Flag Hoisting Function On 68th Republic Day
Veteran B Prabhudas, President, National ESM Coordination Committee, Nandyal Unit invited President TSEWA/another senior offr for Flag hoisting function on 26 Jan 17. As the President had accepted invitation of ESM Association, Alwal on the same day, the Undersigned(Vice President TSEWA) was asked to attend the Function at Nandyal. Joint Secy, TSEWA , Hony Capt B Joseph also accompanied me.
TSEWA team were received at Nandyal by Veteran Prabhudas himself. Sub Shiv Muni Reddy (retd), was kind enough to extend his hospitality for the few hours of our stay in his house. The Flag Hoisting Function commenced at 1030 AM and completed by 1100h. Initially appx 40 ESM and eight single ladies were present for the Flag hoisting.
This occasion was utilised to recount the enormous sacrifices made by our freedom fighters because of whom we are enjoying this freedom and democracy. Also the significance and motive of the Republic day celebrations. All ESM were exhorted to understand the basic principles enshrined in our Constitution and uphold these and display an exemplary conduct /behaviour in the society on equality, universal brotherhood and tolerance among people.
This was followed by address by their President and two/three Executive members. The gathering was addressed by H/Capt B Joseph and myself on the request of the Veteran Prabhudas. As the function progressed, the gathering slowly built up to 150 to 175 including ESM, their families, children and single ladies.
H/Capt B Joseph highlighted the various welfare activities being undertaken by TSEWA to incl payment of OROP arrears especially single ladies, resolution of pension entitlement & arrears through bank CPPCs, issue of corr PPO and organising distribution of cash by Bank staff in various ESM colonies in Secunderabad during Demonetisation. He also explained that though he is the President of an ESM Association in Jowaharnagar, why they decided to join TSEWA.
The undersigned has informed that TSEWA is pursuing 18 legal cases for filing in AFT, Delhi. Out of which one case has been won and five are filed and under hearing. Balance are either awaiting filing/under compilation. Thereafter, the under mentioned AFT cases as it pertains to ESM& Single ladies were explained :
1. BroadBanding of Disability Pension.
Ø For those already in receipt of % disability pension. Collective suit in AFT.Two cases filed, one with 103 and second with 153 applicants. One case won .Third batch being compiled. So far 61 joined.
Ø For PMR cases, both grant of disability pension & broad banding benefit . But in disability must be attributable and/or aggravated by service. Collective suit in AFT. one case of 33 applicants filed.
Ø Not Attributable Not Aggravated (NANA)Cases. Have to file individually in AFT.TSEWA will help in hiring a suitable Advocate.
2. Grant of pension of regular rank to Hony Rank Awardees.
Ø Nb Sub pension to Hony Nb Sub. One case with 139 applicants incl six single ladies filed. Second one under compilation . so far 34 joined.
Ø Sub pension to Hony Sub/Sub Maj . one case with 56 applicants awaiting filing.
Ø Lt/Capt pension to Hony Lt/Capt. One case with 23 applicants awaiting filing.
3. Increase of Pension to Widows.
Ø Increase in pension to wives of deceased ESM , Sepoy to Havildar with arrears. Case under prep.135 applicants.
Ø Special Family Pension (SFP) to Single ladies who husbands died in service . Single ladies of Sepoy to Lt Gen are eligible. Case under prep .45 applicants .
4. Pension of Sepoys to Reservists incl Wives of Deceased Reservist. Case under prep. 160 applicants.
5.Legal cases for JCOs & NCOs.
Ø Assured Career Progression Scheme(ACP), to all pre – 2006 Sep to Havildars. Wives of deceased Sep to Hav also eligible.
Ø 10 Month Rule In Last Rank To Get Full Pension. Wives of deceased soldiers also eligible.
Any affected ESM may join the AFT case to derive the benefit of collective legal suits through TSEWA by becoming its member.
Also the ESM have been explained the advantages of posing an united front of ESM organisations both with State and central govts and that ESM Associations with larger than 10000 ESM will be involved in the discussions concerning formulation of welfare schemes by the govt. Towards this end, any ESM Association are most welcome to join as Associate member of TSEWA. They were also informed that ESM org at Tadepalligudem (AP), two ESM org in Hyderabad, one in HP have decided to join TSEWA as Associate members. At present TSEWA has 5400 as its members . These three ESM org has a member strength of 1500, which in turn will increase the members of TSEWA to 7000.
The ESM gathering was also exhorted to interact with other ESM organisations in their district and exchange various information among themselves and pose a common front while dealing with State govt authorities, MLAs /MPs. They were also told to approach their DSS&A Bd and local MLAs/MPs and project that similar benefits as announced by CM, Telangana may also be given to them.
After that, we had again explained the AFT cases and other above mentioned issues to second ESM Association (a breakaway GP) at Nandyal headed by Veteran Jairam Reddy. We exhorted them to combine their resources and effort and tackle ESM issues unitedly with Govt agencies /MLAs/MPs to get maximum benefit.
Thereafter pagal gymkhana type games, extracurricular activities were organised for the ESM and their families. It was followed by sumptuous Badakhana for all, prize distribution and Tambola. One was impressed and overjoyed by the kind of enthusiasm, bonhomie feeling and happiness among the ESM and their families during these celebrations.
As a small token of appreciation and participation, Rs 1000/- was given as contribution from TSEWA on this occasion.
TSEWA calendars for 2017 were given to Executive members of Nandyal Unit. A total of 36 ESM incl 7 single ladies have taken membership of TSEWA after the lunch, 3 joined BB & 2 joined Hony rank cases respectively . H/Capt motivated all their executive members to take TSEWA membership.
Overall, the visit to Nandyal ESM Association was very educative and satisfying for all those who participated.
Jai Hind
Col N Sitaramaiah(retd)
Vice President, TSEWA
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