Friday, July 31, 2009

OROP Nowhere in Sight by Maj Gen Satbir Singh

SCPC: OROP Nowhere in Sight

OROP Nowhere in Sight, Call to all ESM to Unite and intensify Movement to Get Justice

Dear Friends,

1. The Govt has not accepted our most justified demand of OROP. Much publicised enhancement of pension of PBOR under the cover of grant of OROP to them is nowhere near the concept of OROP. As per the media news, pre 2006 Sepoy will get pension of Rs 5500 per month where as post 2006 retiree will get Rs 6860 per month with 50 percent weightage. The difference will further increase when the weightage will be increased to 70 percent for the post 2006 retirees, the demand already projected by the Chiefs. This is nowhere near the OROP which is “that all pre 2006 retirees must get the same pension as their Post 2006 counterparts and continue to get the same in perpetuity.

2. By not even considering the above concept for officers, the Govt has tried to create wedge between officers and PBORs which will have far reaching adverse consequences for the profession of arms. Again, to enhance pensions of Lt Gen to actually help the additional secretaries is also against the ethos of Defence profession. Any benefit granted must either cover all ranks or start from the lowest to top and not top down.

3. As per the present dispensation, the pre 2006 Major Generals will draw less pension than the post 2006 retiree Lt Col, Col, Brig and Major Generals which is clearly violative of article 14 of the constitution. Same way Brig, Cols, Maj, Capt and PBORs will get less than their juniors.

4. Why the Govt is not considering our genuine demands? The reasons being given that by granting OROP to officers will generate similar demand from other services is absurdly untenable. Our profession is different and its degree of difficulty is the highest. It seems that the bureaucrat’s wrongly placed understanding of civilian control of Defence Forces and misplaced fear of Defence Forces take over of the country are the two hidden reasons for degrading, downgrading the status, respect and emoluments of Defence Forces.

5. In a seminar held at Delhi on police reforms recently, Director IDSA Mr N.S. Sisodia an IAS Officer said that if Defence Forces are given more powers, they will seize power like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such statements by bureaucrats of the status of Director IDSA are highly objectionable and to say the least are totally unfair to the most patriotic Defence Forces who have very strongly held the flag of democracy flying high in our country. The relevant part of the written script of the Director IDSA is as under:
“Heavy reliance on armed forces weakens civilian authority. Their frequent use enhances their power and influence in the polity. This enhanced power can become a threat to democracy as we have seen in the cases of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries which have suffered military coups. The extent of democratic control is inversely proportionate to the democratic governments dependence on the armed forces.”

6. It is now clear that we are not being given our due justice. We therefore will need to unite and intensify our struggle to get the due justice. OROP is our justified right and we must get it. We need to follow multi- dimensional action plans to get our demands met. The following actions have been planed:
We will restart depositing our medals to the President at least once a month. The next date for depositing of medals will be 09 Sep 2009 at 3 PM. All state, district, city Conveners are requested to collect medals from their respective areas and send at IESM office address ie 543, Sector 23, Gurgaon- 122017, Haryana, India. All Sate functionaries are requested to attain the target of minimum of one thousand medals deposit per month. We are planning to restart our functioning from Jantar Mantar. The details will be communicated shortly. Long marches from Kanyakumari to Delhi and from other selected locations are also being planned. Col Rajan has volunteered to lead the march from Kanyakumari to Delhi and incorporate ESM from all the Southern States. When Col Rajan’s columns are about 500 Km from Delhi, Columns consisting of ESM, their family members and their supporters from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Uttrkhand, J&K, UP, Rajasthan and MP will start. All these columns will concentrate in Delhi by 15 Dec 2009. The next phase of the Movement will then commence on 16 Dec 2009 to coincide with the Vijay Divas Day.


Legal Option is also being exercised. We have already engaged a very competent lawyer for the purpose who has started preparing the case.

