Col J P Singh, Retd
Criticised as underachiever and shadowed by Gandhis’ persona, Prime Minister has appointed, Suo motto, a committee under Cabinet Secretary to look into pay and pension related issues of serving and ex servicemen (ESM) as if the previous umpteen number of them were a hoax. Having asked report by 8 August 2012, he is probably intending to announce something for the serving and ESM from the ramparts of Red Fort. Following four issues out of the nine are related to the ESM whereas five are for the serving soldiers.
(i) One Rank One Pension (OROP).
(ii) Enhancement of family pension.
(iii) Dual family pension and
(iv) Pension to mentally / physically challenged children of the armed forces personnel.
OROP is peculiar to the armed forces only and is pending for over three decades. Rest of the issues are equally applicable to the central govt pensioners. Simply stated, OROP means that two pensioners who retired in the same rank after rendering equal service irrespective of their date of retirement must get the same pension. It also essentially means compensation for compulsory retirement at much younger age. It is reiterated that soldiers and officers are retired at younger age so that the youthful profile of armed forces is maintained. Unfortunately, the Govt has either not understood the meaning of the demand or is insensitive to those who lay down their lives for their country so that others live happily. It seems to be under the erroneous impression that the pensioners have got what they deserve and can be ignored with impunity.
Armed Forces fight wars in inhospitable terrain of Siachen / Kargil, deserts of Rajasthan and jungles of North East. For doing so successfully, it is essential that the fighters be fit, young and robust. The result is that soldiers are enrolled in youth and retired younger. While those who serve in armed forces retire by rank, all others retire by age. Starting from the lowest ranks, Sepoys / NCO’s are compulsorily sent home at mid thirties. Their counterparts in civil services, central paramilitary forces, the police and other services retire at 60. There is no compensation for the soldiers for the differential of an average of 25 years, even though the cumulative effect works out to about Rs. 45 lac upto the age of 60 and nearly 60 lac upto the current longevity index of 75. Next are the JCO’s. They are sent home between 40 to 45 years of age. They get no compensation for15 to 20 years of differential from their civilian counterparts. Officers retire as per their ranks. Now up to Col retire at 54. (prior)
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