What are Services HQ Doing - Reply from Chairman CoSC to RDOA

Reply Recd from Chairman COSC on the Implementation of Hon'ble HSC order of 4 Sept 12:IV CPC Rank Pay Case

IMPLEMENTATION OF HON'BLE COURT ORDER IN RANK PAY CASE

 1. Please refer your letter dated 21 Jan 13.

2. The implementation order to comply with Hon'ble Supreme Court verdict dated 04 Sep 12, upholding Kerala High Court Order in the case of Maj Dhanapalan (Retd), has been issued vide MoD ID No 34(6)2012-0 (Pay/ Services) dated 27 Dec 12. Services HQ are in the process of implementing the order of MoD inspite of having serious observations on the provisions of the letter.

3. MoD orders for implementation of the court verdict meet only partially the aspirations and the expectations of the affected officers and fall much short of complying with the judicial verdict in letter and spirit. As Chairman, COSC, I have taken up specific issues with Hon'ble RM vide my DO dated 18 Jan 13 which are detailed hereunder :-

(a) The MoD order has restricted the benefit by making the court order effective for those officers who held the rank of Fit Lt and equivalent as on 1.1.86 instead of stating with effect from 1.1.86, despite the court order using this term. This effectively means that officers promoted to the rank of Fit Lt and equivalent after 01 Jan 86 will not be covered by this order.

(b) The integrated Pay Scale of IV CPC and the minimum pay for each rank (Paras 3(a) (i) and 6(a) of SAFI 1/S/87) respectieely have not been amended. This in effect means that there would be two types of pay scales for the same rank/service seniority in the currency of 4th CPC.

(c) The Basic pay ceiling prescribed by the 4th CPC scale, i.e ~ 5100, has not been amended. This has resulted in denial of fixation benefit (i.e 20% of pre-revised pay) for officers holding the rank of Brig and equivalent as on 1.1.86 thus occasioning a
legitimate default.

(d) The MoD orders have not amended the pay fixation formula of 5^th CPC which also envisaged deduction of Rank Pay in pay fixation, thus it restricts the ripple effect of the court verdict which is integral to the said verdict.

4. Services HQ are constantly in touch with MoD. The Services reps have held a series of meetings to discuss the issues raised by me with officials of MoD on 30 Jan and 15 & 22 Feb 13. The Armed Forces, in these meetings have explained in detail all the major inconsistencies in this case. The MoD has been found to be positively inclined and have supported the views of the Services. A detailed case on the infirmities and anomalies arising out of the ibid implementation order along with a few live examples of actual fixation and problems arising thereof, have also been submitted to MoD on 31 Jan 13. MoD in turn has asked CGDA, MoD (Fin), MoF and LA (Def) to offer comments on the issues that have been highlighted. The latest meeting on the subject was held on 06 Mar 13 chaired by AS (A) In the meeting MoD appeared inclined to accept the Services view on the shortcomings in the Govt letter. Accordingly a detailed note to be signed by JS (6) is being prepared for seeking views of Solicitor General. Further a committee is also being set up to crystalise the problem definition and the views of the stakeholders.

5. I wish to re-assure you that the Services are completely seized of the matter and are following up the issue regularly. I am confident that the MoD will take
necessary action on the subject and issue suitable amendments in the Govt letter to ensure immediate and correct implementation of the Judgment in its letter  spirit.   

  Sd/-

Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne