Vasundhra: OROP :DETAILED REPORT ON EX-SERVICEMEN CONCLAVE AT CONSTITUTION HALL NEW DLEHI. 6 JUNE 2015

DETAILED REPORT ON

EX-SERVICEMEN CONCLAVE AT CONSTITUTION HALL

NEW DLEHI. 6 JUNE 2015

IESM called for an Ex-servicemen conclave in Delhi to forge unity for united presentation of disappointment of ex-servicemen to the Government for delay in issuance of notification for OROP. Conclave was attended by following 32 organizations from 12 states of India.

1. IESL

2. IESL HP

3. IESL HAR

4. IESL RAJ

5. NFDC

6. AIEWA

7. RDOA

8. VKARE

9. DIWAVE

10. WAR WOUNDED ASSOCIATION

11. WAR DECORATED ASSOCIATION

12. EXOVA

13. NEXCC

14. KISSAN MANCH WEST UP

15. KISAN MANCH PUNJAB

16. HARYANA EX SERVICES LEAGUE

17. DEFENCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION KANPUR

18. DEFENCE HONY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION PUNJAB

19. PMME

20.PSUS

21. HESL

22.VIKAS SANGH MOHINDERGARH HARYANA

23.ESM GRIEVANCES CELL MOHALI

24.AFVAI

25.TURNING POINT AND PRESIDENT IESL PUNJAB

26.WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION

27.RRD GURDASPUR

28.UPVL MEERUT

29.UPESL

30.WORD SWORD FEATURES

31. DHCO CHANDIGARH

32.IESM

Prayers for departed soldiers; Audience observed two minute silence and prayer for soldier who were martyred in Manipur and also for the ex-servicemen who were in forefront of OROP struggle but have departed earlier than grant of OROP.

Friend of Ex-servicemen; The meeting was graced by Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar MP Rajya Sabha. Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar has been friend of ex-servicemen and has been taking up the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP) with the Government. He even refused to accept increased pay and perks of Members of Parliament till Government approves OROP. Ex-servicemen will remain indebted to him for his assistance and commitment to issues and grievances of ex-servicemen.

Gen Sec Gp Capt VK Gandhi welcomed audience and thanked them for their will to contribute towards unity of ex-servicemen and for unitedly representing grievances of ex-servicemen to the Government. He explained to audience that OROP is 30 yr old demand and all governments under the pressure of bureaucracy have been rejecting this just demand of ex-servicemen. However BJP party had promised that OROP will be approved as and when their Govt was formed at center. This is a matter of great concern that while BJP has not gone back on its promise of OROP but has not approved OROP and has not issued notification. The issue had become more complicated because of Sh Modi ji’s interview with Tribune and his address to nation on Man kee Baat on AIR on 31 May 15. Ex-servicemen approached all authorities in Government but could not get an assurance that Government will not change the definition of OROP. In view of this uncertainty IESM has announced Maha Sangram Rally on 14 June 15 at Jantar Mantar New Delhi and relay hunger strike from 15 June 15 till issuance of notification of OROP. He requested all organizations that this is the time to cooperate and put up a joint front for OROP.

He suggested to all that if any organization has any reservation in supporting the agitation planned by IESM, that organization is free to plan their own agitation and IESM will fully support and cooperate in their agitation.

He made it clear to all that there is misinformation campaign being spread by some interested parties to create a divide amongst officers, JCOs and ORs. This is unethical exercise and is neither good for Nation nor good for Armed Forces. He explained that there are 26.5 lac JCOs and ORs out of 28 lac ex-servicemen. OROP fight is to get OROP for all. He announced that OROP battle will not be stopped unless OROP is given to all ORs, JCOs and Officers. We fought all wars together and will fight OROP battle also together. He cautioned everyone to be careful of this misinformation campaign and be united at this testing time.

