Rattled by the latest Supreme Court advisory to the President, the Punjab Government has denotified the SYL land for the second time in eight months, exercising executive powers. The earlier legislative effort was thwarted by the Governor who did not give consent to the Bill passed. Opposition cooperation, available then, was missing now as the Congress dubbed it “political gimmickry” and stayed away from the Assembly session which passed a resolution against the construction of the SYL Canal and in favour of collecting a cess from the states using river waters passing through Punjab.Citizens as well as political leaders understand that inter-state disputes cannot be settled through unilateral action. The 2004 water agreement termination Act was passed with fanfare; but Capt Amarinder Singh did not get the expected political mileage in the ensuing election despite a massive show of misplaced boldness. That presumably bold action, in fact, delayed efforts towards an acceptable solution as Punjab was dragged to a needless, costly legal battle. This time fortunately the Governor put his foot down, denying Chief Minister Badal a chance to go on a similar legislative misadventure. Irrational remedies Badal is trying these days are bound to be challenged in court. Punjab has lost thrice in the Supreme Court despite having a strong case on its water rights. As expected, Haryana plans to move the Supreme Court for SYL Canal construction and an NGO has filed a contempt plea against Badal. It remains to be seen whether the Centre helps Badal gain political martyrdom he is seeking by doing what appeals to sentiment more than reason. Months before the Supreme Court ruling he had been trying to work up passions with disappointing results. It will be clear only after the 2017 elections whether people see him as a protector of Punjab waters or a dated politician trying old tricks. Political parties in Punjab are divided on SYL. At the end, solutions have to be workable and agreeable, in compliance with the established constitutional, judicial and democratic norms, not the ones that pit one state and its people against the other.

Chandigarh, November 13. 2016

By the time of the1962 Assembly battle, the electoral chess board had been redone. The Akali Dal, which had subsumed itself under the Indian National Congress during the 1957 polls, was now a contestant and was fighting on the plank of a Punjabi Suba, contesting 47 seats. Nehru, predictably, led the Congress charge.  During his campaign speeches made during these elections in January 1962 while a three-day visit to the state, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru reiterated his vision of “building a new India of our dreams, both economically and socially.” Like in the previous elections, the Congress had fielded candidates in each of the 154 Assembly seats. The number of candidates put up by the Communist Party decreased from 67 to 47, but for the Jan Sangh, the candidates increased from 62 to 80.  The Republicans fielded 26 and the Praja-Socialist Party 10. Speaking at Basic Training College, Chandigarh, Congress leader and Planning Commission member Shriman Narain sounded prophetic when he said: “if we fail to link our educational programme with developmental schemes in different sectors of national economy, we shall be sowing the seeds of friction and even disaster in our social and economic life.”Developmental high notes aside, Punjabi language and Punjabi Suba dominated the loudspeakers at the state level. In order to assuage those who blamed his government for not implementing the ‘Regional Formula’, Jawaharlal Nehru appointed a Commission of inquiry headed by S R Das, a former Chief Justice, to ascertain if there was any injustice in the delay in implementing the formula. In his election speeches, we find him defending the Commission he had set up. As for the Akalis, two leaders — Sant Fateh Singh and Master Tara Singh — continued to push for the Punjabi Suba movement. Many SAD workers courted arrest and these leaders undertook “fast-unto-death” but broke the fast after they got some assurances. This eventually cost them and the movement its sheen.

The petitioner had contended that the morale of officers of the armed forces has been lowered by the government by non-grant of the NFU and thus lowering the established status of the armed forces officers since independence.

The bench comprising the officiating chairperson of the AFT, Justic BP Katakey and Lt Gen Sanjiv Langer today delivered the judgement on the petition which had been reserved some weeks back.

In a verdict, which meets the long-standing demand of thousands of defence services officers, the principal bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in New Delhi has allowed a petition demanding Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU) for defence officers on the pattern of civil services officers of Group ‘A’ services. The bench comprising the officiating chairperson of the AFT, Justic BP Katakey and Lt Gen Sanjiv Langer today delivered the judgement on the petition which had been reserved some weeks back. Col Mukul Dev of the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Branch was the principal petitioner in the case which also has around 500 serving Army officers as co-petitioners.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Col Rajiv Manglik (retd) advocate for the petitioners said, “NFU been allowed as given to defence officers on the pattern of civilian officers as given by the 6th Pay Commission and it will be applicable for all three services-Army, Navy and the Air Force. It has also been stated if NFU is implemented for civilians in 7th Pay Commission it will be given to armed forces officers also. The advocate also said that the bench has allowed arrears for NFU for a period not exceeding three years from the date of the judgement. “The AFT has also denied the leave to appeal in the Supreme Court to the respondents ie. the Union of India,” said Col Manglik.

The petitioner had contended that the morale of officers of the armed forces has been lowered by the government by non-grant of the NFU and thus lowering the established status of the armed forces officers since independence. He had also argued that the stagnation in the armed forces is more acute than the civil services and that the denial is in clear violation of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution “as the equals since independence have been made unequals”.

It was also argued that the purpose of grant of NFU is not to equate the monetary benefits or earnings enjoyed by a particular service, but it is granted with the aim to remove the stagnation due to the acute shortage of vacancies and grant parity of promotional avenues within the IAS with stipulated lead of two years to the IAS.

The petitioner had said that the parity established since independence and upheld by the pay commissions in succession between the armed forces and the All India Services/ Group ‘A’ services and IPS in particular has been disturbed and the petitioner has been deprived of the benefits extended to his counter parts in parity in the civil services.

It had been contended that the armed forces officers cadre meets all the attributes attached to the Group ‘A’ organised service. The petition says that the NFU has been denied on the pretext that Military Service Pay (MSP) has been given to armed forces officers. Citing this as a “gross mis-concept” the petition said that the grant of NFU is to alleviate the acute stagnation in service, whereas the MSP and other allowances is due to the postings at various difficult terrain and living conditions.

It was also pointed out that there are a number of Group ‘A’ services, which do not meet all the criteria for the group, yet they have been awarded NFU. The services mentioned are Indian Legal Service and Indian Trade Service, Indian Statistical service, Indian Economic service and Central Information service.

What is NFU?

Non Functional Upgrade (NFU) entitles an IAS officer and other Group ‘A’ services officers of the civil services to get the pay scale of the highest promoted officer of their batch even if he or she is not promoted to the same rank. This higher grade is given two years after the batchmate achieves the promotion. The aim of giving NFU is to alleviate the stagnation in the service due to non-promotion. Due to the steep pyramid of promotion in armed forces hierarchy, a large number of officers do not make it to the next selection rank. However, NFU has not been made applicable to armed forces. The Delhi High Court in its recent judgement has held that NFU is also applicable to officers of the central paramilitary forces.

18-20 people died in queues and PM was laughing: Rahul

 

Rahul said even Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was kept in the dark. — ANI

Mumbai, November 15

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday night accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “laughing” when 18-20 people died in queues outside banks and ATMs and termed the demonetisation of high currency notes as a decision sans rationale.In an apparent reference to Modi’s remarks in Japan and Goa, he said, “18-20 people died in queues (outside banks/ ATMs) and PM Narendra Modi was laughing. He should clarify whether he was laughing or crying.”He also claimed that BJP people were alerted beforehand about the demonetisation.”How can one explain the BJP people in West Bengal depositing crores in high-denomination notes just before PM’s announcement on November 8?” Rahul asked.”BJP workers were seen holding up bundles of the new Rs 2,000 notes, as seen from images on the Internet, before Modi announced this decision,” he told reporters in suburban Bandra tonight.”This move by the Modi government will turn out to be a big scam,” Rahul said.He also claimed that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was kept in the dark about the announcement.”I don’t think even Finance Minister knew about the demonetisation announcement,” Rahul said.”The PM took decision without thinking. We don’t want to reverse it, but at least resolve the difficulties people are facing,” he said.”Many economists say there is no rationale to this decision. They say it’s a decision based on political calculation,” he said.”The entire Opposition united against Modi government’s demonetisation move which has resulted in massive inconvenience for people,” Rahul said.”Go after the big players in black money. I don’t see that happening. We cannot let farmers and labourers stand in queues for months,” he said.Asked to comment on Modi’s mother standing in a bank queue, Rahul quipped: “Mine and Narendra Modi’s styles are different. I won’t speak about his mother.” — PTI

Kejriwal accuses Modi of accepting Rs 25 crore bribe from Aditya Birla Group

The UPA did not take action, says Kejriwal. ANI photo

New Delhi, November 15

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having accepted a bribe of Rs 25 crore from Aditya Birla Group while he was chief minister of Gujarat.While addressing the Delhi Assembly’s one-day session on Tuesday, Kejriwal said: “On 15 October 2013, the income tax department conducted raid on Shubendu Amitabh’s house. He was an executive of Aditya Birla Group. His Blackberry phones, laptop everything was thoroughly checked. They found a ledger entry in his laptop stating that on 16 November 2012, the Gujarat chief minister was paid Rs.25 crore…For the first time in history of independent India, a sitting PM’s name has come in black money transactions.”“This raid happened in 2013. The Congress was in power. But they should have initiated action, given that Narendra Modi was projected as Prime Minister’ face for BJP. Then it means that the BJP and Congress had deals between them. They must have thought that once Narendra Modi becomes the PM, he will help them in the Robert Vadra case,” Kejriwal said. “He has been claiming that the decision is an attack on black money, but it is an attack on common people. He is protecting his friends. These businessmen pay Prime Minister Modi and in response the Prime Minister ensures that the income tax department does not conduct raids on these businessmen’s house,” Kejriwal said.He claimed that when the Income Tax Department filed an appraisal report on deal, the UPA regime did not take action against Modi.“You (Prime Minister Modi) say that the poor man is drinking ‘kadvi chai’. But the truth is that, the Prime Minister is offering poison to them in the name of black money,” Kejriwal said, accusing Modi of targeting the poor through his drive to withdraw high-currency notes while protecting his “corporate friends”.  The chief minister also demanded roll back of the drive. “We would urge the government to roll back this scheme. We are not against black money. If they want to implement, then give proper time to people. Plan it properly, we will support you. If they do not roll back immediately then this economy will be in peril,” Kejriwal said.Earlier in the day, the Delhi Government passed a resolution asking President Pranab Mukherjee to direct the central government to withdraw the “draconian” demonitisation drive.“This assembly resolves to urge upon the Honourable President of India to take necessary steps to institute a high-level probe to be monitored by the Honourable Supreme Court of India to look into the allegations that the scheme is fraud on the nation and that it has been launched to benefit a particular political party through its agents in black money,” the resolution stated. — ANI

Modi govt has turned people into beggars: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. PTI file photo

Kolkata, November 15

Accusing the Modi government of turning the people of the country into beggars by the demonetisation move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she would meet President Pranab Mukherjee tomorrow on the issue irrespective of whether other parties join her or not.“Tomorrow I am meeting the President on demonetisation issue. I will be meeting him with 40 of my MPs. I have spoken to various political parties. I have spoken to Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar, Naveen Patnaik, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal.“If they want to join me, it is good. If not, then I will go alone with my MPs. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is likely to join me,” Banerjee told reporters at the airport here before leaving for New Delhi.Asked about some political parties’ comments that it was too early to meet the President on the issue, she said, “It is their choice. You need to call the doctor before the patient is dead. There is no use of calling a doctor after a patient expired. You need to meet the President right now. I want all political parties to meet the President,” she said.“I am ready to stand behind. Let them (other political parties) take the front stage but they should meet the President,” she said.Banerjee’s move to play a pivotal role in uniting the opposition against BJP has been throttled by CPI(M) with its general secretary Sitaram Yechury yesterday stating that the party will wait to see what position the government takes in the matter in Parliament on the issue and “who stands where”.She remarked, “There are thousands of areas where there are no proper banking or post office facilities. What will the people there do ? The people of this country have been turned into beggars due to demonetisation move.”     Later, in a tweet, Banerjee charged the central government with pursuing discrimination in dealing with the demonetisation issue.“Old Rs 500/1,000 notes allowed in railways, petrol pumps. NHAI exempted. But no exemption for state sector agriculture, co-operatives. No exemption for patients in private hospitals, nursing homes or for non-prescription medicines. Why this discrimination? The situation is serious. Very grim. People are suffering,” she tweeted. — PTI

