FLASH NEWS

"SHOT IN THE ARM LIKELY FOR EX-SOLDIERS" - EXPRESS BUZZ (CHENNAI)

2011-12-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

A news report from Indian Express is reproduced below.

There was never any doubt that the Committee will give a favorable verdict, it is rather unlikely that the GOI will even consider it at this juncture.

You will also recall that the President NFDC had made a presentation before this committee.

warm regards

Navy Foundation Delhi Charter

One Rank, One Pension

"SHOT IN THE ARM LIKELY FOR EX-SOLDIERS"

Ritu Sharma

Dec 15, 2011Express Buzz (Chennai) - [ Front Page ]

NEW DELHI : In a move that can bring joy to nearly 2.5 million retied soldiers, the Parliament Committee on Petitions is likely to favour their demand for 'One Rank, One Pension'.

The report, likely to be tabled in the Parliament next week, will be a vindication of the stand taken by the soldiers who have been running from pillar to post fighting for their rights.

Thousands of ex-servicemen and war veterans returned their gallantry medals protesting the decision of the Ministry of Defence not to grant 'One Rank, One Pension'. Soldiers have been demanding equal pension for personnel retiring from the same rank irrespective of their date of retirement. Persons reitiring before the pay commission cut-off date get less pension than those retiring after the date.

According to sources, the long pending demand has found support as the Committee on Petitions has been considering the petition submitted by Rajya Sabha M.P., Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar and 24 others in October 2010.

" The committee conducted a detailed hearing on the matter by inviting citizen groups, ex-servicemen and government representatives to depose and express their views on the issue. The committee completeed their hearing and the report will be presented during the winter session of Parliament ", sources added.

The petitioners in their argument had said that the demand of ex-servicemen may be considered on the lines of the pension for MPs, which is Rs. 20,000 for all first time members.

While the report of the Parliamentary panel is not legally binding on the government, it will definitely lend weight to their demands.

(P.S.: Regret no URL please. Express Buzz has not yet uploaded it on their web edition)

--

If you cant find happiness within, you'll

never find it outside, no matter where you look

or what you do - Swami Chimayananda

Winter Lunch , NFDC now on 22 Jan 2012

2011-12-12T01:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

1. It is regretted that the Winter Lunch planned to be held on Sunday, 18 Dec 2011 at Kota House,has had to be postponed at the request of many members, in view the Navy Nite being held on 17 Dec in Delhi and the Presidents Review of the Fleet being held on 19 Dec 2011 which are being attended by many members..

2. Our Lunch get together will now be held on Sunday, 22 Jan 2012 in the Gold and Silver Rooms of Kota House, commencing 1200 hrs . All members and their spouses are cordially invited to join in and make the get together a success. The nominal charge of Rs 500/- per couple and Rs 300/- for a single will be levied from members towards the cost of Drinks and Lunch. We

3. Kindly confirm your attendance for the Lunch to NFDC office latest by 18 Jan 2012 to help us to make the arrangements.

Warm regards

(VK Thakur)

Commodore (Retd)

Secretary

Blog by Admiral harinder singh

2011-12-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

Blog by Admiral harinder singh....enter pics and text or xxxx

Winter Lunch 18 Dec 2011 at Kota House New Delhi

2011-12-07T01:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

You will recall that in the last newsletter we had intimated that we will be holding a winter lunch for a change. This is to reconfirm that the lunch is on and we expects a good turn out of members and their spouses , particularly those who cant venture out during the late evenings.

We will be having a multi-cuisine layout typical of Delhi at this time of the year and cocktails will also be served. Normal charges as hither to will apply.

Kindly forward your names at the earliest so that we can make adequate catering arrangements.

warm regards.

V Adm Harinder Singh (Retd)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extract for Newsletter 3/ 2011

Winter Lunch for Members of NFDC. As a change, we propose to hold a winter Lunch get together on Sunday, 18 Dec 2011, to bid farewell to the year 2011 and also to welcome the New Year. This will be held on the rear lawns of Kota House Mess, commencing 1200 hrs. All members and their spouses are warmly invited to attend the lunch and make the afternoon a great success. Contributions from members towards the cost of drinks and lunch, etc will be the standard normal rates as hitherto fore. A further communication on this event will follow in due course.

New Post dec 07

2011-12-07T00:54:00.000-08:00

post comments added on 7 dec 2011

Veteran's Reunin Lunch 23 Jan 2011 and Bus Routine

2011-01-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

NAVAL VETERANS REUNION -2011

Dear Sir/Madam

Veterans Reunion of ex-Naval officers is scheduled on 23 Jan 2011 at Naval Officers Mess, Varuna at 1130 hrs onwards. All veteran Naval officers are requested to attend with their spouse.

Bus Routine

1030hrs -Bus No 1 departs main gate sector - 21 NOIDA

1030hrs - Bus No 2 departs main gate sector - 25 NOIDA

1030hrs - Bus No 3 departs main gate sector - 56 Gurgaon

1030hrs - Bus No 4 departs main gate sector - 30 Gurgaon

ETA NOM VARUNA - 1130hrs

It is requested that the veterans may please coordinate buses accordingly.

Regards

Ansaree Begum
Lt Cdr
DDESA(NF)
Tele : 24121068

VETERANS REUNION-2011

1. As a part of Navy Week activities, a reception Lunch is being hosted by the Chief of the Naval Staff at 11.30 hrs at NOM Varuna on 23 Jan 11 (Sun) for retired officers residing in and around Delhi.
Quarterdeck - 2011 magazine will also be released on the occasion.

2. No Individual invitation cards are being issued.

3. The programme for 'Veterans Reunion' is as follows:-

1110: Serving Officers arrive

1120: Serving Flag Officers arrive

1130: Retired Officers arrive

1200: CNS arrives

1215: Release of 'Quarterdeck-2011'

1245: Lunch

1410: Guests depart

NEWS LETTER No 05 / 2010 For Quarter Ending 31 Dec 2010

2011-01-16T23:52:00.000-08:00

NAVY FOUNDATION DELHI CHARTER

53, Kota House
Shahjahan Road
New Delhi 110011
04 Jan 2011
Tel: Nos 011-4317653 & 23381928
E Mail ID Navyfoundationdelhicharter@gmail.com

NEWS LETTER No 05 / 2010 For Quarter Ending 31 Dec 2010

Dear Members,

At the outset, the Management Committee conveys to all members and their families’ warm greetings and best wishes for a very Happy New Year filled with lots of joy, good health and happiness in 2011.

2. The year 2010 has been quite eventful for the Delhi Charter which was filled with activities spread out regularly through the year. These provided great opportunities / occasions for members to meet and interact with one and all, including some of the serving naval officers. We assure you, we will continue and endeavor to organize these events and more, in the year 2011.

3. Members may recall some of the events that were held recently by the Charter :

(a) Saturday, 23 Oct 2010. AGM of Navy Foundation all India Charters chaired by CNS, was held at Vishakhapatnam. Regrettably, no points had been received by NFDC for inclusion in the agenda and as such none was forwarded. .

(b) Saturday, 20 Nov 2010. Admiral RD Katari Memorial Lecture. This was held at DRDO Bhavan Auditorium on 20 Nov commencing 1515 hrs. Shri Shiv Shankar Menon, IFS (Retd), the National Security Advisor, had very kindly consented to deliver this lecture. The Lecture and the interaction session with the speaker was excellent. The function ended with High Tea served at the auditorium. The audience was large, including the CNS, senior serving Flag Officers and some foreign diplomats as our distinguished guests.

(c) Saturday, 20 Nov 2010 Lunch for NFDC Members / Spouses at INS India Lawns. A special Lunch was organized for our members and their spouses, to aid their attendance at the Admiral RDK lecture, on Saturday, 20 Nov. The Chief of the Naval Staff graced the occasion and so did the senior serving Flag Officers who were our guests. The Lunch was a great success as the surrounding environment and ambiance was specular at INS India Lawns and so was the gentry and the food. We owe a special thanks to Commodore A Ghosal, Commanding Officer INS India for allowing and helping us with the arrangements.

(d) 04 Dec 2020 Navy Day Reception. The Chief of the Naval Staff hosted the Navy Day Reception at on 04 Dec 2010 at the Navy House. The guests were invited by personal invitation. The President of Inida, Prime Minister, other Ministers, Mrs Sonia Gandhi and many other dignitaries graced the occasion. A large number of veteran naval officers were also invited. The evening was with usual grace and fanfare.

(e) 09 Dec 2010 Naval Veterans Meeting with MD ECHS . At the instance of, President NFDC, a meeting was organised with MD ECHS, Maj General Shrivastava, and his principal staff officers of the Central ECHS office, through the Chief of the Naval Staff. The aim of the meeting was to bring in improvements in the medicare support facilities provided to the veterans community through the ECHS and to resolve the shortcomings in the present system. The meeting was held at the Conference Room of Kota House at 1130 hrs on 09 Dec 2010.The meeting was chaired by V Adm SPS Cheema, Controller of Personnel Services, NHQ, MD,ECHS, with Captain AL Narayan, Director (Navy) ECHS. The high point was that the Oi/cs of ECHS Polyclinics in NCR,( Lodhi Road, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Hindon, NOIDA and others ) were also in attendance.

The agenda points were collected from members of the Delhi Charter in advance( also some came in from other Charters, voluntarily) and forwarded to NHQ well in time. These were discussed fruitfully. About 15 members including Vice Adm Harinder Singh, Vice Adm SP Govil, Cmde RR Tandon, Cmde Ranjit Rai, Cdr HK Nag, Vice Adm AC Bhatia, Cmde Hemender Sawhney, Cdr N Mahajan, Cdr KC Bansal, Cmde Vinod Thakur, represented the Delhi Charter. All in all the meeting was extensively conclusive with a lot of hope and promise holding for improvements in the coming months. President NFDC thanked the authorities for sparing their valuable time and effort and their assured concern for the welfare of the veterans. Finally and to conclude the meeting the Delhi Charter hosted a working lunch for all guests at the Blue Room of Kota House.

Copies of the agenda, brief on the meeting prepared by NFDC, Brief given by ECHS at the meeting and the Minutes of the meeting have been emailed separately to all our members on the internet and hard copies are being forwarded to other members. The same are placed at Encl 3.

4. Forthcoming Events.

(a) Sunday, 23 Jan 2011, the Annual Veterans Lunch Hosted by Chief of the Naval Staff. The CNS and Mrs Mudhulika Verma will host a Lunch for all veteran naval officers and their spouses, on Sunday, 23 Jan 2011, at Naval Officers Mess Varuna, commencing 1130 hrs. One and all veteran naval officers and their spouses are cordially invited to this lunch. No separate invitation cards will be issued and all are welcome.

(b) Saturday, 12 Mar 2011, Annual General Body Meeting of Delhi Charter. The AGM of the Delhi Charter will be held on Saturday, 12 Mar 2011, commencing 1900 hrs at Naval Officers Mess, Varuna. The formal Notice for the AGM will be issued in due course. Meanwhile , members may kindly forward points for inclusion in the agenda, to the Secretary, NFDC.

(c) Saturday 12 Mar 2001, NFDC Annual Dinner / Dance. The Annual Gala Dinner / Dance of the Delhi Charter will follow the AGM on 12 Mar 2011, commencing 2000 hrs, at Naval Officers Mess Varuna. So please, come one come all and let your hair down !! The detail programme will be issued in due course.

5. Some Ongoing / Impending Legal Issues on Pension Cases. There has been no substantial progress since the last briefing and all cases are slowly making their way thru the judicial system.

6. News of General Information.

(a) Death Grant for Naval Veterans. The NOK of naval veterans are entitled to a death grant, consequent to sad demise of the veteran at any age. The quantum of this grant has been recently revised upwards, wef 01 Dec 2020, as shown below:

(i) Naval Veteran Officer Existing Rs 20,000/- Revised to Rs 25,000/-

(ii) Naval Veteran Sailor Existing Rs 10,000/- Revised to Rs 20,000/-

Procedure for Claiming the Grant. The NOK of the veteran is required to submit an application on plain paper, forwarding the attested copy of the DEATH CERTIFICATE of the deceased veteran, and the Bank details of the NOK where this amount is to be credited. The application is to be forwarded to :
The Principal Director,
Non Public Funds
Naval Headquarters, SENA BHAVAN
New Delhi 110011

(b) DESA News Letter dated 31 Dec 2010, is attached. The contents are of interest as they relate to Pension issues, concerning us.

7. Veterans appointmernts. Following appointments have been reported.

(a) Cmde M Jitendran CMD, CSL on retirement has moved from CSL as CEO of Pivavav Shipyard
(b) Cmde Kartik Subramaniam, Director Ops at CSL has taken over as CMD, CSL.

8. A list of Tel Nos of empanelled hospitals in Noida is placed at Enclosure 2

9. Armed Forces Tribunal. Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has decided to open circuit benches in Shimla, Jammu and Kashmir to hear cases of armed forces personnel of these areas. A total of 3000 cases pertaining to armed forces personnel are pending in Punjab, Haryana, HP and J&K.

10. Meeting with CGDA. A meeting was held between delegation of IESM Indian ex-servicemen movement and CGDA Controller General of Defense accounts and his staff at 1530h on 25th Oct 2010 at CGDA office Dhaula kuan Delhi Cantt.. The record of discussions as reported by IESM are attached at Encl 1.

11. ECHS Contributions. The Union government has revised the subscription rates for the ECHS. The revision comes about six years after the scheme was first launched for the veterans. The quantum of increase in rates is over three times the existing rates. The increase in rates, is consequent to the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission award. This also comes in the wake of the recent increase in charges levied by the Central Government Health Scheme for civilian pensioners.

The new ECHS rates for all ranks up to Havildar and equivalent are Rs 15,000, with the next slab up to Naib subedar being liable to pay Rs 27,000. From Subedars up to the rank of Major, the revised charges are Rs 39,000 and for lieutenant colonels and above, be Rs 60,000

12. CWG. The performance of naval Sportsmen at the CWG was extremely good. It included 6 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medals. Details are as follows

(a) Omkar Singh, Chief Petty Officer -Shooting
10 M Air pistol - Individual Gold
10M Air pistol - Pair Gold
50 M Free Pistol - Individual Gold
50 M Free Pistol - Pair Silver

(b) Harpreet Singh, Petty Officer - Shooting
25 M Centre Fire Pistol - Individual Gold
25 M Centre Fire Pistol - Pair Gold

(c ) CPR Sudhir Kumar, Master Chief Petty Officer –II, Weight Lifting
77 Kg Bronze* (* Medals at three consecutive CW Games)

(d) M Suranjoy Singh, Chief Petty Officer, Boxing
52 Kg Gold
13. 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.
14. Assistance by Pension Disbursing Authorities to old, sick, incapacitated and disabled pensioners. Many a times, it is reported by families of old and infirm pensioners that they are made to suffer unnecessary harassment by banks while drawing pensions. The problems stem more out of insensitivity of staff rather than availability of detailed instructions on such cases. In this regard, a circular issued by the RBI in October 2009 assumes importance. The said circular provides the procedure to be followed where old or disabled pensioners cannot properly affix their signatures / thumb impressions or when they are unable to visit the bank at all. It is provided that an impression or a mark can be obtained which can be identified by two witnesses. The authority for drawing pension can also be delegated by such pensioners. The RBI has also directed all banks to display these guidelines on their notice boards and also to sensitise the staff on this very important aspect. Any infringement of the above guidelines should be promptly reported to the head office of the bank concerned and to Department of Govt and Bank Accounts, RBI, Opposite Mumbai Central Railway Station, Mumbai – 400 008.
15. DA for Government Employees
Central Govt. employees are likely to get 6% D.A. from January 2011

16. Condolences / Obituary. It is with deep regret and sorrow we have to report the sad and untimely demise of some of our friends during the past few months.

(a) Vice Admiral SM Gandioke, on 17 Nov 2020 at Gurgaon.
Next of Kin Wife: Mrs Shashi Gadioke Wife +91-9810034732, Cdr Neil Gadihoke , nephew , +91-9818110672

(b) Cmde. R.K. Gupta (40126W), on 16 November 2010 in USA.
Next of Kin - Wife Mrs Santosh Gupta - +1-201-962-5597 and email
rkgupta37@hotmail.com.

(c) Cdr Dilip Chaudhary on 19 Nov 2010 at Kolkatta.
Next of Kin.Wife Mrs Minu Chaudhary Tel = 09831440589

(d) LtCdr. Suresh Chandra ( 83929-Y ) on 11 Nov 2010 in Thane, Mumbai .
NOK Mrs.Saroj Chandra . Tel = 022-25307814 .

(e) Commander Prakash Vasudeva ( No R187F) ,on 25 Nov 2010 at Delhi
He was from the S&S Branch and was commissioned in the IN in 1942. His last appointment was NOIC Calcutta. NOK Mrs Sarojini Vasudeva
Son Cmde (Retd) Kabir Vasudeva

(f) Commodore BR Kapoor (00002-R) on 16 Dec 2010 at New Delhi.
NOK - Son Rear Adm Sanjiv Kapoor Tel 9810892709, 26496821 email
sanjiv.kapoors@gmail.com

(g) Rear Adm DS Paintal on 30 Dec 2010 at New Delhi
Next of Kin : Wife Mrs Sita Paintal 011 - 26147002
Son Mr Ravijit email ravijit.paintal@exova.com cell 09818488122
Daughter: Dr Surita Sarda cell 09829120002

(h) Rear Adm Gurmit Singh ( 40201R) on 31 Dec 2020 at
Gurgaon.. Next of Kin Wife: Mrs Raj Kaur 09312226780

(j) Cdr (Retd) DS Arora, Naval Constructor at Goa on 14 Nov 2010.
NOK Mrs Shashi 9213080401 and 9213080402

(VK Thakur)
Commodore (Retd)
Secretary
Encl: Three

Enclosure 1
RECORD OF DISCUSSION OF THE MEETING OF DELEGATION OF IESM WITH CGDA AND HIS STAFF AT 1530H ON 25 OCT 2010

.
Following points were discussed;

1. Issue of Corrigendum to PPOs; IESM delegation explained to CGDA that the defense pensioners were facing very many difficulties because corrigendum to the PPOs had not been issued by the CGDA. It was also brought to the notice of CGDA that the railways had already initiated the process of issuing fresh PPOs to its retired employees.

CGDA explained that there were approximately 22.79 lac veterans who are drawing pension. A corrigendum was required to be issued with every amendment to the pension. After 6 CPC Ministry of Defense had issued 13 amendment letters affecting defense pensioner. It means CDA would have had to issue 13 corrigenda after the 6 CPC. Earlier CDA had more than 3000 employees to take care of PPOs and corrigendum, and now CDA had very little staff and it was not possible to undertake this gigantic task of issuing the 10 million corrigenda. He further explained that CDA would provide all help to the veterans in sorting out their pension problems.

2. Grant to the Banks for pension disbursement; IESM delegation explained that the GOI is paying Rs 60 to the banks for every entry of the pension of the veterans. It was a huge amount and if it was possible to divert this fund for the hiring of staff by CDA this task could be easily handled.

CGDA explained that this decision had been taken after lot of consultations and it was now not possible to revert it. It was also not possible to transfer funds from one head to another and hence this suggestion could not be implemented. He however explained that his staff was constantly issuing guidance to the banks and constantly monitoring the pension disbursement process. All the banks had confirmed that they were disbursing the pension as per CDA guidelines. Most of the banks had also confirmed that they were issuing annexure IV to the pensioners. However CGDA agreed to issue fresh instructions to the banks for issuance of annexure IV to all pensioners.

3. Incorrect Pension being disbursed by the Banks; IESM delegation explained that banks had been disbursing incorrect pension to the veterans. It had been seen that banks were playing safe and were paying less than approved pension to the pensioners. Unfortunately pensioners did not have the Govt letters with them to calculate and demand correct pension. Gp Capt SS Phatak explained that he had been visiting various banks and explaining to them the correct amount due to the pensioner. In some case he had been able to convince banks and got the arrears in lacs credited to the pensioners/widows. He had been visiting bank regional head offices and having regularly liaison with them to calculate correct pension for the veterans/widows.

CGDA appreciated the effort being put in by IESM and explained that CGDA on their part had been conducting regular training of the bank staff for calculation of the correct pension to the veterans. Training courses were being conducted for bank staff regularly at CDA Allahabad. CGDA further stated that CDA has 61 DPDOs spread all over the country. List of all the DPDOs is attached with the report at App A. DPDOs are located depending on the population density of the veterans and are spread in Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, J&K and Kerala. CGDA centrally monitors the performance of all DPDOs. He further stated that all possible help would be given to the veterans in the DPDOs. He confirmed that the veterans can approach DPDOs and get their pension calculated and give the calculation sheet to their banks. It was also possible for the veterans to shift the pension account with DPDO in which case correct pension would be disbursed to the veterans and mistake by bank staff could be avoided.

4. Compendium of MOD letters to the Banks; IESM delegation requested CGDA that most of the branches of the banks did not have latest letters of the MOD governing pension hence banks did not have the basic tool of pension calculations. It was requested that a compendium of the letters be made and sent to the branches in rural area.

CGDA confirmed that the compendium of the all MOD letters had been made and given to the bank head offices. It was now there duty to circulate it to all branches. CGDA however would ask the bank head offices to circulate the compendium once again. CGDA also confirmed that all banks head offices were on the circulation list of MOD/CDA letters. CGDA further explained that a user friendly stand alone touch screen system (SUVIGYA) had been developed and gave the demonstration also. It would be possible to calculate any veterans’/widows’ pension with least amount of data. It was easy to operate and gave latest pension details with bare minimum inputs like basic pension and date of retirement and date of birth. He further confirmed that the effort would be made to place this stand alone system at DPDOs and CDA website also. IESM delegation insisted that SUVIGYA was a very good tool and should be installed at places like CSD canteens and ECHS polyclinics frequently visited by the veterans. CGDA expressed his inability to do so because someone should take the responsibility of the upkeep of the stand alone system. He further confirmed that this software thus developed would be shared with armed forces head quarters. However the problem of maintenance and upkeep and updating of the software would come and a solution would be found for that. IESM delegation further insisted that at least SUVIGYA should be made available with district soldier board offices. CGDA agreed to study this proposal and would confirm the possibility of installing SUVIGYA at district soldier board offices. CGDA confirmed that CDA would like to deal directly with pensioners but could not do so because of shortage of staff.

5. Pension Adalats; CGDA confirmed that CGDA staff regularly conducts the pension adalats at various locations all over India. CGDA conducts six adalats in a year in various parts of the country. So for 100 Defense Pension Adalats had been conducted. Last one (100th Pension adalat) was conducted in Bangalore on 30/31 Aug 2010. 101st Pension Adalat was planned at Army Public School Alwar on 28/29th Oct 2010. He requested the IESM delegation to spread the information through its sources and ensure that maximum veterans are benefited with the Adalat.

6. E-transfer of the Pension; IESM delegation suggested that in this modern era of computerization it should be possible to disburse the pension by electronic transfer.

CGDA explained that first of all veterans did not have bank accounts and secondly they had to give their life certificate to banks every year. It would therefore not be possible to make E-transfer of pension by the CDA as of now.

7. Disability Pension; CGDA confirmed that as per rules all veterans would have to fill up a form to claim increased disability pension. He requested IESM to communicate this information with all so that all veterans drawing disability pension can fill up their claims.
Pension of PSU veterans; Gp Capt Phatak expressed that Lt Col and equivalents who have returned back to Army/Navy/Air Force from deputation should be given PB4 automatically. CGDA explained that this will be decided from case to case.

8. Grievances Mechanism; IESM suggested that there should be grievances mechanism in the banks so that any veteran can approach for any mistake in his pension calculations. CGDA confirmed that Smt Raghuvanshi Jt CGDA would be writing to the banks to institute a grievances mechanism for addressing pension problems of veterans. She also confirmed that veterans can also register their complaint at ‘pcdapension.nic.in’ web-site of CDA.

9. Information to veterans about Latest orders on pension; IESM delegation expressed that pensioners should be informed about the latest orders of the GOI/MOD. IESM suggested that CGDA could give an advertisement in all main news papers and vernacular press about the latest compendium of the orders of MOD/CDA.

CGDA accepted the suggestion and confirmed that this information would be soon given in all news papers.

10. Pension Portal for veterans; IESM suggested that a pension portal needs to be made for all veterans to help them. All data would then be available for all veterans on the portal. IESM volunteered to undertake this task. Maj Gen Satbir Singh suggested that suitable monitory grant should be given to IESM to develop and then maintain the portal.

CGDA explained that this is good idea and the issue of monitory grant can be considered. He asked the IESM delegation to forward a proposal in this regard for consideration.

11. Computerization of the pensioners’ data; IESM delegation suggested that all the data in respect of pensioner’ be put on a computer for easy access.

CGDA informed that this process is on and basic data in respect of pensioners’ is available on the computer. However this data is not sufficient to monitor pension details of all pensioners’ especially very old cases. He further suggested that the lot of effort is being put in this direction and hopefully the data for all pensioners’ would be uploaded on the computers in due course of time.

