Happy and a prosperous Diwali to all veterans and their widows Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd)

Dear Veterans, Regards.
EX- SOLDIERS, SAILOR & AIRMEN ASSOCIATION (Regd),
a national level organization of veterans, wishes all veterans and the widows a happy and prosperous Diwali and further advises the veterans to get their own pension and the pension of war widows and old veterans above 80 yrs (known to them), checked up from the persons who are aware of the latest orders and notifications regarding pension because it has been gathered by this organization that above 40% of veterans/widows are being disbursed wrong amount of pension by Pension Disbursing Authorities.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd).
President.

Order for Pay fixation of re-employed ex-servicermen.. Veteran PJS Chhatwal PLS Regt.

Dear Veterans,
Find below the latest order for pay fixation of re-employed
ex-servicemen as requested by a few re-employed veterans.

No.3/19/2009-Estt. (Pay II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of personnel & Training
**********
New Delhi, Dated:5th April, 2010.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Applicability of CSS (RP) Rules, 2008 to persons re-employed in
Government Service after retirement and whose pay is debitable to Civil
Estimates.

-----------

The understand is directed to prefer to this Department's
O.M. No. 3/13/2008-Estt. (Pay II) dated 11th November, 2008 on the
above-mentioned subject. Certain reference have been received
seeking clarification regarding the manner of fixation of pay of
retired defence Force personnel/officers re-employed in central
Government Civilian posts, after the implementation of CCS (RP)
Rules,2008. This has been considered in consultation with
Department of Expenditure. The pay fixation of re-employed
pensioners in Central Government, including that of Defence
Force personnel/ officers, is being done in accordance with
CCS (fixation of pay of re-employed pensioner) Orders, 1986, issued
vide this Department's O.M. No. 3/1/85-Estt. (Pay II) dated
31st July, 1986 (as revised from time to time).

2. After the introduction of the system of running pay bands and
grade pays, it has been decided to amend the relevant provision of
CCS (fixation of pay of re-employed pensioners) Order, 1986 in the
manner indicated below:-

Existing provision
Para 4(a) Re-employed pensioners shall be allowed to draw pay only
in the prescribed scales of pay of the posts in which they are re-employed.
No protection of the scales of pay of the posts held by them prior to
retirement shall be given.
Proposed revised provision
Para 4(a): Re-employed pensioners shall be allowed to draw pay only in
the prescribed pay scales/pay structure of the post which they are
re-employed. No protection of the scales of pay/pay structure of the post
held by them prior to retirement shall be given.

Note: Under the provisions of CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, revised pay structure
comprises the grade pay attached to the post and the applicable pay band.

Existing provision
Para 4(b)(i): In all cases where the pension is fully ignored, the initial pay
on re-employed shall be fixed at the minimum of scales of the re-employed
post.

Proposed revised provision
Para 4(b)(i): In the cases where the pension is fully ignored, the
initial pay on re-employed shall be fixed as per entry pay in the revised
pay structure of the re-employed post applicable in the case of direct
recruits appointed on or after 1.12006 as notified vide Section II, Part A
of First Schedule to CCS (RP) Rules, 2008.

Existing provision
Para4(b)(ii): In cases where the entire pension and pensionary benefits
are not ignored for pay fixation, the initial pay on re-employed shall be
fixed at the same stage as the last pay drawn before retirement, If there
in no such stage in the re-employed post, the pay shall be fixed at the
stage next above that pay. If the maximum of the pay scales in which a
pensioner is re-employed is less that the maximum of the scales of pay
of the re-employed post. Similarly, if the minimum of the scales of pay
in which a pensioner is re-employed is more than the last pay drawn by
him before retirement, his initial pay shall be fixed at the minimum of
the scales of pay of the re-employed post. However, in all these cases, the
non-ignorable part of the pensions hall be reduced from the pay so fixed.

