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Indian military: Nation owes you 
Surjit Singh
23 Feb 2009

[On 21 Feb. 2009, scores of ex-servicemen, including officers, returned their medals to the government to protest non-implementation of the demand for “one rank, one pension” in the armed forces. This was the second protest after 8 Feb., when retired officers and jawans under the banner of Indian Ex-servicemen Movement surrendered their medals to the President, as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Sadly, Ms. Pratibha Patil found no time to meet the war heroes, and merely directed her staff to collect the medals. This studied disrespect for those who give up their lives for the country, so close on the heels of Mumbai 2008, perfectly mirrors the contempt in which the Sonia Gandhi-led UPA holds the nation and its people. It would be in the fitness of things if other political parties rise to the occasion and assure the veterans of a fair deal – Editor] 


The organizers of the rally [8 Feb.] have reason to be happy at the success of the event. The turnout was impressive, with a fair representation of high ranking retired officers, including a few hundred very senior officers, and a large number of war veterans surrendered the medals awarded to them for gallantry. But viewed in the overall perspective, this coercive form of protest is likely to lead to further disaffection amongst potential recruits for the military and the attractiveness of the armed forces as a career will plummet from its already abysmal level. Whichever way one looks at it, it is most unfortunate that veterans have been forced to take to the streets. For the military as well as the nation, it was a Black Sunday.  There is an urgent need to analyze the causes and effects of the series of demonstrations which culminated in the rally on 8 Feb. 2009.


An Introduction to One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP)


First, it is necessary to define OROP and its tortuous history. The officially accepted meaning of the term is: “OROP implies that soldiers of the same rank, who have rendered identical length of service, shall be granted equal pension, regardless of their date of retirement.”


This is a logical and legitimate quest of the veterans, and ex-servicemen have been seeking this dispensation ever since 1983. But for reasons buried in history, successive governments have not implemented this principle.


Back in 1985, when this demand first surfaced, there were more than twelve categories of pensioners depending upon their dates of retirement and certain options exercised by them. It was then that a high powered committee headed by Mr. K.P. Singh Deo coined the term OROP.


Over the next 13 years, these categories were rationalized in different phases, and the Fifth Pay Commission was finally able to reduce all pensioners to just two categories, the pre-1996 retirees and the post-Fifth Pay Commission pensioners. It was widely expected that the Sixth Pay Commission would either narrow the gap further or eliminate the difference altogether.


Shock meted out by the Sixth Pay Commission


In the run-up to elections to the current Lok Sabha, Congress expressed explicit support for OROP. On 23 November 2002, Ms Sonia Gandhi made a public declaration in the Sector 46 sports complex at Chandigarh that her party endorsed the OROP format. This was also part of the party Manifesto.


Later, the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA government contained some specific provisions for the welfare of ex-servicemen. Consequently, the veterans began to expect a fair deal. Imagine their plight when they discovered that what was meted out to them was just the opposite of what had been promised. The light at the end of the tunnel turned out to be the headlight of an approaching vehicle!


The Pay Commission rejected OROP as impracticable, and applied civilian rules to regulate military pensions. From two categories of pensioners, it became four: pre-1996; 1996 to 2005; 2006 to 1 Sept 2008 and post-Sept 2008 retirees. The veterans felt cheated and betrayed. The anomalies are so enormous that old soldiers are seething. To cite just two examples of the kind of ‘justice’ meted out by Mr. Justice Shrikrishna:


? A Havildar with 24 years service who retired in December 2005 receives Rs 5,239/-, while a Sepoy with only 17 years service who retired in February 2006 gets Rs 6,800/-

? A Lt Gen with 40 years service who commanded a Corps with more than 50,000 troops under his command and retired in December 2005 gets Rs 27,700/-, while a post-2006 retiree Col (TS) with only 26 years service, who led nothing more than a company with less than 100 soldiers, gets Rs 30,375/-.


The Fallout


Following the report of the Pay Commission, the veterans did what they could to reach out to the powers that be, namely the Defence Minister and some political leaders, but none made a firm commitment. When the pension letters were issued, they ran out of patience.


On 16 December 2008, they began a relay fast at Jantar Mantar. When the government ignored this peaceful protest, and with all other options closed, the veterans decided to express disenchantment through the surrender of their well earned medals. My civilian friends ask searching questions about the ongoing struggle, most notably: 

? Are the pensions so inadequate that veterans are driven to economic penury?

? Why did leaders of this movement not go to the Service Chiefs and leave it to them to obtain justice for their fraternity?

? If their case is strong, why do they not seek justice from the courts of law?

? Have civilian pensioners been granted OROP? If not, why should soldiers seek a special dispensation?

? How much will it cost to implement OROP?


Adequacy or Otherwise of Pensions


It would be incorrect to aver that veterans are starving. They are not. But in this age of ‘consumerism’ they and their offspring seek a quality of life which is denied them. Even more than the size of the pension packet, what hits them is the disparity in relative amounts admitted to them. When a Havildar finds that a Sepoy who was working under his command is getting more money, he cannot reconcile to this fact. This is an emotive issue: inequity hurts more than inadequacy. If the government does not have enough resources, every one should be given less. Why single out past pensioners?


Approaching the Service Chiefs


The veterans did knock at the doors of the Service Chiefs. However, our generals and admirals have no real authority in fixation of salaries and pensions. And it is not uncommon for government to ignore the most earnest suggestions of the chief of staff.


The Chiefs of Staff Committee had recommended that there should be a service member on the Pay Commission, as is the practice in several countries. This was not accepted. We have it on the authority of Admiral Arun Prakash, the then Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee went back to the government with a suggested list of serving and retired general officers; this second letter was not even acknowledged.


With this back ground, the veterans considered it unwise to embarrass the Chiefs who were busy fighting for the removal of anomalies in the salaries of serving soldiers.


Seeking Justice from the Courts of Law


Soldiers and veterans are law abiding citizens, and have full faith in our judicial process. But our experience with the judiciary is far from satisfactory; it seems to be heavily influenced by the government in power.


For instance, for reasons not relevant to this paper, the notional payscale granted to Maj. Generals by the Fifth Pay Commission was Rs 18,400-22,400/-. The pay of Brigadier (inclusive of rank pay, which was defined as basic pay for all purposes) was 19,100-20,450/-. Now, for the general officers in service this did not matter as they were promoted from Brigs and hence started at a higher point on the scale and drew pension at appropriate scales. But in respect of past pensioners, the government decreed that pre-1996 retirees would be granted pensions at the lowest level of the payscale. Thus, the pension of Maj.-Gen. was lower than that of Brig. Later, it was made equal.


Thus, the Maj.-Generals have been getting the pension of Brigadiers since 1996. The general officers protested and knocked at all doors, before exercising the court option. Below is a sequence of the ensuing events:

? In  2002, a group of retired Maj.-Gens. filed a writ petition in the High Court

? After a long and tortuous legal battle, they won the case in 2005

? Government of India challenged the judgment in the Supreme Court 

? On 8 Sept. 2008, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the veterans and directed the Government to grant an appropriate pension, with arrears, within 90 days from the date of filing the petition 

? Just before the expiry of the said period the Government sought review of the judgment on the plea that some fresh ‘facts’ had come to light

? Now, as on 15 Feb 2009, nothing is known of the case. Several affected general officers have died and the Government seems to be  waiting for the problem to die a ‘ natural’ death (pun intended)

? As a footnote to the above sordid story, I have learnt that the stepping up of the generals’ pension did not apply to family pensions. Thus the widow of a Maj.-Gen. would actually receive less pension than the spouse of a Brig., unless she files an appeal. Such anomalies would be unique in the annals of military history of wage structures!


Do civilian pensioners receive OROP?


Those civilians who are in receipt of “fixed salaries” are granted OROP. But a majority of civilian pensioners do not get this benefit. However, there is a striking difference in their ages of retirement. While all civilians retire at 60, soldiers begin to be separated at an age as young as 35, to maintain a youthful age profile. Apart from this, there are several other conditions of service like hazard, risk, stringent medical standards and strict disciplinary code which distinguish the soldiers, service calling for an exclusive pension structure. It is for this reason that until the third pay commission the pensions of the soldiers were based on rank and the length of service and not linked with the pay drawn at the time of retirement. The Fourth Pay Commission (1983-86) disturbed this time tested format, and the veterans have been protesting ever since then.


The cost of granting OROP


We do not have access to official statistics, but it is informally learnt that OROP will entail an additional expenditure of Rs. 2,200/- crores per annum. This will diminish with each passing year as pre-2006 pensioners can only decrease in number. Fresh retirees will be given the revised pensions anyway.


Pension is NOT the root cause of this agitation


OROP is the overt and manifest cause of the veterans’ stir. When I spoke to friends during the rally, it became apparent that there is widespread anger against the manner in which we soldiers are treated, both in service and after retirement by civil servants. The so-called civilian control over the military has become so overbearing that it is stifling to work in South Block. For every little thing, the generals need ‘government approval’ which takes the same time as the court case cited above.


Why I am unable to motivate young men of today to join the military


My father was a soldier, and so was my father-in-law. Nearly all my brothers and cousins wrote the examinations for joining military academies before seeking other avenues. At a rough count, three-fourths of my close relatives are in the defense services. In sharp contrast, only one family member from the next generation in our extended family went to the Academy, and that too fifteen years ago. As of now, not a single lad is headed towards the military way of life. It saddens me. But when I look back, I find that the army of yesteryears was a different ball game altogether. Let me recount a small incident.


Our father was posted in the Far East during the Second World War. In those days there was an acute shortage of kerosene oil, so it was rationed. Our mother complained that since there was no male member in the house, she could not collect her rations. The response of the civil authorities to my father’s letter was instantaneous. A man was detailed to deliver not only the kerosene rations but all other essential items at the doorstep of the families of all soldiers. All through my childhood, we believed that soldiers had a special place in the land. This motivated me to join the army.


Summing up


The Sixth Pay Commission has done inestimable damage to civil-military relations. The protest rallies are actually a manifestation of the seething anger which many veterans carry as baggage accumulated during service. We all seem to have very bitter memories of the shoddy treatment meted out to us by civil servants.


Over the years, the quality of the ‘administrative’ service rendered by bureaucrats has deteriorated. Forty years ago, when I was a young officer, senior civil servants were invited as guests. I was once detailed to ‘escort’ a civilian dignitary from the Ministry, and found him extremely knowledgeable and dignified. He was worthy of his post and status. We have come a long way since; I have not seen any civilian officer at social gatherings, service messes or clubs. Present day bureaucrats seem to demand respect without having earned it through performance and commitment to service. The functioning of the Sixth Pay Commission indicates shoddy staff work. If this is how other sections of the Ministry are functioning, God bless us. Civil servants should be seen as friends, not masters of soldiers serving in South Block.             
    

Maj. Gen. Surjit Singh, AVSM, VSM, is an army veteran  

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  User Comments:
 
  Every issue has been brought out professionally. I would want to attach the legal angle to it. Firstly, As per Supreme Court, Pension is not a favour but salary deferred. Therefore if my salary which was retained by the Govt then and is being paid today, the norms applied to it by the pay commission should be same as those for serving. The compensation formula based on inflation, applied to my deferred salary being given to me today, has to be same. Hence OROP is to be treated as OROS (One Rank One Salary).  
  Col (retd) Rajesh Dua  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd) is the most knowledgeable in so far as the Pay Commission anomalies and follies are concerned. I am in total agreement with his analysis. What is beyond my comprehension is, when the Ex sevicemen battles in the courts and win cases after years of frustration, the Government once again dumps the Juducial Ruling slapping the verdict with a SLP- tactics similarly adopted by criminals to escape the rule of the law. The bureaucrats are deeply involved in the game plan of reducing the command and control structure of the Armed Forces and the law abiding brethern veterans. Unless there is a change of mindset in giving the Military its due, I am afraid the Security of the nation is at peril. History alone will be its testimony!  
  James Kanagaraj  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  An excellent expose of a very complex problem which is not understood by many of us, forget about the politician and the Babu (who donot want to understand). Our grateful thanks to Gen Surjit for taking all this trouble and putting it on paper. I have been bothering him often on this,and in my own interest put him on to Sandhya ji, whose spontaneous response is always for the sevices. Thanks Sandhya. Let us press on , God is on our side. We will succeed one day soon. Lt Gen NS Malik  
  Lt Gen NS Malik  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Sir I fully aggree with you that it is not only pension but the status issue which demoralises us My grand father father and father in Law all were in Army. I have to take premature retiremnt as my house was grabed by one tenant and I could not get it vacated.The value of the proerty is such that I can not buy it with entire salary drwan with 20 years of service.I filled the case in 2004 and took PMR in 2006 and till date case is no where what is the motivation left for my son to join Army Regards Darshan Dhillon  
  Lt Col Darshan Singh Dhillon  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Dear Sir, Maj Gen Surjit Singh has lucidly brought out all issues of OROP,in a systematic manner.Neither our politicians nor our common citizens understand our problems and this article will serve that purpose.Those bureaucrats who are inclined to serve the Nation honestly must understand the real issues as explained unambiguously.A strong defence forces with high morale is in the interest of the Nation and its security.They are not a threat but an asset to the sovereignty of the Nation and freedom of its citizens.We congratulate Gen Surjit Sing and Vijayavani for this commendable effort.Brig PT Gangadharan ,Guards  
  Brig PT Gangadharan  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Sir, It is an excellent piece of writing , putting all matters in balancedmanner and in correct perspective. The powers that be today,do not appreciate that all veterans are the messengers of motivational needs of the Gen-next to take up military as a career or not.The lacklustre response to recruitment is being diluted by the day. The thinking of the congress party and the legacy of the Nehruvian Era , which step by step played with the career prospects and IZZAT of the soldiers is reaching its zenith , and improving on it.After what they declared as part of their manifesto five years ago (one rank one pay) they say the subject matter has no logical reason for being implemented. Gone are the days when any officer of the rank of Lt Col and above, on posting to DELHI ,had to call on the president.You signed in a call register kept for the purpose at Rashtrapati Bhawan.The president would then ensure that you were invited to one of the forthcoming functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan.To-day's Presidents feel that army is merely to deck up in its regaliaand dance peacock infront of him or her, when they are seated in a high back regal chair and the media is televising them live to show their supremacy. The relationship between the SUPREME COMMANDER AND THE FORCES ENDS THERE. In my personal opinion unless a vote-bank syndrome is created , nothing will move.A political party willing to espouse the causes of the forces must be identified.Thereafter networking and messages must be sent to all retired officers and men.Next step would be to educate the serving officers and men about the trevails and humiliations that they would face in their retirement, egged on by the politicians and the babus.The vote bank of serving, retired defence personnel and their families ,combined with their sympathisers and well wishers can be a formidable force. The politico-babu nexus is workin on a specific agenda to let the military be week and illequipped/demoralised.It helps the agenda of the inimical forces in India.Such a minority has a clout. THE POWER OF A STATE FLOWS FROM THE BARREL OF A GUN....IS AN OFT-QOUTED DICTUM ALONG WITH ....IT IS THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN THAT COUNTS. WE ARE IN A STATE WHERE DEMOTIVATED MEN ARE MANNING RUSTED GUNS . PRANAB AND MANMOHAN AND SONIA KNOW WELL THAT THEY CANNOT DARE PAKISTAN AFTER THE 26/11 ATTACK .AFTER BOUTS OF EMPTY RHEOTORIC THEY WITHDRAW AND TELL ALL INDIANS THAT WE ARE TOO MATURE TO HAVE A MILITARY OPTION. IT IS TIME TO TAKE STOCK AND DO SOMETHING CONCRETE.THE TALIBAN THREAT IS R E A L AND AT YOUR DOORSTEP.DONOT UNDER ESTIMATE IT.  
  Gp Capt KP Sharma  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  While it is true that all civilians do NOT enjoy OROP, 99% of IAS & IPS get automatic promotion to highest grades which do so qualify. Army being a Class1 central service it is should be compared to these services & NOT other central services. Besides, it is the only service where one takes an oath to defend the nation even if that entails losing one's life or limb. So, in all nations, PARTICULARLY DEMOCRACIES, special care is taken to ensure izzat and monetary incentives for servicemen and Veterans. in Bharat special care is taken to do down the servicemen.  
  Maj Gen Pushpendra Singh  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Sir, It is an excellent piece of writing , putting all matters in balancedmanner and in correct perspective. The powers that be today,do not appreciate that all veterans are the messengers of motivational needs of the Gen-next to take up military as a career or not.The lacklustre response to recruitment is being diluted by the day. The thinking of the congress party and the legacy of the Nehruvian Era , which step by step played with the career prospects and IZZAT of the soldiers is reaching its zenith , and improving on it.After what they declared as part of their manifesto five years ago (one rank one pay) they say the subject matter has no logical reason for being implemented. Gone are the days when any officer of the rank of Lt Col and above, on posting to DELHI ,had to call on the president.You signed in a call register kept for the purpose at Rashtrapati Bhawan.The president would then ensure that you were invited to one of the forthcoming functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan.To-day's Presidents feel that army is merely to deck up in its regalia and dance like a peacock infront of him or her, when they are seated in a high back regal chair and the media is televising them live to show their supremacy. The relationship between the SUPREME COMMANDER AND THE FORCES ENDS THERE. In my personal opinion unless a vote-bank syndrome is created , nothing will move.A political party willing to espouse the causes of the forces must be identified.Thereafter networking and messages must be sent to all retired officers and men.Next step would be to educate the serving officers and men about the trevails and humiliations that they would face in their retirement, egged on by the politicians and the babus.The vote bank of serving,/ retired defence personnel and their families ,combined with their sympathisers and well wishers can be a formidable force. The politico-babu nexus is working on a specific agenda to let the military be week and illequipped/demoralised.It helps the agenda of the inimical forces in India.Such a minority has a clout. THE POWER OF A STATE FLOWS FROM THE BARREL OF A GUN....IS AN OFT-QOUTED DICTUM ALONG WITH IT.IS THE SAYING ....THAT IT IS THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN THAT COUNTS. WE ARE IN A STATE WHERE DEMOTIVATED MEN ARE MANNING RUSTED GUNS . PRANAB AND MANMOHAN AND SONIA KNOW WELL THAT THEY CANNOT DARE PAKISTAN TO A MILITARY CONFRONTATION AFTER THE 26/11 ATTACK .AFTER BOUTS OF EMPTY RHEOTORIC , THEY WITHDRAW INTO THEIR COCOON AND TELL ALL INDIANS THAT WE ARE TOO MATURE TO HAVE A MILITARY OPTION. IT IS TIME TO TAKE STOCK AND DO SOMETHING CONCRETE.THE TALIBAN THREAT IS R E A L AND AT YOUR DOORSTEP.DONOT UNDER ESTIMATE IT. BUSH GAVE 25% ACROSS THE BOARD RAISE TO MILITARY PERSONNEL AS USA MOVED TO IRAQ .HERE THE GOVT IS CUTTING BY 30% THE PENSIONS OF THE VETERANS?????  
  Gp Capt KP Sharma  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Excellent ,comprehensive ,brings out all issues and easy to understand .It should help decision makers and hopefully those who oppose it . The soldier has lost his importance in the country -he is remembered only at times of crisis and soon forgotten and treated like dirt .The veterans day in most countries is a very special day - in India the authorities ask Veteran ?who is it ?  
  Wg Cdr (Retd) A B Bhushan  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  A very well written piece on OROP. This may be circulated to all political parties. May be some of them may understand the gravity of the situation. Brig Sunil Arya 23 Feb 09  
  Brig Sunil Arya Veteran  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  An excellent and well researched and documented article. However, I feel that the language used in the Congress manifesto has been misunderstood by most of us. The exact words of the Manifesto are, I quote: "The welfare of ex-servicemen will occupy urgent attention and plans will be expeditiously prepared for involving them in crucial nation-building tasks. A new Department of Ex-Servicemen's Welfare will be set up in the Ministry of Defence. The long-pending issue of one-rank, one-pension will once again be re-examined and the satisfactory solution arrived at expeditiously". Nowhere does the Congress commit itself to a solution FAVOURING the Ex-Servicemen regarding OROP. All it says is that "the issue of one-rank, one-pension will be re-examined and the satisfactory solution arrived at expeditiously". The question that begs to be answered is: TO WHOSE ADVANTAGE WILL THE SATISFACTORY SOLUTION BE - THE EX-SERVICEMEN'S, OR THE UPA'S?" No commitment has been made by Mrs Sonia Gandhi. It is all political poppy cock. I honestly feel that we have once again been taken for a ride by these vote-grabbing-vote-begging politicians. There IS NO SOLUTION to this problem, as NO political party DARE to include it in their manifesto.  
  Lt Col Gautam S Prasad, Veteran  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  The contentment of the veterans reflect the state of affairs within the country. This indeed is a well written piece giving out the main reasons for the injustice meted out. It needs to be followed up to the hilt with a multi-pronged strategy to include all, even the general public, and its positive outcome will surely put the country on a stronger footing.  
  Col (Dr) Rajive Kohli  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  The other day there was a news item in Chd that Punjab has promoted 5 more to DGP rank bringing total to 10. If as is believed, they are all equated to C-in-C level, and the IAS offrs with CS rank (& pay) would be over 20. I believe that DGP Housing, DGP rules etc are some of the designations available. Imagine how many DGPs in India look after police housing alone??? Compared to this a Corps Cdr not only handles approx 50k men, but the eqpt, and the undefined aspect of getting the job done at the risk of the life of the men.. However I will not agree with the contention of a Col(TS) not required to be rewarded. If all the IAS offrs reach CS rank, all IPS reach DGP rank, why grudge the army offr. Its NOT his fault that the was penalised for what at the national level is easily overlooked.  
  Lt Col Ravi Bedi  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Officers of the Forces superannuate from the age of 50. PBORs retire from 35 on. Less than 1% of officers or PBORs serve till the age 0f 60 All civilian employees of Govt of India retire at 60 Having got full salary for 25 years,and pension of 50% of last salary drawn how can a civilian PBOR complain when Defence PBOR is granted OROP Like wise for officers. The Govt does not comprehend this,because neither the burocracy nor Chiefs of three wings of the armed forces have been able to effectively communicate with the Govt. Could the media help?  
  Wg Cdr P M Lokanathan  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  If the armed forces are being paid what this knowledgeable person says it is rational that he compares the the pay & perks of the bureaucracy, the railways.If the per individual dispensation is more for other two sections then the Govt needs to think in terms of making it equal.Equal salary for equal work and 50% more for those who have to obey orders to the peril of their life and another 20% more for not having the privilege of collective bargaining and another20 %for not being allowed to resign at will and another 10% for availing leave only after prior sanction.ARE THE DEFENCE FORCES REALLY BEING COMPENSATED FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED?LET EVERY CITIZEN ANSWER THIS QUESTION.  
  Wg Cdr PMLokanathan  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  1 To add my 2 bits to the excellently analysed "White Paper" by Surjit. 2. The Supreme Court in tthe judgement of 09 Sep 08, had observed:- " The action of the Govt to create 2 classes of officers within the same rank just because of the date of retirement, is Arbitrary & also violative of Article 14 of the Constitution". This was also observed in an earlier case "DS Nakara & others Vs GOI, which was dedcided upon by a Constitution Bench. 3. Hence for the Govt to seek a review even after this only tantamounts to denying the legtimate rights of Veterans through delaying tactics & not honouring the judgements of the highest court of the country. Which authority should the Veterans approach after this, hence their grouse is geniune & legitimate, which they have thought of highlighting to the nation by the agitation & return of medals, an action which they have taken recouse to with a very heavy heart. 4. Just appreciate the emotions of the earlier proud parents of Capt Bhardwaj, who returned the Shauya Chakra awarded to their son by the nation, these couldn't be anything else of deep anguish & sadness. Does the Govt want the Veterans to resort to such extreme steps & remain a silent spectator, it will only bode ill for the power that be to respond in this manner for the legtimate demands of those who "Give their today for the nation's tommorrow"  
  Maj Gen (Retd) Inderjit Kashyap  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  It is very lucid and very well written article on OROP. All political parties have the responsibility to ensure the Frankenstein of Indian Bureaucracy does not become for India what Pakistani Army is for Pakistan.  
  Cdr NK Singla (Retd)  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  The decisions of ruling parties are made for selfish interests with the sole aim of self-aggrandisement. The CAG has exposed that thousands of crores have been transferred to NGOs in the guise of rural development! Major diversion of funds is also reported. Our MPs and MLAs generously revise their own the pensions, allowances, remunerations; and everyone travels first class! I have seen Class 1 officers travelling by business class though Economy seats are available by air. It is the Defence Forces who guard the security and integrity of the Country, yet get treated like doormats. When Field Marshall Manekshaw died at Ooty, no politician or bureaucrat bothered to pay last respects to the man responsible for the 1971 victory. Now our valiant soldiers are ignored at retirement, forced to live on frugal pensions. Shame that Mr. AK Antony cannot do anything, but the emoluments of the Supreme Court Judges were revised by an ordinance - against the wishes of Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.  
  Kumar  
  23 Feb 2009  
   
