WWII Veterans Pension Delayed by Banks

Jagran Post: Posted on: 09 May 2011, 09:16 AM
World War II veterans wait for pension stuck with banks
Aligarh: World War II veterans who had once overpowered their enemies by their valour have virtually surrendered before the government machinery. They are running from pillar to post to avail their pension pending for the last nine months.
According to reports, their pensions are stuck with the banks, while cheques against the Sainik Welfare Board have already been dispatched with their account numbers.
Despite repeated reminders from the board, the banks have a long list of excuses for not relieving the pension. The irked board officials have sought information from the banks about their branches.
The Indian Army had participated in the World War II from 1939 to 1945, and 355 soldiers were from Aligarh. The government is paying Rs 2500 as monthly pension to these veterans, who despite their frail figures are compelled to run from one office to another to avail the amount.
Irked over the callousness of the official machinery, Board Secretary Arvind Kumar said, “If such system continues, people will even hesitate to join the Army.”
It may be noted that the pension is stuck with various branches of SBI and Central Bank for the last three to nine months respectively.
Meanwhile, the search for missing warriors of the World War II is yet to complete. Till date, only 150 out of 355 veterans have been ascertained. District Soldier Welfare and Rehabilitation Board has written letters to all retired military personnel and their dependents to collect information related to the War veterans. (JPN/ Bureau)
World War II veterans wait for pension stuck with banks

Retired Defence Personnel can enrich the Jan Lokpal Bill if enacted into Law

Drafting of Lokpal Bill
Dear Sh Shanti Bhushan jee,
1. Your letter to FM has been brilliantly written covering all aspects of the Draft being prepared for the Lokpal Bill. Well Done.
2. We the Defence Veterans are totally in agreement with points being projected by the Civil Society Members and would request you all to continue to press for these issues. Lokpal Bill must be strong enough to deliver to the people of India a “Corruption free environment” which should act as catalyst for good governance
3. We implore all members of the Civil Society to stick to all the points put up by you. The whole nation will support you. If required, press for referendum on these aspects of the Bill. The PM, Judiciary, MPs and all public servants, infact every one in the country be brought under the “Lokpal”
4. On more issue, we wish to bring to your notice is that the Defence Officers are selected through a very deep and stringent selection process at the Services Selection Board and have the basic qualities of head and heart in them. The experiences they gain through the inservice period further enrich them to handle national issues. While the other countries like USA, UK etc extensively use their experience and expertise, India totally ignores this aspect except one or two made Governors.
5. We would therefore, request you to strongly project inclusion of suitable Defence personnel in the selection committee of Lokpal and Lok Ayukta as well as part of the Lokpal and Lok Ayukta benches. Please DO NOT FORGET THE SOLDIER. They will deliver the best to the nation.
God Bless you God Speed.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM
Lok Pal Bill: Letter from Shri Shanti Bhushan to the Finance Minister- Click here

Visit to War Memorial

Dear Brig,
I had gone to Washington D C and visited the Lincoln Memorial. I have taken some photographs of the inscriptions there. There is a whole wall giving the names of those who died or were missing in the Viernam War. I thought I would share some of these with you.
Regards,
Nautiyal
(IC-19071 Brig RP Nautiyal, Bihar Regt, settled at Dehra Dun)