Aman Sood
Tribune News Service
Patiala, November 18
A veteran Armyman has finally won a battle for pension after 50 years of struggle. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has ordered restoration of service pension for 95-year-old Santa Singh Tatlay, currently settled in Canada.
Santa Singh represented 8 Cavalry during World War-II in Libya (North Africa). Colonel GS Sandhu (retired), who fought his case, wrote to every Army unit and branch to ensure that the veteran got what he deserved.
Santa Singh was enrolled in the Army on September 24, 1937 and transferred to the pension establishment on September 30, 1964 after 28 years of service. Since April 1, 1965 he had not received his pension.
In a letter dated October 9, to the Armoured Corps Records, the Director Adjutant General has ordered release of his pension. The letter reads: “…the undersigned is directed to refer to the PCDA (P), Allahabad letter… addressed to Army headquarters on the above subject and to convey the sanction of the competent authority for restoration of 100 % service pension in ex-Risaldar Santa Singh of Armoured Corps with effect from April 1, 1965 to 14 December 1976 and ex post facto sanction to stop service pension from 15 December 1976 to 28 July 1986 and restoration of 50 % service pension with effect from 29 July, 1986 (excluding period spent in jail)”.
“I am very happy for my friend Santa Singh. I had to write to Army chiefs, defence ministers and even the Prime Minister many times. The stock response was frustrating as we were directed to one or the other Army unit,” he said.