 
  The parting shot by Gen Surjit- the quality of the ‘administrative’ service rendered by bureaucrats has deteriorated-is quite an understatement. The RTI Act has proved it. Documents availeble now establishes the case for paying the babus of the IAS cadre what is paid to newly recruited clerks of the army. The Cabinet Secretary may be paid what is due to to a class 2 clerk at the best.  
  Veteran Major P M Ravindran  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  sir. An opinion very well documeted by an officer of great repute and competence. Sometimes, one wonders if the country deserves the sacrifies made by the armed forces. The process of demotivation will have far reaching effect, if the issues are not addressed wth despatch.  
  Lt Gen SBS Kochar  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  All very good.Repeated ad infinitum. Who is hearing? Or shall we who is willing to hear or see? When a soldier's IZAT or IQBAL is threatened what does he do? WHIMPER!!! Let us stop whimpering. Let us not be 'Spent Forces'- incapables, if not imp--- JAGO veterans. To get some thing one has to sacrifice some thing. How many of us are prepared to make the sacrifice? SUPREME SACRIFICE which we don't tire of boasting about soldiers!!!  
  DK Gupta  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  The mail is an oft repeated plea. One feels saddened that a nation feels so short of accepting injustice done to services who have always been at the beck and call, be it internal requirement or external threat. The discussion on CNBC TV 18, repeated on 22 Feb 2009 displayed the crocodile tears of government rep in power. I feel there was no need for him to shout when other three were at thier calm. Further, the gentleman presented by UPA has no authority to influence the government thus he was in no position to provide an assurnace after the debate. I am not aware of Vice President is the right person to be addressed as he claimed in the talk show because my knowledge is that President is the Supreme Comamnder and she should have been addressed, if at ll UPA government had to. Entire debate proved the futulity of effort and slack approach of ruling governement. Aren't their any NGOs who can take the call as they do so often for at times evry petty issues.  
  Wg Cdr DK Bhardwaj  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  In Kerala State, OROP is already implemented by the state Govt for their pensioners. I do not know if any other state Govt has implemented it, perhaps it is worth checking out. The concept of OROP originated from armed forces 25 yrs back, and while we are still debating the issue, it is heartening to note that civilian pensioners have gained from us. Interestingly, they too call it OROP!! Brig Surendra Nathan 24 Feb 2009  
  Brig Surendra Nathan, VSM  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  I am a retired Wing Commander who had to hang up his uniform about 8 yers back due to onset of cancer. Truly speaking I am shocked by the apathy of the Government towards pensioners.  
  Jayaprakash Narayan  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Why do we put the blame on others. The politicians and their Yes Ministers know very well that the Armed Forces will lump whatever they dictate. Can anyone quote an incident akin to what our Naval Chief has done in rejecting the 6PC ? One should not forget that the Army and Air Force Chiefs did not make any such bold step. There are innumerable areas where we could dictate terms but lack guts to do so. For Eg., what stop our top Brass in declaring that a soldier cannot be placed under command any one who is not government by Army/Navy/Air Force Acts instead of pleading for the post of NSG top ? What stop from telling them that the Armed Forces cannot be deployed in IS duties beyond the ambit of "Aid to Civil Power pamphlet" and if it is done they will not be available for Military task ? Why cant they tell them that the Defence forces cannot be deployed in search etc. We have seen the reaction when the Naval Chief showed his gutts.  
  Col NR Kurup (Retd)  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Gen Surjit is known for his excellent work with Pay Commissions earlier.They (Gen Surjit, Gen Kadiyan, Brig Kambot, Gen Satbir)deserve all accolades for the excellent work being put in for OROP by EISM  
  col nirmal mahajan, EME  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Whereas no rocket science is required to know why a person ,who has retired on 31 Jan 2005, should anyway get less pension, than a person retiring on or after 01 Jan 06; but knowing the ingenuity, of our scholared IAS officials, it is no surprise either. Come to think of it ,if they do not create such complexities from time to time,they will soon find their tables and desk with no files pending; which is definitely not desireable. by them.From time immemorial we have noticed how our honourable ministers have been led by these elite breed and incurred losses not only in terms of money, but time & reputation in completion of various projects of 'National Interest' .Less said about the apathy towards the uniformed personnel, the better History repeats and soon the Nation will realise the ill-effects of these disparities which my dear colleagues have already hinted, if not highlighted. Howver, I am not sure what Shriman DK Gupta wants to convey above in his column , by calling for a 'Supreme Sacrifice"at this stage of life? Even if he is ready to demonstrate ,I may not follow as i do not consider giving another sacrifice besides 34 long years of dedicated service , to earn my deferred salary duly weighted for the rupee value from time to time. Last but not the least, i would like to make a humble reminder, to our so called 'elite IAS cadre' that this country, belongs to them as much to any other citizen of India, and they should not use their intelligence in weakening the very roots of their 'Motherland'. JAIHIND, Gp Capt J Ramaswamy  
  Group Captain Jayaram Ramaswamy (Retd)  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  lets think positive , ak anthony is a good politician and mr clean , `lets get the pressure from fellow M P s now before the elections it is possible to win this battle , and gets our dues ,niow !  
  sqn ldr bhushan narang  
  24 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Actually, the malaise is much, much deeper. It is not even the issue of one-rank, one-pension, but the pettiness of the salaries involved. A nation which seeks to grow, advance and remain continually strong has to ensure that two categories of its people remain well compensated- teachers (including university teachers) and soldiers. Perhaps, this could be taken by political parties during the coming elections.  
  NT  
  25 Feb 2009  
   
 
  There was a report in HT dated 23 02 09 that there is hearing fixed for 24 02 09 in Delhi High Court on the petion filed by Advocate Arun Maitri on behalf of people fighting for One rank one Pension. Has anybody got any knowledge as to what happended in that hearing and what is the status of the case as now ?  
  mlk41  
  25 Feb 2009  
   
 
  An extremly candid and logical paper written by a reputed Gen Officer.The SENSE OF PREJUDICE AND SENSE OF NEGLECT are the causes for any revolt or insurgency.The Indian ArmedForces is an important instrument to protect our hard earned freedom .It is a calm giant with lot of discipline and patience which is taken for granted.A government which disregard the Supreme Court sould get similar taste from the Forces by firmly denying to do what we are not supposed to do.Wish the peaceful protest all support.  
  Col R G Nair  
  25 Feb 2009  
   
 
  My congratulations to you for such an honest and informative article. I am sure more article regarding pay commission anomalies and the mischief of self serving bureaucrats will be brought out by other writers also.  
  Gp Capt VK Gandhi  
  26 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Gen Surjit's article is very well written. It clearly brings out the case the veterans are making. If the bureaucrats still cannot fathom all this, it just goes to highlight the intellectual bankruptcy of the present set of civil servants that make up the so called 'steel frame' of the Government. With the number of corruption cases and amassing of wealth involving civil servants that one not only reads of but is often exposed to, 'steal frame' would perhaps be a more apt term for the present lot of bureaucrats.  
  AVM(Retd) HS Ahluwalia  
  26 Feb 2009  
   
