BOMBAY SAPPERS ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF NINTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD ON 24 AUG 2007 AT GYMNASTIC HALL, BEG & CENTRE, PUNE

 

GENERAL

 

1.         The Ninth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Bombay Sappers Association was held on 24 Aug 2007 at 1330 hrs at Gymnastic Hall, BEG & Centre, Kirkee. The meeting was initiated by the Secy–Cum–Treasurer Col Ashun Bahl, Dy Comdt, BEG & Centre but was adjourned due to lack of quorum and re-convened after two hours at 1530 hrs and lasted till 1630 hrs.  A total of 410 members, consisting 60 officers, 70 JCOs and 280 Other Ranks including retired Bombay Sappers attended the meeting. 

 

 

OPENING REMARKS OF THE CHAIRMAN

 

2.         On calling the meeting to order, the Chairman, Lt Gen N Thamburaj, SM & Col Comdt of Bombay Sappers, in his opening remarks welcomed all the BSA members to the Ninth Annual General Meeting(AGM).  The Chairman said that he was indeed honoured to be addressing this BSA Annual General Meeting for the first time after taking over as Colonel Commandant. 

 

3.         He informed the house that the AGM is convened yearly to consider changes in the BSA and approve the Income & Expdr statement and Statement of accounts duly audited by Charted Accountant for the year 2006 – 2007,  which had been circulated to members. He also asked all to express their views, on  the proposed budget for  year 2007 – 2008 freely.

 

4.         He informed the  AGM that the membership state of BSA has improved but there was a scope to improve further. The Chairman said that he was happy to inform the house that the membership had reached to 33,250 and  the corpus had risen to Rs. 2.05 Crore. This corpus is growing every year, which, he said, would enable us to give maximum benefits to larger number of members.

 

SECY-CUM-TREASURERS  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

 

5.         Thereafter, the Secy-Cum-Treasurer Col Ashun Bahl, Dy Comdt BEG & Centre, in his introductory remarks formally welcomed the Chairman Lt Gen N Thamburaj, SM, The Management Committee members and the serving and retired BSA members to the Ninth AGM  of the Association. 

 

AGENDA POINTS

 

6.         The agenda points listed for the day were :-

 

(a)                Activities of BSA 2006 - 2007.

(b)               Review Budget Expenditure.

(c)                Budget for 2007 - 2008

(d)               Discussion & Misc Points :-

(i)         BSA – Punjab Chapter.

(ii)        Financial Powers.

(iii)       Points received from the units

(iv)       Points from the members.

 

(e)                Election of Management Committee

            

                                                         

FINANCIAL STATE OF BSA

 

7.         He mentioned that the financial state of BSA has been improving day by day, but there was a need and scope for further improvement. As on 31 Jul 2007 the corpus of BSA was  Rs 2.05 Crore.

 

8.         Details of Corpus-

 

01 Jan   2000

3,10,144.00

01 Jan   2001  

16,21,241.00

01 Jan   2002     

55,69,495.00

01 Jan   2003

1,07,84,490.00

 

01 Jul   2004

1,56,30,109.00

01 Jan   2005                   

1,69,15,859.00

01 Jan   2006

1,94,58,272.00

01 Jan   2007

1,96,33,559.00

01 Jul    2007

2,05,51,869.00

 

9.         Membership Details -            The house was informed about the membership details of the BSA, which was as under : -

 

                                    30 Jan 2007                31 Jul 2007                 Last six month

 

Offrs                   1016                             1032                                   16                   

JCOs                   1902                             1933                                   31

Ors                    30126                           30285                                 159

 

                                                                                                         

WELFARE SCHEMES 2006-2007

 

10.       Education Scholarship -       During the year 2006-07, Rs 1,64,700/-education scholarships were given to 244 children of Bombay Sappers.  The details are as under :-           

 

 

LIST OF EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP 2006 – 2007

SUMMARY

ORS

Class

Application received

Vacancy Allotted

Recommended by board

Scholarship per head

Amt allotted

Amt to be disbursed

Cut of %

 

5

43

32

32

500

16000

16000

78.40%

 

6

65

32

32

500

16000

16000

82.80%

 

7

65

32

32

500

16000

16000

81.97%

 

8

58

32

32

700

22400

22400

80.00%

 

9

39

16

16

800

12800

12800

83.40%

 

10

44

16

17

1000

16000

17000

80.26%

 

11

08

16

08

1000

16000

8000

65.33%

 

12

12

16

12

1000

16000

12000

67.20%

 

