Differences on perfect definition of OROP : Defence ministry has remained a labyrinth - not easy to tame: Major Navdeep Singh

Differences on perfect definition of OROP :  Defence ministry has remained a labyrinth - not easy to tame: Major Navdeep Singh

With political parties trading charges on the suicide of ex-soldier Ram Kishan Grewal on OROP, emotions are running high on both sides. Major Navdeep Singh, advocate in Punjab and Haryana high court, who was a member of the defence minister’s committee of experts to review service and pension matters which submitted its report in 2015, talked to Nalin Mehta about the OROP controversy and why the ministry of defence needs urgent reforms:

What is the current problem with OROP implementation which could have led to this suicide?

There are conflicting reports about the sad demise of the veteran. Some seem to suggest that he was perturbed about non-release of the approved pension under the OROP scheme by his bank. If that is the case, then it is really unfortunate since that would mean that an amount legally approved by the government was not disbursed to him.

Overall the ministry of defence claims to have disbursed Rs 5,507 crore in two instalments for OROP. Apart from other issues, the problem also seems to be in the distribution mechanism down the chain, particularly at the level of bank branches. This needs to be fixed.

Government is implementing OROP but what about the larger veteran demand that what they have got is one rank many pensions, not one rank one pension?

Various sides have differed upon the perfect definition of OROP. Many veteran organisations have interpretational differences with OROP as notified, including the periodicity of revision. Then there were serious anomalies in OROP tables which were being looked into by a judicial committee. The committee has submitted its report. I think all sides should hold their horses till this is processed. In case, there still are problems, tackle them through remedies provided under law rather than politicise a sensitive subject. A democracy provides full opportunity to exercise legal rights in case of dissatisfaction. I personally do not agree to an approach of excessive emotional rhetoric which has the propensity of stoking discontent.

What about disability pensions and the controversy on downgrading of status? How does that square with the pedestal armed forces are being put on?

The disability pension controversy was shockingly unfortunate and its origin was the twisted data and a sadistic interpretation provided to the 7th Pay Commission on disabled soldiers. In case disabilities in the defence services are increasing due to a higher stress and strain of military life, the answer is to take steps to check the deteriorating health profile and increase the payouts to compensate loss of health, not to slash disability pensions! Ditto for status issues since such moves are unilaterally imposed and result in deleterious effect on morale.

Chest thumping and governmental downgrading can’t go hand in hand. Does government’s left hand not know what it is doing?

Irrespective of the party in power, the ministry of defence has remained a labyrinth which is not easy to tame. There are structural problems wherein the defence services or even other stakeholders are not a part of the decision-making process and a one-sided view is provided to the higher layers. There is no opportunity granted to rebut or check the veracity of what is put up to decision-making authorities. It is not that one hand does not know what the other is doing, actually one hand does not let the other know what it is doing.

What kind of reforms do we need to fix the problems in MoD?

Two very simple suggestions without tinkering with the basic structure. First, the decision-making should be collegiate: probably by a ‘Defence Board’ chaired by the defence minister with a total of three-five members, with inputs of neutral personalities and experts wherever required. When files move up, these should be referred to all stakeholders for their comments so that nobody is able to hoodwink the decision-makers by mischief. Second, there is no institutional mechanism currently for the political executive to know the pulse of the problems of serving defence personnel and veterans, like there is for civil employees and pensioners. This assumes even higher importance since defence personnel (rightly) cannot form associations. Hence, a participative system akin to the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) for civil employees should be constituted to resolve grievances.

Similarly, the government had admirably constituted a standing committee for veterans in October 2014 which was to meet after every three months, but the lower bureaucracy has ensured that not even one meeting has taken place till date. The current defence minister appears to be keen to take the bull by the horns, but all personalities should support him in a politically neutral manner rather than pinpricking him all the time.

