CPI asks PM to declare exact date for implementing OROP

CPI today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare "exact" date for implementing 'One Rank, One Pension' for ex-servicemen who have been protesting over delay in implementing the policy.
"The CPI extends its full support to the struggle of ex-servicemen in our country demanding implementation of 'One Rank, One Pension'.
"The party urges upon the Prime Minister to act immediately stating categorically the exact date for implementing the promise made to the ex-servicemen," party General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said in a statement.
Terming ex-servicemen's demand as "absolutely just", Reddy said it was "shameful" that rulers of the country are not addressing the concerns of retired personnel who had done great services to the nation and people.

"The policy has not been implemented despite Narendra Modi's tall claims made year ago in the name of patriotism and promises to implement it at the earliest. A government that is keen to serve interests of corrupt and tainted as well as corporate houses has minimum regard for those who lived as the protectors of the nation," he said.
The CPI believes that the technical excuses put forward by the rulers are just to befool hundreds of thousands of ex-servicemen and patriotic people of India will take no such excuses seriously, he added.
Seeking their "promised dues", ex-servicemen across the country yesterday began their protest demanding the government announce a date for the introduction of the 'One Rank One Pension' policy. The protest which began in some cities, will go on until their dues are cleared, the ex-servicemen had said.

They have also decided to hold a huge rally in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections to mount further pressure on the Modi government.