The much-awaited government letter on the sanction of one rank, one pension (OROP) for veterans was published before Diwali. The PM announced this as a special gift for the armed forces. It appears that he has not seen the letter or he would not have taken pride in saying what he said. A first reading of the OROP parameters brings out clearly that this is not as per the OROP approved by the two parliaments and the UPA and NDA governments. The very definition of OROP has been hit. No wonder the veterans’ agitation has picked up. The veterans treat this as their right and not a gift any more. The perception created by government spokespersons that the OROP has been granted in full and that a few greedy veterans are not satisfied is wrong.
BRIG JOGINDAR SINGH (RETD)