"SHOT IN THE ARM LIKELY FOR EX-SOLDIERS" - EXPRESS BUZZ (CHENNAI)

Dear Members,

A news report from Indian Express is reproduced below.

There was never any doubt that the Committee will give a favorable verdict, it is rather unlikely that the GOI will even consider it at this juncture.

You will also recall that the President NFDC had made a presentation before this committee.

warm regards

Navy Foundation Delhi Charter

One Rank, One Pension


"SHOT IN THE ARM LIKELY FOR EX-SOLDIERS"

Ritu Sharma

Dec 15, 2011Express Buzz (Chennai) - [ Front Page ]


NEW DELHI : In a move that can bring joy to nearly 2.5 million retied soldiers, the Parliament Committee on Petitions is likely to favour their demand for 'One Rank, One Pension'.

The report, likely to be tabled in the Parliament next week, will be a vindication of the stand taken by the soldiers who have been running from pillar to post fighting for their rights.

Thousands of ex-servicemen and war veterans returned their gallantry medals protesting the decision of the Ministry of Defence not to grant 'One Rank, One Pension'. Soldiers have been demanding equal pension for personnel retiring from the same rank irrespective of their date of retirement. Persons reitiring before the pay commission cut-off date get less pension than those retiring after the date.

According to sources, the long pending demand has found support as the Committee on Petitions has been considering the petition submitted by Rajya Sabha M.P., Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar and 24 others in October 2010.

" The committee conducted a detailed hearing on the matter by inviting citizen groups, ex-servicemen and government representatives to depose and express their views on the issue. The committee completeed their hearing and the report will be presented during the winter session of Parliament ", sources added.


The petitioners in their argument had said that the demand of ex-servicemen may be considered on the lines of the pension for MPs, which is Rs. 20,000 for all first time members.

While the report of the Parliamentary panel is not legally binding on the government, it will definitely lend weight to their demands.


(P.S.: Regret no URL please. Express Buzz has not yet uploaded it on their web edition)



--

If you cant find happiness within, you'll

never find it outside, no matter where you look

or what you do - Swami Chimayananda

Lunch Postponed to 22 Jan 2012

Dear Members,

1. It is regretted that the Winter Lunch planned to be held on
Sunday, 18 Dec 2011 at Kota Kouse, is postponed in view of the Navy Nite
being held on 17 Dec in Delhi and the President's Review of the Fleet
being held on 19 Dec 2011 for which some retired officers
would be attending.

2. Our Lunch get together will now be held on Sunday, 22 Jan
2012 in the Gold and Silver Rooms of Kota House, commencing 1200 hrs.
All members and their spouse are cordially invited to join in and
make the get together a success. The standard nominal charge of Rs
400/- per couple and Rs 250/- for a single will be levied from members
towards the cost of Drinks and Lunch.

3. Kindly confirm your attendance for the Lunch to NFDC office
latest by 18 Jan 2012 to help us to make the arrangements.


Warm regards


(VK Thakur)
Commodore (Retd)
Secretary

Winter Dinner Dec 2011

Dear Members,

You will recall that in the last newsletter we had intimated that we will be holding a winter lunch for a change. This is to reconfirm that the lunch is on and we expects a good turn out of members and their spouses , particularly those who cant venture out during the late evenings.

We will be having a multi-cuisine layout typical of Delhi at this time of the year and cocktails will also be served. Normal charges as hither to will apply.


Kindly forward your names at the earliest so that we can make adequate catering arrangements.

warm regards.

V Adm Harinder Singh (Retd)

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Extract for Newsletter 3/ 2011
Winter Lunch for Members of NFDC. As a change, we propose to hold a winter Lunch get together on Sunday, 18 Dec 2011, to bid farewell to the year 2011 and also to welcome the New Year. This will be held on the rear lawns of Kota House Mess, commencing 1200 hrs. All members and their spouses are warmly invited to attend the lunch and make the afternoon a great success. Contributions from members towards the cost of drinks and lunch, etc will be the standard normal rates as hitherto fore. A further communication on this event will follow in due course.