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Presentation to RRM on 22 Oct 2010 by Col HN Handa, President Disabled War Veter

ans of India
I had been invited by Brig Gulia, Chairman IESL, to give a presentation to the R
RM and other very senior officers. The Secy (ESW) and Gen Shankar RoyChoudhary w
ere present.
(date of presentation 22 Oct 10 Chander Kamboj)
I was overwhelmed at the response received from those attending the gathering on
the occasion. In fact the RRM congratulated me and requested a copy of my prese
ntation for him to take with him to study. I gave him along with my presentation
, a copy of Medical responsibilities of other countries specifying the responsib
ility of Prosthetics. Along with that, I gave him a copy of the AFT judgment spe
cifying that:
1. War Disabled should receive Maximum pay of rank as they are deemed to have se
rved 33 years and
2. Gratuity and other concessions should be made available to Short Service Comm
issioned officers.
At the end, he promised to act on the issues especially on Data of War Disabled
on an emergent basis and also take up anomalies on account pay raised by others.
On this score, he advised that each item to be acted upon should be on a sepera
te sheet rather than on the same page.
He also promised to put a halt on unnecessary appeals on AFT judgments.
I thank Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, who granted me permission to use his earlier articl
e, which I did to the maximum and Satnam for his advice when formulating my pres
entation.
I thank Brig Gulia and his team for providing me the opportunity to present our
case. I had to also speak on behalf of Veterans and War Widows as their represe
ntatives had to cancel at the last minute.
(Foot note - In my presentation I brought out the 5th Pay commission acceptance,
the widows pension not being increased and the other aspects discussed in Inder s
office albeit in my own way.
Hari Handa)
Best wishes and regards,
Col H N Handa
President, Disabled War veterans(India)
B6/6 DLF City, Phase I,Gurgaon 122002
Mob: 9811920190, Tele: 0124-4051570
Fax: 0124-4051572
Presentation to RRM- 22 Oct 2010
ISSUES PERTAINING TO MILITARY VETERANS, WAR WIDOWS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO
WAR DISABLED/PHYSICALLY CHALLANGED AND DIFFERENTLY ABLED
Introduction
Issues of Military Veterans are many requiring attention for which a concerted e
ffort is required in harmony rather than confrontation. The most controversial
is in regards OROP. Some consider that parity was granted by the Vth Pay Commiss
ion and should continue with the same formula whereas other indicate different a
pproaches. The matter is too complicated and therefore not included in this pres
entation. However some other issues are included.
Motivated and trained to preserve National honor, pride in their regiment, the s
oldier s responses are legendary. This is attributable in part, to their Confiden
ce that the nation will look after their next of kin if they die on the battlef
ield or if disabled. They are fearless in fighting aggression of any type, self
-assured and confident. If the Country fails them, or does not do their duty by
them, their families suffer. The nation therefore, needs to care!!
Veterans
1. PBOR s, a newly framed terminology, join the forces at a very young age an
d dependant on the rank attained, retire before their fruitful life has begun. A
life where they are burdened with additional responsibilities of a young and gr
owing family needing proper education and care. Most of them with 17 years servi
ce. The V1th pay commission took note of this issue and rightfully recommended t
hat this huge well disciplined trained force, available to the country, beset by
many problems, should be utilised. Accordingly, it recommended opportunity of a
ccording lateral employment preferably, in para-military/police or any other sui
table posts within the MOD as a specific point. With a paradigm shift in the Po
litical thinking, in promoting private/public partnership, thereby not only incr
easing competition, helpful to consumers, both in Industry and others, MOD migh
t like to consider their suitability of guaranteed service till the age of 60 in
such newly created enterprises with the support of state governments, thus crea
ting disciplined manpower resource. Many areas can be thought of. They would the
n be able to care for their families with full confidence with no decrease in th
eir earning power. The government would gain in two ways. By utilizing a discipl
ined work force readily available in case of calamity, and financially.
2. The veterans live on the term IZZAT and will die for its retention. Do the
y receive it? No, not anymore. There was a time when a person in uniform request
ed to see the DC of a district or a constituency representative and got immediat
e response. Today this is not so. His requests for audience is basically related
to preservation of his lands and protection of his family whilst deployed fight
ing against aggression. Stress related problems of PBOR s are on the rise and such
neglect is a factor. This is reflected vividly in villages.
3. Reponses to queries related to pensions/allowances or other welfare meas
ures instituted by government lie unanswered and cause rise to despondency. Ther
e is no responsibility. Even orders sanctioning pay related allowances or anomal
ies are not actioned. An example, no action on the 20 Jan 2010 MOD order sanctio
ning removal of cap and broad banding by CGDA (Pensions). Whether it is his reco
rd office, CGDA (Pensions) or any other authority, queries are considered annoyi
ng. Frustration causes a rise in Court cases besides effecting the Morale adver
sely. Serving personnel are also effected realizing that once the uniform is she
d, they will be forsaken. PBOR s have been granted some revision in their pensions
lately.
