Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Press release ...ARMED FORCES GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION AND ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE BY EX SERVICEMEN

DATED: 23 NOV 2010
PRESS RELEASE
ARMED FORCES GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMISSION AND ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE BY EX SERVICEMEN

Dear Members of the Media

1. The formation of the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, “Suo Moto” could not have occurred if particular segments of our polity had not bear sensitized on OROP and other veterans issues. The Hon’ble Judge Sh.Markandey Katju even quotes Chankya and NDTV show, apart from medals return and burning of artificial limbs. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) which has brought about this landmark (almost revolutionary) occurrence, with the judiciary virtually divesting (albeit for a good cause) the executive of its basic function of governance- all these years past, no one else has been able to move the establishment one wee bit.

2. The Supreme Court has taken the historic step to constitute Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission, where besides two retired judges of the Supreme Court and two senior retired Defence Officers (Gen Ved Malik, Former COAS and Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS). However, the commission is only a recommendatory body and not adjudicatory body. Hence, it is open to the Govt to accept or not to accept its recommendations. Though, the court has directed that since such recommendations will be coming from high powered body, the Govt must give due weightage to the same. It is here the doubts arise in the minds of Defence Personnel and the people of India that since the recommendations of the commission will be reviewed by the bureaucrats whose track record for the past six decades has not been to give fair justice to the Defence Forces, it is yet to be seen if any positive outcome would be achieved.

3. It is pertinent to mention that strong recommendations to grant OROP by All Parties Parliamentary Standing Committees on Defence have not been accepted by the Govt; the latest being the recommendations made by 31 MPs of the Parliament headed by Sh. Satpal ji Maharaj a Congress MP on 07th May 2010 and again repeated on 27 Aug 2010 where as Mr. AK Antony the RM recently in the Parliament quoted recommendations of Jul 2009 by a Committee of bureaucrats. The larger question here is the civilian control of Armed Forces which actually means control by the elected representatives of the people and not the bureaucrats. It is a common knowledge that the Ex Servicemen have been forced to launch a Movement to express their anguish is the result of the injustice heaped on them. The bureaucrats all along have been treating the military unfairly. The resentment has been increasing by the day. Downgradation of their status and unfair compensation package of emoluments by the 6th CPC have further intensified the resentment.

4. Under the circumstance, the ESM have decided to continue their struggle till all their demands are accepted. To highlight all these issues to the people of India, a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. After the Rally, delegation of ESM will go to Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit medals and memorandum signed in blood by the ESM with the President. They have also decided to enlist the support of other segments of the society, all political parties, MPs, CMs, MLA and have written to them regarding their demands and sought their help to raise these issues in the Parliament to press the Govt for early acceptance of these demands.

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

Rally at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM

DATED: 23 NOV 2010
PRESS RELEASE

Dear friends,

1. Press Release dated 23 Nov 2010 regarding a Big Rally by the ESM will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 28 Nov 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM. and depositing of medals and submission of memorandum signed in blood by the ESM to the Supreme Commander on 28 Nov 2010 is circulated. Maximum participation of ESM is requested.

2. You are requested to circulate it to the maximum ESM. Translation in the local languages may please be carried out and the same may please be got published in local media.

With Regards,

Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

ESM sitrep 10 Nov evening

Dear Colleagues,

A report on the 07 Nov rally at Beri in Haryana, appearing in the Hari Bhoomi newspaper, is attached. Also attached are two photographs showing some of the ESM attendees and families. It may be of interest that out of those who attended the rally, 276 new members have already joined IESM.

The dynamic veteran Hon Capt Jai Singh Rathi, VrC is the convener of five districts of Haryana namely, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Hisar and Fatehabad. Under his leadership ESM of these five districts have taken a decision that in future for organising any rally they will not demand or even take any money from the IESM Headquarters; they will instead do so on contributory basis. For the 07 Nov rally, this norm was followed for all expenses – transport, venue arrangements including stage, public address system, and shamiana etc, shawl gifts to the widows as well for tea and food packets for all participants. We compliment Captain Rathi and his team and salute the community spirit of the ESM.


