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Singh maintained he had tackled the age controversy in the organisation's interest.
"The issue has always been, I am emphasising it, the issue has always been that of integrity and honour," General Singh said at a press conference here when asked about the row over his date of birth.
General Singh has two sets of dates in official records -- May 10, 1950 and May 10, 1951.
He has contended that May 10, 1951 should be treated as his actual date of birth as is mentioned in his matriculation certificate but the Defence Ministry has accepted May 10, 1950, which is on his UPSC entrance form.
By the government's decision, he will retire on May 31 this year.
"The issue is that of integrity and honour, right from the time it came to the forefront... This issue has always been tackled by me in organisational interest," General Singh said, adding the matter had impact only on his family and not the Army.
To press his point, he said, "Some of you (journalists) who are in possession of papers, letters, top secret files, are aware of what I have written from time to time (on the issue)".
Decrying the "spins" given to the age issue in the media, the Army chief told the press conference, "I will again allude to letters and papers available with you (journalists). I, for one, or each of you will find it reprehensible when awkward spins are alluded to this issue."
General Singh said he did not want to go into media speculation on who is ratcheting up the controversy.
Asked whether the media was affecting the image of the Army, he replied, "It is a matter again on the spin you want to give. If you look at the facts straight and forward, I don't think it is affecting the image of the Army."
On whether this issue was impacting his decisions related to the functioning of the Army, he said it may be having an effect on his family "within four walls" but not on his official work. "I work for the organisation. I do not work for myself."
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Indian media is risk to India's security - it is mouthpiece of sonia mafia. This media has nothing to do with journalism and does not understand its role and responsibility. It is a slave to english mindsent.
First of all why this situation should arrise. Governement Records do not generate date of Birth by itself.What ever an individual fills in an application and substatiated by a record only gets into.How two DoBs got into.It is not the question of which is correct, What X or Y has declarred first is to be constarining on all unless otherwise suitably and legelly changed through a proper process . If this is allowed every one can come up with this kind of requests , can we handle it. How the General will react if one of his soldier comes up with this kind of request, will he ever even give an audience to him?? Big positions can not make you above the law.He should have desisted from raking up this issue being in such a high position.You have to earn Your Honour not others.
Dear Indian Express, The institution of the Army Chief & The Honour of Our Great Army is highly important for our country. if all over in our country, the metriculation /SSLC certificate is taken as the reference for the official records then it should be honoured 100%. There should be no more debate on this. The Govt policy makers should see this in the correct perspective of retaining the honour of the institution. Where were all these official bureaucrats all these years when Gen Vk SIngh was moving in the profeesion? Just because this CHief ahs taken a strong stand against the officers who are involved in corruption cases, some vested personalities are bringing in this age issue of the Army Chief. Hope the Defence Minister and the right minded politicians support Gen VK.Thanks Regards
It is a needless controversy. It sullied not only Army's morale but also country's. The bureaucrats and politicians should have shown some maturity in dealing such sensitive issue of age of top General. He should have been told earler their decision and not to bring such issues in public domain. Godd peole suffer and the General is right in saying his integrity is in question.
General Singh has two sets of dates in official records -- May 10, 1950 and May 10, 1951...The recorded date of birth when he joined the Defence Academy should be taken into consideration. That would be the correct date
I know for a fact, that in India they state their age in the matriculation certificate ONE YEAR YOUNGER THAN THEIR ACTUAL AGE!! This most Indians do to gain an EXTRA AGE BENEFIT IN THEIR CAREER TENURE!! The Govt.of India is RIGHT IN ACCEPTING the PREVIOUS BIRTH DATE in this case!