The One Rank One Pension(OROP) controversy

The retired armed personnels are relentlessly demanding their due right of the One Right One Pension as promised by the ruling government in its election manifesto. They have resorted to measures such as sit-ins and hunger strikes and demanded the urgent resolution of the technical difficulties plaguing its implementation.

The objective of the One Rank One Pension scheme is to provide equal pension to the armed forces having the same rank and length of service irrespective of the date of retirement. In 1973, the government reduced the pension of the jawans of the armed forces from 70 percent to 37 percent . Similarly the officers’ pension was reduced to 50 percent. However, the government assured that the step would not reduce the pension amount since the OROP scheme would be implemented. Till 2015, the assurance was not met with much to the dismay of the armed forces.

The OROP needs to be implemented due to two primary reasons. First, the jawans of the armed forces retire at a relatively early age in mid 30s. This is the period when the family obligations are at a maximum. Moreover, they are unable to join any alternative employment since they cross the age of eligibility. Second, with rising prices, the cost of living has increased dramatically. Therefore, they need economic benefits to maintain a decent living standard.

The government has stated that certain arithmetic issued have delayed its immediate implementation. However, the government would do well to make such data public in the interests of the nation. This would promote healthy debate among the citizens and policy makers as necessary details would be put in the public domain. The government also needs to provide alternative employment to the retired personnels by initiating new policies in conjunction with the private sector . The retired soldiers are relatively young and possess human capital to be absorbed in entrepreneurial ventures.