Dear Colleagues,
The IESM has been pushing for an enhancement in the widows’ pension, similar to what was given in the case of our JCO/OR pensioners following recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee. In this connection, a delegation of widows accompanied by some of us had met the Defence Minister on 14 November 2011. (Sitrep dated 15 November 2011 refers). The Minister had assured us of his help.
The Defence Minister telephoned me earlier in the day today and informed me that he has cleared the pension enhancement of widows from his Ministry. That is a good development. Earlier, to our communications, the Defence Ministry had been sending a negative response citing some technical reasons. However, the new development is only a battle won in the long war. In the past, the Finance Ministry has been a big obstacle. We have yet to see how they react this time. We will continue building pressure until the demand is met. As already stated in our memorandum submitted to the Defence Minister on 14 November, in case the issue is not resolved by end December 2011, the widows would take a big delegation to 10 Janpath.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A
Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262
+919811226676
