Saturday, October 31, 2009

Motion of Thanks from Poorva Sainik Kalyan Samiti ..

To


The Chairman
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement

Subject : MOTION OF THANKS

On 28-10-2009 the Resolution was brought before the special Core-committee meeting convened shortly at the office of Poorva Sainik Kalayan Samiti. The Resolution was read over by the General Secretary as follows:-

Major Dinesh Chandra Gupta the President of Poorva Sainik Kalyan Samiti leading a gp of Ex – Servicemen while proceeding by train to attend a meeting called by IESM at Delhi on 25-10-2009 received a severe could stroke and remained unconscious for 4 to 5 hrs. Amongst the team Capt SN Sharma and Sub Maj C V Singh etc rendered commendable services and first aid. Also used their wisdom by informing whole situation to Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM who promptly arranged to receive Major Gupta midway at Ghaziabad by sending spl Ambulance and other necessary medical care. It is appreciable that every care was made available through ECHS empanelled hospital at NOIDA which resulted into very speedy recovery.

We, therefore, on behalf of all the Honourable members of this Samiti extend our deeply felt and sincere gratitude to our respected Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM the chairman IESM and Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM, Maj Gen PK Renjen, AVSM, VSM, Gp Capt Gandhi, VSM, Col RP Chaturvedi and all those who bestowed their courtesy to the patient Maj D C Gupta while he was hospitalized. Thus we convey our thanks to all and take a vow to keep supporting the IESM movement wholeheartedly.


Yours’ faithfully,

Executive Committee Members
Poorva Sainik Kalyan Samiti

Friday, October 30, 2009

Core Group meeting at AVCC , NOida on 01 Nov 2009 at 1030 hrs

Dear all

This is to remind you about the core group IESM meeting tomorrow 01 Nov 09 sunday at 1030h at AVCC Sector 37 noida. Please make it convenient to attend the meeting.

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222

ESM sitrep 29 Oct evening

Sent: Thu, 29 October, 2009 11:08:00 PM

Subject: ESM sitrep 29 Oct evening

Dear Colleagues,

The announcement made by the government in Jun/Jul this year in the Parliament, on the enhancement in pension of PBOR, still remains a mere announcement. One sincerely hoped for the increased emoluments of pre 10.10.1997 PBOR to be released before Diwali. That did not happen. Nor is there any indication when the emoluments will be finally released. One may assume that these will come latest by 31 Mar 2010 i.e. within this financial year since a provision of Rs 2144 Crores has been made in this year’s budget.

What will be the quantum of increase? This too remains a grey area. The expectation of those dealing with the issue is as under:

Rank (service) Likely new pension
Sep (19) Rs 5,800/-
Naik (24) Rs 6,500/-
Hav (26) Rs 6,500/-
Nb Sub (28) Rs 10,675/-
Sub (28) Rs 11,970/-
Sub Maj (28)
Rs 12,285/-

It would be relevant to point out that the above figures as of now are only an expectation. Secondly, it is not OROP since these figures do not match the post 1.1.2006 scales.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

ESM sitrep 28 Oct evening

Sent: Wed, 28 October, 2009 8:45:39 PM

Subject: ESM sitrep 28 Oct evening

Dear Colleagues,

On a family visit to Jaipur we stayed the Night 27/28 Oct with a Regimental battalion. It was nice being back to the freshness, warmth, and orderliness of a cantonment life. During the usual PT time walk through the officers' colony, we could see a noticeable improvement in the living standards. Roads are better maintained, lawns better manicured. More ACs than coolers can be seen jutting out of windows. Cars are bigger and better. Smartly dressed children could be seen rushing to catch the school buses – not the modified cagey trucks but proper buses. Odd Sahayaks could be seen walking Pugs and Danes, which fact is always used as a battering rod by the bureaucrats wanting the facility taken away.
A Subedar in his 28th Years of service gets 24-25000 in total. The mess waiter, who turned out to be from my own village (and claimed to have been helped by me in getting enrolled), gets a take-home of between 14 and 15000 a month, that includes Salary, MSP, Grade Pay and Transport Allowance. Incidentally, every serving person is getting Rs 1600 pm as transport allowance.

One can have different views whether the existing salaries are adequate compensation for the dangers, hazards and difficulties of Service life. However, during my interaction, everyone from a Safaiwala to a Subedar Major appeared happy with what he gets.

I was pleasantly surprised that all the serving personnel are aware of the IESM and the efforts being made by it for betterment of the ESM. There was near unanimity that the Army is doing a lot for the serving but is not doing enough for the ESM and someone needs to focus in that direction.

New Members

We extend a very warm welcome to the following veterans and families who have joined the IESM:
Ser No Rank Name Place

