OROP -III July 2024 Revision Major Changes and benefits
Veterans of Indian Armed Forces and Family Pensioner have already received the benefit of OROP First Revision wef 01 July 2014 and OROP Second Revision wef 01 July 2019 and now you are likely to receive the OROP Third Revision which is due on 01 July 2024.
During the last two revisions, it has been experienced that the pensionary upward revision was applicable to only 40% of Retired JCOs/OR and the amount of increase in pension amount was in the range of Rs 100/- to Rs 2000/- which can be ignored to be treated as “Increase” in comparison with the another category of defense pensioner.
The forthcoming 3rd OROP Revision is being expected with modification and maximum JCOs/OR pensioners should get the maximum benefit as found the other category of the Indian Armed Forces during last two OROP Revisions. Various ESM associations are protesting and showing agitation to implement real means of OROP. According to the methodology of OROP, pension will be revised every 5 years and the amount of pension will be refixed at par with average of minimum and maximum of pension drawing by the particular category of pensioners. However, this formula can be beneficial to PBOR if time bound promotions like as Commissioned Officers is intoduced in Indian Army, Navy and AF. Problem to implement time bound promotion will arise to depute a Soldier for Helper duty/ Sahayak Duty which is ornamentally termed as “Buddy”. Enrolment of more and more NCEs will resolve the issue.
Views of those ESM associations are reproduced here for easy understanding of the effectiveness of OROP.
As you know, Commissioned Officers are promoted in a time bound manner – i.e Promoted to
Capt after rendering only 3 Years of service,
Major – 6 Yrs of total service,
Lt Col 13 Years of Total service.
On the other hand, for example a Sepoy is still in the Sepoy Rank even after completing 17 Years of Coloured Service. MACP Rank is not counted in OROP. With 17 Yrs of service, ACP Hav holding Sepoy Rank is getting OROP Pension of Sepoy 17 Yrs and not repeating NOT 17 Yrs Hav. Promotion policy of JCOs/OR is not uniform and it depends on trade, grade and Regiment/service, qualification, ACR criteria etc.
This resulted in a wide gap between minimum and maximum pension of JCOS/OR ina any rank which makes the OROP absolutely non beneficial to majority of PBOR and 80% beneficial to Commissioned Officer due to Time bound promotion system applicable to them only.
To get the actual benefit of OROP, a time bound promotion system should be introduced in Indian Armed Forces which should have an equal range of officers . For Example –
Have a look upon the Time Bound Promotion applicable to Officers only and Proposal raised from PBOR community.
Proposal raised by ESM Association to implement Time bound Promotion
Nk/ Equivalen – after 3 Yrs of Service in all Services/Regiment.
Hav – After 6 Yrs of Service in all Services/Regiment.
Nb Sub – After 13 Yrs of Service in all Services/Regiment.
Sub – After 15 Yrs of Service by selection.
Sub (TS) – After 26 Yrs of Service.
Sub Maj (By selection ) – 23 Yrs of service
Acting Lt ( By selection (through Service level written Exam & Interview by Central Selection Body – Total post should be 30% of total authorised strength of Officers cadre – Educational Qualification – Graduate with English one of the Subject) – To be promoted After 25 Yrs of Service and maximum service period in this ranks should be allowed 10 Years. These Acting Lt Capt & Major cadre should be deployed as Section Officer and must get Pay & Allowances including all benefits at par with Commissioned officers. Rank to be written as usual as written by Commissioned Officers. No Hony , Acting etc should be used.
Acting Capt – All Acting Lt should be promoted to Acting Capt) – After 2 Yrs from date of promotion of Acting Lt.
Acting Major – All Acting Capt should be promoted to Acting major ) – After 3 Yrs from date of promotion of Acting Capt.
NCEs should be introduced in all Regiment of Indian Army also. Strength of GD cadr may be reduced considering the utility. Still in the Indian Army, 5% soldiers are deputed in the officers Quarter and Officer’s Mess. So, 5% strength of the GD Cadre may be converted into NCE/ Helper Cadre and future recruitment should be planned accordingly.
The above promotion and manpower policy, if implemented by the Indian Armed Forces, may ensure the real meaning of OROP for JCOS/OR.
Some ESM Associations Leaders are capable of understanding and analyse the reason for discrimination in OROP and they have raised their voice in the appropriate forum. Remaining all should raise their voice in support of the demand as mentioned above. If same demand is raised by the 40 lakh Defence Pensioners and 15 Lakh serving personnel, equality as enshrined in the Constitution of India vide Article 14, will be established. The above demand is legitimate, constitutional and logical.
The One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme is a government initiative in India aimed at ensuring uniform pension payments to retired soldiers of the armed forces, irrespective of their retirement date. This scheme has been a long-standing demand of veterans and has undergone several iterations and revisions over the years. In this detailed study, we will explore the OROP scheme, its historical background, benefits, challenges, and its impact on retired soldiers.
Before going through the detailed analysis just have a look upon the history and background of OROP.
Historical Background of OROP
– The demand for OROP dates back to the early 1970s when the pension disparity among retired armed forces personnel became apparent.
– Over the years, multiple committees and commissions were formed to address this issue, including the Koshyari Committee (2011) and the Bhagat Committee (2012).
What is OROP ?
– OROP ensures that retired personnel of the same rank and length of service receive the same pension, regardless of when they retire.
– This principle eliminates the disparity created by earlier pension structures that did not account for inflation and salary revisions.
Benefits of OROP Extended to Retired Soldiers
Financial Equity – OROP ensures that all retired soldiers of the same rank and length of service receive the same pension, thereby addressing the long-standing demand for financial equity. However in reality it seems to be found in Commissioned Officers category only.
Improved Quality of Life after implementation of OROP
By providing a stable and equal pension, OROP aims to improve the quality of life of retired soldiers, ensuring they can meet their financial needs and have a dignified post-retirement life.
Motivation for Personnel OROP can act as a motivation for serving personnel, as they are assured of a fair pension upon retirement, which can boost morale and dedication to service.
Reduced Litigation. OROP can help reduce the number of legal cases filed by retired personnel seeking pension parity through the courts. But in reality it can bring
Challenges and Issues of OROP
Definition of OROP. There has been debate over the definition of OROP and its implementation. Some veterans argue that subsequent revisions and calculations still do not fulfill the true spirit of OROP.
Financial Implications. Implementing OROP has significant financial implications for the government, leading to concerns about the sustainability of the scheme and its impact on the national budget.
Arrears and Delays. There have been delays in disbursing arrears to retired soldiers, causing frustration and financial hardships.
Discontent among Some Veterans. Despite OROP’s implementation, there remain segments of veterans who believe their demands have not been fully met.
Impact of OROP in the Life of Soldiers
Improved Financial Security. OROP has undoubtedly improved the financial security of retired soldiers, especially those who retired earlier when pension disparities were more significant.
Enhanced Morale. OROP has contributed to enhanced morale among serving personnel, knowing that they will receive equitable pensions upon retirement.
Reduction in Legal Cases. The scheme has reduced the number of legal cases filed by retired personnel seeking pension parity.
The One Rank One Pension scheme is a significant policy initiative aimed at addressing the long-standing demand for pension equity among retired soldiers in India. While it has brought about positive changes in the lives of veterans, there are still challenges and concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the effective and equitable implementation of the scheme. Continuing efforts to refine and improve OROP are essential to honor the service and sacrifices of the armed forces personnel who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation.