One Rank, One Pension: What the scheme entails and why it is being demanded

PM Narendra Modi has reiterated his government's commitment to implement the "one-rank, one-pension" scheme for ex-servicemen, but sought time to resolve its complexities. Here is a TOI lowdown on the "one-rank, one-pension" issue.

What is "one rank, one-pension" scheme

Payment of uniform pension to military personnel retiring in same rank with same length of service, irrespective of date of retirement.

Any hike in pension rates to be automatically passed on to past pensioners.

Why it is being demanded

Civilian employees retire at 60. Military personnel retire much earlier (based on rank) when family liability is maximum and 2nd career is difficult

Sepoys retire at 35-38; NCOs & JCOs at 40-45 (Only 10% of sepoys become JCOs)

Most officers retire in early-50s (just a few become Lt-Generals/Air Marshals/Vice-Admirals to serve till 60)

Terms and conditions of military service much tougher than civilian government employees

Soldiers undergo hardship postings, with risk to live and restriction of fundamental rights

Successive pay commissions have widened gap between veterans who have retired earlier and those who retire later

The numbers involved



24.25 lakh registered ex-servicemen
Over 13 lakh serving military personnel
Rs 8,300 crore estimated cost of OROP

Problems

Financial: Grant of full OROP will further bloat the govt's pension bill

Administrative: Huge task to pass all the benefits, with no cut-off date, to all living ex-servicemen

Legal: Will lead to similar demands by other govt employees, especially paramilitary forces