CONGRATULATIONS ; ESM ARE CLOSE TO FINISH LINE; OROP WILL SOON BE A REALITY : PLEASE CELEBRATE/HAVE A TOAST

'Vinod Gandhi' via IESM_Group  (10.49pm 9 Hrs ago)

Dear Members,    

IESM has been spearheading the your fight for OROP. IESM has met almost all the officers in line to sanction OROP, arranged rallies in Delhi and other parts of country, sat on hunger strike, deposited our precious gallantry medals to the President and submitted memos signed with our blood to President and Government. Last but not the least even flexed out muscle of vote power.

All these methods put together had their impact and Government both UPA and NDA agreed to grant our long cherished and most deserving demand of OROP. OROP was finally granted by Government in budget presented in 2014. But this was not the final and last step for OROP, in-fact this was the first positive step to OROP. Most of us are unaware of serpentine galleries of Government which a file has to travel for approval.

   

It has taken more than one year for IESM to convince the powers that be that ESM will not accept any dilution in definition of OROP. Raksha Mantri Mr Manohar Parikkar is a man of principle and he understood the nuances of OROP and also the neglect of ESM since last many decades. He took it upon himself to overrule all objections raised by MOD/CDA/DESW combine about OROP. He approved OROP and sent the file to Finance Minister. 

Good news has just come that OROP file has been cleared and OROP has been given political clearance also.

  

Mr Nitin Gokhle met RM Mr Manohar Parikkar on 9 Apr 15. RM has confirmed to him that OROP has been approved at all levels and has been given political clearance also. Nitin Gokhle had been cleared by RM to inform the environment. Accordingly he sent a message for approval of OROP. His message is repeated below. 

April 10, 2015 12:23 IST

Military veterans are finally set to get their dues following Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's assertion that the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme is just weeks away from being implemented, reports Nitin Gokhale.

The long-pending 'One Rank One Pension,' scheme meant to ensure that a uniform pension is paid to defence personnel who retire at the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement, is now weeks away from actual implementation, D M Manohar Parrikar has said.

Speaking to this correspondent in Delhi on Thursday, April 9, the minister said: "All hurdles, including a political clearance on its financial implications, have been removed. Now the actual calculation and administrative details are being worked out. We are sure to get the scheme rolling in the next few weeks."

Admitting that there is huge scepticism over the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme, Parrikar said: "This time we have ensured that nothing goes wrong."

The long-standing demand has been an emotive issue with defence pensioners for almost half a decade with many of them even marching in protest several times to Rashtrapati Bhavan between 2008 and 2010 to return their gallantry medals.      Jai ho

IESM CONVEYS ITS SINCERE THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND RAKSHA MANTRI MR MANOHAR PARIKKAR FOR FULFILLING PROMISE MADE IN THEIR MANIFESTO. 

Dear veterans it is time to celebrate. We can have a drink tonight and celebrate OROP which is likely to see day light after 30 years of struggle. 

Our real struggles starts today as we have to ensure that language of Government notification is not tweaked to take away the advantage of OROP. ESM's have had very sour experience in past wherein advantage of Rank Pay and 6CPC were denied to ESM by tweaking few words in the Government letters. This resulted in long court battles which ofcourse have been won by ESM. Armed Forces Hq and all ESM organisations will have to ensure that the Government letter issued is true to spirit of OROP.

VETERANS; THIS HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY UNITY OF VETERANS FOR OROP. LET US REMAIN UNITED TO IMPROVE CONDITION OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

IESM will report more details as and when received. 

JAI HO

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
Flat no 801, Tower N5

Narmada Apartments

Pocket D6 

Vasant Kunj

Nelson Mandela Marg
New Delhi. 110070
Mobile   09810541222

On Thursday, 12 March 2015 3:42 PM, Vinod Gandhi <vk_gandhi@yahoo.com> wrote:

Dear Members

Further to meeting of five member IESM delegation with RM Sh Manohar Parrikar on 2 Mar 15, another member of GB IESM has met RM on 11 March 15 to get fresh inputs on disability pension and progress on OROP file. The report submitted by Col Anil Kaul VrC dated 11 Mar 15 is given below and is also attached for your reference.

 RECORD OF DISCUSSION Of Col ANIL KAUL VrC WITH RM: 11 MAR 2015

I had the occasion to meet the RM today for duration of 45 mins in his South Block Office. The COAS was also present. A record of our discussion is appended below.

Disability Issues: The Hon’ble RM wanted a first-hand account of the effects of disability from a person who had undergone such trauma as against hearing it from other sources. Certain facts were conveyed including citing of personal examples which despite over twenty five years of consideration at various levels remain unresolved. A hard copy of all such issues was handed over to the RM.

Non-Implementation of Orders of SC/ Non-Issue of Instructions on Disability Related issues of Def Pers including the following: -

    (a)    Na-Na Cases

    (b)    Less than 20% disability cases

    (c)    Disability when on leave

    (d)    Broad-banding for those who superannuated

    (e)    Broad-banding for those who took voluntary retirement?

