Meeting of IESM Delegation with RM Sh Manohar Parrikar on 2 Mar 2015
IESM contacted Sh Manohar ParrikarRakshaMantri
at the end of the budget presented on 28 Feb 15 and communicated to him that
ESM in general are disappointed because OROP has not been mentioned in the
budget speech of Finance Minister and allocation of funds for OROP has not been
announced. RM explained on telephone that OROP has been approved in two budgets
and hence it is considered approved and therefore there was no need to mention
in the budget speech. He was kind enough to invite the IESM delegation at 1400h
on 2 March 15 to clear any doubts if we had any.
Following five members of
IESM met Sh Manohar Parrikar RM at 1400h on Monday 2 March 2015.
1.
Maj Gen
Satbir Singh SM
2.
Col
KiritJoshipura
3.
Col Anil
kaulVrC
4.
Wg Cdr
CK Sharma
5.
GpCapt
VK Gandhi VSM
6.
Major DP
Singh was also invited by RM for discussion on disability pension issue.
RM made everyone comfortable
in the beginning itself that OROP for Armed Forces and Ex-servicemen is NDA
Government’s commitment and he has worked out the expenditure for the OROP. He
advised that there was no need to cover this issue in budget presented by NDA
Government on 28 Feb 15 as it already stands approved by Parliament as
part of budget for financial year 14-15. He confirmed that he had discussed the
issue with officers of MOD and ironed out all issues of OROP. He also confirmed
that OROP is genuine demand of Armed Forces and must be met in full; hence
there is no difference in thinking of Armed Forces and MOD. Accordingly file
has been prepared and is in process for approval from Ministry of Finance. After
approval of the file from Finance Minister, it will be put up for approval of
CCPA (Cabinet Committee for Political Affairs). RM has confirmed that MOD has
recommended giving OROP for X group and Y group separately. He also confirmed
that all ranks including widows have been included in the OROP. He further
confirmed that he is attempting to meet the date line for issuance of
Government letter (OROP Notification) given by him on 1 Feb 15 meeting with
IESM delegation.
There was no doubt left in
our minds after such a clear statement by RM and IESM delegation was convinced
that OROP is now in safe hands will see the day light soon. General Satbir
Singh thanked him and told him that it is first time that the demands of ESM
are being given proper consideration and attention. IESM delegation then
discussed following issues with RM.
1.
Increase
in Widow’s pension w.e.f 24 Sep 12; General Satbir Singh informed him that widow’s pension was not
increased in 2012 when pension for all ranks was increased as per
recommendations of 6 CPC. Widows must be given that increase in pension. RM
expressed concerned on this issue and asked the delegation to give him the note
for his consideration.
2.
Major’s
Pension Retired pre 1996; It was
brought to RM’s attention that MOD is not paying Lt Col pension to Major rank
officers who retired pre 1996 on completion of 21 years of service. Major
Thomas of pre 1996 retirement had gone won the case in AFT and had been paid
enhanced pension. It should be applicable for all Majors who had retired pre
1996 and had completed 21 years of service. RM asked for a detailed note on the
issue for his consideration.
3.
Major’s
Pension who had retired on completion of 20 yrs but with less than 21 yrs of
service; RM was informed that there
will be only few hundred Majors who will fall in that category and MOD must
consider giving them Lt Col Pension with Major’s grade pay as a special case.
RM demanded a paper on this issue also for his consideration.
IESM will be sending the
detailed paper on above issues to RM at the earliest.
IESM delegation was
encouraged with the response and encouragement given by RM. One can now say
that OROP is in safe hands will soon be approved.
GpCapt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
2 Mar 2015