 
  An extremely succinct and precisely worded article written by Gen Surjit. One only hopes that the logical presentation makes some impression on the Government, and the 'Babudom' which effectively stymies any moves to rectify the anomalies which have not been addressed over the decades. While the three Chiefs, and those still in uniform cannot express their sentiments by virtue of their position, such constraints are non-existent as far as the veterans are concerned. Today we have veterans holding peaceful dharnas and returning their medals...who is to say what turn these demonstrations may take in the future, especially given the fact that several political parties are trying to capitalise on these issues. And - God forbid - the day comes when serving personnel have to be called up to suppress any violence that may erupt as a result! As it is, the three Services are facing acute shortage of manpower. It is also no secret that the morale of the men and women in uniform is not at its best. Given the volatility of the situation on all our borders, and the perpetual threat of terrorism within the country, no Government can afford to sit back and wish that these problems will simply disappear by mere lip-service. The time for cogent, equitable and transparent action is NOW! Wg Cdr (Retd) JT Nayaham 27 Feb 2009  
  Wg Cdr (Retd) JT Nayaham  
  27 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Is it not a sad comment on the state of affairs in the nation that the last bastion of hope too is being ignored by the citizens who enjoy the protection of the military. Not one person who is considered 'a person of some social standing in this country 'appears to have realised the gravity of the situation. Let us look at the recent developments in( our created country) Bangla Desh. Hope some alarm bells have started ringing. I stand corrected if any of the above mentioned citizenary has/is doing somthing which will reinstate the confidence of the exserviceman . Please note the moral of the exserviceman will have direct impact on the present and future soldier. It takes all types to make this world is an age old saying. The soldier is a type as much needed as all other types. Soldiering is not every ones aptitude .Only some have it. The present attitude towards the Indian soldier will only discourrage them and the nation will be the looser. Wg.Cdr.V.Sampath (Retd.)  
  Wg.Cdr. (Retd.) V.Sampath  
  28 Feb 2009  
   
 
  Is it not a sad comment on the state of affairs in the nation that the last bastion of hope too is being ignored by the citizens who enjoy the protection of the military. Not one person who is considered 'a person of some social standing in this country 'appears to have realised the gravity of the situation. Let us look at the recent developments in( our created country) Bangla Desh. Hope some alarm bells have started ringing. I stand corrected if any of the above mentioned citizenary has/is doing somthing which will reinstate the confidence of the exserviceman . Please note the moral of the exserviceman will have direct impact on the present and future soldier. It takes all types to make this world is an age old saying. The soldier is a type as much needed as all other types. Soldiering is not every ones aptitude .Only some have it. The present attitude towards the Indian soldier will only discourrage them and the nation will be the looser. Wg.Cdr.V.Sampath (Retd.)  
  Wg.Cdr. (Retd.) V.Sampath  
  28 Feb 2009  
   
 
  It is unfortunat6e tha6t those of us living south of the Vindhyas cannot contribute physically to this just agitation. We have accepted the domination of the Babu community long enoughy and what seems to be lost is the the hardships we suffe5r. As an infantry soldier I was separated from my family as a battalion and brigade commander for 5 years of which three were in high altitudes. I had to leave my framily7 in Mhow in a dilapidated bungalow as no Govt accomodation was available and it well nigh impossible to find a decent house in a then small station like Mho. As a Maj Gen four years non family. Do our c8ivilian counterparts experience such major problems? No way. And to cap it alol what does the Govt do when all else is lost? Call the Army to bail it out. Full marks to Maj Gen Surjit. The truth will out. This is a storm warning 6o all of us when 5the elections take place. If this shabby treatment continues use the No Vote option! Bahs on regardless for the truth will out. Eustace D'Souza  
  Maj Gen (Retd) E D'Souza, PVSM  
  28 Feb 2009  
   
 
  I , many of my civilian pensioner friends, other civilians and many ordinary persons from all walks of life, felt deeply shocked and felt ashmed at the attitude of the current Govt. and its bureaucracy at the apathy and indiffrence shown to the war veterans. Current Govt. preaches and reports on Administrative Reforms and Ethics in Governance, but I think they perhaps are not literate enough to paractice the same!Patriotislm appears to be removed from their dictionaries! ALL IN MILITARY SERVICES MUST ACCEPT ANY HONOUR OR DECORATIONS IN FUTURE ONLY ON THE CONDITION THAT THE SURRENDERED MEDALS/DECORATIONS/HONOUR are returned to the past veterans with dignity and with OROP. I wish all of you success.  
  V.NATARAJAN, President,Pensioners' Forum,(affiliat  
  03 Mar 2009  
   
 
  Now since the election have been declared and code of conduct coming in place My request to you all is that we must contiue our protest at Jantar Mantar till some body from the new govt. come personally to Jantar Mantar respond to our legitimate demand. It is really sad state of affairs even the "Supreme Commander" of the forces is not at all bothered to listen to us. Oh God! What to do?  
  Mukesh Vaid Ex Sgt  
  03 Mar 2009  
   
 
  Soldiers are Angels and sought in distress conditions(when everything else fails) and conveniently dumped/forgotten thereafter. When the political leaders, civil servants and the police officials utterly fail, the army is conveniently called in. The chaos (committed or ommitted) are created by politicians for their own selfish ends, which usually go out of control, the spineless civil servants serve their masters with fear and favouritism in a lazy/slipshod and ordinary manner and create utter confusion , and the law and order maintenance machinery (myopic vision of suspicion always and everytime) known to be colossolly ineffective, the the unsuspecting military is called in. Immediately, the scenario changes, the soldiers untiringly and without concern to the time or their personal comfort, toil and restore order. Same is the scenario in cases of natural calamities be it floods, Cyclones, Earthquakes, Landslides, rail accidents, or horror incidents happened in Mumbai or on Parliament building. But when it comes to giving any benefits it seems to the so called authorities that the soldiers do not deserve or cite obnoxious reassons and it is entirely upto them to give or not since such an authority is vested in them. This has to change and the soldier deserves minimum and respectful compensations, be it pay or pension. This is nothing when compared to the benefits some players or artists get for their performances. All this lead to low morale, dispondency and a feeling of neglect by soldiers, which can avoided. The government may at least now care for the soldiers and restore confidence and redeem their sense of self respect and belonging, which in turn would bore well for future......  
  Ex.Sgt Gouni VN  
  04 Mar 2009  
   
 
  It is an accepted fact that ever since Independence, there has been a progressive and continous degradation of status of Indian Defence Services personnel. It is also not a secret that this is at the instance of erstwhile ICS and its successor IAS. sOUNDS LIKE AN OLD STICK TO BEAT A DEAD HORSE but the only gainers from this repeated downgradation of service personnel has been the IAS/IPS lobby.Own self-importance and a fear of being out-performed by service personnel if given an opportunity seem to be the reason. Ever since Independence, whenever there has been trouble due to bad handling of a situation by IAS/IPS functionaries, the chestnuts are always pulled out of the fire, at the cost of lives, by the Defence Forces. It is also to be seen that the downgradation of status of Defence personnel has taken place whenever the Services have delivered a VICTORY to the nation- after 1948 J&K Operations, Defence Services took a pay reduction and after the 1971 victory, the Warrant of Precedence was revised lowering the status of Defence Services personnel further. We can go on and on citing instances but to what avail? Is someone listening? In this new conflict, the issue is NOT MONEY but recognition of continued services rendered without demur or fear of death/injury. Life is built on HOPE and we are HOPING!! GOD bless INDIA- Brig KS Verma, 06th March, 2009.  
  Brig KS Verma  
  06 Mar 2009  
   
 
  It is an accepted fact that ever since Independence, there has been a progressive and continous degradation of status of Indian Defence Services personnel. It is also not a secret that this is at the instance of erstwhile ICS and its successor IAS. sOUNDS LIKE AN OLD STICK TO BEAT A DEAD HORSE but the only gainers from this repeated downgradation of service personnel has been the IAS/IPS lobby.Own self-importance and a fear of being out-performed by service personnel if given an opportunity seem to be the reason. Ever since Independence, whenever there has been trouble due to bad handling of a situation by IAS/IPS functionaries, the chestnuts are always pulled out of the fire, at the cost of lives, by the Defence Forces. It is also to be seen that the downgradation of status of Defence personnel has taken place whenever the Services have delivered a VICTORY to the nation- after 1948 J&K Operations, Defence Services took a pay reduction and after the 1971 victory, the Warrant of Precedence was revised lowering the status of Defence Services personnel further. We can go on and on citing instances but to what avail? Is someone listening? In this new conflict, the issue is NOT MONEY but recognition of continued services rendered without demur or fear of death/injury. Life is built on HOPE and we are HOPING!! GOD bless INDIA- Brig KS Verma, 06th March, 2009.  
  Brig KS Verma  
  06 Mar 2009  
   
 
  As per sixth pay comission, pension is being calculated on basic pay at the time of retirement. This means the pension will be different for every indl although retd at same rank and same length of service specially in case of PBOR. What is the reaction on this.  
  Sub Ravinder Kumar, Veteran  
  16 Mar 2009  
   
 
  Sir ,The Sixth Central Pay Commission Recommendations were announced in March 2008 .Since then there have been so many represantations made due to so many anomalies .In case of Armed Forces pensioners (officers ),a fresh PPO should be issued by the CDA(O) .So far no fresh PPO has been received .Have any instructions been issued to the CDA(O) to issue fresh PPO for each and every pensioner ?  
  LT COL K.B.MATHUR  
  18 Mar 2009  
   
 
  As the elelctions are approaching the issue of OROP is also hotting up. Beware we should not be fooled off once again by these people. Our dignified approach to our demand of OROP is perhaps falling to deaf ears. Perhaps no body understand the importance of medals for a Military Man. I am of the view that medals returned so far must be lying in one corner of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It will be more appropriate if Prime Minister is approached for this just demand. He may have some other thoughts on this matter. Sonia Gandhi should also be reminded some how to be true to her words.  
  Mukesh Vaid Ex Sgt  
  18 Mar 2009  
   
 
  Non receipt of proper amount of pension is a disturbing mtter for the Defence Personnel.but , not so , for the powers that be in the administration!!!Under UPA the country first ''CEASED TO BE GOVERNED'' Now it has ''CEASED TO BE ADMINISTERED''. The UN- civil Babus have found a new way to taunt the defence personnel.For the first time in Independent India , the CDA has decided NOT TO ISSUE FRESH PPO AS WAS BEING DONE HITHERTO AFTER EVERY PAY REVISION.It has asked Banks to fix the pension and pay off, without causing extra work for them....they are on S N O O Z E .The banks say they do not know how to fix pension. I spoke to Mr Harbans Singh in the Ministry of Defence.The ministry appeared to be whole heartedly enjoying the humiliation of the soldiers.I have been advised to knock at the doors of the disbursing bank.If the branch does not act , I should approach higher bank authorities.The Banks want you to make an application for revision of your pension, giving all service details ( forget that these are already held by them!!!) and a copy of earlier PPO. You must state your date of birth, date of joining service ,date of retirement and total service rendered.Then your case will be studied by the banks. So, after usage of millions of papers ,envelops and postage payment to the postal department , you can hope to have your pension revised. GOD HELP THOSE WHO CANNOT WRITE . THEY WILL SUFFER ENDLESSLY. WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOTE FOR THE UPA AND THE CONGRESS PARTY ????????????????  
  Gp Capt KP Sharma  
  20 Mar 2009  
   