Writing of Articles, media coverage, organizing seminars, meetings, conferences will be stepped up throughout the country.

All out efforts to meet all MPs will be made to project our case in the Parliament and to the Govt.

The people of the country particularly the youth will be educated about the facts of our case and their support solicited to project our case to the Govt.

All efforts will be made to Unite all ESM organizations and ESM PAN India. Extensive Membership drive will be carried out.

All the above events will be carried out peacefully and within the norms of discipline.

7. There is no other way but to put in united efforts to get justice. Once again we appeal to all ESM organizations and ESM to join the IESM to intensify the movement.
“NISCHE KAR APNI JEET KAROON”

With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

ESM sitrep 28 Jul evening

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 28 Jul evening


Date: Tuesday, 28 July, 2009, 8:22 PM

Dear Colleagues,

Satbir, Kanwar Bhardwaj and some others along with self attended an ESM rally at Mahender Garh (Haryana) today. The rally was anchored by ESM Sgt and Advocate OP Yadav, who is running a school and an engineering college and who provided all the logistics.

This was the first rally we addressed since 12 April 2009. Mahender Garh as a District has a special significance. Apart from having a high density of defence personnel, this was also the place where the current struggle took birth. It had made a modest beginning but the seed was sown here. The pioneers – Col RS Yadav, Col Bhardwaj, Maj Jakhar, Subedar Ram Sarup and OP Yadav were there in the rally.

Te rally was attended by some 1500 ESM. Many had come from far off places. Enthusiasm was unparalleled. Sub Om Prakash Latala came despite bereavement in his family this morning. Sub Hari Singh came from Hisar braving the hot weather. They all resolved to continue the struggle till OROP was granted. It was decided to await the detailed orders from the govt before deciding on the next step.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A
Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: +91-124-4015262
+91- 9811226676

Monday, July 27, 2009

Sitrep 26 Jul..Kargil Diwas

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Subject: ESM sitrep 26 Jul evening


Date: Sunday, 26 July, 2009, 11:03 PM

Dear Colleagues,
The tenth anniversary of Kargil victory was observed today, July 26th. In the NCR the function was held at the NOIDA war memorial. There was encouraging participation from the civilian colleagues, including staff and students of Nehru International Public School. In addition to the customary homage by way of paying floral tributes, blood was donated and pledges were signed for organ donation. The entire proceedings were dignified with befitting decor. Many Steering Committee members were closely involved in organising and orchestrating the event. Thanks in particular go the Rakesh Chaturvedi, Vinod Gandhi, CK Sharma, Sharan Ahuja, Chander Kamboj and Satbir. In NOIDA, as always, Vijay Sekhri, Kewal Malhotra, RC Sharma played a pivotal role in buttoning up logistics.
It has been heartening to see the many Kargil related events being organised across the country. Our gratitude to the media for actively highlighting the sacrifices the soldiers have been making to ensure security and safety of the country.

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

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Letter addressed to PM, RM, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Sh. LK Advani

Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
………………….
Date: 22 Jul 2009
1. I am enclosing a. poem “Kargil” by Ms Shyam Kumari. The feelings expressed in the poem are the feelings of the entire nation towards our soldieries, martyrs and the valiant Defence Forces of India.
2. Sir, I wish to highlight that feelings of patriotism and love for the Defence Forces are today at its peak when we commemorate the completion of 10 years of “Kargil War”.
3. It is with a heavy heart that I as Vice Chairman of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement have to convey these feelings of the Nation and the Defence Forces to you as we are deeply anguished by the total apathy shown by the Govt in honoring the martyrs of Kargil and others who fought and survived. The Govt should have celebrated this hard toiled victory in an appropriate and dignified manner not with standing the views of Mr. Rashid Alvi.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,



