OROP scheme: 'Would PM show courage or it is another U Turn', asks Digvijay Singh

Asserting that the collective credibility of all politicians and political parties is at stake over the implementation of One Rank, One Pension scheme, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh on Monday asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would show courage on the issue or it would another U-turn.

"One rank one pension is a commitment made to Defence Personnel by both UPA and NDA Govts," tweeted Singh.

"Can't go back on it.Collective Credibility of all Politicians & Political Parties at stake. Would PM show courage or it is another U Turn?" he added.

The ex-servicemen today began relay hunger strike at the Jantar Mantar here to press for the implementation of One Rank, One Pension scheme. Around fifty ex-defence personnel are on the hunger strike to express their displeasure over the delay of the scheme.

The ex-servicemen took out a massive rally in the national capital and other parts of the country yesterday.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had yesterday assured the protesting ex-servicemen that promises made by the government on 'One Rank One Pension scheme' will be kept.

"I assure you whatever we have promised that all would be done... but some people need to be patient," he said.

One Rank, One Pension scheme has been a long-standing demand of ex-servicemen. It seeks to ensure that a uniform pension is paid to defence personnel, who retire at the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement.