Soldiers to get salute at toll plazas

Pune: Now, soldiers will be given a salute or standing ovation at the toll plazas while on the move. All personnel of the armed forces are exempted from paying toll tax while on official duty.

After getting complaints of rude behaviour meted out to soldiers by toll plazas staffs, last week, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued a policy circular stating, “The armed forces personnel deserve the highest regard and should be given due respect at the toll plaza including salute or standing ovations as deemed fit.”

The circular dated December 6 is issued by NHAI General Manager (IT & HO) Shailesh Yadav. “A lot of complaints are received from armed forces personnel that toll plazas agencies are not honouring the directions of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and are not allowing exemption from toll fee while discharging their official duty. In-spite of personnel/ officers showing their identity card and explaining that they are on official duty, toll plaza employees often use harsh languages and ask for further proof,” the circular noted.

Taking note of the complaints, the NHAI also ordered that only a competent authority or officer of the toll operating agency, and not the lower staff, can check the identity cards in case of any doubt.

“Considering the unparalleled service of armed forces towards the safety and security of the country, such type of rude behaviour is not acceptable. The toll plaza agencies are directed to train the toll operating staff accordingly to pay due respect to armed forces/ salute their selfless dedication to country. The verification of I-card of armed forces personnel should be done by some senior/competent authority and not left to the untrained lowest staff,” the diktat ordered.

The Indian Tolls (Army & Air Force) Act, 1901, provides for exemption from toll charges to all members of the armed forces. However, the controversy occurred after a letter issued by the MoRTH said only those ‘on duty’ would be entitled to the exemption. This resulted in toll operators insisting defence personnel pay toll charges and this often led to misbehaviour by toll attendants. As the tussle between defence forces and the transport ministry escalated, the matter was dragged to court and later the Supreme Court (SC) also ruled in favour of the armed forces, upholding the exemption.

Now, the NHAI, while extending relief to the armed forces, has asked the toll operators that in case of any doubt, the benefit must be given to the defence persons.

“It is needless to emphasise that considering the extreme sacrifice of armed forces to the nation, in case of doubt with respect to nature of their official duty, a benefit of the doubt
should be given appropriately to armed force personnel,” it said.

Mubarak Ansari  : Esakal 13 Dec 2017

http://www.sakaltimes.com/nation/soldiers-get-salute-toll-plazas-10176

सैनिक कुटुंबीयांसाठी गावात प्रतिनिधी असावा : लेफ्टनंट जनरल सतीश नवाथे (निवृत्त)

पुणे : ''देशाच्या रक्षणार्थ लढणाऱ्या सैनिकांच्या कुटुंबाकडे समाज फारसे लक्ष देत नाही, ही वस्तुस्थिती आहे. देशातील खेड्यांमध्येही सैनिकांची कुटुंबे वास्तव्यास आहेत. त्यासाठी प्रत्येक गावात सैनिक कुटुंबीयांसाठी एक प्रतिनिधी असायला हवा, तरच सैनिकांच्या कुटुंबीयांची खरी परिस्थिती समाज व सरकारसमोर येऊ शकेल,'' असे मत लेफ्टनंट जनरल (निवृत्त) सतीश नवाथे यांनी व्यक्त केले.

रोटरी क्‍लब ऑफ पूना मिडटाउन आणि सैनिक मित्रपरिवार आयोजित भाऊबिजेनिमित्त शहीद व बेपत्ता जवानांच्या वीरपत्नींचा सन्मान करण्यात आला.

हभप मकरंदबुवा औरंगाबादकर, अशोक मेहेंदळे, आनंद सराफ, अभिजित म्हसकर, सुरेश पवार, विष्णू ठाकूर, राजू पाटसकर, शिल्पा पुंडे, स्वाती ओतारी, कल्याणी सराफ, जयश्री देशपांडे उपस्थित होते. विश्‍वलीला ट्रस्ट, सेवा मित्रमंडळ, पूना गेस्टहाउस यांसह विविध संस्थांनी उपक्रमाला सहकार्य केले. अशोक मेहेंदळे यांनी स्वागत केले. गिरीश पोटफोडे यांनी सूत्रसंचालन केले.

Marshal of the Indian Air Force and 1965 war hero

Marshal of the Indian Air Force and 1965 war hero Arjan Singh dies at 98

Arjan Singh, who led the IAF during the India-Pakistan war in 1965, is considered an icon and a war hero. “India mourns the unfortunate demise of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh," said PM Modi.

File photo of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, famous for his role in the the 1965 India- Pakistan war. He passed away at the age of 98 (PTI Photo)

Arjan Singh, Marshal of the Indian Air Force and the only officer of the force to be promoted to five-star rank, died Saturday at the Army Research and Referral hospital in New Delhi. He was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition after he suffered a cardiac arrest this morning, the Defence Ministry said. He was being treated at the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences Centre of the hospital.

Singh, who led the IAF during the India-Pakistan war in 1965, is considered an icon and a war hero. He was visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ,  Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and chiefs of three forces in the hospital. The Punjab government has declared three days of mourning as mark of respect to the Marshal of IAF.

“India mourns the unfortunate demise of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. We remember his outstanding service to the nation. Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh’s determined focus on capacity building in the IAF added great strength to our defence capabilities. India will never forget the excellent leadership of Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh in 1965, when the IAF saw substantial action,” said PM Modi in a series of tweets.

“Sometime back I met him, who despite his ill health tried to get up to salute even though I said no. Such was his soldier discipline. My thoughts are with his family & those mourning the demise of a distinguished air warrior & fine human, Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh. RIP,” he added.

Singh was born on April 15, 1919 in undivided Punjab and went on to be selected for the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell in 1938 when he was just 19. He flew Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North Western Frontier Province as a member of the No.1 IAF Squadron as part of his first posting. He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944 and received the Distinguished Flying Cross the same year for successfully leading the squadron during combat. On 15 August 1947, he was given the honour of leading the fly-past of more than a hundred IAF aircraft over the Red Fort in the national capital. In August 1964, Singh took over as the Chief of Air Staff (CoAS) in the rank of Air Marshal.

“A testing time came in September 1965 when Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam, in which an armoured thrust targeted the vital town of Akhnur, he was summoned into the Defence Minister’s office with a request for air support. When asked how quickly the IAF will be ready for operations,he replied with his characteristic nonchalance,”…in an hour”. And true to his word, the Air Force struck the Pakistani offensive in an hour. He led the IAF through the war showing unparalleled leadership,” a government release said.

Known to be an officer who has flown over 60 aircraft throughout his service, he remained a flyer until the end of his illustrious career.

Following his retirement, Singh served as an ambassador to Switzerland in 1971, concurrently serving as the ambassador to Vatican as well. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his leadership during the 1965 war.

“Arjan Singh was and remains a source of inspiration to generations of Indians,” the government release said.

source : Indian Express

लष्कराच्या पाठीशी ठामपणे उभे राहा (अतिथी संपादकीय)

एअर चीफ मार्शल अनिल टिपणीस (निवृत्त)

सशस्त्र दल विशेषाधिकार कायदा (आफ्सा) रद्द करा, म्हणून हाकाटी पिटली जाते; परंतु अंतर्गत सुरक्षिततेसाठी लष्कराला पाचारण करण्याची वेळ का आणि कोणत्या परिस्थितीत येते, हे राजकारण्यांसह सर्वांनी समजावून घ्यायला हवे

भारतीय संरक्षणदलांपुढे अंतर्गत आघाडीवर जी आव्हाने आहेत, त्यांचा विचार सध्याच्या घडीला करणे अप्रस्तुत ठरणार नाही. स्वतंत्र भारताची सुरवातच मुळी फाळणीमुळे असुरक्षित वातावरणात झाली. सशस्त्र टोळीवाल्यांना घुसवून काश्‍मीर बळकाविण्याचा प्रयत्न पाकिस्तानने केला; परंतु घुसखोरांना पिटाळून लावण्यात सैन्याला यश आले. भारतीय हवाईदलाने यात महत्त्वाची भूमिका बजावली. हवाईदलाला दिलेले उद्दिष्ट पूर्ण करू देण्याआधीच भारत सरकारने एकतर्फी शस्त्रसंधी जाहीर केली आणि संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघाकडे हा प्रश्‍न नेला. हा आदर्शवाद अस्थानी होता. जो प्रश्‍न त्याचवेळी निकालात निघाला असता, तो सात दशके भळभळत राहिला, उत्तरोत्तर आणखी गंभीर होत गेला.

पण या अनुभवातून राजकीय नेतृत्वाने काही धडा घेतला नाही. लष्कर ही संकल्पना दुसऱ्या महायुद्धानंतरच्या काळात कालबाह्य झाल्याचा घातक समज त्यांच्यात त्या वेळी बळावला होता. त्यातूनच 1962 मध्ये नामुष्की ओढविली. चीनकडून धोका उद्‌भवू शकतो, असा इशारा जनरल करिअप्पा यांनी दिला होता; पण त्याकडे साफ दुर्लक्ष करण्यात आले. या अवमूल्यनाचे एक दृश्‍यरूप म्हणजे भारतीय सैन्याच्या प्रमुखांचे (लष्करप्रमुख) "कमांडर- इन- चीफ' हे पद जाऊन त्याची जागा "चीफ ऑफ स्टाफ ऑफ द आर्मी' या पदाने घेतली. हा केवळ नावापुरता बदल नव्हता. लष्कराच्या नेमक्‍या गरजा जाणण्याची क्षमता नसलेल्या अधिकाऱ्यांच्या हाती त्यासंबंधीच्या निर्णयांची जबाबदारी सोपविली गेली; अगदी कपडेलत्ते, बुटांपासून अद्ययावत शस्त्रास्त्रांच्या खरेदीपर्यंत. "जगातील सर्वोत्कृष्ट लढाऊ दल' आपल्याकडे असूनही 62 चा धक्का बसला तो या पार्श्‍वभूमीवर. 1965 मध्ये अमेरिकी मदतीने शस्त्रसज्ज झालेल्या पाकिस्तानने काश्‍मीर भारतापासून तोडण्यासाठी आक्रमण केले. तो प्रयत्न सैन्याने हाणून पाडलाच; पण व्यूहरचनेच्या दृष्टीने अत्यंत महत्त्वाच्या जागा ताब्यात घेतल्या. पाकव्याप्त काश्‍मिरातील "हाजीपीर खिंड' हे त्याचे एक उदाहरण. लष्कराचा सल्ला धुडकावून त्यावरील ताबा सोडण्यात आला, ज्याचे परिणाम आजही भारतीय सैन्याला भोगावे लागत आहेत. बांगला युद्धात तर आपल्या सैन्याने देदीप्यमान कामगिरी बजावली; पण युद्धोत्तर वाटाघाटीत लष्कराला काहीच प्रतिनिधित्व देण्यात आले नाही. ते दिले गेले असते, तर भारत- पाकिस्तान संबंधातील आज भेडसावणारे बरेच प्रश्‍न निकालात निघाले असते.

