Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman
262, Sector-17A, Gurgaon – 122 001
Mobile-9811226676
IESM/Pension/Family/2011
Dated: 17 January 2011
To:
Mrs Sushma Nath, IAS
Secretary Ex Servicemen Welfare Department
Ministry of Defence
South Block, New Delhi – 110 011
Family Pension: Lt Col and Equivalent Ranks
Widows of Lt Cols and their equivalent ranks had been drawing a monthly pension of Rs 15,420.00 after implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and after the Lt Cols were upgraded to Pay Band 4. This had been correctly worked out based on 30% of the sum of the minimum of pay band (Rs 37,400) + Grade Pay (Rs 8000) + Military Service Pay (Rs 6000). Widows have accordingly been getting their pension and have also received the arrears. However, an assumed error has now been introduced in the pension tables issued by the Ministry of Defence vide their circular dated 15.11.2010. According to these tables, the family pension of a Lt Col is fixed at Rs 8,760.00. It seems the Lt Col and equivalents have again been brought down to Pay Band 3 by those that prepared these tables.
The figure of Rs 8,760.00 as monthly family pension of Lt Col is beyond comprehension and this has caused avoidable consternation in the Ex Servicemen community, who are already edgy at their still pending demand of ‘one rank one pension’. I do sincerely hope this is only an error. May I request you to have it kindly rectified at the earliest.
A confirmation will be much appreciated.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Raj Kadyan
Monday, January 31, 2011
IESM CORE GROUP MEETING AT 1030H TO 1530H ON SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2011 AT AVCC NOIDA
IESM CORE GROUP MEETING AT 1030H TO 1530H ON SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2011 AT AVCC NOIDA
Dear members of the core group IESM
IESM core group meeting pan India is planned to be held at 1030h on 5 Mar 2011 Saturday at AVCC Sector - 37 Noida. All the members are requested to attend the meeting .
Members are requested to forward their points to be included in agenda points. Agenda points for the meeting will be issued later.
It is proposed to reimburse the travel fare for travel of all the members of core group 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 2 tier whichever is less. Please do bring the receipts of 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, IESM will extend all the possible help. Please do communicate in case you need any assistance from us. We will try our best to find accommodation but it is not guaranteed.
Kindly confirm your participation for us to make the meeting more meaningful.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Dear members of the core group IESM
IESM core group meeting pan India is planned to be held at 1030h on 5 Mar 2011 Saturday at AVCC Sector - 37 Noida. All the members are requested to attend the meeting .
Members are requested to forward their points to be included in agenda points. Agenda points for the meeting will be issued later.
It is proposed to reimburse the travel fare for travel of all the members of core group 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 2 tier whichever is less. Please do bring the receipts of 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, IESM will extend all the possible help. Please do communicate in case you need any assistance from us. We will try our best to find accommodation but it is not guaranteed.
Kindly confirm your participation for us to make the meeting more meaningful.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Monday, January 24, 2011
BIG RALLY ON 06TH MAR 2011 JANTAR MANTAR NEW DELHI
From: Satbir Singh [mailto:satbirsm@gmail.com]
Sent: 19 January 2011 09:48
To: DELETED
Subject: IMPORTANT CIRCULAR: BIG RALLY ON 06TH MAR 2011 JANTAR MANTAR NEW DELHI WHY DO WE FEEL CHEATED?
IMPORTANT CIRCULAR: BIG RALLY ON 06TH MAR 2011
JANTAR MANTAR NEW DELHI
WHY DO WE FEEL CHEATED?
Dear Military Veterans
1. A standard power Point Presentation has been prepared and the contents are attached. Write-ups on the issues are also attached.
(Not attached but reproduced below in line – Chander Kamboj)
2. Our Conveners at all levels are requested to make suitable changes as per your local requirements and arrange to give presentations to the MPs, MLAs, CMs , All Political Parties other segments of society to high light the injustices being heaped by the Govt on Defence Personnel.
3. ESM who have flair for writing are requested to write articles for publication in local and national NEWS PAPERS, MAGAZINEs etc. There is need to get all round support for our cause. We need to bring to bear maximum pressure on the Govt to accept our genuine demands.
4. Shortly, we will be filing legal case for OROP on behalf of all ranks in the AFT. Our demand is for Equity and Justice, which will only be met when full parity in pensions is granted. There should be no question of any other dispensation like modified parity etc.
5. We have suffered enough of Injustice and can take no more. Why the PMs, RMs, all Parliamentary Committees on Defence, MPs, all Political Parties for the last three decades have been assuring the Defence personnel that they endorse the demand of OROP and then denying the same buckling under the pressure from the bureaucracy.