Read at: Times of India Blog

OROP Anomalies : Write your views and suggestions to MoD and DESW

OROP Anomalies : Write your views and suggestions to MoD and DESW

Public Notice for addressing anomalies on One Rank One Pension (OROP)

F. No. 12(39)/2015/D(Pen/Pol)(Part-V)

Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare
D(Pension/Policy)

New Delhi, Dated 13.04.2016

Public Notice for addressing anomalies on One Rank One Pension (OROP)

Government of India, Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare vide notification No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)/Part-II dated 07.11.2015 issued orders for implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for Defence pensioners. Detailed implementation orders of OROP with 101 tables containing revised pensions of different ranks and categories have also been issued by MoD, DESW vide order No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 03.02.2016 and uploaded on the website of DESW at www.desw.gov.in. The Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) have been authorized to carry out revision of pension of pre 1.7.2014 pensioners drawing pension as on 1.7.2014 in terms of MoD order dated 3.2.2016 with applicable rates of Dearness relief without calling for any applications from the pensioners and without any further authorization from the Pension Sanctioning Authorities concerned.

2. All affected Defence Forces pensioners of various categories, Pensioners’ Association and all concerned authorities are requested to take note of these orders for their information and further necessary action.

3. In order to take cognizance of anomalies that may arise in implementation of OROP orders, its implication on service matters including inter-services issues, Government has appointed a one-member Judicial committee headed by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court vide MoD notification No. 12(01)/2014-D (pen/Pol)-Part¬II dated 14th December, 2015.

4. Defence Forces pensioners/family pensioners, Defence Pensioners’ Associations can submit their representation, suggestions/views on the revised pension as notified under above orders, to the MoD, DESW through post or by email at addresses mentioned below by 29th April 2016
Postal Address: Under Secretary/D(Pension/Policy)

Room No. 220A, ‘B’ Wing
Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011
Email ID: us-pen-pol@desw.gov.in

(R.K. Arora)
Under Secretary (Pension/Policy)
Tele: 01123012973

Click to view the notice
Authority: www.desw.gov.in

OROP Pension as per OROP Tables may credit end of this month

OROP Pension as per OROP Tables may credit end of this month

Implementation of OROP

Dear Veterans,
Government vide notifications dated 07 Nov 15 and 03 Feb 16 has promulgated the orders along with revised pensions under the OROP scheme. The detailed modalities have also been promulgated vide PCDA (Pensions) , Allahabad circular no 555 dated 04 Feb 16.

During a meeting chaired by Secretary/ Dept of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, the salient irregularities on OROP tables (noted on preliminary examination) were highlighted by the Services and the representatives of the recognised veterans associations. Accordingly, Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs) have been instructed to credit the revised pensions by 31 Mar 16, post verification of the pensioner through “Bio metric attendance System” using Aadhaar card, physical attendance at the bank, or attendance using http://www.jeevanpramaan.gov.in, where applicable.

In addition, it is also requested that veterans may confirm with their PDAs that their respective PPOs are complete in all respects. In case any data is incomplete, the same may be informed to Naval Pension Office (NAVPEN) so as to enable the concerned authorities to initiate suitable action for updating the PPOs.

The information of Govt notification on OROP and OROP tables issued on 03 Feb 16 has been uploaded on Indian Navy website.

It is requested that this may be given wide publicity including to family pensioners

Team DESA
Source : https://desanavy.wordpress.com/

Change of Definition of OROP in Various Correspondence of DESW Noticed

Change of Definition of OROP in Various Correspondence of DESW Noticed

Shri Manohar Parrikar

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri

104, South Block, New Delhi

Change of Definition of OROP in Various Correspondence of DESW Noticed

Dear Sh Manohar Parrikar Ji

Pl refer to:

1. MOD letter no 12(01/2014-D (Pen/Pol) dated 26 Feb 14
2. MOM of the meeting chaired by RM on 26 Feb 14 to discuss OROP
3. Reply of MOS Defense Sh Rao Inderjit Singh Dated 2 Dec 14 in a written reply to Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar in Rajya Sabha
4. GOI press release dated 5 Sep 15
5. GOI letter no 12(1)/2014 dated 7 Nov 15 and
6. GOI letter no 12(01)/2014-D(pen/pol)- Part–II dated 14 Dec 15
GOI has accepted following definition of OROP in the letters dated 26 Feb 14 and MOS statement in Rajya Sabha dated 2 Dec 14.

One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.

However in the Press Release dated 5 Sep 14, a phrase has been added at the end of the OROP definition “at periodic intervals”.

Definition of OROP given in 5 Sep Press Release is given below:

One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement. Future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners at periodic intervals.

This phrase has probably been added to justify pension equalisation every five years as is being propagated by the MOD.

Again, another attempt has been made to change/ distort the definition of OROP in GOI notification dated 7 Nov 15. OROP definition given in 7 Nov letter is reproduced below.

One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Defence Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of their date of retirement, which implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners at periodic intervals.

I am sure you would notice subtle progressive change in the language of definition of OROP, wherein the line “This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioner” has been changed with the line “This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners at periodic intervals”.

It further states as one of the salient features that it has been decided that the gap between rate of pension of current pensioners and past pensioners would be refixed every five years.

This completely changes the definition of OROP and if implemented in its changed form, it will deprive past pensioners of monetary benefits and will completely destroy the definition of OROP and in turn, destroy the very soul of OROP.

UFESM (JM) believes that this change in the definition in OROP has been inserted only to justify pension equalisation every five years. Pension equalisation every five years is against the definition of OROP and is a matter of serious concern for all Ex-servicemen. The correct and acceptable situation is that pension equalisation must be done as soon as pension of two soldiers with same rank and same length of service is noticed to be different and it must be equalised immediately. Ex-servicemen are ready to accept pension equalisation every year only to make administration of this concept easily implementable. Incidentally, any computation can be easily achieved on press of a button in today’s computer era – and this needs no emphasis.

However the matter did not end at one instance of change of definition of OROP, it has been once again repeated in GOI letter dated 14 Dec 15 “OROP implies that uniform pension be paid to the Defence Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of their date of retirement, which implies that bridging the gap between the rate of pension of current and past pensioners at periodic intervals”.

The GOI letter dated 14 Dec 15 is the notification for the formation of one-man judicial committee. It is a matter of great importance that if incorrect definition is given to the Chairman of anomalies committee, he is bound to work within the constraints given by MOD and will thus give his recommendations as per incorrect definition given to him. This will be gross injustice to ex-servicemen. Ex-servicemen might be justified to think that these changes are a planned move for the vexed problem of OROP in view of the past experiences in which meanings of Honorable Supreme Court orders were changed by making subtle changes in the decision of HSC.

We sincerely hope that these changes are probably only clerical errors and not a planned direction change. We therefore sincerely request you to correct these mistakes in definition of OROP and give following definition approved by Parliament to all committees.

One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.

We will be thankful to get a suitable reply from you at the earliest.

With regards,

Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM (Retd) Advisor United Front of Ex Servicemen & Chairman IESM

Mobile: 9312404269, 01244110570 Email:satbirsm@gmail.com

Source: http://indianmilitaryveterans.blogspot.in/

Kejriwal demands OROP to be implemented in its true essence

Kejriwal demands OROP to be implemented in its true essence

“Despite the fact that OROP has crossed two stages, protests by army veterans continue in New Delhi. The centre has made official announcements regarding OROP, but protests are continuing demanding the annual revision of pension.”

Equal pension for all ex-servicemen is the most important goal of the OROP scheme. This can be achieved only if pension is revised based solely on the rank and years of service, once every year. Pension revision once every five years is unacceptable. This is the bone of contention for the continuing protests.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met the protesters and expressed his support. He also harshly criticized the centre. “OROP must be implemented in its true essence. The centre’s announcements are not complete because they do not reflect the essence of OROP. The centre should refrain from fooling the army veterans. They are not begging for alms. They are only fighting for what rightfully belongs to them. It is unfortunate that these veterans who fought for the country are now being forced to protest on the streets for their rights. The centre should immediately accept and implement their demands,” he said.