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

……



Kargil
Kargil is not the name of a far-off place,
Kargil is not the name of a high mountain ridge,
Kargil is a place of pilgrimage
Where wooing death as one would a sweetheart,
With the laughter of Rudra in their eyes,
Ever ready to fling their lives, gnawing hunger
And biting cold, they faced with a smile,
Where to defend Mother India, her brave sons die.
A cluster of grenades to their waists they tie
As they struggle for a toe-hold,
Crawling up the sheer slopes
Of those snow-covered harsh ranges.
To lighten their load they throw away their daily meal,
To be able to carry some more ammunition
And extra grenades to blow up those enemy bunkers,
Which stealthily Pakistan had made
And thus had our trust been sorely betrayed.
For he went to them -- Atal of India, the past to forgive
And forget with hands outstretched to embrace and befriend.
While they prepared to stab us in the back,
To wound our trust with a forward thrust in India.
Will Gods ever pardon what they have done?

Today to the Indian annals of sacrifice and self-immolation,
Are added new chapters, as our brave soldiers
Lay mutilated by their inhuman captors.

Today, the Tricolour of India
Flies again from those peaks snow-bound
And the full-throated war-cry of India's hero-warriors
On those ranges will always reverberate and rebound.

Then hundreds of pilgrim feet will brave the arduous way
To light incense and to lay wreaths on the sacred spots
Where they fell, the valiant sons of Mother India.
Kargil has become a hallowed name, etched in pain
Spoken with pride, by patriots India-wide.
After Kargil India will always be wary
The torch of constant vigil will it carry.
Kargil has ignited a new fire
In our hearts an ardent desire
To wager all for the Mother's defense
Petty living no more makes any sense.
Today we need to answer the call of the Mother
All else will come thereafter.

Now the youth of India vie with each-other
As to who will fling first one's life on India's altar
And who will first have the honour Of being a martyr?
Many try to be the first to die for the country.

O Kargil! thanks to you, a new spirit has been kindled
In state after state in person after person;
Love for the country, which had alas grown dim
Now burns bright and the Rajputs' ideal
In India's daughters and sons is once more alight.
Be wary, O enemy! Indians arise,
India will not be beguiled again
It will never be taken in again.
Kargil reminds us of dark perfidy and of sombre sacrifice.
The nation pays homage to the Indian army
To its brave way of life, to its readiness to die.
Shyam Kumari
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Pondicherry
June 30 1999

The Tribune.....BJP's war..says Congress MP

The Tribune

Wednesday, July 22, 2009, Chandigarh, India

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090722/letters.htm
BJP’s war?

Rashid Alvi, a Congress MP, has stated that Kargil war was a BJP war and therefore, the BJP can celebrate it and the Congress is not going to participate in it. It is a shocking statement that reveals a total bankruptcy of a feeling of national pride.
The soldiers, who sacrificed their lives, besides those who were seriously injured, did not fight for a particular political party. Such an irresponsible statement from an elected representative of the people is akin to denigrating the defence forces and the spirit of sacrifice of a soldier. Not only the armed forces, but also the nation stands humiliated.
The erring MP owes an apology for making such a damaging statement. The UPA government should reprimand the MP and assure the nation that anti-national feeling is not taking root in its constituents.
Maj-Gen SATBIR SINGH (retd), Vice-Chairman, Indian ESM Movement

Press release ..Kargil by Maj Gen Satbir Singh

PRESS RELEASE

IT IS A DECADE SINCE KARGIL

Dated: 23 Jul 2009

Dear Members of the Media,

1. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Divas, a grateful nation salutes these heroes and reminds itself that the Indian armed Forces have unfailingly risen to the challenges every time, while remaining strictly apolitical, most disciplined and least demanding.

2. A small write-up on Kargil War and the Gallantry Awards is enclosed. Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) requests all citizens of the country to light a candle at the gates of their homes at 8 PM on 26 July 2009 and place a marigold (Genda) next to it as a silent tribute to the Martyrs of Kargil War. An invite on the event bring organized at Shahid Smark Sector – 29 Noida on 26 July 2009 is also enclosed.