Congress-led opposition set to corner govt in Parliament tomorrow

An all party meet underway in Parliament on Tuesday. ANI photo

New Delhi, November 15

A Congress-led opposition on Tuesday came together seeking to pin down the government on the demonetisation issue in the winter session of Parliament beginning tomorrow but a consensus eluded on TMC’s proposed march to Rashtrapati Bhavan for meeting the President.The leaders will meet again tomorrow to finalise the strategy on the issue agreeing at the meeting to use “all parliamentary tools including a demand for constituting a joint parliamentary committee to go into the issue and hold the government to account.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)On its part, TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her party will go ahead with its plans to meet the President tomorrow. Representatives of the National Conference and AAP are likely to accompany the TMC delegation.At a meeting of 13 opposition parties including arch rivals TMC and CPI-M, besides BSP, SP, JD-U and DMK, opposition leaders unanimously concluded that it was too early to visit the President on the issue which must first be raised adequately in parliamentary forums.Various parties have separately given adjournment notices in Lok Sabha and for suspension of proceedings in Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue and highlight the plight of the common man.“So far as the march is concerned, there was unanimous decision by everybody that the march tomorrow is too early. As an opposition party, we must have a march in due course of time, but not on the very first day. On first day of Parliament, we must hold a discussion inside the House.“There was an overwhelming consensus that there is no need to rush to Rashtrapati Bhavan on the very first day before bringing this issue before Parliament,” Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the meeting. — PTI

CHANDIGARH: The army will start civil works for setting up Service Selection Centre (North) at Rupnagar, Lieutenant General Surinder Singh, GOC-in-C of Western Command, informed chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Monday.

HT PHOTOWestern Command chief Lt Gen Surinder Singh greeting chief minister Parkash Singh Badal at his residence in Chandigarh on Sunday evening.

The commander of the Western Command said that army was running the provisional campus of SSC at Kapurthala and it will be shifted to Rupnagar after the work was completed. The Punjab government had given 200 acres for the centre. During the meeting, the CM assured Lt Gen Singh of support and cooperation from the state government for financial assistance to Sainik School, Kapurthala.

Tribune News Service

Rewari, December 21

Former minister and Kosli MLA Bikram Singh Yadav today inaugurated the army recruitment sub-centre on the premises of the Sainik Parivar Bhawan here.The centre was announced by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh while accepting the demand of Union minister Rao Inderjit at the Sainik Samman rally organised here on November 16.“Now retired army personnel residing here need not to go to Charkhi Dadri to get their problems regarding pension and other benefits resolved. All their grievances will now be redressed here. Even, local youths will be able to get latest information about army recruitment from the centre,” said Yadav.Meanwhile, Naresh Chauhan, general secretary of the Rezang La Shaurya Samiti, has urged the Centre to put up hoardings of the army recruitment on the premises of the Rezang La Memorial, Rezang La Shaheedi Park, District War Memorial, Rao Tularam Park, District Sainik Board, Sainik School and the Secretariat so that agents could not cheat the youths.

Mumbai, November 11

Continuous efforts are being made for the safe return of 22-year-old Indian soldier Chandu Chavan from Pakistan but the process will take more time, according to Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.Bhamre, who was in the city to attend a function, said the Pakistan government’s admission that Chavan is in their custody is significant in view of the strained relations between the two nations.“We have referred to the agreement and communicated with the Pakistan government. It is true that relations between the two governments are a bit tense after the incident (cross-LoC surgical strikes). But, we will continue our efforts and bring him back,” he said.Earlier, the Pakistani army had denied that it had captured the jawan, who had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control after the surgical strikes in September.On September 30, Chavan from 37 Rashtriya Rifles had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control following which Pakistan had been informed by the DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) on the hotline.Soon after the news broke, Chavan’s aged grandmother Lila Chindha Patil died of shock. The Army jawan was planning to get married around Diwali. His parents died when he was small and his grandmother had raised him. — PTI

: Bungalow For Sale(Owned by Retd. Army Officer)

At Mhow in Royal Town opposite Hema range on 4 lane highway 3 BHK Plus Duplex Bungalow is available with special discount to Armed forces Veterans. On 2000 sq ft plot, constructed area 1800 sq ft Having 3 Bedrooms, 4 toilets,drawing room, dining , modular kitchen, parking, kitchen store, wash area, bore well all around boundary wall. 750 sq ft open lawn with kota stone fitted. Two terraces one each on grand & first floor.

Cost 46 lakhs(negotiable)  

 Additional info: East facing, corner plot on East &  South side colony roads, 5 minutes drive to Either side to Mhow & Pithampur. Kindly help me out in selling this bungalow. If any veterans know any civilian friend interested please pass it on to him/her. Also kindly post it to other groups, I shall highly be obliged. Tons of thanks.-

contact Col. Gopal L Sharma on 9713266482.

