Government of India

Ministry of Finance

04-July-2014 18:21 IST

A valid Email ID and Mobile Number to be Registered/Updated on the E-Filing Website of the Income Tax Department

A valid Email ID and Mobile Number has to be registered/updated on the e-filing website of the Income Tax Department so that direct communication with taxpayer can be possible. For details, taxpayers can log on to: https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/eFiling/Portal/StaticPDF/Update_Contact_Details.pdf)

The Department will send separate One Time Passwords (OTP) also referred as PIN on the mobile and email provided by the taxpayer. The OTPs have to be entered by the taxpayer after logging into their e-filing account to authenticate the same. The OTPs will remain valid for 24 hours within which the taxpayer has to complete the process. For ‘Foreign/ NRI’ taxpayers, the OTP validation of the email ID would be sufficient.

Validation of email and mobile numbers has been introduced to facilitate taxpayers as in many cases incorrect emails and mobile numbers have been provided and taxpayers did not receive important communication from the Department. Further, it has been observed that in many cases taxpayers are not able to reset their password since the new temporary password from the Department may be sent to their registered email which may be different from the taxpayer’s personal email, e.g. email of their intermediary.

This is a one-time process to validate the mobile number and email ID. However, whenever the taxpayer changes the Mobile Number or email ID in their Profile, the process will be repeated to ensure that the particulars provided are correct. Further, this validation will ensure that Department can send an OTP for resetting the password used for Login in case the taxpayer has forgotten the password.

One mobile number or email ID can be used for a maximum of 10 user accounts as the Primary Contact- Mobile Number and Email ID in e-Filing. This is to ensure that family members and related business concerns (not exceeding 10 separate users) not having personal email or mobile can be covered under a common email or mobile, but in general taxpayers should have their own unique email ID and Mobile registered with the Department.

The taxpayer can enter any other person’s email or mobile number in addition, as a Secondary Contact (without any restriction on the number of user accounts linked as a Secondary Contact). Using “Profile Settings à My Profile” the taxpayer can select to include the Secondary Contact to also receive emails, alerts etc.

It is advised that the emails and SMS from the Income tax Department may be included in the ‘safe list’ or ‘white list’ to prevent the communications from the Department from being blocked or rejected or sent to Spam folder. Taxpayers are also advised not to share their user-id and password of their e-filing account with others to prevent un-authorized access. Taxpayers can reset their password using the ‘Forgot Password?’ link while logging in to their e-filing account and by providing the necessary details.

The Department requests the cooperation of all taxpayers for completing this validation process at the earliest for a smooth and convenient return filing process.

REGARDS

COL LAMBA[ ONE MAN ARMY]

Dear friends,

I was shocked to go through a mail by self appointed sole proprietors of the veterans affairs to the RM about the proceedings of the presentation that the Chiefs made to him. 

I have also written a letter to the Hon'ble RM in the hope that the damage done by our representative would be repaired to at least manageable proportions. The mail to RM is given below for your information. I request you to kindly read that first before you proceed any further.

Would somebody ask them why they inflated the amount for OROP given by Koshiary Committee? It could not be their memory that could have failed them, nor could this be ignorance, claiming as they do to have been responsible for every word in the Report, in the process under rating the wisdom of experienced leadership. It would be interesting to find out from them including their cronies, whether they were supporting our cause or that of the Babus stand of prohibitive cost.

Further somebody may ask these friends why were the cases of reservists, majors and Lt Cols not taken up for inclusion initially and then after we got these in, for effective articulation for implementation in the DGL? We had spoken to the PC Cell representatives about these matters. They have tried to bring these in but the statement leaves a lot of scope for misinterpretation. Since they were invited to the presentation we presume that they must have been involved more seriously with the PC Cell during preparatory stage of the presentation, due primarily to the rank conscious hierarchy of the Armed Forces. While we on our short interactions could bring home to them the basic methodology for getting the best through, could some body ask these gentlemen what did they do to make it a clear cut effective statement which could not be misinterpreted?