Best regards,


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



Chairman IESM



262, Sector-17A
Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: 91+124-4015262

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Joint mtg on 16 Nov..OROP

From: raj kadyan
Sent: 25 October 2010 22:31
To: IESM_GovBody@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Joint mtg on 16 Nov


Dear Colleagues,

OROP concerns all of us. Each ESM organization has been fighting for it in its own way. There is no gainsaying that a collective heave can achieve more and also faster. To work out a joint approach, a meeting has been scheduled at 1100 hours on 16 November 2010 in AVCC, Sector-37, at NOIDA. Heads of all ESM organizations, and/or their Secretaries General are requested to attend. We will have an open agenda covering all contemporary nuances concerning OROP and to work out a way forward. All concerned are requested to make it convenient to attend.
Lunch will be arranged. Do kindly convey to Veteran Vinod Gandhi by 10 Nov 2010 the names of those attending.
There was Infantry Lunch today in the Infantry Hostel in Delhi Cantt. It was attended by a very large number of veterans and serving officers. There was interaction with dozens of them. It was heartening to note that each one without exception appreciated and supported the work being done by the IESM for the welfare of veterans.


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

PENSION ADALAT OF CGDA AT ALWAR ON 28 AND 29 OCT 2010


PENSION ADALAT OF CGDA AT ALWAR
ON 28 AND 29 OCT 2010
PLEASE GIVE WIDE PUBLICITY TO THIS INFORMATION
IN RAJASTHAN
From: Vinod Gandhi
Sent: 26 October 2010 15:20
To: IESM GROUP; mil; indianveterans
Cc: Bhanwar Singh Hav Rathore
Subject: [IESM_Group:16] Pension Adalat By CGDA on 28 Oct at Alwar

Dear All

A delegation of IESM met CGDA Sh Nand Kishor on 25 Oct 2010 at 1530h. Many points pertaining to difficulty in pension calculations, pension disbursement were discussed. The detail of the discussion will be issued shortly.

However it has been confirmed by the CGDA that they have been regularly holding pension adalats to solve problems of ex-servicemen on the spot. So CGDA has held 100 pension adalats and have helped many ex-servicemen. Last adalat was held at Bangalore on 30/31 Aug 2010.

It is for the information of all that the next Pension Adalat of CGDA will be held at Army Public School Alwar on 28 and 29 Oct 2010. The adalat will assemble at 1000h onwards on both days.

All the exservicemen/widows living in and around alwar can take help of CGDA staff in finding a solution to their pension problems. It is important to take following documents with you for getting on the spot solution from the CGDA staff. Representative from the Banks will also be available in the Adalat.
Original PPO
Pension/ discharge book of the veteran.
Some document to confirm your address.
Some document to confirm your date of birth, like driving licence, election id card, Identity card issued by services, identity card issued by soldier sainik board or any document supporting and giving your date of birth.
In case of widows same documents must be carried to the adalat.
All are requested to take advantage of the adalat and solve your problems.

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
L - 48, Sector - 25,
NOIDA. 201301
Tele no 01204313951
Mobile 09810541222

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

IESM: Same Rank and Same Service are the main criteria for Pension Parity

Dear Colleagues,

There have been a large number of emails from the members giving differing perceptions almost on each subject. These are all useful inputs to arrive at balanced decisions.
I would like to reiterate the following points:

There seems some doubt on grant of OROP. It is clarified for the information of all that other than the Service Chiefs and Army Commanders/equivalents, no one from a Sepoy to Lt Gen is in receipt of OROP.

There are quite a few emails giving different versions of the definition of OROP. These are all justified. However, let us keep in mind that these points are essentially officer-centric. For JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys that form the vast majority of ESM, rank and total service can be applied without difficulty. It may be prudent on our part to avoid creating an impression that we are concerned about the officer corps only.

Some ESM have expressed an apprehension that we must clearly specify what we mean or imply by OROP, or else the officialdom will shoot us down because of this perceived lack of clarity. I suggest let us first focus on OROP as a concept. Once we get the government to agree, details will follow and we have enough experts to work out the nitty-gritty in a manner that the majority benefits. We continue with ‘same rank and same length of service’ as the twin criteria for OROP.
It is empirically known that depositing of medals has been one of the most effective methods of pressing our OROP demand. This is evident from the repeated hints by the government through their representatives that we must not return medals. (The latest such advice from the government came to Shri Satpal Maharaj, MP who had headed the recent Parliamentary Committee on Defence that had recommended grant of OROP). We need to reinforce this success and motivate more of our colleagues to volunteer to collect and deposit their medals. Our next visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan for this purpose is scheduled on Sunday, 28 November 2010 when the Parliament will be in session.
I had written a letter to the Defence Minister on 03 April 2010. One of the points made by me was:
“Since the Government has already accepted constitution of a separate pay commission for the Defence Services – which has a bearing on the pensions – you may kindly consider constituting such a pay commission right now instead of waiting another six years for the 7th Pay Commission.”
The MoD has replied the letter on 22 Sep 2010. Their response is:
“Constitution of Separate Pay Commission
Sir,
“I am directed to refer your letter dated 03rd April 2010 on the above subject and to state that it is too early to consider setting up of another Pay Commission for Armed Forces because of the fact that 6th PC recommendations have been implemented recently.
Yours faithfully,
(Naveen Kumar)
Director (AG)”

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

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Donations by Veterans for IESM by Wg Cdr CK Sharma

Dear All
IESM, as you are aware, is a tri-service organization and veterans from Army, Navy and Air Force as members. IESM also has many regional veteran organizations on its membership rolls as Associate Members. As on date, IESM has approximately 8500 Life Members and around 4000 Associate Members.
IESM is a registered society with The Registrar of Societies Gurgaon, Haryana.
By the laws that govern Registered Societies, any money that IESM gets as one-time-lifetime subscription is NOT permitted to be utilised for any expenditure for a period of 5 years (till 2013). The funds received by IESM under the head of Subscription are kept in Fixed Deposit.
A resolution at the AGM may permit usage of 15% of these funds in an emergency. IESM have NOT used this clause so far. Day-to-day expenditure of the organization is to be run from either the donations received or from any interest earned on FDs.
As per the Audited Balance Sheet on 31st August 2010, the present FDs are of Rs 19 lakhs. Interest earned on these FDs was about 1.27 lakhs.
This is the reason why IESM does not incur any expenditure on rent for office, office equipment or furniture. All office bearers are operating from their residences and no emoluments are paid to any office bearer except one clerk.
The only expenditure being incurred is on the meetings and rallies. Each rally requires an expenditure of roughly Rs 2 lakhs.
IESM had received sufficient donations to arrange demonstrations and rallies to press for the demand of OROP in the first two years, ie 2008 and 2009. However, donations for the year 2010 have dwindled and IESM has received only a fraction as compared to last year. IESM is finding it difficult to continue with planned protests without adequate funds. IESM therefore is in need of funds to continue with the fight of the veterans with the Govt.
IESM made a fervent appeal to the veterans for the donations. Following veterans have committed donations in response:
1. Col LK Anand Rs 500/month
2. Col A Mehndiratta Rs 500/month
3. CPO SB Sharma Rs 300/month
4. Col AS Ahluwalia Rs 500/month
5. Veteran Kulvinder Rs 500/month
6. Gp Capt VK Vidyadhar Rs 100/month (Recd Rs 1,500 for 15 months)
7. Wg Cdr Raj Kumar Poonia Rs 500/month
8. Col Navin Chaudhary Rs 100/month (Recd Rs 1,200 for one year)
9. Brig MS Oberoi Rs 100/month
10. Sqn Ldr DK Nangia Rs 100/month (Recd Rs 2,000 for 20 months)
11. Lt Col JP Nauni Rs 200/month

One-Time Donations:
1. Wg Cdr VK Sethi Rs 1,000
2. Maj Gen Anil Sawhney Rs 5,000
3. Brig HS Sandhu Rs 5,000
4. Lt Col Rakesh Sachdev Rs 20,000
5. Gp Capt (anonymous) Rs 5,000
6. Maj Gen IJS Dhillon Rs 5,000
7. Brig CS Kamboj Rs 1,00,000
8. IRB Infra Developers Ltd Rs10,000 courtesy Brig Malik
9. Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar Rs 1000

IESM welcomes any amount as donation from veterans.
All veterans are requested to come forward and contribute in the struggle for their honor and respect and of course their cherished dream of OROP. A special request is made to the veterans who hold important positions in private companies, to try and ask their companies to donate generously for IESM.
For those who may wish to support IESM, you can give the donation in any one of the following methods that is convenient for you:
· Send a cheque in favour of "Indian Ex Serviceman Movement" at any given periodicity to me at the address given in my signature block below.
· Deposit the Cheque directly to the IESM account and send the Deposit Slip to me.
· Do the transaction over the internet through net-banking and inform me of the details every time you do that OR
· Give standing instructions to your Bank for a fixed date-every-month pay-in into IESM account -- and inform us the exact instructions, to enable keeping track of the funds.
· For EACH Donation, please do fill up the attached form and send to me by email ASAP.
Details of the Bank account are:
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
IESM will issue a receipt for all donations under Section 80G, which would afford a set-off against Income Tax payable every year. This receipt would be issued once in a financial year for the sake of administrative convenience.
I am sure all the veterans will come forward and be counted in this, their struggle for honor and the cherished dream of OROP.
Let us all together convert shove into a heave and move the mountain!

__________________

Sunshine & Blue Skies!

Wg Cdr CK Sharma (Retd)
Treasurer, IESM


N-15 1st Floor
Greater Kailash 1
New Delhi – 110 048
INDIA