12. Regular Meetings; CGDA agreed that these meetings were very useful and should be conducted at a regular interval to solve any problems of veterans.

Enclosure 2

Empaneled Hospitals in Noida

Given below are tele-numbers of Empaneled Hospitals in Noida, along with some others that may come in handy in an emergency please.

• NOIDA (0120)
•
• Kailash Hospital 2444444, 2445566, 2442466
• Metro Hospital 2533491, 4366666
• Fortis Hospital 2400222
• Bharadwaj Hospital 2450111, 2450222, 2450333, 9811666123
• Noida Medicare Centre (NMC) 4665555, 2453801-8, 2455550-4
• Prakash Hospital 2505264-66, 2505555, 2505566
• Vinayak Hospital 2444222, 2444333
• Sumitra Hospital 2507725, 2507625
• Prayag Hospital 2575555, 4021900
• I Care Hospital (Eye Hospital) 406880, 2555969, 2536612
• Trupti Eye Care Hospital 4266642, 2444349
• Final Diagnosis (Pathological Lab) 2455078, 2451452
• Dr Lal Path Labs (Pathological Lab) 23342046, 23342075
• ECHS Polyclinic, Sec 37, Noida 2433411
•
• Connected Delhi / Gurgaon Tele Nos
•
• AFC, Delhi 011- 23012646, 23019405
• AFDC, Delhi 011- 23019401
• Station Hq (ECHS), Delhi 011-25694821
• ECHS Polyclinic, Lodhi Road, Delhi 011- 24363230
ECHS Polyclinic, Gurgaon 0124-2349054

Enclosure 3
NFDC AGENDA FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH ECHS 09 DEC 2010

Issue of 3 Months Medicines and Longer

1. We were informed by CNS, COP, CPS and Capt, AL Narayan Director, ECHS (Navy) that “MDECHS has informed that AG/Army HQ had a meeting recently with DGMS (Army) & MDECHS regarding issue of medicines for three months to Veterans. AG has directed DGMS (Army) to resume issue of three months medicines to ECHS members on medical officer’s prescription. The policy letter on the subject is being promulgated to the environment shortly. But medicines are not being issued on the ground. It will avoid work load on Polyclinics, Doctors, Reception and Medicine issue counters. More than 60% members in ECHS are on CT.

2. Long Term Issue of Medicines. Veterans are being denied medicines when proceeding out of the country etc for longer periods despite showing air tickets and passports to the officer in charge (ECHS Polyclinic NOIDA).We feel we should be issued medicines for such long absences as there is no addl cost to the exchequer and medicines are the legitimate dues of the patient. shareefahmad.khan@gmail.com

In Cases of Emergency Base / R&R / Service Hospitals’ must Accept Veterans.

3. Officers staying in vicinity of Base hospital & R&R and needing medical attention be seen at these hospitals in cases of emergency, rather turning down without attending and life is lost/ condition deteriorates.
Case. On 17 Sep Mrs Chitra Pandey was not attended to by the Lt Col Anup the DMO at R&R at about 1630 hrs with her platelets at 18K and severe headache. Repeated requests and pleading with Base Hosp for reference to empaneled hospital were not accepted. She was treated at R&R on 12 Sep 10 for high fever,105.6 degrees. Later she was rushed to Fortis, Rockland and Max Hospital but no beds were available. Her condition worsened and family went through pain. OiC Lodhi Road Col Dhingra is well aware of this incident. His timely assistance helped getting Chitra, admitted to Sant Permanad Hospital, Civil lines PM 17 Sep 2010 only thru good personal networking. Armed Forces channel have become more bureaucratic.

Lodi Road Issues
4. A large number of retired officers are being served by Lodhi Road Polyclinic however the only and good medical specialist namely Manoj Aron was replaced. Available GPs are inexperienced and very slow. It takes a couple of hours for one's turn to come and the place is always over crowded. There is one old X-ray equipment without any radiologist. This results into R&R not accepting the X Ray report without radiologist's findings and the patient has to be X Rayed again with additional trips to R&R or Base Hospital This is taxing. You are requested to consider appointing at least two Medical specialists at the earliest.
5. The third MO has just come after months of a single MO and the second Med Specialist has not been there for many months and only up to 1300 hrs Cdr. (retd) Keshoram

6. Lodi Road Clinic is not authorized to refer cases to the empanelled Hospitals directly but has to refer all cases to the Base Hospital which in turn depending on the occupancy/facilities refer the case to the Empanelled hospitals. For the large number of ECHS members residing in East Delhi the Base Hospital is on the other extremity of the city and over 30-35 kilometers. Considering Delhi’s traffic and the age of the ECHS members, driving this distance is most trying to say the least. It is suggested that ECHS Lodi Road be authorized to refer cases directly to RR Hospital, the RR hospital in turn may further refer the case to the empanelled hospital in case the capacity/facility in RR does not exist.

7. Adequate and serviceable diagnostic equipment is not available. For example, the dental XRay machine took over a year to repair. We had to get XRays done privately.
NOIDA Specific Issues
8. Referral for Dental cases in Noida is made only to AFDC, which is overloaded with patients and difficult to get an appointment. Alternatively one has to go to some empanelled Dental Clinic in Janakpuri which is 40 Kms from Noida. Suggestion is to allow patients to be referred to some good empanelled hospitals’ in Noida. It takes 6m to 1 year to get dentures made. V.S.Vishnoi

9. Non availability of specialists e.g. ENT, Cardiologist etc.

10. Non availability of Medical Staff for X-ray, physiotherapy. There is also is an acute shortage of space for Medicine Store and medical staff. The equipment including instruments in Dental Centre Noida needs to be repaired/ replaced so that the doctors can do justice. At times even proper Lighting and filling material are not available. If we compare the facilities with R & R/ AFDC, ECHS Noida will be rated ‘sub-standard’

11. Funds for local purchase – need to be doubled.

12. The Doctors don’t have a stethoscope, thermometer, BP instrument, torch and instrument to check the throat etc. These must be provided to all doctors.
Mumbai’s Issues
13. There is no Civil hospital on the panel of ECHS in Mumbai and INHS Asvini is overcrowded. This a major problem and an issue for those living in the suburbs. chaman_chawla2000@yahoo.com
General Issues
14. ECHS Lodi Road Clinic is not authorized to refer cases to the empanelled Hospitals directly but has to refer all cases to the Base Hospital which in turn depending on the occupancy/facilities refer the case to the Empanelled hospitals. For the large number of ECHS members residing in East Delhi the Base Hospital is on the other extremity of the city and over 30-35 kilometers. Considering the Delhi traffic and the age of the ECHS member driving this distance is most trying to say the least. It is suggested that ECHS Lodi Road be authorized to refer cases directly to RR Hospital, the RR hospital in turn may further refer the case to the empanelled hospital in case the capacity/facility in RR does not exist.
15. A Veteran had an Ortho problem and visited ECHS on Saturday. He was referred to the Base Hospital Ortho Surgeon who sees outpatients only on Tuesdays and Fridays. He started his journey at 0700hrs and could manage to reach the Base hospital at 0845. On reporting to counter for registration he was informed that Ortho Surgeon is on leave. On further enquiry as to when the Ortho Surgeon will be on duty, he was informed " not this week". There are many who suffer similarly. We need a workable solution Avtar Singh
16. Issue of possibly fake / spurious medicines has been brought to the notice of OI/c the Clinic and the same was also given in writing for pursuing the matter further. The OI/c and MO i/c concurred that the medicine in question was spurious/fake. The matter needs to be pursued.
H Sahney,
17. At times very old and infirm Veterans, some over 90 years old have problems and they are not in a position to take the car ride to a hospital. We need to devise ways to provide support in such cases.
18. There is no Polyclinic support available on Sundays and holidays and this totals some 70 plus days in a year and this issue needs to be addressed. Similarly, since many Veterans’ take a second job after retirement, therefore Sundays may be made half working days and staff granted compensatory leave on a working day. Dr. Satish Kulhari
19. Military Hospitals shutting doors to the ESM and sufficient private super specialty hospitals not keen on getting to be empanelled to the ECHS.
20. Need to review the requirement of TAC (temp att cert) to be able to get medicines for than 7 days and of course, the concept of parent polyclinic. Col PK Garg
21. The official ECHS website needs to be redesigned to make it member friendly where information should be available conveniently. It should have provision for giving feed back / suggestions / complaints and date of up-dating of the site should be displayed. Complaints may also be received on the net. All members should be given the facility to get their email ID registered so that any future policy change or information can be communicated to those who have registered for the facility seamlessly by email.
22. CGHS have the following facilities, which could be considered for induction in ECHS besides bringing in, other improvements given below in the comparison between CGHS and ECHS :-
(a) CGHS Doctors are available on shift during off working hours to attend to patients after working hours. In the present ECHS system a patient can go to empanelled Hospitals only if they are critically ill as per list promulgated. If the illness does not fall within the promulgated list we have to go private doctor and pay the fees from our pocket.
(b) CGHS Doctors visit residence of patients if they are unable to go the clinics because of nature of sickness, very old age or other reasons.
23. ECHS doctors refuse to sign, Driving Licence renewal medical form, RTO insists that these should be signed by a Govt Doctor. Please request ECHS to help us in this.
24. Examination of the list of ECHS Empanelled Hospitals in NCR and other Regions shows that the MOA with a large number of Hospitals has expired in June 2010. It is possible that some of these may have been renewed but this information has not been updated on the Army ECHS website. It is suggested that the list of empanelled hospitals in the Army/Navy website be regularly updated so that the ECHS members can make an informed choices Further it is also suggested that the contact persons telephones- of the respective hospitals be also put on the website and updated at the time of renewal of the MOA. Vijay S Mathur VAdm (R)
25. ECHS does not keep catheters of various sizes despite application made. This may also be considered.
Common Issues – Vision Statement and Need For Setting Standards by ECHS
26. There is a very urgent need for the promulgation of a Vision statement and ‘Standards’ to be achieved in all spheres including standards of cleanliness and hygiene, waiting times, facilities at the Policlinics, distance of polyclinic from residence, reaching out to those in the hinterland etc.. Arrangement to see doctors with prior appointments rather than waiting in long queues also needs to be incorporated in this document.
27. There is considerable concern on the poor standard of cleanliness, especially the bathrooms-----they really stink and the unhygienic atmosphere in the waiting halls on a daily basis.
SALIENT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CGHS AND ECHS
AND NEEDING TO BE BRIDGED
CGHS ECHS
1. Both serving as well as Only retired person are members
retired person are members

2. Open 24 hours Open only during working hours
3. Open on Sundays and holidays Closed on Sundays and Holidays

4 Situated extensively through the Only two in Delhi and only one at selected
length and breadth of the country, in towns
Cities and towns

5 Has a number of support Only one at each city and
Hospitals in Delhi and big cities

6 Referral to empanelled Referral to empanelled hospital
Hospital allowed for all ailments. restricted to some ailments.

7 NA drugs available through No such arrangement yet
selected chemist shops

8 Polyclinic situated within Polyclinic situated at much
5 kms distance in Delhi more than 15 kms

9. 24 hours service available for Patient has per force to go to Base/service
minor ailments such as fever and hospital after ECHS working hours and
not needing hospitalization Sundays/ holidays

10. No discrimination on priority Priority to serving over retired personnel.
between serving and retired persons
at support(civil) hospitals.
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NFDC Brief on Discussions Held with CPS and MD,ECHS

1. The meeting was held as scheduled, at Kota House on 9 Dec 10 with CPS, Vice Adm SPS Cheema in the Chair. MD ECHS with his staff and Officers in Charge of all Polyclinics in the NCR were present. From our side, VAdm SP Govil, Vice Adm AC Bhatia, Cmde H Sawhney, Cdr KC Bansal, Cdr. HK Nag, Cmde Ranjit Rai, Cmde RR Tandon, Cdr N Mahajan, Capt Pran Parashar, Cmde VK Thakur and VAdm Harinder Singh attended.
2. There has been some delay in promulgating these minutes as we were waiting for the official record of discussions. As some members of NFDC want a feed -back, a summary of the discussions is given in the succeeding paragraphs.
3. The meeting was very useful and productive in bringing out the problems being faced by the veterans. The veterans explained their basic requirements to help in creating a better understanding of their requirements and with the aim of closing the gap between the two sides. The Official team was very frank and extremely positive on the way ahead and assured us that the system would show all round improvement in the next few months.
4. Issue of Medicines for 3 Months and Longer. It was brought out that there was a contradiction between the orders issued by the Service Hqrs and those issued by the erstwhile DGAFMS. The latter was unwilling to see the point of view of the veterans. The officers-in charge confirmed that they were willing to issue medicines for longer periods provided their demands are met in full; the former DGAFMS had opposed this also. ECHS and service Hqrs will try and improve the supply of medicines. Members proceeding abroad will also be able to draw medicines for longer periods once adequate supplies were available. The issue of some fake medicines finding their way to the Veterans was also noted for action. Local purchase powers, though revised recently were still inadequate. Problems are also compounded as each service is following its own procedures leading to variations between the Polyclinics. These procedure are also being standardized.
5. Third Party Administrators. The proposal for Third Party Administrators (TPAs) has already been approved for the CGHS and will be introduced in to ECHS very shortly. These administrators will attend to reimbursements and clearances of bills to hospitals and individuals. The TPAs will cut out the Civil/Military interface. Similarly the empanelment of Pharmacies to issue medicines on the lines of CGHS will ensure a continuous supply of medicines directly to the patients, though this system may take some time. In the meantime the Military supply channels are being improved.
6. Lodi Road Issues. MD,ECHS acknowledged that there were many shortcomings and agreed to make up some of the shortages of personnel, maintenance and equipment. Making up the shortage of the junior staff may not happen in a hurry as there were not many volunteers due to the poor pay structure. There was general agreement that the Lodi Rd clinic had shown distinct improvement recently, though much still needed to be done. The MD also pointed out that the rush should even out, once the three additional polyclinics in Delhi get operational. However, he added that there were difficulties as far as accommodation for these clinics was concerned. One of the Clinics is expected to be located in Chankyapuri.
7. Referrals. Veterans from Delhi are unlikely to get the facility of being referred directly to empanelled hospitals, due to Govt regulations and also the likelihood of setting up a Veterans' Hospital in the NCR, for which a case is being progressed.
8. NOIDA Specific Issues. There was a broad consensus that Noida Polyclinic was generally running well, though much more still needed to be done. MD agreed to make up shortages of equipment, medicines and funds at the earliest. Also,\more space would be available for the clinic once the adjacent building was made available and both buildings renovated and modernized. He was unable to provide a referral facility for Dental care as none of the local clinics were volunteering and he requested NFDC Members to try and cajole local dentistry clinics to join up. Members' help is solicited towards this end.
9. ECHS Facilities at Jalvayu Vihar. It was urged that some ECHS facilities be located at the MI Room in Jal Vayu Vihar MI Room (Sectors 21 and 25) for the benefit of the veterans residing there. MD ECHS stated that as per their plans, once the renovation of the Sector 37 polyclinic is taken in hand, part of ECHS would be relocated to the Sector 25 MI Room.
10. Polyclinic Support. There is no polyclinic support outside working hours, on Sundays and holidays, for the aged and infirm who cannot make it to the Polyclinic and the need for TACs. MD informed that there is no bar whatsoever to Veterans going to empanelled hospitals for illnesses that they may consider essential and urgent for treatment and we should use this facility that already exists. A suitable system to provide OPD support is also being discussed by ECHS and will be promulgated after approval. ECHS will work towards the goal of providing support outside working hours and also publish its vision statement, as requested by us. TACs are not essential and the need will cease once the new ECHS Cards are issued, possibly within a month. The fact that they are given medicines for a shorter period is because of shortage of medicines with the Polyclinics whose priority is to satisfy the needs of their dependents first. However, this situation should improve once the supply of medicines improves.
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ECHS BRIEF GIVEN BY ECHS AT THE MEETING
ECHS was started on 01 Apr 2003 based on felt need of a large population of ex-servicemen across the country. This scheme modeled on the lines of CGHS provided comprehensive medical cover to the members for all known diseases. Prior to 1963 there was no provision for Medicare to ex-servicemen. In 1963, the govt. permitted limited medical facilities to the ex-servicemen. Limitation was based on local availability of facility and medicines. Local purchase of medicines for treating ex-servicemen was not allowed since the concession was based on local spare capacity utilisation within existing budgetary allocations for serving soldiers. Only ex-servicemen and their spouse / widows were permitted this 'gratis' Medicare with exclusions of diseases like cardiac ailments, renal failures, cancer, TB, leprosy, psy illness and paraplegia. Military Hospitals covered places where only 20% of ex-servicemen had settled. Therefore only very limited number of patients could actually get medical attention by the AFMS.
ECHS was therefore the most notable welfare scheme ever launched in India for ex-servicemen. The members of ECHS became entitled to comprehensive Medicare covering all known diseases. ECHS marked Govt's commitment to providing full budgetary support to the healthcare of ex-servicemen and their families. Not only ex-servicemen and their spouse / widows, ECHS covered entitled parents and children. ECHS beneficiaries became entitled to treatment not only in service hospitals, they could also be referred to select private hospitals for best possible Medicare and to ensure that service hospitals are not overloaded. Apart from 106 ECHS Polyclinics in military stations, 121 Polyclinics were established in non-military stations where a large majority of retired soldiers had settled down. These Polyclinics were provided with doctors, physicians, paramedics and at some places even gynecologists to provide full fledged OPD facility to the members. Diagnostic aides like X-Ray and path lab has also been provided at the polyclinics.
ECHS membership has now crossed 11 Lakh with a total of over 34 Lakh beneficiaries. Smart cards have been issued to the members to establish irrefutable proof of the identity through biometrics.
As the scheme progressed and advanced towards stabilisation, the large and expanding beneficiary base necessitated review and reforms. Main challenge of the scheme was how to handle increasing OPD load at the Polyclinics with skeletal contractual staff authorisation, how to decongest the high-pressure Polyclinics and service
hospitals, how to prevent infirm patients running from pillar to post for getting entitled Medicare and reimbursements and how to extend the reach of ECHS to remote areas with considerable ex-servicemen population.
The free and frank no holds barred discussions during the Chandimandir ECHS Seminar of Jul 2009 based on theme-'The Way Ahead', marked a turning point for ECHS and facilitated much needed reforms. Reformed referral policy liberalized procedure for treatment in private hospitals and paved way for decongesting service hospitals (Army, Command and Zonal), removed local restrictions on referrals and opened non-empanelled dialysis centres for beneficiaries. Direct referrals by remote Polyclinics were permitted to empanelled super-speciality hospitals of nearby cities. This enabled the outstation patients to directly access outstation multi-speciality hospitals without being referred through high-pressure Polyclinics of larger cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Pune etc. This provision also helped in preventing congestion at the Polyclinics of these cities.
Another issue facilitated during the Chandimandir Seminar was mutual decision by the Services and the ex-servicemen's bodies to work in partnership for resolving problems of members and for improving the services under the Scheme. Voluntary service by the members has been notable at Secunderabad Polyclinic where right from registration of sick report to assistance in construction of additional accommodation, member volunteers are doing wonderful works. The 'Secunderabad Model' is there for others to emulate and take a notch higher.
After persistent efforts of the Armed Forces, the Govt has approved the expansion of ECHS to open 199 additional ECHS Polyclinics. This will enable benefits to ex-servicemen in districts where their population is up to 1500. Remote areas where the ECHS population is up to 800 would also be covered. Anomaly of denial of ECHS membership to Nepal Domiciled Gorkha ex-servicemen was removed when the Govt. approved their membership for treatment in India. It is now intended to seek establishment of Polyclinics in Nepal. This would bring the NDGs ex-servicemen settled in Nepal at par with their counterparts in India.
Certain other improvements in the scheme being actively pursued with the Govt. are:-
-Enhancement of powers of competent financial authorities to enable early consideration of Medicare bills.
-Improving supply of medicines and consumables through two means. The first, through the proposal of outsourcing the pharmacy services to reputed manufacturers and suppliers and the second through enhancing the financial limit of local purchase of medicines by Officer-in-charge of the Polyclinics. Provision is also being sought for reimbursement of purchase of non-available medicine to the members.
-Improving quality of OPD services at the Polyclinics by seeking authorisation of deficient category of essential staff like radiologists, radiographers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dental assistants / hygienists and clerks. Presently the Armed Forces are spending approx Rs 5 Crore annually for this purpose.

-There are about 6.5 Lakh ECHS hospitalizations each year. Hospital bill clearance takes much longer than the stipulated period of 60 days in absence of dedicated staff / organisation for this purpose. Therefore bill processing by Third Party Administrators is intended to replace the present adhoc processing system.. This would not only reduce load from the Station HQs but also enable the hospitals to receive reimbursements within three weeks of bill submission.
-Empanelment of private hospitals for providing cashless treatment to ECHS beneficiaries is an ongoing process. However, this process takes unduly long due to delayed submission of completed proceedings of Board of Officers convened for this purpose. In some cases, this process takes nearly two years. Govt. is now considering utilizing the services of National Board of Accredition for Hospitals and Healthcare providers (NABH). This step is expected to reduce the empanelment period to approx a month.
While the formal Govt. nod for much needed improvements in ECHS is awaited, certain other steps have been taken by the Armed Forces for meeting the enhanced aspirations of the beneficiaries. Providing telephonic appointments with the Polyclinic doctors in afternoons is a small step, which has added to clientele satisfaction. ECHS staff at various high-pressure stations has also been advised to set up extension counters in localities with high member density so that ECHS benefits, especially medicines are available in their neighborhood. This step would also help in decongesting the Polyclinics.
It has been realized that such a large health scheme cannot be effectively managed without using technology. Therefore, automation of Polyclinic processes and networking of all Polyclinics is underway on Public Private Partnership model.
Recently a study on ECHS and CGHS was conducted by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations. The survey undertaken under this study revealed the members preference for ECHS as against offered health insurance scheme. 93% beneficiaries preferred ECHS to health insurance.
ECHS is a flagship welfare scheme of the Govt. for the welfare of ex-servicemen. Approximately Rs 1000 Crore is being spent by the Govt. for meeting the health care needs of the veteran soldiers and their families of the three services and the Indian Coast Guard. The Armed Forces are continuously endeavouring to improve the quality and reach of this scheme, which is now on the threshold of a major expansion.
Ten ECHS hospitals are planned at Delhi Cantt, Chandigarh/Panchkula, Jalandhar Cantt, Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur/Jodhpur, Secundrabad, Pune, Kochi and Bangalore. ECHS hospital at Delhi Cantt will be established first followed by other cities. These hospitals will be of are 500 beds facility in 25 acre area with a capital and revenue budget of 250 Crore and 135 Crore respectively.
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INTEGRATED HEADQUARTERS MINISTRY OF THE DEFENCE (NAVY)
ECHS OFFICE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 09 DEC 10 AT KOTA HOUSE
MDECHS INTERACTION WITH PRESIDENT NFDC

1. The following were present :-

Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, CPS - Chairman
Maj Gen A Srivastava, MDECHS
Cmde MVS Kumar PDESA
Captain AL Narayan Director ECHS(Navy)
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd) President NFDC
Cmde VK Thakur (Retd) Secy NFDC
Oi/Cs of ECHS Polyclinics Lodhi Road, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad (Hindon)
Approx 20 retired Naval Officers of NCR/ Delhi

2. CPS has welcomed the members for the meeting especially president Navy Foundation Delhi Charter and MDECHS.

AGENDA POINTS

ITEM I & II - ISSUE OF THREE MONTHS MEDICINES AND
LONG TERM ISSUE OF MEDICINES

3. Status. We were informed by CNS, COP, CPS and Capt, AL Narayan Director, ECHS (Navy) that “MDECHS has informed that AG/Army HQ had a meeting recently with DGMS (Army) & MDECHS regarding issue of medicines for three months to Veterans. AG has directed DGMS (Army) to resume issue of three months medicines to ECHS members on medical officer’s prescription. The policy letter on the subject is being promulgated to the environment shortly. But medicines are not being issued on the ground. It will avoid work load on Polyclinics, Doctors, Reception and Medicine issue counters. More than 60% members in ECHS are on CT. Veterans are being denied medicines when proceeding out of the country etc for longer periods despite showing air tickets and passports to the officer in charge (ECHS Polyclinic NOIDA).We feel we should be issued medicines for such long absences as there is no additional cost to the exchequer and medicines are the legitimate dues of the patient.

4. Discussion. The issues of medicines is the total responsibility of DGAFMS. Necessary funds from ECHS for example for this financial year an amount of Rs. 360 Crore have been placed with DGAFMS. However, AFMSDs functioning under DGAFMS are supplying only 10% of the required medicines. The remaining 90% are being supplied through the existing Local Purchase procedure as is being done for serving personnel in Military Hospitals. A case has also been taken up for review of financial powers of Oi/C polyclinics for local purchase by Oi/C polyclinic including military polyclinics Rs. two lac for ‘A’ and ‘B’ type polyclinics and Rs. one lac for ‘C’ and ‘D’ type polyclinics. Not withstanding the above, MDECHS has intimated that policy letter on the subject for issue of three months medicines exists in ECHS but DGAFMS has issued a overriding directive that medicines will be issued for only one month and more importantly the Oi/C of polyclinics have informed that the stock being held does not permit them to issue three months medicines and that is the reason why polyclinics are unable to issue three months medicines to ECHS members. However, MDECHS has intimated that Navy could make necessary arrangements at Commands / Naval Hospitals levels so that medicines could be issued for three months. As far as Delhi / NCR is concerned MDECHS would again take up the issue with DGAFMS for resolving this issue of medicines.

5. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue of three months medicines with DGAFMS and thereafter promulgate the policy letter.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM III - IN CASES OF EMERGENCY BASE / R&R / SERVICE HOSPITAL
MUST ACCEPT VETERANS

6. Status. Officers staying in vicinity of Base hospital & R&R and needing medical attention be seen at these hospitals in cases of emergency, rather turning down without attending and life is lost/ condition deteriorates.

7. Discussion. The military hospitals will accept cases of emergency for providing medicare subject to availability of facility / beds. Refusal to attend to medical emergencies is against medical ethics. Any case of this nature would be brought to the notice of concerned DGMS / DGAFMS.

8. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue of medicare in Base / R&R with DGAFMS and thereafter promulgate the policy letter.

Action By : MDECHS

LODHI ROAD ISSUES

ITEM IV & V - APPOINTMENT OF SUITABLE MEDICAL OFFICERS / RADIOLOGIST

9. Status. A large number of retired officers are being served by Lodhi road Polyclinic however the only and good medical specialist namely Manoj Aron was replaced. Available GPs are inexperienced and very slow. It takes a couple of hours for one's turn to come and the place is always over crowded. There is one old X-ray equipment without any radiologist. This results into R&R not accepting the X Ray report without radiologist's findings and the patient has to be X Rayed again with additional trips to R&R or Base Hospital This is taxing. You are requested to consider appointing at least two Medical specialists at the earliest. The third MO has just come after months of a single MO and the second Med Specialist has not been there for many months and only up to 1300 hrs.

10. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that necessary steps will be taken to ensure good medical specialists are appointed at the polyclinic. He also further intimated that he would consider posting of two medical specialists by re appropriating. The issue of Radiologist will be resolved once the additional manpower sanction is obtained from MOD.

11. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to authorise two medical specialists to Lodi Road Polyclinic and expedite obtaining additional manpower sanction from MoD for authorising Radiologist.
Action By : MDECHS

ITEM VI - REFERRAL TO PRIVATE EMPANELMENT HOSP DIRECTLY BY
LODHI ROAD POLYCLINIC

12. Status. Lodi Road Clinic is not authorized to refer cases to the empanelled Hospitals directly but has to refer all cases to the Base Hospital which in turn depending on the occupancy/facilities refer the case to the Empanelled hospitals. For the large number of ECHS members residing in East Delhi the Base Hospital is on the other extremity of the city and over 30-35 kilometers. Considering Delhi’s traffic and the age of the ECHS members, driving this distance is most trying to say the least. It is suggested that ECHS Lodi Road be authorized to refer cases directly to RR Hospital, the RR hospital in turn may further refer the case to the empanelled hospital in case the capacity/facility in RR does not exist.

13. Discussion. MDECHS has agreed to this point to consider favorably and that the suitable policy letter will be promulgated at the earliest subject to confirming non availability of facilities / beds.

14. Decision. Executive orders in this regard have since been issued by the Central Organisation ECHS.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM – VII - AVAILABILITY OF EQUIPMENTS IN OPERATIONAL STATUS

15. Status. Adequate and serviceable diagnostic equipment is not available. For example, the dental XRay machine took over a year to repair. We had to get XRays done privately.

16. Discussion. This issue will be addressed expeditiously as required. The issue of stocking personal catheters at polyclinics will be taken up with DGAFMS / concerned SEMO.

17. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue with DGAFMS for necessary action.

Action By : MDECHS

NOIDA SPECIFIC ISSUES

ITEM VIII - REFERRAL FOR DENTAL IN NOIDA TO JANAKPURI

18. Status. Referral for Dental cases in Noida is made only to AFDC, which is overloaded with patients and difficult to get an appointments. Alternatively one has to go to some empanelled Dental Clinic in Janakpuri which is 40 Kms from Noida. Suggestion is to allow patients to be referred to some good empanelled hospitals’ in Noida.

19. Discussion. Since the Janakpuri dental clinic is 40 Km away and the local dental clinics are not coming forward for empanelment due to low rates or for other reasons, the Chairmen requested the retired fraternity to use their good social network and ensure the local dental clinics come up for empanelment as the new 2010 ECHS rates are on the higher side. ECHS is also planning to create own dental laboratory adjunct to the polyclinics for meeting the denture requirement. ECHS has been authorized 58 procedures like CGHS.

20. Decision. Retired fraternity has been requested to use their influence for getting suitable dental centres in Noida for empanelment under ECHS.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM IX - NON AVAILABILITY OF SPECIALISTS – ENT, CARDIOLOGIST

21. Status. Non availability of specialists - ENT, Cardiologist.

22. Discussion. MDECHS explained that Polyclinics are meant to provide general OPD cover including physician and gynae. For Specialist / super specialist cover, patients are referred to service / empanelled facilities.

23. Decision. MDECHS has intimated that Polyclinics are meant to provide general OPD cover including physician and gynae. For Specialist / super specialist cover, patients are referred to service / empanelled facilities.

Action By : Oi/C Polyclinics (Delhi / NCR)

ITEM X - STATUS OF DENTAL POLYCLINIC

24. Status. Non availability of Medical Staff for X-ray, physiotherapy/. There is also is an acute shortage of space for Medicine Store and medical staff. The equipment including instruments in Dental Centre Noida needs to be repaired/ replaced so that the doctors good do Justice. At times even proper Lighting and filling material is not available. If we compare the facilities with R & R/ AFDC, ECHS Noida will be rated ‘sub-standard’

25. Discussion. Oi/C Noida Polyclinic was requested to ensure that the complaints of dental centre are addressed aggressively at the earliest.

26. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to ask Oi/C Noida Polyclinic to ensure that the complaints of dental centre are addressed aggressively at the earliest.

Action By : Oi/C Polyclinic Noida

ITEM XI - FUNDS FOR LOCAL PURCHASE NEED TO BE INCREASED

27. Status. Funds for local purchase – need to be increased.

28. Discussion. This issue is pending with Mod and once the approval is received the Oi/C Polyclinic both at the military and non military will have power of 2 lakh in ‘A’ and ‘B’ Type of polyclinic and 1 lakh in ‘C’ and ‘D’ type of polyclinic.

29. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to promulgate the policy letter after approval from MoD.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XII - DOCTORS MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS

30. Status. The Doctors don’t have a stethoscope, thermometer, BP instrument, torch and instrument to check the throat etc. These must be provided to all doctors.

31. Discussion. Oi/C Noida Polyclinic has been requested to ensure at the earliest that the doctors are provided medical equipment like Stethoscope, Thermometer, BP instrument, torch and instrument to check the throat etc at the earliest. Oi/C polyclinic has intimated that this was a lapse because doctors posted to the polyclinic are more than the authorised strength but he said that he would ensure that these instruments are made available to all the doctors at earliest.

32. Decision Oi/C Noida Polyclinic has been requested to provide medical equipment to all the doctors of Noida Polyclinic.

Action By : Oi/C Polyclinic Noida

MUMBAI ISSUES

ITEM XIII - NO PVT. EMPANELMENT HOSPITAL AND INHS ASVINI IS OVERLOAD

33. Status. There is no Civil hospital on the panel of ECHS in Mumbai and INHS Asvini is overcrowded.

34. Discussion. More private hospitals are not coming up for empanelment under ECHS because they have enough loads on direct cash payment basis and ECHS is on credit basis. One more polyclinic is being set up in Navi Mumbai which should reduce the load of OPD at Asvini.

35. Decision One more polyclinic is being set up in Navi Mumbai which should reduce the load of OPD at Asvini.

Action By : Dir ECHS(N)

GENERAL ISSUES

ITEM XIV - REPEAT POINT OF POINT 6

ITEM XV - AVAILABILITY OF ORTHO FACILITY IN BASE HOSP

36. Status. A Veteran had an Ortho problem and visited ECHS on Saturday. He was referred to the Base Hospital Ortho Surgeon who sees outpatients only on Tuesdays and Fridays. He started his journey at 0700hrs and could manage to reach the Base hospital at 0845. On reporting to counter for registration he was informed that Ortho Surgeon is on leave. On further enquiry as to when the Ortho Surgeon will be on duty, he was informed " not this week". There are many who suffer similarly.

37. Discussion. Ortho facility in Base hosp can be availed only subject to availability of facility / beds. The ECHS members are entitled to visit any empanelled hospital for treatment in case of non availability of facility in Base Hospital and intimate the polyclinic the next day alternately if the emergency is such he could visit any of hosp including non empanelled and seek reimbursement.

38. Decision. MDECHS has intimated that ECHS members are entitled to visit any empanelled hospital for treatment in case of non availability of facility in Base Hospital.

Action By : ECHS Members

ITEM XVI - ISSUE OF FAKE / SPURIOUS MEDICINES

39. Status. Issue of possibly fake / spurious medicines has been brought to the notice of OI/c the Clinic and the same was also given in writing for pursuing the matter further. The OI/c and MO i/c concurred that the medicine in question was spurious/fake. The matter needs to be pursued.

40. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that he would bring this to the notice of DGAFMS and remedial action initiated to avoid recurrence.

41. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up the issue with DGAFMS for necessary action to avoid recurrence.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XVII - REPEAT POINT OF POINT 7
.

ITEM XVIII - TRANSPORT FOR AGED VETERANS

42. Status. At times very old and infirm Veterans, some over 90 years old have problems and they are not in a position to take the car ride to a hospital. We need to devise ways to provide support in such cases.

43. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that it is not possible to provide car to the ECHS Member to the hospital with the existing infra structure of transport. However should there be medical requirement due to the status of the patient the ambulance at the polyclinic will be provided to transfer the patient to the referred hospital.

44. Decision. MDECHS has intimated that it is not possible to provide car to the ECHS Member to the hospital with the existing infra structure of transport. However should there be medical requirement due to the status of the patient the ambulance at the polyclinic will be provided to transfer the patient to the referred hospital.

Action By : Oi/C Polyclinics(Delhi / NCR)

ITEM XIX - POLYCLINICS ROUND THE CLOCK

45. Status. There is no Polyclinic support available on Sundays and holidays and this totals some 70 plus days in a year and this issue needs to be addressed. Similarly, since many Veterans’ take a second job after retirement, therefore Sundays may be made half working days and staff granted compensatory leave on a working day.

46. Discussion. During non consultation period / holidays, patients are free to get treatment from empanelled hospitals in emergency. Suitable policy instructions are intended to be issued enabling essential treatment at empanelled hospitals on holidays / non-working hours.

47. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to issue the policy letter regarding enabling essential treatment at empanelled hospitals on holidays / non-working hours.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XX - MILITARY HOSPITALS SHUTTING DOORS TO ESM AND PRIVATE SUPER SPECIALTY HOSPITAL NOT EMPANELLING

48. Status. Military Hospitals shutting doors to the ESM and sufficient private super specialty hospitals not keen on getting to be empanelled to the ECHS.

49. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that he would take up this issue with DGAFMS to provide medicare subject to availability to facility / beds. With the implementation of 2010 CGHS rates which are higher, the private super specialty hospitals would be keen to come under ECHS.

50. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to take up this issue with DGAFMS and thereafter promulgate the policy letter.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XXI - TAC CERTIFICATE

51. Status. Need to review the requirement of TAC (temp att cert) to be able to get medicines for than 7 days and of course, the concept of parent polyclinic.

52. Discussion. The TAC certificate requirement is relevant because of the status of the data base of members expected to the polyclinics however with the online of computerization / automation this issue will be addressed favourably for the purpose of issue of medicines of more than seven days if not for obtaining costly individual equipment like hearing aids / medical equipment etc.

53. Decision. The TAC certificate requirement is relevant because of the status of the data base of members expected to the polyclinics however with the online of computerization / automation this issue will be addressed favourably for the purpose of issue of medicines of more than seven days if not for obtaining costly individual equipment like hearing aids / medical equipment etc.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XXII - WEBSITE USER FRIENDLY / E-MAIL ID REGISTRATION

54. Status. The official ECHS website needs to be redesigned to make it member friendly where information should be available conveniently. It should have provision for giving feed back / suggestions / complaints and date of up-dating of the site should be displayed. Complaints may also be received on the net. All members should be given the facility to get their email ID registered so that any future policy change or information can be communicated to those who have registered for the facility seamlessly by email.

55. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that this will be implemented.

56. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to implement this at the earliest and promulgate to all concerned.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XXIII - CGHS DOCTORS WORKING HOURS / VISITING RESIDENCE OF PATIENT

57. Status. CGHS have the following facilities, which could be considered for induction in ECHS besides bringing in, other improvements given below in the comparison between CGHS and ECHS :-

(a) CGHS Doctors are available on shift during off working hours to attend to patients after working hours. In the present ECHS system a patient can go to empanelled Hospitals only if they are critically ill as per list promulgated. If the illness does not fall within the promulgated list we have to go private doctor and pay the fees from our pocket.

(b) CGHS Doctors visit residence of patients if they are unable to go the clinics because of nature of sickness, very old age or other reasons.

58. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that CGHS does not open all dispensaries during off working hours. They only provide some high pressure dispensaries with minimal medical facilities. This issue can be considered once we have sanction for additional staff from MoD.

59. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to consider the issue after the sanction for additional staff from MoD is obtained and promulgate to all concerned thereafter.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XXIV - DOCTORS TO SIGN DRIVING LICENCE RENEWAL FORMS

60. Status. ECHS doctors refuse to sign, Driving Licence renewal medical form, RTO insists that these should be signed by a Govt Doctor. Please request ECHS to help us in this.

61. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that he would promulgate the policy letter on the subject directing doctors to sign the Driving Licence renewal form and if required the necessary approval from RTO will be obtained, so that their signatures are acceptable.

62. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to promulgate the policy letter on the subject so that ECHS doctor's signature are acceptable for driving licence renewal medical form.

Action By : MDECHS

ITEM XXV - VALIDITY OF MOA WITH PRIVATE EMPANELMENT HOSPITALS

63. Status. Examination of the list of ECHS Empanelled Hospitals in NCR and other Regions shows that the MOA with a large number of Hospitals has expired in June 2010. It is possible that some of these may have been renewed but this information has not been updated on the Army ECHS website. It is suggested that the list of empanelled hospitals in the Army/Navy website be regularly updated so that the ECHS members can make an informed choices Further it is also suggested that the contact persons telephones- of the respective hospitals be also put on the website and updated at the time of renewal of the MOA.

64. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that this request will be complied and ensure that the list of private empanelment hospitals with valid MOA will be hosted on website to enable ECHS members to make their choice of treatment.

65. Decision. MDECHS has been requested to update the list of private empanelment hospitals to enable ECHS members to make their choice of treatment.

Action By : MDECHS

COMMON ISSUES

ITEM XXVI - VISION STATEMENT AND NEED FOR SETTING STANDARDS BY ECHS / APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONE

66. Status. There is a very urgent need for the promulgation of a Vision statement and ‘Standards’ to be achieved in all spheres including standards of cleanliness and hygiene, waiting times, facilities at the Policlinics, distance of polyclinic from residence, reaching out to those in the hinterland etc etc. Arrangement to see doctors with prior appointments rather than waiting in long queues.

67. Discussion. MDECHS has intimated that vision statement and standard for ECHS has already been promulgated and a copy of the same could be obtained from ECHS Central Organisation. Arrangements to meet doctors on appointment on telephone in the afternoons has already been implemented.

68. Decision. Director ECHS (N) is requested to obtain the vision statement from MDECHS and forward to NFDC.

Action By : Director ECHS (N)

ITEM XXVII - CLEANLINESS OF TOILETS AT POLYCLINIC

69. Status. There is considerable concern on the poor standard of cleanliness, especially the bathrooms, they really stink and the unhygienic atmosphere in the waiting halls on a daily basis.

70. Discussion. This is a cause of concern and that Oi/C polyclinic must ensure that standard of cleanliness in the toilets at polyclinic is of highest standard in spite of constraints of water / cleaning labourers problems.

71. Decision. Oi/C Polyclinics have been requested to take necessary action regarding cleanliness of toilets of polyclinics if required by obtaining the necessary assistance from station commanders with respect to constraints of availability of water / safaiwalas.

Action By : Oi/C Polyclinics – Delhi / NCR

CONCLUDING REMARKS

72. There being no other points, the meeting was over.

73. In conclusion, CPS requested MDECHS to resolve the issues raised during the meeting for clientele satisfaction as medicare is most important need for the veterans.

74. These minutes issue with the approval of the Chairman.

(AL Narayan)
Capt (IN)
Director ECHS(N)

SO/CNS SO/COP SO/CPS

SO/DGMS(NAVY) SO/MDECHS PDESA

SECY NFDC

OI/C POLYCLINICS.
BASE HOSPITAL (DELHI CANTT), LODHI ROAD,
GURGAON, NOIDA, FARIDABAD, GHAZIABAD (HINDON)

Pension Grievances Cell 'SAMADHAN'

2010-06-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

SAMADHAN . A Pension Grievances Cell 'SAMADHAN' has been set up in the Directorate of Pay and Allowances to resolve difficulties of Naval Pensoiners/ Family Pensioners. The Cell would provide assistance for solving Pension problems based on letters/ phones calls received from Pensioners/ widows. The Contact Nos. of the Cell are as follows :-

Telephone No. : 011-23010382 / Extn. No.: 222

Fax No. : 011-23792057

E-mail : samadhan.indiannavy@gmail.com

Sad Demise of Cmde Babru Yadav MvC today morning ...Cremation at 1100 hrs Saturday 23 Jan 2010 ..Antim Niwas Noida

2010-01-22T03:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

Regret to inform about the passing away of Cmde Babru Yadav MvC today morning at Noida

2.Cremation at 1100 hrs Saturday 23 jan 2010 at Antim Nivas , Kalindi Kunj Noida.

2. Next of Kin : Lt Cdr Rahul Yadav , G-40 , Sec 39 , Noida cell 9350035558

3. Navy Foundation Delhi Charter deeply mourns the passing away of Cmde Babru Yadav.

Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

OROP for Officers Too..Defence Minsiter in Parliament

2009-07-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,

The info in the Tribune News Service about OROP is placed below.

Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

**************************************************************************

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090714/main3.htm

‘One rank, one pension’ for officers, too

Tribune News Service

PTI; New Delhi, July 13

Defence Minister A K Antony today clarified in the Lok Sabha that "one rank, one pension" recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary-led panel had been accepted by the government for jawans as well as officers.

The government has accepted recommendations of the panel on "one rank, one pension" and other related matters concerning the armed forces, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

The decision is now nearer to the goal of “one rank, one pension” demand of nearly 1.5 million personnel, Antony said during question hour.

The total financial implications on account of benefits to the personnel would be Rs 2,144 crore, the minister said.

The committee has recommended inclusion of Classification Allowance for the Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) from January 1, 2006, and removal of linkage of full pensions with 33 years from the same date, he said.

The committee also recommended revision of pension of Lt Generals after carrying out a separate pay scale for them. Bringing parity between pension pre and post October 10, 1997, for PBOR pensioners and further improving PBOR pensions based on award of Group of Ministers in 2006.

With regard to the separate pay commission, the minister said it had been agreed, and as and when necessary it would be set up in the future.

Antony said the government had also accepted the committee's recommendations regarding raising the pension amount for those disabled or injured in war.

"After considering all aspects of the issue, the committee made several recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank and
Commissioned Officers, which have been accepted by the government," the minister added.

OROP in Budget Speech..06 Jul 2009

2009-07-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,

There are good reasons to believe and it is understood that the Finance Minister will announce OROP for the Veteran's besides the payment of 6PC arrears in his budget speech in the Parliament later today. Lets hope for the best.. Kindly lend the Finance Minister your ears.

Warm regards

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President , NFDC

CNS FAREWELL DINNER 06 Jul Varuna 2000 hrs

2009-06-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,

As we are all aware, Admiral Sureesh Mehta will lay down the office of the Chief of the Naval Staff on 31 Aug 2009 upon his retirement from Service. Admiral has done much for Veterans community, particularly on the pension issue. Admiral and Mrs Mehta have very kindly consented to the request of the NFDC to spend a evening with its members. Accordingly, NFDC will host a Dinner to bid farewell to Admiral and Mrs Mehta on Monday, 06 Jul 2009 at the Naval Officers Mess Varuna at 2000 hrs. We request all NFDC members and their spouses to please join in for Dinner in maximun strength and be present by 2000 hrs.Senior serving officers are also being invited.

As usual, Drinks and special Dinner will be catered from outside and will beat a subsidised rate of Rs 400/- per couple and Rs 250/- for single

For the convenience of our members, we have arranged two Naval Buses to convey the members to and fro from Noida and Gurgaon as follows :

(a) Bus will depart from Noida MI Room (Sector 25) at 1900 hrs
(b) Bus will depart from Jal Vayu Towers (Sector 56) Main Gate Gurgaon 1900 hrs
(c) Bus will return to Noida and Gurgaon on completion of Dinner.

Kindly confirm your attendence for the Dinner by E Mail or on Tel 9811078735 or 9818389252, latest by 02 Jul 2009, for us to enable make arrangements.

Secretary
Navy Foundation Delhi Charter

Brief for NFDC on One Rank One Pension

2009-06-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

06 Jul 2009

Dear Members,

There are good reasons to believe and it is understood that the Finance Minister will announce OROP for the Veteran's besides the payment of 6PC arrears in his budget speech in the Parliament later today. Lets hope for the best.. Kindly lend the Finance Minister your ears.

Warm regards

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President , NFDC

************************************************
Dear Members,
1. We have kept you briefed on the progress with our quest for OROP and in our last communication informed you of the inclusion of our demand in the President address to the Parliament.

2. After some discussion, all the major organisations fighting for OROP mutually decided to pool their resources and forward a single consolidated paper for consideration by the Cabinet Secretary Committee. This was co-ordinated by the IESL and we agreed to be one of the members and RAdm Sushil Ramsay was nominated as our representative on this committee. One of the other major issues was to safeguard the rights of the PBOR, who must come first, before us, as per our ethos and this was always kept in mind.

3. The committee received and looked into a large number of proposals that had been received by various orgs. RAdm Ramsay generally co-ordinated the examination of the proposal and has in fact in due course prepared the paper, presented the same before the entire committee and the Presidents of the participating Organisations. There were generous contributions by MajGen Radhakrsinan and some others. The final Presentation was very well attended and more importantly generated very constructive and meaningful discussions. All constructive and rational suggestions were thereafter incorporated in the final proposal.

4. The three Tables agreed to, are quite explicit to indicate the basis for formulation of our projections which were finalised with a view to arrive at a consensus. In addition we have included request for resolution of another anomaly for the pre 01 Jan 2006 Pensioners relating to Disability Pension/War Injury Pension/Special Family Pension/Liberalised Family Pension/Dependent Pension(Special), etc, which have emerged out of recent GOI notifications of 04 and 05 May 2006.
5. At the conclusion of the deliberations it was agreed to forward the attached proposal to the GOI for consideration. It may be added that the service headquarters were also requested and have forwarded a proposal. We feel that our proposal is somewhat better than the one forwarded by them and we all owe thanks to RAdm S Ramsay for the tremendous amount of effort put in and a job well done.

6. I , may conclude by saying that it is a very difficult task to synthesise and harmonise the views and aspirations of a large number of the Veterans of various vintages, issues and differently impacted by various Pay Commissions. We have arrived at an agreed consensus and that should be accepted as the most viable solution. Am sure, there will be some who will take issue but it is a corporate decision and is best left at that. We have, as a major milestone, managed consensus amongst all the major stakeholders and that's good too.

