Maji Sainik Sanghatana and Kalyan Karyalaya Osmanabad : Swatchhata Abhiyan – Shahaji Chalukya

 

 

 

IESM Melava Nagpur – Vilas Dawane

 

Vilas Dawane

OROP Implementation : Details to send letter - Col Rohit Kumar

मोटे मोटे तौर पे मेरे ख्याल में ये खामियां हैं और आप सब अपने अपने हिसाब से लिख के अपने अपने नाम से अर्जी जल्दी से जल्दी भेज दें 

सारी अर्जियां 24 Apr 2016 तक पहुंचा देंने की कोशिश करें  अगर आप डाक से भेजें गे तो पता है 

Under Secretary/D(Pension/Policy)

Room No. 220A, B’ Wing

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011

अगर ईमेल से भेजें गे तो आईडी है 

 us-pen-pol@desw.gov.in 

मैं, (अपना रैंक और नाम लिखें), भुत पूर्व सैनिक घोषित One Rank One Pension में यह खामिया पाता हूँ और इनको जल्द से जल्द और पूर्ण रूप से ख़तम करने की जरूरत समझता हूँ

मेरी यह अर्जी सरकार द्वारा बनाई One Man Judicial Committee को सौंप दी जाये 

1. पेंशन के रूप में जवानों और जेसीओ की पेंशन आखरी तनखा का 70% होना चाहिए जैसा की 1973 में था ।

2. फौजियों की फॅमिली पेंशन जितनी पेंशनर की पेंशन थी उतनी मिलनी चाहिए न की कट कर 60% जो आज मिलती है 

3. सभी सैनिकों को 60 साल तक दूसरी नौकरी प्रदान करने के लिए संसद का अधिनियम पास होना चाहिए 

4. OROP पे सरकार कार्यकारी आदेश दिनाक 26 Feb 2014 के अनुसार दिया जाना चाहिए 

एक रैंक और सर्विस के सैनिकों में, चाहे वोह किसी भी सन में पेंशन आये हों, पेंशन में कोई अंतर कभी भी नहीं होना चाहिए --- यह ही एक परिभाषा होनी चाहिए OROP की । 

5. समय के साथ पेंशन अपने आप बढ़नी चाहिए ताकि कभी भी किसी पूर्व सैनिक की पेंशन उससे बाद पेंशन आने वाला से कम न हो बशर्ते की दोनों की सर्विस और रैंक बराबर हों 

6. सरकार का कहना की समय समय पर पेंशन में वृद्धि होगी तो OROP की परिभाषा का खून करना होगा और यह कतेही नहीं होना चाहिए 

7. फौजियों को बाकि सब ही सरकारी नौकरों से कम से कम 25% तनखा और पेंशन (अलाउंस भी) मिलनी चाहिए आखिर और कौन देश के लिए अपनी जान की कुर्बानी देने के लिए बध है या हमें इनकम टैक्स से मुक्त करना चाहिए 

8. 7th CPC की खामियां जो की तीनो सेना के चीफ ने रक्षा मंत्री के समक्ष रखी हैं उन्हें दूर करने के बाद ही सरकार 7th CPC की घोषणा करे  

9. OROP को 01.01.2016 के हिसाब से सही कर के फिर 7th CPC पूर्व सैनिकों पे लागू करें

OROP Implementation : Letter to Under Sec Def Pen Policy - Col Rohit Kumar

Dear Sh R K Arora


Refer public notification on ibid subject published under your signature on 13.04.2016 vide F. No. 12(39)/2015/D(Pen/Pol)(Part-V), Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare D(Pension/Policy).

I, Col Rohit Kumar, a Veteran, find the following lacunae in One Rank One Pension published / announced by Government of India. Please forward my observations to One Man Judicial Committee set up for redress.

The basic minimum that needs to be addressed immediately are:

1.        Restore the pension of Jawans and JCOs to 70% of last pay drawn as was the case prior to 1973.

2.        Family pension of defence personnel to be the same as the pensioner themselves would have drawn and not reduced to 60%.

3.        All defence personnel to be provided second career till the age of 60 years through an act of Parliament.

4.        OROP be implemented as concept in perpetuity as per the original definition given in the Govt Executive orders dated 26 Feb 2014 as under:-

(i)        OROP as approved, implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.