1. JC402013 SUB RAMDHARI ROHTAK
2. JC1712850 H CAPT WAZIR SINGH ROHTAK
3. JC 695711 SUB SURAN BHAN SIWACH ROHTAK
4. JC 100803 SUB BALWANT SINGH ROHTAK
5. JC1059527 H NB SUB MAHABIR SINGH ROHTAK
6. JC2868263 NK SAT PAUL ROHTAK
7. JC3168755 NK SATBIR SINGH ROHTAK
8. JC3171050 HAV RAJBIR SINGH ROHTAK
9. JC3161619 NK DHANPAL SHINGH ROHTAK
10. JC1377478 HAV RAJBIR SINGH ROHTAK
11. JC1260804 NK DHIR SINGH ROHTAK
12. JC2878358 HAV SAT NARAIN ROHTAK
13. JC3178994 HAV SURESH KUMAR ROHTAK
14. JC13610280 HAV DHIR SINGH ROHTAK
15. JC4543414 HAV BALRAJ ROHTAK
16. JC2867579 HAV KARTAR SINGH ROHTAK
17. JC14290739 NK RANDHIR SINGH SIWACH ROHTAK
18. JC3168520 HAV PREM SINGH ROHTAK
19. JC3160923 HAV SURAJ BHAN ROHTAK
20. JC2858760 NK SUMERA ROHTAK
21. JC3157571 NK MAHAVIR SINGH ROHTAK
22. JC2851675 RFN JAG PAL ROHTAK
23. JC2645327 NK(LATE) MEVI DEVI W/O (LATE) NK ROHTAK
24. JC6882576 NK(LATE) W/O (LATE) BALWAN SINGH ROHTAK
25. JC14290043 L/NK (LATE) JAINO DEVI W/O LATE RAJKUMAR ROHTAK
26. JC3132731 SEP (LATE) RUKMANI W/O LATE RISAL SINGH ROHTAK
27. JC2882240 NK (LATE) MUNI DEVI W/O LATE BHIM SINGH ROHTAK
28. JC3168068 HAV(LATE) KALA DEVI W/O LATE JAGDISH CHANDER
29. JC3144697 NK(LATE) CHANDRO W/O LATE DHANA RAM ROHTAK
30. JC6902556 NK MAHA SINGH ROHTAK
31. JC6480199 SEP PARTAP SINGH ROHTAK
32. JC1448635 L/NK RAMDHARI ROHTAK
33. JC6817776 SEP JAGDISH RAI ROHTAK
34. JC1085848 DHARAM VIR SINGH ROHTAK
35. JC16395 RAM SARUP ROHTAK
36. JC036637 SUB (LATE) KRISHNA DEVI W/O SUB NAFE SINGH
37. JC1496422 SEP (LATE) CHAMELIDEVI W/O SEP SULTAN SINGH
38. JC14202589 L/NK(LATE) ROSHNI DEVI W/O RAM KANWAR ROHTAK
39. JC95346 SUB(LATE) DHANO DEVI W/O GOPI RAM ROHTAK
40. JC15051 SEP (LATE) JEEVO W/O JAGI RAM ROHTAK
41. JC2571961 SUB MAJ KAMAN SINGH DIWA ROHTAK
42. JC218261 N/SUB RANBIR SINGH ROHTAK
43. JC1253855 NK UMED SINGH ROHTAK
44. JC15177724 NK SUNDER SINGH ROHTAK
45. JC36071 SEP(LATE) KASTURI DEVI W/O DIWAN SHINGH

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER -by Lt Gen SK Bahri (IESL/IESM/NFDC/RDOA)

14 Oct 09

MILITARY PENSIONS

Dear Hon’ble Prime Minister,

I enclose herewith a letter signed by the major Ex Defence Services Organisations on the above subject.

The unfairness of military pensions, as presently envisaged, is agitating the minds of all ranks. Mr Prime Minister, it is not the quantum of money that is bothering them, but the rank discrimination and humiliation that has been heaped on them over the last 60 years, culminating in the 6th Pay Commission award.

Despite the loyalty of the soldiers and having sacrificed their lives for the safety of the Nation, when it comes to the sharing of a portion of the Nation’s wealth the soldiers are treated as though they were children of a lesser God. While, the people who are responsible for the ills of the Country, like Naxalism/Maoism, farmers’ suicides, absence of governance and a total breakdown of law and order, take away the cream due to their proximity to the powers that be. The Nation it seems, little realizes that that it is due to the security the Defence Services provide, that the Nation can generate wealth without let or hindrance. The best diplomats cannot deliver unless they know that they have a steel punch in their velvet glove. Hope a considerate Nation gives the soldiers their due.

Looking forward to an early response at the above address.

Wishing you a very Happy Diwali.

Yours sincerely



Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)

Convenor



Dr Manmohan Singh

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India

7 Race Course Road

New Delhi 110 011



CC:



Shri AK Antony

Hon’ble Minister of Defence

Ministry of Defence

Room No 104, South Block

New Delhi 110 011



Shri Pranab Mukherji

Hon’ble Minister of Finance

Room No 134, North Block

New Delhi 110 011

______________________________________________

Ref. No IESL/353/6th CP/09 14 Oct 09

MILITARY PENSIONS

1. The major Ex Servicemen Organizations functioning in the country today viz Indian Ex-Services League (IESL), Air Force Association (AFA), Naval Foundation Delhi Chapter (NFDC), Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM), Retired Defence Officers Association (RDOA) in a coordination meeting held at IESL HQ on 06 Aug 09, analysed the Cabinet Secretary's recommendations with regard to the grant of One Rank One Pension (OROP), implementation of Supreme Court judgment regarding Major Generals and a few important and urgent issues concerning the Military Veterans of Defense Forces.



