AFT CHENNAI GRANTS SPL. FAMILY PENSION TO A MOTHER

AFT, Chennai grants Special Family Pension

to the mother of an Air Force Corporal.

08.05.2010 | 15:45
Chennai

R. Sivaraman    

The mother of an Air Force corporal who died in mysterious circumstances was granted Special Family Pension by the Regional Bench of Armed Forces Tribunal, Chennai yesterday. Setting aside the impugned orders of the competent authority denying Special Family Pension the Regional Bench of Armed Forces Tribunal, Chennai consisting of Justice AC Arumugaperumal Adityan and Lt Gen. (Retd) S. Pattabhiraman ruled that the mother is entitled to Special Family Pension as per Air Force Pension Regulations.

The mother who had lost her son during his service with the Air Force, had earlier approached the Madras High Court for Special Family Pension by way of a writ petition which was transferred to the Regional Bench of Armed Forces Tribunal after the enactment of Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.

According to Polammal, the petitioner, her son late Cpl Sridharan had joined Indian Air Force in 1984 and was serving in Indian Air Force with unblemished record of service till death. On 27.12.1994, the petitioner was informed by the Commanding Officer that her son was missing. Later on 04.01.1995 it was informed that her son had died under mysterious circumstances and that his body was found in Delhi. The local police had also registered a First Information Report (FIR) and a post-mortem was conducted. The cause of death was stated to be Cerebro Pulmonary Congestion.

The Petitioner’s request to the relevant authorities for investigating into the death of her son went in vain. The claim for special family pension was also denied. The said decisions of the competent authority were under challenge before the tribunal. The bench while rejecting the first prayer in view of alternate relief, however, directed the authorities to grant special family pension.

Disposing of the matter, the Regional Bench of Armed Forces Tribunal observed, “With regard to the relief of re-investigation in respect of the mysterious death of the petitioner’s son, the petitioner can very well file necessary applications before the concerned Superintendent of Police or before the Judicial Magistrate before whom the FIR has been registered by the Hazarat Nizamuddin Police Station, New Delhi, for appropriate relief regarding the progress of the case.”

On the aspect of claim for special family pension, the bench held that  

“In the absence of any material worth mentioning on record to show that the death of Cpl Sridharan was not attributable to Air Force Service nor aggravated by Air Force Service, we have to hold that the death of Cpl Sridharan is only attributable to Air Force service. Under such circumstances, we are of the considered view that the impugned orders before us are liable to be set aside and consequently the petitioner is entitled to the special family pension from 04.01.1995 as per Air Force Pension Regulations with 9 percent interest and a cost of Rs 10,000.”

DEFENCE PENSION CASES IN SUPREME COURT

 THE ATTITUDE OF MOD TOWARDS EX-SERVICEMEN PENSION CASES.

It is painful to read that, most of the genuine grievances of the defence pensioners dragged on to even up to Supreme Court.  The Ministry of Defence, which has to look after the welfare of ex-servicemen is always acting against it through its unhelpful regulations and very costly and time consuming legal proceedings.

Now you read, how the Supreme Court had dismissed the appeal preferred by the Ministry of Defence against poor disabled soldier and a family pensioner.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Despatches from the Supreme Court

 

This month saw the Hon’ble Supreme Court deliberating some very important issues concerning veterans and their families. Here are the despatches :

Citation: Union of India Vs Jagdish Singh

The issue : The veteran was suffering from schizophrenia. The release medical board had declared it to be ‘neither attributable to, nor aggravated by service’ and hence the disability pension claim was rejected. A Division Bench of the Hon’ble J & K High Court, after discussing various rules and regulations, however held that the former soldier was entitled to disability pension since as per rules the same was supposed to have been declared attributable / aggravated by the medical board. The Hon’ble Court also held that in accordance with rules, it is the State which has to rebut the presumption of attributability / aggravation and not the claimant. It was also re-iterated that as per rules, the claimant is not supposed to prove his entitlement.

Status : The Union of India had challenged the well reasoned judgement in the Hon’ble Supreme Court through an SLP. The SLP has been dismissed this month.