(ii)       It further implies that Pensions of past defence retirees will be equal to that of a person with same rank and length of service retiring wef 01 Apr 2014, future enhancement in the rates of pensions will be automatically passed to the past pensioners.

5.        Change in definition of OROP introduced by the Government, “Equalisation on periodic Intervals”, has killed the very soul of OROP must be cancelled immediately.

6.        Pay, Pensions and all allowances of armed forces combatant personnel to be fully tax exempt OR higher by at least 25% on “Year Wise” basis vis-a-vis all other Govt Services and not rank / appointment based. This is the very least the nation owes to men and women whose fundamental rights as citizens were curtailed for the full length of their service.

7.        Anomalies in 7th CPC Recommendations as represented by the three Chiefs to the RM to be rectified on priority before the acceptance of the 7th CPC award by the Govt.
8.        OROP to be updated to 01.01.2016 and then the 7th CPC applied to it.



Have a nice day
Regards Rohit



Sh R K Arora
Under Secretary/D(Pension/Policy)
Room No. 220A, B’ Wing
Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011

OROP Committee : Letter from IESM

Dear veterans

Reference Link : http://sainikdarpan.blogspot.in/2016/04/yet-another-proof-of-untiring-efforts.html

IESM/UFESM(JM) has written to Justice Narsimha Reddy committee regarding anomalies in implementation of OROP. It will be a good idea if a large number of veterans write to Justice Narsimha so that a strong message is sent to him that veterans are unhappy with the definition and implementation of OROP. Letter sent to committee is attached.

Veterans are requested to make changes as per their thinking and post as many letters to Justice N Reddy. You can also send a mail to Justice N Reddy as given below.

Higher the number of letters to Committee, more will be impact on the committee. It will send a strong  message that large population of veterans is unhappy with the notified OROP implementation.

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM

Gen Sec IESM

Yet another proof of untiring efforts of IESM / UFESM(JM) - Col Rohit Kumar

Fellow Veterans

Yet another proof of untiring efforts of IESM / UFESM(JM)

1.      Government Of India, on 13 Apr 2016, published a public notice for redress of OROP anomalies, inviting all effected personnel / organisations, desirous of offering their "representation, suggestion / views" on OROP either by email or post latest by 29 Apr 2016.

2.      IESM / UFESM(JM) in continuous efforts for the cause of ESM has drafted a comprehensive list of anomalies for all ranks and families effected by OROP.

3.     However you would appreciate that we all could strengthen the hands of IESM / UFESM(JM) by placing on record our individual representation, suggestion / views. An email from Gp Capt Gandhi VSM, is a testimony to that (being forwarded for your information).

4.    Email sent by some members of IESM / UFESM(JM) to id provided in the notice was returned undelivered which may very well have been due to two different id's being mentioned in print (the one in print and ink signed letter are different) or be due to current spate of holidays. Hence the mails will be sent again on Monday, during working hours. In the unlikely event that the mails still do not reach the addressee IESM / UFESM(JM) will have them delivered physically.

5.   Veterans / Veterans' organisations are requested to address their emails to us-pen-pol@desw.gov.in as mentioned in ibid notice with OROPActivitiesTeam@Gmail.com as copy addressee.

6.      Veterans who are face a problem in successful delivery of their emails and have sent a copy to IESM / UFESM(JM) can update status to OROPActivitiesTeam@gmail.com  In all such cases the mails will be printed and physically delivered to addressee.

7.      IESM / UFESM(JM) is in the process of obtaining representations, suggestions / views of ESM and families across the country. Anyone with no access to email or wanting to send letter may do so directly to addressee or to IESM / UFESM(JM) at the addresses below and any representations thus received at IESM office too will be physically delivered. 