Recommended Pension Tables

Regards
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President NFDC

PB4 Payments

2009-06-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Members
GOI has issued necessary orders to Banks for making payments to those covered in PB4.
If the concerned banks have not received the orders, pl find them attached herewith.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC
*************************************************
http://pcdapension.nic.in/comm/qs.htm
Qualifying Service for Pension
The minimum period of qualifying service (without Weightage) for earning retiring pension shall be 20 years (15 years in the case of late entrants).
Actual qualifying service rendered by the officer plus a weightage (in years) appropriate to the last rank held as indicated below subject to total qualifying service including weightage not exceeding 33 Years.
A fraction of a year equal to 3 months and above but less than 6 months shall be treated as a completed ½ year. Similarly, nine months or more but less than one year shall be treated as a competed one year and reckoned as qualifying service.
This shall, however, not be applicable for completing minimum qualifying service for pensionary award.
Periods of Service Qualifying Service for Pension
Service as a permanent regular Commissioned Officer
Service rendered before attaining the age of 17 years.
Embodied or called out service as an officer of TA or Auxiliary Air Force subject to refund of gratuity, if any.
Service in the rank if followed by permanent regular Commissioned service without a break subject to refund of gratuity, if any.
All leave including study leave with pay.
Period of suspension from duty when the officer is not brought on trial or court martial with result favour-able to the officer.
Service under an Office /Department/Ministry of the Central or State Government.
Any period of Civil service under Central or State Government. if followed by military service subject to refund of gratuity, if any.
Service rendered in the autonomous bodies
The period of ante-date of commission and the period of Secondment subject to the following maxima:-
Ante-date of commission –18 months
Secondment -12 months
when both ante- date and Secondment granted – 24 months
Service rendered in aid of civil administration.
Weightage Admissible: Service Officers (Other than MNS)
Rank
Weightage in Years
Lieutenant 9 years
Captain 9 Years
Major 8 Years
Lt. Col. (TS) 5 Years
Lt. Col. (S) 7 years
Colonel(TS) 7 years
Colonel 7 Years
Brigadier 5 Years
Major General 3 Years
Lt. General 3 Years
Chief of the Army Staff 3 Years
Weightage Admissible : MNS officers
Rank Weightage in Years
Captain 7 Years
Major 6Years
Lt. Colonel 5 Years
Colonel 5 Years
Brigadier 3 Years
Major General 3 Years
Weightage Admissible : ECOs/SSCO
Rank Weightage in Years
12 years and more but less than 20 years 5 Years
20 years and above Rank wise weightage as given for Service Officers (Other than MNS)
Weightage Not Admissible
Weightage is not admissible in following cases:-
officers who retire pre-maturely for permanent absorption in public sector under takings and autonomous bodies.
officers of the Territorial Army.
for determining the minimum qualifying service for retiring pension.
************************************************************
REGISTEREDMOST IMPORTANT CIRCULAROFFICE OF THE PCDA (PENSIONS), DRAUPADI GHAT ALLAHABADCircular No.412.Dated: 26.05.2009.To,01.The Chief Accountant, RBI, Deptt. of Govt. Bank Account CentralOffice,C-7 IInd Floor Bandre Kurla Complex, P.B. No.8143BandreEast, Mumbai-400051.02.All CMDs of Public Sector Banks03.CMD of ICICI Bank04.CMD of IDBI Bank05.CMD of Axis Bank06.CMD of HDFC Bank07.Military and Air Attache, Indian Embassy Kathmandu Nepal.08.The Defence Pension Disbursing Officers.09.The Treasury officers.10.The Pay and Accounts Office.11.Pay and Accounts Office, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai.12.The Post Master Kathua (J & K), Camp Bell Bay (Andaman & Nicobar)Subject:- (i)Implementation of Government’s decision on therecommendations of the Sixth Central Pay CommissionRevision of Pension of Pre 2006 Military Nursing Service(MNS) Officers retiree pensioners / Family Pensioners(ii)Implementation of Government’s decision on therecommendations of the Sixth Central PayCommission – Revision of Pension of Pre 2006Armed Forces Pensioners / Family Pensioners.Reference:-GOI, MOD letter No. No. 17(4)/2008(1)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 11.11.2008and this Office Circulars No. 397 dated 18.11.2008, 398 dated18.11.2008 No. 401 dated 18.12.2008 and No.403 dated 02.02.2009.-----*-----*-----(Available on the Website of this office www. pcdapension. nic.in)MOD letter No. 17(4)/2008(1)/D (Pen/Policy) dated 20.05.2009 on the abovesubject at serial No. (i) which is self explanatory is forwarded herewith for furthernecessary action at your end. The table showing rates of minimum guaranteedpension and ordinary family pension for Pre 01.01.2006, MNS retiree Officersenclosed with the MOD letter dated 20.05.2009 may be treated as Annexure –II A to
MOD letter dated 11.11.2008 circulated vide this office circular No. 397 dated18.11.2008.2.Annexure – II of the Ministry of Defence letter No. 17(4)/2008(1)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 11.11.2008 which was modified/substituted vide Ministry ofDefence letter No. 17(4)/2008(1)/D (Pen/Policy) dated 11.12.2008and No.17(4)/2008(1)/D (Pen/Policy) dated 20.01.2009 is further modified in respect ofLieutenant Colonel (Substantive) / Lieutenant Colonel (Time Scale) andequivalent ranks in Navy and Air Force only by enclosed Annexure II vide MODletter No. 17(4)/2008(1)/D (Pen/Policy) dated 21.05.2009(copy enclosed), which isself explanatory.3.All other subsidiary payment instructions will be the same as alreadycirculated vide this officecirculars quoted under reference.4.ThiscircularhasbeenuploadedonPCDA(P)websitehttp://www.pcdapension.nic.in/ for disseminated across the defence pensioners andPDAs.No. Grants/Tech/0165-XII(R K SAROJ)Dated:26.05.2009Dy. C.D.A. (P)

Copy to:1.The Dy. Secretary, Govt. of India, Ministry of PPG & P (Deptt. of P & PW),Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi.2.Director (Pensions), Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence D(Pen/Sers), SenaBhawan, Wing ‘A’ New Delhi.3.Army HQrs AG’s Branch, PS-4(b) DHQ, PO New Delhi – 110011.4.AHQ GS Branch, TA Directorate, DHQ PO New Delhi – 110011.5.Naval HQrs, PP & A, DHQ PO New Delhi.6.DPA, Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi – 11.7.Air HQrs Ad PP & P – 3, West Block-VI, R. K. Puram, New Delhi –110066.8.Shri A. K. JENA, IDAS, Sr. Dy. CGDA(AT-II), O/O the CGDA, West Block-V, R. K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066.9.PCDA (Navy) No.-1, Cooperage Road, Mumbai – 400039.10.CDA (AF), West Block-V, R. K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066.11.JCDA (AF) Subroto Park, New Delhi – 110010.12.Director of Audit, Defence Service, New Delhi13.All Record Offices/Regiment. Corp.14.Bureau of Sailors, Cheetah Camp, Mumbai.15.Air Force Record, Dhaula Kunwa, Delhi Cantt.16.All Addl CsDA/Jt. CsDA in Main Office.17.All GOs in Main Office.18.The OI/C, G-1(M), AT(ORs)-Tech. & G-1/Civil (Tech.)19.All SAOs/AOs/AAOs/SOs(A) in Gts/Ors Complex.20.The OI/C, EDP Manual.21.The OI/C, EDP Centre.22.Defence Pension Liaison Cell.23.All Sections in Main Office.24.Spare copies in file No. Gts/Tech/0148, 148, 0162 & 015825.OIC,G -2 Section26.OI/C, G - 3 Section.27.OI/C, G - 4 Section.28.OI/C O & M Cell29.OI/C Complaint Cell30.The OI/C, Reception Centre31.The OI/C, EDP Centre (Website) For putting this on the Website.32.The OI/C, DPTI Cell33.Spare(R. K. SAROJ)Dy. C.D.A. (P)3

Post Retirement commercial employment by Defence Service Officers

2009-06-16T02:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
GOI letter on seeking commercial employement is placed below.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

*******************************************************************************
Sir,
1. Copy of Government of India, Ministry of Defence Office Memorandum no. 1(1)/2008/D(Coord) dated 04 May 09 is reproduced below:-
“ Time period requiring Govt sanction for seeking commercial employment after retirement by officers of the rank of Capt and above stands reduced from two years to one year vide MoD OM No. 1(1)/2008/D(Coord) dated 04 May 09.”
2. It is requested that contents of the letter be disseminated to all concerned.
Kind regards,

Cdr Pradeep Mishra
Jt Secy (NF

OROP - Some Progress and Hopeful Signs

2009-06-04T23:17:00.001-07:00

Dear Members,
An extract form the Presidents Address to the Parliament today is given below.
2. Our armed forces are the nation’s pride, a symbol of our values of sacrifice, valour and the spirit of national integration. India’s defence forces stand committed to the task of defending the territorial integrity of the country. They will be fully enabled with modern technology to repel any threat from land, sea or air. To enhance combat efficiency as also to address the requirements of modern day warfare, a number of steps are under way. The welfare of ex-servicemen will continue to be accorded high priority. The Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary, to look into the issue of One Rank One Pension has already commenced its work and expects to complete it by the end of June 2009. -- The full copy of the address can be seen at
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200906041440.htm

RegardsWhen everything comes your way you're in the wrong lane.Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (retd)
President NFDCC 26, Sector 23, Noida 201301Tel 0120-2412412, 9811668776

THROUGH THICK AND THIN- The government must revive the morale of the armed forces

2009-06-03T04:48:00.001-07:00

THROUGH THICK AND THIN- The government must revive the morale of the armed forces
BRIJESH D. JAYAL
Unsung lives
Through this column I would like to congratulate Manmohan Singh and his party for having provided this nation with what was most needed at this critical juncture — a stable government. While doing so I must confess that I am guilty of not being one of those who have made this possible. I chose not to exercise my franchise since the denial of the right to exercise the option of ‘none of the above’ is to my mind not being fair to the spirit of our democracy.
The subject of this article, however, is not electoral reform, but the one institution that has served the nation through thick and thin at the cost of tremendous human hardship and sacrifice — the armed forces of the republic of India. While the public still holds the armed forces in some esteem, the same cannot be said of those who govern the country. Had it been otherwise, there would not have been a progressive decline in the status of the armed forces in the national scheme of things. To quote the Kargil review committee report, “India is perhaps the only democracy where the armed forces headquarters are outside the apex governmental structure.” It would be fair to say that every government since Independence has contributed to the decline of the status of the armed forces and its veterans, either by design or by neglect.
But one needs to make an exception. There was one minister of state for defence under the Rajiv Gandhi government, whose understanding of matters military and the ethos of the armed forces was profound. He later chaired a committee on defence expenditure set up by the V.P. Singh government, and the task force on management of defence set up as a consequence of the Kargil review committee report. Both these exercises had the stamp of his understanding of the issues involved and their national implications. Had the recommendations of these committees been implemented in the spirit in which they were made, the need for this article may well not have arisen.
The nation today is faced with stark choices. The national security environment is the most demanding since Independence and deteriorating by the day. The spectrum of warfare now spans the nuclear at one end to urban and internal at the other. Decades of insurgency in the East and years of proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir are taking a heavy toll on a professional army. Incidents of fratricide and suicides are increasing alarmingly. Hostile interests are taking advantage by spreading disinformation about the armed forces — ‘psychological warfare’ in today’s parlance. We are losing dozens of lives on active duty even during peace. Our borders with both Pakistan and China are underprepared. Revolutions in military affairs demand much greater levels of technological and training skills than at present, but the pool of volunteers is fast shrinking. Yet opportunities in civil life are expanding with generous salaries and stable lives.
That over the years the status of the armed forces has progressively declined is no secret. What is less evident is that the morale of this fine institution is being sapped bit by bit. Because service ethos demands cheerful acceptance of orders, this decline has been taken as meek acceptance. As internal security challenges rise, the polity becomes more competitive, and for the 24-hour electronic media hungry for breaking news, there is a temptation to make a scapegoat of the military. It happened in Manipur some years ago, it occurs frequently in Jammu and Kashmir, and happened recently in Tamil Nadu where an army convoy was needlessly attacked. Successive service leaderships have failed to convince the government of the adverse implications of this state of affairs. The sixth pay commission has merely added another insult to the already wounded psyche of the armed forces.
For the first time in the nation’s history, veterans — from soldiers to three-star ranks — have been driven to express their anguish publicly by holding rallies across many cities, sitting in dharna at Jantar Mantar and, in a regrettable gesture, surrendering their prized medals to the supreme commander in their thousands. These unheard of incidents would have evoked instant response from the government in any democratic country. Our silence is both pregnant and deafening.
The nation needs to introspect. Why, for instance, are we the only democracy where civilian control of the armed forces has come to mean bureaucratic control? Why has there been a systematic and progressive decline in the standing of the armed forces over these last six decades? Why is it that the only living five-star rank-holder should feature in the warrant of precedence below the cabinet secretary? And why was it thought fit not to give a state funeral to a field marshal, who contributed to our 1971 war victory? One could go on; suffice it to say that slowly but surely we are robbing our armed forces of the oxygen of izzat and iqbal, shorn of which they will become mere mercenaries.
The nation under the leadership of Manmohan Singh needs to decide whether it needs professional and combat-worthy armed forces or is content with forces that will be runners-up. Military morale is a strange phenomenon. You can neither define it easily nor see it. While perceptive commanders can feel it in their bones, once it begins to evaporate, even the finest of them need godly qualities to revive it. Too much is at stake for it to be left to the very institutions that have brought us to this pass — and every arm of governance must accept the blame. The legislature for taking little interest in matters relating to the forces, unless there was some political mileage. The government for remaining a mute spectator and resisting bringing the military into the decision- and policymaking process. The bureaucracy for having converted the dictum of civilian control over the military to bureaucratic control. And finally, the armed forces leadership for sometimes failing to protect the ‘safety, honour and welfare of the men they command’ in the face of this onslaught.
The Mumbai attacks tell us how fragile the security environment is and the newer threats that are emerging. Pakistan has kept even the sharpest strategic minds guessing, but the prognosis is far from good. The West sees its war on terror as somewhat different from ours. A senior American navy commander’s recent revelation of Chinese maritime intentions in the Indian Ocean should cause us no surprise. The situations in Nepal and Sri Lanka are still evolving. In every area, without sounding pessimistic, we need to be prepared for far greater security challenges.
The nation can not afford to sit idle while our armed forces continue down a slippery slope. The time has come to opt for innovative solutions — something for which Singh is best known. Let the nation respond by setting up a ‘Blue Ribbon commission’ to look at all aspects of our armed forces. This would encompass every sphere, from the changing nature of warfare to what sort of armed forces are needed in the future, to inter-service working, to the way the forces are organized and integrated within the national decision-making process, to their place within the hierarchy and that of veterans in society, to the creating of a war memorial as well as other issues that contribute to making the armed forces of any nation a unique institution.
The ‘Blue Ribbon commission’ would include citizens known for their experience and non-partisan interests, and will give the beleaguered armed forces some level of comfort. Its recommendations must be debated in Parliament, which should then legislate on major issues determining the role and place of the armed forces in our country.
Legislative direction is the surest way to ensure that decisions that become law are implemented. Otherwise they are open to administrative sleight-of-hand. Even in the United States of America it was the Goldwater-Nichols Act that mandated the joint chiefs of staff institution, scrutinized professional military education and mandated strengthening of focus on joint matters.
It is possible that our precedent-driven administrative system will resist this as a Blue Ribbon commission approach is a departure from the norm. But Singh must have faced similar hurdles when he embarked on the bold economic reforms in 1991. The institution of the armed forces now looks up to him for similar salvation.
The author is a retired air marshal of the Indian Air Force

Sad Demise R Adm RV Singh

2009-06-03T04:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Regret to inform about the sad demise of R Adm RV Singh today early morning at Escorts Hospital.
2. The funeral would be held today wednesday 03 Jun 2009 at 1600 hrs at Brar Square Crematorium Delhi Cantt.
Navy Foundation deeply mourns the passing away of one of our veterans.
Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

Calculator for cdr's pension

2009-06-03T04:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
A calculator in XLS is attached above to help all the Retd Cdr's to calculate their new pension and the arrears after the promulgation of PB4 for the Retd Cdr's and equivalent.
Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

Retd Commanders in PB4 GOI orders

2009-06-03T04:31:00.001-07:00

Dear Members,
Pls find the much awaited GOI letter for the pension as per pay band 4 A for retd LtCols / Cdrs/Wg Cdrs ...attached is the pdf file above on the same.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

http://www.irfc-nausena.nic.in/irfc/desa/pension_LTCDR.pdf

Royal Indian Navy veteran dead..Commander Brian Goord, DSC, Royal Indian Navy

2009-06-03T04:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Regret to inform the demise of Commander Brian Goord, DSC, Royal Indian Navy on 08 May 2009 at Christchurch , New Zealand.
Regards
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (retd)
President , NFDC

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Royal Indian Navy veteran dead
Anthony Brian Goord’s unusual seagoing career started with his education at the Nautical College, Pangbourne. He then served in the New Zealand Shipping Company until 1934 when he decided to join the Royal Naval Reserve and while training at Dartmouth Naval College he was recruited into the Royal Indian Navy (RIN). At the outbreak of the Second World War the RIN owned only eight minor warships, some of 1919 vintage, and depended for officers on the Royal Navy. (The first Indian to be commissioned was an engineer sub-lieutenant in 1930.) By the end of the war it had risen to 117 combat vessels and 30,000 men. Much of Goord’s work involved managing and training this huge expansion, finding it necessary to pass the lower and then the higher-standard Urdu language exams in 1936 and 1941.
His first seagoing appointment in September 1935 was to the sloop Hindustan, at that time the RIN’s best ship, as gunnery and navigating officer. In 1938 he returned home to undergo specialist courses in navigation and anti-submarine warfare, returning to India in October 1939. He thus became the RIN’s staff anti-submarine officer and commanded the anti-submarine school.
During this period he invented the Goord Goldfish, a device that, adapting diving gear and towed behind a motor-boat, issued a stream of bubbles that returned a credible submarine-like echo for training Asdic (underwater detection) operators in ships. A grateful Admiralty rewarded him with a princely cheque for £20, a sum also granted by the Government of India.
Thereafter he held headquarters posts and commanded coastal forces bases until appointment in May 1944 as captain of the 1,700-ton sloop Godavari when the ship arrived from Thorneycrofts in the UK. On August 12, 1944, Goord was on anti-submarine patrol near the Seychelles as part of Eastern Fleet Force 66 with the escort carrier Shah when Godavari, with RN frigates Findhorn and Parret, sank submarine U198, Godavari’s Asdic performance being particularly praised. Goord was awarded the DSC.
At naval headquarters from February 1945 to the end of the war with Japan, Goord was appointed as Assistant Chief of staff (operations and intelligence) to the Flag Officer RIN, Rear Admiral John Godfrey whose many near-intractable preoccupations at that time included the Indianisation of the navy with the need to blood officers of the right quality. Goord was selected as the naval member of Commander-in-Chief General Sir Claude Auchinleck’s armed forces reorganising committee chaired by Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Wilcox and based at Dehra Dun.
In February 1946, while Goord was in Delhi, elements of the RIN at Bombay, fuelled by “quit India” activists, slow demobilisation and complaints about food, pay and leave, made a mutiny that lasted three days and caused widespread civic unrest. It was suppressed at the cost of the death of one officer and nine ratings. Goord was sent to INS Valsura, the torpedo school at Jamnagar in Gujarat, to preside over a local board of inquiry. Much of the cause was attributed to poor long-term policy decisions concerning officer recruitment and training.
In October 1947 after continuing as staff officer plans and naval member of the reconstitution committee at naval headquarters, he was compulsorily retired on the transfer of power to India and the division of the navy between India and Pakistan.
With his wife, Freda, and their son, Goord moved to Kenya and developed a farm from virgin bush. He was elected to the Nakuru Country Council and was a founding member of the multiracial New Kenya Party, which in 1959 was arguing for a fair distribution of land for all. He participated in the 1960 Lancaster House conference in the lead-up to Kenyan independence. In 1964 his farm was compulsorily purchased for African resettlement. The family moved to the Algarve and built properties. Freda died in 1974; Goord remarried but separated in 1984.
The next 20 years were spent cruising the Mediterranean in his yacht Novanda. He finally moved to New Zealand to join his son who farms near Christchurch.Commander Brian Goord, DSC, Royal Indian Navy staff and commanding officer and farmer, was born on May 18, 1911. He died on May 8, 2009, aged 97--

Sad Demise of Cdr SS Malhi Sea King Pilot

2009-06-03T04:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Regret to inform about the demise of Cdr Shamsher Singh Mallhi (Shera) who passed away on 18th May '09 at Panchkhula, Chandigarh.
He had been battling Cancer for about 18 months. A prayer meeting was organized at the Gurudwara at Sector 7, Panchkhula.
Mrs Mallhi (Babli) his wife can be contacted on Tel Nos. 9878446898 & 9872557500.

Navy Foundation Delhi Charter mourns the untimely passing away of our Veteran and prays for peace to his soul.

Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

Article by Gen VP Malik

2009-06-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
A very thoughtful article by Gen VP Malik is reproduced below. It also comes at a very opportune moment when the political party that was supported by IESM comes a serious cropper at the hustings. Only time will tell what is in store on the OROP front even as the MOD was at the point of conceding at least modified parity whilst the extended polls were in progress.

Regards

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President , NFDCC 26, Sector 23, Noida 201301Tel 0120-2412412, 9811668776
The Indian EXPRESSe edition – May 15, 2009.
http://epaper.indianexpress.com/IE/IEH/2009/05/15/INDEX.SHTML
Force dividerBy Gen VP Malik, Former COAS
It’s hard for a frustrated and aggrieved military to remain apolitical The ‘advisory’to vote for a particular political party by a large ex-servicemen organisation during elections reflects a lack of confidence of the uniformed fraternity with the ruling alliance, and is easily exploited.
TWO recent events, the ham T handed sacking of the Army Chief General Rookmangud Katawal in Nepal, and an ‘advisory’ to all ex-servicemen (ESM) by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) to vote for a particular political party/alliance in India, merit attention due to the sensitivity of the civil military relations in a democratic society.
The adverse political consequences of the Nepalese event are many: a setback to the national peace process and political instability, a constitutional divide over the authority of the president and prime minister, and Nepal’s foreign relations with India and China. No less important are its military consequences, which are a lack of trust and confidence between the civilian government and the military, and a divide within the military hierarchy.
Both these will have an impact on the command and control, discipline, morale and combat proficiency of the Nepal Army. Also, there is an erosion of the historic military-to-military cooperation between Nepal and India where traditionally, the army chiefs have enjoyed the honorary status of a chief in each other’s country.
The hot-headed civil and military approach to the absorption of Maoist military cadres was avoidable.
I wish they had studied a similar military transformation following the first post-apartheid national elections and the adoption of a new constitution in South Africa. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) replaced the earlier South African Defence Force (SADF) to include personnel and equipment from the former defence and homelands forces, as well as personnel from the former guerrilla forces of the political parties such as the African National Congress’s Umkhontowe Sizwe, the Pan Africanist Congress’ APLA and the Self-Protection Units of the Inkatha Freedom Party. This process started in 1994 was completed in 2004 with the integrated personnel having been incorporated into a slightly modified structure.
Today, the SANDF is an effective force in South Africa, also making a substantial contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations in Congo, Burundi and Sudan.
The ‘advisory’ and active lobbying to vote for a particular political party/alliance by a large ESM organisation during elections in India is not as serious as the Nepalese event, but is still unprecedented. It is not that men and women in the armed forces, and after retirement, do not vote, or that ESM do not join politics. But such an ‘advisory’ reflects a collective unhappiness and lack of confidence of the uniformed fraternity with the ruling alliance and is easily exploited. Considering that the ESM retain an umbilical connection with serving soldiers and maintain traditional camaraderie and kinship so essential in the profession of arms, many people would consider it as a step towards politicisation of the armed forces.
The IESM took this step primarily on account of the 6th Central Pay Commission (6CPC) Report and its ham-handed, disdainful processing by the government in which representatives of the uniformed fraternity were deliberately kept out. The government delayed resolving serious concerns of the armed forces personnel and pensioners on the disparities, anomalies, and demand for one rank one pension. Little attention was paid to the advice of the service chiefs, several former chiefs, and to the ethos and functioning of the armed forces. Meanwhile, an impression got built that the ruling political leadership is going along with the bureaucracy and has little or no interest in the emoluments and hierarchal status of the armed forces in the government and society.
This felt injustice led to the birth of the IESM, which organised rallies, fast unto death agitations, and surrender of war and gallantry medals to the president to draw public and political attention.
The discontent and street protests by the armed forces veterans has exposed fissures in the civil military relationship and thus led to the political manipulation of the latter.
The belated efforts to resolve the aforesaid issues have only confirmed the perception that the government acts under political pressure; being disciplined and apolitical counts little when political supremacy over the armed forces degenerates into civil servants’ supremacy.
This brings me to the core issue of the civil-military relations.
Civil-military relations form an essential component of a nation’s security system. The Indian armed forces inherited a legacy of maintaining an apolitical stance and have steadfastly preserved it through the years. With their oath to the Constitution, they have stuck to the concept of loyalty to the constitution ally elected government, not to any particular political party or alliance. The credit goes not only to the military and its traditions, but also to the political leadership, our egalitarian society and other well-established democratic institutions.
In India, there is little awareness about the armed forces: their systems, procedures, traditions and the issues and concerns that affect their functioning. During a war, the armed forces are glorified, greatly respected, even treated with awe But after the war, they feel forgot ten and neglected by the political class and society. Since the ruling elite in the country consisting o politicians, bureaucrats and industrialists have stopped sending their kith and kin to the armed forces, the distance between the civil society including the aforementioned three categories and the armed forces has increased progressively.
Morris Janowitz, in his book The Professional Soldier: A Soldier and Political Portrait, has emphasised that ‘civilian leadership includes not only the political direction of the military but the prevention of the growth of frustration in the profession, of felt injustice, and inflexibility under the weight of its responsibilities.’ If we wish to maintain good civil military relations to optimise national security, our political leaders must realise this important responsibility and ensure that (a) there is no feeling of frustration or injustice in the military profession and (b) that the armed forces are not politicised.
------------THE END

ESM demands in Punjab..OROP

2009-05-15T02:09:00.001-07:00

Dear Members,
An article regarding ESM demands for pension in Punjab News Line is placed below for info.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC
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PunjabNewslinehttp://www.punjabnewsline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16593&Itemid=99999999
Ex-servicemen demands to placeHavildars in pay band PB 2
GAGANDEEP AHUJA
Tuesday, 12 May 2009

PATIALA: Indian Ex-Services League Punjab & Chandigarh, the oldest and a non-political body of ex-servicemen has asked the committee formed by Centre Govt. under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Affair) S.M. Acharya to place Havildars and equivalent in pay-band, PB-2.
The league said that these non-commissioned officers form the real backbone of the Armed Forces and enjoy the same position as their counter parts, Lt. Cols. and equivalent, in the cadre of commissioned officers. Sgt. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd., President, Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh said in a press release Tuesday that It was a pity that none of the senior officers, who spearheaded the demand of placing Lt. Cols. in PB-4, spoke even a single word when they found these senior non-commissioned officers having been placed in PB-1 along with class IV employees which caused a tremendous frustration among the PBORs. The league has, further stressed upon the committee to re-allocate Sub. Major to pay-band, PB-3 if it really intends to arrest the heart burning among the PBORs caused by the recommendations / implementation of Sixth Pay Commission, He added.
The League has reiterated its demand of raising minimum pension (applicable to reservist only) to Rs. 4600/= PM (Basic Pay 5200 + Gr.Pay 2000+ MSP 2000 divided by 2) on the same analogy as it has fixed Rs. 3500/= PM (Basic Pay 5200+Gr.Pay 1800 divided by 2) for the civilian employees Sixth Pay Commission has separated soldiers from civilian by granting MSP (Military Service Pay) to the former at the rate of Rs. 2000/= for PBORs and Rs. 6000/= for officers. As such, granting of Rs. 3500/= PM as minimum pension to service personnel is not justified by any stretch of law.
The League has further demanded a pension of Rs. 6000/=PM for Sepoy, Rs. 7000/= for Nk. Rs. 9000/= for Havildar Rs. 10,000/= PM for Nb. Sub. Rs. 11,000/= for Sub. and Rs. 13,000/=PM for Sub. Majors and equivalents till the committee is in a position to grant ONE RANK ONE PENSION to the soldiers.
League has sought the support of all likeminded organizations of ex-servicemen (both PBORs and officers) and also the senior officers in IESM if they sincerely wish to stand by the PBORs as many of them apparently claim to do so in this respect.
The league has reminded the committee that PBORs count for 96% of the total strength in the Armed forces and they have been crushed by the partial recommendation and faltered implementation of pay commission report. In the Armend Forces, Havildars and below, who retire before the age of 40 years, count for 85% where as J.C.O. form a chunk of 11% and the strength of officers is only 4%. A gross injustice has been done to middle ranking PBORs, Hav. and equivalent which needs to be corrected at the earliest.
In case nothing is done to assuage the feeling of PBORs, situation is likely to explode to an uncontrollable extent for which the govt. in power at the center will be, solely, held responsible.