He informed all present that ESM delegation had a meeting with RM in the morning on 6 June. RM has proposed a plan for OROP. This plan was not meeting the definition of OROP and has been objected by ESM delegation. RM has asked the delegation to attend the conclave and then again visit RM’s office to clear this problem. RM confirmed that OROP is being discussed at highest level in Government. PM Sh Modi is committed for OROP; even BJP party has also confirmed that this promise will be fulfilled soon. RM however explained his inability to give any firm date for issuance of OROP. In view of this, ESM delegation informed him without any assurance of firm date for approval of OROP; it will not be possible for IESM to postpone the proposed agitation.

Gen Sec informed all that this meeting and proposed agitation is not against Govt. He announced that -

· ESM have full faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Modi and the Government.

· ESM are confident that OROP will soon be approved by the Government.

· Proposed agitation is not against Government and PM. ESMs have to resort to this agitation to communicate their disappointment to Government for undue long delay in approving the OROP.

He informed all that a letter is being circulated for all to study and concur. This letter is proposed to be sent to PM signed by all organizations, if you all agree.

ESM Views; Following ESM expressed their views.

1. Gp Capt VK Gandhi

2. Lt Col Inderjit Singh

3. Lt Gen Balbir Singh

4. Lt Gen SK Bahri

5. Sgt VN Misra

6. Lt Gen Raj Kadyan

7. Col SS Sohi

8. Hony Capt JS Rathee

9. Hav Lok Singh

10. Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar MP

11. Maj Gen Satbir Singh

All Speakers expressed disappointment on prolonged delay in issuance of notification of OROP. They supported the agitation but advised caution that this is hottest period of the year and temperatures are soaring. Views of speakers in brief are -

· Col Inderjit Singh recounted his fight for OROP for last 30 yrs and said that he and his organization will support the agitation.

· Lt Gen Bahri advised that weather is very hostile and we must take all precautions keeping in mind age of ex-servicemen.

· Lt Gen Balbir Singh IESL advised that we are very close to get OROP and it is time for final push. We should be united and convert this push into heave to get OROP. All necessary precautions need to be taken to ensure welfare of ESM participating in the agitation.

· Some speakers also advised that the agitation may be postponed to a later date so that weather is better and slightly cooler. However everyone opined that agitation is a must because of apathy of Government towards genuine demands of ESM. Hav Lok Singh from Bhatinda declared that if we could stand in subzero temperatures in Siachin and 45 degree temp in Rajasthan, Delhi heat is no heat. He requested the audience that this is not time to think and sit back. This is time to join shoulders with IESM make this rally very successful and effective. He said sirji TUSI SHURU KARO PUNJAB WILL JOIN IN THOUSANDS. CHINTA NO KARO.

Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar MP; Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar advised ESM that previous Governments have been making false promises to ESM. They never believed in OROP for ESM and hence had no intention of approving OROP. UPA had realized that Congress will not get majority in the elections in Apr 14; hence they approved OROP in the budget presented in Feb 14. The UPA Government only allotted Rs 500/crore for OROP as only lip service to ESM.

He advised that he has found that BJP party and Sh Narendra Modi is genuinely interested in welfare of Armed Forces and ESM. He was sure that Mr Modi will keep his promise and will soon approve OROP. He said that he had met PM, FM and RM at many occasions and they had always been serious about their commitment to approve OROP. However he is puzzled over this undue delay and will try to persuade RM to progress as soon as possible.

He assured all present that he had been taking welfare issues of ESM at appropriate levels at appropriate times and will continue doing so. He would not hesitate to sit on agitation along with ESM if that became necessary. He advised ESM to be patient. He also suggested communication of once grievances is everyone’s right and if agitation is the only course left then let it be the agitation as planned from 14 June 15 onwards. He however suggested that ESM must maintain dignity, ensure no disturbance to civil life, ensure no problem to administration and no damage to Government property during any agitation.

Maj Gen Satbir Singh; Maj Gen Satbir Singh ensured all that ESM have not forgotten their disciplined way of living and will not do anything which will bring bad name to Indian Armed Forces. He expressed great disappointment over the complications created by Government on a simple issue like OROP. He said that OROP means “One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.”

