Group Captain Ratan Bir Kalra (13690) Accounts was commissioned in the Accounts Branch of the IAF on 13 Jul 1974. During his 28 years of service, he has held several important and key appointments which include O i/c Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Wing at Air Force Central Accounts Office (AFCAO), Director Non-Public Fund (NPF), Directing Staff (DS) at College of Defence Management. For his outstanding achievements the officer was commended by the AOC-in-C in Jun 1992 and by the CAS in Oct 1995.

As Oi/c EDP Wing, AFCAO, the Officer has not only pioneered in overcoming the serious problems of Y2K bug well before the start of new millennium, but also played a key role in planning and coordinating the automation activities of EDP Wing. This included the development of software for creation of centralised digital Personnel Occurrence Report data bank and very informative-cum-user friendly Touch Screen giving valuable inputs to the IAF personnel and civilians on their pay and allowances, income tax planning and retirement benefits.

During his tenure as Director NPF, the Officer has ensured cent-percent conversion of entire EDP activity from Foxpro to Oracle and has also ensured integration cum auto mation of various manual activities, which have not only led to significant improvement in work culture, but also reduced human effort. He has successfully managed the conduct of Annual Managing Council And General Body Meetings of Indian Air Force Benevolent Association during 2001 and 2002.

The Officer's vision and timely advice have ensured longevity of the popular and unique rehabilitation scheme for widows of AF personnel. His dedicated and unstinted efforts in dealing with Non Performing Assets has not only helped in reducing the long outstanding bad debts of Indian Air Force Benevolent Association (IAFBA) by Rs. 14.00 Crores, but also reduced the bad debts of Air Force Group Insurance Scheme (AFGIS) and Air Force Naval Housing Board (AFNHB) by Rs. 3.50 Crores by ensuring recovery from defaulting private companies. In addition, the timely action on part of the Officer helped in saving the potential bad debts to the tune of Rs. 7.00 crores to IAFBA. These efforts helped in securing the precious welfare funds.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ratan Bir Kalra.