I must however compliment him for covering his own problem of pension with utmost clarity and unambiguity. I pray that is solved as per his projection so that he can spare some time to think seriously about the men he may have commanded.

with warmest regards,

Lt Col Inderjit Singh
Chairman
Mob : 09811007629

==========================================================

18 Jun 2014

To,

The Hon’ble

Sh. Arun Jaitley,

Defence Minister

Govt. of India

South Block,

New Delhi-110011

Sub: IMPLEMENTATION OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP)

Dear Sh Arun Jaitley,

In 2011 Sh Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Hon'ble MP, was very kind to take up OROP with the Petitions Committee of the Rajya Sabha. Consequently a Committee under the Chairmanship of Sh Bhagat Singh Koshiary was appointed to examine the issue and make recommendations. This Committee very rightly invited all Veterans organizations for getting the inputs. Many organizations made their presentations, so did we.

2. An organization which has the habit of claiming credit for every good thing the Govt announces quickly moved to first take credit for getting the Koshiary Committee appointed and then when the report came in went on to claim credit for every recommendation they made. With the help of our friend running a blog they made every one believe that they were the one who got it going. With such claims one should assume that they are aware of every word important or unimportant of the Report. Unfortunately the truth is far removed from what they stated in their mail to you. To know the truth read on.

3. On 12 Jun a presentation on OROP was made by the three Chiefs to you. A brief on the proceedings have been sent to you for approval and implementation thereafter. An extract from their mail is given below :-

"Based on the above definition, Koshyari Committee after due deliberations

with the Secretary Finance and secretary expenditure had

worked out the requirement of funds of Rs 3000 Crores in 2011. 
With 10 percent of inflation every year, it works out to Rs 4000 Crores in 2014. 
This amount is nothing for the Nation

to meet the long pending demand of defence fraternity."

4. I also give below an extract of the Koshiary Committee Report itself :-

The Committee has taken note of the fact that a sum of Rs.1300 crores is 
the total financial liability for the year 2011-12 in case OROP is implemented 
fully for all the defence personnel in the country across the board. 
The Committee was informed that out of this, 1065 crores would go to retirees 
belonging to Post Below Officer Ranks (PBOR) while the Commissioned Officers 
would be getting the remaining i.e. 235 crores. The Committee felt that 
1300 crores is not a very big amount for a country of our size and economy 
for meeting the long pending demand of the armed forces of the country. 
The Committee understand that this 1300 crores is the expenditure for 
one year which might increase at the rate of 10 percent annually. 
Even if it is so, the Committee does not consider this amount to be high, 
keeping in view the objective for which it would be spent.

5. Going through both the extracts you would notice that while his mail to you says the expenditure as per report is Rs 3000.00 crores the Report says it is Rs 1300.00 crores only. The players who claim to be representing the Veterans have messed up on the most important figure on the most important occasion. We do not know why was this high figures quoted. Did that happen because of his ignorance or some ulterior motive? Was he trying to project our cause or was he there to support the stand of the Babus of prohibited cost? 

6. The next point that needs to be examined is his statement about the DGL produced by the Service HQs which reads-

"The Draft Govt Letter (DGL) prepared by the Services HQ

for the implementation of OROP as per the accepted definition

as already announced in the Parliament and

as already issued in writing by the Govt,

be sanctioned and implementation letter issued at the earliest."

7. To understand this matter we need to go back to the definition itself. When we say same pension it means all kinds of pensions to be the same. It means the service pension, disability pension, family pensions, dependent pension fall within the definition of OROP. These should find a definite clear cut statement in the DGL for disbursement rather than a mere request for including in the DGL.

8. Other matters that need to be covered by a definite statement in the DGL are-

a) There should be clear cut instructions in the DGL for working out the fresh pensions of Majors and selection grade Lt Cols affected by AV Committee report.

b) The matter with regard to Reservists has been totally ignored in the DGL. These veterans were accepted as sepoys for pension by the Fifth CPC and granted the pension of a sepoy. The Sixth CPC for unknown reasons downgraded them. This matter should be corrected and reservists granted the pension of a sepoy with seventeen years service. A definite statement on this in the DGL should be incorporated before it is finally approved.

9. We appeal to you that before finalizing the draft these matters are included for implementation. We are prepared to come and make a presentation on these issues if required.