Meanwhile, the army veterans had threatened to return their gallantry service medals if the government did not accept their demands. Some of the frustrated veterans tried to burn down their medals. But others restrained them.

Manohar Parrikar, the Minister of Defence, while addressing a gathering in Madurai, said that returning the medals was akin to insulting the country and the armed forces. He had also clarified that OROP was the promise of a political party, not of the central government. He added that protesting was their right and that they should approach the judicial panel committee. He made it very clear that not all the demands will be fulfilled.

Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement general secretary Group Capt V.K. Gandhi (retd) also said that until the judicial committee submits it report, the veterans could not go to court. This, he said, was a “delaying tactic”.

In an article published by the Indian Express yesterday, it was said that the veterans risk losing public support due to their immoderate position and political leadership also needs to reachout to the veterans.

The army veterans are hoping for an amicable resolution of the protests through fair negotiations with the government.

Source: http://www.cgstaffportal.in/

One Rank One Pension : A proud daughter of a proud Artillery Veteran writes to Modi

One Rank One Pension : A proud daughter of a proud Artillery Veteran writes to Modi

A letter to the PM – One Rank One Pension – By Shalini.

Dear Mr.Prime Minister,

For Your Information Sir.

A war widow at the age of 78 has to walk 18 km every month to collect her martyr husband’s pension of Rs .13/- (Rupees Thirteen only). The Freedom Fighters of Colonial India and their widows get a better pension than what is given to the Retired Military population. Even the laborers could get their daily wages hiked with time but the war widow stands where her husband left her. Have we lost all dignity, sense of respect and basic common sense for humanity? Where are we? Rs 13/- as monthly pension and a Kg of onion, Rs 50/-. For God’s sake……. Do we still need to talk ?

Our Flag does not hover because the wind moves it, it flutters with the last breath of each soldier who died and with each breath of the soldier who lives protecting it. You don’t get to deliver a speech on the Independence Day just because you are the PM, it is because of the human shield that sweats and freezes throughout the prime of their lives.

One speech you made to the tens of thousands Ex-Servicemen at Hissar, where you committed to implement One Rank One Pension (OROP), if elected, allowing you to tap into the vote bank of the services – retired, in-service, war widows and of course their families. You should dedicate your present electoral victory to the Services. Was it just voting bank politics, Sir? Gen VK Singh (Retd) stood testimony to your promise and more than you the personnel’s believed their Gen who is now a part of your Govt. Let the men not lose faith on their roaring Gen and let your politics not make him a scapegoat please.

Mr. Pradhan Sevak of the country. as you proclaim yourself to be, kindly refrain from politicizing the Services, the only Deptt committed to the country and its people. High time you and your team including your squad of so called highly efficient bureaucrats save yourself from the mockery you have brought on your kindselves.

Let’s try solving the issues.

If budget is an issue, reduce some of the frills that the politicians and the bureaucrats enjoy sitting in air conditioned offices with all the luxury possibly available.

If you are afraid that other retired from Govt services will claim for the same then let them commit one child per family to the Indian Military. A great way to make up for the shortage of Defense personnel. Let us make national service a must in the country. A stronger Military with more head counts is never bad.

If that is still difficult, please esteemed politicians and bureaucrats get yourself back packed and perched in Kargil, Jaisalmer, Cherrapunji, Tawang, Siachin or in the Arabian Sea for a month each with the men, like the men and then let’s do some talking.

Let there be some humility and respect by the Govt and the Police force while managing our Military veterans at peaceful protest with utmost dignity. When you fail to discharge your duties efficiently, that has often happened, be it a natural disaster or an internal security issue; the only alternate available is the forces for help. They did and have come to your rescue without fail. Our neighbours have a very drastic history of Military Coups since 1958 & have been successful thrice in doing so. Let’s not forget we have an active force of 1325000 personnel, with approximately 60K retiring each year. Let’s us not create conducive environment for more trouble within the country.

