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Showing posts with label Implementation of OROP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Implementation of OROP. Show all posts

Friday, 5 February 2016

15:38

Government issue One Rank One Pension tables and implementation instructions

Government issue One Rank One Pension tables and implementation instructions

The Government of India had taken the historic decision to implement OROP in November, 2015. This fulfilled the long standing demand of the Defence Forces personnel after 42 years and benefited over 18 lakh ex-servicemen and war widows.

In pursuance of the order issued on 07/11/2015, detailed instructions alongwith OROP Tables have been issued today.

The annual recurring financial implication on account of implementation of OROP at the current rate will be approximately Rs. 7500 crore.

The arrears from 01/07/2014 to 31/12/2015 would be approximately Rs. 10,900 crore.

86 percent of the total expenditure on account of OROP will benefit the JCOs/ORs.

Payment of arrears and revision of pension under OROP is to be made by the Pension Disbursing Authorities in four installments, except for family pensioners and pensioners in receipt of gallantry awards who will be paidarrears in one installment.

The total increase in the Defence Budget for pensions is estimated to go up from Rs. 54,000 crore (BE 2015-16) to around Rs. 65,000 crore (proposed BE 2016-17), thereby increasing the Defence Pension Outlay by about 20 percent.

Read the DESW Order No.12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part-II dated 03.02.2016 on One Rank One Pension(OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel below :

No.12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi, Dated: 03 February, 2016

To
The Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of Navy Staff
The Chief of Air Staff

Subject: One Rank One Pension to the Defence Forces personnel.

Sir,

The undersigned is directed to refer this Ministry’s letter No 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 7th November, 2015 notifying One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for Defence Forces personnel. Salient features of the scheme have been mentioned at Para 3 & 4 of above said letter with the provision that the benefit of the scheme shall be implemented from 1.7.2014 to all pre-1.7.2014 pensioners. Para 6 of the letter provides that detailed instructions relating to implementation of OROP along with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category, shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment ofarrears by Pension Disbursing Agencies concerned.

2.The undersigned is directed to say that in order to quicken the process of revision of pension/family pension, total 101 pension tables indicating rates of pension/family pension under OROP scheme notified vide this Ministry’s order dated 7th Nov, 2015, are appended to this order. The appended tables indicate revised rates of Retiring/Service/ Special/ Disability/ Invalid/ Liberalized disability/War Injury Pension including disability/war injury element and ordinary/ special/ liberalized family pension of Commissioned Officers, Honorary Commissioned Officers, JCOs/ORs and Non-Combatants (Enrolled) of Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Security Corps & Territorial Army retired/discharged/invalided out from service/died in service or after retirement. The existing pension of all pre-1.7.2014 pensioners/family pensioners shall be enhanced with reference to applicable table for the rank (and group in case of JCOs/ORs) in which pension with reference to the actual qualifying service as shown in Column-I of the tables subject to maximum term of engagement for each rank as applicable from time to time. The rate of pension of pensioners/ family pensioners drawing pension more than the rate of revised pension/ family pension indicated in annexedtables, shall remain unchanged.

3. The undersigned is also directed to convey that full pension of PSU absorbees who had opted for 100% commutation of pension, shall also be revised under this order with reference to revised pension of the rank determined for regular category of pensioners. However, there shall be no change in restored amount of pension already notified by respective PSAs in their case.

APPLICABILITY

4. The provisions of this letter shall be applicable to all pensioners/family pensioners who had been retired/discharged/ invalided out from service/died in service or after retirement in the rank of Commissioned Officers, honorary commissioned officers, JCOs/ORs and Non-Combatants (Enrolled) of Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Security Corps, Territorial Army & Ex-State Forces and are in receipt of pension/ family pension as on 1.7.2014.

4.1 The provisions of this order, however, do not apply to UK/HKSRA/KCIO pensioners, Pakistan & Burma Army pensioners, Reservist pensioners and pensioners in receipt of Ex-gratia payments.

METHODOLOGY FOR IMPLEMENTATION

5. All Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) handling disbursement of pension to Defence pensioners are hereby authorized to carry out revision of Retiring/Service/ Special/Disability/Invalid/Liberalized disability/War Injury Pension including disability/war injury element and ordinary/special/liberalized family pension of all pre- 1.7.2014 pensioners drawing pension as on 1.7.2014 in terms of these orders with applicable rates of dearness relief without calling for any applications from the pensioners and without any further authorization from the Pension Sanctioning Authorities concerned.