8.     Please send a copy of this mail and even your own mail to all your Veteran friends.

9.     Please publicise this mail as much as you can.

10.   Please do send in your emails latest by 24 Apr 2016.

Have a nice day

Regards Rohit

Address for sending representations directly is:

Under Secretary/D(Pension/Policy)

Room No. 220A, B’ Wing

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011

Address of IESM Office:

House No. 543

Sector 23

Gurgaon

Haryana

PIN 122017

Links:

Scan of the ink signed notice (attached)     http://www.desw.gov.in/sites/upload_files/desw/files/pdf/scan0001_1.pdf

Print media link - please note email id given in print media link is incorrect as mentioned above:     

http://www.staffnews.in/2016/04/public-notice-for-addressing-anomalies.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed⁠⁠[10:46, 16/

IESM RALLY REPORT : AMRAWATI (MAHARASHTRA) - 13 MAR 2016

Location :

• Amrawati, District – Amrawati, Vidarbha Region  

Organiser :

• Sub Maj (retd) Dinesh Goware  

IESM Team :

• Brig S R Luktuke, SM, VSM (Retd),
• Cdr Ravindra Pathak (Retd),
• Gp Capt Suhas Pathak (Retd),
• Col PM Naik (Retd)

Organising Team:

• Sub Maj (retd) Dineshkumar Goware
• Assisted by Veteran Sunil Bobade,
• Veteran Dinesh Kumar Hingmire,
• Vetaran Sanjay Taywade,
• Veteran Metange,
• Veratan Paikine,
• Veteran Gaikwad

Attendance : ESM – 1200 (including widows). This included veterans from neighbouring districts - Akola, Yavatmal & Nagpur, Chandrapur. Gadchiroli and Gondia.

  EVENTS 1. Press Briefing: The press briefing was organized on 12 Mar 2015, a day before the Rally and representatives of all local news papers and TV channels were present.  2. Rally : Core group members addressed the rally covering information on IESM functioning, JM activity, OROP update, pension matters, ECHS, personal documentation and actions to be taken by ESM and Widows.

• · The OIC ZSWO Flt Lt Ratnakar Charde briefed all present on activities of Zila Sainik Kalyan Kendra, measures taken for welfare of ESM/ Widows, how they can help the veterans and need for registration.
• · The OIC ECHS Capt Arvind Chandak shared important information on functioning of ECHS, facilities available, improvements done, problems & limitations and essential actions by veterans.
• · Other speakers included Veterans Dineshkumar Goware, Vilas Dawane, Ram Korke and B R Jadhav
• · The Core team members answered all questions before closing the event.

3. Personal Interaction: IESM Team interacted with a number of ESM/Widows after the rally that came forward with a variety of problems, most related to pension. Some were resolved on the spot and the remainder are being taken up by the Pension Cell.  4. Visit to ECHS: IESM team visited Amrawati ECHS on 14 Mar 16 and had detailed discussion with the OIC. The following are major points/ observations:

• i The ECHS is very well managed and OIC closely interacts with the patients on regular basis.
• ii The ECHS patient’s satisfaction level is very high particularly with respect to availability of medicines. The OIC’s medicine management is scientific and effective.
• iii Though Amrawati has about 3,200 pensioners ESM, only 1,300 are registered. More efforts are needed to get the remaining 1,800 registered.
• iv Soon after the Rally, 15 new ESM registered with the ECHS.
• v In Type D polyclinic (as Amrawati) no MD doctor is authorized, though 60% are heart/ diabetes patients.

5. Enrolment: 196 new members were registered.  Remarks: The IESM Rally in Amrawati was a grand success despite last minute hurdles created by IESL. These, we were able to overcome with the help of PI Kharate Patil. Thanks to him for efficient handling of the situation. The organizer Sub Maj Dineshkumar Goware and his team made excellent arrangements and all events moved smoothly. The attendance was high as expected and veterans participated actively.  We thank Flt Lt Charde and Capt Chandak for attending the Rally and for their valuable inputs. We appreciate the personal involvement of Sub Maj Dineshkumar Goware in organizing the Rally. We may plan similar rallies in the region with the initiative of Amrawati team.  Pictures Attached to this report  Press Coverage One week prior to the proposed rally, the news about the event was published. The Rally was covered very well with news and photographs appearing in all news papers of 14 Mar 16. It was shown on TV channels too.  Brig Sharad Luktuke’s interview was video recorded and telecast on the same day in the evening.

OROP KRANTI : CALL OF THE BUGLE FROM 'JANTAR MANTAR' -COME & WITNESS THE FALL OF BABU EMPIRE

CALL OF THE BUGLE 

WITNESS THE FALL OF BABU EMPIRE

 

 

FINAL PUSH - REQUEST TO ATTEND 

RALLY AT JM ON 13 DEC ’15

Friends , 

This message is for the Veterans of Mohali and areas 

around. If you are one of them take action on the same. 