गेल्या साधारण सात दशकांतील इतिहासावर ओझरता दृष्टिक्षेप टाकला तरी लष्कराची ही उपेक्षा जाणवते. आजही परिस्थिती सुधारलेली नाही. "राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा सल्लागार' म्हणून आजवर एकाही लष्करी अधिकाऱ्याला नेमले गेले नाही. लष्करातील एकूण वेतन- भत्ते आणि लष्कराचे एकूण स्थान यांचा आलेख घसरता आहे. ही उपेक्षा एवढ्यावरच थांबत नाही. स्वतःच्या पायावर कुऱ्हाड मारून घेण्याच्या घातक प्रवृत्तीचा प्रादुर्भाव आपल्याकडे दिसतो. खुद्द सर्वोच्च न्यायालयाने स्वतःहून दिलेल्या एका आदेशात म्हटले आहे, की एखाद्या सैनिकाने त्याच्याशी संघर्ष करणाऱ्या व्यक्तीस गोळी घातली, तर त्या सैनिकाविरुद्ध "एफआयआर' दाखल करण्यात येईल. वास्तविक युद्धजन्य स्थितीत जी अनिश्‍चित परिस्थिती निर्माण होऊ शकते, त्या वेळी सैनिकाला मोकळेपणाने कर्तव्य बजावता यायला हवे. अमेरिकेसह विविध प्रगत देशांत सैनिकांना अत्याधुनिक शस्त्रसामग्री तर पुरविली जातेच; परंतु न्यायालयीन खटल्यांपासून संरक्षणही दिले जाते. सैनिकाने रणक्षेत्रावर लढाई करायची, की कोणत्या खटल्याला सामोरे जावे लागेल, याची काळजी करायची? सध्याची एकूण स्थिती लक्षात घेता रक्षण करणाऱ्या सैनिकाच्या पाठीशी आपण उभे राहायचे, की राज्याच्या शत्रूच्या पाठीशी, याविषयीच आपण संभ्रमात आहोत की काय, असा प्रश्‍न उभा राहतो.

सशस्त्र दल विशेषाधिकार कायदा (आफ्सा) रद्द करा, म्हणून हाकाटी पिटली जाते; परंतु अंतर्गत सुरक्षिततेसाठी लष्कराला पाचारण करण्याची वेळ का आणि कोणत्या परिस्थितीत येते, हे राजकारण्यांसह सर्वांनी समजावून घ्यायला हवे. लष्कर हे निमलष्करी दलाप्रमाणे काम करीत नाही. कायदे करणारे लोकप्रतिनिधी, कायद्यांचा अर्थ लावणारे न्यायमंडळ, प्रसिद्धिमाध्यमे, सर्वसामान्य नागरिक या सर्वांनीच लष्कर, केंद्रीय राखीव पोलिस दल, प्रांतिक सशस्त्र दले आणि विविध राज्यांचे पोलिस दल यांचे कार्य, जबाबदाऱ्या व अधिकार यांचे स्वरूप आणि त्यातील फरक समजावून घेण्याची नितांत गरज आहे. हा फरक मोठा आहे. जेव्हा दोघांची कार्यक्षेत्रे एकमेकांत मिसळू लागतात, तेव्हा गोंधळ वाढतो. सध्या नेमके तेच झाले आहे. सार्वजनिक पातळीवर अभ्यासाविनाच या विषयावर चर्चा झडताहेत. त्यातून संभ्रमात भर पडते. संरक्षण दले आणि अंतर्गत सुरक्षेसाठी काम करणारी दले यांच्यातील फरक स्पष्टपणे लक्षात यावा, यादृष्टीने गणवेश आणि त्यावरील बॅजेस यांची वेगवेगळी रचना करायला हवी. युद्ध करणाऱ्या सैनिकाकडे वाकड्या नजरेनेही कोणाला पाहता येणार नाही, असेच त्याचे दिसणे हवे. कोणीही नागरिक वा सरकारी संस्था यांनी लष्कराच्या अधिकारांचे अवमूल्यन होणार नाही, याची काळजी घेतली पाहिजे. लष्कराच्या मागे लागू नका, त्याच्या पाठीशी ठामपणे उभे राहा.

 

शनिवार, 13 मे 2017 Sakal

http://www.esakal.com/sampadakiya/support-indian-military-44811

एयर चीफ मार्शल बी एस धनोआ ने 25वें वायुसेना प्रमुख का कार्यभार संभाला

एयर चीफ मार्शल बीरेंद्र सिंह धनोआ , पीवीएसएम एवीएसएम वीएम वाईएसएम एडीसी, ने वायुसेना मुख्यालय (वायु भवन) ने आज में आयोजित एक समारोह में वायुसेना प्रमुख का पदभार संभाल लिया।

भारतीय वायुसेना को दिये गये अपने संबोधन में, एयर चीफ मार्शल धनोआ ने कहा कि दुनिया की बेहतरीन वायु सेनाओं में से एक का नेतृत्व संभालने की जिम्मेदारी मिलने पर वह सम्‍मान और गौरवान्‍वित होने का अनुभव कर रहे हैं। वायुसेना प्रमुख ने कहा कि निश्चित रूप से उन्‍हें अपने पूर्ववर्तियों की असाधारण उपलब्धियों और शानदार नेतृत्व से प्रेरणा मिलेगी।

उन्‍होंने कहा कि भारतीय वायुसेना अपनी पूर्ण बहुआयामी क्षमता के साथ आधुनिकीकरण और एक सामरिक एयरोस्पेस शक्ति के रूप में परिवर्तन के पथ पर अग्रसर है। नए अत्‍याधुनिक उपकरणों को शामिल करने और हथियारों के उन्‍नयन से वायुसेना की क्षमता में वृद्धि होगी। राफेल विमान, त्‍वरित हमले में सक्षम हथियारों, एसएजीडब्‍ल्‍यू और वायु रक्षा रडार जैसी उन्‍नत क्षमताएं भविष्‍य में और उत्‍कृष्‍ट होने का भरोसा दिलाती हैं। उन्‍होंने कहा कि भारतीय वायु सेना स्क्वाड्रन में पहली बार' तेजस का शामिल होना महान राष्ट्रीय गौरव की बात है।

वायुसेना प्रमुख के रूप में पदभार ग्रहण करने से पूर्व वह 1 जनवरी, 2015 से वह उप-वायुसेना प्रमुख भी रहे हैं।

उनकी पत्‍नी श्रीमती कमलप्रीत है और उनके एक पुत्र जसमन विधि स्नातक हैं।

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वीके/एसएस -5590

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव ने भारतीय वायु सेना के वायुसेना उपप्रमुख का कार्यभार संभाला

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव , पीवीएसएम एवीएसएम वीएम वीएसएम एडीसी, ने आज वायुसेना मुख्‍यालय में वायुसेना उप-प्रमुख का कार्यभार सँभाल लिया। वायुसेना उप-प्रमुख का पदभार संभालने से पूर्व उन्‍होंने आज सुबह इंडिया गेट स्‍थित अमर जवान ज्योति पर श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की। वायुसेना मुख्यालय (वायु भवन) में उनके आगमन पर एयर मार्शल को एक औपचारिक गार्ड ऑफ ऑनर दिया गया।

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव को 15 जून 1979 को भारतीय वायुसेना में एक लड़ाकू पायलट के रूप में नियुक्‍त किया गया था। वह राष्ट्रीय रक्षा अकादमी और डिफेंस सर्विसेज स्टाफ कॉलेजवेलिंगटन के छात्र रह चुके हैं। वह 3800 से अधिक घंटे के उड़ान संचालन और प्रशिक्षण उड़ान के साथ एक एफसीएल (फाइटर कॉम्‍बेट लीडर) और एक "कैट ए" अहर्ताप्राप्‍त फ्लाइंग प्रशिक्षक हैं।

एयर मार्शल एसबी देव एक प्रमुख फाइटर बेस के एओसी भी रहे हैं। उन्होंने मिग-21 बीआईएसओएन स्क्वाड्रन की कमान के अलावा एक सिंगल यूनिट और एक फॉरवरर्ड बेस के प्रमुख अभियान अधिकारी की भी कमान संभाली है। सिग्नल यूनिट के स्टेशन कमांडर के रूप में उन्होंने भारतीय वायु सेना में आधुनिक परिसंपत्तियों और सेंसरों को शामिल करने में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाई। वायुसेना उपप्रमुख के तौर पर पदभार संभालने से पहले वे पश्चिमी वायु कमान (डब्ल्यूएसी) के एओसी-इन-सी, पूर्वी वायु कमान (ईएसी) एओसी-इन-सी, वायु सेना (संचालन) के महानिदेशक, एओसी कोबरा ग्रुप, एडी कमांडर और सीएसी मुख्यालय में एयर आई और विभिन्न स्टाफ नियुक्तियों पर कार्यभार सँभाला और वायुसेना मुख्‍यालय (वीबी) में ऑपरेशन/प्‍लान्‍स निदेशालय में कार्य किया।

