Saturday 29 March 2014

Some Examples for Consideration

One of the esteemed commentators raised a point about making suggestions and/or recommendations to the PARC. As many of the readers of this blog would have learnt, PARC now has an email ID chafpcc@nic.in for your valued suggestions/recommendations.

The only request, as offered by a "source who wishes to remain anonymous as he is not authorised to speak' (like the media famously states)  is that the suggestions and or recommendations must be clear, concise, cogent and would be most valuable if backed with data/fact based reasons.

Some examples (from our brain-washed group!) are cited below (please do not fire 155mm/Anti-Submarine Missiles/Ack-Ack guns at me for these are just, well, examples!):-

1. DA should not be subject to income tax because DA is paid for increasing cost of living based on inflation which increases the prices. So, a 10% increase in DA would actually be a 6.66% increase in emoluments, given that most of us pensioners (adding interest in investments) are in the 30% + Edn Cess + Hr Edn Cess brackets. And the inflation is 8% on an average.       

2. Family pension is 30% of the last pay drawn by the deceased pensioner. The logic - only one mouth to feed! But the Govt and locally imposed charges are not reduced by 20% because the pensioner died! Property tax, municipal tax, electricity and water charges (and cess thereon), cost of petrol, gas cylinder (disconnected if not renewed within 6 months) plus payment to hire a driver (a job done till the demise by the pensioner) to visit the Canteen, the ECHS polyclinic and to pay bills for water and electricity are not reduced by 20%! So why shouldn't the family pension be 50%?

3. GoI approved, but let down in implementing, the Armed Forces on lateral shift of the young jawans and others being absorbed by the other Govt controlled organisations. So increase the pension of those who retire below the age of 40 years to 80% and those who retire between 41 and 45 years to 70% so that they can pay for the school/college education of their children and have something left over for a decent livelihood. What is the farce of paying 80+ higher pension when most live with their children (and give the children an inferiority complex!)?      

4. Five yearly Cadre review for the Armed Forces. All Armed Forces officers to draw IAS Director level pay at 14 years service, Jt Secy's pay at 18 years of service, Addl Secy's pay at 32 years of service. Nothing funny/ridiculous, if one reads, letter by letter, punctuation marks included!) of successive Pay Commissions reiterating "Armed Forces officers are are given an "Edge" and not be on the edge (as MoD interprets it!).  

5. Reduce the period for restoration of Commuted Value of Pension (CVP) from 15 years to 12 years though the Apex Court has upheld (in Writ Petition No. 3958-61 of 1983) the period with the following: -


"The petitioners have contended that the commuted portion out of the pension is ordinarily recovered within about 12 years and, therefore, there is no justification for fixing the period at 15 years.

Commutation brings about certain advantages. The commuting pensioner gets a lump sum amount which ordinarily he would have received in course of a spread over period subject to his continuing to live. Thus, two   advantages   are   certainly   forthcoming   out    of commutation-- (1) availability of a lump sum amount, and (2) the risk factor. Again many of the State Governments have already formulated schemes accepting the 15 year rule. In this background, we do not think we would be justified in disturbing the 15 year formula so far as civilian pensioners are concerned."

  


Friday 28 March 2014

One Rank One Pension – What is the delay in the Implementing Order?




Is the implementation letter/order of OROP stuck because CGDA, tasked by MoD (vide GoI/MoD No. 12 (01)/2014-D(Pen/Pol) letter dated 26 Feb 14) to “work out the modalities……to implement the same” awaiting a DGL from Service HQ though the onus is on CGDA?

Further, is a twist that the (in)famous DESW has inserted in the ibid letter dated 26 Feb 14. The RM directed in the 26 Feb 14 meeting as follows: -

            “5. He directed CGDA may initiate steps in consultation with the three Services, MoD Finance & Department of ESW to give effect to this decision. Ex-Servicemen may also be appropriately consulted as required by the Services.”

DESW has amended the RM’s directive as “Accordingly, CGDA may work out the modalities in consultation with Service Hqrs (sic) (who in turn may approrpriately consult ex-servicemen), Department …………and take necessary action to implement the same.”

Is the CGDA not aware as to what principle to follow to furnish the DGL, have it vetted and approved and pay the OROP by 30 Apr 14 (first pension of FY 2014-15)? CGDA was present in the meeting on 26 Feb 14!  

To jog CGDA’s memory - RM has made that clear in Para 3 of his directive as follows: - “It was noted that One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of the date of retirement and any future enhancement of the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.”
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P.S: Those wishing to communicate wisdom and recommendations with clarity to PARC may do so at the email ID chafpcc@nic.in

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Cdr Kshirsagar vs UoI - AVSC in Bombay High Court - 19 Oct 07





Bombay High Court

Commander Ravindera Sadashio ... vs Union Of India (Uoi) Through Lawyers ... on 19 October, 2007

Author: F Rebello J

Bench: F Rebello, A V Mohta

JUDGMENT

F.I. Rebello, J.

1. Rule.

As the matter involves career of senior Officers in the Indian Navy, the parties agreed that it would be appropriate if the Petition is disposed of at the admission stage itself. The matter accordingly was heard on various dates. The parties were also directed to file their written submissions considering the time constraint.

The Petitioners have submitted their written arguments only on 21.9.2007.

