Modi targets earlier govts of 'playing' with OROP issue

Vowing to address the "vexed" issue of 'one-rank, one pension' (OROP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked the ex-servicemen to give him some time as he targeted the previous governments, saying they had only "played" with the sentiments of the armed forces for 40 years without doing anything on the matter.

He attacked those indulging in politics over the matter and said "problems" have been added to the issue over the years and effort was underway to simplify it and make it acceptable to all.

In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on radio, Modi said he has directed various departments in the government to look for solutions to the issue.

"For 40 years, you have been patient. Give me some time. Allow me to work on this. We will together find a solution to the problems," he told the ex-servicemen who are agitated over the delay in implementation of OROP.

"I want to tell one thing, not as the Prime Minister but as a human being with full sincerity, especially to the soldiers who are engaged in protecting the country as well as those who have retired from the armed forces and those who have made sacrifices.

"Is it not a fact that the question of 'one-rank, one pension' has not been hanging for the last 40 years? Is it not a fact that all the previous governments only talked but did nothing," he said.

"I assure you. I have made a promise in the midst of ex-servicemen that my government will implement one-rank, one pension. We do not shun our responsibility," he said, adding that soon after his government was formed, various departments have been working on this.

Modi said the issue is not as simple as he had thought but much more "vexed" as "problems" have been added to it over the years.

Apparently referring to the impatience that is being exhibited on the OROP issue, the Prime Minister said "there is no need to give step-by-step information to the media. There can be no running commentary on this."

He repeatedly assured the ex-servicemen that "this government" will resolve the one-rank, one-pension issue.

"You (armed forces) have importance in the ideology from which we have come and the principles on which we are moving ahead. For me, to help you (armed forces), is not any government programme or political agenda, but a matter of service to the nation," Modi said.

He said those trying to get political mileage out of the issue have been "playing with you" for 40 years. "That path is not acceptable to me and neither do I want to take any such step which will complicate the issue. You keep faith in me.

"Rest, those who want to rake up the issue, do politics over it, let them do. I am determined to do whatever I can for those who are ready to die for the country. I am confident that my 'Mann ki Baat', which has only been sincerity, will reach you," he said.