Pay and Promotional disparity in BSF/CPOs compared to Armed Forces
World's largest para-military organisation, Border Security Force (BSF) suffers from highest attrition for quite a while. Experts cite reasons like low promotional avenues along with pay disparity in relation to their armed forces counterparts after the implementation of the Sixth pay commission report for the high attrition rate in the BSF.
Every month at least 350-400 BSF jawans and officers seek premature retirement of which Rajasthan Frontier has not been far behind. A BSF source said the Centre does not realise the challenges our jawans and officers face every day while protecting the 7,000 km long border adjoining Pakistan and Bangladesh. "During 30-35 years of career, a BSF person could manage to stay not more than a few days with his family and the promotional avenues in comparison to the army personnel, it has been frustrating for them," said a source.
According to an available data more than 900 jawans and officers from the Rajasthan Frontier alone left the job during October 1, 2008 to September 30 ,2009. The data released by BSF headquarters at New Delhi reads that in 2008 alone at least 4,400 people left the job while till June 2009, it has crossed 2,600 at the all-India level from the organisation. As the data reveals most of the personnel leave the job after completing 20 years in service just to take post retirement benefits while almost 40% of them leave the organisation well before 20 years of service on account of low wages, promotional avenues and tough living conditions and service conditions.
A retired director general BSF, M L Kumavat, accepted the fact of high attrition rate in the BSF but said "The trend has been arrested after the implementation of the pay commission report." Kumavat believes that not only the service conditions and pay disparity have not been the reasons for high attrition. "People leave the job as they get lucrative offers from the private sectors and also family pressures and responsibility plays its role," added Kumavat.
Kumavat accepted the fact that a constable in the BSF takes at least 20 years to be promoted to head constable while a similar rank in the Army needs 7-8 years to reach that level. Similarly, a second command officer in the BSF have not been included in the pay band 4 (P4) while his counterparts Lt colonel has been included. Agrees P S Nayar, general secretary, All India Central Para Military Forces and Services Welfare Association, who said "The difference between the salary of a jawan in BSF and Army is of at least Rs 5,000 a month meanwhile the difference goes up to Rs 22,000 in case of higher ranks.
This disparity does more harm than good so far moral of BSF /other CPOs is concerned."
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
MES AND THE SAD AFFAIRS
BRIEF HISTORY OF MES
Public Works Department was originally created under Army. In 1881, its Military works Branch was segregated leading to creation of Military works Services in 1889. The Army in India Committee in 1921 placed Military Works of Indian Army under QMG.
Subsequently in1923, post of Engineer in Chief was created and The Miners and Engineers, which were earlier under Chief of General Staff, were placed under E-in-C. On 04 Dec 1923 Military Works Department was redesigned as Military Engineer Services (MES) under a Director General of Works (DGW) who was asked to report to E-in-C instead of QMG.
It was clearly mentioned that Army officers posted to MES should be borne on MES establishment and paid on MES rates.
Thereafter, in 1959, DGW again was asked to report to QMG instead of E-in-C. Subsequently, after conflict with China in 1962 when there was large-scale expansion of MES, DGW was again asked to report to E.in.C. Thus DGW (like CPWD) who headed MES was made to report to either QMG or E-in-C at different points of time.
In 1963 a large number civilian Group A officers were recruited through UPSC. E-in-C has been only holding additional charge of MES in addition to his own duties as Head of Corps of Engineers (earlier known as Miners and Sappers). It was at this point of time that E-in-C as head of Corps of engineers started asserting himself to treat MES as an integral part Corps of Engineers.
LTCOL/SE
In order to avoid conflict between Beaurocracy and Army Brass, MOD has been maintaining a safe distance in meeting the aspiration of Civilian Cadres of MES. For example, after a lot of deliberation, a direction was recently issued by MOD, with your kind approval to E-in-C to treat a SE at par with a Colonel (both are having same grade pay of Rs 8700) but the same was withdrawn after few days, as this equation was not acceptable to E-in-C.
Though MOD is well aware of ground situation, yet following are few glaring facts about MES for the information of one and all: -
(A) Quantum of works handled by MES is much higher than handled by CPWD, but a HAG+ level officer heads the later while MES is headed by a HAG level officer having additional charge in addition to his own duties as E-in-C of Indian Army. Presently, MES is having around 1.35 lac personnel out of which 93 % are civilians. There are 1600 group A and 2100 group B civilian officers against about 500 Army officers.
(B) The number of senior level posts held in MES is as under: -
Civilian Officers: HAG 3 SAG 27 (IDSE only)
Army Officers: HAG Nil SAG 4
Army Officers having additional charge: -
HAG 1 SAG 6
In spite of such a large number of senior civilian officers, the distribution of senior Appointments is as follows: -
Army 9 (Central head, 6Command heads, DGW, DG MAP)
Civilian 1 DG (Pers)
Further-more, the two HAG level civilian officers are designated as ADG (ADG D&C and ADG R&D); while the two SAG level Army officers are designated as DG (DGW & DG-MAP).
(C) In spite of DOPT instructions to the contrary, all Civilian HAG officers are being made to report to HAG Army Officer, who is mostly junior to them. Similarly, all Civilian SAG officers are required to repot to junior SAG level Army officer.