Yours faithfully,

(Inderjit Singh)

Lt Col (Retd)

Chairman

Copy to:-

The Hon’ble Sh Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) New Delhi – 110 001
The Hon’ble Shri Rao Inderjit Singh Raksha Rajya Mantri C-1/14 Lodi Garden New Delhi - 110 003
General Bikram Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC Chief of the Army Staff & Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Integrated HQs of Armed Forces (Army) South Block, New Delhi-110011
Admiral RK Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff Integrated HQs of Armed Forces (Navy) South Block, New Delhi-110011
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi 110011

Dear Friends,

Finding that at this very critical stage of implementation of OROP, the inimical elements again coming up alive to somehow scuttle the decision of OROP, we have appealed to our Hon'ble Prime Minister to kindly intervene with a heavy hand to thwart their designs. Our mail to the PM is given below for your kind information.

Any suggestions on implementation of OROP are welcome.

Warm regards

Lt Col Inderjit Singh
Chairman
Mob: 0 9811007629
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LETTER TO THE HON'BLE PRIME MINISTER

18 Jun 2014

To

The Hon'ble
Sh Narendra Modi
The Prime minister of India
New Delhi

Subject : IMPLEMENTATION OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP)

Dear Sir,

We have been struggling to get OROP ever since 22 Feb 1982 when we first time put it up to Indiraji, the then PM. During this long journey five PMs accepted the legitimacy of our demand and very kindly agreed to give it to us, still we could not succeed.

2. Now recently the sixth PM Dr Manmohan Singh's Govt had made the announcement and the Seventh PM, Modi ji you yourself during Elections, had committed to give and after taking over have very emphatically stated that your Govt was fully committed to meeting this demand. So much so the President in his address to joint session of Parliament stated very categorically that his Govt will implement OROP Scheme for the Armed Forces. This has left the entire bureaucracy flustered as to how to go about scuttling OROP under the present circumstances.

Definition

3. From what little has come out of the recent presentation by three Chiefs to the RM we find the efforts are being made to interpret the definition of OROP in a manner by which we can be deprived of the full benefits accruing to us.

4. The definition which evolved over the years after taking into consideration all the objections of the bureaucracy over a period of time is given below:-

"THE PRE 1 JAN 2006 RETIREES GOT THE SAME PENSIONS AS THE POST 01 JAN 2006 RETIREES BY MATCHING UP THE THREE FACTORS THAT GOVERN THE PENSIONS OF EX-SERVICEMEN i.e. THE RANK, THE LENGTH OF SERVICE AND THE TRADE (IN CASE OF ALL RANKS BELOW OFFICER RANKS ONLY). AFTER THIS WAS EFFECTED ANY FUTURE INCREASES BE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED TO OLD PENSIONERS. THE FAMILY, DISABILITY AND DEPENDENTS PENSIONS ARE INCLUDED FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS DEFINITION. THIS HOWEVER DOES NOT MEAN THE GRANT OF PENSIONERY BENEFITS SUCH AS DCRG AND ADDITIONAL VALUE OF COMMUTATION PENSION.

5. This definition was simplified by the Koshyari Committee in their wisdom to say-

Veterans with same rank and same length of service,
will get the same pension irrespective of date retirement.
After this was effected any future increases will be automatically
passed on to earlier pensioners

6. This definition though simple covers every aspect of what has been stated in the complete definition.

7. We appeal to you to kindly stop the bureaucrats from giving their own meaning to the definition and work according to the accepted definition. Where they find difficulty in interpreting, our services who are the authors of OROP are always available.

Financial Implications

8. The other aspect that they tried to induct in the discussion is the enormity of the expenditure. We are told they produced astronomical figures amounting to Rs 9100.00 crores to confuse the issue. On this matter we refer you to the expenditure worked out by Koshyari Committee in 2011 and presented to the Parliament in Dec 2011. They worked out an amount of Rs 1300.00 crores to meet the bill for covering all aspects of OROP and we should assume it to be correct. Thereafter there has not been any increase in the pensions of Veterans. The final basic expenditure for OROP therefore remains Rs 1300.00 crores.

9. In 2012 Govt appointed Cabinet Secretary's Committee to work out the award of OROP. They announced that they had given OROP for which the expenditure was Rs 2300.00 crores. We were thrilled and set about analysing the award to know how much OROP it covered. To our dismay we found that the award did not cover even half of what OROP meant but the Govt accounts were to be debited by Rs 2300.00 crore, which was Rs 1,000,00 crore more than total expenditure of Rs 1300.00 crores for OROP. This effort to bridge the gap at best resulted in disbursement of part OROP amount to the tune of a maximum of Rs 500.00 crores. There is no information about balance Rs 1800.00 crores as to how it was utilized. The leadership may like to find it out.

