Our inspiration

The People’s President be the next superpower. He advocated as much through his best-selling books like India 2020: A Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen “A. P. J.” Abdul Kalam was Vision for the New Millennium and Ignited Minds: the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. A Unleashing the Power Within India, as well as his career scientist, Kalam was born and raised in the iconic autobiography Wings of Fire. small town in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu in 1931. He studied physics and aerospace engineering and spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India’s civilian space program and military missile development efforts. He thus came to be known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic

On the occasion of ‘Teachers Day’ on September 5, 2013, the former President said: “If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me.” Minutes before his demise on 27 Jul 2015 he was delivering a lecture to a group of students in India’s North Eastern city of Shillong and was declared dead at the hospital about two hours later. His body was flown to the country’s capital, New Delhi, on 28th July afternoon, where it was received by the three service chiefs as well missile and launch vehicle technology. He also as several dignitaries including Indian President played a pivotal organizational, technical, and Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra political role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Modi. It was then taken to his residence in New 1998, the first since the initial nuclear test by India in Delhi in order for people to pay their respects before 1974. He always encouraged young people to follow being flown to his hometown Rameshwaram, in the their dreams and genuinely believed India could southern state of Tamil Nadu, for the last rites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying his last respects Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS paying his last respects to to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at Rameshwaram Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at Rameshwaram on 30 Jul 15

2 Baatcheet July 2015 CHIEF’S PAGE

Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS wishing Lt Gen Philip Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS paying homage at Kargil war Campose, VCOAS all the best for his future memorial, Drass on 25 July 2015 endeavours on 22 July 2015

Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with troops during Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with Veer Naris his visit to Kargil war memorial, Drass on 25 July 2015 during his visit to Kargil war memorial, Drass on 25 July 2015

Gen Dalbir Singh, paying tribute to late President Gen Dalbir Singh, interacting with Senior Gen Min Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at Palam, New Delhi on 28 July Aung Hlaing, C-in-C Defence Services of Myanmar on 2015 30 July 2015

4 Baatcheet July 2015 Change of Guard LT GEN PHILIP CAMPOSE, VICE CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF SUPERANNUATES Lt Gen Philip Campose PVSM, AVSM**, VSM, ADC superannuated on 31 July 15 after 40 years and seven months of distinguished service in the . The General Officer took over as the Vice Chief of Army Staff on 01 August 2014, after completing command of the Indian Army’s . He is an alumnus of St. Xavier’s School, Delhi, the National Defence Academy, Pune and the , Dehradun. He was commissioned into the 9th Gorkha Rifles Regiment of the Infantry in 1974 and later transferred to the Mechanised Infantry in 1982. He did the Staff Course at Wellington, the Higher Command Course at Mhow and National Security and Strategic Study course at National Defence College, New Delhi. His command assignments included command of an Independent Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division on the in J & K, a Corps in the Western Deserts and the Western Command. He headed the UN Peacekeeping mission at Yugoslavia and in Northern Iraq. He was also the Colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment since 01 Jun 2013.

LT GEN MMS RAI TAKES OVER AS VICE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF Lt Gen MMS Rai AVSM, VSM took over the appointment of Vice Chief of Army Staff on 01 Aug 2015. He was the Eastern Army Commander prior to taking over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Lt Gen MMS Rai was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers (Bombay Sappers) on 15 Dec 1976, and joined an Armoured Engineer Regiment. The General Officer is a third generation officer in the Indian Army. He has held varied staff and instructional appointments and has attended various prestigious Army courses including the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington and Higher Command Course at Mhow. He has a rich operational and command experience and has commanded an Armoured Engineer Regiment, a Mountain Brigade in the North East, a Counter Insurgency Force in the most volatile and highly militancy infested region of J&K and a Corps in the Western Deserts.

LT GEN PRAVEEN BAKSHI TAKES OVER AS THE EASTERN ARMY COMMANDER Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi AVSM, VSM took over as the 25th General Officer Commanding in Chief of the in Kolkata on 01 Aug 2015. He succeeds Lt Gen MMS Rai, who relinquished the appointment on 31 Jul on being elevated as the Vice Chief of Army Staff in the Army Headquarters in New Delhi. Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and was commissioned into SKINNER’S HORSE. He has rich operational and command experience, amongst several important positions held by him including commanding an armoured brigade in the Western Sector, a Division in the deserts and a Corps in the plains sect of Punjab & J&K.

LT GEN PM HARIZ TAKES OVER AS ARTRAC COMMANDER Lt General PM Hariz SM, VSM, took over command of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on 01 Aug 2015. The General Officer was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 10 Corps prior to this. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla and was commissioned on 10 Jun 1978 into Mechanised Infantry Battalion 16 MAHAR (PARA), which on raising of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment was re-designated as 12 MECHANISED INFANTRY. The General Officer is a graduate of the prestigious Staff College at Camberley, UK and has attended Higher Command Course at Mhow and National Security and Strategic Study course at National Defence College, New Delhi.

Baatcheet July 2015 5 16th Kargil Vijay Diwas peration Vijay was launched by India when Regular Pakistani troops occupied the higher Oreaches around the towns of Kargil and Drass. It was an unequal fight with the enemy occupying much better positions but the ultimate victory belonged to the Indian Armed Forces. The war ended on 26 July 1999 and is celebrated every year as Kargil Vijay Diwas in honour of our War Heroes. Functions were organized all over the country to commemorate the contribution of the Armed forces. In the Capital, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar alongwith all the three service chiefs paid tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial.

Gen Dalbir Singh, PVSM,UYSM, AVSM,VSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff visited the Kargil War Memorial, Drass on 25 July 2015 and paid homage to the heroes of Kargil War. The COAS then visited the adjacent Veer Bhoomi, which contains epitaphs of 365 soldiers and locals who lost their lives in the Kargil region, during natural calamities and other accidents. The COAS also interacted with the Veer Naris, war veterans and serving soldiers, over a cup of tea. The evening culminated with the somber and emotional ceremony of lighting of lamps in front of the Kargil War Memorial by Next of Kin of martyrs, Veer Naris, war veterans, serving soldiers and other guests.

At Drass the celebrations were organised by Forever in Operations Div from 20—26 July. The weeklong celebration was attended by the Next of Kin of martyrs, soldiers and Commanding Officers of units which actually participated in the War, veterans and Veer Naris of Ladakh region, local civilian population and serving officers and men of the Indian Army.

The preliminary events were conducted from 20-24 July which included Drawing Competition, T-20 Cricket Matches, Cultural Programme, Archery Competition, Polo Matches, Tent Pegging and Vijay Daud. The events culminated in the Military Tattoo at Dras Polo Ground, comprising the Dare Devils Motor Cycle & Para Motor Display, Kalari Payattu Martial Arts demonstration and exhibition Polo Match, followed by prize distribution ceremony.

6 Baatcheet July 2015 16th Kargil Vijay Diwas

n 26 July the proceedings opened with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the ODras War Memorial by Lt Gen D S Hooda, GoC-in-C . Gallantry award winners of the Kargil Conflict and next of kins of martyrs, Veer Naris, senior army officers and civil dignitaries also paid tributes to the martyrs. Later the Northern Army Commander interacted with those present and addressed troops of Forever in Operations Division.

elect Citywalk mall in Saket, Delhi came forward to host a plethora of events from 24-26 July 2015 to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. This three day event, “Kargil Diwas-Kargil...Lest We Forget” Swhich began on 24 July showcased events which included an exhibition, musical performances, band display etc. As part of the exhibition war equipment, rare pictures of the war, war movies, Art on Army vehicles and Air Force fighter plane models, Newspaper archives were displayed. Seven discarded vehicles provided by the Indian Army were used by Delhi Street Art to create graffiti art showcased at the Plaza at the mall. A vehicle which depicted the various war cries of different regiments in the army was also part of it. On 26 July the families of the martyrs were honoured in a special event that was organised in the mall. This occasion was graced by Mrs Namita Suhag. The event concluded by a pledge taken by all present at the function to come forth and uphold nation building in their everyday lives. The effort to host such an event was appreciated by all which gave an opportunity to spread the glory of the war amongst common man thereby paving way to remember our brave soldiers.