TOTAL

334

192

181

-

1,31,200

120200

 

 

 

JCOs

5

04

08

04

500

4000

2000

90.00%

 

6

27

08

08

500

4000

4000

87.70%

 

7

24

08

08

500

4000

4000

92.15%

 

8

30

08

08

700

5600

5600

89.70%

 

9

21

04

04

800

3200

3200

88.40%

 

10

27

04

04

1000

4000

4000

87.46%

 

11

10

04

04

1000

4000

4000

77.00%

 

12

18

04

04

1000

4000

4000

86.00%

 

TOTAL

161

48

44

-

32800

30800

 

 

OFFRS

5

02

04

02

500

2000

1000

90.60%

 

6

02

04

02

500

2000

1000

74.00%

 

7

04

04

04

500

2000

2000

81.90%

 

8

03

04

03

700

2800

2100

74.20%

 

9

03

02

02

800

1600

1600

84.00%

 

10

02

02

02

1000

2000

2000

82.00%

 

11

02

02

02

1000

2000

2000

79.80%

 

12

03

02

02

1000

2000

2000

74.40%

 

TOTAL

21

24

19

-

16400

13700

 

 

G.Total

516

264

244

-

1,80,400

164700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                              


                                                                        -4-

 

CUT – OFF PERCENTAGES 2006-07

 

Sl    

Class

ORS

CUT OF %

JCO

CUT OF %

OFFR

CUT OF %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

V

32

78.40%

04

90.00%

02

90.60%

2.

VI

32

82.80%

08

87.70%

02

74.00%

3.

VII

32

81.97%

08

92.15%

04

81.90%

4.

VIII

32

80.00%

08

89.70%

03

74.20%

5.

IX

16

83.40%

04

88.40%

02

84.00%

6.

X

17

80.26%

04

87.46%

02

82.00%

7.

XI

08

65.33%

04

77.00%

02

79.80%

8.

XII

12

67.20%

04

86.00%

02

74.40%

 

11.       Distress Grant – Under Distress grant scheme for financial year 2006– 07 Rs. 1,50,000/- lakhs was budgeted but  due to large natural calamities application recd were more hence Rs. 2,39,000/- were distributed to 60 distressed members.  The Vice Chairman, Brig VK Bhatt, VSM, SM  requested honorable members and Commanding Officers to forward only such cases for distress grant where no help is rendered from Government or any other agencies. The Vice Chairman stressed on the point that distress grant is meant for those who have been affected  by natural calamities. 

 

12.     Sports ScholarshipUnder sports scholarship for financial year 2006 – 2007, Rs. 20,000/-were budgeted.  Rs 5,000/- each to wards of following four members of BSA were given.

           

(a)        Nb/Sub RK Srivastava                        -           RS.5000.00 (116 ER)

           

(b)        Sub Mahesh Chandra                          -           RS.5000.00(TB-I)                              

                       

            (c)        Col Ashun Bahl                                  -           RS.5000.00(GP HQ)

 

            (d)       Nb/Sub Tuk Bahadur                          -           RS.5000.00(TB-I)

 

Confirmation of the Minutes of Eighth AGM 

 

13.       The Secretary confirmed from the members that they had received a copy of the minutes of Eighth AGM held on 07 Jul 2006 through news letter and BSA Website.  Some members said that they had not received the same by post to which they were informed that the same has been sent but might have got misplaced in transit or due to non availability of the latest postal address.

 

14.       The house was asked if there was a need to continue with the newsletter keeping in view the avoidable expenditure involved, since a copy was always available on the BSA website and could be viewed/downloaded as required. 

 

15.       The point was debated, it was decided that the publication be discontinued and copy placed on the website.  The amount saved would be utilised for more welfare activities.

 

Passing of Balance Sheet for the year 2006 – 07

 

16.       Balance sheet as on 31 Mar 2007 duly audited was displayed on the screen and adequate copies placed in the house for consideration by the members.  The income & expenditure statement for the period 01 Apr 2006 to 31 Mar 2007 and Receipt & Payment Account for the period 01 Apr 2006 to 31 Mar 2007 was also put up to the house for consideration and discussion.

