OROP by Ltt Col Sushil Chilimbi

INDIAN ARMED FORCES- RIP

1. The scheming and manipulative Indian bureaucracy has finally succeeded in its six decade game plan of emasculating the defence services. The babus have, with finesse, manipulated the Congress led UPA government to divide the Indian armed forces into two separate blocs- Aam Aadmi (POBR) and the presumed pampered elitist (Officers). In one treacherous stroke, the one dependent firmament of the Indian nation has been both fragmented and politicized. And the stroke is the award of the benefits of OROP to PBOR and its intentional and malicious denial to Officers. Only the future can tell what the consequences of this historic decision will be.

2. The present government perhaps assumes that their act will effectively garner them the votes of serving and retired POBR and their families. Just as their vote bank policies of polarizing civilian electorate on the basis of religion, caste and region. The resultant backlash of this blatantly partisan and unjust decision, among the serving Officers of fighting formations will cost the country dear in terms of dedication and mutual loyalties between Officers and their men. The veterans of course will be virulently against the present government. The babus and netas appear to be cocky and confident that the minuscule Officer class is in no position to retaliate and they would come back to them groveling.

3. Having achieved nothing by appeals, requests and feeble protestations, the veterans should now unite at the national, state, district and panchayat levels all over India. We should now create a working and functional Organisation at national level and politically work out the method of bringing justice for all ESM and their dependants. Token and knee jerk actions are neither noticed nor taken account of especially by the hierarchy of the present political set-up.

OROP– One Rank One Pension

PBOR– Personnel Below Office Rank
Lt Col Sushil Chilimbi (Retd)