Baatcheet July 2015 7 Kargil vijay diwas

If Death Strikes Before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill May every home produce a son Death. like you so that the enemy dare not touch the territorial sanctity - Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey of our country. - Mother of Lt. Saurabh Kalia

I have no regrets, If I have another life. I will join the Army and fight for India Again -Capt Vijayant Thapar Yeh Dil Mange More - Capt Vikram Batra

We won’t allow another Kargil - Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS

8 Baatcheet July 2015 Kargil vijay diwas Delhi

Jalandhar

Chennai

Baatcheet July 2015 9 J&K AND North east DIARY MEDICAL CAMP AT YELBOH In continuation with its policy of lending a helping hand to the population of far flung border areas, 16 ASSAM conducted a medical camp in village Yelboh on 01 Jul 15. The camp saw a large turnout of the locals who were provided medical aid and also given free medicines. Such measures are part of the Indian Army’s overall policy of building and maintaining the trust and confidence of the local population and providing them every possible assistance.

ARMY LAUNCHES RESCUE EFFORT IN SONMARG The Army launched a swift rescue and relief effort in the aftermath of the cloud burst along the Sindhu Valley in Sonmarg. The Army had mobilized rescue teams including two columns of Army Engineers and Border Roads columns and provided assistance to the stranded people and restored communication.

Honouring The Kargil Martyr A wreath was laid by Lt Gen SP Nawathe, GOC 101 at the Rhino Heritage Museum, Shillong Cantt on 27 July 15 to commemorate the Kargil War. The focus of the ceremony was honouring Late Capt Keishing Cliford Nongrum, MVC; whose commemorative bust had recently been installed at the Museum as a mark of respect to the decorated martyr of Meghalaya.

EDUCATIONAL AND MOTIVATIONAL TOUR The Army based at Gurez under the aegis of Chinar Corps organised an educational and motivational tour for the school children of Gurez Valley. A total of 25 children visited Jaipur and Ajmer from 25 July to 05 August 2015. The tour which was flagged off from Dawar on 25 July 2015 aimed to spread awareness of employment avenues, skill development opportunities and also to expose them to the technical advancements taking place in the country. 101 Area Football Championship 2015-16 58 GTC won the prestigious 101 Area Football Championship 2015-16 on 14 Jul 2015. The Championship was conducted from 04-14 Jul 2015 at football ground ARC. A total of five teams participated in the championship. In the keenly contested final match between 58 GTC and ARC held on 14 Jul 2015 (AN), 58 GTC players displayed extraordinary skills to outsmart a tough ARC team.

10 Baatcheet July 2015 IN FOCUS ARPAN 3.0 Launched On 2 July 2015 Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar launched a new automation software ARPAN 3.0 for over 12 lakh soldiers of the Indian Army. Chief of Army Staff Gen Dalbir Singh and senior defence Ministry and Army officials were also present during the launch. With this software, soldiers, including junior commissioned officers, can access service records at the unit level through Army’s intra-net facility, using an assigned login ID and password. ARPAN 3.0 has been developed jointly by the Army Software Development Centre (ASDC) and Tech Mahindra, using state-of-the-art web-based technology.

RAKSHA MANTRI VISITS WESTERN COMMAND Raksha Mantri Mr Manohar Parrikar, visited Headquarters Western Command at Chandimandir on 25 July 15. On arrival, he was briefed on the operational preparedness and administrative issues by Lt Gen KJ Singh, AVSM (Bar), the GOC-in-C Western Command. The Raksha Mantri appreciated the Command for its degree of operational preparedness. The Raksha Mantri also visited Mohali wherein he attended the inauguration ceremony of Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, which imparts specialized training to girls aspiring to join the armed forces.

