VETERANS SEMINAR BY IESL

NEWS FROM IESL Dear Veterans,    1.         On 29th March 2011 a Veterans Seminar was held in Manekhsaw Centre. Due to last minute changes the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri could not be present, however, COAS with all the PSOs gave detailed briefing to the Veterans during the interaction session. All the question asked by the Veterans were replied exhaustively. From IESL the President along with State President Rajasthan and Punjab Leagues attended the Seminar. The points raised by IESL Team and their replies given by COAS are given below:-             Point Reply Anomaly in Pension of Majors. Case is with Anomaly Committee under active consideration. No increase in pension of pre 06 widows of Ex-Servicemen post Sixth CPC Under consideration of the Govt. Widows of deceased Ex-servicemen not getting both pension of their late husband. COAS agreed with case and the same is being pursued with the Govt strongly. MOD is going in appeal against each of decisions of Courts/AFT going in favour of Ex-servicemen. This is giving a perceived feeling that the Service HQ and Govt is against the Military Veterans and their widows. COAS stressed that there is no disconnect between the veterans and Service HQs and all the issues concerning Veterans and their kins are being supported by the Services. Rank Pay Case decision (Maj Dhanapalan) given by Supreme Court not being implemented. Service HQs are supporting the case for early resolution. Serious anomaly in pensions of pre 06 retired officers be addressed. This point is also under active consideration of Anomaly Committee.                                                                                                 2.         It was a very fruitful Interaction Seminar where Chief of Army Staff expressed his absolute support for the welfare of Military Veterans and their widows. In fact this year has been declared by COAS as Disabled Military Veterans Year and various welfare schemes had been launched by Army HQ.     Regards!     Col Akhil Sharma Gen Secy IESL