6. Where the revised pension as on 1.7.2014 worked out in terms of these orders, happens to be less than the existing pension/ family pension as on 1.7.2014, the pension shall not be revised to the disadvantage of the pensioner.

7. Arrears on account of revision of pension from 1.7.2014 till date of its implementation shall be paid by the Pension Disbursing Agencies in four equal half yearly installments. However, all the family pensioners including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pension and all Gallantry award winners shall be paidarrears in one installment.

8. The initial Pension Payment Order (PPO) or its Corrigendum PPO (Corr PPO) indicates rank,group and qualifying service for which the individual has been pensioned. This information is available with Pension Disbursing Agencies as they have revised pension of all such pensioners in the recent past in terms of Government orders issued for implementation of recommendations of Sixth CPC, CSC-2009 & CSC-2012. In case, however, any information regarding qualifying service, rank, group etc., is not available with Pension Disbursing Agencies, such cases may be referred to Pension Sanctioning Authority concerned on the proforma enclosed as Annexure-A. The Pension Sanctioning Authorities concerned will provide the requisite information from the available records within 15 days of the receipt of request from the Pension Disbursing Agencies.

9. In case of any doubt relating to revision of pension in terms of this order, pension disbursing agencies may immediately take up the matter with nodal officers of respective PSAs details of which shall be notified by Pr.CDA(P) Allahabad in their implementation instructions.

10. The OROP shall be basic pension from 1.7.2014 and therefore, additional pension as applicable to the old age pensioners/ family pensioners on attaining the relevant age (80 years and above) shall also be enhanced by the PDAs from 1.7.2014 or the date from which the pensioner attains the age of 80 years or more, whichever is later.

PAYMENT OF LIFE TIME ARREARS (LTA)

11. If a pensioner to whom the benefit accrues under the provisions of this letter has died/dies before receiving the payment of arrears, the Life Time Arrears of pension (LT A) shall be paid in the following manner: –

a) If the claimant is already in receipt of Family Pension or happens to be the person in whose favour Family Pension already stands notified and the awardees has not become ineligible for any reason, the LTA under the provisions of this letter should be paid to such a claimant by the PDA on their own.
b) If the claimant has already received LTA in the past in respect of the deceased to whom the benefit would have accrued, the LTA under the provisions of this letter should also be paid to such a claimant by the PDA on their own.
c) If the claimant is a person other than the one mentioned at 11(a) & 11(b) above, payment of LTA shall be made to the legal heir/heirs as per extant Government orders.

12. The following elements shall continue to be paid as separate elements in addition to the pension revised under these orders-
i) Monetary allowance attached to gallantry awards viz. Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra etc.
ii) Constant Attendance Allowance, where admissible.
iii) Dearness relief as sanctioned by the Government from time to time.

MISCELLANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS

13. No arrears on account of revision of pension/family pension shall be admissible for the period prior to 1.7.2014.

14. No commutation of pension shall be admissible on revised/additional amount of pension accruing as a result of revision of pension under these orders. However, the existing amount of pension, if any, that has been commuted will continue to be deducted from the revised pension.

15. As a result of these orders, there will be no change in the amount of gratuity already determined and paid with reference to the rules in force at the time of discharge/invalidment/ death.

16. Any overpayment of pension coming to the notice or under process of recovery shall be adjusted in full by the Pension Disbursing Agencies against arrears becoming due on revision of pension on the basis of these orders.

METHODOLOGY FOR REPORTING

17. An intimation regarding disbursement of revised pension shall be furnished by the Pension Disbursing Agencies to the Office of the Pr. CDA(P) Allahabad in the format prescribed as Annexure¬B to this letter in the following month in which revision takes place. PDAs shall also ensure that an intimation regarding revision of pension is invariably conveyed to the pensioners concerned for their information irrespective of the fact the same is beneficial to them or not. The Public Sector Banks who are disbursing defence pension through Central Pension Processing Centres (CPPC), the progress report shall be furnished by the CPPC of the bank directly to the office of the PCDA (Pensions) Allahabad through electronic scrolls.

18. All other terms and conditions which are not affected by this order shall remain unchanged.

19. This issues with concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No PC. 1 to 10(11)/2012/FIN/PEN dated 2.2.2016 .

(Manoj Sinha)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source:GovEmployees

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

22:26

One Rank One Pension (OROP) implementation tables issued

One Rank One Pension (OROP) implementation tables issued 

The Government of India had taken the historic decision to implement OROP in November, 2015. This fulfilled the long standing demand of the Defence Forces personnel after 42 years and benefited over 18 lakh ex-servicemen and war widows. 

