RAJASTHANI VETERANS

RAJASTHANI VETERANS
RAJASTHANI VETERANS

Tuesday 9 June 2015

TRANSFER OT RESV RLY TICKET BY GEN PUBLIC TO RELATIVES AND GOVT SERVANTS/STUDENTS ETC.

A confirmed railway ticket can be transferred in your blood relations.

If a person is holding a confirmed ticket and is unable to travel, then the ticket can be transferred to his/her family members including father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband or wife.

For transfer of ticket, an application must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure of the train to chief reservation supervisor with ID proof.
Government officials can transfer to other govt official, students can transfer ticket to other students.
Share this. It may help someone.
Details :
http:/www.indianrail.gov.in/change_Name.html

Implementation of Centralized Pension Disbursement System in Army, Air Force & Navy: CGDA's Order

Office of the CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam Delhi Cantt-10
File No: 5194/AT-P/E-Project/CPDA
Dated: 26.05.2015
To,

1. Shri Rakesh Sehgal, IDAS,
PCDA (Navy) Mumbai
2. Shri D R Negi, IDAS,
CDA (PD), Meerut
3, Shri R N Dash, IDAS,
CDA (AF) New Delhi
Sub: Implementation of Centralized Pension Disbursement System.
It has been decided to implement a centralized pension disbursement system for crediting pension directly into pensioner’s bank account through a Centralized Pension Disbursement Agency (CPDA).

2. This would be introduced for new pensioners in Air Force & Navy with effect from lst July 2015 and for Army with effect from 1st August 2015. In this context, following offices have been assigned the task of CPDA to implement the proposed system:-

a) CDA (PD) Meerut- For Army Personnel & Defence civilians
b) Pr. CDA (Navy) Mumbai- For Navy Personnel
c) DCDA (Air Force) New Delhi- For Air Force Personnel

3. A Centralized Pension Disbursement policy is forwarded herewith for your information and necessary action.

4. The requirements in terms of Hardware, Software, Manpower, Space etc for establishment/implementation may be worked out and taken up with the concerned sections of the HQrs Office.

Enclosed: 8 Pages 
sd/-
(Ajay Mishra)
JT. CGDA

Centralized Pension Disbursement Policy
Introduction
Defence Accounts Department is the nodal agency in Pension matters in respect of officers, PBORs and other employees working in the Defence Forces as well as other establishments under the Ministry of Defence. Pension is sanctioned in a centralized manner by PCDA (Pension), Allahabad in respect of Army personnel and Defence civilians; by PCDA (Navy) in respect of Navy personnel and by J CDA(AF), Subroto Park, New Delhi in respect of AF personnel. It has been decided by the Ministry of Defence that in future all pension revisions are to be carried out centrally, so that complaints relating to non-revision as well as wrong revision of pensions could be completely avoided. This is not possible in the present system where a multitude of Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) are maintaining different databases and adopting different practices. This task is possible only when disbursement of Pension is effected by a central agency and comprehensive database and history of disbursement is maintained there. Accordingly, a centralized pension disbursement system is being put in place for all new pensioners retiring on or after 30th June 2015. Detailed procedural guidelines for operationlisation of the system are elaborated in succeeding Paragraphs.

In the Centralized Pension Disbursement System (CPDS) only a single PDA named as Central Pension Disbursing Authority (CPDA) will function. For convenience and coordination purposes, however, three centres will be made operational and theses will be aligned with the respective PSAs.
Introduction of CPDA
Centralised Pension Disbursement System will start functioning from 1st July 2015 and will cover all new pensioners effective from that date. Every individual proceeding on superannuation shall indicate his/her bank account number and bank/branch details (bank name, IFSC code) in the pension papers. Pension will be credited into the indicated bank account directly by the CPDA every month. The bank account shall be a joint account and should be linked with the Aadhar number of the individual.

Existing pensioners will continue to draw pension from their respective Pension Disbursing Agencies.
Pension Sanction Process
There will be no change in the pension sanction process. However, the LPC-cum-data sheet can be forwarded by the paying/vetting offices to the concerned PSA through the CGDA Wide Area Network Other documents can also be forwarded in soft format after scanning the same. Bank details and Aadhar numbers of the service personnel, his/her spouse and dependents will need to be mandatorily provided to process the pension claims.

A detailed process flow is given in the succeeding paras:
  1. RO/HOO will forward The LPC-cum-data sheet and other documents for sanction of pension in respect of The retiring employees 4 moths before the retirement of the individual.
  2. Descriptive Roll and an undertaking of the individual to the effect that excess payment credited to his/her account due to any bonafied error can be recovered by CPDA will also be forwarded to PSA along with pension claim. 
  3. RO/HOO or the concerned accounts office (CDA/PAO) can also create soft copy of all The relevant documents and can forward the same to the PSA through the CGDA WAN.
  4. PSA will create soft of copy of documents along with D Roll and undertaking, in case only hard copies are received.
  5. After sanctioning pension, PSA will forward original copy of PPO, RO/HOO copy and pensioner copy of PPO along with D Roll and undertaking To RO/HOO 2 months prior To The retirement of the individual.
  6. PSA will also upload/forward soft copy of PFC, D Roll & undertaking on CPDA system through The CGDA WAN.
  7. RO/HOO will forward original copy of PPO, along with D Roll and undertaking to CPDA and pensioner copy of PPO to pensioner after checking and verifying The PPO one month prior to the retirement of the individual.
Policy and Process involved in 1st Payment of Pension:
  1. For making 1st payment of pension to the pensioner, he should be alive on the date of pension (i.e. next date of retirement). In The existing system, the pensioner has to present himself before the FDA on the date of pension or any subsequent date to establish this as well as for his identification. In The new system, for the purpose of identification of pensioners for 1st payment, acTive role of PAOs concerned in case of PBOR and Pay Audit Offices in case of Civilian employees has been envisaged. For all categories of officials, Aadhar based Jeevan Praman certification will also be accepted for this purpose.
  2. In r/o PBOR, respective PAOs will be authorized To identify the pensioners on the next day of retirement.
  3. The PAO will log into The CPDA system through CGDA WAN and do the needful. System will provide this facility and necessary right.
  4. Same process will be followed by respective pay audit offices in respect of defence civilians.
  5. Officers may also approach Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers for this purpose.
  6. 6. As Aadhar number will be a mandatory field in the PPO, Jeevan Praman website, which can be accessed from any designated service centre, can also be used as an option for the above purpose.
Policy and Process involved in regular Payment of Pension:
CPDA will process cases for regular payment of pension once their first payment has been released. Every month this exercise will be carried out and a payment file will be generated through the software system and the same will be uploaded on the SBI CMP for crediting the pension amount to the respective accounts of all pensioners by The designated date.

CPDA will calculate the pension amount as given in the PPO of the pensioners. No revision of pension will be carried out by The CPDA at their end.

CDA will carry out the change in the rate of DP as and when announced by the Govt and will accordingly pay The DP element to pensioners.

Regular payment will be subject to annual identification of pensioners.

In processing regular payment of pension, CPDA will also carry out The following changes in the pensioners' database/profile at their end, as and when the same is required or is intimated by the pensioners

i- Death of pensioner
ii- Re-employment of pensioner
iii- Commencement of medical allowance
iv- Bank to Bank Transfer
v- Change in a/c number of bank
vi- Marriage / remarriage of family pensioner
vii- Commutation of pension after retirement
viii- Effects and adjustment of corrigendum PPO
ix- Payment of arrears
x- Recovery of demands
xi- Annual Identification
xii- LTA/Arrear claim of pension
Policy and Process involved in Annual Identification:
  1. Pensioners can approach Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers for Their annual identification. 
  2. They will identify the pensioner from the data of Descriptive Roll, Photograph and PPO available at CPDA page on the WAN linked to their system and upload identification status along with the soft copy of annual identification certificates like Life certificate, non-remarriage/remarriage certificate, non-reemployment/ employment certificate etc. 
  3. Jeevan Praman Portal is also one another mode to submit Life Certificate along with other certificate and identification of pensioner.
Policy and Process involved in other contingency before retirement:
i) In cases where individual applies for commutation of pension and PPO as such has been issued before his/her retirement and subsequently he/she dies before his/her date of retirement, no payment on account of commuted value will be authorized/paid by The CPDA. If the report of his/her demise before retirement is received in CPDA Then PPO will be returned To PSA.
ii) Where a pensioner failed to receive Retirement Gratuity or DCRG granted to him/her and died, the matter shall be reported by CPDA to PSA for re-authorization of PPO in favour of dependent/recipient.
Policy and Process involved in Other Contingency after retirement:
i) There will be no change of PDA as CPDA is a single PDA. Payment of pension will be made by crediting amount of pension in the bank account of pensioner. The joint account with spouse will be preferred so that family pension and LTA can be easily commenced or credited in the account in favour of spouse in case of demise of pensioner, Change of bank branch or bank in case of Transfer of account does not change the account number.
ii) Sanction of arrear of pension or LTA will be done by competent DAD officer at CPDA on form CDA-651, CDA-652 as applicable. These forms will also be available at service centers through the CPDA page on WAN.  Service centre executive will get the forms filled up and signed by pensioner or nominee and then will uploaded the same along with required documents to the CPDA.
Payment of Pension through Bank account only:
1 After receiving PPO from PSA the CPDA will process the papers and will initiate first payment as well as subsequent monthly pension payments for credit to the pensioners' bank accounts as in the PPO through the NEFT/RTGS or the CMP (on-line payment mechanism with SBI). Pensioners will be informed about the same through SMS on their registered mobile number as well as through e-mail.
Flow of document from PSA and RO to CPDA for 1st Payment:
  1. Presently PSA send PPO to Record Office and Record Office send PPO, Descriptive Roll & other documents to PDAs for payment. All these documents are being sent by the PSA to PDAS through Record Office one month in advance. Same periodicity or procedure will be adopted in flow of documents from PSA to CPDA.
  2. However in new procedure, PSAs will also send soft copy of the PPO data, D Roll under Taking of individual to the CPDA.
  3. It is suggested that Aadhar number data can be linked to CPDA's data and relevant information can be fetched from UID data to be used for Descriptive Roll.
  4. The Descriptive Roll contains thumb & fingers impression, signature, photograph and address information of the pensioner. The use of D Roll as in existing system will continue till 100% seeding of Aadhar number is completed.
  5. After sanctioning pension by Pension Sanctioning Authority (PSA), Original copy of PPOs (on soft format)/e-PPO will be forwarded electronically to CPDAs by concerned Pension Sanctioning Authorities (PSAs) through secured channel like CGDA intranet and for enhanced security it could also be with digital signature.
  6. Hard copies of PPOs (PDA copy - original, -RO/HOO copy - 3rd copy pensioner copy - 4th Copy) will be forwarded to Record Offices (ROs)/Head of Offices (HOOs) for pension claims received by PSA for PBOR/Civilians as in existing system for ensuring primary checks in the PPOs with reference to claim of individual submitted by them to PSA.
  7. After ensuring necessary checks original copy of PPO along with Descriptive Roll including Aadhar No., PPO No. & Photo of the pensioner along with signature etc. (if decided positive by CA). Nomination, Prescribed certificates, and undertaking/NOC for recovery if any overpayment occurred will be forwarded by RO/HOO to the CPDA well in advance before the date of retirement as in existing system.
  8. Before retirement of individual as and when PPO received to RO/HOO from PSA after notification it will registered in "Jeevan Praman" portal by them so that on the next date of retirement he can be identified through biometric system and necessary certificates will be uploaded through this portal.
Flow of document from other agency to CPDA after 1st Payment: 
  1. 1. The application of pensioner for various changes as mentioned above or death certificate etc and complaint/grievances will route directly or through service centers to CPDA. 
  2. Death information and other information which take effect may also come through Helpline, mail ID, banks etc.
  3. Corr PPOs will come directly from PSA to CPDA in soft copy. Hard copy of original will also be forwarded.
  4. Various annual certificates and annual identifications will be through Defence Pension Liaison centers [service centers or “Jeevan Praman" portal as mentioned above.
Service Centers of CPDA:
  1. Under the CPDS, all The Defence Pension Disbursing Offices will be remodeled as Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers for new pensioners. 
  2. They will carry out pensioners’ annual identification, accept change requests/ applications on behalf of CPDA (for cases related To re-marriage, re-employment, death, Bank account changes etch) and will also act as grievance handling /settlement centers as They would be linked with The CPDA server and can have a higher protocol communication with The CPDA call centre. 
  3. Service Centre/Desk will be opened in other DAD offices (wherever required) to cater for the above mentioned services for defence pensioners. 
  4. In due course, Zila Sainik Boards can be provided with necessary systems and Trainings for The purpose of establishing a service center there. 
  5. Periodically camps can be organized by The CPDA as well as designated service centers in areas with higher pensioner concentration To Take care of annual identification as well as other issues.
Grievances Redressal system:
Grievance redressal will be a core focus area under The CPDS. Various interface mechanisms will be made available to pensioners to provide them information and clarification, to resolve issues raised by them on the spot to the extent possible and finally to lodge their grievances.
  1. One Defence Pension Call Centre is already operational at Allahabad to provide information and clarification to pensioners relating to their pension sanction issues. The call centre will be improvised further to provide for disbursement related information to callers. Also, more centers will be made operational to cater for pensioners within specified zones/areas.
  2. A dedicated website/portal of CPDA will be created to provide information to pensioners. Various Forms and copies of certificates will be available on the CPDA Portal online. Pensioners can also use e-mail facility on the portal to forward their queries/grievances.
  3. Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers will also act as an interface between pensioners and CPDA. They will not only provide the pensioners with a number of facilities like identification, change requests etc. but will also provide solutions to their grievances at local level, by interacting with the centralized database.
  4. Zila Sainik Boards can be provided with required systems and necessary training and in the medium term these can also act as information / service centers.
  5. Portal of CPGRAM may also be used as one of the grievances redressal I mechanisms by the defence pensioners.
(SOURCE : CG EMPLOYEE NEWS) 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ORIGINAL ORDER 

