Demands of Defence Ex-servicemen on OROP requiring immediate action

One Rank One Pension and issues of concern of Defence Veterans needing urgent resolution: IESM writes to MPs

ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP) & ISSUES OF CONCERN OF DEFENCE VETERANS NEEDING URGENT RESOLUTION

Dear Veterans,

Letter to Members of Parliament on the above subject dated 02 Nov 2019 is enclosed herewith for your information widest circulation please.
.
With Regards,

Jai Hind,

Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM (Retd),
Advisor United Front of Ex Servicemen &
Chairman Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM)

Dated:  02 Nov 2019

"ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP) & ISSUES OF CONCERN OF DEFENCE VETERANS NEEDING URGENT RESOLUTION"

Dear Members of Parliament,

1.      We wish to bring to your notice that long pending demand of defence fraternity of OROP has not yet been implemented. Hon’ble Prime Minister and President of BJP Sh. JP Nadda have time and again stated at various forums that OROP has been implemented.  With grievously hurt feelings and anguish, we wish to inform you that such statements by our Hon’ble Prime Minister are of serious concern to us.  Had the OROP been implemented as per the definition stated by MoS Sh. Rao Inderjit Singh on 02 Dec 2014 in the parliament, the Ex Servicemen would not have been on the road across the country protesting for the non-implementation of OROP.  On 31 Oct 2019, Ex Servicemen have completed 1600 days of continuous Protest Movement executed peacefully with dignity, respect and in the best traditions of soldiering.

2.      There are serious anomalies in the Govt of India Min of Def Notification No 12 (I)/2014/D (Pen/Pol)-part –II dated 07 Nov 2015 wherein the Govt is purported to have implemented OROP.  The serious anomalies have been brought to the Notice of the Govt on numerous occasions, but these anomalies have not yet been rectified.  Ex-servicemen were forced to approach Hon’ble Supreme Court for grant of full OROP.  Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated 01 May 2019 (copy attached).  Asked the MoD to resolve the anomalies to the extent possible and the next date of hearing was to take place on 06 Aug 2019.  However, the Hon’ble judge hearing the case was busy in hearing Ram Mandir Case and our OROP case hearing was not listed.

3.      In the meantime we had a meeting with Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 01 Jul 2019 and briefed him about Hon’ble Supreme Court order and requested for the rectification of the OROP anomalies. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri assured us for another meeting after a few days for the resolution of OROP anomalies; however, that meeting has not taken place even after writing to Hon’ble Raksha Mantri a number of times.

4.      During an Election Rally at Chandigarh President of BJP Sh. JP Nadda stated that his Govt had implemented OROP.  The same was denied by Ex-servicemen bodies. To add to our hurt feelings, Hon’ble Prime Minister on 19 Oct 2019 at Rewari in another Election Rally, again stated that his Govt had implemented OROP.  We wish to inform that this is far from truth.  OROP has not been implemented; what has been implement is One Time increase in Pension.  Unless the OROP anomalies are rectified, grant of Full OROP will remain unfulfilled.

5.       We also wish to inform you that equalization of pensions of defence personnel was due with effect from 01 Jul 2019 as per Govt Notification dated 07 Nov 2015, but the same has not yet been carried out. The Govt which had issued the notification has not honored its own order of equalization of Pensions after every five years which became due with effect from 01 Jul 2019. We had through a letter dated 03 Sep 2019 written to Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, copy to Hon’ble Prime Minister and three Chiefs and also forwarded the same letter to Secretary (ESW) requesting for immediate equalization of pensions as notified in Govt Notification dated 07 Nov 2015. MoD, instead of implementing equalization of pensions, ordered another committee whose recommendations have not been made public. The outcome of another, “One Man Judicial Committee (OMJC)” which submitted its report to the Govt on 26 Oct 2016 headed by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court has neither been made public nor implemented.

6.      We appeal to our elected representative, Hon’ble Members of Parliament to raise our issues of concern in the coming winter session and ask the Govt to grant Full OROP to the defence personnel, a demand which is long pending, though it had been accepted by both NDA and UPA Govts but not yet implemented. Our Hon’ble Member of Parliament, with anguish we wish to say that “any country which does not respect its soldiers is doomed to fail”.

Please grant Justice to Soldiers.

With Regards,

Jai Hind,

Yours Sincerely,

Maj Gen Satbir Singh,

SM (Retd), Advisor United Front of Ex Servicemen &

Chairman Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM)

Mobile: 9312404269, 01244110570

Email:satbirsm[@]gmail.com

(Source Via e-mail)

http://ex-servicemenwelfare.blogspot.com

PCDA Circular Nimber 625 - One Rank One Pension to the Defence Forces Personnel: Amendment in Appendix 'X' of Circular No. 555

PCDA Circular No. 625 - One Rank One Pension to the Defence Forces Personnel: Amendment in Appendix 'X' of Circular No. 555

O/o The Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension),

Draupadighat, Allahabad — 211014

Circular No 625

Dated 31.07.2019

To,

1.     The Chief Accountant, RBI, Deptt. Of Govt, Bank Accounts, Central Office, C-7, Second Floor,  Bandre- Kurla Complex, P B No. 8143, Bandre East Mumbai-400051
2.     CMDs, All Public Sector Banks.
3.     The Nodal Officers, IC1ICI/HDFC/AXIS/IDBI Banks
4.     All Managers, CPPCs
5.     Military and Air Attache, Indian Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal
6.     The PCDA (WC), Chandigarh
7.     The CDA (PD), Meerut
8.     The CDA, Chennai
9.     The Director of Treasuries, All States
10.     The Pay and Accounts Officer, Delhi Administration, R K Puram; and Tis Hazari, New Delhi.
11.     The Pay and Accounts Office, Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai
12.     The Post Master, Kathua (J&K); and Camp Bell Bay.
13.     The Principal Pay and Accounts Officer, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Port Blair.