He expressed that this is a simple definition and has been approved by two Parliaments. Any change in the definition means that attempt is being made to dishonor the Parliament. He also requested the President of India that the Supreme Commander had included OROP, war memorial and Commission for ESM in his speech to both houses. Government has not acted on any promise. He requested the Supreme Commander to ask the Government for explanation for this delay.

He said that on behalf of all present here he assures Government that ESM have full faith on our Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and is sure that OROP will only be given by present Government. ESMs will not do anything which will be against the Government or will bring bad name to Indian Armed Forces. Any agitation planned by ESM will be within the legal discipline and there will no inconvenience to citizen and there will be no damage to Government property.

He said that ESM are puzzled that Government has taken so much time in taking a simple decision and has confused a simple definition under the advice of bureaucrats. He further stated that the issue of OROP is being derailed because of opposition from bureaucrat.

He informed all present that he received call at night on 5 June 15 from COAS that IESM should rethink about the planned agitation and postpone the agitation in view of the fact that Government is working on frantic speed to clear OROP. COAS was politely requested that it may not be possible for IESM to postpone the planned agitation unless a clarification comes from PMO that OROP will be cleared by a date say by 25 July 15 and there will be no dilution in definition. COAS suggested that it would be better if IESM delegation met RM in the morning on 6 June. Accordingly a delegation of IESM met RM at 0930h on 6 June 15. IESM and some other ESM were also present during the discussion with RM. Discussion was around the definition of OROP and the ESM team did not agree with the interpretation of OROP by MOD. It was decided that ESM teams will revisit RM’s office and work on the OROP definition. RM was also requested to give a firm date for announcement of OROP. RM said that it was not possible to indicate a firm date as file is yet to be approved. IESM therefore requested RM in absence of firm commitment it may not be possible for IESM to postpone the planned agitation.

He further asked the house -

· That would they agree to postpone the agitation in view of the fact that RM has not given a firm commitment to approval of OROP. Audience shouted big NO.

· Would the planned rally on 14 June be firmed up as planned? All ESM supported with voice vote and raise of hands.

· Would the planned Relay Hunger Strike be firmed up as planned? All ESM supported with voice vote and raise of hands.

· Would the planned Relay Hunger strike in 50 towns in support of Hunger strike at Jantar Mantar be firmed as planned? All ESM supported with voice vote and raise of hand.

· Full house confirmed in voice vote and raise of hands that no more time is given to Government and agitation would continue till issuance of notification for OROP.

· A coordination committee is made of all organizations to ensure smooth conduct of agitation pan India. All present agreed.

Gen Satbir concluded with a solemn pledge that ESM unity has been forged today and all ESM will unitedly fight together for OROP and other demands of ESM. He thanked all ESM organizations and all ESM who had extended their support for the agitation on 14 June and relay hunger strike from 15 June 15.

Takeaways from the Conclave;

· All ESM organizations are united on the issue of grant of OROP.

· They have agreed to participate in any exercise towards this end together.

· The Maha Sangram Rally planned for 14 Jun 2015 will be held & Relay Hunger strike will commence on 15 Jun onwards simultaneously at 50 cities, town & districts across the country.

· If The Govt announces a definite date of implementation in the interim without any dilution to the accepted definition of OROP, the decision to postpone the rally to 15 July maybe taken. If not the plan holds.

· A coordination meeting of heads of organizations is being planned to be held on 10 Jun 2015 at DSOI Dhaula Kuan to streamline the planning & Logistics for the proposed agitation.

Subsequent to the conclave a second meeting was held between ESM representatives and service pay cell heads and chaired by the RM with COAS in attendance. This meeting was successful as it brought the calculations of the award in the correct perspective and as per approved definition of OROP. RM explained that it would not be possible for him to fix a date line for announcement of OROP.

Involvement of COAS; ESM fully appreciates the help being rendered by COAS in finding a solution to the problem of OROP. COAS has been fully supporting OROP and taking up the issue at right time on appropriate channels.

Special Thanks to Col Inderjit Singh; IESM conveys sincere thanks to Col Inderjit singh President AIEWA. He came to bless the meeting despite being on wheel chair. ESM salute his spirit and his contribution in fighting battle for OROP. ESM saluted his spirit.

