Centre will implement OROP once modalities sorted: Parrikar

As ex-servicemen continued to protest here for the implementation of the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme, the government on Friday said it is "aware" of the agitation and would implement the scheme once the modalities are sorted out.

"The government is aware that ex-servicemen have been agitating for the implementation of the OROP scheme from 2008 onwards," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

"The policy of 'One Rank One Pension' has been adopted by the government to address the pension disparities, in the budget of 2014-15," he said.

"The modalities for the implementation of OROP are under the consideration of the government. It will be implemented once the modalities are approved by the government," Parrikar added.

Meanwhile, the relay hunger strike by ex-servicemen at Jantar Mantar here, which started on June 15, continued for the 40th day on Friday.

Social activist Anna Hazare would join the protesting ex-servicemen here on Sunday, a statement said.

A run in support of OROP would also be held on Sunday. The 'Kargil Vijay Diwas Run for OROP' will be led by bladerunner Maj. D.P. Singh.

Singh, an army veteran, was grievously injured in Kargil during Operation Vijay. His right leg was amputated, but this did not tie him down as he started running with a blade leg.

The ex-servicemen also plan to send a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their demands.

"We request the prime minister to honour his assurances to the defence personnel at Siachen and order immediate implementation of the OROP as per the approved definition and without any dilution," a statement from the National Ex-Servicemen Coordination Committee said.