If not,
KINDLY forward it to ALL your friends , foes and 

even remotest
contacts with request to fwd the same to

their friends, foes and
remotest contacts for attending 

the Rally.
The contents of the mail pasted below from 

Brig C. Kamboj are
self explanatory. To show that you 

want proper O.R.O.P. as defined
and accepted by the two

 Parliaments, PLEASE attend the Aakrosh Rally
at JM on 

13 December . Its GRAND SUCCESS will make the Govt 

the SEVEN anomalies and issue a fresh Notification on 

O.R.O.P.
accordingly.

It will also strengthen the hands of the

 mediator (Gen VK Singh) to get us 

JUSTICE. 

You have made great sacrifices and ONE MORE
sacrifice 

of ENSURING this Aakrosh Rally a GRANDEST SUCCESS

 will
bring you a crowing glory. Future generations of 

trhe soldiers will
remember you for your GREAT 

CONTRIBUTION.

Buses will start from Mohali on 13 

December , EXACTLY at 6 AM
(0600h) from “NRI and 

Women’s Wing , Punjab Police” building , next to 

Scooter Market Phase -7 , Mohali . KINDLY be there

 by 05.45 AM Sharp
on 13 December . For

any queries please contact Col AS Sandhu at
9872333060 .

 With Best Regards, 

 Brig Harwant Singh (Retd)
President ,

 the All India Defence Brotherhood (Regd) ,
Member Governing Body , IESM,

Letter to Defence Minister - Pension issues: Veterans - Lt Gen Rak Kadyan

IESM/2015/Pension                                                                               Dec 9, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

                     Pension issues: Veterans

 

I am approaching you to seek your help  in resolving some of the old issue that have been pending for a long time, as also, to make some fresh recommendations.  These may be considered in the  present state of flux when both  OROP as well as  7^th Pay Commission recommendations are in the consideration stage.

 

(i)               Pension of Honorary Naib Subedars. Some selected  Havildars are granted an Honorary rank of Naib Subedar on retirement. Those given this honour after 1.1.2006 are entitled to  the pension of regular Naib Subedars.  However, the pre-Jan 2006 retiree Honorary Naib Subedars are denied this benefit and are getting the pension of a Havildar. There is thus a discrimination. The number involved is small and extending this legitimate benefit to all will be a just gesture.

This issue I had raised even with your predecessor, Shri A K Antony and with the then Secretary ESW, but has still not been resolved.

 

(ii)            Pension of Majors:  As you would be aware, after Dec 2004, the  rank of Lieutenant Colonel and equivalent has been  made a time-scale promotion, instead of a 'selection rank' as was the case earlier.  As a result, post 2004 every officer now becomes a Lieutenant Colonel on completion of 13 years of service and no one any longer retires in a rank lower than Lieutenant Colonel.  However, prior to this date, there were a number of officers who retired in the rank of Major.  Their total number may be only in 100’s.  These Majors performed the same duties and held the same responsibility that   the Lieutenant Colonels are doing today.  However, as on date, the  difference in their pension is enormous particularly after the rank of Lieutenant Colonel has been  upgraded to Pay Band 4.  It will be just and fair that Majors that retired prior to Dec 2004 are given an appropriate enhancement in their pension so as to  narrow the gap between their pension and the pension of  Lieutenant Colonel within reasonableness.  This point had been raised earlier  by me with Shri A K Antony as well as  with the Secretary, ESW.

 

(iii)          Widows' Pension.  Widows are the weakest entity  among the veterans' community.  Particularly in the rural areas, after the demise of the pensioners, their widows are put to great hardship. Having lost the pension earner and with no significant reduction in their living expenses, their pension on widowhood suddenly gets slashed to 60%.  The 7^th Pay Commission has recommended an enhancement in the family pension to Rs.9000/-.  Considering that the existing DA will merge, this only amounts to only 14.28% and is not considered adequate. There exists a case for the widows to continue earning the same pension that was being given to the husbands. This may be favourably considered.   

