Date: Monday, 31 August, 2009, 9:24 PM
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the IESM I express deep gratitude to the following veterans for their spot contribution during the 30 Aug NOIDA meet:
1. Lt Gen PD Bhargava, Signals Rs. 10,000.00
2. Maj KP Shreedharan, EME, Rs. 2,700.00 (Inclusive of membership)
3. Col Bipin Pandey, Signals, Rs. 10,000.00
4. Col MK Khera, Signals, Rs. 5,000.00 (Inclusive of Membership)
5. Col BS Ahluwalia, 3/4 GR, Rs. 2,000.00 (Inclusive of Membership)
6. Brig SS Jaswal, Panchkula, Rs. 5,000.00
7. LAC Ravi, Hyderabad, Rs. 1,000.00
8. Lt Col AK Vij, Rs 1,000.00
We also welcome the following members into the IESM fold:
1. Maj Gen KN Misra, Former JAG
2. Maj Gen RS Phagura, Arty
3. Air Cmdre RK Mahajan
4. Col AJ SIngh, EME
5. Lt Col UV Naik, Engrs
6. Sub Ambika Rai, ASC
7.Brig MK Modi, Engrs
8. Lt col DC Tiwari, Signals
9. Brig Ramendra Kumar, GRENADIERS
10. Brig Romesh Gupta, JAK
11. Col KS Sanghera, Signals
12. Maj JK Mayor, AOC
13. Wg Cdr Ramesh Mallik
14. Brig GVR Dayal, Engrs
15. Hont Capt Puran Chand, Punjab
16. Hony Capt Diwan Singh, ASC
17. Maj Sher Singh Aulakh, ASC
18. Col RK Aggarwal, EME
19. LT Col Lalit Kumar, Engrs
20. Lt Col GS Kilawala, ASC
21. L Naik Parshotam Lal, AOC
22. Cdr J Kumar Bhargava
23. Lt Col SM Dalal, Arty
24. N Sub Prem Singh, Engrs
25. Lt Col JS Sodhi, Arty
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Monday, August 31, 2009
Ex-servicemen to return medals to President seeking OROP
Published: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 at 19:18 IST
New Delhi, Aug 28 Sticking to their 'One Rank-One Pension' demand, the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) today said the armed forces' veterans will return their gallantry medals to the President on September 13.
"We will deposit our medals with the President on September 13 and continue to demand for the implementation of the OROP in totality," IESM Chairman Lieutenant General Raj Kadyan (retd) told reporters here.
"Till now, we have deposited 15,000 medals with the President in three instalments and will continue to do so in future also," Kadyan claimed.
Under the OROP demand, the ex-servicemen personnel have been seeking that personnel retiring from a same rank after having served for equal number of years should get same pension irrespective of the date and time of retirement. With the implementation of each pay commission, the gap between the pension amount increases.
IESM claimed that the government had created an impression that the OROP demand was accepted but its recent steps in this regard had just helped in equating pre-1997 and post-1997 pensioners and the difference in pensions still existed.
There are nearly 20 lakh ex-servicemen in the country.
Ex-servicemen to return medals to President seeking OROP: samaylive
New Delhi, Aug 28 Sticking to their 'One Rank-One Pension' demand, the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) today said the armed forces' veterans will return their gallantry medals to the President on September 13.
"We will deposit our medals with the President on September 13 and continue to demand for the implementation of the OROP in totality," IESM Chairman Lieutenant General Raj Kadyan (retd) told reporters here.
"Till now, we have deposited 15,000 medals with the President in three instalments and will continue to do so in future also," Kadyan claimed.
Under the OROP demand, the ex-servicemen personnel have been seeking that personnel retiring from a same rank after having served for equal number of years should get same pension irrespective of the date and time of retirement. With the implementation of each pay commission, the gap between the pension amount increases.
IESM claimed that the government had created an impression that the OROP demand was accepted but its recent steps in this regard had just helped in equating pre-1997 and post-1997 pensioners and the difference in pensions still existed.
There are nearly 20 lakh ex-servicemen in the country.
Ex-servicemen to return medals to President seeking OROP: samaylive
ESM sitrep 30 Aug evening ..Meeting at Noida
From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Subject: ESM sitrep 30 Aug evening
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in, TRUNCATED
Date: Sunday, 30 August, 2009, 10:36 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The IESM meeting took place in NOIDA as scheduled today. The venue, Arun Vihar Community Centre was overflowing with ESM from all over the country. There were colleagues sitting in the verandas. It was a memorable experience, with the morning rain having added greatly to the cordiality and bonhomie. Many spoke on the occasion and shared their views.
The occasion was the first anniversary of the IESM that took birth on 13 Aug 2008 in the same premises. Apart from the celebratory part it was also a stock taking of our efforts and achievements as well to pool views for future direction the Movement should follow.
A large number of ESM contributed funds generously to the cause. The individual names will be circulated subsequently.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Saturday, August 29, 2009
ESM sitrep 28 Aug evening
From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
>
> Subject: ESM sitrep 28 Aug evening
>
> To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in, TRUNCATED
>
> Date: Friday, 28 August, 2009, 9:27 PM
>
> Dear Colleagues,
>
> Gen Satbir, Hony Lt Pandey and self addressed the Press this afternoon at
> the Press club of India , New Delhi . There were about 30 journalists from
> the print and visual media.
>
> The hour long session that included the interactive, was very good. We were
> able to project our stand on OROP and our planned actions to press our
> demand.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
>
> Chairman IESM
>
> Subject: ESM sitrep 28 Aug evening
>
> To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in, TRUNCATED
>
> Date: Friday, 28 August, 2009, 9:27 PM
>
> Dear Colleagues,
>
> Gen Satbir, Hony Lt Pandey and self addressed the Press this afternoon at
> the Press club of India , New Delhi . There were about 30 journalists from
> the print and visual media.
>
> The hour long session that included the interactive, was very good. We were
> able to project our stand on OROP and our planned actions to press our
> demand.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
>
> Chairman IESM
The Hindu...Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Ex-servicemen plan stir on ‘One rank one pension’
Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI: The Indian Ex-servicemen Movement on Friday threatened to re-launch their agitation by returning their medals protesting against the government’s recent decision on ‘One rank one pension” stating it did not meet the demand.
Addressing a press conference, the Movement president Lt. Gen (Retd) Raj Kadiyan and his deputy Major General (Retd) Satbir Singh said here that while announcing it, the government said that in order to improve the pension of retired Lt. Generals, it proposed that a separate pay scale may be created for the officers of the level and this would be extended to Additional Secretaries.
“What a clever way for a Committee tasked solely with looking into the issues of One Rank One Pension that pertains to Defence Forces and for which ex-servicemen have been struggling, to benefit their own class,” the Movement said in its release.
It said while less than one per cent of defence officers rose to the rank of Lt. Generals, more than 70 per cent bureaucrats become additional secretaries. Lt. Gen. Kadiyan said, unlike a bureaucrat who continued to serve till 60 years, in the services, the personnel retired as per their rank.
He said while the bulk of persons below the officers rank retired around 35 years, most officers retired around 54 years, when they became Colonels or equivalent ranks in the Navy and Air Force.
Since, the avenues of promotion were restricted, a Brigadier ranked officer retired around 56 years and so on. “There is no provision in the government to retain the retired personnel till 60.”
He said the demand was that equal pension benefits should be given to the retiring personnel based on the duration of their service irrespective of the time they retired.
Printer friendly page
Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI: The Indian Ex-servicemen Movement on Friday threatened to re-launch their agitation by returning their medals protesting against the government’s recent decision on ‘One rank one pension” stating it did not meet the demand.
Addressing a press conference, the Movement president Lt. Gen (Retd) Raj Kadiyan and his deputy Major General (Retd) Satbir Singh said here that while announcing it, the government said that in order to improve the pension of retired Lt. Generals, it proposed that a separate pay scale may be created for the officers of the level and this would be extended to Additional Secretaries.
“What a clever way for a Committee tasked solely with looking into the issues of One Rank One Pension that pertains to Defence Forces and for which ex-servicemen have been struggling, to benefit their own class,” the Movement said in its release.
It said while less than one per cent of defence officers rose to the rank of Lt. Generals, more than 70 per cent bureaucrats become additional secretaries. Lt. Gen. Kadiyan said, unlike a bureaucrat who continued to serve till 60 years, in the services, the personnel retired as per their rank.
He said while the bulk of persons below the officers rank retired around 35 years, most officers retired around 54 years, when they became Colonels or equivalent ranks in the Navy and Air Force.
Since, the avenues of promotion were restricted, a Brigadier ranked officer retired around 56 years and so on. “There is no provision in the government to retain the retired personnel till 60.”
He said the demand was that equal pension benefits should be given to the retiring personnel based on the duration of their service irrespective of the time they retired.
Printer friendly page
Thursday, August 20, 2009
NRI's support required by IESM...Brig CS Kamboj
Dear Major Rajinder,
Reference your email below.
THANK YOU.
We look forward to progress on the issue from your side.
I am forwarding this email alongwith the trailing emails to the IESM Steering Committee for their information.
GOD be with you.
Very fond regards-
Chander Kamboj.
Copy to - IESM Steering Committee - BCC - Kindly read the trailing emails. - Chander Kamboj
--- On Tue, 18/8/09, RSingh305@aol. com wrote:
From: RSingh305@aol. com RSingh305@aol. com
Subject: Re: RESPECT AND WELFARE OF INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES AN INDIAN VETERANS - WHAT ...
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo. co.in
Cc: RakshaBharatUK@ aol.com
Date: Tuesday, 18 August, 2009, 3:58 AM
Dear Sir,
I shall be pleased to do my bit for this invaluable cause and will think of the ways to achieve the results expected.
Your e-mail gives valuable guidelines on suggested action.
I shall try to find like minded people at this end and write to the media, politicians and prominent personalities in India on defence matters and also raise the voice in NRI meets.
We shall continue to give the IESM movement all possible support from here. I have created a separate e-mail address for this purpose (rakshabharatUK@ aol.com) to which all those interested can write.
Thank you for the inspiration you have provided.
Regards
Rajinder S. Rajput
UK.
