IESM: Medal Deposit Press Note

Press Note Dated: 29 Jan 2010
Postponement date of Medal deposit From 31 Jan 2010 to 14 Mar 2010

Dear Members of the Press,
1. This is to inform you that the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) has postponed the Medal deposit Event by Ex Servicemen at Jantar Mantar from 31 Jan 2010 to 14 Mar 2010, due to extreme inclement weather resulting in delay/ cancellation of trains.

2. As you are aware, the Govt has not sanctioned the major demand of Ex-Servicemen of granting them the same military pension to all those ESM who have put in the same length of service and held the same rank irrespective of the date of retirement. There are wide gaps in the pensions of pre 2006 and post 2006 retirees resulting in junior personnel getting more pension than their seniors, a situation which is violative of the Article 14 of the constitution.

The limited enhancement in Military Pensions of JCOs and other ranks announced by the Prime Minister Sh. Manmohan Singh on 15 Aug 2009 has not yet been promulgated. A Sepoy who is pre 2006 retiree continues to draw half the pension than the post 2006 retiree.

The pay differential between a Major and Lt Col prior to award of 6th Pay Commission was Rs. 1150/- and the pension half of it, where as the pension differential after the 6th Pay Commission has risen to over Rs. 11000/- which is nothing but mockery of the pension system.

Prior to the 6th Pay Commission award, all Maj Gens at the time of retirement were getting a basic pay of Rs 22400 per month and Lt. Gens Rs 24500/- The Pay differential was only Rs 2100/-. Strange are the decisions of the Govt where, the pension differential between Maj Gens and Lt Gens (both pre 2006 retirees) have risen to Rs 9800/-. This is totally arbitrary, illegal and against the established principle of natural justice.

Army Commanders basic pay was Rs 28000/- and the differential in pay between Maj Gens and Army Cdr was Rs 5600/- per month. After the 6th Pay Commission award the differential in pension has risen to Rs 13300/- Again, this is wholly arbitrary and illegal.

3. The Govt is not being fair to the Defence Personnel especially the pre 2006 pensioners. Ex-Servicemen, to express their deep anguish and resentment have already deposited over 22000 medals with the President on five different occasions. The Govt. continues to ignore their just and fair demands. If this trend is not reversed, the patience of well disciplined and patriotic veterans may get exhausted, a situation which many have adverse consequences. There is need to address these issues of Military Pensions at the earliest. All members of Parliament and the people of India are requested to implore the Govt to accept the demand of OROP immediately.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement