IESM TO DEFENCE MINISTER

23 Dec 2014 

                                                           

Shri Manohar Parrikar
Hon’ble Raksha Mantri 
104, South Block 
New Delhi -110011

 

  NON IMPLEMENTATION OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP)

Dear Hon’ble Raksha Mantriji,

             IESM is grateful to you for granting us time on 09 Dec 2014 to discuss One Rank One Pension (OROP) with one of the stake holders, in spite of your busy schedule when Parliament is in session.

             You patiently heard our point of view on this issue which has been agitating Armed Forces Veterans since 1982. You showed your sincerity to view this issue from different angles which unfortunately landed in your lap. The definition of OROP has been succinctly brought out by the written answer given in hon’ble parliament by Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri on 02 Dec 2014. We felt now that there is no doubt in definition of OROP even in Central Government. So we felt your meeting is only to chalk out a road map for implementation of OROP.

             Since the definition is very simple to understand in that pre – 2014 pensioner of same rank with same length of service will get same pension as if he retired on 31 Mar 2014 and his pension is hiked on 01 Jul 2015, we were happy that Government letter for implementation may not take much time to be issued. We even offered services of knowledgeable Armed Forces veterans to help out CGDA in making tables for various ranks indicating pensions rank wise and length of service wise and arrive at arrears w.e.f. 01 Apr 2014.  Your reply to query posed by Col Vinay Thapar in The Headlines Today conclave that 100% satisfaction is not possible in real life has caused much consternation in the minds of veterans. We are getting anxious calls from veterans not only from India but also from those settled abroad on meaning of 80 to 95% of OROP.

               Sir, the Govt of India is already violating hon’ble Supreme Court judgment delivered in Maj Gen SPS Vains Vs Union of India where the  apex court has made unambiguous judgment that senior ranked veteran cannot get pension less than a his junior. Today a Maj Gen retired in 2005 gets lesser pension than a Brigadier retired in Nov 2014.

             The OROP stands sanctioned by the Govt.  It has to be implemented 100 percent as per the approved definition and the executive orders issued by the Govt.  Also there has been an assurance by the PM, RM on a number of occasions that actual OROP will be implemented.  Any dilution to the approved definition will not be OROP.

              May we, therefore request you to accept the DGL prepared by the Service HQs without any dilution and issue instructions for the implementation of OROP as assured by you within 30 days ie by 09 Jan 2015.  Sir, there is extreme pressure from the Ex Servicemen to start a countrywide agitation to get Justice.  They are getting restless since 10 months have passed when OROP was sanctioned on 17 Feb 2014, but its implementation has not been done till date.  We had held in- abeyance our planned agitation from 03 to 16 Dec 2014 after getting positive feedback that the Govt is likely to implement OROP soon.

             Sir, We have not understood why CGDA cannot consult Armed Forces Veterans on OROP like Ministry of Pensions, Personnel and Public Grievance does whenever any letter is issued affecting pensioners does. It appears, sir, you as Rakshma Mantri is very clear on OROP but it is the IDAS Officers in Min of Def who are found to be stumbling block trying to find out difficulties in arriving at Govt letter on implementation where there are no difficulties at all.

      Your discussion with Dr Subrahmanyam Swamy of BJP on 21 Dec 2014 where in you are reported to have said implementation after taking concerns of Ex-Servicemen is likely to be effected by budget session in Feb 2015 has left us wondering as to where is the delay now? If funds are the problem as you expressed to IESL delegation which met you on 10 Dec 2014, IESM has suggested mode of payment of arrears to widows first, PBOR second and Officers last.

            May we request you to expedite issue of Govt Notification for the implementation of OROP as per the approved definition and as per the DGL prepared by the Service HQs.

 

             With regards

  Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM (Retd)
Chairman IESM
Mob: +919312404269, 0124-4110570
Email ID: satbirsm@gmail.com

Swamy raises one-rank one-pension issue with Parrikar

New Delhi: Seeking justice for ex-servicemen, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and raised the issue of one-rank one-pension.

He reminded Parrikar that the implementation of same-rank same-pension scheme was BJP's 2014 election promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the campaigning at Bhiwani.
In his speech at Bhiwani, Modi had stated that if BJP came to power after the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP government would do justice to the ex-servicemen of the armed forces on the same rank-same pension issue.
One-rank, one-pension means soldiers of the same rank and the same length of service get the same pension, irrespective of their retirement date. For an example, a sepoy who retired in 1995 would get the same amount of pension as the one who retired in 1996.
According to Swamy, Parrikar told him that he is seized of the matter and is closely studying the issue with a view to finding a solution to the satisfaction of ex-servicemen.
The Defence Minister assured Swamy that an announcement on the issue of one-rank one-pension is expected to be made by the time of the Budget presentation in February next year.
The decision to implement the scheme was first announced by former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the UPA government's interim Budget in February this year. Chidambaram had allocated Rs 500 crore for it.
The NDA government had allocated Rs 1000 crore for the scheme in its July Budget this year.
Besides one-rank one-pension scheme, Swamy also brought to Parrikar's notice some strategic issues regarding China's defence capacity.

SOURCE LINK:-http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/swamy-raises-one-rank-one-pension-issue-with-parrikar_1518598.html

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
Source-click this link to read original text 

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