Media Coverage; The meeting was covered by most of media channels and print media. Media channels were reporting it live. IESM Thanks all media for covering the meeting.

Vote of Thanks;

· Gen Sec thanked all organizations and ex-servicemen who had come to attend the meeting.

· IESM thanked Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar and flags of honor for sponsoring the hall and tea arrangements for the meeting.

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM, Gen Sec IESM 6 June 15

Attachments Letter to PM signed by reps of 30 ESM organizations and ESM present in the meeting.

Letter to PM by ESM

From

Aggrieved Ex-servicemen of India

543, Sec 23, Palam Vihar

Gurgaon

Prime Minister of India

Sub; PLEASE LISTEN TO VIEWS OF EX-SERVICEMEN ON OROP

Dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Your voice is still echoing in our mind when you roared in ex-servicemen rally on 15 Sep 13 in Rewari and demanded white paper on OROP from UPA Government. You did not stop but declared that had there been BJP Government in 2004 OROP would have been reality by now

ESM pan India believed you for the reasons that they had found a leader who had will to approve the long standing demand of OROP. ESM all over India voted for Mr Modi (PM candidate) and BJP received unprecedented mandate. ESM like any other Indian were elated on your becoming the Prime Minister of India. They were now assured that OROP will soon be announced. Their expectation further got confirmation on your announcement among troops that OROP is destined to be approved by you and that you care and respect the Armed Forces of India and want to make them one of the best in the world.

ESM got assurance from Sh Manohar Parrikar when he told ESM delegations that he is convinced that other para-military forces cannot lay their claim on OROP as their retirement age is 60 yrs as compared to Armed Forced Personnel who retire at the age of 40 yrs. He further confirmed that he was convinced that Armed Forces personnel are at double disadvantage. Firstly they lose pay for forty yrs and secondly they get fewer pensions as compared to others as they retire at the age of 35 yrs. Today if a 17 yr old boy joins Army and another 17 yr old boy joins Delhi police, both when they reach 70 yrs i.e. 2068, the constable would draw 7-7.5 crores Rupees more than the sepoy. This has been arrived at after a detailed study. The sepoy would retire in 2034 and the constable in 2058.The constable would have seen three CPCs more than the constable. In-spite of this information being available with the bureaucrats who are supposed to look after welfare of Armed Forces Personnel, are busy devising ways to deny OROP to Armed Forces Personnel

Sh Manohar Parrikar confirmed to ESM that he has finalized and renamed pensions for military personnel as MILPEN to ensure that it is treated as separate category and other paramilitary personnel will be excluded from this. He worked out the pension of Military personnel and ESM and calculated a figure of Rs 8296, crores per year in Feb 2015. This case is still under consideration of the Govt in fact the file is stuck at Finance Ministry since Mar 2015.

ESM got a greater shock when you announced on 31 May 15 that even though PM is committed to OROP but it is a very complex issue and needs more time to solve it. In your interview to Tribune you had indicated that your Government is elected for five yrs and Government would find a solution. Do we take it that OROP has got entangled in bureaucratic malaise for another 5 or 10 yrs.

Sir the fact is that you are being given incorrect information by the people who are against the interest of Indian Armed Forces. We are getting a feeling that there are lobbies working against Armed Forces Personnel and ESM. Any welfare scheme is strongly opposed and rejected. How can it be possible that PM of the country makes a commitment and the bureaucracy rejects it on one pretext or other?

Sir, all ESM organizations of India are jointly requesting you to look into OROP issue and approve it at the earliest. We assure you that the OROP definition is very simple and has no complication at all. We are ready to give you a presentation and explain to you OROP in just 20 min. May we therefore be given 30 min time to meet you. May we also request you to kindly treat Armed Forces Personnel and Ex-servicemen at par with other citizen of India? At present we are getting step motherly treatment form GOI.

LOOKING FOR A FARE AND JUST TREATMENT FROM GOI

Aggrieved Ex-servicemen of India.

LOOKING FOR A FARE AND JUST TREATMENT FROM GOI

Aggrieved Ex-servicemen of India.