2. It was felt by all participants that the Government, though promising it in the Budget speech, has not even remotely touched the concept of OROP. The Cabinet Secretary has conveniently overlooked the terms and conditions of soldiers and treated them as any other Government servant. A soldier's life is particularly influenced by his service conditions listed below:-

a) Surrender of fundamental rights.

b) Accept even death as a professional hazard.

c) Live under extremely adverse physical and mental conditions during most part of service life.

d) Ignore even the hardships their families undergo, treating those as part of the sacrifice they are called upon to make.

e) Pass promotion examinations and attend courses of instruction in which non performance can affect ones career.

f) Maintain his physical fitness and clear selection boards at every rank from Jawan to Lt Gen to meet the requirements of a paramedical organization. Only less than 1 percent reach the appointment of Hav Major, and rank of Sub Maj and Lt Gen, amongst Other Ranks, JCOs and Officers respectively. While 100 percent of direct entrants in IAS and IFS reach the rank of Addl Secy and above.

g) Retire much earlier than the age of superannuation, as opposed to other Government employees and with no assurance of a second career. A jawan retires between 35-38 Yrs, JCO 42-48 yrs and an officer between 52-60 yrs (bulk of them at 54 yrs as only 15 percent hold the rank of Brigadier and above).



JCOs And OR



3. Though the Finance Minister announced in the Parliament that he is going to redress the long outstanding demand by the Defence services for OROP, what has been recommended in the Cabinet Secretary's Report falls grossly short of ONE RANK ONE PENSION. There is a large gap between pre 1 Jan 06 retirees and post 1 Jan 06 retirees. A pre 1 Jan 06 Sepoy will get only Rs 5461.00 versus Rs 7045.00 by post 1 Jan 06 retiree with 50 percent weightage. In fact, a pre 1 Jan 2006 Hav will be getting less pension than a Jawan, who retires post 1 Jan 2006. So the principle of two individuals with equal number of years of service and similar ranks (responsibility) must draw similar pensions, has been overlooked. The difference in respect of JCOs is equally glaring.



Officers



4. By not even touching the OROP issue for officers, the Government has created a seriously unacceptable situation which is against Article 14 of the Constitution. In the present dispensation, a Major General who retired prior to 01 Jan 2006 will get less pension than post 01 Jan 2006 retiree Lt Col, Col, Brig and of course, Major General. Likewise a Brig, Col, Lt Col, Major, Capt and JCOs and OR will get less pension than their counterparts who retired after 01 Jan 2006. What then is the sanctity of the Finance Minister's statement in the parliament? This is a totally unacceptable situation. A senior rank officer must never get less pension than his junior rank officer irrespective of the date of retirement. What we have instead is that four ranks from Lt Col to Maj Gen have their pensions fixed within a mere Rs 1000.00, when their service pay is different by over Rs 9,000.00 at the minimum scale, and the last three ranks (Col to Maj Gen) are by selection. Therefore, the very functioning of the army rank structure is being adversely affected. Another bloomer is that post 1 Jan 06 a Maj draws Rs 11000.00 less pension than a Lt Col While a Maj Gen draws Rs 9,800.00 less than a Lt Gen while Lt Col to Maj Gen rank officers are grouped within Rs 1000.00. Surely, a more equitable distribution between all these ranks would have been more desirable. The seriousness with which pension scales have been worked out appear to have been designed to create anomalous situations which would agitate any human being. The IAS officers, who are charged with the job of equitable fixation of pay and pensions, are not concerned as all the directly recruited officers retire as Additional Secretaries and above.



5. While implementing the Hon'ble Supreme Court judgment in the case of Maj Gens, the Government has accepted the concept of granting the same pension to pre '96 and post '96 retirees on the plea made by Maj Gens when 5th Pay Commission was implemented. In the same way the Govt should have applied the same concept in the case of pre 01 Jan 2006 and Post 01 Jan 2006 retirees.



6. The concept of Military Service Pay (MSP) must be applied to all ranks ie., from Sepoy to COAS since Defence Forces function as a cohesive force under similar adverse conditions and degree of difficulty. There is no justification in excluding a few officers of senior rank for grant of MSP. The invisible barrier of an Additional Secretary, Secretary and Cabinet Secretary's pay must be removed for senior defence officers.

7. We the undersigned make the following recommendations, acceptance of which by the Government will go a long way in strengthening the unfailing confidence that the Ex-Servicemen community has in the Government:-



a) MoD's proposal should honour the principle of OROP in its entirety for all ranks and not in form only. OROP means that two individuals of the same rank and same length of service must draw the same pension at all times, irrespective of the date of their retirement.

b) Eligibility for MSP should be extended to all ranks, including that of the topmost rank.

c) The present distinction of the war injured and the disabled defence personnel into different categories must be done away with and ALL war injured and disabled personnel be sanctioned compensation on 'Percentage of Pay' basis, as is already applicable to all civilian officials of the government.

d) Government must not force ex-servicemen to approach the courts to seek justice as was done to Maj Gens. It must be magnanimous enough to give the ex servicemen their due without resorting to repeated appeals in the courts, to undo the courts' orders.

e) Between two Pay Commissions, the period of ten years increases the gap in the pensions of old retirees and new retirees. It is therefore desirable that midterm review be carried out and pensions revised, to compensate older pensioners.

f) Defence Forces, though trained for war, are the most peaceful and law abiding organizations. To make them resort to agitations is not befitting a caring Government.

Awaiting sympathetic consideration and early response.