4. What is galling to Veterans is that even after receiving favorable judgm
ents from Defence Forces Tribunals, the MOD instead of accepting decisions whic
h fall within its parameters, gracefully, appeal to the Supreme Court without pr
oper application of mind. Every decision needs to be studied carefully at the h
ighest level and not left to lower staff levels. Only the rarest be appealed.
War Widows and Widows
5. The VIth Pay Commission has, probably, due to oversight been silent on t
he pensionary and other benefits to War Widows and ordinary widows. Entitled spe
cial enhanced pension, their emoluments in comparison to present scales may be r
eviewed based on the previously approved formula.
6. It is considered that a war Widow should be granted the equivalent of a
double pension of the deceased individual.
7. Whereas the PBOR s increase of emoluments in pension, recently, have been
increased, wherein the minimum is `4500 the pensions of the widows have been ove
rlooked and remains at `3600. This needs a second look.
War Disabled
It is desirable that War Injury Element /Disability Element of the pension be re
garded as a monetary compensation for the physical and mental suffering undergon
e continuously by the War Injured / Disabled Ex-servicemen. Justice and fair pla
y warrants equal compensation, irrespective of the date of injury / invalidment,
also applicable to those retained in service as degree of disability is a const
ant factor in both cases. This should also apply to Short service commissioned o
fficers. Accordingly the Cabinet Committee report suggested removal of cap ensur
ing that it was not related to Service element.
The War Disabled were given a distinct identity after 1965, which over the years
was de- recognized for reasons unknown. Just as War Widows and gallantry award
winners are recognized, Disabled War veterans need recognition for their sacrifi
ce upholding the nations glory.
8. Wars and warlike situations invariably result in casualties to military
personnel. Categorised as two types killed in action and wounded in action . They are
generally in the age group 17-24. These wounded can be classified as orthopedi
cally wounded (a majority), blinded or paralyzed. Those that cannot perform to 1
00% of their capacity. Whatever the type or degree of disability, we now use the
terms 'differently abled' and 'different abilities; reflecting a current trend
in terminology that avoids placing emphasis on negative aspects.
9. Current policy allows some wounded personnel to be retained in servic
e, in sheltered appointments whereas those, more severely injured, after protrac
ted treatment are invalided out as Battle Casualties. In Fact, both categories a
re Battle Casualties if their disability is 20% or more. However, there is discr
imination in receiving Disability element vis a vis those retained, subsequently
retired on the same scale as those invalided out. This needs remedying.
10. Unlike gallantry award winners and the widows of martyrs, for whom up
to date records are maintained, no detailed records are maintained of the WAR DI
SABLED , either at the level of formations including Army Headquarters or the reg
imental Centres. Consequently, no one really knows how many war disabled personnel
actually exist, their nature and degree of disability, how many are still servi
ng, how many have been boarded out and how many are still alive. The result is t
hat they are overlooked for consideration when concessions/grants or awards are
made. The misnomer that their welfare is a state subject and therefore they can
be ignored should be dispelled. Many Disabled War Veterans, badly need immediat
e care, but are unable to receive it due to non-maintenance of records. A typica
l example is those wounded in OP RAKSHAK have been ignored for any welfare/pensi
onary benefits.
11. The Disabled War Wounded have been seeking redressal of their grievan
ces with regard to disability element and pay parity pre-96 but this has been de
nied to them. What is unfathomable is that these benefits denied to the War woun
ded are available to civilian government servants from pre-96 vide Govt letter
of 2000. MOD denied this to war wounded service personnel. Even now, with the la
test notification of 30 Sept 2010, is faulty contravening the order of 20 Jan 20
10 wherein the cap has been removed. It seems there is a lack of Sync in the two
.
Since the Disabled war veteran irrespective of the amount of service put in is d
eemed to have served 33 years, he has been entitled to receive the maximum of th
e service element as per Tribunal order. With cap being removed, his disability
element gets detached from the pension due.
In the same context, the short service commissioned officers disabled in war hav
e become entitled to gratuity. Orders are awaited.
12. Important Issues to be Addressed
13. Attitudinal Change. Change of attitude is the foremost issue. This i
s required by not just the government or the armed forces but by all citizens of
the country. The initiative for this must come from the military and the govern
ment and within the military from the army, as nearly all war disabled are from th
e army. A few recommendations to change the present attitudes are as under:
13.1 The process can start by formally and publicly honouring the w
ar disabled, preferably at army headquarters level and also at commands, Areas,
Sub areas etc . on a coordinated schedule, so that the functions are spread thro
ughout the year. This visible and public action will focus attention on the war d
isabled , making them feel important. The Raksha Mantri, as a start, could invite
the disabled war veterans for the first meeting and the media must be invited in
full strength. Especially on important public occasions.
13.2 Southern and Western Commands could organize Special Day to f
elicitate the inmates of the Paraplegic Centres at Kirkee and Mohali, on conveni
ent dates, where local dignitaries including the Chief Ministers and other Minis
ters could be invited. Media should be invited in strength to cover these functi
ons.
