Dear Colleagues,
There have been a large number of emails from the members giving differing perceptions almost on each subject. These are all useful inputs to arrive at balanced decisions.
I would like to reiterate the following points:
There seems some doubt on grant of OROP. It is clarified for the information of all that other than the Service Chiefs and Army Commanders/equivalents, no one from a Sepoy to Lt Gen is in receipt of OROP.
There are quite a few emails giving different versions of the definition of OROP. These are all justified. However, let us keep in mind that these points are essentially officer-centric. For JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys that form the vast majority of ESM, rank and total service can be applied without difficulty. It may be prudent on our part to avoid creating an impression that we are concerned about the officer corps only.
Some ESM have expressed an apprehension that we must clearly specify what we mean or imply by OROP, or else the officialdom will shoot us down because of this perceived lack of clarity. I suggest let us first focus on OROP as a concept. Once we get the government to agree, details will follow and we have enough experts to work out the nitty-gritty in a manner that the majority benefits. We continue with ‘same rank and same length of service’ as the twin criteria for OROP.
It is empirically known that depositing of medals has been one of the most effective methods of pressing our OROP demand. This is evident from the repeated hints by the government through their representatives that we must not return medals. (The latest such advice from the government came to Shri Satpal Maharaj, MP who had headed the recent Parliamentary Committee on Defence that had recommended grant of OROP). We need to reinforce this success and motivate more of our colleagues to volunteer to collect and deposit their medals. Our next visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan for this purpose is scheduled on Sunday, 28 November 2010 when the Parliament will be in session.
I had written a letter to the Defence Minister on 03 April 2010. One of the points made by me was:
“Since the Government has already accepted constitution of a separate pay commission for the Defence Services – which has a bearing on the pensions – you may kindly consider constituting such a pay commission right now instead of waiting another six years for the 7th Pay Commission.”
The MoD has replied the letter on 22 Sep 2010. Their response is:
“Constitution of Separate Pay Commission
Sir,
“I am directed to refer your letter dated 03rd April 2010 on the above subject and to state that it is too early to consider setting up of another Pay Commission for Armed Forces because of the fact that 6th PC recommendations have been implemented recently.
Yours faithfully,
(Naveen Kumar)
Director (AG)”
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