 

INCOME A/C AS ON 01 APR 06 TO 31 MAR 07

___________________________________________________

                                  Particulars  as 01 Apr 06 to 31 Mar 2007

 

By Interest – Education Loan                                                                                    34,310.00

By Interest on FD                                                                                                  14,88,000.00

By Gurnam Boys Hostel                                                                                               3,853.00

By Education Scholarship                                                                                           2,500.00

By Sports Scholarship                                                                                                 5,000.00

By Commission Received                                                                                                30.00

By Commission on FD                                                                                              18,907.00

By Duplication Charges Recd                                                                                       600.00

By Incentive                                                                                                                42,222.22

By Donation Received                                                                                              60,200.00 

 

                                                                                                  Total    :               16,55,622.22     

           

EXPENDITURE A/C FOR THE PERIOD 01 APR 06 TO 31 MAR 07

 

Particulars

 

as 01 Apr 06 to 31 Mar 2007

 

 

To Salary

 

83,000.00

 

To Telephone Exp

 

5,958.00

 

To Computer Maint/Website

 

22,891.00

 

To Distress Grant

 

2,39,000.00

 

To Gurnam Boys Hostel/APS BEAS

 

13,230.00

 

To Education Scholarship

 

1,67,200.00

 

To Sports Scholarship

 

25,000.00

 

To Memento

 

1,00,000.00

 

To Printing & Stationary

 

13,940.00

 

To Audit Fees

 

12,000.00

 

To Postage and Newsletter

 

1,11,915.00

 

To Misc.Expenditure

 

7,18,293.00

* *

To Improvement of website

 

2,500.00

 

To Membership Card

 

11,648.00

 

To Grant to NOK Martyrs

 

10,000.00

 

To Depreciation

 

83,772.07

 

To Excess of income over expenditure

 

35,275.15

 

                                                    Total

 

16,55,622.22

 

**   Details as under :                                                                                             

*     Loan to Gurnam Boys Hostel                                           -  5,00,000/-

*     Improvement of Sapper Sarai                                           -  1,96,522/-

*     Expdr incurred on Extra ordinary meet on 31 Jan 07       -      6,806/-

*     Maint of BSA office                                                         -    14,965/-    

 

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE PERIOD 01 APR 2006 TO 31 MAR 2007

   Liabilities                                             ! Amount (Rs)        !          Amount (RS)

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

TRUST FUND

Opening Balance                                   2,00,12,956.15                                                          

Add : Life Membership Subscription           5,09,550.00

                                                               2,05,22,506.15

                                                                                                                                            

Corpus Fund                                                                                             2,05,22,506.15

 

EXCESS OF INCOME OVER

Balance of last year                                  9,25,086.22                                                 

Add :Surplus of the year                              35,275.15                                    9,60,361.37                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                TOTAL                                                       2,14,82,867.52_

 

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE PERIOD 01 APR 06 TO 31 MAR 2007

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

ASSETS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Amount(RS)           

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

FIXED ASSETS

Lamination Machine                           3,565.38                                                                          

                                                            ______________

COMPUTER                                      13,345.68

Less. Depr @ 60%                             8,007.41

                                                            ______________                                                         ______________

Building                                          7,08,156.35                                                          

Less. Depr @ 10%                             70,815.64                                                                       6,37,340.72

                                                            ______________

Printer                                                  5,120.00

Less.Dep                                             3,072.00                                                                        2,048.00

                                                           _______________                                                                       

 

INVERTER                                         11,475.00

Less. Dep                                            1,147.50                                                                       10327.50

                                                           _______________                                                                                                

                                                              

INVESTMENTS

Long Term FD                               20,00,000.00 

RBI Bonds                                  1,76,00,000.00                                                                1,96,00,000.00

                                                            ______________

CURRENT ASSETS                                                                                                    

Edn Loan                                          6,14,250.09                                                                      

Bank Balance                                   6,06,780.09

Telephone Deposit                               2,000.00 _____                                                        12,23,030.09

 

                                                                                                                                  _____________

 

                                                                                                                                 Total : 2,14,82,867.52

 

                                                                                                                                 

 

17.       Certain observations were raised by Sub (Retd) AK Shewale and replies to the same were given by the Vice Chairman/Secy.

 

(a)                Where had the FDs to the tune of Rs.1.96 crore been invested ?

 

Ans      These are in govt securities as per rule on the subject and kept in form of RBI Bonds maturing in 2010.

 

(b)        What was the expenditure reflected on account of Mementoes for ? Who were these mementoes being given ?

 

Ans      These were Mementoes being given to all retiring BSA members who come on monthly basis to Depot Bn for pension drill.

 

(c)        What is the loan being given to GBH (Gurnam Boys Hostel) for ?

 

Ans      This was being given to improve the condition of the bldg (repair to roof) in which wards of needy Bombay Sappers live to carry out their education at Pune.

