Toll 30 I Bodies of eight Army personnel recovered, search continues for 14 others

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 7

The toll in the flashfloods in Sikkim rose to 30 as four more bodies were found on Saturday, while 62 people who were reported missing for the past three days were found alive, a government agency said here. The number of missing people came down to 81, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority said on Saturday.

MoS (Home) visits state, promises all help

• In Gangtok, Union MoS (Home Affairs) AK Mishra on Saturday chaired a meeting with the Chief Secretary, head of departments and senior officers of Army, ITBP, BRO and NHPC. He promised all possible help from the Centre
• A central team, comprising senior officers of five ministries — Agriculture, Road Transport & Highways, Jal Shakti, Energy and Finance — will take stock of the ground situation in the state from Sunday

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the mortal remains of eight Army personnel, who were part of a group of soldiers that went missing following the flashfloods, had been found.

He tweeted that he was pained by the loss of precious lives, including eight Army personnel in the flashfloods. Out of the 23 missing soldiers, one was rescued while mortal remains of eight brave soldiers were recovered. Their sacrifice, while being deployed in forward areas in the service of the nation, will not be forgotten. Search operations to rescue remaining 14 soldiers and missing civilians are underway, the minister said.

In Gangtok, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra chaired a meeting with the Chief Secretary and head of departments concerned of the State Government and senior officers of the Army, ITBP, Border Roads Organisation and National Hydro Power Corporation.

Mishra said the Government of India was closely monitoring the situation in Sikkim and all the necessary support and assistance for the state is underway. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah are in constant touch with the Chief Minster with regard to the extent of damage and rescue and relief work.

The Government of India has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising of senior officers of five Ministries — Agriculture, Road Transport & Highways, Jal Shakti, Energy and Finance. The committee will visit the state from Sunday onwards to take stock of the ground situation, assess the damages and provide assistance wherever necessary.

The Union Minister of State asked the state government to prepare a short term and long-term plan to effectively accomplish the task of re-building the damaged and lost infrastructure in the shortest possible time.

200 civilians die as Hamas fires thousands of rockets, sends fighters into Israeli towns, Over 230 Palestinians killed, more than 1,600 injured in retaliatory bombing, Israel’s major intel failure in countering militant attack leaves world baffled

Tribune News Service

Sandeep Dikshit

New Delhi, October 7

Palestinian fighters launched an unprecedented, surprise military attack into Israel early on Saturday morning, killing at least 200 civilians and wounding 1,100 while retaliatory Israeli Air Force bombing killed over 230 Palestinians and injured more than 1,600.

Designated ‘Terror’ outfit by West

• Founded in 1987 during first Palestinian Intifada, Hamas is backed by Shi’ite Iran and shares Islamist ideology of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood
• Has run Gaza Strip since 2007, after a civil war with forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas, who heads Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)
• Refuses to recognise Israel, is opposed to Oslo peace accords between Israel and PLO; its armed wing al-Qassam Brigades has been targeting Israelis
• Part of an alliance with Iran, Syria & Lebanese oufit Hezbollah
• Designated terror outfit by Israel, US, EU, Canada, Egypt & Japan

The scale of the assault, which is still ongoing, is not fully clear. But Israelis seemed confident of controlling the situation. “By the end of today, there will be no more living terrorists left in Israel,” said Israeli army spokesman Richard Hecht even as Israeli special forces in sophisticated military gear were seen clearing the streets of Sderot under “Operation Swords of Iron”.

18K Indians in Israel

• India issued a travel advisory asking its 18,000 citizens in Israel to exercise caution
• An Indian in Israel was killed in 2021 during a rocket attack
• Air India cancels its flight from New Delhi to Tel Aviv

The green signal to pull out all stops came from the US, which backed Israel’s right to defend itself. However, more worryingly and humiliatingly for Israel, several soldiers, including a top commander, besides civilians, have been kidnapped by fighters of the Hamas Palestinian group. In 2011, Israel had to free over 1,000 Palestinians in exchange for their kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. Hardline Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of emergency, called up reservists and said his country was at war. Making the announcement from a secure military base hours after Israeli security agencies were caught napping as dozens of gunmen invaded Israeli towns at dawn on Saturday, Netanyahu vowed to exact an “unprecedented price” from the Hamas militant group.

Enemy will pay the price

Enemy will pay unprecedented price; Israel will return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

Israeli Defence Forces are engaging the Palestinian militants roaming around and in the “settlements” while more video grabs showed Israeli civilians with gunshots lying on the streets.

With you in hour of crisis: Modi

Deeply shocked by terrorist attacks. We stand in solidarity with Israel.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Video grabs also showed Palestinian fighters seizing Israeli tanks in Gaza and evicting their crew, while some of them were driving around motorcycles with captured Israeli soldiers riding pillion as trophy.

Islamabad, October 7

Forcibly deporting Afghans from Pakistan could lead to severe human rights violations, including separation of families and deportation of minors, the United Nations (UN) warned on Saturday.

