Thursday, October 9, 2014

FAILED ISLAMIC TERRORISTS PLAN WAS TO NUKE AMERICAN AIR-CRAFT CARRIER IN ARABIAN SEA

Source:
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/aqis_claims_failed_p.php








       FAILED ISLAMIC  TERRORISTS  PLAN

                          WAS TO NUKE

       AMERICAN AIR-CRAFT CARRIER

                                    IN



                         ARABIAN SEA



    AQIS claims plot to strike US Warships was           Executed by Pakistani Navy officers

                                      By

                              Bill Roggio                

 

 

 

September 17, 2014      



Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) claimed that Pakistani Navy officers were involved in the failed attempt to hijack a Pakistani warship and launch missiles at US Navy vessels in the Indian Ocean.

 
AQIS' spokesman, Usama Mahmoud, made the claim today in a statement released on his Twitter account. Mahmoud's statement was obtained by the SITE Intelligence Group.


Mahmoud had previously claimed on Sept. 13 that AQIS executed the attack on the Pakistani warship, and published a diagram purporting to show the layout of the PNS Zulfiqar. He said that the attackers had planned to take control of the PNS Zulfiqar and launch missiles at US warships in the Indian Ocean. The PNS Zulfiqar carries at least eight C-802 surface to surface anti-ship missiles.

[See LWJ report, Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent claims 2 attacks in Pakistan.]


In today's statement, Mahmoud accuses the Pakistani military and media outlets of attempting "to deliberately cover up the truth of this operation and the nature of its objectives," according to SITE.

"In an obvious attempt to deceive the world, the official spokesmen for the army and navy portrayed the attack as targeting the Pakistani Navy alone, and its arsenal in the city of Karachi in particular."
But Mahmoud says the "true objective of the operation ... is the American naval fleet that is stationed in the Indian Ocean."


The AQIS spokesman denied that the Sept. 6 assault on the PNS Zulfiqar at the naval base in Karachi was carried out by "intruders," and instead said that Pakistani naval "officers" executed the attack.


"The official Pakistani story alleged that the attackers were merely a group of intruders that breached a military institution of the Pakistani Navy, and broke in from outside," Mahmoud says. "However, all the participants in this fearless operation were officers serving in the ranks of the Pakistani Navy."
The naval officers, Mahmoud claims, "responded to the appeal of the scholars and jihad and joined the ranks of the mujahideen."


Mahmoud described the officers' involvement in the attack as a "rebellion" and not just an attempt to strike at the US.

"Therefore, this operation does not represent an attack on the Americans alone, but it is a rebellion against the Pakistani Navy by its own elements, striking the policy of humiliation and subjugation to America, which the Satanic alliance - represented in the Americanized generals, selfish politicians, and corrupt government employees - imposes," Mahmoud says.


Mahmoud goes on to explain AQIS' "reasons for targeting America." The reasons are standard for al Qaeda, and include the US' perceived war on Islam, and America's support for Israel, Muslim countries, and "secular movements."


The US Navy was chosen as a target because "through its naval military superiority, America is able to control ours straits, our channels, and our waters, and loot the fortunes of our Ummah [Muslim community]," Mahmoud says.




Reports of collusion within Pakistani Navy


While Mahmoud's claim that Pakistani naval officers executed the attack on the PNS Zulfiqar cannot be proven, Pakistani officials and press reports indicate that at least some of the attackers are members of the Pakistani military.


Khawaja Asif, Pakistan's Defense Minister, said that "some of the navy staff of commissioned ranks and some outsiders" were involved in the attack, according to Dawn.


The Nation reported that a former naval officer known as Awais Jakhrani was killed during the attack. Jakhrani, the son of a Karachi Police Assistant Inspector General, had "links with [a] banned organization."


Additionally, three "Navy officials" were arrested in Quetta in Baluchistan while trying to flee to Afghanistan.


Pakistan's Navy has long been thought to be infiltrated by al Qaeda. In late May 2011, Pakistani journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad wrote an article in the Asia Times on the jihadist attack on Pakistan Naval Base Mehran in Karachi. That attack was carried out by Brigade 313, a unit led by al Qaeda and Harakat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami leader Ilyas Kashmiri. In his article, Shahzad noted that Pakistani officials had begun investigating jihadist "groupings" within the Navy in the spring of 2011 and discovered a "sizeable al Qaeda infiltration within the navy's ranks."


After military officials detained and interrogated suspected jihadist infiltrators, al Qaeda threatened to launch attacks against military bases. The Pakistani military opened negotiations with al Qaeda, which ultimately failed. Then Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces in Abbottabad on May 1, 2011. Al Qaeda and allied Pakistani jihadists decided to take revenge, obtaining detailed information on Mehran from their Navy infiltrators.


"Within a week, insiders at PNS Mehran provided maps, pictures of different exit and entry routes taken in daylight and at night, the location of hangers and details of likely reaction from external security forces," Shahzad wrote.


Shahzad's article, which was published on May 27, 2011, is widely believed to have resulted in his murder at the hands of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate. He was kidnapped and murdered just two days after it was published.


 
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READER COMMENTS:

 "AQIS claims plot to strike US warships was executed by Pakistani Navy officers"



Posted by Eric at September 18, 2014 3:59 AM ET:

Was PNS Zulfiqar seaworthy?

Last information I can find, she was anchored off Karachi in 2011, was mistaken for an Indian missile boat, and then attacked by PAF F-16's. Strafed with hundreds of rounds of gunfire, she was in an serviceable condition when she was towed to the PNS dockyard, where Zulfiqar has sat ever since, awaiting, but not yet completing, repairs. A ship in such a condition would not normally retain its ordnance on-board. Weapons would be off-loaded and stored in shore magazine bunkers. Like wise the ready-for-sea condition would be significantly relaxed.

If that is, in fact, Zulfiqar's true status, then even a full PN crew could not have gotten the ship underway. The C-802 variant of the Ying 8 surface to surface anti-ship missile has an effective range of 75 miles. US Warships operating in the N Arabian Sea are typically hundreds of sea miles away and need to be detected and tracked by PNS Zulfiqar's ship-based fire control radar in order to provide a targeting solution to the missiles before they are fired. The Ying 802 is programmed to evade enemy radar by flying under 25 feet above the sea surface on its approach to the target. As such, its own radar is incapable of searching and acquiring its own target over-the-horizon, hence PNS Zulfiqar would need to get underway to pursue, detect, track, and assign a US Navy ship to the missile, if the missiles were even kept on-board. If the ship were even repaired from 3 years ago.

What I labor to point out is that Mahmoud is taking his pick of what propaganda value he intends to extract from this incident, while the Pak Navy is silent on the seaworthiness and weapons handling status of the ship that was attacked, for obvious security reasons. Whereas the real likelihood of success for al-Qaeda was less than or equal to Zero. Even to concede all of the above were possible, there was no trained crew standing by to operate any of the technical equipment related to targeting and attacking another vessel with a Sf-Sf missile.


Posted by JRP at September 18, 2014 9:01 AM ET:
 
Shows how consistently imaginative is the enemy. The U.S. has to be particularly alert during Fleet Week visits; Port-of-Call visits; and Libety visits to U.S. shores by ships of nations that harbor (no pun intended) radicals intent on hitting at U.S. interests.



Posted by pre-Boomer Marine brat at September 18, 2014 9:40 AM ET:
 
Thanks for pointing out Shahzad's article and murder. It's very pertinent.
And it just occured to me to wonder, might this have been Ayman al-Zawahiri's "9/11 Reprise".

If they had pulled it off, it could have been a major propaganda coup in the Recruitment Wars with ISIS.


Posted by port_blair at September 18, 2014 9:46 AM ET:

Okay looks like longwarjournal has been censoring me.

Pakistan army is after all a mercenery force.

The average Pakistani

Ashfaq is totally ignorant and he thinks about his closeness
to the middle east rather than South Asia. This would have
another green on blue attack of epic proportions.

I contend that the US Navy should completely stop any ships
from going to Karachi or any ports in Pakistan.

No US Navy commander should not unaware of the risks in Pakistan. One day I contend that the US Navy will be forced to attack Karachi with the legendary 14 inch naval guns and ensure
it cannot be used for a centuries- a dirty nuke on Karachi will solve the problem permanently.


Posted by Arjuna at September 18, 2014 10:23 AM ET:
 
It just gets worse and worse. Two teams, one in a RIB and one on foot up the gangplank. All Paki Navy, all bad jihadis (who cares if they call themselves AQ or TTP, they were trying to kill Americans, they are "the enemy"). Wearing the right Marine uniforms but carrying the wrong weapons. An alert sentry plunked them (the ones in the boat). Why? Because there had been a very recent bust of an Uzbek cell with plans to similarly attack Pak Navy facilities and people had their guard up

. Why didn't we know about this attempt? Could it because brave, unarmed journalists are cowed by the cowards of the ISI?


Posted by Arjuna at September 18, 2014 5:54 PM ET:

Eric, do please share any info you have on a 2011 attack. That seems awfully recent to be so little reported on. The 1971 attack accounts are all over. Thanks for the missile info!


Posted by Arjuna at September 18, 2014 6:33 PM ET:
 
Sorry to be disagreeable, Eric, but I understand that this frigate PN 251 was on her way to join the GW in a CT task force exercise so they would have expected her, she'd just surprise them and join early, Ying 802 missiles first. This enemy is not dumb. They could have gotten a shot off (We didn't think the Buk worked without a radar and a control track until recently, either.). This was the largest single attack in terms of potential US loss of life and military power since 9/11. We are VERY lucky that Pakistani Army Commandos from the Special Services Group and the Shipboard Sentry did their jobs. Now find and prosecute their trainers and handlers, Pakistan, and tell us the whole story.


Posted by bard207 at September 18, 2014 9:42 PM ET:

Eric,
I responded to you in an earlier discussion and you didn't give a response.

Here is a story about the PNS Zulfiqar making a visit to Saudi Arabia in February 2012.
http://www.arabnews.com/node/406170

Here are two links about an earlier PNS Zulfiqar taking friendly fire in 1971.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PNS_Zulfiqar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Trident_(1971)

Since you come across as quite confident with your story of the current PNS Zulfiqar taking friendly fire in 2011, please provide links to support your position on this matter.




Posted by Don at September 19, 2014 12:04 AM ET:

I don't know why many are quick to dismiss these rogue officers abilities. Ever since ISI Lt Gen Mahmood Ahmed was mailing money to Muhammad Atah in 2001, they have effectively started everything since 9/11, covered blunder after blunder (they buried this story folks, can we interrupt the Bengahzi coverage for a moment to cover something that could have changed the world yet again), kept the US out of terrorist run havens, and made jihad global.

 
Why does ISIL want Siddiqi out of jail, a Pakistani female scientist who had pounds of cyanide on her and map of sites in US? Pakistani negotiators asked for the same thing when they had one of our guys. It's because they are all run by the same groups with government connections. Outside of this amazing site, I feel as if we have learned nothing from 9/11 and didn't even notice as another was narrowly averted.


Posted by blert at September 19, 2014 8:07 AM ET:
 
IIRC, the C-802 missile was designed, by the Chinese, to carry an atomic warhead.
From the outset, the missile was designed to sink American carriers.

Pakistani atomics are derived from Chinese designs, AFAIK.

Because of operational secrecy, the Pakistanis are never going to spill the beans, but it's a pretty good bet that at least one of the C-802 missiles deployed on these frigates has an atomic warhead.

This would go a long way to explaining why the security guards on the vessel were so able and paranoid. They were, in fact, elite atomic troops -- hand picked and well trained -- and well paid.
Using elite troops to guard atomic weapons is standard fare in American, Russian, et. al. militaries.

AQ had a plan that ran into the Pakistani "A" team; first string troops. That was unexpected.
When a missile, such as a C-802, mounts an atomic warhead, it usually has very extended range. The atomic warhead will be substantially lighter than a conventional round. All other structures will be built to the highest standard. (lightest weight) Externally it will appear to be entirely conventional.

This provides operational security.

For these reasons no-one should trust the 'missile effective range' statistics that are kicked around in public. If it's public, it's a lie.


America's cruise missiles designed for atomics had staggering ranges w a a a a y beyond that of the conventional cruise missile version. The Soviets considered them so threatening that they were one of the first atomic systems subject to arms control.


