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

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Latest news on One Rank One Pension : In future pension would be re-fixed every 5 year

Latest news on One Rank One Pension : In future pension would be re-fixed every 5 year

 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP). The details are as follows:


1. The benefit will be given with effect from 1st July, 2014.


2. Pension will be re-fixed for pre 1.7.2014 pensioners retiring in the same rank and with the same length of service as the average of minimum and maximum pension drawn by the retirees in the year 2013. Those drawing pensions above the average will be protected.


3. The benefit would also be extended to family pensioners including war widows and disabled pensioners.


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. Arrears will be paid in four half-yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pension and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment.


6. In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 year.


7. Constitution of Judicial Committee headed by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, Retd. Chief Justice of Patna High Court on 14.12.2015 which will give its report in six months on the references made by the Government of India.


The implementation of OROP will result in enhanced pension for the pensioners/family pensioners of Defence Forces. The setting up of the Judicial Committee headed by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy will help in the removal of anomalies that may arise in the implementation of OROP order dated 7.11.2015.


Financial implications on account of grant of OROP including Pre-Matured Retirees (PMR) cases would be Rs. 10925.11 crore for payment of arrears and annual financial implication would be Rs. 7488.7 crore. Till 31st March, 2016, 15.91 lakh pensioners have been given the first instalment of OROP, which amounts to Rs. 2,861 crore. Information is being gathered for processing on priority basis, the cases of 1.15 lakh pensioners after filling in the gaps of information such as the length of service being assessed, etc.


Source: PIB

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OROP Arrears Table : 1St Instalment (1/4) WEF 01 Jul 14 to 29 Feb 16

OROP Arrears Table : 1St Instalment (1/4) WEF 01 Jul 14 to 29 Feb 16

OROP Arrears Table for Sepoy and NK Group ‘Y’

 

OROP Arrears Table for NK & NK(TS) and Hony Hav Group ‘Y’

 

OROP Arrears Table for Hav and Hony Sub Group ‘Y’

 

OROP Arrears Table for Nb Sub and Subedar Group ‘Y’

OROP Arrears Table for Sub Maj Group ‘Y’ and Hony Lt

 

OROP Arrears Table for Hony Capt and NCs(E)

ARREARS - 1st INSTALMENT Spread Sheet ; LINK HERE

Source: http://rajasthanveterans.blogspot.in/

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OROP Anomalies – Rajeev Chandrasekhar writes to RM on 1.3.2016

OROP Anomalies – Rajeev Chandrasekhar writes to RM on 1.3.2016

Rajeev writes to the Defence Minister on Additional Points – Anomalies in One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme – March 01, 2016

RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
RAJYA SABHA

Member of Standing Committee on Defence
Member of Consultative Committee on Defence
Member of Central Advisory Committee for the National Cadet Corps
Co-Chairman, vigilance & Monitoring Committee, Bangalore Urban District
Vice Chairman, National Military Memorial Management Trust, Bangalore

01 March 2016

Dear Raksha Mantriji,

Sub: Additional Points – Anomalies in One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme

Further to my letter to you dated 23 February 2016, with the subject “Anomalies in One Rank One Pension”, I am enclosing herewith a second representation with additional points on the change in definition of the OROP Scheme in various letters issued by the Government, and also anomalies in particular ranks that go against the principle of OROP.

The same may be annexed with my earlier representation and also find place in your Ministry’s reference to the One Rank Judicial Committee.

The attached list of issues requires immediate attention and revision in order to fully implement OROP in its true definition.

Sincerely,
sd/-
RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

Click to view the Annexure: Additional Pionts: Anomalies in OROP Scheme

ADDITIONAL POINTS : ANOMALIES IN ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP) SCHEME
A. CHANGE IN DEFINITION OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION:

PI refer to:
1. MOD letter no 12(01/2014-D (Pen/Pol) dated 26 February, 2014
2. MOM of the meeting chaired by RM on 26 February, 2014 to discuss OROP
3. Response by MOS Defence, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh to my Parliamentary Question No. 962 dated 02 December, 2014 on ‘Implementation of One Rank, One Pension (OROP)’
4. GOI Press Release dated 05 September, 2015
5. GOI letter no 12(1)/2014 dated 07 November, 2015 and
6. GO1 letter no 12(01)/2014-D (pen/pol)- Part- 11 dated 14 December, 2015

a) 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.

I. On 26 February, 2014, the Government vide letter No 1 2(01 /2014-D (Pen/Pol) accepted the principle of One Rank One Pension as defined above.

II. Minutes of the meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 26 February also contained the above definition of OROP.

The reply given by Minister of State for Defence Shri Rao Inderjit Singh to a question raised by me in Parliament on 02 December, 2014 also gave the above definition of OROP.

However, in subsequent letters and press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, the definition of CROP was altered as follows:

b) One Rank One Pension PROP) 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.