Pakistan recently announced a crackdown on migrants living in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans, telling them to return to their home countries by October 31 to avoid mass arrest and expulsion.

The government denies targeting Afghans and says the focus was on people who are in the country illegally, regardless of their nationality. It said it was setting up a hotline and offering rewards to people who tip off authorities about such migrants. “Such crackdown would have serious implications for all who have been forced to leave the country and may face serious protection risks upon return,” it said. — AP

Our Correspondent

Samaan Lateef

Srinagar, October 7

In a significant infrastructure milestone, authorities have officially opened a crucial 645-metre section of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, including the two-lane Maroge tunnel and a viaduct in Ramban district. It will mitigate the risk of landslides and reduce the travel distance by 200 metres. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari shared the news on social media. “This not only boosts the region’s economic growth but also enhances the region’s appeal as a premier tourist destination,” noted Gadkari, adding that the project’s cost was around Rs 82 crore.

“This segment of the highway will also provide an alternative route bypassing the well-known Sita Ram Passi landslide area,” the minister added.

Both pilots, Abhay Gadroo, Yash Vijay Ramugade were from Mumbai

Reuters

Washington, October 6

Two trainee pilots, among three killed on in the city of Chilliwack in Canada’s British Columbia province, were from India.  Both pilots, Abhay Gadroo, Yash Vijay Ramugade were from Mumbai.

The plane – a Piper PA-34 Seneca, a twin-engined light aircraft – crashed into trees and bushes behind a motel, near the local airport. Chilliwack is about 100 kilometres (62 miles) east of Vancouver.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said it was sending investigators.

All three people onboard, including the pilot, were killed and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it was notifying the next of kin.

Haylie Morris, who worked nearby, told the Vancouver Sun she watched the plane go down in front of her.

“(I) started running and I saw it go into the forest across the street, crash through the trees,” Morris told the newspaper.

Officials said the scene was contained and there were no other reported injuries or risks to the public.

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 7

The Ministry of Defence today said Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari would unveil a new ensign to mark Air Force Day on Sunday.

Navy adopts new method for appraisal

• The Ministry of Defence has said the Indian Navy has institutionalised a transformative initiative of ‘360 degree appraisal mechanism’ for promotions
• The new method aims to include surveys from suitably identified peers and subordinates for every officer being considered for promotion
• The survey comprises a set of questions on professional knowledge, leadership attributes, suitability in war or crisis and potential for holding higher ranks

The Air Force Day parade is this year being conducted at Prayagraj and the flypast would be over the Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. The new ensign would be made public at the parade. This is the first change to the ensign since 1951, when the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) ensign was changed to make it look ‘Indian’.

After Independence, the IAF ensign was created by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian Tricolour and the RIAF roundels were replaced with the Tricolour roundel.

A new lAF ensign set to

be unveiled tomorrow has the Air Force crest in the top right corner. The crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion, on the top with the words ‘Satyameva Jayete’ in Devanagari below it.

A Himalayan eagle, with its wings spread, has a ring in light blue colour encircling it with words “Indian Air Force”.

The existing motto of the IAF “Touching the sky with Glory” taken from the verse 24, Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita will remain on the ensign.

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 6

Even as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, defended the new rules for granting disability pension in the armed forces, a body of ex-servicemen yesterday shot off a letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeking withdrawal of the rules, terming these “regressive” for widows and disabled soldiers.

General Chauhan, while addressing a press conference here, said the new rules, titled “Entitlement Rules (ER) for Casualty Pension and Disability Compensation Awards to Armed Forces Personnel, 2023”, were aimed at protecting the interests of “genuine” personnel and ensuring a fitter military. These had been formulated after wide-ranging discussions among the three services. Recommendations were made by a study involving the three services, the Armed Forces Medical Services and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.

“The new rules do not, in any manner, alter the emoluments of war widows, family pensioners or veterans. There is no change in the entitlement for any category of personnel being granted compensation for death or disability,” General Chauhan said. Meanwhile, the All-India Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, in its letter to Rajnath Singh, said, “A disinformation campaign is underway by the official social media handles trying to project that the recent entitlement rules do not change the entitlement for any category of death or disability in service.”

There would be no retrospective implementation of the norms, General Chauhan said. “The aim of the study was to protect the genuine interests of personnel who acquire disability during service while preventing the exploitation of its liberal provisions from misuse,” the Chief of Defence Staff said at a media briefing. The Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, and the Vice Chief of Army, Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, were also present.

The new rules were brought out over five months after the Comptroller and Auditor General asked the Defence Ministry to carry out an analysis of disability among soldiers. It had found that nearly 40% of the officers and 18% of the jawans were drawing disability pensions.

The provisions of the revised entitlement rules will be applicable for the armed forces personnel who retired after September 21

The new rules for granting disability pension to armed forces personnel were brought out following wide-ranging discussions among the three services and they are aimed protecting interests of the “genuine” people and ensuring a fitter military, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said on Friday.