I would not be surprised to find out that an atomic C-802 can travel hundreds of miles.


Knowing AQ's style, I wouldn't put it past them to bird dog the American fleet with a 'fishing' boat and a suicide crew. GPS would then do the trick.


My gut tells me that AQ wasn't even thinking about taking the ship to sea.

%%%


I suspect that Islamabad is tearing the house apart tracking down the conspirators. For if they'd pulled it off, Pakistan would be glowing from end to end by now.


After the OBL fiasco, Islamabad is dancing on thin ice.


The Pakistani navy is going to simply have to remove all atomics from their ships.

IIRC, Islamabad was offered PAL technology -- and turned it down flat.

So, a mere handful of junior naval officers can imperil that entire nation -- with no notice at all.

AQ wants a war so big that Pakistan can't survive it.



Posted by Arjuna at September 19, 2014 12:20 PM ET:
 
Blert, great comments as usual. Supposedly there was an Uzbek cell with a similar Pak Navy facility attack plan which was recently disrupted, hence the higher alert level. But your nuclear cruise missile theory still holds kilotons of weight. The bad guys have two Chinese designs they stole or were given, 1966 and 1998 versions, which they are field modifying for the big fireworks which have always been their end game. Apparently the sentry saw AKs, which are not standard Navy issue. The moral of my comment is that there are multiple such plans being hatched in PK at any given moment and, thus, the entire world is thin ice indeed.


Posted by Arjuna at September 19, 2014 1:14 PM ET:
 
Don, I could not agree more with your point of view. ISI are central and ignored, if not condoned, by key players. The Siddiqui-AQ/ISIL-Pak Govt/Army connections to WMD are stark and alarming. Not only are both AQ Core and ISIL (probably AQAP, as well) working towards big bio, they are being helped along by Pakistan, who almost certainly has sold nukes to Saudi Arabia. We have a plethora of problems emanating fro one place.

Blert, you seem to be saying that a nuclear cruise missile launch on an Indian city right from the dock in Karachi was a possible aim, if they were guarding what you postulate. I'm reminded that the Indian Mujahideen (now part of AQIS) wanted to nuke Surat and discussed it w the ISI. That city, in Modi's home state, would have been a tempting target to someone like Z, don't you think? And so close to Karachi. I bet that was the plan.



Posted by Arjuna at September 20, 2014 1:03 PM ET:
 
So where are the martyrdom videos? What were the targets? Usama? SITE? Even though the Navy traitors failed, these should still make for illuminating viewing while their actors are being interrogated. Somebody's watching.


Posted by blert at September 20, 2014 9:51 PM ET:

 
Don:
"Why does ISIL want Siddiqi out of jail, a Pakistani female scientist who had pounds of cyanide on her and map of sites in US? Pakistani negotiators asked for the same thing when they had one of our guys."

&&&

This gal keeps coming up on the Muslim radar because:

1) Opfor psyops has lifted XXX porno footage which was shot in New Jersey (circa 2002) which features a orchestrated 'rape' of a hot young 'Muslim' babe -- and used it ever since as an instance of 'Crusaders' victimizing 'Siddiqi.'

2) Those pleading for 'Siddiqi's' release have absolutely no conception that the real Siddiqi is an ugly hag, PhD scientist, who has found her love life empty for many, many, years -- long before 2001.

3) They also have yet to figure out that they've been viewing out-cuts from a XXX porno shoot -- every last participant was an infidel.

As for Westerners: it's a rare man in the West that has any clue that bootlegs of the New Jersey shoot have been passed around on AQ DVD agitprop all of these years. All that they see is that a gal that belongs in solitary for life is constantly being brought up by Muslims as a victim. (of infidel rape!)

&&&

There is ANOTHER agitprop video that has been circulated by Islamist media. They took a "Boys In The Hall" gag video that was filmed over twenty-years ago and spread it around.
The "Boys In The Hall" were a gay Canadian comedy troupe that was broadcast by HBO a generation ago. Many of those players have gone on to other high profile media projects -- usually on TV.

@@@@

Because both the porno and the comedy bit would be rated as either XXX or R -- they are not ever brought up in any news broadcast in the West.

This keeps these two toxic memes floating on in the Muslim collective (male) mind while being entirely off the radar in the West.

It is quite impossible for me to overstate the impact of the porno agitprop. The way it has been handled, each new viewer thinks that the footage has been smuggled out of a CIA detention center within only the last twelve months. That's the power of a bootleg DVD agitprop video. It's compounded by being, very likely, the first porno that the Muslim boys have ever seen. They've got absolutely no basis of comparison. They buy it hook line and sinker.


%%%

The comedy video -- I saw the original broadcast -- was one of the funniest - and lewdest - ever aired.
It was released to coincide with Holloween week. Lacking any story boards, it's hard to relate in words. The gist of it is that a young man is nervously awaiting his (obviously gay) date. Wordlessly, the script tosses out his fantasy imaginings of dating horror -- with allusions to Dracula, perverted sex, sadism, bondage, and entrapment. These visuals are snapped on by -- contrasted with the naive innocence of his date -- who is utterly harmless and dressed like the boy next door.

The punchline/ image is that even before his date knocks on his door our young man has passed out -- and dropped to the floor unconscious. His date finally breaks in to his bedroom to discover that the young man's (very large) dog is taking advantage of him... to the complete horror of his date.
This sequence was tossed into the mix of political art criticizing Mo' that originated in Denmark -- all those years ago.


Stills from both the porno and the HBO broadcast were added to those of the Jyllands-Posten and are STILL circulating.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyllands-Posten_Muhammad_cartoons_controversy

As you might expect, Westerners are totally confused as to why the Denmark series is STILL a hot button.

The connection laid out here is largely unknown. The Islamists have got both sides arguing at cross purposes. It's the two 'additions' that have got Muslims upset the most. Whereas, the Westerners keep defending the harmless political artwork.

Like 'The Protocols', this agitprop figures to have really long legs.

 


Read more:

 http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/aqis_claims_failed_p.php#ixzz3EFuKAfMo



























 
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Tuesday, October 7, 2014

''OBITUARY''' O. R. O .P. - THE LAST CALL IN REMEMBERANCE OF "O.R.O.P."







                     THE LAST CALL IN

                      REMEMBERANCE

                                    OF

         "O.R.O.P."

                            





Taps
               


                   TAP, THE LAST CALL

                               PLEASE 

    CLICK ON DOWNLOAD TAPS BELOW

                       Download Taps








                      '''OBITUARY'''


 
                    IT IS BELIEVED

      THAT DARLING OF VETERANS

                             'OROP'

                            IS DEAD

                                  &

                    WILL BE GIVEN

                   'COMMISSONED'

                           BURIAL

                       FOR WHICH

A SPECIAL COMMISSION HAS BEEN

                     CONSTITUTED

 THE NEED FOR SUCH A COMMISSION

                     HAS BEEN FELT

                         BECAUSE

 THOSE IN ARMED FORCES

                              ARE

  NOT THE PART OF GOVERNMENT

                           BECAUSE

       ARMED FORCES  OFFICERS

                            ARE 


               "COMMISSONED"

                                 &

THERE FOR KEEPING THE DECORUM

                                  A

               SPECIAL COMMISSION

              HAS BEEN CONSTITUTED

                             TO GIVE

                                      A

                COMMISSIONED BURIAL

                                   TO

                             THE 'OROP'

THIS COMMISSION HAS BEEN TERMED

                                   AS

       7TH PAY COMMISSION(7CPC).

                                 'OROP'


               AMAR RAHE AMAR RAHE.


    JAB TAK CHAND AUR SURAJ CHAMKE
 
                                    TAB TAK
 
                                     'OROP'
 
                 TERI YAAD AMAR RAHE
 
                     ZINDABAD  ZINDABAD
 
                                      'OROP'
 
                          KI YAAD ZINDABAD.
 
 
 
 
 



               Taps

Signals that unauthorized lights are to be extinguished. This is the last call of the day. The call is also sounded at the completion of a military funeral ceremony.
Taps
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Friday, October 3, 2014

NO OROP NO VOTE.





                         
          NO OROP NO VOTE. 



IESM 
WISHES HAPPY DUSSEHRA
AND  
HAPPY DURGA PUJA 
TO ALL MEMBERS.

THE QUESTION IS ARE EX-SERVICEMEN REALLY HAAPY THIS DUSSEHRA? 
IESM FEELS WE HAVE BEEN
CHEATED BY THE POLITICIANS OF ALL 
PARTIES. BJP IS NO DIFFERENT. 
OROP NOTIFICATION IS STILL NOT OUT. 

ALL ESM IN HARYANA AND MAHARASHTRA
 ARE REQUESTED TO ASK QUESTION  
IN EVERY RALLY TO ORGANISERS
WHERE IS OROP? 
FULFILL YOUR PROMISE OF OROP
BEFORE YOU ASK FOR OUR VOTES.
PLEASE RAISE SLOGANS IN EVERY 
RALLY INCLUDING MODI AND SHAH RALLIES
NO OROP NO VOTE. 
ALL POLITICIANS ARE UNTRUSTWORTY.
IESM WILL ORGANISE RALLIES IN FRONT OF HOUSES OF BJP MPS AND MLAS AND 
BJP PARTY OFFICES
ALL IESM STATE UNITS PLEASE ORGANISE THESE RALLIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

IESM MEETING WITH 7th CPC ON 24 SEP 2014








IESM MEETING WITH 7th CPC ON 24 SEP 2014
 
Date: 01 Oct 2014
 
Dear Veterans
 
1. IESM delegation consisting of the following met the 7th CPC for over an hour on 24th Sep 2014.
(a)       Maj Gen Satbir Singh          Chairman IESM
(b)       Maj Gen PK Renjen               Vice Chairman IESM
(c)       Gp Capt VK Gandhi               Gen Sec IESM
(d)       Maj Gen AJB Jaini               Member Gov Body
(e)       Hony Lt K Pandey                 Member Gov Body
 
2. The following members and the officials of the 7th CPC were present:-
(a)       Justice AK Mathur               Chairman 7 CPC
(b)       Sh Mudit Mittal                    Director 7 CPC
(c)       Sh DK Rai                               Director 7 CPC
(d)       Ms Meena Aggarwal             Secretary 7CPC
(e)       Sh Sameer K Sinha              Jt Sec 7 CPC
(f)       Sh Rajeev Misra                    Advisor
(g)       Sh Y Shukla                           Advisor
(h)       Sh Mohinder Singh               Advisor
(i)        Km Vandana Sirvastava       CGDA
 
3. Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) Chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM (Retd) had met members of the Commission earlier in May 2014, wherein recommendations by the IESM in brief were discussed. (Details attached at Appendix A attached).
 
4. A detailed Memorandum to 7th CPC was forwarded by IESM vide our letter dated 11 Aug 2014 (Appendix B att.)
 
5. During the meeting with the 7th CPC on 24 Sep 2014 the following major issues were discussed:-
            (a) Start of Down-gradation of Defence personnel in 1973 3rd CPC. It was highlighted by the IESM Delegation that the down-gradation of military persons started with 3rd CPC when they were clubbed with the civilian employees. Till 1973, military persons had their own pay and pension regulations wherein, pensions were regulated based on the rank and the years of service. Pension of JCOs/OR were based on 75% of the last pay drawn and officers’ pension was 50% of the last pay drawn, whereas the pensions of civilian employees were worked out based on 33% of the last pay drawn with max Rs 416.50. The pension of the highest rank of defence forces was Rs 1000 pm. The 3rd CPC increased the pensions of civilian to 50% of the last pay drawn and reduced the pensions of JCOs/ORs from 75% to 50%. This resulted in reduction of pension of the defence personnel. It was here onwards that the down-gradation of military personnel started. Rajya Sabha Petition Committee on OROP Chaired by Mr. Bhagat Singh Koshyari in 2011 opined that the decision to club the defence personnel with the civilian employees in 1973 was not a considered decision. IESM emphasized that the 7th CPC should correct the injustice by restoring the pension differential that existed in 1973.
 
