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PRESS RELEASE

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT


PARLIAMENT HOUSE
NEW DELHI

ACTION TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS


CONTAINED IN THE THIRTY-FOURTH REPORT (FOURTEENTH LOK SABHA) ON ‘HUMAN
RESOURCE PLANNING, SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER, INFUSION OF HI-TECH TRAINING
AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE ARMED FORCES’.

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:

Subject and Recommendations


Imparting of pre-selection Services Selection Board (SSB) Oriented Training stressed upon.
To further supplement the Government’s efforts in disseminating the defence related information
where there is inadequate infrastructure, the Committee had desired to impart pre-selection
service-selection board oriented training in all schools and educational institutions including
technical education institutions. The Committee were perturbed to note the cryptic reply that the
needful was being done through Sainik schools, NCC and Rashtriya Military Schools. The
Committee found that the aforesaid initiatives were inadequate. There was an urgent need for
military training in all schools and educational institutions including technical intuitions. The
recommendation of the Committee when implemented would be having broader and wider
implications as it would create awareness and prepare the talented youth to join armed forces.
The Committee would therefore like to reiterate their earlier recommendation to further extend
training in all schools, colleges and technical educational institution

Simplification of recruitment procedure reiterated.


The Committee found that on the one hand a project on comprehensive selection system in
armed forces has been taken up by DIPR for evolving a new selection system based on cognitive
abilities on the other hand the selection procedure adopted by the Service Selection Boards is
considered to be scientific and satisfactory. The Committee were unable to comprehend the
stand of the Ministry on the issues raised in the recommendation. The Committee, therefore,
while reiterating their earlier recommendation, once again wished to emphasize that the study by
DIPR should be completed at the earliest and the new selection system based on modern
techniques of selection was put in place.

Extending Stipend during Pre-Induction Training recommended.


In order to extend appropriate financial support and motivate the cadets, the Committee had
recommended that all the cadets undergoing pre induction training at NDA or similar institutions
should be paid monthly stipend during the entire period of training before being commissioned in
the armed forces. The Ministry instead of taking concrete measures in this regard had rejected
the recommendation of the Committee outrightly. The Ministry found that no payment was
required to be made to the cadets during the training period. The Committee felt that extending
appropriate financial support during the training would be a small measure which would help the
cadets in meeting their daily expenses. Not only that the said initiative would also boost the
morale of the cadets. Therefore, the Committee wished to emphasize to reconsider the issue.

Introduction of time-scale promotion stressed upon.


With regard to the recommendation of the Committee to introduce the system of time scale
promotions upto the rank of Brigadier and equivalent in all the Services by bringing in appropriate
reduction in the length of reckonable commissioned service, the Ministry had chosen not to
respond to the issue. The Committee again emphasized that the said initiative would certainly
increase the functional efficiency and keep the morale of the officer high. The Committee,
therefore, have urged the Ministry to take expeditious action on the recommendation of the
Committee.

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.

Welfare of the Ex-servicemen by setting up of National Ex-servicemen Commission and granting


of ‘One Rank One Pension’ stressed upon.
The Committee were distressed to note that even after getting clearance from Raksha Mantri for
setting up of National Commission for Ex-servicemen, the Ministry has declined to setup the
Commission on the plea that number of bodies are existing to undertake Welfare Schemes for
Ex-Servicemen and their families. As there was apparent dis-satisfaction among the Ex-
servicemen, the Committee were of the strong view that there was an urgent need for setting up
of a commission at the National Level. While reiterating their earlier recommendation the
Committee would like the Ministry to reconsider the recommendation and set up the commission
expeditiously.

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.

Lateral induction of Ex-servicemen reiterated.


The Committee in their earlier reports had been recommending for lateral induction of Armed
Forces Personnel into Para Military Forces. However, as the matter was still under consideration
at various Ministerial level and it was time consuming, the Committee had desired for evolving a
scheme for inducting retiring Armed Forces Personnel as a distinct force on the lines of Central
Paramilitary Forces. The Committee were distressed to note that instead of addressing the matter
the Ministry, had simply stated that there was no proposal for inducting retiring armed forces
personnel as a distinct force for civil duties. In view of immense benefits by creating a distinct
force, the Committee have desired the Ministry to re-consider the issue.

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.

Acquisition of Field Firing Ranges at the earliest reiterated


Keeping in view the depleting strength of Field Firing Ranges, the Committee had desired to
resolve all the issues in consultation with all stake holders. The Committee were perturbed to
note that despite the action taken by the Armed Forces, out of 92 notified Field Firing Ranges
with army notification with regard to 57 ranges has expired Cases. Only 4 ranges were under
active consideration by State Government for re-notification. All the 7 air-to-ground ranges, with
Air Force were severely constrained due to restrictions imposed by civil air traffic as well as
proliferation of habitation/industries in the vicinity. Keeping in view the changing security scenario
and the strategic importance of Field Firing Ranges the Committee have wished to reiterate their
earlier recommendation to take concrete steps to acquire the same.

From: Satbir Singh [mailto:satbirsm@gmail.com]


Sent: 26 March 2011 16:19
To: CS.Kamboj@yahoo.in
Subject: PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE RECOMMENDS OROP ONCE AGAIN

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE RECOMMENDS


OROP ONCE AGAIN

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
------------

To Date: 18 Mar 2011

Sh. Satpal Maharaj


Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
Chairman, Standing Committee on Defence
Parliament House Annexe
New Delhi – 110001
ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP)
Dear Sh. Satpal Ji Maharaj
1. I once again write to you to seek your indulgence in the grant of one Rank One Pension
(OROP) to the Defence Forces.
2. This long outstanding demand of Defence Forces remains to be met inspite of PMs, RMs and
all Party Parliamentary Committees assurances and recommendations for the past 30 years. Why
the Govts have not sanctioned it so far is intriguing. During my presentation to your goodself on
05 May 2010 and numerous missives thereafter, we have brought out the genesis and the
genuineness of the demand. Delay in granting the same is a grave Injustice to the Defence
Veterans who are feeling anguished, angry and deeply hurt. The Govt’s reasons for rejection ie
administrative, financial and legal” have been duly demolished in our earlier correspondence and
also through the judgements given by various courts.
3. Defence Veterans are on the streets protesting against the Injustice for the past over 30
months. They have deposited over 22000 medals and another over 10000 medals are waiting to
be deposited with the President who has not yet accepted the request of veterans to receive the
medals herself. In order to express their deep anguish, they have also submitted memorandum
to the President signed in blood by over one lac defnece veterans.
4. The Govt’s total indifference to the demands of Defnece Veterans is beyond comprehension.
While the agitational approach by Gujjars and Jats are being taken note of and high level
emissaries of the Govt have been dispatched to placate these elements, protest Movement being
conducted by the Defnece veterans in the most peaceful and disciplined manner is being ignored
totally. Even the Supreme Commander does not find it fit to meet their delegation to hear their
demand sympathetically. Do the Armed Forces Veterans have to continue paying the price for
being patriotic, law abiding and disciplined?
5. On behalf of IESM I implore you to use your good offices to press upon the Govt to accept the
genuine demand of OROP at the earliest.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@gmail.com
Copy to:-
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar - With request for positive action at your end.
Member of Parliament
211, North Avenue
New Delhi
Sh. Partap Singh Bajwa - -do-
Member of Parliament
22 , Mahadev Road
New Delhi - 110001

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