Thursday, September 10, 2009

Advisory Committee to Governor of Punjab

Dear Veterans,
Regards. Governor of Punjab called a meeting of prominent veterans and NGOs of ex-servicemen of Punjab yesterday and elected five members advisory committee to advise the Governor on welfare measures to be taken for ex-servicemen and widows of Punjab. Two PBORs veterans were taken as member of the above committee on my insistence. Following is the brief of above meeting.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

President.
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh.
Fwd: Pb Governor advisory Committee Chd
Thursday, September 10, 2009 7:29 AM

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: ss sohi
Date: Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Subject: Pb Governor advisory Committee Chd
Dear Friends & Sirs,

1. Today(10/9/09), HE Pb Guv invited all ESM Org/ NGOs mtg at Raj bhavan through
Director Sainik Welfare Pb.

2. Aim was to elect 5 member Advisory Committee to the HE, to
care for ESM reemp, Problems welfare etc.

3. Following unanimously elected:-
a. Lt Gen HRS Mann vice President/ Chairman. Fatehgarh Sahib.
b. Cpl JS Kumbrah member. Mohali.
c. Sgt Prabhjot Singh IESL P&C. Patiala.
d. Col Bhag Singh IESL Pb. Ludhiana.
e. Maj SS Dhillon Mohali Proposed to be member too at the Discretion of Guv.
4. Notification is being published soon. We cong all of them & wish them good luck & success.
With Regards. Col Sohi. 9815107744.





Monday, September 7, 2009

Return of Medals - A futile exercise.

Dear Veterans,
Regards. As you are well aware, IESM is again going to return the medals as they have done before. Time has shown that it was a futile exercise on the part of IESM and the govt. paid no heed to it. The so called announcement of ONE RANK ONE PENSION was only a removal of anomalies, one relating to Maj. Gen. and second relating to JCOs, SNCOs, NCOs other ranks. First stands removed and there was no hue and cry. Now at the time of removing second anomaly, IESM has again raised its banner and going for the above exercise. The undersigned has requested Vice President of IESM, Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh to postpone their move till the removal of second anomaly is completed so that there is no obstruction for the removal of this anomaly.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

President.
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh.

Dear Veteran (Gen )
Regards. As was conveyed to IESM by many veterans from Punjab that returning the medals will not serve the purpose of getting ONE RANK ONE PENSION from the adamant govt. at the centre but it may definitely prove a set back to the move of govt. to remove the anomaly of equating Pre-1996b JCOs, SNCOs, NCOs and ORs with Post 10-10-1997 JCOs,SNCOs NCOs and ORs. So, please, think over it and postpone your action till this anomaly is removed .In future,we humbly ,request you not to use the abbreviation ..PBORs...... for JCOs, SNCOs, NCOs and ORs. since this term is misnomer.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

President,

Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh.

From: satbir singh
To: Kamboj Chander ; TRUNCATED
Sent: Monday, September 07, 2009 11:56 AM
Subject: OPERATION MEDAL DEPOSIT

OPERATION MEDAL DEPOSIT
OP IMMEDIATE
Dear Friends
1. As already informed, our next event is Medal Deposit with the President on 13 Sep 09 at 3 PM. Central Collection of medals will be carried out at Jantar Mantar New Delhi from 9 AM to 2 PM on 13 Sep 2009. Thereafter a team of IESM will proceed to Rashtrapati Bhawan to deposit the medals.
2. You all are requested to put in your best effort in collection of medals. State Convenors are requested to organize the collection through their representatives in each district, city, tehsil and block. We are over 24 lakhs ESM in the country. So far only 15000 medals have been deposited. If efforts are made, a large number of medals can be collected for deposit.
3. Friends, deposit of medals is a dignified method of protest against the injustices being heaped on the ESM. Deposit of large number of medals with the President, would definitely cause concern to the Govt to give serious consideration to our demands, the OROP being our most urgent demand.
4. All ESM organisations and ESM are requested to ensure success of this event Please pass on the mail to as many as possible. Motivate others to volunteer deposit of medals. These can be sent to IESM HQ at 543, Sector 23, Gurgaon Haryana through special courier or deposited at Jantar Mantar on 13 Sep 2009 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
“To gather we can make the difference”
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com