Subject:- One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel.

Reference:- GoI. MoD letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 3rd Feb 2016 (Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016).

Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) are aware that as per this office Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016, pension of Armed Forces Personnel was to be revised w.e.f. 01.07.2014 by the PDAs as per tables attached with the circular.

2. Term of engagement mentioned in Appendix “X” of Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016 for Honorary Flying Officer (HFO) of Air Force may be read as 21 to 33 years w.e.f. 30.5.1998 till date.

3. This Circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in for dissemination of all concerned.

 No. Gts/Tech/0167/Vol-XX
Dated: 31.07.2019

(Yashasvi Kumar)

Dy. CDA (Pensions)

OROP - One Rank One Pension - Supreme Court of India petition dated 01-05-2019

OROP - One Rank One Pension - Supreme Court of India petition dated 01-05-2019

ITEM NO.1
COURT NO.9

SECTION X

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 419/2016

INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT & ORS.
Petitioner(s)

VERSUS

UNION OF INDIA & ORS.
Respondent(s)

(WITH IA 33253/2017 FOR AMENDMENT OF WRIT PETITION)

Date : 01-05-2019 This petition was called on for hearing today.

CORAM :
HON'BLE DR. JUSTICE D.Y. CHANDRACHUD HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HEMANT GUPTA

For Petitioner(s)
Mr. Huzefa Ahmadi, Sr. Adv.
Mr. Balaji Srinivasan, AOR
Mr. Arunava Mukherjee, Adv.
Mr. Rohan Sharma, Adv.
Mr. Siddhant Kohli, Adv.
Ms. Pallavi Sengupta, Adv.
Ms. Garima Jain, Adv.
Mr. Abhishek Bharti, Adv.
Ms. Pratiksha Mishra, Adv.
Ms. Srishti Govil, Adv.
Ms. Vaishnavi Subranmanyam, Adv.
Mr. Rohitash Kr. Sharma, Adv.

For Respondent(s)
Mr. Rana Mukherjee, Sr. Adv.
Ms. Priyanka Das, Adv.
Mr. Charanya L. Kumaran, Adv.
Mr. A.K. Sharma, Adv.
Ms. Sheena Taqui, Adv.
Ms. Kanika Sharma, Adv.
Mr. Mukesh Kumar Maroria, AOR
UPON hearing the counsel the Court made the following

ORDER

During the course of the hearing, the principal submission of the petitioners is that the recommendation of the Koshyari Committee for thegrant of One Rank One Pension (OROP) was endorsed by the Budgetary Speech of the Finance Minister on 17 February 2014 and by the Minister of Defence on 26 February 2014, following which the Controller General of Defence Accounts was directed to work out modalities. This was further re-affirmed on 10 July 2014 by the Finance Minister and on 2 December 2014 by the Minister of State for Defence. However, the Union government, on 7 November 2015, while implementing OROP adopted a modified definition of the expression under which the gap between the rates of pension of current and past pensioners would be bridged at“periodic intervals”.

The petitioners have highlighted specifically three aspects of the anomalies which have arisen. They are summarised in a written note of submissions tendered before the Court, which is extracted below:
“(i) Fixation of Pension on calendar year of 2013 instead of FY of 2014: Fixation of pension as per calendar year 2013 would result in past retirees (pre 2014) getting less pension of one increment than the soldier retiring after 2014.

(ii) Fixation of pension as mean of Min and Max pension: Fixing pension as mean of Min and Max pension of 2013 would result different pensions for the same ranks and same length of service and the past retiree would get 1.5 increment lesser on account of such fixation.

For example, if 8(i) and (ii) are implemented, two soldiers who have served for same length of years, holding the same rank will draw different pension. A Sepoy (Group Y) who retired prior to 31 Dec 2013 will get Rs.6665 p.m. and another Sepoy (Group Y) who retired on and after 1 Jan 2014 would get Rs 7605 p.m. Further, on account of such implementation, a higher rank Naik soldier who retired before 31 Dec 2013 would draw a lesser pension of Rs.7170p.m., than a junior rank Sepoy who retired after 1 Jan 2014 as his pension would be Rs.7605. This fact is illustrated by a tabular chart which is enclosed. (See Pg.1, CC).

Therefore, implementation of this new definition of OROP defeats the very principle of OROP by creating a class within a class of the same officers, which in practice tantamounts to one rank different pensions. This is also contrary to the judgment by this Hon’ble Court in Union of India v SPS Vains, (2008) 9 SCC 125.

Another fallacy in the new definition of OROP which detracts from the principle of OROP is:

(iii) Pension Equalization every five years:

It is submitted that Pension equalization every five years would result in the grave disadvantage to the past retirees.”

Certain concrete examples have been indicated in charts which are annexed to the note submitted before this Court by Mr Huzefa Ahmadi, learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners.

At this stage, we are of the considered view that it would be appropriate if the Union government scrutinizes the grievances which are placed before the Court in the above note. It would be appropriate and in the interest of justice if these concerns, which have been expressed on behalf of personnel, who have served the nation as members of the Armed Forces of the Union before retirement, are duly considered by the Union government at an appropriate level.

