Our Correspondent /
In major decision, the Government today issued the notification for implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ for Defence Forces personnel.
Under the scheme, the pension will be re-fixed every five years.
For all pensioners, pension will be re-fixed 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.
In case of past pensioners, it will be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of 2013 and the benefit will be from 1st July 2014.
As per the notification, arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly installments.
However, all the family pensioners, including those in receipt of Special and Liberalized family pensioners and Gallantry award winners will be paid arrears in one installment.
The government has also decided to appoint a Judicial Committee to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP.
The Committee will submit its report in six months.
“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” Defence ministry said in a statement.
Salient features of the OROP as stated in the Order are as follows:
I. 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 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 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.
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.