MOD is yet to issue letter for enhanced DP for enhanced pension WEF Sep`12, though case has been taken up by Service HQ. 

Comments of RM: He said that all disability related issues would be taken up appropriately w.e.f. 13 Mar 2015.He assured me that we would soon see the issue of operative letters.

Additional Points:  A few additional points regarding disability were also discussed with personal examples that would have an effect on the larger disabled environment of the disabled in the Armed Forces. These are enumerated below: -

There is no system of post disability trauma onset in any of the three services including counselling to enable a disabled soldier to start functioning anew albeit with a few parts missing. This needs immediate implementation.

There has to be a clear cut divide between those placed in LMC in normal course and BC’s.  This must percolate down to their employment and functioning. I suggested that for starters at least in the Army suitable disabled officers be posted in the AG’s & MS branches as only a disabled understands the effects of disability. Moreover such actions do not require any elaborate Govt sanctions.

I submitted that “Constant Attendance Allowance” should be applicable suo moto to anyone with 50% disability especially as after superannuation all manner of physical support available in service ceases. The RMB should be the final authority with the PCDA (P) not having any say in this.

Payment of double conveyance allowance, where authorised to disabled personnel should be as matter of course and not based on claims. We are all aware of who authorised Government tpt is and who is not.

All service group Insurances are private entities and should offer disability benefits to BC’s retained in service and who superannuate in the normal course. The funds available are adequate and if necessary and additional levy on premium can cater for this aspect also. To deny this to one segment is a violation of the principle of equality. Notwithstanding what the Govt provides in such cases as that is a part of a service obligation whereas group insurances are private funds meant for this. The RM was appreciative of this logic and even suggested a methodology for the COAS to consider. The RM even mentioned that shortfalls if any could be made up by the MoD. 

As per AO 17/89 Battle Casualties have the option of taking disability pension as a capitalized value in service. However there is no provision of restoration of such commuted value as in the case of normal pension. Disability is for life and there needs to be a reconsideration of restoring the capitalized value after 15 years, for those who took this option, as in the case of normal pension. A detailed case study is as given below:

Reference AO 17/89.

On Superannuation every service personnel is entitled to service pension. This consists of the service element and the disability element. As a battle casualty I come under the purview of the AO ibid.

Personal Illustrative Case:   I am 80% disabled due to battle injuries for life. As per AO 17/ 89 I was, entitled to, as were other BC’s, “War Injury Pay”. As per awards of the 4CPC, this was specified as “percentage of disability equivalent of percentage of pay drawn at the time of injury”. My pay at that point was approximately Rs 4200/- therefore I should have been entitled to 80% of which came to Rs 3360/- pm. This was later amended to “Not more than Rs 1500/- per month allowed for 100% disability due to normal service conditions”.This was to be proportionately reduced for lower percentages. Accordingly I was entitled to Rs 1200/- pm.  A loss of 3360- 1200 = 2160/- As a result BC’s lost out on higher emoluments due to some change that was not noticed by those dealing with such cases. 

A second provision of the AO was that one could take the capitalized value of this amount in service or await superannuation to get a disability pension.  This was to be calculated for a time period of service to an age and service in the same rank that is in my case a Major. As can be seen I lost out on the following counts: -

Reduction in overall authorized amount.

No consideration for promotion beyond the rank of Major.

No consideration for age applicable beyond the rank of Major.

I was paid such compensation after ten years of my injury. A request for interest on delayed payments was initially rejected till the Delhi High Court gave a ruling in my favour on which CDA (O) paid me the interest in the year 2000, i.e. after thirteen years of my injury and a court case lasting over two years.

The acerbic language of Army HQ, as a measure of no respect to battle casualties, stated, “ That the case stands closed and no further discussions would be appreciated” So much for winning a gallantry award and losing your limbs.

Appeal: Notwithstanding the above as in the case of commuted value of service element of pension that is restored after a finite period of 13/15 years, similarly the capitalized value of disability pension needs restoration after a suitable period of time. In my case, the capitalized value has been taken for the rank of “Major” superannuation was 50 years that I crossed in Jul 2001 a full four years before superannuating in 2005 in the rank of “Colonel”. Considering that the capitalized value was applicable from 12 Oct 1987 but paid to me in 1996, a total of 25 years have passed and therefore the disability element of pension paid as capitalized value in service now needs restoration, keeping in mind that the disability is for life and as one ages the effects become more debilitating.

(g)  A staff check would show that there would be a handful of such personnel in such a predicament.

OROP; The RM gave out the status of OROP as on date. He confirmed that OROP file is progressing as planned and as informed to IESM delegation on 2 Mar 15.  The salient features of which are as follows: -

The final document duly cleared by FA (Def) and signed by him is being forwarded to the FM on 11 Mar 15.

