Sunday, November 13, 2011

ESM sitrep 12 November evening

Dear Colleagues,
The planned IESM rally was held today at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. It had more than 2500 ESM and Service families from all over the country. There was palpable enthusiasm in support of continuing with our struggle for seeking justice for the ESM, fronted by OROP. There was also unanimity in demanding that we the ESM start using out voting strength in getting our just demands accepted.
A memorandum was thereafter submitted to the President highlighting the non-grant of OROP and discrimination against widows in not including them in the pension enhancement that was implemented in 2009.
Kudos to Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Group Captain Vinod Gandhi, Wing Commander CK Sharma and other team members for organizing the event in an excellent manner.


Best regards,


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

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Press Release Nov 12 Rally Jantar Mantar

DATED: 09 Nov 2011

PRESS RELEASE

“DEFENCE VETERANS AGAINST INJUSTICE”,

DEPOSIT MEDALS AND SIGN MEMORANDUM IN BLOOD

VISHAL RALLY AT JANTAR MANTAR

NEW DELHI ON 12th NOV 2011

Dear Members of the Media



1. Defence Veteran’s peaceful protest Movement throughout the country for the past over forty months, deposit of over 22000 Gallantry and Distinguished service medals and Memorandums signed in their blood by over one lac and fifty thousand defence veterans to the Supreme Commander the President of India and numerous letters and meetings with the Prime Minister, Raksha Mantri and other authorities, the Govt at the Centre has not accepted their genuine demands, their main demand being “One Rank One Pension” (OROP). It seems that the Govt. yields only to non peaceful agitations. The defence veteran’s are getting restless now and their patience is running out and before some misguided and volatile elements resort to unacceptable methods, the Govt. should grant their justified demands.



2. The Defence Veterans, their families and supporters have now resolved to intensify their protest Movement across the country to highlight the grave injustice which the Govt at Centre is doing to them by not accepting their genuine demands in total disregard to the services rendered by the erstwhile soldiers. The graver injustice has been done to the Defence Widows who are in receipt of family pension, by excluding them from the ambit of enhancement of pensions of JCOs and Other Ranks carried out in Mar 2010. Thus the weakest and the neediest segment of pensioners was leftout. The discrimination against the widows has caused great consternation among the entire Ex Servicemen community. The case was taken up with the Prime Minister by the IESM for extending the enhancement of pension to the Defence Widows; the same has not been carried out so far.



3. The Govt’s indifferent attitude towards the Defence Forces is unexplainable especially keeping in mind the hostile environment prevailing on our borders both at land and sea. A nation to survive in such hostile environment has to keep its forces well equipped, well trained, motivated and contented. It needs to be understood that service veterans are the extension of service personnel. Any injustice to the veterans also adversely affects the serving soldiers who will be the future veterans. These aspects need to the holistically addressed by the Govt.



4. Out of the cases filed in various AFTs, over 90 percent in have been won by the Defence Personnel in the last one year, but Govt is yet to implement the judgements. The recommendatory AFGRC ordered by the Supreme Court which was to be affective with effect from 15 Jan 2011 has been dispensed with by the Govt. The SC had passed this judgement after deliberating upon the illtreatement being meted out to the Defence Personnel by the Govt.



5. A petition filed by independent MP of Rajaya Sabha Sh. Rajeeve Chandersekhar was being heard by the Petition Committee of the Rajaya Sabha. The Govt is not mentioning any thing about the Committee while giving reply to the question being raised by MPs regarding the non grant of OROP. They continue to quote two years old Committee of Secretaries.



6. The Govt has not also paid any heed to the recommendations of All Party Standing Committee on Defence Comprising 31 MPs strongly recommending OROP three times in the last one year. The way the Govt treats the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committees and gives credence to the Report of Committee of secretaries who are biased against the Defence Forces speak of the apathy of the Govt has towards the Defence Forces.



7. A Vishal Rally will be held by the Defence Veterans at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on 12th Nov 2011 from 10 AM to 3 PM under the aegis of Indian Ex -Servicemen Movement (IESM) to peacefully protest against the Govt apathy and negative attitude towards their genuine demands. Thereafter, a delegation will leave for Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit medals and memorandum signed in blood to the President. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, PVSM,AVSM,VSM, Chairman IESM has already written to the President to accept the medals and the Memorandum herself by granting audience to the delegation of Defence veterans. The Military Veterans have also decided that incase the president herself does not accept the medals and the Memorandum, they will bring these back.



8. The media is cordially invited for the event and is requested to cover it extensively to bring to the notice of the people of India the ill-treatment being meted out to the Military by the Govt for which they hold the bureaucracy mainly responsible.



