New Delhi: Nearly 2,000 short-service and emergency commissioned officers, who played crucial operational roles in the India-Pakistan wars 1965 and 1971 but could not be absorbed into the Army, may soon start getting a monthly pension of Rs 30,000.
This was among the many issues discussed at the Army Commanders’ Conference Wednesday.
The proposed pension scheme is on the lines of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ scheme for freedom fighters and their families.
Sources in the Army said the force had moved a proposal to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in March this year. The ministry examined it and sent it back to the Army with some queries. The Army is currently in the process of filing its replies.
A senior Army officer said on the condition of anonymity that about 2,000 such personnel have been identified.
“They could not be absorbed, despite playing crucial operational roles in both the wars,” the officer said, adding they deserve the monthly pension like other war veterans.
In May this year, the Union cabinet approved the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) for such short-service and emergency commissioned officers.
The Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, under the MoD, had written to the states last year to ensure that World War II veterans get a monthly assistance of Rs 10,000, even though there are very few such surviving veterans.
Several states had not increased the amount to Rs 10,000, despite repeated reminders from the ministry.
Also read: Need compassion and not disdain, says 1971 war hero on Indian Army’s disability pension tax
Other issues discussed
A separate case for enhancing grants for categories of military personnel who could not continue after suffering disabilities was also discussed at the conference.
Army sources said options to make employment of non-empanelled officers more attractive were also discussed. The options include sending more such officers on foreign missions and for tenures at the United Nations, given that they do not miss empanelment because of lack of merit, but due to lack of vacancy in select ranks.
Also, now that the government has approved the creation of a Chief of Defence Staff position, the need for a joint services act was also discussed at the meet. All three services are currently governed by separate acts of law.
Adopting various dimensions of training for war fighting, such as that in space, artificial intelligence and military education, was also discussed.
Also read: Army HQ backs tax on disability pension, says unscrupulous officers have gamed the system
The proposed pension to ECOs and SSCOs has not yet come through . A large number of officers have sent their service particulars to the AGs branch, AHQ, in response to a letter from the AGs branch. Thereafter nothing has been heard. These officers should be told about the progress of the proposal.
Captain S S Dhillon Course SS 13 comissioned 1972 my course mate eligible for this special pension but my name is not there because I got Prc and serve for 15 year not only that done my all army courses successfuly and spend 8 year in flying also but couldn’t clear PERMOTION exame on that basises Army serve me d Show cause notice and threw me out so as on today neither getting any pension because serve only for 15 years till 1987 not eligible for this special pension Please advice
SS 13 Commissioned 1972 my course mate eligible for this special pension but my name is not there because I got Prc and serve for 15 year not only that done my all army courses successfuy and spend 8 year in flying also but couldn’t clear PERMOTION exame on that basises Army serve me d Show cause notice and threw me out so as on today neither getting any pension because serve only for 15 years till 1987 not eligible for this special pension Please advice
I EC- 59187 Capt KAILASH Kumar Ahuja joined Army in Oct 1964 and released 01,Aug 1970 took active part 1n Indo-Pak war and have received SAMAR SEVA STAR- 1965. I am now 80 At this age Pension will be a great help if given timely I hope dream will come true soon
I am captain M S Venkataraman an ex Emergency Commissioned Officer eagerly awaiting the grant of monthly pension to the officers who fought the 1965/1971 officer. I hope the Prime Minister who has done a lot for the welfare of the defiance service personnel will extend this benefit along with the ensuing Republic Day awards
It is heartening to hear the news of pension to war veterans but most ofEC officers are either on their last legs I have my doubts of anything happening during their life time until person like P m respected Modi ji takes interst He is the one& only one who can make this dream of War Veterans come true With good luck I am a old E C Officer who has seen these promises many times Poor young SS Officers are working tirelessly I wish their efforts bring desired results Top brass in the army has to help theses brothers in their sacred mission Ex captain Bambi
I capt chandramohan Randhir joined The Dogra regiment in1964 at age 21 released Aug 1968. No medical facility no pension.
