PLIGHT OF PBOR PENSIONERS ; POST 01JAN 2006

PLIGHT OF PBOR PENSIONER : POST 01 JAN 2006

There is a general impression throughout the nation that all demands of Defense Services pertaining to 6 CPC have been accepted by the Govt. The services have raised 4 core issues as anomaly in the recommendation of 6th CPC. Three pertains to Officers and one related to pension of PBOR. Two demands of Officers, granting HAG+ to Lt Gens and placing Lt Col in PB 4 have been accepted and necessary notification issued. However, there is no news about pension of PBOR and this issue is to be understood in totality.

6th CPC recommended that as PBOR retire at an early age, hence they be provided alternate job and be absorbed in para military forces or other such civilian defence organizations. Commission further recommended that since they will be provided job after retirement, hence, their pension be reduced and extant pensionary benefits which they were enjoying due to early retirement and truncated career be withdrawn.

Govt did not accept the demand to provide them job after retirement but accepted the demand of reduction in pension. Prudent decision on the part of Govt to reduce the pension burden on Govt exchequer. But PBOR lost on both counts. They will have to retire at an early age, no guarantee of job after retirement and reduction of pension.

As per the news reports when the Defence Minister as well as Defence HQ raised the issue with Cabinet Secretary during the month of Sep 2008, the Govt agreed in principal to restore the reduced pension. Then news came the formation of GOM. News agencies further reported during last week of Dec 09 that PMO has issued instructions to MOD accepting three demands of the services including restoration of pensionary benefits to Jawans

Five months have passed since then, notification pertaining to the issues of Officers have been issued during Apr 09 but no news about the pension of PBOR. Pension of these personnel, who retired after 01 Jan 06 and currently retiring has been fixed on the old rates i.e. As per 5th CPC. Further, as their pension is still to be decided, no DA has been granted to them as announced on 01 Jan 08 and 01 Jan 09. As a result;,their pension which is on old scale is static for the last one year.

PBOR pension case is not of any enhancement but only restoration of reduced pension. Still so much delay. Nobody knows how much time it will take. No word either from service HQs or MOD. But, surely, these PBOR have been treated badly.

Sub.Sharawat (Retd.)

SEPOY'S WIDOW GETS PENSION FROM SUPREME COURT

SEPOY'S WIDOW GETS PENSION AFTER DECADE LONG STRUGGLE

Chandigarh, April 14 After a decade long struggle, Sukhwinder Kaur, widow of Sepoy Kewal Singh of Sangrur District, got the Special Family Pension and disability pension arrears due to her husband. This, even when the Indian Army invalidated her claim.

Kaur’s case was taken up by the All India Ex-servicemen Welfare Association under its Legal Aid Scheme and contested up to the Supreme Court of India.

Kewal Singh joined the Army on August 27, 1979 as Sepoy and served for 9 years and 131 days. During his service, he suffered from low backache, pleurisy with effusion and poly-arthritis due to stress and strain of service. He was downgraded to the Medical Category CEE (P).

However, he was posted to Andaman and Nicobar Islands against the medical advice and after his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to Military Hospital in Patiala for treatment. During this period, he was posted to Assam. As he was not able to perform his duties efficiently due to the disabilities, he applied for discharge on medical ground. He was discharged on January 4, 1989 after rendering more than 9 years of service.

When he applied for the disability pension, the PCDA (P) rejected his claim stating he had been discharged on compassionate grounds even though all the disabilities were held attributable due to service with 40 per cent composite disability. Singh died on December 10, 1997, and after his death his wife was refused any kind of benefits including family pension for the reasons that her husband was a non-pensioner.

The All India Ex-servicemen Welfare Association took up the matter with the Ministry of Defence that fetched no positive response. Thereon, the association filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court for the grant of Arrears of Disability Pension from January 5,1989, to December 10,1997, to be paid to the widow and there after Special Family Pension from December 11,1997, onward for life.

A Division Bench of Delhi High Court, comprising Justice Vijender Jain and Justice B R Malhotra, allowed the petition and directed the Ministry of Defence to pay the Disability Pension Arrears as well as Special Family Pension within eight weeks along with 9 per cent interest.

But, Ministry of Defence filed a Special Leave Petition against the judgment of the Delhi High Court. The Supreme Court stayed the operation of the judgment of Delhi High Court in the meanwhile issuing the notice to the widow.

Ultimately when the matter came up for final hearing, the Supreme Court dismissed the Special Leave Petition thereby upholding the judgment of Delhi High Court.

Source: Express News Service. Apr 15, 2008

REVISION OF PENSION FOR MNS OFFICERS PRE 2006

REVISION OF PENSION FOR PRE 01.01.2006
MNS OFFICERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS
Lt.Cols/Family Pensioners pre 01.01.06 &
Pre 1996 EC/SSC Pensioners/Family Pensioners.