(D) Till the year 2000, MES had the dubious distinction, when for 11 years a HAG level Civilian officer was made to serve under a SAG Army officer. Even now in the absence of E-in-C, Civilian HAG Officers are being asked to report to a Maj Gen (SAG) and in the absence of Command Chief Engineer, SAG Civilian officers are made to report to a Brigadier (Principal Director).
(E) AS per MOD order of April 17,2000 all maters dealing with civilian personnel are required to be dealt by DG Pers (a civilian HAG officer) but disciplinary matters and ACRs of civilian officers have been kept under a SAG level Army officer to Keep the hold of Army officers. So much so, preliminary enquiries in matter of discipline of civilian officers are being got through Staff Court of Inquiry ordered under Army Act.
(F) MES functions under Defence Works Procedure in non-operational areas and Engineer units function under OP Works Procedure in operational areas. Thus, there is no security risk if MES is fully civilianized
Since independence there have been several studies on structure of MES without implementation of their recommendations as E-in-C found most of these against the interest of Corps of Engineers
Estimate committee of Lok Sabha under the chairmanship of Smt Sucheta Kriplani carried out the first study on MES in 1957, but its recommendation of complete civilianization was not accepted
Estimates committee of seventh Lok Sabha undertook another study in 1982 that made following important recommendation: -
(1) Senior Army officers posted to MES should have adequate experience in MES at level of AGE/GE.
(2) The committee had observed, and accepted by MOD, that there has been great frustration amongst civilian officers.
(3)The committee had proposed that MOD should have some institutional arrangement to have across the table dialogue with civilian officers.
Fifth Pay Commission
asked for detailed presentation on structure of MES from MOD, but that job was given to E-in-C. After due deliberation the following recommendations were made by the commission: -
(a) Para 33.15 and 33.16
Service personnel from MES should be withdrawn as an economy measure and also to make up deficiency of Army Units.
(b) Para 50.102 and Para 50.103
(i) Civilian HAG level officer be designated as DG and Army Maj Gen be designated as Jt DG
(ii) Head of MES should be a Civilian officer.
(c) Para 50.106
Complete Civilianization of MES be set as a long time objective as is the trend World over.
In order to nullify the recommendation of V CPC, E-in-C prevailed upon COAS who is not in the chain of command of MES, to appoint 30 members committee of Service officers in the year 2000 under GOC-in-C of Central Command.
Fortunately, MOD did not take cognizance of this one sided report but appointed, in the year 2001, a Committee under the chairmanship of Shri V.S.Jafa a retired civil servant. Here, again, one of the two members that was to be appointed by COAS was taken from Corps of Engineers and in turn the committee out sourced the drafting of its report to a retired Maj Gen of Corps of Engineers by inducting him as Chief Adviser
The committee made following recommendation to boost the morale of civilian officers
(1)The procedure for initiating preliminary inquiries for alleged irregularities should be same for Army and civilian officers and must be equable, forthright and unequivocal. MES regulation may be amended to include this provision.
(2)The proportion of higher appointments is tilted in favour of Army officers and distribution of post of Chief Engineer and above between Army and Civilian officers be made in ratio of their number
(3)The committee recommended creation of post of DG (Projects) to be manned by HAG civilian officer. Instead of accepting this recommendation, a post of DG (MAP), that is identical to a DG (Project) was created and handed over to a SAG level army officer.
(4) ACRs of civilian officers should be endorsed only at two levels in MES chain of command to avoid undue pressure from user formations. This recommendation is in line with policy of DOPT but no action has been taken, so far, to implement it because Army officers control section dealing with ACRs of civilian officers.
SIXTH PAY COMMISSION
Now, that the recommendations of VI CPC have been accepted and grade pay has been made the criteria to determine the status and seniority of an officer, the following equivalency is established in MES hierarchy: -
Grade Pay Civilian Level Army Rank
Rs12000 HAG Lt Gen Rs10000 SAG Maj Gen
Rs8900 Addl CE Brig
Rs8700 SE Col.
The issue of grade pay of a Lt Col is still under consideration. As per press reports PMO has issued a direction that it shall be Rs 8000 in PB4 when posted in combat or ready to combat position and Rs 7600 when on deputation in PB3
The fact is that ‘A Committee / MOD proposes and E-in-C disposes’
The above detail report indicate that there is an urgent requirement to check the affairs in MES before it is too late
Public Works Department was originally created under Army. In 1881, its Military works Branch was segregated leading to creation of Military works Services in 1889. The Army in India Committee in 1921 placed Military Works of Indian Army under QMG.
Subsequently in1923, post of Engineer in Chief was created and The Miners and Engineers, which were earlier under Chief of General Staff, were placed under E-in-C. On 04 Dec 1923 Military Works Department was redesigned as Military Engineer Services (MES) under a Director General of Works (DGW) who was asked to report to E-in-C instead of QMG.
It was clearly mentioned that Army officers posted to MES should be borne on MES establishment and paid on MES rates.
Thereafter, in 1959, DGW again was asked to report to QMG instead of E-in-C. Subsequently, after conflict with China in 1962 when there was large-scale expansion of MES, DGW was again asked to report to E.in.C. Thus DGW (like CPWD) who headed MES was made to report to either QMG or E-in-C at different points of time.
In 1963 a large number civilian Group A officers were recruited through UPSC. E-in-C has been only holding additional charge of MES in addition to his own duties as Head of Corps of Engineers (earlier known as Miners and Sappers). It was at this point of time that E-in-C as head of Corps of engineers started asserting himself to treat MES as an integral part Corps of Engineers.
LTCOL/SE
In order to avoid conflict between Beaurocracy and Army Brass, MOD has been maintaining a safe distance in meeting the aspiration of Civilian Cadres of MES. For example, after a lot of deliberation, a direction was recently issued by MOD, with your kind approval to E-in-C to treat a SE at par with a Colonel (both are having same grade pay of Rs 8700) but the same was withdrawn after few days, as this equation was not acceptable to E-in-C.
Though MOD is well aware of ground situation, yet following are few glaring facts about MES for the information of one and all: -
(A) Quantum of works handled by MES is much higher than handled by CPWD, but a HAG+ level officer heads the later while MES is headed by a HAG level officer having additional charge in addition to his own duties as E-in-C of Indian Army. Presently, MES is having around 1.35 lac personnel out of which 93 % are civilians. There are 1600 group A and 2100 group B civilian officers against about 500 Army officers.
(B) The number of senior level posts held in MES is as under: -
Civilian Officers: HAG 3 SAG 27 (IDSE only)
Army Officers: HAG Nil SAG 4
Army Officers having additional charge: -
HAG 1 SAG 6
In spite of such a large number of senior civilian officers, the distribution of senior Appointments is as follows: -
Army 9 (Central head, 6Command heads, DGW, DG MAP)
Civilian 1 DG (Pers)
Further-more, the two HAG level civilian officers are designated as ADG (ADG D&C and ADG R&D); while the two SAG level Army officers are designated as DG (DGW & DG-MAP).
(C) In spite of DOPT instructions to the contrary, all Civilian HAG officers are being made to report to HAG Army Officer, who is mostly junior to them. Similarly, all Civilian SAG officers are required to repot to junior SAG level Army officer.
(D) Till the year 2000, MES had the dubious distinction, when for 11 years a HAG level Civilian officer was made to serve under a SAG Army officer. Even now in the absence of E-in-C, Civilian HAG Officers are being asked to report to a Maj Gen (SAG) and in the absence of Command Chief Engineer, SAG Civilian officers are made to report to a Brigadier (Principal Director).
(E) AS per MOD order of April 17,2000 all maters dealing with civilian personnel are required to be dealt by DG Pers (a civilian HAG officer) but disciplinary matters and ACRs of civilian officers have been kept under a SAG level Army officer to Keep the hold of Army officers. So much so, preliminary enquiries in matter of discipline of civilian officers are being got through Staff Court of Inquiry ordered under Army Act.
(F) MES functions under Defence Works Procedure in non-operational areas and Engineer units function under OP Works Procedure in operational areas. Thus, there is no security risk if MES is fully civilianized
Since independence there have been several studies on structure of MES without implementation of their recommendations as E-in-C found most of these against the interest of Corps of Engineers
Estimate committee of Lok Sabha under the chairmanship of Smt Sucheta Kriplani carried out the first study on MES in 1957, but its recommendation of complete civilianization was not accepted
Estimates committee of seventh Lok Sabha undertook another study in 1982 that made following important recommendation: -
(1) Senior Army officers posted to MES should have adequate experience in MES at level of AGE/GE.
(2) The committee had observed, and accepted by MOD, that there has been great frustration amongst civilian officers.
(3)The committee had proposed that MOD should have some institutional arrangement to have across the table dialogue with civilian officers.
Fifth Pay Commission
asked for detailed presentation on structure of MES from MOD, but that job was given to E-in-C. After due deliberation the following recommendations were made by the commission: -
(a) Para 33.15 and 33.16
Service personnel from MES should be withdrawn as an economy measure and also to make up deficiency of Army Units.
(b) Para 50.102 and Para 50.103
(i) Civilian HAG level officer be designated as DG and Army Maj Gen be designated as Jt DG
(ii) Head of MES should be a Civilian officer.
(c) Para 50.106
Complete Civilianization of MES be set as a long time objective as is the trend World over.
In order to nullify the recommendation of V CPC, E-in-C prevailed upon COAS who is not in the chain of command of MES, to appoint 30 members committee of Service officers in the year 2000 under GOC-in-C of Central Command.
Fortunately, MOD did not take cognizance of this one sided report but appointed, in the year 2001, a Committee under the chairmanship of Shri V.S.Jafa a retired civil servant. Here, again, one of the two members that was to be appointed by COAS was taken from Corps of Engineers and in turn the committee out sourced the drafting of its report to a retired Maj Gen of Corps of Engineers by inducting him as Chief Adviser
The committee made following recommendation to boost the morale of civilian officers
(1)The procedure for initiating preliminary inquiries for alleged irregularities should be same for Army and civilian officers and must be equable, forthright and unequivocal. MES regulation may be amended to include this provision.
(2)The proportion of higher appointments is tilted in favour of Army officers and distribution of post of Chief Engineer and above between Army and Civilian officers be made in ratio of their number
(3)The committee recommended creation of post of DG (Projects) to be manned by HAG civilian officer. Instead of accepting this recommendation, a post of DG (MAP), that is identical to a DG (Project) was created and handed over to a SAG level army officer.