The Military of the country cannot be taken on a ride for votes and then just left. High time seriousness be taken on the mature and highly sensitive protest that is going on at the Jantar Mantar and India Gate for two months now. The men there have served selflessly be it insurgency, internal security issues, disaster mitigation without any reservations. They have been decorated for their gallant and then just forgotten …not acceptable.

Mr. PM, please shun talks – time to act and show and prove that what the Congress failed and kept washing their hands off has finally been given life by you.

Let the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ echo till eternity and your name be added to it. Let the soldiers remain to be our pride.

Jai Hind. Jai Jawan.

Regards.

Shalini. A citizen of the country.

A proud daughter of a proud Artillery Veteran

The concept – One Rank One Pension (OROP)

“bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. In armed forces, equality in service has two components, namely, rank and length of service. The importance of rank is inherent in armed forces as it has been granted by the President of India and signifies command, control and responsibility in consonance with ethos of service. These ranks are even allowed to be retained by the individual concerned after his/her retirement. Hence, two armed personnel in the same rank and equal length of service should get same pension irrespective of date of retirement and any future enhancement in rates of pension be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.”

Source: http://ex-servicemenwelfare.blogspot.in/

OROP: Prime Minister’s Assurance on One Rank One Pension

Prime Minister’s Assurance on One Rank One Pension

‘After hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister addressed the nation. Here are excerpts from the speech.’

“A number of governments have come and gone before us. They have all dealt with the One Rank One Pension problem. The scheme was presented to all of them. Each of those governments has given small assurances and promises on it, but the problem was never solved.

“I too give my word on this occasion, but this is not the word of an individual. This is the promise of this country of 125 crore people and I’m saying this as I stand in front of the tricolour at the Red Fort. We will accept and implement the One Rank One Pension policy. Talks are on with a number of organizations regarding this.

“The results of this talk will be in such a manner that it will support the development of one and all. Based on the talks, I’m convinced that good results will come out of it.

“Let me assure once again that One Rank One Pension policy has been accepted by the government. We will implement it after analyzing the main critical issues involved in it and talking to the stakeholders concerned.”

Source: http://cgemployeesnews.in/

Astronomical Expectations on OROP Once Again!

Astronomical Expectations on OROP Once Again!

“Ever since news has surfaced that official announcement on the One Rank One Pension scheme will be made on August 15, expectations have started to soar again.”

There is a general feeling that time has come for the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme, which has been a long-time dream for more than 30 lakh ex-servicemen all over the country. But the readers might remember that expectations ran high once before too – on May 25, 2015. Everybody thought that Modi would make the announcement on the occasion of the first year celebrations of his coming to power at the centre. After attending the huge rally at Mathura, Modi uttered not even a word about OROP.

But, according to various sources, it looks as if the Government is giving serious thoughts about implementing the policy this time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may announce implementation of very long delayed One Rank One Pension scheme on August 15 when India celebrates its 69th Independence Day.

It is worth noting that for more than 50 Days, the UFESM has been spiritedly conducting a relay fast protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The retired armed forces personnel are preparing to take their agitations to the next level. They are planning to campaign against the BJP in the Bihar poll. If Modi fails to make any announcement on Independence Day, their protest is sure to take a new turn. But, media reports claim that it wouldn’t come to that.

After meeting the Minister of Finance yesterday, Lt General (retd) Raj Kadyan, who heads the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement, said that he has faith in the serious attempts being made by the current government. “After patiently hearing our demands, the Finance Minister said that we wouldn’t have to wait for months, but only for a few more days,” he said. There is a general belief that the minister had hinted at August 15.

Yesterday, a discussion was held with the ex-servicemen association at the Prime Minister’s Office. No landmark decisions were made, but the members had reportedly said that the Prime Minister will announce a positive decision on August 15.