Friday, September 4, 2009

Waiver of Domicile for Wards




Dear Veteran Jayvant Walawalkar,
Regards. The matter raised by you regarding the admission of a dependent comes under the education which is a state subject and you have to convince the state in which you want to get admission for your dependent. As such, govt. of India will not be able to make any policy regarding this Now in Punjab, we have moved with the govt. and they have agreed for removal of Domicile certificate for Defence Personnel, presently serving, but we will try for ex-servicemen also. You can see the cutting of a Newspaper, Tribune dt. 28-8-2009.
As such, I request to you take up this matter with some organization of ex-servicemen working effectively in that state where admission is required, so that they should convince the state govt. to get you this facility for you.
Veteran Prabhhot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh.
Re: Fw: PENSION FOR DEFENCE PERSONS
Friday, September 4, 2009 6:51 PM
From:
This sender is DomainKeys verified
"Jayvant Walawalkar"
View contact details
To:
"prabhjot singh"
Respected Sir,
I am very thankful for reading my e-mail, respected sir, my only request is, Ex Serviceman is Ex-serviceman for entire INDIA, after release from service they resettle in various states of India for want of re -employment, Only thing I request is any district solders welfare board across India should extend help to ex Servicemen of any state, so long education of the ward of Ex Servicemen concerned. respected sir, kindly note a funniest thing, Ex servicemen can draw liquor quota anywhere across India, but if they want a certificate stating that he is ex servicemen for want of admission of their ward at any college other than home state, he has to rush back to home district solder board for certification, this practise should be discontinued.
Respected sir, kindly help ex servicemen for higher education of their child.
Thanks & Regards,
JY Walawalkar
From: prabhjot singh
To: jayvant_1955@yahoo.co.in
Cc: gavinivn@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, 4 September, 2009 10:13:39 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: PENSION FOR DEFENCE PERSONS
Dear Veteran Jayant,
Regards.I have gone through your mail sent to Veteran Govini who has passed this to me for a suiatable remedial measure.I really apreciate your feeling about our bretheren ex-servicemen and their dependents.Please let me know, specifically, what you want us to do in the case which you have narrated in your mail.I assure you, we all will try to do what ever is possible to do by us.O.K. I want to hear from you at an early date .
Veteran Ptabhjot Singh Chhatwal Pls Retd.
President.

Thursday, September 3, 2009





Dear Veterans,
Regards. PCDA Allahabad has finally issued the instructions, vide its circular no. 417 dt. 2-9-2009, based on Ministry of Defence letter no. 1 (11)/2009/D9Pen/Policy) dt. 18 Aug. 2009, for furnishing the proof of Date of Birth for Veterans above 80 years of age if the same is not mentioned in their PPOs. PCDA Allahabad letter is enclosed herewith as annexure. Old veterans are requested to furnish the same to their PDA if their Date of Birth if not mentioned PPOs. If they face any difficulty they should contact League's office at Patiala for further clarification.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS (Retd.)
President.
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh.
Mob. 98554-09128 Ph. 0175-5000896.

Payment of 2nd Installment of Arrears of Sixth Pay Commission




Dear Veterans,
Regards. Finally PCDA (Pension) Allahabad has issued the instructions for payment of 2nd Installment of Pay Commission Arrears vide its circular no. 416 dt. 1-9-2009 consequent to MOD letter no. 17(4)2008(I)/D(Pen/Pol) dt. 28-8-2009. League has also written a letter IESL/5/2009 dt. 2-9-2009 to Zonal Officer (Pension Disbursement) Jalandhar Cantt. who has confirmed having received the letter from PCDA Allahabad and promised that payment of this amount will be made before 30-9-2009. If any pensioner does not receive the arrears before 30-9-2009, he can contact the league office at Patiala Ph. 0175-5000896 Mob. 98554-09128. Both the letters are enclosed as annexures to this note.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President.
Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab & Chandigarh.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Dear Veteran,
Regards. Find below the letters from PCDA and Ministry of Defence regarding Payment of 60 % arrears of Pension Revision.

Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.


Benefits to Ex-Servicemen, Widows and Dependents

Kendriya Sainik Board

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CONCESSIONS AND BENEFITS
AVAILABLE TO WAR WIDOWS/WAR DISABLED AND
RETIRED/SERVING DEFENCE PERSONNEL
Education
Educational Concessions

Children of Defence personnel killed or disabled in action, including casualties of OP PAWAN and MEGHDOOT, who are studying in educational institutions under the Department of Education are entitled to the following educational concessions (Authority : AG's Branch, Army HQ letter No.56268/Policy/AG/ CW 3(b) dated 17 Aug 90 and Ministry of Human Resources Development (Dept. of Education) letter No.F.14-1/94-School-1 dated 10 Nov 95) :

