A delegation of Indian Ex-Services League led by Brig Kartar Singh (Retd), President,Indian Ex-Services League comprising of following, met Chief of Army Staff on 24 Oct 2018
(a) Brig Kartar Singh – President Indian Ex-Services League.
(b) Lt Gen V Chaturvedi, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd)
(c) Vice Admiral Paras Nath, AVSM, VSM (Retd).
(d) AVM RP Mishra (Retd)
(e) Sub Maj Vijay Pal(Retd)
2. The following points discussed during the meeting:-
1. Revision of Reservist Pension. As per Para 155 of Pension Regulations for the Army – 1961 (Part I) an OR reservist who is not in receipt of a service pension may be granted, on completion of the prescribed combined colour and reserve qualifying service, of not less than 15 years, a reservist pension equal to 2/3rd of the lowest pension admissible to a sepoy. It is pertinent to mention here that as per the above, a reservist soldier is supposed to get 2/3rd of the lowest pension admissible to a sepoy and not the minimum pension. The lowest pension of a 15 years service sepoy is Rs 6665/- on grant of OROP, which, when further multiplied by 2.57 on implementation of 7th CPC works out to Rs 17129 as basic pension. As stated by the above said regulations, the minimum pension a reservist is supposed to get is equal to 2/3rd of the pension admissible to a sepoy. The 2/3rd of a sepoy pension works out to Rs 11419/- pm which should be admissible to a reservist sepoy. Presently, he is getting only Rs 9000/- pm.
2. One Man Judicial Committee on OROP. The Veterans of Tri-Services are very keen to know the One Man Judicial Committee Report. Therefore, it is requested that The One Man Judicial Committee Report be declassified as early as possible.
3. Higher MSP for JCOs. 7th CPC had recommended MSP at the rate of Rs 15,500/- for Officers and Rs 5200/- for JCOs and OR. However, since the JCOs are Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officers having considerable length of service and a separate Category of pay group, it is incorrect to grant them MSP at the same rate as ORs. Hence a higher rate of MSP @ Rs 10,500/- pm is recommended.
4. MSP for General Officers. It is also submitted that Officers of the rank of Maj Gen and above be granted MSP as these Officers have also gone through the same working conditions, terrain and weather condition and deprivation of fundamental rights.
4. The COAS gave a very patient hearing to the delegation and assured his best to do the needful
COAS has also agreed to visit IESL HQ and address our GC Meeting as per his convenience
The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, was invited to visit Indian Ex-Services Leaue and address the Governing Council in the evening of 26 Nov 2018. The Chief of Army Staff was received by Brig Kartar Singh, President Indian Ex-Services League and Gen GS Jamwal,President J&K Ex-Services League. The Council members had come from all the states and the Chief of Army Staff highly appreciated the fact that most of the office bearers of IESL were JCO’s and NCO Veterans of Army, Navy and Air Force. It may be noted that IESL is the largest body of three services having over seven lakh Veteran members recognized by the Govt of India and is also an affiliate of Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, London
While applauding the good work being done by IESL, the General addressed the various issues of the Ex-Servicemen and said, “Veterans are the strength of our Armed Forces. You have dedicated your self in service of our Nation and continue to uphold the rich values of our Defence Services, serving the society and accordingly the people, to lead a disciplined life and to always follow the dictum “Nation First”. We are proud of you and may the Indian Ex-Services League continue to grow from strength to strength”.
The Army Chief highlighted that ensuring correct pension as entitled is disbursed to all pensioners as there are some of them not getting their dues. He advised IESL to reach out to those affected and bring such cases to the notice of local Veteran cells (Col Veteran) so that the needful can be done.
COAS informed that AGIF sum assured on death in respect of Jawans is being *increased from Rs 37.5 lakhs to about Rs 40 lakhs without any increase in premium / subscription.
ECHSCOAS informed that: DG AFMS has been directed to work out establishment of Veterans Hospitals – to begin with Delhi, Pune and Chandigarh have been identified as locations and staffed by Veteran Doctors and paramedics.
Case for treatment of Veterans in MH where capacity is underutilized is also under consideration.
Physical Casualties Presently Officers and Jawans get disability pension based on percentage of Pension wherein disability element of Pension for same degree of disability, Jawans get much lower amount. This is being reexamined to review the quantification yardstick based on severity of disability increase disability percentage beyond 100% (eg 200%) keeping in view the financial needs of the individual concerned.
Reservist Pension Case taken up with MOD to get Rs 15000 as Pension to reservists.
Pension to pers who fought 1962 / 1965 / 1971 war This proposal is being considered for those who participated in the war but not getting any Pension.
Cantt Roads The Chief explained that the Cantt Issue is being set right and action is underway to review and enforce security measures by following procedures in accordance with Cantt Act 2006.
Post Retirement Employment of JCOs / OR Chief informed that action is underway to grade promotion exams and promotion caders passed by all ranks in the army. Those who pass all exams to be conferred with graduation degree from a recognised University. JCOs / OR will be imparted coaching for entrance exams at training centers before retirement for employment in the civil.