16(6)/2008/(1)/D(Pension/Policy) dated 04 May 09 and 16(6)/2008/(2)/D(Pension/Policy) dated 05 May 09

2009-05-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

GOI MOD Letters 16(6)/2008/(1)/D(Pension/Policy) dated 04 May 09 and 16(6)/2008/(2)/D(Pension/Policy) dated 05 May 09
Download the original attachment
Ref (v): Authority- GOI MOD letter No 16(6)/2008 (1))/
D(Pension/Policy) dated 04th May 2009
Sub: Implementation of the Govt decision on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission-Rationalisation of Casualty Pensionary Awards for the Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) retired/ discharged/died/invalided out from service prior to 01.01.2006
Sir,
1. I am directed to refer this Ministry’s letter No 17(4)/ 2008 (1)/ D(Pen/ Policy) dated 11.11.2008 implementing Government decisions on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. Sanction of the President is hereby accorded to the modification of rates of disability/ war injury/special/ liberalized family pensionary awards for the Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR) retired/discharged/died/ invalided out from service prior to 01.01.2006 as under:-
2. Disability/ Liberalised Disability/ War Injury Pension.
2.1 Service Element of Disbility/ Liberalised Disability/ War Injury Pension. Revised service element of Disability/ Liberalised Disability/ War Injury Pension shall continue to be paid in terms of para 4.1 and para 5 of this Ministry’s letter no 17(4)/ 2008(1)/ D( Pen/Policy) dated 11.11.2008.
2.2 Disability/ Element of Disability/ Liberalised Disability Pension. The revised rates of disability element for 100% disability on account of invalidment/ retirement/ discharge are given below. Where the disability of a pensioner is less than 100 %, the amount shall be proportionately reduced as per the degree of disability accepted and for the period notified in the PPO.
Rank
Amount p.m.
i) Commissioned Officers and Honorary Commissioned Officers of the three Services, MNS,TA and DSC
Rs. 5,880/-
ii) Junior Commissioned Officers and equivalent ranks of the three Services, TA and DSC
Rs. 4,300/-
iii) Other ranks of the three Services, TA and DSC
Rs. 3,510/-
Note: Where only disability element is drawn in isolation, the above rates will not be applicable and such cases will be regulated in terms of para 9. 1 of this Ministry’s letter dated 11.11.2008.
2.3 War Injury Element of War Injury Pension. In case of Armed Forces pensioners who were invalided out/ retired/ discharged from service prior to 1.1.2006 and are in receipt of War Injury element of War Injury Pension as on
1-1-2006, the revised rates of War Injury element for 100% disability are as given below. Where the disability of a pensioner is less than 100%, the amount shall be proportionally reduced as per the degree of disability accepted and for the period notified in PPO. Where the War Injury element revised in terms of para 9 read with para 4.1 of this Ministry’s letter dated 11.11.2008, is higher than the amount of War Injury element calculated as above, the same (higher consolidated amount) will be treated as revised War Injury element with effect from 1.1.2006.
Rank
Amount p.m.
i) Commissioned Officers and Honorary Commissioned Officers of the three Services, MNS, TA and DSC
Rs. 11,760/-
ii) Junior Commissioned Officers and equivalent ranks of the three Services, TA and DSC
Rs. 8,600/-
iii) Other ranks of the three Services, TA and DSC
Rs. 7,020/-
3. Constant Attendance Allowance. With effect from 1.1.2006 Constant Attendance Allowance, where payable, shall continue to be admissible under the conditions as hitherto fore at a uniform rate of Rs. 3,000/-pm, irrespective of the rank. Further this rate to be increased by 25% every time the dearness allowance payable on revised Pay Band goes up by 50%.
4. Special / Liberalised Family Pension / Dependent Pension (special) / Dependent Pension (liberalised).

4.1 Families in receipt of Special Family Pension, Liberalised Family Pension, Dependent Pension (special), Dependent Pension (liberalised)/ 2nd life award (in respect of PBOR including NCs(E)), shall draw revised family pension with effect from 1.1.2006 in terms of para 4.1 of this Ministry’s letter dated 11.11.08.
4.2 The amount of revised consolidated special family pension, granted to the families of Armed Forces personnel under the circumstances prescribed under category ‘B’ & ‘C’ of para 4.1 of this Ministry’s letter dated 31.1.2001, will be subject to a minimum of Rs. 7,000/- per month.
4.3 The amount of revised consolidated liberalized family pension, granted to the child/ children of Armed Force personnel under the circumstances prescribed under category ‘D’ & ‘E’ of para 4.1 of this Ministry’s letter dated 31.1.2001, will be subject to a minimum of Rs. 7,000/- per month.
5. Dearness Relief. Dearness Relief shall be admissible only beyond average AICPI 536 (Base year 1982 = 100) on the revised pattern introduced vide Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare Office Memorandum No. 42/2/2008-P&PW (G) dated 12.9.2008 on various types of pension/ family pension admissible under the provisions of this letter.
6. All Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) handling disbursement of pension to the Defence pensioners are hereby authorised to pay revised disability/ liberalized disability/ war injury pension/ special/ liberalized family pension to the existing pensioners under these orders without any further authorization from the concerned Pension Sanctioning Authorities. However, PCDA (Pensions) Allahabad will issue further suitable implementation instructions while circulating these orders to all the PDAs concerned. Action as prescribed in para 16.4 of this Ministry’s letter dated 11.11.2008 may also be taken by the PDAs in the cases covered under these orders.
7. This issues with concurrence of the Finance Division of this Ministry vide their UO No.1527/09/D(Fin/Pen) dated 27.4.2009.
Yours faithfully
Sd/-
( Harbans Singh)
Director (Pen/Policy)
Ref (v): Authority- GOI MOD letter No 16(6)/2008 (2)) / D(Pension/
Policy) dated 05th May 2009.
Sub: Implementation of the Govt decision on the recommendations
Of the Sixth Central Pay Commission –Revision of provisions
regulating Pensionary Awards relating to Disability Pension/
War Injury Pension/ Special Family Pension/ Liberalized
Family Pension/ Dependent Pension(special)/ Dependent
Pension(liberalized/ Special Invalid Pension for the Armed
Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR)
retiring/discharged / invalided out from service or dying in
harness on or after 01.01. 2006 .
Sir ,
The undersigned is directed to state that in pursuance of Government decisions on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commision, sanction of the President is hereby accorded to the notification, to the extent specified in this letter, in the rules/ regulations concerning above mentioned pensionary benefits of the Commissioned Officers(including MNS, Territorial Army Officers, Emergency Commissioned Officers, Short Service Commissioned Officers) and Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR) of the three services including NCs (E) of Air Force, Defence Security Corps and the Territorial Army (hereinafter collectively referred to as Armed Forces personnel).
The provisions of the pension regulations for the three Services and
various Service instructions/ Government orders, which are not affected by the provisions of this letter, will remain unchanged.
Date of Effect.
2.1 The provisions of this letter shall apply to the Armed Forces personnel who were in service on 1.1.2006 or joined / join service thereafter unless otherwise specified in this letter.
2.2 Where pension has already been sanctioned provisionally or otherwise in cases occurring on or after 1.1.2006, the same would be revised in terms of these orders. In cases where pension has been finally sanctioned under the pre- revised orders and if it happens to be more beneficial than the pension becoming due under these orders, the pension already sanctioned shall not be revised to the disadvantage of the pensioner.
Definitions.
Reckonable Emoluments.
3.1 Unless otherwise specified in this letter, the term ‘Reckonable Emoluments’ shall mean:
For Officers. Pay means pay in pay band, grade pay , military
service pay and non-practicising allowance where applicable, last drawn by the officer(ref SAI 2/S/08, SNI 2/S/08 and SAFI 2/S/08).
For Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR). Pay means pay in pay band, grade pay, military service pay, ‘X’ Group pay where applicable and Classification allowance, if any, last drawn by the individual. ( ref SAI 1/S/08, SNI 1/S/08 and SAFI 1/S/08).
3.2 In the case of individuals who opt/ opted to continue to draw pay in the pre-revised scales beyond 31.12.2005 and remain/ remained in that scale till retirement /discharge/ invalidment/ death in harness, pension/ family pension and retirement/ death gratuity shall be regulated in terms of para 3.4 of Ministry of Defence letter no 17(4)/2008 (2)/D (Pen/Policy) dt 12.11.2008.
4. War Injury Pension/ Liberalised Family Pension shall also be admissible to such Armed Forces personnel who die or are invalided out of service on sustaining injury during trials of indigenously developed weapon system and ammunition.
5. Special/ Invalid Pension
5.1 Special Pension to PBOR. The minimum service required for grant of special pension shall continue to be 10 years in the case of Combatants and 15 years in the case of NCs (E). Where the service is less than 10 years in the case of Combatants and less than 15 years in the case of NCs (E), special gratuity will continue to be admissible.
5.2 Invalid Pension. The minimum service required for grant of Invalid pension will continue to be 10 years and shall be computed as per para 6 of this Ministry’s letter dated 12.11.2008. Where service is less than 10 years, invalid gratuity will be admissible.
6. Disability/ War Injury/ Liberalised Disabilty Pension on Inavalidment.
6.1 As hithertofore, disability/ war injury/ liberalised disability pension in invalidment cases will consist of service element and disability/ war injury element and shall continue to be admissible under the provisions laid down in para 7, 10 and 12 of this Ministry’s letter no 1(2)/97/D (Pen-C) dated 31.1.2001 respectively, subject to the amount to be arrived at in the manner and at the rates specified in the succeeding paras.
6.2 Service Element of Disability/Liberalised Disability/War Injury Pension. The amount vof service element shall be equal to retiring/ service pension determined as per para 6 of this Ministry’s letter no 17(4)/ 2008 (2)/ D(Pen/Policy) dated12.11.2008 subject to minimum of Rs 3,500/- per month. There shall be no condition of minimum qualifying service having been actually rendered for earning this element, if otherwise admissible.
6.3 Disability Element of Disability Pension/ Liberalized Disability Pension. The rates of disability element for 100% disability for various ranks shall be 30% of emoluments last drawn subject to minimum of Rs 3,100/- per month for 100% disability, For disability less than 100%, it shall be reduced proportionately. In cases of disability pension where permanent disability is not less than 60% the disability pension (i.e. total of service elements plus disability element) shall not be less than 60% of the reckonable emoluments last drawn subject to a minimum of Rs 7,000/- per month.
6.4 War Injury Element of War Injury Pension. The rates of war injury element for 100% disability for various ranks shall be equal to the reckonable emoluments last drawn which would be proportionately reduced where disability is less than 100%. However, in no case aggregate of service element and war injury element should exceed the emoluments last drawn.
6.5 The provisions of para 7.2 of this Ministry’s letter no. 1(2)/97/D (Pen-C) dated 31.1.2001 for reckoning of disability or functional incapacity shall continue for the purpose of computing disability element/ war injury element.
7. Disability/ War Injury Element/ Liberalised Disability Element on Retirement/ Discharge.
7.1 Disability element/ war injury element/ liberalised disability element on retirement/ discharge from service shall continue to be regulated under the provisions of para 8, 11 and 12 respectively of this Ministry’s letter no. 1(2)/ 97/ D(Pen-C) dated 31.1.2001 at the rates given below:
(a) Disability element/ liberalised disability element shall be admissible at the rate mentioned in para 6.3 above; and
(b) War injury element shall be admissible @ 60% of reckonable
emoluments last drawn subject to minimum of Rs.6,200/-per month for
100% disability. For disability of less than 100%, the war injury element
shall be proportionately reduced.
7.2 Retiring/ Service pension or retiring/ service gratuity, as admissible, will be paid in addition to disability element/ war injury element from the date of retirement/ discharge.
7.3 The aggregate of service element and liberalized disability element shall not be less than 80% of the reckonable emoluments last drawn.
7.4 However, in no case the aggregate of service element and war injury element should exceed emoluments last drawn.
8. Constant Attendance Allowance. Constant Attendance Allowance shall continue to be admissible under the conditions as hithertofore. However, it shall be admissible at a uniform rate of Rs.3,000/- per month, irrespective of the rank. Further this rate be increased by 25% every time the dearness allowance payable on revised pay band goes up by 50%.
9. Special/ Liberalised Family Pension/ Dependent Pension (special)/ Dependent Pension (liberalised).
9.1 Special family pension, liberalised family pension, dependent pension (special),dependent pension (liberalized)/ 2nd life award (in respect of PBORs including NCs(E)), shall continue to be regulated at the rates and under the conditions laid down in this Ministry’s letter no. 1(2)/ 97/ D(Pen-C) dated 31.01.2001 subject to the reckonable emoluments as defined under para 3 of this Ministry’s letter no. 17(4)/ 2008(2)/ D(Pen/Policy) dated 12.11.2008.
9.2 The amount of special family pension admissible to the families of Armed Forces personnel under the circumstances prescribed under category ‘B’ & ‘C’ of para 4.1 of this Ministry’s letter dated 31.1.2001, will be subject to a minimum of Rs. 7,000/- per month.
9.3 The amount of liberalized family pension, admissible to the child/ children of Armed Forces personnel under the circumstances prescribed under category ‘D’ & ‘E’ of para 4.1 and 6.2 of this Ministry’s letter dated 31.1.2001, will be subject to a minimum of Rs. 7,000/- per month.
GENERAL
10. Rounding off of Pensionary Awards. The amount of various pensionary awards admissible as per this letter shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee by Pension Sanctioning Authorities (PSAs).
11. Minimum/ Maximum Pension. If the amount of any monthly pension (excluding Constant Attendance Allowance) admissible under the provisions of this letter works out to less than Rs. 3,500/- pm, it shall be stepped up to
Rs. 3,500/- pm and authorised for payment at this rate. Disability element shall not be taken into account for the purpose of stepping up of service element to the minimum level of Rs. 3,500/- pm. There will be no maximum ceiling on the amount of pension determined under these orders.
12. Dearness Relief. Dearness Relief shall be admissible only beyond average AICPI 536 (Base year 1982 = 100) on the revised pattern introduced vide Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare Office Memorandum no. 42/ 2/ 2008-P&PW(G) dated 12.09.2008 on various types of pension/ family pension admissible under the provisions of this letter.
13. Procedure for sanction of Revised Pension in respect of those already retired. The procedure for revision of pensionary awards as per provisions of this letter, in respect of Armed Forces personnel who have already retired/ discharged/ invalided out/ died on or after 1.1.2006 and in whose cases pensionary benefits at pre-revised rates have already been notified, the record offices concerned in case of PBORs and CDA(O), Pune/ Naval Pay Office, Mumbai/ AFCAO, New Delhi, as the case may be , in respect of Commissioned Officers, will initiate and forward revised LPC-cum-data sheet as prescribed by PCDA(Pensions), Allahabad to their respective Pension Sanctioning Authorities (PSAs) for issue of corrigendum PPOs notifying the revised pensionary awards. Further implementation instruction to all concerned will be issued by PCDA (Pensions), Allahabad immediately on receipt of these orders.
14. Relevant provisions of the Pension Regulations for the three Services will be amended in due course.
15. This issue with the concurrence of the Finance Division of this Ministry vide their UO No. 1527/ 09/ D(Fin/Pen) dated 27.4.2009.
Yours faithfully
-Sd/-
(Harbans Singh)
Director(Pen/Policy)

Navy Instructions 2/S/2008 and 3/S/2008

2009-05-04T22:17:00.001-07:00

Information’s hosted on IRFC website:-
(a) Special Navy Instruction 2/S/2008 regarding recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission fixation of Pay and Allowances/ Concessions in respect of officers

(b) Amendments to Special Navy Instruction 2/S/2008 regarding revision of pay scales, fixation of initial pay in the revised Pay Bands, Grade Pay and Military Service Pay.

(c) Special Navy Instruction 3/S/2008 regarding pay fixation of officers holding acting rank of Capt and Capt TS.

3. The information can be accessed by logging on to IRFC website at
http://www.irfc-nausena.nic.in/ and opening retired page.

News Reports...OROP..4 May 2009

2009-05-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Pls find two news articles related to OROP down below.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (retd)
Web Master NFDC
********************************************
Thaindian News

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/panel-formed-on-one-rank-one-pension-demand_100188182.html

Panel formed on one-rank-one-pension demand

May 4th, 2009 - 7:01 pm ICT by IANS

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Shaken by the large numbers of ex-servicemen returning their medals to protest the government’s rejection of their demand for one-rank-one-pension, a high level committee has been formed under Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar to examine the extent to which this could be achieved.“The defence ministry is of the view that while accepting the demand for one-rank-one-pension is not feasible administratively, a case exists for bringing the pension of those retiring before 1996-97 at par with those who retired after that,” an official said Monday.

“The gap between them has widened after implementing the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission,” the official added.

Ex-servicemen have so far returned some 13,000 medals won in combat or for distinguished service to President Pratibha Patil, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces. Patil has not met the protesters, who have handed over the medals in three batches to a member of her staff.

The Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement (IESM) says that irrespective of the date on which a soldier retires, he or she should get the same pension.

It points out that a army sepoy who retired before 1996 gets a monthly pension of Rs.3,670, while one who retired between 1996 and December 2005 gets Rs.4,680. A sepoy who retired after January 2006 gets Rs.8,700.

Effectively then, an army havildar, who retired before 1996, gets a pension that is less than that of a sepoy retiring after January 2006 though the havildar enjoys a higher rank. The mismatch applies to all ranks.

The government had earlier this year rejected the one-rank-one-pension demand, pointing to the logistical and financial problems it would create.

“The demand for one-rank-one-pension stands already examined in detail and was not found acceptable due to administrative, financial and legal reasons,” Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju had said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha Feb 18.

“However, the government is also examining whether certain improvements can be made in the pension being given to the old pensioners,” Raju added.

He pointed out that pension benefits of personnel below officer rank (PBOR), particularly of the three ranks of sepoy, naik and havildar, were significantly increased Jan 1, 2006, by increasing weightage from 5 years to 10, 8 and 6 years, respectively.

This apart, the pension of pre-Jan 1, 1996 retirees is being computed with reference to the maximum of the payscale introduced on that date, Raju added.

“In consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the benefits thus accrued to PBORs have been allowed to be retained while revisiting their pension,” Raju pointed out.
------------THE END
****************************************************************************************************
High-level committees to look at ex-servicemen's 'One Rank, One Pension' demand

http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20090504/808/tnl-high-level-committees-to-look-at-ex.html
Mon, May 4 05:35 PM

New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): Heeding the long held demand of retired defence personnel, the Government has constituted two high-level committees to look into the various issues concerning 'One Rank, One Pension' of ex-servicemen.

In the absence of 'One Rank-One Pension', anomalies in the pension of two persons of same rank arise and also there are instances of hundreds of war veterans drawing lower amount of pension as compared to personnel who retired in the recent past.

The Government has constituted a high level committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary to reduce the gap in the pensionary benefits to soldiers and officers and bring it as close to 'One Rank, One Pension'.

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

Financially the decision will additionally cost the government around 500-600 crore per annum and would be much less than the estimated financial liability for grant of OROP, the source said.
The other committee set up by the Ministry of Defence will be headed by Secretary (Defence Finance), Indu Liberhan, to sort out anomalies in the implementation of orders relating to armed forces pensioners.

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

By Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)
------------THE END

HAG + for Vice Admiral's

2009-05-04T22:15:00.001-07:00

Dear Members,
A modified brief based on the inputs from Maj Navdeep Singh on the issue of grant of HAG+ is attached for your info please.

Regards

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (retd)
President

NFDCC 26, Sector 23, Noida 201301Tel 0120-2412412, 9811668776
*****************************************************************************

Lieutenant Generals and HAG+,

The placement of 33% Lt Generals in HAG+ has both upsides and downsides. However some of the anger against the move is misplaced. Some clarifications are given below.

True : Only 33% Vice Admirals and equivalent would be promoted to HAG+ Also True. Yes, only 33 Vice Admirals would be able to attain HAG+. The fact is that at any given point of time, only 33% of total number Vice Admirals (excluding Army Commanders and equivalent) would be placed in HAG+.
As the top Vice Admirals retire, the ones junior down the chain shall get placed in HAG+ by seniority. Hence ultimately, in the present situation , most of the Vice Admirals sholuld retire from HAG+ and the percentage should further go up with time.

Common Belief : HAG+ is applicable only to Vice Admirals of the X Branch and the Govt should have (and could have) granted HAG+ to all Vice Admirals. Reality : There is no discrimination between Branches. All Vice Admirals can be placed in HAG+ by seniority.
The HAG+ is a promotional upgradation from HAG with a minimum amount of residency period required in HAG in consonance with the respective service rules. There is no service under the Govt where an officer can move up from SAG level directly into HAG+ and there is no service or cadre wherein 100% officers of the HAG are promoted to HAG+. The number of officers moving up from HAG to HAG+ in every service remains quite low.
There is no practice anywhere in the govt of placing all officers of a cadre in HAG+. Common Belief : The 6th CPC had lowered the status of Vice Admirals and the placement of 33% Vice Admirals HAG+ is not a rectification of that anomaly

Also True : The 6th CPC has not tinkered with the status of Vice Admirals. Even after the 5th CPC, Vice Admirals were lower than DsGP in pay. The following was the pay equation of Three Star officers of the IPS and the Defence Services post-5th CPC which was continued by the 6th CPC : Addl DGP = Vice Admirals DGP Selected DGP CPOs = Vice Admirals (Cs in C) After placement of 33% Lt Gens in HAG+, following is the situation now : Addl DGP = Vice Admirals DGP = Vice Admirals (top 33%) Selected DGP CPOs / DGP (One Cadre post) = Vice Admirals (Army Commanders )

Comments. While some officers have argued (and in a sense rightfully so !!) that the Military should have refused the 33% offer, it is also true that if we do not accept the 33% figure, it would have resulted in all Vice Admirals remaining below DsGP. It was nothing or something, and in such a situation, ‘something’ may have been a better choice by the services - while the scope of further improvement always remains.

