Questions likely to be raised by S.Navjot Singh Sidhu, Member Parliament, in Lok Sabha in a couple of days : Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

Deare Veterans,
S. Navjot Singh Sidhu,Hon’ble Member of Parliament
(A-7, M.S. Flats, B.K.S. Marg, New Delhi-110001), is likely
to raise the following questions, relating to Veterans, in
Lok Sabha,in a couple of days or so. Let us hope for the best.

As per the unofficial information pouring in the Hq. of this
organisation,veterans may hope to get some authentic
information regarding Improved pension during the first
week of Decembe,2009..

QUESTIONS LIKELY TO BE RAISED BY

MEMBER PARLIAMENT ON MILITARY

PENSIONS (OROP)

1. More than 22000 medals have been returned to the President
by the Military Veterans so far – the last lot being the return of
2000 medals on 25th Oct 2009. It is a known fact that a medal is
very cherished and coveted part of a soldier’s life, both while in
service and after retirement. That the veterans have been
driven to such an extreme step shows the disillusionment and
frustration at the apathy of the Govt towards them.

2. The soldiers have been agitating since quite some time to
restore their dignity and pride which have been drastically
eroded by the recommendations and implementation of
6th Pay Commission by the Govt which has shown a total
disregard to the ethos, rank structure and, esprit de corps of
the Defence Forces. This will contribute to a large extent in
shaking the very foundation over which the Defence Forces of
the country stand. History will not forgive, the perpetrators
of this – the Pay Commission and the Govt. They have
intentionally or unintentionally demoralized the ex - soldiers
and by default the serving personnel as well.

3. I implore upon the Govt to take immediate remedial
measures to restore the confidence of the Military by seriously
going into their grievances before some tragic incident occurs.
Defence Forces of India function on hierarchical principle
without which the military can not function. The 6th CPC has
ruthlessly demolished their system. I want the Hon’ble Raksha
Mantri to reply on the following issues as starred questions.

Q 1. Why has the Govt ie PM, RM, FM mislead the nation both
in Parliament and outside that OROP had been implemented.
This is a blatant lie to confuse and mislead the Parliament
and the Nation, when actually on the ground no action has
been taken in this regard ?

Q 2. (a) An old pensioner (Pre 96) Sepoy with 17 years of
service gets a pension of Rs 3500/-per month only where as
a Sepoy retiring after 2006 with same years of service gets
a Pension of Rs 7045/- per month. Like wise all
Ex- servicemen of all ranks who retired prior to 01 Jan 06
will draw much less pension as compared to their counter
parts retiring after 01 Jan 2006 This is totally unjust,
arbitrator, illegal and happens only in our Country.
Will the worthy RM explain the rational of such
differentials?

(b) A Major General pre 2006 retiree get far less pension
than A Lt Col, (who is four ranks junior) who retired after
01-01-06. Likewise , other senior rank officers ie Brig, Col,
Lt Col, Maj, Capt, Lt, PBORs who are pre 2006 retirees get l
ess pension than their counterparts who retired after
01-01-06. This is a weird situation which is also a blatant
violation of Article 14 and fundamental rights of the
constitution. A senior rank officer must never get less
pension than his junior rank officer irrespective of thedate
of retirement. The very functioning of the Army Rank
structure is being adversely affected since the present
serving personnel are the future retirees. Will the worthy
RM explain the rational of this serious anomaly?

(c) There is far too large a gap --- of Rs 11600 --- between
Major and Lt Col. Similarly, too large a gap has been
created between the pensions of Major General and Lt Gen
i.e Rs 9800/- The pensions of Lt Col, Col, Brig and Major
General have been kept in a rather too narrow a range ie
Rs 25700 – Rs 26700/-, a gap of only Rs 1000. The length
of service and level of responsibility held have not been
given due weigatage. Between Col and Maj Gen, the
difference in pension is only Rs 650/-. The anomaly is too
glaring. There should be sufficient gap, between the
pensions of successive ranks and there should be no large
variations within a particular rank. Why the pensions
of Defence Pensioners structured so illogically. Will the
RM explain please?

(d) While implementing the Supreme Court judgment in
the case of Maj Gens, the Govt has accepted the concept of
granting the same pension to pre 96 and post 96 retirees
with same rank and same service the plea made by
Maj Gens when 5th Pay Commission was implemented.
In the same way, the Govt should have applied the same
concept in the case of pre 01 Jan 2006 and Post 01 Jan 2006
retirees of all ranks. Why the same has not been done?

(e) Three Assured Carrier Progressions (ACP) concept has
been accepted as 6th CPC award. But the same has not
been applied to the past pensioners. The past pensioners
should also be given the benefit of ACP by notionally
applying the concept to them and their pensions fixed
accordingly. Why the same has not been done?

(f) The Hon’ble PM on 15 Aug 09 in his speech at the Red
Fort announced enhancement of pensions of Junior
Commissioned Officers of Army and their equivalent in
Navy and Air Force and Other Ranks of Army, Navy and
Air Force. However, Govt orders of implementation of
enhanced pensions have not yet been issued.
What are the reasons for the delay?

Q 3. Why in the last 62 year the status of Defence Personnel
viz a viz their civil counterparts has been constantly eroded.
A few examples:-

o In 1947 highest Police Officer in a State was equivalent to
a Lt Col. However after 6th CPC he has been placed even
ahead of Lt Gen.

o A joint Secretary level officer was equal to a Major. However
, now he is equated with major General.

o A Jawan who handles all the technical equipment and
sacrifices the best period of his life in the most inhospitable
terrain and conditions and is on duty 24 hrs 365 days a year
and who has voluntarily surrendered his fundamental rights
has been equated with a peon in the Civil Govt.

4. Not to compare but to bring it to the notice of this august
house the respect which other countries give to their soldiers.
I wish to highlight some excerpts from the speech President
Obama gave at veterans of Foreign War Convention on
August 17, 2009

Quote

“And our nation owes these Americans ...and all who have
given their lives- a profound debt of gratitude… And as always,
the thoughts and prayers of every American are with those who
make the ultimate sacrifice in our defense….. We fulfill our
responsibility to our veterans as they return to civilian life…
Whether you’ve left the service in 2009 or 1949, we will fulfill
our responsibility to deliver the benefits and care that you earned
….These are commitments that we make to the patriots who serve…
from the day they enlist to the day that they are laid to rest.”

Unquote

5. Lastly a nation which does not show gratitude and respect to i
ts soldiers will do so at their own peril.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President,
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh.
Mob.098554-09128, Tele-Fax 0175-5000896.