We would expect the government to seriously consider the grievances and to determine whether and, if so, to what extent, justice canbe provided for the satisfaction of all concerned.

List the Writ Petition on 6 August 2019.

(SANJAY KUMAR-I)
AR-CUM-PS

(SAROJ KUMARI GAUR)
COURT MASTER

Source: SCI

OROP - Implementation of One Rank One Pension to all Pre-01.06.1953 Defence pensioners and their families

OROP - Implementation of One Rank One Pension to all Pre-01.06.1953 Defence pensioners and their families

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)

Circular No. 622

DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014
Dated: 03.04.2019

To,

1. The Chief Accountant, RBI, Deptt. Of Govt, Bank Accounts, Central Office, C-7, Second Floor, Bandre- Kurla Complex, P B No. 8143, Bandre East Mumbai- 400051
2. CMDs, All Public Sector Banks.
3. The Nodal Officers, ICICI/HDFC/AXIS/IDBI Banks
4. All Managers, CPPCs
5. Military and Air Attache, Indian Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal
6. The PCDA (WC), Chandigarh
7. The CDA (PD), Meerut :
8. The CDA, Chennai
9. The Director of Treasuries, All States
10. The Pay and Accounts Officer, Delhi Administration, R K Puram; and Tis Hazari, New Delhi.
11. The Pay and Accounts Office, Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai
12. The Post Master, Kathua (J&K); and Camp Bell Bay.
13. The Principal Pay and Accounts Officer, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Port Blair.

Subject:- Implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ to all Pre-01.06.1953 Defence pensioners and their families.

Reference:- Gol, MoD letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-ll dated 3rd Feb 2016 (Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016), Circular 557 dated 17.03.2016, Circular 580 dated 05.07.2017, Circular 581 dated 02.08.2017 and Circular 591 dated 13.11.2017.

Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) are aware that as per this office Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016, pension of Armed Forces Personnel is to be revised w.e.f. 01.07.2014 by the PDAs as per tables attached with the circular.

In continuation of the same, the rates of ordinary family pension, Special Family Pension, 2nd life award of SFP, Liberalized Family Pension, 2nd life award of LFP, Disability/ Liberalized disability element for 100% Disability, War Injury Element for 100% disability (Invalid out cases) meant for post -53 retirees JCOs/ ORs of Regular Army of Group “Y” may be allowed to the families of pre-53 retirees under OROP scheme.

Further, cases where data is not available with PDAs, the same may be referred to PCDA(P) Allahabad for issue of Corr. PPOs.

In view of the above, this office Circular No. 591 dated 13.11.2017 stands cancelled in toto.
This Circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in for dissemination of all concerned.

No. Gts/Tech/0167/XXX

Dated: 03.04.2019

Sd/-
(Sushil Kumar Singh)
Addl. CDA (Pensions)

Source: PCDA

Government announced hike in the Military Service Pay (MSP) and One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue resolved

Government announced hike in the Military Service Pay (MSP) and One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue resolved

Our Soldiers Protect Our Borders in Tough Conditions - FM

 

The issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP) has been resolved and the Government also announced substantial hike in the Military Service Pay (MSP) of all service personnel and special allowances given to Naval and Air Force personnel deployed in high risk duties.

Ministry of Finance

Defence budget hiked to Rs. 3,05,296 crore

Rs. 3,05,296 crore have been provided in the Budget Estimates for 2019-20, compared to Rs. 2,82,733 crore provided in 2018-19 Budget Estimates. The figures were revised to Rs. 2,85,423 crore in the Revised Estimates of 2018-19. While presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, Railways and Coal Sh. Piyush Goyal said "Our Defence Budget will be crossing Rs.3,00,000 crore for the first time in 2019-20. For securing our borders and to maintain preparedness of the highest order, if necessary, additional funds would be provided."

On the issue of strengthening Defence and National Security, the Interim Budget 2019-20 states that our soldiers protect our borders in tough conditions and they are our pride and honour. The Finance Minister Sh. Goyal said that due care has been taken of their honour. He said that the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP) which was pending for the last forty years has been resolved.
He said "The previous Governments announced it in three budgets but sanctioned a mere Rs.500 crore in 2014-15 Interim Budget; in contrast we have already disbursed over Rs.35,000 crore after implementing the Scheme in its' true spirit. The Government also announced substantial hike in the Military Service Pay (MSP) of all service personnel and special allowances given to Naval and Air Force personnel deployed in high risk duties."

Source: PIB

Loksabha - One Rank One Pension (OROP)

Loksabha - One Rank One Pension (OROP)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO.122
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 19TH DECEMBER, 2018

ONE RANK ONE PENSION

122.DR.SHASHI THAROOR:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE
be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Justice Reddy Committee Report on One Rank One Pension (OROP) was submitted on October 26, 2017 and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the specific steps taken by the Government for the implementation of OROP since the submission of the said report;
(c) whether the Government has accepted or proposes to accept the demand for the annual revision of pensions provided to ex-servicemen;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

A N S W E R

 
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 122 FOR ANSWER ON 19.12.2018

(a) to (e): The Government has implemented One Rank One Pension (OROP) for Defence Forces Personnel with effect from 01.07.2014. As on 30.09.2017, a sum of Rs.10,795.4 crores has been released to 20,60,220 Defence Forces Pensioners / Family Pensioners in four instalments towards the arrears.

