Based on my interaction with the Defence Minister, I had earlier mentioned that he would be recommending to the PM about constitution of a committee to look at some of the pension anomalies. I received a call from the Secretary ESW today confirming that the committee has been formed. Headed by the Cabinet Secretary, it includes Secretaries ESW, Finance, Department of Personnel and another. Some of the issues the Committee would examine are:
• One rank one pension.
• Enhancement of widows’ pension.
• In case a Defence pensioner is getting two pensions, on his demise the widow too would continue receiving both pensions.
• A disabled ward would get pension throughout life and not only up to attainment of adult hood.
• Fixing of the officers’ pension based on minimum of the rank ‘in’ the pay band and not ‘of’ the pay band.
• Putting all Lt Generals in HAG + grade.
There are more issues, the details of which would be known in due course. The Committee has been given one month to complete the assigned task.
While every enhancement in pensions would be welcome, we will continue the struggle till OROP as a concept is implemented.
Best regards,
Lt Gen Raj Kadyan Chairman IESM From Toronto (Canada)