Revision of pension for pre 2006 MNS Officers retiree pensioners/Family pensioners have been released by MOD and PCDA(P) Allahabad vide PCDA(P) Most Important circular No.412 dated 26.5.2009.

ORDERS FOR DISABILITY PENSION / SPECIAL FAMILY PENSION
ETC. ARE RELEASED FOR PENSIONERS RETIRING AFTER 01.01.2006.

Revision of Pension for Lt.Cols/Family Pensioners pre 1.1.06 - Click
Revision of Pension for Pre 1996 Ec/SSC Pension/Family Pension - Click


Revision for Pension for Pre 01.01.2006 MNS Officers - Click
Revision for Disability Pension/Spl. Family Pension for Post 01.01.06 - Click

AN APPEAL FROM EXSM. GRIEVANCES CELL

AN APPEAL FROM THE PRESIDENT

EX-SERVICEMEN GRIEVANCES CELL

TO ALL CONCERNED.
email:sadhusohi@gmail.com

Ref: ESM/GC-M/09/12 Dated: 31 Mar 09

To & 24/5/09.

1. Adjt Gen, IHQ of MOD (Army), New Delhi-11.

2. CGDA, West Block-5, RK Puram New Delhi-66.

3. Jt CDA (Pensions) Allahabad- 211014.

4. Secy, ESM Welfare Dept, MOD New Delhi-11.

Banks & Bureaucrats are delaying sanctioned Pensions/ benefits to Ex-Servicemen

Sir,

1. There has been regular flow of complaints on Pensions from all corners of states, that their Pensions are not reaching in their accounts correctly & properly. Every bank has his own system of working & calculating ESM Pensions, which vary from Bank to Bank. Therefore, same rank ESM are getting different amount of Pension from different Banks. Most of the Banks do not have trained clerical staff to work out our Pensions and are mainly dependent on their Head/ Zonal Offices. That’s how most of the ESM/ Widows are getting raw deal at lower Banks and are being told to go to their HO for details. Remote area banks are playing worst role. Widow Krishna Devi from Kharar tells that she has not got single rupee arrears, yet.

2. Even no worth while help is coming out of the civilian staff of DPDOs (Defence Pension Disbursing Offices) at district level. CDA has not issued specific revised/ new PPOs (Pension Pay Orders) to Individual ESM & Banks. After Govt’s approval of 6^th Pay Commission, Ministry of Defence has issued instructions to all Paying agencies to release Pension payments to ESM as per some charts. Even these charts & instructions have been changed/ modified more than twice, hence lot of confusions have come up at various places. Civil staff does not work even for 40 hours weekly and lot many holidays in between have made ESM/ Widows suffer adversely.

3. Bureaucratic staff sitting at MOD is generally delaying publication of due notifications for release of Pensions. They have been making too many mistakes in interpreting Pay commission’s recommendations. Because, this civilian staff is unprofessional, anti ESM and lack interest & commitment of duty. That’s how MOD was pointed out 107 mistakes on 14/1/09 during their meeting with ESM Assns and 70 mistakes were agreed to remove on priority with in weeks, are still groping in dark. Worst is that Govt have already approved PB-4 for Lt Colonels 2 months back but our Bureaucracy/ MOD is still not in mood to publish Notification and working over time probably, to put some hurdles in it. Because there is no body there from ESM/ Forces to safe guard our interests & entitlements. Where as these civilians alter/ manipulate documents to their advantage. That’s why orders are passed down with lacunas/ mistakes.

4. The Finance Ministry of Sh PK Bansal, (MP from Chandigarh) is also playing equally negative role. They take months to release/ clear ESM Pension money and probably trying to run Govt & Elections with our/ Defence money. 6^th Pay Commission’s increased pay & Pensions due wef 1/1/06 are not yet cleared. ESM are released only 40% arrears after 34 months & only God know when rest 60% will be released, at this rate. Govt ordered release payments as per PB-4, two months back, are held up just for nothing. Fin Mini have money readily available for sinking companies/ defaulters, elections & every body else but not for ESM. Lot of Defence budget is also designed to surrender yearly.

5. All the retired soldiers after 1/1/06, are still looking to the sky for the increased Pension & arrears.

6. Therefore, we humbly request all dealing bosses to streamline their working and payment system to avoid any further delay and harassment to ESM Community, please. We shall be highly obliged please.

Your’s Sincerely,

Copy to: (Lt Col SS Sohi, Retd). President,

1. All concerned. Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell (Regd)

Progress Action Report-I.

7. Sir, we are grateful for publishing Govt Notification dt 21/5/09 on PB-4 for pre 1/1/06 retiree Lt Colonels. This provides good relief for Officers. However, similar benefits for lower segments are still awaited please. Specially, Personnel Below the Officers Ranks (PBORs), (96)%, are also looking very hopefully towards Govt’s forth coming benefits/ orders, amounting to One Rank One Pension (OROP) demand, please.

8. Similarly, the 6^th Pay Commission benefits for post 1/1/06 retirees, were cleared long back by the cabinet, but are still under Govt’s Publication for release of Pensions. We are also hopeful that Govt will be kind enough to release the amount (of all type of Pensions) to the Bankers soon. Many ESM/ Widows are still not happy with delays & Bank calculation services, please.

Copy to: As above. (Lt Col SS Sohi, Retd). Dt: 24/5/09.

Note: Sir, Govt has cleared benefits for Lt Gen to Lt Col & not for Jr Offrs & PBORs. This has put Officer’s cadre on Defensive & in awkward position. We need to come out of this to save unity. Col Sohi.

GRANT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO RESERVISTS & THEIR WIDOWS

PBORs & THEIR FAMILIES ARE UNAWARE OF MANY ORDERS

HERE IS ONE SUCH ORDER

GRANT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO THE FAMILIES OF DECEASED RESERVISTS.

Copy of Government of India, Min. of Defence letter No.B/40029/AG/PS(d)/1/B/D (Pension/Services) dated 7th January, 1999.

GRANT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO THE FAMILIES OF DECEASED RESERVISTS

Sir,

I am directed to refer to this ministry’s letter No.10(7)/92/D (Pension/Services) dated 30 March, 1992 sanctioning ex-gratia payment w.e.f. 01 Jan 1992 or from the date following the date of death of deceased reservists to the widow and dependent children of the deceased who had opted to receive one time lump sum gratuity in lieu of pension and state that the President is now pleased to decide that the ex-gratia payment sanctioned above shall be consolidated w.e.f. 01.11.97 at the following rate:-

The amount of basic Revised/Consolidated Rate of DR PM
Ex-gratia prior to basic amount of w.e.f. 1.11.97 &
1.11.97 Ex-gratia wef 1.11.97 until further order
(i) (ii) (iii)
Rs.150 Rs.605/- Rs.13/- + 5% of 605

Dearness relief as may be notified from time in future shall also be admissible to them.

The recipients of ex-gratia payment who were employed/re-employed under the Central or State Govt. or under a body Corporate/Autonomous organization belonging to the Central or State Government were eligible only or reconsolidated basic ex-gratia and were not eligible or increase in Dearness Relief on ex-gratia payment allowed from time to time in the past during the period of their employment/re-employment. With this consolidation family members of the deceased reservists will be eligible for ex-gratia payment as indicated in Para 1 column above w.e.f. 1.11.97 during the course of their employment/re-employment. These persons will not be entitled to DR indicated in column (iii) above (and which may be sanctioned in future) as long as they remain employed/re-employed.

The family members who are already in receipt of ex-gratia payment will get DR on the pre-consolidated amount of ex-gratia at old rate w.e.f. 01. Jul 97 to 31 Oct 97 i.e. at the rate of 182%.

Arrears of ex-gratia payment will be payable w.e.f. 1.11.97. Life time arrears of ex-gratia payment will also be admissible in respect of beneficiaries who were alive on 1.11.97 and died subsequently to that date, for the period from 1.11.97 to the date of death.

These orders issue with the concurrence of Ministry of Defence (Finance/Pension) vide their U.O.No.2981/Pen/98 dated 30.12.1998.

GRANT OF EX-GRATIA TO RESERVISTS

Copy of Govt. of India, Min. of Defence, New Delhi letter No.8/39042/AG/PS-4(a&c)1331/C/D (Pen/Sers) dated 29.12.2000.

Grant of ex-gratia to reservists who did not opt for grant of pension and have not availed themselves of the benefits of rehabilitation assistance granted by Government and are not in receipt of any other pension.

Sir,

The undersigned is directed to convey the sanction of the President to the grant of ex-gratia payment of Rs.600 p.m. plus dearness relief applicable from time to time to the reservists who were discharged prior to 1.4.68 and who having rendered minimum qualifying service required for grant of pension, had opted/accepted for lump sum amount of gratuity at the time of release from service and have not availed benefits of rehabilitation assistance granted by the Govt. and are not in receipt of any other pension. The ex-gratia will be payable w.e.f. 01.November, 1997.

Payment of dearness relief involving a fraction of a rupee shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee.

This issues with the concurrence of finance division of this Ministry vide their U.O
No.4661/Pen/00 dated 21.12.2000.

Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
(L.K.Haldar)
Under Secretary to the Govt of India.

Comment: These orders were issued as early Jan 1999. Very few have availed the
benefits. Ex-servicemen Welfare Associations should verify the documents
of their members and help them to get these benefits.
Please note that the benefits were first sanctioned to the widows of the
reservists and thereafter to the living reservists. This is a very old order, still
benefits can be claimed with arrears.

ROUNDING OF DISABILITY BENEFITS

Benefit of rounding off / bunching of disability percentage for calculation of disability element would be applicable to superannuating personnel too

The 5th Central Pay Commission had recommended the benefit of rounding-off / bunching of disability percentages for grant of disability element of disability pension. It was recommended that persons with disability till 50% should be paid a disability element calculated by taking the disability at 50%, those with a disability between 50-75% should be granted a disability element by taking the disability as 75% and those with a disability above 75% should be granted a disability element @ 100%.

The said modalities were notified by the Govt in 2001 with effect from 1996. However, the govt sanction letter provided that the said benefit would only be made available to those who were invalided out and not to those who were discharged on completion of terms or on superannuation with a disability, and that the latter would be granted a disability element in accordance with the actual percentage of disability and hence would not be provided the benefit of rounding off / bunching.

The Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court however did not take this kindly. The Hon’ble High Court in 2008, in the case Paramjit Singh Vs Union of India, ruled that even those who are discharged on completion of terms or on superannuation would be entitled to the rounding off and bunching of disability percentage thereby leading to an enhanced pension. The same was done by relying on Regulation 179 (Regulation 53 for officers) of the Pension Regulations for the Army. The said Regulations provide that persons retiring or superannuating with a disability would also be ‘deemed to have been invalided out’ or service.

The govt however filed a review petition in the said Writ Petition but the same has been dismissed by the Hon’ble Court and it has been re-iterated that the benefit should be granted to all disabled personnel including those discharged / retiring with a disability and not only to those who have been invalided.

The Court has also held that AGIF is liable to pay disability cover even to discharged / superannuating personnel and that AGIF is very much a body under the control of the govt, the actions of which can be challenged in the High Court. It was contended by the Govt that AGIF was not a body of the ‘State’ and hence writ jurisdiction could not be invoked against it.

Source: Indian Military Service Benefits & issues Blog

TIMELY HELP OF EX-SERVICEMEN GRIEVANCES CELL

YEO-MAN SERVICE BY COL.S.S.SOHI AND HIS MEN

Mohali, May 25
Members of various bodies of ex-servicemen gathered at Fortis Hospital here today to get the body of a defence personnel released who had died at the hospital. According to reports, warrant officer Baldev Raj (64) died at the hospital, but the management was allegedly not handing over the body to members of his family because the pending payments were not cleared.

Col SS Sohi (retd), president of the Ex-Servicemen Grievance Cell, said he had gathered members of other bodies to press upon the Fortis management to release the body as members of the family of the deceased were already under agony.

He said he had received a phone call from the daughter of the deceased who told him that the hospital was not releasing the body of his father as bills amounting to about Rs 2.57 lakh had not been cleared. However, after ex-servicemen argued with the authorities concerned the body was released without clearing the dues.

A press release of the hospital stated that Baldev Raj came to Fortis Hospital on May 14 in a critical condition. After an angiography he was diagnosed with critical cardiac disease, for which he was immediately wheeled in for a lifesaving cardiac surgery despite the attendants having no money to deposit. This was done in order to save his life. At this juncture, the family did not inform Fortis that Baldev Raj was an ex-serviceman.

The attendants had promised money within four hours of the surgery, but were unable to do so. However, they did deposit part of the payment in small fractions over the next three days.
The release further said after three days of the surgery, they presented a newly made ECHS benefit card and requested the case be converted to ECHS from cash paying.

Fortis asked them to get permission for the conversion. The family tried to get approvals for the conversion from the Command Hospital, but the approvals were denied as it was not permissible post admission. To help the patient’s family even the hospital authorities tried to get the approvals, but did not succeed.

The patient’s critical condition was explained to the family on daily basis. On May 24, the doctor called the daughter of the patient and told her that the patient was very serious. He passed away at 2.30 pm and the daughter was informed immediately. She requested that the hospital to keep the body in the mortuary for the night and said she would take it away in the morning after clearing the bills.

Courtesy: Tribune Chandigarh.

Comment: Kudos to Col.SS Sohi and his dedicated men. Despite lot of publicity
for the ECHS, still lot of ex-servicemen are reluctant to join ECHS. All welfare
Associations must help their members to join ECHS immediately.

USEFUL INFORMATION TO ECHS MEMBERS

USEFUL INFORMATION TO ECHS MEMBERS

REFERRAL PROCEDURE FOR OUTSTATION PATIENTS

1. Ref this HQ:-

(a) Letter No B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral dt 01 Sep 04.
(b) Letter No B/49762/AG/ECHS dt 02 Aug 06.

2. Several instances have come to notice where certain Polyclinics have either denied or are reluctant to provide treatment to outstation ECHS members. Some polyclinics have even demanded Temporary Attachment Certificate (TAC) prior to entertaining any out station patient... Some other Polyclinics have refused treatment inspite of TAC on the ground that TACs are meant only for issue of medicines.

