The Government today issued the
notification regarding implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ in
respect of Defence Forces personnel.
Defence Forces of India have a
rich history and tradition of bravery and gallantry. Defence forces have
not only defend our borders with exemplary courage and valour but have
also performed with fearless attitude and empathy in natural calamities
and other trying circumstances. Government of India recognizes and
respects their contribution.
The issue of One Rank One
Pension was a long standing demand. Defence Forces had been demanding it
for almost four decades but the issue could not be resolved. However,
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had made a commitment to implement it
for the welfare of the ex-servicemen. Accordingly the Government had
announced modalities for implementation of OROP on 05.09.2015. The
Government Order by Ministry of Defence, which could not be issued due
to model code of conduct, has been issued today.
Salient features of the OROP as stated in the Order are as follows:
I. To begin with, pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of calendar year 2013 and the benefit will be effective with effect from 1.7.2014.II. Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retiring in 2013 in the same rank and with the same length of service.III. Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected.IV. Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners, including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pensioners, and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment.V. In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.
4. Personnel who opt to get
discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule
13(3)1(i)(b),13(3)1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent
Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP. It
will be effective prospectively.
5. The Govt. has decided to
appoint a Judicial Committee to look into anomalies, if any, arising out
of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its
report in six months.
6. Detailed instructions along
with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category,
shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment of
arrears directly by Pension Disbursing Agencies.
The previous Government had made
a budget announcement to implement the OROP and made a provision of Rs
500 Crore. The present Government undertook the task earnestly and
realized that the actual additional annual expenditure would be eight to
ten thousand crore at present and will increase further in future.
Notwithstanding the financial constraints, true to its commitment the
present Government has issued the Government order to implement the OROP
in true spirit.
Source: PIB News