6. Friends, all defence personnel should resolve to not to vote for the party/candidates who do not support our demand of OROP and the Party in Power if they do not grant us the OROP.
7. We are also preparing our case on OROP to be filed in Armed Forces Grievances Redressed Commission ordered to be constituted by Supreme Court. The same was to have started functioning with effect from 14 Jan 2011. The date line has again been missed by the Govt. How long will they continue to harass the Defence Personnel?
8. Our next big Rally, depositing of medals and submission of Memorandum to the President signed in Blood will be on 06 Mar 2010 at Jantar Mantar New Delhi from 10 AM to 2.30 PM. The IESM delegation will then proceed to Rashtrapati Bhawan at 3 PM to deposit medals and Memorandum signed in Blood. Chairman Lt Gen Raj Kadyan has already written to the President to accept medals herself on 06 Mar 2011.
9. Maximum attendance is requested for the Rally. Time has come when all ESM should voluntarily and whole-heartedly join the Movement to get Justice from the Govt.
10. It has also been decided that for 06th March 2011 Rally, all ESM should wear Winter Mufti with Regtl Cap. All those who do not have Mufti may wear any other suitable winter dress along with Regtl Cap.
11. We have also planned to carryout peaceful March with placards for approx 3 Kms on 06th Mar 2011 starting from the Rally site at Jantar Mantar. All administrative arrangements are being made.
“Nische Kar Apni Jeet Karoon”
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com
Sent: 19 January 2011 09:48
To: DELETED
Subject: IMPORTANT CIRCULAR: BIG RALLY ON 06TH MAR 2011 JANTAR MANTAR NEW DELHI WHY DO WE FEEL CHEATED?
IMPORTANT CIRCULAR: BIG RALLY ON 06TH MAR 2011
JANTAR MANTAR NEW DELHI
WHY DO WE FEEL CHEATED?
Dear Military Veterans
1. A standard power Point Presentation has been prepared and the contents are attached. Write-ups on the issues are also attached.
(Not attached but reproduced below in line – Chander Kamboj)
2. Our Conveners at all levels are requested to make suitable changes as per your local requirements and arrange to give presentations to the MPs, MLAs, CMs , All Political Parties other segments of society to high light the injustices being heaped by the Govt on Defence Personnel.
3. ESM who have flair for writing are requested to write articles for publication in local and national NEWS PAPERS, MAGAZINEs etc. There is need to get all round support for our cause. We need to bring to bear maximum pressure on the Govt to accept our genuine demands.
4. Shortly, we will be filing legal case for OROP on behalf of all ranks in the AFT. Our demand is for Equity and Justice, which will only be met when full parity in pensions is granted. There should be no question of any other dispensation like modified parity etc.
5. We have suffered enough of Injustice and can take no more. Why the PMs, RMs, all Parliamentary Committees on Defence, MPs, all Political Parties for the last three decades have been assuring the Defence personnel that they endorse the demand of OROP and then denying the same buckling under the pressure from the bureaucracy.
6. Friends, all defence personnel should resolve to not to vote for the party/candidates who do not support our demand of OROP and the Party in Power if they do not grant us the OROP.
7. We are also preparing our case on OROP to be filed in Armed Forces Grievances Redressed Commission ordered to be constituted by Supreme Court. The same was to have started functioning with effect from 14 Jan 2011. The date line has again been missed by the Govt. How long will they continue to harass the Defence Personnel?
8. Our next big Rally, depositing of medals and submission of Memorandum to the President signed in Blood will be on 06 Mar 2010 at Jantar Mantar New Delhi from 10 AM to 2.30 PM. The IESM delegation will then proceed to Rashtrapati Bhawan at 3 PM to deposit medals and Memorandum signed in Blood. Chairman Lt Gen Raj Kadyan has already written to the President to accept medals herself on 06 Mar 2011.
9. Maximum attendance is requested for the Rally. Time has come when all ESM should voluntarily and whole-heartedly join the Movement to get Justice from the Govt.
10. It has also been decided that for 06th March 2011 Rally, all ESM should wear Winter Mufti with Regtl Cap. All those who do not have Mufti may wear any other suitable winter dress along with Regtl Cap.
11. We have also planned to carryout peaceful March with placards for approx 3 Kms on 06th Mar 2011 starting from the Rally site at Jantar Mantar. All administrative arrangements are being made.
“Nische Kar Apni Jeet Karoon”
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com
AN APPEAL TO ALL INDIAN MILITARY VETERANS SPREAD ALL OVER THE WORLD
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
An appeal received from HQ IESM is appended below. The “Donation Form” received along with the appeal is also attached.
Vide "Report My Signal" Email 025/2011, sent out today, you have already been given all available details of the gross injustice shamelessly being done by the Government of India, to the Defence Services, in particular to the Indian Military Veterans.
Irrespective of the fact whether you are a member of IESM or not, the email appeal below needs your serious consideration.
KINDLY APPRECIATE THAT THESE EMAILS ARE NOT BEING SENT TO YOU FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT
BUT TO WAKE YOU UP AND FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
AND HEAVE TOGETHER.
LET US ALL JOIN HANDS AND FIGHT THE EVIL DESIGNS OF THE BABUS
WHO ARE SHAMELESSLY MISLEADING THE POLITICAL LEADERS.
TO FIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICE IS TO WORSHIP GOD
IT IS NOW OR NEVER
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: Vinod Gandhi [mailto:vk_gandhi@yahoo.com]
Sent: 17 January 2011 16:40
To: DELETED
Subject: IESM PROTEST RALLY ON 6 MARCH 2011 SUNDAY FROM 1000H TO1400H AT JANTAR MANTAR
Dear Veterans
IESM has been agitating for last two years for OROP for all veterans of all ranks and fighting for equality and justice for all veterans. IESM has been successful in bringing the issue of OROP on the centre stage of nation. Government has been forced to accept that the issue is agitating more than 2 million ex-servicemen. The time is now ripe to increase pressure on the Govt and ask the Govt to accept the demand of OROP.
IESM stand becomes all the more important as despite winning the case of rank pay by Col BK Sharma and RDOA for all veterans,the Govt has still not acceded to the Court Order and have denied the rank pay and arrears to the veterans on flimsy grounds by repeatedly appealing in Supreme Court for review of the order. It is therefore important that the veterans' continue to put pressure on the Govt and keep the civilian friends informed about the injustice being done to the veterans' by the Govt.
IESM has planned a rally on 6 March 2011 at Jantar Mantar from 1000h to 1400h. Large number of veterans are expected from all corners of India to participate in the rally. Chairman and Vice Chairman will be addressing the rally along-with many more speakers. Veterans will be voluntarily depositing their medals as mark of protest of the Govt apathy and Government's refusal to accept the demands of ex-servicemen. It is for the information of the veterans that Govt does not have any solution to this novel method of protest and have been sending signals to IESM to accept the medals back. IESM intends to mount more pressure on the Govt by depositing another large quantity of the medal with the President of India and also hand over a memorandum, signed in blood, to the President of India at the rally on 6 March 2011 (Sunday). A delegation of veterans will leave for President House at 1400h on 6 March 2011 to deposit the medals collected in the rally.
It is for the information that the IESM is depositing the medals with the President for safe custody, to show their anguish and neglect of the veterans by the Govt. Medals are not being returned repeat not being returned, hence veterans have the right to continue using their decorations and have right to get the benefits of the decorations. We would accept the medals back with dignity after veterans' main demand of OROP is accepted by the Govt.
IESM request all veterans to come to Jantar Mantar on 6 March Sunday at 1000h and participate in your fight for the upliftment of veteran's conditions. One drop of your blood and one signature will force the Govt to accept our main demand of OROP.
Appeal for Sponsoring the Event; Veterans are aware that the cost of arranging a rally is very high. Rallies are very productive to keep the issue alive and mould the public opinion in favour of IESM. IESM appeals to all the veterans to sponsor various arrangements of the rally. Details of the arrangements of the 6 March rally are given below.
Tentage and seating arrangement Rs 50,000/
Water and tea arrangement Rs 20,000/
Packed lunch for all the veterans Rs 75,000/
Reimbursement of transportation of veterans Rs 1,00,000/
Total expenditure approximatelyRs Rs 2,45,000/
Veterans are requested to sponsor a complete event or part of it as per their dedication to the cause of OROP. Veterans are also requested to approach their friends and their companies to sponsor the event or part of it. All Donor can can claim IT rebate as per clause 80G of IT act for the donations made to IESM. Veterans are requested to deposit the donation amount in IESM ac as per details given below and fill up the attached form so that a proper receipt for the donations can be issued.
Name of Account: Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
Account No: 06162000001330
Name of Bank: HDFC Bank
Nine Digit MICR Code of Bank: 110240109
IFSC Code No (for e-transfer): HDFC 0000616
Postal Address of Bank: Palam Vihar Branch, SCO 87, Gurgaon
VETERANS ARE REQUESTED TO DONATE GENEROUSLY FOR THEIR FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL VETERANS.