2.         The Petitioner is at present working as Commander (Time Scale). Till the notification of the Government of India dated 11.3.2005, the Petitioner ordinarily would have superannuated as Commander (Time Scale). The Government of India had appointed a committee which is known as "Ajay Vikram Singh Committee (AVS Committee). The committee was constituted by the Ministry of defence, to examine the Army headquarters proposals for reconstructing their officer cadre (emphasis supplied) One of the recommendations made was time based promotions in the officers rank. It was also recommended that the rank of Col. (Time Scale) be granted to all Lt. Cols on completion of 26 years service. The Committee noted in Para 76 of its report that whilst this report is primarily focused on the restructuring of the Officers' Cadre of the Army, it is applicable in nearly equal measure to the other two services. The Navy and Air Force however, should work out their Service specific requirements including the additional vacancies, which will be required at various ranks on operational/functional grounds. The variations that may be necessary to meet Service specific requirements would be pursued by the individual Service Hqs separately.

3.         Subsequent to the report, the Government accorded approval for implementation of the report of the AVS Committee, one of which was promotion of Lt. Colonel's who had completed 26 years service to the rank of Colonel (T.S.) on 12.3.2005. The Government then accorded approval for implementation of the AVS Committee report to the Indian Air Force. One of the recommendations was promotion of Wing Commander to Group Captain (Time Scale) on completion of 26 years of service subject to other requirements. On 11.3.2005, the President was pleased to convey sanction for revision of various terms and conditions of service for Naval Officers, except Medical and Dental Officers. Some of the relevant paragraphs are as under:

1. Consequent to the acceptance of recommendations of the AV Singh Committee Report (Part. 1), I am directed to convey the sanction of the President for revision of various terms and conditions of service for Naval Officers, except Medical and Dental Officers, as given in the succeeding paragraphs.

2. Substantive Promotion: To reduce the age profile and supersession levels in the Navy, as also to improve vertical mobility, promotion to substantive ranks will be made based on eligibility criteria indicated below.

RANK
Eligibility Criteria

(a) Sub Lieutenant On commissioning

(b) Lieutenant 02 years as Sbt.

(c) Lieutenant 04 years from date of promotions to Substantive Lt.

(d) Commander 11 years from date of promotion to Substantive Lt.

(e) Captain (Time Scale) 26 years of reckonable commissioned service.

3. The aforementioned promotions will be governed by the following:

(a) Inter-se seniority amongst officers as per Navy List will be protected.

(b) Forfeiture/gain of time as specified in Chapters IV and VI of Regs Navy Part III.

(c) Provisions w.r.t. Discipline, vigilance and medical as promulgated by IHQ Mod (N) from time to time.

4. Promotions accruing from Para 2 above shall also be subject to officers fulfilling other criteria, to be notified by the IHQ Mod (N) through policy letters on the subject. Seniority of officers eligible for promotion based on above mentioned criteria, who have not completed mandatory sea time due to service constraints, will be protected.

5. Those serving in the rank of Commander (Time Scale) will now be eligible for grant of substantive rank of Commander. The existing rank of Commander (Selection) shall remain applicable till the existing Commanders (Selection) are either promoted to the rank of Captain (Selection) or Captain (Time Scale) or are retired. No further promotions to Commander (Selection) shall be made.

Captain (Time Scale)

6. Officers not promoted to the rank of Captain by selection may be granted substantive rank of Captain (Time Scale), irrespective of vacancies, provided they are considered fit in all respects. The terms and conditions governing the rank of Captain (Time Scale) to these officers are as under:

(a) Pay scale : As applicable to Captain Selection Grade which currently is Rs. 15,100-450-17,350.

(b) Rank Pay Officers will be entitled to rank pay of a Commander which currently is Rs. w.1,600/- p.m.
(c) Other Allowances & Perks : Officers holding the rank of Captain (Time Scale) will be eligible for all allowances and other perks as applicable to Captain Selection Grade.

(d) Age of Superannuation: All officers holding the rank of Captain (Time Scale) shall retire on superannuation on attainment of the age of 54 years.

(e) Medical Criteria: Criteria applicable for the rank of Cdr.(TS) will now be applicable to the new grade of Capt (TS).7. Officers holding the rank of Captain (Time Scale) will be held against the sanctioned strength of Commanders. Such officers shall in precedence, rank junior to the following officers:

(a) Substantive Captain by Selection

(b) Acting Captain by Selection

8. Detailed criteria and procedure for grant of substantive rank of Captain (Time Scale) will be notified by integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy).

4. Subsequent to the sanction by the President, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) New Delhi issued a policy on 14.3.2005 for implementation of Part I - AVS Committee Recommendations (AVSCR). Some of the relevant paras read as under:

3. Governing Principle: The fundamental tenet for implementation is that the inter-se seniority among Officers as per Navy List, will be protected. The aim of succeeding paragraphs is to lay down the modalities for implementation' of the above, with minimum impact on command and control structures and traditional naval ethos.

10. All Lt. Cdrs who have completed 11 years from date of promotion to substantive Lt would be eligible for promotion to Substantive Cdr. In the first instance, the following officers would also become eligible:

(a) All Ag. Cdrs (Select List)

(b) All Cdrs (Time Scale)

(c) All "R"/"N" Graded Lt. Cdrs.

