Nothing seems to have moved on this account in that direction so far
The central government has set
aside Rs 2,300 crore to meet the demands of ex-servicemen, fighting for
increment in their pension and
other retirement benefits.
Of this
sumptuous amount, however, the share of
an ex-Army havaldar with a service of 24 years (and equivalents in the navy
& air force) will be a measly Rs 461 per month.
This
arithmetic was revealed after this correspondent accessed the current internal
working sheets of the Ministry of Defence. The government, without revealing
the precise calculations in its announcement on September 24, 2012, had claimed
that it was setting aside Rs 2,300 crore to meet the demands of the ex-Defence
personnel.
The
break-up of this big promise, however, has been a shocker for ex-servicemen who
were hoping for remarkable improvement in their pension and other benefits.
What's more distressing is the fact that three months have passed since the
announcement but the government is yet to pass an order to operationalise even
this miniscule a rise.
The work sheets are divided between officers and those below, referred to as
other ranks (OR). The plan, when implemented, will allow a monthly hike
of Rs 1,500 to Rs.4,105 in the pension of officers, depending on
their ranks, who retired before 2006. The ORs who retired before 2006,
meanwhile, would be entitled to a monthly hike between Rs 377 and Rs 461.
"It is shameful. These men fought the LTTE in Sri Lanka in the 80s,
militants in J&K in the 90s and the Kargil War, "said an officer aware
of the internal workings. An announcement has no meaning unless a government
order is issued. An insider said: "There have been constant reminders on
this but to no avail. We don't know whether the government is nervous or there
is a goof-up but this delay is inexplicable. "Veterans responded with
outrage at the revelation of the government's calculations.
Major (retd) Navdeep Singh, an expert
on pension related issues, said: "The government is only partially
implementing what the courts have told it to do a long time ago and claiming
credit for it. "Commander (retd) R. W.
Pathak, from the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, said: "Till
date, there was a lack of sincerity in the government's approach. Now, there is
also lack of accountability. The babus of the ministry are denying benefits to
those who gave the best years of their lives to the nation."Flying Officer (retd) Rustom Patel, who
participated in the 1971 war, said the government's attitude will deter those
who wish to make their career in the armed forces.
Defence Minister A. K. Antony, however assured that the government remained
committed and will soon issue the order. (The Turtle
continues to move ahead slowly) From End Dec to Next month and so on.
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