VETERANS' COME TO JANTAR MANTAR AT 1000H ON SUNDAY, 6 MARCH 2011
AND
REGISTER YOUR PRESENCE IN THE PROTEST FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE.
THIS IS OUR BASIC RIGHT.
LET US FIGHT FOR IT TOGETHER.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IES
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 0120-4313951
Mobile 09810541222
Jai Hind.
An appeal received from HQ IESM is appended below. The “Donation Form” received along with the appeal is also attached.
Vide "Report My Signal" Email 025/2011, sent out today, you have already been given all available details of the gross injustice shamelessly being done by the Government of India, to the Defence Services, in particular to the Indian Military Veterans.
Irrespective of the fact whether you are a member of IESM or not, the email appeal below needs your serious consideration.
KINDLY APPRECIATE THAT THESE EMAILS ARE NOT BEING SENT TO YOU FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT
BUT TO WAKE YOU UP AND FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.
LET US ALL STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
AND HEAVE TOGETHER.
LET US ALL JOIN HANDS AND FIGHT THE EVIL DESIGNS OF THE BABUS
WHO ARE SHAMELESSLY MISLEADING THE POLITICAL LEADERS.
TO FIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICE IS TO WORSHIP GOD
IT IS NOW OR NEVER
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
------------
From: Vinod Gandhi [mailto:vk_gandhi@yahoo.com]
Sent: 17 January 2011 16:40
To: DELETED
Subject: IESM PROTEST RALLY ON 6 MARCH 2011 SUNDAY FROM 1000H TO1400H AT JANTAR MANTAR
Dear Veterans
IESM has been agitating for last two years for OROP for all veterans of all ranks and fighting for equality and justice for all veterans. IESM has been successful in bringing the issue of OROP on the centre stage of nation. Government has been forced to accept that the issue is agitating more than 2 million ex-servicemen. The time is now ripe to increase pressure on the Govt and ask the Govt to accept the demand of OROP.
IESM stand becomes all the more important as despite winning the case of rank pay by Col BK Sharma and RDOA for all veterans,the Govt has still not acceded to the Court Order and have denied the rank pay and arrears to the veterans on flimsy grounds by repeatedly appealing in Supreme Court for review of the order. It is therefore important that the veterans' continue to put pressure on the Govt and keep the civilian friends informed about the injustice being done to the veterans' by the Govt.
IESM has planned a rally on 6 March 2011 at Jantar Mantar from 1000h to 1400h. Large number of veterans are expected from all corners of India to participate in the rally. Chairman and Vice Chairman will be addressing the rally along-with many more speakers. Veterans will be voluntarily depositing their medals as mark of protest of the Govt apathy and Government's refusal to accept the demands of ex-servicemen. It is for the information of the veterans that Govt does not have any solution to this novel method of protest and have been sending signals to IESM to accept the medals back. IESM intends to mount more pressure on the Govt by depositing another large quantity of the medal with the President of India and also hand over a memorandum, signed in blood, to the President of India at the rally on 6 March 2011 (Sunday). A delegation of veterans will leave for President House at 1400h on 6 March 2011 to deposit the medals collected in the rally.
It is for the information that the IESM is depositing the medals with the President for safe custody, to show their anguish and neglect of the veterans by the Govt. Medals are not being returned repeat not being returned, hence veterans have the right to continue using their decorations and have right to get the benefits of the decorations. We would accept the medals back with dignity after veterans' main demand of OROP is accepted by the Govt.
IESM request all veterans to come to Jantar Mantar on 6 March Sunday at 1000h and participate in your fight for the upliftment of veteran's conditions. One drop of your blood and one signature will force the Govt to accept our main demand of OROP.
Appeal for Sponsoring the Event; Veterans are aware that the cost of arranging a rally is very high. Rallies are very productive to keep the issue alive and mould the public opinion in favour of IESM. IESM appeals to all the veterans to sponsor various arrangements of the rally. Details of the arrangements of the 6 March rally are given below.
Tentage and seating arrangement Rs 50,000/
Water and tea arrangement Rs 20,000/
Packed lunch for all the veterans Rs 75,000/
Reimbursement of transportation of veterans Rs 1,00,000/
Total expenditure approximatelyRs Rs 2,45,000/
Veterans are requested to sponsor a complete event or part of it as per their dedication to the cause of OROP. Veterans are also requested to approach their friends and their companies to sponsor the event or part of it. All Donor can can claim IT rebate as per clause 80G of IT act for the donations made to IESM. Veterans are requested to deposit the donation amount in IESM ac as per details given below and fill up the attached form so that a proper receipt for the donations can be issued.