10. With this Rs 500.00 crore already disbursed the balance amount of Rs 800.00 crore is what we require for OROP rather than any astronomical figures. If we wish to add dearness relief to the expenditure then in 2011 the DR was 51 % and now it is 100 % . The increase of 49 % amount i.e Rs 392.00 crores could be added to work out the correct expenditure. This works out to Rs 1192.crores.

11. The next thing that may affect these figures considerably is the implementation of the Rank Pay case award by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The expenditure has yet to be estimated. It is however presumed that it may likely be to the tune of Rs 1500.00 crores. Once this is implemented the total expenditure for OROP will be Rs 2692.00 crores. This amount is a mere pittance and the Govt of India can easily afford to meet the requirements of those who staked their lives for the Nation.

12. The Services have produced a DGL. That needs to be implemented with some slight modifications which can be finalised by discussions among all stakeholders.

13. We appeal to you to kindly brush aside all the objections that are being raised by the bureaucrats and direct them to implement the OROP in both letter and spirit after final discussions by all stakeholders. We would be grateful.

Copy to :- The Hon'ble Sh Arun Jaitley Defense Minister South Block New Delhi The Hon'ble
Shri Rao Inderjit Singh Raksha Rajya Mantri C-1/14 Lodi Garden New Delhi - 110 003
General Bikram Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC Chief of the Army Staff & Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Integrated HQs of Armed Forces (Army) South Block, New Delhi-110011
Admiral RK Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff Integrated HQs of Armed Forces (Navy) South Block, New Delhi-110011
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi 110011

MEETING WITH DG (PS&MP) ON 18 JUL 2013

Dear Friends

We met Lt Gen NK Kohli the DG (PS&MP) AHQ on 18 Jul as scheduled. Our delegation was led by Lt Col Inderjit Sigh and comprised of Lt Cdr Avtar Singh, Lt Nar SIngh Dass, Sub Maj Nahar Singh, and Sub Bhagat Singh. The AHQ team was led by Lt Gen NK Kohli and comprised of Maj Gen Madhulkar ADG PS, Brig VD Chowgule DDG PC Cell, Brig PS Verma DDG PS, Brig Anil Chauhan DDG Veterans Cell.

The Chairman Lt Col Inderjit Singh had written a series of letters to the Chiefs on various matters of concern to the Veterans recently. DG stated that he had called the meeting so that we could be apprised about what was being done at the AHQ level.

Lt Col Inderjit Singh made it very clear at the outset, that we had not gone there to score points against the Services, in any case who are Services, they are us. One doesn't score points against ones self. Our purpose therefore was to work out a relationship by which we work together to achieve common goals. As a result all tensions disappeared and we sat down to heart to heart pow vow in a very relaxed atmosphere.

POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

Rank Pay Case The DG gave us complete details as to how the matter has been taken up by the Chairman of COSC himself with the RM. As of date the matter is with the Attorney General for correct interpretation of the Judgement of the HSC.

Separate Pay CommissionThe Chairman expressed his shock at the raging debate about the desirability or otherwise of Separate Pay Commission. This bounty was the result of 15 years of our hard work. Now that it has come we are wanting to give it up? Rather than give it up we should ask for its charter, composition and timings to be such that facilitate the resolution of our problems rather than make it another employment avenue for the bureaucrats to play merry hell into our welfare measures as they have done through the ESM Deptt. The next step should be that we sought that the report of this PC should be sent to the PM for his orders without the meddling of the bureaucrats. Our point was taken.

Instruments In PlaceThe Chairman submitted that we are beset with dissent within ourselves.Unless the Services play the desired role we can not overcome this problem due to bloated egos and personal political or monetary goals of individuals after retirement . What is required is that we set up a Standing Committee of Voluntary Associations (SCOVA) which meets every quarter under the AG and equivalent officers from other services to discuss our problems. It can have twelve Veterans Associations as members. Besides every thing else it would bring in unity of thought at least. It is here we can bring our problems and work out how to tackle these. Similar SCOVA we are working hard to get started in the MOD. The point was well taken after discussions.

He also pointed out that this was the first step, many more are needed for restoration of dignity to the AFs. The following additional steps besides SCOVA of the MOD need to be brought about:-

a) The ESM Deptt to be fully manned by Serving or retired personnel of the AFs.

b) The AFs should be represented at all levels of decision making in the MOD.

c) The Veterans Resettlement Commission with full powers to be set up to look after the welfare of Veterans.

Majors and Lt Col's Case

The case of Majors and Lt Cols with regard to down gradation of status and pensions was taken up. Th DG informed that they had taken it up several times but it has been turned down. The Chairman asked how could we accept a major with thirty years service brought down to the level of a major with six years service monetarily and status wise. Further how could we accept a Lt Col (SG) being downgraded to the Lt Col (TS). After discussion it was decided that they will take it up again, while we pursue the matter also.

33 Years Conditionality- Removal

The Chairman brought out the injustice to the AFs by imposing 33 years condition for grant of 50 % of pay as pension. Here is a soldier who is not allowed to serve beyond 17 years and when time comes for his retirement he is punished for not serving 33 years by cutting one third of his pension.This is nothing but DAY LIGHT ROBBERY on the pension of a man who staked his life for maintaining the Security and Integrity of the nation We have been seeking its removal. Every time we were told that that was a cardinal principle and cannot be removed for AFs. The Sixth CPC first removed it for civilians even though they could serve 33 years and not for AFs. When we agitated this was removed for Jawans from 01 01 2006 and for officers from 2008. What logic for delayed relief to officers needs investigation.

The rule for AFs should be that they got full 50% of the last pay drawn if they served full length of service allowed for their rank. A proportional amount may be deducted for the number of years less service if he does not serve full term. In this matter 33 years do not figure for any rank except for a few on top. Periodical sops of weightage is not the answer. The answer rests in removal of this conditionality altogether. It was agreed that this matter would be taken up by Services as well as us.

ECHS AND MPS

The Chairman apprised the DG of the plight of Veterans living in remote areas and urged that a thorough reappraisal be carried out of ECHS and suitable modifications / improvements brought about so that the aspirations of the vast majority of veterans living in villages are also suitably taken care of. Medicare Policy Scheme (MPS) is one such alternative. A paper on the matter was handed over to the DG by the Chairman.

He pointed out that figures of ten lakh members is very misleading. Of these ten lakh, 7-8 lakh are those who were forced to be members of ECHS before they retired. Only 2-3 lakh of earlier around 20 lakh veterans took up the membership voluntarily even after ten years of extensive publicity. Have we analysed why?

He also pointed out that an Overseeing Committee was formed some times back. Our Association who are responsible for having got the assured Medicare for Veterans accepted by the Govt after twenty years of struggle were left out. He requested that this infirmity be removed so that a grass root level feed back is available for arriving at the right conclusions.

Lt Cdr Avtar Singh's Case

During the meeting the, following points were brought out by Lt Cdr Retd Avtar Singh:-

a) As per PCDA Pune Calculation of rank pay the officers of the rank of major and equivalent should be placed in PB 4.

b) The Govt of India letter dated 29 Feb 2000 has unwittingly placed the officers of the rank of Major into various pay scales and fixed effective date arbitrarily as 29-2-2000. It needs to be corrected to be effective from 1-1-2006.

c) The term minimum of fitment table in letter dated 17 Jan 2013 has been substituted in place of minimum of pay in pay band. This is the third instance when the recommendation of Sixth CPC has been tinkered with. The above adversely affects the officers who retired after 1-1-1996

The DG took note of these points and decided to take up the matter in consultation with us.

Placing on the Mailing List

The Association should be placed on the mailing list for receiving all notifications released by them. It was accepted.

Overseeing Committee of ECHS

The Association which brought in the medicare for Veterans has been left out of the Overseeing Committee set up by the Service HQs. This short coming should be removed to get grass root level feedback. 

Pensionary Benefit On rendering 28 Years and above Service by Sub Maj rank)

As per table No 42 of Circular No 430 dt 10 Mar 2010 of CDA(P) Allahabad read Govt of India , Min of Def letter No. PC10(1)/2009-D(Pen/Pol) dated 08 Mar 2010 ,Sub/Sub Maj who had rendered 28 Years of service will get pension Rs 12285/- pm, whereas Sub Maj who had served another 4 years or more service than 28 Years are getting same pension as Sub which is injustice to Sub Maj rank.

