The Mysuru chapter of the Air Force Association will reach out to retired IAF personnel in the district and help resolve issues related to defence pension, health scheme etc.
This is the first chapter to be launched outside Bengaluru and was inaugurated in the city recently by Air Marshal P.P. Rajkumar, PVSM, AVSM (retd), President of AFA, Karnataka branch, Bengaluru.
A release stated that the inauguration of the AFA Mysuru chapter was marked by handing over of AFA policy letters and letter of appointment to the post of vice-president, AFA Mysuru chapter, by Air Marshal P.P. Rajkumar (retd) to Group Captain Ajay Dudeja (retd)
Extending reach
In his address, Mr. Rajkumar said even though the AFA Karnataka Branch came into existence 36 years ago, it is presently confined mostly to Bengaluru and has not fully reached out to assist the retired IAF personnel or their dependents in other districts.
He opined that each district in Karnataka should have an AFA chapter and said that the Mysuru chapter of AFA will also help former IAF personnel in Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts.
Retired Senior Non Commissioned Officer, Mandetira N. Subramani, a member of AFA and president of the city- based VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust, described the problems faced by veterans and widows of veterans in getting their dues.
He also noted that on most occasions the serving officers posted at different Record Offices became part of the problem due to their callous attitude or ignorance of the law of the land.
Resolving inconsistencies
Mr. Subramani, an advocate with more than two-decades of experience in solving problems of ex-servicemen, said some of the policies and rules formulated for welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependants were against the principle of natural justice and expressed hope that AFA and NGOs like VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust strive to resolve the inconsistencies.
Mr. Dudeja said that AFA is a self-help group of retired “air warriors” to help fellow members when they face issues related to correct defence pension, family pension, dual family pension, difficulties in becoming members of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and in availing canteen stores department facilities due to ignorance of rules and procedures.
Air veterans in the region who wished to seek help or guidance from AFA, Mysuru chapter, may write to mysoreafa@gmail.com.