In pursuance of the order issued on 07/11/2015, detailed instructions alongwith OROP Tables have been issued today. 

• The annual recurring financial implication on account of implementation of OROP at the current rate will be approximately Rs. 7500 crore. 

• The arrears from 01/07/2014 to 31/12/2015 would be approximately Rs. 10,900 crore. 

• 86 percent of the total expenditure on account of OROP will benefit the JCOs/ORs. 

• Payment of arrears and revision of pension under OROP is to be made by the Pension Disbursing Authorities in four installments, except for family pensioners and pensioners in receipt of gallantry awards who will be paid arrears in one installment. 

• The total increase in the Defence Budget for pensions is estimated to go up from Rs. 54,000 crore (BE 2015-16) to around Rs. 65,000 crore (proposed BE 2016-17), thereby increasing the Defence Pension Outlay by about 20 percent. 

Source:PIBNEWS

Sunday, 6 September 2015

19:39

The Prime Minister travelled from Central Delhi to Faridabad,PM inaugurates Badarpur-Faridabad Metro Line

PM inaugurates Badarpur-Faridabad Metro Line

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today declared that the respect for armed forces veterans and those who laid down their lives for the nation is paramount for the country. Recalling his promise of delivering One-Rank, One-Pension for the armed forces personnel, the Prime Minister said the Union Government had fulfilled this promise, with the announcement made yesterday. He said that the cost of implementing this promise would be around Rs. 8000 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore, which was significantly higher than some estimates that had been made earlier. The Prime Minister was speaking after inaugurating the Badarpur-Faridabad Metro Line at Faridabad. 

The Prime Minister regretted that it had become a fashion to politicize every decision taken by the Union Government for the progress of the country. Asserting that no one should mislead the jawans and the people of the nation, the Prime Minister said that the country would progress not through Raj-neeti (politics), but through Rashtra-neeti (nationalist policies). 

The Prime Minister said that a significant proportion of army jawans were from Haryana, and therefore, the announcement of OROP would contribute significantly to Haryana's economy. 

Reiterating that development is the solution to all problems, the Prime Minister said the Union Government is taking all steps for India's development. He said the whole world had recently faced economic difficulties, but India's economy had stood firm. He added that all State Governments and the Union Government had to move forward shoulder to shoulder. He reiterated his Government's resolve for Housing for All by 2022. 

The Prime Minister travelled from Central Delhi to Faridabad, and back, by metro. In the course of the journey, he interacted with several people, especially youth, who were also travelling on board the metro train. 

Saturday, 5 September 2015

13:58

ANNOUNCEMENT OF 'ONE RANK ONE PENSION' BY GOVERNMENT TODAY

ANNOUNCEMENT OF  'ONE RANK ONE PENSION' BY GOVERNMENT LIKELY TO TODAY

NEW DELHI: An announcement about 'One Rank One Pension' is expected to be made today by the government notwithstanding key differences with ex-servicemen, who have made it clear that any unilateral decision would not be accepted.

The possibility of an announcement was being talked about in official circles, although ex-servicemen maintained that there was no agreement on revision of pension. The ex-servicemen have indicated that they may accept a revision every two years but the government has been insisting that equalization will happen once in five years.

The ex-servicemen, who have been agitating for the last 82 days, said they will not accept review of the pension after every five years. It is understood that a draft proposal on OROP was circulated at a RSS meeting yesterday which envisaged commencement of the scheme from July 2014, besides revision of pension every five years.

According to the draft, the basis for the implementation of the scheme would be 2013 and arrears would be paid in four installments.

Reacting to the proposal, the ex-servicemen had threatened to intensify their stir if the government makes any unilateral announcement regarding implementation of OROP which is not in consonance with the terms and conditions set by the defence veterans.

"There are reports that the government may soon unilaterally declare the implementation of OROP. If it is as per our terms and conditions then we will welcome it and thank the government.

"If not, then the unilateral declaration is unacceptable to us. We will intensify our protests," Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), Chairman of Indian Ex-Servicemen movement had said.

Singh said the OROP should be implemented from March 31, 2014 and they will not accept if it is done from July, 2014. He claimed the government has to only spend Rs 30 crore for six-consecutive years for "equalisation of pension".

"If the government can spend Rs 60 crore on giving subsidy to Parliament canteen, then I have nothing to say," he said.

The OROP has been stuck for a while despite hectic back channel talks between the government and the veterans.