The Government appointed One Member Judicial Committee (OMJC) on OROP to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP. The Terms of Reference of the Committee was as under:-

To examine and make recommendations on references received from the Central Government on the following matters:-

(i) Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise in implementation of the OROP Letter No.12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)/PartII, dated 7.11.2015.
(ii) Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise out of interservice issues of the three forces due to implementation of OROP order ibid.
(iii) Implications on service matters.
(iv) Any other matter referred by the Central Government on implementation of the OROP or related issues.

In making its recommendations, the Committee shall take into account the financial impact of its recommendations.
The Committee submitted its report on 26.10.2016. An Internal Committee has been constituted by the Government to examine the recommendations of OMJC with respect to feasibility and financial aspects. Terms of reference of the Committee are as under:

(i) To examine and analyse the recommendations of OMJC.
(ii) To examine the feasibility of implementation of recommendations of OMJC.
(iii) To work out financial implications.

The matter is under examination by the Committee.

Source: Lok Sabha

One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel

PCDA (P) Circular No. 609: OROP to the Defence Forces Personnel

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014

REGISTERED

Circular No. 609

Dated: 26.10.2018

To

1. The Chief Accountant, RBI, Deptt. Of Govt, Bank Accounts, Central Office C-7, Second Floor, Bandre- Kurla Complex, P B No. 8143, Bandre East Mumbai-400051
2. All CMDs, Public Sector Banks.
3. The Nodal Officers, ICICI/HDFC/AXIS/IDBI Banks
4. All Managers, CPPCs
5. Military and Air Attache, Indian Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal
6. The PCDA (WC), Chandigarh
7. The CDA (PD), Meerut
8. The CDA, Chennai
9. The Director of Treasury, All States
10. The Pay and Accounts Officer, Delhi Administration, R K Puram and Tis Hazari, New Delhi.
11. The Pay and Accounts Office, Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai
12. The Post Master Kathua (J&K), Camp Bell Bay.
13. The Principal Pay and Accounts Officer Andaman and Nicobar Administration Port Blair.

Subject:- One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel.

Reference:- Gol, MoD letters No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 07.11.2015 and 03.02.2016 circulated vide this office Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016 and amended vide Circular No. 557 dated 17.03.2016, Circular No. 566 dated 16.09.2016, Circular No. 580 dated 05.07.2017, Circular No. 581 dated 02.08.2017.

A Copy of GoI, MoD letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Pt-II dated 17.10.2018 which is self explanatory, is forwarded herewith for further necessary action and immediate implementation.

2. Consequent upon issuance of GoI, MoD letter dated 17.10.2018, the tables No. 5, 14, 23, 32, 41, 50, 63, 64, 74, 83 and 92 have been modified to the extant mentioned in ibid Govt. letter. Pension of the affected pensioners may be reviewed and revised according to amended tables. However, if pension revised in these cases according to amended tables w.e.f. 1.7.2014 is less than the pension as on 30.06.2014, the same will not be revised of the disadvantage to the pensioners.

3. Further, in table No. 7, the pension rate of Hony. Nb. Subedar with qualifying service of 13 years has not been protected with reference to the lower rank viz Havildar of same qualifying service i.e. 13 years. As such following amendment may be carried out in tables No. 7.
Rank - Hony. Nb. Sub.
Group - X
Qualifying service - 13 Years
For - 8078
Read - 8136

4. Any arrears/recovery of overpayment pension would have to be adjusted by the concerned PDAs as per the extant rules/procedure.

5. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

6. This Circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in for dissemination to all concerned.

No. Gts/Tech/0167/XXIX
Dated: 26.10.2018

(Sandeep Thakur)
Addl CDA(P)

OROP to the Defence Force Personnel Corrigendum table dated 17.10.2018

OROP to the Defence Force Personnel Corrigendum table dated 17.10.2018

No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)/Pt.II
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi, 17th October, 2018

To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff

Sub: One Rank One Pension to the Defence Force Personnel.

Sir,
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 03.02.2016, appending 101 pension tables indicating rates of pension/family pension under OROP scheme notified vide this Ministry's letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Po1)-Part-II dated 07.11.2015.

2. As per Para-3 of GoI, MoD letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part-II dated 11.2015, OROP tables had been prepared on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retired in 2013 in the same rank and with same length of service. However, in preparing the tables of EC/SSC officer (other than medical officers) data of pension of Cdr, (Lt. Col. in Army) was inadvertently taken as pension of Lt. Cdr. (Major in Army). This has affected tables No. 5, 14, 23, 32, 41, 50, 63, 64, 74, 83 and 92. The modified tables are enclosed herewith. Pension of the affected pensioners may be revised according to amended tables. However, if pension revised in these cases according to amended tables w.e.f, 1.7.2014 is less than the pension as on 30.06.2014, the same will not be revised to the disadvantage to the pensioner.

3. Further, in table No. 7, the pension rate of Hony.Nb.Subedar with qualifying service of 13 years has not been protected with reference to the lower rank viz. Havildar of same qualifying service i.e. 13 years. As such following amendment may be carried out in table No. 7 :

Rank  - Hony. Nb. Sub.
Group - X
Qualifying Service - 13 Years
For - 8078
Read - 8136

4. Any arrears/recovery of over payment pension would have to be adjusted by the concerned PDAs as per the extant rules/procedure.

5. All the terms and conditions which are not affected by this order shall remain unchanged.

6. This issue with the concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID No. PC.I. to 10(11)/2012/Fin/Pen dated 14.08.2018.