Citation : Union of India Vs Kashmiro Devi
The issue : The rules existing at the time of the cause of action in the petition provided that ordinary family pension was to be discontinued to a widow even in case she married the deceased soldier’s brother as per custom in some parts of the country, whereas there was no such bar in case of special family pension. The Hon’ble Delhi High Court, in a landmark judgement, however held that this distinction between the two types of pensions was discriminatory and the pension could not be discontinued even in the case of ordinary family pension.
Status : The Union of India challenged the socially sensitive judgement before the Hon’ble Supreme Court through an SLP. The SLP has been dismissed this month

Citation : Union of India Vs Honorary Captain Kirori Lal
The issue : This retired Hony Capt was being paid the disability element of a Havildar and not of an Hony Capt on the pretext that he was a Havildar at the time of sustaining the disability. The Hon’ble Delhi High Court however held that the disability pension had to be calculated on the basis of the rank last held and not on the basis of the rank at the time of initial incurrence of disability.

Status : The Union of India challenged the well reasoned judgement before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The SLP was dismissed this month. Curiously, another SLP on the same issue was earlier dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the past but keeping in view the record of ‘fairness’ of pleadings of the Ministry of Defence before Hon’ble Courts, it can be safely concluded that the Hon’ble Supreme Court may not have been informed about the earlier dismissal on the same grounds.

 by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh.

WIDOW OF A RE-EMPLOYED EX-SERVICEMEN ENTITLED FOR DUAL FAMILY PENSION

 Widow of soldier entitled to dual pension

ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL, KOCHI.

Express News Service

First Published : 23 Jul 2010 03:38:23 AM IST

Last Updated : 23 Jul 2010 11:28:44 AM IST

KOCHI: The Regional Bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in Kochi on Wednesday ordered that the widow of a reemployed soldier is entitled to dual family pension.

Disposing of a petition filed by Sobhanakumari of Malappuram, wife of the late Sergeant Sivasankaran Nair, the AFT comprising Justice K Padmanabhan Nair and Lt General Thomas Mathew pronounced the Ministry of Defence's stand against the petitioner's entitlement to get two family pensions simultaneously as "illegal and unsustainable". 

The petitioner's husband, after being discharged from Indian Air Force, got reemployment in Canara Bank and died in harness while serving in the bank. Till the date of his death, he was getting the Air Force pension.

But, after her husband's death, when the petitioner claimed family pension, the Air Force rejected it on the grounds that she was getting pension from the bank. 

In her petition before the Tribunal, Santhakumari pointed out that there is no provision which disentitles her from getting two family pensions at a time and that the pension from the Canara Bank is not paid out of the consolidated fund of India. 

The MoD took the stand that she was not entitled to get two pensions based on Regulation 195 (a) of Pension Regulations of Air Force 1961 according to a legal heir shall be eligible for family pension from Air Force only if he or she is not in receipt of another pension from the government. 

Pointing out that Canara Bank is a statutory body incorporated under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and that its funds are not part of the government funds, the AFT made it clear that the pension from Canara Bank cannot be treated as pension from the government. Hence there is no justification in denying family pension to the petitioner on the grounds that she has been already receiving pension from the bank

The tribunal directed the MoD to disburse the pension within three months, failing which with interest at the rate of 9 percent a year.

CREDIT: VETERAN BV RAO & militaryveterans@yahoogroups.com 

STOPPING OF ADDITIONAL PENSION BY DPDO - ROHTAK

STOPPING OF ADDITIONAL PENSION DUE TO

NON RECEIPT OF CORR  PPO FROM PCDA(P) ALLAHABAD.

It has come to our notice that DPDO Rohtak (Haryana) had stopped the payment of Additional Pension to one Hon.Lt.Mool Chand (Age.90 years) due to non receipt of Corr.PPO from PCDA(P) Allahabad  in spite of sending PAN Card (Age Proof document as Circular No.417).

The PCDA(P) Allahabad, the supreme authority for sanctioning defence pension has been given 6 months time to issue Corr PPO.  Any delay in the administrative procedure, should not deny the already sanctioned benefit of Additional Pension to an aged pensioner.