(a) Complete exemption from tuition fee and other fees levied by the educational institution concerned,
(b) Grants to meet hostel charges in full for those studying in Boarding Schools and Colleges.
(c) Full cost of books and stationery.
(d) Full cost of uniform where this is compulsory.
The above concessions would be available up to and inclusive of the first Degree Course. If any entitled child is, however studying in a Post Graduate Course, the concession would be admissible to him also.
The educational concession is also applicable to the following:
(a) Children of Officers and Personnel below officers rank (PBOR) who have been declared missing
for a period of six months or till the date of return of the missing officer or PBOR, whichever is
earlier.
(b) Children of prisoners of war.
(c) Widows of officers and men of Armed Forces including Para military personnel killed during Indo
Pak conflict of 1971.
(d) Children of war widow would continue to get the educational concession even if she re-marries.
Admission into Professional Colleges
Medical and Engineering. Around 28 seats in MBBS and one seat in BDS and 2 seats in Engineering College at Annamalai University are available through KSB for wives/widows and wards of categories of Defence personnel in the following order of priority:
(a) Killed in action.
(b) Disabled in action and boarded out from service.
(c) Died while in service with death attributable to military service.
(d) Disabled in service and boarded out with disability attributable to military service.
(e) Gallantry Award/Other Award Winners.
Reservation of seats in IITs. A joint entrance examination is conducted every year by the six IITs for admission to the IITs at Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Banaras Hindu University Institute of Technology. Two seats in each of the above six institutes are reserved for children of the Defence/Para Military Force Personnel killed or permanently disabled in action. Such candidates are however, required to qualify in the joint entrance examination.
Reservation in Sainik and Military Schools.
(a) Sainik Schools. 25 percent seats for serving and ex Services personnel.
(b) Military Schools. Reservation of seats for wards of JCOs/ORs: 67 percent & Officers: 20 percent.
Reservation of seats in professional colleges for ex Servicemen and serving personnel granted by States/UTs are covered in the later chapters under each State/UT.
Accommodation in War Memorial Hostels
35 War Memorial Hostels have already been constructed in various Regimental Centres. These hostels provide accommodation to wards of war bereaved, disabled and attributable/non attributable peace time casualties to enable them to pursue their studies. KSB provides Rs.600/ p.m., education grant for each child except in respect of non attributable cases where the grant is Rs.300/ p.m,. To see "Location of War Memorial Hostels in States/UTs" click here.
Kendriya Sainik Board

MEDICAL
Entitlement for Medical Treatment from Service Hospitals for ex Service Pensioners and their Families
Ex Service pensioners and their families are entitled to medical treatment from service hospitals under provision of Para 296(O) of RMSAP 1983. The pensioners/widows are required to produce a non employment certificate at the hospital to ensure proper recovery of hospital stoppages vide DGAFMS letter No.1630/ DGAFMS/ DG3A dated 08 Oct 86.
This entitlement card has come into effect from 01 Jan 94.
All ex Service pensioners/widows are advised to get the entitlement card made through Zila/Rajya Sainik Boards.
Medical Benefits for ex Servicemen/Widows and Dependents
Through Service Hospitals and Medical Establishments. Ex Servicemen, their families and families of deceased service personnel drawing pension of any kind are entitled to free out patient treatment at Military Hospitals. These personnel can also be provided in patient treatment in such hospitals subject to certain conditions. 24 MI Rooms and 12 Dental Centres have been created from the funds provided by the Service HQs and KSB for providing medical facilities to ex Servicemen pensioners and their dependents. The location of these MI Rooms and Dental Centres are given as under:
MI Rooms Dental Centres
(a) Large Hospitals

(i) Base Hospital, Delhi (3) Delhi Cantt.
(ii) CH, Chandimandir Chandimandir (1)
(iii) MH, Jalandhar Jalandhar (1)
(iv) MH, Ambala Ambala (1)
(v) 159 GH, Ferozpur
(vi) MH, Amritsar
(vii) 166 MH, Jammu
(viii) 167 MH, Pathankot
(ix) BH, Lucknow Lucknow (1)
(x) MH, Dehradun
(xi) BH, Barrackpore
(xii) CH (EC), Kolkatta Kolkata (1)
(xiii) MH, Jodhpur
(xiv) MH, Agra Cantt
(xv) CH (SC), Pune Pune (1)
(xvi) INHS Asvini, Mumbai Mumbai (1)
(xvii) AF Hospital, Bangalore Bangalore (1)
(xviii) INHS Sanjeevani, Cochin

