OROP announced; hunger strike over, but protest to continue

NEW DELHI: While veterans are relieved with the prime minister’s explanation of the tricky ‘pre-mature retirement’ clause in the ‘One Rank, One Pension’ ( OROP) issue, a scaled-down protest will continue in the Capital until the government issues an official implementation order, sources said, even as a mega celebratory ‘Gaurav rally’ is planned for September 12.

The veterans called off their fast-unto-death after the OROP principle was accepted on Saturday, but will continue a scaled-down relay hunger strike as other, minor pending issues remain, including the annual revision of salaries. On the confusion created after defence minister Manohar Parrikar said OROP would not apply to those taking early retirement, the veterans welcomed PM Modi’s clarification that those retiring early due to medical reasons and service-related issues would be included in the scheme.

Sources said while he did not explain the matter at the time of the announcement, Parrikar’s clause was aimed at discouraging an exodus of officers from the armed forces after the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations that are to come into effect next year. Officials said while OROP would apply to all current pensioners, including those who retired early, the clause was aimed at retaining serving personnel. The fear was that with good pensions assured, many relatively young officers would opt for early retirement.

“The OROP scheme would be used as an incentive for officers to serve their full tenure. In the past, several officers would opt for retirement after 20 years of service as they were assured of a pension. Now, they may serve longer to avail the OROP benefit,” an official said.