Meeting of IESM Delegation with Finance Minister Sh Arun Jaitley on 16 July 14
Dear Veterans
IESM delegation met with FM Sh Arun Jaitley on 16 July 14. Following members were part of the delegation.
1 Maj Gen Satbir Singh Chairman IESM
2 Lt Gen SK Bahiri
3 Gp Capt VK Gandhi Gen Sec IESM
4 Wg Cdr CK Sharma Treasurer IESM
5 Col Handa Diwave
6 Hony Lt K Pandey Mem GB IESM
Gen
Sabir Singh impressed upon FM that ex-servicemen thank the Govt for
granting OROP, however despite a lapse of five months since approval of
OROP on 17 Feb 14, Government order for implementation is still not
issued. We request that the implementation order may please be issued
soon. Moreover Rs 1,500 crore allotted for OROP is not adequate for full
OROP and more funds may please be released for OROP.
FM
replied that the DGL is under active consideration of Govt and it will
be issued once consultations are completed. He hinted that funds
required for OROP is much more than expected.
The
issue was discussed for good 15 min but FM did not give any commitment
about time frame for issue of implementation order. He opined that it
seems he would need to order a meeting between Armed Forces HQs and Govt
deptts (DESW, CGDA) to iron out the differences. It was suggested that
IESM should also be consulted and permitted to give its views but FM
remained noncommittal on this.
End
result is that FM did not give any commitment and time frame of
approval of DGL put up by Armed Forces HQs. He also did not give
assurance of involving IESM and ex-servicemen in the discussion of DGL.
IESM
is of the opinion that veterans will need to tighten their belts for
another long battle with the Govt for OROP, your Izzat and status.
IESM
will continue to discuss the issue with all authorities for release of
implementation letter for full OROP. IESM will not accept any dilution
in definition of OROP as approved by Parliament.
It
seems DESW and CGDA have succeeded in delaying implementation of OROP
for veterans but have had no objections for approving bureaucrats
treatment abroad along with an escort on Govt expenses. What a pity
this is how India takes care of soldiers and veterans. .
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