(4) ACRs of civilian officers should be endorsed only at two levels in MES chain of command to avoid undue pressure from user formations. This recommendation is in line with policy of DOPT but no action has been taken, so far, to implement it because Army officers control section dealing with ACRs of civilian officers.
SIXTH PAY COMMISSION
Now, that the recommendations of VI CPC have been accepted and grade pay has been made the criteria to determine the status and seniority of an officer, the following equivalency is established in MES hierarchy: -
Grade Pay Civilian Level Army Rank
Rs12000 HAG Lt Gen Rs10000 SAG Maj Gen
Rs8900 Addl CE Brig
Rs8700 SE Col.
The issue of grade pay of a Lt Col is still under consideration. As per press reports PMO has issued a direction that it shall be Rs 8000 in PB4 when posted in combat or ready to combat position and Rs 7600 when on deputation in PB3
The fact is that ‘A Committee / MOD proposes and E-in-C disposes’
The above detail report indicate that there is an urgent requirement to check the affairs in MES before it is too late
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Indian Coast Guard strengthens base in Gujarat
Post 26/11, Indian Coast Guard strengthens base in Gujarat
Following the Mumbai terror attacks, the Indian Coast Guard has decided to set up their North Western Region base in Gujarat with its headquarters in Gandhinagar. What's more! To beef up security, 'Vijaya', a modern patrolling ship equipped with an onboard helicopter has already been re-based from Mumbai to Porbandar permanently to defend Gujarat's sea coast.
It may be recalled that the terrorists had used a crawler-M V Kuber to launch terror attacks in Mumbai using Porbandar waters.
The move is part of Gujarat being turned into a North Western Region for Indian Coast Guards as sanctioned by the Central government. Earlier, Gujarat coast used to come under the jurisdiction of Western Region headquartered out of Mumbai.
"The Porbandar-based Indian Coast Guard had a longstanding demand of a big ship to protect the area ever since MV Kuber boat sailed out of here. Finally the demand has been fulfilled with Porbandar getting a modern patrolling ship 'Vijaya' that has been re-based from Mumbai and will now operate permanently from here," said a defence spokesperson.
According to the official, the North Western Region will now be headed by an officer of the rank of IG and will soon witness expansion in terms of manpower as well as equipment.
Meanwhile, the ship 'Vijaya', which used to visit Porbandar coast, will be the first big ship based out of Gujarat. The vessel carries a helicopter on board, apart from a pollution response equipment to fight oil spills on sea as well as a mini operation theatre for immediate first aid and treatment to the rescued victims at sea.
Armed with two powerful marine ‘pelistic’ engines, the ship is commanded by a Commandant having vast sea and air experience. It has a team of nine officers and 85 sailors. It also carries additional specialist officers and sailors, when need arises. 'Vijaya' has long endurance and can stay in the sea for a 22-days-long period.
"The vessel will not only provide better equipment for security and patrolling at Porbandarbut will also strengthen the air wing.
Following the Mumbai terror attacks, the Indian Coast Guard has decided to set up their North Western Region base in Gujarat with its headquarters in Gandhinagar. What's more! To beef up security, 'Vijaya', a modern patrolling ship equipped with an onboard helicopter has already been re-based from Mumbai to Porbandar permanently to defend Gujarat's sea coast.
It may be recalled that the terrorists had used a crawler-M V Kuber to launch terror attacks in Mumbai using Porbandar waters.
The move is part of Gujarat being turned into a North Western Region for Indian Coast Guards as sanctioned by the Central government. Earlier, Gujarat coast used to come under the jurisdiction of Western Region headquartered out of Mumbai.
"The Porbandar-based Indian Coast Guard had a longstanding demand of a big ship to protect the area ever since MV Kuber boat sailed out of here. Finally the demand has been fulfilled with Porbandar getting a modern patrolling ship 'Vijaya' that has been re-based from Mumbai and will now operate permanently from here," said a defence spokesperson.
According to the official, the North Western Region will now be headed by an officer of the rank of IG and will soon witness expansion in terms of manpower as well as equipment.
Meanwhile, the ship 'Vijaya', which used to visit Porbandar coast, will be the first big ship based out of Gujarat. The vessel carries a helicopter on board, apart from a pollution response equipment to fight oil spills on sea as well as a mini operation theatre for immediate first aid and treatment to the rescued victims at sea.
Armed with two powerful marine ‘pelistic’ engines, the ship is commanded by a Commandant having vast sea and air experience. It has a team of nine officers and 85 sailors. It also carries additional specialist officers and sailors, when need arises. 'Vijaya' has long endurance and can stay in the sea for a 22-days-long period.
"The vessel will not only provide better equipment for security and patrolling at Porbandarbut will also strengthen the air wing.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
VAT on BSF canteen items to go: Badal
VAT on BSF canteen items to go:
Hoshiarpur, August 25Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal this evening took the salute from second batch of 154 trainee women cops (GD) and 147 male constables at the passing-out parade at Subsidiary Training Centre of the Border Security Force at Kharkan village, 12 km from here.
Badal rued the decreasing number of Punjabi youths in officer ranks of the Indian Army. There was a time when 50 per cent officers in the Army were from Punjab, he said. To reverse the trend, the state government would set up an education-cum-Army training centre at Mohali. After getting education from this centre, the youth could join the Army, Badal said.