The provisions of the revised entitlement rules will be applicable for the armed forces personnel who retired after September 21 and there will be no retrospective implementation of the norms, he said.

The new rules titled ‘Entitlement Rules (ER) for Casualty Pension and Disability Compensation Awards to Armed Forces Personnel, 2023’ were brought out based on the recommendations of a study involving the three services, Armed Forces Medical Services and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.

“The aim of the study was to protect the genuine interests of personnel who acquire disability during service while preventing the exploitation of its liberal provisions from misuse,” the Chief of Defence Staff said at a media briefing in presence of Navy Chief R Hari Kumar, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Vice Chief of Army Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar.

The new rules were brought out over five months after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) asked the defence ministry to carry out an analysis of disability among soldiers after finding out that nearly 40 per cent of the officers, and 18 per cent of personnel below officer rank, who retire every year, were drawing disability pensions.

There have been apprehensions among certain quarters of the ex- servicemen after the new rules governing the grant of disability pension were unveiled.

The CDS said most of the concerns of the ex-servicemen community were addressed by a panel of officers at a meeting on October 3.

In the new rules, the defence ministry introduced a new concept of ‘impairment relief’ that is largely aimed largely at addressing lifestyle related diseases.

The armed forces personnel get higher payouts of up to 30 per cent of their pension emoluments based on the percentage of disability.

“The provisions of the revised ER for grant of disability pension will be applicable for those personnel who retire after September 21. It has no retrospective application,” Gen Chauhan said.

“It does not, in any manner, alter the emoluments of war widows, family pensioners or veterans. There is no change in the entitlement for any category of personnel being granted compensation for death or disability,” he said.

Gen Chauhan said the “disability element” has been renamed as “impairment relief in respect of only those personnel who are not invalidated out due to their nature of disabilities and continue to serve till their term of engagement.” “The change in name to impairment relief does not affect the nature of entitlement or quantum of emoluments,” he said.

He said the new rules were brought out also to enhance the efficiency of the overall functioning of the three services.

Dear All
I have been asked by many disabled soldiers of my views on Entitlement Rules 2023 of Min of Def dated 21 Sep 2023.
I am not a disabled soldier but have a lot of sympathy for them as they suffered much in service. They need to be respected and compensated for losing so many benefits in service available to SHAPE-1 soldiers like I.
These disability and war injury were there since times immemorial.
I have not found any reason to issue 187 page long bumf and create panic in the disabled and war injured soldier community.
It is better if the LMC officers of AMC comment on these entitlement rules 2023 as a lot of medical jumbo mumbo is given in this document which most of us cannot understand.
My views are in 13 pages. Read them if you have patience and inclination. You need not agree with my views.
warm regards & respects,
Brig CS Vidyasagar (Retd), President TSEWA
94931 91380
brigvidya.tsewa@gmail.com

COMMENTS BY BRIG CS VIDYASAGAR :DETAILS AS UNDER

Dear Sir,

1.      You need a lot of patience and resilience to go through this long message of 13 pages of mine. Just saying Entitlement Rules 2023 deprive disabled / war injured soldiers is not good enough in Courts of Law. You got to prove how these Entitlement Rules affect the disability claims of solider henceforth.

2.     Disclaimer. I am not a disabled soldier and pay income tax of Rs 25,600 per month. I have no axe to grind. But I have sympathy for the disabled & war injured soldiers having seen how they suffered in military service.

3.     The Entitlement Rules 2023 has come out of a belief of a former COAS and CDS that many soldiers feign disability on flimsy ground just before retirement. He felt this kind of cheating by disabled soldiers deprives the Govt of India thousands of crores which the country needs badly for its development when poor are becoming poorer. (forget rich are becoming richer when only 5% control entire wealth of this country). An unsigned letter from Army HQ during his reign was promptly sent by Min of Def to Min of Fin. This has resulted in disabled & war injured soldiers losing their income tax exemption as old letter said only invalided soldiers are eligible for income tax exemption.

4.     I have no dispute if Govt of India, Ministry of Defence makes rules amending previous letters or regulations to improve the benefits on seeing the ground realities over period of time. Military service is hazardous when soldiers have to face all kinds of challenges to accomplish their task. Employment in High Altitude Areas (HAAs) and extreme HAAs over 15,000 feet, employment in jungles of North East where un-congenial conditions prevail  have resulted in many healthy soldiers succumbing to many diseases like pulmonary oedema, chill blains, frost bites, snow blindness, Cerebral Malaria etc resulting in amputation or even death. I know a Maj Gen (former GOC 15 Inf Div in 1998-99) who later became Lt Gen told me that he has become totally blind just before retirement and I asked him the reason for this blindness.  I saw him as perfect when he was commanding 15 Inf Div. He told me that he was posted in Sikkim as a young officer and due to snow all over his post at times he did not use sun goggles and that has caused mild blindness initially but aggravated to total blindness at the time of retirement.  I know a Brigadier in Dehradun who is totally blind on his retirement due to military service only.

