One Rank One Pension announcement likely on Friday (28.8.2015)

One Rank One Pension announcement likely on Friday (28.8.2015)

“There is speculation that an OROP announcement could come as early as Friday, August 28, the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war with Pakistan”.

OROP – Fasting protesters admitted to the hospital

Retired servicemen from the armed forces are on a fast-until-death protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the implementation of One Rank One Pension scheme.

One of the protesters is Retired Colonel Pushpender Singh, who has been fasting for eight days. His health condition worsened and he was examined by a doctor who said that he had to be rushed immediately to the hospital. The former Colonel was taken to the military hospital.

He was replaced by Saheb Singh at the protest. Major Singh and Ashok Chauhan are the other protestors who are fasting until death for the implementation of One Rank One Pension.

Prior to being rushed to the hospital, Pushpender Singh said, “I don’t want to go to the hospital, but I’m forced to because the doctors are worried that it might affect the functioning of my brain. I shall resume my fast after my discharge from the hospital.”

OROP: Prime Minister’s Assurance on One Rank One Pension

Prime Minister’s Assurance on One Rank One Pension

‘After hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort, the Prime Minister addressed the nation. Here are excerpts from the speech.’

“A number of governments have come and gone before us. They have all dealt with the One Rank One Pension problem. The scheme was presented to all of them. Each of those governments has given small assurances and promises on it, but the problem was never solved.

“I too give my word on this occasion, but this is not the word of an individual. This is the promise of this country of 125 crore people and I’m saying this as I stand in front of the tricolour at the Red Fort. We will accept and implement the One Rank One Pension policy. Talks are on with a number of organizations regarding this.

“The results of this talk will be in such a manner that it will support the development of one and all. Based on the talks, I’m convinced that good results will come out of it.

“Let me assure once again that One Rank One Pension policy has been accepted by the government. We will implement it after analyzing the main critical issues involved in it and talking to the stakeholders concerned.”

Source: http://cgemployeesnews.in/

OROP – PM reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle” and he was hopeful of a positive outcome

OROP - PM reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle” and he was hopeful of a positive outcome

“On the long-standing demand from ex-serviceman for One-Rank, One-Pension, the Prime Minister reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle.” He said the modalities were being worked out with stakeholders, and he was hopeful of a positive outcome”.

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister’s Office

15-August-2015 10:39 IST

PM’s address to the nation on 69th Independence Day

PM: The termite of corruption will be rooted out by “Team India.” Government’s initiatives have eliminated corruption in various sectors

PM emphasizes on farmers’ welfare, raising agricultural productivity

PM: OROP accepted “in-principle”, modalities being worked out

PM: Start-Up India, Stand-Up India

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today highlighted the resolve of 125 crore Indians, as “Team India”, to root out corruption, and to make India a developed nation by 2022 – the 75th anniversary of independence.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 69th Independence Day, the Prime Minister gave a broad overview of the achievements of Team India, over the last 15 months. He said that the unity, simplicity and brotherhood of 125 crore Indians, is the strength of this nation, and casteism and communalism have no place in our society.

The Prime Minister explained how various initiatives of his Government have resulted in removing corruption from different aspects of governance. In this context, he highlighted the auctions of coal, spectrum and FM radio licenses. He mentioned the PAHAL scheme for direct transfer of LPG subsidy, which has resulted in savings of Rs. 15,000 crore. He said the introduction of “neem-coated urea” has helped to end diversion of subsidized urea to non-agricultural purposes. He acknowledged that the common man still faces problems because of corruption. The Prime Minister described corruption as a termite, which needs bitter medicine, with possible side-effects, to cure. Through the various initiatives of the Government, the Prime Minister highlighted how each had contributed to the elimination of middlemen. He said that in the last year, the CBI had registered 1800 cases against corruption, as against 800 in the year before that.

The Prime Minister said important steps had been taken in the drive against black money, and the outflow of unaccounted income to foreign destinations had been checked.