 

            (d)        What was the miscellaneous expenditure amt of Rs.7 lakhs reflected on bldgs for.

 

Ans      The details of this 7 Lakhs is as follows :

 

                         *     Loan to Gurnam Boys Hostel                                           -  5,00,000/-

                         *     Improvement of Sapper Sarai                                           -  1,96,522/-

                         *     Expdr incurred on Extra ordinary meet on 31 Jan 07       -      6,806/-

                         *     Maint of BSA office                                                         -    14,965/-    

                                                                                        Total : -     Rs. 7,18,293/-

 

(e)        What happened to the HPCL Petrol Pump Scheme, which was mentioned in last meeting.

 

Ans      We are tying up to get it formulated however the same has run into some delays at MOD level due to obsns on land to be made available for the project.  The same is being followed up.  A brief on the same will be put up to the Mgt Committee.                                                                          

 

The balance sheet was perused by the house and passed. The approval of the balance sheet was proposed by Col RN Tiwari and seconded by Col Birender Singh . 

                                               

Budget for year 2007-08

 

18.       The Secretary – cum – Treasurer gave estimated income for FY 2007 – 08 as Rs 16.10 lacs. The proposed budget for FY 2007 – 08 was placed in front of house for their comments if any and approval.

 

                                 

 

                                  PROPOSED BUDGET : 2007-2008

 

19.    

Expected Income For FY 2007-08                               - 16.10 Lakhs

 

S NO

TOTAL AMOUNT AVAILABLE

BUDGET 06-07 (INCOME-15,33 LAKHS)

ACTUAL EXP 2006-07

PROPOSED BUDGET 07-08

REMARKS

1.

Edn Scholarship

1,80,400.00

1,64,700.00

2,25,500.00

 

2.

Sports Scholarship

20,000.00

20,000.00

40,000.00

 

3.

GBH

1,00,000.00

9,377.00

5,00,000.00

 

4.

Distress Grant

1,50,000.00

2,45,000.00

2,50,000.00

 

5.

Grant to NOK

75,000.00

10,000.00

10,000.00

 

6.

Newsletter

1,10,000.00

1,10,915.00

1,50,000.00

Reduce and tfr for welfare schemes News letter only on website

7.

Comradeship (Memento)

1,00,000.00

1,00,000.00

1,50,000.00

 

8.

Salary

59,000.00

83,000.00

1,00,000.00

 

9.

Maint of Cmptr

50,000.00

22,891.00

16,000.00

 

10.

Audit Fee

12,000.00

12,000.00

15,000.00

 

11.

Telephone Bill

6,000.00

5,958.00

8,000.00

 

12.

Office Functioning

12,000.00

13,940.00

15,000.00

 

13

Membership Card

20,000.00

11,648.00

20,000.00

 

14.

Improvement of WebSite

16,000.00

2,500.00

-

 

15.

Misc/Reserve

25,000.00

7,18,293.00

1,10,500.00

 

 

Total

9,35,400.00

15,30,222.00

16,10,000.00

 

 

 

                                                        

                                                                                

20.       Discussion Points -

 

(a)        BSA – Punjab Chapter -      The Secretary felt that we should start a chapter of BSA at Punjab to address the problems of the members residing in Punjab Sub (Retd) AK Shewale   objected as to why it should be only Punjab and not other states.  The house was informed that   this was based on demographic percentage of tps is Bombay Sappers since about 37% are from Punjab and Maharashtra each.  However, this was just a test case and can be reviewed later.  Provision for opening of chapters in various states exists in the Memorandum of the Association, and min essential population for this chapter is also laid down in the constitution.  A discussion was held and it was decided that initially a retd member (Offr) be incorporated from Punjab to be present in AGMs.  Also, a BSA meet be arranged under the aegis of 268 Engr Regt at Chandigarh, in this year.

 

(b)        Financial Powers -     The enhancement of existing financial powers for the members was discussed.  It was decided to maintain statuesque.

 

(C)       HIV Cases –   Suggestion came from members that HIV cases be provided some assistance from BSA. The Chairman welcomed the suggestion and directed the Management Committee to workout the modalities for providing such assistance.

           

21.       Points recd from the units -

                       

102 Engr Regt

 

(a)        Increase No of Scholarship : Increased No of Scholarship for motivating children of Bombay Sappers Association members.

 

Ans    : Incr in number/amount of scholarships has been planned during the current yr and allocation of Edn scholarship has been enhanced from 1.8 Lakhs to 2.25 Lakhs in the current yr.  Further the Chairman suggested that all scholarships should be for the JCO/OR members only.  This was unanimously agreed to by the house.

