OROP logjam: Govt accepts 2014 slab for assessment of pension, breakthrough expected soon
The army veterans and the Prime Minister's Office are on the verge of a breakthrough to seal the deal on one rank one pension, sources said on Wednesday as the agitation continued for the 81st day.
On a day when the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has asked the Modi government to expedite the implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, sources have told India Today that a breakthrough in the deadlock is expected shortly.
If reports are to be believed veterans and government have shown flexibility and both the camps have softened their stand. The ex-servicemen are ready to drop the annual review of the pension. Modi government has accepted the 2014 slab for assessment of pension.
Also Read: Where is discipline? Veterans behaving like labour unions: Bhagat Singh Koshyari on OROP
The army veterans and the Prime Minister's Office are on the verge of a
breakthrough to seal the deal on One Rank One Pension, sources said on
Wednesday as the agitation continued for the 81st day.
"Talks are happening and issues are getting resolved," said Captain Gandhi.
Also Read: OROP protest: Ex-servicemen to target BJP in Bihar for breaking promise
"Matter is serious now and General Satbir is in touch with four different agencies, we hope the matter will be over soon," said Wing Commander Vinod.
While the government was ready to do the revision at an interval of five years, the veterans wanted it on a yearly basis.
It is believed that the new pension will be released from the month that the Modi government was sworn in.
Also Read: Arun Jaitley pitches for rational approach to OROP
Informed sources told IANS that there have been four meetings since Tuesday with Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Nripendra Misra, Rural Affairs Minister Birender Singh, and MPs Rajeev Chandrashekhar and Bhagat Singh Koshiyari -- the latter headed the parliamentary committee that brought out a report on 'One Rank One Pension'.
The source added that pension equalisation was the point of contention presently.
At present, there are eight veterans on fast at Jantar Mantar here, including Havildar Major Singh (retd) who has been adamant about not leaving the venue despite worsening health. There are around 24 lakh ex-servicemen in India and around 6.5 lakh widows who will benefit if OROP is implemented.
Veterans, government soften stand on OROP