उनकी सराहनीय सेवा और असाधारण कार्य के लिए उन्‍हें राष्‍ट्रपति के द्वारा परम विशिष्ट सेवा पदक, अति विशिष्ट सेवा पदक, वायु सेना पदक, विशिष्ट सेवा पदक और एडीसी से सम्मानित किया गया।

उनकी पत्‍नी श्रीमती अंजना देव हैं, उनके एक पुत्र भारतीय वायुसेना में एक लड़ाकू पायलट हैं। एयर मार्शल देव एक प्रबुद्ध पाठक हैं और रचनात्मक लेखन और प्रौद्योगिकी के क्षेत्र में रुचि रखते हैं।

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एसएस-6599

(Release ID 57899)

सामाजिक उपक्रम राबविण्यासाठी सरसावले माजी सैनिक - शिवाजी पालवे

जय हिंद सैनिक सेवा फौंडेशनचे खा.गांधी यांच्या हस्ते शुभारंभ. पेन्शनमधील पैश्यातून राबविण्यात येणार सामाजिक उपक्रम

अहमदनगर (प्रतिनिधी)- सामाजिक उपक्रम राबविण्यासाठी सरसावलेल्या माजी सैनिकांनी स्थापन केलेल्या जय हिंद सैनिक सेवा फौंडेशनचा शुभारंभ खा.दिलीप गांधी यांच्या हस्ते झाला. खा.गांधी यांच्या हस्ते संघटनेच्या फलकाचे अनावरण करण्यात आले. यावेळी  उपमहापौर श्रीपाद छिंदम, नगरसेवक सुवेंद्र गांधी, फौंडेशनचे अध्यक्ष शिवाजी पालवे, उपाध्यक्ष जालिंदर फुंदे, सचिव जगन्नाथ जावळे, निवृत्ती भाबड, भाऊसाहेब कर्पे, दिगंबर शेळके, शेरखान पठाण आदिंसह माजी सैनिक उपस्थित होते.

खा.दिलीप गांधी म्हणाले की, देश सेवेबरोबर सामाजिक सेवेसाठी पुढाकार घेणार्‍या माजी सैनिकांचा उपक्रम कौतुकास्पद आहे. आपल्या पेन्शनमधील ठराविक रक्कम समाजकार्यासाठी खर्च करण्याचा त्यांचा संकल्प प्रेरणादायी आहे. त्यांची शिस्त व कामाच्या नियोजनाने विविध सामाजिक उपक्रम यशस्वी होणार असल्याची आशा त्यांनी व्यक्त केली. 

जय हिंद सैनिक सेवा फौंडेशनच्या माध्यमातून एकत्र आलेले सर्व माजी सैनिक आपल्या पेन्शनमधील ठराविक रक्कम दरमहा जमा करुन विविध सामाजिक उपक्रम राबविणार आहे. यामध्ये वृक्षरोपण, गरजू विद्यार्थ्यांना शैक्षणिक साहित्य वाटप, स्वच्छ भारत अभियान, मुलगी वाचवा, पाणी वाचवा जनजागृती यांचा समावेश असणार असल्याची माहिती अध्यक्ष शिवाजी पालवे यांनी दिली.

Manohar Parrikar To Meet PM Modi, Sort Out Pay Panel Anomalies

Manohar Parrikar is expected to meet PM Narendra Modi to address points raised by service chiefs.

Story Highlights
The armed forces had flagged anomalies in pay panel recommendations
These include common pay matrix at entry level, disability allowance Services satisfied with minister's response, said Air Chief Arup Raha New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today assured the armed forces that the anomalies in the 7th Pay Commission will be taken up at the highest level.
Mr Parrikar is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the points raised by service chiefs, sources said. After meeting the Defence Minister this morning, Air Chief Arup Raha said the Defence Minister is aware of all issues and "has assured to resolve them at the earliest". The services, he said, are "satisfied" with the response. Sponsored Content by Taboola 2017´s New Year

Resolution : Fight Your Hearing Loss! Soundrise On September 9, the Army, Navy and the Air Force had issued a signal to all formations, saying implementation of the 7th pay commission was being kept in abeyance till the anomalies are addressed. Mr Parrikar had asked the three services to implement the hiked salaries as the government examined and addressed the concerns flagged by the forces. Top Defence Ministry sources told NDTV that the minister would impress on the government to address the key anomalies at the earliest.
These include a common pay matrix at the entry level for both civilian and military services, removing anomalies in disability allowance between civil and military. According to the 7th pay commission, the civilian bureaucracy and the para-military gets more disability allowance.

 

Indian Military Veterans

Army won't shy away from flexing its muscles, says General Bipin Rawat

© LiveMint Bipin Rawat took over as the 27th Army chief on Saturday. Photo: PTI

New Delhi: New Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday said the role of the force is to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border but it will not “shy away from flexing its muscles, if the need be”.

Eastern Army commander Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern commander Lt Gen P. M. Hariz will continue to serve the Army and maintain the unity, he said. “The force is to maintain peace and tranquillity at the border but it will not shy away from flexing its muscles, if the need be,” Gen Rawat said.

All units and services of the Army are together and he would always look at each one of them as one unit, he said. Rawat, who took over as the 27th Army chief on Saturday, was speaking to reporters here after inspecting the guard of honour at the South Block here.