It is clearly mentioned in the policy letter that a Sub Maj will serve another 4 years of service or attaining of 52 years of age which ever is earlier on promotion of Sub Maj.

Sub Maj is performing much more responsible job and it should be given more pension than a sub.

Financial Benefits to Hony Commission JCOs after Retirement

A Sub/Sub Maj getting Hony Commission after retirement has no financial benefits. We have Sepoys and Havildars who get Honorary ranks after retirement and still they get monetary allowance. If they could be given benefits then why these Sub/SM have been denied this privilege.

We request the matter is taken up to ensure that Sub/ SM get the monetary benefits for the rank they get after retirement. If this can not be given then please stop the practice. It is no point in giving status unless it is backed by the ability to maintain it also.

Upgradation of Group ‘Y’ (Earlier Group ‘B)

There is no upgradation in old Group 'B' (Now comes under Group 'Y' ) since 4th Pay Commission. It is submitted that some of the categories which were in group E earlier have been upgraded to group X, but those who belonged to group B earlier and were placed in group Y continue to remain there. This anomaly may please be rectified and Gp B personnel of yore be upgraded to Gp X to restore status of these personnel.

MAILS RECEIVED FROM VETERANS

The appointment with DG (PS&MP) was announced by us on the net. Taking advantage of our meeting a large number of members and non members of the Association sent us points for taking up. All those mails were handed over to the DG who promised to have these processed and send us the reply.

The following mails were handed over to the DG :-

(a) Wg Cdr GB Athri (Retd) -Mail regarding Veterans can draw their liquor and grocery from any CSD Canteen.

(b) Lt Cdr KS Rawat (Retd) - Pen anomaly point iro pre 1996 Maj verses Para Mil Comdt.

(c) Col Krishnan (Retd) - Rank Pay fiasco, arrears and final Pay fixed for further Pen.

(d) Lt Cdr Sopan R Doke - Maj Rank Pension pre 2006.

(e) Lt Cdr GK Balaji - Upliftment of Pen of Majors/Eqv.

(f) Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak - A large number of points on every conceivable problem on which he sought latest situation.

(g) Major GS Virk - Majors Pension matter 

PARTING

The meeting ended with both sides happy over the exchange of views without any hold back in the most informal atmosphere. The DG assured the Chairman that in future they would work in close cooperation with us. The Chairman thanked him for sparing so much time to discuss every point threadbare to understand the matter as we the Veterans perceive it.

SM Nahar Singh
Office Secretary

DEFINITION OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP)

Dear Friends,

1. We are distressed to go through various mails about the definition of OROP. These half baked definitions are alright for street demagoguery but do not help in working out the nitty gritty of the award of OROP. We therefore as authors of OROP present to you the complete definition which has evolved over the years by taking into account the negative inputs every time. This definition has withstood the test of time and also the scrutiny of two CPCs.

2. This is a problem about which the ex-servicemen are so agitated and the Bureaucracy has been even more determined to deny it to them.  

3. The all pervading Definition is:

DEFINITION OF OROP

 "THE PRE 1 JAN 2006 RETIREES GOT THE SAME PENSIONS AS THE POST 01 JAN 2006 RETIREES BY MATCHING UP THE THREE FACTORS THAT GOVERN THE PENSIONS OF EX-SERVICEMEN i.e. THE RANK,  THE LENGTH OF SERVICE AND THE TRADE (IN CASE OF ALL RANKS BELOW OFFICER RANKS ONLY).  AFTER THIS WAS EFFECTED ANY FUTURE INCREASES BE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED TO OLD PENSIONERS.  THE FAMILY, DISABILITY AND DEPENDENTS PENSIONS ARE INCLUDED FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS DEFINITION. THIS HOWEVER DOES NOT MEAN THE GRANT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS SUCH AS DCRG AND ADDITIONAL VALUE OF COMMUTATION PENSION, FURTHER IT AT NO STRETCH OF IMAGINATION INCLUDES ANNUAL INCREMENTS IN PENSIONS AS IS GIVEN TO SERVING SOLDIERS ".