3. May we request you to kindly join in this noble cause and give wide publicity by carrying these details in your paper/channel.

With regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

ESM sitrep 22 Jul evening

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 22 Jul evening

To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL(CS Kamboj)" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; TRUNCATED
Date: Wednesday, 22 July, 2009, 10:44 PM
Dear Colleagues,
An audience has been sought with the President to apprise her that ‘one rank one pension’ (a term she herself had used) is not likely to be granted by the government. The environment will be kept informed when/if the audience is granted.
Best regards,

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

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

ESM sitrep 21 Jul evening

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 21 Jul evening

To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL(CS Kamboj)" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; TRUNCATED
Date: Tuesday, 21 July, 2009, 10:21 PM
Dear Colleagues,
Confusion on what is planned to be sanctioned by the government for different ranks continues. A letter has been sent to the Defence Minister on 16 Jul 2009 seeking clarifications.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

ESM sitrep 20 Jul 2009

Date: Monday, 20 July, 2009, 10:55 PM

Dear Colleagues,

Telephonic inputs from various ESM continue. The general mood appears to favour continuance of the efforts/struggle till full OROP is granted, irrespective of what the government offers by way of enhancement in pensions.
Best regards,

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

The Military Mirror

The strongest message on what ails the services is given by the service officers themselves, when they do not want their children to join the services. These officers are the loudest messengers for the military. Their actions speak louder than their words. Rank, Status and Honour of Military Services has been degraded and derated by Bureaucrats in the last 6 decades- that the downslide cannot be redeemed in the forseeable future. The military has to survive sans sound junior leadership. Restructuring and padding and short term measures are not likely to succeed unless the MOD wakes upto the realities of Soldiering in the Military.

Related articles
Sixth Pay Commission: Disadvantage armed forces by Lt-Gen Harwant Singh (retd)
Who will soldier for India
Heed the cry of the armed forces
An Army of Occupation: A Bureaucratic View of the Military

Monday, July 20, 2009

ESM Sitrep 18 Jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 18 Jul evening


Date: Saturday, 18 July, 2009, 8:57 PM

Dear Colleagues,
There have been some queries on the revised pension of Lt Gens as reported in the 17 Jul sitrep. It is clarified that the pension for pre 2006 Lt Gens would be Rs 67000 ÷ 2 = 33500.00. For calculation of pension, there is no Grade Pay or MSP to be added to the figure of Rs 67000/-, which is the base of the new pay band for this rank.

This Rs 67000 – 79000 pay band would also apply to Additional Secretaries in the IAS. Possibly this might have been the reason for it to be announced with speed; within 24 hours of its clearance by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.

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

Irresonsible statements on Kargil War..letter to Editor by Maj Gen Satbir singh

Dear Friends

Letter to Editor regarding irresponsible statement ……….kargil war is circulated
herewith.

With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,

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


LETTER TO EDITOR

By
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM


IRRESPONSIBLE STATEMENT ……….KARGIL WAR

Dated: 18 Jul 2009
Dear Editor in Chief,
1. Rashid Ali, a congress MP, has made a statement on 15 Jul 2009 out side Parliament that Kargil War was the BJP War and therefore, BJP can celebrate it, Congress is not going to participate in it. It is a shocking statement which reveals a total bankruptcy of a feeling of National pride and what India stands for. 527 soldiers who sacrificed their lives besides 1000 who were seriously injured, did not do so for a particular political party. They did it for the Nation. Such an irresponsible statement from an elected representative of the people tantamounts to denigrating the Defence Forces and the sprit of sacrifice of a soldier for his Nation. Not only the Armed Forces but the Nation as a whole stands humiliated.

2. The erring MP owes an apology to the Nation for making such a damaging statement which carries seeds of nation’s doom. UPA Govt should automatically take it upon itself to reprimand its MP and to assure the nation that there is no such antinational feeling taking roots in its constituents.