3. It is once again reiterated that ECHS patient will be provided treatment for all diseases, including referral to empanelled hospitals at any polyclinic he reports. The purpose of TAC is to enable issue of drugs for longer duration to chronic patients. However, this does NOT debar a patient from availing of requisite treatment without a TAC.

4. When a patient seeks planned/specific treatment in a station other than the station of his Parent Polyclinic, a specific referral is to be generated by Parent Polyclinic to the other" station to enable further management. However when an ECHS beneficiary falls sick or require treatment while visiting some other station, he is fully entitled to report to the nearest Polyclinic and avail of any treatment.

5. You are requested to issue necessary instructions to all concerned, so that all patients are provided treatment while on visits to any station in the country through the nearest ECHS Polyclinic.
ECHS Central Organisation

Letter No.B/49770-P/AG/ECHS/Referral Dt.05 Apr 07.
Tel:011-25684945 Central Organisation ECHS
Comment: Since the Polyclinics are not following the

instructions, this is circulated again. Members

please make a note.

EX-SERVICEMEN DEMAND PB-2 FOR HAVILDARS

EX-SERVICEMEN DEMAND TO PLACE HAVILDARS IN PB-2.

PATIALA: Indian Ex-Services League Punjab & Chandigarh, the oldest and a non-political body of ex-servicemen has asked the committee formed by Centre Govt. under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Affair) S.M. Acharya to place Havildars and equivalent in pay-band, PB-2.

The league said that these non-commissioned officers form the real backbone of the Armed Forces and enjoy the same position as their counter parts, Lt. Cols. and equivalent, in the cadre of commissioned officers.

Sgt. Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd., President, Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh said in a press release Tuesday that It was a pity that none of the senior officers, who spearheaded the demand of placing Lt. Cols. in PB-4, spoke even a single word when they found these senior non-commissioned officers having been placed in PB-1 along with class IV employees which caused a tremendous frustration among the PBORs.

The league has, further stressed upon the committee to re-allocate Sub. Major to pay-band, PB-3 if it really intends to arrest the heart burning among the PBORs caused by the recommendations / implementation of Sixth Pay Commission, He added.

The League has reiterated its demand of raising minimum pension (applicable to reservist only) to Rs. 4600/= PM (Basic Pay 5200 + Gr.Pay 2000+ MSP 2000 divided by 2) on the same analogy as it has fixed Rs. 3500/= PM (Basic Pay 5200+Gr.Pay 1800 divided by 2) for the civilian employees Sixth Pay Commission has separated soldiers from civilian by granting MSP (Military Service Pay) to the former at the rate of Rs. 2000/= for PBORs and Rs. 6000/= for officers. As such, granting of Rs. 3500/= PM as minimum pension to service personnel is not justified by any stretch of law.

The League has further demanded a pension of Rs. 6000/=PM for Sepoy, Rs. 7000/= for Nk. Rs. 9000/= for Havildar Rs. 10,000/= PM for Nb. Sub. Rs. 11,000/= for Sub. and Rs. 13,000/=PM for Sub. Majors and equivalents till the committee is in a position to grant ONE RANK ONE PENSION to the soldiers.

League has sought the support of all likeminded organizations of ex-servicemen (both PBORs and officers) and also the senior officers in IESM if they sincerely wish to stand by the PBORs as many of them apparently claim to do so in this respect.

The league has reminded the committee that PBORs count for 96% of the total strength in the Armed forces and they have been crushed by the partial recommendation and faltered implementation of pay commission report.

In the Armed Forces, Havildars and below, who retire before the age of 40 years, count for 85% where as J.C.O. form a chunk of 11% and the strength of officers is only 4%. A gross injustice has been done to middle ranking PBORs, Hav. and equivalent which needs to be corrected at the earliest.

In case nothing is done to assuage the feeling of PBORs, situation is likely to explode to an uncontrollable extent for which the govt. in power at the center will be, solely, held responsible.

A CLARION CALL TO THE PBORs

A CLARION CALL TO THE PBORs

Press Note

Patiala - 25 May. In its letter, dt 25-5-2009 faxed to Defence Minister, A.K. Antony, Indian Ex-services League, Punjab and Chandigarh, the oldest and a non-political body ex-servicemen , has thanked the Centre govt. for issuing the orders for assigning Pay –Band IV to Lt .Cols and equivalents in the other forces but reminded the Defense Minister that though the Centre govt. has done enough for the officer cadre, it can not shirk its responsibility towards the PBORs ( Personnel below the officer rank ) who count for 96 % of the total strength and in fact form the backbone of the Armed Forces of India.

