OROP and Rank Pay Anomaly - Letter to AVM RP Mishra

Hello Col Anand,

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Thank you for writing to me. I have tried to express my thoughts in the coloured text after each para of yours. Although, I am a member of IESL, IESM as well as AFA, views are purely mine and may not be those held by these organizations.
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Regards
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AVM Mishra
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Letter by Col Anand to AVM RP Mishra. Comments of AVM RP Mishra follow after each Para.


Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2010 10:16 PM

Subject: OROP : Rank Pay Anomaly

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My Dear AVM Mishra,

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I am taking the liberty of expressing my views concerning the Veterans of this country as an Army Veteran and not for any personal reasons. I am aware that at present there are two distinct factions amongst the veterans of all the three services viz IESM and IESL. Both the great organisations viz IESL and IESM it seems, pose to be representing a very large number of veterans around India. However, I am having an impression (may be unfounded), that they both are interested in working separately. It is also my presumption that their basic aim is more or less common which is to ensure the proper welfare of the Ex servicemen ie veterans of this country. "I fully agree with you. Whenever IESL and IESM representatives have met in my presence, I have always tried to impress on them that their criticism of each other must stop, let every one take credit for whatever MoD agrees, how does it matter so far it is for the welfare of veterans."

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It is established through various sources that the major struggle of the veterans is to get from the Government the OROP. Besides, there is a major anomaly in pay fixation consequent upon the implementation of the recommendations of Fourth Pay Commission, which though cleared by the Supreme has since been held up due to a petition filed by the Government against the Supreme Court ruling on 8 March 2010. "I agree with you."

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There are other issues which take precedence only after these main issues."Sure"

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Incidentally, I can recall the NDTV programme held last month in which the aspect of OROP was discussed at some length and it gave the feeling that some Government representatives such as Capt Praveen Davar, Mrs Indu Liberhan, Pinky Anand (Advocate), Mr Ajay Shah were totally opposed to the views on OROP presented by the defence representatives. Capt Davar went to the extent of saying that the IESL was very happy with whatever has been granted by the UPA-2. I personally feel and think that this statement is far from the truth. By the way, as the Vice Chairman of IESL do you also support the statement of Capt Davar. "First of all, I must tell you that I am not an elected Vice President of IESL. I have been nominated by President IESL and go there only if they want some assistance. President IESL, if i remember, did write a letter to RM that ESM are happy that their pensions have been revised; but it does not mean that OROP has been forgotten. I am attaching two briefs. One of them was submitted to Army Hq during seminar organised by them in which RM was present for about an hour and in which he had assured that OROP will come but gradually. The other Brief, on similar lines, was submitted to Secretary Deptt of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare in a meeting called by him. A copy of this brief was also sent to Secretary Deptt of ESW, MoD."

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Sir, after seeing the NDTV programme I felt that we could take the following steps to further strengthen our struggle for OROP.

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( a ) We should draft a detailed letter covering all our arguments in support of the OROP and address them to all the sitting MPs both Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha to garner their support. The letters could also be sent to all party heads to enlighten them suitably about our cause. I am sure a large number of them would come forward to support our cause and would make a difference in the respective houses of parliament. "I am attaching a letter which was drafted to highlight the main problems at that time. It must have been changed a bit, but it was finally sent with signatures of representatives of all ESM organizations mentioned therein, except AFA. The letter can now be modified to include cases arising since then. It is, however, for various ESM organizations to come together, sign and send the letter suggested by you as a joint letter."

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( b ) It was observed that a large number of viewers have extended excellent suggestions after viewing the NDTV Programme. Let us not just ignore them, but make a bank of all these suggestions and try and get the best out of them at opportune moment."I am with you but initiative has to come from IESL and IESM."

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( c ) Now that NDTV has given a start, we might approach some more popular channels through some influential lights, to have similar programmes for their viewers. We could certainly take advantage of valuable views received and make preparations covering all the convincing arguments to make our case convincing and stronger. This would also help us to get much better public support "IESM is already on look out. They want help from other veterans to approach various channels where they have some say."

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( d ) We should consult and have meetings with experts who could strengthen the cause of OROP to make our case more convincing, and to undo the disadvantages which we often suffer at the hands of the Government, bureaucrats and others . "In my opinion, we have sufficient expertise ourselves and can justify the same. Definition of OROP, as per IESM is same pension for same rank with same total service irrespective of date of retirement. There are veterans who do not agree with the definition including myself. If IESM can organise a meeting where pros and cons could be discussed with open mind, it would be useful."

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( e ) We must earmark some more people of the category and calibre of Capt Sidhu to forcefully convince the public of the apathy shown by the people who matter ie government, bureaucracy and judiciary as applicable."I agree. Kindly correspond with him and make him agree first, he is a busy person."