Accepting the demand of the Inspector-General, Badal said VAT would not be charged on items in BSF canteen. He also agreed to provide complete equipment of gymnasium at the STC Centre of the BSF at Kharkan.
He was impressed to witness the parade of women cops, who after completing 36 weeks of training, participated in the parade today.
Lauding the BSF for protecting Indian borders and maintaining peace in the country, Badal said the BSF was the pride of the country and known for discipline and dedication.
In a humorous vein the Chief Minister asked Inspector-General, Punjab Frontier, BSF, Himmat Singh to provide physical training to the MLAs so that they could serve people more effectively. Later, Badal told reporters that MPs and MLAs of Punjab would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow in New Delhi to urge him to declare Punjab drought-hit and give suitable relief to farmers.
Referring to the break-up between the BJP and the INLD in Haryana, he said the SAD unit of Haryana would decide on its role in the elections of the state at the appropriate time.
Himmat Singh said newly pass-out women cops would be deployed on border posts for searching and frisking women going beyond fenced gates. Their services, if required, would also be used for internal security duty and counter insurgency performed by the BSF. The deployment of women cops on international border would add a new dimension to border management and role of the BSF
Hoshiarpur, August 25Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal this evening took the salute from second batch of 154 trainee women cops (GD) and 147 male constables at the passing-out parade at Subsidiary Training Centre of the Border Security Force at Kharkan village, 12 km from here.
Badal rued the decreasing number of Punjabi youths in officer ranks of the Indian Army. There was a time when 50 per cent officers in the Army were from Punjab, he said. To reverse the trend, the state government would set up an education-cum-Army training centre at Mohali. After getting education from this centre, the youth could join the Army, Badal said.
Accepting the demand of the Inspector-General, Badal said VAT would not be charged on items in BSF canteen. He also agreed to provide complete equipment of gymnasium at the STC Centre of the BSF at Kharkan.
He was impressed to witness the parade of women cops, who after completing 36 weeks of training, participated in the parade today.
Lauding the BSF for protecting Indian borders and maintaining peace in the country, Badal said the BSF was the pride of the country and known for discipline and dedication.
In a humorous vein the Chief Minister asked Inspector-General, Punjab Frontier, BSF, Himmat Singh to provide physical training to the MLAs so that they could serve people more effectively. Later, Badal told reporters that MPs and MLAs of Punjab would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow in New Delhi to urge him to declare Punjab drought-hit and give suitable relief to farmers.
Referring to the break-up between the BJP and the INLD in Haryana, he said the SAD unit of Haryana would decide on its role in the elections of the state at the appropriate time.
Himmat Singh said newly pass-out women cops would be deployed on border posts for searching and frisking women going beyond fenced gates. Their services, if required, would also be used for internal security duty and counter insurgency performed by the BSF. The deployment of women cops on international border would add a new dimension to border management and role of the BSF
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
COMMANDER COASTAL COMMAND
DGCG TO BE COMMANDER COASTAL COMMAND
Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran said the Director General of Coast Guard will also assume the role of Commander Coastal Command.
"The government of India has designated Indian Navy as the authority responsible for overall maritime security which includes coastal security and offshore security," the Minister said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
"The Director General Coast Guard has been designated as Commander Coastal Command responsible for overall coordination between Central and state agencies in all matters relating to coastal security. These decisions are being implemented by the Ministry of Defence," he said.
While replying to a question on instances of infiltration through the coastal areas, Ramachandran said, "As per the information available, there has been no case reported or encountered during the last three years, except a case regarding infiltration by sea route on November 26 last year leading to Mumbai attacks. The matter is under investigation and sub-judice."
Joint coastal patrolling is also being carried out along the coasts of Gujarat and Maharashtra under operation SWAN by Coast Guard, Navy and other agencies, the Minister said.
Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran said the Director General of Coast Guard will also assume the role of Commander Coastal Command.
"The government of India has designated Indian Navy as the authority responsible for overall maritime security which includes coastal security and offshore security," the Minister said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
"The Director General Coast Guard has been designated as Commander Coastal Command responsible for overall coordination between Central and state agencies in all matters relating to coastal security. These decisions are being implemented by the Ministry of Defence," he said.
While replying to a question on instances of infiltration through the coastal areas, Ramachandran said, "As per the information available, there has been no case reported or encountered during the last three years, except a case regarding infiltration by sea route on November 26 last year leading to Mumbai attacks. The matter is under investigation and sub-judice."
Joint coastal patrolling is also being carried out along the coasts of Gujarat and Maharashtra under operation SWAN by Coast Guard, Navy and other agencies, the Minister said.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Boost to Paramilitary Forces
Centre to give a 500 crore-rupee boost to paramilitary
In a bid to modernize country’s paramilitary forces, Centre will provide arms, ammunition and vehicles worth 500 crore rupees to seven paramilitary forces by September end.
According to the Action Plan -II of the Ministry of Home Affairs, orders worth 500 crore rupees will be processed by the Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMFs) and Ministry of Home Affairs.
Action plans of all seven CPMFs - CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles have been approved and the actual procurement will be made soon, it said.
Review meetings will be held between ministry and the CPMFs to anticipate and remove potential bottlenecks.
A total of Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated in the current fiscal for the seven CPMFs under the five provisioning heads arms and ammunition, clothing, tentage and stores, machinery and equipment and vehicles and IT.
