Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announces the implementation of One Rank One Pension.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced the implementation of the long-awaited One Rank One Pension or OROP this afternoon.
Here are the highlights: - The government is proud of our armed forces personnel.
- It is a matter of deep anguish that various governments remained ambivalent on OROP.
- The government in 2014 said that OROP would be implemented by 2014 December, but there were no steps taken.
- It is for these reasons that the current government took some time to fulfill the promise.
- PM Modi has reiterated his commitment to OROP many times.
- The previous government allocated Rs 500 crores but the reality is that it would take Rs 8,000-10,000 crores.
- OROP is that uniform pension for people who retire from the same rank irrespective of when they do so. It involves rationalization of pensions.
- Arrears will be paid 4 half-yearly installments.
- Widows will be paid arrears first. They will be paid in 1 installment.
- Pension will be fixed keeping 2013-14 as the base year.
- Personnel who take Voluntary Retirement from Service (VRS) will not be covered under OROP.
- Pension would be rationalised every 5 years.
- Expenditure on arrears alone would be approximately Rs 10,000-12,000 crores.
- This is not an administrative issue alone that's why a one-member judicial committee will be constituted. Report will arrive after 6 months.
- PM Modi has approved One Rank One Pension. Defence Ministry will release a detailed order soon.
- I hope the OROP issue behind us. I appeal to veterans to contribute in nation building.