Yours sincerely



Sd xxx Brig Gulia (Indian Ex-Services League)

Sd xxx

Maj Gen Satbir Singh (Indian Ex Servicemen’s Movement)



Sd Cmde G Sharma xxx Sd xxx Lt Col Satwant Singh

(Navy Foundation, Delhi Chapter) (Retired Defence Officers Association)





Sd xxx
(Lt Gen (Retd) SK Bahri PVSM)
Convener.
E 403, Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram, New Delhi 110022.
(Correspondence address)



Dr Manmohan Singh
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
7 Race Course Road
New Delhi 110001



CC

Shri AK Antony
Hon’ble Minister of Defence
104, South Block, New Delhi





Shri Pranab Mukherji
Hon’ble Minister Finance
Ministry of Finance
Room No 134, North Block,
New Delhi 110001.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

IESM: Return of Medals over Pension Inequality- Media reports

PM Manmohan Singh


New Delhi, Oct. 25 (ANI): Protesting against the inequality in new and old pensions, hundreds of ex-servicemen on Sunday returned their medals to the President of India.

These retired personnel from the three wings of defence forces – Army, Navy and Air Force, also staged a sit-in protest against the non-implementation of equality in pension, popularly known as ‘One Rank-One Pension’.

“We are demanding just equality between the old and the new pension. If two pensioners are put in the same number of years of service, have undergone the same hardships, same risks, dangers, same separation, their services to the country have been same, then their pension also must be same,’ said Lieutenant General (retired) Raj Kadyan, Chairman of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM).

The ‘One Rank-One Pension’ was introduced in 2009-2010.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his speech at the Independence Day, had also stated that pensions of some ranked officers have been improved.

However, according to the ex-servicemen, the government hasn’t issued the orders as yet.

The IESM has been protesting for the last one and half year against the injustice to the pensioners of defence forces.

‘We tried our best initially to make representation to the Government, to meet the leaders and talk to them but nothing happened. Depositing of medal is the biggest hurt that a soldier can express to the government,’ Lt. Gen (retired) Kadyan said.

The ex-servicemen have already deposited 20000 medals with the President. (ANI)
Ex-servicemen return medals over pension equality

Sitrep 26 Oct IESM

Dear Colleagues,

Col Kirit Joshipura, who had led the team that went to deposit the medals with the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 Oct 2009, had this to report:
Quote
As desired by stg com, i led the delegation of IESM to Rashtrapati Bhavan to deposit medals on 25 Oct. Col Phulka from Patiala though wheel chair bound accompanied me along with lions from Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, CHANDIGARH AND FEW OTHER PLACES.

THE DELEGATION WAS RECIEVED AT RASHTRPATI BHAVAN WITH GREAT REGARD AND RESPECT. Normally, only police veh is allowed. But this time, they allowed Col Phulka`s pers veh right upto reception on my request. Further, we were allowed to park it just outside reception hall for 30 Mins and also photography was permitted. Col Phulka`s son took photograghs of delegation with box containing medals in the backdrop of Rashtrpati Bhavan.

While handing over the box, i enquired about progress from Mr Jairaman, who accepted medals. He confirmed that President’s office is concerned about this issue and that he would inform us latest progress within a week.

It may please you all to know that all at reception praised IESM efforts and expressed their concern at this unwarranted delay and have asked me convey their BEST WISHES to IESM.

Best part was that the one who sits at the reception desk in the reception room, said that he would ask his father, retd Sub/Maj to join IESM.

IESM zindabad
Jai Hind
Unquote

Admittedly, the staff handling the issue at the Rashtrapati Bhavan are not the decision makers. However, they can be reasonably assumed to be the wind-sock, a kind of barometer of the hierarchical attitude.
New Members
Names of some of the new members from Haryana who joined the IESM family on 25 Oct 2009 are as under:

Rank Name Wife of Late Roots
PA/SubAjit Singh Kadian Jhajjar, Haryana
RisBaljeet Singh Kadian Jhajjar, Haryana
H/CaptBalwan Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
Chandawati DeviLD Zile ZinghJhajjar, Haryana
RisDharam Bir Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
CPODharam Pal Jhajjar, Haryana
H/NSubIshwar Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
RisJit Singh Ahlawat Jhajjar, Haryana
HavKalu Ram Jhajjar, Haryana
RisKapoor Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
SowLaxman Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
HavMan Phul Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
Ris/MajMohinder Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
NkRaj Karan Jhajjar, Haryana
Ris/MajRam Kishan Jhajjar, Haryana
H/NSubRandhir Singh Kadian Jhajjar, Haryana
RisRS Chajjar Jhajjar, Haryana
DFRSahaj Ram Jhajjar, Haryana
H/CaptSatya Pal Jhajjar, Haryana
NkShree Bhagwan Jhajjar, Haryana
SubSohan Lal Yadav, VrC Jhajjar, Haryana
Ris/MajUmed Singh Jhajjar, Haryana
Nb SubAzad Singh Behalla, Rohtak
MCPOI (IN)Balwan Singh Behalla, Rohtak
SepBhim Singh Behalla, Rohtak
TS NkBir Singh Behalla, Rohtak
SubJai Narain Behalla, Rohtak
Khazani DeviSep Richpal SinghBehalla, Rohtak
H/CaptLachhman Dass Behalla, Rohtak
Sub MajMani Ram Behalla, Rohtak
SepMansa Ram Behalla, Rohtak
NkMehkar Singh Behalla, Rohtak
NkPhula Ram Behalla, Rohtak
GunnerRatbir Singh Rathore Behalla, Rohtak
SepSadhu Ram Behalla, Rohtak
L/DafedarSuraj Mal Singh Behalla, Rohtak
TS NkTS Krishan Kumar

AN APPEAL; PROTEST BY EX SERVICEMEN FOR GRANT OF OROP by Gp Capt VK Gandhi

Dear All

You are all aware that Govt is not doing justice with the ex-servicemen and constantly ignoring the genuine demands of ex-servicemen. Many ex-servicemen organizations across India are constantly taking up the grievances of ex-servicemen with Govt. All the organizations have same aim but different flags. Only aim of all organizations is to put pressure on Govt to accept the genuine demands of ex-servicemen. Indian ex servicemen movement IESM is also working towards this and has been taking up with the Govt for acceptance of the main demand of ONE RANK ONE PENSION OR MILITARY PENSION. This means same pension for an ex-servicemen with same length of service and same rank irrespective of his date of retirement.

