Veteran PJS Chhatwal speaks

Support to Anti-corruption Movement led by, an ex-soldier Anna Hazare. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-04-08T15:38:00.010+05:30

Tele-fax: 0175 – 5000896. Mob: 098554-09128 Email: prabhjot_singh0@yahoo.com Ex- Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association (Regd.) # 3 Guru Ram Dass Nagar, Tripuri Road, Patiala - 147 004. Punjab, India. Patiala-8 April. Executive body of Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association, headed by Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.), in its emergent meeting, held today at Patiala, has resolved to support the Anti-corruption Movement led by Anna Hazare, also an ex-soldier. The movement is fully in consonance with the principle of equality in law and is the need of time to clear the mess created by corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. The association has directed all its state units to lend full support to the movement in their respective places as and when required. Veteran Malkiat Singh Gen. Secy.

SC comes to the rescue of disabled Army Veterans. Vet. PJS Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-04-05T12:59:00.003+05:30

Fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-04-05T12:34:00.002+05:30

Applicability of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008 to persons re-employed in Government Service after retirement. Vet. PJS Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-04-05T12:11:00.012+05:30

Fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners - Treatment of Military service Pay. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-04-05T11:31:00.004+05:30

No. 3/19/2009 Estt. Pay II Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Personnel & Training New Delhi, the 8th November, 2010 Office Memorandum Subject: Fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners - Treatment of Military service Pay The undersigned is directed to refer to the orders issued vide OM dated 5.4.2010 on fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners. These orders inter-alia lay down that on re-employed in civilian organizations. Military Service Pay shall not be admissible. However. the benefit of MSP given to all retired Defence Forces officers/personnel by reckoning it at the time of calculation of their pension (notionally in the case of Pre1.1.2006 pensioners) should not be withdrawn. Accordingly, while the pension of such re-employed pensioners will include the element of MSP, they will not be granted MSP while working in civilian organizations. In the instructions issued by the Ministry of Defence vide their letter No. 1/69/2008/D (Pay/Service) dated 24th July 2009, Pre-retirement pay has been defined as under: (i) In respect of re-employment taking place on/or after 1.1.2006 pre-retirement pay for those who retired after 1.1.2006 means the pay in the pay band plus grade pay but inclusive of Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) if any, last drawn before retirement. (ii) In case of officers who retired before 1.1.2006 and also those who retired after 1.1.2006 in the pre-revised pay scales without opting for the revised pay scales promulgated on or after 1.1.2006 the pay will be basic pay including stagnating increment and Rank pay plus the Dearness pay and Dearness allowance drawn at the time of retirement. As per these orders, for pre-2006 retires rank pay is included as a part of pay but post - 2006 retirees, the MSP is not reckoned in the pre-retirement pay for the purpose of pay fixation on re-employment. However for pension purpose the reckonable emoluments are -basic pay + MSP + NPA wherever admissible. Therefore while MSP is not taken into consideration for the purposes of pay fixation on re-employment, the element of MSP in pension is deducted. It has been decided in consolation with the Department of Expenditure, that since the element of MSP is not reckoned in the pay fixation on re-employment, it need not be reduced from the pension either, hence in respect of all those Defence Officers/personnel, whose pension contains an element of MSP, that need not be deducted from the pay fixed on re-employment. Sd/- (Mukesh Chaturvedi) Deputy Secretary To All ministries and Departments Copy to: NIC for uploading on the website under 'What New' and in Circulars-Establishment-Pay

Government trying to censor blogging. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-03-24T16:46:00.006+05:30

Government trying to censor blogging?
By R Shankar, India Syndicate, 22/03/2011

Is the Indian Government snooping on bloggers? Is a worried and nervous government trying to censor what bloggers write? Will the government snip uncomfortable opinion or comments?
Coming soon after the infamous Radia tapes where the government eves-dropped on corporate communication in hotel rooms and other private spaces, the issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha by Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday during the Zero Hour.
Said Chandrasekhar: "Indian bloggers are vibrant stakeholders of democracy, they represent young thoughts and their initiatives play an important role in the Indian political system. Youth rely on the phenomenon called blogging for news, to exchange ideas, thoughts and there should no censorship or control of thought on the Internet".
He urged the Government "to prevent any form of censorship, any form of control over blogs, bloggers and Internet"
A member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, Chandrasekhar pointed out to media reports that said that the Government was proposing to block or shut down blogs as well as bloggers if the opinions posted in them do not suit Government, institutions or individuals.
He said the move is one sided as the Government was planning to publish new rules in the Official Gazette under the Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2009 without inviting public opinion.
The rules, if they come into force, "will infringe upon the Right to Freedom of Expression of the bloggers and users of the internet - as the internet has become an essential part of our daily life," said the MP.
The new rules are ready to be notified in the Official Gazette and then these rules will come into force, he said.
The rules require intermediaries such as service providers not to host or publish any information, which in the context of the internet, does include bloggers.
Additionally, the rules propose to authorize the intermediaries to remove access to 'infringing' material if they themselves gave actual knowledge or are asked to do so by a mandated authority.
"The execution of these rules in its existing form will be a blow to the vibrant blogging community and bloggers. It could result in a shutting down of the internet, which is the main form of expression for growing Indians, if the information posted is found inconvenient to Government, institutions or individuals. This is certainly against our basic democratic principles," he added.
Chandrasekhar urged the Government to be transparent by inviting public opinion and involve the blogging community before finalizing and implementing these rules.

Source: India Syndicate

Cabinet nod for 6% DA hike today. Vet Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-03-22T09:27:00.003+05:30

Cabinet nod for 6% DA hike today
New Delhi: In what will be a bonanza for the central government employees, the Union Cabinet is all set to clear 6% Dearness Allowance (DA) to the employees and a 6% Dearness Relief (DR) to central government pensioners on Tuesday. The increased DA and DR will be applicable from January 1, 2011.
The proposed hike in DA and dearness relief will amount to a burden of R1, 500 crore to the exchequer, sources said.
The hike in the DA has been done in accordance with the recommended formula in sixth Central Pay Commission. According to the calculation, with the last six months of All India Consumer Price Index Numbers published by Labour Bureau from July-December 2010, the actual DA will work out to be 6.9%. However, sources said the government will give only 6% DA for now while the balance 0.9% will get factored in the next round after six months.
The proposed DA hike of 6% will take the Dearness Allowance from 45 to 51% of the basic pay, government sources said.
In September last year, the government had announced a 10% additional installment of DA for the central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners effective July 1, 2010. At that time, the increase represented a hike in DA from 35% of the basic Pay/Pension, to 45% to compensate for the price rise

Punjab & Haryana High Court passes strictures and imposes a fine of Rs 50,000 on the Govt for misleading the Court in a disability pension case.

2011-03-17T09:28:00.003+05:30

A petition filed by a boarded out disabled personnel, Sukhjinder Singh, was allowed by a Single Bench of the Hon’ble High Court which directed the release of disability pension to him.

The Union of India, as expected, however filed a Letter Patents Appeal (LPA) before a Division Bench challenging the order of the Single Bench and also alleging on affidavit that the Invaliding Medical Board had declared the disability ‘neither attributable to, nor aggravated by military service’. A copy of the board was however not produced before the Court.

The Division Bench asked the Union of India to produce before it a copy of the Medical Board which was done on the next date of hearing and which consequently left the Court aghast. The Medical Board had in fact clearly declared the disability as ‘aggravated by physical stress and strain of service’.

Clearly perturbed by the conduct, following are the excerpts of the order finally passed by the Hon’ble Court :

"...The aforesaid record now produced before us would show that on the first date of hearing while obtaining notice of motion, there was active concealment and even misrepresentation of facts from the Bench..."

"...Having heard the learned counsel for the parties and perusing the original record, we are amazed at the conduct of the appellant and its Officers. The instant appeal has been filed through the Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Defence, South Block, New Delhi; Chief of the Army Staff, Army Headquarters, New Delhi; the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension) Draupadi Ghat, Allahabad(UP) and couple of other Officers. A perusal of ground No. 7 of the appeal shows that a false plea has been set out which is simply against the record. In para 13 of the original proceedings of the Medical Board, it has been categorically found that the disease of 'Manic Episode F 30' is aggravated by military service whereas the proceedings of the Medical Board have been misquoted in para 7 of the grounds of appeal to say that the Medical Board had opined that the disease Manic Episode F 30 is not aggravated by military service..."

"...It is well settled principle of law applicable to equitable jurisdiction that when the facts are actively concealed or there is a misrepresentation then the party seeking to hear the appeal becomes disentitled to it. Such a conduct has been repeatedly condemned by the Courts. In the case of a private citizen filing a writ petition, a Full Bench of this Court in Chiranji Lal and others v. Financial Commissioner, Haryana and others 1978 PLR 582 has held that when there has been a mala fide and calculated suppression of material facts which if disclosed would have disentitled such a party to the extraordinary remedy under the writ jurisdiction or in any case would have materially affected the merits on the interim as well as ultimate relief claimed then such a party by their own conduct would forfeit the right of relief which they seek to claim. When such a conduct is adopted by the Central Body and its Officers, as is evident from ground No.7 of the Memorandum of Appeal, it assumes further seriousness. The Public Authority always file pleadings after due verification of the record. However, in the present appeal all that has been completely forgotten. Therefore, the appeal is liable to be dismissed with heavy costs..."

"...There is another aspect of the matter because the instant appeal is an illustration of frivolous litigation initiated at the instance of Union of India and its Officers. The appellant-Union of India has framed the National Litigation Policy which has been reported as (2010) 6 SCC J-17. The aforesaid policy has been completely overlooked by the appellants..."

"...Accordingly we find that the appeal is frivolous and a misuse of the process of the Court. In view of the aforesaid, the appeal is dismissed with costs of Rs.50,000/-. The costs shall be paid to the writ petitioner-respondent by the Union of India but the same shall be recovered from the Officer or Officers, who pleaded a false ground after holding an enquiry and fixing the responsibility..."

Courtesy: Maj. Navdeep Singh.

Northern Railway recruited 2,116 ex-servicemen under various categories. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-03-10T16:13:00.002+05:30

Northern Railway recruited 2,116 ex-servicemen under various categories

The Railway Ministry had earlier taken a decision to enrol ex-servicemen without any written examination for various posts across the country.

As major cantonments are located within the geographical limits of Northern Railway, the response to the recruitment drive was very high, a senior NR official said.

The entire recruitment was transparent as candidates were kept abreast of the developments through website, the official said, adding that the selected ex-servicemen have started reporting for work.

Cabinet likely to approve today 6% Dearness Allowance to CG Employees. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-03-10T16:10:00.002+05:30

Cabinet likely to approve today 6% Dearness Allowance to CG Employees...

The Union Cabinet Committee likely to release of additional instalment of 6% Dearness Allowance to Central Government Employees and Dearness Relief to Central Government Pensioners due from 1.1.2011.

The hike in the Dearness Allowance has been done in accordance with the recommended formula in sixth Central Pay Commission. According to the calculation with last six months of All India Consumer Price Index Numbers (AICPIN) published by Labour Bureau Govt. of India, from July 2010 to December 2010, may be given 6% of additional Dearness Allowance from January 2011 to Central Government Employees and Pensioners.

The proposed DA hike, to be approved by the Central Government today, this enhancement is taking the Dearness Allowance from 45 to 51 per cent of the basic pay and also some allowances and advances rise in 25% from the existing rates as per the recommendations in Sixth CPC.

Benifit For Ex-servicemen On Medical Emergency. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-03-05T11:13:00.004+05:30

BENEFIT FOR EX-SERVICEMEN ON MEDICAL EMERGENCY
(Hindustan Times 4-3-2011)

CHANDIGARH: Former defence personnel can get reimbursement for their medical bills incurred while availing emergency medical services abroad equivalent to cost of similar treatment in India, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) ruled on Thursday in Chandigarh.
A bench of the tribunal made the observation while deciding on petition by Brig TS Sekhon (Retd), who had to undergo emergency treatment for heart disease when he was in Germany with his daughter.
Sekhon had developed triple vessel disease and was advised bypass surgery more than a decade ago. When surgery was to be performed in 2000, he developed acute anterior myocardial with cardiogenic shock, and an emergency angioplasty was done with stenting in one vessel.
He retired in 2003. Due to a worsening heart condition, an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted in his heart in August 2003. In 2008, when he was with his daughter in Germany, his condition deteriorated and he had to take emergency medical treatment there.
The tribunal observed that in case of an emergency like Sekhon's, the army should pay expenses of treatment equivalent to what it would be in India.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

Mode of Payment of War Jagir. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-03-01T09:39:00.005+05:30

Tele-fax: 0175 – 5000896.
Mob: 098554-09128
Email: prabhjot_singh0@yahoo.com

Ex- Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association (Regd.)
# 3 Guru Ram Dass Nagar, Tripuri Road, Patiala - 147 004. Punjab, India.

ESSAA/1/2011 Dt: 28 February 2011 Mode of Payment
To
Director,
Sainik Welfare Harayana.
Sainik Bhawan, Sec-12,
Shaheed Capt. Rohit Kaushal Marg,
Panchkula - 134 109, Harayana.

Sub: Mode of Payment of War Jagir.

Dear Sir,
Kindly refer to the letter by Sub.(Retd.) Partap Singh, V&PO Mitathal, Distt. Bhiwani, published in The Tribune dt: 28-02-2011, in respect of mode of payment of War Jagir.
It is submitted that in most of the states, including Punjab, such payments are made to the parents of the veterans by the respective Distt. Sainik Welfare Offices through bank transactions to avoid any loss to the recipients.
As such, we request you to initiate the change of mode of payment of such payments and oblige.

Yours Sincerely,
Sd/-
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.

Copy to: 1. Secretary to Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence,
Deptt. of Sainik Welfare, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi -
2. Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, West Block - 4, Wing - V,
RK Puram, New Delhi -
- Both for information and deemed necessary action,
please.
3. Sub. (Retd.) Partap Singh, V&PO Mitathal, Distt. Bhiwani for
information.

Sd/-
President.

Fixed Medical Allowance for Veterans & their Widows increased from Rs.100/- to Rs.300/- P.M. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-26T10:38:00.005+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards, Find below the link to letter issued by PCDA (Pension), Allahabad to concerned quarters in respect of Increased Medical Allowance to Veterans & their Widows.

http://pcdapension.nic.in/6cpc/Circular-451.pdf

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

Latest on One Rank One Pension. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-25T12:26:00.006+05:30

Shri Harbhans Singh Government of india
Joint Secretary (Pension) Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
New Delhi - 110 011

DO NO 780/RM/PGC/2010 Dt: 11/2/2011
Dear Sir,
This has reference to your letter dated 14th June, 2010 addressed to Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA, regarding grant of One Rank One Pension to Armed Forces Veterans and other related issue.
2. The matter has been examined. An appeal (IA No. 9/2010) has been field in the Hon'ble Supreme Court seeking modification of its order dated 08 March 2010. The case is scheduled for hearing on 24.2.2011. As the issue affects pay /pension of many serving as well as retired officers, the decision of the Hon'ble Court is awaited.
3. As regards grant of One Rank One Pension, a Committee under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary was set up to look into the demand of One Rank One Pension and related issues. Although the Committee did not recommend One Rank One Pension, substantial improvement in the pension of Commissioned Officers and PBORs have been recommended. All orders implementing the recommendations of the committee have since been issued vide MOD's letters dated 30/10/2009, 19/01/2010, 20/1/2010 and 08/3/2010.

With best regards,
Yours Sincerely,

Sd/-
(harbans Singh)

Revised letter on casualty / disability / war-injury pensionary awards for pre-2006 retirees based on 6th CPC scales issued. Vet. PJS Chhatwal PLS

2011-02-25T11:46:00.004+05:30

Thursday, February 24, 2011
Revised letter on casualty / disability / war-injury pensionary awards for pre-2006 retirees based on 6th CPC scales issued

As reported here earlier, the letter on modified parity for casualty awards has finally been issued. Casualty awards from now onwards are to be calculated based on 6th CPC scales.

The letter can be accessed and downloaded by clicking here. http://www.scribd.com/doc/49462925/Revised-Casualty-Awards Please do not mail me individual requests for the same, such requests shall not be replied to.

In brief, this shall be the fresh entitlement with effect from 01-01-2006 :

Special Family Pension : Would not be less than 60% of minimum of 6th CPC pay band + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay + X Group Pay (wherever applicable) corresponding to the rank held.

Liberalized Family Pension : Would not be less than the (100% of) minimum of 6th CPC pay band + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay + X Group Pay (wherever applicable).

Disability Element : Would not be less than 30% of the minimum of 6th CPC pay band + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay + X Group Pay (wherever applicable) for 100% disability, proportionately reduced for lesser disability.

War Injury Element : Would not be less than 60% of the minimum of 6th CPC pay band + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay + X Group Pay (wherever applicable) for 100% disability proportionately reduced for lesser disability in cases of retirement / discharge and 100% of the minimum of 6th CPC pay band + Grade Pay + Military Service Pay + X Group Pay (wherever applicable) for 100% disability proportionately reduced for lesser disability in cases of invalidment.

Other finer modalities can be seen from the letter.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 5:44 PM 0 comments
Labels: Disability Pension, Pay Commission, Pension, Policy and Benefits

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

Army Hqs. instructs to stop the usage of Term 'PBOR'. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-23T15:54:00.005+05:30

Tele: 2301 8051
Dte Gen of Staff Duties
General Staff Branch
Integrated HQ of MoD(Army)
South Block
New Delhi - 110 011

13048/SD-1B 23 Dec, 2010

Headquarters
Southern Comd (GS/SD)
Eastern Comd (GS/SD)
Western Comd (GS/SD)
Central Comd (GS/SD)
Northern Comd (GS/SD)
ARTRAC (GS)
Southern Western Comd (GS/SD)

USAGE OF TERM 'PBOR'

1. The abvn/acronym 'PBOR' does not exist in the 'Staff Duties in Fd Appx 'C' - Abbreviation 2006'. However, over a period of time incorrect usage of this term PBOR has become a practice. It is seen and reported by a Comd HQ that the acroym 'PBOR' is being wrongly used in respect of 'JCOs and OR'.

2. The issue has been considered at the IHQ of MoD(Army). It has been decided that the acronym 'PBOR' will not be used, instead 'JCOs and ORs' is to be used in all the letters/comns.

3. The above instr may be disseminated to the envt for compliance.

Sd/-
(S Sharma)
Lt Col
Offg Dir SD-1
for DCOAS (IS&T)

Copy to :-
All Branches of IHQ of MoD(Army)
All Dtes of GS Branch

Easier access to Swiss bank accounts? Veteran Prabhjot Singh PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-16T10:05:00.004+05:30

Easier access to Swiss bank accounts?

New Delhi: The Swiss government says it is willing to relax the rules required for administrative assistance to get information on bank accounts in Swiss banks. This will help countries like India to trace 'black' money stashed in Swiss bank accounts.
So far, Swiss banking secrecy norms have been extremely rigid when it comes to getting information on account holders. Swiss laws require countries to have so much information beforehand that it is hard to even track an account. This is likely to become easier.
Usually, the name of the account holder, the account number and the also name of the bank are required to track accounts. But the Swiss authorities say under the new proposals they will be able to accept other forms of identification as well.
These proposals have been put forward after the global transparency forum in Paris said, in a report, the Swiss requirements were too rigid and it was difficult to get information on account holders.
The Swiss Parliament, which has traditionally been opposed to lifting banking secrecy, has to first clear these proposals for them to come into effect.
Swiss authorities insist that even under the new rules there will be no room for fishing expeditions; for them to cooperate, a strong case against the account holder and, reliable information will have to be furnished.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

The 20% disability misconception (Navdeep Blog). Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-16T09:46:00.004+05:30

The 20% disability misconception

Defence personnel and Record offices are still under the misconception that a minimum 20% disability is required for earning a disability element of disability pension. This misconception stems from the fact that the said 20% figure is mentioned in Regulations 48 and 173 of the Pension Regulations dealing with grant of disability pension.

However, the said criterion of 20% minimum requirement has already been abrogated with effect from 01-01-1996 but only for invalided personnel. Hence, there is no requirement of minimum 20% disability for earning a disability element for those post-1996 retirees who were invalided from service and such invalided personnel are entitled to a disability element by rounding off the disability to 50% even in case they are medically boarded out with 01% disability. The minimum 20% disability requirement however remains intact for those disabled retirees who have been discharged on completion of terms or have superannuated.

The Govt, after the 5th CPC, had brought disabled defence personnel at par with civilian disabled personnel and had abrogated the minimum 20% requirement for earning a disability element for those personnel who were invalided. The reason for this was that normally it is not expected from the authorities to invalid out personnel with disabilities less than 20%, hence the govt had taken a considered decision that if such a situation arose then such invalided personnel shall be given the benefit of disability element with rounding off to 50% even if the disability was 01%.

This becomes clear from the heading of Para 7 and Para 7.2 of Govt of India, MoD Letter dated 31-01-2001 which provides that disabilities ‘less than 50%’, (that is, without any minimum criterion of 20%) would be reckoned as 50% for disability element purposes. Further the heading of Para 8 read with Para 8.1 and more particularly Para 8.2 clearly stipulate that in cases of individuals retained in service (and not invalided), no disability element shall be paid for disabilities below 20%. This condition of minimum 20% has only been imposed in Para 8 (retirement / discharge cases) and not in Para 7 (invalidation cases).

Though the office of the PCDA(P) and the MOD are both aware of the abrogation of the 20% criterion and are granting the benefit whenever papers are processed to them, many Record offices remain unaware of the same and are not sending the documents for continuation of disability pension in invalidation cases where the disability has fallen below 20% or when the disability was initially assessed at below 20% but still the person was invalided out.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

Improvement in the Pension of PBOR discharged from service on or after 1.1.2006. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-15T10:40:00.005+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards. Find below the action taken by PCDA (P) Allahabad on Ministry of Defence letter No. 17(4)/08/(2)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 18.08.2010 on the above subject.

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS
(PENSION), DRAUPADI SHAT,
ALLAHABAD 211014

Group order No. 1580 Dt: 29.09.2010.

Sub: Implementation of Government's decision on the recommendations of the
Sixth Central pay Commission - Pension of Personnel Below Officer Rank
(PBOR) discharge from service on or after 1.1.2006.

Reference: This Section Group No. 1554 dated 22.12.2008.

A copy of Government of India, Ministry letter No. 17(4)/08/(2)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 18.08.2010 on the above subject, is reproduced as Annexure to this Group Order for information and guidance of all concerned.

Sd/-
(R.K SAROJ)
DY. C.D.A (P)
No. Gts/Tech/0165/XX
Dated: - 29.09.2010

Copy to :

1. All Record Officers/Regiment, Corp.
2. Bureau of Sailors, Cheetah Camp, Mumbai.
3. All Force Record, Dhaula Kunwa, Delhi Cantt.
4. All Addl CsDA/JI CsDA in Main Office.
5. All GOs in Main Office.
6. The OI/C, G-1(M), AT(ORs)-Tech, and G-1/Civil (Tech.)
7. All SAOs/AOs/AAOs in Gts/Ors Complex.
8. The OI/C, EDP Manual.
9. The OI/C, EDP Centre.
10. Defence Pension Liaison Cell.
11. JAG Cell
12. The OI/C, DPTI Cell.
13. The OI/C, O&M Cell.
14. Spare.

Sd/-
(ALOK PATNI)
Sr.A.O(P)

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

Improvement in the pension of PBOR discharged from service on or after 1st Jan 2006. Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-15T09:38:00.006+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards. Find below the reply received by Ex-Servicemen and Social Welfare Trust in above connection from PCDA (P) Allahabad.

REGISTERED

No.Gts/Tech/167-I
O/O the PCDA(P)
Allahabad
Dated: 18.01.2011

To

Ex-Servicemen and Social Welfare Trust (EXWEL)
Tirunelveli-627002.
Tamilnadu

Subject: Improvement in the pension of PBOR discharged from service on
or after 01st Jan 2006.

