A parting gift by UPA-II to Defence pensioners. Shri P.Chidambaram, Finance Minister announced one rank one pension to defence pensioners in his interim budget presented in the Parliament today.
Shri A.K.Antony, Defence Minister was all smile, sparkle in his eyes quite visible on
(Lok Sabha) T.V. screen. The tireless efforts of Shri Antony inside and outside the parliament, Ministry of Defence, the Service Chiefs, including some of the past Top Brass with facts and figures for last few years to convince the hard task master F.M. and Ministry of Finance to concede to the just and genuine demand of military pensioners are praiseworthy. To certain extent the ensuing General Elections and the BJP's P.M. candidate, Shi Narendra Modi's pronouncements to grant OROP if BJP were to come to power at the Centre also must have played a positive factor/ role.
All pensioners should rejoice for the fact that the Principle of One Rank One Pension got approval / has become, in a way, a "Law" with 'sanction of the Parliament' on this day of 17th February, 2014.
But, less cheers among the already retired, especially the old retirees, old pensioners as the OROP to take effect prospectively from 1st April, 2014; all the expectations of getting substantial/huge arrears by many remaining unfulfilled. Accept what is given now. The aggrieved, their leaders may continue their struggle for a cause - for what is lost /unrealized 'for the time being'. GOI civil pensioners demand - one of the terms of reference by the Staff side - to 7th CPC, "Parity in pension of past, present and future" would not be far fetched for realisation.
Courts have already upheld updation of pension, meaning OROP to LIC pensioners. The pensioners are witnessing delay in implementation on account of unfortunate unforeseen reasons/developments.
Defence Minister, Shri. Antony's initiative, earnest for the well being of his men, military pensioners is worthy of emulation.
LIC pensioners sincerely wish that our Present Top Management also do kindly take some amicable solemn steps to resolve the pending issue. The petitioners would not be (have been ) obliged/compelled to take legal remedial measures had the LIC then implemented the Justice Shri Bhandari's judgement.
SN, a 1992 pensioner