Concerns regarding Implementation of OROP

 Persistence of Existing Anomalies  

OROP by itself will not solve or set at rest all the pending issues which need to be first sorted out before formulating the modalities of implementing OROP. Otherwise, the existing anomalies and inconsistencies would not only persist but also be carried forwarded and incorporated in OROP, thus vitiating the proper adoption of OROP in true spirit.”

 Application of OROP.

(a) The concept of OROP needs to be well defined and properly understood. Simply stated, OROP means that a person who retired prior to 01-01-2006 should get the same pension as a person of the same rank retiring after 01-01-2006 based on common parameters for fixing the pension. In the application of VI CPC, different parameters were used for pre and post 2006 retirees. The pension for all pre 2006 retirees was based on the minimum of the pay in the scale for the rank (as corrected by the Govt letter of 17-01-20013). For post 2006 retirees the basis was the last pay drawn which would be different for different individuals depending on the length of service in the last rank held. “

 “(b) If the post 2006 set of parameters were to be applied to pre 2006 retirees, complete data on the total length of service and service in the last rank held need to be collected and the pension re-fixed for each individual. This would be a laborious and time consuming process besides data being unavailable particularly in the case of pre 1986/1996 retirees. If the pre-2006 parameters were to be adopted for all, the benefit, if any, of length of service in the last rank held presently enjoyed by post 2006 retirees would be lost.”

“(c) At least three different sets of common parameters have been suggested. One such suggestion is to adopt the maximum pay in the pay scale for the rank as the basis of fixing the pension with a provision for pro rata deductions for shortages, if any, in the minimum qualifying service. This is the most acceptable, practical, easily implementable and least cumbersome and time consuming solution which will satisfy all categories of veterans. It may be mentioned that most, if not all, veterans would have become entitled to pay at the top end or at least beyond the mid-point of the scale for the rank while in service. The extra benefit that may accrue to a very small number of veterans who may not have drawn any increment in the pay scale while in service should not be grudged.”

 VII CPC.

The constitution of VII CPC without any meaningful representation in it from the services has been announced. If the pending issues flowing from the anomalies and inconsistencies relating to IV, V And VI CPC s are not resolved urgently and OROP is also implemented as envisaged with effect from April this year, VII CPC may start functioning under the burden of incomplete, carried over and inconsistent terms of reference resulting in a spate of fresh anomalies in its final report.”

Action Required

 Clear and unambiguous instructions should be issued on the implementation of the decision on OROP. Points mentioned above should be kept in view while doing so.”

Courtesy-: AVM(Retd) S Krishnaswamy