Reference: Your letter No.Exwel/253/2010 dated 25.11.2010.

In this context it is intimated that the issue regarding bridging the gap between pre and post 2006 has already been finalized by government. The Govt. order on this subject has already been issued vide MOD letter No.17(4)/08/(2)/D (Pen/Pol) dt.18.08.2010 (copy enclosed for ready reference). It is further added that the suo-moto Corr. PPO will be issued for affected cases. The software program for implementation of this Govt. letter is under preparation and required Corr. PPO will be issued as and when the program is developed.

Sd/ x xx x
(ALOK PATNI)
Sr.A.O.(P)
Copy to-
The Senior Record Officer
Officer in-Charge
MEG Record Office
Bangalore

Sd/- x x x
(ALOK PATNI)
Sr.A.O.(P)

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

Regarding OROP: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-12T11:02:00.006+05:30

Dear Veteran (Brig.) Kamboj, Regards.
With respect to speech made by Army Chief, Gen. V.K Singh in Bhiwani and the comment given below by respected Veteran (Gen.) S.K Bahri, I beg to state that statement by Army Chief, "One Rank One Pension has been almost accepted for JCO's and OR", is incorrect and misleading. JCO's and below have been given the benefit of modified parity in pension what the Hony Officers and above have got in year 1997. One rank one pension has not (R) not been implemented in case of JCO's and below. The statement of Veteran Gen. S.K Bahri is equally devoid of facts when he says, ''The speech of the COAS at Bhiwani about grant of OROP only concerns JCOs and OR. The present govt is not inclined to touch the officers case."

In fact, Army Chief has stated that the demand of one rank one pension (OROP) for officers is under serious consideration and also added that OROP for other ranks has been almost accepted.

With such inputs for the consumption of Veterans on 'Report my Signal', I am afraid, Unity of Veterans fighting for OROP will, certainly, be in peril. Please give it a serious consideration.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele fax-0175-5000896.

From: ""Report My Signal" (Chander Kamboj)"
To: ""Report My Signal" (Chander Kamboj)"
Sent: Thu, February 10, 2011 11:10:32 PM
Subject: AFT CASES - IMPORTANT EMAIL FROM LT GEN SK BAHRI - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 059/2011 - 10 FEB 2011 (LIST-4)
Brigadier CS Kamboj, VSM., VETERAN,
Email ID – CS.Kamboj@yahoo.in

“REPORT MY SIGNAL - BLOG” – http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com/
IESM UPDATES AND MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION – http://www.iesm.org/
SANJHA MORCHA WEBSITE - http://sanjhamorcha2009.blogspot.com/

"REPORT MY SIGNAL"

Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

From: Satish Kumar Bahri [mailto:skbahri1@yahoo.com]
Sent: 10 February 2011 18:09
To: IESM Core Gp; Chander Kamboj
Subject: Fw: Re: [MilitaryVeterans] SC CASE DELAY-AF PENSIONERS

On Thu, 10/2/11, Satish Kumar Bahri wrote:

From: Satish Kumar Bahri
Subject: SC CASE DELAY-AF PENSIONERS
To: "subhash kapoor"
Cc: "Colonel Rajan" , "IESM" , "IESL League" , "Adm Harinder Singh" , "Col Satwant Singh"
Date: Thursday, 10 February, 2011, 6:04 PM
I see a lot of disquiet amongst ESM that the Supreme Court and AFT decisions are not being acted upon by the Service HQ and MOD because, the Govt is not interested to solve the issues related to ESM and, the AFT has no powers to enforce its decisions. I had a discussion with the AGs Br yesterday and have learnt the following –

a) AFT and SC court orders are being implemented but due to procedural problems and the layers who have to deal with each case it is taking time to issue orders. Der Hai Par Andher Nahin!

b) The SC orders for the constitution of a commitee with an ex SC Judge and two Gens is facing flack from MOD. They feel that the Commitee should only look into the grievances of ESM and serving people's problems should be looked into separately. This means if they can suppress the serving pers the ESM will automatically be denied their dues as they will be linked to the serving soldiers. Gens Malik and Oberoi may be able to throw more light on it.

c) The speech of the COAS at Bhiwani about grant of OROP only concerns JCOs and OR. The present govt is not inclined to touch the officers case.(Possibly because it will affect the IAS and other Cl I services, who the govt is obliged to protect because of the services rendered by them!)
e) Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd) (1st JSW Course, Former MGO)

Clerification required: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-09T09:27:00.004+05:30

Clarification reqd
From: Ravindran Major View Contact
To: prabhjot_singh0@yahoo.com

The info is not available me. Even the court order mentions only that he fought in 3 wars but has omitted the crucial info. Maybe he is not a battle casualty. Anyhow I am forwarding it to those who may be better informed.

regards n bw

ravi

From: prabhjot singh
Date: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Subject: Re: Fwd: THE GAMES BABUS ARE PLAYING WITH INDIAN MILITARY VETERANS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 057/2011 - 08 FEB 2011 (LIST-4)
To: Ravindran Major

Dear Veteran (Major) Ravindran, Regards.
Would you, please, confirm whether Major Dharam Chand was a war casuality or he died in harness. If he was a war casuality, basic pension of Mrs. pushpavanthi should be more than 25,000/- P.M. and not Rs.18000/- P.M.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob.098554-09128. Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

From: Ravindran Major
Sent: Tue, February 8, 2011 8:59:46 AM
Subject: Fwd: THE GAMES BABUS ARE PLAYING WITH INDIAN MILITARY VETERANS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 057/2011 - 08 FEB 2011 (LIST-4)

From: Ravindran Major
Date: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 8:57 AM
Subject: Re: THE GAMES BABUS ARE PLAYING WITH INDIAN MILITARY VETERANS - "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - EMAIL 057/2011 - 08 FEB 2011 (LIST-4)
To: "Report My Signal (Chander Kamboj)"

I have posted the following comments at the ndtv site. it may appear after 'moderation':

The soldiers, including veterans, can trust these people in govt only at their own peril. Moily keeps on harping about reducing court cases by reducing govt litigation and then goes on with appeal after appeal in the case of remuneration of service people including veterans. Even the rank pay due to armed forces officers since 1986 has not been paid till date. These days government has not only become synonymous with corruption but also with treason! It appears that soldiers are sacrificing their lives to sustain thugs, scoundrels and traitors in offices of authority in this country.

regards n bw

Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Armed Forces. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-08T15:08:00.005+05:30

Dear Veterans, Find below the copy of letter dated: 12 Jan 2011 issued by Ministry of Defence regarding revision of Fixed Medical Allowance.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Aiemen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-500896.

No. 1 (10)/09-D (Pen/Policy)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare
New Delhi- 110011

Dated: 12 Jan 2011

To

The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff

Sub: Grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to the Armed Forces
Pensioners Residing in area not covered under ECHS

Sir,
The undersigned is directed to refer to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence letter No. 1(1)/98/D (Pen/Sers) dated 15th June, 1998 regarding grant of Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) of Rs.100/- p.m. to Armed Forces Personnel/Family Pensioners for meeting expenditure on the day medical expenses that do not require hospitalization unless the individual opts for OPD treatment in Armed forces Hospitals/M.I Rooms and convey the sanction of the President for enhancement of the amount of FMA from Rs.100/- to Rs.300/- The other conditions for grant of FMA shall continue to be in force.

2. Ex-Servicemen who retired after 01 Apr 2003 have to become member of ECHS compulsorily and are not eligible to draw Fixed Medical Allowance. However, all are 01 Apr 2003 retirees have the option of either joining the scheme or draw fixed Medical Allowance as per the rates.

3. These orders will take effect from 01.09.2008.

4. This issues with take concurrence of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their U.O. No. 4609/F/P/2010 dated 07.01.2011.

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(Malathi Narayanan)
Under Secretary to the Government of India.

Statement of The Chief of the Army Staff,Gen V K Singh regarding OROP to other ranks is not correct : Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2011-02-08T10:51:00.007+05:30

Dear Veterans, Find below the statement of Army Chief which appeared in Times of India. His statement regarding OROP to other rank is not correct. One rank one pension has so far not been given to JCO's & below. Pension revised vide PCDA circular No.Grants/Tech/0167/IV dated: 10th March, 2010 is modifed parity in pension and not one rank one pension. This benifit has been availed by officers way back in 1997.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
TIMES OF INDIA

Sun, Feb 06, 2011

'One-rank one-pension under consideration'

BHIWANI/CHANDIGARH: The Chief of the Army Staff ( COAS), General VK Singh, has informed that the demand of one rank for one pension (OROP) for officers is under serious consideration. He added that the OROP for other ranks has been almost accepted. General Singh was in his hometown Bhiwani in Haryana on Saturday to attend the 'Army Mela' organized by the South-Western command. He also informed that the army authorities have chalked out a proposal for the restructuring of the force and to bring more transparency in it. On the Adarsh scam, the General assured that enough steps have been taken by the army to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future.

The two-day mela was organized at Bhim Stadium, Bhiwani under the theme, "Indian Army - Nation First Always and Every Time."

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Singh said that the Army has declared the year 2011 as the 'Year of the Disabled Soldier'.

A large number of initiatives have been launched for the well being of those army men who have suffered disablities including allotment of Rs 1 crore for upgradation of infrastructure, rehabilitation and training of quadriplegic and paraplegic patients, financial assistance of Rs 25,000 for widows of army men for higher education, one time financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to those who have suffered amputations for modification of their bathroom, education grant of Rs 400 per month per child for a maximum of two children for those who suffered fatal injuries and demise grant for the next of kin of retired JCOs & OR has been enhanced from Rs 3,000 per individual to Rs 5,000 per individual with effect from January 15 this year.

General Singh, who hails from Bhiwani informed that a large number of directions have been issued towards improvement of facilities for soldiers of Bhiwani including relocation of unit run canteen and a new building for ECHS (Ex-servicemen contributory health scheme).

Bhiwani district alone has about 35,000 Gaurav Senanis, a sizeable strength of 'Veer Naries' and 25,000 serving officers, JCOs and other ranks in the Indian Army.

The Rajya Sainik board and the pension liaison cell, Allahabad too had set up their awareness stalls to redress the grievances of retired soldiers. Haryana chief minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda was also present on the occasion and thanked the army for organizing such big event in the state.

DA to Veteran and Widows: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-02-01T15:21:00.006+05:30

What will be the Dearness Allowance from January 2011?
Posted: 31 Jan 2011 06:09 PM PST

Now the prediction and calculation over Dearness Allowance will come to an end. According to the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers for the last 12 months, it is expected that the Dearness Allowance will be 51% from January 2011.As we expected earlier, additional 6% will be added to the existing D.A of 45%. Hence we can expect that 51% Dearness Allowance will be paid to all the Central Government Employees from January 2011, if so government decides. The Government may take a decision in this matter by first week of March 2011.

Some of our viewers have raised the same question again and again in the comments forum that if D.A crosses 50% level whether it would be merged with D.A or not. It has been clarified that the D.A will not be merged with basic pay since it was not recommended by 6CPC.

But if the D.A crosses 50% level, some of the Allowances, which are compensatory in nature, will be raised by 25% as per the recommendation of 6CPC.

These Allowances are,
1. Children Education Assistance & Reimbursement of Tuition Fee
2. Advances for purchase of Bicycle Advance, Warm clothing Advance, Festival Advance, Natural Calamity Advance
3. Special Compensatory Hill Area Allowance
4. Special Compensatory Scheduled / Tribal Area Allowance
5. Project Allowance
6. Special Compensatory (Remote Locality) Allowance
7. Cycle Maintenance Allowance
8. Mileage for road journey all components of daily allowance on tour, rate of transportation of personal effects.
9. Rates of Conveyance Allowance under SR-25
10. Washing Allowance
11. Split Duty Allowance
12. Spl. Allowance for Child Care for Women with Disabilities and Education Allowance
for disabled children
13. Cash Handling Allowance
14. Risk Allowance
15. Postgraduate Allowance
16. Desk Allowance
17. Bad Climate Allowance
Source: Vinmoney

Meeting of ESSAA (Maharashra Branch): Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-01-29T15:18:00.002+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards.
Find below the Venue of meeting of ESSAA (Maharashra Branch) being held on 30th January, 2011 at 10 a.m. as conveyed by Veteran Balbir Singh President of ESSAA (Maharashtra Branch).

Venue:-
Nalanda Baudh Vihar
(It is in the Corner of Proposed College Ground)
Opp to Mahalaxmi Mall, Sec 11,
Kamothe, Navi Mumbai- 410205
9702020412, 9869328402

Happy Republic Day to Veterans.: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-01-26T10:24:00.008+05:30

Happy Republic Day

Courtesy:
Col K Mohandas
CHITTUR (PALAKKAD) - 678 101 Kerala

Fixed medical allowance increased to Rs.300/- P.M. for Veterans and Widows drawing fixed medical allowance.: Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2011-01-24T10:23:00.004+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards,
There is a good news for veterans and widows (who are drawing fixed medical allowance) that the same has been increased to Rs.300/- P.M. The message has been received today from the office of Secretary, Ex-Servicemen Welfare, New Delhi, that the letter has been issued by Ministry of Defence on 12th January, 2011.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax. 0175-5000896.

Meeting notice of Maharashtra Unit of Ex-Soliders,Sailors & Airmen Association.: Vet. PJS Chhatwal PLS (Retd.).:

2011-01-22T10:29:00.005+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards.
Meeting of Maharshtra Unit of Ex-Soliders, Sailors & Airmen Association is scheduled to be held on 30th January, 2011 (Sunday) at 10.00 a.m. in Mansrover (Kamothe), Navi Mumbai. Exact venue will be intimated in due course. All the Veterans and Widows are requested to attend the same.
Contact:097020 20412 & 098693 28402.
Veteran Balbir Singh.
President ESSAA, Maharashtra Unit.

2011-01-22T10:29:00.001+05:30

Increase in Fixed Medical Allowance for Veterans and Widows: Veteran Prabhot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.).:

2011-01-12T17:18:00.003+05:30

Tele-fax: 0175 - 5000896.
Mob: 09855409128.
Email: prabhjot_singh0@yahoo.com

Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen
Association

# 3 Guru Ram Dass Nagar, Tripuri Road, Patiala,
Punjab.-147 004. India.

ESSAA/5/2011 Dt: 12 January, 2011.

To
Secretary to Govt. of India,
Ministry of Defence,
Deptt. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare,
Sena Bhawan, New Delhi.

Sub: Grant of fixed medical allowance @ Rs. 100/- P.M. to Armed Forces pensioner and and their families (including future pensioners/family pensioner/ and pensioner/ family pensioner of erstwhile State Forces.

Sir,
Kindly refer to your Hqs. letter no. 1(1)/98/D (Pen./Sers) dt: 15th June, 1998 intimating the sanction of the President to grant fixed medical allowance to the Armed Forces pensioners (along with Civilians Central Govt. pensioners) on the recommendation of 5th Central Pay Commission.

Now when the fixed medical allowance of Central Govt. pensioners has been increased (from Rs.100/- to Rs.300/- P.M.) vide the letter no. 4/25/2008-P&PW(D) dt: 26th May, 2010 issued by Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Deptt of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare), Govt. of India w.e.f 01-09-2008. and implemented by Circular No. 78 dt: 08-07-2010 issued by the Office of PCDA (Pensions), Allahabad, the orders to this effect have, so far, not been issued by your Hqs / PCDA (Pension) causing much frustration among the veterans and their families.

As such, you are requested to look into this delay and do the needful at the earliest to arrest the discontentment prevailing among the veterans.
We shall be much obliged.

Yours Sincerely,

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.

Copy to: 1. Defence Minister, Govt. of India, Sena Bhawan New Delhi.-
2. Hon'ble Prime Minister, Govt. of India, New Delhi.-
-for information and deemed necessary action, please.
3. PCDA (Pension) Allahabad for information.

President.

Letter to Secretry, Deptt. Defence Welfare regarding Implementation of Govt. decision regarding pension of PBORs discharged on or after 2006.

2011-01-11T12:18:00.007+05:30

Tele-fax: 0175 - 5000896.
Mob: 09855409128.
Email: Prabhjot_singh0@ yahoo.com

Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association

# 3 Guru Ram Das Nagar, Tripuri Road, Patiala-Punjab.-147 004.

ESSAA/5/2011 Dt: January, 2011

To
Secretary, to Govt. of India,
Ministry of Defence,
Deptt. of Ex-servicemen Welfare
Sena Bhawan, New Delhi.

Sub: Implementation of Govt. decision regarding pension of PBORs
discharged from service on or after 2006.

Sir,
Reference is made to your office Memo no. 17(4) 08/(2) / DC(Pen/Policy) dt: 18.08.2010.
It is submitted that no instructions to implement the decision conveyed in your above letter to relieve the said ex-servicemen (JCOs and below) have so for been issued by PCDA (Pension) Allahabad where as instructions issued by your Hqs. regarding deduction of DCRG,already paid to them, have been implemented quickly to squeeze their already bleak financial sources.
As such we request you to instruct PCDA Allahabad to issue the said instructions at the earliest to arrest the discontentment among the ex-servicemen.
We shall be much obliged.

Yours Sincerely,

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.

Copy to: PCDA (Pension) Allahabad for information please.
President.

Central Govt. employees and pensioners are likely to get 6% D.A. from January 2011.: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.).:

2011-01-03T10:01:00.003+05:30

Central Govt. employees and pensioners are likely to get 6% D.A. from January 2011
Whatever the price of onion is; the D.A will not be as sweet as July last year. As per the All India Index published by Labour Bureau, Govt. of India the Dearness Allowance payable to the Central Govt.staff with effect from January 2011 may not be more than 6 percent.

The figure for Nov'10 has just released and it stands at 182. The December figure is expected in the end of January. Even if the figure touches 185 in December, which is very unlikely, the D.A. hike will be limited to 6%.

Only thing to cheer is the fixed allowances such as Children Education Allowance, Conveyance Allowance for some category of staff will be 25% more as the D.A. will certainly cross the 50% mark. It may be remembered that D.A. linked allowances such as Transport Allowances will be unchanged.

Source: Pay Commission Update

Veterans at the mercy of whimsical decision-makersMaj Navdeep Singh.: Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2010-12-31T10:04:00.010+05:30

Veterans at the mercy of whimsical decision-makers: Maj Navdeep Singh
“All is fair in love and war” was the answer I got from a senior functionary in the Ministry of Defence, when I pointed out that the ministry had recently cited an outdated Naval Pension Regulation before the Supreme Court to get a case decided in its favour. Is it a war that we are waging against our veterans?
The problem runs deep. While officers from the uniformed services and the IAS come and go, those permanently ensconced in the ministry and the service headquarters, on whom we tend to over-ly depend, rule the roost. There is a feeling amongst key intermediary appointments that defence personnel with their subsidised liquor and free rations are already a pampered lot and that they do not deserve more, and hence every single welfare related attempt by the defence services is firewalled with notings on file that become difficult to counter. In all welfare-related spheres, the rules and regulations seem to be diametrically opposed to logic. Pensionary provisions are the worst, with numerous cut-off dates, irrational stipulations and categories within categories. An honorary naib subedar who retired after January 1, 2006 would get the pension of a regular naib subedar, but a similarly placed person who retired prior to this date would get the pension of a havildar. A 100 per cent disabled general who retired in 2006 would get Rs 27,000 as disability pension while an officer of the same rank with the same disability who retired in 2005 would get less than Rs 6,000. In a socially retrograde move, a widow who remarried prior to 2006 would lose her right to ordinary family pension but not the one who remarried after 2006. It seems the government is regressively opposed to remarriage of widows who unfortunately lost their husbands prior to 2006.
The list is never-ending. The bare fact that the defence services have the highest rate of pension related litigation in the country should have led to some revolutionary changes, but nothing positive seems to be happening and the pension department of the defence ministry continues to be operationalised by a single officer who runs the show and thrusts his decisions on millions of pensioners in stark contrast to the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare on the civilian side.
An overhaul of the functioning of medical boards as well as the rules related to grant of disability benefits is also required. The system of determining whether disabilities are “attributable to, or aggravated by military service” also requires a re-look since the guidelines on this are more mathematical and less medical. For example, for post traumatic stress disorder to be declared as service-related, we are still governed by the otiose requirement that a person needs to be posted in a field area for a particular length of time, or for instance, the requirement that symptoms should manifest themselves within 3 months of being denied leave in case of the death of a parent when the individual happens to be the only son. Modern medical science, on the other hand, has now proved that the manifestation of such symptoms has no relation with length of operational service and can even happen instantly due to one solitary incident which may happen in a single day and can at times occur as a case of delayed onset even five years after a stressful event. And can a person not be affected if he is not the “only” son and would not the problem be service-connected if the symptoms arise, say after three and a half months rather than the mathematical guideline of 3 months?
While psychiatric disorders need to be examined on a case-by-case basis, we are still stuck in the primitive times with numerical yardsticks. Leave aside medical science, it is understood even by a layman that psychiatric disorders are commonly aggravated by issues such as education of children, property disputes, family problems, etc. when the person is deployed on military duty, peace or field. For cardiovascular disorders, the charter of duties of last 14 days prior to the problem is considered and service-connection is only granted if any stress and strain is observed in the said period. However it is common knowledge that such diseases manifest on account of stress and strain experienced over a long period of time and a 14 days window has no medical relevance whatsoever. Too much mathematical emphasis is laid on field service, forgetting that there can be high pressure appointments in peace stations too which can result in far greater stress than in field stations.
The malaise can only be addressed if the defence services start posting upcoming and brilliant officers in the service directorates dealing with manpower and personnel who constructively provide their inputs to the process of decision-making and act as a counter-balance to elements who harbour an erroneous feeling that faujis are already getting more than they deserve. The element of sadism also needs to be curbed. If the feeling at the decision making level remains ‘”why should he get what I am not getting”, then it would be an exercise in futility to expect anything productive, and in that event, the “war” against veterans, especially against disabled soldiers, war-wounded, widows and pensioners, shall continue unabated.
(The writer practices in the Punjab and Haryana High Court)

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.)
Mob. 9855409128, Tele fax-01755000896.

A Happy and Prosperous New Year to Veterans and the Widows.: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.:

2010-12-28T16:17:00.006+05:30

Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.)
Wishes Veterans and widows a Happy and Prosperous
New Year and expects their demands about pension and
other benifits will he aceeded to by the Government at an
early date without further delay.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.)

Cancellation of meeting of Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.) Maharashtra unit.

2010-12-28T14:45:00.006+05:30

Dear Veterans,
A message has been recieved from Veteran Balbir Singh, President of E.S.S.A.A (Regd.) Maharshtra unit thats the meeting of Maharshtra unit scheduled on 2nd January,2011 is being cancelled. Fresh date will be notified later.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association Regd.

Supreme Court upholds grant of pension of regular Nb Sub to Pre-2006 Hony Nb Sub.: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd:.

2010-12-25T11:18:00.005+05:30

Supreme Court upholds grant of pension of regular Nb Sub to Honorary Nb Subedars who retired prior to 2006
On the basis of the 6th CPC recommendations, the govt had issued a notification granting pension based on the pay-scale of regular Naib Subedar to Havildars granted the Honorary Rank of Naib Subedar. Though the said notification contained only a stipulation that it would be applicable with (financial) effect from 01-01-2006, it nowhere stated that it shall only apply to those who retired after 01-01-2006 and not those who retired prior to this cut-off date. It was still however being negatively interpreted by the concerned authorities that it was to apply only to post-2006 retirees. The Chandigarh Bench of the AFT in Feb 2010 had however struck down this restrictive interpretation of the imaginary cut-off date and had ruled that the benefit shall be available to all Hony Nb Subs irrespective of date of retirement.

The Ministry of Defence had challenged the said orders in the Hon’ble Supreme Court by way of an SLP. The SLP was dismissed last week thereby upholding the orders of the AFT.

Interestingly, the Army HQrs, even before the issuance of the said notification, had pointed out to the MoD, a fact which is on record, that there should be explicit orders for both pre and post-2006 retirees. But the very fair request of the PS Directorate it seems fell on deaf ears thereby leading to unnecessary litigation on the subject.