With Regards,



Jai Hind

Yours Sincerely,







Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM

Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

Monday, November 7, 2011

REJOINDER FOR RUMOURS

Dear All VETERANS


It is very unfortunate that some irresponsible veterans are spreading rumours about the existence of IESM and its well meaning actions. These disgruntled veterans are responsible for veterans being divided in small fractions and not able to unite as one single force. I normally do not give any credence to rumours but I am constrained to issue clarification because these rumours are being spread to neutralise the planned rally of IESM on the 12 November at Jantar Mantar.


Few member of IESM had been suspended from the primary membership of IESM because of indiscipline and not keeping the accounts properly. These few disgruntled ex-servicemen have started a breakaway group of ex-servicemen. Sep DS Sheoran calls himself as the President and Col K Bhardwaj as the Gen Sec of the new dispensation. Sep DS Sheoran had been denied membership of IESM because he is not an ex-serviceman as he does not get pension from the defence account which is the minimum condition of being called an ex-serviceman. This breakaway group has started rumours that they are office bearers of IESM. They have also filed cases in the court about their group being the original IESM. The matter is very strongly being contested in the court and very soon the breakaway group would loose the case in the court as all the evidence is in our favour.


Environment is aware of the legal procedure in India that anyone can file any case in Indian courts and let the case drag for years. This breakaway group has also done the same and have been requesting the court for dates to keep the case alive and create confusion in the minds of veterans. IESM has always appeared in the court on the designated dates but to our surprise the breakaway group has been absenting from appearance on one flimsy reason or the other and have been requesting for the fresh dates for hearing with the clear intentions, that is to prolong the case for many years to keep the rumours alive.


IESM office bearers have been maintaining a dignified silence on the wrong doings and ill intentions of the breakaway group and have not been issuing any statements to the environment. I have been constrained to issue clarification because of the runours spread by the breakaway group. This has been necessitated because of the demand from the large number of veterans with whom I interacted during my visit to Punjab on 5 and 6 November 2011. It is important for us to note that IESM is for welfare of all the veterans and have not spoken against any organisation. IESM believes that all organisations are doing good work and are helping the veterans. IESM welcomes and appreciates all ex-servicemen organisation which are taking up problems on behalf of veterans with the Govt.


In view of above following is issued for the benefit of environment and as rejoinder to the rumours.
IESM whose Chairman is Gen Raj Kadyan is working for the benefit of all ex-servicemen and would continue to take up cases of ex-servicemen with the Govt.
IESM is fully functional and has complete control on its activities and bank accounts.
IESM is holding a big rally at 1000h to 1400h at Jantar Mantar on 12 November 2011 Saturday to press for the demand of OROP for the ex-servicemen. Ex-servicemen from all states of India are reaching Delhi to attend the rally. All ex-servicemen are requested to attend the rally in large numbers.
IESM is holding AGM at 1030h to 1400h on 13 Nov 2011 Sunday at AVCC Sector 37 Noida. All members of IESM are requested to attend the AGM in large numbers.
IESM will be leading a delegation of widows to discuss the problem of widows pension with Raksha Mantri on 14 Nov 2011.
IESM will continue to take up issues of ex-servicemen with the Govt.
IESM has more than 16000 members from all states of India and the number is increasing by the day.
IESM has been pledged support by a large number of ex-servicemen organisations, from various states of India, in its fight for justice and self respect of ex-servicemen.
IESM is planning to have rallies in all states of India to air the problems of ex-servicemen to the authorities.
IESM has been able to convince the state assemblies of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to pass unanimous resolution for grant of OROP for ex-servicemen. Effort is on to convince other state Govt to pass the similar resolution.
IESM has been able to convince the Parliament committee on defence to recommend OROP for ex-servicemen. This committee has recommended OROP for ex-servicemen in three different papers to the Govt of India.
IESM along with other organisations has made a strong presentation to petition committee of Parliament to recommend OROP for the ex-servicemen. This committee would submit its report to Speaker Lok Sabha in the winter session of Parliament. IESM is very hopeful that the report would be in favour of ex-servicemen.
IESM has also been interacting with MsP of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to support the case of OROP for ex-servicemen.

IESM requests to all ex-sevicemen to be careful of such rumours and please note that the grand rally of IESM will be held as per program on 12 Nov 2011 at 1000h to 1400h at Jantar Mantar New Delhi. Ex -servicemen from all states of India will be reaching Delhi to attend the rally. All ex-servicemen are requested to attend the rally in large numbers.


