Saturday, January 31, 2015

'One Rank, One Pension' spadework moving on fast-track, says Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar

NEW DELHI:31.1.2015

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said his Ministry would finalise modalities for the much delayed 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP) scheme by next week and the file would be sent to Finance Ministry for further action. "In principle, it has been approved earlier. Discussions are on to fix modalities... By next week, the view of the defence ministry will be formed," Parrikar told reporters here while declaring that the OROP issue has been fast-tracked and he has already  held several meetings on it. 




As and when the exact implementation status for the scheme is finalised by defence ministry, it will be taken up to the Ministry of Finance,he said. Speaking on the issue last month, Parrikar had said if he could take the satisfaction level (of the retired armed forces personnel) to 80-90 per cent, that should be "a good enough solution".


'One Rank, One Pension' has been a long-standing demand of the over 2 million ex-servicemen in India. It 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.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. (Photo: PTI/File)
The minister, meanwhile, said it has decided not to fight nearly 4,000 disability pension cases pending against his ministry in courts, a move which will benefit thousands of soldiers waging long legal battles.


Asked about concerns expressed by China and Pakistan over the defence agreement signed during US President Barack Obama's visit here and whether India was prepared for a two- front war, Parrikar refused to comment.


He, however, said, "From our side we are trying to create an atmosphere of preparedness for everything. You have to assume the worst and hope for the best," he said.

Asked about concerns expressed by China and Pakistan over the defence agreement signed during US President Barack Obama's visit here and whether India was prepared for a two- front war, Parrikar refused to comment.

He, however, said, "From our side we are trying to create an atmosphere of preparedness for everything. You have to assume the worst and hope for the best," he said.

On a query as to whether the talks being held with the US on controversial agreements like CISMOA, BECA and LSA, he said "more cooperation is good" but did not comment on anything that is in the discussion stage.

He said that if India expands the Defence Trade Technology Initiative (DTTI), it would be advantageous for the country.


The minister said that the next meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council is likely to be held on February 9. "Wherever procedures are proper, I feel that decisions should be quick. I have been pushing very hard for quick decisions. On the merit of each case, decision will be taken," he said 

(Source- The DC/Economic times)

6 comments:

  1. Hon'ble Sir, Thanks for your whole hearted initiative in implementing the OROP more meaningful.It will be highly appreciated for your valuable efforts put in and in order to have more realistic it is submitted that the duration in the particular rank held should be given due weightage.

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  2. It is still betqeen departments of the government and there are number of bureaucrats in these departments. So sit back and wait for the tricks of this department (Finance) as well. Keep your fingers crossed.

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  3. The defence veterans are clamouring for more & more benefits for only the pensioners.However they have never taken up issues for the welfare of ex SSCO's who are discriminated against and kept out of all benefits even though there contribution and sacrifice has no parallels.If the govt expects the youngsters of this country to serve the nation in their prime then it is time that the armed forces take up the cause for the welfare of these committed SSCO's who are left in the lurch ny their own brothers in arms.

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  4. Its not clear wether 100% will be implemented & from which date .

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  5. Its not clear wether 100% will be implemented & from which date.

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  6. Shri M R Sharma is very correct 200% correct. Let us wait till it is credited to our a/c. There are many poojaris between the deity and the devotee.
    The case od SSCO's must be looked into. But the effort has to come from their side. OROP as not granted by the Govt on a platter. Veterans have marched on the roads of Delhi and other state capitals for three decades shouting Inquilab Zindabad. Protest rallies, persuasion, relay fast, indefinite fast we have left nothing unturned to get this today. SSCO veterans also will get what they want if they try all that we hv tried.

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