I feel PMR clause is important to be included like in the case of Echs. Otherwise the baby’s in defense ministry may omit it.
Latest news/action on this decision and date of implementation.
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I 75Yr old no 13928886 ex sep Sivarajan G serve d in AMC for 12yr 66day also I directly involved 1971 Indo pak war after a 6 month war exercise. Every defense Person war exercise .Sleep under the tent in ground .No light only harican lamp.No water for bath or clean our uniform.Family does not where you are.24hr in full uniform.No proper food no place more to explain. I hope that I may get this pension.
When this help will come in force to war heroes of 1965 and 1971 ( reference your news o 2019.
Captain M.C Varma
EC – 57716 Capt L N Singh
Bihar Regt. May 1964 to Aug 1969. Granting of medical facilities on a par with those of ICOs, to ECOs etc. has come as a great boon in our closing years of life. Let the pension in pipeline be released soon. Jai Hind.
Dr ak sharma EC56633 left veterinary graduation in final year BVSc &AH for IMA Dehradun EC7 and completed my degree no benefit till date am 78 highly endorse this noble gesture to equate us freedom fighters/ dr and army never retire from duty in Israel and they lov etheir troops in Australia UK USA KSA where I worked we were hated for no Rishwat shifaras God bless Troops
I EC 56277 Capt. Baldev Singhjoined Army at the age of 19years and was out at 25 and half. The prime of life was given to the nation. I am 76 now. Giving pension at this age will go a long way to improve the quality of life and the image of deffence forces.
Please read 1971 against 2971
I joined the army direct from college and passed out as SSRco fm SSRc-1. Actively associated with training camp of Muktibahini and actually participated in 2971 war with 20 mtn. Div. This pension would restore the respect in society and help the healthcare.
A good sop,for sagging moral of SSCOS/ECOS,who participated in1965,1971 war,needs immediate implimented. Besides,liberal medical aid,counting of Army service in civil life,forseniority and towards pension ,is needed so as to make SSCOS entry more attractive.,to keep profile of officers in middle rung young.At the moment MOD,GOI has no concern for young gullible SSCOS joining Armed Forces.
Any more news on this pls share . Has The department taken any decision on this at all since the proposal discussions at the Army commanders level .
EC and SS Officers have give their best to the Nation.
I joined Army when I was 19 and was out at 25. Now I am 75. It will be the life lasting decession if implemented.
I am a released dental officers, granted commission on 26th. July 1971 and was posted in J and K ,released on 22 nd October 1976 after war( tenure more than five years). Please let me know whether I am entitled for war veteran pention?
I E.C.-56391 Captain M.C.Varma has fought war in
1965 Indo-Pak war . I am now 77 and has to go for medical Expenses which is very high .Rs 30000/-as pension will give us little financial help
I E.C.-56391 Capain M.C.Varma
fought war in 1965.while posted at JAMMU .I am now77
and needs money to survive is impossible. Pension of Rs 30000/-is welcomed
What would be the status of EC officers who were released and again recalled during 1971 for two years?
Wonder why such riders are thrown in like PMR etc. Criteria should be Simple…War Veterans Officers who could not continue in Service due what ever reasons it could be, presently not in receipt of any type of Defense Pension, should be given this Special Pention , being A WAR VETERAN , having given their best at the time of their Prime Yourh.
I am an ex-ECO ,who fought 1965 war. I should be entitled for the benefits and pention.
I agree with Major Wahal. The people who took PMR after fighting either or both wars must have done so under very compelling reasons. However, before leaving they gave their best to the nation. The nation owes it to them and all ECOs, SSCOs and PMR cases must get this special pension.
The scheme of Rs. 30000 which will be payable as pension for all EC Offciers should also be applicable to PMR Officers who have fought in the 1962, 1965 & 1971 wars. Such officers who have taken premature retirement on compassionate grounds.