HOW OUR OWN TREAT US

��
From the FB post of a veteran :

Yesterday was a hot day yet our family went to an Army hospital for a medical required for the Swimming Pool pass form for my family. 

Refused - saying that retired persons were not their burden and we had to get it done by the ECHS Polyclinic. These were the orders of the Brig IC Medical.

Went to ECHS polyclinic only to be told - sorry we will not do it, since we were retired officers (doctors) we are not entitled to do it.

My family was in tow, there were questions in my son and daughter's eyes, even my wife had a quizzical look.

There were lots of options.

But on an impulse I went to the nearest bazar and walked into a Civilian Doctor's clinic. I went to him and introduced myself as a veteran and told him the purpose for which I had come.

In five minutes, he had checked us and signed the form. 

I asked him how much to pay and he gave a smile and said "Nothing!"

What can I say of this incident?

People (both veterans and serving soldiers) are crying for OROP. 

They are crying foul, about bureaucrats, politicians, about the whole world.

Though a small yet insignificant story, shows how we are, both serving and retired, in our attitude towards our own kind.

What the heck are we expecting from anyone?

Do you feel my son and daughter will be motivated to don the uniform?
Where is the Army we used to be proud of?

(Source - via e-mail)

Implementation of Centralized Pension Disbursement System in Army, Air Force & Navy: CGDA's Order

Office of the CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam Delhi Cantt-10
File No: 5194/AT-P/E-Project/CPDA
Dated: 26.05.2015
To,

1. Shri Rakesh Sehgal, IDAS,
PCDA (Navy) Mumbai
2. Shri D R Negi, IDAS,
CDA (PD), Meerut
3, Shri R N Dash, IDAS,
CDA (AF) New Delhi
Sub: Implementation of Centralized Pension Disbursement System.
It has been decided to implement a centralized pension disbursement system for crediting pension directly into pensioner’s bank account through a Centralized Pension Disbursement Agency (CPDA).

2. This would be introduced for new pensioners in Air Force & Navy with effect from lst July 2015 and for Army with effect from 1st August 2015. In this context, following offices have been assigned the task of CPDA to implement the proposed system:-

a) CDA (PD) Meerut- For Army Personnel & Defence civilians
b) Pr. CDA (Navy) Mumbai- For Navy Personnel
c) DCDA (Air Force) New Delhi- For Air Force Personnel

3. A Centralized Pension Disbursement policy is forwarded herewith for your information and necessary action.

4. The requirements in terms of Hardware, Software, Manpower, Space etc for establishment/implementation may be worked out and taken up with the concerned sections of the HQrs Office.

Enclosed: 8 Pages 
sd/-
(Ajay Mishra)
JT. CGDA

Centralized Pension Disbursement Policy
Introduction
Defence Accounts Department is the nodal agency in Pension matters in respect of officers, PBORs and other employees working in the Defence Forces as well as other establishments under the Ministry of Defence. Pension is sanctioned in a centralized manner by PCDA (Pension), Allahabad in respect of Army personnel and Defence civilians; by PCDA (Navy) in respect of Navy personnel and by J CDA(AF), Subroto Park, New Delhi in respect of AF personnel. It has been decided by the Ministry of Defence that in future all pension revisions are to be carried out centrally, so that complaints relating to non-revision as well as wrong revision of pensions could be completely avoided. This is not possible in the present system where a multitude of Pension Disbursing Agencies (PDAs) are maintaining different databases and adopting different practices. This task is possible only when disbursement of Pension is effected by a central agency and comprehensive database and history of disbursement is maintained there. Accordingly, a centralized pension disbursement system is being put in place for all new pensioners retiring on or after 30th June 2015. Detailed procedural guidelines for operationlisation of the system are elaborated in succeeding Paragraphs.

In the Centralized Pension Disbursement System (CPDS) only a single PDA named as Central Pension Disbursing Authority (CPDA) will function. For convenience and coordination purposes, however, three centres will be made operational and theses will be aligned with the respective PSAs.
Introduction of CPDA
Centralised Pension Disbursement System will start functioning from 1st July 2015 and will cover all new pensioners effective from that date. Every individual proceeding on superannuation shall indicate his/her bank account number and bank/branch details (bank name, IFSC code) in the pension papers. Pension will be credited into the indicated bank account directly by the CPDA every month. The bank account shall be a joint account and should be linked with the Aadhar number of the individual.

Existing pensioners will continue to draw pension from their respective Pension Disbursing Agencies.
Pension Sanction Process
There will be no change in the pension sanction process. However, the LPC-cum-data sheet can be forwarded by the paying/vetting offices to the concerned PSA through the CGDA Wide Area Network Other documents can also be forwarded in soft format after scanning the same. Bank details and Aadhar numbers of the service personnel, his/her spouse and dependents will need to be mandatorily provided to process the pension claims.

A detailed process flow is given in the succeeding paras:
  1. RO/HOO will forward The LPC-cum-data sheet and other documents for sanction of pension in respect of The retiring employees 4 moths before the retirement of the individual.
  2. Descriptive Roll and an undertaking of the individual to the effect that excess payment credited to his/her account due to any bonafied error can be recovered by CPDA will also be forwarded to PSA along with pension claim. 
  3. RO/HOO or the concerned accounts office (CDA/PAO) can also create soft copy of all The relevant documents and can forward the same to the PSA through the CGDA WAN.
  4. PSA will create soft of copy of documents along with D Roll and undertaking, in case only hard copies are received.
  5. After sanctioning pension, PSA will forward original copy of PPO, RO/HOO copy and pensioner copy of PPO along with D Roll and undertaking To RO/HOO 2 months prior To The retirement of the individual.
  6. PSA will also upload/forward soft copy of PFC, D Roll & undertaking on CPDA system through The CGDA WAN.
  7. RO/HOO will forward original copy of PPO, along with D Roll and undertaking to CPDA and pensioner copy of PPO to pensioner after checking and verifying The PPO one month prior to the retirement of the individual.
Policy and Process involved in 1st Payment of Pension:
  1. For making 1st payment of pension to the pensioner, he should be alive on the date of pension (i.e. next date of retirement). In The existing system, the pensioner has to present himself before the FDA on the date of pension or any subsequent date to establish this as well as for his identification. In The new system, for the purpose of identification of pensioners for 1st payment, acTive role of PAOs concerned in case of PBOR and Pay Audit Offices in case of Civilian employees has been envisaged. For all categories of officials, Aadhar based Jeevan Praman certification will also be accepted for this purpose.
  2. In r/o PBOR, respective PAOs will be authorized To identify the pensioners on the next day of retirement.
  3. The PAO will log into The CPDA system through CGDA WAN and do the needful. System will provide this facility and necessary right.
  4. Same process will be followed by respective pay audit offices in respect of defence civilians.
  5. Officers may also approach Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers for this purpose.
  6. 6. As Aadhar number will be a mandatory field in the PPO, Jeevan Praman website, which can be accessed from any designated service centre, can also be used as an option for the above purpose.
Policy and Process involved in regular Payment of Pension:
CPDA will process cases for regular payment of pension once their first payment has been released. Every month this exercise will be carried out and a payment file will be generated through the software system and the same will be uploaded on the SBI CMP for crediting the pension amount to the respective accounts of all pensioners by The designated date.

CPDA will calculate the pension amount as given in the PPO of the pensioners. No revision of pension will be carried out by The CPDA at their end.

CDA will carry out the change in the rate of DP as and when announced by the Govt and will accordingly pay The DP element to pensioners.

Regular payment will be subject to annual identification of pensioners.

In processing regular payment of pension, CPDA will also carry out The following changes in the pensioners' database/profile at their end, as and when the same is required or is intimated by the pensioners

i- Death of pensioner
ii- Re-employment of pensioner
iii- Commencement of medical allowance
iv- Bank to Bank Transfer
v- Change in a/c number of bank
vi- Marriage / remarriage of family pensioner
vii- Commutation of pension after retirement
viii- Effects and adjustment of corrigendum PPO
ix- Payment of arrears
x- Recovery of demands
xi- Annual Identification
xii- LTA/Arrear claim of pension
Policy and Process involved in Annual Identification:
  1. Pensioners can approach Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers for Their annual identification. 
  2. They will identify the pensioner from the data of Descriptive Roll, Photograph and PPO available at CPDA page on the WAN linked to their system and upload identification status along with the soft copy of annual identification certificates like Life certificate, non-remarriage/remarriage certificate, non-reemployment/ employment certificate etc. 
  3. Jeevan Praman Portal is also one another mode to submit Life Certificate along with other certificate and identification of pensioner.
Policy and Process involved in other contingency before retirement:
i) In cases where individual applies for commutation of pension and PPO as such has been issued before his/her retirement and subsequently he/she dies before his/her date of retirement, no payment on account of commuted value will be authorized/paid by The CPDA. If the report of his/her demise before retirement is received in CPDA Then PPO will be returned To PSA.
ii) Where a pensioner failed to receive Retirement Gratuity or DCRG granted to him/her and died, the matter shall be reported by CPDA to PSA for re-authorization of PPO in favour of dependent/recipient.
Policy and Process involved in Other Contingency after retirement:
i) There will be no change of PDA as CPDA is a single PDA. Payment of pension will be made by crediting amount of pension in the bank account of pensioner. The joint account with spouse will be preferred so that family pension and LTA can be easily commenced or credited in the account in favour of spouse in case of demise of pensioner, Change of bank branch or bank in case of Transfer of account does not change the account number.
ii) Sanction of arrear of pension or LTA will be done by competent DAD officer at CPDA on form CDA-651, CDA-652 as applicable. These forms will also be available at service centers through the CPDA page on WAN.  Service centre executive will get the forms filled up and signed by pensioner or nominee and then will uploaded the same along with required documents to the CPDA.
Payment of Pension through Bank account only:
1 After receiving PPO from PSA the CPDA will process the papers and will initiate first payment as well as subsequent monthly pension payments for credit to the pensioners' bank accounts as in the PPO through the NEFT/RTGS or the CMP (on-line payment mechanism with SBI). Pensioners will be informed about the same through SMS on their registered mobile number as well as through e-mail.
Flow of document from PSA and RO to CPDA for 1st Payment:
  1. Presently PSA send PPO to Record Office and Record Office send PPO, Descriptive Roll & other documents to PDAs for payment. All these documents are being sent by the PSA to PDAS through Record Office one month in advance. Same periodicity or procedure will be adopted in flow of documents from PSA to CPDA.
  2. However in new procedure, PSAs will also send soft copy of the PPO data, D Roll under Taking of individual to the CPDA.
  3. It is suggested that Aadhar number data can be linked to CPDA's data and relevant information can be fetched from UID data to be used for Descriptive Roll.
  4. The Descriptive Roll contains thumb & fingers impression, signature, photograph and address information of the pensioner. The use of D Roll as in existing system will continue till 100% seeding of Aadhar number is completed.
  5. After sanctioning pension by Pension Sanctioning Authority (PSA), Original copy of PPOs (on soft format)/e-PPO will be forwarded electronically to CPDAs by concerned Pension Sanctioning Authorities (PSAs) through secured channel like CGDA intranet and for enhanced security it could also be with digital signature.
  6. Hard copies of PPOs (PDA copy - original, -RO/HOO copy - 3rd copy pensioner copy - 4th Copy) will be forwarded to Record Offices (ROs)/Head of Offices (HOOs) for pension claims received by PSA for PBOR/Civilians as in existing system for ensuring primary checks in the PPOs with reference to claim of individual submitted by them to PSA.
  7. After ensuring necessary checks original copy of PPO along with Descriptive Roll including Aadhar No., PPO No. & Photo of the pensioner along with signature etc. (if decided positive by CA). Nomination, Prescribed certificates, and undertaking/NOC for recovery if any overpayment occurred will be forwarded by RO/HOO to the CPDA well in advance before the date of retirement as in existing system.
  8. Before retirement of individual as and when PPO received to RO/HOO from PSA after notification it will registered in "Jeevan Praman" portal by them so that on the next date of retirement he can be identified through biometric system and necessary certificates will be uploaded through this portal.
Flow of document from other agency to CPDA after 1st Payment: 
  1. 1. The application of pensioner for various changes as mentioned above or death certificate etc and complaint/grievances will route directly or through service centers to CPDA. 
  2. Death information and other information which take effect may also come through Helpline, mail ID, banks etc.
  3. Corr PPOs will come directly from PSA to CPDA in soft copy. Hard copy of original will also be forwarded.
  4. Various annual certificates and annual identifications will be through Defence Pension Liaison centers [service centers or “Jeevan Praman" portal as mentioned above.
Service Centers of CPDA:
  1. Under the CPDS, all The Defence Pension Disbursing Offices will be remodeled as Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers for new pensioners. 
  2. They will carry out pensioners’ annual identification, accept change requests/ applications on behalf of CPDA (for cases related To re-marriage, re-employment, death, Bank account changes etch) and will also act as grievance handling /settlement centers as They would be linked with The CPDA server and can have a higher protocol communication with The CPDA call centre. 
  3. Service Centre/Desk will be opened in other DAD offices (wherever required) to cater for the above mentioned services for defence pensioners. 
  4. In due course, Zila Sainik Boards can be provided with necessary systems and Trainings for The purpose of establishing a service center there. 
  5. Periodically camps can be organized by The CPDA as well as designated service centers in areas with higher pensioner concentration To Take care of annual identification as well as other issues.
Grievances Redressal system:
Grievance redressal will be a core focus area under The CPDS. Various interface mechanisms will be made available to pensioners to provide them information and clarification, to resolve issues raised by them on the spot to the extent possible and finally to lodge their grievances.
  1. One Defence Pension Call Centre is already operational at Allahabad to provide information and clarification to pensioners relating to their pension sanction issues. The call centre will be improvised further to provide for disbursement related information to callers. Also, more centers will be made operational to cater for pensioners within specified zones/areas.
  2. A dedicated website/portal of CPDA will be created to provide information to pensioners. Various Forms and copies of certificates will be available on the CPDA Portal online. Pensioners can also use e-mail facility on the portal to forward their queries/grievances.
  3. Defence Pension Liaison Centers / Service Centers will also act as an interface between pensioners and CPDA. They will not only provide the pensioners with a number of facilities like identification, change requests etc. but will also provide solutions to their grievances at local level, by interacting with the centralized database.
  4. Zila Sainik Boards can be provided with required systems and necessary training and in the medium term these can also act as information / service centers.
  5. Portal of CPGRAM may also be used as one of the grievances redressal I mechanisms by the defence pensioners.
(SOURCE : CG EMPLOYEE NEWS) 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ORIGINAL ORDER 

HOW OUR OWN TREAT US

��
From the FB post of a veteran :

Yesterday was a hot day yet our family went to an Army hospital for a medical required for the Swimming Pool pass form for my family. 

Refused - saying that retired persons were not their burden and we had to get it done by the ECHS Polyclinic. These were the orders of the Brig IC Medical.

Went to ECHS polyclinic only to be told - sorry we will not do it, since we were retired officers (doctors) we are not entitled to do it.

My family was in tow, there were questions in my son and daughter's eyes, even my wife had a quizzical look.

There were lots of options.

But on an impulse I went to the nearest bazar and walked into a Civilian Doctor's clinic. I went to him and introduced myself as a veteran and told him the purpose for which I had come.

In five minutes, he had checked us and signed the form. 

I asked him how much to pay and he gave a smile and said "Nothing!"

What can I say of this incident?

People (both veterans and serving soldiers) are crying for OROP. 

They are crying foul, about bureaucrats, politicians, about the whole world.

Though a small yet insignificant story, shows how we are, both serving and retired, in our attitude towards our own kind.

What the heck are we expecting from anyone?

Do you feel my son and daughter will be motivated to don the uniform?
Where is the Army we used to be proud of?

(Source - via e-mail)

Saturday 6 June 2015

Our soldiers want OROP, but Modi says he's busy doing yoga: Rahul Gandhi

Jun 6, 3:50 pm

Kolkata, June 6 (ANI): Firing a fresh salvo at the NDA Government over the one-rank, one-pension (OROP) scheme, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said soldiers and ex-servicemen are suffering and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is busy doing yoga. "Before the elections, Modi ji went to Haryana, Punjab, and said OROP will be done immediately when they will come to power," said Gandhi while addressing his party workers at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata. "It has been one year now. The soldiers are crying and threatening to launch an agitation. They are asking the government to disclose as to when the OROP would be implemented…..Modi ji says I am busy doing yoga, ask me later," he added.

The Congress vice-president had earlier in May said that he would 'pressurise' the Centre to act on the one-rank, one-pension issue at the earliest. Gandhi, who met a delegation from the ex-servicemen cell of the party, said the UPA regime had made provisions for the scheme and had even allocated the money but the government failed to implement it.
The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), a leading association of retired military personnel, has said that they would agitate and call for a hunger strike, if their demands for one-rank, one-pension are not met.
Officials of the IESM announced their plans to launch an agitation after a meeting with Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to discuss the OROP issue ended inconclusively. Major General (retired) Satbir Singh, who is the vice-chairman of IESM, said that their meeting with the Defence Minister was inconclusive. He said they will hold a rally at the Jantar Mantar from June 14 and will begin the hunger strike from June 15.
"The Chief of Army Staff had told us to meet the Defence Minister before holding a meeting. We, the members of Indian Ex-servicemen movement ( IESM), met the Defence Minister. He told us that the ministry is working on it (OROP). We will meet him again, once it is finalized and the date is given to us, we will inform the rest," Major General (retired) Singh said.
"If it does not happen, then we will begin an agitation from June 14, we will hold a rally at Jantar Mantar. We will begin a hunger strike from 15th onwards," he added.
The NDA Government at the Centre has drawn flak from various political parties, especially from the Congress, over the delay in implementing the OROP scheme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation in his eighth edition of the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, had assured ex-servicemen that his government would soon resolve the OROP issue.
The OROP scheme has been a long-standing demand of ex-servicemen's associations and relates to payment of uniform pension to defence forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement. (Source- ANI)

Ex-servicemen to go on hunger strike from June 15 if OROP demand not met

Jun 6, 12:54 pm

New Delhi, June 6 (ANI): The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) on Saturday said that they would agitate and call for a hunger strike, if their demands for One Rank One Pension (OROP) are not met. A meeting of ex-army personnel to discuss the issue of OROP was also held today.
Major General (Retired) Satbir Singhsaid that their meeting with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in this regard was inconclusive. He said they will hold a rally in Jantar Mantar from June 14 and will begin hunger strike from June 15.
"The Chief of Army staff had told us to meet the Defence Minister before holding a meeting. We, the members of Indian Ex-servicemen movement (IESM), met the Defence Minister. He told us that the ministry is working on it (OROP). We will meet him again, once it is finalised and the date is given to us, we will inform the rest," he said. "If it does not happen, then we will begin an agitation from June 14, we will hold a rally at Jantar Mantar. We will begin a hunger strike from 15th onwards," he added.Meanwhile, the NDA Government at the Centre has drawn flak from various political parties, especially from the Congress, over its delay in implementing the OROP scheme.
Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the nation in his eighth edition of the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, had assured ex-servicemen that his government would soon resolve the OROP issue.
The OROP scheme has been a long-standing demand of ex-servicemen's associations and relates to payment of uniform pension to defence forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement. 

