One rank-one pension scheme to be rolled out soon, Manohar Parrikar says

[Star Wars]

It is true that the NDA has failed to live up to expectations in many areas......

many areas like ?

 

[Abingdonboy]

many areas like ?

Defence (little to no procurements in a year, no OROP, no clearance for the 3 pending tri-service commands), economy (land bill and GST still not passed), foreign policy (a messy and inconsistent policy towards Pakistan that has undermined India's overall goals).

 

[Star Wars]

Defence (little to no procurements in a year, no OROP, no clearance for the 3 pending tri-service commands), economy (land bill and GST still not passed), foreign policy (a messy and inconsistent policy towards Pakistan that has undermined India's overall goals).

1.Land and GST bill will pass, its only due by April 2016 , even if it was passed now GST would have been only implemented at April 2016

2.OROP Will be done when its done, no point hurrying it unnecessarily it takes 5 months to even get the paperwork done for pension for a single person. Expetcing things to be fixed in 15 months is competently unfair. AS for PM's promises on OROP, I believe he promised it for this term..

3. Foreign policy is actually one of the best we had till now, only Pakistan policy seems to be in a bit of a question mark..

4. As for Defence, if your talking about Rafael deal, that has Sonia Gandhi written all over it and as for others..
Defence procurements worth Rs 1,10,000 crore cleared; 90% under 'Make in India': Manohar Parrikar - The Economic Times

There have been many many other achievements, maybe i will list them for you in a new thread if you want...

 

[Abingdonboy]

1.Land and GST bill will pass, its only due by April 2016 , even if it was passed now GST would have been only implemented at April 2016

I'll believe it when I see it bro, the NDA/BJP have been unable to keep themselves free from controversy till now and keep giving the opposition ammunition to cause further delays.

2.OROP Will be done when its done, no point hurrying it unnecessarily it takes 5 months to even get the paperwork done for pension for a single person expetcing things to be fixed in 15 months is competently unfair. AS for his prmises on OROP, I believe he promised it on this term..

Whilst they are dithering the veterans get more and more disenfranchised.

3. Foreign policy is actually one of the best we had till now, only Pakistan policy seems to be in a bit of a question mark

Given Pakistan is India's biggest foreign policy challenge their inability to create an even remotely coherent policy towards Pakistan is a massive failing.

4. As for Defence, if your talking about Rafael deal, that has Sonia Gandhi written all over it and as for others..
Defence procurements worth Rs 1,10,000 crore cleared; 90% under 'Make in India': Manohar Parrikar - The Economic Times

Yes the DAC has cleared a considerable amount of procurements BUT this has in no way translated into actual contract signatures- the CCS is yet to clear most of the deals the DAC has cleared. This is not limited to the Rafale deal, the M777, AH-64E, CH-47F, S-70B, A330 MRTT etc deals are STILL pending and have been since the NDA took office.

There have been many many other achievements, maybe i will list them for you in a new thread if you want...

That's quite alright, whilst the NDA has met with some success, I would say that, on balance,they have massively failed to live up to expectations.

 

[Star Wars]

I'll believe it when I see it bro, the NDA/BJP have been unable to keep themselves free from controversy till now and keep giving the opposition ammunition to cause further delays.

Yes, the time frame is april 2016, so expect it then, don't complain about it right now. If you understand the controversies, you will know it is all made out of thin air, media constructed controversy.Sorry ..but... Believing it is extremely unfortunate to put it lightly.. Understand whats going first.... we have number in Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha. IT makes a huge difference. we can;t just bulldoze the bills through RS.

Whilst they are dithering the veterans get more and more disenfranchised.

There are 2.5million vetarans, there are only a handfull of them protesting. Majority of them know it will take time. Only reason they are protesting is because this govt. for the first time in 40 years is determined to give it to them. and hence they are pressuring the govt. Sorry ...but some of them are asking for the impossible. they were sleeping for 40 years and all of a sudden they feel the need to protest by the road side when new govt. takes over ? Do not look at this thing emotionally.. now CRPF, police , railways have all asked for OROP, should we buckle under pressure if they decide to protest as well ? This isn't U.S were we can print money nonstop.

Given Pakistan is India's biggest foreign policy challenge their inability to create an even remotely coherent policy towards Pakistan is a massive failing.

