Government's Nod To 'One Rank, One Pension' Brings Smiles To Defense Personnel

Bangalore: The long-awaiting demand of ex-servicemen for 'one-rank, one-pension (OROP)’ was finally given a green signal by the government. The Finance Minister, P Chidambaram makes an announcement during the interim budget, reports Rajat Pandit of TNN.

Presenting the interim budget, Chidambaram said the government would transfer 500 crore (5 billion) to the defense pension account for implementing one rank, one pension scheme. He further stated that the decision will likely benefit around three million defense pensioners once it comes into effect from 2014-2015.

FM announced, “The Government has therefore decided to walk the last mile and closed the gap for all retirees in all ranks," reports PTI.

The announcement comes just after a week Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had backed the demand and assured a delegation of ex-servicemen that he will make all efforts to ensure it is met at the earliest.

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