The ex-servicemen of the State are terming the support extended to the cause of One Rank One Pension (OROP) by prominent social activist Anna Hazare as a major shot in the arm for the OROP movement. Hazare had declared that he would sit on a fast unto death in Delhi for the cause of farmers and ex-servicemen from October 2.
The President of Uttarakhand Ex-Services league Brigadier RS Rawat (Rtd) told The Pioneer that the support of Anna would bolster the morale of ex-servicemen of the country. He said that the track record of Anna is very good and there would be immense pressure on the Government once he takes a plunge. Rawat expressed disappointment on the indifferent and pathetic attitude of the Union Government on the just cause of OROP.
One of a very active member of OROP movement in Uttarakhand, Colonel Pl Parashar (Rtd) too expressed enthusiasm on the support extended by the Anna. He said that Anna, himself being an ex-servicemen, understands the plight of his fellow soldiers. Parashar informed that Anna would visit Jantar Mantar on July 26. He said that the support extended by the Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’brien on Thursday has also brought cheers to the camp of ex-servicemen. O’brien visited Jantar Mantar on Thursday and told Major General Satvir Singh (rtd) — who is spearheading the OROP movement — that all Trinamool MPs would visit Jantar Mantar on July 21, the opening day of Monsoon Session.
The ex-servicemen from all parts of the country are participating in the relay hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Dehli from June 15. Ana the veteran Gandhian would undertake a nationwide tour before undertaking his fast from Gandhi Jayanti.
Being an ex servicemen dominated landscape; the OROP is one of an important issue in Uttarakhand. The OROP implies uniform pension to personnel retiring on the same rank with the same length of service notwithstanding their date of retirement. The defence experts are of the opinion government needs at least Rs 9000 Crores to implement the provisions of OROP.