders for promised ONE RANK ONE PENSION for Junior Commissioned Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and other ranks which was announced by Finance Minister in Union Budget on 6 July 2009, and then by the Minister himself in the Parliament and finally by Prime Minister on Independence Day but the orders regarding the same has not not been issued so far.

League has also reminded the Minister that the government had also promised to give pension to soldiers up to the rank of Havildar at 70% and to JCOs at 60% of the last pay drawn to compensate for their early compulsory retirement, but to the great disappointment of the soldiers, these orders have also not seen the light so far whereas orders regarding change of Pay Band from PB-III to PB-IV for the Lt Cols have been issued long ago although these recommendations were made by the same group of ministers in the same report. With this partial treatment given to lower ranks, a great resentment is prevailing in the Defence Forces and among the veterans which is not good for nation’s security.

League has further demanded two pensions for the widows of ex-servicemen who drew two pensions during their life time. Because of early compulsory retirement, most of the soldiers have to seek employment in civil departments to compensate for their meagre pension which they draw by virtue of their service in the Defence Forces. Such veterans draw two pensions after their retirement from civil departments but their widows are not entitled for second pension as per the present pension policy.

Along with this, League has gone further to demand befitting alternate re-employment for the soldiers up to the age of 60 years like their civilian counter parts since about 90% among the soldiers are compulsory retired prior to their superannuation to keep the forces young.

League has vehemently stressed upon the government to fulfill the demands of veterans at the earliest lest they take to the streets like civilian counter parts.
Last but not the least, the league has forcefully demanded that government authorities do not use the term PBORs for Junior Commissioned Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and other ranks as they feel much humiliated and demeaned by such inglorious attributes.
VETERAN PRABHJOT SINGH CHHATWAL
THE PRESIDENT, EX-SERVICES LEAGUE, PUNJAB & CHANDIGARH
Posted By Muthukrishnan to indianexserviceman at 9/28/2009 07:48:00 PM

Ex- Servicemen Welfare Trust extending a helping hand

Late Subedar Ram Chand, a World War II Veteran, (1900– 1970) of Village Bohan, of Hoshiarpur District in Punjab is being remembered today by the Exwel Trust, Tirunelveli. click me

Moved by the ESM welfare activities of the Exwel Trust, his son, retired Wing Commander Sushil Sudan, a decorated Electronic Engineer of the IAF, (settled in Canada) makes generous contribution of Rs10,000/- in memory of his late father.

The Managing Trustee, Sgt R Chellappa (Retd) and all the Trustees of Exwel trust convey their sincere thanks for this noble gesture. The Trust and its beneficiaries will always remember this help with an assurance that the money will be utilized for the welfare of the poor ex-servicemen and their families. The details of the activities will be regularly reported in the indianexserviceman and in the exweltrust.blogspot.com (under construction) in a few days. The Exwel Trust is proud to publish the Photograph of (Late) Subedar Ram Chand on this occasion.
Wing Commander Sushil Sudan (Retd) maintains a blog his own blog at: click me
Posted by Muthukrishnan ex- Sgt

Dear Veteran Brothers,
I wish to state most humbly that I feel honored by your very generous reference to me & my late father, Subedar Ram Chand. I feel that my little contribution stands nowhere in comparison to the selfless & dedicated service shown by the EXWEL TRUST members. Your mission is outstanding & deserves more contribution by those who can afford it in any form, be it monetary or active participation by its TRUSTEES which is more important I shall continue to support the TRUST in my humble way in future too. I shall always support the cause of our defence men in uniform whether in service or post retirement as I know where the shoe pinches having worn it for many years.
With warm regards & appreciation,
Wing Commander Sushil Sudan (Retd)

IESM: Invaluable selfless service rendered to widow pensioners

Dear Brig Kamboj,
The work of Gp Capt Suhas is EXTRAORDINARY. Thought you may wish to know.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi (Retd)

on Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 4:49 PM, Suhas Phatak
Dear Brig Deo,
I came across your email sent to Wg Cdr Bendre about family pension and additional pension for old age in case of Mrs Pandit w/o late Air Marshal Pandit. I have been able to sort out pension of following widows/ veterans after preparing worksheet in each case and visiting their houses in the first place and later visiting their respective paying banks:
1 Ms Sushila Bhagwat -w/o Lt Col Bhagwat (AMC)-DOB: 12 Mar 1920
2 Mrs kumud Ghanekar-w/o Lt Col Ghanekar-DOB: 6 Feb 1931
3 Mrs Leela Rege-w/o lateLt Col Rege,Vr C-DOB: 18 Jan 1925
4 Mrs Thelma M Karnik-w/o late Lt Col Karnik: DOB-22 Mar 1925
5 Mrs vaishali Joshi w/o late Wg Cdr V S Joshi
6 Major KP Damle(IC-4965)DOB: 27 Nov 1919
7 Mrs Srilata Banerjee w/o late Air Cdre D Banerjee(5800)-By email
8 Mrs Anupam A Karve w/o late Cdr A N Karve(IN)
9 Mrs Sadhana P sabnis w/o late Gp capt P D Sabnis(Adm)
10 Mrs Patankar w/o late Maj Gen Patankar
11 Mrs Aruna Kodical w/o late Sqn Ldr Kodical

In addition I have been visiting most of the branches of Bank of Maharashtra, SBI, Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank at Pune city and finalising cases of retired defence officers. It is my experience that entrusting this job of paying pensioners to PDAs (Banks) was the root cause of delays. I dont blame bank staff who have no knowledge/ exposure of our intricate rules and regulations. Once your credentials are established they all have responded well and accepted my worksheets. Unfortunately some of the information is not forthcoming from our own HQ eg Length of service and whether time scale or selection grade in case of Wg Cdrs, is not mentioned in PPO and that has delayed many cases to determine their pension after they were brought under PB-4.
This is to give you the enormous task that has to be tackled. I wonder how our PBORs are being served with their legitimate pensionary benefits.
with regards,
Gp Capt SS Phatak (Retd)

Our compliments to you Gp Capt Phatak- keep up the great social service.
Chander Kamboj