Source :http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-likely-to-announce-one-rank-one-pension-today/articleshow/48833141.cms

07:46

OROP for Ex-servicemen ,scheme is likely to announced in the next 2-3 days.

OROP for Ex-servicemen ,scheme is likely to announce in the next 2-3 days.

Looking to end the logjam on the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP) for ex-servicemen, the government has prepared a draft on the modalities of implementing the scheme and an announcement is likely in the next 2-3 days. However ex-servicemen termed it “unilateral” and have rejected the draft.

The major sticking point remains the issue of equalisation. The government is firm on the revision every five years in view of the administrative difficulties of doing it annually, however, the veterans have rejected it. Talks are continuing to find common ground.

“This is the best possible deal we could have worked out considering the financial implications of this in a financial year when recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission will also be submitted. We also feel that a lot of veterans will be satisfied with this deal once it is explained, we hope that the protests end soon," said a senior minister in the government. Earlier this week, the RSS too had raised the matter with the government asking for a speedy resolution within reasonable means. “We have been told by Amit Shah (BJP President) that OROP will be worked out soon,” said RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabele on the sidelines of the BJP-RSS co-ordination meet in Delhi on Friday.

Speaking at Jantar Mantar, Maj Gen (retd) Satbir Singh, Chairman of Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) said they are ready to accept a revision every two years but not beyond that.

Responding on the draft OROP, Wg Cdr (retd) Vinod Nebb with IESM said if the government goes ahead unilaterally, they will continue their agitation. “It is utter rubbish. There is no question of accepting it. In fact we are going to escalate our protests from September 12”.

The veterans have been demanding an annual revision and implementation from April 1, 2014. As per definition OROP seeks uniform pension based on rank and length of service irrespective of when they retire.

The draft says implementation would be from July 1, 2014 as the government was sworn in on May 26, 2014 and 2013 would be the base year for calculation.

In terms of implementation, arrears will be paid immediately for widows while for all others it would be cleared in four instalments over two years.

OROP would be applicable for war widows but those opting for voluntary retirement are not eligible.

Given the complexities in determining duration of service and time of retirement, the government is expected to appoint a judicial commission which will submit a report within six months.

Officials said the annual burden on the pension bill will be about Rs. 8,000 crore which would progressively go up with revision in pensions. The current pension bill of the defence ministry stands at Rs. 54,000 crore.

Source :The Hindu

Sunday, 26 July 2015

19:30

One Rank One Pension (OROP) Latest News – ESM TO CHANGE COURSE OF ACTION


One Rank One Pension (OROP) Latest News – ESM TO CHANGE COURSE OF ACTION

ESM TO CHANGE COURSE OF ACTION

Hunger Strike still continues at Jantar Mantar and the next course of action is declared today for 26th July day of Kargil Vijay. The AFVAI General Secretary Nb Sub G S Sidhu explained the current status of the protest…

Dear Veterans,
To day being 37th day of HS at JANTAR MANTAR, 10 widows and 10 veterans Including Lt gen LAL SINGH ,6 vets fm BIHAR and 1 fm total 27 sat on HS. Approx 30 Offrs of 3 SQD of NDA now highly decorated and another 300 vets were in audience.

HON LT NAR SINGH sir with 11 vet including ex MLA Ex Cpl BHARAT SINGH CHHOKAR fm SAMALKHA Haryana also were at JM. Wing Comdr VINOD NEBB hero of 1965 and 1971 war and in both War veer chakras awardee came second time with his family.

Col INDERJIT SINGH,LT GEN BALBIR SINGH,MAJ GEN SATBIR SINGH,BRIG KARTAR SIGH and myself addressed gathering.

SBI Bank parliament branch Manager with his staff also extended their support to our HS and also donated Rs 5000/-.

Some decisions were announced for 26 July day of KARGIL VIJAY.

1. Marathon run lead by Maj D P SINGH will b org.Route will b finalised tmw.

2. UFEXM and all Offrs Maj gen and above will write a DO LETTER on 26 July and every After 5 days to resign COAS and all Army Cmdrs and this will b continued till they Resign if OROP is not implemented with in few days.

MPs gherao is also consideration.

No MP from any party come to JANTAR MANTAR as they were suppose to come today.

Nb Sub G S SIDHU
Gen Secy AFVAI

Source: cgemployeesnews

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

23:10

Implementation of OROP – Same answer given by the Minister today in Parliament (21.7.2015)


Implementation of OROP – Same answer given by the Minister today in Parliament (21.7.2015)

Status of Implementation of OROP

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.

