Monday, August 19, 2019
One Rank One Pension Scheme
One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme: Ensuring Equity for Armed Forces Personnel
Introduction
One Rank One Pension (OROP) is a longstanding demand of the Indian armed forces veterans, which was fulfilled by the Government of India in 2015. The scheme aims to ensure that the pension amount for retired armed forces personnel is the same for individuals who have retired in the same rank and with the same length of service, regardless of the date of retirement.
Key Objectives and Features
1. Equity in Pension: OROP ensures that military personnel who retired earlier receive the same pension as those who retire later with the same rank and length of service. This eliminates discrepancies and ensures fairness.
2. Fixed Time Frame: OROP fixes the time frame for revising pension rates. According to the scheme, pensions are reviewed and revised every five years, ensuring that pensioners are not affected by inflation and economic changes.
3. Arrears Payment: The government pays arrears to pensioners, covering the gap between the previous pension rates and the revised rates implemented under the OROP scheme. This ensures that pensioners receive the due amount for the period between the implementation of OROP and their retirement.
4. Committee Formation: A one-member Judicial Committee was formed to look into the modalities of OROP. The committee was tasked with addressing the concerns of ex-servicemen and making recommendations for the implementation of the scheme.
Implementation and Impact of One Rank One Pension Scheme
The OROP scheme was officially announced in September 2015. Its implementation led to significant improvements in the pension amounts received by retired armed forces personnel, benefiting millions of veterans. The scheme has been widely appreciated for addressing a longstanding issue related to the pension disparities among retired military personnel.
Challenges and Controversies
While the implementation of OROP was a significant milestone, there have been challenges, especially related to the definition of "One Rank One Pension" and the complexities associated with its execution. Addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and ensuring complete satisfaction among veterans remain ongoing challenges for the government.
Conclusion
The One Rank One Pension scheme is a crucial initiative aimed at honoring the service and sacrifice of armed forces personnel. By ensuring equity in pension benefits, the scheme not only acknowledges the contributions of veterans but also provides them with financial security and dignity in their post-retirement years. As the government continues to work on resolving the complexities and challenges associated with OROP, the scheme stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to its military personnel and veterans.