FAMILY PENSION

Fwd by Dr. Brig VA Narayanan
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Order has already been issued, in the case of civilian pensioners, regarding how to tackle the cases of family pensioners aged more than 80yrs whose date of birth is not recorded.PAN cards, CGHS Cards, Pass-port, Driving license, Matriculation Certificate - Viz whatever proof of reasonably trustworthy nature (My interpretation) would enable payment of enhanced pension. Even the Voter's Card is good enough. The relevant order is No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 21 May, 2009 issued by the Min of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. Pension Disbursing Authorities ( Banks paying the pension) are to act on this immediately. Similar order should have been issued in respect of Armed Forces ; However, as usual, it may take its own time in the absence of 'Mai-Baap' for ESM community.

Due to insuficient knowledge of the technique, although I have downloaded the letter, unable to cut& paste the same; Some expert may kindly do it.

Jai Hind

Gp Capt BV Rao(Retd)

COMMENT ON DISCONTENTMENT OF A VETERAN

One needs to support the more disadvantaged of our bretheren and provide help and succour to them once they are out of uniform! Those of us who have it good do not realise the privations that a poor OR faces once he is out of the army on retirement.


Rajib


--- On Tue, 4/8/09, rajiv addy rajibaddy@hotmail.com

COMMENT ON DISCONTENTMENT OF A VETERAN

The problem with the ESM is that we think that everyone else is responsible for our welfare. I think that time has come for us to find ways and means of helping each other and if we cannot do that, atleast retain our dignity and stop seeking help from others.

I have come across many incidents wherein the Veterans have willingly offered to donate their lands for starting the ECHS clinic or the ESM canteen. But, unfortunately, it has not happened in Kerala. Are we all so poor or, is it something else? I think that the time has come for us to introspect.

Navy and Airforce have associations where all ranks are members. However, most of the Army officers prefer to be members of the officers association. Probably, this separation may be running counter to the increasing social aspirations of the retired PBOR. A mechanism to have a common platform like Army Foundation could be thought of. However, there has to be readiness to have PBOR veterans in some of the controlling positions.

Issues related to the Veterans are many and some of them are outside the limits of reality. I have had a veteran officer approaching me to take up a case for getting free membership of a club because of his service in uniform. I can quote many instances where the veterans, insted of helping each other, have resorted to complaining to the RM. Of course, there are good examples too. To quote one, I was pleasanly surprised to see Air Marshal Nair (Retd) sitting at the reception of the ECHS clinic Secunderabad and preparing slips for the patients. He does this every day. Can we hope to see something similar in Kerala? When such display of magnanimity becomes more frequent, there would certainly be a reduction in the percieved distance between the retired officers and the PBOR.

Eapen.

Mon, 3/8/09, eapen kochekkan

THE OROP STATUS

In turning down OROP the Committee has relied on earlier committee and GOM reports, SC judgement on ESL petition filed as a sequel to the decision in DS Nakara & Ors Vs Union of India, and advice of the Ministry of Law.
The Committee also interacted with various ESM Associations, namely, the IESL and the Air Force Association to seek their views. The Associations gave the following major options in regard to OROP:

Option 1 Calculation of the pension of pre-1.1.2006 retirees by reckoning the highest of the pay in the pay band for each rank and thereafter application of weightage to this figure.

Option 2 Calculation of the pension of pre-1.1.2006 retirees by taking the mid-point between the minimum fitment of each rank in the revised pay band and maximum of the pay band and thereafter applying the weightage.

Option 3 Calculation of the pension of pre-1.1.2006 retirees with reference to the notional maximum in the post- 1.1.2006 pay scales. Thereafter the weightage may be applied.

Options 1&2 were found not feasible as even the pension of post 1.1.2006 retirees is not calculated on this basis. "However, the option 3 is similar to the benefit granted in 2006 based on the recommendations of the GOM."

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

PBOR

(1)Bring pre-10.10.1997 PBOR pensioners on par with post 10.10.1997 PBOR pensioners. (financial implication – 470.66 Crore per annum)

(2)Accept enhancement of classification allowance wef 1.1.2006 on notional basis (as in case MSP). This would benefit around 88000 PBOR. (Financial implication – 7.73 Crore per annum). To be implemented wef 1.1.2006 and pay arrears.

(3) (a) Reckon pension of all pre 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners with reference to a notional maximum in the post 1.1.2006 revised pay structure corresponding to the maximum of pre-Sixth Pay Commission pay scales as per fitment table of each rank.

(b) Also to continue with the enhanced weightage awarded by the GOM.

This will result in average monthly increase in the pension of pre 1.1.2006 PBOR in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 1400 for Gp Y depending on rank and years of service. Will benefit 12 lakh pre 1.1.2006 PBOR pensioners, (financial implication – 1636 Crore per annum). Being a new concession applies prospectively. No arrears.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
(4) Remove linkage of full pension with 33 years of qualifying service wef 1.1.2006 instead of 1.9.2008. Will benefit around 1100 officers (Army) whose pension would increase by about Rs 3000 pm (financial implication – 4.83 Crore per annum). Proposal emanates from Sixth PC; implement from 1.1.2006 and pay arrears.

(5) A separate pay scale starting at 67000 and going up to 79000 be created and all offrs at the level of Lt Gen/Addl Secy/equivalent be fixed in this scale. As a result, pension of pre-1..1.2006 Lt Gens will get fixed at 36500.00 and those of Addl Secys at 33500..00. Will benefit roughly 4000 offrs. (Financial implication – 25 Crore per annum). Proposal emanates from Sixth PC; implement from 1.1.2006 and pay arrears.

The Committee has justified the increase for Lt Gens by stating that after the Sixth PC recommendations, the pensions of pre-1.1.2006 Brigs, Colonels and Lt Cols have greatly improved and in percentage terms there is very little difference the pension of pre-1.1.2006 and that with ref to minimum of fitment tables. The difference is around 2% at the level of Lt Col, 6% at the level of Colonel, 11% at the level of Brigadier, 13% at the level of Maj Gen. Only at the level of Lt Gen is there a difference of about 26%.

Unquote

THE OROP has been denied. ESM may comment on the report of the Committee in whatever manner or at whatever forum. However, kindly do not seek clarification/ justification from me, for I have only summarised facts.

We need to take a call on our next course of action. And soon.

Best regards,

Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
262, Sector-17A
Gurgaon- 122 001
Tele: +91-124-4015262
+91- 9811226676

DISCONTENTMENT OF A VETERAN

Dear All,
I recieved a comment from a discontended veteran the other day. He was so annoyed and furious with the Officer Community which I could make out from the language he used in the comment. I cannot publish the same wordings that this veteran has used in his comment because it was harsh. However I felt the need to bring this to the notice of our community to correct themselves if they are going wrong somewhere. These people stood by us and worked shoulder to shoulder while we were in active service. It is one of our commitment to PBOR to help them and guide them when they are in need. Though there are govt and non govt organisations detailed to look after their welfare I am afraid that they are not doing their duty completely. That is why we get such mails.
Many of us have started various ventures in which PBOR have been employed. We must look after them well. Get him his dues. Guide him to settle his family. Because many of them are very young and burdened with family and financial problems. They do not get proper rehabilitation. Please give serious thought to this and let us do whatever bit we can to keep these invaluable companions of yester years happy and smiling.
I request the Ex-CPO to meet me and explain his problems if he wish to do so. The DOWA in whatever capacity it can, within its limitations, will be happy to try and solve your problem.
I have modified the comment and publish it for your information

Col Nair
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Anonymous has left a new comment(duly modified for publication in the blogspot) on your post "Medical facilities to ECOs and SSCOs":

I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU THE OFFICERS ARE NOT GETTING ANY TIME TO LOOK AFTER THE WELFARE OF PBORS BUT THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO HARRASS THE PBORS IN SERVICE AS WELL AS TO FILL UP THEIR OWN POCKETS, YOU PEOPLE NEVER THING HOW THE PBORS ARE STRUGGLING TO SURVIVIE IN A MONTH .

SREE KUMAR KK EX CPO WTR

E mail ID : sknkulengara@rediffmail.com



Posted by Anonymous to DOWA COCHIN at July 26, 2009 4:33 AM

New initiative of Govt of India

Government of India has an online Grievance forum at http://www.pgportal.gov.in

The govt. wants people to use this tool to highlight the problems they faced while dealing with Government officials or departments like
1) Railways
2) Posts
3) Telecom (incl. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
& Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL )
4) Urban Development ( Delhi Development Authority (DDA) ,
Land & Development Office (L&DO),Central Public Works Department CPWD)etc)
5) Petroleum & Natural Gas
6) Civil Aviation ( Air India , Airports Authority of India , etc)
7) Shipping , Road Transport & Highways
8) Tourism
9) Public Sector Banks
10) Public Sector Insurance Companies
11) National Saving Scheme of Ministry of Finance
12) Employees' Provident Fund Organization
13) Regional Passport Authorities

14) Central Government Health Scheme
15) Central Board of Secondary Education
16) Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
17) National Institute of Open Schooling
18) Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
19) Central Universities
20) ESI Hospitals and Dispensaries directly controlled by ESI Corporation
under Ministry of Labour

Many of us say that these things don't work in India .
Couple of months back, the Faridabad Municipal Corporation laid new roads in his area and the residents were very happy about it. But 2 weeks later, BSNL dug up the newly laid roads to install new cables which annoyed all the residents.. A resident used the above listed grievance forum to highlight his concern.. To his surprise, BSNL and Municipal Corporation of Faridabad were served a show cause notice and the guy received a copy of the notice in one week. Government has asked the MC and BSNL about the goof up as it's clear that both the government departments were not in sync at all

Important Information

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ECHS Facility
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Many non-pensioner ex-servicemen such as ECOs and SSCOs have left comments on the blog seeking guidance on how to become members of ECHS. Non-pensioners are NOT entitled to ECHS facilities. Non-pensioner ex-servicemen are only authorised medical facilities in MHs in accordance with a Presidential sanction on the subject but they cannot become members of the ECHS which is a scheme restricted to pension-holders. Just as pensioners are authorised ECHS, non-pensioners are authorised to avail of a medical re-imbursement scheme run by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) wherein expenditure of major surgeries to the extent of 90 % for PBOR and 75% for Officers (which earlier was 75% and 60% respectively) can be borne by the KSB.

-Maj Navdeep Sigh
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Dear veterans,

I am at present OIC of Trichy Polyclinic.
At the outset let me assure you all that the orders to give 90 days medicine to Chronic patients is still in Vogue. We are giving medicines for 90 days to Chronic patients in all Ploy clinics operating under Trichy Stn Hq AOR.

There is no contradicting directive from DG Medical services on this score. I feel that this order by BH Delhi Cantt is due to delay in funds allocation.

There have been some problems in getting medicines. The allocation of funds for the current financial Year has been delayed and hence the MH's responsible for procuring medicines under DGLP have not been able to meet the requirements.

I suggest that the matter be taken up first to the Commanding Officer of the concerned Hospital.

Regards

Cdr V Vaidyanathan ambaforms@gmail. com

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More On OROP.
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“…the new pension regime would be based on a formula or a rank-wise one time increment (OTI) to bridge the gap between past and present pensioners. It is also unlikely that officers’ pensions are made amenable to the new system. My only request to veterans is to refrain from circulating mails which may raise false hopes and cause (avoidable) discomfiture at a later stage.”

Unknown to many, In 2004, the govt had announced improvement in the scales of PBOR which had almost resulted in OROP for Sepoys, Naiks and Havildars. According to that policy, the pensions of all three ranks were linked with top end of 5th CPC scales irrespective of vintage of retirement. Further an additional weightage of 10, 8 and 6 years was granted to past and future pensioner Sepoys, Naiks and Havildars respectively. Hence, contrary to common belief, PBOR always had a system of pension calculation which was different from Commissioned Officers and other Civil Govt employees. On the other hand, the system of pension computation for officers had always been absolutely similar to civilian employees, the only difference being that unlike the 5 years weightage available to civilians, officers of the defence services were granted higher weightages to cater for early retirement since while military officers retire between the ages of 54 and 62 depending upon arm / service and rank, most civilians retire between the ages of 58 and 60 (though certain categories of personnel of the CPOs retire earlier). Now to say that officers should exactly be at par with PBOR would be a little controversial. We cannot compare employees who start retiring at the age of 33+ with another set of employees who retire at 54+. So this conspiracy theory about the govt employing a policy of ‘divide and rule’ between officers and PBOR has no credibility since the govt has merely continued what was in vogue earlier. If at all there have been sinister moves in this whole 6th CPC imbroglio, the same may have been perpetrated by lower level bureaucracy which always manages to stump both the higher bureaucracy and people in uniform.

Having said that, I still maintain that OROP for all ranks and all employees (civilians included) would be an ideal structural form. A Major General who retired in say 1995 has to buy the same atta, dal and chawal and at the same prices as a Major General who retires today and in this light OROP definitely makes sense. But to say that it should be granted to officers on the same terms as PBOR or that officers of the military should be treated differently than civil servants may cut ice within our community but would widen the wedge between faujis, and dare I say it, the outside world.

Back to the point. There are two major sufferers in the officer community – Majors, who form the bulk of the officer retirees from the earlier eras and Non-Army Commander Lt Generals who retired prior to 2006 and who shall not (as per rules in vogue presently) get the pensionary benefit of HAG+. Leaving aside our personal opinions, we should convince the govt to atleast grant the following to the officer cadre which may well be within the rules of equity and fairplay :

(a) Grant an across the board increment of Rs 3000 on account of MSP to existing pensions of commissioned officers upto the rank of Major. It may be recalled that the benefit of MSP is practically available only to Lt Cols and above based on Annexure-II pension tables of GoI / MoD letter dated 11 Nov 2009 and the same is not extended to Annexure-I pension tables. It also may be pointed out here that in the distant past, some Majors used to retire in their 40s.

(b) Grant pension based on HAG+ to all past retirees who retired as Lt Generals. There is a strong case for this since past DsGP who till 4th CPC were at par with Lt Generals (non Army Commanders) are now drawing a pension of Rs 37750 while pre-06 Lt Generals (non Army Commanders) are placed @ Rs 27700.

Our approach should not be emotional but realistic, practical, pragmatic and extremely logical. Wait till the new scheme is officially announced and we shall bring to light the infirmities therein.

Maj Navdeep Singh at 7:31 AM