The league has, categorically, demanded of Defence Minister that the Hav. and equivalents in other forces be placed in Pay Band PB-2 and Subedars and their equivalents in Pay Band PB-3 if the Govt. really wants the justice to be done to the PBORs. The league has further demanded that provision of two family pensions be made for the widow of the ex-serviceman who drew two pensions during his life time. A large no. ex-servicemen, primarily PBORs up to the rank Hav. and equivalent have to seek second employment in the civil after their retirement from defence service and thus they earn second pension in their civil service but the widows of such PBORs are entitled for only one family pension as per the rules in vogue. The league has also asked for assured promotion up to JCO rank in 15 years for PBORs as has been provisioned for officers. It has also demanded suitable re-employment for PBOR up to age of 60 years as in the case civil employees.

The League lamented that PBORs have been betrayed on both the fronts. While on one hand, the Sixth Pay Central Commission has not done the justice with PBORs while recommending the Pay –Band applicable to different ranks among the PBORs, on the other hand, the Senior Brass of the defense forces, who have been projecting themselves as their saviors, used them only for their own benefits and did not utter even a single word even after seeing the PBORs of the rank of Havildar in Pay –Band PB-I at par with the Class-IV employees and Subedar Major,the senior most rank among the PBORs, in Pay Band PB-II.

The league has sounded a clarion call to the PBORs , other like minded organizations and all well wishers of the ex-servicemen to gird up their loins and get ready for a long battle to get the injustice undone themselves because you can not breathe the air of heaven unless you die your-self. Even though, you stood firmly with big brothers, you can not be sure of their support when you need it now.

Sgt. Prabhjot Singh PLS(Retd.)

President,

Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab and Chandigarh

A GENTLE'S COMPASSION FOR PBORs

A GENTLE’S COMPASSION FOR PBORs FROM CANADA

PBORs Demands

The PBORs are highly qualified skilled personnel who deserve to be assured career progression with the advancement of technology & the weaponary handled by them, besides the risks involved in the type of situations handled by them. The hardships faced by them while serving as well as post early retirement deserve recognition by not only the Government but the society at large who are assured secured living by these dedicated men in uniform. The demands are genuinely well deserved & it is high time for the Govt to accept them at the earliest.

This should also remind the Government to look into the promised raise in the pension to 70 % of their last salary since the Government has failed for lateral transfer to Para military services of these young trained, highly dedicated & disciplined force who are ever ready to face all perils to their lives for the preservation of freedom of their motherland unlike the politicians who place self interest above All .

It also calls for faster career progression in their career profile to assure their status raise to Warrant/ JCO rank after 15 years of service like the level of Colonel after 15 years of commissioned service.

Visit: gentle-thoughtfulexpression.blogspot.com

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE WELL WISHERS

The Association President & other EC Members

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARD BY TIRUNELVELI
DISTRICT EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE ASSOCIATION

A number of philanthropists come forward year after year to help the children of the members of this Assocition. The following eminent individual ex-servicemen contribute every year to encourage the poor in their education. Accordingly, the following individual members have kindly agreed to donate a sum as mentioned against their names to help the deserving wards of the ex-servicemen of this Association.

1. Col.S.Victor, Officer i/c ECHS Polyclinic
Tirunelveli 627 002. -- -- Rs.1,000/-

2. Lt.Col. Paliath Shyam Prasad (Retd),
Manager, Ex-servicemen Canteen,
Tirunelveli 627002. -- -- Rs.2,000/-

3. Hon.Sub.Maj.T.Muthukrishnan,
Asst. Manager, Esm. Canteen (Retd.) -- -- Rs.1,000/-

4. Hon.Lt.Krishnamoorthy, (Chennai)EC Member
EXWEL Trust. (Tirunelveli) -- Rs.1,000/-

5. Sgt.R.Chellappa, (Retd.) Managing Trustee
EXWEL Trust, Tirunelveli. -- -- -- Rs.1,000/-


The above awards will be distributed on the basis of the highest total marks obtained in the SSLC and +2 exam., in the year 2009. A Scholarship committee will be formed to decide other matters. The decision of the committee will be final. The scholarships will be distributed at the 8th Anniversary celebrations of the Tirunelveli District Ex-serviceman Welfare Association which will be held before 15 Aug 2009. The exact date will be announced well in advance.

All the applications for the scholarships must reach the Association on or before 30th June 2009 5 pm. The photographs of the student must be pasted on the application along with the mark sheet.

Note: The readers of this blog are welcome to help the poor children for their education.
They are welcome to send e-mail to indianexserviceman@gmail.com for details.

Applications may be sent to:

The President,
Tirunelveli Dist. Exsm. Welfare Association,
Cantonment Road, (Near Krishna Hospital)
Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli 627 002.
Email: indianexserviceman@gmail.com

Application form - Click

PENSION UNGAL NANBAN BOOK FUND - ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP

ANNUAL SCHOLRSHIP FOR THE YEAR 2009 BY

THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK “PENSION UNGAL NANBAN” BOOK

SGT. C. MUTHUKRISHNAN (Retd.) IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE

TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE ASSOCIATION.

