Committee of Experts Constituted by Defence Minister on review of litigation and redressal of grievances submits its report

Committee of Experts Constituted by Defence Minister on review of litigation and redressal of grievances submits its report

The Committee of Experts constituted for review of service and pension matters including potential disputes, minimizing litigation and strengthening institutional mechanisms related to redressal of grievances submitted its Report to the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar here today. The five members Committee was constituted on the directions of the Defence Minister.

The Committee thanked the Minister for taking a historic step for the first time to minimize litigation and grievances in the Ministry of Defence so that the focus could remain on the core issues of governance and administration. It also thanked Shri Parrikar for ensuring that there was no interference in the Committee’s functioning and for encouraging the panel to come up with honest, dispassionate and objective observations without fear or favour.

The Committee’s approach remained to identify practical on-ground solutions to reduce litigation, especially appeals, and steps towards reduction of heartburn, maintenance of harmony between employees and the establishment and balancing of rights of both parties which could lead to an increase in productivity and enable the Government to focus upon its basic responsibilities. The Committee has postulated practical, workable, reformatory and gradual solutions in its 509 page report encompassing 75 recommendations in areas concerning service and pension matters, discipline and vigilance issues, matters concerning promotions and confidential reports, military justice, issues related to civilian employees and other potential areas of disputes.

Showing utmost sincerity and seriousness towards such issues, it was the first time after independence that a step was taken in the Ministry of Defence personally by the Defence Minister for constitution of a panel of experts who went into great detail of all such issues.

The Members of the Committee were former Adjutant General Lt Gen Mukesh Sabharwal, former Military Secretary Lt Gen Richard Khare, former Judge Advocate General Maj Gen T Parshad, Advocate and expert in service jurisprudence and Member of International Society of Military Law Maj Navdeep Singh and Maj DP Singh.

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Joint Sail Voyage by Indian Navy Sail Training Ship Tarangini and Royal Navy of Oman Sail Training Ship Shabab Oman from Muscat to Kochi

Tall ships of Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) set sail together from Muscat to Kochi to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries as well as to retrace the historic sail ship voyages undertaken by Dhows, and sail trading ships from both countries to each other’s ports, taking advantage of seasonal winds. These seasonal winds are called ‘Mausam’ in Arabic. The flourishing trade of spices and garments from India and dates and gold from Oman, nurtured the two civilisations, developing cultural and trade linkage over many centuries. Since then, over five lakh Indians have made their home in Oman strengthening cultural linkages between the two nations.

Indian Sail Training Ship Tarangini had earlier reached Muscat on 22 Nov 15 and a host of activities including media interaction were conducted by the Indian High Commission at Muscat. Rear Admiral SK Grewal, Flag officer Sea Training (FOST) attended the events at Muscat. The ship also embarked ‘Distinguished’ personnel for short duration during the sail out on 24 Nov 15. A Flag Officer from Indian Navy is planned to be deputed for the event at Muscat.

In consonance with the spirit of the event, cadets and young officers from Royal Navy of Oman will embark Indian Sail Training Ship and a few officers and cadets from Indian Navy will embark STS Shabab Oman during sail together from Muscat to Kochi.

On arrival of both Sail Training Ships at Kochi, a grand welcome and a befitting closing ceremony to this endeavour are planned from 04 - 07 Dec 15. Various events such as Distinguished Visitors Programme (DVP), media interaction, reception hosted by both ships, cultural/ heritage tour for RNO personnel, sports fixtures and visit to IndianNaval facilities at Kochi by RNO personnel are planned.

The event, celebrating 60 years of establishing diplomatic relations, as well as one of the first major event under ‘Project Mausam’, will further strengthen diplomatic and maritime linkages between the two countries and pave the way for more such endeavours.