3. It is pertinent to mention that in the recent past there have been attempts willfully or otherwise to show the Defence Forces in poor light. It is difficult to fathom the reasons for this unless this is the handiwork of elements inimical to the interest of the country. We appeal to all political parties to refrain from any action or statement which is likely to affect the morale of the Defence Forces and harm National Interest.

(The author is a Former Senior Fellow and Security Analyst of Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), has been examiner PhD thesis in Defence & Security Studies, Ex Commandant Services Selection Centre & President SSB, besides being Instructor at four premier institutions of the Army. Presently he is a Vice Chairman Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM), Tele No -09312404269, 0124-2461416).

With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,

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

Saturday, July 18, 2009

ESM Sitrep of 17 Jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 17 Jul evening

Date: Friday, 17 July, 2009, 10:34 PM

Dear Colleagues,
On 16 July 2009 the Government have issued an amendment to and entries at Ser 8 of the Table in Para 4 (a) (i) have been replaced by new entries. A new pay band HAG “Rs 67000 – (annual increment @ 3%) – 79000” has been created. There is a rider “The benefit of MSP, notional, in pay fixation will be given to existing Lt Generals.” Pre-2006 Lt Gens would now get a pension of Rs 33500 pm.

Two comments can be made:

· It is unfortunate that the first benefit announced is for the highest rank. This is jarring to the Service ethos and norms.


· As expected, ‘one rank one pension’ is nowhere in the government’s crosshair. One wonders why they even made the President use this term in her address to the Parliament.

Further similar amendments should be awaited.

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

ESM Sitrep 16 Jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 16 Jul evening

Date: Thursday, 16 July, 2009, 10:35 PM

Dear Colleagues,
It is not understood why the government is taking so long in disseminating details related to the pension benefits. Replying to a question in the Parliament on 13 Jul 2009, the Defence Minister had given an exact figure of Rs 2140 Crore as the expenditure involved in what they plan to implement. This could be possible only after specifics of the proposal are worked out. Prima facie therefore, reasons for withholding information appear to be other than simple arithmetic.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Thursday, July 16, 2009

ESM Sitrep 15 Jul 2009

Date: Wednesday, 15 July, 2009, 10:52 PM

Dear Colleagues,

Confusing media reports are fuelling speculation. The growing number of queries regarding what is in store vis-a-vis OROP betrays a sense of restless anxiety in the ESM community. We urge patience. One does hope the government makes the necessary announcement without delay.

Best regards,

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

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

ESM Sitrep 14 Jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 14 Jul evening


Date: Tuesday, 14 July, 2009, 10:23 PM

Dear Colleagues,

The Statement made in the Parliament by the Defence Minister on 13 July does little to clear the fog. In fact it further adds to the confusion prevailing on the issue of pension benefits. It is clear that although they all have been using the term ‘one rank one pension’, that is not what they apparently intend to sanction.
The ESM are advised to wait for government orders to be issued in black and white. Circulating individual interpretations in the form of speculative tables might not do us any good. In fact it might even shock and stun the gullible when the reality does not match with the hyped hopes that get built up.

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

Monday, July 13, 2009

ESM sitrep 13 Jul 2009

Date: Monday, 13 July, 2009, 10:37 PM

Dear Colleagues,

The solidarity calls from the ESM are flowing in. This Chetwode-in-reverse phenomenon, though accepted by some of us with cautious reluctance, is greatly edifying.

Meanwhile, the government’s enigmatic silence on details continues to tax our curiosity.

