OROP: Centre mulls over relaxation of norms for officers seeking premature retirement

NEW DELHI: The Centre is examining if it should slightly relax norms for denial of one rank, one pension ( OROP) benefits to all military personnel who seek premature retirement ( PMR).

Though the final decision will be taken after defence minister Manohar Parrikar returns from his visit to the US on December 12, sources said the "thought process" was that OROP could be granted to superseded officers who take PMR after continuing in service for four additional years. Similarly , jawans and junior commissioned officers will get OROP if they have served three additional years after being overlooked for promotions."But officers who opt for PMR without being passed over for promotions will not be eligible for OROP ," said a source.

According to the notification issued by the defence ministry on November 7, all military officers and jawans opting for PMR from now onwards -without exception -will not be eligible for OROP benefits.This led to tremendous unease in the forces. "The entire cadre management of the forces, which have a steeply-pyramidal promotional structure, is dependent on these officers and jawans taking PMR after finishing their pensionable service. This ensures recruitment of young and fresh blood," said a senior officer.

"If the superseded officers and jawans stay on in service to ensure they get OROP, they will block vacancies and reverse all the measures being implemented to reduce the age profile of the forces," he added.