13.3 Participation of the war disabled in the Mumbai Marathon, bei
ng held at Mumbai in Jan 2011, as a major exposure to the public. The War Wounde
d Foundation would work out modalities with the organisers but it would require
assistance from Headquarters M G & G Area for administrative backing and from th
e Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) Pune and Regimental Centres located in Maharashtr
a and Karnataka for participation of war disabled personnel. The War Wounded Found
ation is already in touch with the organisers for preliminary discussions.
13.4 A Military Band Concert , dedicated to the war disabled be or
ganised at Delhi or Mumbai, or at both places, suitably staggered, for dignitari
es as well as the common people, preferably at a large stadium, so that a large
number of citizens can attend.
14. Preparation of Data Base. Detailed data relating to the war disabled is
non-existent and needs topmost priority to enable MOD and service headquarters
to properly plan measures for their welfare etc. The data with the AG s Branch is
non-existent, wherein information on the nature of disability, degree and area w
here such injury was sustained. The units and regimental centres do have slight
ly updated data. The Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards do not have complete data. On
ly a major effort by the AG in concert with Arms and Corps Directorates, the Reg
imental Centre s and the two NGO s dealing with the war disabled will enable us to com
pile this data. Without comprehensive data, neither can any planning take place
nor can a dialogue be established with the war disabled for ameliorating their pro
blems and ensuring that all policies are received by them expeditiously.
15. Work By NGO s. There are two NGO S (Non Governmental Organizations)
that have been registered to look after the interests of all war disabled personne
l. These are Disabled War Veterans (INDIA) or DIWAVE, that was set up in 1978 an
d the War Wounded Foundation that was set up in 2002. While the former concentra
tes on getting the favorable terms in terms of Disability pensions/Welfare measu
res from the service headquarters and the government for all war disabled personne
l, the latter concentrates on making the war disabled personnel financially indepe
ndent by providing them opportunities and skills to supplement their war injury
pension. Both organisations are registered as Charitable Societies. Office space
, if provided, would be a boon.
16. These two NGO s dealing with the war disabled , need to be viewed as supple
menting the work of the AG s Branch and MOD and not as adversaries. Their activiti
es should be regarded as extension to assist the War Disabled just as NGO s in the
civilian sector. The NGO s exist for this sole purpose of and would like to work
closely with the AG s Branch, formations, regimental centers and units. This should
be accepted so that we can move ahead jointly.
17. Ameliorating Problems of the War Disabled.. This can best be done a
t a staff level meeting, to be presided by the AG, where the two NGO s dealing wit
h war disabled can present points for consideration. The meeting should result in
an action plan, to be implemented in a time-bound manner. Although there are no w
ar disabled personnel of the Navy and the Airforce, it would be advisable to requ
est the representatives of the other two services as well as the Integrated Staf
f to participate. Thereafter, a similar meeting can be organised with the Secret
ary Ex Servicemen Welfare, for action on points that need to be processed at the
level of the Ministry of Defence.
18. Prosthesis/Orthotics. Orthopedically disabled need to be provided the
latest developments in the fields of Prosthetic or orthotics. It is a recognized
fact that Orthopedic Surgeons are responsible for amputations/saving limbs and
the subsequent healing. Their duty as per medical journals ends there. However t
he fitting of Prosthesis is for Prosthetic engineers, who guide the Orthopedic s
urgeons in the type of stump etc. Therefore Prosthesis is a part of Rehabilitati
on and not covered under Medical prognosis. Unless, Amputation and subsequent fi
tting of Prosthesis etc is incorporated as a disease in the medical list of dise
ases, the present step motherly treatment will continue. Prosthesis supplied thr
ough ALC. are pathetically archaic where cost factor is considered above the nec
essity to modernize prostheses and increase flexibility and longevity. Unlike il
lnesses of the heart, hips and knee joints and hearing aid etc where expenditur
e is no consideration being part OF medical procedures and prognosis, Orthopedic
ally disabled are not so favoured as prosthesis is covered as a part of rehabili
tation not medical procedure. Steps to correct this anomaly are vitally importan
t for their well being. We thank the RRM for the first step in ordering empanelm
ent of prosthetic centres.
19. Various Welfare measures have been suggested to MOD and AG. These are
under study and we are appreciative of their support.
20. Conclusion
Over the last few decades, the war disabled as a group have been gradually fading
away from the radar screens of the service headquarters as well as the governme
nt. This is despite the fact that the number of war disabled keeps increasing pr
actically on a daily basis on account of the casualties being incurred in counte
r insurgency / terrorist operations. The plight of the war disabled soldiers, espe
cially in our rural areas needs to be appreciated and actions need to be taken t
o ameliorate their multifarious problems. This attitude of apathy towards Vetera
ns and the war disabled must be corrected lest it leads to grave adverse repercuss
ions in the long term. The war disabled need to be treated akin to currently estab
lished groups like the war widows and the gallantry award winners.
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