Navdeep's Blog

Procedure for Purchase of items (AFD) for Wheelers and other items: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-12-25T10:40:00.008+05:30

ENTITLEMENT AND PROCEDURE FOR PURCHASE OF ITEMS AGAINST FIRM DEMAND (AFD) CATEGORY – I A) FOUR WHEELERS (CARS): OFFICERS
Posted: 23 Dec 2010 05:12 PM PST
ENTITLEMENT AND PROCEDURE FOR PURCHASE OF ITEMS AGAINST FIRM DEMAND (AFD) CATEGORY –I A) FOUR WHEELERS (CARS): OFFICERS

1. Eligibility:

a) All Commissioned / Honorary Commissioned Officers (serving / retired).

b) Widows of Service Officers.

c) Equivalent status of Civilian Officers / Officers of CSD. However, they will have to pay sales tax / Value Added Tax as applicable in the respective State.

d) All GREF Officers (serving / retired).

e) All SSC and EC Officers who have put in five years of reckonable service before release.

f) One of the parents i-e. either the father or the mother of unmarried deceased officers.

g) Either of the officers child, if both the parents have died and the child is drawing pension from Defence Estimates.

2. Other conditions:

a) Applicant must not have purchased a four wheeler (Car) within the last two years on the day of submission of the application. In addition, the applicant will have to give an undertaking that he/she will not sell the vehicle within next two years.

b) As per finance bill of 1998-99, quoting of PAN/GIR No is mandatory at the time of purchase of Car.

B) FOUR WHEELERS (CARS): PBOR

1. Eligibility:

All Personnel Below Officer rank (serving & retired), of the three services having minimum of 15 years colour service and having been released honorably are entitled to purchase a four wheeler upto 1300cc capacity.

2. Procedure and Conditions:

a) JCOs/equivalent can purchase the second car after five years of the initial purchase and all other entitled soldiers/Sailors/Airmen after seven years. Sale of car is not allowed before completion of two years from the date of purchase.

b) Serving and retired PBOR will apply on the prescribed forms as enclosed at Appendices B & C respectively.

c) The following documents shall be submitted alongwith the application:

I) Serving PBOR:-

i) A certified copy of Driving licence issued by the civil authorities.

ii) A certificate from PBOR countersigned by the CO/OC troops that the individual has not purchased a car in the last five / seven years, as applicable, and that he will not sell the car before two years and that he is liable to pay the entire excise/sales tax concession in case of any violation.

iii) A certified copy of the pay book wherein the entry with regard to purchase of car by the PBOR is made.

iv) Following Certificate from the Commanding Officer / OC Troops that financial position of the applicant allows him to purchase a car:-
CERTIFICATE

Certified that No. __________________ Rank _________ Name is eligible to purchase a car and that his financial position allows him to purchase a car. Commanding Officer/OC Troops

II) Retired PBOR: The retired PBOR shall submit an affidavit of Rs. 5/- on Non Judicial Stamp Paper covering the following:-

i) I have not purchased a car in the last 5/7 years as applicable.

ii) I shall not sell the car for the next two years.

iii) I understand that any Violation of the above will make me liable to pay back the entire excise / sales tax concessions to the Govt.

iv) The vehicle is for my personal use.

v) The vehicle purchased from the CSD will be registered on self name.

d) Entry with regards to purchase of car by retd PBOR will be made on the original PPO at the depot.

e) Misuse: In case an individual is found to have violated any of the above conditions, that is, purchase of second car before five/seven years (as applicable) or sale of car before two years from the date of purchase, he will be liable to pay the full excise duty/sales tax as applicable.

f) Action by the CSD: At the CSD Depot level the following action will be taken on receipt of application from the PBOR:-

a) Verify the correctness of the details furnished by the PBOR.

b) Cross check from CSD HO whether the PBOR has already purchased a car from any other CSD depot.

c) Share the data with regard to purchase of car by PBOR with other depots.

d) The PBOR will be allowed to purchase the car only after receipt of confirmation from CSD HO.

g) In case of retired PBOR following additional action shall be taken:-

i) Ensure that affidavit as above has been obtained.

ii) Ensure entry of purchase of car with date is made on the original PPO.

C) CANCELLATION OF APPLICATION In the event of Officer / PBOR intending to withdraw his application due to any reason, the officer shall have to forfeit the incidental charges of Rs.500/- and balance amount will be refunded.

D) PROCEDURE FOR BOOKING OF CARS

a) For readily available vehicles Customer selects the vehicle with dealer. He/she submits indent form (duly completed in all respects) at the depot. He/she also deposits full amount of cost of vehicle with CSD depot. Depot in turn places Local Supply order on dealer and customer gets the delivery of vehicle.

b) For vehicles with waiting period of delivery

i) Depot will inform the customer of applicable selling price & CSD handling charges on the vehicle to be purchased by customer.

ii) Customer will deposit only 0.5% as CSD handling charges in the first instance.

iii) Depot will issue provisional booking order to concerned Dealer.

iv) Booking amount (as decided by firm and applicable for civil customers also) will be paid directly by the customer to the dealer concerned.

v) On intimation of availability of the vehicle, the customer will deposit full amount (excluding 0.5% CSD handing charges already paid) with the Depot and the Depot will place LS Order on the dealer concerned.

vi) The customer will take delivery and obtain refund of booking amount and applicable interest (as conveyed by the firm) from the dealer.

E) TWO WHEELERS/COMMERCIAL VEHICLES/TRUCKS/TRACTORS:

1. Eligibility:

a) All ranks (serving / retired) qualifying under entitled categories.

b) Widows of service personnel (including remarried) qualifying under entitled categories.

c) Eldest child of the deceased service personnel, if he is not survived by his wife, provided the under mentioned conditions are fulfilled:

i) If a son, he should be between 18 to 25 years of age and should not be in service or commercially employed.

ii) If a daughter, she should be unmarried.

2. Other Condition: Entitled category of personnel should not have drawn/brought any of above items from the CSD within the last two years. Entitled purchaser shall have to give an undertaking that he / she shall not sell the vehicles for two years from the date of purchase.

F) REFRIGERATORS/COLOUR TVs/AIR CONDITIONERS/WASHING MACHINES/AND OTHER AFD CAT-I ITEMS:

1. Eligibility: All Ranks (Serving / retired) of Armed Forces.

2. Other Condition: Entitled category of personnel should not have drawn/brought any make of same AFD (CAT-I) items from the CSD within the last two years. Entitled purchaser shall have to give an undertaking that he / she shall not sell the item for two years from the date of purchase.

G) PROCEDURE FOR ALL CATEGORIES OF AFD-I ITEMS:

a) Entitled customers will fill the application form and submit the same to the CSD Area Depot of their choice alongwith a Bank Draft for the value of the item. Form for purchasing AFD-I items (except cars) is at Appendix ‘D’ for serving personnel and at Appendix ‘E’ for retired personnel.

b) Customers are required to deposit Demand Draft / Bankers Cheque drawn on Nationalized Bank / Scheduled bank or UTI, HDFC, ICICI, IDBI banks only. For all other State & Central Co-operative and other Private Banks, the release order will be given only after the draft / bankers cheque amount is actually credited in CSD Public Fund Account (Main). The Demand Draft / bankers cheque should be drawn in favour of “CANTEEN STORES DEPARTMENT PUBLIC FUND ACCOUNT (MAIN)” payable at the location of Area Depot. Cheques will not be accepted.

c) The application form must be countersigned by the Commanding Officer of the unit/Formation. In case of retired officers, the application must have the countersignature of Stn HQs/DDZSB. They should also produce original PPO for verification.

d) Customer should select four wheeler/car/two wheeler available with authorized dealer and obtain Engine No./ Chasis No. & other details and submit the same alongwith application form. For other AFD-I items, customers should preferably confirm availability of item with the dealer.

e) Purchase of AFD-I items is subject to compliance of procedural requirements laid down by Central / State Govts. and payment of taxes (as applicable).

H) COLLECTION OF AFD-I ITEMS THROUGH AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES: Where the bonafide customer is unable to collect in person due to valid reasons proper authority letter with the signature of the nominee duly attested by the bonafide customer and countersigned by the Unit Commander in case of Serving personnel and Station HQ/Secretary, Zila Sainik Board/Deputy Director, Zila Sainik Board in case of retired Service personnel can be accepted for effecting delivery at the discretion of the Depot. All the necessary documents in respect of the bonafide customer required to be perused at the Depot will be brought by the authorised representative to book the AFD item. The delivery of an item will be given to the same person only, who signs at the Depot and in whose favour the authority for collection has been given by the Depot. No authorization in favour of any dealer or his employee will be accepted by the depots.

I) PROCUREMENT OF AFD-I ITEMS FROM ANY OF THE DEPOT AFD-I items including cars can be purchased from any CSD Depot of choice of CSD customer subject to following preconditions:-

a) These items will be allowed to be purchased on smart cards since AFD limit (excluding car) is catered for in the smart card.

b) The purchase will be through valid forms processed through the CSD.

c) The form duly countersigned by the CO/OC of the unit will be verified by the CSD Manager concerned with an undertaking (on the form itself) that the individual is making a valid purchase as per authorization.

d) For all other entitled category of pers, the form will be verified by the CSD Manager/station HQ or local authority involved with canteen management.

J) PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON DELAYED DELIVERY No interest will be paid by the Department for late delivery of AFD-I items including vehicles. Customers are requested to ascertain the delivery position from the concerned dealer(s) and the concerned Depot(s) before booking of AFD-I items. Prices prevailing on date of delivery will be applicable.

Application form can be had from dealers of the respective items.

War widow gets her correct pension after 45 years; Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-12-02T18:16:00.006+05:30

Dear veterans,
A war widow of Patiala, Smt. Rajinder Kaur Ahuja, had to wait for four decades to get the correct family pension.
Her husband, Flt. Lt. Gurbax Singh Ahuja (born on 6th April,1938) was commissioned in Indian Air force as General duty Pilot on 19 Dec, 1959 and promoted to the rank of Flt. Lt. on 19 Dec,1964. The officer was married to Smt. Rajinder Kaur Ahuja on 27 January, 1963 and a son, Aveninder Singh was born out of their wedlock on 30 Oct, 1963.
The young officer, Ahuja left this world in a combat during Indo-Pak conflict on 9 Sep, 1965 leaving his two year old son in the lap of his wife, who, then, was about 24 year old only.
The widow was granted special allowance (Liberized Pension) of Rs.526/- p.m which was erroneously suspended when the widow remarried with his husband's real brother but was restored on 1 Feb, 1972 when the authorities realized their mistake on being reminded by the widow.
But PCDA (Pension) Allahabad again committed the blunder at the time of restoration of pension and the widow was granted an Ordinary Pension of Rs.96/- p.m. instead of Liberized Pension of Rs. 526/- p.m. which was subsequently revised to Rs.375/- p.m. on 1-1-1986, Rs.1275/- p.m. on 1-1-1996 and Rs. 3500/- p.m. on 1-1-2006.
When this discrepancy in pension came to light during a survey, jointly conducted by Indian Ex-Services League (Punjab & Chandigarh) and Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Both headed by Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal), the organization made the concerted efforts to get the widow her correct Basic Pension of Rs.22600/- p.m. with effect from 1-1-2006. Presently the widow receives a total pension Rs.32770/- p.m. This association could solve the problem of the widow in two months. An arrear amounting to 14,50,000/- has already been paid to the widow and about same amount will be rleased by PCDA(Pension) after certain remaining formalities
As Such the widow has suffered for about four decades to get the anomaly, in her pension corrected, though, through the efforts of Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd), a national level organization of Ex-Servicemen and Widows.

Veteran Bhupinder Singh Sohi.
Vice President.

For the information of veterans : veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-11-26T07:45:00.005+05:30

CSD entitlement Bands amended again, anomaly removed .The
QMG’s branch has now issued an amendment to the entitlement
letter dated 07-07-2010. The new entitlement bands are as follows :
OR Band : Sepoy, Naik and Havildar.
JCOs Band : Hony Nb Sub, Nb Sub, Sub and Sub Maj.
Officers’ Band-1 : Hony Lt, Hony Capt, Lieut to Col.
Band-2 : Brig and Maj GenOfficers’.
Band-3 : Lt Gen

Opportunity in Railways for Veterans
The Railways are holding a special recruitment drive for veteran (Ex-serviceman) vacancies.Record offices, Sainik boards and other welfare and ESM organisations are requested to keep a tab on such employment notifications which shall soon be available on official railway websites and also in ‘Employment News’. The information may be made known to maximum veterans, especially those who have been released at Sepoys / Lance Naik level.The appointments shall be made against vacancies for jobs such as Trackmen, Gangmen and Helpers.
The appointments shall be in Pay Band-1 and the veterans shall be entitled to draw their full pension and DA in addition to the pay from the railways.
By Maj Navdeep Singh

Useful information for Veterans and General Public:

2010-11-15T11:45:00.006+05:30

Notice from Praveen Sood (Additional Commissioner for Traffic, Mumbai) - 022 22942276.

Information you should have: If you are getting caught quite often by traffic police, then please read on. From now onwards, the Traffic Police cannot catch a motorist just to examine the driving license or vehicle documents. They can catch you only if you have violated any traffic laws or if you are driving drunk. Remember that when caught for traffic violation, the fine you pay must be limited to the violation. In other words, the police can't bloat the bill saying that you have no insurance cover or emission certificate, etc. Many motorists do not know this. According to the law, no policeman can slap a penalty on you just because you have no insurance or emission certificate. If you have not purchased insurance cover for your vehicle, then the police officer must issue a notice, not impose penalty. You must be given 15 days' time to purchase insurance cover and one week for obtaining the emission certificate. Days later, meet the sub-inspector at his station with the insurance cover or emission certificate, so that he will annul the charge at once. Police can fine you only if you fail to produce these documents within the stipulated period. If your vehicle is brand new, then you need not bother about obtaining the emission certificate for one full year. In response to a question as to why policemen fine people instantly without giving them time to obtain insurance cover or emission certificate, Additional Commissioner for Traffic Praveen Sood said, "Yes, it is a mistake. People must force policemen to issue notice or complain to me at least the following day.” The best way to teach the police a lesson is by filing a written complaint with their higher officials and, a week later, using the Right to Information Act (RTI) to know the action taken against them. Remember, any question or application filed under RTI cannot be ignored and no official is bold enough to ignore the RTI Act. Praveen Sood (Additional Commissioner for Traffic, Mumbai) 022 - 22942276.

Fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners - Treatment of Military Service Pay

2010-11-15T11:45:00.004+05:30

Dear Verterans,Find below the Goverment order for Fixation of Pay of re-employed ex-serviceman.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd)

No.3/19/2009 Estt. Pay ll
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training

New Delhi, the 8th November, 2010

Office Memorandum

Subject: Fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners -
Treatment of Military Service Pay

The undersigned is directed to refer to the orders issued vide OM dated 5.4.2010 on Fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners. These order inter-alia lay down that on reemployed in civilian organization. Military Service Pay shall not be admissible. However. The benefit of MSP given to all retired Defence Force officers/personnel by reckoning it at the time of calculation of their pension (notionally in the case pre-1.1.2006 pensioner) should not be withdrawn. According, while the pension of such re-employed pensioners will include the element of MSP, they will not be granted MSP while working in civilian organization.

In the instructions issued by the Ministry of Defence vide their letter No. 1/69/2008/D (Pay/Service) dated 24th July 2009, Pre-retirement Pay has been defined as under:

(i) In respect of re-employment taking place on/or after 1.1.2006 per retirement Pay for those who retired after 1.1.2006 means the pay in the Pay band plus grade pay incusive of Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) if any, last drawn before retirement.
(ii) In case of officers who retired before 1.1.2006 and also those who retired after 1.1.2006 in the pre-revised pay scales without opting for the revised pay scales promulgated on or after 1.1.2006 the pay will be basic pay including stagnating increment and Rank pay plus the Dearness pay and Dearness allowance drawn at the time of retirement.

As per these orders, for pre-2006 retired rank pay is included as a part of pay but for post -2006 retirees, the MSP in not reckoned in the pre-retirement pay for the purposes of pay fixation on re-employment. However for pension purposes the reckonable emoluments are - basic pay + grate pay + MSP + NPA wherever admissible. Therefore, while MSP in not taken into consideration the purpose of pay fixation on re-employment the element of MSP in pension is deducted.
It has been decided in consultation with the Department of Expenditure that since the element of MSP is not reckoned in the pay fixation on re-employment. it need not be reduced from the pension either. Hence, in respect of all those Defence Offices/personnel, whose pension contains an element of MSP, that need not be deducted from the pay fixed on re-employment.

(Mukesh Chaturvedi)
Deputy Secretary

To

All Ministries and Departments

Ex-Servicemen will be addressed as Armed Forces Veterans: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd)

2010-11-09T09:35:00.005+05:30

Ex-Servicemen will be addressed as Armed Forces Veterans

Appended below is some important info for ESM as published

in AFA (Air Force Association)News, which you may like to know.

1. Provision of ECHS Card (Add On Card) for dependent parents:

Air Hq has taken up a case with ECHS Central Organisation and

MOD for extending this provision to dependent parents.

2. Purchase of Car by Retired PBOR: There is no requirement of

producing/ attaching the copy of driving license by PBOR for

purchase of Four Wheelers. Authy:

QMG Branch letter No. 96410/Q/DDGCS dated 01 July, 2010.

3. Addressing Ex-Servicemen as Armed Forces Veterans:

Based on the recommendations of the Chief of Staff Committee,

Raksha Mantri (MOD) has approved the proposal that henceforth

"Ex-Servicemen" will be addressed as "Armed Forces Veterans"

4. The vacancy circular for selection of administrative members

for AFT (Armed Forces Tribunal) was posted by the MOD on its

website www.mod.nic.in under the link 'new additions'.

Interested members are advised to look out for future vacancies

on the mentioned site.

Happy and a prosperous Diwali to all veterans and their widows: Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)

2010-11-04T10:31:00.004+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards.
EX - SOLDIERS, SAILOR & AIRMEN ASSOCIATION (Regd),

a national level organization of veterans, wishes all veterans and the widows a happy and prosperous Diwali and further advises the veterans to get their own pension and the pension of war widows and old veterans above 80 yrs (known to them), checked up from the persons who are aware of the latest orders and notifications because it has been gathered by this organization that above 40% of veterans/widows are being disbursed wrong amount of pension by Pension Disbursing Authorities.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd).
President.

Computation of pension -Post-2006 JCOs and below

2010-10-22T13:45:00.004+05:30

Dear Veterans,
Please find below MOD letter as requested by some veterans.
Vet.Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

No.17 (40/08/(2)/D(Pen/Policy)
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
New Delhi, Dated 18.08.10
To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff

Subject: Implementation of the Government decision on the recommendations of the
Sixth Central Pay Commission - Pension of Personal Below Officer Rank
( PBOR) discharged from service on or after 1.1.2006.

Sir,
The undersigned is directed to state that in terms of Para 5.1.3 of this Ministry's letter No. 17(4)/2008(2)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 12.11.2008 issued in implementation of the decision taken on the recommendation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission, the benefit of adding year of qualifying service for the purpose of computation of pension has been withdrawn in respect of PBOR discharged/invalided out from service with effect from 1.1.2006. The Ex-Servicemen Association have been demanding restoration of weightage in qualifying service in respect of PBOR admissible to them prior to 1.1.2006 till the recommendation of the 6th CPC vide Chapter 2.4 of its Report regarding Lateral movement of Defence Forces personal to CPOs/Defence Civilian organization, are implemented by the Government. It has also been apprehended by the Service HQrs that in certain cases, Post - 1.1.2006 discharged/invalided out PBOR may draw less pension then their Pre - 1.1.2006 counterparts.

2. The above issues have been under consideration of the Government and the President is now pleased to decide that with effect from 1.1.2006 Service pension for all ranks of post - 1.1.2006 POBR retirees in Army, Navy and Air Force (including DSC and TA) determined under the provisions contained in para 6.2 of this Ministry's above said letter dated 12.11.2008 shall in no case be less then 50% of the notional pay in the post - 1.1.2006 revised pay structure corresponding to the maximum of Fifth CPC pay scales including whole of classification allowance last drawn in the rank and group held at the time of discharge/invaliding. The amount so determined will be the pension for 33 year of reckonable qualifying service including rank weightage (except TA personnel) as admissible under the Ministry's letter No. 1(6)/98/D(Pension/Services) dated 3.2.1998 and enhanced vide Ministry's letter No. 14(3)/2008/D(Pen/Sers)/Vol.III dated 1.2.2006. For lesser period of reckonable qualifying service, this amount will be proportionately reduced. The amount of pension finally arrived at will be subject to a minimum of Rs. 3,500/- per month.

3. Following will be taken into account per Para 2 above:-
(i) The notional pay in the revised pay structure corresponding to the
maximum of the pay scales of the rank and group held at the time of
discharged/invalidment, will be determined as per the fitment tables
attached to SAI 1/S/2008 and corresponding as pay in the Navy & Air
Force, for each rank and group and will consist of pay in the pay band
plus Grade pay plus 'X' Group pay (where applicable) plus Military
Service pay plus whole of the classification allowance last drawn, where
admissible;

(ii) Since common pay class scales under revised pay structure have been
introduced for PBOR of the three Services, the highest of such maximum
for rank and group in which discharged/invalided out, will be reckoned
across the three Services for computation of pension;
(iii) In addition to service pension determined as per Para 3(i) & (ii) above,
Havildars who are granted honorary rank of Naib Subedars on retirement,
will also be allowed additional pension equal to the amount of per-revised
rate of additional pension as consolidated under fitment formula
prescribed vide Para 4.1 of this Ministry's letter No.
17(4)/2008/(1)/D(Pen/Policy) dated' 11.11.2008;
(iv) National pay in the revised pay structure in respect of PBOR granted pay
of higher rank Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACPS)/ Modified
Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) will be determined with
reference to the rank which ACPS/MACPS has been granted and the pay
drawn at the time of discharged/invaildment.
(v) The service pension under there order will be determined an the basis of
the rank/group last held by the individual and the pre-revised/revised pay
scales connected thereto, even if the rank/group was held for less than 10
months before discharged/invalidment.

4. The service pension in respect of PBOR who have already got discharged/invalidment out on or after 01.01.2006 and in whose case pensionary benefits have already been notified under the provision contained in Para 6.2 of Ministry's letter dated 12.11.2008, the pension Sanotioning Authorities (PSAs) concerned will recalculated pension in terms of these orders and will suo-moto issue corrigendum PPOs if the recalculated pension in terms of these order, are found benefits. Further implementation instructions to all concerned will be issued by PCDA (Pension), Allahabad on receipt of these order.
5. These order take effect from 1.1.2006.
6. This issues with the concurrence of finance Division of this Ministry vide their U.O.No.2518/Fin/Pen dated 16.08.10.
Hindi version will follow.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
Malathi Narayanan
Under Secretary (Pen/Pol)

Supreme Court asks Defence Secretary to spend ten days in High Altitude Areas :Vet.PJS Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-10-21T17:04:00.003+05:30

Supreme Court asks defence secretary to spend ten days in High Altitude Areas
How about spending 10 days in high altitude Army posts, SC asks defence\secy. Oct 19, 2010, NEW DELHI: A little over a month ago, the Supreme Court had suggested to the Centre to keep its armed forces personnel happy by providing them with an independent pay tribunal where they could ventilate their grievances instead of returning their medals and burning artificial limbs. But finding the response lukewarm, a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and T S Thakur expressed unhappiness in no uncertain terms and termed the bureaucracy in the ministry of defence "insensitively effective". "Sitting somewhere in a plush office in Delhi and finding fault in each proposal is easy. The defence secretary must be sent for 10 days to the high altitude posts. He will at least see first hand the conditions in which these people serve the country," the Bench said. To minimise further flow of anguished remarks, solicitor general Gopal Subramaniam, who appeared for the Centre, sought time to respond to the proposal but not before clarifying that the government was getting objections to the proposal for setting up a panel to look into pay-related and pension-related grievances of armed forces personnel. The Bench reluctantly gave a final opportunity to Subramaniam to come back with a proper response from the government to the suggestion of setting up an independent pay tribunal but also reminded him that on the last two occasions, the government had done nothing better than seeking further time. "Your bureaucrats are not bothered. People in the Army are returning medals in thousands and some have even burnt their artificial limbs in protest. They get a feeling now that these bureaucrats do not hear them. If you have a commission, at least some steam (anger among the armed forces personnel) will be let out," the Bench reasoned. Subramaniam said, "I see value in what the court has suggested, but this involves more than one ministry. Even the recurring liability would be high." The Bench posted the matter to November 8 asking the Centre to respond specifically to the suggestion, setting out the areas and parameters it was willing to consider. The apex court on September 8 had suggested setting up an independent pay tribunal chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge that would be a recommendatory body. The Bench said, "If this was a proposal for the bureaucrats, it would have been implemented. We don't expect the bureaucracy to support this proposal. We need to deal with them (armed forces) separately as a distinct class." The court even asked the Centre to consider including the paramilitary forces in the scope of the tribunal as they too have tough assignments, quite similar to the task performed by armed forces.