(iv)          Emoluments of  short service commissioned officers.   The defence forces need a wide base and a narrow top for efficient functioning and to avoid stagnation in view of the limited number of higher posts being available. Introduction of Short Service  Commission fills this gap and has empirically proved to be a useful step. These officers serve for varying periods but retire well before reaching the minimum qualifying service for pension. They are therefore denied many  of the existing facilities extended to Ex Servicemen. This inevitably is a disincentive for the aspiring candidates for short service commission.  There is a strong case for them to be given pro rata pension depending on their total service. Extension of  ECHS  facility to these  released officers will greatly add to the attractiveness of the scheme and is recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

Lt Gen Raj Kadyan

 

Shri Manohar Parrikar

Hon’ble Minister of Defence

South Block

New Delhi -110 011

 

 

OROP - Cdr Ravindra Pathak

OROP : Announcement at JM on 08 NOV 2015

SUMMARY OF ANNOUNCEMENT AT JANTAR MANTAR ON 08 NOV 2015

 

·                    Government has finally exposed its intent of not giving UNDILUTED OROP by announcing ‘non-acceptable’ OROP Notification on 07 Nov 2015. We reject it out rightly.

·                    We reject the notification and continue with our agitation to remove the seven anomalies.

·                    Pan-India and NRI Return of Medals. No change. The “Return Of Medals” commences from 09 Nov 2015. Applications have been made to DC’s and the return of medals will become a continuous event in India and abroad.

·                    Protest at Jantar Mantar. Protest will continue and will be escalated.

·                    KALI DIWALI-11 Nov 2015. Will be ‘celebrated’ across nation. Jantar Mantar will be the torch bearer for the KALI DIWALI.

“GHAR GHAR MEIN AAJ DIWALI-FAUJI GHAR ANDHERA”

o   No crackers.

o   No lighting.

o   Switch off electricity from 6 pm to 9 pm.

o   Light few candles and take selfies with medals in hand.

o   Send these photographs on social media.

o   Send these photos to PM and RM on twitter.

o   Post photos on Face Book Group “OROP Social Media Team”

o   Write placards and take family photographs.

o   Circulate novel ideas in groups.

 

The above message is from media center and it's requested that it be given wide publicity

 
Jai Hind
Activities Team
OROP
JM, Delhi

[ Tri Services Veterans ] 

Retired Paramilitary Personnel to Launch OROP Stir Tomorrow

 

First name

Surname

Receiver's email

NEW DELHI  / MUMBAI : The paramilitary personnel have decided to launch protest from November 2, demanding One Rank Pension (OROP) similar to what the Centre has recently offered to agitating ex-servicemen.

 

The All India Central Paramilitary Forces Ex-servicemen Welfare Association said the Narendra Modi government must implement OROP and give benefits on a par with the Army as they are recognised as ‘armed forces’ under Article 246 of the Constitution.
The association’s general secretary, P S Nair, said the three-day strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi would be attended by 5,000 ex-paramilitary personnel, widows and dependents from across the country.

The association is also seeking retirement benefits, including canteen stores department, health scheme, paramilitary welfare board, separate service and pension rule and exemption from new contributory pension for serving personnel.

 Meanwhile, ex-servicemen staged a protest in Mumbai against the delay in issue of official notification by the government on OROP scheme, announced by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in September.

The ex-servicemen, under the banner of United Front of Ex-Servicemen Movement, held a rally at Azad Maidan on Saturday.

 Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) chairman Maj Gen (retd) Satbir Singh addressed the rally, which was aimed at making people aware of what several veterans feel is an active attempt by the government to water down the scheme, an IESM spokesperson said.

Objecting to the proposal to revise pensions after every five years, he said, by definition, OROP means an annual increase in pension and the veterans felt that a five-yearly revision will defeat the purpose of the scheme.

By ENS and Agencies

[ Indian Express ] Published: 01st November 2015 05:32 AM

Last Updated: 01st November 2015 07:39 AM

Chalo Mumbai on 31 Oct 2015

 

Respected Veterans

 

It is requested to all of you

A rally of ESM is being organized at azad maidan Mumbai for OROP. 

 

This is high time that we should show our unity and rise to the occasion its the requirement  of the hour.

 

As we left the active defence service and joined civil we are well with our nears and dears with society with religion cast for we we are always ready to step forward.

 

Friends, have the same spirit rising above all things come forward for our original religion which is only and only ex servicemen.

 

It's for our future and our families future think about it. It is not because merely I am requesting its everyones duty to be together think act decide this movement won't come again. Give your valuable one day for the cause thanks jay hind!