Name of Account: Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
Account No: 06162000001330
Name of Bank: HDFC Bank
Nine Digit MICR Code of Bank: 110240109
IFSC Code No (for e-transfer): HDFC 0000616
Postal Address of Bank: Palam Vihar Branch, SCO 87, Gurgaon
VETERANS ARE REQUESTED TO DONATE GENEROUSLY FOR THEIR FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL VETERANS.
VETERANS' COME TO JANTAR MANTAR AT 1000H ON SUNDAY, 6 MARCH 2011
AND
REGISTER YOUR PRESENCE IN THE PROTEST FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE.
THIS IS OUR BASIC RIGHT.
LET US FIGHT FOR IT TOGETHER.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IES
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 0120-4313951
Mobile 09810541222
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
PRESIDENT’S STAFF REFUSES TO ACCEPT BLOOD SIGNED MEMORANDUM OF EX SERVICEMEN (ESM
PRESIDENT’S STAFF REFUSES TO ACCEPT BLOOD SIGNED MEMORANDUM OF EX SERVICEMEN (ESM)
Dear Friends,
1. A News item titled “PLEA IN BLOOD CAST ASIDE OVER HIV FEAR” on Page 20 of MAIL TODAY dated 05 Jan 2011 is attached for your information and further circulation please.
2. How much more humiliation can we accept from the powers that be to get our due JUSTICE?
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com
Sunday, January 2, 2011
ESM sitrep 31 Dec evening
Dear Colleagues,
The year gone by saw our issue move forward to make inroads into public consciousness. While our problems have gained recognition the solution is still elusive. There are numerous tasks yet to be done. ESM unity is still an unrealized dream. The IESM needs to spread its tentacles wider. Our communication with the rank and file needs to improve. We will intensify our efforts to achieve these, and much more. We pass into the New Year with a renewed resolve to continue our struggle for justice. We need to continue keeping our foot on the pedal, and press on.
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and purposeful New Year.
An year-end read is given below:
THE MID DAY CANDLE
Raj Kadyan
It aroused neither curiosity nor intrigue
When you saw him in his crumpled fatigue
On railway platforms, slurping his tea
Hurriedly from his saucer, and then flee
Shouldering his bag and tromping his feet
To catch his rum-reserved seat.
Seldom in your mind a moment you spared
Even knowing he was ill-paid and uncared.
You gave him no more thought than you may
To a candle at mid day.
Then one day on the border the guns boomed
Suddenly on your TV screen he loomed
Humping his load, climbing, metre by metre
Along with Pritam, Purohit, Parvez and Peter
A silent symbol of India, a true secularist
He marched ahead to keep a tryst.
Cold and wet, poorly garbed
Unmindful, his face gritty and barbed
Never the one to question or ask
With a single focus - just to do the task
He followed his leader in face of fire
And you suddenly began to admire
His traits of courage, loyalty, sacrifice
His willingness to pay the highest price.
Fighting and falling, and rising again
Forth he moved, oblivious to pain
Some of him was dead, some was maimed
While your country’s honour he reclaimed.
As the coffins arrived, you filled the air
With paeans and promises for the heir.
But barely a few lunations later, I and you
We all began to ask, ‘‘Soldier who?’’
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
The year gone by saw our issue move forward to make inroads into public consciousness. While our problems have gained recognition the solution is still elusive. There are numerous tasks yet to be done. ESM unity is still an unrealized dream. The IESM needs to spread its tentacles wider. Our communication with the rank and file needs to improve. We will intensify our efforts to achieve these, and much more. We pass into the New Year with a renewed resolve to continue our struggle for justice. We need to continue keeping our foot on the pedal, and press on.
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and purposeful New Year.
An year-end read is given below:
THE MID DAY CANDLE
Raj Kadyan
It aroused neither curiosity nor intrigue
When you saw him in his crumpled fatigue
On railway platforms, slurping his tea
Hurriedly from his saucer, and then flee
Shouldering his bag and tromping his feet
To catch his rum-reserved seat.
Seldom in your mind a moment you spared
Even knowing he was ill-paid and uncared.
You gave him no more thought than you may
To a candle at mid day.
Then one day on the border the guns boomed
Suddenly on your TV screen he loomed
Humping his load, climbing, metre by metre
Along with Pritam, Purohit, Parvez and Peter
A silent symbol of India, a true secularist
He marched ahead to keep a tryst.