            (b)       Integration of OROP in 7th CPC. The delegation asked the members
of 7th CPC that OROP, which has already been sanctioned by the Govt and not yet implemented, should be fully integrated in the 7th CPC.
One of the Directors with the 7th CPC Sh. DK Rai brought out that the OROP has relief of only few rupees to the OR/JCOs. The IESM delegation strongly countered the statement and brought out that as per accepted definition of OROP, a Sepoy with 17 years of services stands to gain Rupees 3150 in his basic pension plus DA and not a few Rupees. It was brought out by the Chairman IESM, Maj Gen Satbir Singh that a Sepoy with 17 years of service and Pre 2006 retiree gets a pension of Rs 5,196 pm. With the implementation of OROP, he will get Rs 8350 pm basic plus DA additional. IESM delegation emphasized that 7th CPC must fully integrate OROP, while arriving at the pension of 7th CPC.
            (c)  Pension of Widows. It was brought out by the delegation that there are 6.45 lacs defence widows in the country and 85% of them are the widows of OR. Majority of them draw only Rs 3500 pm basic. It was strongly recommended that service pension of the ESM and the family pension should be same. If the spouse dies, the ESM continues to draw his/her pension, but when ESM, dies the pension is reduced to 60% of the ESM pension. Thus, the defence widow is left to fend for herself with her woes increasing many fold. This segment of the defence fraternity suffers the most. 7th CPC was requested to consider this sympathetically and enhance the family pension to the pension of the ESM. A question from Chairman 7th CPC justice AK Mathur that the other services would also demand this increase of family pension, was replied by Maj Gen Satbir Singh that the two cannot be compared.
Defence families suffer while the spouse is serving due to the service conditions and continues to suffer more when they are widowed early.
            (d)       Defence Personnel Retire Early and also Die Early. The age
expectancy of government employees was studied by a government agency in the 5th CPC. The following age expectancies were arrived at:-
a)         Civilian Services                    77 Yrs
b)        Railway Employees                78 Yrs
c)         Defence Personnel
i)          OR (up to Hav)          59.6 – 64 Yrs
ii)         JCOs                           67 Yrs
iii)        Officers                     72.5 Yrs
It is seen that ORs die approximately 20 years, JCOs 15 years and officers 7 years earlier than their civilian counterparts. There are a number of reason, the most important being body wear and tear during service and stress and strain of life after retirement when their responsibilities are maximum. It was strongly recommended by the delegation, that this aspect must be kept in mind by the 7th CPC while arriving at the pension scales of the defence personnel. This also adds to the logic of award of enhanced percentages of pensions to the defence personnel as existed in Pre 1973.
 
(e)       Disability Pension. It was recommended by the delegation that “The present disability pension in cases of discharge/ superannuation/retirement with a disability is authorized only to those personnel who have a disability of 20% or more whereas in cases of discharge on medical grounds, the 20% stipulation stands abrogated. All individuals irrespective of the percentage of disability should be granted compensation. Disability pension needs to be paid in ALL cases of disability and broad-banding of percentages of disability be extended to all (and not just invalided personnel as is the case at present) as the concept of broad-banding is to offset medical subjectivity and mistakes and arbitrary percentages awarded by medical boards and has no connection with the manner of exit from service. Moreover, all disabilities arising during military service, including while on authorized leave, should be deemed as ‘attributable or at least aggravated’ by service unless caused by the person’s own misconduct as is the system prevalent in all major democracies (See Rule 105 of United States Code 38). It may be pertinent to point out that the Rules already provide for such a stipulation (See Rule 5 of Entitlement Rules, 1982) and even the Hon’ble Supreme Court has already ruled in favour of disabled soldiers in this regard in Dharamvir Singh Vs UOI, civil appeal 4949/2013 decided on 02nd July 2013. Only condition to deny disability pension would be if the disability is a result of any misconduct or criminality. There   should be a separate 'Defence Services Pay Committee' (as promised by the former Prime Minister) comprising members from Defence Services/ veterans and judges from SC/ HC.
 
(f)  Common Pay Scale of JCOs and ORs. IESM recommended that common Pay scales should also be extended to JCOs/OR so that they get benefited for the pension.
 
(g)       Rank Pay Case. The Govt of India approved the 4th CPC Recommendations of Rank Pay to be added to the basic Pay of officers ranks Captain to Brigadier. This would have had cascading effect on even Maj Gen & Lt Gen and would have, in turn impacted on the pensions of defence officers. Despite the above approval, in the execution stage, this advantage was neutralized by a bureaucratic manipulation, by first deducting and then adding rank pay. This resulted in the basic pay being lowered from the earlier level and had a detrimental effect on each rank with relative equation to other services being lowered. This further had cascading affecting on successive Pay Commissions. After the SC judgment in favour of defence personnel, the Govt has still not fully implemented it. The revisions of pay scales of 4th, 5th and 6th Pay Commissions have not yet been carried out.
IESM delegation emphasized that 7th CPC should arrive at the base figures after taking into consideration the complete implementation of the SC judgment and the same be suitably integrated in the 7th CPC recommendations.
 
(h) Rank Pay For JCOs and ORs. Rank Pay should also be extended to JCOs and ORs.
 
(j) Third Assured Career Progression for the Sepoy. Third Career progression authorised to all central government employees by the 6th CPC is not available to the Sepoy of armed Forces since he is retired after 15/17/19 years of service whereas the third promotion is authorised after 24 years of service. It was recommended that this disadvantage be removed by the 7th CPC. Either, he be given promotion after 5/10/15 years of services or he should be given pension of the 3rd promotion.
 
(k)       Pensions of Pre 2004 retiree Majors and Selection Grade Lt Cols.
IESM brought out that as on today, Armed Forces Officers are not retiring as Majs and selection grade Lt Cols since a time bound promotions up to Lt Col have been introduced. It was recommended that pensions of these categories of officers should be fixed as under:-
            (i)        Major should be given pension of Lt Col with grade pay of Majors.
            (ii)       Selection grade Lt Col should be given pension of Colonel with grade pay of Lt Col.
(l)        Performance Related incentive scheme (PRIS). This scheme was accepted by the 6th CPC, that is 1/3rd of the population of employees can be granted 20% of basic pay as enhancement on account of PRIS.
While the scheme has been implemented for the civilian employees and DRDO, the same has not yet been implemented for the defence personnel.
It was recommended that the same should also be extended to defence personnel.
 
(m)      Dynamic Assured Carrier Progression (DCAP) For Medical Officers.
Medical officers in the central government with 13 years of service and 20 years of service have been granted a grade pay of Rs 8,700 and Rs 10,000 respectively. While the scheme has been implemented for the civilian Doctors, the same has not yet been extended to the medical officers of the Army Medical Corps (AMC). The same was recommended to be implemented for Military doctors also.
           
6. In addition the 7th CPC was requested to sympathetically consider all other recommendation mentioned in our Memorandum. Important of these recommendations are:-
(a)       All anomalies of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th CPCs be resolved to arrive at the base figures for the 7th CPC.
(b)       The Basic Pay and Pensions of Defence Personnel should be year-wise 25% higher than their civilian counterparts. Introduce a Common Pay Scale for all Govt of India employees, incorporating an year-wise increase. There will be two tables of basic pay scales one encompassing PB1 and 2; and the other PB3, 4, HAG, HAG+, and Fixed Grade. These would thus cover All Grades from the lowest to the highest. This will bring in simplicity in concept and implementation (Graph Refers).
(c)       MSP should be as was recommended by the 6th CPC ie 64% of basic pay for JCOs and ORs and 52% of basic for officers.
 
7. Copy of the updated Memorandum was handed over to the Chairman and members of 7th CPC.
 
8. The aim of the Govt and in turn the 7th CPC, as far as the Defence Forces are concerned, is to so package the compensation in term of pay, pensions, allowances and other service conditions that the most suitable youth is attracted to the profession and shortages of over 14000 officers is made up at the earliest to give the required leadership punch at the cutting edge of the Defence Forces.
 
9. The meeting was held in a very cordial environment and all the members and the staffs of the 7th CPC were very responsive and positive to the issues discussed. IESM thanked the Chairman 7th CPC and members for affording us the opportunity to discuss our recommendation and suggested that IESM will be privileged to answer any query and come again for any discussion.
 
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
 
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email:             satbirsm@gmail.com
----------
iesmL-h
                                                                                                                                                               
KIND ATTENTION: JUSTICE AK MATHUR, CHAIRMAN 7TH CPC
 
                                                                                                                                Dated : 24 April 2014
Mr. Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur
Chairman 7th Pay Commission
7TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION:
REPRESENTATION OF DEFENCE FORCES
Dear Justice Mathur,
 
1.   Indian Ex, Servicemen Movement (IESM) letter dated 24th April 2014 addressed to PM, RM, RRM and the three Chiefs is enclosed for your perusal please.
2.   The issues raised are extremely relevant to the 7th CPC.  While the Govt has been requested to include one member each from the serving and retired defence personnel, you are requested to incorporate the issues raised by us for your analysis and inclusion in the 7th CPC deliberations.
3.   IESM team would be available for any deliberations as required by the 7th CPC.
 
With regards
 
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Chairman IESM
Mob: +919312404269, 0124-4110570
E Mail ID: satbirsm@gmail.com
 
Copy to :-
General Bikram Singh,
PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC
Chief of the Army Staff &
Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee
Integrated HQs of Armed Forces (Army)
South Block, New Delhi-110011


iesmL-h
 
24 April 2014
Dr Manmohan Singh
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
152, South Block, New Delhi -110011
7TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION:
REPRESENTATION OF DEFENCE FORCES
 
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
 
1. We draw your attention to our letters dated 28 Sep 2013, 15 Oct 2013, 17 Oct 2013 and 14 Feb 2014.
2. Our numerous requests to grant representation to the Defence Forces in the 7th CPC have been totally ignored by the Government.  Without proper representation in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th CPCs, the outcomes of the awards have been to the grave disadvantage of the Defence Forces resulting in 46 unresolved anomalies.  Not only have Defence personnel suffered financially, their status and inter-se-equation have been down graded systematically. This has given rise to dissatisfaction among the serving and retired Defence personnel and consequently have lowered the image of the Profession of Arms amongst the youth. Presently, there is a shortage of 14000 officers in the Defence Forces which is adversely affecting the operational preparedness.  A large number of cases have been filed in AFTs and various other courts of the country.  The fact that 90 percent of the cases filed, have gone in favour of the Defence personnel indicates the magnitude of the injustices.
3. There are numerous peculiarities of the profession of Armed Forces that are not easily appreciated by the members who are not from the Defence Forces.  In spite of their best intentions, they are not in a position to ensure that the rightful entitlements of the Armed Forces are given to them.
4. Therefore 7th CPC must have representation both from serving and retired to ensure their case is duly represented and properly analysed by the Commission so that injustices/ down-gradations done to the Defence Forces in the past 65 years are redressed.
5. The core aim needs to be that the most suitable youth is attracted towards the Defence Forces. The Nation cannot take the risk of handing over its security and integrity to those who seek the profession of arms as an alternative. This can be best addressed by the grant of apt Pay & Allowances, arresting the deterioration of military status and sheen and encouraging the correct quality of youth to opt for the defence services.
6. Keeping the above in view some of the parameters/factors which need to be incorporated in the 7th CPC projections are as under:-
  • Armed Forces ought to be the highest paid government profession in the country. There can be no comparison between the Armed Forces and the civil or the police services as the job contents are entirely different. The Military Profession is Unique and hence should be differently managed.
  • Accordingly, there should be an edge of 15-20 percent in pay, perks and pension of Defence personnel over their counterparts in Civil services for relative years of service at each stage.
  • Before arriving at the base salary of the Defence personnel for the commencement of 7th Central Pay Commission, all the existing anomalies of 4th, 5th, and 6th CPCs in respect of defence personnel must be resolved and court judgements issued in favour of Defence personnel must be implemented.
  • Each military rank should carry a separate pay scale with a number of increments that will actually accrue in that rank.
  • The ‘X’ factor to compensate for hazards of military service should be an integral part of the pay of each rank and not be a separate component which gives a feeling of mercenary pay. In addition, all benefits available to the civil services must be made available to the Defence Forces.
  • The status and inter-se equation of defence personnel vis-a-vis their Civilian Counterparts as existed on 26 Jan 1950 be restored in all respect including inter-se ratios in Pay and pensions.
  • Life Expectancy of a Soldier is far less than his Civil Counterpart in other Services
(a)    Civilian Services                        -             77 Yrs
(b)    Railway Employees                  -             78 Yrs
(c)     Defence Pers:-
(i)         ORs upto Hav            -             59.6 – 64 Yrs
(ii)        JCOs                           -             67 Yrs.
(iii)       Officers                      -             72.5 Yrs
Why so? There is a definite need for measures to increase the life expectancy of Defence Pers.
  • Grant of monthly subsistence to World War II veterans and affecting suitable enhancement in the Reservists Pay/Pension.
  • Suitable compensation for widows and disabled soldiers in the management and proper enhancement and disability pensions and family pensions.
  • Need for making the Short Service Commissioned and Women Entry attractive enough to enable the most suitable youth to opt for the Defence Profession. Short Service Commissioned Offrs be laterally absorbed in other govt services ie IAS/IFS/IPS/Other Gp A Services with their seniority and status maintained.
  • Need to count training period of Offrs & ORs, for seniority, like Civil Services and need to start their emoluments from the day they join training.
  • Ratio of 1000:416.50 of pension between the highest rank of Armed Forces and that of the civil services as it existed in 1973 be brought back. Pay & Pensions of other ranks be accordingly redrawn.
  • Concept of Military Pensions based on OROP needs to be streamlined and efficiently executed.
  • Defence share of 28-30% deputations must be strictly followed with seniority and lien with the parent service.
  • No def personnel should ever draw less pay or pension than his junior in rank.
  • Benefits given to other Govt services be also extended to Def Pers ie 3rd career progression, Non Functional Upgrade (NFU) etc irrespective of the date of retirement.
7.  In view of the issues to be addressed as above, you are once again requested to include at least one member each from the serving and retired in the 7th CPC.  This is necessary for assuring due justice to the Defence Forces.
With regards
 