In the ultimate analysis, this should be better than shutting the door once and for all. Also, now, Vice Admirals in HAG+ shall now be equated with Special Secys to Govt of India. Other Issues

(a) Pension for pre-2006 Vice Admirals who retired from the erstwhile HAG remains a grey area and Services Headquarters will have to deliberate this issue with the govt. Ideally, the pension of retired Vice Admirals should also be fixed at HAG+ level since from now onwards almost all are going to retire in that grade.

(b) The issue of some Corps Commanders of the Army being in HAG while DsGP of States being in HAG+ needs to be addressed from an operational point of view. However as far as the status equations are concerned, the Warrant of Precedence (amended till 2008) is very clear on this aspect. In the WoP, a Vice Admiral features in Article 24 followed by DsG CPOs on Article 25 while State DsGP are not even listed on the WoP.

Talk By Sir Mark Tully on 30 May 2009 at kotaHouse

2009-05-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,

NFDC has arranged a talk "Indian Democracy-- Will it succeed" by
the eminent Speaker Mr Mark Tully for the Veterans on Saturday 30 May 2009 at 1115 hrs at Kota House Gold Roon.

Ladies are invited and a special Lunch has also been arranged after the
session at 1245 hrs.
Kindly give your tentative confirmation of attending the same.
Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

Chautha Late Cmde Ravi Sikka 18 Apr 1700 -1800 hrs Vasant Vihar

2009-04-17T03:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Chautha of Late Cmde Ravi Sikka ( retd) will be held at Arya Samaj Mandir , Vasant Vihar , New Delhi tomorrow 18 Apr 2009 between 1700 hrs - 1800 hrs.
Navy Foundation Delhi Charter deeply mourns the passing away of Cmde Ravi Sikka.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

Sad Demise of Cmde Ravi Sikka 16 Apr 2009

2009-04-17T03:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Regret to inform about the sad demise of Cmde Ravi Sikka last night 16 Apr at New Delhi.
Cremation is at 1030 hrs at Lodi Road crematorium today 17 Apr 2009.
For further details kindly contact Cmde Ranjit Rai M 9810066172
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (retd)
Web Master NFDC

SC Case pre 96 Maj Gens/AVMs/RADMs pensions

2009-04-17T03:11:00.001-07:00

Dear Members,
Pls see the info below from Maj Gen SC Suri to Vice Adm Harinder Singh President NFDC on the happenings in the Supreme Court
Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC
******************************************************************************************
A Note from Gen Suri on the Maj Gen Case to President Navy Foundation Forwarded for Your Info Please

Hi,
Went to the SC yesterday along to hear the contempt case submitted by Nidesh Gupta for non complaince of the SC orders re our pensions.

Altamas Kabir was the senior judge of the bench , he was fully aware of the case & was furious with the COAS & Def Secy for not implementing the SC orders.

He let the Def lawyers have it as they gave no reasons for non execution. He first issued notice to the COAS & Def Secy to come personally to the court & explain as to why the the SC orders had not been executed & why a contempt case should not be lauched against them . On pleading by the Def lawyers he excused their personal appearance.

On our pressurizing he fixed the next hearing on 4th May.

This news was picked up by all TV channels & high lighted in their 1200hrs onwards.

Hope the Govt now takes some action .

Please inform all concernd.
Rgds
Satish Suri
Maj Gen S C Suri (Retd )

6PC letter for civilians

2009-04-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Members
A copy of the GOI Letter clarifying pay fixation issues in respect of civilians is attached for your info please.
Also, it may be mentioned that Civillian GOI Officers are also seeking Pension Parity (OROP) and planning to take the matter to CAT / High Court Delhi based on the Maj Generals case of Sep 08
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (retd)
Web Master NFDC

Reply to CNS Letter

2009-04-08T05:17:00.001-07:00

Dear Members,

A copy of the reply received in response to NFDC letter to CNS for help for tackling the Maj Gens case is attached for your info please. Regards

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President
NFDC

********************************************

Veterans Team for 03 Apr 2009

2009-04-08T05:15:00.001-07:00

Dear Veterans,
The Serving vs Veterans Golf Championship could not be scheduled till now. NHQ have yesterday, after CNS return from visit abroad intimated that the match will be held on Friday, 3 Apr at Hindan. The T-off time will be 0700 hrs and all players participating in the Competition are requested to wear the T -shirt being provided and be present at the Golf course by 0640 hrs.
NHQ have also changed the format and desired that only 32 players a side will participate. Spouses of the paticipants and other , Veterans and their families are welcome to join in for the post Golf celebrations.

In view of the limitation of the numbers to participate and it became very difficult to decide on selection of the 32 players. After a careful consideration it was decided to field the best team and win this competition for a change. Because of the limitation on numbers it became extremely difficult to decide on the Team from amongst serious and regular golfers and to give an opportunity to a wide cross section of our members. We are sure some good players may have been inadvertently omitted and our apologies for the same. The selected team and the names intimated to NHQ is given below and if any one from the team cannot make it please kindly call and inform as early as possible.

Regards

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President
NFDC

Vetrans Golf Team for 3 Apr 09

NAME HANDICAP

1. Vice Adm Harinder Singh (18)
2. Vice Adm S Chopra ( 16 )
3. Cdr Nalin Kant ( 8 )
4. Cdr Sunil Nanda ( 11 )
5. Captain Lalit Talwar ( 9 )
6. Cdr KS Brar ( 14 )
7.. Cdr Rajiv Chadha (12 )
8. Cmde VK Thakur ( 14 )
9. Cmde KM Nair (14 )
10. R Adm Sanjiv Kapoor (16 )
11. Cdr SK Sud (14 )
12. Cdr Arvind Raghav ( 16 )
13. Cdr Devinder Bhatnagar (14 )
14 Cdr Srikrishan Sood ( 14 )
15 Cmde DK Sharma (14 )
16 Vice Adm PS Das ( 15 )
17. R Adm JMS Sodhi ( 14 )
18 V Adm KK Kohli ( 14 )
19. Cmde Rajiv Sawhney ( 14 )
20 Cmde Kabir Vasudeva.( 14 )
21 Radm Sushil Ramsay ( 16 )
22 V Adm V Bharathan ( 16 )
23 Cmde Ravi Datta ( 16 )
24 Cmde KK Rohatgi. ( 16 )
25 Captain DS Kanwar ( 16 )
26 Cdr Satish Subbherwal. ( 16 )
27 RAdm Harchand Singh ( 16 )
28 R Adm MS Bedi ( 16 )
29. Cmde VK Tiwari (16)
30 Cmde V Nehra ( 16)
31 Cdr Janaradan Deo 18) and
32 Cmde G Sharma (18 )

Senior Citizen's Concessions

2009-03-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Pls see info below on Benifits for Senior Citizens under the GOI.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (retd)
Web Master NFDC
*****************************************************
Benefits for Senior Citizens under the Government of India
I. Transportation:
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:
i) Reservation of two seats for senior citizens in front row of the buses of the State Road Transport Undertakings.
ii) Some State Governments are giving fare concession to senior citizens in the State Road Transport Undertaking buses and are introducing Bus Models, which are convenient to the elderly.
Under Delhi Transport Corporation:
1. Special Hire Service: - Apart from the normal services, the Corporation also provides buses to the Citizen of Delhi on Special Hire for marriage parties, picnics, etc.
2. Free/Concessional Passes: - DTC also offers Free Passes to disabled persons, war-widows & their dependents, eminent sport personalities, Freedom Fighters etc. and Concessional Passes to various categories of commuters viz. Students, Senior Citizens, Residents of Resettlement Colonies, Journalists, etc.
For Senior citizens above the age of 60 years, Bus pass for all routes at Rs. 50 per month. Income has to be below Rs. 75000 per year.

Ministry of Railways:1. Indian Railways provide 30% concession in all classes and trains including Rajdhani/Shatabadi trains for both males and females aged 60 years and above.
2. Indian Railways also have the facility of separate counters for Senior Citizens for purchase/booking/cancellation of tickets.
3. Wheel Chairs for use of older persons are available at all junctions, District Headquarters and other important stations for the convenience of needy persons including the older persons.
4. Ramps for wheel chairs movement are available at the entry to important stations.
5. Specially designed coaches with provisions of space for wheel chairs, hand rail and specially designed toilet for handicapped persons have been introduced.

Ministry of Civil Aviation:
1. Indian Airlines is providing 50% Senior Citizen Discount on Normal Economy Class fare for all domestic flights to Indian senior citizens who have completed the age of 65 years in the case of male senior citizens and 63 years in the case of female senior citizens subject to certain conditions.
2. Air India is offering discount of 55% to senior citizens of 60 plus on flights to USA , UK and Europe on economy class. Further, Air India has now decided to reduce the age of 60 plus for discount on their domestic routes as well with immediate effect. For Identity card, 2 passport sized photographs have to be submitted along with the form.
3. Sahara Airlines is offering 50% discount on basic fare for travel on its domestic flights only to senior citizens who have attained the age of 62 years. Discount is applicable in economy class only.
4. Kingfisher Airlines offers discount in Business class only for citizens of 65 years or above on sectoral basis. Age proof required.
5. Jetlite offers a discount of 50% on economy class for citizens of 65 years or above. One passport sized photograph required on the form along with age proof.
6. Jet Airways offers discount to senior citizens of 65 years or above.
For availing discount in domestic flights, senior citizens have to fill up a discount form
along with a passport sized photograph and Age proof certificate.
Jet Airways also provides Senior Citizen I-Card which is available in all ticket
counters and requires 2 passport sized photographs and age proof certificate. For the I-
Card a very nominal amount is charged.

II. Telecommunications:
i) Faults/complaints of senior citizens are given priority by registering them under senior citizens category with VIP flag, which is a priority category.
ii) Senior citizens are allowed to register telephone connection under N-OYT Special Category, which is a priority category.
iii) MTNL in NCR offers a discount of 25% on Rs. 250 per month Plan. Age limit is 65 years or above.
III. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution:
i) Under the Antyodaya Scheme, the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families which also include older persons are provided food grains at the rate of 35 kgs. per family per month. The food grains are issued @ Rs.3/- per kg. for rice and Rs.2/- per kg. for wheat. The persons aged 60 years above from the BPL category were given priority for identification.
(ii) Under the Annapoorna Scheme being implemented by the States/UT Administration, 10 kgs. of food grains per beneficiary per month are provided free of cost to those senior citizens who remain uncovered under the old age pension scheme.
iii) Instructions to State Governments for giving priority to the Ration Card holders who are over 60 years of age in Fair Price Shops for issue of rations.
IV. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare:
1. Separate queues for elderly persons in hospitals for registration and clinical examination.
2. Special Clinics, every Sunday between 10 am to 12 noon, for elderly persons available at the following hospitals in New Delhi.
a) Lok Nayak Hospital
b) GTB Hospital
c) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital
d) Aruna Asafjahan Ali Hospital
e) Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital
f) Dr. Joshi Memorial Hospital
g) Babu Jagjeevan Ram Hospital
h) Ram Rao Tula Memorial Hospital
i) Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital
The services include health check-ups, operations, treatment of physically invalid, gynecology, ENT and ophthalmology along with pathological and radio therapy facilities.
V. Income Tax (Ministry of Finance):
1. For senior citizens the exemption limit is Rs. 2,25,000 upto which senior citizen pays no income-tax at all. The benefit of higher exemption limit for a senior citizen is available only when a person has completed 65 years of age.
2. The senior citizen should also take full advantage of section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 whereby deduction upto Rs. 1.00 lakh is available for investment by way of insurance premium, repayment of the housing loan or investment in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme as also the Bank Fixed Deposit.
3. Similarly as also the Bank Fixed Deposit. Similarly, the citizen can also take advantage of the Mediclaim Policy. In case senior citizen or any member of his family suffers from serious medical problem of suffers from some disability he can claim certain other deductions under the tax law.

VI. Ministry of Social & Employment
1. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal Ministry responsible for welfare of the Senior Citizens. It has announced the National Policy on Older Persons which seeks to assure older persons that their concerns are national concerns and they will not live unprotected, ignored and marginalized. The National Policy aims to strengthen their legitimate place in the society and to help older people to live the last phase of their life with purpose, dignity and peace. The National Policy on Older Persons inter alia visualizes support for financial security, health care and nutrition, shelter, emphasis upon education, training and information needs, provision of appropriate concessions, rebates and discounts etc. to Senior Citizens and special attention to protect and strengthen their legal rights such as to safeguard their life and property. The National Policy on Older Persons confers the status of senior citizen to a person who has attained the age of 60 years.
2. The Ministry is also implementing following schemes for the benefit of Senior Citizens:
(a) An Integrated Programme for Older Persons (Plan Scheme) – This Scheme has been formulated by revising the earlier scheme of “Assistance to Voluntary Organisations for Programmes relating to the Welfare of the Aged”. Under this Scheme, financial assistance upto 90% of the project cost is provided to NGOs for establishing and maintaining Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, Mobile Medicare Units and to provide non-institutional services to older persons.
(b) The Scheme of Assistance to Panchayati Raj Institutions/ Voluntary Organizations/Self Help Groups for Construction of Old Age Homes/Multi-Service Centres for older persons (Non Plan Scheme) - Under this Scheme, one time construction grant for Old Age Homes/Multi-Service Centre is provided to non-governmental organizations on the recommendation of the State Governments/ UT.
VII. Ministry of Rural Development:
1. Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, Central Assistance of Rs. 75/- p.m. is granted to destitute older persons above 65 years. This Scheme has been transferred to the State Plan w.e.f. 2002-03.
2. Under the Annapurna Scheme, free food grains (wheat or rice) upto 10 kg. per month are provided to destitute older persons 65 years or above who are otherwise eligible for old age pension but are not receiving it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"BUY THE BEST FOR ARMED FORCES" - ADM. (RETD) ARUN PRAKASH - TRIBUNE SPECIAL

2009-03-26T03:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
An article by Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd) which was published in the Tribune is placed below.
Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

*****************************************************************************************************
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090322/edit.htm#1

A Tribune Special

Buy the best for armed forces
[ The acquisition system should be transparent, says Admiral Arun Prakash (retd) ]

WITH two military campaigns on his hands, and with the economy in dire straits, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is reportedly stalking the corridors of the Pentagon, seeking to axe high cost weapon systems.

This has sent shivers down the spines of the US Service Chiefs, because there are unlikely to be any holy cows, and any programme, including the F-22 Raptor fighter, a new class of 100,000-ton aircraft-carriers or the army’s Future Combat System could qualify for the chop.

India’s defence appropriation of Rs 141,000 crore (US $28 billion) voted on account for the coming fiscal year may be dwarfed by the US defence budget of $611 billion, but it is said to mark a notional increase of 34 per cent over last year’s funding. While we do not know exactly what proportion will remain for modernisation after meeting the post-Pay Commission revenue demands, no hatchet-wielding specter should haunt our Service Chiefs.

While India’s strategic community will inevitably lament that defence spending should have received a higher proportion of GDP, the armed forces are unlikely to be overly perturbed. The frustration and quandary of the Service Headquarters (SHQ) resides in their inability to persuade the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to shed bureaucratic attitudes, and emerge from its state of stasis so that the annual budgetary allocations can be spent on vitally needed equipment for our fighting forces. However, unbeknown to the tax-payer as well the law-maker, there are anomalies in defence acquisition which go well beyond this problem.

The first issue relates to the absence of institutional scrutiny and objective oversight of the force planning processes routinely undertaken by the SHQ. In the absence of a cogent articulation of national interests and security objectives by the Indian state, the armed forces, left to their own devices, have for the past 60 years, tended to plan in strategic vacuity.

This has often resulted in weapon-systems being acquired capriciously; either because they were foisted on us at “friendship prices” (or even as gifts), or because we wanted to “keep up with the Joneses” in the technology domain.

Since forces built on such principles are not underpinned by a vision of our long-term national interests (which must include shaping of our future strategic neighbourhood), they may lack the capability, doctrinal as well as material, to combat all threats that emerge.

The second issue is that of the huge parochial pressures (largely professional in nature), generated by the service constituencies, on their respective Chiefs. Such pressures tend to reduce the Service Chiefs to “Chieftains”, battling relentlessly to safeguard the perceived interests of their own service, rather than focusing on the common weal of national security as members of the collegial Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).

There was a time, not too long ago, when one service would openly snipe at another, especially if it considered that its “roles and missions” were being encroached upon; aviation assets being the most frequent casus belli.

Currently, a gentleman’s agreement, is in force; which forbids one service from commenting on the acquisition plans of another, provided there is no mutual interference. The natural consequence of this unstated truce is that service acquisition proposals, no matter how profligate or illogical, rarely receive the ruthless scrutiny and inquiry obligatory for requisitioning such large expenditures. The Chairman, COSC, being merely the first amongst equals, seldom presumes to undertake this hazardous task, which is then left to the less than knowledgeable mandarins of the MoD.

This leads to the third issue relating to a concept known as “effect-based operations” or EBO, adopted by the more advanced and economy-conscious armed forces. EBO is explained by the following simple example. Should we want to undertake a limited precision strike on a terrorist training camp in our neighbourhood, the “effect” desired would be the delivery of “X” tons of high explosive with a specified accuracy on target.
Under the EBO concept, this mission could be accomplished with equal dexterity by air force strike aircraft, army missile or artillery units, naval carrier-borne fighters and even cruise-missile armed submarines. The actual choice of weapon system would be dictated by a variety of factors including effectiveness, economy of effort and surprise etc, but the conceptual flexibility bestowed by EBO enables wider discretion in weapon acquisition choices.

Such a concept remains alien to the Indian system because currently, each service is accustomed to demanding and getting what it thinks is best for itself. For example, India must be unique amongst military powers, in that we can embark upon the acquisition of major weapon-systems like fighter aircraft, tanks and artillery in huge numbers, or nuclear submarines, and aircraft carriers costing billions of rupees without the semblance of public discussion.

Neither politicians nor Parliament, and not even the MoD, have the time or inclination to dwell on many vital issues of contention: the evolving threat-environment, the technology versus numbers or technology versus manpower conundrums that exist in this context. So hardware continues to be demanded arbitrarily by our SHQ, or imposed on us imperiously by foreign governments.

Finally, perhaps the worst kept secret in the country is the predatory interest that the politician takes in every substantive arms acquisition deal that is concluded, and the hypocritical mud-slinging that follows in its wake. Unless a bi-partisan “hands-off” agreement can be reached between major political parties, the MoD will remain in a state of stasis, on this account, and defence preparedness will continue to suffer.

We cannot live in this fool’s paradise forever. Defence budgets are going to start shrinking; and the people will demand accountability of Parliament, MoD and the SHQ, sooner than later. The answer lies in opening up the defence acquisition system and making it as transparent as we possibly can.
Enlightened political involvement must be invited and encouraged in matters of force modernisation, which have a vital bearing on national security. Above all, we must reform our archaic and dysfunctional higher defence organisation.

Little Sri Lanka, next doors, has demonstrated brilliantly, the benefits to be garnered from integrated planning and joint-service synergy in operations. Even if the politicians and bureaucrats continue to nurture irrational antipathy to a Chief of Defence Staff, let the new government, post-elections, operationally integrate our armed forces and merge the SHQ with the MoD without further ado.

The recent displays of blatant praetorianism across our eastern and western borders have served to confirm that the Indian armed forces are truly the sole sub-continental inheritors of the priceless apolitical tradition bequeathed by their British progenitors.

Armies are sent into battle only when statesmen and diplomats have been unsuccessful in ensuring peace. Our Armed forces have not only fought gallantly on the battlefield but consistently and impartially upheld India’s integrity and secular democratic tradition, when all others have failed the nation.

Their darkest hour occurred in the wake of Operation Blue Star; an unseen internal crisis which threatened to rend the taut fabric of discipline and loyalty which binds together our magnificent Army. The manner in which it contained and defused this calamity will remain another (untold) saga of outstanding military leadership.

This monastic devotion to discipline is the reason that Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army and the Free Indian Legion are, till today, spoken of in hushed tones in the service environment. The exact details of the 1942 Royal Indian Navy mutiny (even though it imparted a decisive impetus to the freedom movement) will forever remain confined to confidential volumes kept under lock and key on board every warship.

Similarly, public expressions of defiance like hunger-strikes, dharnas, marches and demonstrations by civilians cause acute discomfort to the soldier, sailor and airman because they run contrary to the essence of all that he has been ever taught: unquestioning respect and obedience of lawful authority.

Once he doffs his uniform, an ex-Serviceman (ESM) is technically liberated from the restraints of military discipline, and is free to adopt the demeanor and behaviour of any civilian on the street. But deep inside, his soul cringes at the very thought of conducting himself in a manner which would have brought disrepute to his uniform, unit or service.

Why then did our ESM start resorting to demonstrations about 10 months ago, in the heart of the national capital as well as in many states? Why did they thereafter graduate to relay fasts at Jantar Mantar? And why are they now surrendering their precious medals to low level functionaries in Rashtrapati Bhavan?
Though they have conducted themselves in a most dignified and orderly manner, the very fact that veterans ranging from Generals to Jawans have been marching on the streets and squatting on footpaths has sent shock waves throughout the services community; even if the media and our fellow citizens have largely ignored this disturbing development.

This writer is not about to argue the case of the ESM, but a brief summary of events would help to orient the reader. In early-2006 when the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) loomed into sight, the Service Chiefs, individually and collectively, through the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), appealed to the Defence Minister, on the basis of bitter past experience, that a service member be included in the CPC. This request having been declined, when the CPC Report was released in 2008, the services found to their dismay that the recommendations expectedly contained many glaring anomalies impacting adversely on serving personnel as well as ESM.

At the persistent urgings of the Service Chiefs, a Review Committee was constituted; ironically yet again bereft of a service representative. The Review Committee aggravated the anomalous situation by arbitrarily making some further unwarranted modifications.

A series of instructions were issued by the Defence Accounts and pension disbursing authorities which were self-contradictory and compounded the prevailing confusion as well as unhappiness. While the Chairman, COSC, took up the issues relating to serving personnel with the Government, the ESM became convinced that since no one was listening to them, they had no choice but to adopt agitational methods. They have, therefore, taken to the streets since April 2008.

Military veterans, world-wide are objects of spontaneous respect, affection and admiration because they are national symbols of courage, patriotism and sacrifice; a segment deserving of special consideration by the government. The grievances of our ESM, should, therefore, have been handled with far more sensitivity and responsiveness, than they actually were.

The current ESM movement has been able to mobilise opinion country-wide and gather self-sustaining momentum, mainly due to connectivity provided by the Internet and cellular phone networks. While the MoD seems to have adopted a disdainful and detached stance towards their grievances, the ESM roll-on agenda now encompasses canvassing political support for their cause, and even the formation of an ESM political party which will put up candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Thus it is now obvious that, while the nation slept, the process of “politicisation” of our armed forces is well under way, if not complete. The Sixth CPC has also inflicted serious collateral damage by deepening the existing civil-military chasm and thereby further slowing down the languid functioning of the MoD.

As a former Army Chief has pointed out, the ESM retain “an umbilical connection” with the serving personnel; they hail from the same regions or neighbouring villages and often belong to the same family. In any case, the Services and ESM are one big family. No one should have any doubts that the essence of whatever happens at Jantar Mantar or India Gate will slowly but surely filter back by a process of “reverse osmosis” to the men in uniform.

Were this to happen — even by default — it would constitute the most grievous injury to be needlessly inflicted on itself by the Indian state. India’s democracy requires that the armed forces must be restored to their original pristine apolitical state at the earliest.

The surest way of doing this is to remove the ESM from the streets, and the best means would be to constitute a Blue Ribbon Commission to examine and address their grievances. This can be done right now, because the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct does not come in the way.

The writer is a former Chief of Naval Staff

Dues post implementation of VI CPC

2009-03-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
Extract of 061 IG dated 05 March 09 is reproduced below.This IG covers the entitlement of Veterans Pension and is for the benefit of all pensioners (pre and post 01 Jan 06). Information regarding dues post implementation of VI CPC is hosted on IRFC website. Additional page has also being provided for quick calculation of the personal case of each individual.