7. Hindi version will follow.

Yours faithfully,

(Manoj Sinha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: desw.gov.in

Revision of Casualty Pensionary Awards in respect of Pre-2006 Armed Forces Officer and JCOs/Ors pensioners

7th CPC and OROP: Revision of Casualty Pensionary Awards in respect of Pre-2006 Armed Forces Officer and JCOs/ORs pensioners - Clarification

OFFICE OF THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)
DRAUPADI GHAT, ALLAHABAD- 211014

Circular No. 604

Dated: 16.08.2018

To,

    The Chief Accountant, RBI, Deptt. Of Govt. Bank Accounts, Central office C-7, Second Floor, Bandre- Kuria Complex, P B No 8143, Bandre East Mumbai- 400051
    All CMDs, Public Sector Banks including IDBI Bank
    Nodal Officers, ICICl/ HDFC/ AXIS/ IDBI Banks
    Managers, All CPPCs
    Military and Air Attache, Indian Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal
    The PCDA (WC), Chandigarh
    The CDA (PD), Meerut
    The CDA, Chennai
    The Director of Treasuries, All States
    The Pay and Accounts Officer, Delhi Administration, RK Puram and Tis Hazari, New Delhi
    The Pay and Accounts Office, Govt of Maharashtra, Mumbai
    The Post Master Kathua (J&K)
    The Post Master Camp Bell Bay
    The Pr. Pay and Accounts Officer, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Port Blair

Sub:- Revision of Casualty Pensionary Awards in respect of Pre-2006 Armed Forces Officer and JCOs/Ors pensioners: Clarification.

Ref:- This office Circular No. 569 dated 19.10.2016.

There are several representations from various War Veteran Associations demanding the benefit of Maximum of Term of Engagement in OROP as well as in 7th CPC revision quoting the Para-3 of Circular No. 569 dated 19.10.2016. Thus, it appears that there are some misinterpretation /confusion about Para-3 of Circular No. 569 dated 19.10.2016, which needs to be clarified in this regard.

Earlier vide Annexure No.-II of MoD letter No. 200847/Pen-C/71 dated 24.02.1972, there was a provision that Service Element of War Injury Pension will be equal in amount to the normal retiring pension of the rank held at the time of disablement for maximum service of rank. It means Service Element of War Injury Pension was admissible for maximum term of engagement subject to restriction that War Injury Pension should not be more than last pay drawn. Prior to 6th CPC the Service Element/ Service Pension was given 50% of the reckonable emoluments for 33 years of Qualifying Service including weightage, and for lesser period it was proportionately reduced. It is pertinent to mention that after evolution of 6th CPC provision concept of pro-rata reduction has been dispensed with. As per 6th CPC orders pension will be 50% of the last pay drawn irrespective of Qualifying Service. Therefore, relevance of Maximum Term of Engagement becomes obsolete.

The minimum guaranteed pension after implementation of 6th Central Pay Commission, was initially determined on the basis of minimum of the Pay in Pay Band plus Grade Pay vide MoD letter dated 11.11.2008 (Circular No. 397 of this office). This was further modified with issue of MoD letter No. 1(04)/ 2015 / (1)-D (Pen/ Pol) dated 03.09 .2015 for revision of Service Pension/ Service Element in respect of Pre-2006 Commissioned Officers/JCOs/ORs pensioners on the basis of minimum of fitment table for the Rank in the revised Pay Band as indicated under fitment tables, and accordingly Circular No. 547 and 548 has been issued for PBORs and Commissioned Officers respectively. The ibid minimum guaranteed pension was calculated as 50% of minimum of fitment table for 33 years of Qualifying Service including weightage with pro-rata reduction for lesser period.

The minimum guaranteed disability element/war injury element was not covered in the ibid MoD letter dated 03.09.2015. Therefore, .MoD letter No. 16(01)/2014/ D(Pen/ Pol) dated 18.05.2016 was issued (Circular No. 560) for revision of Casualty Pensionary awards in respect of Pre-2006 Armed Forces Officers and JCO/ORs Pensioners/ Family Pensioners, which provides for minimum guaranteed Disability Element/War Injury Element. The clause of pension upto Maximum Term of Engagement in case of War Disabled Pensioners which was admissible prior to 6th CPC was omitted in both the above circulars of minimum guaranteed pension. Therefore, there was a need to clarify this issue and hence the Para-3 has been inserted in Circular No. 569 dated 19.10.2016. After issue of GOI MoD letter No. 1(2)/2016-D(Pen/Pol) dated 30.09.2016 for delinking of qualifying service of 33 years for revision of pension under minimum guaranteed pension, Para No, 3 of Circular No. 569 has become redundant and therefore this Para-3 may be treated as deleted.

After implementation of 6th CPC and subsequently also in 7th CPC, pension will be determined on the basis of 50% of last pay drawn irrespective of Qualifying Service, so the relevance of pro-data reduction for lesser qualifying service become redundant as full pension is admissible for each qualifying service in each rank. Therefore, pension upto term of engagement has also become redundant. Further, the pension as per OROP rates was based on the live data of 2013 retirees where pension was given as per 6th CPC provisions. Therefore, the demand of pension upto term of engagement has also become obsolete.

Therefore, it is requested that the issue may be dealt with accordingly and the pensioner approaching for this may be clarified on similar lines duly stating that pension upto term of engagement in case of war disabled pensioners in OROP as well as 7th CPC revision is irrelevant.

