regimental associations nepal email: [email protected]...

Minutes - RAN Committee Meeting held on 24 February 2020

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Regimental Associations Nepal Email: [email protected]

EPC 2463, GPO 8975

Kathmandu, Nepal

Distribution 4 March 2020

MINUTES OF THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS NEPAL COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD AT KATHMANDU ON 24 FEBRUARY 2020

1. Attendance RAN Committee.

See Group Photo

Ser Particulars Appt/Regt

1 Maj Bhimbahadur Gurung MVO MBE QGE Chairman RAN

2 Capt Karnabahadur Thapa 2GR

3 Capt Krishnabahadur Rana 2GR

4 Capt Deobahadur Gurung 6GR

5 Capt Padambahadur Gurung 6GR

6 Maj Bhagirath Limbu 7GR

7 Lt Bhimbahadur Limbu 7GR

8 Maj Chandraparsad Limbu MBE Chairman 10GR

9 Capt Juktiman Rai 10GR

10 Maj Surjabahadur Thapa MVO Chairman QGE

11 Capt Manilal Thapa QGE

12 Capt Krishnakumar Thapa QGS

13 Maj Yemparsad Gurung QOGLR

14 Lt Asman Rai QOGLR

15 Maj Hitman Gurung Chairman RGR

16 Capt Bhojraj Gurung RGR

17 Insp II Bhogendra Gurung Chairman SGPA

18 CI Rumbahadur Gurung Gen Sec SGPA

19 Maj Balkrishna Rana MBE President QOGLR /General Secretary RAN

b. Attendance from HQ BGN/GWT N

1 Col RT Goodman MBE Comd BGN/Defence Attaché/ Dir GWT Nepal

2 Lt Col Elton Davis QGS Fd Dir GWT Nepal

3 Maj Muktiparsad Gurung MVO RGR Gurkha Major

4 Dr Gerda Pohl Medical Director GWT Nepal

5 Maj Manbahadur Gurung GSPS Records Officer

6 Ms Jamuna Gurung Deputy Project Manager GSO

7 Maj Gyanbahadur Limbu MVO QOGLR LO GSO

8 WO1 Kamal Pun RGR RSM BGN

9 Gaurav Gurung Comms

c. Apologies

1 Lt Col Peter Wettenhall Dep Comd/COS BGN

2 Maj Hebindra Pun PSC QGS AMA British Embassy Kathmandu

3 Maj Suryakumar Rai GSPS Deputy Chief of Staff

4 Capt Bharatsing Chhetri Chairman 2GR

5 Maj Balbir Thapa Vice Chairman RAN Chairman QGS

6 Maj Bhuwansing Limbu MVO Chairman 7GR

7 Maj Kajiman Limbu MVO Chairman QOGLR

3. The RAN Meeting Agenda Points:

Ser

(a)

Subject

(b)

Remarks/

Action by

©

1 Opening Remarks

1. The RAN Chairman presided the meeting. He welcomed all those attending the meeting, especially those who were

attending for the first time.

Chairman


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2.

2

Minutes of Previous Meeting.

3. The General Secretary read out the key points in the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 October 2019.

Gen Sec

3 Liberalised Family Pension (LFP)

Only one widow was granted LFP whose husband died in operations in 1999 at Afghanistan. The remaining 269

people killed in operations since 1948 have had no LFP awarded to their widows/ dependents even after the India

started it. The Records Officer has obtained some quick answers from the Army Headquarters as to why these

dependents were not awarded LFP. The answer is not satisfactory in the context of TPA, which binds the Gurkha

Pension Scheme and the pensions rules are supposed to be the same.

BGN

RAN

4

7CPC Review of the Gurkha Pension Scheme (GPS).

Further response to legal challenges by seven GPS pensioners about the 7th CPC not being in accordance to the rules

set in 1999 by Ministerial Examination of Gurkha Pension & Grievances is now between the complainants’ lawyers

and the UK Government lawyers. The latter has sought to postpone a definitive response till April 2020.

The Comd BGN confirmed that this postponement of decision by MOD is true to be April 2020.

All

5

Settlement Visa for the RD Personnel with less than 4-year service.

The Comd assured the meeting that the higher authority is handling this case but the national issues has delayed its

outcome. There were about 121 individuals in this case. We can only hope for the best.

HQ BGN

6 GWT Medical Scheme.

a. Pensioner Medical Committees (PMCs). GWT(N) considers the PMCs to be very important to ensure

pensioners can provide feedback to the local service providers in the Key AWCs, so that we can improve the

quality of the service. It has therefore to continue and the PMC has to know who exactly to liaise in the AWC.

PMC feels that AWOs are not given authority or unwilling to manage the medical issues. See Annex A.

b. Delay in Funding. There was much discussion about the delay in medical refunding. Some individual cases of

delay were accepted and the Fd Dir assured that this was being addressed. He said all claims are now processed

centrally by the Medical Advice Cell (MAC). The AWCs are only responsible to ensure the initial claim

documentation is correct, and to pay claims to cash-paid pensioners. This centralized system is working better

since it was introduced and the average time taken from submission of claim to payment is currently 18 days.

We know that there are areas we can improve, and we are taking steps to make these improvements. See Annex

A.

c. Dharan’s Welfare Points attached unabridged. These points were mostly covered. The Gen Sec will write back

to them through BGESA Dharan.

7 Comd /Defence Attaché/Dir GWT Nepal

a. The Comd mentioned about the change of UK Ambassadors to Nepal. The new Ambassador has met all the

dignitaries in Nepal on excellent terms. Her Excellency is very supportive of the BG veterans as were the

previous Ambassador.

b. General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Chief of General Staff, visit to Nepal was very successful. He met the

Rashtrapati to present the British Gurkhas Annual Report. It was his first visit to Nepal but he knew the

Gurkhas well when his father was Commander Gurkha Field Force (48 Bde) in Hong Kong around 1978-79.

He took the salute at the Recruit 2019 Intake and gave the boys a very good message on their new career.

c. Maj Gen RMA Sandhurst visited Nepal and he was able to meet some Sandhurst Commissioned Officers in

Nepal. The BG Band gave an excellent display at the British Embassy.

d. Brig…….. visited BGN and he has assured us the necessary funding for the LFC budget.

All

All

8 Update by GM.

a. Former Minister Armed Forces, Brigadier Mark Lancaster, has been appointed Deputy Col Comdt Brigade of

Gurkhas.

b. Recruit Intake 2020 selection has been successfully completed. 432 British Army (BA) and 140 Gurkha

Contingent Singapore Police (GCSP) recruited and they have already arrived Catterick and Singapore for their

Phase One training. BA Attestation Paraded was conducted on 18 Feb 20 where the CGS was in attendance to

take the parade. The Dep Col Comdt BG, the Ambassador, Col BG were also present. The Comd, GM and all

ranks BGN thank the Chairman, Gen Sec and all RAN members who attended the parade.


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RAN’s Rects 2020 Attestation video clip. Copy and paste below in URL to watch.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l2bp5db3c5hzi2/Rects%202020%20Part%201.mp4?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/29hfgauh4lzo1nw/Rects%202020%20Part%202.mp4?dl=0

c. Recruit Intake 2021 – Advertisement starts early Apr to mid May 20. Key dates below:

(i). Registration (West and West) – 23 May to 11 Jul 20

(ii). Regional Selection West – 12 Aug to 13 Sep 20

(iii). Regional Selection East – 21 Sep to 18 Oct 20

(iv). Central Selection – 8 Jan to 10 Feb 21

d. BGN have released its first edition of quarterly BGN Newsletter ‘Gorkhali Khabar’, primarily for our veterans.

GWT will have their input and RAN is most welcome to publish its updates in the future publications.

e. BGN Facebook Page is live and its popularity is increasing. All RAN members are encouraged to visit this

media platform along with GBA website for regular updates (www.gurkhabde.com).

f. A chart at Annex E gives an up to date Brigade’s strength.

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GWT Nepal Update. Fd Dir GWT Nepal updated the meeting as follows.

a. The Fd Dir introduced Dr Gerda Pohl, the GWT(N) Medical Director.

b. General Update. GWT(N) currently has approximately 16,000 SPs registered, 4,200 WPs, 230 DSG recipients

and 450 recipients of Home Care Allowance. We continue to build approximately 100 homes for WPs a year, and

this will carry on into next year and possibly beyond. We are seeing significant expenditure on Hardship Grants as

we visit our WPs and rectify and improve their living conditions. RWSP await the signing of a contract with DfID

for the new 5 year programme, and are completing this year's projects and have already started the preparation of the next projects.

c. MoD Medical Uplift. Since the increase in the threshold for secondary claims to 2 Lakh (index linked), we

have held 2 Medical Boards, and will continue to do these every two months. So far this year all cases above the

Secondary Care threshold have been approved, and we expect this trend of approvals to continue. We have

noticed an increase in the number of emergency admissions, and we are looking at this closely. Since the GPS

increase, we have adjusted the banding thresholds to ensure that SPs/OFPs remain in the same band that they were in before the pension increase.

See Annex A for rest of the brief.

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Update by Records Officer.

a. In an effort to reach out and help the veterans community, Records Office managed to enact disability child

pensions for 2 x disable sons of ex-servicemen in their late 50s. Additionally, Ordinary pension was also endorsed

for a widow who married to an ex-serviceman after retirement but never received her pension.

b. Records Office expressed his concern at the fake Kindred Rolls being used by a few veterans and their

families for their ILE applications and its wider implications in the future for the Gurkha veterans.

c. Due to Data Protection Act, Records Office cannot and will not entertain any third party’s request of personal

information.

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Update by GWAC GWO. Important updates from GWAC are at Annex D. All those settled or moving to settle in

the UK will find them very important.

12 Update by Gurkha Settlement Office. Important details of visa fees and visa application statics are given at Annex

E. There is no change to the eligibility rules of Adult Children for settlement visa.

All

13 Any Other Business.

a. One case of widow was discussed. Her family pension has been pending since September 2019. The

Records Officer is looking at the delay from Glasgow.

