BRIEFING ON MEETING WITH DM ON 1Oth DEC 2014

A special meeting was called by RM on 10 Dec 14 to which reps of 3 recognized Ex-servicemen Associations, including DIWAVE, were invited. The officials who attended the meeting included DG(PS), DGR, MD (ECHS), Secretary KSB, AFA, Joint CGDA and JS (ESW), in addition to RRM and Secy (ESW).

2.Stating that the primary focus of meeting was OROP, RM sought the  views of the Associations on the issue . We responded that the organization that is spearheading the issue is IESM who had already briefed him yesterday and that we had nothing more to add.

3. After listening to Lt Gen Balbir Singh, President IESL’s arguments, RM stated that the implementation of OROP was not in doubt as it was a solemn commitment of the Govt and BJP. The only question was of modalities for future increases i.e. dynamic adjustments or in slabs.  A view was expressed that while granting increments until end 2015, the 7^th CPC could be asked to give formula for future adjustments. On the question of expenditure figures, it was pointed out that whatever be the amount, it would not appear significant when compared with Rs.12500 crores as the cost of each DA installment which is twice a year. Also, a commitment is commitment, whatever be the cost.

4. After hearing pros and cons, RM indicated that he was in a better picture and that while he would not like to bind himself with a time frame, he is keen to take final decision as soon as possible.

5. Before the meeting ended, we did bring to RM’s attention 2 priority issues – a. Attitude and functioning of DESW and b. The dire need to reduce litigation by effecting 4-5 changes in current pension policies. It was decided that a small group comprising DIWAVE reps and DESW officials would discuss the issues and put up recommendations to RRM & RM. RM indicated that he would have no hesitation in withdrawing legal cases if so warranted. Also, by end Jan15 he would call another meeting on such issues.

3. With reference to some reports about Shri Harbans Singh, former Dir /JS Pensions likely to be brought back, we made it clear that such a step would be retrogressive, because of his anti-veteran approach and the fact the he alone was responsible for proliferating mindless litigation against the disabled and war widows. The point was taken note of.

Government should clarify stand on One Rank One Pension Scheme: Deepender Singh Hooda

A Congress member on Tuesday urged the government in the Lok Sabha to clarify its stand on the One-Rank One-Pension scheme and implement the same without delay.
Raising the issue, Deepender Singh Hooda alleged that some bureaucrats are trying to change the definition of One Rank One Pension (OROP) causing concern among 32 lakh ex-servicemen awaiting the scheme's implementation. "The government must clarify its stand at the earliest and must not delay in implementing the OROP scheme in the name of either falling into a bureaucratic trap or wanting to maintain the fiscal deficit target of 4.1% of the GDP," Hooda said.
It was estimated that implementation of the scheme, brought during the previous UPA rule, would cost about Rs 9,000 crore. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said there should be a discussion on implementation of One Rank Open Pension scheme
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IESM MEETING WITH RM

IESM Delegation meets RM on 09 Dec 14

Dear Members

As you aware that IESM had planned agitation from 3 Dec to 16 Dec with a rally on 7 Dec and medal return on 16 Dec 14 to remind the Government to fulfill the promises made by BJP in their manifesto. Though many veterans advised to delay the agitation but IESM was steadfast to resume the agitation because undue delay in issuance of notification on OROP.

Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar met IESM delegation on 1 Dec 14 and advised IESM that he would be ready to work as conduit between Govt and IESM and will arrange a meeting with RM soon to discuss OROP and its implementation. Based on the assurances IESM decided to postpone the planned agitation and decided to give a chance to negotiations. IESM got some welcome messages from ex-servicemen and some rebuttals for postponing agitation. However GB IESM had taken this decision in light of some positive information given to them by Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar. IESM firmly believes that doors for consultations should never be closed.

A meeting was arranged by Sh Rajeev Chandrashekhar MP Rajya Sabha for IESM delegation to meet Sh Manohar Parikarr Raksha Mantri at 1420h on 9 Dec 14. Maj Gen Satbir Singh Chairman and Gp Capt VK Gandhi Gen Sec IESM met Raksha Mantri at Parliament house. After initial introductions, We came straight to OROP and its implementation. Concept of OROP and its historical back ground was explained to him. He asked many questions to clear his doubts and these were satisfactorily answered. IESM very clearly explained the concept of yearly increments for pensioners and explained that without this OROP has no meaning. However once an ESM reaches top of his pay band he would not be entitled to further increments. This aspect was elaborately explained. Honorable RM also touched upon the differing figures of funds required to meet OROP. IESM delegation explained that this must have been worked out by the responsible officers in MOD at the time of approving OROP. However fig given by Army Hq seems to be more reasonable. Moreover this is not the task of IESM or ESMs to work out the figures. IESM stressed upon that definition of OROP is sacrosanct can not be diluted. It stands approved by Parliament.

