The martyrs in Indo China war 1962 have been paid homage first time. Indeed this is welcome. Heroism is heroism. Victor or defeat matters little so far as heroic deed and martyrdom is concerned. That is why in India, a soldier killed in war is said to have died like a hero (VEER GATI) irrespective of success or failure.
It is heartening to note that , at last this is being done though too little . Army as an institution is the best that we have in our country and they are remembered only when they lay their lives down so the rest can live a safe and happy life.The government does precious little for the families of the army men left behind...there are umpteen cases of army widows struggling with no or very little compensation given to them , what a state of affairs !
It is wrong to say that widows do not get adequate pension. They are paid special family pension equal to last pay drawn of the soldier killed in action till the date he would have retired in normal course, gratuity, group insurance and other benefits. So, they are not financially poorer because of soldier's death. However, some state governments give additional benefits like petrol pump, gas agency etc in respect of which there may be bungling. Yet the financial benefits given by Army fully compensates the war widows.
They do get it eventually after a lot of waiting and running around.I have known several cases where it has taken as many as 4 years before the pension was received and the arrears took another year...States promise so many things on paper which never get materialized and politicians try to take advantage there as well in giving these agencies...I wish they made it easier for them instead of having to go through so many hassles and indignities..
Army authorities are very alert to timely payment of dues to the widows. But there may be formalities like opening of bank account, witness etc. with banks. Army Records Office, the Pension sanctioning authorities do their job quickly on priority basis. The Records office monitor and there is no question of exceptional delay. Many widows are in villages and the disbursing bank may be away in city. Possibly, there could be delay at that level. There is an officer formerly known as DSSA (District soldiers and sailors Board' who will help the army persons and families/ widows for any problem.
G. K. Ajmani Tax consultant http://gkajmani-mystraythoughts.blogspot.com/
Additionally, there was complacency. We Indians thought "Panch sheel will never be ditched. Nehru too was lamenting on the back stabbing attitude of (If I'm not mistaken) Chou- en -lai.
Additionally, there was complacency. We Indians thought "Panch sheel will never be ditched. Nehru too was lamenting on the back stabbing attitude of (If I'm not mistaken) Chou- en -lai.
This is very correct. Nehru sincerely believed that china would abide by Panch Sheel. After defeat, Indira Gandhi also lamented that we were planning economic progress and we had not collected weapons.
G. K. Ajmani Tax consultant http://gkajmani-mystraythoughts.blogspot.com/