Best regards,

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

ESM 12 Jul 2009

Date: Sunday, 12 July, 2009, 10:37 PM

Dear Colleagues,

More and more PBOR are seeing the government announcement of enhanced pension benefits for (only) PBOR as an attempt to create a divide between them and the officers. Several PBOR from different parts of the country called today expressing resolve to thwart any such perceived divisive efforts.
The Steering Committee had their monthly meeting today and discussed issues of contemporary concern to the ESM community.
Best regards,

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

GEN SATBIR IN THE TRIBUNE ON OROP

GEN SATBIR IN THE TRIBUNE ON OROP

From The Tribune, Chandigarh of 13 July 2009.


http://www.tribunei ndia.com/ 2009/20090713/ letters.htm



One rank, one pension

A skilfully crafted statement of the Union Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, on the long-standing demand of the defence forces for one rank, one pension has created a wholly erroneous impression that the demand has finally been granted by the government. In fact, the available information indicates that the issue has not been even remotely addressed.

By bringing pre-1996 pensioners on a par with the post-1996 pensioners, the Finance Minister has only removed a 13-year-old anomaly, which should have been done long ago. Revised pensions announced after the Sixth Pay Commission had created three distinct classes of pensioners. As a result, similar personnel in each class received widely differing pensions. Equity and natural justice demanded that these artificial distinctions should have been removed whenever pensions were revised. Importantly, the distinction between pre-and post-2006 pensioners remains un-addressed. It needs reminding that the demand of the defence forces and defence pensioners for one rank, one pension was, in fact, only for the removal of this distinction. Such indifference of the government for the defence forces and veterans is galling.

Maj-Gen SATBIR SINGH (retd), Vice-Chairman, Indian ESM Movement

Thursday, July 9, 2009

ESM sitrep 08 jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 08 Jul evening

Date: Wednesday, 8 July, 2009, 8:42 PM

Dear Colleagues,

Some ESM are scheduled to meet the Minister of State for Defence, Mr Pallam Raju tomorrow (Jul 9) for discussion on OROP. It is hoped that the Minister would clear some of the fog presently shrouding the spread of the promised 2100 Cr for pension related benefits, and the govt stand on OROP.


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

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

ESM sitrep 07 Jul 2009

Date: Tuesday, 7 July, 2009, 10:30 PM
Dear Colleagues,

Buoyed by the initial budget news through TV stickers yesterday, several ESM from nearby States of Haryana, Rajasthan and UP had called up to congratulate the IESM for getting OROP. With the reality taking root, most of them and many more called up again today to express their disillusionment and anger at the government misleading them and the public by falsely claiming that OROP had been sanctioned. Without exception they all resolved to carry on their struggle for OROP.

The exact implication of what the government plans to include in their 2100 Crores expenditure still lacks clarity. Plans for next action will be firmed up after the haze lifts.

Best regards,

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

Comments Budget 2009: OROP
The amount allocated in the Indian Union Budget 2009-10 toward OROP is Rs 2100 crore. If we divide this amount by 12 lakh as stated in the FM speech, we get a figure of Rs 17,500.00 per ESM. Even if we divide this figure by 22 lakh the total estimated number of ESM, we get a figure of Rs 9,545.00 per ESM. May be I am wrong in the above calculations - please recheck. If my above calculations are correct - which I think is correct, then why are we making these statements against the announcements made by the FM? I feel we should wait for the revised pension tables to be issued before we condemn the announcement made by FM and draw any other conclusions.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj

It is good that this Govt seems to be sitting up and has started thinking seriously about OROP for armed forces Pensioners. The recent announcement in the budget speech by the Finance Minister is expected to provide some parity in pensions to pre/ post 1997 retirees in PBOR category. The exact details are, however, awaited. I suppose, it is a matter of time that this concept will be extended to the officers too.
Here is the verbatim extract from the Budget Speech:
Budget Proposal: One Rank One Pension for Ex-Servicemen (OROP)
1. "..... On the basis of these recommendations, the Government has decided to substantially improve the pension of pre 1.1.2006 defence pensioners below officer rank (PBOR) and bring pre 10.10.1997 pensioners on par with post 10.10.1997 pensioners.
2. Both these decisions will be implemented from 1st July 2009 resulting in enhanced pension for more than 12 lakh jawans and JCOs.
3. These measures will cost the exchequer more than Rs.2,100 crore annually.
Certain pension benefits being extended to war wounded and other disabled pensioners are also being liberalised."

