The Implementation of One Rank One Pension Indian Army

 The Implementation of One Rank One Pension Indian Army

Introduction

One Rank One Pension (OROP) is a longstanding demand of the Indian Armed Forces personnel, which seeks to ensure that pension payouts are uniform for all personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement. The implementation of OROP has been a contentious issue in India, with demands for its implementation spanning several decades. This blog post will provide a detailed overview of the implementation of OROP in the Indian Army, including its historical background, benefits, challenges, and the steps taken by the Indian government towards its implementation. The post aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of OROP to Indian Army personnel and their families, as well as anyone interested in the issue of OROP in India.

What is One Rank One Pension?

One Rank One Pension (OROP) is a pension scheme that seeks to ensure that retired Armed Forces personnel receive uniform pension payouts for the same rank and length of service, regardless of the date of their retirement. In essence, it aims to bridge the gap between the pensions of retired personnel who served in the same rank and for the same length of service, but retired at different times. The scheme aims to provide financial security and stability to retired Armed Forces personnel, and has been a longstanding demand of the Indian Armed Forces personnel. The implementation of OROP has been the subject of much debate and discussion in India, with the government taking various steps towards its implementation over the years.

Historical Background of One Rank One Pension in India

The demand for One Rank One Pension (OROP) in India can be traced back to the 1970s, when the Third Central Pay Commission recommended a revised pension structure for the Armed Forces personnel. The new structure resulted in lower pension payouts for those who had retired before 1 January 1973. This created a disparity in pension payouts between those who had retired before and after 1973, even though they had served in the same rank and for the same length of service.

In 1983, the Fourth Central Pay Commission recommended a revision of pension for all government employees, including the Armed Forces personnel. However, the revision did not include the demand for OROP.

Over the years, various committees were set up to look into the issue of OROP. In 2008, the Indian government set up a committee to examine the demand for OROP. The committee submitted its report in 2009, recommending the implementation of OROP.

In 2011, the government announced the implementation of OROP, but the scheme was not satisfactory to the Armed Forces personnel, who continued to demand a revision of the scheme. In 2014, the Indian government approved the implementation of OROP, and the scheme was finally implemented in 2015. However, the implementation of the scheme has been marred by controversies and challenges.

Benefits of One Rank One Pension

The implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) has several benefits for retired Armed Forces personnel. Some of these benefits include:

1. Financial Security: OROP ensures that retired personnel receive uniform pension payouts for the same rank and length of service, irrespective of the date of their retirement. This provides them with financial security and stability in their retirement years.

2. Equity: OROP brings equity and fairness to the pension payout system, ensuring that those who served in the same rank and for the same length of service receive the same pension payouts, irrespective of the date of their retirement.

3. Motivation: OROP is expected to boost the morale and motivation of the Armed Forces personnel, as it acknowledges and recognizes their contributions and sacrifices to the nation.

4. Reduces Litigation: With the implementation of OROP, retired Armed Forces personnel will no longer need to approach courts or tribunals to seek revision of their pensions, thus reducing litigation and saving time and resources.

Overall, the implementation of OROP is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of retired Armed Forces personnel and their families, providing them with the financial security and stability they deserve.

Challenges in the Implementation of One Rank One Pension

The implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) in India has been fraught with several challenges, some of which include:

1. Cost: The implementation of OROP is expected to increase the pension payout for retired Armed Forces personnel, resulting in a significant increase in the government's pension bill. The cost of implementing OROP has been a major challenge for the government.

2. Definition of OROP: There have been debates and disagreements over the definition of OROP, with different stakeholders interpreting it in different ways. This has led to confusion and delays in the implementation of the scheme.

3. Arrears: The implementation of OROP has resulted in the payment of arrears to retired Armed Forces personnel, which has been a logistical challenge for the government.

4. Implementation Delays: The implementation of OROP has been delayed due to various reasons, including administrative and logistical challenges.

5. Inclusion of Other Paramilitary Forces: The demand for OROP has now been extended to other paramilitary forces as well, which has increased the complexity of the implementation process.

Overall, the implementation of OROP has been a challenging process, with several roadblocks and delays. However, the government has taken steps to address these challenges and ensure that the scheme is implemented effectively.

Steps taken by Indian Government for the Implementation of One Rank One Pension

The Indian government has taken several steps towards the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) over the years. Some of these steps include:

1. Setting up Committees: The government has set up several committees over the years to look into the demand for OROP and make recommendations on its implementation. The most significant of these committees was the one set up in 2008, which recommended the implementation of OROP.

2. Announcements: The government has made several announcements regarding the implementation of OROP over the years. In 2011, the government announced the implementation of OROP, but the scheme was not satisfactory to the Armed Forces personnel. In 2014, the government approved the implementation of OROP, and the scheme was finally implemented in 2015.

3. Budget Allocation: The government has allocated funds in its budget to meet the cost of implementing OROP. In 2019, the government announced a budget allocation of Rs. 35,000 crore for OROP.

4. Dialogue with Stakeholders: The government has engaged in dialogue with various stakeholders, including the Armed Forces personnel and their representatives, to address their concerns and arrive at a consensus on the implementation of OROP.

5. Reducing Litigation: The government has taken steps to reduce litigation by setting up a one-member judicial committee to look into the grievances of the Armed Forces personnel regarding the implementation of OROP.

6. Implementation: The government has implemented OROP, albeit with some delays and controversies. The implementation has been a phased process, with arrears being paid out to retired Armed Forces personnel in several instalments.

Overall, the Indian government has taken several steps towards the implementation of OROP, acknowledging the demands of the Armed Forces personnel and ensuring that their concerns are addressed.

Conclusion

The implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) in India has been a long-standing demand of the Armed Forces personnel. Despite the challenges and delays, the Indian government has taken several steps towards the implementation of OROP over the years. The implementation of OROP has several benefits for retired Armed Forces personnel, including financial security, equity, motivation, and reduced litigation. The implementation of OROP has not been without its challenges, including cost, definition, arrears, implementation delays, and inclusion of other paramilitary forces. However, the Indian government has taken steps to address these challenges and ensure that the scheme is implemented effectively. The implementation of OROP is a significant step towards recognizing and acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of the Armed Forces personnel towards the nation, providing them with the financial security and stability they deserve in their retirement years.