Records

Officer/

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l2bp5db3c5hzi2/Rects%202020%20Part%201.mp4?dl=0

http://www.gurkhabde.com/


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Forthcoming Events

a 11 March 2020 at 1100 hrs. Lt Gen Richard Wardlaw OBE (GWT Trustee and Col Comdt QGE) will be

visiting the RAN representatives at Area Welfare Centres Bagmati. Each regiment is to be represented by

its RAN Chairman and one Committee member. The PMC Bagmati team is also to be present.

b. 25/26 May 2020 – is forecast for the meeting of Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) Nepal at Pokhara.

After Note:

a. Brig Patch Rehaal MBE (Ex Comd QOGLR) has been appointed Col of the Regiments QOGLR.

b. The Gurkha Memorial Museum is being expanded on self-funding. All Ex Servicemen or their relatives

are requested to make contribution towards the cost. This is an excellent opportunity to leave a legacy of

your Brigade connection to your children. See Annex F.

RGR

RAN

RAN

QOGLR

All

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Conclusion. The meeting was concluded at 1340 hours. It was followed by group photo and lunch with much

refreshment. See attached group photo.

All

15 Next Meeting – The next meeting is to be held on Tue 5 May 2020.

All

Signed

_________

Maj (ret’d) Balkrishna Rana MBE

General Secretary RAN/

President RAN QOGLR

Annex A: Brief by Fd Dir GWT Nepal

Annex B: Brief by Medical Director.

Annex C: GSO Update

Annex D: GCPF Update

Annex E: Serving Regiments Update

Annex F: Gurkha Memorial Museum – Donation Form

Distribution: (Through Emails)

RAN Committee Members/ AWC Bagmati/ GSO/

HQBG/ HQBGN/ HQ GWT Nepal /AMA British Embassy/ GBA Gen Sec/GWAC/Records Officer/RSM

Bagmati PMC/ Gen Sec Bagmati PMC

BGESA Butwal, Dharan, Darjeeling, Pokhara, RAN Committee Meeting Photo - 24 February 2020

Rear Left: WO1 Kamal Pun (RSM BGN), Capt Krishnakumar Thapa QGS, Maj Gyanbdr Limbu MVO QOGLR LO GSO, CI Rumbahadur Gurung GCSPF,

Insp2 Bhogendra Gurung GCSPF, Lt Bhimbdr Limbu 7GR, Maj Chandrapsd Limbu MBE, Capt Juktiman Limbu, Capt Manilal Thapa QGE, Capt Krishnabdr

Rana 2GR, Capt Deubahadur Gurung 6GR, Capt Bhojraj Gurung 2GR, Lt Asman Rai QOGLR, Capt Padambdr Gurung 6GR,

Front Left: Maj Hitman Gurung RGR, Ms Jamuna Gurung DPM GSO, Maj Bhagirath Limbu 7GR, Maj Yemparsad Gurung QOGLR, Capt Karnabdr Thapa

2GR, Maj Balkrishna Rana MBE QOGLR (Gen Sec RAN), Maj Muktipsd Gurung MVO (GM BGN), Maj Bhimbdr Gurung MVO, MBE, QGE (Chairman

RAN), Col RT Goodman MBE (Comd BGN), Lt Col E Davis (Fd Dir GWT Nepal), Lt Col Wettenhall (D Comd BGN), Dr Gerda Pohl (Med Dir GWT Nepal),

Maj Surjabdr Thapa MVO QGE, Maj Manbahadur Gurung (Records Officer), Maj Hebindra Pun Psc QGS (Assistant Military Attaché)

mailto:GSO/%[email protected]


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Annex A – Further details of Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) Brief.

1. Pensioner Medical Committees (PMCs). GWT(N) considers the PMCs to be very important to ensure pensioners can

provide feedback to the local service providers in the Key AWCs, so that we can improve the quality of the service. We

would strongly advocate for the PMCs to continue for this purpose. Three key issues have been raised, which are beyond

the local level of SAWOs and Medical Staff to deal with, and which require a policy response from HQ GWT(N):

2. GWT Hospitals. GWT does not have the resources to build and operate our own hospitals. It would be an inefficient use

of charity resources, and create a long term commitment that is difficult to sustain. It would also be divisive to build a

hospital in one location, and not others areas. Our policy is to monitor and approve existing hospitals and "pay as we go".

We audit and monitor the quality of the medical services they provide and advise/refer our pensioners accordingly. It should

be noted that we are broadening the remit of both RHs to include temporary rehabilitation/respite care; an increasing

requirement, for all pensioners.

3. Banding. As a charity, we must balance affordability with the ability to pay. Removing the banding system would

expose the charity to unlimited and unpredictable levels of expenditure. Our income is unlikely to sustain these levels,

therefore we must retain some ability to control our costs. Despite the recent GPS increase, we have maintained pensioners

in the same bands as they were before the increase. We will keep the % contribution for each band under review.

4. Secondary Medical Claims. All claims are now processed centrally by the Medical Advice Cell (MAC). The AWCs are

only responsible to ensure the initial claim documentation is correct, and to pay claims to cash-paid pensioners. This

centralized system is working better since it was introduced and the average time taken from submission of claim to

payment is currently 18 days. We know that there are areas we can improve, and we are taking steps to make these

improvements. We do have some problems contacting and paying pensioners who are cash paid, or whose bank details have

changed. Therefore, Bank payments are strongly recommended, and we encourage pensioners to maintain accurate mobile

phone and bank details with the AWCs. The new system also releases AWC staff to conduct home visits to our most

vulnerable beneficiaries. (In response to the discussion on SMC delays and procedures, GWT(N) welcomed the feedback

from the RAN members. The centralised claims process has only been in operation since Sep 19, and there have been

teething problems. However, we are convinced that it is a better process, and GWT(N) does not intend to bring back cash

payments by AWCs for claims up to a certain limit. Some measures are already in place and should result in improvements,

but the specific issues raised at the meeting would be considered to improve the process further. These included better

communication to claimants, and a single point of contact in the AWCs to receive, process and track claims).

5. Strategic Review. Lt Gen Wardlaw is responsible for the Strategic Review and is visiting Nepal in early March and will

have a session with the RANs in Kathmandu and Dharan. It is considered essential to consult with the RAN in the

development of the Review. We continue to work with BGN to get more accurate data on the number, demographics and

location of SPs. A survey of SPs/OFP will also be conducted this year at AWCs to get feedback on the future expectations

and intentions of SPs, as well as feedback on the level of satisfaction with GWT(N)'s currently provided services.

6. GWT(N) Budget. We are currently working on the budget for FY20/21. We are already seeing a disparity between

Nepal and UK inflation rates, which may potentially reduce the percentage by which the MoD Grant covers our running

costs (currently 85%), and we expect that we will have to make savings and efficiencies in this area. However, we are

committed to protecting the welfare pension, allowances and grants that we make to our WPs, and keep these in line with

inflation, whilst maintaining the medical scheme and our Community Aid effort. Our fundraising in UK is holding its own,

despite a competitive environment, but is not expected to make any significant gains.

Annex B Updates by Medical Director GWT(N) Aim / mission of the new medical services. To provide international standard primary health care, free at the point of

access; combined with rehabilitation and palliative care; and referral and impartial advice for secondary care and

reimbursement of medical costs on the basis of need; in the context of an integrated programme aimed at ensuring that

retired Gurkhas can live their lives with dignity. Primary care. This is available to all WPs (around 4,100) and SPs (approx. 10,000) from 5 Key- and 16 (+1) non key

AWCs. One more Area Welfare Centres to be set up. Each KAWC has 3-4 doctors, who also cover Non keys (50 MHPs).

Seeing around 7,000 patients per months across AWCs. Free medication (approx. 15 crore per year) – high quality is

provided.

a. Appointment to see Doctor. Appointments for routine visits (wait 2-7 days) and emergency slots are also provided

for urgent cases. Pharmacy appts (refills) and nurse appts (Chronic Disease Management)


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b. Preventive care. Influenza, Pneumonia vaccines are provided. Other screening, med reviews are also available.

c. Lab facilities. Lab facilities provided at most AWCS

d. Rehab, counselling, palliative care (mostly Kaski and Dharan)

e. Emergency helpline (in development)

f. High quality (feedback / audits etc)

g. Secondary care. Threshold 2 lakhs (index linked). Any expenditure above 2 lakhs is submitted to medical board

every 2 months. Current processing time average 18 days (can be longer if bank details not accurate). 5,360 cases

submitted in 7 months (est 10,000 pa) ; (5225 referrals made); 305 cases re-submitted; 31 cases rejected.

h. Medical Refund. Total approved in 7 months NPR 9,00,50,000 (avge 17,000). Small claims – if recurrent,

accumulate. Medical board: 1,28,32,000 (53 cases, all approved – avge 2,50,000)

i. List of approved hospitals being revised. New secondary care liaison manager appointed

j. Problems with secondary care quality and costs. Emergency help line to direct pensioners

k. Work with hospitals to raise standards

l. In future maybe more cashless hospital facilities

m. Future predictions / plans

n. New registrations ongoing (Bagmati alone around 75 / month)

o. More frail and vulnerable pensioners

p. More SPs with chronic disease

q. ? some from UK

r. Looking at expansion of Primary Health Care provision

s. More rehab / respite and palliative care Integrated model

t. Pensioner Medical Committees (PMC). It is formed at each AWC to Deal with local issues. Important for

feedback and communication. Separate procedure for incidents and complaints

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Annex C

Update by GWAC UK

National Insurance Number (NINO) Application

Irrespective of whether individuals come through GSO or outside of GSO to settle in the UK, if they have any problems in

receiving their NINO, they should contact GWACs Salisbury or Aldershot (Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey) promptly to seek

advice. Our empirical view is that those who seek help from outside individuals tend to only complicate issues rather than

resolving it.

