The much-awaited ‘One Rank-One Pension’ (OROP) for veterans will be notified soon after the Bihar poll process comes to an end, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Monday. He also said efforts were on to have the notification before Diwali (November 11). The Government had announced its decision to accept OROP in September and it will cost more than Rs8,000 crores. Nearly 25 lakh veterans and six lakh widows will benefit from this scheme.
The Minister’s assurance to agitating veterans came a day after they wrote a letter signed in blood to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding early implementation of OROP. Parrikar said the OROP will be notified “within days” of the Bihar poll process culminating as the model code of conduct is currently in place.
Asked if it would be a Diwali gift to the protesting veterans, he said, “I am trying to have it before Diwali (November 11).” The counting of votes in Bihar will take place on November 8 but the Model Code of Conduct will remain in place till November 12.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the Navy is set to open the doors soon for increased role of women on its rolls but has made it clear that there will be no combat positions yet. The move comes on the heels of the Government announcing last week its decision to induct women as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force.
Interacting with mediapersons after inaugurating the four-day bi-annual Navy Commanders’ Conference, Parrikar said, “Except where an aircraft is required to be stationed on the ship overnight, like aircraft carrier, rest of flying areas will be open to women.” He said announcement in this regard is likely in the next few days. The Navy has mooted a proposal to the Defence Ministry for induction of women as pilots for its fleet of maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
Parrikar also said the Navy will challenge a recent order of the Delhi High Court which had reprimanded it over the issue of permanent commission for women in the force.