The benefit of Additional pension is given to the pensioners above 80 years, who are passing the days with great hardship.  At this stage, stopping the additional pension due to PCDA(P)’s delay in issuing the CORR PPO is inhuman.

If the PCDA(P) feels that the time frame given for issue of Corr PPO is insufficient, they may extend and wave the said stipulation for obtaining Corr PPO, but the additional pension should not be stopped at any cost.

The all India ex-servicemen organizations may take up the issue with the Dept. of exsm. Welfare.

VIJAY DIVAS CELEBRATIONS AT BANGALORE - FLAGS OF HONOUR FOUNDATION

RASTREEYA SAINIKA SMARAKA, BANGALORE CELEBRATES

KARGIL MARTYR’S DAY

At the feet of the monumental statue of The Unknown Soldier at the Rastreeya Sainika Smaraka Bangalore, a memorable event the Kargil Martyrs' Day was celebrated in the true spirit of the word by Serving Soldiers, Officers, School Children in Uniform, War Widows, Veterans, Members of Parliament and State Council, lot many Ladies and notable Civil Patriots. One thousand strong thronged around the Unknown Statue to pay Homage to all the Brave Hearts who laid down their Lives during the Kargil War of 1999. As one tried to make an entry to the venue was surely surprised to see Military Trucks, Busses, and other vehicles parked in an orderly manner. The decoration of the Gate, the pathway and surroundings decorated with tri-colored balloons all looked like some thing like Fauzi Sports event Venue.

The assembly of participants, eagerness on the face of Veterans in ushering Sr Veterans, guests and dignitaries and a horde of Press Photographers, young beautifully dressed ladies waiting to hand over flowers to one and all, other volunteers waiting with wreaths in their hands to be handed over to participants. The pedestal of the Unknown Soldier was decorated suiting the solemn occasion. Well rehearsed Buglers sounded the Last Post brilliantly. Wreath laying ceremony commenced in extreme veneration by Honorable Law Makers, followed by War Widows, veteran Generals, Admirals and Air Marshalls and so on. The entire environment charged with fragrance of flowers and scent, typical cool weather of Bangaluru and the sobriety synergized and so enhanced patriotic fervor all around.

All participants of after paying Homage to Martyrs moved on to a well laid out seating arrangement under a beautiful shamiyana. On the dias were Honorable Law Makers Shri Anantha Kumar, Shri Chandrasekhar, Capt Ganesh Karnik, War Widows and Sr Veterans. Air Cmdr Chandrasekhar set the tone, followed by other speakers assuring that the "Memorial will be the greenest spot in Bangaluru", " All our Martyrs who died for our Country loved Greenery Sasya Shyamalam Mataram", " We will do our best to contribute to this Noble cause", " this tribute at the NMM has set the tone, our husbands' sacrifice will not go in vain", " Nobody has done an honor by coming here, We are here to salute our Martyrs for preserving our National Unity", "NMM is a big starter for a greater public involvement", " it will surely be a sacred multi divine temple for all", and much more sweet and endearing words floated in the Honor of our Brave Hearts. After lovely talk was attractively laid out eats and Tea for children, ladies, our men in uniform, the Press and all 900 strong. While departing lots of us were keen to get photographed in front of the Un Known Soldier.

Entire idea, conduct of the celebration, funding and all arrangements were done under the patronage of Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar MP. Staff of Flags of Honor Under Brig Chandrasekhar were the force behind the screen. Efforts of one man army of Col SS Rajan made all the difference in mobilizing Uniformed Men. It goes to the credit of Brig Parthasarathi our Bengal Sapper for capturing lovely scenes through his lens. Press Reporters and Lens men of all News and other Media made their presence felt. Following day all news papers carried the Kargil Day Celebrations at Bangaluru story all in praise of Martyrs. Kudos to last but not the least our ld man the driving force Air Cmdr Chandrasekhar. Our bouquet and love to all these guys.
Veteran Sreedhar. 