Pension Credit (PC) – Change of Policy for Mixed Age Couple

Despite robust briefing from GSO on PC change of policy from 15 May 2019, there are still some mixed couple who are

coming to settle in the UK and then finding out how very difficult it is to access Universal Credit (UC). This benefit applies

to the working age people from age 18 to 65 and is a fully digital system. Without having the command of the English

language, computer skills and to some extent job experiences, individuals will encounter difficulty in claiming UC. UC

monthly benefits paid out is far less than PC. Hence they must learn to live within their means if they are successful in

receiving a UC payment.

PC - Reporting Change of Circumstances (COC) to DWP

Those who fail to report their COC often have their PC stopped. If their PC stops, they will have to re-apply again and the

Habitual Residency Test (HRT) will come into play. This basically means that they will have to wait for 3 to 6 months

before they can re-apply.

Reporting COC include the following:

When individuals move into a new address, they must inform the following organisations:

Bank & utility (gas, electricity and water) companies if it is in their name.


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Local GP surgery

Local Council (Housing Benefit and Council Tax and Bus Pass)

Relevant DWP Pension Centre

When the following COCs take place: going abroad, change of bank, has any income changes in their

service/private pensions or work income (increase or decrease), they must inform the following:

Local Council (Housing Benefit and Council Tax)

Relevant DWP Pension Centre

State benefits apart from Persona Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA) are all means tested. This

means that any income or savings you may have will be taken into account when assessing your entitled benefit.

Essential document for accessing PC

Those who have received their UK Settlement Visa and wish to access PC or UC in UK must also bring their Service

Pension Statement (SPS) for the month of Apr and June including a breakdown of 7 CPC in addition to their other

supporting documents. Individuals need to go to their appropriate PPOs and request for the SPS document. PPOs are fully

aware of this requirement and will produce it upon request.

In addition, it is vitally important for individuals who have bank accounts in Nepal or in other countries to bring a copy of

their current bank statement as this is a mandatory requirement when accessing benefits in the UK. Failure to produce these

documents when accessing benefit will only delay their benefit process.

PC Recipients – Travelling Abroad

Those who are in receipt of PC are allowed absence of leave from UK for 28 days only. The day of departure and arrival is

discounted. Their PC may be stopped if they fail to return to the UK within the stated period. If they do decide to overstay in

Nepal, they must return to the UK within two years to validate their visa status otherwise they may have to reapply for a

return visa.

If an individual is unable to return to the UK within the stated 28 days, they must inform their respective DWP Pension

Service and local council promptly from whichever country they are in to prevent their PC and Housing Benefit being

stopped. If the absence is for illness/bereavement, appropriate paperwork/documents must be sent to or presented on arrival

to the UK to justify their case. Leave extension are granted as follows:

a. Unfortunate death of partner/dependant – up to 8 weeks.

b. Serious illness requiring medical treatment and recovery in hospital – up to 26 weeks.

Annex D

Gurkha Settlement Office Update

Revision of Visa Fees (wef. 10 Feb 20):

Ex-Servicemen, Spouses,

Children

NCR 2,33,512 For those covered by the Pre 1997 visa discretion.

Other Dependant Relatives

(ODRs)

NCR 4,98,303 Outside of the above discretion.

Returning Residence NCR 79,115 Having spent more than two years outside of UK

Vignette Transfer NCR 23,612 Transfer of visa stamp on new passport

Visit (Short) NCR 14,566 Tourist visa

GSO Stats (as of 31 Jan 20):

Number of Visits by individuals for information 86,954

Registration 26,148

Applied 12,599

Approved 9,663

Average Monthly Visits 668

Average Monthly Registration 204

Average Monthly Applications 100

Average Monthly ex-Gurkha to UK

(ie. Head of families)

23


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Visa Status of Adult Children (as of 31 Jan 20):

Applied 2146

Approved 1320 (61.50%)

Refused 369 (17.20%)

Pending 457 (21.30%)

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Annex E – GCPF Update

1. Purchase of Land. The 1st Grant Agreement was signed on 20 Sep 2019 in BGN between the Government of

Singapore and the Singapore Gurkha Pensioners’ Association (SGPA) Nepal for purchase of a plot of land in Kathmandu

valley. A plot of land of 1,138.69 sq metre was purchased on 20 December 2019 in Lalitpur -14, Nakhipot, Lohachowk in

SGPA’s name 2. Meeting with Deputy Commander (Admin) GC. SGPA Nepal CWC’s Executive Members had a meeting with Deputy

Commander (Admin) GC, AC K Puvenesveran on15 Jan 2020 in BGN to discuss the work process of the construction

phase and to work out all the processes involved in SGPA Nepal building programme. Senior Director from TAMASEK

Foundation, Singapore, a Professor from Nanyang Techological University (NTU), Singapore, an Earthquake Expert and a

Senior Structural Engineer from Nepal were also present in this meeting. We now hope 2nd Grant Agreement will be

singed very soon which will pave the way to build a SGPA Nepal building that is to be completed by 2021.