In other words, nearly three-million ex-servicemen and war widows in the country are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on Independence Day will have some definite answers on the question of OROP.

Source: www.cgstaffnews.in

OROP protests likely to intensify

OROP protests likely to intensify

“UFESM is not ready to believe the assurances given by all the forces that constitute the power at the Centre that the scheme would be implemented.”

This is because such assurances have been given for a number of years by a number of parties and nothing had happened. Therefore, this time, the UFESM is not ready to bow down.

Either the plan has to be announced, or the Prime Minister has to announce the date on which the plan will be implemented. Else, as per the current scenario, the protests are going to intensify.

In more than 60 cities across the country, protests are being held demanding the implementation of the OROP scheme. Ex-servicemen from all over the country are arriving in New Delhi to participate in the relay fast protest that is being conducted at Jantar Mantar.

The UFESM has announced that ex-servicemen shall henceforth boycott all the government-organized functions. They have also decided to go to the court after hearing the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech to find out the Government’s stand on the issue.

Armymen are being granted pensions and retirement benefits based on the current pay commission’s recommendations at the time of their retirement. Since the pension calculations are revised once every ten years, the OROP scheme seeks to remove the resultant anomalies.

UFESM expected a date for implementation of OROP – Relay hunger strike continues

UFESM expected a date for implementation of OROP – Relay hunger strike continues

Government committed to implement ‘One Rank One Pension': Manohar Parrikar to ex-servicemen
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has conveyed the NDA government’s “unequivocal commitment” in implementing ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) when a delegation of ex-servicemen, who are on a strike for past 19 days pressing for its execution, met him.

Not happy with Parrikar’s assurance, the agitating ex-servicemen said the question of ending the protest does not arise without a government announcement on implementing the long-pending demand.

“A six member delegation of United Front of Ex-Servicemen (UFESM) met the Defence Minister last night. Parrikar conveyed unequivocal commitment of the party (BJP)and the government towards implementation of OROP,” said Col (retd) Anil Kaul, spokesman of the Front.

He said Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag was also present at the meeting.

Read more at Economics Times

Implementation of OROP likely by the year-end

Implementation of OROP likely by the year-end

“A series of statements and assurances from various ministers and higher officials had increased the expectations and worsened the situation.”

Sources say that the much anticipated and much-delayed One Rank One Pension scheme will come into effect before the end of this year, ahead of the Bihar elections.

For a very long time now, army personnel have been demanding that the OROP scheme be implemented. They have now stepped up their demand now. Relay fast protests were held in 20 cities, including New Delhi, yesterday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured a number of times before that he is committed to introducing the scheme. But, the ex-servicemen have openly asked why the government is hesitating to implement the scheme and have warned that they would campaign against the BJP in the upcoming state elections in Bihar at the end of the year.

Following the warning, the Government has stepped up its activities implementing the OROP scheme. It has come to our knowledge that the scheme would be implemented as soon as the government lists out the beneficiaries who are going to benefit from the revised pension scale.

Information sources claim that since a mega-coalition has already been formed to counter the BJP in Bihar, the fear of alienating the ex-servicemen has rattled the BJP-government at the centre.

ONE RANK ONE PENSION : WHOM TO BELIEVE, OROP SLIPS DAY BY DAY, ESM TO TAKE IT TO STREETS

ONE RANK ONE PENSION : WHOM TO BELIEVE, OROP SLIPS DAY BY DAY, ESM TO TAKE IT TO STREETS

WHOM TO BELIEVE, OROP SLIPS DAY BY DAY, ESM TO TAKE IT TO STREETS

Dear Colleagues,
Accompanied by IESM Governing Body members Hony Captains Nagendar Singh and Balwan Singh as well as Risaldar Om Parkash I met the Raksha Mantri today. While I did highlight some other points, OROP inevitably topped the agenda. The RM has all the details worked out, including the expenditure involved in implementing OROP separately for officers, JCOs/OR, families, disabled etc. He did mention the latest spanner thrown in by a related Supreme Court decision (in the case of Maj Gen SPS Vains) where the OROP has been mentioned. However, he appeared confident of resolving the issue without much problem.
The RM is in full grip of the situation. He exudes and inspires confidence. In a relatively short time he has acquired good understanding of the complex manpower structure of the defence forces. He is also fully supportive of the uniformed personnel.