5.      Whenever the powers – that be frame new rules for disabled soldiers and war injured soldiers, these rules should be done with empathy. A study needs to be done by the CGDA as to how much is the outgo of extra money paid to disabled /war injured soldiers and how much loss of income tax per annum to the exchequer. Forget the income lost by the Govt of Inda, Min of Finance who reduce the corporate taxes which runs into thousands of crores per annum. Is saving to the exchequer be at the cost of disabled / war injured soldiers?

6.     A moot question as to where is necessity for Entitlement Rules 2023 when Defence Pension Regulations 2008 clearly mention who are the disabled soldiers and war injured soldiers. Category A to E are clearly spelt out to show which are Attributable or Aggravated by Military Service. These Entitlement Rules were framed to overcome the following:-

(a)  These were framed with a purpose to overcome the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court of 2013 which ruled that any injury or disease surfaces once the soldier or officers joins the Armed Forces if no such evidence of any ailment is recorded at the time of enrolment / commissioning is to be treated as Attributable or Aggravated by Military Service. Hon’ble Supreme Court does not recognize the term Not Attributable Nor Aggravated (NA-NA) if the problem arose in the service. It is plain common sense. If a person is healthy at the time of enrolment or commissioning (before SSB of officers), then any disability or disease should be attributable to military service.

(b)  The DGAFMS complained to the Defence Secretary that Maj Gens and Lt Gens pressurize the doctors in service hospitals to grant them disability element to avail income tax exemption. This new rule that Colonels and above have to go out of their own area of functioning for Release Medical Boards (RMB) is the result of this complaint. We are aware a former COAS when he was to retire in March 2019 or thereabouts goes to USA in Jan 2019  and sees a demonstration of guns firing trials and comes home  and complains he became deaf (being a gunner himself). He is sanctioned disability above 20% and now enjoys hefty pension and is exempt from payment of income tax. But do all disabled or war injured soldier come under category?

7.      Need for New Terms. Where is the need for time tested Disability Pension and War Injury Pension to be replaced by terms Impairment Relief? Is Impairment Relief gets income tax exemption which go by their own rules of Income Tax Act 1961 amended from time to time? When no such term Impairment Relief is covered in the Income Tax Act does the IT commissioner exempt the disability pension from payment of income tax? The worthies in Min of Def should have got acceptance from Min of Fin that Disability pension and Impairment Relief are one and the same phrase and Impairment Relief if mentioned also is eligible for income tax exemption.       In what way Impairment Relief is distinct from Disability Element?

8.     Page 5 of 187, Para 5: Invalidment. The condition for invalidment is different for officers and JCOs /OR. Para 5 (d) says all those soldiers (including Officers) who were in SHAPE – 5 when invalided before completion of their terms of engagement are to be treated as Invalided out of Service. But para 5(b) covers only JCOs /OR who are in permanent medical category lower than are invalided due to non-availability of suitable alternative employment or even if provided alternative employment are discharged before completion of their terms of engagement are considered to be invalided. Does it mean Officers in Low Medical Category cannot be invalided?

9.     Page 7 of 187, Para 7: Inability to Detect Some Latent Diseases or Injuries. This provision has been inserted to overcome the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court of 2013 explained in para 6(a) above. Now the medical boards will simply say the disease or injury sustained was not recorded at the time of enrolment / commission being latent hence the injury or disease now detected in service is not Attributable or Aggravated by Military Service.

10.   Page 9 of 187, Para 10(d) to (f). Personnel proceeding on leave or returning to unit on completion of leave have been treated on duty. This provision has been inserted consequent of judicial pronouncements when death or injuries sustained are upheld by courts of law as on duty and the soldiers were compensated.

11.    Page 15 of 187, Para 18(b) (ix). Impairment cum Assessment Board for the rank of Colonel and above will be held in service hospitals outside their area of responsibility. This is based on the complaint of DGAFMS made to Defence Secretary that Maj Gens and Lt Gens apply pressure on service doctors to recommend disability pension to avoid payment of income tax.

12.    Page 16 of 187, Para 18(c).Release Medical Board (RMB) of officers of the rank of Brigadier and above shall be held in the service hospital outside there area of responsibility to prevent them to apply pressure on the service doctors to give them disability pension.

13.    If you want to understand how these Entitlement Rules 2023 deprive future Disabled & War Injured Solider to get their legitimate compensation, you need to study what has been told to the service doctors cover in pages 36 to 187 of Appendix II- Guide to Medical Officers.

Chapter I

Page 45:/187,  Para 9.

14.    One has to study this paragraph carefully to understand its purpose and intention of the authors of the Entitlement Rules 2023. It says if the soldiers goes before the doctor in the service hospital and the doctor who is now trained to ask him about his medical condition prior to joining the Armed Forces then make that poor soldier to sign that he did suffer some ailment before his enrolment / commissioning to deny him the benefit of disability as the ailment prior to enrolment / commissioning has led to his present condition.  This has been made just to deny the disability element. Our soldiers are simple and they will do what the clever AMC officers tells him to do.