Home Ministry has already finalised the process of procurement of interceptor boats for coastal security scheme.
The annual maintenance contract for these boats and procurement of ten 12-ton interceptor boats for Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be made by August 30.
The government will also take approval of competent authority for the courier service for personnel of CPMFs by 15th July.
In a bid to modernize country’s paramilitary forces, Centre will provide arms, ammunition and vehicles worth 500 crore rupees to seven paramilitary forces by September end.
According to the Action Plan -II of the Ministry of Home Affairs, orders worth 500 crore rupees will be processed by the Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMFs) and Ministry of Home Affairs.
Action plans of all seven CPMFs - CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles have been approved and the actual procurement will be made soon, it said.
Review meetings will be held between ministry and the CPMFs to anticipate and remove potential bottlenecks.
A total of Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated in the current fiscal for the seven CPMFs under the five provisioning heads arms and ammunition, clothing, tentage and stores, machinery and equipment and vehicles and IT.
Home Ministry has already finalised the process of procurement of interceptor boats for coastal security scheme.
The annual maintenance contract for these boats and procurement of ten 12-ton interceptor boats for Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be made by August 30.
The government will also take approval of competent authority for the courier service for personnel of CPMFs by 15th July.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
WHO IS THE WINNER?
STATUS OF CPOs /ARMED FORCES
Since September 2008 a great amount of efforts were given by Armed Forces towards projecting various cases to the Government for equating various military ranks with other Central Government posts/CPO ranks. Armed forces wanted various equations and presented their arguement in this direction. Let us now see what they have gained and what they have lost.
(a) Lt Colonel
The arguement placed by the forces was that this rank is having pay scale of Rs. 15100/- (including rank pay) and that should be placed in Pay Band and Grade Pay above the rank of Commandant in CPOs whose Basic pay was starting at Rs. 14300 /- .
This arguement did not hold any water and all arguements placed by Armed Forces were not agreed upon. The status after the final order is that the rank of Lt colonel was not given Grade Pay of Rs. 8700/- and thus it is now formal that the rank of Commandant is equivalent to full Colonel of Armed Forces. However in the bargain the armed forces is lost hundreds of posts on deputation where Lt. Colonel will still go on pay band -3 and Grade Pay Rs.7600/-.
(b) Commandant
This rank is now formally established equivalent to full Colonel / Captain / Group Captain of Armed forces and this will now become bench mark for all the equations in the rank hierarchy.
(c) Second in Command / Commandant (Junior Grade)
This rank of Central Para Military Forces / CPOs is still equivalent to Lt Colonel / Commander / Wing Commander of Armed Forces view it is clearly stated that the rank of Lt Colonel will be treated as of Grade Pay Rs. 7600/- when on non-combtant duty. Though a Grade Pay of Rs. 8000/- is given to Armed Forces but this Grade Pay will be treated as equivalent to Grade Pay of Rs. 7600/- outside the circles of Armed Forces(Combtant duties).
(d) Senior Military Ranks
The Senior Military ranks lost heavily in favour of status in relation to para military forces. All the arguements given by armed forces for equating Colonel Senior to DIG, Major General Senior to Inspector General and Lt General Senior to Director General was not agreed by the government and the rank equation as stated by VI th Pay Commission is now stands implemented. This has given strong morale booster to 1.5 million para miliatry forces and their legitimate demand of equation of ranks stands vindicted.
(e) Various Allowances
Though Government had given military Service pay of Rs. 6000/- to the officers and Rs. 2000/- to others, it is utmost essential that this disparity should be immediately corrected and all CPOs should be given this pay at the earliest.
(f) Higher Pay Band to Second in Command
It is essential that Government should immediately upgrade officers of para miliatry forces of this rank to Pay Band -4 and Grade Pay Rs.8000/- in order to maintain the equation. Armed forces and CPOs are operating in the same area and both of them carrrying out various duties which are similar in both organisations. Under these circumstances upgradation of Pay Band and Grade Pay of only one organisation will create sense of dissatisfaction among para-military forces.
2. Thus we can see that all the arguements placed by various blogs in favour of Armed forces were not agreed upon by the Government of India. It is now essential that Government should amend WOP and should rewrite the equations based upon the existing realities of life, we cannot live forever in the past and should change and accept the existing equations.
3. It is for all of us to decide whether in this fight the Armed forces have lost or gained, to my opinion they lost heavily and lost it permanently.
Since September 2008 a great amount of efforts were given by Armed Forces towards projecting various cases to the Government for equating various military ranks with other Central Government posts/CPO ranks. Armed forces wanted various equations and presented their arguement in this direction. Let us now see what they have gained and what they have lost.
(a) Lt Colonel
The arguement placed by the forces was that this rank is having pay scale of Rs. 15100/- (including rank pay) and that should be placed in Pay Band and Grade Pay above the rank of Commandant in CPOs whose Basic pay was starting at Rs. 14300 /- .
This arguement did not hold any water and all arguements placed by Armed Forces were not agreed upon. The status after the final order is that the rank of Lt colonel was not given Grade Pay of Rs. 8700/- and thus it is now formal that the rank of Commandant is equivalent to full Colonel of Armed Forces. However in the bargain the armed forces is lost hundreds of posts on deputation where Lt. Colonel will still go on pay band -3 and Grade Pay Rs.7600/-.
