The Supreme Court recently questioned the Centre on the number of beneficiaries from the ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) initiative in the Armed Forces. It also critiqued the Centre’s portrayal of OROP, suggesting that it showed a “rosier picture” than the actual benefits received by armed forces pensioners. This article will delve into this issue and provide insights into the OROP policy – what it is and its impact.
Understanding the Concept of One Rank One Pension (OROP)
OROP is a pension policy targeted at military personnel. The central idea behind OROP is to provide the same amount of pension to military officers who hold the same rank and have served for the same duration, regardless of their retirement date. Before the introduction of OROP, pensions for ex-servicepeople were allocated following the recommendations of the Pay Commission’s relevant to their retirement period.
Key Statistics and Beneficiaries of OROP
Most notably, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have the highest number of beneficiaries under the OROP scheme. It applies to Armed Forces Personnel who had retired up until 30th June 2014.
The Genesis and Implementation of the OROP Scheme
The implementation of the OROP policy can be traced back to the recommendations of the Koshiyari Committee. This committee was a 10-member all-party parliamentary panel led by Bhagat Singh Koshiyari. The committee was entrusted with the task of evaluating the feasibility and modalities of implementing the OROP scheme in the Armed Forces.
The Controversy and the Role of the Supreme Court
Despite its noble intentions, the OROP policy has been a subject of controversy. The Supreme Court’s recent questioning of the Centre about the number of beneficiaries from the policy has reignited the debate over the policy’s effectiveness. The court implied a discrepancy between the government’s portrayal of OROP and the actual benefits reaped by the pensioners of the Armed Forces.
The Ongoing Debate: A Rosier Picture or Harsh Reality?
Though the Centre presents an optimistic view of the OROP policy’s impact, the reality might significantly differ. The Supreme Court’s recent remarks hint at this possibility, suggesting a need for more transparency and data on the policy’s real beneficiaries. The actual implications and effectiveness of the policy remain a topic of continuing discussion.
This factual overview of the OROP policy, its implementation, statistics, and the ongoing debate provides a comprehensive understanding of the matter. With time, more data and analysis will undoubtedly surface, contributing to a more informed evaluation of the OROP policy.