AFT says battle casualties handled heartlessly - AFT says battle casualties handled heartlessly

2010-09-30T09:31:00.006+05:30

AFT says battle casualties handled heartlessly Vijay Mohan/TNS
Chandigarh, September 29Placing on record its “great displeasure” over non-application of mind and showing heartlessness in dealing with battle casualties, the Armed Forces Tribunal has recently awarded costs of Rs 1 lakh to the wife of a disabled veteran who went missing four years ago.
The tribunal’s bench comprising Justice A.K. Mathur and Lt Gen M.L. Naidu has also directed the authorities concerned to release immediately liberalised family pension to the wife Geeta Devi along with the interest at the rate of 12 per cent from the date her husband went missing.
Geeta’s husband Yatender Singh had joined the Army in January 1999 and was deployed in Operation Rakshak / Operation Prakaram in J&K during 2003-04. In February 2004, he lost both his eyes, both hands and suffered gross injury to the right knee due to a mine detonation.
On July 24, 2006, he was being taken in a bus to Army Hospital, Delhi, by his friend. Due to some urgent work, his friend left him with the bus crew to be dropped in front of the hospital. As per the Army authorities, Yatender did not reach the hospital. An FIR was also lodged with the police. Thereafter, he was declared missing and ordinary family pension was released to Geeta, but no benefits pertaining to battle casualty were given.
The bench observed that the respondents had admitted Yatender was placed in low medical category but claimed that he was not on bonafide military duty at the time he went missing. “This is very unfortunate the way this widow has been dealt with by the respondents. It speaks volume for heartlessness and insensitivity. A person who has virtually become a living dead body, when he lost both the eyes, both the hands and received right knee injury and he was just surviving,” the bench said.
“As per rules, he should have been given a facility of an attendant to take him to the hospital but whole entreaties fell on deaf ears of an insensitive establishment. It was a very hard case in which the authorities should have provided an attendant who could have taken him from his house to the hospital but instead of this they left him dying and missing and dealt with the wife of the deceased by doling out an ordinary family pension,” the bench further observed.
Meanwhile, taking a serious view over non-compliance of its orders by the Territorial Army (TA), the AFT has summoned the force’s chief before it for an explanation.
The tribunal’s bench comprising Justice Ghanshyam Prashad and Lt Gen N.S. Brar has directed that Maj Gen A D S Grewal, Additional Director General, TA, appear before it on October 8, two days before he retires from service.
In February, the Tribunal had ordered reinstatement of a TA jawan, Pawan Kumar, who had been dismissed from service in 2007 on account of being placed in low medical category.
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Courage and Determination
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Sarika - the only woman officer at Nathu La Kusum Arora/TNS
Jalandhar, September 29It indeed requires a great amount of courage and determination to take on a challenge and perhaps a greater amount of motivation to fulfil it. But, Major Sarika Godbole, serving at a Mountain Brigade at Nathu La is indeed an exception.
At Nathu La, situated at a height of 14, 200 ft on the Indo-China border, extreme cold conditions and rugged terrain, she is the only woman officer posted in that area. Nathu La is the highest brigade headquarters falling under the Eastern Command.
The officer has been posted as an interpreter at the brigade headquarters since 2008 to decipher talks held during the annual flag meetings between India and China. The flag meetings are held twice a year. While on May 15, it is held on the Chinese side of the border, on September 15, it is held on the Indian side. “I am not doing anything special. It is a part of the duty and during the meetings, I translate talks for Indian as well as Chinese officers. It thrills me to serve in this part of the country,” she said.
She added that it was indeed a lifetime opportunity to serve in that area. “Usually not many women officers get a chance to serve in the field areas. Especially, serving at Nathu La on the Indo-China border is an experience in itself,” she quipped. “Initially, even I faced problems due to bad weather, but things became easy when I became completely acclimatised with the terrain. Jawans as well as officers undergo a three-stage acclimatisation to bear the extreme conditions,” she maintained.
The officer hailing from Nasik in Maharashtra, completed her MSc from Pune University and joined IIM, Ahmedabad, as joint professor. She passed out from Officers Training Academy, Chennai, and joined the Army Education Corps in 2003.

UK remembers war hero from Jalandhar -Shyam Bhatia : veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-09-26T08:09:00.005+05:30

UK remembers war hero from Jalandhar
Shyam Bhatia in London
A World War I hero from Jalandhar is among a number of Indian soldiers who will be remembered on Sunday at a special ceremony being held outside the British seaside town of Brighton.
Subedar Manta Singh, who served with the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs and died in 1915, was the son of Khem Singh of Salempur, Masandan, near Jalandhar. He was wounded in Northern France and evacuated to a hospital in Brighton — south of London — where he died after both his legs were amputated and he contracted septicaemia.
His is one of the 53 Indian names that have been inscribed on the domed memorial, known as the Brighton Chattri, designed by Sir John Otter and first erected in 1921.
Manta Singh was a member of Royal Indian Expeditionary Force that was sent to France in 1914. He was injured saving the life of a wounded British officer, Captain Henderson, when allied forces broke through the German lines at Neuve-Chapelle in Northern France in 1915. Over 5,000 Indian soldiers were killed in the heavy fighting in that particular area, all part of the 70,000 Indian casualties of the World War-I.
When Manta Singh arrived at the Kitchener Hospital in Brighton, he was told by doctors that he had contracted gangrene and both his legs would have to be amputated. Before he died he reportedly told doctors that he would be of no use to his family if he returned home without his legs.
British military records show 12,000 Indian soldiers passed through Brighton and out of those some 74 Hindu, Sikh and Muslim soldiers succumbed to their wounds in local hospitals. The Muslims were buried in the nearby town of Woking and the Hindus and Sikhs were cremated outside Brighton, near the village of Patcham.
As a mark of gratitude to the fallen soldiers, the British authorities agreed to build the Brighton Chattri over the site of the ghat that was later surrounded by specially planted sweet smelling flowers and aromatic herbs.
The Maharaja of Patiala was among the early visitors to the Chattri that subsequently fell into disrepair. The restoration of the Chattri, which for the first time carries the engraved names of 53 cremated soldiers, is the reason for Sunday’s ceremony.
Manta Singh’s grandson Jaimal Singh Johal will be present, as will be the grandson of Captain Henderson. The two families have been in touch with each other since 1915. Henderson was awarded the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst in 1911, before being sent out to India to join the 2nd 11th Sikhs, where Manta Singh was then serving.

Toll tax exemption is NOT repeat NOT available to retired personnel : Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-09-23T08:47:00.003+05:30

Toll tax exemption is NOT repeat NOT available to retired personnel
This issue keeps cropping up every year or so.Some officers are again circulating a letter purportedly issued by the NHAI in which it has been stated that retired defence personnel are entitled to toll exemption.The above mentioned letter is fake. Please do not embarrass yourself or the service by using it or fighting with toll barrier staff on its basis. This has been clarified by me time and again.An excerpt of a news report wherein the subject was dealt with by the Supreme Court is also floating around. The said judgement was related to the private vehicles of serving personnel only and had no relevance to retired personnel. The Supreme Court had upheld toll exemption to the private vehicles of serving defence personnel only.
Navdeep Singh

12,000 IAF non-combatants fight for better 'status' :Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-09-19T12:21:00.006+05:30

12,000 IAF non-combatants fight for better 'status'
New Delhi, September 19, 2010
About 12,000 non-combatant IAF personnel, who are governed by Air Force laws for all service purposes but do not get paid on par, have been demanding a correction in their "status and salary" or be declared as civilians. The non-combatants (NC), who were first recruited in 1970 to take care of
IAF's jobs, such as washer men, cooks, drivers and bar-tenders, have made several representations to the Air Force top brass and the Defence Ministry in this regard, but to no avail. "Our services are governed by the Air Force Act and Rules that also applicable to combatants for court martial and disciplinary, leave and pension. We also get transferred to battle stations, including the inhospitable Siachen Glacier and to UN peacekeeping. But we do not get paid or recognized as airmen," said a NC, requesting anonymity, as he is not authorized to speak to the media under the Air Force laws. "The IAF civilian staff, though, are not subjected to the strict military laws and do not fear transfers to forward bases. We come in between the airmen and civilians, but are actually nowhere. We face this discrimination and there is no respite," he said, highlighting his plight.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik had recently said that he favoured according the NCs better pay packages and that he was discussing granting their demand for "status" of airmen with the government
The military laws and rules are quite strict in the sense the punishment meted out are severe and services harsh, in terms of terrain, duties and physical endurance.
Though the non-combatants do small jobs, they are subjected to the severity that comes with military duties and here is where they say they deserve better
"In fact, non-combatants had sought military service pay (MSP) and it was recommended by the IAF, as granted to airmen under the sixth pay commission. But the Finance Ministry rejected the proposal of the IAF. A petition filed in the Armed Forces Tribunal in this regard too was dismissed accepting the government argument," said another NC.
The NCs said there were contradictions in the government stand on their MSP, as on one hand it does admit that they were governed by military service rules, but when it came to better pay, they were considered civilians by the Finance Ministry.
In the case of non-combatants in the Army and Navy, the men are paid MSP.

Veterans are requested to give their comments under this post.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
Mob. 098554-09128

SC:Rs, 70/- as pension when Arhar dal is Rs.80/- -Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-09-18T21:09:00.004+05:30

SC: Rs 70 PENSION WHEN ARHAR DAL IS Rs 80?
R SedhuramanLegal Correspondent
New Delhi, September 17.
Expressing shock over the payment of a monthly pension of Rs 70 to a 90-year-old widow of an Army officer, the Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre and the Army seeking its response to a PIL filed by her.

“What is this? You are paying her just Rs 70 a month. Even a kilo of arhar dal costs around Rs 80,” a Bench of Justices Markandeya Katju and TS Thakur observed while passing the order.

The petitioner’s husband, Major Dharam Chand, had died in 1967 after a heart attack. The petitioner, Pushpa Vanti, said her husband could not get regular medical treatment due to the 1962 and 1965 wars. She had written to the government several times demanding higher pension so that she could bring up her two children.
According to her, she is entitled to a pension of about Rs 27,000 a month. She feels ashamed and humiliated to receive Rs 70 as pension when families of sepoys get more than Rs 150 a month. Her husband was a recipient of 14 medals.
Is it not a matter of shame?

Firstly, it is a matter of utter shame for PSA (Pension Sanctioning Authority) if he has committed this blunder since War Widowe is supposed to get Liberalized pension irrespective of the length of service of the martyr.

Secondly, it is matter of shame for PDA ( Pension Disbursing Authoirity) if he is wrongly disbursing the pension.In many cases it is seen that PDAs are wrongly disbursing the pension.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President, Ex-Soldiers,Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd),
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-Fax 0175-5000896.

Denigrating the status of veterans of the rank of Hav. /Sgt./ Petty Offr. and below by Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Punjab: Vet.P.S.Chhatwal Retd.

2010-09-12T15:37:00.010+05:30

Dear Veterans,Regards.
Veterans in Punjab, holding the rank of Hav./ Sgt./Petty Offr. and below, are now heading for a very dark future in the field of re-employment in Punjab if an advertisement given in 'Ajit' dt. 12-9-2010 by Secetary, Rajya Sainik Board,Punjab, Brig. (Retd.) I.S. GAKHAL inviting the applications for the post of Care Taker and Chowkidar( Watchman) for Punjab Sainik Rest House Chandigarh is relied upon.
Secy. RSB has invited the applications from the veterans of the rank of Hav. and equvalent for these posts and specified that Hav. with Matriculation as qualification and experience of having worked as Mess Hav. during his army service is only eligible for the post Care taker and Hav. who has passed 8th class is eligible for the post of Chowkidar (Watchman).

As such, it can be easily concluded that-
1. A middle pass Hav/Sgt/Petty Offr. is only eligible for the post for the post of Chokidar/Sweeper /Mali etc.
2. Nk /Cpl/Able Seaman is not eligible for any job in Punjab Govt.
Punjab Vetrans may give their comments below this post (R) below this post and not in chat box.

SC wants separate pay panel for forces: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-09-09T09:17:00.004+05:30

Tribune News
SC wants separate pay panel for forces

R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, September 8
Pointing out that many of the armed forces personnel have returned their medals due to non-redressal of their grievances, the Supreme Court today asked the government to consider setting up a separate Pay Commission for both serving and retired members.
“We feel this is necessary as the Armed Forces personnel have many grievances which they feel are not being properly addressed by the Union Government. Many have even returned their medals,” a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and TS Thakur said in an order.
The Bench asked Attorney General GE Vahanvati and Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium to forward the suggestion to the government and get its response by October 18, the next date of hearing.
The court passed the order while hearing a petition filed by some serving and retired army officers challenging the government’s refusal to accord them enhanced “rank pay” as recommended by the Fifth Pay Commission.
The AG and the SG “were present on behalf of the Central government. We have made certain suggestions to them regarding setting up of an independent commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge for looking into all the grievances of the serving and former members of the Armed Forces,” the Bench noted in the order, marking a copy each to the AG and the SG.
Earlier during the arguments, the Bench slammed the Centre for making army personnel run from pillar to post for getting their salary disputes resolved. “The day the soldiers are forced to fight for their salaries, it would be a sad day for the country,” it remarked.
Noting that the Army people who were a disciplined lot could not go on agitation like others, the Bench said forcing them to fight for their salaries was not good for the country. Citing a senior officer who burnt his artificial limb in frustration, the Bench asked the AG and the SG: “Why do you allow such things?”
The present Pay Commission headed by bureaucrats was perhaps unable to understand the problems of the personnel, the apex court observed and felt that setting up a separate commission would provide a channel for them to vent out their feelings.
The Bench slammed the Centre for making army personnel run from pillar to post for getting their salary disputes resolved.
“The day the soldiers are forced to fight for their salaries, it would be a sad day for the country," the Bench said quoting Chanakya's advise to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
The apex court said the sane advise of Chanakya was valid even today and it was unfortunate that army personnel are forced to knock the doors of the court for rectifying their salary anomalies.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

President

Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.)

Reader's Mail for veteran's comments ;Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS.

2010-09-08T07:10:00.005+05:30

Dear Mr. Prabhjot Singh,
Thanks for your interaction. I have read your blogs on blogspot.com. Your efforts are appreciable.
Some days ago, I sent a spit to Capt Davar on his views about the rally and issue of OROP. A mail received from him justifying his views supported by the judgements of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India is appended below. Please analyse it and post your comments accordingly.
Jagtar Singh
Ex-WO
(Ludhiana)---
On Tue, 7/9/10, Praveen Davar wrote:
From: Praveen Davar Subject: OROPTo: Date: Tuesday, 7 September, 2010, 7:47 PM
Dear All
The Indian Armed Forces are voluntary service and the terms of service are well known to us when we join the service, Dignity, honor, discipline and izzat associated with the forces has been severely damaged by the way some people are conducting the movement for OROP. Stooping to signing petition with blood is a new low in the abominable acts conducted by one group in public domain. Approx fifty to sixty thousand Ex Servicemen are added to the fraternity of Veterans every year. Imagine the needless negativity they have to encounter as a result of unconventional methods of dissent or communication with the government. May almighty grant the senior officers leading this movement wisdom to conduct the activities in a civilized manner resist the temptation of character assassination and attack on individuals. And for heaven’s sake let us not mislead the PBORs and officers and take them on a flight of fancy.
I have always felt that we should be content with what we get and devote the rest of our post-service life for the cause of poor and needy. I have met thousands of Ex-Servicemen who say that they never expected such hefty pensions. We render disservice to the Nation, if we try and create dissatisfaction where it does not exist. My intention was never to hurt any ones sentiments and the statements made by me or anyone else was based on information given from within your ranks.
The Supreme Court has also examined the OROP; petition filed by Ex Servicemen League (1991 1 SCR 158), as a sequel to the decision of the court in DS Nakara & Others case of KL Rathee Versus union of India 1997 (3) SLR 207 Versus Union of India, the court in the decision dated 29 Jan 1991 took the view that the claim of pre 1 Apr 1979 retirees being entitled to same pension as post 1 Apr 1979 retirees was untenable. The Supreme Court has taken similar view for civil side as well.
The Defence Minister, Sh. A. K. Antony deserves the gratitude of Ex-Servicemen for stating in Parliament that the goal of OROP would be reached gradually. This has encouraged all Ex-Servicemen in the country. We appeal to all Ex-Servicemen organizations, especially retired officers, not to use any offensive or provocative language. The cause of Ex-Servicemen will suffer if IESM does not mend its ways and the harsh language it uses. Soldiers shed blood only on the battlefield. As Ex-Servicemen they can donate blood to the Red Cross Society/Hospitals for the needy. Signing letters in blood is unlike a soldier.
Returning medals is not only unsoldierlike, but also unethical and immoral, especially in view of the fact that no govt in the past has done so much for the welfare of serving soldiers and Ex-Servicemen as the UPA-1 and UPA-2. Pay and pensions have gone up nearly 300% in the last 5 years which is unprecedented.
Further, while presenting the Budget for 2008-09 the government substantially improved the pension of pre-January, 2006 Defence pensioners below officer rank and brought pre-October 10, 1997 pensioners on par with post- October 10, 1997 pensioners i.e. pre 2006 pensioners. Anomalies in some ranks of officers from Majors to Major General are being addressed. Congress has done for welfare of both serving soldiers and Ex-servicemen what no party has ever done, or will ever have the capacity to do. So let people not be misled by the false promises made by other parties in their manifestos or otherwise.
We must also heed the appeal of Defence Minister not to return medals. Doing so, in my opinion, is an undignified, illegal and unconstitutional act. Let us control our emotions and give the govt time to resolve the OROP issue.
Jai Hind & God bless us all!
Praveen Davar

Readers' Mails ;Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-09-08T06:43:00.005+05:30

Dear Veterans,Regards.
Many of the blog readers have been sending their views and suggestions through private mails which are worth projecting on the blog to elicit the views of other veterans. As such,it is planned to post such mails on this blog as well as on http://exsoldierssailorsandairmenassociation.blogspot.com/
for the knowledge of veterans and to seek their valuable constructive comments.

SOME USEFUL INFORMATION for Veterans and their Widows.

2010-09-05T06:40:00.006+05:30

Dear Veterans,Regards.
Find below ......
SOME USEFUL INFORMATION

Some useful information from Indian Air Force Website.
Besides the additional pension, certain other new provisions of VI CPC and other key provisions which can affect the entitlement to pension/family pensionary benefits are as follows:-
(a) The minimum pension/family pension wef 01.01.06 is Rs 3500/- plus DR.
(b) The rates for 100% disability element of pension are revised to Rs 5880/-pm for commissioned officers and honorary commissioned officers wef 01-01-06. Similarly it is revised to Rs 4300/- and 3510/- pm for warranted ranks (JWO,WO & MWO) and other ranks respectively. For disability, which is less than 100%, proportionate reduction in the amount will be done. The rates of constant attendant allowance have been increased to Rs 3000/-pm wef 01-01-06 irrespective of rank. This will further increase by 25% every time, when the DR on the revised Pay Band goes up to 50%.
(c) Broad banding of disability pension for invalidated officers is permitted, since
V CPC i.e. 01-01-1996. This broad banding is done to the nearest higher figure at
50%, 75% and 100%. Earlier this facility was not extended to pre 01-01-1996
pensioners. Now, wef 01-07-2009, this facility is extended to all pre 01-01-1996
disability pensioners who were invalidated out of service.
(d) Disability pensioners are exempted from income tax on their complete pension
which includes service element and disability element.
(e) Enhanced family pension (50% of last pay) was payable for seven years from
the date of death of the officer. After VI CPC, enhanced rate of family pension for post retirement death remains unchanged at seven years; however, for in-service death of an officer, the enhanced rate of family pension is now extended to 10 years from earlier period of 07 years. For those cases where enhanced rate of family pension for seven years has been completed before 01 Jan 06, there is no change. However, if seven years of enhanced pension is falling due on 01 Jan 06 or beyond (for service death cases only), then case is to be taken up through this office (Dte of PP&R) for extending the enhanced family pension by three years (total 10 yrs) through issue of Corr PPO by CDA. PBOR should take up case on similar lines with AFRO.
(f) Widows in receipt of Special family Pension (SFP) were permitted to
draw their family pension even after remarriage after V CPC i.e. 01-01- 1996. SFP
is primarily given for death which is attributable to service. Widows, who were
remarried before 01-01-1996, were not eligible for the same. Now widows in receipt of SFP who were remarried before 01-01-1996 and whose family pension was stopped are eligible for grant of SFP wef 20-01-2009. The widows who are eligible should apply to this office in the case of officers and to AFRO for cases related to PBOR.
(g) Widows in receipt of ordinary family pension (OFP) were not eligible for family pension after remarriage. However, as an exception a child less widow after VI CPC, is eligible for ordinary family pension after remarriage, subject to fulfillment of certain laid down income criteria. The widows who are eligible should apply to this office in case of officers and to AFRO for cases of PBOR.
(h) Widows whose husbands were in receipt of gallantry awards (PVC, Ashok
chakra, MVC, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, VM (Gallantry), are entitled to the same monetary allowance (rates doubled wef 14 May 08) after the death of their husband. In addition, they are exempt from income tax on their full pension.
(j) The recipients of Gallantry award winners of Chakra series (PVC, MVC, Vr C,
Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shourya Chakra) and their widows are entitled for complementary card passes along with a companion from the Indian Railways, for free travel in first class/ second AC. The passes will be issued by the office of
Divisional Railway Manager and Headquarters office of the Railways on receipt of an application on plain paper. Widows will be required to additionally submit copy of death certificate and non remarriage certificate from a gazetted officer.
(k) Handicapped children (not capable of earning livelihood) and Unmarried /
divorced / widow daughter are eligible for family pension subject to fulfillment of
income criteria and Audit verification. For Endorsement of the name of handicapped child in the PPO, an officer can apply during his life time. However, unmarried /divorced / widow daughter can apply for family pension only if she is unmarried/remains divorced at the time of demise of her last surviving parent (father or mother).Her name will not be annotated in the PPO during parent’s life time.
Note:
1. Knowledge is power. Without appropriate knowledge on the provisions of VI CPC, no meaningful action can be initiated by the pre 01-01- 06 pensioners to rectify their incorrect pension fixation.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President,Ex-Soldiers,Sailors and Airmen association (Regd.)
3-Guru Ram Dass Nagar , Tripuri Road, Patiala,Punjab-
147 004.
Mob. 098554-09128, Tele-fax 0175-5000896.