From Report my signal 

KARGIL VIJAY DIVAS

An appeal to you all

 

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD

AT 8.00 PM, 26 JUL 10, 


IST

 

LIGHT A CANDLE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR,
PLACE FLOWERS NEXT TO IT,

AND AS A SILENT TRIBUTE
PRAY
FOR THOSE BRAVE HEARTS WHO NEVER RETURNED AFTER THE KARGIL WAR.

With all the odds loaded against them, they did this in less than three months time.  The entire area was totally cleared of the intruders by 26 July, which is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Divas.  On this day we commemorate, the Valour of our Men in Arms - - - the Fauji - - - 527 of whom never returned, 1363 were seriously injured.

 

My best wishes shall be with you all. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.

A TRIBUTE TO KARGIL HEROES

by indianexserviceman.blogspot.com 

REFUND OF ARMY MEDICAL BENEFIT SCHEME SUBSCRIPTION

Consequent to introduction of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) with effect from 01 Apr 2003, enrolment and subscription into AMB scheme was discontinued from the same day.  The Medical Benefit Scheme of Army was closed on 01 Apr 2006 for its members.

Intimation about the above closure of Medical Benefit Scheme was given through personal letters to members, formation/units, and through various other means.  It is once again informed that AMBS managed by the Army Group Insurance Fund for retired/released/discharged Army Personnel has been closed with effect from 01 Apr 2006.

Refund of MBS Subscription to all members of AGI MBS (Whether they have joined ECHS or not) who have not collected their refund of AMBS subscription so far are advised to apply on plain paper to AGIF for the refund along with:-

(a)  Membership of ECHS – Yes/No. (This information is for data collection only)

(b)  Original MBS card issued by AGIF along with supplementary card if issued.

(c)  Details of Bank account number and address of Bank, Bank IFS code for electronic  

       Transfer..

(d)  Present address of member.

(e)  Your contact number if available.

For any information, contact Army Group Insurance Fund:-

(a)  Director (Claims) 011-26145709

(b)  MBS section 011-26142897 Extn.428

(c)  E-mail: adagif@gmail.com

(d)  Fax 011-26148471

(e)  Address: Army Group Insurance Fund, AGI Bhawan, Rao Tula Ram Marg PO

      Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110 057.

Note: Every posting made in this Blog is for the help and guidance of veterans.  Please email this     information   to  your friend or paste on the notice boards of Exsm. Canteens and ECHS polyclinics.

BENEFITS OF BROAD BANDING OF DISABILITY PENSION

THE BENEFIT OF BROAD BANDING OF DISABILITY PENSION

As per PCDA(P) Circular No.429 dated 04.03.2009, (Rounding up of disability pensions) the revised minimum disability pension of Rs.702/- (i.e. 20% for w.e.f. 01.01.2006) has been increased to Rs.1,755 w.e.f. 01.07.2009.  This rounding up of disability pension from 20%, 30% & 40% to 50% and from 60%, 70%, to 75% and from 80 % 90% to 100% is called broad banding.  Now this is applicable to all defence pensioners drawing disability pension as on 01.7.2009 irrespective of date of discharge.

The rounded up rates for different ranks w.e.f. 01.07.2009 are as follows:-

Diff. Ranks	50%	75%	100%
ORs	Rs.1,755	Rs.2,633	Rs.3510
JCOs.	Rs.2,150	Rs.3,225	Rs.4,300
Officers	Rs.2,940	Rs.4,410	Rs.5,880

                        

It is therefore important, that all those pre 1996 defence pensioners drawing different rates of disability pensions (viz.20%, 30% etc. etc.,) are to submit the Annexure to their Record Office/PSA in Triplicate through their PDA immediately to get their rounded up disability pension.

http://www.pcdapension.nic.in/6cpc/Circular-429.pdf

If the benefits of these orders are to reach the pensioners, the CDA(P) Allahabad

should process these Annexures quickly and issue

Corr PPOs without any delay.

Affected pensioners, please take a print out of Annexure, fill it up and submit in Triplicate immediately.  Please get the order printed and keep it handy to show it to the bankers.  If you are not getting a Corr PPO within a reasonable time, report the matter to your Record Office.