Gen Rawat had superseded two senior most Lt Generals—Praveen Bakshi and P.M. Hariz. Lt Gen Bakshi on Saturday announced “full support” to the new chief and told theatre officers through video conferencing he will continue to lead with full professional sincerity as hither-to-fore.

Government officials had earlier said Rawat was found best suited among the Lt Generals to deal with emerging challenges, including a reorganised and restructured military force in the north, continuing terrorism and proxy war from the west, and the situation in the North-East.

IAF PENSIONERS :FOR CORR PPO - APPLY TO DIRECTORATE OF AIR VETERANS

At a meeting on 20-12-16, the CGDA representative stated that as per the records received from CPPCs of various Banks, there is a total of 109000 living IAF pensioners out of which 48245 are of pre-2006 vintage. These figures were contested by the AFA because as per our knowledge the IAF pensioners are close to 2.2 Lakhs with 1.6 lakhs belonging to the pre-2006 vintage.

The Secretary Pensions, who was chairing this meeting, then advised CGDA to reconcile the correct figures of the IAF pensioners by comparing the records as held with the DAV and the CPPCs. Corrigendum PPOs:-

The CDA should have issued 2368 Corrigendum PPOs by the 31st December 2016 and additionally, should also have resolved the discrepancies in the records of 15000 other IAF pensioners. The last date of resolving the discrepancies was set as 28 Feb 17. The CGDA was also advised to share the details of 45877 IAF pensioners in respect of whom it has issued the corrigendum PPOs.

The Corrigendum PPOs are necessitated because of changes in Pension entitlement following the pay commissions upto 2006 and now in 2016. Other changes were brought in on 01/07/2009 and 24/09/2014.

Further, changes in the Pensions were also brought about by granting the OROP on 01/07/2014. Thus almost everyone needs to know their correct entitlement factoring in all these changes. The DAV was, thereafter, advised to liaise with the CDAs to ensure that each IAF pensioner receives his corrigendum PPO wherein these changes are duly reflected. People who had sent their requests to the AFA for getting corrigendum PPOs are hereby intimated that their cases have been forwarded to the JCDA(AF) and the DAV.

Kindly check your own PPOs and if all these changes are not reflected in your PPO then please send an email directly to the DAV giving complete particulars with latest address and mobile number, the Bank account details and the personal details about the spouse and his/her date of birth and request the DAV to get your corrigendum PPO issued by the JCDA(AF) and forward it to your address once received by them. 

Ex Servicemen blog  

(SOURCE : AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION)

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa takes over as 25th Chief of Air Staff

New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC on Saturday took over as the 25th Chief of the Air Staff at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan).

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa today took over as the 25th Chief of the Air Staff.

In his address to the IAF, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said, "I feel honoured and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead one of the finest Air Forces in the world. I will certainly be inspired by the exceptional achievements and the leadership of so many of my illustrious predecessors."

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa further said that IAF is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full-spectrum capability.

"Accretion through new acquisitions, replacement of obsolete equipment with state-of-the-art inductions and upgrade of the vintage weapon platforms would bolster our capabilities. Forthcoming inductions of the Rafale aircraft, Attack Heptrs, Heavy Lift Heptrs, Force Enhancers, SAGW and Air Defence Radars hold great promise for the future. Also, it has been a matter of great national pride, to usher in the first 'Tejas' squadron of the IAF," he said.

The Air Chief Marshal further said that the Airfield Infrastructure modernisation programme and upgradations in Communications Network have strengthened the support structure for effective operations.

"While undertaking its modernisation, the IAF has taken an active and sustained role in the "Make in India" plan, to take forward indigenous production of combat aircraft, helicopters, weapon sensors and systems, besides other aviation equipment. A vibrant and flourishing domestic capability would be an essential ingredient for the Nation to continue its glorious evolution," he added.

In his address, he also expressed his pride at the way India's image worldwide has been showcased through the IAF's strategic reach. He commended IAF's role as first responders in HADR situations and aid to civil authority in rendering stability to volatile situations on many occasions, besides bringing succour to people in distress.

He stressed the requirement of training and equipping IAF to deter the subconvetional threats. He reiterated need for focused approach to enhance aerospace safety and IAF's commitment for better standard of living for its air warriors. He thanked the outgoing CAS for steering IAF on a growth trajectory and urged all airwarriors to follow the fine traditions of IAF.

Commissioned into the Flying Branch of IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 1978, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is a Qualified Cat 'A' Flying Instructor and has more than 3000 hours of fighter flying under his belt with an immaculate flight safety record all along his distinguished career as a field commander.

He is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

The Air Chief has many laurels to his credit. As Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron, equipped with MiG-21 aircraft, he led the IAF punch during the 'limited war' against Pakistan in 1999 to evict the enemy from their 'dug in' defences in the icy heights of Kargil region. For his outstanding bravery and leadership during the conflict, he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM).

The Air Chief Marshal has held a number of significant staff appointments at operational Commands, Joint Training Establishments and Air Headquarters. He has been Director Targeting Cell and Director Fighter Operations, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern and Western Air Commands. The Air Chief has commanded the South Western Air Command. For his experience and professional excellence, he was handpicked to establish an 'IAF Training Team' abroad.