17 Aug 09
========
In a message dated 17/08/2009 19:20:34 GMT Standard Time, kamboj_cs@yahoo. co.in writes:
Dear Major Rajinder,
Reference your email below.
I appreciate your senitments.
We in services are well aware of what you are trying to convey to us about the respect Defence Personnel command in most of the countries.
The NRIs should take on the responsibility of apprising the Indian Nation, in particular the Indian Politicians, as how to respect their Defence personnel and care for their Veterans.
Every year NRI meets are held in India. There is a separate NRI ministry created by Govt of India. The NRIs come and discuss what more they can get from India for themselves.
Why don't you kindly take up the task of mustering the NRIs opinion in favour of Defence Personnel of India.
In the next annual meeting of NRIs to be held in India, let the NRIs raise this issue and give a presentation with statistics from all over the world to convince the Govt of India as to how much they are ignoring their Defence Services and the Veterans.
I suggest the follwing course for you (of course you can find even a better solution) –
1. Please get in touch with as many Indian Veterans NRI in UK as possible and convince them of your views.
That is a easy task.
2. Next you should convince other NRIs of UK.
3. Gradually increase this circle and involve the financially and politically mighty NRIs of UK.
4. Convince them of the changes required in India as far as the care and welfare of Defence Services and veterans are concerned.
5. Let the NRIs of UK then plan a presentation during the next NRIs meet in India.
6. Much before the next NRI meeting in India you should try and get in touch with NRIs of other countries and apprise them of plans of NRIs of UK. The NRIs of other countries should strongly support the presentation by UK NRIs during the next NRI meeting in India.
7. I will help you in getting in touch with Indian Veterans in other countries, who will help you in your mission.
In you I find tremendous respect for Indian Defence Services and Indian Veterans.
It is only person like you who can take on such a mission. Will you please?
I look forward to your kind response.
Regards and best wishes
Chander Kamboj.
Reference your email below.
THANK YOU.
We look forward to progress on the issue from your side.
I am forwarding this email alongwith the trailing emails to the IESM Steering Committee for their information.
GOD be with you.
Very fond regards-
Chander Kamboj.
Copy to - IESM Steering Committee - BCC - Kindly read the trailing emails. - Chander Kamboj
--- On Tue, 18/8/09, RSingh305@aol. com
From: RSingh305@aol. com RSingh305@aol. com
Subject: Re: RESPECT AND WELFARE OF INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES AN INDIAN VETERANS - WHAT ...
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo. co.in
Cc: RakshaBharatUK@ aol.com
Date: Tuesday, 18 August, 2009, 3:58 AM
Dear Sir,
I shall be pleased to do my bit for this invaluable cause and will think of the ways to achieve the results expected.
Your e-mail gives valuable guidelines on suggested action.
I shall try to find like minded people at this end and write to the media, politicians and prominent personalities in India on defence matters and also raise the voice in NRI meets.
We shall continue to give the IESM movement all possible support from here. I have created a separate e-mail address for this purpose (rakshabharatUK@ aol.com) to which all those interested can write.
Thank you for the inspiration you have provided.
Regards
Rajinder S. Rajput
UK.
17 Aug 09
========
In a message dated 17/08/2009 19:20:34 GMT Standard Time, kamboj_cs@yahoo. co.in writes:
Dear Major Rajinder,
Reference your email below.
I appreciate your senitments.
We in services are well aware of what you are trying to convey to us about the respect Defence Personnel command in most of the countries.
The NRIs should take on the responsibility of apprising the Indian Nation, in particular the Indian Politicians, as how to respect their Defence personnel and care for their Veterans.
Every year NRI meets are held in India. There is a separate NRI ministry created by Govt of India. The NRIs come and discuss what more they can get from India for themselves.
Why don't you kindly take up the task of mustering the NRIs opinion in favour of Defence Personnel of India.
In the next annual meeting of NRIs to be held in India, let the NRIs raise this issue and give a presentation with statistics from all over the world to convince the Govt of India as to how much they are ignoring their Defence Services and the Veterans.
I suggest the follwing course for you (of course you can find even a better solution) –
1. Please get in touch with as many Indian Veterans NRI in UK as possible and convince them of your views.
That is a easy task.
2. Next you should convince other NRIs of UK.
3. Gradually increase this circle and involve the financially and politically mighty NRIs of UK.
4. Convince them of the changes required in India as far as the care and welfare of Defence Services and veterans are concerned.
5. Let the NRIs of UK then plan a presentation during the next NRIs meet in India.
6. Much before the next NRI meeting in India you should try and get in touch with NRIs of other countries and apprise them of plans of NRIs of UK. The NRIs of other countries should strongly support the presentation by UK NRIs during the next NRI meeting in India.
7. I will help you in getting in touch with Indian Veterans in other countries, who will help you in your mission.
In you I find tremendous respect for Indian Defence Services and Indian Veterans.
It is only person like you who can take on such a mission. Will you please?
I look forward to your kind response.
Regards and best wishes
Chander Kamboj.
MISSION - JUSTICE FOR INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES by Maj Gen Satbir Singh
MISSION - JUSTICE FOR INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
You all are fully aware of the injustice being done for decades, by the top politicians of our country, to the Indian Defence Services, in the form of poor state of modernisation of the Armed Forces, and total disregard to care, welfare & respect of its serving soldiers and veterans.
The politicians are also shamelessly ignoring the sacrifices made by Indian Defence Services.
Almost all the political parties and top political leaders totally neglected the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Kargil Divas - what a shame!!!
We have lumped it enough.
Unless we all stand shoulder to shoulder and raise our voice against this gross injustice, the politicians of India will not come out of their shameless slumber.
Of course, whatever we do - it must follow the ethics of Indian Defence Services.
Nothing must be done which can tarnish our image in the public.
Even after the promise made by the Congress Party in their election manifesto granting OROP, public announcement of OROP during the recent Parliament pre-poll speeches in Punjab, inclusion of OROP in the speech of the President of India for the opening session of the new Parliament,
PM, RM and FM having made speeches in Parliament - OROP has been denied to us - what a shame!!!
The worst affected by non-grant of OROP are the PBOR - followed by officers of the rank of Major and below.
What is OROP (ONE RANK ONE PENSION) -
All Ranks of the veterans, with same length of service, irrespective of the date of retirement, should get the same pension.
Special attention needs to be paid to those ranks which will not appear in the list of future retirees like Major, Lt Col (and others if any).
Therefore, we ALL once again have to rethink and plan our future action to achieve our aim -
Justice for Defence Services
- and we must do so with all veterans and all veterans' organisations STANDING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER.
We must not let our ego come in the way of our unity.
An All India Meeting of Indian Military Veterans is being held on 30 Aug 09, at Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for which intimation has been sent to all veterans and veterans' organisations available on email. All out efforts are also being made to inform about the meeting to other veterans and veterans' organisations not available on email. The meeting is open to all veterans and veteran organisations - provided you give prior intimation to the organisers, the details of which have been intimated to all.
We need to explore all possible avenues to achieve our aim. Therefore, we must also fully exploit might of our veterans settled abroad.
This email is aimed to exploit the power of veterans abroad. This very large source of power abroad has great potential if judiciously used.
Kindly read the emails appended below. Please read these emails appended below, starting from bottom upwards.
After you have read these emails, kindly consider writing to all your friends and relatives abroad, whether Indian Military veterans or otherwise,
and seek their valuable support for JUSTICE TO INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES.
During the next NRI meet to be held in India, let our NRIs educate the Indian politicians as to how well other countries care for the modernisation of their Armed Forces and how well and with how much respect they treat their serving and retired soldiers;
how well they remember those who sacrificed their lives or suffered sever injuries in the defence of their country.
Such presentation by NRIs will also educate the Indian media and the Indian public on the subject.
Indian politicians should be put to shame by the NRIs for the neglect of modernisation of Indian Armed Forces and total absence of care for the Armed Forces personnel - serving, retired and the widows.
Kindly do try and help in this mission - PLEASE.
WE CAN DO IT - LET US DO IT.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS -
1. An article on OROP written by Lt Gen Raj Kadyan earlier and circulated on "Report My Signal", is again attached to help you in educating your non military NRI friends/relatives abroad.
2. Kindly give widest possible publicity to the contents of this email, including to those not available on email.
--------
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
You all are fully aware of the injustice being done for decades, by the top politicians of our country, to the Indian Defence Services, in the form of poor state of modernisation of the Armed Forces, and total disregard to care, welfare & respect of its serving soldiers and veterans.
The politicians are also shamelessly ignoring the sacrifices made by Indian Defence Services.
Almost all the political parties and top political leaders totally neglected the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Kargil Divas - what a shame!!!
We have lumped it enough.
Unless we all stand shoulder to shoulder and raise our voice against this gross injustice, the politicians of India will not come out of their shameless slumber.
Of course, whatever we do - it must follow the ethics of Indian Defence Services.
Nothing must be done which can tarnish our image in the public.
Even after the promise made by the Congress Party in their election manifesto granting OROP, public announcement of OROP during the recent Parliament pre-poll speeches in Punjab, inclusion of OROP in the speech of the President of India for the opening session of the new Parliament,
PM, RM and FM having made speeches in Parliament - OROP has been denied to us - what a shame!!!
The worst affected by non-grant of OROP are the PBOR - followed by officers of the rank of Major and below.
What is OROP (ONE RANK ONE PENSION) -
All Ranks of the veterans, with same length of service, irrespective of the date of retirement, should get the same pension.
Special attention needs to be paid to those ranks which will not appear in the list of future retirees like Major, Lt Col (and others if any).
Therefore, we ALL once again have to rethink and plan our future action to achieve our aim -
Justice for Defence Services
- and we must do so with all veterans and all veterans' organisations STANDING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER.
We must not let our ego come in the way of our unity.
An All India Meeting of Indian Military Veterans is being held on 30 Aug 09, at Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for which intimation has been sent to all veterans and veterans' organisations available on email. All out efforts are also being made to inform about the meeting to other veterans and veterans' organisations not available on email. The meeting is open to all veterans and veteran organisations - provided you give prior intimation to the organisers, the details of which have been intimated to all.
We need to explore all possible avenues to achieve our aim. Therefore, we must also fully exploit might of our veterans settled abroad.
This email is aimed to exploit the power of veterans abroad. This very large source of power abroad has great potential if judiciously used.
Kindly read the emails appended below. Please read these emails appended below, starting from bottom upwards.
After you have read these emails, kindly consider writing to all your friends and relatives abroad, whether Indian Military veterans or otherwise,
and seek their valuable support for JUSTICE TO INDIAN DEFENCE SERVICES.
During the next NRI meet to be held in India, let our NRIs educate the Indian politicians as to how well other countries care for the modernisation of their Armed Forces and how well and with how much respect they treat their serving and retired soldiers;
how well they remember those who sacrificed their lives or suffered sever injuries in the defence of their country.
Such presentation by NRIs will also educate the Indian media and the Indian public on the subject.
Indian politicians should be put to shame by the NRIs for the neglect of modernisation of Indian Armed Forces and total absence of care for the Armed Forces personnel - serving, retired and the widows.
Kindly do try and help in this mission - PLEASE.
WE CAN DO IT - LET US DO IT.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS -
1. An article on OROP written by Lt Gen Raj Kadyan earlier and circulated on "Report My Signal", is again attached to help you in educating your non military NRI friends/relatives abroad.
2. Kindly give widest possible publicity to the contents of this email, including to those not available on email.
--------
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
DEPOSITING OF MEDALS by Maj Gen Satbir Singh
From: satbir singh
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 12:08 PM
Subject: DEPOSITING OF MEDALS
DEPOSITING OF MEDALS
Dear Friends
1. In our pervious mails (copy att), we have intimated 09 Sep 2009 as the date of depositing of medals with the President. On rethink about the date, it has been decided to deposit the medals on 13 Sep 2009 being Sunday instead of 09 Sep 2009 being the weekday (Wednesday). The time of deposit will be 3 PM.
2. On a query raised by some of our ESM, it is clarified that all medals won by an ESM during his service are to be deposited and not only the gallantry medals. The State Convenors are requested to get the medals collected through district, city, tehsil, and block representatives of IESM, pack medals of each ESM in a polythene cover with the details of the individuals (name, address and number of medals). These medals from the individuals with nominal roll be packed in a cardboard carton and sent though couriers or by hand to IESM HQ office at 543, Sector 23 Gurgaon (Haryana) , Pin No 122017. Representatives attending the Military Veterans meet at Noida on 30 August 2009 can also get the medals with them and deposit with the nominated members of the IESM Steering Committee.
3. The medals can also be deposited at Jantar Mantar at the same venue where we held rallies on 08 Feb, 12 April 2009 and was on Dharana, Relay Hunger Strike from 16 Dec 2008 onwards on 13 Sep 2009 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
4. We request all ESM Organisations and ESM to put in concerted efforts in depositing maximum medals to the President on 13 Sep 2009 and make the event a grand success. It is the numbers which will matter. The Govt must know that all ESM in India are united in their demands to get justice.
5. Please give wide publicity and pass on this information to the maximum ESM.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 12:08 PM
Subject: DEPOSITING OF MEDALS
DEPOSITING OF MEDALS
Dear Friends
1. In our pervious mails (copy att), we have intimated 09 Sep 2009 as the date of depositing of medals with the President. On rethink about the date, it has been decided to deposit the medals on 13 Sep 2009 being Sunday instead of 09 Sep 2009 being the weekday (Wednesday). The time of deposit will be 3 PM.
2. On a query raised by some of our ESM, it is clarified that all medals won by an ESM during his service are to be deposited and not only the gallantry medals. The State Convenors are requested to get the medals collected through district, city, tehsil, and block representatives of IESM, pack medals of each ESM in a polythene cover with the details of the individuals (name, address and number of medals). These medals from the individuals with nominal roll be packed in a cardboard carton and sent though couriers or by hand to IESM HQ office at 543, Sector 23 Gurgaon (Haryana) , Pin No 122017. Representatives attending the Military Veterans meet at Noida on 30 August 2009 can also get the medals with them and deposit with the nominated members of the IESM Steering Committee.
3. The medals can also be deposited at Jantar Mantar at the same venue where we held rallies on 08 Feb, 12 April 2009 and was on Dharana, Relay Hunger Strike from 16 Dec 2008 onwards on 13 Sep 2009 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
4. We request all ESM Organisations and ESM to put in concerted efforts in depositing maximum medals to the President on 13 Sep 2009 and make the event a grand success. It is the numbers which will matter. The Govt must know that all ESM in India are united in their demands to get justice.
5. Please give wide publicity and pass on this information to the maximum ESM.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
RTI Cell of IESM is now fully operative
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
You all will be very happy to know that the RTI Cell of IESM is now fully operative.
Cmde Lokesh Batra, an activist of International repute, who is working for innumerable NGOs in the field of RTI, has filed five RTI applications with the Government of India today, on behalf of IESM.
The email received from Cmde Batra is reproduced below.
The copies of the five RTI applications filed by him with on behalf IESM are attached to this email.
I may further add that two famous cases handled by Cmde Batra through provisions of RTI, which have been extremely successful, are the Nithari Case of Noida and the most recent one - misuse of of Govt funds and land in Noida by the UP Government. Noida Autority is in thick soup because of the information extracted through RTI applications filed by Cmde Batra.
With the support of Cmde Lokesh Batra, the success of the RTI Cell of IESM is more than assured.
On behalf of YOU ALL, 'i' thank Cmde Lokesh Batra, for accepting the task RTI Cell of IESM.
Brig CS Kamboj
Jai Hind.
You all will be very happy to know that the RTI Cell of IESM is now fully operative.
Cmde Lokesh Batra, an activist of International repute, who is working for innumerable NGOs in the field of RTI, has filed five RTI applications with the Government of India today, on behalf of IESM.
The email received from Cmde Batra is reproduced below.
The copies of the five RTI applications filed by him with on behalf IESM are attached to this email.
I may further add that two famous cases handled by Cmde Batra through provisions of RTI, which have been extremely successful, are the Nithari Case of Noida and the most recent one - misuse of of Govt funds and land in Noida by the UP Government. Noida Autority is in thick soup because of the information extracted through RTI applications filed by Cmde Batra.
With the support of Cmde Lokesh Batra, the success of the RTI Cell of IESM is more than assured.
On behalf of YOU ALL, 'i' thank Cmde Lokesh Batra, for accepting the task RTI Cell of IESM.
Brig CS Kamboj
Sunday, August 16, 2009
ESM sitrep 16 Aug evening
Subject: ESM sitrep 16 Aug evening
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 10:29 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Kanwar Bhardwaj, Satbir and self attended a rally at village Ghamdoj - Alipore in Gurgaon District today. It was attended by about 100 very spirited and enthusiastic ESM.
There was a unanimous demand that we continue our efforts for getting OROP.
Starting 17 Aug I will be off the internet till the 21st. However, I will remain on telephone.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Date: Sunday, 16 August, 2009, 10:29 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Kanwar Bhardwaj, Satbir and self attended a rally at village Ghamdoj - Alipore in Gurgaon District today. It was attended by about 100 very spirited and enthusiastic ESM.
There was a unanimous demand that we continue our efforts for getting OROP.
Starting 17 Aug I will be off the internet till the 21st. However, I will remain on telephone.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Friday, August 14, 2009
SERIOUS ANOMALIES IN PENSIONS AND DEPOSITING OF MEDALS by Maj Gen Satbir Singh
SERIOUS ANOMALIES IN PENSIONS AND DEPOSITING OF MEDAL
Dear Friends
1. The next date for return of medals to the President is 09 Sep 2009 at 3 PM. This is being done due to the total apathetic attitude shown by the Govt towards our most genuine demand of One Rank One Pension. A few facts are brought to your notice.
There is a large gap which still exists between pre 01.01.06 retirees and post 01.01.06 retirees. Pre 01-01-06 Sepoy will get Rs 5461 where as the post 01-01-06 will get Rs 7045 with 50 percent weightage. This gap which will further increase once 70% weightage is implemented. OROP to the PBORs thus has not been granted as against what is being claimed by the Govt. Likewise pre 2006 retiree Col will draw 26050 where as post 01-01-06 will get 30375.
A Major General pre 2006 retiree will get far less pension than his four ranks junior ie Lt Col who retired after 01-01-06. Likewise other senior rank officers ie Brig, Col, Lt Col, Maj, Capt, Lt, PBORs who are pre 2006 retirees will get less pension than their counterparts who retired after 01-01-06. This is a weird situation which is also a blantant violation of article 14 of the constitution. A senior rank officer must never get less pension than his junior rank officer irrespective of the date of retirement. The very functioning of the Army Rank structure is being adversely affected. The table below illustrates the point.
Dear Friends
1. The next date for return of medals to the President is 09 Sep 2009 at 3 PM. This is being done due to the total apathetic attitude shown by the Govt towards our most genuine demand of One Rank One Pension. A few facts are brought to your notice.
There is a large gap which still exists between pre 01.01.06 retirees and post 01.01.06 retirees. Pre 01-01-06 Sepoy will get Rs 5461 where as the post 01-01-06 will get Rs 7045 with 50 percent weightage. This gap which will further increase once 70% weightage is implemented. OROP to the PBORs thus has not been granted as against what is being claimed by the Govt. Likewise pre 2006 retiree Col will draw 26050 where as post 01-01-06 will get 30375.
A Major General pre 2006 retiree will get far less pension than his four ranks junior ie Lt Col who retired after 01-01-06. Likewise other senior rank officers ie Brig, Col, Lt Col, Maj, Capt, Lt, PBORs who are pre 2006 retirees will get less pension than their counterparts who retired after 01-01-06. This is a weird situation which is also a blantant violation of article 14 of the constitution. A senior rank officer must never get less pension than his junior rank officer irrespective of the date of retirement. The very functioning of the Army Rank structure is being adversely affected. The table below illustrates the point.
UNITED WE WIN DIVIDED WE FALL
UNITED WE WIN DIVIDED WE FALL
INTESIFY ESM'S STRUGGLE FOR OROP.
RETURN OF GALLANTRY MEDALS TO THE PRESIDENT HAS SHAKEN THE GOVT.
WE SHOULD RETURN MORE MEDALS TO THE PRESIDENT
Dear All
Further to IESM's call for an All India Defence Meet at 1030h on 30 Aug 2009 at AVCC Noida.
All aware that Govt has not agreed to ESM's demand of OROP and in fact has rejected the call. IESM has had an exhaustive brain storming session to discuss the course of action to be adopted in view of Govt's refusal of our demand of OROP.
While the road map of our struggle will be decided in the all India Defence Veteran's meet on 30 Aug at AVCC NOIDA, it is unanimously agreed that our struggle needs to be intesified and as a first step more medal should be returned by the veterans to the President of India. So for Veteran's have returned 15000 gallantry medals and it has shaken the Govt. In view of above all state conveners and district conveners are requested to collect maximum medals from the veterans and despatch them to the undersigned. Courier charges would be reimbursed to all for return of the medals. Conveners who are coming to attend the meeting on 30 Aug 2009 should bring maximum number of medals . These would then be centrally deposited with Supreme Commander The President of India for safe custody as mark of our dissatisfaction with the Govt policy. NEXT DATE OF DEPOSITING MEDALS IS 9 SEP 2009 AND THEREAFTER EVERY MONTH
ALL VETERAN'S ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE MEET IN LARGE NUMBERS AND ALSO RETURN GALLANTRY MEDALS IN LARGE NUMBERS.
UNITED WE WIN DIVIDED WE FALL
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
INTESIFY ESM'S STRUGGLE FOR OROP.
RETURN OF GALLANTRY MEDALS TO THE PRESIDENT HAS SHAKEN THE GOVT.
WE SHOULD RETURN MORE MEDALS TO THE PRESIDENT
Dear All
Further to IESM's call for an All India Defence Meet at 1030h on 30 Aug 2009 at AVCC Noida.
All aware that Govt has not agreed to ESM's demand of OROP and in fact has rejected the call. IESM has had an exhaustive brain storming session to discuss the course of action to be adopted in view of Govt's refusal of our demand of OROP.
While the road map of our struggle will be decided in the all India Defence Veteran's meet on 30 Aug at AVCC NOIDA, it is unanimously agreed that our struggle needs to be intesified and as a first step more medal should be returned by the veterans to the President of India. So for Veteran's have returned 15000 gallantry medals and it has shaken the Govt. In view of above all state conveners and district conveners are requested to collect maximum medals from the veterans and despatch them to the undersigned. Courier charges would be reimbursed to all for return of the medals. Conveners who are coming to attend the meeting on 30 Aug 2009 should bring maximum number of medals . These would then be centrally deposited with Supreme Commander The President of India for safe custody as mark of our dissatisfaction with the Govt policy. NEXT DATE OF DEPOSITING MEDALS IS 9 SEP 2009 AND THEREAFTER EVERY MONTH
ALL VETERAN'S ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE MEET IN LARGE NUMBERS AND ALSO RETURN GALLANTRY MEDALS IN LARGE NUMBERS.
UNITED WE WIN DIVIDED WE FALL
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
ESM sitrep 13 Aug evening
From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Subject: ESM sitrep 13 Aug evening
Date: Thursday, 13 August, 2009, 10:39 PM
Dear Colleagues,
A senior veteran called up to check authenticity of his input hinting that the recent enhancement of pension of Lt Gens to Rs 36,500/- was under review. It needs clarifying that as of now there is no such review being undertaken.
A Tri Service delegation of ESM belonging to different groupings had an interactive session with the Army Pay Cell today. Te meeting was chaired by the DG (MP & PS) Lt Gen Chaturvedi.
There was a general convergence of views on pension related issues. Following main points emerged:
· The Services are fully seized of the problems of the ESM and are doing the best they can do within the constraints of being in uniform.
· It was highlighted that there was a need for commonality in pension of the PBOR of the three Services.
· Clubbing the pension of four ranks of officers ( Lt Col , Col , Brig and Maj Gen) within a narrow bracket of 1000 rupees was illogical. It failed to take into account the differential in their length of service in uniform and the level of responsibility held by them. There was thus a need to enhance these pensions (including that of the Lt Col) and introduce adequate inter rank differential.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Subject: ESM sitrep 13 Aug evening
Date: Thursday, 13 August, 2009, 10:39 PM
Dear Colleagues,
A senior veteran called up to check authenticity of his input hinting that the recent enhancement of pension of Lt Gens to Rs 36,500/- was under review. It needs clarifying that as of now there is no such review being undertaken.
A Tri Service delegation of ESM belonging to different groupings had an interactive session with the Army Pay Cell today. Te meeting was chaired by the DG (MP & PS) Lt Gen Chaturvedi.
There was a general convergence of views on pension related issues. Following main points emerged:
· The Services are fully seized of the problems of the ESM and are doing the best they can do within the constraints of being in uniform.
· It was highlighted that there was a need for commonality in pension of the PBOR of the three Services.
· Clubbing the pension of four ranks of officers ( Lt Col , Col , Brig and Maj Gen) within a narrow bracket of 1000 rupees was illogical. It failed to take into account the differential in their length of service in uniform and the level of responsibility held by them. There was thus a need to enhance these pensions (including that of the Lt Col) and introduce adequate inter rank differential.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
ESM sitrep 11 Aug evening
From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Subject: ESM sitrep 11 Aug evening
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 11:02 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Calls continue to be received from ESM from across the country with anxious queries. A Havildar calls, “sir I retired in 1993 after …years of service. Can you please tell me how much pension will I get now?” Another ESM in early Eighties speaks feebly and wants to know when we would get the balance of arrears. One can almost feel his thoughts, ‘Will I live to get it?’ And the government – the government of the people and for the people, continues to remain tight-lipped.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Subject: ESM sitrep 11 Aug evening
Date: Tuesday, 11 August, 2009, 11:02 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Calls continue to be received from ESM from across the country with anxious queries. A Havildar calls, “sir I retired in 1993 after …years of service. Can you please tell me how much pension will I get now?” Another ESM in early Eighties speaks feebly and wants to know when we would get the balance of arrears. One can almost feel his thoughts, ‘Will I live to get it?’ And the government – the government of the people and for the people, continues to remain tight-lipped.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
CNN IBN Programme Citizen’s Journalist on 15-16 Aug 09
CNN IBN Programme Citizen’s Journalist on 15-16 Aug 09
Dear Friends
1. CNN IBN is doing a programme on 15 Aug 09 on Defence Forces. The title of the programme is “Citizen’s Journalist”. The programme is anchored by our Veteran Col Anil Kaul as his contribution towards the Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM). The programme will be telecast at 9.30 PM on 15 Aug 09 and again at 5.30 PM on 16 Aug 09.
2. You are requested to pass on this information to others.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
Dear Friends
1. CNN IBN is doing a programme on 15 Aug 09 on Defence Forces. The title of the programme is “Citizen’s Journalist”. The programme is anchored by our Veteran Col Anil Kaul as his contribution towards the Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM). The programme will be telecast at 9.30 PM on 15 Aug 09 and again at 5.30 PM on 16 Aug 09.
2. You are requested to pass on this information to others.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM by Gp Capt VK Gandhi, Gen Secy
ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM
AT 1030H ON 30 AUG AT AVCC NOIDA
Dear All
Members from all corners of India have expressed their desire to attend the meeting on 30 Aug 2009 at Noida. The desire of veterans was discussed in steering committee meeting and it was decided that in deference to desire of all veterans the meeting on 30 Aug should be converted to ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM. AGM is therefore postponed and its date would be informed to all the veterans.
It is for information of all defence veterans pan India that a meeting is planned to be held at 1030h to 1430h on 30 Aug 2009 at AVCC (Arun Vihar Community Centre) NOIDA. IESM requests all defence veterans to join hands and attend the meeting in large numbers. My request would be to have a representative member from all districts of India. Veterans are requested to make their own arrangements of travel and stay in Delhi/Noida.
We all know that Govt has steadfastly refused to listen to veteran's rightful demand of OROP. This demand has been pending since last 25 years. Many commitees have discussed the issue and had recommended OROP in principle but the Govt has denied OROP to the veterans on flimsy grounds. Govt has betrayed the faith of veterans and after having announced OROP through The President of India in a speech to both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and also through Finance Minister in budget speech but has given nothing to the veterans. The recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary committee has approved correction of only one anomoly of 5 CPC that too under court order and Govt is misleading all that OROP has been granted to ex servicemen. This announcement is no where near OROP and is a mere eye wash, and veterans can not be deceived with this.
IESM therefore gives a call to all Veterans all over India to come to NOIDA to attend the all India meet of defence veterans on 30 Aug 2009. The main agenda of this meeting will be to think and brain storm and decide the future road map to put up a joint fight to the Govt policy of ignoring ex servicemen's demand of OROP and of lowering the morale of ex-servicemen.
Col DP Singh from Panvel has been very kind to offer refreshment to all the veterans who are passing through Panvel for this meeting. All veterans are requested to inform their time and date to Col DP Singh at and he and his team will provide free refreshment to all the veterans. IESM salutes this gesture of Col DP Singh and his team.
Col Rajan Srinivas has also issued an appeal to all veterans to come in large numbers to reach Noida on the 30 Aug and participate in this meeting to decide future route map of veteran's struggle with the Govt for their just demand of OROP.
I request all the veterans to kindly forward their points and names of the speakers so that agenda for the meeting can be finalised and list of the speakers can also be firmed up. Points and the name of speaker should reach to me latest by 17 August.
IESM appeals to all the veterans to donate generously to fight for the cause of ESM/W. We are looking for donors who are ready to sponsor this meet. Kindly come forward and donate generously for a good cause. Please confirm by Email/telephone to the undersigned about the donation or any other querry.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222
AT 1030H ON 30 AUG AT AVCC NOIDA
Dear All
Members from all corners of India have expressed their desire to attend the meeting on 30 Aug 2009 at Noida. The desire of veterans was discussed in steering committee meeting and it was decided that in deference to desire of all veterans the meeting on 30 Aug should be converted to ALL INDIA DEFENCE VETERANS MEET UNDER AEGIS OF IESM. AGM is therefore postponed and its date would be informed to all the veterans.
It is for information of all defence veterans pan India that a meeting is planned to be held at 1030h to 1430h on 30 Aug 2009 at AVCC (Arun Vihar Community Centre) NOIDA. IESM requests all defence veterans to join hands and attend the meeting in large numbers. My request would be to have a representative member from all districts of India. Veterans are requested to make their own arrangements of travel and stay in Delhi/Noida.
We all know that Govt has steadfastly refused to listen to veteran's rightful demand of OROP. This demand has been pending since last 25 years. Many commitees have discussed the issue and had recommended OROP in principle but the Govt has denied OROP to the veterans on flimsy grounds. Govt has betrayed the faith of veterans and after having announced OROP through The President of India in a speech to both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and also through Finance Minister in budget speech but has given nothing to the veterans. The recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary committee has approved correction of only one anomoly of 5 CPC that too under court order and Govt is misleading all that OROP has been granted to ex servicemen. This announcement is no where near OROP and is a mere eye wash, and veterans can not be deceived with this.
IESM therefore gives a call to all Veterans all over India to come to NOIDA to attend the all India meet of defence veterans on 30 Aug 2009. The main agenda of this meeting will be to think and brain storm and decide the future road map to put up a joint fight to the Govt policy of ignoring ex servicemen's demand of OROP and of lowering the morale of ex-servicemen.
Col DP Singh from Panvel has been very kind to offer refreshment to all the veterans who are passing through Panvel for this meeting. All veterans are requested to inform their time and date to Col DP Singh at
Col Rajan Srinivas has also issued an appeal to all veterans to come in large numbers to reach Noida on the 30 Aug and participate in this meeting to decide future route map of veteran's struggle with the Govt for their just demand of OROP.
I request all the veterans to kindly forward their points and names of the speakers so that agenda for the meeting can be finalised and list of the speakers can also be firmed up. Points and the name of speaker should reach to me latest by 17 August.
IESM appeals to all the veterans to donate generously to fight for the cause of ESM/W. We are looking for donors who are ready to sponsor this meet. Kindly come forward and donate generously for a good cause. Please confirm by Email/telephone to the undersigned about the donation or any other querry.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222
Monday, August 10, 2009
ESM sitrep 10 Aug evening
Subject: ESM sitrep 10 Aug evening
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 10:59 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Opening of the welfare cells by the IESM has been well received by the environment. There are a number of problems, particularly Pension related, that continue to be received.
There seems an inordinate and inexplicable delay on the part of the government in issuing orders on enhanced pensions.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Date: Monday, 10 August, 2009, 10:59 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Opening of the welfare cells by the IESM has been well received by the environment. There are a number of problems, particularly Pension related, that continue to be received.
There seems an inordinate and inexplicable delay on the part of the government in issuing orders on enhanced pensions.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Revision no 2 AN APPEAL TO ALL VETERANS TO JOIN IESM AND STRENGTHEN YOUR VOICE
Dear All
We have received requests that associate membership fee of iesm needs restructuring. This issue was deliberated in the steering committee meeting on 9 Aug 09 and it has
been decided to introduce one clause of more than 1000 members of a registered body joining IESM.
Membership will be 10% of the individual membership in case of 1000 or more members join IESM enblock.
This clause has been added and revised appeal is appended below. Membership fee structure will remain unaltered for the remaining categories.
Brig Kamboj is requested to publish this in RMS.
Cdr Sharan is requested to upload this on the website.
Gp Capt VK Gandhi, VSM
Gen Secy
We have received requests that associate membership fee of iesm needs restructuring. This issue was deliberated in the steering committee meeting on 9 Aug 09 and it has
been decided to introduce one clause of more than 1000 members of a registered body joining IESM.
Membership will be 10% of the individual membership in case of 1000 or more members join IESM enblock.
This clause has been added and revised appeal is appended below. Membership fee structure will remain unaltered for the remaining categories.
Brig Kamboj is requested to publish this in RMS.
Cdr Sharan is requested to upload this on the website.
Gp Capt VK Gandhi, VSM
Gen Secy
Sunday, August 9, 2009
ESM report 09 Aug 2009
From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Subject: ESM sitrep 09 Aug evening
Date: Sunday, 9 August, 2009, 11:06 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Steering Committee met for three hours today to review, among others, IESM plans for future. The decision favours continuance of the struggle for OROP, in deference to the wishes of vast majority of ESM.
Yet another rally has meanwhile been scheduled for 16 Aug in southern Haryana.
In pursuance of the IESM agenda of taking a holistic view of ESM welfare, we have created the following two issue-specific cells to deal with the current problems:
1. Pension Cell – headed by Admiral Barin Ghose who carries vast experience of pay/pension related matters. He is a member of the IESM Steering committee.
2. ECHS Cell -
· Headed by Air Marshal (Dr) Kuldeep Rai. He is an experienced veteran associated with healthcare services for more than five decades.
· Brig Sateesh Kuthiala. A veteran with great acumen in management. Has been working independently for enhancement in ECHS services. Recently participated in an ECHS seminar in Chandimandir and circulated an extremely informative report through ‘Report My Signal’.
· Col RP Chaturvedi. IESM Coordinator.
Reproduced below is the article mentioned in 08 Aug sitrep, that I sent to various papers a few days ago. Hari Bhoomi that is widely read in the Hindi heartland has confirmed that they would be carrying it.
Quote
Ex Servicemen get a short shrift again
Inclusion of ‘one rank one pension’ in the Hon’ble President’s speech to the joint session of the Parliament on 4th June 2009 had rightly raised expectations. This is the first in the last twenty-five years this demand has received this kind of attention.
The government’s high powered committee to re-examine the issue was already in session. This committee (CabSec) headed by the Cabinet Secretary had six other top bureaucrats of the country – Secretaries of Home, Defence, Expenditure, Pensions & PW, DOPT and Ex-Servicemen Welfare. It was expected that the CabSec would come up with a fresh approach. Did the CabSec fulfil those expectations? The analysis of their 21-page report follows.
The CabSec refers to reports of various earlier committees and Groups of Ministers (GOM) that examined the issue in the past. Somehow, it only quotes from reports that did not favour grant of OROP. For example, the Parliamentary Committee report headed by Madan Lal Khurana had made a forceful case for OROP, going to the extent of saying that even if there was no precedent, it must be created now. This finds no mention in the CabSec report.
The CabSec has also quoted the SC judgment on a petition filed as a sequel to the decision of the SC in DS Nakara and Ors Vs Union of India. This has been cited to support CabSec contention against grant of OROP. However, they have made no mention of the recent 8.9.2008 SC judgement in Vains Vs Union of India case dealing with pensions of pre-1996 Maj Generals; it is suggestive of grant of OROP.
The CabSec quotes from the advice of the Law Ministry to the GOM in 2005. “The pensioners as a group consist of persons with different number of years of service and different average pay during the relevant period. If all of them are treated alike by providing same pension while ignoring their respective variations in length of service and average pay, that may amount to treating unequals as equals.” When we consider that the demand of OROP is based on seeking equation among pensioners of same rank and with same length of service this legal opinion becomes irrelevant. This advice might have been rendered in a contextually different situation.
The CabSec refers to a DO of 13 Mar 2009 from the Defence Minister to the Finance Minister on the subject of OROP, “While acceptance of the demand for grant of ‘One Rank One Pension’ is not feasible administratively...” The Defence Secretary who would have approved the draft of this DO was also sitting on the ibid CabSec. So much for unbiased opinion and impartiality on a subject crucially important to the two million Ex-Servicemen!
The CabSec further states that “Grant of OROP cannot be implemented for Ex Servicemen alone and demand for similar dispensation for civilian pensioners would also arise. This dispensation would then have to be extended to pensioners in autonomous bodies, Central and State Universities and Colleges and in all other institutions where the pension scheme is applicable. The financial implications for such a dispensation would then be substantial.” Taking cue from the aforesaid Law Ministry advice, the CabSec could have – and should have – also highlighted the stark differences in service conditions of military personnel vis-a-vis other government employees, and that the ‘unequals’ should not be treated as equals. But they did not, and surely not because of an oversight. The fiscal stick is the usual weapon for bureaucrats to beat the politicians with and is so much déjà vu. They inflate the scope of demand to an extent where its rejection is the only option left. Without doubt the same argument would have been used many times in the past, including when the free rations for officers were introduced in 1983. Luckily for the defence forces the then PM Indira Gandhi had the sagacity and strength to overrule the objections.
The Ex Servicemen are very much conscious that finances are a problem. They are agreeable to the expenditure on OROP being spread over more than one financial year if so required; they are more interested in having OROP accepted as a principle. With the allocation of money being made routinely for so many other schemes, the Ex Servicemen get an uneasy feeling that they do not figure anywhere on the list of government priorities.
Having (selectively) cited past findings and recommendations the CabSec then states, “In view of the factors mentioned above, it is not considered feasible to grant ‘One Rank One Pension’ for the following reasons: ....”
These reasons have been listed as:
1. Various committees have considered in the past and found no justification for OROP.
2. Successive pay commissions have not recommended it.
3. Acceptance of the OROP principle has substantial financial implications (8000 to 9000 Cr per annum).
4. Revision of pay scales at times accompanied with revision of educational qualifications/restructuring of cadres/duties attached to the post, the benefit of which need not be passed on to the past pensioners. (Not a new point; it is picked up from the V Pay Commission report).
5. The 1991 SC judgment found the OROP claim untenable.
6. Ministry of Law also opined that the same pension for the same rank is not an acceptable proposition.
7. The GOM in 2005-06 also did not recommend OROP.
The ‘following reasons’ are a mere summation of seven past selectively chosen reports/recommendations that the CabSec had already cited earlier in their report. Supporting the status quo is always the easiest course, requiring no application of mind. In the instant case it is rather sad. The government had constituted this high powered body and it was expected that with their long experience and breadth of vision they would examine the problem de novo and inject some fresh ideas. Instead, they merely produced a summary of past findings and used it as the basis for their recommendations. This could have been done even by the secretarial staff, with the Secretaries merely pinning their signatures. The report does little to dispel the nagging suspicion that the constitution of the committee, and the statements of two Hon’ble Cabinet Ministers in the Parliament conveying an impression that OROP had been granted, was a mere diversionary exercise, sans sincerity.
The pensions of past (pre-1.1.2006) retirees will surely get enhanced. The exact quantum of increase will be known only after the government orders are issued. However, they would not come at par with the post-1.1.2006 retirees. OROP has been denied. The Ex-Servicemen have now to take a call on what to do next.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan (retd)
Chairman Indian EX Servicemen Movement
Unquote
.....
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Subject: ESM sitrep 09 Aug evening
Date: Sunday, 9 August, 2009, 11:06 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The Steering Committee met for three hours today to review, among others, IESM plans for future. The decision favours continuance of the struggle for OROP, in deference to the wishes of vast majority of ESM.
Yet another rally has meanwhile been scheduled for 16 Aug in southern Haryana.
In pursuance of the IESM agenda of taking a holistic view of ESM welfare, we have created the following two issue-specific cells to deal with the current problems:
1. Pension Cell – headed by Admiral Barin Ghose who carries vast experience of pay/pension related matters. He is a member of the IESM Steering committee.
2. ECHS Cell -
· Headed by Air Marshal (Dr) Kuldeep Rai. He is an experienced veteran associated with healthcare services for more than five decades.
· Brig Sateesh Kuthiala. A veteran with great acumen in management. Has been working independently for enhancement in ECHS services. Recently participated in an ECHS seminar in Chandimandir and circulated an extremely informative report through ‘Report My Signal’.
· Col RP Chaturvedi. IESM Coordinator.
Reproduced below is the article mentioned in 08 Aug sitrep, that I sent to various papers a few days ago. Hari Bhoomi that is widely read in the Hindi heartland has confirmed that they would be carrying it.
Quote
Ex Servicemen get a short shrift again
Inclusion of ‘one rank one pension’ in the Hon’ble President’s speech to the joint session of the Parliament on 4th June 2009 had rightly raised expectations. This is the first in the last twenty-five years this demand has received this kind of attention.
The government’s high powered committee to re-examine the issue was already in session. This committee (CabSec) headed by the Cabinet Secretary had six other top bureaucrats of the country – Secretaries of Home, Defence, Expenditure, Pensions & PW, DOPT and Ex-Servicemen Welfare. It was expected that the CabSec would come up with a fresh approach. Did the CabSec fulfil those expectations? The analysis of their 21-page report follows.
The CabSec refers to reports of various earlier committees and Groups of Ministers (GOM) that examined the issue in the past. Somehow, it only quotes from reports that did not favour grant of OROP. For example, the Parliamentary Committee report headed by Madan Lal Khurana had made a forceful case for OROP, going to the extent of saying that even if there was no precedent, it must be created now. This finds no mention in the CabSec report.
The CabSec has also quoted the SC judgment on a petition filed as a sequel to the decision of the SC in DS Nakara and Ors Vs Union of India. This has been cited to support CabSec contention against grant of OROP. However, they have made no mention of the recent 8.9.2008 SC judgement in Vains Vs Union of India case dealing with pensions of pre-1996 Maj Generals; it is suggestive of grant of OROP.
The CabSec quotes from the advice of the Law Ministry to the GOM in 2005. “The pensioners as a group consist of persons with different number of years of service and different average pay during the relevant period. If all of them are treated alike by providing same pension while ignoring their respective variations in length of service and average pay, that may amount to treating unequals as equals.” When we consider that the demand of OROP is based on seeking equation among pensioners of same rank and with same length of service this legal opinion becomes irrelevant. This advice might have been rendered in a contextually different situation.
The CabSec refers to a DO of 13 Mar 2009 from the Defence Minister to the Finance Minister on the subject of OROP, “While acceptance of the demand for grant of ‘One Rank One Pension’ is not feasible administratively...” The Defence Secretary who would have approved the draft of this DO was also sitting on the ibid CabSec. So much for unbiased opinion and impartiality on a subject crucially important to the two million Ex-Servicemen!
The CabSec further states that “Grant of OROP cannot be implemented for Ex Servicemen alone and demand for similar dispensation for civilian pensioners would also arise. This dispensation would then have to be extended to pensioners in autonomous bodies, Central and State Universities and Colleges and in all other institutions where the pension scheme is applicable. The financial implications for such a dispensation would then be substantial.” Taking cue from the aforesaid Law Ministry advice, the CabSec could have – and should have – also highlighted the stark differences in service conditions of military personnel vis-a-vis other government employees, and that the ‘unequals’ should not be treated as equals. But they did not, and surely not because of an oversight. The fiscal stick is the usual weapon for bureaucrats to beat the politicians with and is so much déjà vu. They inflate the scope of demand to an extent where its rejection is the only option left. Without doubt the same argument would have been used many times in the past, including when the free rations for officers were introduced in 1983. Luckily for the defence forces the then PM Indira Gandhi had the sagacity and strength to overrule the objections.
The Ex Servicemen are very much conscious that finances are a problem. They are agreeable to the expenditure on OROP being spread over more than one financial year if so required; they are more interested in having OROP accepted as a principle. With the allocation of money being made routinely for so many other schemes, the Ex Servicemen get an uneasy feeling that they do not figure anywhere on the list of government priorities.
Having (selectively) cited past findings and recommendations the CabSec then states, “In view of the factors mentioned above, it is not considered feasible to grant ‘One Rank One Pension’ for the following reasons: ....”
These reasons have been listed as:
1. Various committees have considered in the past and found no justification for OROP.
2. Successive pay commissions have not recommended it.
3. Acceptance of the OROP principle has substantial financial implications (8000 to 9000 Cr per annum).
4. Revision of pay scales at times accompanied with revision of educational qualifications/restructuring of cadres/duties attached to the post, the benefit of which need not be passed on to the past pensioners. (Not a new point; it is picked up from the V Pay Commission report).
5. The 1991 SC judgment found the OROP claim untenable.
6. Ministry of Law also opined that the same pension for the same rank is not an acceptable proposition.
7. The GOM in 2005-06 also did not recommend OROP.
The ‘following reasons’ are a mere summation of seven past selectively chosen reports/recommendations that the CabSec had already cited earlier in their report. Supporting the status quo is always the easiest course, requiring no application of mind. In the instant case it is rather sad. The government had constituted this high powered body and it was expected that with their long experience and breadth of vision they would examine the problem de novo and inject some fresh ideas. Instead, they merely produced a summary of past findings and used it as the basis for their recommendations. This could have been done even by the secretarial staff, with the Secretaries merely pinning their signatures. The report does little to dispel the nagging suspicion that the constitution of the committee, and the statements of two Hon’ble Cabinet Ministers in the Parliament conveying an impression that OROP had been granted, was a mere diversionary exercise, sans sincerity.
The pensions of past (pre-1.1.2006) retirees will surely get enhanced. The exact quantum of increase will be known only after the government orders are issued. However, they would not come at par with the post-1.1.2006 retirees. OROP has been denied. The Ex-Servicemen have now to take a call on what to do next.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan (retd)
Chairman Indian EX Servicemen Movement
Unquote
.....
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
ESM sitrep 08 Aug 2009
Subject: ESM sitrep 8 Aug evening
Date: Saturday, 8 August, 2009, 10:27 PM
Dear Colleagues,
It is after a gap that I am initiating the sitrep. My computer crash and frequent evening power shutdowns in Gurgaon have contributed to the problem. My apologies to all those who telephonically complained on the subject.
Some of the emails betray a degree of frustration at the seeming lack of action by the IESM of late. The appetite for action is indeed admirable. However, it needs to be known the current pause is deliberate. After the President included OROP in her address on 4 June 2009, it was only logical that we await the final word from the government; it has still not come.
The pause has been fruitfully utilised.
1. We met the Defence Minister on 19 June. He advised that since the subject is being handled by the RRM Shri Pallam Raju, we should keep in touch with the latter. Apart from writing to him, we sought a meeting with Pallam Raju. He has not responded for over three weeks and it is safe to assume that he is not keen to meet us possibly because he has no answers to some of the questions that he knows we would raise.
2. Our request for a meeting with the president has been pending for some two weeks. Telephonic enquiries reveal that no decision has yet been taken.
3. A meeting was held with the BJP President and on our urging a question on OROP was raised in the Parliament that was replied by the Defence Minister.
4. A meeting with a group of MsP of different affiliations should hopefully materialize in the last week of August.
5. Apart from regular telephonic contact with ESM across the country, rallies have been addressed in Haryana on 28 Jul and 5 Aug. Next rally is planned for 23 Aug.
It is heartening to note that there is an overwhelming response from the ESM that we should continue with the struggle in case the government gives anything less than full OROP.
An article of mine on OROP was published in The Tribune and Hari Bhoomi in last week of July. Another one with a focus on the Cabinet Secretary's Committee report has been sent to the Press a few days ago.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Date: Saturday, 8 August, 2009, 10:27 PM
Dear Colleagues,
It is after a gap that I am initiating the sitrep. My computer crash and frequent evening power shutdowns in Gurgaon have contributed to the problem. My apologies to all those who telephonically complained on the subject.
Some of the emails betray a degree of frustration at the seeming lack of action by the IESM of late. The appetite for action is indeed admirable. However, it needs to be known the current pause is deliberate. After the President included OROP in her address on 4 June 2009, it was only logical that we await the final word from the government; it has still not come.
The pause has been fruitfully utilised.
1. We met the Defence Minister on 19 June. He advised that since the subject is being handled by the RRM Shri Pallam Raju, we should keep in touch with the latter. Apart from writing to him, we sought a meeting with Pallam Raju. He has not responded for over three weeks and it is safe to assume that he is not keen to meet us possibly because he has no answers to some of the questions that he knows we would raise.
2. Our request for a meeting with the president has been pending for some two weeks. Telephonic enquiries reveal that no decision has yet been taken.
3. A meeting was held with the BJP President and on our urging a question on OROP was raised in the Parliament that was replied by the Defence Minister.
4. A meeting with a group of MsP of different affiliations should hopefully materialize in the last week of August.
5. Apart from regular telephonic contact with ESM across the country, rallies have been addressed in Haryana on 28 Jul and 5 Aug. Next rally is planned for 23 Aug.
It is heartening to note that there is an overwhelming response from the ESM that we should continue with the struggle in case the government gives anything less than full OROP.
An article of mine on OROP was published in The Tribune and Hari Bhoomi in last week of July. Another one with a focus on the Cabinet Secretary's Committee report has been sent to the Press a few days ago.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Friday, August 7, 2009
WHAT IS NEXT COURSE OF ACTION? UNITY MUST BE THE FIRST STEP
WHAT IS NEXT COURSE OF ACTION? UNITY MUST BE THE FIRST STEP
Dear Rajinder Kushwaha,
Thank you for your email. I respect your views. From day one I have stood by the principle of our struggle remaining within the law. That is my advice still. Whether our efforts have achieved any results or not is left for everyone's own judgment. Our efforts have been directed for OROP that affects the whole ESM community and not for any ranks.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Rajinder Kushwaha,
Thank you for your email. I respect your views. From day one I have stood by the principle of our struggle remaining within the law. That is my advice still. Whether our efforts have achieved any results or not is left for everyone's own judgment. Our efforts have been directed for OROP that affects the whole ESM community and not for any ranks.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
SEMINAR OF ESM ORGANISATIONS At Noida 30 Aug 2009
ALL INDIA MILITARY VETERANS MEET AT NOIDA
AT 10.30 AM ON SUNDAY, 30 AUG 2009
Respected Veterans,
Jai Hind.
The first All India Military Veterans Meet was held at NOIDA on 13 Aug 2008; and, IESM came into being that day. A year has since passed and a lot of water has since flown down the Yamuna. It is an accepted fact that thanks to IESM and its vigorous & resolute action by way of March for Justice, Fast for Justice and Deposit of Medals; that the issue of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION has been brought ‘Centre Stage’; resulting in the announcement by Her Excellency the President of India in her address to the joint session of Parliament, on 04 June 2009, that grant of OROP would be favourably considered. Well, it is another matter that the UPA Govt. on the advise of the Cabinet Secretary has been playing Ducks & Drakes with the Ex-Servicemen fraternity and has not acceded to our demand for grant of OROP. The Finance Minister’s announcement during the Budget session on 04 July, that a sum of Rs. 2100 Crores has been earmarked for OROP and that 12 lakhs ESM would be benefitted is only a small gesture, setting right the anomaly created at the time of the 5th Pay Commission. In so far as grant of OROP is concerned, it must be borne in mind that the struggle is going to be long & hard and ESM must remember the adage, “When the going gets tough, the Tough get going”.
It is with this as the background, IESM requests the presence of at least one retired Service Officer and a retired JCO/NCO/OR of the Army and their equivalents in the Navy or Air Force from each of the 600 Districts of the Country; or at least, one representative from all the major cities & towns of the Country, at the All India Military Veterans Meet at NOIDA, at 10.30 AM on Sunday 30 Aug 2009, to discuss & deliberate on various issues affecting Ex-Servicemen, courses or options open and to decide on the future course of Action(s), to energise the movement further.
One of the options being considered seriously is to organize PADAYATRAS by ESM from various State Capitals to Delhi. One can imagine the impact of such a move, if 50,000 to 100,000 ESM can be galvanized to enter Delhi on a particular day, from eight different directions, to show case our strength.
In the light of above, I on behalf of Veteran Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, Chairman of IESM, fervently pray & appeal to you all to make all out efforts to plan your move & reservation, so as to reach Delhi on the morning of 30 Aug 2009.
All participants are requested to please intimate their particulars, viz. No, Rank, Name, Address, Tel No & Cell No, Email ID and their Contact No. at Delhi and also whether accommodation is required at Delhi, to the following Officers, either over the Phone or by Email or Post Card. Points for discussion may please be forwarded by Email or by post.
(a) By post:
Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM)
543, Sector-23, Gurgaon - 122017
Haryana, INDIA
(b) Email: info@iesm.org, iesm2008@gmail. com
(c) Over the phone to Officers at NOIDA:
(i) Cdr Sharan Ahuja: Cell No - 981-107-8735
(ii) Col RP Chaturvedi: Cell No - 989-127-9035
(iii) Brig CS Kamboj, VSM: Cell No – 981-085-6441
Regards,
Col Rajan
Bangalore, 9448024377
AT 10.30 AM ON SUNDAY, 30 AUG 2009
Respected Veterans,
Jai Hind.
The first All India Military Veterans Meet was held at NOIDA on 13 Aug 2008; and, IESM came into being that day. A year has since passed and a lot of water has since flown down the Yamuna. It is an accepted fact that thanks to IESM and its vigorous & resolute action by way of March for Justice, Fast for Justice and Deposit of Medals; that the issue of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION has been brought ‘Centre Stage’; resulting in the announcement by Her Excellency the President of India in her address to the joint session of Parliament, on 04 June 2009, that grant of OROP would be favourably considered. Well, it is another matter that the UPA Govt. on the advise of the Cabinet Secretary has been playing Ducks & Drakes with the Ex-Servicemen fraternity and has not acceded to our demand for grant of OROP. The Finance Minister’s announcement during the Budget session on 04 July, that a sum of Rs. 2100 Crores has been earmarked for OROP and that 12 lakhs ESM would be benefitted is only a small gesture, setting right the anomaly created at the time of the 5th Pay Commission. In so far as grant of OROP is concerned, it must be borne in mind that the struggle is going to be long & hard and ESM must remember the adage, “When the going gets tough, the Tough get going”.
It is with this as the background, IESM requests the presence of at least one retired Service Officer and a retired JCO/NCO/OR of the Army and their equivalents in the Navy or Air Force from each of the 600 Districts of the Country; or at least, one representative from all the major cities & towns of the Country, at the All India Military Veterans Meet at NOIDA, at 10.30 AM on Sunday 30 Aug 2009, to discuss & deliberate on various issues affecting Ex-Servicemen, courses or options open and to decide on the future course of Action(s), to energise the movement further.
One of the options being considered seriously is to organize PADAYATRAS by ESM from various State Capitals to Delhi. One can imagine the impact of such a move, if 50,000 to 100,000 ESM can be galvanized to enter Delhi on a particular day, from eight different directions, to show case our strength.
In the light of above, I on behalf of Veteran Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, Chairman of IESM, fervently pray & appeal to you all to make all out efforts to plan your move & reservation, so as to reach Delhi on the morning of 30 Aug 2009.
All participants are requested to please intimate their particulars, viz. No, Rank, Name, Address, Tel No & Cell No, Email ID and their Contact No. at Delhi and also whether accommodation is required at Delhi, to the following Officers, either over the Phone or by Email or Post Card. Points for discussion may please be forwarded by Email or by post.
(a) By post:
Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM)
543, Sector-23, Gurgaon - 122017
Haryana, INDIA
(b) Email: info@iesm.org, iesm2008@gmail. com
(c) Over the phone to Officers at NOIDA:
(i) Cdr Sharan Ahuja: Cell No - 981-107-8735
(ii) Col RP Chaturvedi: Cell No - 989-127-9035
(iii) Brig CS Kamboj, VSM: Cell No – 981-085-6441
Regards,
Col Rajan
Bangalore, 9448024377
The Just and Basic Demands of Ex- Servicemen
The cause is noble and the concern is genuine
“The day the soldier has to demand his dues will be a sad day”. The words of Kautilya addressed to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya are echoed by Dr Harsh V Pant a professor, King’s College London in an article titled ‘Here's a Civilian Perspective on Indian Soldiers’. He says, ‘A country makes a sacred contract with its soldiers.’
‘A country that refuses to respect this contract with its armed forces will eventually end up getting forces that will not respect the nations' aspirations.’
Welcome to the IESM, IESL and all other ESM Organisations and Outfits of Pan India. The time for endless talk, seminars and meaningless letters, emails and petitions is over. It is now time for action.
Truth is on the march and nothing can stop it.
We make our greatest mistakes through ignorance.
Never take away a person's hope. It may be all that they have.
Real insanity is seeing the world as it is and not as it should be.
...until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
This is your movement and it is your Right to support it any way you can and you are Free to do so if you so desire.
The list of Demands
Absolute Parity in Pension, defined explicitly as “two soldiers of each rank with same length of service are entitled to the same pension”.
The denial of collective bargaining power to help the community of the serving soldiers is the root cause for the inability to study, understand and seek remedy to all anomalies and grievances.
The denial of job security, appropriately termed ‘Assured Continued Employment’ till the age of superannuation, has relegated the soldiers on retirement to a neglected community that is presently taken care of by half baked welfare measures, such as creating Directorate of Resettlement, Department of ESW, Rajya and Kendriya Sainik Boards and raising funds through Flag Day Collection.
The efficiency anf efficacy of these measures is appalling and matter of great concern.
The payment of pension has been the biggest bugbear. Pensioners especially the family pensioners are deprived of their due by the various Pension Disbursing Authorities and scant monitoring done by the CDA Pension adds to their woes. Whenever revision takes place through Pay Commissions the effect, which is very confusing even to the PDA, is not made known to the pensioners transparently and systematically by the Government, thereby resulting in wide spread short payment of pension.
Family pensioner who is entitled for 60% of the total pension of the pensioner is denied by introducing the condition that the family pensioner is entitled for either of the military or reemployed pension not both.
The Medical Care for ESM. The very concept is so much procedure oriented with checks and counter checks that the purpose for which it is introduced is not being served in a fair manner.
The monitoring of the reemployment of ESM does not exist and therefore, reemployment is a challenge to the ESM with the result that many defence pensioners who are not wise of the ways of civilian systems lose the battle and do not get reemployed. Post meant for ESM is more often reverted to civilian posts and duly filled up.
Retired senior officer cannot be trusted for even certifying bona fide status with regard to the ESM, who have to run after VAO, Magistrates and the Assistant Directors of local KSB.
Credit: Maj Gen RN RADHAKRISHNAN (Retd)
“The day the soldier has to demand his dues will be a sad day”. The words of Kautilya addressed to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya are echoed by Dr Harsh V Pant a professor, King’s College London in an article titled ‘Here's a Civilian Perspective on Indian Soldiers’. He says, ‘A country makes a sacred contract with its soldiers.’
‘A country that refuses to respect this contract with its armed forces will eventually end up getting forces that will not respect the nations' aspirations.’
Welcome to the IESM, IESL and all other ESM Organisations and Outfits of Pan India. The time for endless talk, seminars and meaningless letters, emails and petitions is over. It is now time for action.
Truth is on the march and nothing can stop it.
We make our greatest mistakes through ignorance.
Never take away a person's hope. It may be all that they have.
Real insanity is seeing the world as it is and not as it should be.
...until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
This is your movement and it is your Right to support it any way you can and you are Free to do so if you so desire.
The list of Demands
Absolute Parity in Pension, defined explicitly as “two soldiers of each rank with same length of service are entitled to the same pension”.
The denial of collective bargaining power to help the community of the serving soldiers is the root cause for the inability to study, understand and seek remedy to all anomalies and grievances.
The denial of job security, appropriately termed ‘Assured Continued Employment’ till the age of superannuation, has relegated the soldiers on retirement to a neglected community that is presently taken care of by half baked welfare measures, such as creating Directorate of Resettlement, Department of ESW, Rajya and Kendriya Sainik Boards and raising funds through Flag Day Collection.
The efficiency anf efficacy of these measures is appalling and matter of great concern.
The payment of pension has been the biggest bugbear. Pensioners especially the family pensioners are deprived of their due by the various Pension Disbursing Authorities and scant monitoring done by the CDA Pension adds to their woes. Whenever revision takes place through Pay Commissions the effect, which is very confusing even to the PDA, is not made known to the pensioners transparently and systematically by the Government, thereby resulting in wide spread short payment of pension.
Family pensioner who is entitled for 60% of the total pension of the pensioner is denied by introducing the condition that the family pensioner is entitled for either of the military or reemployed pension not both.
The Medical Care for ESM. The very concept is so much procedure oriented with checks and counter checks that the purpose for which it is introduced is not being served in a fair manner.
The monitoring of the reemployment of ESM does not exist and therefore, reemployment is a challenge to the ESM with the result that many defence pensioners who are not wise of the ways of civilian systems lose the battle and do not get reemployed. Post meant for ESM is more often reverted to civilian posts and duly filled up.
Retired senior officer cannot be trusted for even certifying bona fide status with regard to the ESM, who have to run after VAO, Magistrates and the Assistant Directors of local KSB.
Credit: Maj Gen RN RADHAKRISHNAN (Retd)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
OROP latest by Lt Gen Raj Kadyan
Dear Colleagues,
The 21-page report of the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee is available with me. I am giving below a summary of some of the relevant points. To achieve brevity I have used my own language. While the committee uses recommendatory language, in the gist below it may sound directional.
Quote
Committee of Secretaries Headed by Cabinet Secretary: Gist of recommendations
In turning down OROP the Committee has relied on earlier committee and GOM reports, SC judgement on ESL petition filed as a sequel to the decision in DS Nakara & Ors Vs Union of India, and advice of the Ministry of Law.
The Committee also interacted with various ESM Associations, namely, the IESL and the Air Force Association to seek their views. The Associations gave the following major options in regard to OROP:
Option 1 Calculation of the pension of pre-1.1.2006 retirees by reckoning the highest of the pay in the pay band for each rank and thereafter application of weightage to this figure.
Option 2 Calculation of the pension of pre-1.1.2006 retirees by taking the mid-point between the minimum fitment of each rank in the revised pay band and maximum of the pay band and thereafter applying the weightage.
Option 3 Calculation of the pension of pre- 1.1.2006 retirees with reference to the notional maximum in the post- 1.1.2006 pay scales. Thereafter the weightage may be applied.
Options 1&2 were found not feasible as even the pension of post 1.1.2006 retirees is not calculated on this basis. “However, the option 3 is similar to the benefit granted in 2006 based on the recommendations of the GOM.”
Summary of Recommendations
PBOR
(1)Bring pre-10.10.1997 PBOR pensioners on par with post 10.10.1997 PBOR pensioners. (financial implication – 470.66 Crore per annum)
(2)Accept enhancement of classification allowance wef 1.1.2006 on notional basis (as in case MSP). This would benefit around 88000 PBOR. (Financial implication – 7.73 Crore per annum). To be implemented wef 1.1.2006 and pay arrears.
(3) Notional, weightage sans Arrears:
(a) Reckon pension of all pre 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners with reference to a notional maximum in the post 1.1.2006 revised pay structure corresponding to the maximum of pre-Sixth Pay Commission pay scales as per fitment table of each rank.
(b) Also to continue with the enhanced weightage awarded by the GOM.
This will result in average monthly increase in the pension of pre 1.1.2006 PBOR in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 1400 for Gp Y depending on rank and years of service. Will benefit 12 lakh pre 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners, (financial implication – 1636 Crore per annum). Being a new concession applies prospectively. No arrears.
Commissioned Officers
(4) Remove linkage of full pension with 33 years of qualifying service wef 1.1.2006 instead of 1.9.2008. Will benefit around 1100 officers (Army) whose pension would increase by about Rs 3000 pm (financial implication – 4.83 Crore per annum). Proposal emanates from Sixth PC; implement from 1.1.2006 and pay arrears.
(5) A separate pay scale starting at 67000 and going up to 79000 be created and all offrs at the level of Lt Gen/Addl Secy/equivalent be fixed in this scale. As a result, pension of pre-1.1.2006 Lt Gens will get fixed at 36500.00 and those of Addl Secys at 33500.00. Will benefit roughly 4000 offrs. (Financial implication – 25 Crore per annum). Proposal emanates from Sixth PC; implement from 1.1.2006 and pay arrears. The Committee has justified the increase for Lt Gens by stating that after the Sixth PC recommendations, the pensions of pre-1.1.2006 Brigs, Colonels and Lt Cols have greatly improved and in percentage terms there is very little difference the pension of pre-1.1.2006 and that with ref to minimum of fitment tables. The difference is around 2% at the level of Lt Col, 6% at the level of Colonel, 11% at the level of Brigadier, 13% at the level of Maj Gen. Only at the level of Lt Gen is there a difference of about 26%.
Unquote
THE OROP has been denied. ESM may comment on the report of the Committee in whatever manner or at whatever forum. However, kindly do not seek clarification/ justification from me, for I have only summarised facts. We need to take a call on our next course of action. And soon.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
The 21-page report of the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee is available with me. I am giving below a summary of some of the relevant points. To achieve brevity I have used my own language. While the committee uses recommendatory language, in the gist below it may sound directional.
Quote
Committee of Secretaries Headed by Cabinet Secretary: Gist of recommendations
In turning down OROP the Committee has relied on earlier committee and GOM reports, SC judgement on ESL petition filed as a sequel to the decision in DS Nakara & Ors Vs Union of India, and advice of the Ministry of Law.
The Committee also interacted with various ESM Associations, namely, the IESL and the Air Force Association to seek their views. The Associations gave the following major options in regard to OROP:
Option 1 Calculation of the pension of pre-1.1.2006 retirees by reckoning the highest of the pay in the pay band for each rank and thereafter application of weightage to this figure.
Option 2 Calculation of the pension of pre-1.1.2006 retirees by taking the mid-point between the minimum fitment of each rank in the revised pay band and maximum of the pay band and thereafter applying the weightage.
Option 3 Calculation of the pension of pre- 1.1.2006 retirees with reference to the notional maximum in the post- 1.1.2006 pay scales. Thereafter the weightage may be applied.
Options 1&2 were found not feasible as even the pension of post 1.1.2006 retirees is not calculated on this basis. “However, the option 3 is similar to the benefit granted in 2006 based on the recommendations of the GOM.”
Summary of Recommendations
PBOR
(1)Bring pre-10.10.1997 PBOR pensioners on par with post 10.10.1997 PBOR pensioners. (financial implication – 470.66 Crore per annum)
(2)Accept enhancement of classification allowance wef 1.1.2006 on notional basis (as in case MSP). This would benefit around 88000 PBOR. (Financial implication – 7.73 Crore per annum). To be implemented wef 1.1.2006 and pay arrears.
(3) Notional, weightage sans Arrears:
(a) Reckon pension of all pre 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners with reference to a notional maximum in the post 1.1.2006 revised pay structure corresponding to the maximum of pre-Sixth Pay Commission pay scales as per fitment table of each rank.
(b) Also to continue with the enhanced weightage awarded by the GOM.
This will result in average monthly increase in the pension of pre 1.1.2006 PBOR in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 1400 for Gp Y depending on rank and years of service. Will benefit 12 lakh pre 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners, (financial implication – 1636 Crore per annum). Being a new concession applies prospectively. No arrears.
Commissioned Officers
(4) Remove linkage of full pension with 33 years of qualifying service wef 1.1.2006 instead of 1.9.2008. Will benefit around 1100 officers (Army) whose pension would increase by about Rs 3000 pm (financial implication – 4.83 Crore per annum). Proposal emanates from Sixth PC; implement from 1.1.2006 and pay arrears.
(5) A separate pay scale starting at 67000 and going up to 79000 be created and all offrs at the level of Lt Gen/Addl Secy/equivalent be fixed in this scale. As a result, pension of pre-1.1.2006 Lt Gens will get fixed at 36500.00 and those of Addl Secys at 33500.00. Will benefit roughly 4000 offrs. (Financial implication – 25 Crore per annum). Proposal emanates from Sixth PC; implement from 1.1.2006 and pay arrears. The Committee has justified the increase for Lt Gens by stating that after the Sixth PC recommendations, the pensions of pre-1.1.2006 Brigs, Colonels and Lt Cols have greatly improved and in percentage terms there is very little difference the pension of pre-1.1.2006 and that with ref to minimum of fitment tables. The difference is around 2% at the level of Lt Col, 6% at the level of Colonel, 11% at the level of Brigadier, 13% at the level of Maj Gen. Only at the level of Lt Gen is there a difference of about 26%.
Unquote
THE OROP has been denied. ESM may comment on the report of the Committee in whatever manner or at whatever forum. However, kindly do not seek clarification/ justification from me, for I have only summarised facts. We need to take a call on our next course of action. And soon.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)