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Chairman IESM
Mob: +919312404269, 0124-4110570
E Mail ID: satbirsm@gmail.com
Copy to:-
Shri AK Antony
Hon’ble Raksha Mantri
Ministry of Defence
New Delhi-110011
For information and action please.
Shri Jitendra Singh
Raksha Rajya Mantri
C-1/14 Lodi Garden
New Delhi - 110 003
-do-
General Bikram Singh,
PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC
Chief of the Army Staff &
Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee
Integrated HQs of Armed Forces (Army)
South Block, New Delhi-110011
With request to jointly and strongly take up this important issue with the Government for proper representation of defence forces in the 7th CPC.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha
PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC
Chief of the Air Staff
Indian Air Force
Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi 110011
 
-do-
Admiral RK Dhowan
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC
Chief of the Naval Staff
Integrated HQs of Armed Forces (Navy)
South Block, New Delhi-110011
-do-
-------------
Please also see the two attachments.



C:\Users\Admin\Downloads\



IESM PRESENTATION TO THE 7TH CPC

“The day the soldier has to demand his dues will be a sad day for Magadha for then, on that day, you will have lost all moral sanction to be King!”-Excerpt of a letter written by Kautilya to Emperor Chandragupta, discretely but firmly reminding the king that his safety and security as well as of his empire depend on the trust and sacrifice of his soldiers.


Preamble

1)      The spectacle of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) taking to the streets during these past five years and depositing their hard earned medals to the President of India to protest against the Government’s apathy to their demands- particularly One Rank One Pension (OROP), is not only sad but globally unique. This pathetic situation to which Defence fraternity has been driven into is not seen in any other country having modern defence forces. It marks the culmination of decades of simmering anger, frustration and helplessness amongst Faujis (term includes Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks (OR) both serving and retired, from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force), consequent to being constantly downgraded vis-à-vis other Governmentservices, since independence even while being increasingly called upon to substitute or supplement those very Government services when they failed/ faltered in their roles.

2)      This simmering discontent is well known to commanders at various levels, but its magnitude is best on display when a Fauji comes on leave, and shares his feelings with veterans in the village. Away from the regimented environment and discipline, the frank picture that emerges is cause for serious concern, if not alarm. It is unfortunate that despite the ESM protests these past five years; the Government has been indifferent to the gravity of the situation.

3)      Access to media and internet has opened up the world to the soldier.He is aware of the Government’s apathy towards his interests, and his status being constantly downgraded by those who are ironically expected to look after his interests. Is he secure in the knowledge that he or his widow will be looked after well if he loses limb or life in performance of duty? Particularly if the way he is looked after, when alive, is not in itself comforting? Should he therefore risk life and limb ‘beyond the legal minimum’?These are uncomfortable but necessary questions requiring a response in action rather than politically appropriate clichéd jargon.

4)      These facts have trickled into the civil domain, and adversely affected intake. The profession of arms is today one of the least preferred career option for youth. Officer shortage in armyapproximates 33%. Consequent lack of desired mentoring and supervision at the cutting edge level is taking its toll. Increasing cases of fratricide, serious accidents and indiscipline are the symptoms of a larger malaise of neglect of the Defence Forces. This is NOT acceptable. The consequences are nightmarish in a force with nuclear capability and arsenal with devastating potential of mass destruction.

5)      In the interest of the nation it is essential to take note of these dangerous portends and take remedial steps.

6)      The Defence Forces are the nation’s Trump Card. Conditions HAVE to be created to attract the very best talent to it, retain them there and use them optimally for the nation’s development. A soldier should enjoy the status of privileged citizen of the country and the preferred employee of the Government. Only then, will the pride associated with such status lure the best of youth to the Defence Forces. It follows therefore that:

a)    Defence Forces must be the highest paid Government profession in India.

b)    The traditional equivalence of Defence Forces personnel vis-à-vis civilian counterparts has been greatly diluted since independence, and needs to be restored in all respects of, pay perks and pension as it existed on 26 Jan 1950.

c)    The Defence Forces must have a direct involvement with the planning and execution of their working, welfare and affairs. Manning of MoD and representation in committees/commissions as the CPC must be by men in uniform with a deep rooted understanding of the way the profession of arms works.

d)    The Defence Forces’ personnel, compulsorily retired between age 35 and 42 to keep a young profile for the Forces, must be absorbed laterally in other Government departments and PSUs, to optimally employ the potential of this highly trained, motivated and dedicated manpower.

7)      Suggestions and reasoning on how this is to be done, is amplified in succeeding paragraphs.Some recommendations made in this paper mark a departure from years of following a ‘beaten path’. It is reiterated that this has precedence. CPCs in the past HAVE often chartered new course. The 3rd CPC’s unfair move to bring parity in pensions (Jawan brought down from 75% of last pay drawn, and Civilians brought up from 33% of last pay drawn, to 50%;  Defence Forces’ Officers losing the 25% edge over Civil services with both being brought to 50%) is one. Introduction of an integrated scale of pay and rank pay without lucidly explaining the intricacies that led to the Rank Pay case was bestowed by the 4th CPC. Formalization of deduction of Rank Pay by 5th CPC which was blind-sided by the bureaucracy of the pending litigation in the High Court of Kerala was another. The creation of the ‘Pay Bands’ by the 6th CPC, with all its incumbent problems particularly towards Defence Forces, since due to the Rank system they were already on a ‘band system’, are cases in point. Faujis urge members of the 7th CPC to take a pragmatic approach to the years of neglect and suffering of the Fauji, to bring about radical changes to restore the profession of arms with the sheen it had, and deserves to have. It would be path breaking, and be good for the nation. The following verse from Horatius of Rome tweny five centuries ago drive the Indian Defence Forces to lay down their lives to defend their mother land :

 

"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods."

 

Introduction

 

8)      The organization, ethos and work culture of the Fauji community, stretching into retirement is entirely different than ANY other Government service. The Government of India’s sad move to combine all Government services under one umbrella of Central Pay Commissions, to attempt equivalence has been to the gross disadvantage to the Faujis, and persistently failed to meet their aspirations. A comparison of apples and oranges is never logical. The absence of Fauji representation on Pay Commissions has resulted in repeatedlylowering of the inter se’ equation with civilian counterparts as evident from examples in table below, since monetary remuneration form the yard stick of relativity between employees. This has had adverse operational impact in areas where the Defence Forces are required to operate jointly with Administrative and Police services, eg in counterinsurgency areas, Defence Headquarters, Military Engineering Services etc. This has caused genuine dissatisfaction among the Fauji community. This chasm greatlywidened with the implementation of the recommendations of the 6thCPCeg the status of Lt Col being lowered without any reason. Equivalent to Commandant in the Para Military services prior to the 6th CPC, Lt Cols were given a lower Grade Pay of Rs 8000 instead of Rs 8700, upsetting the existing parity and injecting unnecessaryfunctional difficulties on ground. Such anomalies could have been resolved by the Committee of Secretaries headed by Cabinet Secretary but appears to have been left to be resolved when the 7th CPC starts work related to the Defence Forces due to absence service representative in the said committee in spite of repeated requests by Service HQ.

 




Civil Grade
3rd CPC
4th CPC
Remarks

Junior Time Scale
Junior to Captain
Equal to Captain
2/ Lt, Lt and Capt clubbed by 3rd CPC

Senior Time Scale
Equal to Captain
Equal to Major
 

Selection Grade/ Non-Functional Selection Grade (SG/ NFSG)

Equal to Major
Senior to Major
 

 

9)      Due to inherent differences with all other government services, it is imperative that a separate Pay Commission for Defence Forcesmust be constituted, comprising members of the Defence Forces possessing deep rooted understanding of the issues and problems involved.It is a violation of fair play and natural justice for members of one Central Service to exclusively sit in judgment on the terms and conditions of service of the Defence Forces, which is currently the case.

 

10)   This Paper, in following 5 parts, provides a window to the Fauji psyche, aspirations, problems, and viewon issues pertaining to their Pay, and Pensions.

a)    Fauji- How Different is (S)he?

b)    Fauji’s Problems?

c)    Consequences for the Nation.

d)    What needs to be done?

e)    Recommendations for inclusion in 7 CPC Report.

Fauji- How Different is (S)he?

11)   The Defence Forces demand a Spartan way of life, unparalleled in any other Service.

a)    In line with functional imperatives, many rights, freedoms and liberties, including some guaranteed in the Constitution of India are denied/ curtailed for Faujis. Defence Forces’ personnel do not have a right to form a Union or an Officers Association. Though understandable, it deprives them of ‘collective bargaining’, denying them often of their rightful awards/ benefits; unlike other Government employees, who have associations to voice their opinions just as the IAS officers association did in Andhra Pradesh when they were being investigated in the Jagan Mohan Reddy case. Therefore the employer, the Government implicitly assures that it will observe a covenant to automatically take care of their needs/ aspirations, but it does not happen. Status of Defence Forces’ personnel has been constantly downgraded since independence, as compared to a civil servant, due to this. It is mocking the patriotism and valour of a Jawan to equate him with an unskilled worker/ Peon. (Jawan is a soldier- a Defence Forces personnel, though this term is loosely and incorrectly used,for convenience, to describe even a person of the Central Police Forces(CPF)- CRPF, BSF etc, for whom the correct term is ‘constable’).A Jawan is a Problem solver possessing initiative, and leadership qualities critical in life and death situations. He is the Cutting Edge of the Defence Forces, and has potential to work his way up in the organization on sheer merit. There is a possibility for a soldier to rise to become Chief of his service, while the same cannot possibly happen in case of an unskilled worker/ peon. This misplaced equivalence is clearly illogical and de-motivating for a Fauji. Another oft overlooked fact is that Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) are Class II Gazetted officers, who are wrongly equated in Joint working environment with civil Non Gazetted staff/posts as shown in table below. The status of JCOs, NCOs and OR has gradually declined, particularly after the 6th CPC. Assistants in AFHQ Services are placed in grade pay of Rs 4600, which is equal to that of a Subedar (Sub), whereas till 6th CPC their pay scales were below that of a Naib Subedar (Nb Sub). JCOs in the Indian Army are Group B Gazetted Officers, and by placing an Assistant, which is a Non Gazetted civilian post, above a JCO in Indian Army, we are seeing the first stage of the erosion of the Other Ranks (OR). There is a definite needto redefine and correct equationsand equivalence before commencing work on 7th CPC.