Welfare of widows; Veteran Prabhljot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-09-04T09:37:00.012+05:30

Dear Veterans. Regards.
A survey conducterd by Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.) and Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh has revealed shocking results.
War widow of Flt. Lt. Gurbax Singh Ahuja of 1965 fame has been receiving the pension of mere Rs. 3500/- PM only without an element of dearness allowance instead of Liberalized Pension of about Rs. 20,000/- PM till May last in spite of the fact that she has been knocking at the door of Pension Sanctioning Authority i.e. Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), Allahabad through all concerned since 1987.
Now with the intervention of IESL, Punjab & Chandigarh, her pension (Ordinary) has been increased to Rs. 8310/= (basic) + Dearness Allowance @ 35% w.e.f. 01-01-2006 by the concerned pension disbursing authority pending the case of granting Liberalized Pension by Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), Allahabad. The widow has received an amount of Rs. 4 lakhs as arrear with this revision.
A letter dated 19-08-2010 by Air Headquarter, New Delhi addressed to Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), Allahabad has duly supported the entitlement of Liberalized Pension to the said war widow. As such, the pension of widow is expected to be revised by PCDA (P), Allahabad and she is likely to be granted Liberalized Pension of about Rs. 20,000/-PM with an arrear of Rs. 28-30 lakh after more than four decades with the recent efforts being made by this organization.
This is not a solitary case of wrong disbursal of Defence Pension. A widow of Sub. Gurdial Singh of a village near Amloh (now district Fatehgarh Sahib) has been receiving the pension of Sepoy's widow till August, 2009 i.e. two months before her death. Similarly, Sub. Sher Singh of Patiala State Forces has been receiving Sepoy's pension till a few months before his death in 2008. IESL Punjab & Chandigarh has been instrumental in getting their pension revised to correct amount.
The association has instructed its State & District Presidents to check the pensions of old widows, especially war widows to ascertain that they are receiving the correct amount of pension which is as follows.

Pre-2006
Ordinary Family Pension

Rank Basic D.A. Total
Upto the rank of Havaildar Rs. 3500/- 35 % Rs. 4725/-
Naib Sub. (Group-X) Rs. 5070/- 35% Rs. 6845/-
(Group-Y) Rs. 4650/- 35% Rs. 6278/-
Sub. (Group-X) Rs. 5190/- 35% Rs. 7007/-
(Group-Y) Rs. 4770/- 35% Rs. 6440/-
Sub. Major (Group-X) Rs.5250/- 35% Rs. 7088/-
(Group-Y) Rs. 4830/- 35% Rs. 6526/-
Hony. Lt./ Regular Lt. Rs. 8100/- 35% Rs. 10935/-
Hony Capt./Regular Capt. Rs. 8310/- 35% Rs. 11219/-
Liberalized Pension (100% of notional pay of the rank)
Rs. 7000/ 5% Rs.9450/-
(Minimum)

Veteran Pabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President ,
Ex-Soldiers,salors and Airmen Association (Regd.)
Mob.098554-09128 Tele-Fax 0175-5000896

One Rank One Pension issue: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-26T10:32:00.008+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards.

Find below two news items published in Express News Service and The Tribune.

Though Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association is not a party to IESM but it strongly condemns the statement given to press by no one else than an army veteran himself . He may belong to any party but should not give such statement to disseminate such wrong things.

At the same time, we appriciate the statement given in Parliament by Hon'ble Defence Minister, A.K. Antony in which he has stated that implimentation of 'One Rank One Pension' is an ongoing process and further stated that it is a long process.

We are also thankful to leader of the oppositition in Raja Sabha, Arun Jaitely (BJP) who supported the cause of ex-servicemen and requested the govt. to look in to the issue of thousands of Jawans who retire before the age of 40. We fully agree with his statement and request the govt. to further revise the the pay/pension of Havaildars/ Sergeants /Petty Officers and below who have been hit hard, equated with class IV civilian pensioners and placed in Pay Band-I wthout giving any credit to their professional skills attained by undergoing training of , atleast, one year at the entry into Armed Forces.They have, also, not been duly compansated for the risk factor and have been given a meager amount of Rs. 2,000/- as MSP.

As such, we request the govt. to place all these personnel in Pay Band-II with consequental benefits in this ongoinng progress to reduce the prevailing resentment among these personnel.

Veteran Prabhot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

President

Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association

‘Ex-servicemen returned fake medals’

Express news service: Posted: Tue Aug 24 2010, 02:51 hrs New Delhi
A day after over 2,000 retired military personnel returned their medals to President Pratibha Patil and also submitted a memorandum purportedly containing their signatures in blood in support of their demand for “one-rank one pay” for all, the Congress has alleged that the medals were fake and bought from local markets.
The party also alleged that the members of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) used a red chemical for their signatures.
“The medals which were returned have been purchased from Sadar Bazar in the Delhi cantonment area. We have proof that they have been bought recently,” Praveen Davar, Secretary, AICC Ex-Service Department, said.
Davar said IESM, which he termed a pro-BJP organisation, has been returning medals by the thousands to the President but not a single gallantry awardee has come forward to return a medal. “Not a single awardee of gallantry awards has returned his medal. This shows that the bravest of the brave soldiers do not approve of the activities of a handful of ex-servicemen being misled by disgruntled elements,” Davar said, adding that “the signatures were not in blood but in a red chemical that looks like blood”.

One-rank One-pension will take time: Antony

New Delhi: 25/08/2010: Even as ex-servicemen take the extreme step of returning their medals demanding one-rank-one-pension, the government on Wednesday clarified that it may not come very soon.

Replying to a zero hour mention by Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley (Bharatiya Janata Party) and supported by members across party lines including the Congress, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that the implementation of one-rank-one-pension is an ongoing process.
"At the time we cannot implement one-rank-one-pension, but we are nearing the goal. It is a long process," Antony added.
Raising the issue, Jaitley said that though it was mentioned in the budget speech of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, no steps have been taken so far for implementing the one-rank-one-pension system.
"Neither the 5th nor the 6th Pay Commission addressed the issue. The finance minister also indicated in his budget speech that a committee will be formed but nothing happened," Jaitley pointed out.
He also said that ex-servicemen should not take extreme steps like returning their medals.
"The medal is an honour given to them by the nation. I therefore appeal to them not to return the medals," Jaitley said.
He was supported by Communist Party of India-Marxist member Sitaram Yechury and Congress member P.J. Kurien, among others.
"I would also request the Government to look in the issue of thousands of jawans who retire before the age of 40," Kurien said.
The Defence minister, however, said that though one-rank-one-pension was still far, a number of steps have been taken by the government to ensure that ex-servicemen are benefitted.
"The Prime Minister appointed a committee to look into the issues of the ex-servicemen. The committee gave recommendations in five areas and all have been accepted," Antony said.
"Government has increased the pension of nearly 12 lakh ex-servicemen. We are also starting 197 additional polyclinics for them across the country," he pointed out.
The opposition, however, remained unsatisfied with the reply as BJP member S.S. Ahluwalia urged the government to talk to the ex-servicemen and settle the issue.
Over 5,000 ex-servicemen on Sunday returned their medals to protest the government's reluctance to accept their one-rank-one-pension demand. They also submitted a memorandum on the issue to President Pratibha Patil, the supreme commander of the armed forces.

Reminder-1 to Secretary to Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence regarding discrepancies in modified parity in pension; Vet. PJS Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-25T15:56:00.005+05:30

Tele-fax: 0175 – 5000896.
Mob: 098554-09128
Email: prabhjot_singh0@yahoo.com

Ex- Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association (Regd.

# 3 Guru Ram Dass Nagar, Tripuri Road,

Patiala - 147 004.Punjab, India.

ESSAA/13/2010 (Reminder-1) Dt. 25 Aug, 2010

To
Secretary to Govt. of India,
Ministry of Defence,
Department of Defence Welfare,
101, Fourth Block,
New Delhi- 110011.

Sub. Omission and discrepancies in the Modified Parity in Pension.

Dear Sir,
Kindly refer to our letter dt. 1, July, 2010 in above connection. This organization has observed the following omissions and discrepancies affecting a large number of ex-servicemen and widows which need to be looked into and corrected at your level at the earliest to avoid further frustration and heartburn among the JCO's, SNCO's, NCO's, OR's and Widows.
1. Minimum pension for Defence Pensioners: Minimum pension of Rs. 3500/- for defence pensioners can not be justified by any stretch of law. The amount of minimum pension (Rs. 3500/-) for civilian was fixed by adding the minimum pay in band I i.e. Rs. 5200/- & grade pay of Rs. 1800/- and then divided by 2 which amounts to Rs. 3500/-.
Following the same principle, minimum pension for ex-servicemen amounts to Rs. 4600/- i.e. minimum Pay in Band I- Rs. 5200/- + Grade Pay- 2200/- + MSP Rs. 2000/- and then divided by 2. The additional element of MSP is exclusive for ex-servicemen without which there is no justification of granting minimum pension to ex-servicemen and this minimum pension be paid to widows and reservists too.
2. Grant of same pension to Hony Naib. Sub. as given to regular Naib Sub.: 6th Central Pay Commission has recommended this and the Govt. has already agreed, in principal, to implement the same but it has not been incorporated in the circular 430 dated 10-03-2010.
We request that the same should be implemented at the earliest.
3. Removal of the condition of 10 months pay: Sixth Pay Commission has recommended for removal of condition of 10 months pay in the rank for fixation of pension in that rank but in the orders for modified parity, the govt. has again considered the rank in which the pension was granted initially keeping in view the condition of 10 months pay in that rank. By this many ex-servicemen have suffered a great loss.
4. Discrepancies in the tables issued by Directorate of Pension in department of defence pensioner's welfare: It is further pointed out that there are many glaring discrepancies in the tables prepared by the Govt. in respect of pension of various ranks in Army & Air Force as given below.
As per the tables, certain junior ranks have been authorized more pension than the senior ranks. For example: Sepoy with 15 years of service in Group-X is entitled for Rs. 5368/- PM whereas Naik and Havaildar, with the same years of service and in the same group, are entitled for Rs. 5290/-PM & 5355/-PM respectively. We request the removal of these anomalies at the earliest.
5. Date of implementation of Modified parity in pension: There is no justification granting modified parity in pension to JCO's and below w.e.f. 01-07-2009 since the parity has been given between the pre-1996 and post 10-10-1997 retirees and the same benefit has been already been paid to Hony Officers and above w.e.f. 01-01-1996, way back in year, 1999. We request that orders for modified parity in pension (circular no. 430) be implemented w.e.f. 01-01-1996 instead of 01-07-2009.
In view of above we humbly request that the above omissions and discrepancies be corrected at the earliest to avoid further frustration among the ex-servicemen and widows who are otherwise satisfied with the modified parity in pension granted by the govt.

Sd/-
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President
Copy to:
1. Director (Pension/Policy) Ministry of Defence, 213, A Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi for information and necessary action at his end in respect of Para 4 above. He is also requested to clarify the intention conveyed by the Govt. in the note below Para 3.5, page-2 of its letter no. PC 10 (1)2009-D (Pen/Policy) dt. 8th March, 2010. This refers to our verbal discussion in Pension Adalat at Pathankot on 22-07-2010.

Sd/-
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President

All ex-servicemen Directors of PESCO submit resignation to Punjab govt.: Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-21T15:17:00.003+05:30

All ex-servicemen Directors of PESCO submit resignation to Punjab govt.
Friday, 20 August 2010

CHANDIGARH: In a major setback to Punjab government, the four nominated Directors, all exservicemen, on the board of Directors of Punjab Ex-servicemen Corporation Friday resigned in protest against Punjab government interference in the working of the corporation.

Those submitted resignations included Maj Gen Trilochan Singh, Maj Gen Charanjit Singh Panag, Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri and Col Surjit Singh Sandhu.

A statement issue under the signatures of Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri said PESCO was eastablished vide Punjab Act No.33 of 1978 with the sole aim of providing re-employment and economic upliftment of ex-servicement belonging to state of Punjab.

The statement further said that the Corporation was drifting away from its main aim and objectives spelt out in the Act. They didn't want to be privy to its present day functioning.

Mob. 98554-09128
Tele. Fax: 0175-5000896

INDIAN EX-SERVICES LEAGUE (P & C)
#3 Guru Ram Dass Nagar, Tripuri, Patiala.

Press Note

Patiala-21 August. Coordination Committee of Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh, headed by Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd. and Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.), a national body of ex-servicemen, fully endorses the stand taken by all the four members of Board of Directors (senior veterans-Major Gen. Tarlochan Singh, Major Gen. C.S. Panag, Brig. K.S. Chandpuri & Col. Surjit Singh Sandhu) of Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation who have resigned en-block to register their protest against the intentional move of the PESCO Chairmen by which he wanted to please his political mentor in hope to remain in chair for some more years.
League, further, requests the Punjab Govt. to dig the cause of resentment registered by the high ranking veterans and sack the Chairmen and others responsible for this episode.
PESCO was initially established to provide the facilities for resettlement to the retired young soldiers who were sent back home, after laying their youth at the alter of nation, to keep the forces young.

Veteran Bhupinder Singh Sohi
Vice-President
Indian Ex-Services League (P & C)

Allotment of CSD Canteen for Ex-Servicemen of District Dharamapuri; Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-13T12:02:00.005+05:30

Dear Veteran Krishnamoorthy, Regards.
Find below the responce from Intergrated HQ of MOD (Army), Army HQs/QMG's Branch, Dy Dte Gen Canteen Services, L-1 Block, Room No.16, New Delhi. It is for your information.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

President

Ex-Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association (Regd.)

AFT removes anomalies in disability pension rules :Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-13T10:41:00.002+05:30

AFT removes anomalies in disability pension rules Extends broad-banding plan benefits to thousands of pensioners.
Vijay MohanTribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 12-In a landmark judgment affecting thousands of disabled personnel, the Armed Forces Tribunal yesterday extended the benefits of “broad-banding” disability pension to those who are released on the completion of their terms of engagement or on superannuation. Earlier, these benefits were applicable only to those invalided out of service on medical grounds.
This had resulted in a peculiar situation wherein the disability pension for an individual discharged even a single day before his actual date of discharge or normal retirement was fixed on the basis of higher disability percentage, while a person discharged on his actual date is not entitled to the same.
Acting upon a petition filed by former vice-chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, the Bench comprising Justice NP Gupta and Lt Gen AS Bahia held that withholding the benefit of broad-banding from certain categories of ex-servicemen by the government was discriminatory. The pension of a large number of disabled ex-servicemen may now be enhanced.
In order to curtail medical subjectivity and mottled declaration of disability percentages for similar disabilities by different medical boards, the government had initiated a system of “broad-banding” or “rounding-off” of disability percentages in which it was provided that disability percentages for 20-49 per cent, 50-75 per cent and 76-100 per cent categories would be treated as 50, 75 and 100 per cent, respectively, for calculating disability pension.
The Ministry of Defence, however, added a line in the sanction letter that broad-banding would be applicable only to “invalided” personnel and not to those disabled persons who are released on the completion of terms or on superannuation.
Distinguishing the present case from a Supreme Court judgment in Lt Col PK Kapur vs UOI, where the principle of broad-banding was rejected, the Bench observed that the reason behind the concept of broad-banding and statutory rules concerned had not been then brought to the notice of the SC by the Defence Ministry and, hence, the judgment rendered without full disclosure of facts and law was sub-silentio and not binding on other courts as per the SC’s own rulings.
The MoD had “misleadingly” informed the SC in Kapur’s case that broad-banding was introduced to grant benefit to personnel whose career was cut short due to invalidation. Documents, however, show that the policy was in fact introduced to avoid subjectivity and variance in calculating disability percentage. Further, the SC was also not informed that according to rules, superannuating disabled personnel are deemed as “invalided” for the purpose of granting disability pension.

More pension for disable soldiers on superannuation: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-12T09:47:00.007+05:30

More pension for disable soldiers on superannuation

Chandigarh: The Armed Forces Tribuanl has ruled that soldiers being discharged on attaining the age of superannuation would be entitled to the benefit of rounding off or broad-banding of disability if found with disability of 20 per cent or above.

By rounding off, the percentage of disability enhances, which means higher pension. Earlier, only soldiers who had poted for permature retirement on medical grounds were entitled to the benefit.

While delivering its verdict in the Lt. Gen. Vijay Oberoi and others vs Unioun of India case, the Tribunal observed that in case of the police and paramilitary services, there was no exclusion and such exclusion in the armed forces was a violation of Article 14 ( equality before law) of the Constitution.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension had notified in 2000 that disability below 50 per cent would be rounded off to 50 per cent ; between 50-75 per cent to 75 per cent, and above 75 per cent to 100 per cent for the purpose of calculation of the disability element for disability pension. It was done to remove subjectivity in precise figurative assessment of percentage of disability on the recommandation of the 5th Pay Commission.

But subsequently, the Ministry of Defence issued a letter on January 31, 2001, disqualifying those retireing on superannuation from the benefit.

Three cheers for Ex-servicemen: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-09T09:44:00.003+05:30

Leh Operations- Ex-servicemen pitch in Anil Jerath Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 8- Three special Indian Air Force planes took off from Chandigarh airport today for Leh in Jammu & Kashmir's Ladakh region that was devastated by the recent flash floods. The team consisted of 15 ex-servicemen and materials to carry out rescue and relief operations in the wake of the flash floods triggered by a massive cloudburst in the region.
Interestingly, about 30 ex-servicemen volunteered to pack their bags to the flood-affected Leh area. Fifteen of them were selected by the defence establishments involved in the rescue mission, keeping in mind their physical capabilities and age.
The ex-servicemen along with the Indian army personnel have also activated the latter’s disaster management cell for rescue operations on a war footing since the tragedy hit the cold desert mountainous region.
While the priority of the army’s relief operations is on saving lives and property, the ex-servicemen will also provide succour to those affected with food, drinking water, medicines and other relief work.
Meanwhile, three special service aircraft also carried 10 VSATs and a set of other BSNL equipment to Leh. This is being done to help restore mobile and telecom connectivity at the earliest, a defence spokesman stated.
Apart from VSATs, two INMARSAT mobile phones have been sent to the Leh district administration for meeting immediate communication requirements.

‘Pension to defence widows even after remarriage’: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-07T09:09:00.002+05:30

‘Pension to defence widows even after remarriage’
New Delhi: In a major relief to widows of Army officers and jawans, the Armed Forces Tribunal has issued an order that they would be entitled to family pension even after remarriage.
Presently, only the widows who had remarried after the implementation of the Sixth pay commission on January 1, 2006 are eligible for the pension though the same is not applicable in case of special and liberalised family pension. Terming the present cut-off date condition as "discriminatory and arbitrary", Tribunal chairman Justice A K Mathur said, "We do not see any rationale where if a person had died after January 1, 2006, his widow will get pension whereas if a personnel had died prior to that date, his widow is ineligible for the pension."
The verdict was passed by the Tribunal in three cases filed by widows of service personnel whose pensions were stopped after their remarriage. The applicants are Savita Devi, Meenakshi Devi and Maya Devi. Observing that such condition should not have been imposed, the Tribunal said, "We set aside the order of making discrimination on the basis of cut off date since pension is a welfare measure and for welfare measure there should be no discrimination ...on the basis of artificial cut off dates." "Arrears of all the three applicants may be worked out and paid to them with 12 per cent rate of interest as far as possible within the period of three months," it added.

Mail from Tamil Nadu (Dharamapuri Centre) ESSAA: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-02T09:13:00.003+05:30

Respected sir,

ESSAA Dharmapuri Center observed kargilday today. smt Naayagam mother of sri Aruldevan who was killed in OPVIJAY,was honoured. AD Dharmapuri &Krishnagiri was the chiefguest.House thanked our national president for taking up their case with QMG, Army HQ. House also authorised by voting to send Rs10,000/= to Our National Organisation. Kindly mail the bank details for the same.

Regards.

Veteran K Krishna Moorthy

TALES OF HONOUR AND UNIFORM (I): Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-08-02T09:07:00.004+05:30

TALES OF HONOUR AND UNIFORM (I)
In Army career, we come across various incidents. Apart from the battle field, the emotions expressed by the characters involved are typically human and that also peculiar to our own soil. In this series, I want to bring out some such tales. May look like fiction. But are true.
The year was 1979.
This is the story of Gunner Sardhool Singh form Punjab and Havildar Abdul Hameed from Chennai, Tamilnadu. Sardhool Singh was from Artillery and Abdul Hameed was from Army Service Corps. They met each other in tragic circumstances. They were travelling in a 3 ton Vehicle, which was part of a convoy from Srinagar to Jammu . Both were proceeding on their annual leave. Short of Udhampur, their vehicle skidded in the snow & plunged into a deep ravine, 300 feet down. Most of the occupants of the vehicle died. But, both the characters mentioned above survived and were evacuated to MH Chandigarh, by helicopter.

Sardhool had both eyes damaged and escaped with slight bruises. But, Hameed was in a precarious state. At the Hospital he was placed in DI List, admitted in the ICU. By mid night, he came to his senses and asked the Sister attending him, as to the fate of “the tall handsome Sardar Gunner”. She told him that he was out of danger but both his eyes were damaged. Out of curiosity she asked him as to how he knew him. Hameed said, “while travelling, that boy was quite anxious to get home fast, because he told me that he was married just six months back. He wanted to present his wife with the Pashmina Shawl he bought in Leh.” After some thought, he requested the Sister to kindly let him know of his condition in the morning.

After two nights, Sister Anasuya Theresa, was on duty again in the ICU. Hameed’s condition had further deteriorated. He was in life support system. With great difficulty, he gestured her to remove his mask so that he could speak. The Sister placed her ear close to his mouth. Hameed told her that he wanted to donate his eyes to the ‘Handsome Sardar’ if that could help him getting his vision back. The sister immediately rushed to the Office Cub board and came back with a form. He signed it. Then he made one more request. He wanted to meet Sardhool immediately. The Sister, knowing from her experience that this might be the last wish of the patient, brought Sardool in a wheel Chair. Sardhool was overwhelmed and tears were pouring from his bandaged eyes. Hameed was quite composed, like most of the human beings who reach their final moments. “ Sardhool, I had an ambition to make a pilgrimage to Haj, in my life time. Now it is impossible. Though you will have my eyes, being a non Muslim you cannot make it either. But, try and visit Nagoor Dargha once, any time convenient to you”.

Years rolled by. Indra Gandhi was assassinated in 1984. The anti Sikh sentiment led to many meaningless violence across the Nation, reverberating even in the South as far as Coimbatore . The Surgeons could save one of his eyes, with the other getting partial vision. In December 1988, Sardhool decided to fulfil the ambition of his benefactor. He found out about the Nagoor Dharga, which is visited by the people of all faiths. He reached Chennai by train. Colonel Sarma, who was his Battery Commander in 1979, was in Chennai, with the IPKF. Learning from Sardhool, who was a Havildar by now, the purpose of his visit, he immediately arranged for his onward journey.

Sardhool returned from his trip looking emancipated. Sarma called him over for a dinner at his flat. After a couple of drinks, Sardhool opened up.

“ Saheb, after the accident, I felt that I also should have died instead of living as a blind man. Suddenly the Sister in the Hospital told me about the offer made by Havildar Hameed, whom I befriended only during our short journey together. I could only hear his voice. I felt that it was not Hameed but one of our own Gurus speaking. His last wish was so simple and practical, considering the great sacrifice he was making. I till today revere him as my eleventh Guru. To me it was not a request. It was a command from our own Guru.
But, it had taken me nearly 10 years to fulfil his request. I am really ashamed. The Visit to Nagoor Dharga taught me many great lessons. In every religion, there are outstanding men, who live a normal, ordinary life, but full of pure thoughts. The man who is devoted to his own Religion will never dare to insult the other Religions. In Nagoor I saw the people from all the faiths paying their homage, but none sacrificed his own faith. I went around the Dharga four or five times, as if showing Hameed through his own eyes, the place he revered so much".

Sarma was impressed by his narration. Simple but great truth coming from a Sikh Soldier. “ Okay, Sardhool, what have you resolved after your visit to the Dharga. Every one who visit the Dharga, I am told, take a vow”.

“ Saheb, I have taken two vows. First, to follow the foot steps of Hameed in helping others”.

“ That is commendable. What about the Second Vow?”

“ Shaeb, I will never trim my beard in future”.
XXXXX

Case for allotment of CSD canteen for ex-servicemen of District Dharamapuri (Tamil Nadu): Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-07-30T09:56:00.008+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards.