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

Source: PIB News

Thursday, 16 July 2015

19:14

Anna Hazare Prepares for Nationwide Protests for OROP

Anna Hazare Prepares for Nationwide Protests for OROP

Anna Hazare has announced that he will soon launch nationwide protests against the Land Acquisition Act and for the implementation of OROP.

The government under Narendra Modi is getting ready to make amendments to the current Land Acquisition Act and implement it. The new Bill was presented in the Parliament and passed. But, the upper house hasn’t yet cleared the Bill due to insufficient majority. The Bill has met with staunch opposition from the opposition parties, including Congress, and social activist Anna Hazare.

Anna Hazare, who shot to fame when he protested against corruption during the Congress regime, is now fighting with the BJP for OROP and against the land acquisition bill. Hazare had interacted with the representatives of ex-servicemen associations and had discussed the OROP issue with them. Former Colonel Dinesh Nain, and Brigadier Kartar Singh had participated in the meeting which took place at Anna Hazare’s hometown of Ralegan Siddhi.

Speaking to the newspersons after the meeting, Hazare said, “BJP, in its election campaign, had assured that it will implement One Rank One Pension if it is voted to power. More than a year has passed since it took over, and nothing has happened. Why is it not showing the same eagerness with which it is trying to implement the Land Acquisition Act, to OROP too?

Stressing both the demands, Hazare has announced that he will launch an indefinite fast from Gandhi Jayanti day (October 2) onwards.

Source: www.cgstaffnews.in

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

06:25

Justification of One Rank One Pension – What is the real status of OROP?

Justification of One Rank One Pension – What is the real status of OROP?

Why is the Government hesitant to implement OROP? – Is economical burden on the exchequer the only reason?

“When the body and spirit are hale and healthy, our soldiers dedicate their life for the safety of the country. Once the body has worn out and the soldiers retire, they want a secure life. What’s unreasonable about this?

“The 35-year-long demand might look unreasonable at the first glance. But, if the request is studied in depth, the urgency and necessity to implement it can be understood.”

IESM claims that civilians and CRPF cannot demand to be included in this scheme.

The moment a young man or woman enters a government service, his/her future is secure until the age of 57-60. The government pays them salaries, promotions and regular incentives and increments. Post-retirement, there is always the pension. But, the soldiers who join the Army, Navy, and the Air Force, opt for retirement at the age of 37. At the time of retirement, they are offered meager pensions. Is it right to use the same yardsticks to compare the two?

Typically, a man’s most crucial period, in terms of family responsibilities and duties, is between the ages of 40 and 60. “This is also the time when we are left in the middle of nowhere,” they say. The reason? Compulsory retirement with meager pension.

The reason why compulsory retirement is given at the age of 37 is that the army wants young blood. 90% of the soldiers who retire after completing 15 to 17 years of service are usually Jawans. They leave their families behind and work in dangerous and hostile regions, with no guarantee to life. Work conditions are tough and so is the pressure. As a result, they frequently suffer from depression, and stress. Increased casualties, denial of fundamental rights …their miseries are endless. Such is the nature of work in the Army.

The reason for their meager pensions is that the number of years that they had worked is comparatively less. Let’s consider two young men of the same age, who begin working at the same time – one joins the government services, and the other joins the army. The difference becomes obvious if you compare their financial status at the age of 40 and 60.

Compulsory retirement after just 15-17 years of service at age 37 years means that the soldier is effectively denied salary earnings of 25 years which other government employees (including the police forces) receive because they retire at age 57/60 years.

The chances of an ex-serviceman, who was not handicapped during service, finding employment in government services, are very low. It is even worse for others.

What is ‘One Rank One Pension’?
Instead of taking into account the calendar year in which the soldier retires, OROP fixes the pension on the basis of the rank and the number of years the soldier had served, to calculate his pension. Any future enhancement in the rates of pension, it would benefit all the ex-servicemen. This is the most important feature of the scheme.

The pension drawn by soldiers who had retired earlier much less pension, when compared with the pension received by those who had retired recently – this is why the OROP scheme was first put in place.

There is a gap of ten years between each Pay Commission. Based on the rising cost indices, salaries and pensions are hiked considerably. Older defence personnel should also benefit from it – this is the main objective of OROP.

Pay Commissions are constituted in order to revise the salaries and incentives of the existing government servants. It doesn’t apply for generally retirees – this is the argument put forth by detractors. The age of retirement, in this case, for CRPF Police is 57, and 60, for Central Government employees. “Is it right to compare us, who receive pay and perks after 3 or 4 Pay Commission revisions, with Armed Forces personnel who are given compulsory retirement at 37?” they ask.

More than 25 lakh veterans all over the country are hoping that their pensions will be revised based on the 6th Pay Commission, and that pensions will be issued based on their ranks and the number of years that they had served.

Expense to the Exchequer
The Ministry of Defence, in its report dated 17 February 2015 to the Ministry of Finance, said that the scheme would cost Rs.8300 Crores to Rs.43,000 crores of Defence pensions. Add this to the money being spent on pension, and the number comes to Rs.51,000 crores.

When did the demand grow strong?

It began as a tiny murmur around the time when the Fourth Pay Commission submitted its report. The voice grew louder when the 6th Pay Commission was implemented. The armed forces, the largest employer, was not represented in any of the Pay Commissions.

During the 2004 elections, the Congress party promised to implement the OROP scheme.

In 2008, when the UPA government rejected the scheme, more than 20,000 veterans gathered under the IESM banner, and returned their war and service medals, signed with blood, to the government.

They then explained the justness of their demands to the Prime Minister and the finance minister and have since then been trying to put pressure on the government to implement the scheme. Protests and meetings are being conducted regularly by the IESM all over the country.

In 2013, due to the pressure from Member of Parliament, Mr. Rajeev Chandrashekar, and the IESM, the demand was accepted by the Parliamentary Committee on defence.

In 2014, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi promised to implement the OROP, if voted to power. While presenting the budget in July, there was a mention of OROP.

During the celebration rally at Mathura, on May 25, 2015, the country waited to hear about OROP, but Modi spoke not a word about it.

Everybody, including the Prime Minister, finance minister, and the defence minister spoke eloquently about implementing OROP, adding to the hope. Months passed, but nothing materialized.

Making fervent promises in the election campaigns and not doing anything about it for more than 13 months is seen by many as delay tactics. Now, ministers are openly saying that there are lot of complications and practical difficulties in implementing it. This is the reason why open protests have started.

For nearly three weeks now, relay fasts are being conducted at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Protests are also being held by ex-servicemen in many parts of the country. The government keeps giving vague assurances that OROP will be implemented, but the IESM demand a definite date by which OROP would be implemented.

Only time will tell if the scheme will ever be implemented, or if the protests will continue indefinitely.

Source: www.cgstaffnews.in


Sunday, 3 May 2015

11:53

After the implementation of OROP the pension related anomalies will be reduced – Manohar Parrikar

After the implementation of OROP the pension related anomalies will be reduced – Manohar Parrikar

Enhancing Military Capabilities is the Top Priority– Manohar Parrikar

The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar has said that his top priority is to enhance military capabilities of the country with due focus on modernization of the armed forces. Inaugurating a two-day Controllers’ Conference of Defence Accounts Department, here today, he said, high serviceability levels of equipment and weapon systems and high morale of soldiers is also necessary which is possible with an effective and optimum resource utilisation.

He stressed on working as an integrated whole with shared resources of data and information, specifically in area of pension, payments, compilation and accounting preferably on real time basis. The Defence Minister emphasized that faster and transparent decision making and focus on “Make in India” are the two pillars of our strategy for leapfrogging our economy to a higher growth. Shri Parrikar cautioned the Defence Accounts officials against any attack of hackers on their database.

Shri Parrikar also inaugurated Pension Call Centre for dealing the queries from the pensioners and their families regarding their entitlement and pension payments. The Pension call centre for Army pensioners has been established in the office of PCDA (Pension) at Allahabad and can be accessed through the toll free number 1800 180 5321. The Defence Minister also hinted that an order regarding implementation of One-Rank-One-Pension (OROP) may be issued very soon. He said after the implementation of OROP the pension related anomalies will be reduced. On this occasion a statistical hand book on defence expenditure was also released by the Defence Minister. Earlier, Director General of Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) Shri MJ Joseph presented a ISO 9001 certificate to Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) Shri Arvind Kaushal for its Delhi Defence Accounts Office.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh, CGDA Shri Arvind Kaushal and Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Ms Vandana Srivastava were amongst the dignitaries who graced the inaugural function.

The theme of the conference is ‘Good Governance through strategic collaboration. During the conference, four business sessions concerning shared Database, E-Governance, Strengthening of IFAs System and HRD issues have been planned covering the Department’s working and emphasizing synergy with its client etc. of the defence services. Senior officer of the department as well as defence forces will lead the panel discussions on these issues and provide a road map for collaborated system improvements.