The Sixth Annual Scholarship awards for the year 2009 to the wards of the Defence Pensioners including family pensioners of all the PBORs who score highest total marks in the SSLC Public Examination (10^th STD) and +2 Exam. (Hr. Secondary) in the year 2009 are announced.

This scholarship was instituted by the author of the book “Pension Ungal Nanban” in the year 2004. The scholarship amounting to Rs.2500/- (Annually) is distributed as follows:-

1. Top scoring Female child of a Defence pensioner in the

year 2009 SSLC examination. -- -- -- --:Rs.1001/-

2. One consolation prize to the second rank holder -- -- :Rs. 250/-

3. Top scoring Male child of a Defence pensioner in the

+2 Exam. In the year 2009. -- -- -- -- :Rs.1001/-

4. One consolation prize to the Second rank holder -- -- :Rs. 250/-

This Scholarship is applicable only to the members of the Tirunelveli District Ex-servicemen Welfare Association. Therefore the applicants should attach a Xerox copy of the association’s membership card along with the application for verification.

The last date of receipt of applications for the above scholarships is 30^th June 2009 –at 5 pm. Application with photograph of the child pasted on along with a copy of the relevant mark sheet may be sent to the:

President,

Tirunelveli District Ex-servicemen Welfare Association,

Cantonment Road, (Near Krishna Hospital)

Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli 627 002.

EMAIL: indianexserviceman@gmail.com

For Application form - Click

PENSION IS A MATTER OF RIGHT ; BOMBAY HIGH COURT

PENSION IS A MATTER OF RIGHT: BOMBAY HIGH COURT
LAND MARK JUDGMENT SAYS IT IS A VITAL ASPECT TO
SOCIAL SECURITY AND A RIGHT TO LIFE

Pensioners now have a reason to smile. In a landmark judgment, the Bombay high court has held that pension is a vital aspect of social security and that the right to receive it constitutes a right to life under the Constitution. Moreover, it held that pension must be paid regularly in the first week of the month.

“Deprive a pensioner of the payment and you deprive him or her of the right to life. Delayed payments place a pensioner in a position of uncertainty and dependence, which impinges on the quality of life under Article 21 and the right to dignified existence of the aged”, said justice DY Chandrachud recently, while directing the transport undertaking of the Solapur Municipal Corporation to deposit the pensions of 13 retired employees on the first day of the succeeding month or latest by the seventh day.

The judge noted that pensioners can’t be left to the mercy of the administration to receive what is a matter of right. “Pensioners must lead their lives with a sense of self-respect and dignity”, he held as he innovatively developed the right of senior citizens, especially pensioners, in consonance with the guarantees expected under the Constitution.

The judgment was passed in a case where the Solapur civic body has challenged a direction of an industrial court, which labeled its action of delaying pension payments inordinately each month as a UN fair labour practice and directed it to credit the monthly pension by the first day of each month. The civic body explained that it was in financial difficulties and said it could pay by the 15th and not the first. The civic body argued that the Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension) Rules did not mandate payment by the first of each month. It said payment has to be made” on or after the first day….”

But observing that “Pensionary payments are neither a largesse nor a charity by the state, but rather a legal right of the retired” and interpreting the law, Justice Chandrachud said “on or after” did not mean that the payment could be delayed indiscriminately as it would otherwise” defeat the pensioner’s entitlement and make his rights and means for sustaining life illusory”.

The principles of pension make it implicit that it must be paid in a regular manner and not at the whims of the authority, the HC said. Even on the 15th or 20th of a month as in this case would be unreasonable, the court said.

“Constitutional rights can’t be looked upon as mere debits in balance – sheets. They represent real entitlement of citizens, sanctified even by international law, “the judge said, holding that “where social security has been made a law, the executive is duty – bound to implement it by making budgetary allocations and administrative infrastructure to ensure timely disbursal”.

The court noted that as life expectancy increases and the population of the aged rises, the law must recognize their concerns, “the problems of the aged have become acute with changing social structure. The law must protect those who contributed to society and assure them a sense of dignity in their twilight years. Insensitivity of the state must not hasten the onset of darkness.

Source: The Times of India dt.23.12.2008
Pensioners Advocate – January 2009.

INDIANEXSERVICEMAN BLOG - SCHOLARSHIP

INDIANEXSERVICEMAN BLOG ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP

TO THE WARDS OF POOR DEFENCE FAMILY PENSIONERS

“Education is a liberating force, and in our age it is also a democratizing force, cutting across the barriers of caste and class smoothing out inequalities imposed by birth and other circumstances”

-Smt.Indira Gandhi.

Education is the life & hope for the poor. Therefore the poor must be helped for education if not for food. With this noble thought in mind, the ‘indianexserviceman’ blog team decided to donate a sum of Rs.1001/- (in the beginning) to the best performing ward of poor defence family pensioner belonging to other ranks (i.e. the Sepoys, Naiks & Havildars and equivalent ranks in Navy & Air Force) on the basis of highest total marks obtained in the +2 (Hr. Secondary exam.) in the year 2009 in Tamil Nadu.