 The amount worked out remains at Rs 8298 crores for one year.

He is planning to meet the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to discuss and get approval of OROP on or around 16 Mar 15.

He is making all out efforts to stick to the time schedule as indicated to delegation of IESM on 2 Mar 15. He is hopeful that the OROP notification will be issued by 31 Mar 15 or latest by end April.

He confirmed that 86% beneficiaries are JCO’s and OR’s and remaining 14% is for officers, family pensioners and veer naris. Fund allotment is also in the same ratio.

There being no other points the meeting was closed.

Anil Kaul

Col Anil Kaul, VrC

11 Mar 2015

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
Flat no 801, Tower N5

Narmada Apartments

Pocket D6 

Vasant Kunj

Nelson Mandela Marg
New Delhi. 110070
Mobile   09810541222

On Monday, 2 March 2015 6:40 PM, 'Vinod Gandhi' via IESM_Group <iesm_group@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Dear Members

IESM delegation of five members met RM Manohar Parrikar today at 1400 h.

The salient points of the issues discussed in the meeting are given below and are attached. I am sure this will satisfy most of the queries of veterans arising out of budget speech given on 28 Feb 15. This is now clear that one needs to be optimistic and OROP will be out soon.

However hold your celebrations till Notification of OROP is out as there is many a slip between the cup and the lip. 

Meeting of IESM Delegation with RM Sh Manohar Parrikar on 2 Mar 2015

IESM contacted Sh Manohar Parrikar Raksha Mantri at the end of the budget presented on 28 Feb 15 and communicated to him that ESM in general are disappointed because OROP has not been mentioned in the budget speech of Finance Minister and allocation of funds for OROP has not been announced. RM explained on telephone that OROP has been approved in two budgets and hence it is considered approved and therefore there was no need to mention in the budget speech. He was kind enough to invite the IESM delegation at 1400h on 2 March 15 to clear any doubts if we had any.

Following five members of IESM met Sh Manohar Parrikar RM at 1400h on Monday 2 March 2015.   

1.   Maj Gen Satbir Singh SM

2.   Col Kirit Joshipura

3.   Col Anil kaul VrC

4.   Wg Cdr CK Sharma

5.   Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM

6.   Major DP Singh was also invited by RM for discussion on disability pension issue.

RM made everyone comfortable in the beginning itself that OROP for Armed Forces and Ex-servicemen is NDA Government’s commitment and he has worked out the expenditure for the OROP. He advised that there was no need to cover this issue in budget presented by NDA Government on 28 Feb 15  as it already stands approved by Parliament as part of budget for financial year 14-15. He confirmed that he had discussed the issue with officers of MOD and ironed out all issues of OROP. He also confirmed that OROP is genuine demand of Armed Forces and must be met in full; hence there is no difference in thinking of Armed Forces and MOD. Accordingly file has been prepared and is in process for approval from Ministry of Finance. After approval of the file from Finance Minister, it will be put up for approval of CCPA (Cabinet Committee for Political Affairs). RM has confirmed that MOD has recommended giving OROP for X group and Y group separately. He also confirmed that all ranks including widows have been included in the OROP. He further confirmed that he is attempting to meet the date line for issuance of Government letter (OROP Notification) given by him on 1 Feb 15 meeting with IESM delegation.

There was no doubt left in our minds after such a clear statement by RM and IESM delegation was convinced that OROP is now in safe hands will see the day light soon. General Satbir Singh thanked him and told him that it is first time that the demands of ESM are being given proper consideration and attention. IESM delegation then discussed following issues with RM.

1.   Increase in Widow’s pension w.e.f 24 Sep 12; General Satbir Singh informed him that widow’s pension was not increased in 2012 when pension for all ranks was increased as per recommendations of 6 CPC. Widows must be given that increase in pension. RM expressed concerned on this issue and asked the delegation to give him the note for his consideration.

2.    

3.   Major’s Pension Retired pre 1996; It was brought to RM’s attention that MOD is not paying Lt Col pension to Major rank officers who retired pre 1996 on completion of 21 years of service. Major Thomas of pre 1996 retirement had gone won the case in AFT and had been paid enhanced pension. It should be applicable for all Majors who had retired pre 1996 and had completed 21 years of service. RM asked for a detailed note on the issue for his consideration.

4.    

5.   Major’s Pension who had retired on completion of 20 yrs but with less than 21 yrs of service; RM was informed that there will be only few hundred Majors who will fall in that category and MOD must consider giving them Lt Col Pension with Major’s grade pay as a special case. RM demanded a paper on this issue also for his consideration.

IESM will be sending the detailed paper on above issues to RM at the earliest.

IESM delegation was encouraged with the response and encouragement given by RM. One can now say that OROP is in safe hands will soon be approved.

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM

Gen Sec IESM

2 Mar 2015

JAI HO 

(SOURCE- VIA E-MAIL)