Process on to Implement One Rank One Pension Scheme

The modalities for implementing 'One Rank One Pension' scheme for armed forces are under consideration and the financial implication could be calculated once the details are finalised and approved by the government, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh said in a written reply that the principle of OROP for the armed forces has been accepted by the government.

"The modalities for implementation have been discussed with various stakeholders and are presently under consideration of the government. Financial implication could be calculated, once the modalities are finalised and approved by the government," he said.

He was asked whether the implementation of the scheme has been delayed.

Responding to another part of the question on removing disparities in pension of various ex-servicemen, he said possible amendments to the pension policies are being examined with a view to reduce litigation.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said on February 28 that the issue of OROP is pending as the method of calculating pension is stuck between the Armed Services and the Defence Ministry.

Explaining the reasons behind the delay, the Minister had said: "the methodology of calculating the One Rank, One Pension is an issue pending between the Services and the Defence Ministry."

The scheme, which seeks to ensure that a uniform pension is paid to defence personnel who retire at the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement, has been a long-standing demand of the over two million ex-servicemen in the country.