COAS Visits Dimapur and Sukna Gen Dalbir Singh, PVSM,UYSM,AVSM,VSM,ADC, Chief of the Army Staff visited Dimapur and Sukna on 17 July 2015. During his visit the Army Chief emphasised on the need to maintain constant vigil along the borders. He also directed that all operations in the hinterland must be people friendly and troops must be sensitised to uphold human rights and operate within the rules of engagement.

VCOAS Visits ‘Crossed Swords Division’ Lt Gen Philip Campose, PVSM, AVSM**, VSM, ADC, Vice Chief of the Army Staff visited the ‘Crossed Swords Division’ on 15 Jul 2015. He paid homage at the ‘Warriors’ Grove’ and interacted with the officers and men of the Division. He was then briefed on the security dynamics along the International Border and Line of Control in the area. Thereafter the VCOAS visited the forward location of Rakhmuthi and addressed the troops in a special Sainik Sammelan where he applauded the efforts of the men in ensuring peace and the defence of the country and for placing the call of duty above all while serving on the Line of Control.

Baatcheet July 2015 11 SNIPPETS INAUGURATION OF ESCORT LINES & RELEASE OF BOOK In a ceremony at the President’s Estate the Hon’ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukharjee inaugurated the renovated Escort Lines on 24 Jul 15, which houses the Regimental Headquarters of the President’s Bodyguard. The ‘Escort Lines’ which were first occupied by the President’s Bodyguard in 1929 has been revived to the original architectural marvel. After which, Shri Rajnath Singh, Home Minister released the book titled ‘Right of the Line : The President’s Bodyguards’ in a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The book is the first ever detailed compilation of the PBG covering the glorious history of the President’s own troops since its raising in 1773.

COAS INTERACTING WITH ALL RANKS Gen Dalbir Singh, PVSM,UYSM,AVSM,VSM,ADC, Chief of the Army Staff met JCO’s and OR posted in Delhi over tea organised at Manekshaw Centre on 12 Aug 15. During the interaction, the COAS applauded the selfless service being rendered by all ranks & enquired in person about the well being of the troops and their families. This was one of its kind, as it was the first time in which a serving Chief participated in such an event organised at Delhi.

12 Baatcheet July 2015 SPORTS AND ADVENTURE Mt Leo Pargial Expedition DOGRA SCOUTS under the aegis of Tripeak Brigade summited Mt Leo Pargial which is the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh at a height of 22,222 ft. The team comprised of two officers, three JCO’s and twenty OR with two civil instructors from ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports’ (ABVIMAS) Manali. The team under the leadership of Colonel SS Sharma summited on 18 Jun 2015 braving inclement weather, sub-zero temp, blizzards and crevasses. A history was created by placing 25 members of the team on Mt Leo Pargial majority of which were first-time mountaineers.

Trekking Expedition to Hamta Pass Under the aegis of the Army Adventure Wing, 124 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) SIKH of Western Territorial Army Group launched an Adventure Trekking Expedition from 30 June to 09 July 2015 in Himachal Pradesh. One Officer, One JCO & 10 Other Ranks participated in the trekking expedition. The trekking expedition started from Palchan(Manali) and went upto Battal via Hampta Pass located at 14000 ft and Rohtang Pass besides other challenging peaks. The aim of the expedition was to promote the spirit of adventure, convey message of social harmony and interact with villagers in remotest parts.

Eastern Command X-Country Championship 2015-16 The 101 Area X-Country team, trained and fielded by 58 GTC won the Eastern Command X-Country Championship 2015-16 held on 10 Jul 2015 at 21 MADRAS under the aegis of HQ 123 Mtn Bde/27 Mtn Div. Five athletes of the centre got selected for the Army level X-Country Championship scheduled to be held at BEG, Kirkee on 31 Aug 2015. Hav Anish Thapa and Rfn Gokul Rai stood overall first and third posn at the championship respectively.

STUDENT OF ASHA SCHOOL WINS TWO GOLD AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS Master Prabhroop Sekhon, aged 14 years studying in ASHA School, Lucknow Cantt won two gold medals in 300m and 500m Roller Skating in the Special Olympics World Summer Games which was held at Los Angeles, USA from 26 Jul to 03 Aug 2015. An Autistic student, Prabhroop Sekhon is son of a serving Air Force Officer, Gp Capt BS Sekhon. He has been a student of ASHA School, Lucknow Cantt since Sep 2013. Despite being a special child, Master Prabhroop Sekhon has proved that no disability can come in the way of your success if you have dedication and devotion to achieve your dreams.

Baatcheet July 2015 13 AWWA

VAN MAHOTSAV Van Mahotsav 2015 was organised at AAHWAN on 02 Jul 2015 as part of project Green Earth. President AWWA inaugurated the event and planted a Kachnar plant. This event a plantation drive involving the Army wives included the ladies working in Aahwan Project. Various saplings to include Kachnar, Karanj, Bougainvillea and Mango plants were planted. The layout was a uniform mix of decorative, shadow providing and fruit bearing species. The President AWWA welcomed the initiative and was happy to know that various cantonments in the Army are also organising projects with an aim to have a green environment. Inaugration of Van Mahotsav by President AWWA Mrs Namita Suhag at AAHWAN on 02 Jul 15

VISIT OF Mrs daw kyu kyu hla wife of CDR IN CHIEF DEFENCE SERVICES OF MYANMAR Mrs Daw Kyu Kyu Hla wife of Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Cdr-in-Chief Defence Services of Myanmar visited Aahwan Project on 28 Jul 15. Mrs Daw Kyu Kyu Hla was welcomed by Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA and was then briefed by Mrs Ila Bam, Chairperson Aahwan. The President AWWA discussed certain points with Mrs Daw Kyu Kyu Hla related to welfare of Army Wives, Veer Naris, Widows and Asha School Children. Mrs Daw Kyu Kyu Hla was inquisitive about various schemes and ventures launched for Army Wives. The visiting delegation was then taken around Aahwan Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA stalls, wherein they purchased the Aahwan prepared products felicitating Mrs Daw Kyu Kyu Hla at like bed covers, sheets, kurties and candles. They appreciated the AAHWAN on 28 Jul 15. self sustainable model and work culture of Aahwan. In the end they wished Aahwan Team and AWWA the very best.

VISIT BY STUDENTS FROM J&K A team of 01 Officer, 01 JCO, 02 OR and 23 girl students from Bhadarwah district in J&K visited Delhi, Agra and Ajmer from 01 Aug to 07 Aug 2015. During the visit the students got an opportunity to interact with President AWWA in Delhi on 03 Aug 2015. The students were happy to have travelled through many states by bus. They were highly impressed to see the Majestic Manekshaw Centre where tea with President AWWA was organised for them. During her interaction with students President AWWA was happy to know that the students are open to pursue various fields and keen to join various colleges across the country. The children were from classes 6th to 12th and from various schools. They were enthusiastic to know the Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA avenues open for them to join the national mainstream and interacting with students from Bhadarwah, contribute towards national development. J&K at Manekshaw Centre on 03 Aug 15.

14 Baatcheet July 2015 RAISING DAYS

THE YOUNGEST BATTALION OF THE VALIANT MAHARS RAISED “22 MAHAR” commenced its raising at Dhana under the aegis of MAHAR Regimental Centre, Saugor and took over the mantle of being the youngest Battalion of the valiant MAHARS. The event was followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and the Regimental Flag by Maj Gen Manoj Oka, Col of The MAHAR Regt and Col GP Singh, Commanding Officer, 22 MAHAR in which all ranks pledged their loyalty, devotion, sweat and blood to the nation and the Regiment and affirmed their commitment to uphold the rich regimental Flag hoisting by Maj Gen Manoj Oka, traditions and values. Col of The Mahar Regt during the new raising of 22 Mahar on 01 Jul 15.