3. Visit by Deputy Commander (Operations) GC. Deputy Commander (Operations) GC, DAC CNA Crowe and GM GC

ASP2 Narayandhoj Rai visited the proposed SGPA Nepal building site on 17 January 2020. Both of them have

appreciated the efforts made by the SGPA Nepal on acquiring a plot of land in the name of SGPA Nepal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Annex E

BG Units Updates


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1. The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

1RGR

Based in Shorncliffe Camp, Folkestone, UK

2 RGR

Based in Tucker Lines, Seria, Brunei

Last 3 months

Nov 19

B Coy led the JLC for intake 16 which started 02 Nov and finished on 09

Dec.

BTT conducted Pre IBS 1903 (03 – 29 Nov).

C Coy G4 team had combine training with RAF (tie down procedure as part

of ANBG), 18 – 22 Nov.

A Coy had preparatory exercise DELHI GAULISH 18 – 22 Nov) for

GAULISH2.

Sgt Deepnur led 1RGR Alpine Ski team starting 22 Nov – 22 Jan 20.

RI 19 reception and team medic and BRU course.

Dec 19

A Coy (platoon from each coy) travelled to France CENZUB for Combine

Urban training with French (02 – 14 Dec).

9th Battalion Muster parade for JLC result.

Ex EAGLE QUEST (Golf tour to Nepal) 09 – 20 Dec.

Ex FROSTED BLADE (12 Dec – 14 Jan 20).

Christmas Stand down for 1RGR (16 Dec – 05 Jan 20).

Jan 20

06 Jan Battalion first parade.

06 Jan First Parade for A (Coriano) Coy 3RGR.

06 Jan RI19 induction training (06 – 24 Jan).

13 Jan Ex CHEQUERED FLAG, UKSB ARB.

13 – 31 Jan BG Drill Course.

13 – 24 Jan 1RGR Bisley team’s first training session in Hythe range.

20-22 Jan 3RGR conducted ACMT.

27 Jan – 19 Feb 1RGR Bisley team’s second training Session.

31 Jan RI 19 Attestation parade and 3RGR formation parade.

Next 3 months

Feb 20

03-06 Feb HQ Coy Echelon training with all Coys CQMSs.

03 – 14 Feb, Ex Delhi PALASE, A Coy Low level training followed by

Public Order training (mounted) in CPTA and Lydd.

10 – 14 Feb, Ex AGILE KUKRI, B Coy Shaping Coy level exercise in

CPTA for Falkland island.

17 – 21 Feb, Ex MOGAUNG WARRIOR 2, C Coy Public Order training in

Lydd.

24 – 28 Feb, 1RGR Bisley team on their training session 3.

24 – 28 Feb, Ex MOGAUNG SHOOTER, C Coy on live firing training in

Hythe.

24 -27 Feb, 3RGR CT1 dry training followed by Pistol ACMT.

02 – 27 Mar BTT conducting Pre IBS 2001.

02 – 06 Mar A Coy and Sp Coy on ACMT followed by Roberts Cup

practice.

Last 3 months

A Coy Ex PANTHER GOLD (Overseas Ex to Thailand, very 1st time but

extremely successful, great DE): 1 – 30 Nov 19

RI 19 Induction Cadre: 19 No – 9 Dec 19

RGR 25th Birthday Celebration: 28 Nov 19 (hugely successful attended by

some VVIP and local dignitaries)

GOC RC Visit: 26 – 29 Nov 19

Col BG, Col Davies visit: 26 – 28 Nov 19 (1st visit after assuming Col BG’s

appt)

BG Band Brunei DE/CE Visit: 25 Nov – 2 Dec 19 (performed at RGR Bday

and also at Capital City Bandar in front of mass public and Royal fam)

RI 19 Apprenticeship: 13 – 24 Jan 20

Comd 11X Visit: 27 – 31 Jan 20 (Annual visit)

Next 3 months:

JLC 2020: 6 Jan – 29 Feb 20 (so far the biggest nos ie 71 x students)

IBFU/IPRU Cadre: 27 Jan – 7 Feb 20

APC MS Briefing: 4 – 6 Feb 20

JNCLM: 3 – 7 Feb 20

SNCO CLM: 10 – 21 Feb 20

Mar 20

09 – 13 Mar HQ Coy on Roberts Cup practice, B Coy TLFTT for Falkland

Island.

16 – 18 Mar B Coy and Sp Coy on ACMT and Roberts Cup practice.

16 – 20 Mar 1RGR Bisley team on practice session 4.

23 – 27 Mar 1RGR Bisley team on practice session 5.

30 Mar – 03 Apr, 1RGR Roberts Cup.

Apr 20

02 Apr – 1RGR X – Country Competition.

06 – 17 Apr Easter stand down.

20 Apr – 15 May – 1RGR Bisley team training session 6.

21 – 24 Apr RAO det on Triple Crown Challenge (TCC).

20 – 30 Apr, Ex DELHI SINGPANG, A Coy on low level training.

27 – 30 Apr, Ex MOGAUNG PATROL, C Coy on patrol Ex in CPTA.