Army Ranks (Clerical Cadre) vis-à-vis Civilian (Clerical Cadre)




Sepoy, Lance Naik, Naik and Havildar

 
Lower Division Clerk

Naib Subedar (Gazetted Rank)

 
Upper Division Clerk (With less than five years’ service) (Non Gazetted Post)

Subedar (GazettedRank)

Upper Division Clerk (With more than five years’ service),and Office Supdt Grade -II (Both, Non Gazetted Posts)

 

Subedar Major (GazettedRank)

 
Office Superintendent Grade-I

(Non Gazetted Post)

 

b)    The hierarchy of the Defence Forcesis structured along Functional ‘Ranks’, with distinct command and control functions. Traditionally a Squadron Leader commanded Squadrons, Wing Commander commanded Wings. Ranks carry the Onus of Command implying strictly enforced personal accountability and responsibility for actions of one’s command/ watch. Other services including IAS and Police Services do not have ‘Ranks’, but Appointments. Police personnel wear Army badges of rank similar, which they have been unilaterally upgrading from time to time, and then seeking parity with the Fauji counterparts whose ranks they cloned.  An SP Police- even now colloquially referred to as ‘Kaptan Sahib’ was once just that-a Captain. Today he is equated to a Lieutenant Colonel, due to periodic up-gradations in both, the visible rank badges, and pay upgrades by the CPCs on mistaken belief of equivalence of operational roles.Similarly, while a Corps Commander (Lieutenant General) often has command jurisdiction over several political states, those states individually generally have more than one Director General Police (DGP) with specific task based charter, e.g. Uttar Pradesh has 31 DGsP and Punjab has 16. It is shocking that the 6thCPC brought in changes making the DGP equivalent to Lieutenant General, disturbing the traditional equivalence and unnecessarily hindering operational functioning. In a Counter–insurgency environment for instance, where Corps Headquarters coordinates operations- having built upon the state police forces, this creates an ambiguous, compartmentalized and operationally undesirable situation of the top Police officer in the state being underutilized since most of them refuse to even attend operational and security related meetings chaired by the Corps Commander. This compartmentalized functioning is detrimental to operations, and calls for reversion to the earlier, traditional equivalence. The Defence Forces cannot replicate general up-gradation of ranks in similar manner, to establish equivalence and ‘career progression’ in relation to Civil/Police services as it would lead to dilution of duties and command and control aspects. Pay, Allowances and emoluments must therefore be based on Years of service across all Government services, with Defence Services personnel drawing remuneration 25% higher than civil/ police services counterparts withappointment / Grade pays (both being  a percentile function of the Basic pay) accruing as applicable. This would provide not only a optimal but also a reasonable equivalence among the entire Government staff, but also a work: promotion balance between those who get promoted and those who don’t. It would additionally act as a magnet to draw youth to join the Defence Forces.

c)    Defence Forcespersonnel have the highestrisk of life and limb in performance of duty. Even relatively minor disabilities (physical/ mental) result in denial of promotions as mental and physical faculties must be be SHAPE 1. Disabilities often lead to dischargefrom service. Unfortunately there are considerable differences in rules and benefits for disabilities to the grave disadvantage ofDefence Forces personnel compared tothose ofthe civil services. Ironically,in many cases compensations offered in such contingencies are better for the civilians.This aspect must be made more favorable for Defence Forces personnel.

i)     As rough rule, an across the board increase of 25% over all emoluments granted to civil services must be made applicable to Faujis.

ii)    Considering the risk that Defence Forces’ personnel are exposed to both in peace and war, and on the principle of pension being ‘deferred wage’,the concept of Family Pension must be discarded in the context of Defence Forces’ personnel, and the NOK must be eligible for full pension as entitled to the Fauji. In case of those killed in discharge of duty (including while on training, Internal Security duties, counterinsurgency operations etc), the applicable pay must continue to accrue to the widow/ NOK until the date of superannuation, beyond which full entitled pension (100%) must continue to be given to widow/ NOK.

d)    Defence Forces personnel serve in inhospitable areas, mostly staying away from their family over long periods. Even in peace areas where paucity of accommodation normally entails waiting periods that often exceed one’s stay in station, the forced separation continues.A recent study shockingly reveals that a Jawan with 17 years’ service gets less than two years to live with his family at his place of posting. The tough terrain, inadequate nourishing food, lack of a family life and cruel weather take heavy toll both physically and mentally on the Faujis. Spinal injuries due to vigorous hauling loads over mountain ridges, orthopedic and pulmonary complications, the prolonged stay away from family devastates their health and family life. Cases of temporary/ permanent impotence are not unusual. These facts on the one hand call for higher levels of compensation (Field and Uncongenial Area Allowances), and on the other also point to the ignorance and insensitivity of segments of policymakers which have in recent times been meaninglessly questioning some facilities given to Faujis. Such unmindful suggestions include among others, one to carry out a ‘Cost Study’ (CTC) of Faujis perquisites like free/ concessional rail travel allowed, and leave to travel home during the year, and adding these to their pay/ benefits!! Question is, many such ‘perquisites’ will not be necessary if the Fauji led a life as blessed (and blissful) as their civil counterparts with whom GOI is attempting ‘equivalence’.

Fauji’s Problems.

12)   The Defence Forces are the ‘Last Argument of Kings.’ While EVERY department serves the nation in some form, the Defence Forces perform a dual role – they are in the forefront of any action and are also the Back Up / contingency plan for every other service. If any service/ department fail, the Defence Forcesare reassuringly there to fall back upon to retrieve the situation. They have consistently and successfully delivered on this, always and every time, often ‘fighting with whatever they had’, paying with life and, limb. But the Fauj has no back up. God forbid they fail; there will be no other organization to bank upon. It is logical that such a resource cannot, and should not be equated with others. Performance must principally form the yardstick of compensation. The irony is that Fauji’s condition is worse than all other Government of India services as far as Pay, Allowances and Pensions are concerned. A comparison of the way other countries offer their soldiers an edge in Pay and Pensions over civil employees is shown in the table below. Why it is not so in India, despite the nation’s frequent reliance on their services both in peace and war, is difficult to gauge. In USA a soldier gets a veteran status even if he has been on active service just for a year. All soldiers who were posted in Afghanistan even for six months enjoy all the facilities including treatment in VA hospitals. Why is Indian Government refusing such facilities even to those who took part in 1962, 1965 and 1971 operations? It is recommended that pay scales of Indian Faujis must be identically 25% higher than other Government services at each year of service. Presently even the Military Service Pay (MSP) is a paltry Rs 2000 for JCO/ OR and Rs 6000 for officers. It should be a respectable percentage of basic pay. A recommendation of 62% of basic pay as MSP for JCO/ OR and 54% for Officers was made to the 6th CPC.It is recommended that the MSP should be brought to the recommended levels, to make a career in the Defence Forces lucrative to youth.

 

Edge in Pay and Pensions of Defence Forces over Civilian Employees Globally

 




Ser No
Country
Notional Edge in salary as service pay or special allowance for military service
Pension Scale with notional edge for military service

1.
U.S.A
Approx 15 to 20%
50 to 75% of last pay drawn fully protected against inflation.  For civil services the scale is  33.75% of pay as pension.

2.
United Kingdom
10%
Uniform pension as revised irrespective of rank and date or retirement. (OROP)

3.
Australia
AUD 2608 PA Military Allowance
76.5 % of pay

4.
Japan
12 to 29% on graded scale
70 % of pay

5.
West Germany
5 to 10%
75% of pay

6.
Yugoslavia
15%
85 % of pay

7.
Nigeria
5%
80% of pay with national edge of 10% over civil scales.

8.
France
15%
75% of pay.

9.
Iraq
10%
70-75%  of pay.

10.
Pakistan
10-15% with other allowances
50-75% of pay with service element military pension

11.
India
Nil
50% of pay and same is depressed by 6 to 24% in respect of Lt Col & below ranks constituting 90% of the manpower strength of the Defence Forces.

 

13)   It is a universal management practice to reward performers through better remuneration/ recognition to create role models, increase motivation and generate continuous pursuit of excellence. Regrettably, rather than provide better pay and perquisites to the Defence Forces- an elite work force by any and every yardstick, Executive effort has thus far focused on creating parity and ‘commonality’ of other Government services with the profession of arms. It has not only led to ‘others’ plagiarizing the rank badges of Defence Forces, uniforms and vehicle markings, but also in skewed pay equivalence and misleading lexicon, eg even the term ‘Jawan’ is often misleadingly used with reference to ‘constables’ of the Police forces, and efforts are on in recent times to push for using the term ‘Ex-servicemen’ in context of Police personnel. Such continuous efforts to rob the Defence Forces of their exclusivity in the assigned roles for the Nation and being ‘different’ – though functionally calling on them to deliver as hitherto – fore has led to skewed equivalence with other Government services, catalyzed by the lack of representation on not only in CPCs but even in Higher Defence organizations, and having to deal even with the Legislative, through the indifferent and apathetic Ministry of Defence (MoD). If we wish to attract the cream of youth for the Defence Forces - the Trump Card of the nation, both in peace and war, in any odd, even when all other institutions have under-performed, forcing calling in the Defence Forces, we need to urgently retain the exclusivity to the Defence Forces.

 

14)   Following elements characterize a Fauji.

a)    Faujis are highly disciplined, trained, motivated and adaptable problem solvers, with a high degree of team cohesion.

b)    They are considered the last bastion of honesty and integrity in the country.

c)    To keep the Force ‘young’, personnel are compulsorily retired early. Nearly 97% of Defence Forces’ personnel retire between age 35-42 years, unlike those in other Government services who superannuate at age 60 and are re-employed at ages beyond. That such a potent manpower resource, trained on the job at great cost to the exchequer, is wasted away, having to fend for a second career in the corporate arena instead of being fully utilized by the nation, is a humongous National HRD failure. Various Pay Commissions in the past have repeatedly recommended the Lateral absorption of retiring Defence Forces’ personnel in Administrative/ Police Services and PSUs, but the waste continues because the Faujis’ are seen as an existential threat rather than the assets they are. There is a definite need for legislative guarantees for ensuring employment till age 60 for all Defence Forces’ personnel, by suitable lateral absorption in various Administrative/ Civil/ Police services and PSUswill also benefit the Public Exchequer.

d)    The GoI in its’ approval of the recommendations of the 6th CPC assured the Defence Forces that lateral absorption of able bodied personnel would be affected. The GoI reneged on its assurance, stating that the Home Ministry has objections, as if the MHA is a different entity from the GoI. Those who opted for lateral absorption but did not get it due to such appalling decisions should be paid the last pay drawn as pension till age of superannuation, of the post for which he/ she was eligible.

e)    The Defence Forces is a 24x7 profession, both in peace time and in war, at both the organizational and personnel levels. Response time to situations is expected to be minimal, which encroaches on personal life. The numerous cantonments dotting the country, while a testimony to Fauji administrative acumen, are actually an operational imperative with regard to the response time expected in their line of duty. Living therein nonetheless injects isolation from society, making post retirement assimilation on elsewhere difficult. This increases economic stress, when Faujis are compulsorily retired to keep the profile of the Defence Forces young at a time when their family responsibilities are maximum. The early forced retirement causes a very unfair economic loss to the Fauji. A Jawan compulsorily retired at age 35, loses approximately Rs 47 Lacs income by age 60, in comparison to a Constable who may have joined Police service when the former joined the Army, but continues to serve till 60 (at present). Sadly, while the police organizations remain short of manpower, adversely affecting law and order in states, the resource of Fauji Veterans continues to fade away in their villages. As per Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) (quoted in Economic Times 9 June 2014)UP alone has 55% shortfall in CPF, holding 1.67 Lac CPF against a requirement of 3.68 Lac.It defies logic why Veterans are not used to fill this void by suitable lateral induction.

15)   A study indicates that Life Expectancy of a Fauji is far less than his Civil Services counterpart. 

a)    Civilian Services-     77 Yrs.

b)    Railway Employees-78 Yrs.

c)    Defence Pers.

i)     OR (uptoHav) -   59.6 – 64 Yrs.

ii)    JCOs -                 67 Yrs.

iii)   Officers-              72.5 Yrs.

 

16)   Aside from causative factors discussed in para 11(d) above, this is a direct consequence of his early forced retirement, imposing enormous mental and financial stress of starting a second career at an age when his family financial liabilities are highest. Stress kills. There is a need to introduce measures to ameliorate the Fauji’s economic hardship as part compensation for this tremendously patriotic and dedicated manpower resource.The Fauji demand for One Rank One Pension (OROP) is one  step in this direction. OROP has found acceptance and approval in Legislative and Judicial circles. OROP implies that uniform pension be paid to the Defence 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. It is essential that OROP (defined above),be speedily and faithfully implemented, and also that the CPC recommendations include the necessity of its permanence and irreversibility in the pension matrix of Faujis.

