Veterans were wrong, but so is the government The Statesman 23 Jan 18
A few conflicting reports over the last week have enhanced the distance between the government and veterans. The recent announcement of the defence minister to not withdraw the cases presently in the courts against pensions and disability claims by veterans and war widows has angered the armed forces community, both serving and veterans. Similar has been the case with no forward movement on the OROP issue.
The sloganeering and heckling of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr SR Bhamre, by some veterans at the veterans’ rally in Delhi on 14th Jan, on delay in implementing OROP, has been criticized by the majority. It was turning a respectable event, aimed at honouring veterans for their service into a circus, which angered most present. The OROP agitation, which was once heavily subscribed would never ever be the same. A few may continue to spearhead it, but with almost no support from the majority, solely because of their behaviour at the veterans meet.
The non-attendance of the defence and prime ministers at the army day tea, hosted by the army chief, has been baffling. Some reports have attempted to link this to the incident of the veteran’s day, which is false. The two events are unrelated and have no significance. Similarly claiming that both were busy with prior engagements, including the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister or planned events is equally incorrect. Both chose to evade attendance, possibly considering the event to be a run of the mill one.
Ignoring such events, conveys a wrong message, especially as the army is presently the force effectively countering Pak along the LoC and battling its militants in the valley. Presence of the Prime and Defence Minister’s would have conveyed solidarity with the service and done immense for morale. The Defence Minister is also, as per protocol, meant to receive the President when he arrives. Their non-attendance without reason raises more questions than answers.
The decision of the defence minister to battle pensionary and disability cases of veterans in court, prove that her announcement on assuming the appointment, of caring for veterans, were only for the press. It is expected that some cases of disability pensions may be fake, however these can easily be segregated. In a reply to an RTI enquiry, it was revealed that out of the 749 cases fought by the MoD since 2014, only one has gone in favour of the government. By deciding to challenge all in courts conveys a few wrong messages.
Firstly, by challenging cases of pensions involving war widows or aged veterans, the message being conveyed is that the MoD remains heartless and unrelenting, ruled by inhuman bureaucrats. It is willing to force those seeking a meagre justifiable increase to expend money and time only to obtain what is their legal right. Refund of costs may be granted, but many do not possess initial investment essential for such cases.
Secondly, if it challenges the decision of the AFTs in the supreme court, then it has no faith in the AFTs, an organization whose staff is nominated by them and whom they now seek to gain control off. Thirdly, based on the number of appeals and zero positive decisions, it is likely to be a means of providing income to lawyers who represent from both sides. Finally, it is adopting an easier approach of delaying implementation by pushing it into the hands of an overburdened judiciary.
No inputs being released on the Reddy committee report which has been with the MoD for over a year, angered the veteran community, which led to the heckling the MoS defence. While it was a sign of frustration on the part of the veteran community, which has spearheaded the agitation for the last few years, however it was unforgiveable. Silence on the part of the MoD on the report is equally confusing.
The heckling was against military ethos and customs. It also embarrassed those present, who had come for the event expecting it to be a dignified show of military custom and courtesy. The serving who graced the occasion would have been equally embarrassed, however, out of respect for veterans have made no comment on the issue. The first phase of the agitation at Jantar Mantar, which had mass attendance, was because it a dignified one, in keeping with military discipline and ethos.
Since the announcement from the Congress platform during the Gujarat elections on voting against the BJP, by General Satbir Singh, there have been increasing doubts on the apolitical stance of the agitators. With the government unrelenting on their demands, there appears to be an increasing desperation creeping into those still agitating. The incident at the veteran rally increased the distance within the veteran community, amongst those spearheading the agitation and the rest.
By resorting to twitter to convey their greetings and appreciation, ignoring attendance, where it truly mattered, by the Prime and Defence Minister’s, would impact military sentiments, for a long time. The veteran community, battling for their rights are being conveyed that you are dispensable, your demands whether it be OROP, pensions or disability imply nothing. The government is willing to battle you in court and will not bend or relent, despite any action taken by you.
The message conveyed to the army by its recent actions is that the government considers the armed forces as only a vote garnering plank, when it comes to elections, otherwise a commodity to be ignored. Its successes will continue to be exploited for political gains, with even their dues and status not being considered. It can be tasked for everything, ranging from clearing garbage to constructing foot bridges and show platforms for mega events, to battling terrorists, but denied their rights, since they are not a coordinated vote bank. Likewise, by acting in an un-military manner the OROP agitators have lost the right to remain spokespersons for the cause.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army