Website www.irfc-nausena.nic.in/navpay/index.htm or www.irfc-nausena.gov.in/navpay/index.htm

Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

Letter to Chiefs of Staff and RM

2009-03-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Members,
As intimated to you, the Supreme Court has decided against the Government in the Maj Generals case but the MOD has yet to release the payment to them. This case also has a direct relationship with the Veterans case for Pension Parity/ OROP.
We have addressed separate letters to the three Chiefs and the RM on this issue. The letter to RM also complains against the failure of the GOI to settle the 4 pending 6PC issues. Copy of the letters are attached for your information please.
Warm regards
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President
NFDC
******************************************************
THE NAVY FOUNDATION, DELHI CHARTER
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd) C 26, Sector 23
PVSM, AVSM Noida 201301
President, 11 Mar 2008
Navy Foundation, Delhi Chapter
53 Kotah House, Shah Jehan Road,
New Delhi 110011

1. You will be aware that the Maj Generals and equivalents had agitated their case before the Punjab High Court and then before the Supreme Court in their quest to get Pension parity with those brethren who retired after 1 Jan 1996 i.e. consequent to the 5th PC. The Supreme Court had given a very favorable judgment on 8 Sep 2008 and the GOI had gone in appeal and the same was again rejected by the same court a few days ago.
2. The SC had concluded that “The larger issue involved is whether there could be a disparity in payment of pension to officers of the same rank who had retired prior to the introduction of the revised pay scales, with those who retired there after”. It also noted that “16. The case of the respondents however, was that in view of the Constitution Bench decision of this court in the DS Nakara and others vs the UOI (1983) 1 SCC 305 the fixation of a cut off date as a result of which equals were treated as unequals, was wholly arbitrary and had been rightfully interfered with by the High Court. One of the questions posed in the aforesaid decision was whether a class of pensioners could be divided for the purpose of entitlement and payment of pension into those who retired by a certain date and those who retired there after. The question was answered by the Constitution Bench holding that such divisions being both arbitrary and unprincipled the classification did not stand the test of Article 14 of the Constitution.”
3. The Supreme Court has directed as follows :-

(a) 25. In our view, it would be arbitrary to allow such a situation to continue since the same also offends the provisions of Article 14 of the Constitution.

(b) 29. The directions ultimately given by the Constitution Bench in the said case in order to resolve the dispute which had arisen, is of relevance to resolve the dispute in this case also.

(c) 31. We, accordingly, dismiss the appeal and modify the order of the High Court by directing that the pay of all pensioners in the rank of Major General and its equivalent rank in the two other Wings of the Defence Services be notionally fixed at the rate given to similar officers of the same rank after the revision of pay scales with effect from 1.1.1996, and, thereafter, to compute their pensionary benefits on such basis with prospective effect from the date of filing of the writ petition and to pay them the difference within three months from date with interest at 10% per annum. The respondents will not be entitled to payment on account of increased pension from prior to the date of filing of the writ petition.

4. Though, over six months have elapsed since the judgment was pronounced, the MOD/GOI have yet to issue the relevant orders and effect payment to the concerned officers and in fact are in contempt of the S Court. This is a sad reflection on the standing of the Servicemen in the mind and eyes of the political class that we are being denied our rightful dues and that have been legally approved. The issue of relevant orders in this case will also have a beneficial effect on the case for Pension Parity, for all Ranks, both Officers and PBORs that we have been agitating for, for some time with out the desired response from the MOD. It may also be added that those retiring after 1 Jan 2006 will also suffer as have those who retired before this date when the next Pay Commission findings take effect a few years down the line.

5. The Veteran’s community solicits your help and support, both officially and personally, in persuading the Raksha Mantri to issue the necessary orders without any further delay. It may be mentioned that these Orders, consequent to a judicial decision, will not be covered under the code of conduct imposed for the forthcoming elections.

To,
Admiral SC Mehta
Chairman COSC and CNS,
South Block,
New Delhi 110011
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THE NAVY FOUNDATION, DELHI CHARTER
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd) C 26, Sector 23
PVSM, AVSM Noida 201301
President, 11 Mar 2008
Navy Foundation, Delhi Chapter
53 Kotah House, Shah Jehan Road,
New Delhi 110011

1. You may be aware that the Maj Generals and equivalents had agitated their case before the Punjab High Court and then before the Supreme Court in their quest to get Pension parity with those brethren who retired after 1 Jan 1996 i.e. consequent to the 5th PC. The Supreme Court had given a very favorable judgment on 8 Sep 2008 and the GOI had gone in appeal and the same was again rejected by the same court a few days ago.
2. The SC had concluded that “The larger issue involved is whether there could be a disparity in payment of pension to officers of the same rank who had retired prior to the introduction of the revised pay scales, with those who retired there after”. It also noted that “16. The case of the respondents however, was that in view of the Constitution Bench decision of this court in the DS Nakara and others vs the UOI (1983) 1 SCC 305 the fixation of a cut off date as a result of which equals were treated as unequals, was wholly arbitrary and had been rightfully interfered with by the High Court. One of the questions posed in the aforesaid decision was whether a class of pensioners could be divided for the purpose of entitlement and payment of pension into those who retired by a certain date and those who retired there after. The question was answered by the Constitution Bench holding that such divisions being both arbitrary and unprincipled the classification did not stand the test of Article 14 of the Constitution.”
3. The Supreme Court has directed as follows :-

(a) 25. In our view, it would be arbitrary to allow such a situation to continue since the same also offends the provisions of Article 14 of the Constitution.

(b) 29. The directions ultimately given by the Constitution Bench in the said case in order to resolve the dispute which had arisen, is of relevance to resolve the dispute in this case also.

(c) 31. We, accordingly, dismiss the appeal and modify the order of the High Court by directing that the pay of all pensioners in the rank of Major General and its equivalent rank in the two other Wings of the Defence Services be notionally fixed at the rate given to similar officers of the same rank after the revision of pay scales with effect from 1.1.1996, and, thereafter, to compute their pensionary benefits on such basis with prospective effect from the date of filing of the writ petition and to pay them the difference within three months from date with interest at 10% per annum. The respondents will not be entitled to payment on account of increased pension from prior to the date of filing of the writ petition.

4. Though, over six months have elapsed since the judgment was pronounced, the MOD have yet to issue the relevant orders and effect payment to the concerned officers and in fact MOD are in contempt of the Supreme Court. This is a sad reflection on the standing and welfare of the ex-Servicemen with the MOD/GOI, that we are being denied our rightful dues and that too when they have been legally scrutinized and sanctioned. This has serious implications, for if the MOD/GOI, preaching and expecting us to follow the rule of law, do not go by the rule of law, who will, and that is a bad example to the men in uniform who are the one important set of people in this country who respect and follow the law.

5. Needless to say that there has been a constant undermining of the morale, of the serving and the retired community, as they feel ignored and slighted because they do not have the political clout and even those in uniform, who are tomorrows Veterans, are seething at the step motherly treatment by the MOD. The current agitation by Veterans with full support of their peers in uniform, neither brings credit to the Veterans nor to GOI, and does not bode well for the country’s future. Not one of the anomalies that the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri personally, and the Group of Ministers, had promised to settle by Diwali has yet seen the light of day and that speaks for itself.

6. The Veteran’s community solicits the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri’s personal help and support, to issue the necessary orders without any further delay. It may be mentioned that these Orders, consequent to a judicial decision, will not be covered under the Model code of conduct imposed for the forthcoming elections.

.

Mr. AK Antony
Honble Minister for Defence,
South Block, New Delhi 110011

AFNHB Housing Scheme Greater Noida Open for Registration

2009-03-06T02:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

Pls see the NHQ IG 056 of 04 Mar 2009 below for AFHNB Housing scheme Noida for Registration.

Regards

Cdr SS ahuja (Retd)
WebMaster NFDC

***********************************************************************************************
AFNHB HOUSING SCHEME GREATER NOIDA OPEN FOR REGISTRATION FROM 09 MARCH
1. 056 IG of 04 Mar 09. Registration for AFNHB Housing Scheme Greater Noida open from 09 Mar. Last date of receipt of applications 17 Apr 09.2. Salient Features as Follows
(a)
Location
About 03 KM from Pari Chowk. In close vicinity of existing Jal Vayu Vihar, opposite block-C of Pocket-P3, plot no. 9 Builders area, Greater Noida
(b)
Configuration
Sixteen Storeyed tower comprising 42 flats
(c)
Expected Commencement
March
(d)
Expected Completion
Two years from commencement
(e)
Tentative Cost Area Accommodation : as Enumerated below

Type/No. of Units
Super Area(Approx in SQ FT)
Tentative Cost (Rs. In Lakh)
Regn Amount (In Rupees)
Accommodation
Officers
42
2350
46.60
1,01,000/-
Drawing/Dining Room Four Bedrooms four toilets Dressing Room Kitchen, Balconies servant Room with toilet

(f) Parking Service Tax VAT and long term maintenance charges extra (g) Layout plans of colony and Flats displayed on website.
3. Eligibility
(a) Priority-I Widows of Air Force/Naval Officers died in Action/Harness.(b) Priority-II Serving and re-employed Officers air Force/Navy who have no prior Allotment in any AFNHB scheme. Short service Commissioned officers of Air Force and Navy who have no prior allotment in any AFNHB scheme.(c) Priority-III Widows of retired Air Force and Naval officer who are in receipt of family pension. Retired Air Force/Naval officers who are in receipt of pension or Disability Pension.(d) Priority-IV Serving Air Force/Naval officer and their widows who are allottes of an AFNHB Scheme. Retired Air Force/Naval officer and their widows in receipt of pension/family pension who are allottees of an AFNHB Scheme.
4. NCR demand survey already cancelled wef 20 oct 08 and not valid. Aspirants to apply afresh only on prescribed application form in master brochure and can be downloaded from our website alongwith registration amount of Rs 1,01,000/-. Rs 1000/- being nonrefundable administrative charges 5. Apply to DG AFNHB AF Station Race Course New Delhi 110 003 duly giving Service Number with full particulars and address alongwith Demand Draft in favour of AFNHB Delhi Payable at Delhi. Cheque will not be accepted. Incomplete/Incorrect applications will be rejected. Para Eleven. Rules Governed by Master Brochure Dec 2007 as amended from time to time and available on our website WWW.AFNHB.ORG6. For further details contact 23793462/63. E-mail address DIRECTORGENERAL@AFNHB.ORG7. Request wide Publicity. Authority: 056 IG Dated 04 Mar 2009.

Mumbai Attacks Study by RAND Corporation

2009-03-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,
Am reproducing an article on the study of Mumbai Attacks undertaken by RAND corporation. I dont know when we will do such a study in India.

Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President , NFDC

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Terrorist Attacks Show Rise of Strategic Terrorist Culture
The Mumbai terrorist attacks in India suggest the possibility of an escalating terrorist campaign in South Asia and the rise of a strategic terrorist culture, according to a study issued today by the RAND Corporation. The RAND study identifies the operational and tactical features of the attack, evaluates the response of Indian security forces, and analyzes the implications for India, Pakistan and the United States. “India will continue to face a serious jihadist threat from Pakistan-based terrorist groups, and neither Indian nor U.S. policy is likely to reduce that threat in the near future,” said Angel Rabasa, lead author of the study and a senior political scientist with RAND, a nonprofit research organization. “Other extremist groups in Pakistan likely will find inspiration in the Mumbai attacks, and we can expect more attacks with high body counts and symbolic targets.” Mumbai is India's commercial and entertainment center, and the attacks on landmark properties amplified the psychological impact, according to the report. The selection of multiple targets — Americans, Britons and Jews, as well as Indians — suggests that the terrorists intended the attack to serve multiple objectives that extended beyond the terrorists' previous focus on Kashmir and India. “The defining characteristic of the Mumbai attack, and what makes it so alarming, is not just the ruthless killing, but the meticulous planning and preparation that went into the operation,” said Brian Michael Jenkins, a leading terrorism expert and senior advisor at RAND. “The goal was not only to slaughter as many people as possible, but to target specific groups of people and facilities with political, cultural and emotional value. This indicates a level of strategic thought — a strategic culture — that poses a difficult challenge: not whether we can outgun the terrorists, but can we outthink them?” Other authors of the study are former U.S. Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill, now a senior fellow at RAND; Peter Chalk, Kim Cragin, C. Christine Fair, Seth Jones, Nathaniel Shestak, all of RAND, and Ashley Tellis, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The Mumbai attacks are significant in their audacity and ambition, as well as the complexity of the operation and the diversity of targets, according to researchers. Evidence suggests that planning for the attacks began as far back as mid-2007. The terrorists were heavily armed, and had detailed maps and information about each of the targets they hit. The multiple targets were carefully chosen for their religious, political and cultural values in order to make a statement. One of the main lessons of Mumbai is that it exposed numerous weaknesses in India's counter-terrorism and threat mitigation structure, according to the report. Indian intelligence officials had received prior warnings from their own staff, as well as U.S. sources, that a major attack was probable, but did not take any specific action. The report analyzes key weaknesses in the country's general counter-terrorism and threat-mitigation structure, including gaps in coastal surveillance, inadequate “target hardening,” incomplete execution of response protocols, response timing problems, inadequate counter-terrorism training and equipment for the local police, limitations of municipal fire and emergency services, flawed hostage-rescue plans, and poor strategic communications and information management. The Mumbai terrorist attack has significant and potentially far-reaching implications for India, Pakistan, and the international community, according to researchers. The terrorists have been linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned Islamist terrorist group based in Pakistan with connections to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. India is likely to hold the state of Pakistan responsible for the attacks and may look for a way to punish Pakistan to deter future attacks. Both countries have nuclear weapons, making any military action a dangerous course, but if India does not respond, that would signal a lack of Indian resolve or capability, according to the report. Without an appropriate response, Pakistan, or at least those elements of its military and intelligence leadership that are supportive of the activities of groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba, are likely to conclude that these operations, in some measure, yield benefits that exceed the cost. For these and a myriad other reasons, researchers say, India is likely to remain a target of Pakistan-based and indigenous Islamist terrorism for the foreseeable future. But the focus on Pakistan should not obscure the fact that the terrorists likely had help from inside India. Local radicalization is a major goal of the terrorists, and will be a major political and social challenge for India. The repercussions for Pakistan will depend largely on what India and the international community do. Thus far, Indian and American officials recognize that Pakistan's civilian government does not control the policies that its military and intelligence agency hold toward militant groups operating in and from Pakistan. According to the RAND researchers, the best outcome would be for Pakistan's civilian government to slowly and incrementally exert civilian control over its military and intelligence agencies. But this will be difficult as many in those agencies view the Taliban and other extremists as their natural allies, and the United States and India as threats to Pakistan's security. The Mumbai attack underscores the imperative of addressing the transnational sources of Islamist terrorism in India. How to do this is an extraordinarily difficult question that will require the reassessment of basic assumptions in policy toward Pakistan by members of the international community. The study, “The Lessons of Mumbai” can be found at www.rand.org This research was supported by RAND, using discretionary funds made possible by the generosity of donors, the fees earned on client-funded research, and independent research and development funds (IR&D) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. The study was prepared by the RAND National Security Research Division, which conducts research and analysis for all national security sponsors other than the U.S. Air Force and the Army. NSRD also conducts research for the U.S. Intelligence community and the ministries of defense of U.S. allies and partners.
About the RAND Corporation The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors around the world.

Sad Demise of Cdr Balwant Rai at DDun on 28 Feb 2009

2009-03-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Members, Deeply regret to announce the passing away of Cdr Balwant Rai, on 28 Feb 09 at 1845 hrs at Dehradun. He had been battling diabetes and renal failure in ever-increasing intensity for the past 2 years, and had been in hospital the past 3 months.
Cdr Balwant Rai was an Air Electrical Officer involved with Sea Kings and Sea Harriers, and had done an extended tenure on board INS Vikrant. He is survived by his wife, Shashi, and two daughters, Dr Ranju Chawla and Rinku Bhatia. Mrs. Rai's residential telephone number is 0135-2734911, and Cdr Atul Bhatia (Son-in-law) mobile number is 9818397938 and email Atul_rinku@hotmail.com Chautha is on 04 March at Dehra Dun. Navy Foundation Delhi Charter deeply mourns the passing away of Cdr Balwant Rai. Regards Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)web Master NFDC

An Article by Gen Shankar Roy Choudhary..Deccan Chronicle

2009-03-01T22:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,
An article by Gen Shankar RoyChowdhury published in the Deccan Chronicle is forwarded for your info please.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC
******************************************************
/www.deccanchronicle.com/node/18008/pri=t
For ex-servicemen, parity in rank, pension long overdue
By By Shankar Roychowdhury
Feb 25 2009

Three hundred or so weather-beaten old military veterans returned their medals to the President of India on February 8 as a mark of protest against official apathy in the matter of “one rank one pension” (OROP) a feeble flapping of wings by an irrelevant group which barely made any ripples in the public domain. Nevertheless, it should serve as a small, perhaps miniscule, reminder of the continuing dissatisfaction and unhappiness of a forgotten community. It is, of course, no secret that the defence services have been bitterly resentful of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission with respect to pay scales and, perhaps, more significantly in terms of downgraded equivalence with their civilian counterparts.
Whatever dissatisfactions on these and other aspects may have been expressed within the services, they did not find their way into the public domain, and the service chiefs too maintained a stiff upper lip, though they were undoubtedly concerned about its effects on their respective forces and with good reason. They jointly chose to highlight their unhappiness with stunning and totally unprecedented gesture of not accepting the new pay scales until anomalies had been looked into and ironed out and chose to continue with the existing pay scales in the interim period, a unique “Gandhigiri” in uniform, something unheard of earlier, which must have caused a flutter in the bureaucratic and ministerial dovecotes of South Block. Some in the print media, and at least, one irascible former diplomat were perhaps nudged to fume and splutter that it was really uppity for the services to “demand” pay scales, parity of service and protocol with the civil servants and all that — bad for discipline, don’t you know! Better keep these soldierwallahs at heel!
The moral courage of the service chiefs was exemplary during their undoubted crisis of conscience, and fully in consonance with the second stanza of the Credo of the Indian Military Academy — “The honour welfare and comfort of the men you command come next”, which ranks below the safety, honour and welfare of the country, but well above “your own ease comfort and safety” which comes “Last — Always and Everytime”. Ex-servicemen were most supportive, anxious and fully concerned, but wisely refrained from raising issues pertaining to their serving comrades who were best left to the official hierarchy. They focused on issues pertaining to ex-servicemen for which they adopted the prevalent customs of the strange world outside the service — meetings at Jantar Mantar, processions, slogans, fasts and even intended self-immolation. All this was alien to their traditional environment and something that many within the community were themselves uncomfortable with. Throughout the whole proceedings, the armed forces — the “Fauj” — maintained total impassivity, but their silence was deafening in its own context. They watched, listened and noted because the present generation of soldiers no longer conform to the traditional public stereotype of dumb-driven cattle. They are intelligent, highly-trained and highly-skilled craftsmen in a deadly trade. They are not mercenaries or contract soldiers fighting for pay. The government came out with two amazing statements: The government did not have the resources to grant OROP and if granted to ex-servicemen, the public sector, the paramilitary forces and the civil establishment would also want the same. To take the second point first — ex-servicemen of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are not, repeat not, from paramilitary forces, the public sector or the civil establishment. In their own time, they constituted the “Ultima ratio regis” — the King’s last argument, India’s last resort when all else has failed, and they have the track record to prove it. Comparisons are, therefore, ill-informed and odious and should not be made. As for availability of funds, India is no longer a “poor” country and while financial resources at the disposal of the government may not be unlimited, there is certainly no crippling shortage either. Extensive investments have been made in the social sector and it is, indeed, right that this should be so, yet it is also undeniable that there is massive haemorrhage of public funds from flagship projects like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. With proper supervision and oversight, funds for OROP can certainly be found if the haemorrhage is staunched, and proper accountability enforced.
The OROP movement by ex-servicemen is perhaps not a desirable development, but there has to be some other credible alternate method of drawing attention of the government to an intrinsically social issue. However, it is the possible long-term implications of such agitations which should be of concern to present and future governments — its effects on the serving soldiers, sailors and airmen, including their officers, who constitute the rigidly-disciplined world of defence forces. The relationship between the serving and former soldiers is umbilical and their perceptions and values fundamentally identical. The OROP agitation by ex-servicemen presents a complex paradox of service values and ethos impacted by the realities of the world outside the services. At this stage all that can be said is that matters are seriously wrong and require to be looked into.
In the midst of all this comes Mumbai 26/11, with its 24x7 breaking news coverage of commandos from the Special Action Group (SAG) of the National Security Guard (NSG — all Army, by the way) dropping onto Nariman House and excited chatter about surgical strikes against Pakistan on chat shows. Also around this time, almost unnoticed, the “Bharat sarkar” makes an announcement granting, amongst other benefits, a separate Pay Commission for the defence services, one of the very long-standing demands of the armed forces hitherto dismissed out of hand by the bureaucracy. Coincidence? Am I reading things into it or might there be (as is whispered) a connection between Mumbai 26/11 and the sudden change in attitude of the government on Sixth Pay Commission awards to the defence services?Meanwhile, reports out of Pakistan indicate that the Taliban are on the move and are headed our way. So be glad India, that you have one of the finest armed forces in the world — on land, sea and air. Look after them, even pamper them a little, but above all, be thankful, because if you have to call upon them again, they will be there.
Gen. Shankar Roychowdhury (Retd) is a former Chief of Army Staff and a former Member of Parliament
-------------THE END

Govt Review Petition

2009-03-01T22:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,
We are indeed happy to inform you that the Supreme Court, as expected and indicated at the AGM, has rejected the Review Petition submitted by the Govt.in the case of Maj Generals. We now await Governments response as no further judicial review is possible and hope they would now implement the Supreme Court orders for the Maj Generals and all others.

As briefed earlier, this case for all purposes is one for OROP for Maj Generals. A brief on legal basis on our proposed case will be forwarded for the information of our members, shortly.
Regards
Vice Admiral Harinder Singh (Retd)
President
NFDC

Sad Demise Cdr N Radhakrishnan

2009-02-24T01:30:00.000-08:00

REPORT MY SIGNAL (CS Kamboj) to Kamboj

show details Feb 23 (2 days ago)

Reply
Brigadier C. S. Kamboj, VSM., VETERAN,Email - kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in Phone - (0120) - 2454279 (Prefix from Delhi -95120).Snail Mail - 551, Sector 28, NOIDA - 201303. "REPORT MY SIGNAL - BLOG"http://reportmysignal.blogspot.com "REPORT MY SIGNAL" 23 Feb 09. All Members And ESM Organisations On Emailing List of "Report My Signal".

Dear Friends,

Jai Hind.

An email from Mrs Sita Radhakrishnan, wife of Late Cdr N Radhakrishnan, received through Naval Foundation, (sent by his daughter Mita) is reproduced below.

May GOD give peace to the departed soul and strength to all of us to bear this irreparable loss.

His sudden passing away has been a big loss to IESM, including revision of the ECHS procedures.

In sorrow - Chander Kamboj. --------------

Sad demise‏

2009-02-23T08:23:00.001-08:00

From:Harpreet Singh (harpreetsingh2h@yahoo.com)
Sent:23 February 2009 15:45PM
To: radhasita@yahoo.com
Cc: Cdr Sharan S Ahuja (sharanahuja@hotmail.com)
Morristown NJ, USA 23 Feb 09
Dear Mrs Radhakrishnan,
We are grieved to learn of the sad demise of late Cdr Radhakrishnan - a respected Senior Naval Officer and member Delhi Gymkhana Club. He was always available for sound advice and took active interest in Service and Club affairs - We will miss his sincere efforts to improve matters. Please accept our condolences.
Sincerely,
Harpreet Singh, Cdr IN(Retd).

Message from Mrs. Sita Radhakrishnan W/O of Late Cdr. N. Radhakrishnan

2009-02-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,
A nostalgic message recd from Mrs. Sita Radhakrishnan wife of our Veteran , Guide and Motivator Late Commander N Radhakrishnan is placed below.
Her email id is the same old one as above radhasita@yahoo.com which we have all been using since a long time. Even at the time of his death had a few emails from him in the Inbox about the ECHS policies and the ongoing struggle of the Veterans.Such was his devotion.
Her cell no is 09443631861.
Navy Foundation Delhi Charter once again prays for the departed soul.He was also remembered by many who missed him on the AGM dinner on 20 Feb 2009.
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC
******************************************************************************MESSAGE FROM MRS. SITA RADHAKRISHNAN
From: Cdr Radhakrishnan Subject: Obituary Notice for Cdr. N. RadhakrishnanTo: navyfoundation_delhi@yahoo.comDate: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 10:12 PMDeeply regret to announce sudden demise of Cdr. Narayanan Radhakrishnan (79),
Indian Navy Retired, Shaurya Chakra awardee, at Chennai, on February 14th night.
Passed away peacefully in his sleep after a stomach disorder. Survived by his
wife, Dr. Sita Radhakrishnan, daughter Mita, and son Manu. His body was
consigned to flames at Anna Nagar crematorium on Sunday February 15th, in a
beautiful ceremony moving in its simplicity. Ashes were immersed at Marina
Beach. The Sailor has returned to Sea. 044-24794036.
Kindly forward the news to all Navy Foundation Delhi Members and please publish
in any online or print journals you may bring out.
Thank you,
Mita Radhakrishnan
9443631861.

BJP backs ..OROP..Feb 16..

2009-02-16T01:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,
The article by Mr Rajnath Singh on "One Rank One Pension" demand of the Ex Service men published today is placed below.

Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)Web Master NFDC
**************************************************************************************************
Rajnath backs ex-servicemen's 'one rank one pension' demand- NEW DELHI: Hoping to woo voters from among serving and retired armed forces personnel, the BJP on Sunday expressed concern over the UPA government's neglect of the ex-servicemen's demand of "one rank one pension Ex-servicemen have been vehemently opposing the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission since it was implemented by the government and even launched a nationwide agitation in protest against the move, party president Rajnath Singh pointed out in a statement.
With the Pay Commission recommending increase in the salaries of the armed forces every 10 years, the gap between the pension received by those who retired before the implementation of the respective commissions has widened and would further complicate the situation, he said.
"It is the prime responsibility and duty of the government to sincerely consider the problems faced by the ex-servicemen as every serving soldier today is an ex-serviceman tomorrow," Singh said.
Issues like "one rank one pension", resettlement of veterans, formation of a separate commission for ex-servicemen, compensation for war-disabled and early retirement need to be addressed on a priority basis, Singh said.
Unfortunately, the present dispensation did not feel the pain of ex-servicemen when they were forced to return their most precious possession, their medals, which they had earned while serving the country, he added.
Extending support to the ex-servicemen, the BJP chief assured them that the party would consider their concerns by including their demand of "one rank one pension" in the NDA manifesto and ensure that a satisfactory solution is found at the earliest if it came to power.

Sad Demise of Cdr N Radhakrishnan at Chennai

2009-02-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

Dear members,
Sad news just came in from Cmdre Pk Viswanathan (Retd) that Commander (Retd) N Radhakrishnan a very old active Veteran ( NFDC membership no 001) passed away last night at Chennai.
Mrs Sita Radhakrishnan may be contacted at 044 24794036 at 96/4 Chittirai Street, Chinnaya Nagar, Chennai.
Navy Foundation Delhi Charter deeply mourns the passing away of an energetic Veteran and prays for peace to the departed soul. He would always be remembered and missed by all of us at the NFDC functions in the years to come.

Regards,
Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC

NFDC News Letter 01/2009 dated 31 Jan 2009

2009-02-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,
Please find the New Letter 01/2009 below dated 31 Jan 2009. The AGM and Gala Dinner is scheduled for 20 Feb 2009 at 1900 hrs at 5 Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi. Pls refer paras 3 (a) and (b) below.
Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
NFDC Web Master
******************************************************************
NAVY FOUNDATION DELHI CHARTER
53, Kota House
Shahjahan Road
New Delhi 110011
31 Jan 2009
Tel : 23385822, 23782302 (Ext 153)
E Mail ID navyfoundation_delhi@yahoo.com
Dear Members,
NEWS LETTER No 01 / 2009
1. The Management Committee of NFDC would like to extend their warm and heartiest greetings of the season to all members and their families and wish them a prosperous 2009 filled with joy, happiness and good health.
2. The month of December 2008 has been quite eventful. The following functions were held and we are glad to inform that our members and their spouses attended in large numbers.
(a) Admiral RD Katari Memorial Lecture. This was held on 10 Dec 2008 at the DRDO Bhavan. The occasion was also marked to commemorate the 50th year of Admiral RD Katari taking over as the first Chief of the Naval Staff. The Speaker was Dr Shashi Tharoor, former Under Secretary- General of the United Nations. The Talk was scintillating and the question – answer session was remarkable. The audience was a large cross section of dignitaries including a State Chief Minister, the Army Chief, members of the foreign diplomatic corps and others. We regret some of our guests had to be seated on the upper floor of the auditorium due to the large audience. The Lecture was followed by High Tea.

Dinner Hosted by CNS. The Chief of the Naval Staff hosted a Dinner in honour of Dr Shashi Tharoor, on completion of the Admiral RD Katari memorial Lecture. In the memory of Admiral Katari a Photo Exhibition was arranged at the Dinner venue. A very large number of members of the Navy Foundation Delhi Charter and their spouses were invited amongst other dignitaries.
© Navy Veterans Lunch. The CNS and Mrs Teresa Mehta hosted the Annual Lunch for all retired naval officers and their spouse, on Sunday 04 Jan 2009. This function is indeed a red letter day on the annual calendar for the veterans and was well attended this year too as always.
Forthcoming Events / Functions.
(a) Annual General Body Meeting of Delhi Charter. The AGM of the Delhi Charter will be held on Friday, 20 Feb 2009 at 1900 hrs at 5 MotiLal Nehru Marg , New Delhi. The NOTICE for the AGM is placed at Encl. 1. All members are requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the AGM in large number as important issues will be discussed at the AGM. Ladies are also cordially invited to attend.
(b) Gala Dinner. The Annual Gala Dinner of the Delhi Charter will follow the
AGM on 20 Feb 2009, at 5 MotiLal Nehru Marg , New Delhi commencing 1945 hrs. This will be the first social get to-gether of the NFDC for 2009 and the last event of the winter season, whilst the weather is good. We look forward to maximum attendance by our veterans and their spouses.
Admiral Sureesh Mehta, the CNS and Mrs Mehta have kindly accepted our invitation to Dinner and will grace the occasion, as will a large number of serving senior naval officers.
Highlights. There will be a surprise short entertainment programme, special multi-cuisine catering, besides live band with nostalgic music and gifts for those attending. The Dinner will be at a special price of Rest 350/- per couple and Rest 200/- for single for early bookings against payment by cash/cheque, till 19 Feb 2009. For those making payment at the Dinner venue, the price will be Rest 400/- for couple and Rest 250/- for single. Please confirm your attendance for Dinner at the earliest to enable us to make arrangements for the correct numbers to avoid any wastage or shortages. For veterans constrained for transport needs, a Bus will be arranged from Noida and another from Gurgaon, if there are timely requests.
4. Naval Symphonic Band & Orchestra. A special performance by the Naval Symphonic Band & Orchestra will be held on Saturday, 07 Feb 2009, at 1800 hrs at Siri Fort Auditorium. HE Shri Tejendra Khanna, Hon`ble Lieutenant Governor, Delhi will be the Chief Guest. Attendance is by invitation. Limited number of invitations are available. NFDC members interested to attend the function, may contact JDPS / NHQ Tel : 23010845.
5. Naval Widows Lunch Hosted by Mrs Maria Teresa Mehta, President Navy Wives
Welfare Association. Mrs. Teresa Mehta, President NWWA will host a Lunch for retired
Naval officers wives on Tuesday, 17 Feb 2009 at 1045 hrs at Navy House. If any of the Anubhavi friends who may not have received the invitation, are also requested to join in for Lunch. They may also please contact Tel: 23011307 / 23010980
6. Annual Golf Match Between the Past and the Present. The Golf match between the Serving and the Retired is being scheduled to March 2009. Kindly await further news.
Pension Related
7. 6th Pay Commission Award of Pension. Govt. instructions have already been issued and the respective Banks have credited the revised pensions in the pension accounts of retired Veterans. Some Banks have been quick to do so while the others are in process of doing so. Certain anomalies have been reported and we understand these are being looked into by the Govt. One such major anomaly in the revised pension of Maj Generals/equiv and the Lt Gen./equiv, where they were to get pension less amount than that of Brig./equiv due to non inclusion of Military Service Pay, has been recently rectified by the Govt. In this regard Govt. letter No 17(4)/2008(1)/D(pen)/Policy dated 21 Jan 2009 has been issued. Copy placed at Enclosure 2.The revised pension for the of the pre 1.1.2006 Maj Gen. will now be Rs 26700/- and that of the Lt Gen (other than Vice Chiefs & Army Cdrs) will be Rs 27700/- . At Annexure II (Revised) of this Govt letter dated 20 Jan 2009, is a Table indicating the latest revised pension amounts, rank-wise, applicable to all Commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces.
8 Revision of Pension of Vice Chiefs/Army Cdrs. The PPOs do not indicate the appointment of Vice Chiefs/ Army Cdrs or otherwise. Instructions to this effect are also being issued to Banks to regulate the revised pension as the case may be.
9. Revision of Pension of Pmt. Absorbees in PSUs. Govt Orders for revision of pension of such personnel who had drawn one time lump-sum terminal benefits equal to 100% of their pension at the time of absorption in PSUs and who have become entitled to restoration of 43% portion of pension are being issued separately.

10. 5th PC anomaly for Majors finally resolved (in 2008 - Yes you read that right !!!)
As many members would know, in Feb 2000, it was decided by the govt to sanction a starting basic pay of Rs 13,125 (Rs 11,925 + Rs 1200 Rank Pay) to Majors / Lt Cdrs / Sqn Ldrs as against Rs 12,800 (Rs 11,600 + Rs 1200 Rank Pay) notified earlier vide the relevant SAIs/SNIs/SAFIs pursuant to 5th CPC recommendations. This (the step up) was done to maintain a parity between pay progression of military and civil officers in accordance with the length of service which was a direct result of an anomalous situation which went unnoticed by the 5th CPC. However another anomaly crept out of this already anomalous condition wherein newly promoted Majors were placed in the new Rs 13,125 basic whereas some of their seniors were retained at Rs 12,800. This anomaly has now been rectified by the Ministry of Defence through a letter dated 10th October 2008 vide which a stepping up of the pay of affected officers has been implemented. This stepping up of pay would be applicable to officers promoted to the grade during 01-03-1999 to 28-2-2000. More than the minor anomaly itself, what meets the eye is the fact that it has taken almost 8 years for such an inconsequential anomaly to be corrected. This is the reason why the Services Headquarters are keen on immediate rectification of anomalies of the 6th CPC. If a proactive follow-up is not put in place, then all of you can expect the resolution of the finer 6th CPC anomalies after the 7 PC, maybe !!
11. Pay Band 4. NHQ have received confirmation that the pay-related issue of Commanders has finally been resolved. The Ministry of Defence is to issue NI that would enable almost all Commanders get an enhanced pay band-IV status. Only an insignificant number, who are on deputation to public sector organizations incl Pawan Hans, NHAI etc and covered under different pay scales will not be eligible whilst those in NCC, Ord Factories, DRDO will get. The MoD’s orders clear the confusion that had been created following a note from the Prime Minister’s Office that had allowed enhanced pay band-IV status only to those officers who are in combat or ready-to-combat posts. Pay band-IV status means an increase of the existing pay scales between Rs 10,000-12,000 per month.

12. Flag Rank Pensions. The pension of Generals, who were granted pension lower to that of Colonels, following the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission has now been enhanced. Further, the new pension of Lieutenant Colonels, who retired prior to January 2006, is expected to be fixed at Rs 25,700 once the notification of their upgradation to pay band-IV comes through. An additional fitment of Rs 3,000 per month to be incorporated in the pensions of Major Generals and Lieutenant Generals, who had retired prior to January 1, 2006, has been sanctioned. A letter from MOD also states that it will be ensured that the pension is not lower than 50 per cent of minimum of pay band-IV plus notional military service pay of Rs 6,000 along with grade pay of Rs 10,000 for Major Generals and Rs 12,000 for Lieutenant Generals. According to new pension scales applicable to pre-2006 retirees, the basic pension for Colonels is now Rs 26,050, for Brigadiers Rs 26,150, for Major Generals Rs 26,700 and for Lieutenant Generals now is Rs 27,700. The basic pension of Major Generals and Lieutenant Generals was earlier fixed lower than Colonels and Brigadiers at Rs 23,700 and Rs 24,700, respectively. This so happened because military service pay is not admissible to General ranks..
A review of the orders issued by the MOD ny Maj Navdeep Singh
13. A copy of the review is placed at Enclosure 3.
Pension for Commodores – Case by Cmde V Nehra
14. Cmde V Nehra had taken up a case with his Bankers for enhanced pension and a copy of his case is places at Enclosure 4 for guidance of members

Other Mail Regarding Pensions
15. Following Documents are attached at Enclosure 5
(a) Corrigendum to MOD letter No, 17(4)/2008(2)/D(Pen/Policy) dated 27 Nov 08 incorporating certain amendments in MOD letter dated 12 Nov 08.
(b) Corrigendum to MOD letter No. 17(4)/2008/D(Pen/Policy) dated 11 Dec 2008 substituting Annexure-II (Revised) for Annexure-II forwarded vide MOD letter dated 11 Nov 08.

16. Supreme Court Judgment. Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal regarding refund of contribution to pre 01 Jan 96 members. However, pre 96 pensioners who have not become members can now become members without paying any contribution.

Brief – Proposed Legal Action
17. SC Judgment on Pay Fixation of Maj Gen/Equivalents pre 6th CPC. Supreme Court had recently, in Oct 08, given its Ruling on the long pending Court case filed by officers of the rank of Maj Gen/Equivalents on the Pay Fixation / Pension for those retired prior to 1.1.96. This judgment has many issues of immediate interest to us particularly to same pension for same rank and length of service.
Some Maj Gens had filed a case in Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2001 and basically contended that a pre-1996 retired Maj Gen holds a rank superior to a pre-1996 retired Brig and should be given a higher pension than the junior rank. The high Court took 4 years to deliver the judgment, upholding Maj Gens' plea. MoD sought leave to appeal (SLP) to Supreme Court (SC) and latter dismissed the SLP on 9 Sep 2008 (total of 7 years), but for a different reason than that given by the High Court. The SC judges modified the HC orders and instead dismissed the SLP on the grounds of Article 14 of the Constitution (equality before law). They said it violates the Constitution if you create "a class within a class" (eg, a Maj Gen retired on 31/12/1995 getting a lesser pension than one retiring on 1/1/1996). The judgment can be interpreted as advocating that all personnel with same rank and service get the same pension. It is not 'OROP' but Maj Gens' case is/was that they should not be paid less, or even equal to a rank, junior to them. It may be clarified that SC in a 5 Judge decision ruled out OROP on the basis that every one in each rank cannot be given the same pension as there are issues such as length of service etc. Therefore use of terminology OROP may be judicially and politically inadvisable.
The relevant part of the judgment is placed at Enclosure 6.

Current Status – Proposed Legal Action.

18. Letter from President NFDC . A copy of the letter written by the President to members of NFDC and forwarded to all members having emailIDs is reproduced at Enclosure 7.

19. Current Status. The President NFDC has been discussing various aspects of the proposed Writ in the SC with lawyers and other ‘Organisations’ fighting for Veterans rights so that we could file a single joint case. The latter may not be feasible due to differing perceptions of the problems and issues involved. In all probability we will file our Writ along with IESM and the same will be filed by the Lawyer who handled the case of the Maj Generals with costs shared. The overall cost is estimated at Rs 5 lakhs plus incidentals. We are also in discussion with the Air Force Association. A brief will be given at the AGM when all aspects of the Case will also be discussed.

ECHS News.
20. Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplant Authority. ( AORTA) The Armed Forces Medical Services, R & R Army Hospital have instituted an appeal for a Pledge for Organ Donation. Those personnel interested in donating any organ upon their demise, may make a pledge accordingly. The relevant Form is placed at Encl 8

21. A Brief on ECHS . A brief on ECHS is placed at Encl 9

Points Made by CNS at Last AGM – Oct 08
22. A brief on points made by the CNS at the Navy Foundation AGM is placed at Enclosure 10

General Issues.

Naval Veterans Settled Abroad
23. At the NFDC, we are considering getting all retired IN officers who have settled abroad and who are not members of any Charter of the Navy Foundation, aware of our website, which is very informative and to keep them posted on general IN happenings thru emailed Newsletters. This should go some way in giving this community that is cut off from the mainstream IN, a feel of the new Navy and reignite and strengthen their bonds with the IN that they all had faithfully and tirelessly served for long periods.
We will appreciate if you could forward names and / or emailIDs of IN Veterans settled abroad and available with you on priority by mail / email or Tel, as we propose to issue the First Newsletter before the next AGM on 21 Feb 09.
Points from RMs Meeting on AF Flag Day Fund
24. A brief on discussions and decisions taken is placed at Enclosure 11.
The National Geographic Channel.
25. The National Geographic Channel will be starting a weekly serial on the Indian Navy, starting at 2100 hrs on 02 Feb 09. You may like to watch this serial please.

CGOMA
26. For over a year now, office bearers of the NFDC have been interacting with CG HQ with the desire of setting up a Navy/ NFDC supported, Officers Institute in collaboration with the Coast Guard on their land. Whilst our request for a full fledged institute has been held in suspended animation, CG Hq have opened a facility similar to that of Kota House and take retired Naval Officers as associate members on similar lines as in Kota House. This facility should go a long way in fulfilling a long felt All retired officers desirous of becoming members of the CGOMA may kindly contact the need of those living in Noida and the numbers of members taken will rise if there are more takers for this offer. This offer is open to all on 'first come first served' basis, so please hurry, why wait.

***************************************
To start with, Coast Guard Headquarters has decided to offer associate membership to the retired Naval officers as indicated below:
Sl Category Allocation
(a) Flag Officers (Rear Admirals & above) 05
(b) Commodores/ Captains 10
(c) Commanders and below 20
All retired officers desirous of becoming members of the CGOMA may kindly contact the Commanding Officer, ICGS Delhi at the following address:
Comdt AP Badola, CO, ICGS Delhi,Coast Guard Headquarters, National Stadium Complex. New Delhi 110 001 Tele : 011-23382497 Mobile: 9810593147

27. Salient feature of the Coast Guard Officers Mess Annex rules are at Encl 12.
Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2008 of Interest and Something to Cheer the Veterans

28. A copy of the same is at Enclosure 13.
New Canteen at INS India.

29. Coral Bay, the new INS India Canteen has been inaugurated by the CNS. The main attractions include
(a) Separate, self service, Liquor and Grocery Sections for officers and Sailors
(b) Open on all days except national holidays.
© Separate frozen food, Reebok and United Colors of Benetton Section.
(d) Timings. Monday to Friday 100 to 1330hrs and 1500 to 1700hrs.
Saturdays and Sundays 1000 to 1300hrs.
(e) A new Café has also started functioning close to the rear entrance of INS India for
Those visiting India. Snacks and meals are available in AC comfort.

Writing of a WILL
30. In one our News Letters in 2007, we had dwelt on the importance of writing of a Will. We’ll like to reiterate the point. The Will is the most sought after document immediately after the demise of the person owning any property. The WILL is generally taken too lightly while the person is hale and hearty. In fact members frown upon the very thought of preparing a WILL, and assure each other that the love and affection and cohesiveness within the family is so strong that the bonds of the relationship would not require to be tested by the preparation of this unnecessary document Experience, however, shows the frailty of relationship is exposed immediately the person passes away and it is time to read the WILL. This is sad but too true to be denied.
The Will is an important LEGAL document that has financial, social, sentimental value and encompasses the legal angle to enable proper disposition of property, movable and immovable. The Will must be prepared well in advance, while there is no urgency of time or social pressure and tension in the family heirs. The WILL must be prepared in such detail that it covers the practical angle of implementation of various clauses and the divisibility is manageable while covering the letter and spirit of the contents. This would also ensure the task of the EXECUTORS is simple and not subject to objections with respect to trivial legal procedural formalities.
All WILLS are IRREVOCABLE. In case any WILL is to be revoked or changed or in any way modified, it would be best that the Testator write a fresh WILL and clearly state in the latest WILL that ` All previous WILLS whatsoever, wherever, stand revoked and cancelled` Further this clause must be inserted “This is my last WILL and FINAL WILL and takes precedence over any previous WILLS”
WILL must be registered. A registered WILL takes precedence over any WILL not registered.
31. Condolences. It is with deep regret that we inform the sad and untimely demise of our friends :
Lt Cdr (Retd) BD Jain ( 061295K) on 06 Dec 2008 at Faridabad.
NOK Mrs. Kusum Jain Tel. 0129- 404470 / 981058523
(b) Commodore (Retd) ANP Pillai (50012N) on 07 Dec 2008 at Mumbai
NOK Mrs. Thankamma Pillai Tel. 022-22835028
© Lt Cdr AK Pal (Retd) (00302 K) on 11 Dec 2008 at NOIDA
NOK Mrs. Deepika Pal Tel. 0120-4525459
(d) Rear Admiral (Retd) SS Khanna (00530 B) on 03 Jan 2009 at New Delhi
NOK Mrs. Kumud Khanna Tel. 9810626609
(e) Commander KC Tandon (Retd) (60102W) on 19 Jan 2009 at Noida
NOK Mrs. Rekha Tandon Tel. 0120-4312837
Encl: Three
(VK Thakur)
Commodore (Retd)
Secretary

Change of Date for NFDC AGM and Dinner. 20 Feb 2009 Friday at 5 Motilal Nehru Marg , New Delhi

2009-02-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

NFDC Mail dated 09 Feb 2009

Dear Members,
The date for the AGM and the Dinner was fixed as 21 Feb in consultation with CNS , who had accepted our invitation to be present for the Dinner. Subsequently, he informed that his departure for a visit abroad had been preponed by a day and requested rescheduling by a day as he was keen to attend and meet the Veterans. As both Kota House and Varuna were not available for 20th Feb, the venue has now been fixed as 5 Moti lal Nehru Marg, New Delhi. Time for AGM remains same at 1900 hrs. Date is now Friday 20 Feb 2009.

All members and their spouses are requested to attend in large numbers as we have arranged a special program.

Kindly send in your confirmation ASAP for making the necessary arrangements.
Latest news letter is also being sent.

Regards

Cdr SS Ahuja (Retd)
Web Master NFDC
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Motivation cum Requestment Room at INS India

2009-02-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

NFDC Mail dated 09 Feb 2009
Dear Members,
Placed below is the mail from Cmde AT Lucose , CO INS India which is self explanatory.
Any member desirous of giving any item may kindly contact STAFF OFFICER , INS INDIA ON PHONE 9958793316 OR 23011566 OR 23792799 .
Regards
Cdr SS Ahuja (retd)
Web Master NFDC --

- On Mon, 2/9/09, LUCOSE ABRAHAM THACHET wrote:
From: LUCOSE ABRAHAM THACHET Subject: RE: PB 4 for Cdrs /LtCols / Wg CdrsTo: navyfoundation_delhi@yahoo.comDate: Monday, February 9, 2009, 10:25 AM
DEAR WEBMASTER,

" A MOTIVATION CUM REQUESTMENT ROOM IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN INS INDIA AND IS LIKELY TO BE READY IN A WEEK..WE WANT TO DISPLAY HISTORICALY IMPORTANT AND UNIQUE ITEMS IN THIS ROOM..WE ARE SURE MANY OF THE ESTEEMED MEMBERS OF THE NAVY FOUNDATION AT DELHI WILL HAVE SOME ITEM THAT THEY MAY WANT TO GIVE IT AWAY FOR DISPLAY ..IN CASE ANY ONE HAVE SUCH ITEM WE WILL BE ONLY HAPPY TO DISPLAY IT IF FOUND SUITABLE...THESE NEEDS TO BE HANDED OVER THIS WEEK SO AS TO FINALISE THE LIST OF ITEMS BY 15 FEB..DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM STAFF OFFICER , INS INDIA ON PHONE 9958793316 OR 23011566 OR 23792799 GRATEFUL IF THIS MESSAGE CAN BE PUBLISHED.REGARDSLUCOSE "

AGM and NEXT GET TOGETHER Feb 2009

2009-02-05T03:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

Annual General Body Meeting of Navy Foundation Delhi Charter. The AGM of the Delhi Charter will be held on Saturday, 21 Feb 2009 at 1900 hrs at the Conference Hall ( first floor ) of Naval Officers Mess, Kota House,. Notice for AGM and the Agenda will follow soon. We request our members to attend in large numbers as very important issues are coming up for discussion at the AGM and therefore a long notice is being given to ensure an advance booking and advance entry in your busy calendar.

Breaking News

Annual Gala Dinner. The Annual Gala Dinner of the Delhi Charter will follow the AGM on 21 Feb, at the Rear Lawn of the Kota House Mess commencing 1945 hrs. This will be the first social get together of the NFDC for 2009 and the last event of the winter season, whilst the weather is still good. We look forward to maximum attendance by our veterans and their spouses.
Admiral Sureesh Mehta, the CNS and Mrs Mehta have kindly accepted our invitation to Dinner and will grace the occasion, as will a large number of serving senior naval officers.
Highlights! There will be a surprise short entertainment programme, special multi cuisine catering, besides live band with nostalgic music and gifts for those attending.
The Dinner will be at a special price of Rs 350/- (per couple) and Rs 200/- ( for single) for early bookings against advance payments by cash / cheque till 19th Feb 09. For those making payment at the dinner venue, the price will be Rs 400/- per couple and Rs 250/- for singles. Please confirm your attendance for Dinner at the earliest to enable us to make proper catering arrangements for the correct numbers to avoid any wastage or shortages. Kindly contact Tel: 011-2338 5822 (NFDC Office) or any one of the Managing Committee members, including for making payments.
For Veterans constrained by Tranport needs, a Bus will be arranged from Noida and another from Gurgaon, if there are timely requests (by email or Tel).
Please also inform your friends and colleagues who may not be on email
Secret ary
NFDC

INDIAN NAVY on Nat Geo from today Mon 2nd Feb 09 at 9 PM

2009-02-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

NFDC MAIL DATED 2 FEB 2009
Dear Members,
Please watch

"NAT GEO-MISSION NAVY
Explore the uncharted world of the INDIAN NAVY
National Geographic channel takes you inside a never seen journey before.
Ït will take you inside the INDIAN NAVY. Starting 2nd FEB, Every monday 9 PM
only on the National Geographic Channel"RegardsCdr SS Ahuja (Retd)Web Master NFDC

Blog Navy V Title

2007-01-17T03:44:00.000-08:00

blog navy V title subject is............