 
  We have genious amongst us WE ARE BETTER THAN THE BABUS ANY DAY.Unfortunately we are not close to the politicians.How we can be close to the ----it is amatter which requires a brain storming session.We are far better in all in the disciplines of adinistation ,man management juriceprudence inventtry control and what not.WHEN WILL OUR SERVICESAND GENIOUS RECOGNISED ONLY ALMIGHTY CAN FORETELL.MAY ALMIGHTY BE WITH US.  
  lt col m k bhargava  
  24 Mar 2009  
   
 
  a fine writeup ,comments are also good. But in this so called democracy of govt of the people,by the people and for the people-The president is only a rubber stamp,bound by cabinet.P M and cabinet decisions are dictated by some individual without constitutional auth and with a leverage on them . The Govt of INDIA is an invisible entity manipulated by few self centered individuals,the rest are silent spectators.Their priorities are not in the NATIONAL INTEREST. SO,YOU HAVE TO DERIVE YOUR LEGITIMATE AND RIGHTFUL PENSIONS OF PARITY FROM THIS INVISIBLE G O I . INVISIBLE G O I . THIS REQUIRES UNITED EFFORT AND ACTION BY ONE AND ALL .  
  a b gangadhar  
  25 Mar 2009  
   
 
  Babus and police get more than they deserve by sqeezing the politician in the chair by showing that they cannot exist and survive without their support.Thev are mutually exploiting the Nation and National assets (TESTIMONY_deposits in swiss bk by Indians ,besides their visible assets and life styles) For decades we have struggled and sacrificed so much to the security and independence of the Nation leading to present levels of peace and prosperty. What legacy and right they have to deny our legitimate &rightful dues ? ev Constitutional approaches and remedies (comms.hi po comms,COS,GOM ,Judicial verdicts.....etc ) are negated by unconstitutional methods ....There are several omissions,falsehood ,deliberate delays, neglect.,inconsistent interpretations, false promises,....etc in these proceedings . True-fauzi has talent ,intellect,experience,skills,integrity,patriotism....etc. WE are senior citizens and cannot remain passive spectators to deteriorating National intersts,besides our pension issues. If we talk and take care of main issues of the Nation,these issues will easily get resolved. WE have been fighting external enemy,but the internal evil has to be fought. Besides participation in political activity,we have to divercify and intensify agtation&activity.  
  RAB  
  26 Mar 2009  
   
 
  YES ! ALL TRUE. babus and police sqeeze what they want by showing the politicians in the chair that they cannot exist or survive without their support. yes, it is true that fauji is better than babu and police. therefore; fauji can only get his rightful when they follow precedences/practices well accepted and tested and proved. Besides,in the prevailing ways of GOI,.. the invisible GOI has to be made visible and transpearent by fauji by their patriatism,National spirit,responsibilities....etc.In ultimate analysis the fauji is very much part of GOI . pay ,pension,due status.....etc is only one part of the VISION incl National intersts. Few age old :- 1.Milk does flow into... without squeezing with closed fist. 2.dudh se makhi nikalne kelia ungili teda karna . 3.power grows out of barrel of gun........etc Therefore besides seeking,urging,pleading,appealing......etc derive the legitimate and rightful.  
  allan  
  26 Mar 2009  
   
 
  Now the dust of electioni has settled down and every thisg is crystal clear. It is good to have a thorogh gentleman at the helm of affairs. In my view now is the time to take up the matter with him and press for our legitimate demand of "One Rank One Pension". It is really a matter of great concern for the new govt. that Ex servicemen from different parts of country are begging for their pension. The govt is claiming itself for poor and rural masses. Does it know that majority of the PBORs from rural areas and they are not rich also.  
  Mukesh Vaid, Ex Sgt  
  21 May 2009  
   
 
  this is welcoming decision of the government to determine herself in thie demand and trying to implerment report based on demand on "One Rank One Pension"..At leat the government realised the reality of sacrifice made soilders . not by not only ottering but also , probably efforting to put sincer effort on this logn out standing reasonable demend .. Let us hope the present government are sincer to her word. Thanks  
  Major(Retd) Ashok kumar  
  05 Jun 2009  
   
 
  It is a heartening news for Ex-Servicemen that their request of OROP is being considered by the present Govt. Let us hope th OROP is impleted that soldiers of the same rank, who have rendered identical length of service, shall be granted equal pension, regardless of their date of retirement.”  
  Nb Sub (Retd) Rajinder Kumar Kanwar  
  08 Jun 2009  
   
 
  Firstly, it is hoped that the new government should fulfill its promise on OROP in the near future. If it fails to, we will be back to square one and forced to resume the non-violent agitation as hithertofore. Secondly, we need to remind the powers that be regarding restoring the 'izzat' factor of the armed forces so that a career attracts the creme de la creme of youth and we fill up the lingering shortage of over 13,000 officers in the services.  
  Brig (retd) GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA  
  08 Jun 2009  
   
 
  Firstly,our suprime commander of armedforces has given attention twoards the demand of OROP.let us hope for the best  
  HMT Satyavir Singh Retd  
  20 Jun 2009  
   
 
  I think Maj Gen Surjit Singh and other officers incl JCOs/ORs who were part of the agitation which has confronted the civil babus and the Govt needs to honored by the all ranks of the Army for raising the imagere of Defence Services besides monetory benefits to all of us. The IESM must reward those involved in uplifting the IMAGE of all of in Defence Services. My regards to Gen Surjit and others in IESM who spared their time to do what our predecesors could not think or do. Pl note present leaders for future. Lt Col K S Dhillon  
  Lt Col K S Dhillon (Retd)  
  22 Jun 2009  
   
 
  Maj Gen Surjit Sing along with other top brasses are obiviously striving hard to get the implementation of the of OROP let we all join to this holistic and legitimate demand so that a seperate Pay commission be promulgated by the Govt of India.We all veterans hope that the top beaurocracy will also abide with this legitimate demand. JAI hIND JAI HIND KI SENA  
  Naveen chandra joshi ,Ex Naik PARA  
  03 Jul 2009  
   
 
  Maj Gen Surjit Sing along with other top brasses are obiviously striving hard to get the implementation of the of OROP let we all join to this holistic and legitimate demand so that a seperate Pay commission be promulgated by the Govt of India.We all veterans hope that the top beaurocracy will also abide with this legitimate demand. JAI hIND JAI HIND KI SENA  
  Naveen chandra joshi ,Ex Naik PARA  
  03 Jul 2009  
   
 
  Sir ,There is no mention about officers in the OROP benefits announced in the union budget 2009 announced today .  
  LT COL (RETD) K B MATHUR  
  06 Jul 2009  
   
 
  saw on TV that one rank one pay will be implemented from July 1  
  absingh  
  06 Jul 2009  
   
 
  The article written by Gen Surjit Singh is very infomative and brings out all facets of the case. I suggest that we all should do something to remove the anomalies in the pension scales. I am also convinced that the govt of the day is not sincere to solve the problems of the pensioners. We all form our own party and take our problems and of the others to the parliament. we might not succeed initially but at least our voice will be heard. Some people like Gen N K Khanduri & Major Jaswant Singh should be reminded of their past and requested to take up the issues of the pensioners with the powers that be. Col J S nijjar  
  col j s nijjar(retd)  
  06 Jul 2009  
   
 
  Dear Sir, Since the new Budget is announced and on 06 Jul 2009. OROP is accepted and it will be enfoced from 01 Jul 2009 itself. The government attention with lot of representations has helped and our plea have been accpted. Soldier's honour and dignity has to be up held at all times whether serving or retired. Jia Hind Jai Bharat With Regards to each one Sanjay Godakhindi Ex JWO  
  Sanjay Godakhindi  
  06 Jul 2009  
   
 
  congratulations,OROP has been accepted.  
  sunil patil ex sgt  
  07 Jul 2009  
   
 
  It is great pleasure to see that Govt has accepted the recommendation s for OROP.I have been witness all through the struggle . It was most painful for me to see the veteran General officers and Gallantry award winners returning their honor to the president .The hon'able president should have given some kind of consolation and assurance for the solution of the problem .It was not us who suffered and mocked at by the civilian but kind of scene created at the international and national level was most embarrassing.Maj Gen Surjit Sir has rightly expressed his learned views and experience and reason why we all would think twice sending our wards to serve nation.If a soldier dies serving nation it is the duty of the peoples of the nation serve the family of the martyr . My salute to all the veterns and every officer and solider who fought for all of us . Jai hind EX Naik (TS) Puran Bahadur Karki jai hind  
  EX Naik (TS) p b karki  
  07 Jul 2009  
   
 
  While hearing the speech of FM, it sounded like the OROP is finally cleared. But subsequent news in the papers say that it is only for PBORs and that too not strictly OROP, but a new scale bridging the gap. I sincerley hope that Sri A K Antony and those in authority would educate themselves by reading Gen Surjit SIngh's paper.  
  Cdr P S Nelson I.N (Rtd)  
  07 Jul 2009  
   
 
  As per the views of Maj Gen Surjit Singh's paper on OROP the annual cost of implementing the OROP is estimated to be 2200 crore. Now since the Govt has declared the OROP and with the annual cost of 2100 crore. Than why there should be any doubt about the implemenation of OROP by the Govt. as the estimated expenditure by Maj Gen. Sir and Govt are almost same.  
  Mukesh Vaid Ex Sgt  
  10 Jul 2009  
   
 
  think Maj Gen Surjit Singh and other officers incl JCOs/ORs who were part of the agitation which has confronted the civil babus and the Govt needs to honored by the all ranks of the Army for raising the imagere of Defence Services besides monetory benefits to all of us. The IESM must reward those involved in uplifting the IMAGE of all of in Defence Services. My regards to Gen Surjit and others in IESM who spared their time to do what our predecesors could not think or do. Pl note present leaders for future. Ex-Hav J.S Jaswal Lt Col K S Dhillon (Retd)  
  Joginder Singh Jaswal  
  10 Jul 2009  
   
 
  TO VIYAVAANI.COM IT WAS TRILLING TO READ THE ARTICAL OF LT.GEN SURJIT SINGH IT IS AN ACHIEVMENT. POLITICIANS DONT UNDER STAND WHAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGH. IAM EX INDIAN NAVY SAILOR RTRD IN 1969 ON A PALTRY PENSION OF 2500/-. IWONDER WHAT IS IN STORE FROM THIS PAKAGE.  
  devinder s.kohli  
  14 Jul 2009  
   
 
  Maj Gen Surjit has done an excellent work on OROP but............. The Tragic Decision of Government has shocked the Officer Class of ex servicemen -- Please read on--- After all the assurances given by the Government for looking into the long sought after demand of OROP sympathetically, the recommendations of the committee constituted to look into the demands, it was optimistically hoped by all classes of ex-servicemen that the good news by the Finance Minister in his budget speech was just a matter of time, especially when even in the Presidential address the aspect of OROP for the Armed Forces made a specific mention. Well, the Finance Minister very assuredly did not forget to mention about the debt the Nation owed to the valiant Armed Forces of the Country and that the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries had been accepted by the Government and that the benefits of one rank one pension was being extended to all personnel below officer rank only. The neglect of the highly aggrieved ex-servicemen officer class, in the grant of OROP by the Government, sent shock waves down their old and virtually worn out spines. In fact all the members of the Armed Forces were anxiously awaiting 6 July to be a red letter day for them since they had been pressing for the demand for OROP ever since the Sixth Pay Commission not only failed to redress this grievances and demands but also greatly hurt the aspirations of all classes of ex-servicemen by denying them just and equitable reward for their unflinching, dedicated and valiant services rendered to the Nation in prime of their life in the past. Well, it is no doubt very gratuitous for the Government to now suitably reward the Personnel below officer rank (PBOR) with OROP who no doubt deserve it more for being compelled to be out of service even earlier than the officers. Yet, denying the benefit to the officer class or cadre is being extremely unjust to them. It is no doubt highly discriminatory for the Government to accept the recommendations of the Committee and rewarding only personnel of one class and deprive the equally deserving personnel of another class. By doing so the Government seems to have very mischievously divided the Officers and PBOR class vertically for unknown reasons. This it is felt may not be in the overall interest of the Government in the long run. It is difficult to imagine how a responsible Government can afford to differentiate and be unfair and unjust to their officer class. Perhaps the Government or the bureaucracy seems to have overlooked the bravery, distinguished and dedicated services, sacrifices hard work and leadership qualities of the officer class. They seemed to have also overlooked the rigorous and tough training schedules, exercises, services and sacrifices in the remotest and far flung areas and setting personnel examples of bravery and leadership in the battlefield under gone by the officer class. The dictum “Safety honour and welfare of your country comes first always and every time, the safety honour and welfare of the men you command comes next and your own safety and welfare comes last always and every time” is applicable only to the officer class and this one dictum which an officer keeps close to his heart till he leaves this world. So in my opinion the action of the government in denying the facility of OROP to the officer could not have been so untimely which can easily be termed as a grave omission and a highly unjust decision for the officer class. It is strongly felt that such a decision may have also been noticed by the opposition benches in both houses of the parliament and it may not be too long before their voices start echoing in the parliament to draw the attention of the treasury benches. It would not be very surprising, if sooner than later the Government may eventually give in to the very genuine and just demands of OROP by the officer class of ex servicemen. Or else it would go down in the history of the Armed Forces to be one of the most unjust decisions by a ruling Government. All ex-services officers in the country any way are hoping for the best for an announcement of inclusion of officers as well in the grant of OROP.  
  Col LK Anand  
  15 Jul 2009  
   
 
  Maj Gen Surjit has done an excellent work on OROP but............. The Tragic Decision of Government has shocked the Officer Class of ex servicemen -- Please read on--- After all the assurances given by the Government for looking into the long sought after demand of OROP sympathetically, the recommendations of the committee constituted to look into the demands, it was optimistically hoped by all classes of ex-servicemen that the good news by the Finance Minister in his budget speech was just a matter of time, especially when even in the Presidential address the aspect of OROP for the Armed Forces made a specific mention. Well, the Finance Minister very assuredly did not forget to mention about the debt the Nation owed to the valiant Armed Forces of the Country and that the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries had been accepted by the Government and that the benefits of one rank one pension was being extended to all personnel below officer rank only. The neglect of the highly aggrieved ex-servicemen officer class, in the grant of OROP by the Government, sent shock waves down their old and virtually worn out spines. In fact all the members of the Armed Forces were anxiously awaiting 6 July to be a red letter day for them since they had been pressing for the demand for OROP ever since the Sixth Pay Commission not only failed to redress this grievances and demands but also greatly hurt the aspirations of all classes of ex-servicemen by denying them just and equitable reward for their unflinching, dedicated and valiant services rendered to the Nation in prime of their life in the past. Well, it is no doubt very gratuitous for the Government to now suitably reward the Personnel below officer rank (PBOR) with OROP who no doubt deserve it more for being compelled to be out of service even earlier than the officers. Yet, denying the benefit to the officer class or cadre is being extremely unjust to them. It is no doubt highly discriminatory for the Government to accept the recommendations of the Committee and rewarding only personnel of one class and deprive the equally deserving personnel of another class. By doing so the Government seems to have very mischievously divided the Officers and PBOR class vertically for unknown reasons. This it is felt may not be in the overall interest of the Government in the long run. It is difficult to imagine how a responsible Government can afford to differentiate and be unfair and unjust to their officer class. Perhaps the Government or the bureaucracy seems to have overlooked the bravery, distinguished and dedicated services, sacrifices hard work and leadership qualities of the officer class. They seemed to have also overlooked the rigorous and tough training schedules, exercises, services and sacrifices in the remotest and far flung areas and setting personnel examples of bravery and leadership in the battlefield under gone by the officer class. The dictum “Safety honour and welfare of your country comes first always and every time, the safety honour and welfare of the men you command comes next and your own safety and welfare comes last always and every time” is applicable only to the officer class and this one dictum which an officer keeps close to his heart till he leaves this world. So in my opinion the action of the government in denying the facility of OROP to the officer could not have been so untimely which can easily be termed as a grave omission and a highly unjust decision for the officer class. It is strongly felt that such a decision may have also been noticed by the opposition benches in both houses of the parliament and it may not be too long before their voices start echoing in the parliament to draw the attention of the treasury benches. It would not be very surprising, if sooner than later the Government may eventually give in to the very genuine and just demands of OROP by the officer class of ex servicemen. Or else it would go down in the history of the Armed Forces to be one of the most unjust decisions by a ruling Government. All ex-services officers in the country any way are hoping for the best for an announcement of inclusion of officers as well in the grant of OROP.  
  Col LK Anand  
  15 Jul 2009  
   
 
  7th july 2009 decision as peblished in DNA and other news papers on 14th july is eye wash. reading between lines makes it clear that though the cabinet secretary committee appointed to review pensions of defence personnel on basis of OROP- including offcers, jcos and ORs, has in their report not recommended any revision of pension of officers on the basis of OROP. with the result the Hon'ble DM AK Anthony has made a misleading statement that the recommendations of review committee has been accepted for OROP. in later part of news he clarifies that OROP decision is for defence personnel below officer level. mercifully it talks of reviewing LT Gen pension. and future consideration of demand ofor seperate pay panel - after 10 years? our struggle for OROP has to continue.  
  ramesh wasudeo  
  17 Jul 2009  
   
 
  7th july 2009 decision as peblished in DNA and other news papers on 14th july is eye wash. reading between lines makes it clear that though the cabinet secretary committee appointed to review pensions of defence personnel on basis of OROP- including offcers, jcos and ORs, has in their report not recommended any revision of pension of officers on the basis of OROP. with the result the Hon'ble DM AK Anthony has made a misleading statement that the recommendations of review committee has been accepted for OROP. in later part of news he clarifies that OROP decision is for defence personnel below officer level. mercifully it talks of reviewing LT Gen pension. and future consideration of demand ofor seperate pay panel - after 10 years? our struggle for OROP has to continue.  
  ramesh wasudeo  
  17 Jul 2009  
   
 
  Pension Review committee was headed by a bureacrat and were its members. reportedly no representation was given to defence officer in the committee. without casting any aspersion, it appears that the bureaucrats look upon defence officers with unjust jealousy, not relising that the army officers ( being class one gazetted officers ) have been serving in incliment weather and terrain conditions away from family for long durations, have problem for children education due to frequent transfers and postings at station that have no higher education facilities. IAS and IPS officers rise in hierarchy musch faster than the civilian counter parts. danger to life and lib for defence officers is many fold more than civilian officers.  
  ramesh wasudeo  
  17 Jul 2009  
   
 
  as discussed in Lok Sabha a couple of days ago which I watch regularly LokSabha Live transmition of DD I feel that the 5 categories in which pre96 retirees to pre 06 retirees are merged by a difference of 800-1500 Rs which I feel govt may do away with DA in future . other wise to say you get your own money which otherwise yours but in the form of arrears.---hows that?  
  sgt srinivas  
  17 Jul 2009  
   
 
  as discussed in Lok Sabha a couple of days ago which I watch regularly LokSabha Live transmition of DD I feel that the 5 categories in which pre96 retirees to pre 06 retirees are merged by a difference of 800-1500 Rs which I feel govt may do away with DA in future . other wise to say you get your own money which otherwise is/was yours but in the form of arrears.---hows that?  
  sgt srinivas  
  17 Jul 2009  
   
 
  India should adhere to the compulsory military service to all Indians, irrespective of their joining a govt service/private companies, or business. After completion of the +2 they should be absorbed in the military wings and compulsory training should be given for one year and sent back for gradutation. This should be pre-condition to join any graduation. Similarly after graduation, they will should be given a compulsory military training for 3 years after which they may continue or join any other service. This rule should be applicable for those who are entering the political "services" too. Without the formal military service no government job will be given. Then every one will understand what is Military, what is Discipline, what is Patriatism.  
  Ex-MWO P SESHAN  
  19 Jul 2009  
   
 
  It is excellent piece of writing, and most informative of the facts. On top of all, it is an eye opener for all and specially for the Govt., but our Govt is collection of blinds, or they keep their eyes closed, dumb and deaf or keep their ears plugged, rather, taken vow to totally ignore the genuine and legitimate demand of OROP in totality. Regardless we jointly must keep putting in our all out best possible efforts.  
  K L Jaspal  
  01 Aug 2009  
   
 
  sir, instead of pay commission a seperate pension commission may be established to study the matter related to the pension of ex servicemen and also interactive web site should be established to get the views, recommendation and finalisation of the report. government should think in this manner please jacob john ex sgt.  
  ex sgt jacob john  
  06 Aug 2009  
   