The Prime Minister stressed on the need for farmers’ welfare, and declared that the Ministry of Agriculture would be renamed as the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. He said that his Government was focusing on raising farm productivity, and providing electricity and irrigation to farmers. He said the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana had been launched with an outlay of Rs. 50,000 crore.

The Prime Minister recalled some of the resolves he had made in his Independence Day address last year. He said the promise of toilets in all schools had been almost fulfilled, with the cooperation of States. He said financial inclusion had received a big boost with the opening of 17 crore bank accounts through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. He said the Rs. 20,000 crore deposited in the Jan Dhan accounts reflected the “richness of India’s poor” (गरीबों की अमीरी).

The Prime Minister also spoke of the welfare schemes launched by the Union Government, including Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, and the schemes launched for labour welfare.

Describing children as the greatest brand ambassadors for “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” the Prime Minister said this vision had generated great interest for the people of India.

The Prime Minister announced the “Start-Up India” initiative, which would encourage entrepreneurship among the youth of India. He said each of the 1.25 lakh bank branches, should encourage at least one Dalit or Adivasi entrepreneur, and at least one woman entrepreneur. “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India,” the Prime Minister said.

On the long-standing demand from ex-serviceman for One-Rank, One-Pension, the Prime Minister reiterated that the demand had been accepted by the Government “in-principle.” He said the modalities were being worked out with stakeholders, and he was hopeful of a positive outcome.

The Prime Minister reiterated his Government’s resolve to make India a developed nation by 2022, with a house and access to basic services like electricity, to all. He said the Government had resolved to connect with electricity, all the 18,500 villages which still remain without power, within the next 1000 days. He also reiterated his vision for the development of eastern India.

Questioning the practice of “interviews” for recruitments even at relatively junior levels, the Prime Minister called upon concerned departments to end this practice at the earliest, and to promote merit by recruiting only through transparent, online processes.

Astronomical Expectations on OROP Once Again!

Astronomical Expectations on OROP Once Again!

“Ever since news has surfaced that official announcement on the One Rank One Pension scheme will be made on August 15, expectations have started to soar again.”

There is a general feeling that time has come for the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme, which has been a long-time dream for more than 30 lakh ex-servicemen all over the country. But the readers might remember that expectations ran high once before too – on May 25, 2015. Everybody thought that Modi would make the announcement on the occasion of the first year celebrations of his coming to power at the centre. After attending the huge rally at Mathura, Modi uttered not even a word about OROP.

But, according to various sources, it looks as if the Government is giving serious thoughts about implementing the policy this time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may announce implementation of very long delayed One Rank One Pension scheme on August 15 when India celebrates its 69th Independence Day.

It is worth noting that for more than 50 Days, the UFESM has been spiritedly conducting a relay fast protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The retired armed forces personnel are preparing to take their agitations to the next level. They are planning to campaign against the BJP in the Bihar poll. If Modi fails to make any announcement on Independence Day, their protest is sure to take a new turn. But, media reports claim that it wouldn’t come to that.

After meeting the Minister of Finance yesterday, Lt General (retd) Raj Kadyan, who heads the Indian Ex-servicemen Movement, said that he has faith in the serious attempts being made by the current government. “After patiently hearing our demands, the Finance Minister said that we wouldn’t have to wait for months, but only for a few more days,” he said. There is a general belief that the minister had hinted at August 15.

Yesterday, a discussion was held with the ex-servicemen association at the Prime Minister’s Office. No landmark decisions were made, but the members had reportedly said that the Prime Minister will announce a positive decision on August 15.

In other words, nearly three-million ex-servicemen and war widows in the country are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on Independence Day will have some definite answers on the question of OROP.

Source: www.cgstaffnews.in

Is there any connection between the report of 7th CPC and OROP announcement?

Is there any connection between the report of 7th CPC and OROP announcement?

“Is there any connection between the submission of report of 7th CPC to Central and the announcement of OROP to Defence Personnel?”

The 7th Pay Commission has announced through on its portal last month that the task was given by the Government to the commission will be completed within the time frame and the commission will submit its recommendations before September this year to Central Government.

Some believe that the two reports could be linked.