Para 10

15.    Again, very ingeniously drafted for those who contract some ailment while on leave though it is not evident but may surface after he rejoins the unit. The clever AMC officer will probe by putting the soldier under stress and extract that the solider suffered disease while on leave and in no way his disability is attributed to Military Service.

16.    The medical Board are now told to be 100% sure that the disability is due to military service and not due to any other cause. On what basis the doctors in the medical board would say” that the disability is not attributable to military service? Which medical text books says that the disability has not occurred in service?

Chapter II

Page 46/187, Para 2

17.    Look at the intelligence of the drafters (mostly officers from DGAFMS). It says in ordinary course of life one can slip, trip, fall, hit accidentally an animate or inanimate object, sprains, muscle pulls etc should not be linked to military life. It begs a simple question : How does one become a disabled soldier? So if a solider slips in on a recce and sustain an injury the argument of the competent authority is that he could have slipped while not on military duty. So not granted disability pension or impairment relief. The burden of proof that soldier sustained injury or contracted disease which is attributable to military service is now on the poor soldier.

18.    Brig PT Gangadharan of 7 GUARDS, while commanding his bde in J & K on the LOC wanted to visit one of his inf bns. The route from Bde HQ to Inf Bn is overseen by Pakis who open fire if movement is observed in day time. So, Brig PT Gangadharan had to move in the night only to go to the inf bn. Unfortunately, it drizzled at night and the narrow foot path was moist. You cannot light torch lest be seen by Pakis overlooking the Indian post. He slipped and went down few hundred metres in a gorge. He was rescued after few hours. He broke his spine but was retained in service in Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, Kirkee, Pune and then retired. He was granted 100%  war injury pension. Though he did well till then,  he could have become a Maj Gen but for this accident his bright career ended. But our clever service doctors will now say “Oh the Brigadier could have slipped on any rainy day? So this is normal daily activity as mentioned in Entitlement Rules 2023. So no disability pension is recommended.”

19.    Most of the disability cases will either be rejected by doctors of service hospitals or by the competent authority on flimsy ground forcing the disabled soldiers to run around the courts of law to get justice. In the bargain framers of Entitlement Rules 2023  make some unemployed advocates in AFT earn some money.

Page 47 & 48 /187, Chapter II, Para 7 & 8

20.   It lists seven diseases which cannot be detected at the time of enrolment or commissioning. So when a disabled soldier goes to RMB, our service doctors will link one of the above seven diseases and reject his claim for disability pension. This has been cleverly put in the Entitlement Rules 2023 to overcome the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court 2013 at para 6(a). Many disabled soldiers could get relief due to the ibid judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court. Now the clever framers think they can overcome the judgment by inserting this innocuous para 7. Which medical text books state so?

21.    Para 9. This paragraph beats all arguments of any advocate. A soldier or officer cadet is healthy before joining but might become disabled soon after joining. No time period is mentioned for this phrase Soon After. We need to compliment the ingenuity of authors to prove by any medical text book that a person can become disabled just after getting selected to join Armed Forces? This is to overcome the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court of 2013 (para 6(a)).

Chapter III

Page 52 /187, Chapter II, Para 11

22.   This has been inserted to overcome the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court (para 6(a)). It is not understood how can previous medical boards when a solider sustained injury or contracted a disease become invalid and only RMB is the sole documents to decide to award disability or war injury is not understood. The aim here appears to contradict the medical condition sustained at that time when medical board opined the cause of injury or disease which might favour the soldier to get disability pension or war injury pension. Which is more relevant? A medical board held immediately when a soldier sustains an injury or a RMB held many years later at the time of discharge or retirement?

Appendix A to Chapter III: Relevant Medical Boards for Disability Compensation

23.   Disability Compensation Medical Board (DCMB). A new medical board titled Disability Compensation Medical Board (DCMB) is created. When a medical board declared a soldier as permanent low medical category, then within three months this board is to be convened to declare whether there is any scope for award of disability pension.  Then what is the use of RMB done at the time of retirement? This is held in any Comd Hospital or Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt or R & R Hospital, Delhi Cantt. The disabled / war injured solider will spend most of the time going before medical boards and proving that he is a genuine disabled / war injured soldier.  This Special Board is presided over by the Comdt of the Hospital who will do no other work in future except presiding over such disabled or war injured cases. In that case such disabled / war injured soldiers should be exempted from appearing before RMB at the time of retirement.

24.   Release Medical Board (RMB).  A soldier who happens to be in low medical category will appear before RMB before his retirement. That means when a soldier is disabled in service, he appears before the following medical boards:-

(a)    Classification Medical Board (CMB). Immediately on being disabled or acquired a disease.

(b)    Reclassification Medical Board. To get his medical Classification revised.

©     Disability Compensation Medical Board (DCMB). To recommend whether disabled or war injured soldier be given the benefit of disability or war injury.