Proposed revised provision
Para 4(b)(ii): In cases where the entire pension and pensionary benefits
are not ignored for pay fixation, the initial basic pay on re-employed shall
be fixed at the same stage as the basic pay drawn before retirement,
However, he shall be granted the grade pay of the re-employed post. The
maximum basic pay cannot exceed the grade pay of the re-employed post
plus pay in the pay band of Rs. 67000 i.e. the maximum of the pay band
PB-4. In all these cases, the non-ignorable part of the pension shall be
reduced from the pay so fixed.

Illustration

A Colonel who retired with basic pay of Rs. 61700 (grade pay Rs.8700; pay
in the pay bands Rs.53000) is re-employed as a Deputy Secretary in an
organization with grade pay of Rs. 7600. In this case, on re-employment,
his basic pay will continue to be Rs. 61700. However, his grade pay on
re-employment will be Rs.7600 and the pay in the pay band Rs. 54100.
Thereafter, the non-ignorable part of the pension will be reduced from
the pay so fixed.

Note; In the revised pay structure, basic pay is pay in the pay band plus
the grade pay attached to the post.
Existing provision
Para 4(c): The re-employed pensioner will, in addition to pay as fixed
under Para (b) above shall be permitted to draw separately any pension
sanctioned to him and to retain any other from of retirement benefits.

Proposed revised provision
Para 4(c): No change.

Existing provision
Para 4(d): In the case of pension retiring before attaining the age of
55 year and who are re-employed, pension (including PEG and other
forms for initial pay fixation in the following extent:-

(i) In the case of ex-servicemen who held posts below Commissioned
Officer rank in the Defence Forces and in the case of civilians who held
posts below Group 'A' posts at the time of their retirement, the entire
pension and pension equivalent of retirement benefits shall be ignored.

(ii) In the case of services officers belonging to the Defence Forces and
Civilian Pensioner who held 'A' posts at the time of their retirement, the
first Rs.500/-* of the pension and pension equivalent retirement
benefits shall be ignored. (*Already revised to Rs.4000/- vide O.M.
No. 3/13/2008-Estt. (pay II) dated 11th November, 2008)

Propored revised provision
Para 4(d): in the case of persons retiring before attaining the age of
55 year and who are re-employed, pension (including Peg and other
forms of retirement benefits) shall be ignored for initial fixation in
the following extent:-

(i) No change.
(ii) In case of Commissioned Service officer belonging to the Defence
Forces and civilian pensioners held Group 'A'
posts at the time of their retirement, the first Rs. 4000/- of the pension
and pension equivalent retirement benefits shall be ignored.

3. Apart from the above, it is also clarified as under:-

(i) Drawal of increments: Once the initial pay of the re-employed
has been fixed in the manner indicated above, he will be allowed to
drawn normal increments as per the provisions of Rules 9 and 10
of CCS (RP) Rules,2008.

(ii) Allowances: The drawal of various allowances and other benefits
in the revised pay structure shall be regulated with reference to the
grade pay of the re-employed post of the basic pay, as the case may be.

(iii) Treatment of Military Service Pay (MSP): MSP is granted to Defence
Force officer/personnel while they are serving in the Defence Force.
Accordingly, on their re-employment in Civilian organization,
including secret organizations under the Cabinet Secretariat umbrella,
the question of grant of MSP to such officer/personnel under not arise.
However, the benefit of MSP given to all retired Defence Forces
officer/personnel by reckoning itat the time of calculation or their
pension (notionally in the case of pre-1.1.2006 pensioner) should not
be withdrawn. Accordingly, while the pension of such re-employed
pensioner will include the element of MSP, they will not be granted
MSP while working in civilian organizations.

(iv) Fixation of pay of personnel/officer re-employed prior to 1.1.2006
and who were in employment as on 1.1.2006: In the case of personnel/
officer who were re-employed before 1.1.2006 and who were working in
the Central Government organization on reemployment basis on 1.1.2006,
their pay will be fixed in accordance with the provisions of DOPT O.M.
No.3/13/2008-Estt.(Pay II) dated 11.11.2008. this O.M. stipulates that
re-employed persons who become eligible to elect revised pay structure
shall exercise option in the manner laid down in Rule 7 of CCS (RP)
Rules,2008. In this context , it is clarified that in accordance with the
provisions of Rules 7 of CCS (RP) Rules,2008, Department of Expenditure
issued fitment tables corresponding to each pre-revised pay scales vide
O.M. No.1/1/2008-IC dated 30.8.2008. In the case of those personnel/
officers as well, who were re-employed before 1.1.2006 and who were
working in the civilian organizations on re-employed basis as on 1.1.2006,
their pay will be fixed with reference to the fitment table of the pre-revised
civilian pay scale in which they were re-employed and corresponding to the
stage in the pre-revised pay scale as on 1.1.2006.

(v) Fixation of pay of personnel/officers who retired prior to 1.1.2006 and
who have been re-employed after 1.1.2006: In the case of personnel/
officer who had retired prior to 1.1.2006 and who have been re-employed
after 1.1.2006, their pay re-employed will be fixed by nationally arriving
at their revised basis pay at the time of retirement as if they retired under
the revised pay structure. This will be done with reference to the
fitment table of the Defence Service Rank/Civilian service post (as the
case may be) from which they had retired and the stage of basic pay at
the time retirement. Their basic pay on re-employment will be fixed at
the same stage as the national last basic pay before retirement so arrived
at. However, they shall be granted the grade pay of the re-employed post.
The maximum basic pay cannot exceed the grade pay of the re-employed
post plus pay in the pay band of Rs. 67000 i.e. the maximum of the pay
band PB-4. In all these cases, the non-ignorable part of the pension shall
be reduced form the pay so fixed.
4. The exiting instruction on the subject shall be treated as amended to
this extent.

5. In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts
Department are concerned, these orders are being issued after
consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.


(Rita Mathur)
Director

To
All Ministries/Department (As per standard list attached)

Copy to: Director (NIC), Department of Personnel & Training, to upload
the O.M. on this Department's website under the Head "Establishment (Pay)",
Sub-Head " Pay Rules" & under the caption "What's New".

Copies also forwarded to:

1. The Comptroller & Auditor General of India and all states under his control.
(With 400 spare copies)
2. Controller General of Accounts/Controller of Accounts, Ministry of finance.
3. Secretaries to UPCS/Supreme Court of India/Election Commission/Lok Sabha Secretariat/Cabinet Secretariat/Central Vigilance commission/President's
Secretariat/Vice President's Secretariat/Prime Ministry's Office/Planning
Commission.
4. Department of Personnel &Training (AIS Division)/JCA/Admn. Section.
5. Additional Secretary (Union Territories), Ministry of Home Affairs.
6. All State Government and Union Territories.
7. Secretary, National Council (staff Side), 13-C, Feroz Shah Road, New Delhi.
8. All Members of the Staff Side of the National Council of JCM/Department
Council.
9. All Officer/Sections of the Department of Personnel & Training/Department
of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances/Department of Pension &
Pensioners' Welfare .
10. Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure
11. 25 spare copies.



(Rita Mathur)
Director

UK remembers war hero from Jalandhar -Shyam Bhatia from London : Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