“The 7th Pay Commission is all set to submit its report to the Government before August 15.”
“The Prime Minister is expected to announce the implementation of OROP in his Independence Day address to the nation.”

According to unofficial sources, the 7th Pay Commission is going to submit its report to the Government before August 15. The fact that the commission has completed its work much ahead of its deadline is indeed commendable. This is the first time in the history of Pay Commissions that a Commission has completed its report ahead of its deadline. Pay Commissions are synonymous with arrears. Last time, 20-month arrears were paid in two installments. If the new Pay Commission’s recommendations are implemented on time, it would be another first – the first to not have any pending arrears.

On June 24, the Pay Commission itself said on its website that the report-preparation is in its final stage, and that work will be completed on schedule. The announcement was welcomed by Central Government employees, and helped clear lot of doubts in their minds.

www.gservants.com has plenty of unconfirmed reports on various issues related to the 7th Pay Commission, including a minimum basic pay of Rs.21000, removal of the Grade Pay system that was introduced by the 6th Pay Commission, and a uniform 2.86 multiplication factor for all grades. The website also said that the leaders of railway employees federation had informed that the 7th Pay Commission will submit its report on August 30. This created tremendous excitement among Central Government employees.

Meanwhile, a popular English newspaper reported that the Pay Commission will submit its report towards the end of October.

In the midst of all these uncertainties, there comes another unconfirmed report that the recommendations will be submitted well before August 15. It adds that the Prime Minister will also announce the OROP scheme in his Independence Day speech.

We have been unable to find out if the 7th Pay Commission has any recommendations on OROP. But, there is wide expectation that the report will have some suggestions related to it.

Source: 7thpaycommissionnews.in

Anna Hazare Prepares for Nationwide Protests for OROP

Anna Hazare Prepares for Nationwide Protests for OROP

Anna Hazare has announced that he will soon launch nationwide protests against the Land Acquisition Act and for the implementation of OROP.

The government under Narendra Modi is getting ready to make amendments to the current Land Acquisition Act and implement it. The new Bill was presented in the Parliament and passed. But, the upper house hasn’t yet cleared the Bill due to insufficient majority. The Bill has met with staunch opposition from the opposition parties, including Congress, and social activist Anna Hazare.

Anna Hazare, who shot to fame when he protested against corruption during the Congress regime, is now fighting with the BJP for OROP and against the land acquisition bill. Hazare had interacted with the representatives of ex-servicemen associations and had discussed the OROP issue with them. Former Colonel Dinesh Nain, and Brigadier Kartar Singh had participated in the meeting which took place at Anna Hazare’s hometown of Ralegan Siddhi.

Speaking to the newspersons after the meeting, Hazare said, “BJP, in its election campaign, had assured that it will implement One Rank One Pension if it is voted to power. More than a year has passed since it took over, and nothing has happened. Why is it not showing the same eagerness with which it is trying to implement the Land Acquisition Act, to OROP too?

Stressing both the demands, Hazare has announced that he will launch an indefinite fast from Gandhi Jayanti day (October 2) onwards.

Source: www.cgstaffnews.in

UFESM expected a date for implementation of OROP – Relay hunger strike continues

UFESM expected a date for implementation of OROP – Relay hunger strike continues

Government committed to implement ‘One Rank One Pension': Manohar Parrikar to ex-servicemen

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has conveyed the NDA government’s “unequivocal commitment” in implementing ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) when a delegation of ex-servicemen, who are on a strike for past 19 days pressing for its execution, met him.

Not happy with Parrikar’s assurance, the agitating ex-servicemen said the question of ending the protest does not arise without a government announcement on implementing the long-pending demand.

“A six member delegation of United Front of Ex-Servicemen (UFESM) met the Defence Minister last night. Parrikar conveyed unequivocal commitment of the party (BJP)and the government towards implementation of OROP,” said Col (retd) Anil Kaul, spokesman of the Front.

He said Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag was also present at the meeting.

Read more at Economics Times

One Rank One Pension – Central Government Ignores Week-long Protests

One Rank One Pension – Central Government Ignores Week-long Protests

“The protests that began in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar last Monday, demanding immediate implementation of the OROP continues even as the government chooses to turn a blind eye towards it”

Ex-servicemen have been protesting now for a week at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the immediate implementation of the OROP scheme. Similar protests are also on at 20 important cities in the country to put pressure on the government to act.

The series of protests is jointly organized by 30 ex-servicemen welfare organizations, under the leadership of Chairman of IESM, Maj. Gen. Satbir Singh. Speaking to the media, Satbir Singh said, “Until now the Government has not tried to negotiate with us. If there are no results for the protests, we will shift our protests to Bihar.”

The protesters believe that the government will be more receptive to their demands if the protests affect the party’s chances of winning the state elections in Bihar.

BJP’s parliamentary election manifesto last year promised immediate implementation of the OROP if they come to power. After coming to power, assurances were given by the ministers including the prime minister himself.

Ex-servicemen expected a formal announcement to be made at the first year rally. But, not a word was uttered about this. The ex-servicemen did not lose hope.
On June 1, in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio show, the prime minister assured that he will implement the OROP scheme.

Media reports indicated that sufficient funds were allocated in the previous financial year and that steps are on to implement the scheme. Reports further added that the revised pension scheme is very similar to those of the MPs. But, one has to also accept the fact that the scheme is much closer to implementation than it ever was during the Congress regime.

Many wonder why the army-men have resorted to protests. A number of reasons are being given for the protests.

Excess of trust in Modi government is one of the reasons. Congress-led UPA government, which failed to implement the OROP scheme, suffered humiliating defeat in the elections. The second reason is that more than 30 lakh ex-servicemen and their families spread throughout the country believed in the promises made by the BJP in its election campaign.

The third reason – contradictory stands among the Ministries of Finance and Defence – is considered to be the most important. There are claims that the Ministry of Finance had asked the Defence Ministry to refer to the 7th Central Pay Commission. This is rumoured to be the stand of the bureaucrats.

There have been warnings that implementing the OROP scheme is an expensive task and changes will have to be made to the current pension structure for the Central Government employees and Pensioners. The message was subtly conveyed to the representatives of ex-servicemen by the defence ministry. This had greatly angered the delegates. Protests were launched amidst worries that OROP will be shelved again.
Even now, the ex-servicemen trust the Prime Minister Modi because he doesn’t believe the bureaucrats easily.

Source: 7thpaycommissionnews.in

OROP Scheme – VK Singh says the Centre is certainly committed to implement

OROP Scheme – VK Singh says the Centre is certainly committed to implement

“For more than four days now, the relay fast protests by the ex-servicemen have been on in New Delhi demanding the immediate implementation of the OROP scheme.”

All over the country, in 20 cities, the relay fast protests by ex-servicemen, seeking the immediate implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme have entered its fourth day.

Meanwhile, the Central Minister, VK Singh, who was in Hyderabad yesterday, has told the PTI news agency that the OROP scheme will definitely be implemented.

Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, “I’m very confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will definitely fulfill all his promises. Steps are on to implement the scheme. Some confusion regarding the calculations has to be sorted out. The Modi government will very soon address the needs of the ex-servicemen. Please do not lose hope,” he added.

According to sources, the United Front of Ex-Servicemen has told a leading newspaper announced yesterday that the OROP scheme will be announced in another few days.

The ex-servicemen have managed to draw the attention of the entire country and the media to their cause through the protest. But they are still waiting for a sign from the Government that their demands have been heard.

Source: 7thpaycommissionnews.in

Implementation of OROP likely by the year-end

Implementation of OROP likely by the year-end

“A series of statements and assurances from various ministers and higher officials had increased the expectations and worsened the situation.”

Sources say that the much anticipated and much-delayed One Rank One Pension scheme will come into effect before the end of this year, ahead of the Bihar elections.

For a very long time now, army personnel have been demanding that the OROP scheme be implemented. They have now stepped up their demand now. Relay fast protests were held in 20 cities, including New Delhi, yesterday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured a number of times before that he is committed to introducing the scheme. But, the ex-servicemen have openly asked why the government is hesitating to implement the scheme and have warned that they would campaign against the BJP in the upcoming state elections in Bihar at the end of the year.

Following the warning, the Government has stepped up its activities implementing the OROP scheme. It has come to our knowledge that the scheme would be implemented as soon as the government lists out the beneficiaries who are going to benefit from the revised pension scale.

Information sources claim that since a mega-coalition has already been formed to counter the BJP in Bihar, the fear of alienating the ex-servicemen has rattled the BJP-government at the centre.

Source: 7thpaycommissionnews.in

One Rank One Pension – Ex-servicemen launch nationwide stir

One Rank One Pension – Ex-servicemen launch nationwide stir

Ex-servicemen have launched a series of protests all over the country demanding the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme. A massive relay hunger strike began in New Delhi.

In select cities around the country, ex-servicemen gathered in huge numbers to express their dissatisfaction against the government.

Ex-servicemen are being given pension depending on the year of their retirement, their ranks, and the number of years that they had served. Soldiers who had retired before 1996 continue to get very low pensions compared to those who had retired after 1996, leading to a great dissatisfaction among those who belong to the former category. A senior officer who had retired before 1996 draws lesser pension than his junior officers who had retired after 1996. Despite the fact that budgetary allocations were made to resolve this issue, nothing was done.

In addition to Delhi, similar protests are also on in Bihar, Jalandar, and Bengaluru.

Latest updates on Protest over OROP delay…

One Rank One Pension likely ahead of Bihar polls – PTI
The long-pending ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) scheme for ex-servicemen is likely to be rolled out ahead of the Assembly polls in Bihar later this year, top government sources indicated on Tuesday.
The government is working out the modalities for OROP and the announcement will be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they said. (Click to continue…)

THE SOLDIER’S justify – WHY THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE ONE RANK ONE PENSION ARE MISLEADING – Times of India
Third Pay Commission, which brought military salaries in line with civil services. It set us down the road to the current fight over one-rank-one-pension (OROP) by military veterans.
Sixth Pay Commission granted what bureaucrats call “nonfunctional upgrade“(NFU) to officers in all-India Group A services.This is a sort of ’pay-romotion’ allowing them to draw higher pay than their rank under certain conditions. Almost all civil servants benefit from this while defence services officers do not. As lawyer Navdeep Singh points out, NFU is a sort of “OROP by backdoor for civil servants“. (Click to continue...)

One Rank One Pension row: Ex-servicemen begin indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar – Zee News
In an extreme step taken to ratchet up the pressure on the government, the ex-servicemen reportedly signed a ‘petition in blood’ and announced to hand it over to President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi. (Click to continue...)

FINANCE, DEFENCE MINISTRIES GET TO WORK ON MILITARY PENSIONS OVERHAUL – By Shishir Gupta and Gaurav Choudhury – Hindustan Times
The finance and defence ministries are working towards hammering out a consensus formula on the proposed retirement benefits. The finance ministry, sources said, has pointed out that a way needs to be found out to fund the payouts, which are likely to increase every year given the definition of OROP.
The finance ministry was inclined to refer the matter to the Seventh Pay Commission headed by Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur to recommend the most appropriate method and roadmap for implementing OROP, sources said. (Click to continue...)

OROP continues to make headlines

OROP continues to make headlines

“Prime Minister declared once again that OROP is a finalized issue.”

News continues to surface regarding the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, which is eagerly being awaited by lakhs of ex-servicemen and their families all over the country.

For more than thirty years now, the Central Government continues to struggle to implement the OROP scheme. There were rumours that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might make announcements regarding this at the first year celebrations rally that was held in Mathura. But, nothing happened.

Recently, in his radio address, he declared once again that OROP is a finalized issue. More time was needed to deal with the hurdles that could crop up during the implementation of the scheme. He reassured the ex-servicemen that it was only a matter of time before the scheme was announced. He accused the opposition parties of making this a political issue. “This is an issue with a lot of confusions and there are a number of practical difficulties in implementing them. Please wait for some more time and I shall present it to you,” he said.