Non-implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for defence pensioners by the government is not the issue. The issue is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to implement OROP during an election rally 18 months back and failed to do so. It was expected he would do something in this regard, two-three months after taking charge at the Centre. That did not happen. Now after a year or so, he has realised the issue is "complex" and "will take some time". This is a politician's way of saying, "I fail to fulfil my promise", which bureaucrats handling the issue know all too well.
Military veterans the world over are honoured and looked after. Nowhere have defence pensioners resorted to drastic measures as hunger strikes to get their dues. This will hurt the government's image. What impact will it have on the morale of serving soldiers? The government should take action before the matter gets out of hand. Politicians may "consult" bureaucrats before taking decisions, but they should not be "dictated" by them.
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Military veterans the world over are honoured and looked after. Nowhere have defence pensioners resorted to drastic measures as hunger strikes to get their dues. This will hurt the government's image. What impact will it have on the morale of serving soldiers? The government should take action before the matter gets out of hand. Politicians may "consult" bureaucrats before taking decisions, but they should not be "dictated" by them.
Major General (Dr) J K Bhalla (rtd), Mumbai
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201 · E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number