OROP applicable to soldiers who retired prematurely: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said soldiers who retired prematurely will benefit from the implementation of the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme.

Modi addressed a rally - Gati Pragati - on the inauguration of Badarpur-Mujesar Delhi Metro Line here in Haryana and said soldiers who quit their jobs due to medical disability will be able to avail the benefits of OROP.

"Some people think that soldiers who left service after working for 15 to 17 years will not be covered under OROP. It is wrong," he said.

He said personnel who suffered physical injuries and had to consequently leave the force will not be left out of the ambit of OROP.

"We have promised to implement OROP for people who live and die for the country," he said.

Several retired army officers expressed their gratitude to Modi for the implementation of OROP.

Modi said that about 80 percent of the benefits of OROP would be available to the soldiers of other ranks such as havildar, naik and sepoy.

He said a significant proportion of soldiers were from Haryana and, therefore, the announcement of OROP would contribute significantly to Haryana's economy.

Recalling his promise at Rewari in a rally September 15, 2013 of delivering 'One Rank One Pension', Modi said the government had fulfilled its promise.

He criticised previous governments for not doing anything on the issue and said: "Those who didn't do anything for 40 years have no right to speak on behalf of jawans."

He said his government closely examined how much the OROP will cost to the exchequer and found that the costs would be Rs.8,000 to Rs.10,000 crore.

The prime minister said his government began working on the issue since it assumed office in May last year.

Among those present at the event were Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister Manohar Lal, and union Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu, Birender Singh, Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishan Pal Gujjar and Babul Supriyo.