 

17)   The Fauji is a simple, non-worldly wise about his own pay and perquisites person, having great faith in the ‘Establishment’ about whatever turns up by way of Pay and Allowances in the Bank. Fauji DNA militates against money mindedness, and discussion on pecuniary matters is largely avoided. Sadly this indifference has cost us a lot monetarily, as financial awards/enhancements by CPCs are unfortunately and invariably further diluted by careless/ motivated / mischievous implementation orders issued by the MoD. Suspicion of MoD’s intent stands as the defining benchmark of deteriorating Civil Military relations as evidenced by the growing number of cases filed in the AFTs, High Courts and the Supreme Court. The recent example of the RM’s decision of 26 Feb 2014 on OROP, asking for Joint evolution between the MoD, CGDA and the DefenceHQ of a DGL on the subject of OROP, attempted to overcome this obstacle, and must be replicated in implementation of the recommendations of the 7th CPC also. The Defence Headquarters must be involved in drafting and issue of implementing instructions to obviate carelessly/ mischievously injected anomalies and consequent litigation that is unfairly thrust on the hapless Fauji. It not only clogs up the courts, but drains the aging, poor Fauji veteran of time, money and energy, further impacting his already limited Life span.

18)   Till1976, Military Pension was 75% of last pay drawn for JCO/ OR, and 50% for Officers, as against 33% of last pay drawn for civilians. The Third Pay Commission in 1976, for the first time, clubbed all Government services for pay and pension without any cogent explanation, to the detriment of the Defence Forces.Both Defence Forces and Civil Services were brought to a common 50% of last pay drawn as pension. The civilians gained due to their pension being enhanced from 33% to 50%.  The Defence Forces lost- particularly the Jawans, who were brought down from 75% of last pay drawn to 50% of last pay drawn. It would have been just and fair, to simultaneously enhance JCO/ OR pensions to 100% and that of Officers to 75%, to retain traditional equations. This shockingly happened shortly after the Defence Forces had achieved the first EVER Indian victory in war in 1971 and enabled Bangladesh to gain independence. Thereafter the decline has been rapid. As comparative pay drawn by employees forms the yardstick of measuring equivalence, these years have seen degradation of relative seniority of Defence Forces personnel vis-à-vis their Civil Services counterparts. The Rajya Sabha Committee on OROP (Koshiyari Committee) which submitted its report on 19 Dec 2011 termed the 3rd CPC’s decision to standardize all pensions a ‘very unwise decision on part of the Government’.

 

19)   Till 1973 the pension of the Chiefs of the Defence Forces was Rs 1000 per month (pm), as against Rs 416.50 for the highest Civil Services employee. The continuous steep decline in Fauji remunerations has brought about a state wherein both, the Chiefs and the highest civil services employee now draw Rs 45,000 PM as pension. So, while the Chief’s pension has increased by JUST 45 times over past 40 years, that of the highest civil service employee (and understandably others in the hierarchy) has increased by108 times. This is grossly unfair, and has disturbed traditional equivalence without rationale/reason, except that Fauji representatives have neither been on the CPCs nor have their voice been heard. Table below shows Military Pensions as they would have been if similar escalation as the one provided for the Civil servants was ALSO applied to the Defence service. It highlights the gross injustice and loss to the Faujis, compounding the one due to the ‘unwise’ reduction of relativity in pensions - @50% of Pay for Defence Officers; @   33%of pay for Civilians. (Para 18 above). This is a major factor for the downslide in the finances of the Defence Forces personnel, and has accelerated their decline as a career choice.




Rank
Pension- Rs/month
Rank
Pension- Rs /month

COAS            

108000
 
 

Lt Gen
900X108=97200
Maj Gen
800X108=86400

Brig
725X108=78300
Col
675X108=72900

Lt Col

625X108=67500
Maj
475X108= 51300

Capt
350X108=37800
Lt
275X108=29700

 

20)   The traditional parities have additionally been disturbed by avoidableup- gradationof ranks and appointments by the All India and Central Services, in periodic spurts between Pay Commissions, particularly closer to the announcement of the CPC. The Indian Railway Service (all branches) cadre review has recently been completed and the approval of ACC is awaited. Many other Central Services have carried out/are carrying out reviews of their cadres at a feverish pace. Some examples ofrecent massive up gradations are given below:

 




Service
Cadre  Strength
Apex
HAG+
HAG
SAG

Indian Foreign Service
766
33
 
46
164

Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax)
5872
26
91
300
635

Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Excise)
5578
14
38
100
340

Indian Account & Audit Service (as on 1 Jun 12)
874
5
5
59
340

Indian Postal Service
562
1
6
26
73

 

21)   Even within the MOD the up-gradations are as under:

 




Service
Cadre  Strength
Apex
HAG+
HAG
SAG

Indian Defence Account  Service
671
1
4
19
113

Indian Defence Estate Service

183
1
-
7
19

Indian Ordnance Factories Service

1718
1
9
11
224

DRDO Scientists Cadre
7256
5
15
46
373

 

22)   Though Cadre reviews are independent of Pay Commissions, these upset the Traditional parities, particularly when these are motivated; and as stated earlier, disturb Operational working when Defence Forces’and Civil Services’ personnel operate in tandem. It is axiomatic that such reviews must be integral to the CPCs recommendations, and any changes made between two CPCs must be disregarded by the CPC in their recommendations.

23)   It is an indication of the MoD’s apathy and irresponsibility that the last Cadre Review for the Army was done in 1986.

24)   Interestingly the Government of India has 460 Secretary level officers (up from 45 in 1947) for an IAS cadre of around 5000. This is far in excess of Lieutenant Generals in a 1.1 million Army (90 for army officer strength of 40000).Skewed Equations? Clearly, creation of additional Top level ranks is NOT the answer as it would create dilution of ranks and functional disorderliness. So where does the ‘equivalence’ lead us? Orange and Apples? The answer clearly lies in equating pay with years in service, guaranteeing an edge of 25% to Defence Force personnel at all years of service. Added to this would be enhancements on promotion (10- 15%) for both Civil and Defence services and those with reference to specialist qualifications and MSP etc.

25)   The gross disparity in pay, pension, allowances & other benefits between civil services and Defence Forces’ are shown in the table below. The irony is that Fauji’s condition is worse than all other Government of India services as far as Pay, Allowances and Pensions are concerned. Illustratively, if a Jawan gets disabled at age 27, just two years of joining, he would get boarded out, with nothing but a paltry pension equating to 50% of his pay, to see him through for life. A civil services employee / constable, would not only be retained in service till age 60, but also be eligible for promotions. The financial loss for the Fauji, in such a situation could be over 60-70 lacs. There is urgent need for rationalization, and bringing up EQUIVALANCE if not better, in this aspect. It is recommended that even as the allowances shown below must be brought to par, the MSP should be brought to the recommended levels (62% of basic pay for JCO/OR and 54% of Basic pay for Officers), to make a career in the Defence Forces lucrative to youth. There is no rationale for Faujis to get lesser allowances. Ironically clarity on injury / disability during operational situations like Aid to Civil Power (IS Duties), Training Exercises and CI operations is lacking, for purposes of enhanced disability pensions. As for Disabled Faujis, it must be ensured that instead of being boarded out, they are suitably laterally absorbed in various ministries, PSUs and such like in a similar manner as the civil employees already are.

 

Disparity in pay, pension, allowances& other benefits between central Govt civilian employees and defence personnel




Type of Allowance
Civilian Employee
Faujis
Remarks

 

Disabled Employees

 

 

(a)  Protection of Service

 

 

 

 

(b)  Pay and Allowances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)       Pension

 

 

 

(d)    Right to life of dignity of self and family

 
 

Govt has to retain them till 60 yrs under Disability Act

 

Full protection under Section 47 of the Act.Will not be discharged on account of disability.

 

 

Full pay and allowances admissible till the age of 60 even if unable to attend any official duty.  Can even be kept on supernumerary post and paid all pay and allowances.

 

 

 

 

Entitled to full service length till superannuation and pension thereafter.

 

Full pay and pension and completeGovernment protection/cover with entitled facilities Admissible to dependents
 

Invalided (Thrown) out of service immediately

 

Defence Forces exempted from operation of Section 47.  Hence no protection of employment available in case of disability.

 

Employee can be discharged on account of disability.

Nil Admissible

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Nil Admissible

 

 

 

 Nil.  No facilities or protection for self and dependents

 

 
 

Increase in Pension of highest rank employee from 1973 to 2006

 
108 times

Highest Civilian Functionary Pension

1973  - Rs 416.50/-pm

  2006  - Rs 45000/-pm
45 times

Highest Def Rank Pension

 

 1973 -  Rs 1000/-pm

 2006 -  Rs 45000/-pm

 
 

Period of Service

 
Upto60 years of age

 
85% compulsorily retired between 35 -37 years age.

 

12-13%compulsorily  retired between 40-54 years age

 
 

 

 

Career Progression

 
 

 

Three Promotions at 10,20,30 years of service

 
 

 

Three promotion at 8, 16, 24 years of service.

 

85% compulsorily retired at 15-17 years’ service; thereby denied 3rd career progression

 
 

Officer’s Promotion opportunities

 
100% Joint Secy at 16-18 years’ Service

100% AddlSecy  at 32 years’Service

 
1% Maj Gen at 32-33 years of service.

3% Lt Gen 33-35years

 
 

Non-functional Upgradtion (NFU)

 
•      JS Pay at approx22 yrs.

•      AddlSecyPay at 32yrs

 
Nil
 

When posted in Peace stations in NE like Shillong,  Aizawl, entire Sikkim and Ladakh

 
•      Spl Duty Allowance. 12.5 % of Basic

•       Double HRA.

•      Hardship allowance .

•      25 % of basic pay (for IAS officers of UT cadre)

•      Detachment allowanceRs300 per day for all CAPF personnel

 
Nil
 

Kashmir/ NE Regional HRA

 
Double HRA

 
Nil
 

Instructor Allowance (in NDC, War College etc)
Rs19,000

 
Rs1800 for Col & above

 
 

HQ Allowance

 
Rs4,000

 
Nil
 

Para Allowance (For

Special  forces and Para personnel)

 
Rs7,200 to 11,000 pm for COBRA Battalions (commando battalions)

 
Rs800 to 1200 pm

 
 

Outfit allowance

 
Rs7,500 every three yrs

 
Rs3,000 (every three years—8 Uniforms)

 
 

 

26)   The welfare/affairs of the Defence Forces are controlled by the MoD, including the Department of Ex Servicemen Welfare (DESW), staffed at decision making levels by the Civil services. These officers, often on transit between assignments, and lacking formal briefings by Service HQ, have scant knowledge of the rank structure, functioning, value system, ethos, camaraderie, and work culture of the Defence Forces. Their response to Fauji problems is discouragingly apathetic. For example, while the 6th Pay Commission clearly fixed the datum for basing pension on the Last Pay drawn, the DESW unlike DoP&T- the Civil counterpart looking after interests of civilian officers, is still enforcing the requirement for pension to be based on average pay drawn for past 10 months. This deprives Fauji pensioners, in contrast to civil counterparts, of any promotions or acting ranks they may have obtained prior to superannuation. It is functionally vital that men in uniform/ veterans be posted to Headquarters/Organizations/commissions/committees working on subjects involving the Defence Forces and Veterans as recommended by the Subrahmanyam Committee and accepted in principle by the Govt.