 

            (b)        Industrial Tie Up :  Tie up of BSA with industries for absorbing Bombay Sappers Association members on retirement from service.

 

            Ans      : Industrial tie up with various industries to incl L&T, Kirloskar, JCB, Reliance has been carried out and is being continuously pursued.

 

DEPOT BN, HQ BOMBAY ENGR GP & CENTRE

 

(c)        Employment of Caretaker for BEG Cemetery :  Muslim Cemetery across the  Holkar  Bridge that is being looked after by Depot Bn.  On   demise of any NOK of BEG personal  the cremation of Hindu/Sikh is carried out inside the premises of the cemetery.  A caretaker is to be permanently employed the monthly charges of Rs.1000/- be made from welfare fund of BSA.

 

Ans      : The point was turned down. Caretaker if required, will continue to be paid from Depot Bn or Bombay Sapper Regimental funds.  It would also be examined if the KCB can bear the cost, if personnel other then from Bombay Sappers are cremated there.

 

Summary of Decisions taken by the AGM

 

22.       The amount of education scholarships should be only for JCO/OR children and the amount to be enhanced, to help the needy deserving cases by way of full reimbursement of tuition fees in reputed school.  Loan may be given for college going ward of members in case of deserving cases only, if adequate funds are held.

 

23.       Similarly, the scholarships for sports should be awarded to give maximum support to the deserving candidates.

 

24.       The Punjab chapter of BSA should be started by having a meeting under the aegis of 268 Engr Regt initially and further enhanced based on the response and necessity.  A local chapter be formed and representation in AGM by a nominated member to start from next year.

 

25.       Maj Gen SCN Jatar (Retd) brought out that as per the rule no money generating activity where there is likelihood of a loss except authorised investments should be encouraged.  He also said that advice has already been obtained from an expert consultant in this regard.

 

26.       The Gp Insurance scheme for all BSA members irrespective of their age could be under taken by the Associations so that the BSA could make ex gratia payment to the NOK of the deceased member.  The point should be deliberated in next management committee meeting.

                                                                                                         

ELECTION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

 

27.       All the members of the present mgt committee gave their willingness to continue.   The house was asked that if they had any objection to present members and also open offer was made in the house or any one desires to contest the election/suggest the name of the member to be included on mgt committee.  Since the house approved and recommend the present mgt committee to continue,  the mgt committee for year 2007-08 will be as under:-

 

 

Brig VK Bhatt, SM, VSM                              -           Vice-Chairman, Comdt BEG (K)

Maj Gen SCN Jatar, (Retd)                            -           Honorary Gen Secretary,

Col Ashun Bahl                                              -           Secretary-Cum-Treasurer, Dy Comdt

Col MM Bhushan, (Retd)                               -           Member.

Col Sanjeev Kumar                                         -           Member.(CO Depot Bn)

Sub Maj/H’Capt VM Lavate (Retd)               -           Member

Gp Sub Maj Gurmit Singh                              -           Asst Secretary.(Gp SM)

            Col CP Ramchandani                                                 -           OIC BSA, Member

 

28.       In addition, a Retd Offr member would be incorporated from Punjab Area to progress the affairs of the Punjab Chapter.

 

29.       Vote of thanks.   At the end the house thanked the Management Committee for their excellent work done during the year. 

                                                                       

 

CLOSING ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

 

           

30.       The Chairman, in his closing address thanked all members for their presence and excellent work done by Management Committee members.  He conveyed his best wishes and wished good health to all the members and their families.

 

 

31.       The Chairman reiterated that the main aim of BSA is to increase camaraderie among the Bombay Sappers and welfare of  deserving members. He also stated that BSA has become more dynamic and is much better as compared to many other similar associations in the army and that we should strive for its betterment.  Our first priority should be welfare of member JCOs/OR and widows and we should work towards that end.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

33.       There being no other point the Ninth AGM was concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair.

 

 

                                                                                               

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ( Ashun Bahl )

Col

                                                                                                Secy – Cum - Treasurer

                                                                                                For Vice Chairman

10002/AGM-09/BSA

 

 

Bombay Sappers Association

C/O Headquarters

Bombay Engineer Group & Centre

Kirkee,  Pune-411003

 

              Sep 2007

 

Distribution:-

 

All Units/Members of Bombay Sappers Association

Websites of BSA and the Bombay Sappers.

Copy to :-

 

Chairman,

 

Vice - Chairman

 

And all exec members of the Mgt Committee.