Paras 19, 20 and 22 read as under:

19. The IHQ Mod (N) will screen and promote substantive Cdrs who have completed 26 years of reckonable commissioned service to the rank of Capt. (TS). All Capts (TS) will continue to be borne against the sanctioned strength of Cdrs and below and will hold appointments tenable by Cdrs. These officers will not be constituted as Cmde subsequently.

20. To maintain existing inter-se seniority, Cdrs (Time Scale) and Lt. Cdrs. who have been finally superseded will be eligible for promotion to Capt (Time Scale) only after all erstwhile Ag. Cdrs (Select List) have been promoted to Capt (Select List)/Capt (Time Scale)/ retired. Para 3 of GOI Letter ibid also refers.

22. Such Officers shall, in precedence, rank junior to the following officers:
(a) Substantive Captain by selection;

(b) Acting Captain by Selection.

5.         The Integrated Headquarter of Ministry of Defence (Navy) New Delhi issued another communication dated 2nd November, 2005. The following paras of the communication are relevant:

2. The AVSC recommendations, besides improving the promotion prospects of officers, are aimed at ensuring a younger age, profile of officer in the three Services. Whilst embracing the fundamental tenets of the AVRC recommendations, the underlying thrust of the IN promotion policy for non select ranks, has been to preserve inter-se seniority amongst officers as per Navy List, thereby ensuring minimal turbulence to the existing Command and Control structure.

4. The above implies that immediate grant of promotion to Cdrs (TS) with 26 years of commissioned service, to the rank of Captain(TS), is untenable since it would impact on the sanctity of inter-se seniority. While, this may be considered at variance with the Army/Air Force implementations, it is relevant to highlight that the implementation by the two Services has been based on mitigating circumstances such as their geographical dispersion and selective placement. The IN policy is practical and based on time tested, functional and traditional norms followed even pre-AVSC.

5. It is further clarified that the new regulations do not preclude promotion of erstwhile R1/R2 graded Lt. Cdrs (subsequently not placed on Select List for promotion to Captain) or erstwhile Cdrs (Time Scale) and Lt. Cdrs ((N Graded) (finally superseded) to the rank of Capt (TS) but only appropriately defers it till such time the provisions at para 3(a) are complied.

6. Several Commanders (Time scale) who were aggrieved by these Communications made representations to the Ministry of Defence. The representations were rejected and they were so informed.

6.         It is the Petitioners case that inspite of the notification of 11.3.2005 consequent to the subsequent notifications, the Petitioner though eligible and having completed 26 years of service to be considered for promotion to the rank of Captain (Time Scale), cannot be considered, till such time as all commanders (select) and Commanders (Acting) are promoted as either Captain (TS) or Commander (Select). The Petitioner in the course of such exercise, would retire.

7. It is submitted on behalf of the Petitioner that the terms and conditions of service governed by the Government of India letter dated 11.3.2005 are to be effective from 16.12.2004. The notification by the Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) on 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 has the effect of altering the rights for consideration for promotion, as contained by Government of India letter dated 11.3.2005. The impugned policy letters in effect alter the terms and conditions of the services of the Petitioner, which are prescribed by the Government of India and as such are without authority of law. It is also submitted that the Paragraph 3 of the Communication of 11.3.2005 cannot have the effect of deferring the promotion of Commander (TS) like the Petitioners who has completed 26 years of service. What the para at all would mean is that in the rank as and when Commander (Select) and acting Commanders are promoted to Captain (TS), they will be senior to Commanders (Time Scale) who were promoted as Captain (Time Scale) before them. More over inter-se seniority obviously means seniority in the same rank and not in different ranks. It is next submitted that the Army and the Air Force have both implemented the AVS Committee recommendation by immediately promoting all eligible officers in the rank of Lt. Col (Time Scale) to Col. (Time Scale) and Wing Commander (Time Scale) to Group Captain (Time Scale). In these circumstances, it is absurd for the Navy to contend that the Govt. Notification permits them to do the opposite. If the impugned naval policy is implemented then no Commander (Time Scale) can be considered for promotion to the rank of Captain (Time Scale) till January, 2016, since the last Commander (Select)/acting Commander (Select) would be eligible for consideration by the end of the year 2015. According to Petitioners, all Commanders (Time Scale) would by then have retired and none would be available to get the benefit of promotion of Captain (Time Scale).

It is also submitted that the Navy does not have the power to vary a Policy of the Government of India. It is only the Govt. of India that can vary its own Policy. Consequently, the impugned Naval Policy as reflected in these communications, are clearly ultra vires and in any event cannot alter or modify the Govt. Policy much less take away the right to be considered for promotion, conferred by the Govt. Policy. It is therefore, submitted that the impugned communications are ultra vires and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India, to the extent that they have the effect of postponing the promotion of the petitioner to the rank of Captain (Time Scale) until all Commanders (Select) and acting Commanders (Select) are promoted to the rank of Captain (Time Scale). The two communications are therefore, liable to be quashed and set aside with a direction to the respondents to promote Petitioner as Captain (TS) with effect from 16.12.2004.

8.         Affidavit in reply has been filed on behalf of the Respondents, by Commander R.N. Purandare. It is set out that the Petitioner has not exhausted the efficacious remedy available for redressal of his grievance under the provisions of Navy Act, 1957 and the regulations framed thereunder and has instead chosen to approach the Hon'ble Court directly, which is procedurally incorrect. In our opinion at the outset it may be noted that the representations made by similarly situated officers have been rejected.

The contentions urged in this Petition also cannot be considered or decided by the Authorities. That objection is therefore, devoid of merits. The letters dated 14.3.2005 and 24.11.2005 of the Integrated Headquarter Ministry of Defence (Navy) it is explained are simply an elaboration and amplification of Govt. of India letter dated 11th March, 2005 and in no way at any stage contravene the provisions of the GOI letter dated 11th March, 2005. The Government of India Letter dated 11.3.2005, Para 3, clearly sets out that the promotions will be governed by the inter se seniority of the Officers as per naval list which will be protected. It is also contended that as per Para 8 of the Government of India Letter, the Government has authorised Integrated Headquarters/Ministry of Defence to set out the detailed criteria for grant of substantive rank of Captain (Time Scale). As such, the policy letters dated 14th March, 2005 and 21 November, 2005 have been issued by Respondent No. 5 under the authority of the Govt. of India. The policy letters/draft guidelines submitted are as per existing regulations and taking into consideration all service exigencies and effect of implementation of the said policy on the morale of the service. It is submitted that in the Indian Navy, if the Commander (T.S.) including Petitioner is promoted to the rank of Captain (T.S.), immediately as claimed by the Petitioner, he will supersede almost 1300 Commanders in one stroke, who are senior to him in the naval list. This will not only affect the morale but also be contrary to the existing regulations. This is neither practical nor desirable and in fact will be contrary to the regulations/policies.
Dealing with the contention of the other two services, it is contended that they have so done according to their needs/requirements and their service conditions. In the armed forces, the promotional policies are framed to suit the service requirements which in turn are linked to the peculiarities of different rank structure and dictates of command and control. In the Indian Navy, if the Commanders (TS) including the Petitioner are
promoted to the rank of Captain (Time Scale) immediately as claimed by the Petitioner, he will supersede almost 1300 Commanders (Select List) who are senior to them in a single stroke. Though It is true that the Army and Air force have promoted Lieutenant Colonel (Time Scale) to Colonel (Time Scale) and Wing Commander (Time Scale) to Group Captain (Time Scale) respectively, the terms and conditions of Indian
Navy are different from Army and Air Force. Navy's approach in this regard has been practical and in conformity with the extant regulations as it does not disturb the existing seniority structure as promulgated in the Navy List. It is set out that it is not as if Commander (TS) have been denied promotions to the rank of Captain (TS). It has only been deferred.

Consequent to the order of this Court dated 23.11.2006 certain additional information was furnished. It has been pointed out that as on the date of the notification dated 11.3.2005, made effective from 16.12.2004, the number of Commanders (Select) were 1119 (One thousand one hundred and nineteen). Acting Commanders (Select list) were 358 and Commanders (Time Scale) were 412. As of 25.11.2006, 88 Commanders (Select) have been promoted to the rank of Captain (Select) and 208 Commanders (Select) granted the rank of Captain (Time Scale). No Commander (Time Scale) has so far been granted/appointed as Captain (Time Scale). It is also pointed out that all Commanders (Select) selected by Promotion Board 03/2004 would be eligible for promotion to Captain (Time Scale) by 2015. Although 282 erstwhile Commanders (Time Scale) including the Petitioner would have retired by then and not be benefited, yet 420 Officers (130 erstwhile commanders (Time Scale) and 290 "N" graded Lieutenant Commanders (Lieutenant Commander who have now been select listed for Commander) would continue to be eligible for promotion.

9. An additional affidavit was filed on 27.02.2007 by Commander Purandare. Amongst other contentions, it was brought on record, that several representations made by individual Officers (Commanders)(TS), has been disposed of by the Government of India, Ministry of Defence and it is set out that in terms of the Communication of 8.3.1996 the Jt. Secretary is competent to decide all the representations. As it was contended that by the order dated 11.3.2006, the Ministry of Defence had issued policy decision in the matter of providing promotional avenues and that policy could have been amended by Jt. Secretary, Navy and that in fact it has been so done based on the power conferred by order dated 8.3.1996, we had pointed out that the communication dated 8.3.1996 only confers power to decide statutory complaints. An affidavit has now been filed by Captain Purandare which clearly sets out that the order dated 8.3.1996 only deals with the delegation of powers to the Joint Secretary regarding disposal of statutory complaints of officers upto the rank of Brigadier and equivalent and that the communication of the Integrated Headquarters (Navy) dated 14.3.2005 impugned in the writ petition was to harmonize the two clauses of the instruction dated 11.3.2005 relating to eligibility of offices to promotion as Captain time scale vis a viz to maintain inter se seniority amongst as per Navy list. The impugned decision dated 14.3.2005 was under the instruction dated 11.3.2005 itself.

10. We may only add an additional fact. The Petitioner in his affidavit has set out, that he denies that Commander Purandare was authorised to affirm the affidavit on behalf of the respondents at any rate, on behalf of the Union of India. This averment has not been dealt with by the respondents in their subsequent affidavits. It is also pointed out that the statement on behalf of the respondents that 218 erstwhile Commanders of time scale would have retired by 2015 is incorrect as about 405 Commanders will be retiring by that time.

11.       Considering these contentions the issues that will arise for consideration are:

(1) Whether the communications of 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 are without the authority of law and in contravention of the notification dated 11.3.2005.