ITS NOW OR NEVER ALL VETERANS PLEASE COME FOR THE RALLY AND BE COUNTED.


INDIVIDUALLY WE ARE WEAK BUT TOGETHER WE WOULD BE LIKE A TORNADO AND SHAKE UP ANY LARGE TREE. TOGETHER WE WOULD BE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH.


Regards


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

Monday, October 24, 2011

ESM sitrep 23 October evening











Dear Colleagues,
AN IESM rally was held today in area of Matan Hail village, District, Jhajjar, Haryana. It was attended by approximately 400 ESM including families. Col Krit Joshipura, Lt Kameshwar Pandey and self participated from the Governing Body. The good work done so far in helping resolve different welfare related problems was praised by many who spoke. There is tremendous enthusiasm and growing support for the IESM in pursuit of its goals. Majority committed to attend the Jantar Mantar rally on 12 Nov 2011.
The planned rally on 12 November is likely to have sizeable participation from J&K and Rajasthan, apart from other States.
Wishing all ESM and their families a very happy and joyous Diwali.

Best regards,


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

Monday, October 17, 2011

NOTICE FOR ANNUAL GENERAL BODY( AGM ) MEETING OF INDIAN EX-SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT on 13 Nov 2011, Sunday at 1000h at AVCC sector 37 NOIDA

NOTICE FOR ANNUAL GENERAL BODY( AGM ) MEETING OF INDIAN EX-SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT
on 13 Nov 2011, Sunday at 1000h at AVCC sector 37 NOIDA
Dear All

AGM of IESM for year 2011 is planned to be held on 13 Nov 2011 Sunday at 1000h to 1200h at AVCC, Sector 37 Noida 201301. Agenda for the meeting is given below.
Welcome by Gen Sec
Address by Chairman.
To receive, consider and adopt the audited Balance Sheet as on 31 March 2011, Income & Expenditure Account for the period ended on that date and the Auditor’s Report thereon.
To appoint auditors for the year 2011-2012.
Discussion on the points raised by the members if any.
Vote of thanks.

All members are requested to attend the meeting and send their confirmation of attendance to the Gen Sec at the earliest. All members are requested to make arrangement for travel and stay at Noida/Delhi.


Members are requested to forward their points for inclusion in the agenda.

Duly audited account statement of year 20110-11 is enclosed, Guide map to reach AVCC noida is attached for the convenience of all members.


GRAND RALLY OF IESM ON 12 NOV 2011 SATURDAY




A grand rally of IESM will also be held on 12 Nov 211 at Jantar Mantar from 1000h onwards.


A delegation of ex servicemen would leave for President house at 1400h to deposit the medals returned by the veterans.


A delegation of widows would leave at 1200h to meet Mrs Sonia Gandhi 10 Janpath to hand over the memorandum about the ill treatment of widows by MOD.


All are requested to attend AGM and the rally.


Regards

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

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

ESM sitrep 11 October evening

Dear Colleagues,
The Governing Body met today afternoon. Apart from other agenda, they discussed the modalities of the 12 Nov rally, submission of memorandum to the Congress President and the AGM on the 13th November.
As the ESM environment is aware, Mr Bhagat Singh Koshyari is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee that is considering OROP; their report is to be tabled in the Parliament during its forthcoming Winter Session. His remarks, published in the Hindustan Times, New Delhi Uttarakhand edition, dated 9 October 2011, are reproduced below:
"Koshyari also revealed that the ex-servicemen's long pending demand for one-rank-one-pension has also been "acceded to by the planning Commission, which would benefit lakhs of ex-soldiers in Uttarakhand".
Assuming the journalist has correctly reproduced his remarks, this should be good news for all of us.


Best regards,


Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A
Gurgaon- 122 001

Thursday, September 29, 2011

ESM sitrep 28 Sep evening

Dear Colleagues,
I have received a reply this month from the Defence Minister to my query as to why the widows have been kept out of the pension-enhancement of 2010. The response unfortunately is a mere repetition of the earlier communications from the government on this subject. It again states that since the pension is related to the last pay drawn, it cannot apply to the deceased. That is incomprehensible. The enhancement covered the pre-2006 retiree pensioners. The enhanced pension sanctioned for them after the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee recommendations, also has no relation to their last pay drawn. But then these are the ways of the bureaucracy!
The Civil Services aspirants these days have to take a filter written test before they can qualify for the competitive examination; this is apparently to cut down the number of applicants. In one of the mock question papers for this examination held in June 2011, there was a question on ‘one rank one pension’. OROP has acquired visibility.

Best regards,


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