The meeting lasted for 30 min and IESM delegation got a feeling that the thought process of RM was positive. RM did not make any negative comment or any serious objection about OROP and its implementation. IESM delegation explained to RM that ESMs are getting restless about this undue delay in issuance of notification of OROP. Government needs to issue notification without any delay preferably within this year. Though RM did not make any commitment but delegation is hopeful that Govt is likely to make announcement on OROP very soon may be within one month. This would a very good news for complete veteran family.

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM

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Cong accuses Centre of ignoring one rank, one pension issue

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, December 9

The Congress today accused the Centre of ignoring the one rank, one pension (OROP) issue of retired defence personnel.

Raising the issue in Lok Sabha today afternoon, Congress MP From Rohtak, Deepnder Hooda said the OROP had been announced in the Interim Budget in February this year, but was yet to be implemented.

Hooda accused the bureaucracy of trying to dilute the original meaning of OROP as  defined by the Koshiyari Committee, which was the petition  committee of the Rajya Sabha. Hooda asked the government to come out and announce the implementation of OROP. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the matter merited a short discussion in the Lok Sabha .
Source Click this link =http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/OROP 

Amarinder blames bureaucracy for delay in OROP; writes to PM

 HT Correspondent ,HindustanTimes Chandigarh,December 03, 2014
Blaming the bureaucracy for undue delay in granting 'one rank one pension' to country's 30 lakh ex-servicemen, Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Capt Amarinder Singh has sought urgent attention of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue
In a letter to the PM, Capt Amarinder wondered whether it was the bureaucracy or the parliament that was running the country. "I am intrigued over such a situation where the bureaucracy has been trying to overrule parliament. Is it the bureaucracy that is running this country or Parliament?" he asked. He said, it was strange that despite the decision about OROP having been approved by the Parliament, no headway has been made so far as the vested interests in the bureaucracy are trying to scuttle it.
He said, it was strange that despite the decision about OROP having been approved by the Parliament, no headway has been made so far as the vested interests in the bureaucracy are trying to scuttle it
The former chief minister wondered despite both the UPA and NDA in favour of the decision it was still not being implemented.
He pointed out, it was the previous UPA government which approved the OROP. "The then finance minister P Chidambaram allocated Rs. 500 crore for this purpose in his last budget as the exact figures had not been known at that time", he said, adding "the finance minister Arun Jaitely also approved about Rs. 1000 crore for this purpose in this year's budget".
The Congress leader also said that since then the total amount required for the implementation of the scheme has been worked out to be about Rs. 9500 crores, which is a pittance as compared to the expenditure incurred on other schemes like Food Security or MGNREGA which cost lakhs of crores of rupees.
"Despite that the ex-serviceman  have not been able to get the benefit just because the bureaucracy do not want to pass on this benefit to them", he regretted.
He said, he was surprised that the matter has been put on the back-burner for an amount of Rs. 9500 crores.
"Should this amount really matter for a country like India and that too when it concerns our 30 lakhs ex-servicemen dedicated their life to the country having served the nation in peace and war", he asked.
Source- click below to read the original text
http://www.hindustantimes.com 

3 SLP'S AGAIN POSTPONED

Pre-2006 pensioners case CA 8875-76/2011 connected with our 3 SLP 36148-50/2013 did not come for hearing on 02/12/2014 due to lack of time.It is now listed to be heard on 13/01/2015.

LOK SABHA ANSWER ON OROP

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Defence

28-November-2014 14:50 IST

One Rank One Pension Scheme

The principle of One Rank One Pension for the Armed forces has been accepted by the Government. The modalities for implementation were discussed with various stakeholders and are presently under consideration of the Government. It will be implemented once the modalities are approved by the Government. No Budget was allocated for the purpose in the Budget 2013-14. Total number of beneficiaries for OROP will be known once the modalities are approved.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to Shri Hukum Singh and others in Lok Sabha today.