(2) Whether the communications dated 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 can be said to be arbitrary, violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India in as much as the effect of these communications amount to denial to the Petitioners of promotion opportunities to the rank of Captain (Time Scale), even though eligible under notification of 11.3.2005.

(3) Would the action of Respondent No. 2 to 5 be said to be arbitrary in as much as the corresponding ranks in the Indian Army and Air Force have been granted promotion from 16.12.2004.

12.       To understand the contentions, we may firstly note the promotion policy in the Navy previous to communication on 11.3.2005. The promotion to the rank of Lieutenant was after putting in maximum three years of service, minus the seniority gained during Sub courses. Promotion to the rank of Lt. Commander is after completion of 9 years of service. Promotion to the rank of Commander was by selection, based on performance/merit after completion of 14 to 14.1/2 years of service. Three chances were afforded by the Selection Board for promotion to the rank of Commander. The promotion to the rank of Commander (TS) (i.e. When officer not selected in three chances), is after completion of 20 years of service. Commander (TS) was not eligible for consideration for promotion to the rank of Captain. Pursuant to the policy of 11.3.2005 and communications dated 14.3.2005 and 24.11.2005, promotion to the rank of Lieutenant is on completion of two years of service. Promotion to the rank of Lt. Commander is after completion of six years of service. Promotion to the rank of Cdr. is after completion of 13 years of service.

Promotion by selection to the rank of Captain by virtue of merit/performance is after completion of 18 years of service, three chances are afforded by the Selection Board for the promotion to the rank of Captain (Select Grade). If a Commander does not get selected within the three chances, then after completion of 26 years of service, he is entitled to be considered as Captain (Time Scale).

13.       We may now deal with the first contention. Are the communications of 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 in contravention of the notification of 11.3.2005? It is not disputed and cannot be disputed that once the President has sanctioned the condition of service which includes promotion to the post of Captain (Time Scale), it would not be open to the Respondent Nos. 2 to 5 to alter, modify the Policy, unless power was conferred to modify the same. In Shankar Pandurang Jadhav and Ors. v. Vice Admiral, Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief and Ors. , the Supreme Court has been pleased to hold that a subsequent order issued by the Navy, inconsistent with the Presidential Order, has to be ignored as officers in the Naval Department were not competent to alter, vary or modify a Presidential order.

The question that we are called upon to answer is whether there was any power in Respondent Nos. 2 to 5 to issue communication of 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 as contended by them considering the language of the Notification dated 11.3.2005. Para 3 which we have reproduced earlier sets out that the promotion is to be governed amongst others by maintaining the inter se seniority as per naval list which will require to be protected.

According to Respondents this paragraph read with Para 8 of the notification which sets out the detailed criteria and procedure for grant of substantive rank of Captain (Time Scale) is to be notified by the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Navy). It is in exercise of this, that the communications of 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 respectively were issued. What would be the meaning of the expression "inter se seniority" of Officers as per naval list which has to be protected? Seniority in the rank of captain is covered by the Para 7 which places the order of seniority as under:

(1) Substantive Captain by selection;

(2) Acting Captain by Selection.

(3) Captain (Time Scale).

In other words Captain (Time Scale) in the rank of Captain, will always be junior to those who have been promoted as substantive captain by selection or as Acting Captain by selection. If the seniority in the rank of Captain is already provided, then Para 3 will have to be given a distinctive meaning and if it has to be given distinctive meaning, then Par 8 will have to be considered. The feeder rank for appointment to the rank of Captain (Select) or Captain (Time Scale) is in the rank of Commander. In the rank of Commander (Time Scale) are those Lt. Commanders, who could not be selected as Commander on merit. Appointment to the promotional rank of Commander (Time Scale) was on completion of 20 years of service and thereafter there was no further avenue of promotion. From the affidavit of Commander Purandare as on the date of notification of 11.3.2005 there were 1300 Commanders (Select List) who were senior to the Commanders (Time Scale). Commander (Select List) was by selection and Commander (Time Scale) on completion of 20 years of service subject to other requirements. If the Notification of 11.3.2005 has to be read as Petitioner want us to read, it would mean that all Commanders (Time Scale) though in the naval list were junior to commanders (Select) or Acting Commanders (Select) on account of the new policy by putting in the 26 years
of required service have to be considered for promotion to the post Captain (Time Scale).

In terms of Para 7 of the Communication dated 11.3.2005, on promotion they would be senior to Commander (Select) and Commander (Acting). According to the Navy, if this is so applied, it would affect the command and control structure in the Indian Navy. Would this amount to protecting the inter se seniority in the naval list? On the contrary, Commander (Time Scale) who were junior and earlier not eligible for promotion to the post of Captain, by virtue of the notification dated 11.03.2005 would have to be considered for promotion to the post of Captain (Time Scale). This would affect the inter se seniority amongst Commanders in the Naval List.

From the various affidavits filed on behalf of the Respondent Nos. 2 to 5 and the submissions made, the policy of deferment of promotion to those holding post of Commander (Time Scale) is that otherwise, meritorious candidates who had been selected to the post of Commander will rank junior to the Commander (T.S.) until they are promoted as Captain. The only question is whether the notification of 11.3.2005 so permits. Para 6 of the notification of 11.3.2005 sets out that the Officers not promoted to the rank of Captain by selection may be granted substantive rank of Captain (Time Scale), irrespective of vacancies, provided they are considered fit in all respects. Therefore, such officers if fit can be granted substantive rank of captain (time scale). The expression used is not "shall" but "may." The expression "may" can be read in the context it is used. It can also be read in the context of Para 3, which would mean maintaining inter se seniority amongst the officers as per naval list which had to be protected. In Para 4, it was made clear that the promotions accruing from Para 2 above shall also be subject to officers fulfilling other criteria, to be notified by the IHQ Mod (N) through policy letters on the subject. On a co-joint reading of Para 3, Para 4, Para 6 and Para 8 and on a harmonious construction, it cannot be said that the communications of 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 are ultra vires the communication of 11.3.2005.

In our opinion, the inter se seniority amongst the Officers as per naval list in the rank of Commander will have to be protected and the two communications will have to be read in
consonance with these requirements. The AVS committee in its report had left it to the Navy to work out the service specific requirements. From 16.12.2004 all Commander (T.S.) will be holding the substantive rank of Commander. We are therefore, clearly of the opinion that the two communications issued by the IHQ Mod (N) are not in contravention of the Government circular/communication of 11.3.2005. These communications are pursuant to the power which flows from the Notification of 11.02.2005, itself. That contention therefore, will have to be rejected.

14.       The next contention is whether the communication of 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 have resulted in denial to the Commanders (Time scale), their chance of promotion and thereby are violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India. The argument is that though the policy of 11.3.2005 confers right to be considered for selection to the post of Captain (Time scale), the subsequent communications of 15.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 which delays promotion would result in denying to the Petitioner and similarly placed Commanders (Time Scale), the right to be considered for promotion to the post of Captain (Time Scale), as the Petitioner like most other commanders, will retire before they can be considered for promotion to the rank of Captain (T.S.).

The present petition has not been filed in the representative capacity nor is it espousing the cause of all persons similarly situated like the Petitioner. However, if the Petitioner succeeds, that would result in applying the ratio of the judgment to all others similarly situated Commanders (T.S.). The policy of 11.3.2005 has resulted in the creation of the post of Captain (Time Scale) to be considered amongst others from Commanders who have completed 26 years of service. If the figures cited and on record are considered, there appears to be no possibility of the Petitioner being considered during his service tenure. According to Respondents themselves, considering the policy, which defers consideration of Commanders (Time Scale), for promotion to the post of Captain (Time Scale), the youngest Commander (Select) would become due for promotion to Captain (Time Scale) in 2015 if not promoted Captain (Select). By then, about 282 erstwhile Commanders including petitioner would have retired and not be benefited. However, 220 Officers (130 erstwhile Commanders (Time Scale) and 290 N graded Lieutenant Commanders who have been listed as Commander would be eligible for promotion to the post of Captain (Time Scale). In other words, according to respondents, deferment is not illusory.

According to the Petitioner the statement that only 282 erstwhile Commanders (time scale) would have retired by 2015 is not correct and that the correct position is that about 405 Commanders (Time Scale) would have retired. It is then merely denied that 130 erstwhile Commanders (Time Scale) or 290 N graded Lt. Commanders will continue to be eligible for promotion. An additional affidavit was filed by Commander Kshirsagar on 28.11.2006 subsequent to the order of this Court dated 23.11.2006. It is set out that there were only 295 Commanders (Time Scale) existing as on 11.3.2005.Reliance is placed on the communication dated 17.3.2005. This letter sets out 295 Officers who have acquired substantive rank of Commander. There is another list of 17.3.2005 including 38 other Officers. It is pointed out that out of 295 Commanders existing on 2.11.2005, about 13 have since retired and as on date, there are only 282 Commanders (Time Scale) existing out of the original 295 and that all these 282 erstwhile Commanders (Time Scale) would have retired by the time they would be eligible for promotion to the post of Captain (Time Scale). In so far as 290 N grade Lt. Commanders, they are junior to the erstwhile Commanders (Time Scale) including the Petitioners and may become eligible for promotion to the rank of Captain (Time Scale) as they might still be in service after 2015-2016. It is therefore, set out that 295 Commanders (Time Scale) would superannuate before 2015-16 and would not be benefited by the naval policy. From the figures brought on record, we proceed on the footing that none of the Commanders (Time Scale) would be eligible for consideration to the post of Captain (Time Scale). The fact therefore would be that considering the Government Notification of 11.3.2005 and the Communication dated 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 existing Commanders (Time scale) would being eligible for consideration as they would have superannuated and it is only N graded Lt. Commanders who by virtue of the policy of 11.3.2005 have become Commanders Substantive by the same policy, will be eligible for consideration for promotion to the post of Captain (Time Scale).

It is true that accepting the figures on record, no Commander (T.S.) will be eligible for consideration till 2015 by which time all of them would have retired. As however, pointed out at the same time, the policy requires the seniority in the Naval list to be protected. Article 14 abhors arbitrariness. Is the action of the Respondents arbitrary and or can it be said to be reasonable considering the exigencies of the service?

The rank structure in the Navy determines the command and control structure. In the rank of Commanders, the Naval list provided that Commander (Select) and Acting Commanders would rank senior to Commanders (Time Scale) even if Commander (Time Scale) has put in more years of service as Commander (T.S.). If on account of the change of policy they are to be promoted, they will rank senior to all these other Commanders who in the cadre of Commanders were senior to them based on merits. The subsequent communications only protect this inter se seniority in the Naval List. As the Respondents have pointed out the subsequent communication was to protect the control and command structure and the morale, considering para 3 of the Government Policy. In our opinion, the subsequent communications are reasonable and in tune with the policy of 11.03.2005. Once we have accepted that contention, the challenge on the ground of Article 14 will have to be rejected.