 
  Remakably outstanding piece of article, but do such articles are sent to the concerned authorities. Even if it is yes, do any of them read, understand and take any action. I provide my feelings on the subject as below: As per budget speech of Fin Min, the OROP is approved for few ex-men. All Officers are debarred. In fact it is not understood whom to believe. The Fin min says some thing else where as def min says some thing else. If the def min is right the govt needs to be congratulated for fulfilling its promise and long pending demand of def pensioners but if fin min is to be believed it is shame and disgrace to the concerned auth who drafted and approved OROP. It is shame for govt. for such action. The debarred def pensioners wish to know: Are the debarred pensioners are not the ex-men, did they not serve the nation? Did they not fight and many of them give their lives while fighting against external and internal enemies, whose families and children suffered? Could the def pensioners served or fought the wars without officers/can it be ever possible in future? Were the deprived def pensioners not sincere honest loyal faithful obedient dutiful submissive docile tractable and disciplined soldiers? If the fin Min is right, the following is submitted by: Lt. Col. (Retd.) K L Jaspal, H. No. 28, Sector 21-B, Faridabad, Haryana. Pin-121001. Mobile Phone No. 09471889885 Email address: krishanlaljaspal@yahoo.co.in SUBJECT: DIVIDING THE DEFENSE PENSIONERS AND CREATING DISCRIMINATION IN APPROVING ONE RANK AND ONE PENSION FOR THEM AND BY INCARPORATITING A CLAUSE OF PRO RATA OF 33YEARS FOR CALCULATING PENSION OF PRE-2006 PENSIONERS. PROLOGUE. 1. In accordance with the contents of Article 14, this piece of writing is to throw light on similarly circumstanced country men who cannot be and must not be arbitrarily divided or categorized or classified by the state for debarring some of them from the benefits whenever announced by the Govt. Efforts are made to explain that already existing classifications/categories of pensioners are founded on an intelligible differentia which distinguishes pensioners that are grouped together. Whenever and wherever, the state has ever made any deceptive efforts to further classify the pensioners for its own financial or any other interest, but that was against pensioners in financial or in any other manners, it was checked by the Law of the Land. Many of the courts of the country including the Apex court of India always stood by Article 14, which forbade the Govt. from doing so. Article 14 is therefore specifically incorporated in the constitution to ensure fairness and equality of treatment to all the countrymen of the nation, so that all of them are treated alike both in privileges conferred and liabilities imposed by the state or any of the state’s authorities. A BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE 14. 2. Article 14 of the constitution strikes at arbitrariness of the State action and ensures fairness and equality of treatment to all the country men of India. This article is attracted where equals are treated differently without any reasonable basis. The principle making the guarantee compulsory and obligatory is that all persons similarly circumstanced shall be treated alike both in privileges conferred and liabilities imposed. Equal laws would have to be applied to all the persons happened to be in the same situation and there should be no discrimination between one class of persons from the other classes of similar persons as regards the subject-matter of the legislation, their position is substantially the same. 3. The Article 14 further explicitly and unambiguously forbids class division by the state. This Article, unequivocally explains that the classification already made is founded on an intelligible differentia which distinguishes persons or things that are grouped together from those that are left out of the group and that differentia must have a rational to the object sought to be achieved by the statute in question. ENTITLEMENT OF PENSION. 4. It is well known that the pension is a right and not a bounty or gratuitous benefit. The payment of pension does not depend upon the discretion of the Government alone but it is governed as per the constitution of the nation and by the rules framed by the parliament. Thus, a government servant coming within the preview of those rules is entitled to claim the pension. CLASSIFICATIONS OF DEFENSE SERVICE PENSIONERS CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, DISREGARDING AND DISRESPECTING THE CONTENTENTS AND SPIRIT OF ARTICLE 14 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA WHICH FORBIDS FOR DOING SO. 5. Since inception of defense forces, the defense pensioners have just in one class; irrespective of ranks they wear i.e. retired defense personnel called ex-servicemen or defense pensioners. Whenever the pensionary benefits were ever enhanced by the Govt., these have been made applicable to all the pensioners, irrespective of their dates of retirements or ranks they wore. 6. Factually, Just to partially approving the concept of OROP and denying the benefit to a large number of defense pensioners, the Govt. of India have divided one united and unified the homogeneous class of ex-servicemen/defense pensioners in number of classes as under: 7. Firstly: Post 2006 defense pensioners and secondly: Pre-2006 defense pensioners. Such a division was never made earlier for affording any pensionary benefit to a few of them and debarring all others after any of the Central Pay Commissions. 8. The pre-2006 defense pensioners have been further divided in other two classes; Firstly: Pre-1997 defense pensioners and secondly: Post 1997 defense pensioners upto Dec 31 2005. Even such a division was never made earlier for affording any pensionary benefit to a few of them and debarring a large number of all others after any of the Central Pay Commissions. 9. They have once again divided the defense pensioners in other two classes: Firstly, defense pensioners that of personnel below officers’ ranks (PBOR) and secondly, defense pensioners of officers’ ranks, in spite of the fact that they always have been a unified class of es-servicemen/ex-defense pensioners. This too has never happened in the past that one part of defense pensioners is to be given enhanced pensionary benefits and other ones are to be denied/debarred. 10. Like-wise, the govt. just to re-introduce the pro rata clause of 33 years, have also divided all pensioners i.e. the defense pensioners as well as civilian central govt. pensioners in two classes: Firstly, the present pensioners i.e. post 2006 pensioners to give full pension on completion of 20 years service, and secondly, pre-2006 pensioners to re-fix their pension on the bases of completion of 33 years of service, in spite of the fact that 6th CPC has completely removed this earlier existing clause. The division of pensioners in this manner is just for applying pro rata of 33 years, only i.e. in the case of pre-2006 pensioners alone, though this clause stand removed by the 6th CPC. However, even such a division was never made earlier for affording any pensionary benefit to some of the pensioners, while others are to be denied after any of the Central Pay Commissions. 11. It seems if the govt. has divided the pensioners with ulterior, underhanded, mysterious and inexplicable motive so that none of the large number of pensioners can put forth their grievances unitedly. 12. It is surprising to note that our own Govt have adopted this sort of a policy of dividing even the defense pensioners who have been nation’s bravest heroes, most sincere, honest, loyal, faithful, obedient, dutiful, submissive, docile, tractable, and disciplined soldiers during their service. They served the nation in most hostile, unfavourable conditions and difficult terrains on its border to safe guard its safety and security. They fought against external and internal enemies, without caring of their own life as well as future of their families and children. The Govt must have done not so, rather, must have some soft corner to do justice to the pensioners, especially to the defense pensioners, who have given their entire prime youth in service of the nation. WELFARE OF DEFENSE PERSONNEL. 13. It is that of paramount importance that soldiers’ welfare while they are serving as well after their retirement must be taken care of, so that they do not have to worry, vacillate, remain anxious, agonize, and lose sleep and their proficiency, competence, performance, drive and morale is never effected adversely. If it is not done, the morale, self-confidence, self-esteem, and buoyancy of the soldiers are most likely to be effected adversely. Considering the conditions a soldier is required to serve, nature of his duties and expectations from him, suitable candidate may not like to join the forces, which will not in the national interest and may prove to be disastrous and catastrophic at some unknown stage CONCEPT OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP). 14. Principally, the concept of ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP) implies that, all the defense personnel, who have retired or will be retiring from the same rank/post with the same length of service, should always get same amount of pension, irrespective of their past or future dates of retirements and total length of service they rendered or will render for the national security. 15. The demand of One Rank One Pension (OROP) had been pending since decades. The govt. has divided the defense personnel in number of classes just to debar a large number of them from the concept and benefit of entitlement of One Rank One Pension (OROP) before its approval. 16. Astonishingly, the Govt. of India while approving the concept of One Rank One Pension, have completely ignored, unobserved, disregarded, overlooked and by passed the contents of Article 14 of the constitution of the country as well as judgements of the Apex court and various other courts of the country. 17. The demand of “One Rank One Pension (OROP)” of defense personnel is long outstanding and has been raised time and again by the defense personnel/pensioners. Unfortunately and regrettably, all the preceding CENTAL PAY COMMISSIONS (CPCs) and the Governments have been shying away, refusing, declining,, throwing out, denying, and thrusting aside this legitimate demand for decades. It is mentioned with anguish, agony, pain, grief and distress that it had been happening despite the fact that main national political parties of the country like National Congress Party and Bhartia Janta Party, have been including this demand in their previous election manifestoes. This subject was also included in the President’s address in the Parliament in 2004, thereby making One Rank One Pension (OROP) the declared policy of Government (not that of any particular political party). 18. The National Congress party and Bhatia Janta party had incorporated in their election manifesto before the preceding general election to approve the concept of providing One Rank One Pension, the long outstanding demand of defense pensioners. None of the political party mentioned that the concept of OROP will be approved in the case of a few of the defense pensioners by dividing them in various classes. Accordingly, the issue was taken up by the present UPA Govt from the very beginning on assuming the power of its second tenure. 19. Nevertheless, it is most disappointing to note that while approving One Rank One Pension benefit, a large number of the defense pensioners “personnel below officers ranks” and all the defense pensioners of the officer’ ranks have been debarred/left out of this legitimate benefit and approved in case of some of them. It is regretted that while approving OROP, the defense pensioners have been divided in number of classes by the govt. just to debar a large number of them from the concept of One Rank One Pension benefit. From the action of dividing the defense pensioners in such a manner, it can be clearly seen that the govt. has totally violated, disregarded, ignored, unobserved, overlooked and by passed the contents of the Article of the constitution of the country. 20. The UPA Govt. must fulfill their promise, assurance and pledge since it was incorporated in their manifesto/agenda of providing OROP in totality for all the past, present and future defense personnel/pensioners without dividing them in various classes as has been presently done. 21. As a result of the most undesired action of dividing the defense pensioners, they feel to have been cheated, disenchanted, let down, embittered and disillusioned by the govt. It was never expected and imagined that the present govt. could do such a great injustice to them and it would approve the concept of One Rank One Pension benefit just for a few of the defense pensioners and a large number of them would be excluded and debarred from this long awaited legitimate demand. The govt. and the concerned authorities therefore have done a most heinous, monstrous, atrocious, odious, shocking, wicked and scandalous act of debarring the old soldiers from getting their long awaited due. 22. It is regretted with extreme pain, distress and anguish to point out that by dividing the defense pensioners in number of classes in such a deceitful manner, the govt. seem to have treated the left out defense pensioners from the approved preview of One Rank One Pension as if the debarred defense pensioners have been disloyal, or discarded, or undisciplined, or traitors, or conspirators, or collaborators, or defectors, or deserters, or spies, or double agents, or turncoats. If it is not so, no govt. could ever think of meting such a shabby, scruffy, dilapidated, grungy, disgraceful, shameful, shocking, outrageous, scandalous, dishonorable, discreditable, reprehensible, appalling, biased, prejudiced, unfair, bigoted, inequitable and discriminatory treatment to any of the defense pensioners. 