Wake up call for the Government

"New Delhi:The Supreme Court has expressed anguish over the shabby treatment meted out to retired army officers, particularly disabled personnel, who are given a pittance as pension.
In its order, a Bench of Justices Markandey Katju and A.K. Patnaik said: “We regret to say that army officers and army men in our country are being treated in a shabby manner by the government.”
Pointing out that in the present appeal by C.S. Sidhu, who was posted in a high altitude field area and who met with an accident in the discharge of his duties, was granted a meagre pension of Rs.1,000 per month plus dearness allowance, the Bench said: “If this is the manner in which the army personnel are treated, it can only be said that it is extremely unfortunate. The army personnel are bravely defending the country, even at the cost of their lives and we feel thatthey should be treated in a better and more humane manner by governmental authorities, particularly, in respect of their emoluments, pension and other benefits.”
In the instant case, the respondent officer was given a Short Service Commission in June 1968. In November 1970, while on duty he met with the accident and his right arm had to be amputated and he also suffered a compound fracture in the thigh and jaw.
After he was discharged from service in 1978, the Army did not take into account the full Pay Commissioned Service, but considered only the period June 1968-November 1970 for pension. On a petition, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered calculation of the disability pension for the full period. The Union of India filed an appeal against this judgment.
The Bench, dismissing the appeal, said, “We see no reason to interfere with the impugned judgment and order of the High court.” It directed payment of arrears to the respondent with eight per cent interest per annum within three months."
This is a proof, if any was required, indicating how we treat our soldier brothers. Apart from Babus, some of our own collegue may be party to this appeal. I hope that those in power , now and in future, would have a changed outlook.