(d)    Release Medical Board (RMB).  In spite of the DCMB declaring that the soldier is disabled or war injured he has to undergo one more medical board before retirement. Then what is the use of DCMB or RMB. Why both are required?

(e)    When an Agniveer suffers an injury or contracts disease when he has to undergo four medical boards at various locations in his four years of tenure, then what is his contribution to the defence service?

25.   Page 70/187: Detailed Justification. The cursory reading of this shows that it has been inserted to overcome the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court of 2013 (para 6(a))

26.   Why is the disease not related to service as per job profile and place of posting.

27.   My view: How can any medical officer prove that the disease contracted is not related to his job profile and place of posting? Do diseases are confined to any place of posting unless it is High Altitude Area or Siachen. The Entitlement Rules 2013 have been framed to deny a legitimate claim for disability or war injury pension.

28.   If the disease is constitutional / hereditary / due to process of ageing etc why was it not detected at the time of enrolment / commission.
29.   My view. The hon’ble Supreme Court in their judgment said if there is no adverse remark about the medical condition at the time of enrolment / commission any injury or disease notice is attributable to military service (para 6(a)). The framers of Entitlement Rules 2023 to overcome this judgment made these questions posed to the service doctors to force them to write it is not possible to detect these at the time of enrolment / commission so no need to pay any disability or war injury element. The judgment of Hon’ble Surpeme Court is thereby overcome to deny legitimate benefit to the disabled or war injured soldiers. These service doctors are good to justify any disability is not discoverable at the time of enrolment or commissioning. The argument is the soldier carried that disability hidden at the time of enrolment or commission and therefore not attributed nor aggravated by military service.

30    The detailed list of documents to prove that it is NA-NA.

31.    My view. The list of 9 documents are to be submitted by the disabled or war injured soldier to justify that his disability is attributable to military service. The service doctors are quite capable to show one of the documents which prove the case is NA -NA. The burden of proof for disability has been quietly shifted from Medical Boards to the disabled or war injured soldier.

Chapter VI: Clinical Aspects of Certain Diseases

Page 102/187, Para 8. Cardiomyopathy

32.   As laymen we understand heart attack. There are four types as shown below:-

(a)    Dilated Cardio Myopathy.

(b)    Hypertrophic  Cardio Myopathy.

©     Restrictive Cardio Myopathy.

(d)    Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia.

33.   Only Dilated Cardio Myopathy is attributed to military service. Anyone dying due to other three can get benefit of attributable only if the disease is detected de-novo due to active operations, employment in High Altitude Area (HAA) for three months or three months after de-induction from HAA / ship or one month in submarine or disability and widows of such soldiers will not be given benefit of Special Family Pension.
If a soldier dies due to the three heart attacks mentioned at 17(b) to (c) in non-operational areas or HAA or Ships / Submarine will not get benfit and his widow will not be eligible for Special Family Pension. Courts of Law have given benefit to any soldier dying due to stresses and strains cause even in peace stations or modified field areas or field areas.

34.   Page 102/187, Para 9. Cancer. There are a variety of cancers. But only those cancers where an infective aetiology exposure to ionizing, radiation, chemicals, due to service conditions is forthcoming should be attributed to military service. Now this forces the burden of proof on disabled solider who contracts cancer. Service doctors will decide whether the cancer is attributable to military service or not.

Chapter VII: Assessment

35.   Page 135/187, Para 11. Constant Attendant Allowance (CAA). The saving grace of this Entitlement Rule 2023 is to give a disabled soldier benefit of Constant Attendant Allowance even if the disability is not 100%.

36.   Page 135/187, Para 14. Death of Invalid Soldier. Another benefit is given to invalid soldier who may die subsequently if the medical board is convinced that death occurred due to the disease or injury which forced the Invalid Medical Board to board out the soldier. The time period between invalidment and death is not mentioned. The widow of such an invalided soldier will get Special Family Pension.

37.   Page 136/187, Para 17A (b). Composite Impairment. If a soldier suffers four impairments as under then his composite assessment is carried out as under:-

(a)  Impairment 1: 20%.

(b)  Impairment II: 30%

©   Impairment III : 20%

(d)  Impairment IV: 30%.

Note : All Impairments should be above 20%.

Composite Assessment =

(a)  Impairment I : 20%

(b)  Impairment II: 30% = Balance of 30% = (100-20) x 0.30 = 24%.

©   Impairment III: Balance of 20% = (100 – 20 – 24) x 0.20 = 56 x 0.20 = 11.20%.

(d)  Impairment IV: Balance of 30%  = (100 – 20-24-11.20) x 0.30 = 13.44% or 13.50%.
(e)  Composite Impairment : 20 +24+11.2+13.50 = 68.70%. (broad banded to 75%).

38,   Page 136/187, Para 17A (c). In case where a solider is given war injury element of 40% and disability element in service at 20%, the composite impairment is assessed at 50%. War injury is taken as 40% full and 20% of disability is taken as (100-50) x 0.20 = 10%. The composite impairment is taken at 50%.  But it is not specified 50% of War Injury or 50% of Disability.