15.       That brings us to the last contention as to whether on the two other service having granted promotion to corresponding ranks, can it be said that the action of the Navy in not considering the case of the Commanders (Time Scale) for promotion to Captain (Time Scale) can be said to be arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

We have earlier referred to the various affidavits and that it is an admitted position that the other two services have granted promotions. Can that by itself be a reason to hold that the communication of 14.3.2005 and 2.11.2005 are arbitrary? Firstly they belong to two different services, in other words, two different classes. It is not a case of posts within the same cadre, where one group of Officers are being considered to the exclusion of the other. Secondly, the respondents have set out the reasons as to why they have deferred the consideration for promotion of Commanders (Time Scale) immediately. The policy decision of an authority normally would not be interfered with as the Employer is the best person to evaluate his requirements and judge his problems. This Court only interferes if the policy is either ultra vires or violative of the constitutional mandate. Judicial review does not concern itself with merits of the Act or action of the manner in which it is done. It also cannot be said that the action of the respondent is arbitrary or violative of Article
14, in as much as reasons have been stated as to why it was not possible for them to follow the principles followed by two other services. Once the policy confers powers on the respondents and the respondents considering the over all policy have laid down a criteria which is within the constitutional frame work, it will not be possible for this Court to interfere on the ground of arbitrariness as admittedly the two other services have their own chain of command and control different from the chain of command and control in the Indian Navy. In our opinion, this challenge also is not sustainable.

16.       Considering the above, there is no merit in the Petition as filed. Rule discharged.

There shall be no order as to costs.

//////////////Typed True Copy\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Monday 24 March 2014

A Short List of Anomalies



The following are the anomalies in the public domain and also stated to have been expressed by the 3 Chiefs in a meeting with RM on 18 Jul 12: -

1.  Fixing common pay scales for all JCOs & ORs and equivalent.

2.  Grant of NFU status to Commissioned Officers.

3.        Correcting differences of Rank Pay of commissioned officers.

4.  Extending HAG+ scale to all Lt Gens and equivalents.
     
5.  Granting OROP to retired personnel.

6.  Complying with the Apex Court’s order on restoring the deduction of Rank Pay

7.  Removing the 33 years of service requirement for full pension when 90% of service personnel retire with lesser service due to lower retirement ages

8.   Restoring status lowered by AVSC and Bagga Committee

9.  Removing the designation of Service officers as Military Service officers and not as Class ‘A’ officers to deny NFU

10.   Review and enhancement of Grade Pay

11.  Correcting the lowered fixation due to wrong interpretation of Rank Pay



Any one for any more?

Official Page of Seventh Central Pay Commission




The Ministry of Finance launched the website for the Seventh Central Pay Commission. As on date only the Terms of Reference of the 7th CPC is available on the page. The work on the page is still on the go as the page title is showing that for 6th CPC. The official page for the Seventh Central Pay Commission can be accessed at http://finmin.nic.in/7cpc/index.asp

Saturday 22 March 2014

Ten Re-Considerations for OROP




Considering Defence Service Regulations and Pension Rules there under,
1.           Should the Reckonable Emoluments be based on highest pay drawn by personnel of each rank, irrespective of pay group with reference to years of Qualifying Service?
2.      Should it be compiled across three services as on 01 Apr 14?
3.   For implementing OROP, if the pension calculated based on these Reckonable Emoluments is more than the pension given in MoD letters dated 17 Jan 13 in respect of Officers/JCOs/ORs, should the pension of all pensioners, irrespective of date of retirement, be increased to the level stated in para 1 above?
 4.           Should all revisions subsequent to 01 Apr 2014 be carried out on 01 July of each year starting 01 Jul 14 instead of date of superannuation/retirement/release, after taking into consideration that the annual increment is admissible on that date to serving personnel and post 1.1.2006 retirees for administrative convenience?
 5.           Should the tables of MoD letter dated 17 Jan 13 be extended for the maximum possible service in each rank and not have an artificial ceiling at 30 years & above being a static figure?
 6.           If the current pension drawn is more than the pension arrived at in the above proposal, should it be protected?
7.           Where revised pension for junior rank is higher than senior rank with same qualifying service, should the pension of senior rank be stepped up at least to the level of the pension for junior rank?
8.           Where the revised pension of a rank at any length of service is lower than the pension of that rank at lower length of service, should the pension of higher length of service be stepped up to the level of the lower length of service of that rank?
9.         Should the linkage with 33 years qualifying service be removed for all pensioners, both past & current pensioners?
10.           For Havildar and below, should the 32 years ceiling for qualifying service be removed and table extended to 33 yrs and beyond upto the maximum possible service for each rank?

Thursday 20 March 2014

Amended Tables; Not for OROP

Update: -  incorporating Amendment to SAI 2/S/2008 of Apr 09

And Clarifications

These tables are in no way, intentioned or unintended, drawing inspiration, methodology, logic, or any connection with the tables circulated by PCDA (P) in Circular 500.

These tables show, with no limits imposed by any “burst ceiling of the next higher rank” syndrome or afflicted/debilitated by imposing a limit at a certain stage and indicating the same amount as pension say from 26 years onwards.

The column ‘Y’ indicates the year in the rank. Therefore, please understand that Y1 is the year an officer is promoted to that rank and Y 5 or Y13 or Y30, the years he/she has served in that rank. It is impossible for, say a Flt Lt, to serve as a Flt Lt for 30 years in that rank. But mathematical projection demands that the table shows what pay and what pension he/she would achieve at that stage.

Please remember that pre-2006 an officer’s pay was determined by a pay scale with a fixed
amount indicated as annual increment. From 2006, the increment is 3% of the previous year’s pay + Grade Pay of the first year of service. This increment is added to the pay and then in the third year it is pay + 3% + GP x 3%. It could become 39% (or so) in the 10th year of service in that rank.

Finally, these are not OROP tables but just tabulations (right or wrong) to indicate how the pay and the pensions progress for post 1.1.2006 retirees.

Equivalent to
Flt Lt
Sqn Ldr
Wg Cdr
Gp Capt

@100%
@50%
@100%
@50%
@100%
@50%
@100%
@50%
Basic Pay
18600
23810
38530
40890
Grade Pay
6100
6600
8000
8700
Military Service Pay
6000
6000
6000
6000
Total
30700
36410
52530
55590
Increment/yr
3%
3%
3%
3%
 Year








Y1
30700
15350
36410
18205
52530
26265
55590
27795
Y2
31450
15725
37330
18665
53930
26965
57080
28540
Y3
32220
16110
38270
19135
55370
27685
58620
29310
Y4
33010
16505
39240
19620
56860
28430
60200
30100
Y5
33830
16915
40240
20120
58390
29195
61830
30915
Y6
34670
17335
41270
20635
59970
29985
63510
31755
Y7
35540
17770
42330
21165
61590
30795
65240
32620
Y8
36430
18215
43420
21710
63260
31630
67020
33510
Y9
37350
18675
44550
22275
64980
32490
68860
34430
Y10
38300
19150
45710
22855
66750
33375
70750
35375
Y11
39270
19635
46910
23455
68580
34290
72700
36350
Y12
40270
20135
48140
24070
70460
35230
74710
37355
Y13
41300
20650
49410
24705
72400
36200
76780
38390
Y14
42360
21180
50720
25360
74400
37200
78910
39455
Y15
43460
21730
52070
26035
76460
38230
81100
40550
Y16
44590
22295
53460
26730
78580
39290
83360
41680
Y17
45750
22875
54890
27445
80760
40380
85690
42845
Y18
46950
23475
56360
28180
83010
41505
88090
44045
Y19
48180
24090
57880
28940
85330
42665
90560
45280
Y20
49450
24725
59440
29720
87710
43855
93100
46550
Y21
50760
25380
61050
30525
90170
45085
95720
47860
Y22
52110
26055
62710
31355
92700
46350
98420
49210
Y23
53500
26750
64420
32210
95310
47655
101200
50600
Y24
54930
27465
66180
33090
97990
48995
104060
52030
Y25
56400
28200
67990
33995
100750
50375
107010
53505
Y26
57920
28960
69850
34925
103600
51800
110050
55025
Y27
59480
29740
71770
35885
106530
53265
113180
56590
Y28
61090
30545
73750
36875
109550
54775
116400
58200
Y29
62750
31375
75790
37895
112660
56330
119720
59860
Y30
64460
32230
77890
38945
115860
57930
123140
61570






















Air Cmde
AVM
AM

@100%
@50%
@100%
@50%
@100%
@50%

43390
47000
75500

8900
10000


6000
6000


58290
63000
75500

3%
3%
3%







Y1
58290
29145
63000
31500
75500
37750
Y2
59860
29930
64710
32355
77770
38885
Y3
61480
30740
66480
33240
80110
40055
Y4
63150
31575
68300
34150
82520
41260
Y5
64870
32435
70170
35085
85000
42500
Y6
66640
33320
72100
36050
87550
43775
Y7
68460
34230
74090
37045
90180
45090
Y8
70340
35170
76140
38070
92890
46445
Y9
72280
36140
78250
39125
95680
47840
Y10
74270
37135
80420
40210
98560
49280
Y11
76320
38160
82660
41330
101520
50760
Y12
78430
39215
84960
42480
104570
52285
Y13
80610
40305
87330
43665
107710
53855
Y14
82850
41425
89770
44885
110950
55475
Y15
85160
42580
92290
46145
114280
57140
Y16
87540
43770
94880
47440
117710
58855
Y17
89990
44995
97550
48775
121250
60625
Y18
92510
46255
100300
50150
124890
62445
Y19
95110
47555
103130
51565
128640
64320
Y20
97790
48895
106050
53025
132500
66250
Y21
100550
50275
109060
54530
136480
68240
Y22
103390
51695
112160
56080
140580
70290
Y23
106320
53160
115350
57675
144800
72400
Y24
109330
54665
118640
59320
149150
74575
Y25
112430
56215
122020
61010
153630
76815
Y26
115630
57815
125510
62755
158240
79120
Y27
118920
59460
129100
64550
162990
81495
Y28
122310
61155
132800
66400
167880
83940
Y29
125800
62900
136610
68305
172920
86460
Y30
129400
64700
140530
70265
178110
89055