OROP succumbs to mutations in the files of Bureaucracy by Col NK Balakrishnan

Hi All,
This is in continuation of the media news Government accepts 'One Rank One Pension' recommendation: Antony- click me that I sent you last evening, immediately on receipt of news of Anthony's statement in the parliament. I am using this opportunity to share my thoughts on the subject with you, even though some may consider it too early (I am writing this even before today's papers, which may carry more news on the subject, are recd).

Firstly, as I wrote on the evening of 5 Jul , after the Budget speech, our netas and babus may be cheats; but they are not fools. Once the Supreme Court gave its rulings in the Maj Gen's case in favour of OROP (without specifying OROP in so many words, even though the counsel kept using this word throughout), the Govt knew that they had to give in. They did not do so gracefully. But, they have been forced to give something. Only PBOR were mentioned in the budget speech because of the Govt requirement to explain the scheme first at the SC, in view of the legal requirement when the SC charged the Govt for contempt for not implementing its earlier orders to give eqaul pensions in the Maj Gen's case. Even now, Anthony has only said that Offrs too are covered in the new scheme without specifying anything. We have to wait for the SC hearing date to know the specifics.

Secondly, let us be clear that for the last 25 years or so, the Govt was fooling us and taking us for granted on this issue of OROP. Now that something akin to it (how much similar, we do not yet know) has been given, we should appreciate it is not anyone's " Meharbani" or the largess of the babus or the present Govt. Remember, the statement of the Minister of State for Def, Pallam Raju, in March this year in Parliament that " Anything like OROP is NOT feasible or desirable due to legal, administrative and financial reasons" or words to that effect? They have been forced to the corner by the SC ruling. Also, by the agitational steps taken by IESM in recent months. This helped to bring the issue to the public forum instead of keeping it firmly tied with red strings in some Jt Secy's file. There were many who criticised the agitational approach as being unethical/ unbecoming/ political etc. But, I think it was an action whose time had come.

Thirdly, we do not yet know how much benefits the various ranks will be getting at the end of the day. I think the prudent action will be to wait for the Govt orders to appear. Any speculation on the quantum/ methodology will be an exercise in futility and self defeating. It will only create more energy wasting confusion and "I- Told - You - So" statements without achieving any substantial results. If what Govt will be giving us does not measure upto our expectations, then the correct thing will be to take them to courts again.

I doubt whether SC will accept our case directly (Even though we can try to take this step by linking it up with the Maj Gen's case). If not, we have to go to the SC through the new Armed Forces Tribunal. So be it. If we have to take this route, let us be mentally be prepared for it and be ready to foot the bill collectively. LET US ALL STAND TOGETHER ON THIS ISSUE AND STRENGTHEN THE HANDS OF PERSONS WHO ARE NOW AT THE HELM OF IESM , WHO HAVE LED US TO THIS STAGE OF (PARTIAL?) VICTORY TILL DATE. LET US NOT QUARREL ON THIS ISSUE, WHATEVER ONE'S PERSONAL VIEWS MAY BE. GREATER GOOD OF THE MAJORITY SHOULD TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ONE'S PERSONAL OPINIONS AND PREJUDICES ON THIS ISSUE. Of course, the point is taken that since we all are now in the civil street, none is under the " Hukum" of anyone!

Lastly, I think every org of ESM should get an equal "Sabash" for having forced the Govt to do something on the issue of enhancing pensions (I will not call it OROP till the details are known ). For example, there is no doubt that Lt Col Inderjit has been after the powers that be during the last two decades for this. Let us publically say that we have reached this stage only because of the cumulative efforts of many individuals and organisations over the last many years and NOT take or give credit to any particular org/ individual. If anyone of us strongly feel otherwise, my humble request is that such personal opinions be expressed and shared with buddies over drinks, in the exclusive ambience of one's privacy. The need of the hour is for all ESMs to come together on this issue at least now (one hears that something akin to this is happening now. Amen!). If, unfortunately this does not happen, we should stand together and strengthen the hands of the men, who are presently at the helm of the effective ESMs of the day.

Regards,
Colonel (Retd) N K Balakrishnan