Col. Gopal L Sharma(owner of the said Bungalow)

Tribune News Service

Ambala, November 10

In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said while the chances of a full scale convention war were very low, terror attacks and sub-conventional warfare would continue to be primary concerns.Addressing mediapersons, the Air Chief said the armed forces were continuously preparing to meet this challenge. Stating that deterrence was an important aspect of preventing war, he said some gaps in security observed during the terror attack on Pathankot airbase earlier this year were being plugged with advanced surveillance technology, revamped training and induction of modern weapons and equipment. He claimed that airbases were better off now to take on attackers.Raha said the first Rafale squadron is expected to be operational in three years and the second would be fully functional in five-and-a-half years. One squadron each would be based in the eastern and western theatre.The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, being developed jointly with Russia, is expected to roll out in 7-10 years. It would have advanced features such as stealth, super cruise and advanced radar, avionics and weapons.On the controversy over the Seventh Pay Commission, he said while some of the issues have been addressed, several anomalies, including those related to allowances, remain.

Prez presents Standards to 2 IAF units

President Pranab Mukherjee and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha present the President’s Standards at the Ambala Air Force Station. Photo: Manoj Mahajan

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Ambala, November 10

Asserting that India is firmly committed to peace, President Pranab Mukherjee, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said that we would use all our might to protect the sovereignty of our nation.Addressing IAF officers and men at the Ambala Air Force Station after presenting Standards to 501 Signal Unit and 30 Squadron, the President said, “India’s increasing eminence in the comity of nations also draws its strength from the ever-increasing capabilities of our armed forces.”The President’s Standards are awarded to military establishments for having rendered exceptional service during war and peace. The Standards were received by Gp Capt Vineet Jindal, Commanding Officer, 501 Signals Unit, and Wg Cdr Abhay Phansalkar, Commanding Officer, 30 Squadron.The 501 Signals Unit, which commenced operations in 1966 and is now located at Barnala, is responsible for defending the Punjab Sector against the western adversary with its radars and aerostats. Raised at Tezpur on MiG-21s and now flying SU-30s from Pune, 30 Squadron’s vast responsibilities include maritime operations.Haryana Governor, Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command and South Western Air Command, Air Marshal SB Deo and Air Marshal RK Dhir along with a large number of senior Air Force and Army officers as well as civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion.The President also released a Special First Day Cover and brochure to mark the occasion. A flypast by Mi-17, Jaguar and Su-30 formations, performance by the Air Force Drill Team and scintillating aerobatics by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team were other highlights of the event.

The winning units

• The 501 Signals Unit, which commenced operations in 1966 and is now located at Barnala, is responsible for defending the Punjab Sector against the western adversary with its radars and aerostats
• Raised at Tezpur on MiG-21s and now flying SU-30s from Pune, 30 Squadron’s vast responsibilities include maritime operations

Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is commemorated every year on 16th December in India as it marks its military victory over Pakistan in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The end of the war resulted in the unilateral surrender of the Pakistan Army and subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.

This day, however, does not merely mark the celebration of our victory over Pakistan. It is a day to remember and honour the courage of a soldier. It is a day to look back at their deeds which continue to inspire generations of soldiers. It is a day to remember that honour in battle much like in life, is all about standing one’s ground and fighting till the last tank or man if necessary.

It remembers the heroes of 1971 and salutes them for their bravery.

Click to read the Untold Stories of the Indo-Pak War 1971 narrated by the war veterans themselves:

click on links below to open the Article

 

 

 

 “The Battle of Boundary Pillar (BP) 638”

Lord Of The Battle Point 638

A story of the unknown valour of Indian Army specially ‘The Kumaon Regiment’

Malharis’ Battle Of Gadra City In 1971 War

Former Pakistani Col Nadir Ali’s talks of his experiences from 1971 in Bangladesh

Liberation War-Historicising a Personal Narrative

Evidence of 54 Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) holed up in Pakistan since the 1971 War

Indian Prisoners Of War Holed Till Death In Pakistan

A retired Pakistani Brigadier looking back with love and warmth on an Indian JCO, who happened to touch his life, when he was a Prisoner of War in India. Just proves how truly universal can human sentiments be.

Doongar Singh – A Pakistani Brigadier Looks Back to an Indian JCO

A very touching account of Late  Col Swittens (from 37th NDA) as narrated by his dearest friend and course mate Gp Capt Unni Kartha (Veteran)

Eternal Vigil – POW Joe’s Story