OROP Resolution & Future
By
Brigadier Vijay
Raheja, Veteran
Introduction
Post publication of certain tables in an article on One Rank
One Pension (OROP) in a recent edition of India Today, have gone through the
source, which has been in circulation in the form of a Draft Government of
India Letter (DGL); for over a year. The fact that such a letter exists makes
it amply clear that same came into being after due deliberations between
Ministry of Defence and stake holders, ie Service Headquarters and representatives of
Ex-Servicemen.
Perusal of DGL brings to fore the intricate detailing and
clear mindset aimed at resolving anomalies.
Present Imbroglio and Solutions.
It is not my aim to reinvent the wheel and as such have no
intention of starting with definition of OROP on which it is assumed that there
is total clarity. Let me therefore come straight to cause(s) that have led to
the predicament and then on to painstaking efforts on part of Ministry of
Defence and Service Headquarters to resolve matters.
It is concomitant effect of ‘bunching’; a concept followed
by successive pay commissions that creates a divide in serving personnel, when
people in same rank, having different number years of service are given a fixed
starting salary. With subsequent promotions and years of service differential
largely gets ironed out since every rank has a top of the scale – however few anomalies
do arise. Typical example would be a person retiring on last day of the month,
before increment due month as against
his colleague, who has same number of years of service retiring a month later,
but with an increment – such cases would be far and few. Coming to pensioners
the fixation is at the lowest end of the rank band, irrespective of years of
service and hence the need of OROP and periodic review. A stage will come, as
and when top of scale is reached for each rank there would be no change in
pensions and therefore the misnomer of a 3% increase each year needs to be
dispelled. Periodic review would be required to resolve anomalies that may
arise, with marginal financial impact.
Adequate safe guards have been inbuilt in DGL to ensure
equitable treatment to one and all. Some note worthy measures are enumerated.
To begin with calculation of service rendered for officers
who have been promoted from ranks has been brought on an even keel; being
different earlier for pre 1986 and pre 1967 commissioned officers. It is now
total service from date of enrollment till date of retirement; thereby ensuring
same pension
to all retirees with number of years of service criteria.
Next it has been ensured that All Honorary Nb Sub,
Modified Career Progression Scheme (MACP) Nb Sub and equivalents are granted pension of Nb Sub. Similarly
any change/improvement in Hony Lt/Capt and equivalent shall be applicable to
regular commissioned officers in ranks of Lt and Capt and equivalent ranks, if
it is more beneficial.
As a consequence of introduction of time bound ranks
(i.e. up to the rank of Colonel and equivalent), it is proposed that for past
pensioners who retired before 16 Dec 2004 i.e. before time period for
promotions was reduced, years of service will only be relevant and table for
higher rank be taken into consideration to determine pension of such
retirees.
Finally, a safety
clause, to protect existing pensioners, has been included wherein any changes in policy regarding pay
or promotion which affect pay/pension of future pensioners, shall also be
passed on to the past pensioners
Future.
Hopefully, anomalous situation created due to bunching, as
suggested by earlier Pay Commission Panels will change. Needless to say that
painstaking efforts must have been put in by Service Headquarters to project
what is best; as also point out anomalies created over the years to Seventh Pay
Commission Panel. In addition, Panel Members have not only travelled over the
country and interacted with veterans, but have visited far and remote areas to
see working conditions of our troops. Add to this, as someone said, “Aborted Pensions of defence personnel as
against Fully Matured Pensions of Civilians” am sure things are bound to
change for the Soldier
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