39.   This is incorrect. The war injury element has higher compensation as under:-

(a)  War Injured Retained in Service.  The War Injury Element (WIE) is 60% of Last Reckonable Emoluments (LRE) for 100% injury.

(b)  War Injured but Invalided: 100% of LRE for 100% injury.

©   In case of normal disability it is 30% of LRE for 100% disability. Therefore, composite impairment cannot be combined for war injury and normal disability.

40.   Medical Mumbo Jumbo. LMC doctors who are not given benefit of disability are most suitable to comment on the Guide to Medical Officers (GMO).

Conclusion

41.    There are no compelling reasons for Min of Def (ESW) to issue Entitlement Rules 2023 when the existing rules are not found to be discriminatory. These rules are framed by the former COAS who thought many are getting disability benefit by fraudulent means and exemption from Income tax and DGAFMS felt the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court of 2013 which stated that unless something is recorded on the medical condition at the time of enrolment or commission,  any disability or disease is seen in the service, it is to be treated as Attributable or Aggravated by Military Service. As per the Hon’ble Supreme Court the term NA-NA is invalid and illegal.

42.   These regressive Entitlement Rules need to be challenged in court of law comparing Existing Entitlement Rules which are not discriminatory by group of disabled and war injured soldiers.

43.   Since Income Tax Dept recognizes only Disabilty or War Injury, the term Impairment Relief may not qualify for income tax exemption.

44.   The Commanding Officers of Major Units and Officers Commanding of Minor independent units have to understand their responsibility in signing various forms when disability to any soldier occurs. The injury report and Court of Inquiry should be immediately ordered so that the disability is attributed to military service. The subsequent medical documents go by what the injury report or court of inquiry say about the injury or disease.

warm regards,

Brig CS Vidyasagar (Retd)

94931 91380

brigvidya.tsewa@gmail.com

By LT COL MANOJ K CHANNAN, VETERAN

William Blake

The Indian Defence Forces have a storied history that stretches back thousands of years, spanning numerous wars, skirmishes, and operations. The annals have showcased a saga of bravery, courage, and honour, protecting the nation against foreign invaders and internal threats. Yet, like all large organizations, they are not immune to bureaucratic missteps and internal inefficiencies.

A Commitment to Valor

The valiant acts of the Indian Armed Forces, be it in Kargil or during the Indo-Pak wars, stand testimony to their tenacity and resilience. Their unwavering commitment to duty is showcased in battles against external enemies and humanitarian and rescue operations, like during natural disasters.

The Internal Struggle: Cadre Review, Promotions, and Pay Scales

However, beyond the battlefield, there’s another front where the forces face challenges – internal administrative and hierarchical structures. The cadre review, promotions, and pay scales are as pressing as operational matters, if not more. The allegation that the Indian Armed Forces have only catered to 20% of its officers while letting the remaining 80% languish due to the ‘pyramidal structure’ of promotions is deeply concerning.ALSO READIndian Expands Defence Diplomacy: Strengthening Ties with Africa and Beyond

It’s startling to realize that no cadre review has occurred since 1984. This means a whole generation of officers got commissioned, served with dedication, and retired without witnessing a significant systemic overhaul. Such oversight can demoralize the force, leading to a loss of talented individuals and affecting the force’s operational effectiveness.

Understanding the Pyramidic Structure

The pyramidal structure, as it stands, ensures that only a select few rise to the top ranks, while many capable officers find their careers stagnated due to a lack of promotional avenues. While ensuring that only the best occupy key leadership roles, this structure also means that many dedicated officers don’t get their due. The model isn’t flawed but requires constant reviews to ensure fairness and maintain morale.

Military Leadership and Oversight

While the courage of the Indian Armed Forces is undoubted, the question arises – where did the Generals go wrong? It’s unfair to place the blame solely on them, but as the highest-ranking officers, they hold a considerable responsibility for the well-being and growth of their subordinates. Their primary duty isn’t just towards external security but also internal morale and welfare.

The lapse may be attributed to a combination of factors – an over-reliance on traditional structures, bureaucratic delays, and a possible lack of initiative or awareness about the growing discontent among the ranks.

Way Forward

To rectify this, a holistic review of the cadre system is paramount. This doesn’t just mean promotions and pay scales but also involves training, postings, and other aspects of an officer’s career. Modern militaries worldwide recognize the importance of keeping their officers motivated, with good pay and career growth opportunities, training, and recognition.