Ravi Brigade donates blood as a part of its 52nd Raising Day Celebration. Ravi Brigade on 03 July 2015, decided to donate blood as a part of its 52nd Raising Day celebration. Accordingly, a Blood Donation Camp was organized at Tibri Military Station. The blood was donated to Civil Hospital, Gurdaspur. Donors included General Officer Commanding Panther Division and 104 personnel of Blood Donation Camp at Civil Hospital, Gurdaspur Ravi Brigade. during 52nd raising day of Ravi Brigade on 03 Jul 15.

BRIGADE OF EXCELLENCE CELEBRATES ITS 67TH RAISING DAY Bde of Excellence celebrated its 67th Raising Day on 17 July 15 and a solemn ceremony was held at Shahjahanpur to commemorate this momentous occasion & to pay homage to the gallant martyrs of the Brigade. A wreath laying ceremony was held followed by a special Sainik Sammelan by Brigadier JS Saran, VSM, Commander Brigade of Excellence to mark the event & to felicitate Brig JS Saran, VSM, Commander Brigade the Veer Naaris. of Excellence paying homage during 67th raising day on 17 Jul 15.

‘TEAM AREN’, CELEBRATES ITS SILVER JUBILEE 10 Corps Sig Regt (AREN), ‘TEAM AREN’, celebrated its Silver Jubilee on 01 Jul 2015. All veterans and serving offrs who had served in the unit before were invited to form part of the festivities. The celebrations included Wreath Laying, Special Mandir Parade, Special Sainik Sammelan, Barakhana followed by release of a ‘Special Cover’ by Lt Gen DR Soni, VSM, GOC, 10 Corps. 10 Corps Sig Regt (AREN),‘TEAM AREN’, celebrating their Silver Jubilee on 01 Jul 15.

Baatcheet July 2015 15 NEWS you can use VASUNDHARA VATIKA Vasundhara Vatika encompasses a total area of 9700 square feet including lawn, banquet hall, bridal suite, rest room, semi-closed kitchen and adequate parking space for guest vehicles. The multipurpose venue is elegant & economical for org functions by all ranks of Indian Army. It is aptly located on Gym Road, Delhi opposite RAJ RIF CSD Gate.

For booking & any assistance please contact. PRI Office, RRRC :- 25687330, 8826290632

ECHS Max Super Speciality Hospital has taken the lead and signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) assuring that the hospital will not charge any differential amount for routine hip and knee replacement from ECHS patients. Going a step further Max Hospital has also announced that it will provide cashless emergency treatment to ECHS patients for facilities not yet empanelled. This Milestone will go a long way in benefiting the ECHS beneficiaries as part of cashless scheme. This communication is also aimed at informing our esteemed veterans of this arrangement. ECHS provides quality health care to its veterans and their dependents through a network of ECHS Polyclinics, service medical facilities and civil empanelled/Govt hospitals. The entire veteran and medical fraternity have highly appreciated the initiative by Max Hospital and are certain that other empanelled hospitals will follow suit.

SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI SCHEME Govt of India had launched a new programme called “BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO” on 22 Jan 2015 to ensure survival, protection and empowerment of the girl child and enabling her education. A new scheme “Sukanya Samriddhi Account” has been introduced by Ministry of Finance, Govt of India. A guardian can open only one account in the name of one girl child and maximum two accounts in the name of two girl children. Accounts can be opened upto the age of 10 years only from the DOB. Account can be opened at FPOs, in case of proper Birth Certificate of girl child is not available, a certificate of Date of Birth from school given by Head Master or a certificate from head of the village showing Date of Birth can also be taken. Nomination is not allowed in these accounts. Minimum amount for opening account is Rs 1000/- and subsequent deposit should be in multiples of Rs 100/-. The maximum amount which can be deposited is Rs 1,50,000/- in a financial year. There is no limit on number of deposit in a financial year. Mode of deposit can be cash/cheque/draft. Interest rate for the financial year 2015-16 notified by the Ministry of Finance is 9.2%. Deposits made is eligible for deduction under section 80C. The account shall mature on completion of 21 years from the date of opening of the account.

16 Baatcheet July 2015