The Air Chief Marshal is also instrumental in developing the aerial targeting philosophy against the potential adversaries and transformed the concept of Air operations of the Indian Air Force to contemporary war fighting practices of Air Power. He is an avid reader and writer of issues pertaining to air power and joint operations.

Before taking over as the Chief of the Air Staff, he has been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff since 01 Jun 15.

In recognition of his meritorious services, he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) and Vayusena Medal (VM) in 1999 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2015 by the President of India. He was also appointed as Honorary ADC on 01 Aug 15 and awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2016 by the President of India.

ANI

Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi not resigning, urges to stop social media trolling

New Delhi: Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi on Saturday greeted all ranks of the Indian Army's Eastern Command on the eve of the New Year and requested to put an end to all social media trolling over his resignation, stating that he would continue to lead Eastern Command.

LG Praveen Bakshi today greeted all ranks of the Indian Army's Eastern Command on the eve of the New Year and requested to put an end to all social media trolling over his resignation.

Bakshi also clarified that he would continue his work with full professional sincerity as hither-to-fore.

 

He also congratulated the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat.

"I convey my best wishes and full support of Eastern Command to Gen. Bipin Rawat on having taken over as the Chief of Army Staff," he said.

While extending his greetings, Lt. Gen.Bakshi also urged everyone to focus on contributing their best to the betterment of the army and nation.

Controversy erupted when Lieutenant General Bakshi, heading the Eastern Command was superseded by Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat for the top post.

Speculations of his resigning started doing the rounds which were finally put to rest today.

ANI

Rawat, Dhanoa assume charge as army, IAF chiefs

General Bipin Rawat today assumed charge as India's new Army Chief.

New Delhi: General Bipin Rawat assumed charge as India's new army chief, while and Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa took over as the new chief of the Indian Air Force on Saturday.

They succeed General Dalbir Singh and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha respectively.

Separate ceremonies were held on the South Block lawns and at the Air Headquarters.

The new appointments were announced on December 16 by the government.

Chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will head the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

ANI

Air Marshal S.B. Deo hands over command of WAC, says need to prevent loss of life

New Delhi: Newly appointed Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S.B. Deo on Saturday said it is necessary to preserve precious assets and prevent loss of life at all costs.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S.B. Deo handing over charge of Western Air Command.

"The prevailing security situation poses a big challenge. We must preserve our precious assets and prevent loss of life at all costs. At the same time, it should not take away focus from our operational preparedness, which is the essence of our existence," said Air Marshal Deo while handing over command of Western Air Command (WAC) to Air Marshal C. Harikumar.

He further cautioned armed forces personnel against malicious misinformation campaign on the social media and highlighted the efforts of the outgoing Chief of the Army Staff and Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Dalbir Singh.

ANI

Admiral Lanba appointed as chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee

New Delhi: Navy Admiral Sunil Lanba on Thursday was appointed as the chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Navy Admiral Sunil Lanba was today appointed as the chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The post is occupied by India's senior-most military officer, who advises the government and ensures jointsmanship in the armed forces.

He will take charge from Air Force Chief Arup Raha who will be superannuated on December 31.

Raha previously served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force and as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Western Air Command, and that of the Central Air Command.

He has also served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters, Western Air Command and Deputy Commandant at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.

Raha is a fighter pilot who has logged over 3,400 hours of flying experience.

Lanba is the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff. He assumed the office on May 31, 2016 after Admiral RK Dhowan and will hold office till May 2019.

ANI

We should accept “reasonably good” OROP scheme: Air Chief

New Delhi: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, on Wednesday asserted that One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme of the government is reasonably good and said that one should accept it.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha

"The OROP by the government is reasonably good. We should accept it. The anomalies are being resolved by one-judge committee. Some of the anomalies and the discrepancies which cropped up from the transition from the sixth to seventh pay commission have been resolved... others will also be resolved," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday accused the Congress Party of betraying the jawans by not fulfilling the long-pending OROP demand in the last 40 years.

Addressing a parivartan rally in Dehradun, Prime Minister Modi said, "My Army jawans were demanding OROP for the last 40 years, the party that ruled the country then never thought of their demands."

"In reality, the budget for OROP is over Rs. 10,000 crore. Why did they (Congress) betray the Jawans by allocating 500 crore for this," he added.

He said the Centre was always clear that from day one that the Jawans must get their due and therefore, his government always stated that OROP will be a reality.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar earlier last month said 95 percent of veterans have already got the benefits of the OROP scheme and they are happy with it.

The scheme, announced in September 2015, is meant to ensure equal pension to servicemen who retired on the same rank and after the same duration of service, regardless of the year of retirement.

However, retired soldiers have been alleging that the government has not addressed their concerns fully about disparity in pension payments.

ANI

Rs 5,500 cr paid as first OROP instalment: PM

Kinnaur: The first installment of nearly Rs 5,500 crore has been paid for implementing the OROP scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said while asserting that he has "fulfilled the promise" he made to ex-servicemen on the issue that has been hanging fire for the last 40 years.

