Navy ex-chief Joshi to get retirement benefits

The defence ministry has made key administrative changes in the resignation papers of former Navy Chief Admiral D K Joshi, making him eligible for post-retirement benefits including pension.

“If a service officer resigns, the person is devoid of certain monetary benefits including pension. The government does not want it to happen with Admiral Joshi and it modified the rules, ensuring all post retirement benefits for him,” ministry sources told Deccan Herald.

On February 26, Joshi resigned from his post within hours after a fire accident involving ‘INS Sindhuratna’ submarine.

Defence Minister A K Antony readily accepted his resignation after discussing it with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The ministry, however, later decided to treat the “acceptance of the resignation” as “acceptance of the request for voluntary retirement” with effect from the date of his resignation. This was done after getting approval from President Pranab Mukherjee, the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces.

Joshi took over as the Navy chief on August 31, 2012 and had served more than 10 months, which aided his case. Had he served less than 10 months, it would have been more difficult for the ministry because of certain administrative rules.