This small and simple scholarship scheme is announced within 95 days of the creation of Blog “indianexserviceman.blogspot.com”. Initially the scheme is open to the defence family pensioners belonging to Tamil Nadu only. Later, with some addition of some sponsors to the scheme, it will be extended throughout the country.

In order to help the really needy people, the scope of this scheme has been narrowed down to the children of the widows of the other ranks. (Sepoy, Naik & Havildar)

The top scorer in the 2009 +2 examination (Hr. Secondary) will be awarded a one time scholarship of Rs.1001 by the ‘indianexserviceman’ blog team at a function which will be held within 3 months from the date of this publication at Tirunelveli.

The last date for the receipt of application is 30^th June, 2009. Scanned mark sheet along with a copy of pass port size photo of the ward affixed on a plain application giving full details as per format given below may be sent by e-mail to: indianexserviceman@gmail.com before 30^th June 2009 at 5 pm.

The readers of this blog are requested to disseminate this information through the Ex-servicemen Canteens and ECHS Polyclinics throughout Tamil Nadu. Kindly help them wherever necessary. Those who wish to help the poor children are welcome to send e-mail for further details.

For Application form - Click

NEGLECT OF DEFENCE PENSIONERS IN PENSIONERS' PORTAL

PENSIONERS’ PORTAL
NATIONAL E-GOVERNANCE PLAN
NEGLECT OF DEFENCE PENSIONERS

Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare through its order dated 10th March, 2008 selected Nine Pensioners’ Associations throughout the country and sanctioned a sum of Rs.5,40,000/- to implement this ‘Pensioners’ Portal’.

The main objective of this scheme is the redrassal of the pensioner’s grievances besides providing them detailed information about pension and other retirement related matters. The scheme, which invited the involvement of Pensioners’ Associations across the country in order to facilitate implementation of this unique venture aimed at welfare of the pensioners, failed to take care of 17 lac defence pensioners and its Government recognized representative organizations like Indian Ex-services League and the Air Force Association.

Why such discrimination is shown against the Defence pensioners? Are they not coming under the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare? Is there no organization representing the Defence Pensioners?

As a matter of fact, the grievances of the defence pensioners are more as compared to civil pensioners. The subject of defence pension is kept in darkness. The Banks disbursing defence pension are finding it difficult to co-ordinate with the innumerable government orders issued by the MOD and the CPA(P) Allahabad frequently. There is no comprehensive guide on defence pension to guide the banks or for that matter any defence pensioners associations. None of the recognized defence pensioners association is in the mailing list of the MOD or CDA(P) Allahabad.

In the circumstances, the non-inclusion of the defence pensioners association like the IESL, AFA in the Pensioners Portal is a great disappointment and injustice to the 17 lac defence pensioners throughout the country.

Will the government take immediate necessary action to include the defence pensioner’s organizations like the IESL, AFA and IESM in the Pensioners Portal? This is a genuine demand in the interest of the 17 lac defence pensioners living throughout the country.

Visit: Pensioners' Portal - Click

SUICIDES AMONG PBORs

'Suicides among PBORs result of frustration' Report by parliamentary panel says 635 suicides, 67 fratricidal killings in the ranks in five years HT Live Correspondent, Patiala , May 15 MEMBERS OF the Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab and Chandigarh added a supplementary demand to the memorandum submitted to Secretary, Ex-Servicemen Affairs S.M. Acharya alerting the Union government about the rise in suicides and fratricidal killings among personnel below officers rank (PBORs). They say the trend is fallout of rising stress levels among the defence forces. The retired army officers say the report, "Stress management in the Armed Forces," prepared by a Parliamentary panel appointed by the Union government and tabled in the Lok Sabha recently, says about 635 suicides and attempted suicides and 67 fratricidal killings took place in the ranks in the past five years. According to the League, the main reason behind this is inadequate promotions among PBORs. League president Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal says the government earlier took steps to assure career progression among lower and middle rank officers by adopting measures like reduction of age profile among these officers, as recommended by the Ajay Vikram Singh Committee and putting in place the provision of promotion up to the Colonel rank in 15 years service. The League suggests the committee, headed by S.M. Acharya, recommend assured promotion among PBORs up to the JCO level in 15 years of service as in the case of officers. At present, most PBORs retire as Havaldars without being promoted as JCOs before the age of 40. They also added that additional conditions imposed by the Ministry of Defence on the post retirement canteen benefits granted to PBORs must be done away. As per the present policy in this respect, a Short Service Commission Officer, with five to seven years of service and no pension, can purchase a car of any capacity, after every two years from the CSD canteen whereas PBORs who have been made eligible for this facility recently, can purchase a car only up to 1300CC after a gap of seven years and if they draw service pension. Such conditions frustrate soldiers, the league observed.