Former military personnel across India have launched severe criticism against the central government regarding significant shortcomings in the implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. The veterans expressed their deep dissatisfaction during a recent press conference held in Panchkula, highlighting multiple flaws that continue to affect thousands of retired defense personnel.
Persistent Flaws in OROP Implementation
Major General Satbir Singh (retd), who serves as the senior advisor to the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, articulated the community's primary concerns. He emphasized that despite the government's claims of successful OROP execution, numerous critical issues remain unresolved. The scheme, which was designed to ensure uniform pension for military personnel retiring at the same rank with equal service duration, has failed to deliver on its fundamental promise.
The veterans identified several specific problem areas in the current OROP structure. One major issue involves the pension calculation methodology that uses the average of minimum and maximum pension figures rather than adopting the maximum pension as the standard. This approach has resulted in significant financial disparities among pensioners of identical ranks and service periods.
Specific Anomalies and Calculation Errors
Another critical concern raised by the ex-servicemen involves the incorrect fixation of pension rates for Havildars, Naib Subedars, and Subedars. These calculation errors have created substantial financial disadvantages for personnel in these ranks, undermining the very principle of pension parity that OROP was meant to establish.
The press conference, organized under the banner of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, saw participation from numerous retired officers and personnel who echoed similar concerns. They highlighted that the government's current approach to OROP implementation has created more problems than solutions, with many veterans receiving pensions that don't reflect their actual service tenure and rank equivalence.
Demands for Immediate Correction
The ex-servicemen have put forth several specific demands to address these issues. They are calling for the immediate correction of pension calculation methodologies and the rectification of errors affecting specific ranks. Additionally, they seek the implementation of OROP in its true spirit, ensuring that personnel with identical rank and service duration receive equal pension regardless of their retirement date.
The veterans have warned that if their concerns remain unaddressed, they may be compelled to intensify their protest movement. They expressed disappointment that despite multiple representations to government authorities, concrete action to resolve these anomalies has been insufficient. The community feels that the sacrifices made by military personnel deserve more respectful treatment in terms of post-retirement benefits.
This development represents another chapter in the long-standing struggle by Indian defense veterans for pension justice. The OROP scheme, which was implemented after prolonged protests and demonstrations, continues to face criticism for not meeting the expectations of the ex-servicemen community. The current grievances suggest that the scheme requires further refinement to truly fulfill its intended purpose of providing equitable pension benefits to all retired defense personnel.
