Ex-servicemen to intensify agitation, seek meeting with PM over OROP

Ex-servicemen, who are demanding early implementation of the 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) scheme, on Sunday said their agitation will be intensified and they will seek an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a press release, Col. Anil Kaul, media advisor of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (UFESM), said that ex-servicemen were coming from almost all states to join the relay hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

He said agitations were being organised in 65 more towns across the country.

Kaul said the agitation has entered its next phase. Its intensity will be increased and marches will be taken out in various parts of the country.

"The UFESM has decided to increase the intensity of the agitation. Ex-servicemen will boycott government functions," the release said.

It said UFESM will seek a meeting with the prime minister at the earliest and if a meeting was not granted, its members will return another tranche of gallantry medals.

It said UFESM was considering moving court if the goverment does not approve OROP "as per its approved definition" by August 15.

At present, the pension for retired personnel is based on the Pay Commission recommendations at the time the personnel retired. This leads to a difference in pension for officers of same rank who retire on different dates.