Biggest ? am sorry but India's foreign policy does not revolve around Pakistan. Pakistan plays a very little role in the bigger picture. Truth is , India's Foreign policy has been extremely successful. Especially regional diplomacy.. As for Pakistan , too many people and media emotional about it.

And a Pakistan with a divided leadership does not make it easy.

Yes the DAC has cleared a considerable amount of procurements BUT this has in no way translated into actual contract signatures- the CCS is yet to clear most of the deals the DAC has cleared. This is not limited to the Rafale deal, the M777, AH-64E, CH-47F, S-70B, A330 MRTT etc deals are STILL pending and have been since the NDA took office.

@nair @Bang Galore i need your clarification on this

Defence procurements worth Rs 1,10,000 crore cleared; 90% under 'Make in India': Manohar Parrikar - The Economic Times

That's quite alright, whilst the NDA has met with some success, I would say that, on balance,they have massively failed to live up to expectations.

Problem is you do not understand most of the issues other than the once related to Defense. Your opinion here is clearly based on flawed perceptions..

 

[samlove]

Defence (little to no procurements in a year, no OROP, no clearance for the 3 pending tri-service commands), economy (land bill and GST still not passed), foreign policy (a messy and inconsistent policy towards Pakistan that has undermined India's overall goals).

its not like they are not making an effort , in orop as last congress govt kept like 1800 crore for this as need was more than 10000 crore ,also they are demanding to get acc to 5th pay commision as govt take acc to 4th pay commsion ,so tht where they are struggling at end there will be a gud news

 

[Hindustani78]

V.K. Singh’s daughter Mrinalini joins OROP protest at Jantar Mantar - The Hindu

Minister of State for External Affairs and former Army chief V.K. Singh’s daughter Mrinalini Singh on Sunday joined a protest at Jantar Mantar by ex-servicemen against the delay in the implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) scheme.

Demanding a speedy resolution to the contentious issue, she said: “I am here to support the cause of ex-servicemen because I too am an ex-serviceman’s daughter. I feel that the OROP should be implemented as soon as possible.

“Even my grandfather was a soldier, and may be my son would also become one. I hope the government will soon heed to this demand. It’s long overdue. I did take up the issue with my father. He has written a letter to the Prime Minister,” she said.

 

[Hindustani78]

Gen. V.K. Singh’s daughter joins OROP protests - The Hindu

Minister of State for External Affairs General (retd.) V.K. Singh's daughter Mrinalini Singh joined ex-servicemen at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, in the protest for early implementation of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme and called for its early implementation.

“My father was in the army, my father-in-law was in the army and my husband is in the army. I believe in the cause of OROP,” Ms. Singh said.

Meanwhile, in a bid to resolve the issue which has become an embarrassment for the government, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to meet Mr. Modi this week and subsequently the ex-servicemen representatives are hopeful of a meeting with Mr. Modi.

Ms. Singh said she has spoken to several children and grandchildren of ex-servicemen to come to Jantar Mantar and join the ex-servicemen on August 27. “My appeal to all children is to come out and support your veterans.”

Expressing faith in Prime Minister that he will honour his commitment for the scheme she said the protest is for its early implementation. “I personally feel that one rank one pension should be implemented as soon as possible,” Ms. Singh said.

The fast-unto-death being carried on by three veterans has entered the seventh day. The three veterans — Colonel (retd.) Pushpinder Singh, Havildar (retd.) Major Singh and Havildar (retd.) Ashok Chauhan — have refused to break their fast last week despite requests from other veterans to give time to the government till August 25.

OROP is a long standing demand of ex-servicemen for parity in pension based on rank and duration of service and irrespective of the date of retirement. It is expected to benefit over two million ex-servicemen and over six lakh war widows.

Though the government has promised the scheme the implementation has been delayed and the government has cited “technical difficulties” in working out the modalities.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ex-servicemen participate in the candle light march for One Rank One Pension at India Gate in New Delhi.

OROP protest: Fasting veteran taken to hospital, in ICU | Zee News
Last Updated: Monday, August 24, 2015 - 23:33
New Delhi: Col. Pushpender Singh (retd), one of the three ex-servicemen on a fast-unto-death here over the One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue, was on Monday rushed to hospital after his health deteriorated on the ninth day of the fast.


United Ex-Servicemen Front spokesman Col. Anil Kaul (retd) told IANS that the veteran was taken to the Army Research and Referral Hospital in south Delhi and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Col. Singh, before leaving the protest venue, said he will continue his hunger strike in hospital as well.

"I will continue the fast in hospital. The government must implement OROP immediately," he said as he was taken to hospital in a car.

Retired Havildar Sahib Singh, meanwhile, replaced Col. Singh.

The health of the other two veterans, Major Singh and Ashok Kumar Chauhan, both retired havildars, was fine, Col. Kaul added.

The spokesperson said police and the administration tried to take the veteran to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, but the ex-servicemen did not agree.

"The administration and police tried to hijack the ambulance to take him to RML hospital. We refused and took him by a private car to R&R," Col. Kaul said.

"We have requested the army chief (General Dalbir Singh) to ensure proper treatment," he added.

Monday was the 71st day of the agitation for OROP.

Ex-servicemen are demanding there should be no change in the definition of OROP, the date of implementation should remain as April 1, 2014, and the base year must remain 2013-14.

That means all past pensioners would be brought at par with pension as existing on March 31, 2014.There are around 24 lakh retired servicemen in India and around 6.5 lakh widows who will benefit if OROP is implemented.

 

[Hindustani78]

OROP row: Rajnath Singh meets Parrikar, Doval, RSS leaders | Zee News

New Delhi: A high-level dinner meeting was on Tuesday held at Home Minister Rajnath Singh's house which was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval and senior RSS leaders.

There was no official word on the nearly two-hour long meeting which came against the backdrop of the raging 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) row, Indo-Pak border tensions and talks between the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers due early next month.

Meanwhile, a group of protesting ex-servicemen met Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag at his South Block office over the OROP issue.

 

[Hindustani78]

Widows of retired Indian soldiers participate in a relay hunger strike in New Delhi. Indian soldiers have been protesting in New Delhi for weeks demanding what they call the 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) scheme to be implemented by the government.

 

[Hindustani78]

PM will make announcement on OROP in due course: Manohar Parrikar | Zee News

Last Updated: Thursday, August 27, 2015 - 23:12


Kutch: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said here that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make announcement on the implementation of 'One Rank One Pension' policy for ex-servicemen "as and when time comes".


"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned about One Rank One Pension in his speech on August 15. He will take a decision and will announce as and when time comes," Parrikar told reporters after attending inauguration of a war memorial.

The ex-servicemen have been protesting against the delay in the implementation of OROP at Jantar Mantar at New Delhi.

Close to 22 lakh retired servicemen and over six lakh war widows stand to be the immediate beneficiaries of the OROP, which envisages a uniform pension for the defence personnel who retire in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement.

On a query whether the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks between India and Pakistan will take place as the NSA talks had been called off, Parrikar did not give a specific answer.

DGMO-level talks and NSA talks were two different issues and former are routine, he said.

PTI

OROP row: No headway yet; two more veterans moved to hospital | Zee News

Last Updated: Thursday, August 27, 2015 - 23:16


New Delhi: No headway was on Wednesday made in resolving sticky issues for OROP implementation during talks between agitating ex-servicemen and government even as two more veterans on indefinite hunger strike were shifted to the Army hospital following doctor's advice.


As hectic back channel talks continued, Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag met representativces of ex-servicemen at his South Block office but there was "no forward movement", they later said.

"We met the Army chief but there has been no forward movement. We are firm on our stand that the base year has to be 2013-14 and that payment should begin from April 1, 2014. OROP should not be left to the 7th Pay Commission and the definition has to be the same as accepted by the Parliament," Maj Gen Satbir Singh (Retd), Chairman of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement said.

The government wants 2011 to be the base year besides no three per cent annual increase. It also wants payment to begin from April 1, 2015, which has been rejected by the veterans.

Sources in the government said it was fully committed to OROP and was in the process of finalisation.

Two more protesting veterans - Major Piar Chand and Hav Sahib Singh - who were on fast-unto-death were evacuated to Army Research and Referral Hospital here on advice of the doctors.

As a mark of solidarity, some families of the ex-servicemen also sat on a hunger fast today at Jantar Mantar.

"We at Jantar Mantar feel very positive each day and are convinced that the mission OROP will be successful," a statement released by the United Front of Ex-Servicemen said.

Close to 22 lakh retired servicemen and over six lakh war widows stand to be the immediate beneficiaries of the scheme, which envisages a uniform pension for the defence personnel who retire in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement.

Currently, the pension for retired personnel is based on the Pay Commission recommendations of the time when he or she retired. So, a Major General who retired in 1996 draws less pension than a Lieutenant Colonel who retired after 1996.

PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

PMO directly involved in efforts to resolve OROP issue: Manohar Parrikar | Zee News

New Delhi: The Prime Minister's Office is "directly involved" in the efforts to resolve the One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) issue and the government is working to fill in the "small gaps" in it, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Friday.

He also said that some time should be given to resolve the matter.

"Now the small gaps are being filled. Give it some time for completion. In principle, the Prime Minister on August 15 (Independence Day speech) has given an approval. Now, PMO is directly involved...Then by saying that do it in these many days will not help.

"All efforts are being made to solve the issue," Parrikar told reporters here on the sidelines of an event.

Talks between agitating ex-servicemen and the government failed to make a headway yesterday in resolving sticky issues for OROP implementation.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ex-servicemen seek President's intervention in OROP issue | Zee News

New Delhi: Ex-servicemen on Saturday took their 76-day-old agitation a notch higher seeking the intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee to resolve the vexed issue of 'One Rank One Pension', stating that if any "damage or mishap happens" to those on hunger strike he and the government will be "solely responsible".

In a letter to the President, who is also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, United Front of Ex-servicemen (UFESM) said a soldier is supposed to kill enemy before laying down his life for country, "But under your rule, a soldier's life is at stake and is being wasted as he is being deprived of his legitimate dues".

UFESM, an umbrella organisation of agitating veterans, noted that as many as four former soldiers, who are on fast- unto-death, have been hospitalised and that health of another ex-serviceman Havildar Major Singh, who was on an indefinite fast since August 16, was fast deteriorating.

"Panel of Doctors has declared that his medical condition has deteriorated to dangerous level and he needs to be hospitalised immediately to save his life," the letter, a copy of which has also been sent to PMO, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and BJP President Amit Shah, said.

Havildar Major has refused to be evacuated to the hospital and "he is steadfast" in his resolve that he will not take any medical treatment till OROP is implemented as per the approved definition, it said. However, Havildar Major has been sent to the hospital for detailed check-ups.

"Your Excellency and the Government of India will be solely responsible if any damage/mishap happens to Havildar Major Singh or any other ex-servicemen because of hunger strike," it said.

The letter requested Mukherjee to instruct the government to implement OROP as per the Ministry of Defence letter dated February 26, 2014.

The veterans said that there are some issues where financial cost cannot be the sole determinant factor and that the pensions of defence veterans is one of these.

"OROP stands approved both by the UPA as well as the present NDA government. However, its implementation has not been carried out so far for the reason best known to your government," the letter said.

Meanwhile, another veteran Havildar Abhilash Singh, who was on a relay hunger strike, was admitted to hospital after his health deteriorated.

PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

OROP stir: 70-year-old Army veteran collapses, hospitalised | Zee News

New Delhi: A 70-year-old Army veteran who was on a relay hunger strike here as part of agitation by veterans for early implementation of 'One Rank One Pension' on Sunday

collapsed on stage and was rushed to the Army hospital where his condition is said to be stable.

The incident took place even as the protest by ex-servicemen entered its 77th day.

Havildar Bal Singh was rushed to the Army Research and Referral hospital after his health took a turn for the worst and he fainted. Veterans said his condition is stable now.

The incident happened a day after the ex-servicemen wrote a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stating that he and the government will be held responsible if any untoward incident happened.

The government had last night said that it had "significantly narrowed down gaps" with the agitating veterans but held out no concrete assurances over the vexed issue.

Representatives of the veterans also held a meeting with Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag at his house earlier today.

"It was a routine meeting and nothing more. We met at his house," Lt Gen Balbir Singh (Retd) President of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement told PTI.

As the ongoing protest at the Jantar Mantar entered its 77th day today with constant flow of family members and other supporters, a group of Harley Davidson bikers from Delhi also came to the spot riding their motorcycles to show support to the veterans.

Close to 22 lakh retired servicemen and over six lakh war widows stand to be the immediate beneficiaries of the scheme, which envisages a uniform pension for the defence personnel who retire in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement.

Currently, the pension for retired personnel is based on the Pay Commission recommendations of the time when he or she has retired.

So, a Major General who retired in 1996 draws less pension than a Lt Colonel who retired after 1996.

PTI