ONE RANK ONE PENSION ITS GENESIS, THE PRESENT IMBROGLIO AND THE WAY OUT

Respected Prime Minister,
Jai Hind.
1.         Ref:
(a)      Koshyari Committee Report on One Rank One Pension (OROP) submitted to the Parliament on 19 Dec 2011, which can be viewed online by clicking on the following link:
         (b)    Extracts of Findings, Observations and Recommendations of the Koshyari Committee, as recorded in its Report on grant of One Rank One Pension (OROP), submitted to the Parliament on 19 December 2011 (attached as Appendix ‘A’).

Genesis of One Rank One Pension
2.        Prior to the Third Central Pay Commission, the pension of Armed Forces personnel was regulated by Pension Regulation exclusively keeping in view the peculiarity and gravity of the service conditions to which the soldier is subjected to in peace, and the danger to which he is exposed in war, the inevitable need to retire a soldier much earlier than the normal age of superannuation enjoyed by the other central Government employees, the difficulty in getting a soldier to rehabilitate in civilian work of life after retirement, and last but not the least, the sacrifice that the family, and more so, the children of the soldier are called upon to offer to the country.

3.        It was decided by the then Government to grant pay and perks that a soldier deserves by virtue of his contributions to the motherland; and to keep his status and living standards quite high without comparison with civilian employees. At that time, the pension was based on the rank of retirement provided that he has put in the minimum required years of service. Every armed forces personnel are entitled for One Rank One Pension (OROP) which took care of his needs and it was based on principles of reward for his sacrifices. But unfortunately, after the Third Central Pay Commission, the pension formula as applicable in that civilian pension rules was extended to the armed forces pensioners
also, through a Government administrative order. This ex-parte decision has denied One Rank One Pension to the Ex-Armed Forces personnel which is the cause of all troubles and resentment amongst them. Accordingly, Ex-servicemen have prayed that the Government accept their long pending demand of for One Rank One Pension on priority, to honour those who defended our motherland; and the commitments made by the Government from time to time on this issue be honoured without any stipulations or conditions.

The Koshyari Committee on One Rank One Pension
4.        The Koshyari Committee was constituted by the Rajya Sabha in March 2011 to go into the genuineness of the demand for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP). The Koshyari Committee after having studied the requirement in detail, strongly recommended grant of OROP to Ex-Servicemen; and, in Para 3 of its Report submitted to the Parliament on 19 Dec 2011, it has unambiguously defined One Rank One Pension (OROP) as:

One Rank One Pension.
Ø   One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement; and, any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.
Ø   This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.
Ø   In armed forces, equality in service has two components, namely, rank and length of service. The importance of rank is inherent in armed forces as it has been granted by the President of India and signifies command, control and responsibility in consonance with ethos of service. These ranks are even allowed to be retained by the individual concerned after his/her retirement.
Ø   Hence, two armed forces personnel in the same rank and equal length of service should get same pension, irrespective of date of retirement; and, any future enhancement in rates of pension be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.
     

Acceptance of OROP by UPA Govt
5.        The Definition of One Rank One Pension (OROP) as per the Koshyari Committee Report, approved by the Parliament, was accepted by the UPA Govt; and that is how the UPA Govt finally sanctioned OROP on 17 Feb 2014; and earmarked an initial sum of Rs. 500 Crores for OROP in the Budget for the year: 2014-15.

THE PRESENT IMBROGLIO

Disenchantment.
6.        We, the Military Veterans of India are dismayed at your ignorance regarding the Definition of ONE RANK ONE PENSION even after one year as Prime Minister; and appalled at your insensitivity towards Ex-Servicemen, by not fulfilling your oft repeated promise to grant OROP; your naivety in mouthing platitudes and say that you & your Govt are committed to grant of OROP; and distressed to see that not only are you being misguided, manipulated and taken for a ride by the wily Bureaucrats; but you are firmly in their grip to do their bidding; instead of vice versa. Sad, for one did not expect this from you; when Ex-Servicemen voted for you in large numbers during the last General Elections in Apr-May 2014.

The wily Bureacrats and their never ending mischief.
7.        Believe me, the wily Bureaucrats of the Min of Defence (especially, the Secretary, Dept of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and the CGDA) and the Min of Finance (especially, the Secretary, Dept of Expenditure) are out to sabotage OROP by confusing you, saying that, OROP has various definitions & connotations; and in support thereof, presenting different sets of astronomical figures that the Govt would be saddled with in case OROP is sanctioned. Not only that, they have the temerity to pull wool over your eyes and scare you by saying, if OROP to Defence personnel is sanctioned, other Govt servants, Police and Para military forces, viz. BSF, CRPF, ITBP, etc would also demand grant of OROP; resulting in opening of a Pandora’s box. As a matter of fact, these very fallacious arguments were fed to the Koshyari Committee constituted in March 2011; and the Committee vide Para 10.3 of its Report has categorically stated, ‘To this argument, the Committee finds that it is a baseless apprehension of the Government, as soldiering is a different profession and they retire by rank while civilian Government employee retired by age’; and vide Para 11.2 of the Report, that, ‘The Committee is not convinced with the version of the Ministry of Finance that the grant of OROP to the Defence personnel would eventually generate similar requests from the civilian work force of the country under the Central Government and the State Governments. The Committee would not like this argument or apprehension to stand in the way of the legitimate and fair demand of the Defence personnel. The Committee feels so because of the quite different terms and conditions of service of the two different categories of employments. The terms and conditions of Armed Forces are tougher and harsher than the civilian Government employee’.

Loss of Credibility of PM on account of broken promises.
8.        Respected Prime Minister, you have today lost the trust & confidence of the Ex-Servicemen fraternity. You promised grant of OROP in the Ex-Servicemen Rally at Rewari on 15 Sep 2013, amidst much fan-fare, before the Election; you promised OROP during the Elections; and; you went to the extent of saying OROP has been granted in your address to
the troops at Leh during 2014. Sadly, it was a lie. The hopes of Ex-Servicemen were kindled when told that the Govt would announce grant of OROP on 26 May. But when the Ex-Servicemen heard you saying in an interview to The Tribune on 29 May and in your ‘Man ki Baat’ on 31 May, that, “The Govt is committed to OROP for Ex-Servicemen; and no one should have any doubts about its (OROP’s) implementation. But there are varied versions about what the definition of OROP should be. Would it be proper for me to take a decision without keeping the Armed Forces personnel in the loop? So we are trying to arrive at a please-all decision", they were deeply disappointed; and they feel let-down by none other than their Prime Minister, for the inordinate delay in implementation of OROP.  It is indeed a case of broken promises. And you have no one to blame; other than yourself. This is a result of your failure to rein in your Bureaucrats.

A ploy to refer the matter to the 7th Central Pay Commission.
9.        From what one hears, delaying grant of OROP is only a ploy; to refer the same to the 7th Pay Commission. Would you call it a sign of coming of ‘Achhe Din’ for Ex-Servicemen?

Couple of pertinent Questions
10.      Respected Prime Minister, pray tell us:
Ø   What is the problem with the definition of OROP? There are no different versions of Definition of OROP as claimed by you, under the tutelage of your Bureaucrats. OROP has been unambiguously defined by the Koshyari Committee in Para 3 of its Report. (Refer Para 4 ibid).
Ø   Which is the magic formula you plan to work out that would ‘please all’. Please elucidate, when you say, ‘please all’, as to ‘who all’? Is it the Civilian Central Govt servants or the Police and Para Military Forces?

RECOMMENDED WAY OUT OF THE PRESENT IMBROGLIO

Recommended way out
11.      Since your Govt finds it so difficult to understand the concept of OROP, despite the fact that it has been unambiguously defined by the Koshyari Committee in its Report submitted to the Parliament; and since your Govt, inspite of being in the saddle for over a year, is still groping in the dark to arrive at a formula to work out the financial implication/ liability to the Govt on grant of OROP; we, the Military Veterans praythat, the exercise of working out the financial implication of OROP be entrusted either to TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) or to one of the IIMs; with the proviso that TCS/IIM so entrusted with the task, shall work out the financial impact of OROP, in consultation with the three Service Chiefs; and, the Stake Holders, ie. Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Servicemen Organisations. Is it too much to ask for?

CHANAKYA’S ADVICE TO THE KING

12.      To end, let me remind you, Chanakya wrote to Chandragupta about what the soldier does.  And he concluded as follows:

“If ever things come to a sordid pass when, on a given day, the Mauryan soldier has to look back over his shoulder (simhawalokana) prompted by even a single worry about his and his family's material, physical  and social well being, it should cause you and your Council the greatest concern and distress. I beseech you to take instant note and act with uncommon dispatch to address the soldier's anxiety. It is my bounden duty to assure you, My Lord, that the day when the Mauryan soldier has to demand his dues or worse, plead for them, will neither have arrived overnight nor in vain. It will also bode ill for Magadha. For then, on that day, you, My Lord (read Narendra Modi) will have lost all moral sanction to be King! It will also be the beginning of the end of the Mauryan Empire (read Bharathvarsh)”


With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Signature
Col Rajan
Convenor, Military Veterans INDIA

Copy to:
1.         Shri Manohar Parrikar
Hon’ble Defence Minister
South Block, ND-110 001

2.        Shri Arun Jaitley
Hon’ble Finance Minister
North Block, ND-110 001

3.        Maj Gen BC Khanduri, AVSM
Chairman,
Standing Parliamentary Committee for Defence

4.        Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Hon’ble MP (Rajya Sabha)

5.        Gen Dalbir Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Army HQ, South Block, ND-110 011

6.        Admiral RK Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Naval HQ, South Block, ND-110 011

7.        Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC
Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air HQ, Vayu Bhawan, ND-110 106

8.        Shri Amit Shaw, President BJP
11, Ashok Road, New Delhi - 110 001

9.        Ram Madhav, Gen Secy BJP
11, Ashok Road, New Delhi - 110 001

10.      Gen SK Bahri, PVSM,AVSM,VSM
Chairman, Alliance of Ex-Servicemen Organisations
A3/502 World Spa EastSector 30/41Gurgaon - 122 001

11.      Maj Gen Satbir Singh, SM
Chairman Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM)
543, Sector 23, Gurgaon – 122 017

12.         Lt Gen Balbir Singh Yadav, PVSM, VSM**
President Ex-Services League (IESL)
9, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, ND-110 021

13.      Air Marshal TS Randhawa, PVSM, VM
President, Air Force Association (AFA)
Vayu Bhawan, ND-110 106

14.      President, Indian Naval Foundation,
Naval HQ, South Block, ND-110001

15.      DDG Veterans Cell,
AG’s Branch, Army HQ, South Block, ND-110 011
Appendix ‘A’
[Ref Para 1 (b) of letter
dt 01 June 2015 addressed to the Hon’ble PM]

EXTRACTS OF OBSERVATIONS, FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
KOSHYARI COMMITTEE , AS RECORDED IN ITS REPORT ON GRANT OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP), SUBMITTED TO THE PARLIAMENT ON 19 DECEMBER 2011

The Koshyari Committee on One Rank One Pension
13.      The Koshyari Committee was constituted by the Rajya Sabha in March 2011 to go into the genuineness of the demand for grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP). The Koshyari Committee after having studied the requirement in detail, strongly recommended grant of OROP to Ex-Servicemen; and, in Para 3 of its Report submitted to the Parliament on 19 Dec 2011, it has unambiguously defined One Rank One Pension (OROP) as:

One Rank One Pension.
Ø   One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces Personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement; and, any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.
Ø   This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.
Ø   In armed forces, equality in service has two components, namely, rank and length of service. The importance of rank is inherent in armed forces as it has been granted by the President of India and signifies command, control and responsibility in consonance with ethos of service. These ranks are even allowed to be retained by the individual concerned after his/her retirement.
Ø   Hence, two armed forces personnel in the same rank and equal length of service should get same pension, irrespective of date of retirement; and, any future enhancement in rates of pension be automatically passed on to the past pensioners.