27)   At each Pay Commission the Fauji suffers a sizable denial of dues due to the perennial issue with ‘Implementing instructions’ by MoD. Faujis having no avenue to express their views, and have become accustomed to misplaced commas, words and injected phrases/ convoluted logic that takes away what the Pay Commission has recommended. This in turn leads to blatant anomalies; a small portion of the insignificant ones may be settled, not without giving rise to fresh anomalies in the correction/implementation letter. The correction is invariably made applicable from a prospective date in the implementing instructions of the removal of anomaly, which may be couple of years AFTER the Pay Commission report has been implemented. This robs the Fauji beneficiary of whatever rightful dues he may have as consequence of any fresh anomalies that may come along. This cycle has often led to recourse to judicial processes which drag on for years, energetically fought tooth and nail by the MOD, availing the free legal counsel and in contradiction of the National Litigation Policy, right till the last legal process exhausts itself by dismissal of Curative Petition by the Supreme Court. Then, the implementing instruction for same is issued at the last minute to avoid contempt of court, but invariably this too has come with fresh anomalies, requiring a fresh recourse to law, starting a fresh cycle. Most Faujis, invariably Veterans, either die, or run out of money to fight the apathetic MoD, ironically charged with ‘looking after’ the Fauji. Even the date of implementation of the Correction to the Anomaly, is sadly fixed as the date of the latter letter, instead of the date of implementation of the CPC Recommendation that the anomaly refers to, causing not only financial loss to the beneficiary, but also possibly re-starting the chain of litigations. It is imperative therefore, that the 7th CPC clearly stipulate that the date of implementation of the corrections of any anomalies would be SAME as the date on which the CPC Recommendations are implemented.

28)   Till 6th CPC it was standard practice for the PCDA to issue revised Pension Payment Orders (PPO) based on which Pension Disbursing Authority (PDA) – Banks credited the pensioner’s account (by adding DA to sanctioned pension and subtracting the commuted value). Sadly the practice changed following 6th CPC, with the MoD’s complicity in permitting PCDA to renege on its responsibility of issuing fresh PPOs on the flimsy excuse of work overload. This despite the expensive digitization of PCDAs in 1986. (And despite the many frantic upgrades in their cadre– Para 21 refers). Rather than issue PPOs banks (PDA) were told to fix Fauji pensions. The bank staff is rotating and any amount of training cannot help as the trained staff moves off often. To compound the problem, the MoD has issued so many orders that leave alone the Banks, even the PCDA is not able to cope with changes. Record offices are also lagging behind. It is imperative that MoD ensure that PCDA issues correct PPOs following the acceptance of the 7th CPC Report.

29)   Arguments of national financial stringency have often been used by the bureaucracy to scuttle attempts at betterment of the Fauji lot. This is unjust, if not outright cruel. Purported financial difficulties, used to first deny and then hold up OROP and Rank Pay etc, to the Faujis  have not held back the civil services from introducing the Non Functional Financial Up-gradation (NFFU), even free health care abroad for themselves. As is known, NFFU broadly implies paying civil services employee higher salary for lower level of work, just because his batch mate is promoted and posted to Government of India. Can India afford such doles/subsidies when the Nation is suffering a financial crunch? NFFU benefits have not been made applicable for Defence Forces personnel. It is an irony that far from having a lead over other services, the Defence Forces in effect lags behind others. Is it by treacherous design?

Consequences for the Nation

30)   The consequence of the constant neglect, gradual lowering of equation with Civil services and a state where IAS bureaucrats with only peripheral knowledge of the Fauji state of existence sit over not only operational requirements but even issues connected to the welfare of theFaujiCommunity has led to a loss of prestige and down gradation of the profession of arms as a preferred career choice. Table below indicates the alarming state of vacancies in the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Defence Forces are the ‘immune system’ of the nation. Like individuals don’t allow their immune system to go weak, nourishing it with food and vitamin supplements, the nation can ill afford to have its immune system be under catered, or manned by a ‘no other option’ manpower. We NEED the best, and to get them, we need to nourish the profession well.The Shield has to be strong, but the Sinews that hold the shield must be robust.




Year
IMA
OTA

 




 
Authorized
Joined
Authorized
Joined

2006
1633
1459
700
575

2007
1633
1351
700
497

2008
1540
1159
700
407

2009
1540
1232
700
315

 

 

 

 

 

31)   Since independence the Defence Forces have steadily lost their place not only in the Warrant of Precedence but also as a preferred choice of career with the youth. It would be erroneous to argue that this is due to the corporate offering better remunerations. This was always so. What has happened in recent decades, is the loss of sheen and decline even in the positioning the Defence Forces enjoyed among the government services. Unless that is restored to traditional parities, understaffing due to shortage of officers will continue, with consequent lack of mentoring and associated fall in discipline and functioning that has slowly started showing up in news reports over past decade or so. This must be checked in our national interests. Equivalence based on years of service in both Civil services and the Defence Forceshave to be established, with a 25% edge being given to the latter at each stage. We need the best of youth, and for this, will need to make the profession of arms more lucrative.

What needs to be Done

32)   From an era of abundant volunteers, the Defence Forces have gradually become one of the least preferred career options for the country’s youth. There is a consequent alarming shortage of 30% in the officer cadre. This dangerous trend needs to be immediately rectified. Obviously our national HR and retention policies towards the Defence Forces have been flawed and need a radical relook.

33)   Soldier should enjoy the status of privileged citizen of the country and preferred employee of the Government. Only the pride associated with such status can lure the best in the youth to join the Defence Forces.

34)   It is evident that a suitable monetary package needs to be evolved to draw the cream of youth to the Defence Forces, which are the nation’s trump card. This package must be structured to not only provide a viable career alternative to a career in the corporate, but also a ‘pull’ towards the Defence Forces vis-à-vis other government services for young men and women on the threshold of a career. Essential elements of the package are:

a)    It must attract the Best.

b)    It must retain the trained manpower against poaching by corporate.

c)    It must ensure the nation fully utilizes this highly trained manpower till the age of superannuation as applicable to other government employees.

35)   The Government of India’s efforts to have a common salary structure for all its employees is appreciated. The creation of Pay Bands by the 6th CPC is a step in this direction and while it has led to some simplifications, it has left many distortions. While combining and bringing down various grades into six Bands, it is still short of an ideal structure. A Uniform Pay Structure would embrace a universal relativity for all government employees based on years of service, with appropriate accretions for job profile and promotions.

Summary of Major IESM Recommendations to  7thCPC

Attracting the Best Manpower for DefenceForces

36)   Defence Forces are the Trump Card of the nation. Strong and motivated Defence Forces are a stronger deterrent than a formidable arsenal.  They are unique and need to be differently and better managed to attract the best volunteers. They have to be the highest paid government profession in the country, with a minimum  edge of 25 percent in pay, perquisites, and pension over their counterparts in other Government services at each stage/ year of service

37)   The traditional equivalence of Defence Forces personnel vis-à-vis civilian counterparts has been greatly diluted since independence, and needs to be restored in all respects of, pay perks and pension as it existed on 26 Jan 1950.

38)   Till 1973 the pension of the Chiefs of the Defence Forces was Rs 1000 per month (PM), as against Rs 416.50 for the highest Civil Services employee. The continuous steep decline in Defence Services’ remunerations (Pay Perquisites and Pensions) has brought about a state wherein both, the Chiefs and the highest civil services employee now draw Rs 45000 PM as pension. So, while the Chief’s pension has increased by JUST 45 times over past 40 years, that of the highest civil service employee has increased by 108 times. This is grossly unfair and needs to be reversed as it has disturbed traditional equivalence without rationale.  Tenets of justice demand that an identical factor of 108 times should also be applied to the pension of the Chiefs, with consequent fixation of other Defence Services personnel, with separation of approximately 10% between them. An indicative table is given below.




Rank
Pension- Rs/month
Rank
Pension- Rs /month

COAS            

108000
 
 

Lt Gen
900X108=97200
Maj Gen
800X108=86400

Brig
725X108=78300
Col
675X108=72900

Lt Col

625X108=67500
Maj
475X108= 51300

Capt
350X108=37800
Lt
275X108=29700

 

39)   Presently the Military Service Pay (MSP) is a mere Rs 2000 for JCO/ OR and Rs 6000 for officers. It should be 62% of basic pay for JCO/ OR and 54% for Officers was made by Service HQ to the 6th CPC. It is recommended that the MSP should be brought to the recommended levels, to better acknowledge the X factors of danger to life and limb in an uncertain environment made worse by having to take on the duties that should ordinarily have been carried out by CPOs / Police.

40)   The training period of Defence personnel (Officers and OR) on joining the Academy/training center, must count towards their seniority, as is presently applicable to the civil services. Their full and entitled emoluments must start from the day they join the Academy/ Training Centre.

 

Retaining Trained Manpower in the Defence Forces

41)   Court judgments in favor ofDefence Forces’personnel/ veterans on a common policy matter of pay/pension must be automatically extended by the MoD/ DESW to similarly placed personnel/pensioners.

42)   All Government services send personnel on deputation to other Government departments, based on their cadre strength. Defence Forces’ share accordingly is 28-30%, but not even 1% is generally being subscribed to. Deputation authorizations must be strictly subscribed to, with seniority and lien with the parent service.

43)   Benefits given to other Government services must automatically be extended to Defence Forces, e.g. 3rd Assured Career Progression, Non Functional Financial Upgrade (NFU) etc. This would automatically occur if the new pay structure suggested in this paper is adopted.

44)   There is a need for higher levels of compensation (Field and Uncongenial Area Allowances, based on Basic Salary. These could be approx. 62% for JCO/OR and 54% for Officers.

45)   This year the Parliament gave its approval to the principle of OROP. The President’s address to the Joint Houses of Parliament clearly spelt out the Government’s resolve to implement OROP. This must now be faithfully applied to all types of pension including disability pension, and implemented in line with the accepted definition of OROP, viz ‘OROP implies that uniform pension be paid to the Defence 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’.

46)   The 7th CPC recommendations must include safeguards to ensure that the concept of OROP as defined above, achieves permanence and is not open to tinkering by futre CPCs.

47)   On the principle of Deferred Wages, the concept of Family Pension must be discarded in the context of Defence Forces personnel, and the NOK must be eligible for full pension as entitled to the Fauji. In case of those killed in discharge of duty, the applicable pay must continue to accrue to the widow/NOK until the date of the Fauji would normally have superannuated, beyond which full entitled pension (100%) must continue to be given to widow/NOK.

Full Utilization of Defence Forces’ Trained Manpower National Resource

48)   Defence Forces’ personnel must enjoy Legislative guarantee of Government employment   till age 60 like other Government employees, by appropriate lateral absorption in Administrative/ Police/ State services, PSUs etc with their seniority protected. It must additionally be mandatory through legislation, for corporate supplying / servicing defence sector to have a minimum of 8-10 % of their manpower strength comprise of Defence Forces’ Veterans.

49)   Short Service Commissioned Officers and Women’s entry into the Defence Forces must be made more attractive to attract the most suitable youth.On completion of their term, the Short Service Commissioned Officers must be laterally absorbed in other Government services like IAS/IFS/IPS/Other GpA Services, PSUs and Banks, with their seniority and relative status assured.

50)   Re employed officers should not be employed in a lower vacancy.

51)   There should be no reduction in pension of Defence Veterans on reemployment in Government jobs. Other Central Government /All India services like IAS don’t have such caveat/ rules.

 

Pensionary Aspects

 

52)     The present disability pension in cases of discharge/superannuation/retirement with a disability is authorized only to those personnel who have a disability of 20% or more whereas in cases of discharge on medical grounds, the 20% stipulation stands abrogated. All individuals irrespective of the percentage of disability should be granted compensation. Disability pension needs to be paid in ALL cases of disability and broad banding of percentages of disability be extended to all (and not just invalided personnel as is the case at present) as the concept of broad-banding is to offset medical subjectivity and mistakes and arbitrary percentages awarded by medical boards and has no connection with the manner of exit from service. Moreover, all disabilities arising during military service, including while on authorized leave, should be deemed as ‘attributable or at least aggravated’ by service unless caused by the person’s own misconduct as is the system prevalent in all major democracies (See Rule 105 of United States Code 38). It may be pertinent to point out that the Rules already provide for such a stipulation (See Rule 5 of Entitlement Rules, 1982) and even the Hon’ble  Supreme Court has already ruled in favor of disabled soldiers in this regard in Dharamvir Singh Vs UOI, civil appeal 4949/2013 decided on 02nd July 2013. Only condition to deny disability pension would be if the disability is a result of any misconduct or criminality. There should be a separate 'Defence Services Pay Committee' (as promised by the former Prime Minister) comprising members from Defence Services/veterans and judges from SC/HCs.

 

A Standard Pay Structure for all Government Services

53)   Pay, Allowances and emoluments must be based on Years of service across all Government services, with Defence Services personnel drawing  25% higher than their civil services counterparts; Rank / Grade pay (both being  a percentile value of the Basic pay) will get added to the Basic Pay as and when applicable. This would provide some semblance of equivalence among the entire Government employees and a work: promotion balance between those who get promoted and those who don’t. It would also act as a magnet to draw youth to join the Defence Forces.

54)   The clubbing of numerous Rank and Grades by the 6th CPC in effect serves as an initial step towards bringing relativity in pay and years of service. As a next logical step the six Pay Bands (PB1 to 4, HAG, HAG+), must be reduced to two. One combining PB-1 and PB-2; the other PB-3, PB-4, HAG and HAG+, uninterrupted by ‘Rank/ Grade Pay Bands’. The Basic Pay of each individual would increase along a  line on a graph, with years of service on X Axis and corresponding basic salary on the Y Axis. Graphically represented. An additional 25% be superimposed for Defence Forces as Basic Salary. On promotion, requisite Rank/ Grade Pay at stipulated percentage (say 15%) would be added to the Basic, till the next upgrade/ promotion, resulting in another hike of 15%. Allowances will be uniformly admissible to all services (Graph at Annexure……….refers).

55)   Presently commuted pension is recovered at the rate of 8% interest as against the earlier figures of 4%.  The rate is not material. The total recovery should not exceed the payment received. At present the recovery in 15 yrs is beyond the Commutated value received. It does not cater for inflation when working on recovery.

56)   Allowances like Constant attendance allowance that are affected by rising cost of living must be also included for addition of DA.

57)   Presently, Gratuity is capped at Rs 10 Lakhs. It should be authorized as per the number of years of commissioned/colour service without any capping.  

 

Miscellaneous Recommendations

58)   The 7th Central Pay Commission must ensure that all existing anomalies of 4th, 5th, and 6th CPCs in respect of Defence Forces’ personnel are resolved, and court/AFT judgments passed in favor of Defence Forces’ personnel must be implemented, to deduce/ arrive at, the Base Salary of Defence Forces’ personnel.Military pay scales must be reworked out for 5th and 6th CPCs, carried forward to 6th CPC, grade pays reworked out ,and applied to the 7th CPC.

59)   Arguments of national financial stringency have often been used by the bureaucracy to scuttle attempts at betterment of the Defence Services. This is unjust, if not outright cruel. Purported financial difficulties,  used to first deny and then hold up OROP and Rank Pay, to the Defence Forces,  have not held back the civil services from introducing the Non Functional Financial Up-gradation (NFFU) for themselves. Are the Defence Forces ONLY chartered to sacrifice their dues in view of any financial difficulties while others merrily go about loading themselves with goodies?  NFFU benefits have not been made applicable for Defence Forces personnel. It is an irony that far from having a lead over other services, the Defence Forces in effect lags behind others, perhaps by design.

60)   Though Cadre reviews are independent of Pay Commissions, these upset Traditional parities when carried out between successive CPCs, particularly when these are motivated. As they are done in isolation they disturb equivalence and affect Operational working when Defence Forces’ and Civil Services’ personnel operate in tandem. It is axiomatic that such reviews must be integral to the CPCs recommendations, and any changes made between two CPCs must be disregarded by the CPC in considering monetary aspects in the CPC recommendations.

61)   Due to genetic differences with all other government services, it is imperative that a separate Pay Commission for Defence Forces must be constituted, comprising of members from the Defence Forces possessing deep rooted understanding of the issues and problems involved.It is a violation of Constitution to have members of one Department to exclusively adjudicate on another Government department, which is currently the case, with Civil Services representatives adjudicating for the Defence Forces.

62)   While the principle is inherent and is maintained in CPC working/ reports, subsequent action to remove anomalies that get pointed out, often results in violation of the principle of pay differential between ranks. The CPC Report must  specify that No Defence Forces’ personnel should ever draw less pay/ pension than a person junior in rank to him. The Pay Protection clause must always apply.

63)   There is a need for the CPC to specifically mention that the dates of applicability of corrections of anomalies would be the date on which the Pay Commission’s recommendations have been implemented, and NOT the date the anomalies get rectified/ removed.

64)   The Defence Headquarters must be involved in drafting and issue of implementing instructions to obviate carelessly/ mischievously injected anomalies and consequent litigation that is unfairly thrust. It not only clogs up the courts, but drains the aging, poor Fauji veteran of both time, money and energy, further impacting his already limited Life span

65)   It is functionally vital that men in uniform/ veterans be posted to Headquarters/ Organizations/commissions/committees working on subjects involving the Defence Forces and Veterans as recommended by the Subrahmanyam Committee and accepted in principle by the Govt.

66)   It must be binding for PCDA to issue fresh PPOs to conform to the 7th CPC Recommendations, instead of leaving the working out of pensions to the banks (PDAs). This must be included in CPC Recommendations

67)   Kerala High Court order on grant of monthly subsistence allowance to World War II veterans and affecting suitable enhancement in the Reservists Pay/Pension must be expeditiously implemented. The yearly enhancement of 3% DA is not presently being applied to such payments, for this miniscule and depleting population. This must be implemented.

68)   DR must be automatically merged with Pension whenever it goes to 50%.

69)   Concept of Military Pensions based on OROP be restored.

 

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATION

Anomalies Resolution Board (ARB)

If a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) can decide matters concerning the IAS/IPS/Gp ‘A’ services and alleviate the resentment and inter-cadre grievances, why not Armed Forces officers in MoD in decision making levels will mitigate the prevailing resentment that they are ignored and discriminated against? If meaningful  changes do not happen, resentment builds up (as it has now) and the present adverse media reports are  proof enough.  Inclusion of armed Forces personnel at decision making levels of the MoD is a matter of national self-interest as well as justice.

So, MoD, instead of referring each and every  anomaly to the CoS, should constitute an  anomalies Resolution Board, like the Railways Board, for conflict resolution.  ARB would comprise defence Secretary as Chairperson, the three Vice Chiefs as fulltime members, secretary ESW, FA (DS), the  legal Adviser (Defence) and  DGAFMS (for  disability benefit related appeals) as  ex-officio members utilising the CoSC secretariat for the paperwork.

Consider issues placed before it and review  progress on  past decisions.  In any case all issues should be resolved within three months from the date an issue has been raised.  For example, on the NFU, MoD replies to an RTI application that the information cannot be disclosed under Section 8 of the RTI Act 2005 because the matter is still under consideration and four years have lapsed!

Exchange information/notes to improve the Civil-Military discourse.

Reduction of Wastage of Public Expenditure

Often payment of legitimate dues, even after clear orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, in favour of Armed Forces appellants, serving or  Veterans, are challenged/appealed against by MoD, citing the cost to the State Exchequer.

Do other large central organisations like Railway have such a dual monstrosity placed over them to carry out accounts and audit? Finance Commissioner is a member of the  Railway Board but is under the Ministry of Finance and the Railway Board is directly responsible to the railways Minister.

If Air Force and Navy can function on their own why can not the same structure be implemented in Army with  prorated additional manpower?

There is one aspect that we some how need to highlight and that is the  proliferation of a monster called the Defence accounts department, which started with a few CDAs to a humungous organisation is now so full of PCsDA and CsDA.  In late 1960s and early 1970s (when the Armed Forces were full strength) with CGDA as the head, following was the set up:

  • Army

CDA (O)

CDA (Pension)

CDA (Western Command) at Meerut which shifted to Chandimandir sometime in late 90s

CDA (Central Command that  Included eastaern Command) – later bifurcated

JCDA (Funds)

CDA (OR) which had under it PAOs (DCDA/ACDA Level) at training centres.

Local audit of units was done by LAOs who reported to CDA Commands

  • DCDA (Air Force)
  • CDA (Navy)

Let me illustrate with just one example.

Information (about 1000 pages) provided under the RTI Act 2005 by MoD, MoF/DoE and CGDA in just the Rank Pay cases (Maj AK Dhanapalan Vs. UoI and later in UoIVs. Lt Col NK Nair & others) revealed that the laying down of an accounts policy and audit system of the Armed Forces is done by the Controller General of Defence.

Accounts (CGDA), after a polite demur to its Competent Authority – the  Financial Adviser (Defence Services) who sits in  South Block, next to the MoD.

This Secretary, defence/Finance-cum-Financial adviser, defence  services (FADs) in MoD is supposedly the  “boss” of the CGDA.  Under this Secretary-cum FADs there are several Addl FADs and hierarchy, whose role appearls to be just acting as a liaison office between MoD, MoF/DoE, and CGDA.

In the rank Pay matter, the CGDA operated as the policy maker as well as  audit authority, as  inferred by the photocopies of notings on files.  Preparation of the DGL and norms for implementation of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s orders in the Rank Pay case, as  disclosed by CGDA in 255 pages of information, was dictated by CGDA and  ‘rubber stamped’ by the  Secy, Def/Fin or FADS.  Not the other way around!

Every subsequent appeal/challenge to the Rank pay cases filed by respondents/petitioners against UoI, and  photocopies of notings thereof, contains nothing on policy or procedures by FADS but are replete with voluminous arguments by CGDA and supported by MoF/DoE, with just a minute/signature of the FADS or a JS/Addl DS.

The MoF/DoE even castigated the MoD (and obviously FADS) in its note dated 05 July 13 for not even preparing a draft reference of the matter to the  Ld Attorney General for his opinion but forwarding the reference dated March 13 by the  CGDA without a comment.

It is therefore recommended that either the post of Secy Def/Fin-FADS and the attached paraphernalia  or the CGDA be abolished to save the Public Exchequer of hundreds of corers of of rupees, which could be used for modernisation of the Armed Forces.

Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS).

  • IIM Ahemdabad recommended in the 6th CPC that 1/3rd of the population of employee can be granted 20% of basic pay as enhancement towards PRIS.
  • DRDO and  Civil Employees have implemented.
  • Not yet implemented for Defence Pers.
  • Should also be Implemented for Defence Personnel.

  • Rank Pay Judgement.
  • Disability Act 1995 compensation civilian employee implemented. retained in service till 60 years + given 3rd Assured
  • Not yet implemented Defence personnel.
  • Should be implemented for Defence Personnel.
  • OROP duly. Should be integrated into 7th CPC scales in all respect for Defence personnel.
  • Common  Pay Scales for JCOs/ORs.
  • DCAP- implemented for civilian.

SC has recently rated that it will be extended to Defence Doctors.

13 years service – 8700 Grade Pay

20 Years service – 10000 Grade Pay

  • Separation of City Compensatory Allowance and City Compensatory Allowance.
  • Medical Insurance.
  • Pre- 2004 by Retiree majors.

 




LOK SABHA

The number of cadets joining National Defence Academy, Khadakwassla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun in 2009 has gone up as compared to last year. In officers Training Academy there has been a decline. Details for last three years and current year are as under:-




Year
National Defence Academy
Indian Academy

Military
Officers Training Academy
 

Auth
Joined
Auth
Joined
Auth
Joined

2006
390
429
1633
1489
700
575

2007
390
405
1633
1351
700
497

2008
390
370
1540
1159
700
407

2009
390
500
1540
1262
700
315










 

Government has taken various steps to encourage the youths to join the Armed Forces. The details of the measures adopted are as follows:-

 

(i)         Better pay package as part of 6th Pay Commission;

(ii)        Making Short Service Commission (SSC) attractive through a slew of measures such as;

(1)     Grant of ex-servicemen status to all SSC officers who have completed terms of service;

(2)      Provision of Canteen Stores Department (CSD) facility to the SSC Officers.

(3)      Provision of medical facility to all the SSC Officers after release under Employees Contributory Health Services (ECHS) scheme.

(iii)       The Army has also opened a number of professional training institutes under the Army Welfare Education Society, to offer quality professional education to Army children at affordable costs.

(iv)       A number of Image Projection campaigns have been launched by the Recruiting Directorate to attract quality youth to join the Army;

(v)        Enhanced physical interaction with target audience has been undertaken in which officers from Recruiting Directorate and teams from Command Headquarters visit various Universities and Colleges. Publicity Compact Discs (CDs) on Army as a career have been prepared and projected to target audience through these teams. Moreover, National Cadet Corps (NCC) units and Recruiting organizations have also been incorporated to deliver motivational talks in educational institutions.

(vi)           A proposal to set up another Officers’ Training Academy is under consideration of the Government.

                                                                                                                                                      

            This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Smt Yashodhara Raje Scindia and Shri Virender Kashyap in Lok Sabha today.

 

PK / RAJ


(Release ID :54790)

 
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