DIFFERENCE IN PENSION PRE & POST 2006 PENSIONERS

                      DIFFERENCE IN PENSION PRE & POST 2006 PENSIONERS

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES ?

THE SUMMARY OF OUR ISSUES

What are the issues? I have already brought out the issues quite a few times and now I summarize, first the Short Term Measures falling under the definition as those that are to be implemented within three to six months’ period.

· First and foremost; restoring the family pension at the rate of 60% (if not more) of all the pensions drawn by the husband after the enhancement or after retirement from a second career.

· Payment of Correct Disability pension.

· Completion of payment of Revised pension and the arrears by the PDA.

· Withdrawal of any appeal already made or intended to be made against the verdicts of HC and AFT, by the Government.

· Short payment in pay and pension due to deduction of rank pay while re-fixing pay consequent to 4th CPCR for all officers to the rank of brigadier.

· Completion of the issue of revised Pension Orders (RPO) by the PDAs and confirmation of the correctness of the RPO by the CDA/ RO concerned.

· Revision of the pension of all commissioned officers must be taken interpreting the Pension orders correctly. The interpretation of the phrase ‘minimum of the pay in the pay band’ means the minimum of the applicable pay scale carved out of the pay band and not ‘the minimum of the pay band’.

Now let us review the Long Term Measures falling under the definition as the solutions that are to be implemented as soon as possible but not later than one year.

· Bring about parity in pension based on the principle that any two armed force pensioners retired at the same rank and having put in the same length of qualifying service must be paid the same pension, for all the pensioners irrespective of the date of retirement.

· Implement the 6CPCR on lateral induction. The age restriction that exists now must apply only for combat role. There are a number of establishments under the MoD exclusively dealing with Services. All these organisations must legitimately be manned by Servicemen with relaxation on the age of retirement to match that of superannuation. There is no need to retire any service personnel before the age of superannuation.

· Create an Integrated Directorate of Rehabilitation and bring all the central and state controlled welfare organizations under it and man it with servicemen. This will ensure better functioning of those organizations and create more confidence in the AFV community. This directorate has to function only till such time the exercise of the lateral induction is not completed.

· Bring all the polyclinics under the ECHS within the ambit of the Defence Medical Corps.

Final Solution.

The promulgation of an ordinance to confer the special status of privileged citizen of the Nation and preferred employee of the Government on all armed force personnel that is the legitimate right of a soldier and moral obligation of the Nation to him is the final and only solution for us to regain all that is lost. Can there be any other better manner for the Nation to honour the soldier, who willingly accepts laying down his life in the defence of the Sovereignty of his country as the service condition, without demanding any special privilege in compensation?

We will see in the next section, in a short while, the steps that need to be taken by us.

BY MAJ.GEN.RN.RADHAKRISHNAN www.rnrk.blogspot.com

LETTER TO DIRECTOR OF PENSIONS

A LETTER TO DIRECTOR OF PENSIONS BY MAJ.GEN.R.N.RADHAKRISHNAN (RETD)

 VICE PRESIDENT, INDIAN EXSERVICES LEAGUE.

Following is what I have to say with a heavy heart and guilt on reading the case of Sepoy Lakshmana Rao, who died in the fading days of World War II, and the paltry pension awarded to his widow Thota Venkatasubbamma (Amma):

Pathetic is the attitude of the Government towards Pensioners in General and the widow pensioners in particular. And how concerned is the attitude of us, the ESM and all the associations organized towards the welfare of the ESM.

First, please read an extract from my letter to the National President BJP, given below. The letter had been posted in two blogs http://rnrk.blogspot.com/  and the http://indianexservicemen.blogspot.com/

“Denial of Family Pension Government as a Role Model Employer has introduced the concept of family pension at the rate of sixty percent of the pension drawn by the husband. (On the demise of the husband, the widow loses the moral physical and financial support and needs the protection of the Government; hence proportion of the sixty percent itself becomes questionable.) Strange is the fact that the soldier on reemployment is asked to sign a document consenting that the wife, on his demise, shall be entitled to only one pension, either for his military service or the service in the civil sector, whereas he himself is entitled for both the pensions. Stranger still is the fact that this stipulation is from MoD. This case also has been brought to the notice of the former and the present Secretaries (ESW) for review.”

