Modi govt never implemented OROP scheme in five years: Congress

Congress once again renewed its attack on the Modi government over the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme and said that the scheme was never implemented in five years. The remark comes as Central govt had earlier said that servicemen who takes voluntary retirement would not be entitled to the benefits.

New Delhi: Congress on Saturday slammed Narendra Modi-led Government for 'disappointing' 30 lakh ex-servicemen alleging that the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme was never implemented in the past 5 years.

The remark comes after Ministry of Defence in its official statement said that the Central Government has disbursed more than Rs 42,700 crore to 20.26 lakh retired defence personnel under the OROP scheme, which was notified five years ago.

Speaking to media, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Modi Government's fraud on OROP scheme has been exposed once again. This Government has disappointed 30 lakh ex-servicemen by arbitrarily weakening this scheme. Today again, Defense Minister and Home Minister made false attempt to trick and mislead the country."

He explained, "The 'One Rank One Pension' scheme given by Congress-UPA Government was that all employees retiring from the same rank after serving for the same time in Armed Forces were given the same pension, irrespective of their retirement date. In future, if there is an increase in the amount of pension, it will automatically benefit the old pensioners. The principle of equality in OROP was accepted unanimously."

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On November 7, 2015, Center issued a notification on the OROP scheme, stating that the person who opts to get discharged on their own request would not get OROP benefits. Another important element of the notification was that the pension would be re-fixed in every 5 years.

"There was a demand of 3 million soldiers that pension should be re-fixed every year for those who retire from the same rank and served the same service. But due to Modi Government's notification, the scheme has become 'One Rank Five Pension'," said Surjewala.

Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Instead of betraying 39 lakh soldiers, Modi Government should implement the order of Congress-led UPA Government of February 26, 2014, and should give equal pension to the armed forces personnel who retired from the same rank from April 1, 2014, onwards."

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the veterans of the armed forces on the fifth anniversary of OROP, calling it a 'historic step' of BJP-led NDA government to ensure the well-being of soldiers.

Congress also attacked the Central Government for its order of October 29, 2020, which stated that those seeking Premature Release with 20-25 years of service will now be entitled to only 50 per cent of the pension.

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