It is for the general infomation for ex-servicemen of Dharamapuri District of Tamil Nadu that Ex-Soldiers, Saliors and Airmen Association has moved a case for allotment of CSD canteen at District Dharamapuri of Tamil Nadu. Following letter has been writen to Integrated Hq. of MOD (Army) QMG Branch, Dy. Dte. Gen Canteen Services, New Delhi alongwith the request made by Tamil Nadu Branch of ESSAA to General Officer Commanding, HQ ATNK & K AREA, Island Grounds, Chennai.

ESSAA/CSD-1/2010 Dated: 30-07-2010

To
Integrated Hq of MOD (Army)
Army HQ's/QMG Branch,
Dy. Dte. Gen Canteen Services,
L-1 Block, Room No.15,
New Delhi- 110 011.

Sub: Welfare Ex-servicemen: Allotment of CSD canteen for
ex-servicemen of District Dharamapuri.

Enclosed herewith, please, find a copy of representation dt.29-07-2010 submitted by our Tamil Nadu State Br. to GOC. HQ ATNK & K AREA, CHENNAI in above connection. The same is self explanatory and deserves your kind attention.
2. About 3000 Ex-Servicemen, Widows & serving personnel are stationed in Dharamapuri District of Tamil Nadu.
3. The nearest CSD canteen available to them for purchase of CSD items is situated in Krishnagiri i.e. about 75 KM away (one way). As such, the ex-servicemen & widows, from most parts of the district Dharamapuri, have to travel about 150 kms. up & down which costs them about Rs. 80/- & a full day.
4. Apart from this they have to stand in queue for long time to avail the benefit of canteen facility.
In view of above, we request you to establish a CSD canteen or extension counter of Krishnagiri CSD or Salem CSD at Dharamapuri which will be a great step towards the welfare of ex-servicemen of Dharamapuri.
We shall be much obliged.
Your Sincerely,
Sd/-
Vet. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
Encls: As stated. President
Copy to:
1. General Officer Commanding, HQ ATNK & K AREA,
Island grounds, Chennai for information and deemed
necessary action, please.

Sd/-
President

Dharmapuri 29 July 2010
From
Ex. JWO K KRISHNA MOORTHY,
GENERAL SECRETARY,
ESSAATN,
No.1, 2nd FLOOR, DPS COMPLEX,
PIDAMANERI ROAD,
DHARMAPURI,
PIN 636701

To
GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING ,
HQ ATNK&K AREA,
ISLANDGROUNDS,
CHENNAI-600009
Sub: Allotment of CSD canteen for Ex Servicemen at

Dharmapuri for Dharmapuri District – reg.
* * * * * * * *
As the general secretary of “Ex-Soldiers, Sailors &Airmen Association, Tamilnadu” (ESSAA), I take this opportunity to submit the following facts and truths for your noble consideration and redressal at the earliest.
Dharmapuri district is economically backward and geographically widespread hilly terrain. It is surrounded by Krishnagiri, Salem and Vellore Districts. CSD canteen facilities are available at Krishnagiri ,Vellore and Salem but not so at Dharmapuri. It is very much necessary to establish a CSD canteen for the Ex-servicemen and widows of Ex-servicemen at Dharmapuri for the following reasons.

1. The strength of Ex-servicemen, widows of Ex-servicemen and serving persons of the district is above 3000.

2. The canteen card holders at Krishnagiri canteen have risen to over 15000. Same is the case with two CSD canteens at Salem town.

3. Due to over strength, these canteens are experiencing long Queues throughout every month. Every card holder has to spend a full day for the purchase of canteen items. Even worse is that they have to start their journey in the wee hours

4. Ex-Servicemen and widows of Ex-servicemen of Dharmapuri have to travel at about 50 kms to 90 kms one way for availing the canteen facility. Totally they travel up and down about 180 kms from Dharmapuri District to Krishnagiri or salem .

5. They have to spend about Rs.80 for bus fair and Auto fair alone.

6. Most of the Ex-Servicemen and widows of Ex-Servicemen of Dharmapuri District are old, weak and not healthy to travel 150 to 180 kms up and down from most parts of the district to Krishnagiri or Salem.

7. More over they are not able to utilize the full canteen facility because of huge crowd, even after standing hours together in the queue. Shortage of some important grocery items are experienced most of the times.

In view of the above facts, it is very much essential to have separate CSD canteen at Dharmapuri for Ex-servicemen and widows of Ex-servicemen of Dharmapuri District exclusively.

I on behalf of ESSAA put forth the following to support the establishing a new CSD canteen at Dharmapuri:

LESS NO OF CARDS SO NOT VIABLE

Now Dharmapuri district is having considerable strength. Further viability may be deduced over a cluster of units rather than individually. Since every ESM served the nation equally as others, he cannot be put to hardship on the grounds of such viability. Before establishing second canteen at Salem , Dharmapuri should have been considered by adding the cards of the ESMs living on the periphery of Dharmapuri district or by making the new cards subject of the Dharmapuri canteen . Namakkal district which is well connected with major cities and having many canteens at easily accessible distance has been granted independent CSD canteen in the recent time. Namakkal CSD has less or equal no of cards than proposed Dharmapuri CSD. If a CSD canteen comes up at Dharmapuri large no of ESM from Pochampalli, mathur and Barur area will also avail the CSD facilities from Dharmapuri.

SERVING OFFICER REQUIRED

1. Serving officers are available at ECHS Krishnagiri and NCC Krishnagiri. Hence they may be asked to head the Krishnagiri CSD canteen and allot an extension counter at Dharmapuri.
2. Since 12 TN NCC Battalion serves the Dharmapuri area an Extension Counter of Salem canteen may be established at Dharmapuri.

I once again pray your highness to establish a separate canteen / sub canteen at Dharmapuri. Establishing a CSD canteen at Dharmapuri will largely improve the status of ESM ,stop migration of ESM to cities and attract talented youth towards defense services. In the age of internet normal civilian citizen’s life is well improved and Ex servicemen of this region have to spend a day to buy groceries is incomparable. Should there be any need for contribution such as financial , manpower or building to establish CSD canteen viably at Dharmapuri, ESSAA will strive hard to meet the requirements. Hence we may please be informed the same in the larger interest of the Ex-servicemen community of Dharmapuri.

Thanking you, Sir.

Yours faithfully,

GENERAL SECRETARY

Haryana does it :Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-07-23T10:06:00.003+05:30

Dear Veterans,
Regards. Haryana govt.has granted the following concession to Defence personnel including Ex-servicemen.
we Hop[e the other states, including Punjab, follow suit.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal (PLS) Rtd.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Haryana slashes stamp duty for defence personnel by 1 %
The Haryana Govt has slashed stamp duty for serving and retired defence personnel for registration of residential plots, houses or units.As on date, the rates of stamp duty in the State are 7% and 5% for urban and rural areas respectively. Rates of 6 % and 4% respectively shall be applicable to defence personnel from now onwards.The benefit can however be availed only once during a person’s lifetime.\The following was stated by the Haryana CM on the subject :“We have taken this decision as an appreciation for the armed forces personnel as they have sterling qualities of courage, discipline, loyalty and implicit obedience of orders. They are the guardians of safety and honour of this country.”

Centre and Services Headquarter must cease using demeaning and derogatory terminology PBOR (Personal Below Officer Rank)-Veteran PJS Chhatwal PLS Retd

2010-07-09T10:47:00.004+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards.
You may remember we started a movement against the usage of demeaning and derogatory terminology PBOR by Centre and the Services Headquarters. Now the movment has picked up and organization like IESM, comprising mostly of high ranking officers, has also lent its shoulder to this movement. We are highly thankful to the members of IESM supporting this movement The following article has been published by Abhijit C Chandra. The same is being posed below for your information.

IESM OBJECTS AGAINST USAGE OF ''DEMEANING'' TERMINOLOGY PBOR
By Abhijit C Chandra

Bhopal, July 8 (UNI)
The Indian Ex-Servicemen's Movement (IESM) is actively expressing resentment to the Centre and Services Headquarters and getting objections recorded in the press against usage of the ''demeaning'' terminology Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR).

''Such an acronym is neither authorised nor officially accepted. It is not even included in our military manual titled the 'Glossary of Military Terms' and another named 'Military Abbreviations','' Major-General (Retd) Aditya J B Jaini, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, told UNI.

Since the past few years, media, government representatives and even military writers have been using the terminology that was concocted by the bureaucracy in an attempt to create a horizontal divide between ''us officers and our men,'' alleged the veteran who is a member of the Governing Body and Core Group of IESM.

''The bureaucracy -- which never ever leaves any stone unturned to humiliate, belittle, berate, defame or embarrass the Services -- has coined PBOR most subtly and seditiously only to create an impression that there are officers and those below officer rank. Nothing could be further than that from reality,'' said the Major-General who was Senior Directing Staff (Army) at the National Defence College, New Delhi, before he hung up his boots in 2003.

In the Army, there are officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs), non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs). Whatever their level and status in rank, the JCO is also an officer (JC'O') and an NCO is also an officer (NC'O'). Therefore, there is no such thing as PBOR.

''Highlighting this will set right an anomaly that is not only derogatory and demeaning but also very highly dangerous for the Armed Services culture and ethos. Who knows, the personnel (other than officers) may one day revolt against such an insult. Will the babu then come to douse the fire,'' wondered the veteran.

He is a member of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, United Service Institution of India, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies and Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

''Unfortunately, I found PBOR written at several places even in my own Regimental Journal ('Grinder' of the Grenadiers Regiment) -- a yearly magazine published for in-house consumption. I have written a letter to the Editor,'' he added.

Mail for comments- Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-07-09T10:17:00.005+05:30

Dear Veteran, Regards.
The following email has been received from our veteran Balbir Singh and being posted on this blog for your comments.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

Though It was a good step forward by GOI to implement COS report in order to reduce the gap between old and new pensioners but the intended benefits would not be substantial for the pensioners retired with less than 28 years service. It is true that pensions of all pre 1-1-2006 pensioners to be reckoned with reference to a notional maximum in post 1-1-2006. Going by this rule, only pensioners retired with 28 years or more service will be getting 50 % pensions but the pension of the pensioners who retired with less than 28 years of qualifying service continue to be proportionately reducing. Since Grade Pays and MSP are the newly introduced elements by VI CPC and ( baring Grade Pays according to rank) these elements are almost FIXED ( Grade Pay is same for the same Rank and MSP is fixed, Rs. 2000/- for all). The actual 50% benefit of Grade Pay and MSP should be given to all. By reducing proportionately the whole, effect of these above two newly introduced element (Grade Pay & MSP) on pension being actually coming down to 32 %. In simple words these both elements should not be subjected to reduce proportionately. Only the portion of the element reckoned with reference to a notional maximum in post 1-1-2006 should be subjected to reduce proportionately. Going by the above facts gap between the pensions can be further minimized as per the analysis (for Y Group) given on next page.

Top Naval officer killed in freak firing It was an accident, says Navy; police suspects suicide Tribune News Service & Agencies Vet. PJS Chhatwal PLS

2010-07-08T09:42:00.003+05:30

Top Naval officer killed in freak firing It was an accident, says Navy; police suspects suicide Tribune News Service & Agencies
Kochi/New Delhi, July 7Mystery shrouds the death of Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command, Rear Admiral SS Jamwal, who died today after a bullet pierced his skull. While the Navy said that the highly-accomplished officer accidentally shot himself, the police suspect suicide.Admiral Jamwal, 51, was firing from a 9 mm hand-held pistol as part of his routine training drill around 10.30 am when the freak incident occurred. During firing, the deceased paused to inspect the weapon, which probably had a snag. In the process, Jamwal shot himself. He was rushed to hospital where he later died.Even as Navy spokesman Commander PVS Satish maintained in the National Capital that Admiral SS Jamwal died in accidental firing, top police sources said that his death appeared to be suicide. A case of ‘unnatural death’ has been registered. Family problems could be behind it, police said.However, the Kochi naval establishment dismissed reports of suicide as speculative. “If the Chief of Staff wants to commit suicide he need not go to the firing range. He was accompanied by his entire staff, including the executive officer of Dronacharya, the firing officer and head of the range. It was an official, planned visit to a firing range to check the progress of training,” Commodore Ajaya Kumar, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy and naval officer in-charge of Kerala, told reporters.Admiral Jamwal was at INS Dronacharya on an official visit to monitor training of the second batch of ‘Sagar Prahatri Bal’, the new force being raised by the navy for coastal security in which 24 cadets were undergoing training. The training had commenced on Monday and today was the day for firing practice, he said.The Rear Admiral, Commodore Kumar said, had said he himself would do some firing practice and first used the Insas and later the 9 mm pistol. Unfortunately, the pistol misfired twice. While he was inspecting it from close range to ascertain the cause of the misfiring, it suddenly went off, he said.“The muzzle was pointing towards his head and during that time the gun went off accidentally,” Commodore Kumar said. Though he was rushed to the hospital, he was declared brought dead.Commodore Kumar said a board of inquiry has been ordered to look into the incident and would file a report in 10 days. Ruling out suicide, he said Admiral Jamwal was a very happy man. “I had never seen him in despair,” he said.All officers, howsoever senior, have to practice firing throughout their career at periodic intervals. Norms for minimum practice are laid down by the Naval Headquarters. Officers expressed great shock at Jamwal’s tragic demise. Describing him as a rising star of the Indian Navy, they said that he had picked up his current rank — equivalent to Major General — at the age of 50 and was certain to be elevated as Vice-Admiral. “He was doing very well for himself and was ahead of his compatriots in being promoted,” said a colleague.Jamwal took over as Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command on September 1, 2009. Earlier, he was naval attaché at the Indian Embassy in Moscow. An alumnus of Lawrence School Sanawar, National Defence Academy, Grechko Naval War College (Russia), Defence Services Staff College (Wellington) and the Army War College, Jamwal had in his 30-year service specialised in anti-submarine warfare to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy subs and was now an instructor in the same.Originally from Jammu, Jamwal is survived by his wife Geeta and two children who live in Delhi. He was commissioned into the Navy on July 1, 1980. His father Major General Jagdish Singh Jamwal (retd) lives in Jammu.Jamwal’s afloat appointments included tenures on Indian naval ships Taragiri, Atul, Rajput and Ranvijay. He also commanded the Vibhuti and Kuthar and was commissioning executive officer of guided missile destroyer Delhi and commissioning commanding officer of guided missile frigate Beas. He was the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India from 1983 to 85.
Our organization deeply mourns over the untimely death of Rear Admiral Naval Officer S.S. Jamwal.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

Regarding Pension to Pre-2006 Hony Nb. Sub. - Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-07-04T10:01:00.003+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards.
Find below the information given to IESL, Punjab & Chandigarh headed by Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd. by MOD regarding the pension of Pre-2006 Hony. Nb. Sub. given Veteran Malkiat Singh
Gen. Secretary,
Ex.Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association and IESL, Punjab & Chandigarh

Memorandum to Central Govt. by ESSAA regarding omissions and discrepancies in Modified Parity in Pension : Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-07-02T09:30:00.008+05:30

EX-SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND AIRMEN ASSOCIATION (REGD.)
# 3, Guru Ram Dass Nagar, Tripuri Road, Patiala.

ESSAA/13/2010 Date: 01 July, 2010
To
Secretary Govt. of India,
Ministry of Defence,
101, South Block,
New Delhi 110 011.
Sub. Omissions and Discrepancies in the Modified Parity in Pension.
Dear Sir,
Consequent to the recommendation of 6th Central Pay Commission, Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence, has implemented the revised pensions which led to much frustration amongst pre-2006 defence pensioners. To give a soothing touch to the feelings of aggrieved Ex-Servicemen orders for modified parity in pension, based on CoS Report, was issued and implemented in a record time of three months. Govt. of the day deserves to be highly appreciated for this.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association has observed the following omission and discrepancies affecting a large number of Ex-Servicemen and the widow which need to be looked in to and corrected at your level at the earliest to avoid further frustration and heartburn:-
1. Minimum Pension for Defence Pensioners: Minimum pension of Rs. 3500/- PM fixed by the Govt., is not justified in case of Defence Pensioners since it is based on the Minimum Pension fixed for civilian pensioners and MSP, an element granted exclusively to Defence pensioners, has not been taken into consideration while fixing the pension. If MSP is included, the minimum pension for Defence pensioners amounts to Rs. 4600/-PM (M.B.Pay- Rs. 5200/-) +(Grade pay- Rs. 2000/-) +(MSP- Rs. 2000/-) divided by 2. It should be made applicable to Reservist and Widows.
2. Grant of same pension to Hony Naib. Sub. as given to regurlar Naib. Subedar : 6th Central Pay Commission has recommended this and the Govt. has already agreed, in principal, to implement the same but it has not been incorporated in the circular 430 dated 10-03-2010. We request that the same should be implemented at the earliest.
3. Removal of condition of ten months pay in the rank for fixation of pension: Sixth Central Pay Commission has recommended the removal of condition of ten months pay for grant of pension for that rank and the Govt. has already agreed to it but whereas while granting parity in pension vide circular 430 dated 10-03-2010, the same condition has again been taken into consideration for fixing the pension of that rank. A large number of soldiers are facing a great loss due to this. We vehemently demand that pension should be fixed on the last pay drawn by the individual in that rank instead of ten months pay.
4. Discrepancies in the tables issued by Directorate of Pension in department of defence pensioner's welfare: It is further pointed out that there are many glaring discrepancies in the tables prepared by the Govt. in respect of pension of various ranks in Army & Air Force.
As per tables, certain junior ranks have been authorized more pension than the senior ranks. For example: Sepoy with 15 years of service in Group-X is entitled for Rs. 5368/- PM whereas Naik and Havaildar, with the same years of service and in the same group, are entitled for Rs. 5290/-PM & 5355/-PM respectively. We request the removal of these anomalies at the earliest.
5. Date of implementation of Modified parity in pension: There is no justification in granting modified parity in pension to JCOs and below w.e.f. 01-07-2009 since the parity has been given between the pre-1996 and post-10-10-1997 retirees and the same has already been paid to Hony Officer and above w.e.f. 01-01-1996, way back in year, 1999. We request that orders for modified parity in pension (Circular no. 430) be implemented w.e.f. 01-01-1996 instead of 01-07-2009.
6. Irregularities in the disbursement of pension: There have been many grave irregularities in disbursement of pension by Pension Disbursing Authorities (DPDO/Banks). For example, A War Widow, Rajinder Kaur wd/o Flt. Lt. Gurbax Singh Ahuja of 1965 fame has been receiving minimum pension for the last 25 years @ Rs. 375/- PM w.e.f. 01-01-1986, Rs.1275/- w.e.f. 01-01-1986 and Rs. 3500/- w.e.f. 01-01-2006 instead of Liberalized Family Pension. In another case, Chief Petty Officer Jaswant Singh Retd. is being denied his hard earned pension due to high handedness of Treasury Office, Faridkot for the last about 35 years. Yet in another case, Sgt. Harmohinder Singh Retd. has received Rs. 653/- PM less in his pension for about three and half years and Rs. 58/- PM less for eight years from DPDO, Patiala. There are many such other cases where the individuals are being paid less pension.
In view of above we humbly request that the above omissions and irregularities be corrected at the earliest to avoid further frustrations among the ex-servicemen and the widows.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal,
President
Copy to:
1. Director (Pension/Policy) Ministry of Defence, 213,
A Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi for information
and necessary action at his end.
President

Pay Fixation Re-employed Ex-Servicemen

2010-07-01T22:37:00.004+05:30

No. 3/19/2009-Estt. (Pay II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training
****a*****
New Delhi, Dated: 5ft,~~ri1 ,2010.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Applicability of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008
to persons re-employed in Government Service
after retirement and whose pay is debitable to
Civil Estimates. - - -- --- - -- -
The undersigned is directed to refer to this
Department's O.M. No.3/13/2008-Estt.
(Pay II) dated lltNhovem ber, 2008 on the
above-mentioned subject.
Certain references have been received seeking
clarification regarding the manner of
fixation of pay of retired Defence Forces
personnel/officers re-employed in Central
Government Civilian posts, after the
implementation of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008.
This hasbeen considered in consultation with
Department of Expenditure. The pay fixation
of reemployedpensioners on re-employment in
Central Government, including that of Defence
Forces personnel/officers, is being done in
accordance with CCS (fixation of pay of
re-employed pensioners) Orders, 1986,
issued vide this Department's O.M. No.
3/1/85-Estt. (Pay II) dated 3lStJuly, 1986
(as revised from time to time).
2. After the introduction of the system of running
pay bands and grade pays, it hasbeen decided to
amend the relevant provisions of CCS (fixation of
pay of re-employedpensioners) Orders, 1986 in
the manner indicated below: -
Para 4(a): Re-employed pensioners shall
be allowed to draw pay only in the
prescribed scales of pay of the posts in
which they are re-employed. No
protection of the scales of pay of the posts
held by them prior to retirement shall be
given.
Para 4(a): Re-employed pensioners shall
be allowed to draw pay only in the
prescribed pay scale/pay structure of the
post in which they are re-employed. No
protection of the scales of pay/pay
structure of the post held by them prior to
retirement shall be given.
,
Note: Under the provisions of CCS (RP)
Rules, 2008, revised pay structure
comprises the grade pay attached to the
post and the applicable pay band.
Para 4(b)(i): In all cases where the
pension is fully ignored, the initial pay on
re-employment shall be fixed at the
minimum of the scale of pay of the reemployed
post.
Para 4(b)(i): In all cases where the
pension is fully ignored, the initial pay on
re-employment shall be fixed as per entry
pay in the revised pay structure of the reemployed
post applicable in the case of
direct recruits appointed on or after
1.1.2006 as notified vide Section II, Part A
of First Schedule to CCS (RP) Rules, 2008.
I Para 4(b)(ii): In cases where the entire I
Para 4(b)(ii): In cases where the entire I
lension and pensionary benefits are not
gnored for pay fixation, the initial pay on
e-employment shall be fixed at the same
tage as the last pay drawn before
etirement. If there is no such stage in the
e-employed post, the pay shall be fixed at
he stage next above that pay. If the
naximum of the pay scale in which a
~ensioner is re-employed is less than the
ast pay drawn by him before retirement,
iis initial pay shall be fixed at the
naximum of the scale of pay of the remployed
post. Similarly, if the minimum
)f the scale of pay in which a pensioner is
e-employed Is more than the last pay
Irawn by hlm before retirement, his initial
lay shall be fixed at the minimum of the
icale of pay of the re-employed post.
iowever, in all these cases, the nongnorable
part of the pension shall be
.educed from the pay so fixed.
Para 4(c): The re-employed pensioner will,
in addition to pay as fixed under Para (b)
above shall be permitted to draw
separately any pension sanctioned to him
and to retain any other form of retirement
benefits.
Para 4(d): In the case of persons retiring
before attaining the age of 55 years and
who are re-employed, pension (including
PEG and other forms of retirement
benefits) shall be ignored for initial pay
fixation in the following extent:-
(i) In the case of ex-servicemen who held
posts below Commissioned Officer rank in
the Defence Forces and in the case ol
civilians who held posts below Group 'A'
posts at the time of their retirement, the
entire pension and pension equivalent oi
retirement benefits shall be ignored.
(ii) In the case of service officers belonging
to the Defence Forces and Civiliar
pensioners who held Group 'A' posts a1
. . I pension and pensionary benefits are not
gnored for pay fixation, the initial basic
lay on re-employment shall be fixed at the
iame stage as the last basic pay drawn
)efore retirement. However, he shall be
:ranted the grade pay of the re-employed
lost. The maximum basic pay cannot
zxceed the grade pay of the re-employed
lost plus pay in the pay band of Rs.67000
.e. the maximum of the pay band PB-4. In
111 these cases, the non-ignorable part of
:he penslon shall be reduced from the pay
;o fixed.
llustration
4 Colonel who retired with basic pay of
is.61700 (grade pay Rs.8700; pay in the
3ay band Rs.53000) is re-employed as a
Deputy Secretary in an organization with
:rade pay of Rs.7600. In this case, on remployment,
his basic pay will continue to
be Rs.61700. However, his grade pay on
re-employment will be Rs.7600 and the
pay in the pay band Rs.54100. Thereafter,
the non-ignorable part of the pension will
be reduced from the pay so fixed.
Note: In the revised pay structure, basic
oay is pay in the pay band plus the grade
uoy attached to the post.
Para 4(c): No change.
Para 4(d): In the case of persons retiring
before attaining the age of 55 years and
who are re-employed, pension (including
PEG and other forms of retirement
benefits) shall be ignored for initial pay
fixation in the following extent:-
(i) No change.
(ii) In the case of Commissioned Se~icc
officers belonging to the Defence Force!
and Civilian pensioners who held Group 'A
the time of their retirement, the first Rs.
5001-* of the pension and pension
equivalent retirement benefits shall be
ignored. (*Already revised to Rs. 40001-
vide O.M. No. 311312008-Estt. (Pay II)
dated llt~ohvem ber2, 008)
posts at the time of their retirement, the
first Rs.40001- of the pension and pension
equivalent retirement benefits shall be
ignored.
3. Apart from the above, it is also clarified as under: -
(i) Drawal of increments: Once the initial pay of
the re-employed pensioner hasbeen fixed in the
manner indicated above, he will be allowed to draw
normal increments as per the provisions of Rule 9
and 10 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008.
(ii) Allowances: The drawal of various allowances
and other benefits in the revised pay structure
shall be regulated with reference to the grade pay of the
re-employed post or the basic pay, as the case may be.
(iii) Treatment of Military Service Pay (MSP):
MSP is granted to Defence Forces
officerslpersonnel while they are serving in the
Defence Forces. Accordingly,on their re-employment
in civilian organizations, including secret
organizations under the Cabinet Secretariat umbrella,
the question of grant of MSP to such officers/
personnel does not arise. However, the benefit of MSP
given to all retired Defence Forces officers/
personnel by reckoning it at thetime of calculation
of their wension (notionallv in the case of pre-1.1.2006
pensioners) should not be withdrawn.accordingly
while the pension of such
re-em~loved pensioners will include the element of
MSP. thev will not be granted MSP while working in
civilian organizations.
(iv) Fixation of pay of personnelfofficers re-employed
prior to 1.1.2006 and who were in employment as on
1.1.2006: In the case of personnel/officers who
were re-employed before 1.1.2006 and who were
working in the CentralGovernment organizations
on re-employment basis as on 1.1.2006, their pay
will be fixed in accordance with the provisions of
DOPT O.M. No.3/13/2008-Estt.(Pay II) dated
11.11.2008. This O.M. stipulates that re-employed
personswho become eligible to elect revised pay
structure shall exercise option in the
manner laid down in Rule 6 of CCS (RP) Rules,
2008 and their pay shall be fixed
in accordance with the provisions of Rule 7 of CCS
(RP) Rules, 2008. In this
context, it is clarified that in accordance with the
provisions of Rule 7 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008,
Department of Expenditure issued fitment tables
corresponding to each pre-revised pay scale vide
O.M. No.1/1/2008-IC dated 30.8.2008. In the
case of those personnellofficers as well, who were
reemployed before 1.1.2006 and who were working
in the civilian organizationson re-employment basis
as on 1.1.2006, their pay will be fixed with refeience
to the fitment table of the pre-revised civilian pay
scale in which they werere-employed and
corresponding to the stage in the pre-revised pay
scale as on1.1.2006.
(v) Fixation of pay of personnelfofficers who retired
prior to 1.1.2006 and who have been re-employed
after 1.1.2006: In the case of personnel/officers who
had retired prior to 1.1.2006 and who have been
re-employed after 1.1.2006,their pay on
re-employment will be fixed by notionally arriving
at their revised basic pay at the time of retirement
as if they had retired under the revised pay structure.
This will be done with reference to the fitment table
of the Defence Service RankICivilian service post
(as the case may be) from which they had
retired and the stage of basic pay at the time of their
retirement. Their basic pay on re-employment will
be fixed at the same stage as the notional last
basic pay before retirement so arrived at. However,
they shall be granted the grade pay of the re-employed
post. The maximum basic pay cannot exceed
the grade pay of the re-employed post plus pay in the
pay band of Rs.67000i.e. the maximum of the pay
band PB-4. In all these cases, the non-ignorable
part of the pension shall be reduced from the pay so fixed.
4. The existing instructions on the subject shall be
treated as amended to this extent.
5. In so far as the persons sewing in the Indian
Audit & Accounts Department are concerned,
these orders are being issued after consultation
with theComptroller &Auditor General of lndia.
L
(Rita Mathur)
Director
To
All MiniStrieS/De~artment[A s Der standard list
attachedl
,,,~Dv to : Director (NIC), Department of Personnel
&Training, to upload the O.M. on this
Department's website under the Head "Establishment
(Pay)", Sub-Head "Pay Rules" &
under the caption "What's New".
Copies also forwarded to:
1. The Comptroller & Auditor General of lndia and
all States under his control. (With 400
spare copies)
2. Controller General of Accounts/Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Finance.
3. Secretaries to UPSC/Supreme Court of lndia/Election Commission/Lok Sabha
Secretariaticabinet Secretariatfcentral Vigilance Commission/President's
SecretariatNice President's SecretariatlPrime Minister's OfficefPlanning Commission.
4. Department of Personnel &Training (AIS Division)/JCA/Admn. Section.
5. Additional Secretary (Union Territories), Ministry
of Home Affairs.
6. All State Governments and Union Territories.
7. Secretary, National Council (Staff Side), 13-C,
Feroz Shah Road, New Delhi
8. All Members of the Staff Side of the National Council of JCMIDepartmental Council.
9. All Officers/Sections of the Department of Personnel & TrainingjDepartment of
Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances/
Department of Pension & Pensioners'Welfare.
10. Ministty of Finance, Department of Expenditure
11.25 spare copies.
( Rita Mathur )
Director

Tribunal for equal disability pension to retired army personnel: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-07-01T08:36:00.005+05:30

GOOD NEWS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Tribunal for equal disability pension to retired army personnel
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 23:40 IST
.New Delhi: The Armed Forces Tribunal today asked the government to pay equal war disability pension to personnel who retire at same rank irrespective of the pay commission under which they have left the service.
Hearing the plea filed by lieutenant colonel (retired) PK Kapur, Tribunal's Principal Bench headed by justice AK Mathur "struck down" the defence ministry circular issued in 2008 regarding war disability pension.
"Government is directed to give benefit of war disability pension without any distinction between pre and post 2006 retirees," the Tribunal said. It also asked the ministry to pay the difference in pension to Kapur with 12% interest from 2006.
As per the present policy, personnel who have retired after 2006 get more benefits under the war disability pension than those who have left service before it.
Following the tribunal verdict, all eligible retired personnel are likely to get the pension as per the sixth pay commission which came into effect from January 1, 2006.
In his plea, the retired officer had termed the new rate of war disability pension implemented after the sixth pay commission as "unconstitutional" as it gave more benefits to those who retired after it.
After joining the Sikh Light Infantry regiment of Army in early 60’s, Kapur suffered an injury during the India-Pakistan war in 1965 and was released from service in 1989 with 30% disability.

Message form Tamil Nadu unit of ESSAA: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-06-30T09:30:00.004+05:30

Dear Veteran, Regards. The following message has been received from Tamil Nadu unit of ESSAA for being published on this blog.

Dear veterans,
Regards,First District unit(DHARMAPURI) of TN ESSAA will be formed on 4 July, 2010. Following members will be assuming office:
President- veteran S chinnasamy VP-veteran S Subramanian District Coordinator- veteran M Malligarchunan Treasurer-veteran C Selvam Joint Secretary- veteran P palani District Organiser- veteran basuaraj
Election will be held for other positions and investiture ceremony will be held on the same day.Our beloved National President Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.) will be addressing the TN ESSAA meeting which is going to be held at Dharmapuri Municipal School. All are welcome. Interested members from other parts of Tamilnadu may contact TN ESSAA.

Veteran K KRISHNA MOORTHY(+919442946688)
Gen. Secretary
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association Tamilnadu

News Reports

2010-06-29T11:49:00.005+05:30

News Reports- Press Conference

Press Conference by Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airment Association on 26th June, 2010 at 11:45 AM Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-06-25T09:25:00.006+05:30

Dear Veterans,
Regards.
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.), in collaboration with Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh, will hold a wide ranging Press Conference at Patiala on 26th June, 2010 at 11:45 AM to highlight the anomalies in circular no. 430 dated 10-03-2010 in which certain junior ranks have been authorized more pension than the senior ranks, to seek its implementation w.e.f. 01-01-1996 and its applicability to widow and reservist also. Association will seek a minimum pension of Rs. 4600/- in place of Rs. 3500/-. Association will also demand the removal of condition of ten months pay for fixation of pension of that rank and grant of pension to Hony. Naib Sub. equal to a regular Naib Sub. which the govt. has already agreed in principal. A large no. of News Paper correspondents and representative of T.V. channels are likely to attend the press conference.

Veteran Malkiat Singh
Gen. Secretary
Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association

Revised pension benefits for 28 ex-servicemen Tribune News Service: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-06-04T16:03:00.005+05:30

Dear Veterans, Find below a good news. The Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal has granted revised pensionary benefits to 28 ex-servicemen who had pointed out anomalies in the pension fixation following the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission.Now we have got the reason to demand the arrears of modified parity in pension w.e.f. 01-01-1996 i.e. the date of implimentation of recommendation of 5th pay commission, from the Govt. As soon as we are able to procure the copy of the said judgement of the Armed Forces Tribunal, we will move the case for payment of arrear from back date i.e. 01-01-1996. Ex-servicemen are requested to unite and join Ex-Soldier, Sailors and Airmen Associaton (Regd.) to reap the harvest of joint efforts.
Revised pension benefits for 28 ex-servicemen Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 2
Disposing of 28 similar cases bunched together in a single petition, the Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal has granted revised pensionary benefits to ex-servicemen who had pointed out anomalies in the pension fixation following the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission.
Holding that the controversy involved in their cases was squarely covered by the division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that was later upheld by the Supreme Court, the bench comprising Justice NP Gupta and Lt Gen HS Panag directed the respondents to revise the pensionary benefits of the pensioners within three months.
The bench also ruled that the petitioners were entitled to get arrears from the date of retirement along with interest at the rate of 10 per cent per annum.
The petitioners had contended that after anomalies were detected in the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations, a committee was set up and revised pay scales were made applicable with effect from October 10, 1997, in respect of personnel below officer rank. However, those retiring after this date were granted higher consequential benefits than those who had retired earlier.
Counsel for the petitioners, RC Chatrath contended that the cut-off date was illegal, arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution, as it was settled law that the pay or pension anomaly should be removed with effect from the date it arose and especially so if it has been upheld by earlier judgments.

Revised pension benefits for 28 ex-servicemen Tribune News Service

2010-06-04T16:03:00.001+05:30

Chandigarh, June 2
Disposing of 28 similar cases bunched together in a single petition, the Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal has granted revised pensionary benefits to ex-servicemen who had pointed out anomalies in the pension fixation following the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission.
Holding that the controversy involved in their cases was squarely covered by the division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that was later upheld by the Supreme Court, the bench comprising Justice NP Gupta and Lt Gen HS Panag directed the respondents to revise the pensionary benefits of the pensioners within three months.
The bench also ruled that the petitioners were entitled to get arrears from the date of retirement along with interest at the rate of 10 per cent per annum.
The petitioners had contended that after anomalies were detected in the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations, a committee was set up and revised pay scales were made applicable with effect from October 10, 1997, in respect of personnel below officer rank. However, those retiring after this date were granted higher consequential benefits than those who had retired earlier.
Counsel for the petitioners, RC Chatrath contended that the cut-off date was illegal, arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution, as it was settled law that the pay or pension anomaly should be removed with effect from the date it arose and especially so if it has been upheld by earlier judgments.

Abbreviation commonly used in Govt. Offices Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-05-31T16:09:00.005+05:30

Dear Veterans, Regards. Find below the abbrevations commonly used in the Govt. Offices. It is for your information, Please.
A.B. Autonomous Bodies.
A.C.P. Assured Career Progression Scheme.
A.D.R.P. Annual Direct Recruitment Plan .
A.G. Accountant General.
C.P.I.N. Consumer Price Index Number.
A.M.A. Authorised Medical Attendant.
C.A.M. Civil Accounts Manual. C.G.H.S. Central Government Health Scheme.
C.S.M.A. Central Services Medical Attendance.
C.B.D.T. Central Board of Direct Taxes.
C.B.E.C. Central Board of Excise & Customs.
C.C.S. Central Civil Services.
C.C.A. Classification, Control & Appeal
C.G.A.(R&P) Rules Central Government Account (Receipts & Payments) Rules 1983.
C.G.E.G.I.S. Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme. C.S. Rs.. Civil Service Regulations
C.T. Rs. Central Treasury Rules.
C.A.T. Central Administrative Tribunal.
C.P.C. Central Pay Commission.
C.P.F. Contributory Provident Fund.
C.R. Confidential Report.
D.C.R.G. Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity.
D.D.O. Drawing and Disbursing Officer.
D.P.C. Departmental Promotion Committee.
E.B. Efficiency Bar.
E.C.H.S. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
E.E.E. Exempt – Exempt - Exempt
E.E.T. Exempt – Exempt -Taxed
E.O.L. Extraordinary Leave
F.Rs. Fundamental Rules.
G.F. Rs. General Financial Rules.
G.O. Gazetted Officer.
G.I.D. Government of India Decision.
G.P.F. General Provident Fund.
G.I. Government of India.
H.B.A. House Building Advance.
I.T. Income Tax.
L.P.C. Last Pay Certificate.
L.T.C. Leave Travel Concession.
N.P.A. Non Practising Allowance.
M.C.M. Master Craftsman.
M.A.C.P. Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme.
O.M. Office Memorandum.
O.T.A. Over Time Allowance.
P.A.O.. Pay and Accounts Office/Officer
P.P.O. Pension Payment Order.
P.S.U Public Sector Undertakings.
R.B.I. Reserve Bank of India.
S.B.I. State Bank of India.
S.Rs. Supplementary Rules.
T.A. Travelling Allowance.

Government Approves Massive Expansion of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme- Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-05-29T09:53:00.004+05:30

Friday, May 28, 2010
Government Approves Massive Expansion of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
Government Approves Massive Expansion of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme To provide equitable treatment to all eligible Ex-Servicemen and their dependents under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and to enhance the scheme’s coverage, the Union Cabinet today approved Establishment of 199 new polyclinics including 17 mobile medical facilities and 15 new regional centres at a cost of Rs. 141 crores. With this, the ECHS facility will now be extended to those areas, where Ex-Servicemen population is below 2,500 by setting up polyclinics which are within reasonable distance from Ex-Servicemen concentrations.
The Cabinet also approved reorganization and strengthening the Central Organisation ECHS by suitably increasing the manpower. It has authorized additional manpower – 2263 in number on contractual basis, to man the additional 199 polyclinics. It has also authorized 315 serving personnel – 60 officers and 255 PBORs, for proposed regional centres and seven officers and 15 PBORs for Central Organisation ECHS.
Financial implications towards creation of infrastructure will be about Rs.141 crore. This will entail a capital expenditure of Rs. 118.52 crore towards cost of land, construction and medical equipment. An amount of Rs. 22.25 crore of expenditure will cover purchase of furniture etc, and IT hardware. On the recurring side, an expenditure of Rs.43 crore per annum is envisaged.
It may be recalled that the ECHS was introduced on April 01, 2003 to provide comprehensive medical coverage to Ex-Servicemen pensioners, war widows and dependents by establishing 227 polyclinics at stations with Ex-Servicemen population above 2500 throughout the country. 106 polyclinics are at military stations and 121 polyclinics are at non-military stations. Where the Ex-Servicemen population is less than 2,500, the Ex-Servicemen face hardships in reaching polyclinics because of the distance. There are over 30 lakh ECHS beneficiaries now. On an average 60,000 Servicemen retire every year and this results in a further addition of 60,000 Ex-Servicemen and 1,44,000 dependents to the list of beneficiaries each year. Over 7 lakh Ex-Servicemen, who retired prior to April 01, 2003 have not opted for the scheme primarily due to non-availability of polyclinics near their places of residence. There are also insufficient number of regional centres to monitor the polyclinics.
Following is the list of additional polyclinics planned to be established:- Jammu & Kashmir
Baramulla, Doda, Poonch, Baribrahmna (Jammu), Kargil, Nagrota (Kathua)
Himachal Pradesh
Rampur (Shimla), Nahan (Sirmaur), Shahpur (Kangra), Palampur (Kangra), Kullu, Dera Goppipur (Kangra), Jogindernagar (Mandi), Chamba, Ghumarwin (Bilaspur), Sarakaghat (Mandi), Barsar (Hamirpur),
Punjab Mohali, Ajnala (Amritsar), Tarantaran (Amritsar), Beas (Amritsar), Nawansahar, Suranassi (Jalandhar), Uchi Bassi (Hoshiarpur), Abohar (Ferozpur), Jagraon (Ludhiana), Batala (Gurdaspur), Srigovindpur (Gurdaspur), Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), Phagwara (Kapurthala), Samana (Patiala), Barnala (Sangrur), Nabha (Patiala), Doraha (Ludhiana), Samarala (Ludhiana), Mahalpur (Hoshiarpur), Talwara (Hoshiarpur)
HaryanaGohana (Sonepat), Mehan (Rohtak), Sampla (Rohtak), Loharu (Bhiwani), Kosli (Jhajjar), Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar), Gurgaon, Nuh (Gurgaon), Charki Dadri (Bhiwani), Mahendragarh, Narwana (Jind), Palwal (Faridabad), Hansi (Hissar), Dharuhera (Rewari), Narayangarh (Ambala), Kharkhauda (Sonepat)
National Capital Territory of Delhi
Shakurbasti, Timarpur, Khanpur, Preetvihar
RajasthanNeem Ka Thana (Sikar), Shergarh (Jodhpur), Dausa, Sanganer (Jaipur), Bhuwana (Jhunjhunu), Bhilwara, Suratgarh (Hanumangarh), Dungarpur, Rajsamand, Rajgarh (Churu), Chirawa (Jhunjhunu), Behror (Alwar)
Uttar Pradesh
Bagpat, Gonda, Basti, Jaunpur, Greater Noida (GB Nagar), Lakhimpur, Moradabad, Bijnaur, Rampur, Hardoi, Banda, Roberts Ganj (Mirzapur), Barabanki, Unnao, Hathras
UttarakhandJoshimath (Chamoli), Dehradun, Vikas Nagar (Dehradun), Tehri, Rudraprayag, Ranikhet, Almora, Bageshwar, Banbasa (Champavat), Rudrapur (Udham Singh nagar), Dharchula (Pithoragarh), Lansdowne (Paurigarhwal), Uttarkashi, Ramnagar (Nainital)
BiharBhagalpur, Kathiar, Motihari, Siwan, Samastipur, Madhubani, Buxar, Vaishali, Sasaram (Rohtas) Khagaria, Munger, Sitamarhi
Jharkhand Deoghar, Gumla, Chaibasa (West Singhbhoom), Daltonganj (Palamu), Dhanbad
Madhya Pradesh
Satna, Ujjain, Amla (East Nimar), Pachmarhi (Hoshangabad)
ChhattisgarhJagdalpur (Bastar), Bilaspur, Raigarh
West Bengal
Berhampore (Murshidabad), Baruipur (South 24 Pargana), Bankura, Howrah, Raiganj (North Dinajpur), Cooch Behar, Kalimpong (Darjeeling), Binaguri (Jalpaiguri)
AssamLanka (Naugaon), Bongaigaon, Tinsukia, Tezpur (Sonitpur), Misamari (Darrang), Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Dhubri, Lakhimpur
ManipurChura Chandpur
NagalandMokokchung MizoramLungleiArunachal Pradesh
Tezu (Lohit), Along (West Siang)
OrissaPuri, Sambalpur, Koraput, Angul, Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi), Dhenkanal
Andhra Pradesh
Srikakulam, Anantapur, Karnool, Cuddapah, Nellore, Karimnagar, Eluru (West Godavari), Secunderabad (Rangareddy), Khammam, Mehbubnagar
Tamil Nadu
Erode, Sivagangai (Sivaganga), Kumbhkonum (Tiruvallur), Chennai, Ramanathapuram, Tambram (Kanchipuram)
KeralaMavelikara (Alleppey), Kanhangad (Kasargode), Kalpetta (Wayanad), Thodupuzha (Idukki), Thiruvananthapuram, Changanacherry (Kottayam), Moovattupuzha (Ernakulum), Iritti (Kannur), Kunnamkulum (Trichur), Kottarakara (Kollam), Ranni (Pathanamthitta), Killimanur (Thiruvananthapuram)
KarnatakaKolar, Tumkur, Hassan, Shimoga, Bangalore, Gulbarga, Bidar, Virarajendrapet (Kodagu) MaharastraBeed, Nanded, Karad (Satara), Wardha, Navi Mumbai (Mumbai), Pune, Khadki (Pune), Yavatmal, Dhule.
GoaVasco – Da – Gama
GujaratGandhidham, Surat, Rajkot
PudducheryPudduchery
In addition to these polyclinics 15 regional centres will also be set up at Shimla, Jalandhar, Dehradun, Ambala, Hissar, Meerut, Allahabad, Ranchi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Vizag, Bangalore, Coimbatore & Trivandrum.

Discrepancies in payment of Defence Pension: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-05-26T10:25:00.005+05:30

DEAR VETERANS- ATTENTION PLEASE.

Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association has detected during, a survey held in last month, that a no. of defence pensioners, particularly family pensioners, are not being paid correct amount of pension and there are glaring discrepancies in some cases.
In one such case, Smt. Rajinder Kaur, War Widow of Flt. Lt. Gurbax Singh, a General Duty Pilot and War Hero of 1965- War fame, was noticed of being paid a pension of Rs. 3500/- only without element of D.A. i.e. less than an Ordinary Pension of a Sepoy's widow instead of Liberalized Pension of Flt. Lt. (War Causality). Her husband was killed in action on 9th September, 1965 during the war with Pakistan.
This case involved the negligencey on the part of Pension Sanctioning Authority i.e. PCDA (Pension, Allahabad) and then Pension Disbursing Authority i.e. State Bank of Patiala, Dharampura Br. Patiala which failed to pay her D.A. on the meager pension, erroneously, granted to her by PCDA (Pension), for the last about four decades.
The Association immediately took up the case of payment of D.A. on present pension, with P.D.A. i.e. SBOP, Patiala and got the error rectified, to a great relief resulting in to payment of huge amount of arrear to the widow.
The case of enhanced pension to the war widow, Rajinder Kaur, is being taken up by the Association with PCDA, (Pension) Allahabad, along with another case of Stoppage of Service Pension of to Chief Petty Officer, Jaswant Singh, whose pension was stopped by Treasury Officer, Faridkot, the then Pension Disbursing Authority, in year 1974. The Ex-servicemen, who is above 70 years old now, drew his pension for one year and went abroad and returned after ten years to find his pension stopped. He requested his PDA to get his pension restored as per the law but got no response. He then tried his best for about twenty years by writing to various authorities related with the pension but of no avail. During this period his PDA i.e. Treasury Officer, Faridkot misplaced his pension record and washed his hands by making an entry in the pension register that his pension papers were dispatched to PSB. Since then the ex-serviceman is running from pillar to post and writing every one who could help him.
Now he has approached this Association for help to get his pension restored. The Association is planning to take up both these cases with the Pension Adalat going to be held in the month of July, 2010 at Pathankot and to write to the concerned authorities in due course.
Earlier the organization helped Late. Sub.Sher Singh of Patiala and Late. Smt. Ranjit Kaur of Amloh to get them the correct amount of pansion. Late. Sub. Sher Singh of State Forces was being paid Sepoy's pension since long. He got relief through the Association, though belated i.e. a month prior to his death. Similarly Smt. Ranjit Kaur, widow of Sub. Gurdial Singh, was also being paid the pension of Sepoy's widow which was got enhanced by the Association, that too at the fag end of her life, about two months before her death.
The Association is planning to conduct a detailed survey during the next six months in Punjab through its block level functionaries and submit a consolidated report to Director, (Pension), Deptt. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President
Ex. Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association,
# 3, Guru Ram Dass Nagar, Patiala,
Punjab, India 147 004.
Mob: 98554-09128, Tele-Fax: 0175-5000896

An old Mail from Veteran Jayvant Walawalkar ;Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-05-19T23:27:00.004+05:30

From:
Jayvant Walawalkar Add to Contacts
To:
prabhjot_chhatwal@yahoo.com

Respected Sir,
Do you remember once I wrote, SABKO APNA MANA TUNE MAGAR YEH NA JANA, MATLABI HAI LOG YAHAN PE MATLABI JAMANA. Now you will hear from all of them after 2018. Till then nobody will be in your contact, including those write against you.