The case of short payment was taken up by me with CDA(Pension) vide my DOL RNRK/ESW/13/20090629(1) dated 29^th Jun 2009, explicitly asking for the information with respect to all PDA located at Tirunelveli on the total amount of

·         Over payment as detected by the Audit during the last five years

·         Short payment as detected by the Audit during the last five years

The idea was to prove the non-existence or lopsided auditing attempted by the Audit if there exists one. Well there has been no response till date.

The case of denial of dual pension to the widows was taken up with the Secretary Mrs Neelam Nath by my DOL RNRK/ESW/17/20090802(1) dated 2^nd Aug, 2009. An extract:

“I have come to know that ex-servicemen when they retire from their second career are forced by some of the Organizations (specifically by the State Bank of India) through some sort of Service Conditions to exercise an option for either the Defence Pension or the Civilian Pension for their family, though the ex-serviceman himself is entitled to draw both the pensions. It is strange that a pernicious and pecuniary condition is created to the disadvantage of widows of ex-servicemen community. The widow, none will deny, needs to be extended much more benefits, as she has lost the emotional and physical support of the husband.”

Of course there has been no response.

I confess. My attitude is that my concern is limited to just to pen down a DOL to the concerned and forget to follow it up. Does it not amount to indifference on my part? I do feel guilty and ashamed of the lack the crusader’s attitude in me.

These two letters were circulated in the Military Veterans circuit and there on, to other nets as well. What was the reaction if any;

·         Did Veterans who happened to read these two letters react, if so in what manner?

·         Did any of the leaders happen to read these two letters (I presume they should have) and if so, what did they do about it?

·         Have these glaring injustices been noted at all these years by the leading associations and

o    if they had noted, what was the action taken by them?

o    if they have not, why not?

o    If they had taken any action, were the results satisfying and if not satisfying what was the follow up?

Please do not mistake my intentions in sending the email. It is certainly not to find fault. There has been and is a tendency of complacency in us. We do not intend in the heart of heart to do much about the ESM or the Nation. We are happy and content with what we have. If something more comes our way, well, we will accept it as bonus, else we will philosophically shrug it off with the attitude of ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy”.

I have attached both the DOLs for your information.

Regards RNRK

HELP US TO HELP YOU

HELP US TO HELP YOU

The ‘indianexserviceman.blogspot.com’ and ‘exweltrust.org’ are receiving large number of emails reporting that their bankers have not revised their pension correctly also some banks have not yet revised their pension and paid arrears.

The main reason for this problem is that most of the ex-servicemen and their families are not aware as to how the revised pension is arrived.  Similarly, the Banks are also confused over a number of revisions on defence pension  during the last two to three years.  First of all it is very important that every pensioner should know as to how the revised pension is arrived correctly and should be able to explain it to the erring bankers.

In order to achieve this, every pensioner should memorize the following particulars and should be able to put forward.  In this context, those readers who want to know their correct revised pension, please furnish the following particulars by email through www.exweltrust.org, Contact us menu.  We will find out your revised pension and calculate the arrears payable from 1.7.2009 and send reply mail.  Also if necessary, we will take up case with the respective bankers.

The particulars required:-

1. Name of the Pensioner                                  :

2. Rank, Group & Regimental number.

3. Qualifying service.

4. Original Pension Payment Order (PPO) Number

5. Latest corrigendum PPO No., if any.

6. Type of Pension.

7. Date of commencement of pension

8. Pension sanctioned on the date of discharge.

9, Pension as on 1.1.96 (in case of Pre-1.1.96 retiree).

10.Pension as on 1.1.2006 under improvement of Pension orders.

11.Consolidated pension as on 1.1.2006 on implementation o Sixth CPC.

12.(a)Complete address of Pension paying Bank.

     (b) Name & address of Link Bank branch.

13.SB account number.

14.Address of the pensioner.

BENEFITS OF A SLAIN JAWAN TO HIS PARENTS ALSO

PARENTS ALSO ENTITLED FOR THE BENEFITS OF A SLAIN JAWAN

Wed, Jun 9 09:20 AM

Jaipur, June 8 -- Parents, and not just the wives and children, of armymen killed on duty are entitled to monetary benefits, the armed forces tribunal has ruled. In a significant judgement, the Jaipur Bench of the tribunal has directed the army to distribute one-third of the pension and retirement benefits of a slain jawan to his parents and two-thirds to his wife and children.

The judgement, though not necessarily always implemented in the same ratio, would be binding on all such tribunals in the country. A division bench comprising Justice Bhanwaroo Khan and Lt Gen Susheel Gupta passed the order on a petition filed by Laxman Ram, the father of army jawan Panna Ram.
The order is expected to provide relief to parents of personnel who are usually deprived of pension benefits as they are ignorant of the rules, said lawyer, Col S.B. Singh. Panna was killed in 2007 while deployed in Jammu and Kashmir.


After his death, his widow and parents fought over the pecuniary benefits. Tarun Choudhary, counsel for the petitioner Laxman Ram, filed an application for getting Panna's pension and retirement benefits.
Choudhary argued in court that Panna was the only son and after his death all his pensionary and retirement benefits had been given to his wife, Parmeshwari Devi. But since his parents were old and unable to work, they should be given some benefits too.




"We were fighting for this for long and are very happy," Laxman said. "This judgement will benefit many others.

SEPOY KARAM CHAND KATOCH CREMATED AFTER 48 YEARS

A TRIBUTE TO SEPOY KARAM CHAND KATOCH

4 DOGRA REGIMENT

Karam Chand, sepoy in 4 Dogras was killed in 1962, when Chinese troops launched an offensive on ill-equipped Indian troops in the North Eastern- Walong. Twenty year old Karam Chand was amongst the causalities inflicted by the Chinese but unfortunately his body was never recovered.

It was on July 1, 2010 that Border Road Task Force found a circular identity disc, PIS No. 3950976, and a silver ring, while clearing landslides on the road connecting Walong. The local army formation checked the war records and found the disc belong to sepoy Karam Chand Katoch of 4 Dogra’s. The local army unit  then dug the area and found skeletal remains of Karam Chand, along with fountain pen and dilapidated pay book.

Karam Chand’s remains was brought from Walong last evening were kept at the headquarter of 39 mountain division in Palampur before being brought to his house. Villagers including ex-servicemen from all ages gathered at the house of Karam Chand to pay their last tributes.

Amongst the those who laid wreath were Captain Karam Chand and Captain Sukdev Singh of four Dogras, who fought the Chinese along with Karamchand in Walong.
Lieutenant. General Jasbir Singh Chief of Staff Northen Command, who is also the Colonel Commandant of Dogra regiment was the first to pay tributes at  cremation ground. Other who laid the wreath included GOC of 39 Mountain Division Major General Amarjit Singh, Lt Gen (retd.) S S Wangra, a former Colonel of Dogra regiment.

Irrigation and Public Health minister Ravinder Singh Ravi, MLA Capt. Atma Ram and Praveen Sharma laid wreaths on behalf of the state government.

AGED CARE - EVERY ONE SHOULD THINK OF

ADDITIONAL PENSION IS A GIFT TO AGED PENSIONERS

Miss.Helen, Mr.GT Chelliah & Sgt.S.Kandiah

      Mr.GT Chelliah with Exwel Trust Executives.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL MISSION OF EXWEL TRUST.

During a visit to Indian Overseas Bank Perumalpuram branch, Tirunelveli-Dist, Tamil Nadu, the Trust executives  noticed that one Mr.GT.Chelliah, Ex.Hav/Clk cum Civilian Supervisor Grade II of MES (GREF) had completed 80 years of age on1-7-2005 itself but was not paid the Additional pension.

