War veterans write to defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seek special pension

Hyderabad: All India Short Term Commissioned Officers Association has written to defence minister Rajnath Singh demanding special pension for Emergency Commissioned and Short Service Commissioned officers (AISSCOWA).

On Armed Forces Veterans Day, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General MM Narvane had said that the army has proposed a special pension for Emergency Commissioned and Short Service Commissioned officers who had fought and won 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. He had said proposals have been sent to defence ministry for approval.

CDS General Bipin Rawat had also assured War Veterans that it has been agreed upon by concerned competent authorities to honor the war veterans of 1965 and 1971 by the ‘Swatantra SenSamman Pension Scheme’.

“It is with deep regret and remorse that we the War Veterans of yesteryears like to mention in no uncertain terms that there seems to be scant respect by the political dispensation,” wrote Captain Maharaj Singh Uppal, President, AISSCOWA

The Army Veteran also accused the defence secretary of sitting on the file unnecessarily. “Is Secretary, Ministry of Defence under your command? Is he sitting on the file to hatch the funds for War Veterans? COAS and CDS, the three wings of Indian Defence Forces are treated as a puppet and stooge by his majesty,” said Captain Maharaj Singh Uppal

The Association noted that War veterans of the 20th century are in their 70’s and 80’s and suffering from age-related diseases "Their financial resources of livelihood have exhausted. They are proud to have gloriously fought and won wars for the country,” he said.

Captain Singh said the conditions of both Kisans and Jawans, who form the backbone of the nation, are ghastly and dreadful. “To forget war veterans of yesteryears, who fought and won decisive wars, is disgraceful, humiliating and scandalous,” he said.

The Association has requested the defence minister that ex-gratia award per month should be released at least for those War Veterans who have already submitted their documents with Adjutant General’s Branch without any inordinate delay.