Timeline for OROP? All clearances seems to be in place. Work is progressing apace. My own estimate is OROP will come latest by 26 May 2015, when the NDA completes one year in office.

I have given the farthest limit so that we do not again fall prey to disappointment. Having said that I am hopeful it will come much sooner than 26 May. Till then let us be patient.

Other Points

Some other points that were mentioned and handed over to the RM are:

1. Reservists’ Pension. They are entitled to 2/3 of the minimum pension of a Sepoy with 15 years’ service, but not less than Rs 3,500/- per month. As of now they are getting their entitlement. With OROP the minimum pension of a Sepoy will rise, necessitating up-scaling of the Reservists’ pension.Their number is very small.

2. Pension of pre-2006 Hony Naib Subedars. As of today, Hony Naib Subedars of post 1.1.2006 era are getting the pension of a regular Naib Subedar but the pre- 2006 retirees are getting a Havildar’s pension. Number of the affected persons being small and finite, this anomaly needs to be removed.

3. Pension of Majors. It was highlighted that concept of OROP as well as Supreme Court ruling speak against creating a dividing line for grant of pension. Therefore, while considering grant of a Lt Colonel’s pension to a pre 16.12.2004 Major, there should be no further dividing line based on 1.1.1996. Officers that retired prior to 1.1.1996 in the rank of Major are only about 700 in number and should not be subjected to any discrimination. The point was registered.

4. Minimising Court Cases. It was highlighted that till the Third Pay Commission, there were practically no court cases. Any pay commission anomaly that was perceived was discussed and resolved between the Army Chief, Defence Secretary and their assisting staff. That system needs to be revived.

In this connection I also highlighted that when a military person seeks legal intervention, he is actually a representative of a larger group. There should be a provision where the relief provided to an individual should automatically extend to others similarly affected. The RM clarified that legally, since it is not a PIL, the individual fights for himself and the courts cannot give that benefit to others. However, an administrative mechanism can be put in place for extending such benefit to others. He further added that he is already having it examined for implementation. This showed how positively he is disposed toward resolving the soldiers’ problems.

Best regards,
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan
Chairman IESM
262, Sector – 17A
Gurgaon – 122 001

Source: www.ex-airman.blogspot.in

One Rank One Pension – 1st Payment will be made on 1st week of May, 2015 & Arrears will be paid in 4 equal installments – Minister assured

One Rank One Pension – 1st Payment will be made on 1st week of May, 2015 & Arrears will be paid in 4 equal installments – Minister assured

LATEST ON OROP IMPLEMENTATION : MESSAGE FROM SHRI THANESWARSEN, CHAIRMAN, NEXCC.

Shri Manohar Parikkar, Hon’ble Defence Minister, Government of India, met representative of our organization(NEXCC) led by Shri V.N.Mishra, Secretary General (as Chairman is indisposed).

Where 20/25 minutes cordial discussion had in connection with implementation One Rank One Pension(OROP). He has assured our delegation, that by 1st week of April,2015, modalities will be finalized & 1st payment will be made on 1st week of May, 2015. Arrears will be paid in 4 equal installments.
Considering the deferred assurance given by the Hon’ble Defence Minister, available Central Committee Member in Delhi, decided to defer our agitational programme on 6th & 7th April, 2015. It is further to intimate that Central Executive Committee to a later date.

The representative also brought to the knowledge of the Hon’ble Defence Minister about the ECHS meeting scheduled to be held on 05th April, 2015,at New Delhi, also & Military Service Pay(MSP)anomalies, which he assured to look into.

Source: www.ex-sergeant.blogspot.in