(b) Commandant
This rank is now formally established equivalent to full Colonel / Captain / Group Captain of Armed forces and this will now become bench mark for all the equations in the rank hierarchy.
(c) Second in Command / Commandant (Junior Grade)
This rank of Central Para Military Forces / CPOs is still equivalent to Lt Colonel / Commander / Wing Commander of Armed Forces view it is clearly stated that the rank of Lt Colonel will be treated as of Grade Pay Rs. 7600/- when on non-combtant duty. Though a Grade Pay of Rs. 8000/- is given to Armed Forces but this Grade Pay will be treated as equivalent to Grade Pay of Rs. 7600/- outside the circles of Armed Forces(Combtant duties).
(d) Senior Military Ranks
The Senior Military ranks lost heavily in favour of status in relation to para military forces. All the arguements given by armed forces for equating Colonel Senior to DIG, Major General Senior to Inspector General and Lt General Senior to Director General was not agreed by the government and the rank equation as stated by VI th Pay Commission is now stands implemented. This has given strong morale booster to 1.5 million para miliatry forces and their legitimate demand of equation of ranks stands vindicted.
(e) Various Allowances
Though Government had given military Service pay of Rs. 6000/- to the officers and Rs. 2000/- to others, it is utmost essential that this disparity should be immediately corrected and all CPOs should be given this pay at the earliest.
(f) Higher Pay Band to Second in Command
It is essential that Government should immediately upgrade officers of para miliatry forces of this rank to Pay Band -4 and Grade Pay Rs.8000/- in order to maintain the equation. Armed forces and CPOs are operating in the same area and both of them carrrying out various duties which are similar in both organisations. Under these circumstances upgradation of Pay Band and Grade Pay of only one organisation will create sense of dissatisfaction among para-military forces.
2. Thus we can see that all the arguements placed by various blogs in favour of Armed forces were not agreed upon by the Government of India. It is now essential that Government should amend WOP and should rewrite the equations based upon the existing realities of life, we cannot live forever in the past and should change and accept the existing equations.
3. It is for all of us to decide whether in this fight the Armed forces have lost or gained, to my opinion they lost heavily and lost it permanently.
Monday, February 16, 2009
ARTICLE ON FUTURE OF INDIAN COAST GUARD
| The following article is written by former DGCG and was published in Deccan Herald on 09 Feb, the writer himself is ex-Naval officer,the article it self is a good fodder for thinking brains. | ||||
Will the Coast Guard sink? | ||||
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By Prabhakaran Paleri | ||||
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| [ The Navy was seemingly unwilling to accept the Coast Guard from the very beginning.] | ||||
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Has the Navy finally torpedoed the Coast Guard? The Coast Guard is confused about the hasty changes it feels in the offing before the current government demits office. It knows that the Navy had a long cherished dream to make the Coast Guard an auxiliary to it. After 32 years and many futile attempts by the Navy, it feels, it is likely to happen with the introduction of the 'Coastal Command', an antiquated concept, under the Navy.
The government fails to appreciate that the Coast Guard has an organisational structure that is much wider and legally valid than the proposed Coastal Command. And that it will do better to expand and equip the Coast Guard for its charter to enforce law and provide service in the maritime zones as per the Coast Guard Act. Instead, by placing the Coast Guard under the Navy at its beck and call, it is not only the Act, but also the Constitution that gets violated. Unfortunate
The Navy was seemingly unwilling to accept the idea of the Coast Guard from the very beginning. That may perhaps lie in the reason that it could not chart an altered course for a 'new found Navy' shedding its role of a Coast Guard. Or perhaps India was not matured enough to accept the Coast Guard as a useful maritime armed force. It has been so with many other countries, which created coast guards with the navies around in coast guard roles. While the world changed, the naval mindset in many such countries remained fossilised within the coast guard mould. Added to that was lack of maritime awareness. India was expected to be different. It remains a puzzle why the Indian Navy failed to appreciate it.
BLOG'S VIEW It is up to various readers to comment on the issue, few may think that Coast Guard is doing well under Naval officer as DGCG while opinion of others may be different, well considering the development of Indian Coast Guard since last 32 years, there is hardly any reasons for complaint. However the actual test of water will start now when both the services are standing on equal strata and may vie for the same pie-Marine power | ||||
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
CHEERS FOR LTCOLS
New pay scale for Lt. Colonels
| They have been placed in pay band-4 with a grade pay of Rs. 8,000 |
Government has issued orders placing officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and their equivalents in the other two Services in the pay band-4 with a grade pay of Rs. 8,000 and identified “non-combat” deputations that will not draw this benefit.
The government indicated in January its decision to address the issue of anomalies in the pay structure and orders to this effect were received by the Services on Monday, sources in the Defence Ministry said.
Lt. Colonels will now be upgraded to the pay bracket of Rs. 37,400-67,000 (PB-4) with a grade pay of Rs. 8,000 from the earlier scale of Rs. 15,600-39,100 (PB-3) with a grade pay of Rs. 7,600.
Tenure postingsThe new pay band will be applicable to tenure postings done by officers of these ranks with departments such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Director-General (Quality Assurance), National Cadet Corps, the Assam Rifles, the National Security Guards and the Border Roads Organisation.
