Can't satisfy 'everyone' in a democracy: Parrikar on OROP row

With the resurgence of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) row, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said that every one had the right to put forth their demand in a democracy, but that did not mean that 'every demand' could be satisfied.

"Look, we have fulfilled the main one rank one pension demand including the VRS. This is a democracy and one has the right to put forth their demand, but they can't expect it to be fulfilled every time. You fulfil one demand and another one springs up," Parrikar told reporters here.

However, he added that the commission will look into any remaining problems even though the basic, core issue has been addressed.

The government had earlier notified the implementation of the OROP scheme that will guarantee equal pension to military personnel retiring at the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of the date of retirement.

The notification, however, failed to impress veterans are continuing with their agitation.

"This is not acceptable as it amounts to one rank, five pensions. It is against the definition of OROP as accepted by Parliament twice," Major General Satbir Singh (retd) told the reporters.

The veterans also announced that they would return their medals, and would observe a 'black Diwali' on November 11. The veterans are also gearing up to restart their 'fast unto death' at Jantar Mantar beginning next week.

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Veterans have listed seven deviations in the announcement, including annual equalisation, 2013-2014 financial year as the base year for calculating pension, taking the highest pension scale of 2013 as the base for calculation and not the average as announced by the government, not to link OROP with the seventh pay commission and accept that OROP once implemented is forever and in perpetuity.