Cold and wet, poorly garbed
Unmindful, his face gritty and barbed
Never the one to question or ask
With a single focus - just to do the task
He followed his leader in face of fire
And you suddenly began to admire
His traits of courage, loyalty, sacrifice
His willingness to pay the highest price.
Fighting and falling, and rising again
Forth he moved, oblivious to pain
Some of him was dead, some was maimed
While your country’s honour he reclaimed.
As the coffins arrived, you filled the air
With paeans and promises for the heir.
But barely a few lunations later, I and you
We all began to ask, ‘‘Soldier who?’’
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
IESM: Veteran Pension Stonewalled?
IESM: Veteran Pension Stonewalled?
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
IESM letter of 28 Dec 10 is reproduced below.
While main reason for our demand for OROP is early retirement, there are many other reasons that other services should not be equated with the Defence Services.
1. Defence Services are the only one denied fundamental rights of a citizen. A serving soldier has no freedom to speech or to form any union.
2. As per the Constitution of India, Defence Services do not appear in the list of Government servants. So why others be compared with us?
3. There is no other service where a person joins knowing high risk to his/ her life.
The rate of casualties in the Defence Services is the highest, even when compared to BSF or other police forces.
4. Other than Defence Services, there is no other service which is not allowed to keep family in place of posting. The BSF and CRPF etc have family accommodation almost everywhere – except where facing the enemy across the border.
5. Defence Services are the only one which have quota for family accommodation even when posted to peace area.
6. Defence services get the least allowances when posted in difficult forward areas.
7. Defence Services are called to do duty of other services when those services fail to carry out their assigned task.
8. “Other services will also ask for OROP”, is a trick of Babus to bluff the political leaders.
9. Babus do not want to support us.
10. Political Leaders may have the desire to grant OROP but, they do not have the moral courage to overrule the Babus.
11. Lastly our three Chiefs – they do not wish to support - why???
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
Dear Colleagues,
Some stray thinking.
While our apprehension on bureaucratic antipathy may be correct, from available information, the political leadership do not seem to be averse to our demand of OROP per se. Their only known and declared reluctance is on the grounds that if OROP were given to defence forces, it would provoke a similar demand from other government employees. In our perception this equation is not justified in view of our totally different service conditions; early retirement being the main one. The regime does realise that, but is still apprehensive of a similar demand emanating from others thus pushing up the pension bill beyond affordability. If this line of thinking is correct, then the government might relent if some kind of an alibi on this score were available to them.
Constitution of the AFGRC might perhaps serve the above purpose. Even though the stipulated charter of this Commission is recommendatory, it cannot be denied that in the manner the AFGRC is coming about, it carries the seal of SC approval. Therefore, should the AFGRC be convinced of OROP for defence forces and recommend it, it should reasonably be construed to have the legal nod of the SC. This would then remove ‘legal difficulty’ as one of the three hurdles repeatedly cited by the government in rejecting OROP. The other non-defence aspirants for OROP, if any, would be expected to follow a similar path, which as of now does not exist.
It may be noted that the government is certainly concerned about the ongoing struggle by the IESM, particularly the medal deposits. As is learnt, after our latest 28 Nov 2010 rally and visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan, they showed anxiety and have reportedly tasked one of the retired VCOAS to examine the issue and make ameliorating recommendations.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
IESM letter of 28 Dec 10 is reproduced below.
While main reason for our demand for OROP is early retirement, there are many other reasons that other services should not be equated with the Defence Services.
1. Defence Services are the only one denied fundamental rights of a citizen. A serving soldier has no freedom to speech or to form any union.
2. As per the Constitution of India, Defence Services do not appear in the list of Government servants. So why others be compared with us?
3. There is no other service where a person joins knowing high risk to his/ her life.
The rate of casualties in the Defence Services is the highest, even when compared to BSF or other police forces.
4. Other than Defence Services, there is no other service which is not allowed to keep family in place of posting. The BSF and CRPF etc have family accommodation almost everywhere – except where facing the enemy across the border.
5. Defence Services are the only one which have quota for family accommodation even when posted to peace area.
6. Defence services get the least allowances when posted in difficult forward areas.
7. Defence Services are called to do duty of other services when those services fail to carry out their assigned task.
8. “Other services will also ask for OROP”, is a trick of Babus to bluff the political leaders.
9. Babus do not want to support us.
10. Political Leaders may have the desire to grant OROP but, they do not have the moral courage to overrule the Babus.
11. Lastly our three Chiefs – they do not wish to support - why???
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
Dear Colleagues,
Some stray thinking.
While our apprehension on bureaucratic antipathy may be correct, from available information, the political leadership do not seem to be averse to our demand of OROP per se. Their only known and declared reluctance is on the grounds that if OROP were given to defence forces, it would provoke a similar demand from other government employees. In our perception this equation is not justified in view of our totally different service conditions; early retirement being the main one. The regime does realise that, but is still apprehensive of a similar demand emanating from others thus pushing up the pension bill beyond affordability. If this line of thinking is correct, then the government might relent if some kind of an alibi on this score were available to them.
Constitution of the AFGRC might perhaps serve the above purpose. Even though the stipulated charter of this Commission is recommendatory, it cannot be denied that in the manner the AFGRC is coming about, it carries the seal of SC approval. Therefore, should the AFGRC be convinced of OROP for defence forces and recommend it, it should reasonably be construed to have the legal nod of the SC. This would then remove ‘legal difficulty’ as one of the three hurdles repeatedly cited by the government in rejecting OROP. The other non-defence aspirants for OROP, if any, would be expected to follow a similar path, which as of now does not exist.
It may be noted that the government is certainly concerned about the ongoing struggle by the IESM, particularly the medal deposits. As is learnt, after our latest 28 Nov 2010 rally and visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan, they showed anxiety and have reportedly tasked one of the retired VCOAS to examine the issue and make ameliorating recommendations.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
An article of Lt Gen Kadyan that appeared in the Tribune on 31.12.2010
The Armed Forces Grievance Redressal Commission
A decision on the issue of ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP) has been pending with the government for nearly three decades. OROP implies equal pension for those retiring from the same rank and after equal length of service. In other words, equal remuneration for equal work. Prima facie, law of equity should dictate so. But successive governments have been rejecting it. Strangely.
When everything else failed, the Ex Servicemen as a last resort were compelled to go public with their demand. This was not a step the veterans took happily or even willingly. It is unusual in India that starting in April 2008, hordes of retired soldiers have had to periodically descend on that protesters’ Mecca Jantar Mantar. They have also been surrendering their medals for handing over to their Supreme Commander. A soldier wins his medals at great risk to his life and limb. For him these are not mere pieces of metal; he develops deep attachment to his medals. His decision to return these reflects the depth of his disenchantment with the government’s apathy to his legitimate and genuine demand.
The government has taken some placatory steps. By enhancing the pension in March 2010, it has tried to narrow the gap between the old and new pensioners. However, the demand is for total removal of and not mere reduction in this gap. The Ex Servicemen are fighting for equity and justice and not merely for more money. The justice will come only when all pensioners get equitable pension. Halfway measures won’t do.
The government’s attitude on the issue is difficult to comprehend. In the recent pension enhancement, they left out the widow pensioners. When this discrimination was pointed out in a letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the reply from the government was rather bizarre. It said the Service widows were left out because enhancement in their case was not recommended by the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee. The government’s helplessness in being bound by the recommendations of a subordinate committee that the government itself had constituted was as strange as it was unbelievable. In the past the government has been repeatedly rejecting the recommendations of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence vis-à-vis OROP. Undeniably this Committee of some two dozen MsP drawn from different political parties is weightier than the committee composed of only bureaucrats. It is hard not to infer that the government is accepting the committees’ recommendations selectively.
The government’s stated reasons for rejecting OROP are legal, financial and administrative. If one goes by the recent castigating remarks of the apex court against the government’s treatment of soldiers and Ex Servicemen, the ‘legal’ ground seems to fall short of conviction. On the financial score, in today’s booming national economy, the relatively small sum involved in giving soldiers their legitimate due could not be considered an overbearing burden on the exchequer. The ‘administrative’ ground is too vague and obscure to lend itself to objective comment. In sum, it leaves little doubt that the government’s announced reasons are a thin veil to conceal their obduracy on the issue.
The soldiers’ struggle has brought the OROP issue centre stage. It has figured in the media, the Parliament and the courts. The general public is ceased of the issue and is fully supportive. Apparently the government is boxed-in and isolated. While hearing a related case on 15 November 2010, the apex court has asked the government to constitute an Armed Forcers Grievance Redressal Commission (AFGRC) within two months. It also named its composition; two prominent retired judges, an ex Army Chief and a retired Army Commander. Provided the government does implement the court’s instructions, the AFGRC would have certain positives. Firstly, it underscores the recognition of the soldiers’ problems at the highest level of our legal system. Secondly, inclusion of two retired senior defence officers in the proposed commission – perhaps for the first time – will lead to realistic portrayal of a soldier’s problems. Additionally, the proposed terms do not limit the commission to making recommendations only within the confines of existing rules; it has an infinite canvas. However, the main drawback is that the commission does not have adjudicatory powers. It can only make recommendations to the government. This would lead to the commission’s findings landing on the table of a bureaucrat for taking a final call. While it is nobody’s case that every bureaucrat is negative, the experience with respect to OROP does little to inspire confidence of the Ex Servicemen in the bureaucracy.