I. In the Press Release dated 05 September, 2014, the definition of OROP was altered from the accepted definition mention in letter dated 26 February 2014. “…future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the post pensioners” to ‘.. this implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners at periodic intervals.”

II. The Government of India letter 12(1)/2014 dated 07 November, 2015 also defined OROP as “this implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners at periodic intervals.’

III. The Ministry of Defence Notification No. 12(01)/2014-D(pen/pol)-Part-11 announcing the appointment of the Judicial Committee to look into removal of anomalies that may arise of out implementation of OROP also repeated the definition as “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’.
It is essential that the definition of (DROP be maintained in its true form in order to successfully implement the scheme. Failing to do so will deprive past pensioners and widows of equivalent pension as present retirees thereby violating the very principle of One Rank One Pension.

B. ANOMALIES EFFECTING PARTICULAR RANKS:

The pensions of ranks – Hon. Naib Subedar, Major and Lieutenant Colonel – require to be relooked at.
a) Pension of Havildars granted with rank of Hon. Naib Subedar in view of their exemplary service, are not granted pension of Naib Subedar, instead he continues to draw the pension of a Havildar. This makes the Hon. Ranks merely ceremonial. It is required that this anomaly be corrected and pension of Naib Subedar be granted. Similarly, this must be accepted as a principle and it should be applicable to all Hon. ranks in case of NCOs and JCOs.

b) PCDA (Pensions) Circular No. 555 Dated 04 February, 2016 with the subject ‘Implementation of One Rank One Pension to Defence Pensioners’, Para 11(a) states: “The officers retired on or after 1.1.1996 in the rank of Major and who have completed 21 years of service have been allowed the pay of Lt. Col. Accordingly, pension of these officers have been revised by issue of Corr. PPOs. It is therefore, requested to revise the pension of post- 96 Army Officer with rank Major and its equivalent in the Air Force and Navy who have completed 21 years.”

The above provisions have created two separate pensions for the rank of Major one pre-1996 retiree Majors and another for post-1996 retiree Majors with the same length of service.

II. The above provisions have been added in continuation to Government of India (MoD) letter No 1(13)/2009/D (Pen/Pol) dated 24 September 2012 and PCDA (P) Allahabad Circular No 14 dated 02 January 2013 wherein Majors, who retired on or after 01 January 1996 with 21 years or more were granted pension of Lt Col by issue of Corr. PPOs.

III. These Majors were granted pension of Lt. Col. as they were payed the pay of Lt.

Col. under the provisions of SAI 2/S/1998 during the currency of 5′ Central Pay Commission.
It goes against the principle of One Rank One Pension that the rank of Major be on two different pension scales. This anomaly should be corrected and all past retiree Majors with 21 years or more of service must be treated at par and paid uniform pension.

Click to read another letter to the Defence Minister on the Delay in Disbursal of Pension to Widows and/or Next of Kin of Martyred Soldiers – March 01, 2016
Click to read the response letter from Defence Minister – March 03, 2016
Click to read the letter to Defence Minister on the Anomalies in One Rank One Pension Scheme on 23.2.2016

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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/

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OROP Anomalies – One member Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months

OROP Anomalies – One member Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months

One member Judicial Committee has been appointed on 14.12.2015 to look into the anomalies arising out of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months – Defence Minister

Detailed instructions along with OROP tables on implementation of OROP have been issued on 3.2.2016. Considering the requirement for implementation of “One Rank One Pension”, the expenditure ceiling for Defence Pensions in BE 2016-2017 has been increased from Rs.69,876 crores to Rs.82,332.66 crores. Government has received representations from various Ex-Servicemen Associations and beneficiaries regarding anomalies and their dissatisfaction with the order of OROP scheme.

One member Judicial Committee has been appointed on 14.12.2015 to look into the anomalies arising out of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months.


The following instructions have been issued to Pension Disbursing Agencies(PDAs) for effective implementation of OROP:

• The arrears on account of revision of pension from 01.07.2014 be paid in four equal half yearly instalments. However, family pensioners including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pension and all Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment.
• Any required information, if not available in record may be referred to Pension Sanctioning Authority(PSA) concerned who will provide the requisite information from the available records within 15 days to the PDAs.
• In case of any doubt, PDA may immediately take up the matter with nodal officers of respective PSAs, the details of which shall be notified by Pr. CDA(P) Allahabad in their implementation instructions.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Devajibhai G Fatepara and others in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

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One Rank One Pension (OROP) implementation order, tables issued

One Rank One Pension (OROP) implementation order, tables issued

The annual recurring financial implication of One Rank One Pension at the current rate will be approximately Rs 7,500 crore, the government said today as it issued detailed instructions for the scheme.

The government also issued OROP Tables which said that the arrears from July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 would be approximately Rs 10,900 crore.

86 per cent of the total expenditure on account of OROP will benefit the Junior Commissioner Officers and other ranks.

The total increase in the defence budget for pensions is estimated to go up from Rs 54,000 crore (BE 2015-16) to around Rs 65,000 crore (proposed BE 2016-17), thereby increasing the defence pension outlay by about 20 per cent.

The government order said that the payment of arrears and revision of pension under OROP is to be made by the Pension Disbursing Authorities in four instalments, except for family pensioners and pensioners in receipt of gallantry awards who will be paid arrears in one instalment.

The government had in November last year taken the historic decision to implement OROP, “fulfilling” the long standing demand of defence personnel after 42 years.

The move that will benefit over 18 lakh ex-servicemen and war widows had been rejected by a section of the veterans who are still protesting saying there are a number of “lacunae” in the scheme.

PTI

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One Rank One Pension Implementation – DESW issued orders on 3.2.2016

One Rank One Pension Implementation – DESW issued orders on 3.2.2016

Ministry of Defence letter No.12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part-II dated 03.02.2016

 on One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel.

No.12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi, Dated: 03 February, 2016

To
The Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of Navy Staff
The Chief of Air Staff

Subject: One Rank One Pension to the Defence Forces personnel.

Sir,
The undersigned is directed to refer this Ministry’s letter No 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 7th November, 2015 notifying One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for Defence Forces personnel. Salient features of the scheme have been mentioned at Para 3 & 4 of above said letter with the provision that the benefit of the scheme shall be implemented from 1.7.2014 to all pre-1.7.2014 pensioners. Para 6 of the letter provides that detailed instructions relating to implementation of OROP along with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category, shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment of arrears by Pension Disbursing Agencies concerned.

2. The undersigned is directed to say that in order to quicken the process of revision of pension/family pension, total 101 pension tables indicating rates of pension/family pension under OROP scheme notified vide this Ministry’s order dated 7th Nov, 2015, are appended to this order. The appended tables indicate revised rates of Retiring/Service/ Special/ Disability/ Invalid/ Liberalized disability/War Injury Pension including disability/war injury element and ordinary/ special/ liberalized family pension of Commissioned Officers, Honorary Commissioned Officers, JCOs/ORs and Non-Combatants (Enrolled) of Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Security Corps & Territorial Army retired/discharged/invalided out from service/died in service or after retirement. The existing pension of all pre-1.7.2014 pensioners/family pensioners shall be enhanced with reference to applicable table for the rank (and group in case of JCOs/ORs) in which pension with reference to the actual qualifying service as shown in Column-I of the tables subject to maximum term of engagement for each rank as applicable from time to time. The rate of pension of pensioners/ family pensioners drawing pension more than the rate of revised pension/ family pension indicated in annexed tables, shall remain unchanged.

3. The undersigned is also directed to convey that full pension of PSU absorbees who had opted for 100% commutation of pension, shall also be revised under this order with reference to revised pension of the rank determined for regular category of pensioners. However, there shall be no change in restored amount of pension already notified by respective PSAs in their case.

APPLICABILITY

4. The provisions of this letter shall be applicable to all pensioners/family pensioners who had been retired/discharged/ invalided out from service/died in service or after retirement in the rank of Commissioned Officers, honorary commissioned officers, JCOs/ORs and Non-Combatants (Enrolled) of Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Security Corps, Territorial Army & Ex-State Forces and are in receipt of pension/ family pension as on 1.7.2014.

4.1 The provisions of this order, however, do not apply to UK/HKSRA/KCIO pensioners, Pakistan & Burma Army pensioners, Reservist pensioners and pensioners in receipt of Ex-gratia payments.

METHODOLOGY FOR IMPLEMENTATION
5. All Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) handling disbursement of pension to Defence pensioners are hereby authorized to carry out revision of Retiring/Service/ Special/Disability/Invalid/Liberalized disability/War Injury Pension including disability/war injury element and ordinary/special/liberalized family pension of all pre- 1.7.2014 pensioners drawing pension as on 1.7.2014 in terms of these orders 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.

6. Where the revised pension as on 1.7.2014 worked out in terms of these orders, happens to be less than the existing pension/ family pension as on 1.7.2014, the pension shall not be revised to the disadvantage of the pensioner.

7. Arrears on account of revision of pension from 1.7.2014 till date of its implementation shall be paid by the Pension Disbursing Agencies in four equal half yearly installments. However, all the family pensioners including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pension and all Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one installment.

8. The initial Pension Payment Order (PPO) or its Corrigendum PPO (Corr PPO) indicates rank,group and qualifying service for which the individual has been pensioned. This information is available with Pension Disbursing Agencies as they have revised pension of all such pensioners in the recent past in terms of Government orders issued for implementation of recommendations of Sixth CPC, CSC-2009 & CSC-2012. In case, however, any information regarding qualifying service, rank, group etc., is not available with Pension Disbursing Agencies, such cases may be referred to Pension Sanctioning Authority concerned on the proforma enclosed as Annexure-A. The Pension Sanctioning Authorities concerned will provide the requisite information from the available records within 15 days of the receipt of request from the Pension Disbursing Agencies.