This circular has been uploaded on official website of this office www.pcdapension.nic.in

No. Gts/Tech/05/LXXX
Dated: 16.08.2018

(Sushil Kumar Singh)
Jt. CDA(P)

Source: pcdapension.nic.in

OROP: One Rank One Pension to all Pre-01.06.1953 Defence pensioners, Ex. State Force Pensioners and their families

OROP: One Rank One Pension to all Pre-01.06.1953 Defence pensioners, Ex. State Force Pensioners and their families

REGISTERED

Circular No. 591

Dated: 13.11.2017

Subject: Implementation of 'One Rank One Pension' to all Pre-01.06.1953 Defence pensioners, Ex. State Force Pensioners and their families.

Reference:- GoI, MoD letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen /Policy)-Part-II dated 3rd Feb, 2016 (Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016), Circular 557 dated 17.03.2016, Circular 58 0 dated 05.07.2017 & Circular 581 dated 02.08.2017

Under the extant Government Orders , revision of pension under OROP scheme shall be effective with effect from 0 1.07.2014 , and payment of arrears accrued on account of revision of pension, if any, shall be made in a time bound manner as stipulated in Para 17.1 of the Circular No. 555 dated 04. 02.2016.

2. In this regard, it is stat ed that as per Para 4 of GoI, MoD letter No.12(1)/2014/D (Pen/Policy)-Part-II dated 03.02.2016 circulated vide this office Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016, provisions of OROP are also applicable to pre-01.06.1953 retirees pensioners, Ex-State Forces pensioners and their families for revision of pension/family pension. Accordingly, the benefit of ORO P also has to be given to Ex-State Forces Pensioner s/Family Pensioner s as per applicable tables, who were in receipt of pension as on 01.07.2014.

3. Further, rates of Ordinary Family Pension, Special Family Pension, 2nd Life award of SFP, Liberalized Family Pension, 2nd Life award of LFP, Disability/ Liberalized Disability element for 100% Disability, War Injury Element (Discharged) for 100% Disability, War Injury Element for 100% Disability (Invalid out Case) are now provided in annexed tables of this Circular as Table No. 97A , Table No. 98A, Table No. 99A, Table No. 100A and Table No. 101A, as rates of these types of pension were not given in Circular No. 555 dated 04.02.2016 and demands for these rates were raised by various PDA and pensioners. These rat es are based on applicable percentage of rates in tables no. 97 to 101 respectively.

4. Therefore , to expedite the timely revision of pension in respect of all Pre-01.06.1953 pensioners, Ex-State Force Pensioners and their families, the Pension Disbursing Agencies are hereby authorised to revise the pension of all Pre-01.06.1953 pensioners, Ex State Forces Pensioners and their families as per the rates applicable to Regular Armed Forces Personnel without any Corr. PPOs.

5. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

6. This Circular has been uploaded on this office website www.pcdapension.nic.in for dissemination to all concerned.

No. Gts/Tech/0167/XXVIII
Dated: 13.11.2017

sd/-
(Nasim Ullah )
ACDA (Pensions)

Click to view the tables

Authority: http://pcdapension.nic.in/

Pension to IAF Veterans

Pension to IAF Veterans 

Pension of pre-2006 retired Junior Commissioned Officers/ Other Ranks (JCOs / ORs) have been assessed on the basis of rank continuously held for 10 months or more. However, protection of minimum of fitment table under 6th Pay Commission for the last rank held has been provided.

A Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) who has not served for 10 months or more continuously in the rank is entitled to receive initial pension in the rank of Sergeant. However, where the revised pension as on 01.07.2014 worked out in terms of OROP order, happens to be less than the existing pension as on 01.07.2014, the pension has not been revised to the disadvantage of the pensioner.

Further, the issue whether in the case of JCOs / ORs, the pension is to be paid on the basis of the last rank held instead of last rank pensioned under OROP was referred to the Judicial Committee on OROP. The Committee has submitted its report to the Ministry which is under examination.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Dr. P. Venugopal in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel

One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces Personnel

No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part-II

Ministry of Defence
Department of EX-Servicemen Welfare

New Delhi,
Dated :06.06. 2017

CORRIGENDUM

To
The Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of Naval Staff
The Chief of Air Staff

Subject: One Rank One Pension (OROP) to the Defence Forces personnel.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)-Part-II dated
7.11.2015. The following amendments are made in said letter:

Line 2 of Para 4
For: 13(3)1(i)(b), 13(3)1(iv)
Read: 13(3)I(i) (b), 13(3)II(i)(b), 13(3)III(iv)

2. All other terms and conditions shall remain unchanged.

3. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their ID Note No. PC.1 to 10(11)/2012/Fin/Pen dated 305.2017.

Hindi version will follow.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Manoj Sinha)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Signed Copy

Status Report on implementation of OROP benefits as on April 30,2017

 Status Report on implementation of OROP benefits as on April 30,2017

Till 30.04.2017, a sum of Rs. 4,141.99 crores and Rs. 2,363.32 crores have been paid towards first installments & second installments of OROP arrears to 20,31,893 Ex-Servicemen/family pensioners and 15,87,643 Ex-Servicemen respectively. Further, a sum of Rs. 1,902.18 crores has also been paid to 13,04,353 ExServicemen as third installments of OROP arrears.

Redressing Grievances of Ex-Servicemen over OROP

Redressing Grievances of Ex-Servicemen over OROP

Salient features of the Government order dated 07.11.2015 on OROP are as under:-

• Pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of calendar year 2013 and the benefit will be effective with effect from 01.07.2014.
• Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retired in 2013 in the same rank and with same length of service.
• Pension for those drawing above the averages shall be protected.
• Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners including those in receipt of Special / Liberalized family pension and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment.
• In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.
  Personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule 13(3)1(i)(b), 13(3)1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not entitled to the benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively.

