Amit Shah assures early implementation of OROP

BJP President Amit Shah today said the government will soon implement 'One Rank, One Pension' scheme even as agitating ex-servicemen threatened to intensify their protest if any unilateral announcement is made which does not meet their long-standing demand.

Briefing reporters on the RSS' coordination meeting where the issue of OROP also figured, Sangh spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya said the BJP president was of the view that it will be done quickly.

"BJP chief Shah said OROP will be implemented soon," Vaidya said.

It is understood that a draft proposal on OROP was circulated at the RSS meeting which envisaged commencement of the scheme from July 2014, besides revision of pension every five years.

According to the draft, the basis for the implementation of the scheme would be 2013 and arrears would be paid in four instalments.

Reacting to the proposal, the ex-servicemen threatened to intensify their stir if the government makes any unilateral announcement regarding implementation of OROP which is not in consonance with the terms and conditions set by the defence veterans.

"There are reports that the government may soon unilaterally declare the implementation of OROP. If it is as per our terms and conditions then we will welcome it and thank the government.

"If not, then the unilateral declaration is unacceptable to us. We will intensify our protests," said Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), Chairman of Indian Ex-Servicemen movement.