How and more importantly who will benefit from One Rank One Pension Scheme?

Its been quite some time now that people have been writing, reading and talking so much about One Rank One Pension. However, with little clarity about who is going to benefit from this scheme, anyway.

I am sure you must have some idea about One Rank Open Pension scheme. I have written about it before explaining why this scheme is important for a Veteran. However, to be honest, while writing about it in my first edition, a few questions came to mind. I would ask,

1)    Has anyone explained this to the junior soldiers of our Nation? What benefit the junior ranked soldiers (Non Officers I meant) could expect from the OROP scheme? Officers and their junior ranked soldiers make a team, an unbreakable unit that would stand against any situation and we cannot ignore the fact that this scheme will affect both and they have the right to know the benefits they will get after their retirement.

     2)    What would be the cut off length of services? Is this scheme meant for personals who have completed 15 years of pension service or they should complete at least 18 years of pension service? Let me guess. You need to complete a maximum service of 28 (Twenty-Eight) years or above to be eligible for the scheme.

     3)    There are other Government organizations in this country, such as, Indian Railways, Paramilitary forces, who give pensions to their employees too. Would they be included in the scheme? 

Well, I personally believe that they too have a valid reason to be included in the scheme. Its not only Military veterans who are effected by inflation, high cost of living etc, but other retired Government employees, who get pensions, are also affected. It would be unfair if they are left out of it. However, it would put lot of burden on the present and future Governments of this country.

These questions demand answers, and the more quickly our Government and its authorities answer these, it will benefit everyone. Some questions will soon have answers and some will take time.

Before we join the cause, we must look at the pros and cons of One Rank One Pension. Many have joined in and recently a very senior social worker too, has joined this cause. He is the lone crusader Mr. Anna Hazare. He does not need any introduction. He is a very respectable man and himself a Veteran soldier, who has given his prime to the nation, before he took up other challenges for us, for the nation. However, I hope this issue will not be politicized.

Thanks for reading.


Kanai Lal Banik (Retd.)
Indian Navy