The armed forces were not clear over the decision after it became known that the new pay band will be only for those in combat role.
Last month, tri-services Principal Personnel Officers Committee Chairman Vice-Admiral D.K. Dewan wrote a letter to the Ministry, making a case for inclusion of all officers of the rank in the pay band, including those on deputation to other wings such as paramilitary forces.
The sources said that with this order, some 18,000 officers would stand to benefit and those who remain to draw pay band-3 would be officers on deputation to organisations such as the Railways and the National Highways Authority of India, where the nature of duty was not in line with normal combat profile.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Modification in the Travelling Allowance - New order dated 22.01.09
At last Central govt officers working in field formations could breath easy after this new stand taken by the department on TA Rules.
As you are all aware of the modified Travelling Allowance Rules as per Office Memorandum dated 23.09.08 consequent on Sixth pay commission recommendations, which was based on reimbursement principle (i.e) Officers have to produce receipts for the amount spent on accommodation, food, transportation etc.
This principle may be fine for the officers who travel to a cities, as the charges for lodging, transportation etc could be claimed at actuals subject to a maximum ceiling.
However, Officers who had to travel on duty to remote places like villages sea shores were really put to hardship because they could not get the receipts for the amount spent by them for food as it would be meaningless to ask for serially numbered bill from a small Hotelier or “Dhabawala” in those places. Even for those who travel long distances in trains in which fare is not inclusive of food, it would be very difficult to get receipts for food from pantry car or railway platform salesmen.
Now, this hardship has been done away with by the issue of new Ofice Memorandum dated 22.01.2009, as the Govt has decided to sanction daily allowance on tour, based on earlir office memorandum dated 17.04.1998 in case the officers opted to claim slab rate based daily allowance instead of reimbursement based travelling allowance prescribed vide office memorandum dated 23.09.08.
In a nutshell, this new order provides the choice to the Officers for claiming the Travelling allowance either based on old TA rates as per the office memo dated 17.04.98 or at actuals using the bills for food etc as per the office memorandum dated 23.09.08. However, Officers can not mix up these two orders for a single tour.
The details of new pay is as follows:-
OLD PAY RANGE-------------------------PAY IN PAY BAND----RATE
(1) 16400 & above-------------------30500 & above-------------OLD RATES AS PER CITY
(2)8000-16399---------------------15000-30499--------------- do-----
(3)6500-7999----------------------12500-14999----------------do------
(4)4100-6499----------------------8000-12499------------------do-----
(5)Below 4100---------------------Below8000------------------do-------
Friday, January 23, 2009
MORE PUNCH POWER FOR BSF
Coming: 29 more BSF battalions January 20
Deployment of the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel along the country’s western and eastern frontiers will get a massive boost with the Centre giving sanction for raising of 29 more battalions for the force.
BSF DG Mahendra Kumawat, who is on a visit to the frontiers in the North East, today informed that it was for the first time since inception of the BSF in December, 1965, that such a large number of battalions were being raised at one go.
He said at least a dozen of the newly raised battalions would be deployed along the India-Bangladesh border in the North East. “As raising of these new battalions will take at least two years, more forces will be deployed along the frontiers in the North East by withdrawing personnel from theatre in other parts of the country,” he informed.
Regarding the situation along the Pakistan border, Kumawat said, “We are fully vigilant along the Pakistan border and are ready to face any situation.” The BSF guards 2,300 km of the total 3,078 km border with Pakistan.
Monday, January 19, 2009
DA RATE TO BE 22 %
Expected DA for Central Government Employees from 1.1.2009 - 22%
All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of November, 2008 remained stationary at 148 (one hundred and fortyeight).During November, 2008, the index recorded maximum increase of 5 points each in Quilon and Madurai centres, 3 points each in Mysore, Ernakulam, Bhilwara and Coonoor centres, 2 points in 13 centres and 1 point in 14 centres.
The index decreased by 1 point in 19 centres and 2 points each in Jalandhar, Nasik, Bhavnagar, Siliguri, Asansol and Howrah centres, while in remaining 20 centres the index remained stationary.
The maximum increase of 5 points in Quilon centre is mainly due to Fish, Fresh Vegetable Items and Washing Soap etc., while that in Madurai centre is mainly due to Rice and Vegetable Items. The increase of 3 points each in Mysore, Ernakulam, Bhilwara and Coonoor centres is due to Rice, Onion, Fish Fresh, Vegetable Items, Tea Readymade, Toilet Soap etc. While the decrease of 2 points each in Jalandhar, Nasik, Bhavnagar, Siliguri, Asansol and Howrah centres is due to decrease in the prices of Vegetable items, Mustard Oil, Groundnut Oil etc.
The point to point rate of inflation for the month of November, 2008 remained constant 10.45% at the level of October, 2008. The CPI-IW for December, 2008 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 30th January, 2009.
All India Consumer Price Index Industrial Workers BASE YEAR 2001 = 100
Month
Base year 2001=100
Total of 12 Months
12 Month Average
% Increase over 115.76 for DA
Jul-2008
143
1634
136.17
17.63
Aug2008
145
1646
137.17
18.50
Sep-2008
146
1659
138.25
19.43
Oct-2008
148
1673
139.42
20.44
Expected Dearness Allowance for Central Government Employees from 1.1.2009 - 22%
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