 

Chalo Mumbai  on 31 Oct 2015

Azad Maidan
1100 to 1300

Regards
Avinash Kulkarni

IESM

MOM IESM : 07 Oct 2015

MINUTES OF IESM GOVERNING BODY MEETING

HELD ON 07 OCTOBER 2015

General

1.        The IESM Governing Body (GB) meeting was held on 7/10/2015. The GB was meeting after a long gap - the last meeting was held on 23/3/2015 - as the General Secretary had failed to call a meeting despite being advised.

Review of Pending Points

2.        It was decided in the last meeting that in compliance with the IESM MoA,  the accounts from Jan 2013 onward would be shown to and countersigned by the Chairman on 7/4/2015. However, the three operators of the account (Vice Chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Treasurer Wg Cdr CK Sharma and Gen Secy Gp Capt VK Gandhi) did not comply with the decision. Stressing the point that opaqueness in the accounts would lead to suspicion, the GB again urged the three to ensure compliance of the earlier GB decision.

Update on Court Cases

3.        The GB was updated on the progress of the following cases:

a)    Writ petitions filed by Gp Capt VK Gandhi in the Punjab & Haryana High Court against dissolution of the GB by the IESM general body on 28/7/2013 and its approval by the District as well as the State Registrar.

b)   Hearing in Gurgaon court of the charges of misappropriation, fraud and cheating of IESM funds by Vice Chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Treasurer Wg Cdr CK Sharma and Gen Secy Gp Capt VK Gandhi.

Review of IESM actions on OROP

4.        The GB recalled the sustained efforts from 2008 to 2014  made by the IESM in bringing OROP to the front burner and in gradually whittling down Govt opposition to it. This resulted in finally acceptance of OROP by the Govt in Parliament on 17/2/2014. Those successful efforts and the strategy should be reinforced to finally see OROP through.

Core Values of IESM

5.        The GB again stressed the IESM commitment to its core values such as:

a)    OROP being the main demand, keep focus on it.

b)   Keeping the actions confined to veterans' issues and not delve into any matter pertaining to the serving.

c)    Keep the IESM totally apolitical and not let IESM be aligned with any political party, nor permit any politician on own stage.

d)   A soldier's life is sacred and is meant to be sacrificed only on the battlefield for the national cause; no fast undo death.  

e)    Maintain dignity and not use any derogatory or abusive language/gestures against any political/military leader. 

 6.       The GB noted with concern violation of above values by certain individuals and illegally misusing the IESM name/banner during such actions. The GB resolved that the IESM fully dissociates itself from any such activity. 

Actions at Jantar Mantar

7.        The GB appreciated the efforts made by some colleagues to highlight OROP issue further. However, it noted that efforts not are synonymous with results. So far there has been no concrete result.   The old 2008-2014 strategy should have continued to be followed to wear down the Govt. There was a greater chance of success even if took longer.  Putting the issue avoidably on full boil has come at a heavy price. It has led to following apparent negatives:

a)    The Govt announced a greatly diluted version of OROP.

b)   With our strident rhetoric against the Govt, all channels of communication are closed, rendering any further negotiation extremely difficult.

c)    The one-time public support is getting weaker; as is evident from voices on social media.

d)   The media has cooled off.

e)    The fulcrum of officer-man bondage is coming unstuck, with the JCOs/OR paving their own way. 

Propaganda and Falsehood

8.        The Jantar Mantar has become a notorious font of falsehoods and propaganda by self-appointed media advisors/experts. The reports say, there has been smear campaign against the Chairman in absentia. Some of the yarn being spun is a mix of old and new misinformation. A few examples:

a)    Blocking of IESM Accounts.

Fact -           The bank had no business to block the account. It has been done at the behest of the account operators -  Maj Gen Satbir Singh,   Wg Cdr CK Sharma and Gp Capt VK Gandhi. They got it done to find a pretext to collect funds in cash. To this end, they even misused the influence of one Mr G Singh, who is senior officer in the bank hierarchy and is a close relative of one of these three individuals. Such allegation is a clear case of villains playing victims.

b) The Chairman had joined CWG only to scuttle OROP.