Valiant Protectors in a Bureaucratic World

The distinction between the Indian Defence Services and other civil services, including the IAS, IPS, and Class A services, is stark. The nature of their duties, the risks involved, and their service environments are fundamentally different. While all serve the nation in their capacities, the officers of the Defence Forces often find themselves directly in the line of fire, upholding the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

Leading from the Front

It’s indisputable that the Indian Defence Service Officers lead from the front. Their Killed in Action (KIA) ratio is a sombre testament to their commitment and the perils they face. This is not to downplay the risks that other services might encounter, especially those in areas like law enforcement or internal security, but the sheer magnitude of the risks involved for Defence Service Officers is unparalleled.ALSO READDefence Revolution: Rajnath Singh unveils game changing initiatives for self-reliance at ‘Swavlamban 2.0’

A Complex Interplay of Politics, Bureaucracy, and Defence

There’s a perception, not wholly unfounded, that defence officers are often not given their due, especially compared to their civil service counterparts. This could stem from a combination of political expediency and bureaucratic intricacies. The defence forces, by design, remain apolitical, which can sometimes place them at a disadvantage in bureaucratic negotiations where political considerations might come into play.

The Role of Military Leadership

The leadership of the Defence Forces, represented by the Generals and equivalent ranks in the Indian Navy and Air Force, has a challenging role. They are not just military strategists but also negotiators in the labyrinth of Delhi’s corridors of power. While it’s easy to point fingers at them for perceived lapses, it’s also essential to understand the complexities they navigate.

Yet, there’s merit to the argument that Generals, at times, might not display the same level of aggressiveness in pursuing perks and privileges for their rank and file as their civil counterparts do. Whether this stems from a sense of decorum, a different understanding of priorities, or a perceived lack of moral courage is debatable. Each situation, each negotiation, and each General is different.

Balancing Act

Ensuring that the Defence Forces are adequately rewarded is not just about fairness. It’s also a strategic imperative. A motivated, well-rewarded force is crucial for the nation’s defence. While the intangible honour of serving the nation is a significant motivator, tangible rewards, recognition, and care are equally important.

Cadre Review; Disability Pension vs Impairment Relief

Cadre Review is a pivotal tool in recalibrating a service by evolving organizational needs and the aspirations of its personnel. The emphasis of such reviews lies in optimizing a cadre’s efficiency, morale, and effectiveness. Over the last 38 years, since the last comprehensive cadre review in 1984, there have been significant shifts in the organizational landscape. Understanding the historical context and recent changes introduced by the Revised Entitlement Rules 2023 is essential.

Historical Background

Historically, the Post War Pay Committee (1947) and the Raghuramaiah Committee (1960) underscored the equivalence of Armed Forces Officers with Class 1 (IAS) officers, particularly the IPS. However, this equivalence has eroded over time. While organizations under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) undergo cadre reviews every five years, the Armed Forces have remained exempt. As a result, Armed Forces personnel experience disparities in promotions and financial benefits compared to their civilian counterparts.

The Revised Entitlement Rules 2023: Key Changes: Shift from Disability Pension to Impairment Relief (IR)

The most consequential change is the transition from Disability Pension to IR. Unlike the earlier pension, which could benefit the family after the pensioner’s demise, IR is strictly limited to the pensioner’s lifespan.

Introduction of Capitalized Impairment Relief (CIR). CIR mandates a one-time lump sum payment, contrasting with the optional nature of pension commutation. This can lead to short-term financial relief but potentially undermine long-term security.

Limited Applicability of Traditional Disability Pension. Under the new rules, the traditional disability pension is strictly confined to cases involving military personnel being invalided out.

Bypassing Legal Oversight. The structure of the new entitlement rules appears designed to evade potential court interventions, suggesting an intent to mitigate legal challenges.

No Provision for Broad-banding. The new rules exclude the broad-banding mechanism, potentially resulting in inadequate compensation for varying degrees of disability.

Concerns & Implications. It’s troubling to see some serving senior officers supporting these changes, as they may affect their post-retirement entitlements. The modifications, while reflecting a possible intent to streamline and update the system, might jeopardize the welfare of our military personnel.

The Revised Entitlement Rules 2023 marks a transformative approach to viewing and managing disability pensions. While change is inherent to progress, it is imperative to discern if these reforms prioritize the welfare of our Armed Forces personnel or introduce bureaucratic complexities detrimental to their well-being. A thorough evaluation and open discourse on these reforms are paramount as we move forward.

Conclusion

The Indian Defence Forces stand as a beacon of bravery and dedication. Their commitment to the nation is unquestionable. However, for the forces to maintain their edge, both on the battlefield and off it, there is an urgent need to address internal structural issues. While the valour against the enemy is commendable, the battle against administrative negligence and outdated practices must be won with equal vigour. As the adage goes, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” It’s time to strengthen every link in the formidable chain, the Indian Defence Forces.

The dialogue between the Defence Forces and the civilian leadership is ongoing. While the Defence Services have unique challenges, it’s essential to ensure that they are not perceived as mere “cannon fodder.”

The valiant sacrifices made by these officers deserve more than just posthumous awards; they warrant systemic changes that ensure that every officer feels valued, respected, and adequately compensated. The onus is on the military leadership and the civilian establishment to bridge gaps and work collaboratively towards the nation’s overarching interests.

The author is an Indian Army Veteran.

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.