A small calculation

Annual Budget for this OROP Rs 2100 Crores= Rs 2100 x 100= Rs 210000 Lakhs. Target beneficiaries 12 lakh jawans & JCOs (as per FM), therefore, Average per individual annual hike/ benefit Rs 210000 lakh/ 12,00,000= 0.175 Lakh. Average Monthly benefit per individual is Rs 17500/12= Rs 1458/- only. So what is the big deal and all the jubilation about? how is it going to bridge the gap? Or is it that i am missing something or making some stupid calculation mistake.

Col Rajaraman (Retd)

It is hoped that the Anomalies Committee will first debug the Pay Commission Maze of Mess. This debugging if done in isolation, will cause a estimated outflow of Rs 500- 600 crores...
The Government has constituted a high level committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary to reduce the gap in the pensionary benefits to soldiers and officers and bring it as close to `One Rank, One Pension'.

"The other members of the committee are Defence Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary (Personnel), Secretary (Expenditure), and Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare)," said a senior Defence ministry source.

Financially the decision will additionally cost the government around 500-600 crore per annum and would be much less than the estimated financial liability for grant of OROP, the source said.

The other committee set up by the Ministry of Defence will be headed by Secretary (Defence Finance), Indu Liberhan, to sort out anomalies in the implementation of orders relating to armed forces pensioners.

The Sixth Pay Commission report had recommended 50 per cent weightage for armed forces PBORs during retirement, whereas earlier they would receive 70 per cent weightage until rehabilitated in other paramilitary forces. (ANI)

High-level committees to look at ex-servicemen’s ‘One Rank, One Pension’ demand Submitted by Praful Kumar Singh on Mon, 05/04/2009 - 11:49

ESM Sitrep 06 Jul 2009

Subject: ESM sitrep 06 Jul evening


Date: Monday, 6 July, 2009, 10:32 PM

Dear Colleagues,

The Finance Minister, in his budget presentation to the Parliament today, made a mention of ‘one rank one pension’. Only sketchy information is available to even those who watched him on the TV – I myself did not. Reportedly, the main beneficiaries are the pre-1997 PBOR pensioners, who have been brought at par with post-1997 and pre-2006 pensioners. That is a positive.

From what is known, OROP as is commonly understood has not been sanctioned. However, fuller details have to be awaited before any objective analysis in possible.

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

Sunday, July 5, 2009

ESM sitrep 05 Jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 05 Jul evening

Date: Sunday, 5 July, 2009, 10:29 PM

Dear Colleagues,
As you are aware, 26 July is Kargil Diwas. This marks the day when the last hill top was recaptured ten years ago, during those 'razor edge days'.
If ONE thing stood out in the nearly three month relentless operation it was the sheer grit and valour of the Indian defence forces. Many braves live amongst us today, while many did not return.
IESM will commemorate the valour of Kargil 1999, on 26 July, through week-long participative activities. We aim to involve the citizenry at large and spread consciousness about not only what most saw in awe on the TV screens 10 years ago, but also matters military generally. Arousing awareness on what makes a fauji; what he is?
Towards this, the following activities are planned.
· Blood donation drives across India. If ten years ago we fought the enemy on those icy heights, NOW we facilitate the fight against diseases like Thalassemia, which takes a forbidding toll of so many young lives. This is being done in collaboration with local blood banks. In NCR it is being done in collaboration with Rotary Club over several days.
· Organ pledging activities will be organized alongside the blood donation, in collaboration with local hospitals.
· Several corporate are being motivated to do whatever they wish to do, even without collaborating with us, but dedicate it to the event of Kargil Diwas e.g. tree plantation etc.
· Lectures by veterans are being organised, with Kargil operations as backdrop, but underscoring traits like camaraderie, regimentation, loyalty etc, that distinguish a fauji.
· Media interventions to publicise the day, are planned in consultation with both TV and radio channels. These will be in the form of discussions, quiz and interviews. Efforts are on to locate the gallantry award winners/ veterans of the period, and present them in person.
· Homage ceremonies at war memorials across the country are planned between 1100 and 1300 hrs on 26July. Blood donation / organ pledging will be done at the same venue.
· Veterans bara Khana / lunch after homage at war memorials.