Setting up the proposed commission is undeniably a positive step and the uniformed men owe gratitude to the Hon’ble court. However, being only a recommendatory body, it does not go far enough for the Ex Servicemen to ease up on their ongoing struggle. Nor can they take back their 22,000 medals as has been suggested by some.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan (Retd)
Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff
Chairman Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
--------------
A decision on the issue of ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP) has been pending with the government for nearly three decades. OROP implies equal pension for those retiring from the same rank and after equal length of service. In other words, equal remuneration for equal work. Prima facie, law of equity should dictate so. But successive governments have been rejecting it. Strangely.
When everything else failed, the Ex Servicemen as a last resort were compelled to go public with their demand. This was not a step the veterans took happily or even willingly. It is unusual in India that starting in April 2008, hordes of retired soldiers have had to periodically descend on that protesters’ Mecca Jantar Mantar. They have also been surrendering their medals for handing over to their Supreme Commander. A soldier wins his medals at great risk to his life and limb. For him these are not mere pieces of metal; he develops deep attachment to his medals. His decision to return these reflects the depth of his disenchantment with the government’s apathy to his legitimate and genuine demand.
The government has taken some placatory steps. By enhancing the pension in March 2010, it has tried to narrow the gap between the old and new pensioners. However, the demand is for total removal of and not mere reduction in this gap. The Ex Servicemen are fighting for equity and justice and not merely for more money. The justice will come only when all pensioners get equitable pension. Halfway measures won’t do.
The government’s attitude on the issue is difficult to comprehend. In the recent pension enhancement, they left out the widow pensioners. When this discrimination was pointed out in a letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the reply from the government was rather bizarre. It said the Service widows were left out because enhancement in their case was not recommended by the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee. The government’s helplessness in being bound by the recommendations of a subordinate committee that the government itself had constituted was as strange as it was unbelievable. In the past the government has been repeatedly rejecting the recommendations of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence vis-à-vis OROP. Undeniably this Committee of some two dozen MsP drawn from different political parties is weightier than the committee composed of only bureaucrats. It is hard not to infer that the government is accepting the committees’ recommendations selectively.
The government’s stated reasons for rejecting OROP are legal, financial and administrative. If one goes by the recent castigating remarks of the apex court against the government’s treatment of soldiers and Ex Servicemen, the ‘legal’ ground seems to fall short of conviction. On the financial score, in today’s booming national economy, the relatively small sum involved in giving soldiers their legitimate due could not be considered an overbearing burden on the exchequer. The ‘administrative’ ground is too vague and obscure to lend itself to objective comment. In sum, it leaves little doubt that the government’s announced reasons are a thin veil to conceal their obduracy on the issue.
The soldiers’ struggle has brought the OROP issue centre stage. It has figured in the media, the Parliament and the courts. The general public is ceased of the issue and is fully supportive. Apparently the government is boxed-in and isolated. While hearing a related case on 15 November 2010, the apex court has asked the government to constitute an Armed Forcers Grievance Redressal Commission (AFGRC) within two months. It also named its composition; two prominent retired judges, an ex Army Chief and a retired Army Commander. Provided the government does implement the court’s instructions, the AFGRC would have certain positives. Firstly, it underscores the recognition of the soldiers’ problems at the highest level of our legal system. Secondly, inclusion of two retired senior defence officers in the proposed commission – perhaps for the first time – will lead to realistic portrayal of a soldier’s problems. Additionally, the proposed terms do not limit the commission to making recommendations only within the confines of existing rules; it has an infinite canvas. However, the main drawback is that the commission does not have adjudicatory powers. It can only make recommendations to the government. This would lead to the commission’s findings landing on the table of a bureaucrat for taking a final call. While it is nobody’s case that every bureaucrat is negative, the experience with respect to OROP does little to inspire confidence of the Ex Servicemen in the bureaucracy.
Setting up the proposed commission is undeniably a positive step and the uniformed men owe gratitude to the Hon’ble court. However, being only a recommendatory body, it does not go far enough for the Ex Servicemen to ease up on their ongoing struggle. Nor can they take back their 22,000 medals as has been suggested by some.
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan (Retd)
Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff
Chairman Indian Ex Servicemen Movement
--------------
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