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Am I correct in expressing a feeling that there is a misgiving, that both IESL and IESM do not see eye to eye to each other. You would be in a position to explain the factual position of this misgiving. Am I right in presuming that IESL claim to be a group recognised by the government and not IESM. In view of this the following questions come to my mind:- "IESL, AFA and War Disabled Association are the only ones recognised by Government. status of IESL has also been recorded in a resolution of the 7th LOK SABHA on 20 April 1982. No other ESM organization has been recognised or is called for consultations by MoD. I had myself requested IESM that they must try and get recognition from MoD, but due to conditions attached with such recognition, IESM opted out. My personal opinion is that IESL and IESM should act in perfect co-ordination, one applying pressure through public, TV etc, the other trying to achieve same objectives through MoD and interaction with MoD/RM/RRM/PM/President of India."

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( a ) If so, are they satisfied with what the UPA-2 Government has given to the veterans so far? "Please see the briefs attached. You will get the answer."

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( b ) Doesnt the IESL want OROP as any other veteran would like to have it? "Please see the briefs."

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( c ) Is IESL not interested in sorting out the Rank Pay anomaly? "Please see the Briefs."

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( d ) Would it not be beneficial to all the veterans if IESL and IESM, both together present a single front to convince the government? "My comments above sub-para (a) are self explanatory."

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( e ) Will it be justified to see all the veterans succumbing to the policy of divide and rule - by following innumerable instances of this legacy obtaining in the Indian history? "All ESM organizations know that united we win, divided we lose. It is for office bearers to take the initiative for it. We, and officers like General Bahri for whom I have lot of respect, can only act as catalyst"

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( f ) Is it not important to look into all these questions and aspects to resolve the differences amongst the IESL and IESM and find suitable answers and solutions to find a formidable front before the Government? "My comments above sub-para (a) are self explanatory."

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( g ) If it is really felt that, the any of the organisations IESL or IESM are going against the interests of the veterans as a whole, then would it not be advisable to have a meeting amongst the top brasses of both the organisations and sort out the differences once and for? "Has been tried by General Bahri and myself earlier also, but we suceeded only to a limited extent."

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( h ) Would it not be very essential to avoid egoism, at all levels if we really are interested in the welfare of defence veterans around the country, who really look up to their senior office bearers at all times? "It seems to be the ego which is the main problem"

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I am sure there would be a number of understanding office bearers amongst both the organisations who would only see good of the veterans and not their personal ego. Frankly, I see no justification in fighting for the same cause separately. It may be good idea for both the organisations to either convince the other side or get convinced themselves. If East & West Germanys could reunify, why cannot the IESL and the IESM. "My comments on various para support you on this aspect."

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Sir, my final view is that we all must trust and try the combined wisdom of the Governing Bodies of both the IESM & IESL, who have many bright and thinking stalwarts presumably without any personal egos and agendas. They could certainly argue dispassionately before deciding on the final course of action for achieving our combined Goal the OROP & Rank Pay fixation anomaly."In full agreement with you."

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Thanking you Sir, with kind regards and expecting a positive action from your end to my considered suggestions. "Thanks to you also"

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Col LK Anand Retd

25th NDA 4207-K

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Col LK Anand's Reply to AVM RP Mishra's Letter/Reply

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Dear AVM Mishra,

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Thanks a lot for taking the trouble of writing back to me, with your replies to each of my queries and points raised.

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I have observed that the briefs by IESL have been submitted in May 2010 and June 2010. In them the proposals for pensions are only as per the modified parity which should have been implemented in the beginning itself. However, I understand that these are likely to be done after the AFT ruling and not on the basis of the brief. This certainly cannot be anywhere near the OROP visualised by the veterans. In any case, is there any feedback on progress in actions suggested to be taken?

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The letter proposed to be addressed to the PM in 2009 still appears to be in draft form only. I feel, the point regarding government filing cases against each and every Supreme Court ruling favouring the veterans also needs to be highlighted. This draft though adequately covers many relevant aspects, yet may have to be further improved to make it more, to the point, convincing and assertive to meet the aspirations of the veterans. There would be many who can further add to it and are also well equipped and can help in doing so.

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At the end I still feel strongly that to really fulfil the aspirations of the veterans, all the ESM organisations within the country, must forget their egos and come together, to present a really strong and formidable single front before the Government. With this it may be possible to achieve our goal or mission faster.

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Sir, I intend to inform the office bearers of the IESM also about the very fruitful exchange of views I have had with you. I would also suggest to them to continue efforts for unification of IESL and IESM as also the other ESM organisations.

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With Kind regards and best wishes and hoping to continue such constructive dialogue as and when necessary in future.

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May God bless you.

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Yours Sincerely,

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Col LK Anand Retd