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

ESM Sitrep 04 Jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sitrep 04 Jul evening


Date: Saturday, 4 July, 2009, 9:03 PM

Dear Colleagues,

The steering committee met this afternoon to work out the modalities for the Kargil Diwas activities. As already disseminated, apart from paying homage to the martyrs, the IESM plans to observe Kargil Day through positive actions, such as blood donation, pledging of organs, interaction with schools and colleges to talk about valour etc. There are also plans to get the civilians involved. The theme is to spread the message that the ESM spirit is not confined to merely protesting for their rights but also that they are positive contributors for social causes.

Best regards,

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

Saturday, July 4, 2009

ESM 02 Jul 2009

From: raj kadyan rajkadyan@yahoo.com

Subject: ESM sirep 02 Jul evening

Date: Thursday, 2 July, 2009, 10:38 PM

Dear Colleagues,

Many ESM have been calling from all over the country to check the status of OROP. Govt orders are still awaited.

Best regards,

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

J R VATSA said on Saturday, June 27, 2009, 11:44

Of course belately, yet the wisdom has dawned on the concerned leaders for serious consideration of the issue of OROP of defence services personnel. Dear all, let me tell you that there is no compromise on the aspect of nation’s security needs. I have my heart with the armed forces personnel who never think twice before laying down their lives for the sake of our nation. Let us all unite and give them their due without any rancour. It should be a matter of serious concern for all of us to have the armed forces personnel on the street agitating for their legimitate dues. Let us all unite and be with them in their hour of need.

The government seems all set to upwardly revise pension of ex-servicemen to bring them closer to the long-demanded ‘‘one-rank, one-pension’’ mechanism.

Though holding that full OROP is neither financially nor administratively possible, the government promises to resolve the existing anomalies in the pension structures of ex-servicemen which have been accentuated by the 6th Pay Commission.

On 25th June 2009, cabinet secretary Mr.K M Chandrasekhar, who heads the committee of secretaries (CoS) looking into the issue, made a presentation to Prime Minister Mr.Manmohan Singh. He is also said to have discussed the pros and cons of granting the OROP demand based on the nearly two-month study that the committee carried out on the subject.

Others present during the presentation included finance minister Mr.Pranab Mukherjee, defence minister Mr.A K Antony, home minister Mr.P Chidambaram and minister of state (personnel) Prithviraj Chavan. The UPA government has already committed itself to taking a decision on the subject by the end of June in President Ms.Pratibha Patil’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament on June 4.

Source : The times of India

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Views by Maj Gen Satbir Singh ...01 Jul 2009

My dear Col Sohi

1. Thanks for your mail. Your contributions to the cause of ESM welfare is highly appreciated.
2. I would however request you that, we should wait for the Govt orders, analyse them and then plan our future course of action. Purely going by the News paper reports, that the recommended proposal will cost the Govt approx Rs 600 crore, one can clearly discern that it will be nowhere near the OROP. The earlier estimates of OROP which appeared in the News papers indicated Rs 2200 crores per year for grant of full OROP. Your saying that the Cabinet Secretary has recommended very very near to the OROP may not be correct.
3. Col Sohi there is only one interpretation of OROP ie all past pensioners must get the same pension as is given the new pensioners with same length of service and same rank and it should remain so all the time ie OROP should be granted in perpetuity. Going by this as a concept, anything less than the above will not meet the ends of Justice.
4. I request all ESM Organizations and ESM to Unite and continue the efforts Unitedely to get Justice for defence Personnel.

With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement