OROP announced but veterans unhappy, to continue agitation

Within hours of the government announcement on OROP, veterans called off their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, even as confusion prevailed on the terms and conditions defined by the government for pension parity. While Manohar Parrikar’s acceptance of the definition of OROP was welcomed by veterans, they expressed their disappointment that only “one out of six” demands have been met. Sources said that the the veterans now plan to approach the courts to press in for other demands and legal opinion has already been taken.

Office bearers of the veterans’ association said that the hunger strike has been called off but the agitation will continue at Jantar Mantar to press on for the other demands, including a more regular revision of pensions by the government instead of the five yearly formula that was announced. The most contentious matter however was a clause that Parrikar added to his statement that defence personnel seeking voluntary retirement will not be eligible for OROP.

This has come as a shock to ex-servicemen as over 46% of veterans have taken early retirement, after being superannuated from service. While the minister did say that this clause will not apply to those wounded in war or suffering from service related health issues, more clarity was sought by the veterans. By evening, however, the veterans said the issue was discussed with Parrikar and has been sorted out.

Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), who is the most visible face of the agitation, said that several clauses announced by Parrikar were not agreeable to them. “They have met one and not six demands. It will be difficult for us to stop. I think we will have to carry on the agitation,” he said.