Particulars of Pensioner :   

             

Name : GT.Chelliah Ex.Hav/Clk ( 56009) / Supervisor Grade-II in MES

PPO.No.C/CORR/Engr/ Pre-86/ 6381/99

D.O.B—01-07-1920

PDA- I O B. Perumalpuram, Tirunelveli-Dist 627007, Tamil Nadu, SB a/c- 4422

Present Basic pension …Rs.4924

Arrears worked out : Rs.92016/-

They reported the discrepancy to the branch manager, and he immediately accepted their findings and agreed to revise the pension and pay the arrears.

On obtaining the Address from the Bank’s record, they started searching the residence of the pensioner but in vain. However once again we contacted the branch for correct latest address and on sustained enquiry they got the new address and located the pensioner. Then they explained about their mission to Mr.GT.Chelliah and his daughter. They were overwhelmed with joy and happiness.

Next day, they called on at the Trust’s office and were given a copy of arrears calculation sheet to them. A discreet enquiry revealed  that his daughter Miss.Elen Padmavathy , aged 48 yrs (UN-MARRIED), sacrificed her prime youth of her life to look after his aged WIDOWER father. On this occasion we explained in length, the Eligibility of Family pension to her (Un-Married daughter) and other allied benefits after the demise of her father. On hearing the news, there was no bound for her joy and both of them expressed their gratitude with tears for the vital information which was hitherto unknown to them.

The  Chief Liaison Office Sgt.S.Kanthiah , personally called on the Manager , IOB Perumalpuram handed over the calculation sheet and explained the pathetic condition of Mr.GT.Chelliah and requested him to make the payment at the earliest so as to enjoy the fruit of arrears during the  life time itself.

This is yet another successful mission of the Exwel Trust .

Dear veterans, please take  little interest to find out such helpless people in your area and extend your helping hand or advise them to approach the Exwel Trust..

arenar: SOVEREIGNTY AND SERVICES-8-Review of the ESM Welfa...

arenar: SOVEREIGNTY AND SERVICES-8-Review of the ESM Welfa...: "SOVEREIGNTY AND SERVICES by RN RADHAKRISHNAN (Rtd Major General) Part 8 Review of the ESM Welfare Prelude 1. A lot has happened in the last ..."

PLIGHT OF A DEFENCE FAMILY PENSIONER

                                                    

PLIGHT OF THE WIDOWS OF ARMED FORCES

Widows of the Armed Forces are the silent sufferers  and victims of untold miseries for avoidable reasons. Apart from the loss of their husbands, they are almost alienated from their family. Their source of solace is that of monthly pension without which many of them would have been left unattended and uncared for. There is a case of man made woundis inflicted upon the innocent ladies , thereby they become victims of administrative  procedural laps for which no one is made accountable and answerable .

Our Chief liaison officer Sgt.S.Kanthiah (Retd) visited Indian Overses Bank, Kalakad branch, Tirunelveli-District and observed the following:.

One Smt.Helen Rajah w/o Late Lt. Rajah Isreal is the wife of a Commissioned Officer (Navy), being paid the pension of Rs.3500/-as a basic pension which is the minimum pension of a Sepoy. Her date of birth is 13-03-1925, hence she has completed 85 years of age and  eligible for an additional pension of 30% also. She is being paid a total pension of Rs.4555/ ( 3500+945+100)only.

The PPO No. M / 1230 /72. The Prefix 'M' is the clear  indication of an Officer pension. The same was explained to the Bank officials but they were Unaware  of this but agreed to accept the advice from us. When we calculated the arrears from 1-1-96 to 31-10-2009, it is more than  5 lacs.

Our Liaison Officer with the sole of aim of helping the Lady,  went in search of the Residence and at last  he found the place but to his surprise the door was locked. On enquiry it was told that she was staying with her children at Kodaikanal  and EXPIRED recently some 5 to 6 months back.  We do not understand how this short payment has escaped the EYEs of  RBI and AG's' Office Inspectors  un noticed  for such a long period of more than 12 years.

At last not the least here a question arises as to who should be accountable and held responsible for this episode. The poor lady Breathed her  last without getting the legitimate entitlement of her full pension