Around 3200 representations for addressing the anomalies on OROP were received from individuals / Associations which were examined and issues referred to the Judicial Committee on OROP for its recommendations. The Committee has submitted its report on 26.10.2016.

Public Grievance Cell in the Department is receiving grievances of the pensioners / family pensioners and taking up the matter with the concerned offices e.g. Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), etc for redressal of their grievances. Disposal of grievances is monitored at the highest level in the Government.

Out of 20,81,072 OROP beneficiaries, 20,07,090 Pensioners have already received the first instalment and lumpsum payment on account of OROP. Further, in 15,66,486 cases, 2nd instalment have also been paid.
A total of 73,982 Pensioners are yet to be benefited under OROP. Out of these 73,982 cases, details of approximately 30,000 missing information cases have been provided by Pension Sanctioning Authorities (PSAs) to various Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) for making payment and in 29,612 cases payments have been discontinued due to non-identification of the pensioners.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Ram Kumar Kashyapin Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

One Rank One Pension Scheme

One Rank One Pension Scheme

Around 3200 representations for addressing the anomalies on One Rank One Pension (OROP) were received from individuals / Associations which were examined and issues referred to the Judicial Committee on OROP for its recommendations. The Committee has submitted its report on 26.10.2016.

Pension Grievances Cell in the Department is receiving grievances of the pensioners / family pensioners regarding non-payment of OROP benefits and taking up the matter with the concerned offices e.g. Controller General of defence Accounts (CGDA), Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension) and Pension Disbursing Agencies (Banks) for redressal of their grievances in a time-bound manner. Service Headquarters and CGDA also have dedicated grievances Directorates / Cells for redressal of the grievances of Ex-Servicemen. Disposal of the grievance is monitored at the highest level in the Government.
Annual Financial implication on account of grant of OROP is estimated at Rs. 7,488.70 Crore and Rs. 10,925.11 Crore towards arrears for the period of 01.07.2014 to 31.12.2015.

The status of payment to the Defence Forces Pensioners / Family Pensioners on account of implementation of OROP order, as on 27.02.2017 are as under:-

No. of cases paid (1st instalment and lump sum payments)	Amount disbursed (Rs. in crore)	No. of cases paid 2nd instalment	Amount disbursed (Rs. in crore)
19,93,815	4,076.95	15,57,950	2,298.21

As per Government order dated 07.11.2015 on OROP, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.
Personnel who opt to get discharged after 07.11.2015 on their own request under Rule 13(3)1(i)(b), 13(3)1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Mullappally Ramachandran and others in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

Retired paramilitary veterans to protest in Delhi tomorrow

Retired paramilitary veterans to protest in Delhi tomorrow

New Delhi: A group of retired paramilitary forces officials will hold a day-long protest at Jantar Mantar here tomorrow demanding grant of special pay, OROP and restoration of old pension scheme for lakhs of personnel.

Alleging “discrimination” by the government, the association of veterans of forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB is also demanding sanction of a number of welfare benefits to both the serving and retired personnel of these forces tasked with the maintenance of internal security in the country.

“We have some genuine demands like the One Rank One Pension, paramilitary special pay, restoration of the old pension scheme that was stopped for those who joined these forces beginning 2004.

“These forces toil very hard to ensure the country’s security and the government should ensure the welfare of these personnel and their families,” General Secretary of the Confederation of Ex-Paramiltary Forces Welfare Association Ranbir Singh said.

He said apart from the dharna protest at Jantar Mantar, the veterans will march towards the Parliament in support of their demands and will submit a memorandum to the Home Ministry.

The wife and family of BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav, who recently raised allegations of poor quality food being served to jawans, are also expected to join the protest, Singh said.

There are about 9 lakh jawans and officers in these forces, also called Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), that work under the command of the Union Home Ministry and they are tasked to not only conduct operations within the country but also to secure the borders.

PTI

One Rank One Pension (OROP) Veterans on fast for full OROP

One Rank One Pension (OROP) Veterans on fast for full OROP

Ex-servicemen's groups demanding the “full implementation” of the one rank, one pension (OROP) scheme at Jantar Mantar have once again intensified their agitation since last week.

Three veterans - Mrs. Sudesh Goyat, Hav. Major Singh and Hav. Mohinder Singh - have been on a fast-unto-death since January 15. Ms. Goyat was admitted to the Army’s Research & Referral (RR) hospital on Sunday after her health deteriorated and is now reported to be stable.

OROP - Veterans hurt
While some of the veterans withdrew their protests after the government announced the implementation of its version of the OROP, members of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) restarted the relay hunger-strike in November last year after a pause.

"On Veterans Day on January 14, 2017, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said that some elements were spreading false statements despite the government implementing OROP. This accusation has hurt the three veterans so much that they began a fast the next day," Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh, Chairman of the IESM, said on Monday.

He said that they had requested several meetings with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, but they were declined. "We suggested a video conference as the Minister is campaigning in Goa, but they refused," he said.

Source: The Hindu

One Rank One Pension to Ex-Servicemen: 99% pensioners will get benefits by January- end, says Manohar Parrikar

One Rank One Pension to Ex-Servicemen: 99% pensioners will get benefits by January- end, says Manohar Parrikar

Defence Minster Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said that around 20 lakh pensioners have been paid the benefits of One Rank One Pension (Orop) so far, and more than 99 percent of cases will be settled by January-end.

New Delhi: Defence Minster Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said that around 20 lakh pensioners have been paid the benefits of One Rank One Pension (Orop) so far, and more than 99 percent of cases will be settled by January-end.

"So far, we have already paid the benefits to more than 19,70,000 pensioners. Around 68,000 pension cases were in scrutiny in December. The targeted time schedule was end of December and 13,000 cases are sent to pension dispersing authority," Parrikar said at a press conference.

"With that I think almost 99 percent of the eligible cases will be settled probably by January. One percent is not being able to trace them, probably dead," the minister said.

Parrikar said he has "instructed all the agencies to go and find out such cases".

"Rs 6,300 crore has already been dispersed as arrears and the current payments are ongoing for the current period. Total back arrears will be around Rs 10,800 crore of which Rs 6,300 crore has been disbursed," he said.

Orop for retired armed forces personnel was announced on 5 September, 2015.

The scheme took 2013 as the base year to calculate pensions and date of implementation was 1 July, 2014. The period for review was kept at five years.

Source: firstpost.com

Grant of OROP benefits - Status as on 12th November 2016

Defence Minister reply to Lok Sabha regarding number of Beneficiaries of OROP as on 12 November 2016

Defence Minister reply to Lok Sabha - Unstarred question No.1696

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1696
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25TH NOVEMBER, 2016

ONE RANK ONE PENSION

1696. DR. SATYAPAL SINGH:
SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:
SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA:
SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:
SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL:
SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE:
SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:
SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE:
SHRI PR. SENTHIL NATHAN:
SHRI SANGANNA AMARAPPA:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ex-Servicemen are being paid enhanced pension after the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, if so, the details thereof along with the total number of Ex-Servicemen benefited under the scheme;
(b) the total allocation of funds made and utilised under the scheme during the financial years 2015-16 and 2016-17;
(c) whether the Government has received requests / suggestions / objections / grievances from Ex-Servicemen associations on certain shortcomings in the said scheme,if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon;
(d) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that an Ex-Servicemen committed suicide due to the denial of the benefit of the scheme, if so, the details of enquiry conducted and its outcome thereof; and
(e) the other steps taken / being taken for effective implementation of the scheme?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

(a) Yes, Madam. Details of the beneficiaries of OROP benefits, as on 12.11.2016 are as under:-

No. of cases paid (1st installment and lump sum payments)	Amount disbursed (Rs. in Crores)	No. of cases paid 2nd installment	Amount disbursed (Rs. in Crores)
19,43,606	3939.41	14,02,755	2081.56

(b) Details of the allocation and utilization of funds under OROP are as under:

Financial Year	Allocation under OROP	Utilization on account of arrears of OROP
2015-16	No separate allocation made under OROP	Rs.3000 crores (approx.)
2016-17	Rs.12456 crores	Rs.3020.97 crores (as on 12.11.2016)

(c) Yes, Madam. Around 3200 representations for addressing the anomalies on OROP were received from individuals / Associations which were examined and issues referred to the Judicial Committee on OROP for its recommendations. The Committee has submitted its report on 26.10.2016.

(d) Ex-Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal had committed suicide at Delhi on 01.11.2016. On enquiry regarding payment of the benefits of OROP to him, the pension disbursing bank has informed that he was drawing pension @ Rs.22,608/- p.m. He was entitled for revised pension under OROP @ Rs.25,634/- p.m. The total amount of arrears of Rs.53,978/- on account of implementation of OROP has been credited to Bank Account of Late Ex Subedar Ram Kishan Grewal on 08.11.2016.

(e) Public Grievance Cell in the Department is receiving grievances of the pensioners / family pensioners and taking up the matter with the concerned offices e.g. Controller General of Defence Accounts, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), etc for redressal of their grievances. Disposal of grievances is monitored at the highest level in the Government.

Source : Loksabha

One Rank One Pension (OROP)

Press Information Bureau,
Government of India
Ministry of Defence

18-November, 2016

One Rank One Pension (OROP)

Government had appointed a Judicial Committee headed by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court on 14.12.2015, to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation OROP.

The Terms of Reference for the Committee is as under:

To examine and make recommendations on references received from the Central Government on the following matters:

• Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise in implementation of the OROP letter No. 12(1)/2014/D(Pen/Pol)/ Part-II dated 07.11.2015.
• Measures for the removal of anomalies that may arise out of inter-service issues of the three forces due to implementation of OROP order ibid.
• Implications on service matters.
• Any other matter referred by the Central Government on implementation of the OROP or related issues. In making its recommendations, the Committee shall take into account the financial impact of its recommendations.

The Committee has submitted its report on 26.10.2016 which is under examination. During the Financial year 2016-17, a sum of Rs. 12456 crore has been provided for expected expenditure on account of One Rank One Pension (OROP).

The status of payment to the Defence Pensioners/ Family Pensioners on account of implementation of OROP benefits, as on 03.11.2016 are as under:

Beneficial pensioners (pre-July 2014)	No. of cases paid (1st instalment and lump-sum payment	Amount disbursed (in crore)	No. of cases paid (2nd instalment)	Amount disbursed (in crore)
20,63,529	19,35,968	3927.86	12,37,511	1817.29

Out of 20,63,529 pensioner beneficiaries, 1,27,561 Defence Pensioners/Family Pensioners are yet to get the benefits of OROP. Public Grievance Cell in the Department is receiving grievances of the pensioners/family pensioners and taking up the matters with the concerned Department for redressal of their grievances. Disposal of grievances is monitored at the highest level in the Government.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Alok Sanjar and others in Lok Sabha today.

PIB