IESM has been organising rallies and relay hunger strikes at Jantar Mantar since last one and a half year. IESM has also planned a novel but peaceful method of protest of returning the medals by ex-servicemen to the President of India for safe custody till demand about Mil Pen/OROP is accepted. EX-SERVICEMEN FROM GENERAL TO SEPOY HAVE RETURNED THEIR MEDALS. EX-SERVICEMEN HAVE DEPOSITED 20000 MEDALS IN FOUR TRANCHES WITH THE PRESIDENT SO FOR . This method of protest has put tremendous pressure on the Govt and forced the Govt to announce through the president's address to both the houses of parliament that the OROP will be reconsidered to satisfy the ex-servicemen. Accordingly a committee was set up under the Cabinet Secretary to look into the grievances of ex-servicemen for their pension. The Committee has submitted its report and its recommendations are under consideration by the Govt. All of us know that the recommendations are not favourable to ex-servicemen, infact in the recommendations Cabinet Secy has rejected the demand of OROP. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO EX-SERVICEMEN FAMILY ACROSS INDIA AND WE SHOULD REGISTER OUR STRONG PROTEST IN THE MOST PEACEFUL BUT EFFECTIVE MANNER AGAINST THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CAB SEC REPORT. IESM HAS DECIDED TO INCREASE THE PRESSURE AND RETURN A LARGE TRANCHE OF MEDALS TO REGISTER PROTEST AND UNHAPPINESS OF EX-SERVICEMEN AGAINST THE CAB SEC RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE 25 OCT 2009 SUNDAY AT JANTAR MANTAR PARLIAMENT STREET NEW DELHI.

I on behalf of IESM request all ex-servicemen all over India to come to Jantar Mantar on Parliament street New Delhi to deposit your medals and register your protest FOR GRANT OF OROP. Let us all get together on 25 Oct on Jantar Mantar to PROTEST against the refusal of Govt to the genuine demand of OROP of ex-servicemen. I also exhort all conveners to collect maximum number of medals in their areas of influnce and send your representatives to Jantar Mantar on the 25 Oct 09. In case it is not possible for your rep to come to Delhi, please courier the medals collected and send us the bill for reimbursement. You can also courier the medals at the address given below or at the address of IESM hq at H no 543 Sector 23 Gurgaon 122017 Haryana.

COME ONE COME ALL. LET US PUT JOIN OUR SHOULDERS TOGETHER TO CONVERT PUSH INTO A HEAVE AND CONVINCE THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT OUR DEMAND OF OROP


Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222

Monday, October 26, 2009

Letter to RM by Gen Kadyan..

Dear Colleagues,

In our continued pursuit of OROP, a meeting has been sought with the Defence Minister vide our letter dated 23 Oct 09. The letter is reproduced below:

Quote
Dear Hon’ble Raksha Mantri,
During our meeting in March, you had advised that we should work with the RRM since he is handling the issue pertaining to the ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP). The very next day I had written to the Hon’ble RRM offering our assistance in whatever form required.
On 15 July 2009 I had telephonically approached the RRM office seeking an appointment with him so that we could apprise him of the Ex Servicemen reaction on the Cabinet Secretary’s report that had come out. The very next day his office called back to find out the purpose of the meeting, which was conveyed. There has been no further response on the subject thereafter.
The Ex Servicemen were greatly enthused after the Hon’ble President, the Finance Minister and the Defence Minister spoke about OROP in the Parliament. However, the Cabinet Secretary’s report and the government’s acceptance of that report dismayed us greatly. May I request you to kindly grant us a meeting with you so that we can apprise you of the disenchantment of the Ex Servicemen on the non acceptance of OROP?
Brief comments on the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee report are attached for your kind perusal.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan

Shri AK Antony
Hon’ble Minister of Defence,
104, South Block,
New Delhi – 110 011
Unquote

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM

sitrep for 25 Oct 2009..Successful Return of Medals Yet again

Subject: ESM sitrep 25 Oct evening
Dear Colleagues,
The planned depositing of medals proceeded as per schedule today. Approximately 2000 medals were deposited with the President, by a team of 10 ESM led by Veteran Kirit Joshipura of the Steering Committee. These came from HP, Punjab , UP, Haryana and Rajasthan. ESM from distant places, who could not send their medals due to logistic problems, called up to express solidarity with the IESM pursuit of OROP.
Approximately 150 ESM had brought medals from the above States. All the members of the Steering Committee were there to coordinate arrangements.
The event was covered by print and visual media.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM,

IESM Kanpur Veteran Maj DC Gupta suffers a stroke whilst on way to Delhi to return Medals on 25 Oct 2009

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.

ESM SITREP is appended below.