(b) Small Hospitals

(i) MH, Chennai
(ii) MH, Secunderabad
(iii) MH, Jaipur
(iv) MH, Aurangabad
(v) MH, Dharamshala
(vi) MH, Faizabad
(vii) Trivandrum (1) -
Through State Government Hospitals. Ex-Servicemen can also avail medical treatment from their State Govt. Hospitals as normal State citizens.
Financial Assistance for Medical Treatment
(a) All Ex Servicemen suffering from serious diseases are given financial assistance for treatment in civil hospitals in case they cannot be treated in Military Hospitals and have not availed similar assistance from other sources. These are :
(i) By pass surgery 90% and 75% of the authorised expenditure in case of JCOs/ORs and Officers respectively.
(ii) Angiography -do-
(iii) Kidney/Renal transplant -do-
(iv) Cancer/spastic Paraplegic -do-
(restricted to Rs. 75,000/- per annum)
(v) Coronary Artery Surgery/Angioplasty -do-
(vi) Open Heart Surgery/Valve replacement -do-
(vii) Pace Maker implant -do-
(viii) Stroke -do-
(ix) Arterial Surgery -do-
(x) Prostate Surgery -do-
(xi) Total Joint Replacement -do-
xii) Dialysis -do- (restricted to Rs 75,000/- per annum)
(b) Procedure for Application. Financial assistance for medical treatment for serious diseases mentioned in para (a) above to ex Servicemen and their dependents is available from the Kendriya Sainik Board. For this purpose the individual has to apply to the Secretary, KSB, West Block 4, R K Puram, New Delhi 110 066 through his Zila/Rajya Sainik Board with the following documents:
(i) Original cash receipts in support of medicines purchased for the treatment/operation duly countersigned by the hospital authorities.
(ii) Photocopy of Hospital's discharge slip/prescription slip.
(iii) If the case was referred by Military Hospital, a copy of the Military Hospital's letter referring the case to Civil Hospital.
(iv) The details of financial assistance, if any, received.
(v) If re employed, the details of Medical facilities being provided by the employer.
(vi) If also a civil pensioner, the details of the medical facilities being provided by the Civil authorities to their pensioners.
(vii) Photocopy of discharge book/ex Servicemen Identity Card/ and MBS of AGIF Card.
NOTES
(i) KSB has tied up with different specialised hospitals in the country for direct payment of 90 percent and 75 percent of the stipulated amount on account of treatment of JCOs/ORs & Officers respectively. For the purpose, letter issued by KSB is required to be sent by the ESM to the concerned Hospital.

(ii) Those ex-Servicemen who have been members of AGI/AFGI Medical Benefit Scheme and have already availed financial benefits from them are considered for financial assistance from Kendriya Sainik Board if they go in for subsequent treatment of serious disease and are not eligible for availing AGI/AFGI benefits for any further financial assistance.
TRAVEL
Rail Travel Concession. Govt. of India have announced free rail travel in I Class/II AC Class to the recipients of PVC, Ashok Chakra, MVC, Kirti Chakra, VrC and Shourya Chakra and the widows of posthumous winners of these Gallantry Awards along with a companion. (Ministry of Railways letter No. E(W)96PS 5 6/22 dated 23 Feb 96.)
75 percent concession in rail fare for travel in II Class is available to war widows including those of IPKF and Kargil casualties. This concession can be availed on production of the I Card issued by the KSB.
Air Travel Concession. Following categories of personnel are eligible to 50 percent concession in fare for air travel in domestic flights of the Indian Airlines:
(a) Recipients of Gallantry Awards of Class I & Class II viz., PVC, Ashok Chakra, MVC, and Kirti Chakra.
(b) Permanently war disabled officers who have been invalidated out of service and the dependent members of their families.
(c) War widows of post Independence era.
CSD CANTEEN
Canteen Facilities. In accordance with Army Order AO 32/84, Ex Servicemen and their families and ex-Defence personnel with minimum 5 years of service are entitled to CSD (I) Canteen facilities available in units/establishments. Cadets/Recruits boarded out on medical grounds are also entitled to avail CSD facilities. In addition, the following categories of TA personnel are entitled to canteen facilities after their retirement:
(a) Pension holders for continuous embodied service.
(b) Persons with disability attributable to Military Service.
(c) Gallantry Award Winners.
PRIORITY TELEPHONE FACILITIES
The following categories of subscribers are exempted from payment of Registration Charges and installation charges for priority telephones connection under Non-OYT/Special Category and are entitled to 50 percent concession in normal rental charges. However, Gallantry Award winners are entitled to full concession in normal rental charges. (Authority : Ministry of Communications (Deptt. of Telecom Services) letter No. 2-47/92-PHA dated 19 Mar 93, circular NO 7/2000 dated 13 Jun 2000 and 2.47/92 PHA dt 18 Sep 2000):-
(a) Gallantry Award Winners in the three Services (PVC, Ashok Chakra, MVC, KC, VrC & SC).
(b) War widows.
(c) Disabled soldiers.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE
KSB THROUGH AFFDF/RMDF/DMACP
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY FUND
Grant for Construction/Repair of Houses. 50 percent of the grant, paid to War Widows, War Disabled by the State Govt.s for construction/repair of houses is reimbursed by the KSB subject to a maximum of Rs.10,000/ (KSB letter No.105 SB(7)/EC/91/KSB/D dated 16 Nov 92).

Grant for Marriage of Daughters of War Widow/War Disabled. Kendriya Sainik Board gives a grant of Rs.8,000/ for the marriage of daughters of a war widow or war disabled ex Servicemen whose disability is more than 50 percent. .

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM RAKSHA MANTRI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND (RMDF)
The following cases of financial assistance from RMDF are considered by KSB:-
(a) Assistance to old infirm Ex Servicemen/ widows of ESM Rs 1000/ p.m. for two years.
(b) Marriage of daughter Ex Servicemen/ widows in penury Rs 8,000/ .
(c) Repair of house for ESM/Widows in penury. Rs 10,000/
(d) Medical treatment Depending on the nature and gravity of ailment Subject to a maximum of Rs 15,000/
(e) Education of children of ESM/ widows in penury Rs 100/ p.m. per child for max of three children up to XII class.
(f) Other cases in respect of ESM/widows in penury. like natural calamities, accidental or where feels that the case deserves sympathetic consideration) No single transaction to exceed Rs 15, 000/
Note : The cases of financial assistance from RMDF are submitted by the
concerned Zila/Rajya Sainik Boards to KSB.
DEFENCE MINISTER’S APPELLATE COMMITTEE ON PENSIONS (DMACP)
Cases where family pension claims have been rejected or where disability is neither attributable nor aggravated by military service are given the following types of grants by the DMACP:
(a) Educational allowance Rs 25/ p.m. up to three children of ex Servicemen who were enrolled prior to 01 Jan 85. For personnel enrolled on or after 01 Jan 85, the grant is admissible to only two children. The maximum amount of educational grant is, however, restricted to Rs. 3,000/ .
(b) A lump sum grant up to Rs. 2,000/ to aged parents of the deceased ex Servicemen.
(c) Cost of sewing machine to the wife of deceased/ disabled ex Servicemen.
(d) A one time grant of Rs 1,000/ for daughter's marriage.
Appeals for financial assistance on rejection of pension claims should be made to the Defence Minister's Appellate Committee on pension within six months of rejection of the claim. The appeals are considered by the Committee based on merits of each case and the financial assistance granted which is, subsequently, paid by the Kendriya Sainik Board through the concerned Rajya/Zila Sainik Board.
Ex gratia allowance to Burma Army Pensioners. Burma Army Pensioners who are Indian Nationals and are drawing their pension in India are given ex gratia allowance so as to raise their existing pension and relief drawn thereon to Rs 1275/ per month w.e.f 01 Nov 97. This allowance would be admissible to the families of such pensioners in the event of their death.
Tool Kit for ex Servicemen Technicians. Out of Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, tool kits are provided, amount not exceeding Rs.2,000/ , provided the following conditions are fulfilled:
(a) The ex Serviceman hold the qualification to utilise the tool kit.
(b) The ex Serviceman has the appropriate infrastructure to set up for himself the proposed trade. (KSB letter No.105 SB(7)/EC/91/KSB/D dated 16 Nov 92)
Reimbursement of Interest by way of subsidy on loan taken from Bank for construction of House to war bereaved, war disabled and attributable peace time casualties and their dependents. There is a scheme for re imbursement of interest subsidy on loan taken from Banks by war bereaved, war disabled, attributable peace time casualties and their dependents for construction of houses with the following conditions:
(a) The upper limit is Rs.10,000/ for eligibility of grant of interest subsidy, even though the loan taken may be of a higher amount.
(b) Apart from the Banks, loan taken from reputed organisations in Government/Public Sector Undertakings, LIC. GIC and HUDCO except private organisations are also made eligible for the grant of interest subsidy subject to the condition that the loan given by these organisations are based on genuineness of the requirement and the repaying capacity of the individual.
(c) The rates of the interest subsidy and the period for re payment of loan is as under:
(i) The subsidy will be paid up to a maximum period of five years or the date of final repayment of loan whichever is earlier.
(ii) 50 percent of the interest charges by the Banks or Govt. of Public Sector including LIC, GIC and HUDCO would be reimbursed as interest subsidy.
INSTITUTIONAL WELFARE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY KSB
Sainik Rest House Facility
To facilitate short stay of ex Servicemen during their visit to District HQs in connection with settlement of their pensionary claims, for medical treatment, litigation, etc. a number of Sainik Rest Houses have been established all over the country. At present, there are 243 Sainik Rest Houses in the country. For details of Sainik Rest Houses click here. After Care of ex Servicemen/their dependents for Leprosy/TB etc. in the Cheshire Homes.
Kendriya Sainik Board is providing grants to Cheshire Homes/Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre/QMTI so that the ex Servicemen/their dependents inmates are looked after by them. At present the following Cheshire Homes/Centres are being given grants:
(a) Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre, Dehradun.
(b) Cheshire Home, Thiruvananthapuram
(c) Cheshire Home, Delhi
(d) Cheshire Home, Lucknow
(e) Cheshire Home, Vellore
(f) Cheshire Home, Bangalore (g) QMTI, Pune
Grant in Aid in respect of Welfare Services undertaken by the Indian Red Cross Society
Annual grant is provided to the Indian Red Cross Society for welfare Services provided by the Society to sick and wounded Servicemen/ex Servicemen in the Armed Forces Hospitals.
Indian Gorkha Ex Servicemen Welfare Organisation
Kendriya Sainik Board provides grants to Indian Gorkha Ex Servicemen Welfare Association, Dehradun to look after the welfare of Indian Gorkha Ex Servicemen and their families.
Rehabilitation Centres/Training cum Production Centres for Widows of Defence Personnel
There are 18 Rehabilitation Centres/Training Centres/ Training cum Production Centres/Vocational Centres. These Centres provide Training Courses in Tailoring, Knitting, Stitching, Typing, Sewing, Stenography, Computer Programming, etc. For details of the location of Rehabilitation Centers click here.
Hostels for War Widows/Widows of Defence Personnel
Kendriya Sainik Board shares expenditure on 50 percent basis of the cost of the construction and thereafter the maintenance of Widows Hostels and Old Age Homes. These Hostels/Homes are at Bihar (Albert Eeka Memorial Complex, Patna), J&K (Jammu), Maharashtra (Naval War Memorial Hostel at Mumbai for Naval War Widows), Madhya Pradesh (Mahar Regimental Centre, Saugor and J&K Rifles Regimental Centre, Jabalpur), Meghalaya (Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong), Uttar Pradesh (Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, Lansdowne, Kumaon Regimental Centre, Ranikhet, Rajput Regimental Centre, Fatehgarh and AMC Centre & School, Lucknow), Delhi (War Widow Home Capacity for 30 inmates located at 18/1, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110057) and Tamil Nadu (War Widows Home, Chennai 600 004).
REHABILITATION OF DISABLED SOLDIERS
Queen Mary’s Technical Institute, Pune
The Queen Mary's Technical Institute (QMTI), Range Hills, Pune, a private Charitable Institution conducts ITI recognised vocational trades training courses for disabled Servicemen, ex Servicemen and their dependents salient of which are as follows :
Course Duration Education
(a) Fitter Two years SSC Pass
(b) Electrician do do
(c) Mechanic Radio & TV do do
(d) Wireman do do
(e) Mechanic, Diesel One year SSC Fail
(f) Steno (English) do SSC Pass (50% marks in English)
(g) Cutting & Tailoring do VIII Pass
The session commences on 01 Aug every year and terminates on 31 Jul next year. Admissions are completed by 15 Jul for the next session.
Application for admission are to be routed as under:
(a) Disabled ex Servicemen. Through respective Zila Sainik Welfare Officers and Secretary, Rajya Sainik Boards.
(b) Disabled Servicemen. Through Units, Record Offices, Army HQ (AG's Branch).
(c) Dependents. Directly to Supdt.,QMTI.
Fees.
(a) Disabled ex Servicemen. Fees and Boarding expenditure is payable by respective Rajya Sainik Boards.
(b) Disabled Servicemen. By respective parent Units.
(c) Dependents. By individuals.
Hostel facilities are provided for disabled ex Servicemen within the QMTI premises. Disabled soldiers are attached to MH, Kirkee.
Training. The syllabus followed is as per norms laid down by the National Council for Training in Vocational Trades and the successful trainees receive ITI certificates and stand a good chance for employment all over the country. Also, they can obtain National Trade Certificates after undergoing Apprenticeship training and examinations.
Placement. Training in QMTI helps a disabled soldier to acquire the all important will to live independently. Disabled ex Servicemen can easily find jobs after obtaining vocational training. Those who wish to start their own ventures can now do so better with technical qualifications and knowledge.
Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres (PRC) at Kirkee and Mohali
In addition to QMTI, Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres at Kirkee and Mohali with a capacity of 80 and 30 beds respectively are being run for rehabilitation of Paraplegic and Tetraplegic ex Servicemen. Financial assistance is also provided by the respective States to ex Servicemen during the period of training. The KSB provides a lump sum of annual grant to the PRCs Kirkee and Mohali for upkeep of the establishment in addition to grant per inmate actually housed in the Centres.
St Dunstan's After Care Organisation
St Dunstan's Organisation was formed to provide psychological support to over come the devastating shock of blindness as well as to impart vocational training to the blinded ex Servicemen, to enable them to find a place back in the society and to set them up in their homes and also after care services. The administration is looked after by the After care Organisation headed by an After Care Officer under the overall control of the Sub Committee at Dehradun. Sub Area Commander, Dehradun is its Chairman.
Kendriya Sainik Board provides annual grant to After Care Organisation at Dehradun to meet the expenditure on the welfare of blinded ex Servicemen in the country. After Care Officer is responsible for operating the organisation and also maintaining a link with National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) for training of blind ex Servicemen as well as new cases sponsored by MH Dehradun. St Dunstan's After Care Organisation is located at Rajpur Road, PO NCB, Dehradun 248 001.
The items required by the disabled and other categories of physically handicapped are permitted to be imported duty free by any person. Also, any drugs, medicines or equipment, certified to be a life saving drug/medicines, equipment etc., by the DGHS/DDGHS/ ADGHS can also be imported duty free.
Duty Free Import of Therapeutic Gadgets for Paraplegic ex Servicemen Patients
Under Custom Notification No.208/81 Cus dated 22 Sep 81, items required by the disabled and other categories of physically handicapped are permitted to be imported duty free by any person. A perusal of the notification shows that it specifically covers the following items:
"Instruments and implants including self curing acrylic Bone Cement for replacement and bonding of hips, knee and other joints for severely crippled and handicapped”.
The following items required by spinal patients and other categories of physically handicapped people are covered :
(a) Wheel & other chairs:
(i) Folding wheel chairs with detachable arms and foot rests.
(ii) Special light wheel chairs for easy handling.
(iii) Motorised wheel chairs.
(iv) Special purpose chairs for stairs climbing for tetraplegic and paraplegic workers.
(b) Aids for disabled namely, folding walking frames.
(c) Aids to extend reach to pick up small items (with small magnet pick up).
(d) Specialised fixtures for orthopaedic and spastic tetraplegic for manoeuvring and providing dexterity to fingers and wrist.
(e) Turning beds for prevention of pressure sores.
(f) Emulsion cushions for tetraplegic and working paraplegics to avoid pressure sores.
Further, under the same notification any other drug, medicine or equipment which is certified by the DGHS/DDGHS/ADGHS to be a life saving drug, medicine, equipment, etc., can also be imported duty free by any person.
Similarly, under notification No.63/88 Cus and 64/88 Cus dated 01 Jan 88, Government hospitals and certain categories of charitable hospitals are permitted to import their requirements duty free.
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Monday, August 31, 2009

Speech given by Hony. Lt. Kameshwar Pandey in meeting of IESM held on 30-8-2009 at Nodia



(Hon Lt Kameshwar Pandey) (pandeykameshwar@gmail.com)

Jai Hind

Respected, Honorable Senior Veterans and my Dear Friends!

Today is a historic day in the history of Indian Military Veterans of all arms. We all have completed one year of our peaceful struggle for OROP. The GOI has been compelled and forced to consider our justified and legitimate demand for ONE RANK ONE PENSION. In my view we have all gathered here to contemplate on our past actions and discuss and explore our future plans of action. In my brief talk, I will try to cover the following points:

1.Achievements of IESM in the past one year

2. Actions taken by the government, the politicians and the bureaucrats

3. Possible reasons behind OROP not being granted as yet

4. Possible course of action for the future

5. And finally and most importantly, how each and every ESM can contribute to this mission.

1.Achievements of IESM in the past one year:

(a)This is the first time that the issue of OROP has been mentioned in the Presidential Speech in the Parliament. This has been possible only because of the massive action taken by IESM.

(b)A large number of senior officers and all Ranks of all arm have come together under the IESM umbrella. This involvement has been totally selfless from all members and it is an astonishing feat achieved by the Indian Military Veterans community.

(c)A dedicated, able and effective leadership has taken charge of this mission and will most definitely steer the mission to victory and success.

(d)The government is now fully aware of the fact that the planning and execution of IESM is way beyond their control and that IESM is growing faster than they could ever imagine. That is why the government is reluctant to talk and negotiate with the IESM.

2.Actions taken by the government, the politicians and the bureaucrats:

(a) Divide and Rule - Instead of solving the problems of ESM and carefully considering the legitimate demand of OROP by the military veterans, the government has been trying to divide us in segments like ranks, arms, Officers, JCOs, ORs. They have been trying to segment and divide our power and strength.

(b) Using small ESM organizations with vested interests, the government has been trying to advertise that they care for the welfare of the veteran community, all of which is a false propaganda.

(c) The GOI should recognize and be grateful to the officer community especially the chairman IESM, for it is because of them this mission is still peaceful.

(d) The PBOR community is so full of anguish that if left uncontrolled/unguided they will not refrain from resorting to other means of making the deaf hear our voice. That said, I must underline the fact that this is a rather dangerous game the GOI is playing and it better be aware of the consequences of this.

3.Possible reasons behind OROP not being granted as yet:

(a) I feel that reason behind the fact that OROP has not been implanted in its true nature and spirit is the fact that each and every action/decision/step taken by the IESM leadership is being debated.

(b) This is a clear sign for the GoI that the ESM community is not united. The proverb “Too many cooks spoil the broth” is so truly applicable to this situation. We must all understand that this too is like a war for justice and no war can ever be won if there are more than one orders given at the same time or if, on every decision, a committee or a consensus must be formed.....
(c) With respect, I want to bring forth a very important and serious issue regarding the devaluation of JCOs, NCOs and equivalent ranks of all arms. The JCOs are commissioned by the President of India and it is a class II Gazetted Rank. Now it has been replaced by a term “PBOR”. Where did this term “PBOR” come from? I find it amusing and rather disturbing that it has been so easily accepted by our service chiefs and the boards of JCOs and NCOs have been replaced by PBOR!


Rank degradation was a major issue taken up by most ESM organizations. Similarly the same issue of rank degradation holds good in coining this term “PBOR” and must be dealt with utmost seriousness. On the Blog REPORTMYSIGNAL it is seen that each rank is interested about its own interest. This is a point I have personally raised with the Vice Chairman in the past as well. It has also been raised earlier by Sgt. Prabhjot Singh PlS (Retd.), President, Indian Ex-Services League, Punjab and Chandigarh.



This is the root cause of defamation of the Army. It starts from the soldiers and creeps all the way up to the levels of senior officers as well. The time has now come for all ranks to forget about their individual benefits and unite for Social Justice and Respect of the Indian Military Services. Many senior officers have rightly pointed out that we should learn from neighbors and the past history. Service years were different and the times now are different. Why is any body/organization not thinking for the benefit of all ranks all arms (from Sep to Gen, including Ex Service Men)? Has GOI been successful in its divided and rule policy inherited from the British?


4.Possible course of action for the future:
Therefore my request with the entire ESM community is this:
(a) Organizations founded for the welfare of ESM have failed the very purpose of their existence. IESM, in my humble opinion, must make an effort, to get rid of the people filling holding these appointments (and making a mess of the entire organization) and to replace these people with those who are really devoted to the cause of the ESM, who can understand and appreciate the reason why these bodies were founded.
b) Many states like Punjab have been exemplary in this regard where these organizations still perform the duties they are supposed to. (c) Let us all be united in our thoughts, actions and words. That is the only way we can become a force strong enough to shake the high offices in New Delhi.
(d) Let us all have faith in the IESM leadership. The chairman and the steering committee is what the Captain is to a boat or a Pilot to an airplane.
(e) Let us not criticize others. Instead, do the best we can in our own capacities to help the mission become successful. (f)Once a decision has been taken, let us all own it – for better or for worse – understanding that the intent behind taking that decision was the success of the entire mission. (g) Please do not criticize our leaders, do not comment on there integrity and leadership capabilities. They have brought us here and they will, most definitely,make this mission successful. (h) Lastly I whole heartedly support the suggestions of Vice Chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh and Col Rajan for the future plan of action.
5.How Can One Individual ESM Help:
One must both generously and seriously think about how he/she can help the Mission OROP. Some can help with money (donations), some with their organizations, some with organizing local meetings and seminars, some can give time and man power, and some can help with material/items. Where ever an ESM goes, let it be ECHS, CSD offices and any where, we can talk about this movement get membership form and deposit medals.
Once again I thank you all for giving me this opportunity to share my vies with you.

Jai Hind!
Kameshwar Pandey
Sub/Maj Hony Lt (Retd.)
9811059825


Meeting of IESM held on 30-8-2009 at Noidia

Dear Veterans,
Regards. I am pasting the speech given by Lt. (Hony. Sub.) Pandey in the meeting of IESM held on 30-8-2009 at Noida. If you read it carefully, it depicts the real picture of functioning of IESM. I would request you to give your comments on this

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

PBORs must unite to fight the rogues in society

Dear Veterans,
Regards. I have just gone through the message posted by, my brethern, Muthukrishanan on his blog regarding the injustice done to the PBORs specially upto the rank Hav and equivalent ranks in other wings i.e. Air Force and Navy. He is absolutely right but we should not get disappointed by this rather fight the injustice by uniting ourselves. Needless to say that in this country only the number counts and PBORs are 96 % whereas officers only 4 % but they manipulate to get their dues ands the PBORs go on praying GOD.
My brethern, we must be very clear in our mind that we will not get any thing by sitting like this . We must first unite under one banner but we must be wise enough to select the banner who should sacredly look after our welfare.We in Punjab could give this idea a practical shape and I am in front of you who joined this organization (which was also an officer dominated organization) as a common member and now I am unanimously elected President of this organization.It took me long time and hard labour to rise to this position but I am happy I have done a thing which so farwas thought impossible. My advice to PBOR bretherns is that they should work hard and try to capture power which we, ourselves, have surrendered to those who are mearly 4 %. Then unite and see the result. I shall continue this dialogue after hearing from you. I think when we converse on the blog we should not write our Rank which is a thing of past. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Blog for Welfare of PBORs

Dear Govini,
With your best wisahes I have,today created a blog for dissemination of information for the welfare of PBORs. I hope we both shall be able to some thing for our brethern PBORs. OK.Bye.
Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
President,
Indian Ex-Services League,Punjab & chandigarh