BST Vietnam: 9 – 14 Feb 20 – (Bn HQs and all Coy Comds attending)

Sniper Cadre: 24 Feb – 5 Apr 20 (Sp Coy)

B Coy Gp Ex PK 2020 (Newzealand): 23 Mar – 17 May 20 (yearly overseas

Ex)

Ex Crox Du Sud (9 Pl): 4 – 15 May 20 (a joint mili ex with France)

3 RGR:

A Coy formed up in Jan 20. The Bn is scheduled to be completely formed

up by 2022.

Beyond three months:

3RGR in Aldershot Garrison – a specialized infantry unit, part of the Specialized Infantry Group.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldershot


10

2. The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers is based at Invicta Park Barracks in Maidstone.

Current Structure As part of the 36th Engineer Regiment's

69 Gurkha Field Sqn QGE

70 Gurkha Field Support Sqn QGE

Last 3 months Activities Next 3 months Activities

a. RHQ QGE

70 x New trainees from RI19 Joined QGE

Induction and Trade selection Trg for RI19 delivered

Various key meeting held in Dec 19 – Jan 20 with HQ RE/HGBQ/RHQ

QGE and RE E1 Manning Brick for QGE 3rd Sqn growth

b. 69 Gurkha Fd Sqn

Deployed in Op TRENTON 8 on support of United nation Mission to South

Sudan

Due to return back by end of Mar 20

c. 70 Gurkha Fd Sqn

Armoured Vehicle Wheel (AV(W)) conversion Driving training continue

NATO High readiness commitment from Jan – Dec 20

Regimental Section Competition 3 -7 Feb 20

Next 3 months:

d. RHQ QGE

Lt Col Mark Hendry MBE will take over Comd’t QGE from Jul 20

Maj Kamalbahadur Khapung Limbu MVO selected as 26th GM of QGE,

take over from summer 20

QGE Attestation Parade on 13 Mar 20

QGEA annual Dinner on 21 Mar 20

IO for 3rd Sqn will be released in Oct 20

QGE 4th Sqn Growth role and Location likely to finalised by Summer 20

Most of the RI99 – 07 who are on Open Enjoyment ToS will be offered

Versatile Enjoyment Full VEng (F). that means 24 year of service

From recent duty Trek in Nepal by CO, RSM and GM, Spr Rambahadur Rai

from Okhaldhunga is identified as a vulnerable and destitute Welfare

Pensioner. Regt is fundraising to for the installation of Solar Power and

running water to his house.

e. 69 Gurkha Fd Sqn

POTL Mar – May 20

Home coming Parade on 16 May 20

f. 70 Gurkha Fd Sqn

CT 1

Driving concentration

AT in Spain

3. The Queen’s Gurkha Signals with headquarters based at Blandford and training centre at Catterick.

Structure

1. 246 Gurkha Sig Sqn (2nd Sig Regt) 2. 248 Gurkha Sig Sqn (22nd Sig Regt) 3. 250 Gurkha Sig Sqn (30th Sig Regt)

4. 247 Gurkha Sig Sqn (Being Reformed)

Last 3 months:

18 Aug – 10 Jan 20 : BATUK, Kenya, 248 GGS

7 Oct – 13 Dec 19 : Ex ARRCADE FUSION, UK, 248 GSS

Exercise KHANJAR OMAN 2019 in Oman delivering ICS support to the

JEF Field Hospital.

Exercise SPECULAR 2019 supporting 12 Mechanised Brigade

Headquarters.

Exercise JORVIC LOOK, supporting 2 Medical Brigade and 34 Field

Hospital.

Next 3 months:

Ex KHUKURI PRIMUS (CT2) and IRON PRIMUS (3rd (UK) Div CPX)

Ex KHUKURI CONNECT 20 PACEX for Ex CERBERUS 20 – May 20.

Ex CERBERUS CTC5 Div / Bde Exercise in SPTA – Jun 20.

Ex KHUKRI LIGHTENING 20 – CT2 Comms Exercise.

Preparation activities for WFX CT6 interoperability OTX WARFIGHTER

in Texas, U.S.A. in Q1/2 2021 – Oct/Nov/Dec 20.

4.The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment also known as The 10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic

Regiment or 10 QOGLR. The Regiment is based at Aldershot.

Current Structure

36 Headquarters Squadron 1 Supply Squadron

28 Fuel & General Transport Squadron


11

95 Gurkha Logistic Specialist Supply Squadron - Hullavington under 9 Regt RLC. Last 3 months:

TFLRT Cse in Brunei, A training team flown to Brunei to run the course - 2

Nov to 6 Dec 19

RI19 Induction Training and Trade Selection (LSS – 37, Dvr – 37, Chefs –

10 Comms Spec –8). The biggest intake in the history, 92 recruits joined the

Regt - 18 Nov to 6 Dec 19

Temple Opening. A Temple has been opedned by Maj Gen ASJ Fay (CoR

QOGLR) at Abingdon, 60 Sqn, 4 Regt RLC - 15 Jan 20

Visit of Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas. Col J Davies MBE visited 10

QOGLR - 22 Jan 20

Ex TIGER MUKTINATH – Level 3 Trekking Expedition to Nepal. 14

Members including OC and SSM from 1 Sqn, 10 QOGLR8 – 28 Jan 20

Ex IRON PRIMUS 2020 - Jan – 9 Feb 20

Ex SHARP KHUKURI – 1 Sqn, 10 QOGLR. CT 1 Ex at Aldershot Local

Area - 3 to 14 Feb 20

RLC SKI Championship. A Team representing 10 QOGLR - 9 to 21 Feb

20

Pre BTT & SF Selection Training - 10 to 14 Feb 20

Next 3 months Activities

London Visit with Families (2 x Coaches - Max 114 pax) - 29 Feb 20 -

PNCO Cse. Trg Wing 10 QOGLR delivers PNCO Cse for newly promoted

LCpls - 2 to 20 Mar 20

FTC OSC 20 – Shooting Competition - 13 to 24 Apr 20

CAST – Command and Staff Training. Final phase to move to Readiness

cycle.

Regimental LECAB Filter Board. All eligible WO2s will go through this

Board before applying for commissioning.

Easter Leave - 1 to 19 Apr 20

5. Gurkha Company Sittang RMAS. The Gurkha Demonstration Company is busy as follows:

Last 3 months:

RiP between 1 and 2RGR - GCS is now manned 50/50 (ORs) by 1 and 2RGR.

Cambrian Patrol competition.

ACMT and AOSC shoot/training.

AT - Ex SITTANG WARRIOR in Italy.

Ex Dynamic Victory to Germany.

Sovereign’s parade.

Ex SANDHURST FIRST TEE in Spain.

Christmas/Recess leave.

Next 3 months:

Inter Sect Orienteering competition.

Inter Sect March and Shoot competition.

Sittang Battle Honour day service/celebration.

CO’s Sports competition.

Pre JLC training (5 days).

Ex DV to Germany.

Battlefield Study tour - Ex SCHOLAR Italy.

DE - 75th Guernsey Island Liberation day.

8. Brigade of Gurkha Band. The Brigade Band is busy as follows:

BG Band:

RI20 Attestation Parade at BGP – 18 Feb

Combined Band Display with Nepal Army and Nepal Police Band in Kathmandu – 21 Feb

Training and Concert with Nepal Armed Police Forces - 24-26 Feb

Dinner night at BGK - 28 Feb

Combine Training and Concert with Armed Forces and Police, 2 – 7 Mar

Estonia Band Tour – End of Mar 20

9.Gurkha Coy TAVOLETO Warminster. The Gurkha Demonstration Company is busy as follows: Last 3 months:

Nov – not much activities apart from supporting the

SWS/RATD exercise

4 Dec SWS Christmas brunch followed by JNCOs below team

bonding event-Go Karting.

9-12 Dec SWS Induction trg for permanent staff

23 Dec-5 Jan Christmas leave

15 Jan 20 CO and Adjt 2RGR visit to Gurkha Coy Tavoleto

23 Jan Col BG visit to GC(T)

28 Jan Temple service

30-31 Jan Warminster Garrison winter open golf competition at St

Pierre Marriot Hotel and country club

Next 3 months:

15 Feb – 2 Mar Trg support to Ex Wessex Strom(CT4)

11 Feb Hindu Chaplin HM Forces UK visit to GC(T)

12 Feb GC(T) team bonding event with SWS HQ

21 Feb Families coffee evening

2-6 Mar SWS Sailing expedition

19 Mar Voice Nepal visiting GC(T)

4-19 Apr Easter Leave

20-24 Apr MATT trg

27-30 Apr Inter Pl Sports competition

27Apr-3May Ex Tiger White SWS Ski expedition to France


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Annex E – Gurkha Memorial Museum - Donation Form

To: The Manager, the Gurkha Memorial Museum, C/o British Gurkhas Pokhara, BFPO 4 or PO Box 50,

Pokhara, Nepal (Tel: 061 441762 or e-mail: [email protected])

“ONE LAKH FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ADDITIONAL BUILDING OF THE MUSEUM”

I wish to donate Rs One Lakh (NC Rs 100,000/-).

(Cheque should be made payable to The Gurkha Memorial Trust.)

An acknowledgement letter will be sent to you. Please write CLEARLY in CAPITAL LETTERS the rank (rank no need if you don't wish),

name and decorations and the name of your wife, so that they may be engraved on marble. We also need a photograph of yourself in uniform and your wife, possibly size 6 inch x 8 inch or in digital.

....................................................................................................... (in capital letters)

Date: ……............ Signature………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………

Post Code………………… Tel No. ................................. E-mail Address: …………………………………………

For record purpose, please write here if you had any connection with Gurkhas before. .................................................................. ..........................................................................................................

...................................................... (write on other side if no space)

WE WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD NOW GET YOUR FRIEND TO DONATE ON ANOTHER FORM

Nov 19

Have you donated?

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=your+country+needs+you+image&id=302AC3509E40B9964A44998D1B4F4D41635036B6&FORM=IQFRBA

regimental associations nepal email: [email protected]...

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