Information
Major DC Gupta, who was part of the IESM team coming from Kanpur to deposit medals at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, suffered a stroke while in the train.

The Kanpur team members in the train, informed Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Vice Chairman IESM, on mobile phone about Maj Gupta’s illness around 9.00 AM on 25 Oct 09. Gen Satbir took very prompt action and managed to rush an ambulance from Fortis Hospital to Ghaziabad railway station. Instead of first coming to Delhi, the medical team took charge of Maj DC Gupta at Ghaziabad railway station and rushed him to Noida Fortis Hospital. This saved very valuable time for the patient.

His three companions, Capt SNSharma, (Rank) CV Singh and Sgt K Kapur accompanied Maj Gupta in the ambulance to Noida.

All the ESM at Fortis Noida have been met by Gp Capt VK Gandhi, Secy Gen IESM and Col RP Chaturvedi, Member Steering Committee IESM and Coordinator ECHS Division of IESM. The necessary documents have been collected from Fortis Hospital to regularize and have an emergency referral made out tomorrow (26 Oct) at Noida polyclinic. That would take care of paper work.

Necessary contact numbers have been given to CV Singh. CV Singh is staying on while Capt Sharma and Sgt Kapur are returning to Kanpur late night. In the meantime, Maj Gupta's son is expected tonight.

We will inform you of the progress of the medical case on 26 Oct morning.
(Note: Gp Capt Gandhi or Col Chaturvedi to kindly feed me information about it. Thank you. – Chander Kamboj)

In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; TRUNCATED ;
Sent: Sun, 25 October, 2009 10:03:01 PM
Subject: ESM sitrep 25 Oct evening
Dear Colleagues,
The planned depositing of medals proceeded as per schedule today. Approximately 2000 medals were deposited with the President, by a team of 10 ESM led by Veteran Kirit Joshipura of the Steering Committee. These came from HP, Punjab , UP, Haryana and Rajasthan. ESM from distant places, who could not send their medals due to logistic problems, called up to express solidarity with the IESM pursuit of OROP.
Approximately 150 ESM had brought medals from the above States. All the members of the Steering Committee were there to coordinate arrangements.
The event was covered by print and visual media.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM,
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262, +919811226676
-------------
THE END

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Successful Return of 2000 Medals to President on 25 Oct 2009 by IESM..Punjab Team led by Col Phulka

Col Phulka and IESM team members at Jantar Mantar on 25 Oct 2009

Medals Return on 25 Oct 2009 at Jantar Mantar..Team from Punjab led by Col Phulka upto Rashtrapati Bhawan



Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
In spite of some mean tricks tried by some frustrated and misguided persons, the IESM rally at Jantar Mantar was very successful.
Besides other states, fairly large number of veterans came from Punjab.

A detailed report is given in the press release by IESM, which is appended below.
A few photos are attached to this email. For more photos, please visit the weblogs mentioned in the letter head above.

In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------

From: satbir singh satbirsm@yahoo.com
To: DELETED
Sent: Sun, 25 October, 2009 5:48:28 PM
Subject: [Stg_Comm] Press Release

Dated: 25 Oct 2009
Press Release
Unhappy Over Non Grant of One Rank One Pension (OROP), Ex - Servicemen Deposit Medals with the President Fifth time on
25 Oct 2009 at Jantar Mantar
Dear Members of the Media,
1. The Govt continues to ignore the grant of One Rank One Pension demand of Ex Servicemen (ESM). The Prime Minister in his speech at Red Fort on 15 Aug 09 had stated that pensions of JCOs and other ranks have been enhanced. Even, these orders have not yet been issued by the Govt. Why there should be so much delay? Is it that bureaucracy with intent to harass the Ex Servicemen is causing hurdles in issuing the necessary orders? The Ex Servicemen are very angry and hurt on this attitude of the Govt. In order to express their anger and resentment the representatives of ex servicemen under the umbrella of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement from all states assembled at Jantar Mantar New Delhi to return their medals to the President once again.
2. Two Thousand (2000) medals were collected between 10 O clock to 2 PM and a delegation of ten ex-servicemen Col P I S Phoolka, Col Kirit Joshipura, Warrant Officer Bala Thilkan, Honorary Capt Jarnail Singh, Sep Jagrup Singh, Sergeant J S Kohli, Commander Gurjinder Singh Sidhu, Sub Maj Jagmeet Singh, Sub Maj Manphool Singh, Sub Maj Prithvi Singh. All members of the steering committee of IESM including Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, Chairman, Maj Gen Satbir Singh Vice Chairman, and Maj Gen P K Renjen were present at Jantar Mantar. The ex servicemen present expressed their anguish and strongly recommended that the movement must be intensified throughout the Country to get the demand of One Rank One Pension met at the earliest. They all resolved to continue their struggle in a peaceful and dignified manner within the democratic norms and discipline. It may please be noted that Ex Servicemen have already deposited 20000 medals with the President.

3. A few facts regarding pensions of Defence Personnel are reemphasised as under:-

An old pensioner Sepoy with 17 years of service gets a pension of Rs 3500/-per month only where as a Sepoy retiring after 2006 with same years of service gets a Pension of Rs 7045/- per month. Likewise all Ex servicemen of all ranks who retired prior to 01 Jan 06 will draw much less pension as compared to their counter parts retiring after 01 Jan 2006 This is totally unjust, illegal and happens only in our Country.

A Major General pre 2006 retiree will get far less pension than a Lt Col, who is four ranks junior, who retired after 01-01-06. Likewise , other senior rank officers i.e. 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 weird situation is also a blatant 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 since the present serving personnel are the future retirees.

There is far too large a gap --- of Rs 11600 --- between Major and Lt Col. Similarly, too large a gap has been created between the pensions of Major General and Lt Gen i.e. Rs 9800/- The pensions of Lt Col, Col, Brig and Major General have been kept in a rather too narrow a range i.e. Rs 25700 – Rs 26700/-, a gap of only Rs 1000. The length of service and level of responsibility held have not been given due weightage. Between Col and Maj Gen, the difference in pension is only Rs 650/-. The anomaly is too glaring. There should be sufficient gap, between the pensions of successive ranks and there should be no large variations within a particular rank.

While implementing the Supreme Court judgment in the case of Maj Gens, the Govt has accepted the concept of granting the same pension to pre 96 and post 96 retirees with same rank and same service the plea made by Maj Gens when 5th Pay Commission was implemented. In the same way, the Govt should have applied the same concept in the case of pre 01 Jan 2006 and Post 01 Jan 2006 retirees of all ranks.

Three Assured Carrier Progressions (ACP) concept has been accepted as 6th CPC award. However, the same has not been applied to the past pensioners. The past pensioners should also be given the benefit of ACP by notionally applying the concept to them and their pensions fixed accordingly.

3. All ESM of India are resentful of the Govt attitude in not accepting their most genuine demands. The Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) which is an Umbrella Organisation of all ESM Organisations and ESM and has been spearheading the protest movement since 27 April 2008 to get Justice to the Defence Forces has decided to intensify the movement. Even the Request made by IESM to the President for an audience more than two month ago has not yet been granted. More protest events have been planned which will continue till all demands are met.

4. One cannot help recall the words of President Obama from the address he delivered to the US veterans on 17 Aug 2009.

“……These are commitments that we make to the patriots who serve-from the day they enlist to the day that they are laid to rest……”

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

Saturday, October 24, 2009

IESM: OROP is live and kicking- gets PM's attention

Dear Colleagues,

Some news reports indicate that the Hon’ble PM has assured that he would take personal interest in resolving the OROP issue. If correct, it is a good development. We owe gratitude to the entire ESM community for their efforts leading to a situation where the PM himself has reportedly decided to get personally involved.
The reports further state that the PM has directed defence ministry to hold fresh meetings with ex-servicemen to deal with this demand.
While the above are encouraging signs, in real terms these reports indicate nothing more what could be gathered from the Hon’ble President’s speech to the joint session of Parliament and the subsequent statements by the Hon’ble Ministers. Nowhere is there any hint that OROP would actually be granted. Only thing that can be said with reasonable certainty is that the OROP issue is still not dead and buried.
Under such a scenario it may not be advisable to relax in our pursuit of OROP. We should continue our efforts, including depositing of medals, which has been the single most effective form of struggle so far.

Best regards,

Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM,
Chairman IESM

IESM Core Group meet on 01 Nov 2009 at Noida

Dear members of the core group IESM

IESM core group meeting pan India is planned to be held at 1030h on 1 Nov 2009 Sunday at AVCC Sector - 37 Noida. All the members are requested to attend the meeting .

Our main agenda will be to discuss and plan the course of action of IESM in view of the rejection of our just demand of OROP by the Govt.

Agenda points fo be discussed in the meeting are enclosed.

Members are requested to forward their points to be included in agenda points.

It is proposed to reimburse the travel fare for travel of all the members arriving for the meeting. Members can choose the most convenient mode of travel to reach the venue but the reimbursement will be restricted to actual fare or AC 3 tier whichever is less. Please do bring the receipts to your travel expenses.

All members who are attending are requested to kindly bring the photocopy of their tickets/receipts or send the photocopy of the ticket in advance so that the expenses can be reimbursed during the meeting. This is an audit requirement and we would not be able reimburse the cost without proper photocopy of the ticket/receipt.

All members are requested to make their own arrangements for stay at Delhi/Noida. However in case some members have some difficulty in arranging their stay, we will extend all the possible help. Please do communicate in case you need any assistance from us.

Kindly confirm your participation for us to make the meeting more meaningful.


Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01202519440
Mobile 09810541222

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Appeal from Maj gen Satbir Singh..Medals Return 25 Oct 2009

AN APPEAL FROM INDIAN EX-SERVICES MOVEMENT


In last one year or so, if the ESM have been able to draw the attention of the public, the media and the Government of India, it is purely because of the efforts of Ex Servicemen, all supporting the IESM forcefully and some of its supporters working silently behind the scenes.

Former Chiefs of Army and Navy, who are members of IESM and are whole heartedly supporting us behind the scenes.

Some of the ESM Organisations of JCOs, NCOs and ORs have also been giving very strong support to IESM in its mission; while these ESM organisations have been independently pressurising the Government of India, they have also been supporting the IESM whole heartedly in its plans on ground.
The Government has done very little for ESM so far, but they are aware of the rapidly rising popularity of IESM among the ESM.
There are also very strong rumours floating around that while internally the Government has in principle agreed to OROP, it will announce it only a year or so before the next general elections!!!
We cannot believe such rumours – and have to continue with our efforts to get –
“JUSTICE FOR DEFENCE SERVICES”.
So let us all stand shoulder to shoulder and support the activities of IESM whole heartedly.
An email received from Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Retd, S M,Vice Chairman IESM, is reproduced below. The attachment received with the email in English language is reproduced below his email. Please translate the English version in your regional languages and have these circulated widely in your respective areas.
Please do put in your best efforts to make the depositing of medals on 25 Oct 09 a grand success event as earlier.
A handful of leaders of IESM cannot achieve the aim unless we all support sincerely and with all our might.
Success of IESM is in the interest of ALL ESM of INDIA, spread all over the world.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
In Put By Lt Col B M Thapa, Veteran & Member of IESM

PRESS RELEASE/INVITATION
Unhappy Over Non Grant of One Rank One Pension (OROP), Ex - Servicemen Deposit Medals with the President Fifth time on 25 Oct 2009 at Jantar Mantar
Dear Members of the Media
1. The Govt continues to ignore the grant of One Rank One Pension demand of Ex Servicemen (ESM). The Prime Minister in his speech at Red Fort on 15 Aug 09 had stated that pensions of JCOs and other ranks have been enhanced. Even, these orders have not yet been issued by the Govt. Why there should be so much delay? Is it that bureaucracy with intent to harass the Ex Servicemen is causing hurdles in issuing the necessary orders? The Ex Servicemen are very angry and hurt on this attitude of the Govt. The Ex Servicemen across the country have asked the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) leadership who have been protesting for the last one and half year against the Injustice to Defence Forces to intensify the Movement to get OROP sanctioned at the earliest. IESM has decided to deposit the medals once again with the President on 25 Oct 09. It may please be noted that Ex Servicemen have already deposited 20000 medals with the President.
2. ESM PAN India have started depositing the medals with the IESM HQ at Gurgaon (Hr). The medals will also be collected on 25 Oct 09 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi from 10 AM to 2 PM. Thereafter, a delegation of IESM will proceed to Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit the medals with the President.
3. IESM appeals to all ESM across the country to volunteer deposit the medals to strengthen the Movement for getting Justice to the Defence Personnel, the most important demand being the grant of OROP. It is pertinent to mention that an old pensioner Sepoy with 17 years of service gets a pension of Rs 3500/-per month only where as a Sepoy retiring after 2006 with same years of service gets a Pension of Rs 7045/- per month. This is totally unjust, illegal and happens only in our Country.
4. You are requested to kindly publish this in your news paper/carry it in your news channel/magazine /periodicals and also cover the event on 25 Oct 2009 between 10 AM to 3 PM at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM

Thursday, October 15, 2009

IESM: Pension Arrears for Diwali?

IESM: Pension Arrears for Diwali?

Dear Colleagues,
Many ESM have been calling from across the country seeking information on the enhancement of pensions of pre-Oct 1997 pensioners announced by the government in June 2009. It was a reasonable expectation of the ESM to get their dues before Diwali. It is sad that the government has still not issued any orders on the subject.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

ESM sitrep 12 Oct 09

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Sent: Mon, 12 October, 2009 10:55:19 PM

Subject: ESM sitrep 12 Oct 09

Dear Colleagues,
Some of the decisions taken during the Steering Committee meeting held on
11 October are given below:
· The proposed reduction in membership fee was discussed at length. It was decided to continue with the existing rates as these are considered reasonable. Besides, any reduction will be resented and questioned by existing members who have already paid.


· On the unfortunate exchange of some emails, involving even personal attacks, it was decided not to respond and maintain silence. Hopefully, with passage of time tempers will cool down enough to enable all colleagues to see the larger picture and work jointly towards the common goal of ESM welfare.


· Issue of membership cards is to be undertaken expeditiously. A simple card will be designed showing the minimum essential details and printed on priority. This will then be despatched to members by postal mail.


· The policy of depositing of medals to continue. The next date for this is 25 October 2009.


· The paper already under preparation on OROP to be circulated to the Steering Committee by Wednesday, 14 October. It will be analysed and refined for presentation to the government.


· Conveners for all States and Districts to be appointed at the earliest.


· Contact must be (re)established with maximum politicians of diverse parties so that they can be briefed on the details of OROP for raising the issue in the winter session of the Parliament.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM.
Chairman IESM.
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon- 122 001.
Tele: 91+124-4015262, +919811226676

Monday, October 5, 2009

Urgent Info from brig CS Kamboj

"REPORT MY SIGNAL - BLOG" - http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com/
IESM UPDATES AND REGISTRATION - http://www.iesm.org/

04 Oct 09
Dear Friends.
Jai Hind.
Since early morning of 26 Sep 09, my mass emailing facility got blocked (I could receive emails and send out with a few addressees, not exceeding 10 addressees); done deliberately by some agency or happened accidentally, could not be ascertain till now.

Full technical support from Dataone, my broadband provider, and the server being used by me located in another country, have not been able to resolve the problem till now. Both agencies have confirmed ALL OK from their side and confirmed that email account settings used by me are also OK.

I have been able to find an alternate solution, which is very cumbersome but will hopefully work.
The emails reproduced below were to be sent to you on 26 Sep 09, but could not be sent as I was blocked.

Hopefully, this email will reach you.
If it does, I will resume normal "Report My Signal" service to you from 05 Oct 09 onwards.


In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS
In last 8 days or so, over 800 emails are pending in my email boxes.
Kindly appreciate it is not possible even to glance through these; therefore, I am deleting all these pending emails.
In case there was some important email, which had been sent by you and you feel it should be circulated to all members, please resend the email.