Reiterating his commitment on One-Rank, One-Pension (OROP) scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the ex-servicemen to give him some time to implement it. In his radio talk Mann Ki Baat, Modi blamed the Opposition parties, mainly the Congress for playing with sentiments of the soldiers, while doing nothing on OROP for the past 40 years.
“For 40 years, you have been patient. Give me some time. Allow me to work on this. We will together find a solution to the problems,” he told the ex-servicemen who are agitated over the delay in implementation of OROP.
“I want to tell one thing, not as the Prime Minister but as a human being with full sincerity, especially to the soldiers who are engaged in protecting the country as well as those who have retired from the armed forces and those who have made sacrifices. Is it not a fact that the question of ‘one-rank, one-pension’ has not been hanging for the last 40 yearsIJ Is it not a fact that all the previous Governments only talked but did nothing,” he said.
“I assure you. I have made a promise in the midst of ex-servicemen that my Government will implement one rank, one pension. We do not shun our responsibility,” he said, adding that soon after his Government was formed, various departments have been working on this.
Modi said the issue is not as simple as he had thought but much more "vexed" as "problems" have been added to it over the years. Apparently referring to the impatience that is being exhibited on the OROP issue, the Prime Minister said "there is no need to give step-by-step information to the media. There can be no running commentary on this."
In his radio talk, the Prime Minister repeatedly assured the ex-servicemen that "this government" will resolve the one rank, one pension issue. "You (armed forces) have importance in the ideology from which we have come and the principles on which we are moving ahead. For me, to help you (armed forces) is not any Government programme or political agenda, but a matter of service to the nation," Modi said.
He said those trying to get political mileage out of the issue have been "playing with you" for 40 years. "That path is not acceptable to me and neither do I want to take any such step which will complicate the issue. You keep faith in me. Rest, those who want to rake up the issue, do politics over it, let them do. I am determined to do whatever I can for those who are ready to die for the country. I am confident that my 'Mann ki Baat', which has only been sincerity, will reach you," he said.
During the 25-minute programme, the Prime Minister also referred to the completion of one year of his Government and said there have been analyses and "criticism" while "many gave distinction to us".
"In a democracy, this 'manthan' (debate) is necessary. Views, for and against, are important. It is very essential to know what was lacking. The good things have their own benefits," he said.
Contending that he feels for the poor, Modi specially mentioned three recently-launched social security schemes, including PM Insurance Scheme and Atal Pension Scheme, for the benefit of the downtrodden people. He said these schemes had become a hit within 20 days as 8.52 crore people had enrolled for them.
"I feel for the poor... These schemes are a very important step for their social security... These will ensure that the poor are not dependent on anybody and are empowered," he said.
"I want to create an army from among the poor to fight poverty and defeat it so that the burden of poverty that the nation is carrying for years is removed. For ridding the nation of poverty, we will continue to make efforts and succeed," he said.
Talking about the 'Kisan TV channel' launched recently, the Prime Minister said it will help the farmers as well as fishermen learn the best practices and improve productivity.