9. In case of any doubt relating to revision of pension in terms of this order, pension disbursing agencies may immediately take up the matter with nodal officers of respective PSAs details of which shall be notified by Pr.CDA(P) Allahabad in their implementation instructions.

10. The OROP shall be basic pension from 1.7.2014 and therefore, additional pension as applicable to the old age pensioners/ family pensioners on attaining the relevant age (80 years and above) shall also be enhanced by the PDAs from 1.7.2014 or the date from which the pensioner attains the age of 80 years or more, whichever is later.

PAYMENT OF LIFE TIME ARREARS (LTA)

11. If a pensioner to whom the benefit accrues under the provisions of this letter has died/dies before receiving the payment of arrears, the Life Time Arrears of pension (LT

A) shall be paid in the following manner: –

a) If the claimant is already in receipt of Family Pension or happens to be the person in whose favour Family Pension already stands notified and the awardees has not become ineligible for any reason, the LTA under the provisions of this letter should be paid to such a claimant by the PDA on their own.

b) If the claimant has already received LTA in the past in respect of the deceased to whom the benefit would have accrued, the LTA under the provisions of this letter should also be paid to such a claimant by the PDA on their own.

c) If the claimant is a person other than the one mentioned at 11(a) & 11(b) above, payment of LTA shall be made to the legal heir/heirs as per extant Government orders.

12. The following elements shall continue to be paid as separate elements in addition to the pension revised under these orders-

    i) Monetary allowance attached to gallantry awards viz. Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra etc.
    ii) Constant Attendance Allowance, where admissible.
    iii) Dearness relief as sanctioned by the Government from time to time.

MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS
13. No arrears on account of revision of pension/family pension shall be admissible for the period prior to 1.7.2014.

14. No commutation of pension shall be admissible on revised/additional amount of pension accruing as a result of revision of pension under these orders. However, the existing amount of pension, if any, that has been commuted will continue to be deducted from the revised pension.
15. As a result of these orders, there will be no change in the amount of gratuity already determined and paid with reference to the rules in force at the time of discharge/invalidment/ death.
16. Any overpayment of pension coming to the notice or under process of recovery shall be adjusted in full by the Pension Disbursing Agencies against arrears becoming due on revision of pension on the basis of these orders.

METHODOLOGY FOR REPORTING

17. An intimation regarding disbursement of revised pension shall be furnished by the Pension Disbursing Agencies to the Office of the Pr. CDA(P) Allahabad in the format prescribed as Annexure¬B to this letter in the following month in which revision takes place. PDAs shall also ensure that an intimation regarding revision of pension is invariably conveyed to the pensioners concerned for their information irrespective of the fact the same is beneficial to them or not. The Public Sector Banks who are disbursing defence pension through Central Pension Processing Centres (CPPC), the progress report shall be furnished by the CPPC of the bank directly to the office of the PCDA (Pensions) Allahabad through electronic scrolls.

18. All other terms and conditions which are not affected by this order shall remain unchanged.
19. This issues with concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No PC. 1 to 10(11)/2012/FIN/PEN dated 2.2.2016 .

(Manoj Sinha)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Authority: www.desw.gov.in

D(Pen-Policy)-DESW-OROP-03-02-2016 

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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/

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IESM LETTER TO RM ON OROP ANOMALIES

IESM LETTER TO RM ON OROP ANOMALIES

21st January 2016

The Raksha Mantri
South Block, Ministry of Defence
New Delhi

Urgent Need to Rectify Anomalies in OROP

in Govt notification dated 7 Nov 15

Dear Shri Manohar Parrikar ji

Please refer to Govt executive letter dated 26 Feb 14, press release dated 5 Sep 15, Govt notification dated 7 Nov 15 and 14 Dec 15. Please also refer to the statement made by MOS Defense Sh Rao Inderjit Singh in Parliament on 2 Dec in reply to question asked by Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar regarding implementation of OROP. (All attached)

One Rank One Pension was approved by UPA Govt in budget dated 17 Feb 14 and then by NDA Govt in their budget dated 10 Jun 14. UPA Government issued an executive order dated 26 Feb 14 for the implementation of OROP dues to veterans at the earliest. This was never implemented by the MOD nor a demand note was ever raised. The approved definition of OROP by two Governments is given below.

    "One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rankwith the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to beautomatically 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."

OROP implies that a senior rank soldier should never draw pension less than his junior rank soldier. This cardinal principle is the soul of OROP and must never be violated.

