The ex-servicemen have been protesting for OROP for 84 days now. Why have these heroes taken to the streets? These facts will help you understand:
The ‘one rank, one pension’ rule means that retired soldiers of the same rank and length of service will receive the same pension, regardless of when they retire.
Under the present rules, the date of retirement determines the amount of pension. With each Pay Commission coming up with its recommendations every 10 years, the military veterans who retire early, receive less pension as compared to those who retired later with the same rank and length of service.
Who will benefit from OROP?
Ex-servicemen drawing pensions and their widows will benefit from the OROP scheme, especially those who retired before 2006. Why? Because at present, pensioners who retired before 2006 draw less pension than their counterparts and even their juniors. The scheme will benefit all three services — air force, navy and army.
How much will the OROP scheme cost the government?
It is expected to cost approximately Rs 10,000 crore.
Why has there been so much delay in implementing OROP?
The outlay for OROP set aside by UPA government was 500 crore which was revised to 1000 crore by the NDA government, but given the large number of retired personnel and the new formula which is expected to benefit over 24 lakh retired veterans and their widows the cost will be close to 10,000 crores.