4. The last highlighted sentence was added to the accepted definition on 17 May 2012 after our encounter with Secy DESW in the presence of the RRM.   The Secy in his attempt to have it rejected by the RRM made it out as a major hurdle for the Govt to grant OROP,  This was the first time ever in the last thirty two years of our submission of  this problem to the Gov't in 1982, I heard this ridiculous statement being attributed to us and I rejected this preposterous statement  with all the force I could command.

5. Unfortunately this idea was put in their head by one of our Netas only. Calling it OROP in perpetuity.

6. In simple words it means full parity with the latest rates of pension for past pensioners. Once granted there are no increments till another revision by a Central Pay Commission or a Committee..

Regards

Lt Col Inderjit Singh
Chairman - AIEWA
Mobile: 09811007629

MEETING WITH THE HON'BLE RAKSHA MANTRI SHRI AK ANTONY ON 01 MAR 2014

GENERAL 

A Delegation of the Association led by Lt Col Inderjit Singh, Chairman and comprising Capt.  Chatter Singh, Vice Chairman, Brig Bhagwan Singh, Secretary General, Lt Col HR Ruhil, Gen Secy, Lt Nar Singh Das, Gen Secy, Sub Maj Nahar Singh, Secy, Sub Sadhu Singh, Member met the Hon'ble Sh AK Antony today 01 Mar 2014 at his residence. The purpose of the meeting was to first thank him for the grant of OROP and also apprise him  about the problems that may arise while implementing the Govt's decision.

 

Last Minute Panic

We were given an appointment by Shri AK Antony to meet him on 01 Mar at 7:30 pm. At about 5:00 pm we got a call that the Meeting will be held at 7:00 pm instead as the Minister has been summoned for another meeting. We rescheduled the plan in such a manner that we could be there much before schedule and set out accordingly. While on the way we got another call saying that he has been called for the all important meeting earlier than scheduled, but doesn't want to go until he had met us and asked if we could rush. We rushed and got there quickly. 
 

It was indeed kind of the RM to be waiting for us at the door with the car all ready to take him away for the other meeting. Before any thing else the Chairman presented the Hon'ble RM with a bunch of THIRTY TWO RED ROSES. He told the RM that each Rose depicted  every year of struggle for OROP. All these Roses had been put together in a bunch for HAPPY FLOWERY ENDING. After the presentation sweets were distributed to mark  the happy occasion. 

 

Discussions in Next Meeting

Shri Antony was waiting for us at the door. He was kind to brief us about what he had done, which besides OROP included Disability and Family pensions. He desired that we leave our papers with his Secy. He also told us that we would soon meet in office and discuss in details our suggestions. We left three letters with his Secy. These are given below. We would welcome any more suggestions/points if we have omitted anything. That could be taken up as part of discussions when we meet him next week.

More after the next meeting with him.

Warm regards,

Lt Col Inderjit  Singh
Chairman, AIEWA

Mob 09811007629

====================================================================

 

THREE LETTERS HANDED OVER TO THE HON'BLE RM ON 01 MAR  14

LETTER NO 1

 

I had written a thanks giving mail in which I did not mention your contributions for the OROP. It was because I could not   at short notice find enough words to express our gratitude for the colossal role you played in seeing it through.

I have been working for this cause for the past over 32 years now. I must today tell you that no Defence Minister of the past had ever taken up this matter as strongly as you did in Jun 2012 with the Hon'ble PM. I will not be saying any thing wrong if I said that no future Defense Minister will ever be able to outdo your commitment either. We the entire community of Veterans Salute you with all the reverie at our command. We are indeed grateful.

In the regular meetings you kindly granted to me to understand our problems, the key word " BRIDGING THE GAP " was never in doubt. The anxiety was about 'when'. Now that the gap has been finally bridged, we are happy that an honest and upright man like you have been able to keep his word.

You have very kindly helped us in putting this demand away, which is great by itself. We have however a long way yet to go..Time has now come to ensure that such a situation never develops again. Towards that end I have already made comprehensive suggestions to you from time  to time, which may kindly be implemented. We shall ever remain grateful.

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LETTER NO 2

Thank you very much for bridging the Gap of past and present Veterans pensions by granting us OROP on 17 Feb. A long standing and most legitimate demand of 32 years has finally  been solved by the leadership by accepting the principle of OROP. The entire community of Veterans are indeed grateful. There are however some Doubting Thomasses and elements belonging to the opposition calling this Historic Step an election gimmick which would be thrown out as soon as  these are over.

