This refers to the editorial, “OROP mustn't hang fire” (August 18). It is sad that despite repeated assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet colleagues that the Government is committed to implementing the one-rank-one-pension principle, no final time-line is yet in sight. The excessive delay is causing great damage to the Prime Minister’s image as a firm, prompt and decisive leader. It could also have serious electoral consequences.
If ‘technical’ problems are delaying the decision, the Prime Minister should urgently call the leaders of the agitating ex-Servicemen to discuss the issue, take them into confidence and fix a deadline. Non-transparent, vague reasons will only worsen the situation. The OROP concerns large sections of Indians who make the supreme sacrifice to guard our borders and, during conflicts, secure the nation's integrity. The scheme is the least we can do for them in return. let us be responsive.