Government issued a notification on 7 Nov 15 for implementing OROP. Government reiterated above-mentioned definition of OROP in the letter but introduced some conditions in the notification that completely destroy the definition approved by two parliaments. These conditions have created four anomalies which completely violates the definition and thereby, the soul of OROP. These anomalies are discussed in detail in succeeding paragraphs.

    1) Fixation of Pension on calendar year of 2013 instead of FY of 2014: Fixation of pension as per calendar year 2013 would result in past retirees getting less pension of one increment than the soldier retiring today. This will result in past retirees drawing lesser pensions than present retirees. This will completely destroy definition of OROP approved by two Parliaments and will also result in loss of one increment across the board for past pensioners in perpetuity.

    2) Fixation of pension as mean of Min and Max pension: Fixing pension as mean of Min and Max pension of 2013 would result in more anomalies wherein same ranks with same length of service will draw two or more different pensions thus violating the very principle of OROP. This issue was discussed with RM in various meetings and after due deliberations it was decided that accepting highest pension of each rank in the year would meet the requirement as base of pension.

    3) Payment wef 1st Jul 14 instead of 1st Apr 14: OROP has been approved in budget of 2014-15 by two parliaments. As per norms of Government, all proposals approved in budget are applicable from 1st April of that FY. In the case of OROP, the Govt had issued specific orders to its applicability wef 1st April 14. Hence implementation date for OROP from 1st July will be against the Parliament approval. Changing the date would result in loss of 3 months emoluments for OROP across the board. However, if OROP implementation date is to be kept as 1st July, then the base pension should also be accepted as per the PPOs of July 2014.

    4) Pension Equalisation every five year: Pension equalisation every five year will result in a senior rank soldier drawing lesser pension than a junior rank soldier for five years thus OROP definition will be violated for five years. This will also result in permanent violation of definition as fresh cases will come up every year.

These anomalies will result in lesser pensions to widows, soldiers, NCOs and JCOs than what will be due to them on approval of OROP. This will result in veterans not getting OROP as per approved definition and will create large discontentment across all ranks.

There is a need to have a relook at the pensions of Hon Nb Subedars, Majors and Lt Cols.

    a) Some Havildars are granted rank of Hon Naib Subedar in view of their exemplary service. These soldiers are not granted pension of Naib Subedar thus making the Hon rank just ceremonial. It is requested that Hon Naib Subedars should get pension of a Naib Subedar rather than that of a Havildar. Similarly, this must be accepted as a principle and it should be applicable to all Hon ranks in case of NCOs and JCOs.

    b) There are only a few Majors as veterans. Moreover no officer is retiring in Major rank now. In the past, officers were promoted to Major rank after completing 13 yrs of service whereas present officers are getting promotion of Lt Col in 13 yrs. It will be justified to grant all pensioners of the rank of Major, minimum pension of Lt Col as they cannot be compared to present retirees as officers are not retiring as Majors any more. Number of such affected officers is not more than 800 and will not cause heavy burden to Govt.

    c) Similarly, all pre-2004 retiree Lt Cols should get the minimum pension of full Col. Presently all officers retire in the rank of Colonel hence all Lt Col equivalents should be granted min pension of Colonels.

In view of above you are requested to rectify these anomalies and issue addendum to notification issued on 7 Nov 15 for implementation of OROP. We strongly believe that there will be no requirement of judicial committee for attending to anomalies creeping up in implementation of OROP. Grant of increase in pension in case of honorary ranks and Majors and Lt Col must also be approved as a good will gesture.

This letter is being signed by three major organizations with the approval of more than 200 organizations. List of such organizations is attached.

sd/- Lt Gen Balbir Singh Chairman IESL Advisor UFESM

sd/- Col Inderjit Singh Chairman AIEWA Chairman IESM

sd/- Maj Gen Satbir Singh Chairman UFESM Advisor UFESM

Copy to:

  1  Mr Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister, North Block, Finance Ministry, Government of India
  2 Mr Jayant Sinha, MoS, Finance, North Block, Finance Ministry, Government of India
  3  General Dalbir Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff
  4 Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, Chief of the Air Staff & Chairman Chiefs of Staffs Committee (CoSC)
  5  Admiral RK Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of Naval Staff

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

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OROP – UFESM WRITES TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

OROP – UFESM WRITES TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Dear Veterans,
Letter to Members of Parliament regarding One Rank One Pension (OROP) dated 11 Jan 2016 is enclosed herewith for your information and widest circulation please.

With Regards

Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM (Retd)

Advisor United Front of ESM & Chairman IESM

UNITED FRONT OF EX –SERVICEMEN (UFESM)
ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP)

Dear Members of Parliament,
You are all aware of the issue of One Rank One Pension of Armed Forces. This issue is being debated since 1984 and finally OROP was strongly recommended by Koshyari Committee in 2011

As per Koshyari Committee Report, and the deposition by Secretary (ESW), Ministry of Defence, before the Committee One Rank One Pension is defined as.

Definition
“One Rank One Pension 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”.

The above definition of OROP has been accepted by both houses of the Parliament. Honourable Supreme Court has also ruled in favour of OROP in many judgments. The same definition was included in the Executive Order of the Govt of India for the Implementation of OROP vide its letter No- 12(01)/2014-D (Pen/Pol) dated 26 Feb 2014 (Copy enclosed).

The One Rank One Pension which has been announced on Sep 5, 2015 and notified on Nov 7, 2015 is not the real OROP. It has many anomalies illustrated below which if not corrected will completely destroy the definition of OROP approved by the Parliament.

1. Revision every 5 years instead of every year: This defeats the very concept and definition of OROP.

Illustration: 20 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR THE FOLLOWING 2 SEPOYS:
Sepoy A and Sepoy B join army on 1 July 1991
Sepoy A- retires in Nov 2011- Rs.4000/- as basic wage. Pension = Rs.2000/-.
Sepoy B – retires in March 2012- Rs 4500/- as basic wage (Increment as per Jan 1st). Pension = Rs. 2250/-
A is getting Rs 250+ DA = Rs. 600/- less than B and having served for the same length of service of 20 yrs.
Loss incurred – Rs.7200/- per year or Rs 36,000/- in 5 years.

2. Govt has announced that Benefit of OROP will be effective with effect from 1.7.2014: Instead of 01 Apr 2014, thereby causing a loss to the ESM of 2100 Crores that is presuming annual expenditure of Rs 8400/ crore on OROP.

Illustration: All articles approved in any budget are applicable from 1st April each year. Hence OROP should also be effective from 1st April 2014.
By making it effective from 1st July 2014 government is putting ESM at a loss of Rs.2100/-Crores for three months

3. Govt has announced that Base year for award of OROP to be the calendar year of 2013 instead of Financial Year of 31 March 2014.This defeats the definition of OROP and puts the old pensioners at loss as compared to the present pensioners. This will also mean that a pensioner holding senior rank will get pension less than his junior rank.

Illustration: if Base year for pension is likely to be 2013 as against 31 Mar 2014 when OROP is applicable from 1st April 2014. This put a soldier behind by one year / annual increment which is Rs. 500/-. However if the effective date for implementation is planned to be 1 July 2014 then the pension should be based on 30 June 2014.

4. Fixation of pension as the mean average of the pay band instead of the top level: This adds insult to injury and defeats the definition of OROP. Puts the old pensioners at loss as compared to the present pensioners.

Illustration: By making it the mean of the year 2013 the defence personnel retiring with pension above the mean will be at disadvantage. This would require application of protection clause for a large number of retirees.

Supposing A soldier retires in 1980 on completion of 20 years of service.

OROP means his pension should be brought at par with the pension of the soldier retiring on 31st March 2014 with 20 years of service. By taking mean of min and max pension of 2013, the soldier will be put to financial loss. This loss can only be calculated once pension tables are declared by CGDA.

5. One person judicial committee instead of a five person committee: This commission will not have representative from ESM but will have a member from IAS as secretary. Hence, it is expected that the recommendations of the committee will be influenced by IAS lobby (based on inputs from the IAS lobby). Recommendations of 7 CPC are indications wherein Armed Forces have not been given due justice. However announcement of judicial committee by GOI along with the notification is a clear indication that GOI is sure that this notification is faulty and will not be accepted by the Defence Fraternity.

In the age of smartphones and Social Media, no person is left unaware of the happenings in any part of the country. The serving members of the Armed forces are well aware of the acts of the government and the Protest Movement by the Ex-Servicemen at Jantar Mantar and across the country. The present Prime Minister made a promise to the Armed Forces at Rewari before the General Elections in 2014 that his Government will deliver OROP on taking oath of office if elected to form Govt. Implementation of OROP was also included in the President address to both houses of Parliament when the NDA Govt took over. That promise has not been fulfilled by this Government even after one and half year.

It is a common knowledge that more than 70% of serving soldiers are relatives of the Ex-servicemen. Ill treatments of veterans will have direct de-motivating effect on the serving soldiers.

It is also noteworthy that there is shortage of 30% in the Armed Forces. Policies adopted by the government have led to a situation where the youth of today is de-motivated to join the Armed Forces. Clearly, this shall lead to more reduced number than existing today. These deficiencies are serious nature and have direct bearing on National Security.

May we request you to ponder over the situation and think about the security of India in coming years. May we also request you to ask for serious discussion in Parliament on National Security and nail the Government so that every Indian is educated about the fraud being played on the nation by the GOI. May we also ask you to raise questions in the Parliament and ask the government to Implement One Rank One Pension (OROP) after removal of the seven shortcomings pointed out and issue fresh Notification exactly as per approved definition of OROP.