PLEASE DO PUBLISH THIS.
Thanks & Regards,
X Sgt Walawalkar JY

Widow of 1962 war hero still lives on 1986 pension :Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-05-19T09:11:00.008+05:30

Widow of 1962 war hero still lives on 1986 pension
Suman Sharma / DNA
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 0:01 IST
.New Delhi: On November 18, 1962, amid India’s disastrous retaliation to the Chinese offensive, Major Shaitan Singh stood as a rock defending Rezang La in the Chushul sector of east Ladakh. Led by Singh, a small band of 120 soldiers of the C company of the 13 Kumaon regiment fought to the last man, engaging in hand-to-hand combat when their guns ran dry.
They pushed back waves of Chinese invaders before being wiped out. A grateful nation honoured Singh with the Param Vir Chakra (PVC).
Decades on, the widow of one of India’s greatest war heroes makes do with a measly pension of about Rs5,000, far less than what the spouse of a war hero decorated with PVC is entitled to. For the last 15 years, she has remained stuck in the fourth pay commission scales of 1986, drawing less than what a junior commissioned officer of the Indian Army draws today.
She is not getting the special family pension as per the latest sixth pay commission recommendations and is yet to receive the arrears under the fifth pay commission recommendation of 1996.
An upset army brass has decided to raise the issue at the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi. The issue is serious and it will be resolved at the conference, army sources told DNA.
When DNA contacted the Controller Defence Accounts (CDA), Allahabad, which is responsible for the PVC martyrs’ pension and arrears, an officer put the blame on the bank concerned.
“The bank from which the pension is drawn is responsible for the goof-up. All banks have a chart of the revised payments as per the pay commission recommendations. CDA steps in only when there’s a change in entitlement,” the officer said.
As the widow of a major who died in action in service, she should have drawn special family pension of Rs7680 (DA and other allowances extra) under the fifth pay commission since January 1, 1996. Under the sixth pay commission, she should have drawn Rs28,928 (plus DA and other allowances) per month since January 1, 2006. The pension Shaitan Singh’s widow is entitled to excludes the cash allowance given to PVC winners - the sixth pay commission had raised it from Rs1,500 to Rs3,000.
Liberalised family pension is calculated at the rate of emoluments last drawn by the officer, at 100% of his basic salary. Special family pension is granted when death is attributable to, or aggravated by, service while liberalised family pension is granted in case of deaths which are declared as battle casualties.
Highly placed sources in the army told DNA that the station headquarter in Jodhpur, where Major Shaitan Singh came from and where his widow is presently based, is said to have got in touch with her and explained the faux pas. The army’s 12 Corps is based in Jodhpur.

Family Pension Widow, kids, not parents, have first right.Saurabh Malik -Tribune News Service :Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-05-03T07:35:00.004+05:30

Family Pension Widow, kids, not parents, have first right.
Saurabh Malik -Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 1.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made it clear that “dependent parents are considered to be part of the family, only when an employee has neither left a widow, or a child behind”. With this, the court has also clarified that parents are not entitled to family pension, if the deceased employee leaves a widow and children.
The assertion came during the hearing of a regular second appeal filed by Pritam Kaur against the state of Punjab and other respondents.
Taking up the matter, Justice Ranjit Singh observed: “As is usually noticed, the death of an employee leads to litigation between the mother and wife of the deceased employee to make claim to retiral benefits and other dues of the deceased employee”.
Going into the background of the matter, Justice Ranjit Singh asserted: “Constable Kuldip Singh died on March 11, 2000. His mother, Pritam Kaur, filed a suit seeking declaration that she is entitled to one-third share in pension, gratuity and other retiral benefits; and also the pay and allowances and other benefits of the deceased employee.
“She claimed all these arrears along with interest at the rate of 18 per cent per annum. The plaintiff also claimed share in movable and immovable property and the financial benefits becoming available. The appellant-plaintiff also claimed she was dependent upon her late son….
“Even the provisions of the rules, which disentitled the appellant to lay a claim on the retiral benefits was challenged being illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires”.
Justice Ranjit Singh added: “The wife and the child, however, made a claim for full pension, gratuity and other retiral benefits…. The respondent-defendants state of Punjab and others, however, would dispute this claim made by the appellant and would say that she did not have any cause. They would also plead that the plaint was liable to be dismissed”
In his order, Justice Ranjit Singh noted: “The trial court dismissed the suit. The same was the fate of the appeal and, thus, the present regular second appeal was filed….
“The question under consideration in the present case would be if the parents are entitled to claim family pension of the deceased employee when he leaves behind a widow and children, who admittedly would be dependent on him.
“The court has rightly taken a view that the appellant is not entitled to any pensionary or retiral benefits of the deceased constable. The submissions made by counsel for the appellant are without merit and deserve to be dismissed”.

A message from Veteran Balbir Singh Vice President Of ESSAA and President of Maharashtra Unit of ESSAA.: Veteran PJS Chhatwal PLS. Retd.

2010-04-28T09:54:00.005+05:30

Post 2006 ESXM IMP Issue Mainly JCOs
From:
"Balbirsingh Singh"
To:
prabhjot_singh0@yahoo.com
cc
balbir_nain224@rediffmail.com

Dear SirThis is in response to qerry raised by EX WO Prakash & Mr Rao's reply on that." As it was evident (Pre 2006, specially JCOs would be drawing more Pension) after COS report implementation.COS report itself catered in Para 5.4(iv)on Page 13 and the same matter was mentioned in the Brochure compiled by VIth Pay Commission Cell(Army) on Pg 36 in para 3.4 under Note. This brochure also refers MOD letter No. 17(4)/2008/D(Pen/Policy) dtd 26 Aug 09 but mentioning at the last Implementation orders awaited.As now orders are out for Pre 2006, the Govt can issue one line Orderthat Post 2006 EXSM can also draw pension in that beneficial way.This option will be beneficial only to JCOs and not to below ranks."
Kind regards.
Balbir Singh

Col, Lt Col face court martial for Rs 10-crore milk scam: Veteran PJS Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-04-22T06:15:00.004+05:30

Col, Lt Col face court martial for Rs 10-crore milk scam:Powder purchased despite adequate stock in store:
Vijay MohanTribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 21:A milk powder scam of nearly Rs 10 crore in Army’s Northern Command has put two senior officers in the dock.
A Colonel earlier posted as the Director Military Farms, Headquarters, Northern Command, and a Lieutenant Colonel, who was the Officer Commanding, Military Farm, Jammu, are facing trial by General Court Martial (GCM) for their alleged acts of omission and commission.
Sources revealed that the GCM’s convening order, issued by the General Officer Commanding 16 Corps, Lt Gen R. Ray on April 5, has listed as many as 27 charges pertaining to intent to defraud and acts prejudicial to good order against the Lt Colonel. The GCM, with Brig Raman Chhibber as the presiding officer, is scheduled to assemble at Akhnoor on April 29.
Between January 2001 and August 2003, nearly 1,526 metric tonnes of skimmed milk power was procured through local purchase despite adequate stocks in the Army stores. Part of the stock procured was transported to stations in Eastern, Western and Central Commands without due sanction and in violation of statutory provisions. The Army has estimated the value of the powder procured to be close to Rs 10 crore.
Further, payments were allegedly made to firms despite the powder not reaching its destinations and some firms were alleged to have been favoured.
The Colonel, on the other hand, is facing charges of failure to exercise requisite supervision and not taking due action during his tenure as director from 2001--2004, when the milk powder was purchased. He also did not allegedly carry out technical inspection, failed to ensure quality tests by Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and there were irregularities in maintenance of records.
Sources added that a probe into the matter by the CBI revealed that around 100 metric tonnes of milk powder had been moved from Jammu to Punjab. Further, false vehicle numbers were written on documents and no transport charges were mentioned or drawn as per receipt and expense vouchers. The CBI probe also indicated fraudulent entry receipts of consignment in stores.
An Army Court of Inquiry (CoI) also found irregularities in the construction of sheds at the military farm, for which administrative action had been recommended against two other Lieutenant Colonels and a Major, while departmental action was recommended against two civilian employees posted at the farm.
White Mess
i) Over 1,500 MT milk powder bought
ii) Part of the stock transported to Eastern, Western and Central Commands.
iii) Payments made to firms despite stock not reaching its destinations.
iv) The GCM is scheduled to assemble at Akhnoor on April 29.
Comments:
Ex Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association requests that the case be taken as a test case and examplary punishment be awarded to the persons found found guilty so that such cases are not repeated in future.

First Thought of the Morning :Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-04-21T04:48:00.002+05:30

First Thought of the Morning

Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.
- Andre Gide

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal, PLS (Retd)

Thought for the Morning: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd

2010-04-04T12:01:00.003+05:30

First thought of the morning

Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid.
Human beings are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant.
Together they are powerful beyond imagination.
- Einstein

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal, PLS (Retd)
Mob.098554-09128,Tele-Fax 0175-5000896.

Army chief orders ‘operation clean-up’ -A Tribune news:Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-04-02T07:37:00.004+05:30

Army chief orders ‘operation clean-up’
More than 20 senior officers guilty in various scams in the past four years.
Ajay Banerjee/Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 1.Virtually shaking up the Indian Army out of its self-imposed ‘silence’ on the issue of corruption within the services, the new Army chief, Gen VK Singh, today announced a ‘clean-up’ operation. “…We want to set our own culture right… improve the internal health of the organisation… the Army value system has to be different from the civil society”.
More than 20 senior officers (Brigadier or above) face charges of corruption or moral turpitude in the past three years or so. Some have been cashiered, others have been jailed, one is facing a CBI probe while a few escaped with a censure. General VK Singh, who started his tenure today, made it clear for what he stands for and how he will go about correcting the image of the world’s second largest Army.
In the past few years, senior officers have been held guilty by the Army Court of Inquiries for a liquor scam, a dry ration scam, a frozen meat scam, for accepting gratification for purchases and even for molesting a woman officer. These are apart from the much publicised and the latest Darjeeling land scam where four senior officers have been held blameworthy of having colluded with a private builder to issue a no-objection certificate.
It was General VK Singh, in his earlier capacity as GOC-in-C of the Eastern Command, who had ordered the inquiry into the Darjeeling land scam, which recommended the summary dismissal of the Military Secretary (MS) Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash. He, as MS, decided all transfers, postings and promotions of senior officers. A summary dismissal is one of the harshest punishments-the rank is stripped, the pension is stopped and the person does not qualify to be an ex-serviceman. Others facing various levels of action in the same case are Lt Gen Ramesh Halgali, Lt Gen PK Rath and Maj Gen P. Sen.
Another of the recent cases is of Maj Gen AK Lal, who was dismissed after having been found guilty of molesting a junior woman officer. The woman’s parents, based in Dehradun, had lodged a written complaint against the Major General to the then Army chief Gen JJ Singh.
In early 2007, the two Lieutenant Generals of the Army Service Corps (ASC), S.K. Dahiya and S.K. Sahni, were indicted in two separate cases involving irregularities in the procurement of frozen meat for troops posted in Ladakh and discrepancies in procurement of dry rations, respectively. In the latter case, the CoI recommended disciplinary action against Brig SK Handa and Brig PS Gill. The officers have appealed and matter is now pending before a civil court.
Last year two Major Generals of the Army Ordnance Corps, Anand Swaroop and SP Sinha, faced separate charges of irregularities in the purchase of stores. The two were in running for the top post of DG Ordnance Services (DGOS) at Army HQ. In 2007, the CBI booked Maj Gen Anand Kapoor for possessing disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 5 crore.
Another notable case was of Gur Iqbal Singh Multani, a Major General, who was found guilty of attempting to smuggle large quantities of defence liquor to his hometown. He was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, stripped of his rank and dismissed from service by a military court.

Don’t treat Army men shabbily, SC tells govt- Tribune News: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-04-02T07:17:00.005+05:30

Don’t treat Army men shabbily, SC tells govt.
R Sedhuraman-Legal Correspondent
New Delhi, April 1.The Supreme Court has directed the government to treat Army personnel in a “better and more humane manner” in respect of emoluments, pension and other benefits as they were bravely defending the country at the cost of their lives.
A Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and AK Patnaik passed the order yesterday while dismissing a government appeal against a Punjab and Haryana High Court verdict, granting disability pension to an officer for the entire 10-year period of commissioned service.
CS Sidhu was given short service commission on June 22, 1968, for five years, which was extendable by another five years. He was posted in a high-altitude field area and while being on duty on November 21, 1970, he met with an accident and suffered severe injuries. As a result of the accident, his right arm had to be amputated and he also suffered a compound fracture in the thighbone and another fracture in the jawbone. He was released from service on June 23, 1978.
For calculating the amount of disability pension, the Army authorities had taken into account only the period between the date of joining and the date of the accident.
Describing as “a pittance” the “meagre pension” of Rs 1,000 a month plus DA granted by the Army to the affected officer, the Bench said, “If this is the manner in which the Army personnel are treated, it can only be said that it is extremely unfortunate.”

Ex Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association offers its heartiest congratulations to General V.K. Singh: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-04-01T05:47:00.003+05:30

Ex Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association
offers its heartiestcongratulations to General V.K. Singh, who
is taking over as 26th Army Chief with in a few hours and will
stay at the helm of the 1.13 million personnel-strong Army for
over two years. This association, justifiably, expects from him
and the other two Chiefs, viz. Naval and Air Chiefs,that they will,
pursue with the Govt. of India, through MoD, the case for
Changeof Pay Band for Hav./PO/Sgt. from the present PB-I to
PB-II and for Sub. Maj. from PB-II toPB-III with the same vigor
and zeal as the then trio did in case of Lt. Cols. soon after the
Report of 6th CPC. It will assuage the much hurt feelings of JCOs.
and below, both serving and the veterans, who count for 96.2 of
the whole set-up,to a great extant.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
Mob.098554-09128,Tele-Fax 0175-5000896.

Pension Enhancement Close to One Rank One Pension Demand, says Govt: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-04-01T04:57:00.004+05:30

Pension Enhancement Close to One Rank
One Pension Demand, says Govt:Pension Enhancement
Close to One Rank One Pension Demand,says Govt:In a move
that will bring relief to over 12 lakhex-servicemen, the
Defence Ministry has issued orders to implement pending
pensionary benefits to theminvolving an annual expenditure
of about Rs 2,200 crore.The decision followed
recommendations by a high-level committee and recent
assurance in this regard in theLok Sabha by Prim Minister
Mr. Manmohan Singh.With these orders, the ministry has
implemented all the seven recommendationsof the
committee headed by Cabinet Secretary Mr. K M
Chandrasekhar on pensions, which would now be close to the
‘One Rank-One Pension’ demand of ex-servicemen, senior
ministry officials said today.“The Defence Ministry issued the
orders on March 8 this year to implement the remaining two
of the seven suggestions of the Cabinet Secretary K M
Chandrasekhar-headed committee on‘One Rank-One Pension’
demand,”they said.The two recommendations for which the
orders were issued werbringing parity between pension of
pre- and post-October 10, 1997, personnel below officer rank,
and further improving their pensions based on award of
Groupof Ministers in 2006.To queries on the order, Defence
Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said implementation of
the orders would not only significantly reduce the gap between
the past and current pensioners, but would also considerably
improve the pension of ex-servicemen includingdisabled
pensioners.

Election of Haryana State Unit of Ex Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association : Veteran Malkiat Singh Gen Secy. ESSAA

2010-03-30T20:26:00.007+05:30

Election of Haryana State Unit of

Ex Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association
In a largely attended meeting of ex-servicemen at Krukshetra,

the following veterans have been,unanimously, elected to form

ad-hoc Haryana State Unit of a national level body of

veterans known as EX SOLDIERS,SAILORS & AIRMEN

ASSOCIATION ( Regd.).

The association is composed of veterans of the rank of

Hony. Offrs. and below. Meeting was presided by

National President of the body of veterans i.e.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal who, specially, travelled

to Krukshetra along with veteran Bhupinder Singh Sohi and

veteran Darshan Singh Anand for this purpose

President :Veteran Balinder Singh Mob. 94162 91969.
Vice President : Veteran Devinder Singh Mob. 90507 68433.
Gen. Secy. : Veteran Ved Rattan Arya Mob. 94672 74747.
Secy. Finance : Veteran Kavinder Singh Mob. 99929 02300.

Veteran Malkiat Singh
Gen Secy.
Ex Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen Association.

Retd army man exposes defence pension racket:Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal

2010-03-30T05:32:00.002+05:30

Retd army man exposes defence pension racket

Vaibhav Ganjapure, TNN, Nov 12, 2009, 06.35am ISTNAGPUR:

A retired Lieutenant Colonel has moved the high court here

claiming that many persons were illegally drawing pension

meant for World War-II (WW-II) veterans. The 61-year-old

Lt Col Shrikant Kane produced information obtained under

Right to Information (RTI) Act and said as many as 59

persons were being given pension in contravention of

eligibility norms for years. The amount involved may run

lakhs.

The petitioner who retired as regular officer of Indian

Army's Corps of Signals after over two decades of service

has prayed for directions to the state government to

investigate the matter and arrest the beneficiaries.

Alternatively, he demanded an enquiry by Central Bureau

of Investigation (CBI) within a stipulated period.

A division bench comprising justices Dilip Sinha and

Filomeno Reis issued notices to the respondents - state

home secretary and Ram Nagar police station officer at

Chandrapur -- on Wednesday asking them to file replies

within two weeks.

According to counsel for the petitioner,Anand Parchure,

the World War-II veterans (or their widows) who had

taken part in the battle as uniformed soldiers of Indian

Army and who retired from active service till 1949 used t

o get Rs 300 monthly pension. This benefit is being given

as per a government notification dated December 29, 1989.

It was raised to Rs 600 in January 1999 and finally to

Rs 1,275 in 2004.

These grants were provided by Director, Department of

Sainik Welfare (Maharashtra), who has to arrange payment

and subsequent accounting to the eligible persons through

Zilla Sainik Welfare offices under the respective district

collectors in the state.

Kane claimed that three persons were allegedly reaping

pensionary benefits even after being recruited at the end

of second world war- August 14, 1945 - which is contrary

to the rules. Citing reports received from Accountant General

(AG), Nagpur office, he claimed that Zilla Sainik Welfare

Office in Chandrapur had illegally paid Rs 2.18 lakh to these

three persons - one male and two widows.

The petitioner who obtained this information through RTI

pointed out this fact to the Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer in

Chandrapur. It, in turn, passed on the information to

Department of Sainik Welfare. Still, the payments to the

three persons continued.

The retired Colonel has also apprised principal secretary

and AG office about these irregularities but no cognizance

was taken. When the petitioner filed another query under

RTI about list of persons availing WW-II benefits, he learnt

that as many as 59 ineligible persons were reaping

benefits.

Earlier also, Kane had filed a civil petition in this regard

and the court had directed police to register a complaint

against such persons on September 9. Still, the government

failed to take any steps resulting in huge amounts being

paid to undeserving persons, he claimed.

Cut-off date of 01-01-1996 for rounding-off / broad-banding of disability pension held to be illegal by the Jaipur Bench of AFT:Vet.PJS Chhatwal

2010-03-29T09:23:00.004+05:30

Cut-off date of 01-01-1996 for rounding-off /
broad-banding of disability pension held to
be illegal by the Jaipur Bench of AFT
The Govt, in order to curtail medical subjectivity, had introduced rounding-off / broad-banding of disability percentages for the purposes of computation of disability element through a letter dated 31-01-2001. The stipulation was however made applicable only to post-01-01-1996 retirees.The Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court had held this cut-off date to be arbitrary and had ordered the broad-banding of disability percentages even for pre-96 retirees. The Union of India went into an SLP which is still pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. In the meantime, on 19-01-2010, the Govt itself abrogated this cut-off date and extended the benefit to pre-96 retirees too. The Govt however added a rider that the arrears would only be paid with effect from 01-07-2009.The Hon’ble AFT at Jaipur has however again held the cut-off date of 01-01-1996 as arbitrary and has directed the release of arrears w.e.f 01-01-1996 which waters down the govt’s stipulation of 01-07-2009.
By Navdeep.

Meeting of Haryana Ex-Servicemen and widows : Veteran Malkiat Singh Dhillon,Gen Secy. Ex Soldiers,Sailors and Airmen Associaton (Regd.)

2010-03-27T09:09:00.006+05:30

Dear Veterans,
Regards. Meeting of Haryana Ex Servicemen and widows is scheduled to be held in Krukshetra on 30 March, 2010 at 10.00 a.m. in Saffron Hotel under the aegis of Ex Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal, the National President of the Association will grace the ceremony of formation of Haryana State Unit and address the veterans

President of Maharashtra State Unit and National Vice President, Veteran Balbir Singh will also address the congregation.

All veterans ( Hony. Offrs and below) and widows of Haryana are requested to attend the same to know the details of Modified Parity in Pension and other benefits for the Pre-2006 veterans.

Veteran Malkit Singh Dhillon,
General Secretary,
Ex Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association.
Mob.098554-09128,Tele-Fax 0175-5000896

Moga jawan’s battle for pension lasted 49 yrs- Vijay Mohan Tribune:Veteran Prabhjot SinghChhatwal PLS Retd.

2010-03-27T07:09:00.004+05:30

Moga jawan’s battle for pension lasted 49 yrs :
Vijay MohanTribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 26.His tryst with the Army lasted for just about two years, but the battle he waged for pension stretched for 49 long years.Almost five decades after Balbir Singh, a resident of Moga, was invalided out of service on medical grounds, the Armed Forces Tribunal today allowed his writ petition, entitling him pension. The Bench, comprising Justice Ghanshyam Prashad and Lt Gen NS Brar also ordered that he be given arrears of pension for the past three years along with 10 per cent interest.
Balbir had enrolled in the Army in November 1956, but was discharged on medical grounds in November 1958 after he developed health problems. A medical board attributed his disease to be fully attributable to and aggravated by military service and assessed his disability to be above 20 per cent.
He was sanctioned disability pension, but to his shock, it was discontinued from September 1960, even though a review of his disability percentage remained static and there was no change in his condition. No reasons for discontinuing his pension were conveyed to him.
Balbir had contended that ignoring the settled position of law and instructions on the subject, the Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) rejected the claim of the petitioner presumably on the grounds that the disability percentage assessed by the invaliding medical board was below 20 per cent. This decision, he claimed, was never received by him.
He approached the authorities concerned to get his pension restored, but in the meantime, inadvertently lost the entire correspondence relating to the matter. He had thereafter been making representations to all concerned, but there was no reply or restoration of pension by the authorities.
Finally, he sent a notice through his counsel in September 2008, in response to which he received a copy of letter dated October 31, 1960, that had declined his claim on the ground that his disability had fallen below 20 per cent. And he was, therefore, not entitled to any pension. Thereafter, he sought judicial redressal for his grievance.
Long wait
Balbir Singh had enrolled in the Army in November 1956, but was discharged on medical grounds in November 1958 after he developed health problems. A medical board attributed his disease to be fully attributable to and aggravated by military service and assessed his disability to be above 20 per cent.He was sanctioned disability pension, but to his shock, it was discontinued from September 1960.