UK remembers war hero from Jalandhar
Shyam Bhatia in London
A World War I hero from Jalandhar is among a number of Indian soldiers who will be remembered on Sunday at a special ceremony being held outside the British seaside town of Brighton.Subedar Manta Singh, who served with the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs and died in 1915, was the son of Khem Singh of Salempur, Masandan, near Jalandhar. He was wounded in Northern France and evacuated to a hospital in Brighton — south of London — where he died after both his legs were amputated and he contracted septicaemia.His is one of the 53 Indian names that have been inscribed on the domed memorial, known as the Brighton Chattri, designed by Sir John Otter and first erected in 1921.Manta Singh was a member of Royal Indian Expeditionary Force that was sent to France in 1914. He was injured saving the life of a wounded British officer, Captain Henderson, when allied forces broke through the German lines at Neuve-Chapelle in Northern France in 1915. Over 5,000 Indian soldiers were killed in the heavy fighting in that particular area, all part of the 70,000 Indian casualties of the World War-I.When Manta Singh arrived at the Kitchener Hospital in Brighton, he was told by doctors that he had contracted gangrene and both his legs would have to be amputated. Before he died he reportedly told doctors that he would be of no use to his family if he returned home without his legs.British military records show 12,000 Indian soldiers passed through Brighton and out of those some 74 Hindu, Sikh and Muslim soldiers succumbed to their wounds in local hospitals. The Muslims were buried in the nearby town of Woking and the Hindus and Sikhs were cremated outside Brighton, near the village of Patcham.As a mark of gratitude to the fallen soldiers, the British authorities agreed to build the Brighton Chattri over the site of the ghat that was later surrounded by specially planted sweet smelling flowers and aromatic herbs.The Maharaja of Patiala was among the early visitors to the Chattri that subsequently fell into disrepair. The restoration of the Chattri, which for the first time carries the engraved names of 53 cremated soldiers, is the reason for Sunday’s ceremony.Manta Singh’s grandson Jaimal Singh Johal will be present, as will be the grandson of Captain Henderson. The two families have been in touch with each other since 1915. Henderson was awarded the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst in 1911, before being sent out to India to join the 2nd 11th Sikhs, where Manta Singh was then serving.

Denigrating the status of the rank of Hav./Sgts./Petty Offr.and below by Secy, Rajya Sainik Board,Punjab:Vet.PJS Chhatwal Retd.

Dear Veterans,Regards.
Veterans in Punjab, holding the rank of Hav./ Sgt./Petty Offr. and below, are now heading for a very dark future in the field of re-employment in Punjab if an advertisement given in 'Ajit' dt. 12-9-2010 by Secetary, Rajya Sainik Board,Punjab, Brig. (Retd.) I.S. GAKHAL inviting the applications for the post of Care Taker and Chowkidar( Watchman) for Punjab Sainik Rest House Chandigarh is relied upon.

Secy. RSB has invited the applications from the veterans of the rank of Hav. and equvalent for these posts and specified that Hav. with Matriculation as qualification and experience of having worked as Mess Hav. during his army service is only eligible for the post Care taker and Hav. who has passed 8th class is eligible for the post of Chowkidar (Watchman).

As such, it can be easily concluded that-
1. A middle pass Hav/Sgt/Petty Offr. is only eligible for the post for the post of Chokidar/Sweeper /Mali etc. 2. Nk /Cpl/Able Seaman is not eligible for any job in Punjab Govt.
Punjab Vetrans may give their comments below this post (R) below this post and not in chat box.

SC wants separate pay panel for forces: Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