FINDINGS.
14.      Findings.
Para 10.2 &10.3 of the Report
Ø   The Committee observes that One Rank One Pension was in vogue till 1973 when the Third Central Pay Commission took an ex-parte decision against the One Rank One Pension formula. If this formula was working satisfactorily for more than 26 years after the country's Independence what was the harm in continuing this formula? The same procedure could very well be followed even though this demand is accepted by the Government.
Ø   The Ministries of Defence (Dept. of Ex-Servicemen Welfare) and Finance (Dept. of Expenditure)] in their  submissions  have attempted  to  draw a rosy picture about the pension being given to the Armed Forces personnel according to length of service. If this is beneficial to them then why are the Ex-Servicemen consistently demanding for One Rank One Pension Formula? Why they are agitated? They serve the nation with utmost devotion and selflessness but their demands are consistently being ignored, not by the heads of Armed Forces, but by the Bureaucrats. It’s a typical example of Bureaucratic apathy.
Ø   To continue this apathy, the Ministries apprised the Committee that if OROP is to be implemented for the armed forces personnel, similar demands may be raised from the civilian Government employees. To this argument, the Committee finds that it is a baseless apprehensionof the Government as soldiering is a different profession and they retire by rank while civilian Government employee retired by age.
Ø   The terms and conditions of armed forces are tougher and harsher than the civilian Government employee. There are restrictions of fundamental rights to the armed forces. Risk to life of a soldier is always higher as they work under severe strain and sense of insecurity with undefined and unlimited working hours. Transfers and dislocation alongwith bleak career prospects are other disadvantages attached with the Armed Forces. Their family life is also non-comparable with that of civilian Government employee.
Ø   The Armed Forces are also subjected to Court Martial system for the sake of military discipline. In view of aforesaid uniqueness of Armed Forces it can not be equated with a civilian Government employee.

Para 10.4 of the Report.
Ø   The Committee is distressed to note that the Defence personnel of our country have returned their service medals to the President of India in view of the Governments' apathetic attitudetowards their demand of grant of OROP.

OBSERVATIONS.
15.      Observations.
         Para 9 (i) of the Report.
Ø   The Armed Forces of the Union are 'rank based structure' organisations. The Ex-Servicemen are associated with their rank even after their retirement and death. There is strong bondage between Serving and Ex-Servicemen community, as in most cases the siblings of Ex-Servicemen join the Defence services as a matter of honour and pride. Their mindset, attitude, commitment and dedication to the Nation do not change even after their retirement.
Ø   Till 1950, Armed Forces were enjoying an edge over their civilian counterparts in respect of pay and pension. The pension for armed forces was almost 90 percent of their last pay drawn, which was gradually reduced to 50 percent of their last pay drawn; whereas, the pension of civilian employees was enhanced from 33 percent to 50 percent of their last pay drawn in due course.

         Para 9 (ii) of the Report.
Ø   Pay and pension of Armed Forces personnel was governed by separate Pay Commission which was substituted with Common Pay Commission for both Civilian and Defence personnel w.e.f. Third Pay Commission.

         Para 9 (iii) of the Report.
Ø   Armed forces have to retire early as a matter of policy of Government which
         causes loss of earnings to them because the benefits given by successive Pay Commissions which could have accrued to them if they were made to retire at the normal retirement age of sixty. They are made to retire at a point of time when they have maximum liability of their family on them; nearly eighty five percent of armed forces retire at the age of 38; ten percent retirements take place at the age of 46; and remaining 5 percent retirements happen at the age of 56 to 58;

         Para 9 (iv) of the Report.
Ø   The demand for One Rank One Pension has its basis in the past precedence as well as truncated service career of the Armed Forces which causes loss of earning to them. Furthermore, armed forces personnel are deployed in toughest terrain and roughest weather including Siachin Glacier during their service career.

         Para 11.2 of the Report.
Ø   The Committee is not convinced with the version of the Ministry of Finance that the grant of OROP to the Defence personnel would eventually generate similar requests from the civilian work force of the country under the Central Government and the State Governments.
Ø   The Committee would not like this argument or apprehension to stand in the way of the legitimate and fair demand of the Defence personnel.
Ø   The Committee feels so because of the quite different terms and conditions of service of the two different categories of employments. The terms and conditions of armed forces are tougher and harsher than the civilian Government employee.
Ø   Risk to life of a soldier is always higher as they work under severe strain and sense of insecurity with undefined and unlimited working hours.
Ø   There are restrictions of fundamental rights to the armed forces.
Ø   Transfers and dislocation alongwith bleak career prospects are other disadvantages attached with the armed forces.
Ø   Their family life is also noncomparable with that of civilian Government employee.
Ø   The Armed Forces are also subjected to Court Martial system for the sake of military discipline.
Ø   In view of aforesaid uniqueness of Armed Forces it can not be equated with a civilian Government employee.

Ø   On the issue of returning of service medals by the Defence personnel of our country to the President of India in view of the Governments' apathetic attitude towards their demand of grant of OROP, the Committee is of the view that our Defence personnel should not feel alienated to this extent again and they are not forced to surrender their hard earned service medals in this manner to exhibit their discontent with the government policies.

Para 11.3of the Report.
Ø   There is another dimension of the issue under consideration, i.e., the necessity and justification for bringing about the change through the Third Central Pay Commission. Nothing has been brought before the Committee which could explain  or  justify the  circumstances  in  which  the Defence personnel were
applied the same criteria as applicable to the country’s civilian work force under the Central Government for the purpose of determining their pay, allowances, pension, family pension, etc. It is quite obvious that the terms and conditions of service, more particularly their span of service, i.e., the age at which they enter service and the age at which they become due to retire, vary drastically from the civilian work force. There is no doubt that the span of service of the armed forces is much-much less as compared to the civilians. The defence personnel in the PBOR category retire when they are around 35-40 years of age. Even the officers retire when they are around 55 years of age. That is the time when they have lot of family and social responsibility to discharge for which they need a sound financial support. This is certainly not the case with the civilian work force where the age of retirement is 60 uniformly. Further, under the rules governing pension/ family pension of the civilians, the longer a person serves, the more pay he gets and consequently he becomes entitled for higher pension / family pension. This being so, our Defence personnel are bound to remain at a disadvantageous position since the period for which they serve is definitely much less. On top of this, the fact that they retire at a younger age aggravates their hardship.

Para 11.4 of the Report
Ø   In the above situation, the Committee feels that the decision of the Government to bring our Defence personnel on the pattern of the civilians with regard to their pay, pension, etc. (from Third Central Pay Commission onwards) is not a considered decision which has caused hardship to the Defence personnel and has given birth to their demand for OROP. The Committee understands that before the Third Central Pay Commission, the Defence personnel were getting their pay/pension on the basis of a separate criteria, unconnected with the criteria devised for the civilian work force. That criteria acknowledged and covered the concept of OROP which has been given up after the Third Central Pay Commission.

Para 11.5 of the Report.
Ø   The Committee is not convinced with the hurdles projected by the Ministry of Defence (Dept of Ex-Servicemen Welfare) in implementing of OROP for Defence personnel. They have categorized the hurdles into administrative, legal and financial.


(Source- Sanjha Morcha blog_)

1396