Military Briefing

We are indeed happy and delighted to read about the briefing that you recently did of the Military brass reassuring them about the allocation of additional funds and seriousness of the leadership to put this matter in the past forever. Our grateful thanks to you.

Prevent Shortchanging

My humble submission is that initial role of the leadership has been played very deftly. Now the most difficult stage of its honest and true implementation through a Govt Notification commences. Such decisions have been taken by the benign Congress leadership many times in the past as well. All these decisions were shortchanged by craftily worded Notifications issued by the hostile bureaucracy. They have been stonewalling the acceptance of this submission for the past 32 years, they are not going to easily let it happen now.

Implementation  Committee

This is what we need to prevent this time. To ensure that the Veterans and even more than that the leadership is not let down this time, we appeal to you to kindly   appoint immediately a proper Implementation Committee for OROP, in which besides the bureaucracy we have the representatives of the Veterans and Services as members. Our representation on it is the key element of this Committee and may please be conceded for the sake of good for all.

The Committee should be directed to work out the Notification within the time frame laid down by you, so that it is implemented before the Elections are announced.

This alone will put the entire effort in its proper perspective neutralizing all the adverse propaganda effects of the hostile elements.  We look forward to immediate and positive steps announced towards this end.

Essential Points

You have very rightly given directions to cover the Family and Disability pensions in this exercise. There are however a few more matters that need to be covered.

These are as follows:-

a) Majors  affected by the AV Committee report. They need to be equated to a time scaled Lt Col's pension.
b) Lt Cols Selection Grade affected by the AV Committee  Report. There is no scale in  Sixth CPC for this Rank. The  job that they did is being done by a full Colonel. Appropriately they should be equated to full Colonel to meet the definition of OROP.
c) Reservists Pensions. This is a diminishing strength as we do not have men going on reserve any more. The Fifth CPC equated them with a normal Jawan and gave them the same pension. The Sixth CPC denied them this privilege. They should all be given the same pension as a sepoy with  17 years service.
d) There was a long standing demand for giving Hony Naib Sub the same pension as the present one is drawing. This does not need any special effort as it would be covered by OROP in the normal course.
e) The removal of 33 years conditionality for grant of 50% as pension should  be ensured even though it should happen with the OROP implementation automatically.
f)  The Definition of OROP being talked about is not comprehensive and complete. There is a third factor of the Group in which the JCOs and ORs serve that governs the pension. This must be  taken care of and the entitlements worked out properly.

We admire you and thank you very much for  the promptitude with which the Notification  advising Service Headquarters to file appeals against AFT judgements in favor of Veterans without reference in six matters was withdrawn. We are sure the desired promptitude in this all important  matter of OROP would not be lacking.


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LETTER NO 3

Your HISTORIC statement, "There isn't the remotest chance of a military coup in the country," came as a waft of fresh thinking of the Leadership and a realization that will bury for all times this canard of the bureaucracy.

 

Trust Deficit

 

This single lie was responsible for the denial of rightful dues and place in the Society for the soldier. Now that it has been unceremoniously buried we hope that rational decisions will be taken to ensure that never again do we have a situation where  there is mistrust between the Soldier and the Leadership. In other words the unfortunate TRUST DEFICIT becomes a thing of the past.

Now is the time to strengthen this bond by concrete action. Now is the time to work on unbiased opinions and do the right by the soldier. Towards this end, the first thing that is required is  the implementation of the Court orders about Rank Pay case in letter and spirit.

 

Essential Instruments

 

The next step should be to establish instruments through which we can get our feelings/ opinions to reach up to the leadership uncensored. These are-

 

a) set up Standing  Committee of Voluntary Associations (SCOVA) in the MOD on the same lines as the Ministry for Pensions for our Institutionalized Interaction with the leadership on regular basis;

b) the Ex servicemen Welfare  Department in the MOD be staffed and run by the serving and retired soldiers;

c) the Armed Forces be given representation in the MOD at every decision making level. Armed Forces are the only uniformed service denied that privilege and trust. How tragic    and sad for the Nation and the leadership?

d) establish a Veterans Resettlement Commission with full powers to look after their affairs.

 

Once these are in place, all problems will be  attended to and resolved by mutual consultation to the entire satisfaction of all, without the leadership having to worry.

We look forward to an early action.