Tribune News
SC wants separate pay panel for forces

R SedhuramanLegal Correspondent

New Delhi, September 8
Pointing out that many of the armed forces personnel have returned their medals due to non-redressal of their grievances, the Supreme Court today asked the government to consider setting up a separate Pay Commission for both serving and retired members.
“We feel this is necessary as the Armed Forces personnel have many grievances which they feel are not being properly addressed by the Union Government. Many have even returned their medals,” a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and TS Thakur said in an order.
The Bench asked Attorney General GE Vahanvati and Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium to forward the suggestion to the government and get its response by October 18, the next date of hearing.
The court passed the order while hearing a petition filed by some serving and retired army officers challenging the government’s refusal to accord them enhanced “rank pay” as recommended by the Fifth Pay Commission.
The AG and the SG “were present on behalf of the Central government. We have made certain suggestions to them regarding setting up of an independent commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge for looking into all the grievances of the serving and former members of the Armed Forces,” the Bench noted in the order, marking a copy each to the AG and the SG.
Earlier during the arguments, the Bench slammed the Centre for making army personnel run from pillar to post for getting their salary disputes resolved. “The day the soldiers are forced to fight for their salaries, it would be a sad day for the country,” it remarked.
Noting that the Army people who were a disciplined lot could not go on agitation like others, the Bench said forcing them to fight for their salaries was not good for the country. Citing a senior officer who burnt his artificial limb in frustration, the Bench asked the AG and the SG: “Why do you allow such things?”
The present Pay Commission headed by bureaucrats was perhaps unable to understand the problems of the personnel, the apex court observed and felt that setting up a separate commission would provide a channel for them to vent out their feelings.
The Bench slammed the Centre for making army personnel run from pillar to post for getting their salary disputes resolved.
“The day the soldiers are forced to fight for their salaries, it would be a sad day for the country," the Bench said quoting Chanakya's advise to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
The apex court said the sane advise of Chanakya was valid even today and it was unfortunate that army personnel are forced to knock the doors of the court for rectifying their salary anomalies.

Reader's Mail for Veterans comments :Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

Dear Mr. Prabhjot Singh,
Thanks for your interaction. I have read your blogs on blogspot.com. Your efforts are appreciable.Some days ago, I sent a spit to Capt Davar on his views about the rally and issue of OROP. A mail received from him justifying his views supported by the judgements of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India is appended below. Please analyse it and post your comments accordingly.
Jagtar SinghEx-WO(Ludhiana

On Tue, 7/9/10, Praveen Davar wrote:
From: Praveen Davar Subject: OROPTo: Date: Tuesday, 7 September, 2010, 7:47 PMDear AllThe Indian Armed Forces are voluntary service and the terms of service are well known to us when we join the service, Dignity, honor, discipline and izzat associated with the forces has been severely damaged by the way some people are conducting the movement for OROP. Stooping to signing petition with blood is a new low in the abominable acts conducted by one group in public domain. Approx fifty to sixty thousand Ex Servicemen are added to the fraternity of Veterans every year. Imagine the needless negativity they have to encounter as a result of unconventional methods of dissent or communication with the government. May almighty grant the senior officers leading this movement wisdom to conduct the activities in a civilized manner resist the temptation of character assassination and attack on individuals. And for heaven’s sake let us not mislead the PBORs and officers and take them on a flight of fancy.I have always felt that we should be content with what we get and devote the rest of our post-service life for the cause of poor and needy. I have met thousands of Ex-Servicemen who say that they never expected such hefty pensions. We render disservice to the Nation, if we try and create dissatisfaction where it does not exist. My intention was never to hurt any ones sentiments and the statements made by me or anyone else was based on information given from within your ranks.The Supreme Court has also examined the OROP; petition filed by Ex Servicemen League (1991 1 SCR 158), as a sequel to the decision of the court in DS Nakara & Others case of KL Rathee Versus union of India 1997 (3) SLR 207 Versus Union of India, the court in the decision dated 29 Jan 1991 took the view that the claim of pre 1 Apr 1979 retirees being entitled to same pension as post 1 Apr 1979 retirees was untenable. The Supreme Court has taken similar view for civil side as well.The Defence Minister, Sh. A. K. Antony deserves the gratitude of Ex-Servicemen for stating in Parliament that the goal of OROP would be reached gradually. This has encouraged all Ex-Servicemen in the country. We appeal to all Ex-Servicemen organizations, especially retired officers, not to use any offensive or provocative language. The cause of Ex-Servicemen will suffer if IESM does not mend its ways and the harsh language it uses. Soldiers shed blood only on the battlefield. As Ex-Servicemen they can donate blood to the Red Cross Society/Hospitals for the needy. Signing letters in blood is unlike a soldier.Returning medals is not only unsoldierlike, but also unethical and immoral, especially in view of the fact that no govt in the past has done so much for the welfare of serving soldiers and Ex-Servicemen as the UPA-1 and UPA-2. Pay and pensions have gone up nearly 300% in the last 5 years which is unprecedented.Further, while presenting the Budget for 2008-09 the government substantially improved the pension of pre-January, 2006 Defence pensioners below officer rank and brought pre-October 10, 1997 pensioners on par with post- October 10, 1997 pensioners i.e. pre 2006 pensioners. Anomalies in some ranks of officers from Majors to Major General are being addressed. Congress has done for welfare of both serving soldiers and Ex-servicemen what no party has ever done, or will ever have the capacity to do. So let people not be misled by the false promises made by other parties in their manifestos or otherwise.We must also heed the appeal of Defence Minister not to return medals. Doing so, in my opinion, is an undignified, illegal and unconstitutional act. Let us control our emotions and give the govt time to resolve the OROP issue.Jai Hind & God bless us all!Praveen Davar

Welfare of Widows : Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

Dear Veterans. Regards.
A survey conducterd by Ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Association (Regd.) and Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh has revealed shocking results.War widow of Flt. Lt. Gurbax Singh Ahuja of 1965 fame has been receiving the pension of mere Rs. 3500/- PM only without an element of dearness allowance instead of Liberalized Pension of about Rs. 20,000/- PM till May last in spite of the fact that she has been knocking at the door of Pension Sanctioning Authority i.e. Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), Allahabad through all concerned since 1987.Now with the intervention of IESL, Punjab & Chandigarh, her pension (Ordinary) has been increased to Rs. 8310/= (basic) + Dearness Allowance @ 35% w.e.f. 01-01-2006 by the concerned pension disbursing authority pending the case of granting Liberalized Pension by Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), Allahabad. The widow has received an amount of Rs. 4 lakhs as arrear with this revision.A letter dated 19-08-2010 by Air Headquarter, New Delhi addressed to Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), Allahabad has duly supported the entitlement of Liberalized Pension to the said war widow. As such, the pension of widow is expected to be revised by PCDA (P), Allahabad and she is likely to be granted Liberalized Pension of about Rs. 20,000/-PM with an arrear of Rs. 28-30 lakh after more than four decades with the recent efforts being made by this organization. This is not a solitary case of wrong disbursal of Defence Pension. A widow of Sub. Gurdial Singh of a village near Amloh (now district Fatehgarh Sahib) has been receiving the pension of Sepoy's widow till August, 2009 i.e. two months before her death. Similarly, Sub. Sher Singh of Patiala State Forces has been receiving Sepoy's pension till a few months before his death in 2008. IESL Punjab & Chandigarh has been instrumental in getting their pension revised to correct amount.The association has instructed its State & District Presidents to check the pensions of old widows, especially war widows to ascertain that they are receiving the correct amount of pension which is as follows.
Pre-2006 Ordinary Family Pension
Rank Basic D.A. Total
Upto the rank of Havaildar Rs. 3500/- 35 % Rs. 4725/-
Naib Sub. (Group-X) Rs. 5070/- 35% Rs. 6845/-
(Group-Y) Rs. 4650/- 35% Rs. 6278/-
Sub. (Group-X) Rs. 5190/- 35% Rs. 7007/-
(Group-Y) Rs. 4770/- 35% Rs. 6440/-
Sub.Major (Group-X) Rs.5250/- 35% Rs. 7088/- (Group-Y) Rs. 4830/- 35% Rs. 6526/-
Hony. Lt./ Regular Lt. Rs. 8100/- 35% Rs. 10935/-
Hony Capt./Regular Capt. Rs. 8310/- 35% Rs. 11219/-
Liberalized Pension (100% of notional pay of the Rank (Minimum) Rs.7000/- 35 % Rs.9450/-
Veteran Pabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President ,
Ex-Soldiers,salors and Airmen Association (Regd.)Mob.098554-09128 Tele-Fax 0175-5000896