"The OROP money will reach ex-servicemen in four installments. Nearly, Rs 5,500 crore has been paid as the first installment," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister, while celebrating Diwali with army and ITBP personnel in Sumdo here, over 270 km from state capital Shimla, also lauded the role of the security force personnel guarding and protecting the country.

"Spent time with our courageous @ITBP_official & Army Jawans at Sumdo, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Jai Jawan! Jai Hind!," he tweeted.

Earlier in his 'Mann ki Baat' programme on All India Radio, he saluted the valour of the armed forces and lauded their sacrifice while dedicating the festival of Diwali to them.

"The OROP was not about just Rs 200 or Rs 500 crore, but Rs 10,000 crore... After I became the PM, and decided that I had to do (implement) it, the entire government lost sleep over it... It was not possible for the government to pay in one go, so I requested the ex-servicemen to accept it in four instalments.

"The money will reach them in four installments. Nearly, Rs 5,500 crore has been paid as the first installment," Modi said.

He said the issue had been pending for "40 years" as certain people in the previous governments "did not know" about OROP (scheme), and therefore "only Rs 500 crore was allocated" for the purpose.

Modi also said that many people thought that if the scheme was not implemented, a section of "ex-servicemen would turn against the government".

The Prime Minister, on his way to Sumdo, met civilians at Himachal's Chango village, close to the Sino-Indian border.

"Made unscheduled stop at Chango village, close to Somdu, to wish people on Diwali. Was deeply touched by the impromptu reception & their joy," Modi tweeted.

"The Prime Minister spent time with ITBP jawans and personnel of Dogra Scouts of army at Sumdo on border of Kinnaur and Spiti, and distributed sweets to them," an official said.

Modi also met personnel of the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF), a branch of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), entrusted with construction and maintenance of border roads and also executing the Rohtang Tunnel project, the official said.

After coming in power in 2014, the Prime Minister had celebrated his first Diwali with soldiers posted in Siachen, and in 2015, he celebrated it at the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.

PTI

Satisfied with Parrikar’s response on pay commission: Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha

New Delhi: The armed forces today said they have raised "anomalies" in the 7th Pay Commission with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and were satisfied with his response that the issue will be resolved at the earliest.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Navy Admiral Sunil Lanba had also met with Parrikar on Monday over the pay commission anomalies.

The statement by the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha comes just days after the three services issued letters to their formations, saying they have asked the government to hold "in abeyance" the implementation of the CPC in view of the "unresolved anomalies".

The forces argue that the anomalies lower the status and pay parity of forces vis-a-vis their counterparts in the police and civilian administration.

Raha and Navy Admiral Sunil Lanba had also met with Parrikar on Monday over the issue.

The 7th Pay Commission anomalies in respect of the armed forces were discussed with the Defence Minister in detail by the Service Chiefs and the members of the Armed Forces Pay Commission Cell, a statement by Raha's office said.

The Defence Ministry is "seized of all the issues and has assured to resolve them at the earliest. The Services are satisfied with the response," it said.

The statement came amid reports that the forces were not happy with Parrikar's reply.

PTI

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

 

 

 

Panel on OROP not hearing individuals: ex-serviceman tells HC

New Delhi: Delhi High Court was today told that the one-member judicial commission, set up to deal with grievances of ex-servicemen on One Rank One Pension (OROP), was not hearing issues raised by an individual but dealing only with contentions raised by organisations.

OROP panel headed by Justice (retired) L Narasimha Reddy.

The Centre refuted the claims before a bench of justices B D Ahmed and Ashutosh Kumar saying the commission was hearing the grievances raised before it not only by organisations but by individuals also.

The bench was hearing a plea seeking directions to Ministry of Defence and the commission, headed by Justice (Retd) L Narasimha Reddy, "to give an effective public hearing to those affected or aggrieved by implementation of OROP".

When the matter came up for hearing, petitioner S P Singh told the bench he had approached the commission with his grievances but was not heard and told that the panel was only hearing the contentions of organisations.

The petitioner also claimed that armed forces officers were sitting with the panel despite the fact that it was a one-member judicial commission.

Central government standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia refuted the claims of the petitioner saying the commission was also hearing the grievances of individuals and the officers were present to assist the panel.

He also said the petitioner was heard by the panel.

The bench then asked the petitioner to file an affidavit stating that he was not given an opportunity by the commission to put forth his grievances and posted the matter for further hearing on September 28.

The Centre had earlier told the court it has extended by six months the term of the one-member panel on OROP.

The petitioner, who is an ex-serviceman, has said that as per a Ministry letter dated April 13, "Defence Forces pensioners/family pensioners, Defence Pensioners' Associations can submit their suggestions/views on the revised pension as notified, to the MoD, through post or by email within 15 days i.E. By April 29, 2016".

The petitioner had contended that this information was not published in the newspapers and, therefore, people were not informed about it. He had said that the time given to forward the representations was "very short".

The Centre had told the court that date for forwarding suggestions and representations was later extended to May 15.

PTI