Professional Documents
Culture Documents
24 March, 2011
Shri Satpal Maharaj, Chairman, Standing Committee on Defence, presented the Tenth Report of
the Committee on Action Taken Report on `Human Resource Planning, Shortage of Manpower,
Infusion of Hi-Tech Training and Infrastructure for the Armed Forces’ today i.e., Thursday, the
24th March, 2011, Some of the important observations/ recommendations are as follows:
Holding of Selection Board meeting at the interval of every six months reiterated.
The Committee were constrained to note that the Ministry instead of taking expeditious action on
their recommendation to hold meetings of all selection boards for promotion in different wings of
the three services at a regular interval of six months every year, has just reproduced the existing
practice. As per the practice, in Air Force and Navy, the Promotion Boards are conducted on a
yearly basis. In case of Army, selection Board for promotion to the select ranks are held once a
year. The Committee would like to emphasize that holding the meetings of selection Boards
regularly at the interval of six months would ensure timely promotion to officers which would
boost their morale. The Committee while reiterating their recommendation would like the
Ministry to take expeditious action in this regard.
The Committee had constantly been recommending in their reports to consider the demands of
ex-servicemen for `One Rank One Pension’ in a holistic manner. The Ministry in the action taken
note had again stated about the benefits extended to ex-servicemen by implementing the seven
recommendations of the Committee set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary. The
Committee again emphasized that inspite of the benefits extended by implementing the seven
recommendations, the demand of ‘One Rank One Pension’ still persisted. As such the
Committee would like to reiterate their recommendation made in earlier Report to reconsider the
issue of One Rank One Pension, so that the demand of ex-servicemen was met which would
boost the morale of the defence personnel.
Reviewing the matter of Civilian Manpower and Infrastructural Support within the Ministry of
Defence reiterated
The Committee were concerned to note that even when the Group of Ministers (GOMs) in its
report had recommended to set up a Committee to look into the issue of better utilization of
AFHQ Civil Services office within the Ministry of Defence and the Committee in the
recommendation had emphasized to implement the recommendation of GOMs, the Ministry had
tried to sidetrack the recommendations of the Committee by stating that DOPT had not agreed to
the proposal and had reiterated its stand of not reviewing the position in the light of DOPT’s
advise. The Committee again emphasized that the AFHQs Civil Service Officers was introduced
with the specific aim of providing specialized infrastructural support to the three service
Headquarters and inter-service organizations. As such the concern of the Committee should be
brought in the knowledge of DOPT and immediate action should be taken in the light of the
recommendation of GOMs.
Dear Veterans
1. While the Govt continues to deny our legitimate demand of OROP, we have been relentlessly
endevaouring to continue exploring all options to make the Govt see reason and grant us our due
demand. To get the All Party Standing Committee on Defence, reiterate its recommendation on
OROP in its report, we have been following it up with Shri Satpalji Maharaj, MP, and Chairman
Standing Committee on Defence. In this connection please refer to our enclosed letters.
2. The Standing Committee in its report tabled in the Parliament on 24 Mar 2011, has once
again recommended OROP. It has also recommended setting up of a National Commission for
EX-Servicemen. Sh. Satpal Ji Maharaj has very kindly sent the Press Release on the report
through email to the undersigned which is enclosed.
3. Friends, echoes have started gaining momentum. What is required now is “A Strong United
Movement by Armed Forces Veterans”. We, appeal to all defence fraternity to join hands and
demonstrate strong, vibrant, dynamic, effective and efficient “UNITY” without ifs and buts.
Forgetting any difference in views, Let us all be ONE in our resolve to get OROP and ensure that
the Govt listens to us.
4. I also appeal to all senior Defence Veterans specially all Lt Gens and Chiefs to come forward
and support the Movement for Justice. We have saluted you and gave you our unflinching loyalty
to safe guard the sovereignty and integrity of the country even at the peril of our lives. The rank
and file was always with you.
5. Now when the Injustice is being done to us, we request you all to strongly take up our case
with the Govt unitedly. This is the time to stand up and be counted. You will always remain our
senior leaders and we look forward for your support to get our due Justice.
6. After reading this mail, please circulate it to as many veterans as possible for action please.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM
Mob : 9312404269,0124 – 4110570
Email : satbirsm@gmail.com, satbirsm@yahoo.com
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