Fact -              The Chairman joined CWG on 30/1/2008 much before IESM was even conceived. Even being in the CWG, he was the first to court arrest, first to deposit his medals, first to sit for 24 hours hunger strike and led all the rallies at Jantar Mantar. His employment with the CWG in no way interfered with his leading the struggle for OROP.

c)           The Four JCOs that Complained of wrong-doing in the 2012                              IESM elections all belonged to Chairman's Village.

Fact -    This lie was told by Maj Gen Satbir Singh and   Gp Capt VK Gandhi during hearing before the State Registrar. The Registrar merely looked at the four petitions in the file placed before him where the petitioners had given their home addresses. When he found that not only four different villages but they belonged to even different districts, he openly mocked at the accusers.  Unfortunately, the eight officers who got into the GB through backdoor by skulduggery and by cheating the JCO/OR candidates, and who have no moral right to continue, are feeling peeved that the election process was successfully challenged by some who were wronged. So much for the Chetwode motto!

d)           The Chairman used to meet the RM alone.

Fact:     The Chairman had been meeting the RM since 2009 both in (several) delegations as well as alone. Details of all such meetings were always disseminated through sitreps. Apart from other tangible outcome, these meetings contributed greatly   in the OROP finally coming through. The entire GB was happy with this. It was only after 24/7/2013 when a meeting of the general body was summoned and GB feared dissolution due to their financial and election irregularities, that the GB members began finding non-existent faults. Even in Dec 2012, the Chairman was re-elected  unopposed. If there had been any grouse on this or any other score, the same would not have been possible. 

9.           The propagandists have also been circulating messages castigating the country for their ingratitude towards the armed forces. This is totally uncalled for and unwarranted, as the country has always stood by and continues to stand by the defence forces. There can be no better example of picking at one's healthiest tooth. Even worse, messages through social media are frequently being circulated  attempting to cause dissatisfaction among the serving. This is nothing short of sedition.

Unauthorised use of IESM designations

10.      It was noted by the GB with concern that the Vice Chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh, continues to  show  himself as the Chairman in various communications, which is illegal and incorrect.  The Chairman clarified that he had advised the Vice Chairman not to do so. However, the Vice Chairman's  ambition seems to override his prudence and maturity. The GB authorised the Chairman to take whatever action deemed appropriate in this regard.    

Jantar Mantar Accounts

11. Members brought out that large amount of funds have been collected, including in cash, at Jantar Mantar in the name of IESM and no accounts have been rendered so far. This is bringing bad name to the organisation. The fund collection must be made transparent and must be accounted for. After discussion, it was decided that the three functionaries (Vice Chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Treasurer Wg Cdr CK Sharma and Gen Secy Gp Capt VK Gandhi), be asked to put in a tabulated form on the net and social media, following details of the funds collected from 14/6/2015 onward:

a) Date of receipt of funds

b) Name of the donor/contributor

c) Amount donated/contributed

d) Mode of payment ie Crossed cheque/self cheque/cash

e) Name of bank and account number where deposited

12.      In case the threesome fail to comply with the request, the GB will take whatever further action it deems correct and necessary.

Critical Pending Issues of OROP

13.      As a take-off from the Defence Minister's Press conference of 5/9/2015, the following two issues remain to be pursued.

a)           Periodicity of Pension Equalisation.

                This forms the very principle of OROP.   Anything other than the annual equalisation will render the definition of OROP null and void.  Unfortunately the veterans' position has already been compromised by Maj Gen Satbir Singh, who without any authority, agreed to a two-yearly periodicity. Thus the principle stands sacrificed for expediency. Getting the Govt to agree now to change to the annual frequency will be an uphill task, but must be tried.

b)            Fixing of Bench Mark for Pension.

                The Press conference talked of taking the lowest and the highest pension of a sample population of a rank and taking the mean figure as the bench mark. The 'mean' or average will lead to one rank many pensions, thus nullifying the very basis of OROP.  An alternative method as worked out earlier by the Defence Minister himself, needs to be adhered to.

Closing Points

14.          The GB reaffirmed the IESM resolve to pursue OROP till finality. However, dealing with a complicated issue and with a farrago of ranks/categories of the veteran community requires patience and negotiating deftness; open confrontation, creating hype through provocative sloganeering is not the best option. 

 

Lt Gen Raj Kadyan

Chairman IESM

& Adviser UF ESM