23. The debarred defense forces pensioners wish to ask the present Govt. and the concerned authorities to reply to the question: Does any of the authorities who approved such an awful, appalling, shocking, evil, wicked, depraved, brutal, and abysmal action of dividing the defense pensioners in such a deceitful, cunning, devious and deceitful manner and debarring a large number of them from the benefit of OROP have any answer of the following questions in support of their misdeed, transgression and misdemeanor: a. Are the remaining debarred defense pensioners for whom benefit of One Rank One Pension has not been approved are not the ex-defense personnel and did they not serve the nation, may they be officers or PBOR of pre-1997 period and the officers of post 1997 period? b. Did all the debarred defense pensioners when in service of their beloved motherland not fight and many of them not give their lives while fighting against the external and internal enemies, whose families and children have suffered and are still suffering till date? c. Could the defense forces pensioners served or fought the wars/battles against the enemies without the officers or can it be possible ever in future? d. Have the defense pensioners who have been debarred from the benefit of OROP not served the nation like other soldiers for whom the concept of OROP has been approved? e. Were the deprived defense pensioners not sincere, honest, loyal, faithful, obedient, dutiful, submissive, docile, tractable, and disciplined soldiers while they were in service of their beloved country? f. Did the deprived defense pensioners not give their prime youth and some of them their lives in service of the nation while they were in service? 24. The whole nation in general and the debarred defense pensioners in particular would like to know the answers of the above questions and similar many more questions. It is felt that no concerned authorities can ever answer the above questions. 25. It seem that the authorities think that all the debarred officers and some PBOR are from the royal families like Maharaja Bhawani Singh who did not take his pay except Rupee one as his salary. Hence, they need not get the benefit of OROP. 26. OR, they think that the debarred officers and PBOR pensioners are multi millionaires/billionaires like politicians who keep spending in crores for fighting elections, hence they are not required to give the benefit of OROP. Surprisingly, all the MPs, irrespective any amount of wealth they possess, even then they get full pension for each and all of their tenures for any amount of period they remain MPS, where as the defense pensioners are denied full pension/OROP for their such a long service to the nation. 27. It is emphatically and vigorously pointed out that such an action of dividing the defense pensioners and debarring a large number of the existing pensioners is that of denial of equal benefit for fixation of pension for the pre-2006 defense pensioners including defense officers’ pensioners. Such a division of defense pensioners is the explicit case of arbitrary introduction of words of limitation as per Article 14. There is nothing immutable and incontrovertible about the choosing of an event as an eligibility criterion subsequent to a specified date. As the event is certain but its occurrence may have happened to be at a different point of time, it is considered wholly irrelevant and arbitrary, having an undesirable effect of dividing a homogeneous class of defense pensioners and creating discrimination among them, which can be easily severed and set aside by any court of the country. 28. The Govt. is fully aware of the contents of Article 14 and its requirement/importance. It seems that the govt. by dividing the defense pensioners has intentionally and deliberately violated and disregarded the spirit of Article 14 as it has completely ignored, unobserved, overlooked and by passed its contents. It is therefore just and proper that the words introducing the arbitrary and fortuitous circumstances which are vulnerable as denying equality be severed and struck down by the govt. with immediate effect. 29. It is strongly felt that if the govt. still justify their action of dividing the defense pensioners and debarring a large number of them from getting the benefit of OROP, in that case, it is suggested with anguish that all the debarred defense pensioners who are considered a fit case for their disqualification and debarring then from giving the benefit of One Rank One Pension; it is better “all of them be shot dead or hanged, so that none of them are required to be paid any amount of their pension”, rather than wounding and insulting them in such a heinous and atrocious manner. APPLYING PRO RATA OF 33 YEARS FOR GIVING FULL PENSION. 30. As mentioned at para 10 above, the DP&T (P&PW have retained the clause of pro rata of 33 years, quoting; it is as per pension regulations of 1972. The pension regulations were originally framed afresh at that time when number of clauses were incorporated in these regulations. It may be noted that most of the clauses have undergone changes since thereafter. 31. It is clear that the pension is admissible to the eligible employees in accordance with the pension regulations of 1972. The pension regulations of 1972 lay down as to: How much should be the pension, how it is to be calculated, when it is to be revised, how much and when it is to be revised, after how long one should be entitled, how it is re-fixed e.t.c. These regulations are being changed periodically since 1972. Nevertheless, these have always been uniformly applied category-wise/class-wise, but class/category was never further divided to give benefit to some and deny the others. Rather, it has always been done without any discrimination. However, if the Govt. ever divided the category or class of employees for whatever reasons that happened to be against the interest of some pensioners, the courts of the land always struck down such divisions. Hence, in view of the fact that 6th CPC has removed the period of 33 years service for giving full pension and full pension, which now is eligible after 20 years of service; retaining the pro rata of 33 years for pre 2006 pension alone is highly illogical and discriminatory. 32. It is reiterated that dividing the defense personnel in various classes just for approving the concept/benefit of OROP for a few of them and denying it to a large number of them. Also, dividing all other pensioners as mentioned above, is just for applying the pro rata of 33 year for re-fixation of their pension after 6th CPC. It is emphatically, forcefully, ardently, insistently, strongly, heartily and vigorously stated that while creating such a division among the defense as well as all other pensioners in this manner, the Govt has completely, totally, entirely, fully, utterly, and absolutely neglected the principal of equality and the contents of Article 14 and even overlooked, ignored and disregarded the judgements of the Apex Court of the country and also various other courts delivered their judgments in adopting the principal of equality in the past. 33. Further, the govt. and concerned authorities, are also well aware that the Constitutional Bench of Honorable Supreme Court of India gave decision in the case of D S Nakra and others Verses Union of India (1983) 1 SCC 305 . One of the questions posed in the case was whether a class of Pensioners could be divided for the purpose of entitlement and payment of pension into those who retired by certain date and those who retired thereafter. The Constitution Bench held that such division being both arbitrary and unprincipled; the classification did not stand the test of Article 14. The argument that the cut off date had to be fixed in view of the limited financial resources available to cover up additional expenses to be incurred on account of revision of pay scale was not accepted by the Constitution Bench of the honorable Supreme Court. 34. The above Judgement pronounced by a Constitutional Bench of Supreme Court is available at http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/qrydisp.aspx for the benefit of all who want to read it. 35. The case dates back to 70s when the Government had introduced Liberalized Pension Scheme. Earlier pension was calculated based on the average salary of last 36 months. Under Liberalized Pension Scheme, the provisions were changed to calculate the pension based on the average salary of last 10 months. This was applicable to all the present and future pensioners. The case was filed by one retired civil officer (subject to Central Civil Pension Rules 1972) and one retired defense officer (subject to Army Pension Regulations) and the third petitioner was a Registered Society. Only the following extracts of this judgment will clarify the of the Apex court, which is the position: a. “Proceeding further, this Court observed that where all relevant considerations are the same, persons holding identical posts may not be treated differently in the matter of their pay merely because they belong to different departments. If that can't be done when they are in service, can that be done during their retirement? Expanding this principle, one can confidently say that if pensioners form a class, their computation cannot be by different formula affording unequal treatment solely on the ground that some retired earlier and some retired later.” b. Further “All pensioners whenever they retired, would be covered by the liberalised pension scheme, because the scheme is a scheme for payment of pension to a pensioners governed by 1972 Rules. The date of retirement is irrelevant. But the revised scheme would be operative for all from the date mentioned in the scheme and would bring under its umbrella all existing pensioners and those who retired/retire subsequent to that date. In case of pensioners who retired prior to the specified date, their pension would be computed afresh” 36. The above part pertains to clearly explains that while approving OROP, the defense pensioners of officers’ ranks and defense personnel below officers ranks must not be differentiated. It also clarifies that the pensioners must not be divided in various classes on the ground that some retired earlier and some retired later for giving the benefit of OROP to some and debar others as well as adopting pro rata of 33 yeas for some and giving full pension in 20 years to others. 37. It is abundantly clear from the above extracts that the Hon’ble Supreme Court, upholding the Article 14 of the constitution of India has already objected to the division of pensioners and accepted the principle of equality and this is the Apex court of the country which enjoys the status of the LAW OF THE LAND. 38. The Apex court judgements apply exactly to the case of all the debarred defense pensioners for approving One Rank One Pension for them irrespective of their date of retirement and rank they held before their retirement. If the govt. still does not reconsider their decision of approving the concept of OROP for all the defense pensioners, it will be the contempt of court orders as well as disregard and disrespect to Article 14 of the constitution of India. 39. Deprival of due and that too justified due of approval of concept of OROP for a large number of the defense pensioners including retired officers has created gloom and obscurity as well as a great resentment, antipathy and umbrage amongst the pre-2006 defense retirees. 40. It is submitted that it may not be possible for the debarred old disciplined defense and civil pensioners to do what other civilian force of the country can do, due to their old age, poor health, left over responsibilities and financial constraints; moreover all of them being spread in far flung areas and some in most remote areas in the country. They are unable to approach any of the concerned authorities or Courts of Law to seek justice due to their inabilities and constrains. The govt. therefore must not take undue advantage of their inabilities, rather, must have mercy on them to give OROP to all the defense pensioners irrespective of their date of retirement and the ranks they held before their retirement and remove the clause of pro rata of 33 years for re-fixing their pension, as this clause is completely removed by the 6th CPC for all the post 2005 retirees. 41. It is mandatory for the Govt. to Adhere, regard, observe, respect and honor Article 14 of the constitution of India and number of Apex court judgements on the subject, as well as considering the nature of services the defense pensioners rendered in extreme unfavorable climatic conditions, and terrains against external and internal enemies of the nation for the security and safety of the country and the countrymen. As such, it becomes, necessary, unavoidable obligatory, binding and compulsory for the govt. to reconsider the matter to have sympathetic consideration in favour of old soldiers to approve One Rank One Pension for all of them without any discrimination, and prejudice. 42. The govt. and the concerned authorities therefore to please do look into this matter without any prejudice, narrow-mindedness, discrimination and insularity to initiate immediate action and issue amendment to sanction One Rank One Pension for all the defense pensioners without any disparity of ranks. It is equally essential to remove the unwarranted, gratuitous, uncalled-for, unjustifiable and unsubstantiated pro rata clause of 33 years for the pre 2006 pensioners. 43. In view of the facts, particulars, details, specifics, documentary evidence and veracity explained above, all the defense pensioners, most industriously, earnestly, vigorously, sincerely and honestly request and appeal to benign self of the President of India, Vice President, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister, all the Ministers of the Govt., MPs of the country and concerned authorities to please examine, and review the case to approve the principle/concept of One Rank One Pension in totality for all the defense forces pensioners without attaching any strings of dates of retirement or ranks they wore before their retirement. 44. Also, another earnest request is made to remove the clause of pro rata of 33 years for all the pre-2006 pensioners for fixation of their revised pension. 45. The most urgent action in the matter is solicited please. Yours Sincerely, Lt. Col. (retd). K L Jaspal.  
  K L Jaspal  
  10 Aug 2009  
   
 
  A few random thoughts are as follows:- 1. Reduction of Man power by half by reducing the size of Units/HQs. Their number and firepower to be retained, by automation, sophistication, etc. Savings accrued should be used for doubling of emoluments of combatants. 2. Obtain Concessions and exemptions from Central and other Govt agencies instead of more money. 3. Media outlet for our voice by means of an exclusive Defence Forces Daily and a TV Channel. 4. A Political party by Soldiers (serving and retired) to