The ex-servicemen from across the country on Saturday held a ‘Sainik Ekta’ rally seeking “honest and truthful justice” after they rejected the ‘One Rank, One Pension’ scheme announced by the Government even as some of the veteran groups dissociated themselves from the demonstration.
A rift was sensed between various sections of the ex-servicemen after various factions’ levelled allegations against each other. While a section of the veterans are holding the ‘Sainkik Ekta’ rally, others feel they have been let down by the Government, which had announced OROP on last Saturday.
On Wednesday, lt Gen (retd) Balbir Singh, a key member of the front, had announced the exit of his group, Indian Ex- Services league, citing lack of cohesion and the continuance of protests.
Other participants in the agitation, including Maj Gen (retd) Satbir Singh, have rejected the Government’s version of OROP and have now put forward seven points of dissent.
“The Government has created avoidable confusion by including VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) in their announcement as it does not exist in the defence forces. However, those who have taken premature retirement must come under OROP,” Satbir said.
The veterans have also objected to the Government’s taking of the calendar year 2013 instead of financial year 2013-14 for fixing the base.