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As war heroes boycott programme, Defence Minister promises one rank one pension soon
New Delhi, May 29 (IBNS) As discontentment continued to brew among ex-servicemen for non implementation of "one rank one pension" policy, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said the Government will implement it for the armed forces soon.
The minister made the announcement at a programme which was boycotted by two war veterans.
"My ministry has completed all formalities and OROP will be implemented," Parrikar said and explained that the executive process takes some time.
He also requested that the matter not be "politicised."
Reports said two war veterans, who were to be felicitated at the function, did not turn up in protest against the delay in implementing 'one rank one pension' policy, which means that people retiring in the same rank and with the same length of service will get equal pension, irrespective of when they retired.
"Since 1973 we haven't got any support from the government. This is downgrading the armed forces. I am hurt," media reports quoted Wing Commander SD Karnik as saying. The Wing Commander, who was among the two to boycott the felicitation programme was awarded the Vir Chakra, one of India's top gallantry medals after the 1971 war with Pakistan.
With 'one rank one pension', retired personnel would draw the same pension as officers and jawans of the same rank who are retiring now. They would also be entitled to a year's back pay in pensions at the new rate, which would be a windfall for pensioners.
The policy was first mooted and cleared during the Congress-led UPA regime. The BJP made it as one of its election promises before the party came to power a year ago heading the NDA coalition.
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