One Rank One Pension

It appears that time has come for the Prime Minister to make an announcement on One Rank One Pension and same should have had been done by govt long time back. One fails to wonder that why they should adopt double standards for pre 96 and post 96 retirees and have a difference in their pensions despite being the same rank.

On the issue of One Rank One Pension, Minister of State for Defence Shri.M.M.PallamRajuin has provided following information in the Parliament and same is as appended below:

On the recommendations of PMO, a Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary in June, 2009 to look into the issue of `One Rank One Pension and other related matters`. After considering all aspects of the matter, the Committee keeping in mind the spirit of the demand, suggested several measures to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers, which have been accepted by the Government and orders for implementation of all the recommendations have been issued.

Government has constituted a Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary and consisting of Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Expenditure Secretary, Secretary (ESW) and Secretary, DOP&T for looking into the pay and pension related issues of relevance to Defence Services Personnel and Ex-servicemen. The Committee has already had several meetings and the recommendations of the Committee are to be submitted to the Government by 8.8.2012. Action on the recommendations can be taken after the committee`s report is processed and accepted by the government.

Verdict

We suggest govt that Independence day is the right day to make such an announcement from the ramparts of the Red Fort and it will go a long way in controlling the discontent prevalent among the ex-servicemen. We must remember that country which does not treat its veterans properly suffer at some stage in life and we must give theem their dues and should not let a stage where they have to threaten to return their medals as a protest to get their legitimate dues.

To us it appears that govt is likely to make atleast some announcement for one rank one pension scheme atleast for the Jawans and officers announcement may follow later when one files a case in the court of law. We do hope that future pay commissions take note of this fact and do not let such anomalies erupt again as it leads to discontentment in society at large.