With Regards
Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM (Retd)
Advisor United Front of ESM & Chairman IESM
Tele No : 0124-4110579,09312404269
Email : satbirsm@gmail.com

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

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

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Government Appoints Justice L Narasimha Reddy to Head Judicial Committee on OROP

Government Appoints Justice L Narasimha Reddy to Head Judicial Committee on OROP

The Central Government has appointed Justice L Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court to head the Judicial Committee which will look into the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the Ex-Servicemen.

The Terms of Reference for the Committee shall be to examine and make recommendations on references received from the Central Government on the following matters:-

• Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise in the implementation of the OROP as notified by the Government on 07 November 2015.
• Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise out of inter-services issues of the three forces due to implementation of OROP order as notified by the Government on 07 November 2015.
• Implications on Service matters.
• Any other matter referred by the Central Government on implementation of the OROP or related issues.

In making its recommendations, the Committee shall take into account the financial impact of its recommendations.

The Committee shall make its recommendation within six months of the date of its constitution. It may, if necessary, give interim reports to the Government on any of the matters related to its terms of reference.
The Committee will devise its own procedure and may call for such information and take such evidence, as may be considered necessary. Ministries and Departments of Government of India shall furnish such information and documents and other assistance as may be required by the Committee. The Committee will have its Headquarters in Delhi. All administrative support to the committee will be provided by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.

Click to view the Notification

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Notification on appointment of Judicial Commitee on OROP – DESW Orders issued on 14.12.2015

Notification on appointment of Judicial Commitee on OROP – DESW Orders issued on 14.12.2015

Finally the Central Government issued orders on appointment of a one man judicial committee headed by Justice L.Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court. The copy of the order is given below for your ready reference…

No.12(01)/2014-D(pen/Pol)-Part-II
Ministry of Defence
(Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, 14th December, 2015

Whereas the Central Government has decided to implement One Rank One Pension (OROP) for the Ex-Servicemen for payment of uniform pension to the armed forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of their date of retirement, which implies that briding the gap between the rate of pension of current and past pensioners at periodic intervals.

Whereas it is necessary to implement the same in an equitable manner keeping in view the existing pension structure, the conditions of service, the reasons for varying pensions in case of service personnel of the same rank with same length of qualifying service retiring at different points of time as well as the principle of OROP decided by the Government vide Govt. of India letter No.12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)/Par-II dated 7.11.2015.

Now, therefore, the Central Government hereby appoints a Judicial Committee headed by Justice L.Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court.

2. The Terms of Reference for the Committee shall be;

To examine and make recommendations on references received from the Central Government on the following matters:

i. Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise in implementation of the OROP letter No.12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)/Par-II dated 7.11.2015.
ii. Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise out of inter-service issues of the three forces due to implementation of OROP order ibid.
iii. Implications on service matters.
iv. Any other matter referred by the Central Government on implementation of the OROP or related issues.

In making its recommendations, the Committee shall take into account the financial impact of its recommendations.

3. The Committee shall make its recommendations within six months of the date of its constitution. It may, if necessary, make interim reports on any of the matters mentioned in Paragraph 2 above.

4. The committee will devise its own procedure and may call for such information and take such evidence, as may be considered necessary. Ministries and Departments of Government of India shall furnish such information and documents and other assistance, as may be required by the committee.

5. The committee will have its Headquarters in Delhi. All administrative support will be provided by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.

sd/-
(K.Damayanthi)
Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India

Authority: http://www.desw.gov.in/

Click to view the order

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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/

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Highlights of OROP Notification

Highlights of OROP Notification :

Central Government today issued the notification regarding implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ in respect of Defence Forces personnel.

Highlights of the OROP as stated in the Order are as follows:

Benefit over 25 lakh veterans and war widows

Pension of past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of 2013 & the benefit will be from 1 July 2014.

Who opt to get discharged on their request would henceforth not get OROP benefits
Pension will be re-fixed as per average of min & max pension of personnel retired in 2013 in same rank & same length of service.

Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected.

Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly installments.

All family pensioners including those getting Spl/Liberalized family pension & Gallantry award winners to get arrears in 1 installment.

In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.

Personnel who opt to get discharged, now on, on their request will not get benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively.

Judicial Commission will be constituted to iron out the anomalies which shall submit its report in 6 months

OROP tables based on 2013 will be made available very soon.

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Notification for Implementation of OROP Issued

Notification for Implementation of OROP Issued

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

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Implementing OROP, 7th Pay Commission recommendations will not lead to cash crunch: Jayant Sinha

Implementing OROP, 7th Pay Commission recommendations will not lead to cash crunch: Jayant Sinha

The Minister of State for Finance, Jayant Sinha, has said that implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme for military pensioners and the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission will not bankrupt the nation.

The Union Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley had a meeting with the financial experts in New Delhi yesterday. Following the meeting, Mr. Jayant Sinha spoke to the mediapersons. He said –

“We are managing the country’s finances very well. Experts have appreciated our efforts. The government’s financial condition is very stable. Therefore, there wouldn’t be a cash deficit even if the government implements the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. Similarly, the government can very well manage the additional cash burden incurred by implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme for the military.

Implementing the OROP will result in additional expenses of Rs.8000-10,000 crores this year. The 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations will be submitted to the government in December this year. Giving increments to the Central Government employees will result in additional expenses to the Government. He confirmed that the government can comfortably manage these expenses.
A lot of important issues, including financial burdens, increasing employment opportunities and agricultural outputs, were discussed at the pre-Budget consultation. Some of the leading names in financial management in India had participated in the meeting. It is normal for governments to hold such meetings prior to the annual budget, but it is unusual that such a meeting was held with six months to go before the next Budget is due.
Sinha said that the valuable suggestions that were given by the experts have made the meeting worthwhile, and have convinced them that holding such meetings in advance was a good move.

A number of useful suggestions were given on the schemes that have to be implemented in the current and the next Financial Years. The meeting also paved way for the joint implementation of many a schemes, he said.

Discussions on agriculture and the issues related to it took up most of the time at the meeting. “We discussed a number of suggestions on how to improve our agricultural production. We talked about financial deficits and ways to reduce expenses and austerity measures. We had also discussed public investment options and the importance of making them profitable.

“The other most important topic that we had talked about was the Ministry of Finance. We had discussed the need for increasing the loans offered to farmers, and to the micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and the necessity for increasing job opportunity for youngsters. We had also discussed the steps that need to be taken to boost the large-scale and production-based industries, which are among the biggest sectors that offer employment.”

Source: www.7cpc.in

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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/

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NC JCM Staff Side demands One Rank One Pension from 7th Pay Commission

NC JCM Staff Side demands One Rank One Pension from 7th Pay Commission

Parity between Past and Future Pensioners : Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra secy. staff side/NCJCM has written a DO letter to chairman 7th Pay commission for pension Parity between past and future pensioners.

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

Ph: 23382286
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E-Mail: nc.jcm.ni@gmail.com

Dated 11.09.2015

Justice Shri Ashok Kumar Mathur,
Chairman,
Seventh Central Pay Commission,
New Delhi.

Dear Sir,

Sub: Parity between Past and Future Pensioners
While urging for parity in Pension; for past and future pensioners before the Seventh Central Pay Commission, Staff Side, National Council/JCM vide Chapter-IV, Para 4.1 submitted as follow:-

“The Government have recently announced that “One Pension’ shall be implemented in respect of Armed Forces so that the glaring disparity between the persons of equivalent rank and status do not draw vastly unequal pensions if they retire at different point of time is undone. Already there is a complete parity in pension among the Judges of Supreme Court, High Court and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, irrespective of the date of their retirement”. Now the Government of India has accepted the demand for ‘One Rank One Pension’ in respect of Armed forces.

The detailed justification for the same has already been submitted in our aforesaid Memorandum, as well as during our Oral Evidence before the Central Pay Commission.

The Civilian employees of Central Government have been waiting anxiously for implementation of the same equally for them and hope that the Seventh Central Pay Commission would administer Justice by recommending “One Rank One Pension’ to all other past and future pensioners irrespective of their date of retirement and remove the injustice done to them so long.

Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Source: NCJCM Staff Side

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OROP: Modi Requests Withdrawal of Protests; Anna Hazare cancels hunger strike

OROP: Modi Requests Withdrawal of Protests; Anna Hazare cancels hunger strike

“It is worth mentioning the fact that the Centre had recently fulfilled the 40 year long pending demand of the ex-servicemen regarding their pensions.”

The government at the centre, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, has requested the ex-servicemen to withdraw their protests on OROP. The government has said that there was no point in carrying on with the protests, now that the issue has been resolved.


The government had recently accepted the 40 year long demand of the ex-servicemen to grant OROP. But the ex-servicemen are demanding that the scheme also be made applicable to those who had opted for voluntary retirement and that the pension be revised once every year. Protests are continuing for the implementation of these and a few other important demands.


Amit Shah, the national president of the BJP has accused the Congress of trying to manipulate every issue to gain political mileage. “We have fulfilled our promise to implement OROP. After keeping quite for all these days, why is Congress making noise now?” he asked.


Meanwhile, Anna Hazare has announced that he was withdrawing his earlier announced protests for OROP. He was planning to launch a massive fast on October 2 demanding the implementation of OROP and withdrawal of the Land Acquisition Bill. Since it has now become clear that there is no possibility of clearing an emergency bill on land acquisition, and since the government has accepted the OROP demands, he has said that he was withdrawing the protests.

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