Govt issues OROP implementation tables

03 February, New Delhi

The government of India Wednesday issued the detailed tables for implementation of One Rank Pension Scheme (OROP) for the veterans of the armed forces, which is expected to benefit 18 lakh ex-servicemen and war widows, incurring an additional burden of Rs 7500 crore to the public exchequer.

The total increase in the Defence Budget for pensions is estimated to go up from Rs 54,000 crore to around Rs 65,000 crore, thereby increasing the Defence Pension Outlay by about 20 per cent, an official statement has said. The Government had taken the decision to implement OROP in November, 2015, fulfilling the long standing demand of the Defence Forces personnel after 42 years.

“In pursuance of the order issued on November 7, 2015, detailed instructions along with OROP Tables have been issued today,” the statement said.

“The annual recurring financial implication on account of implementation of OROP at the current rate will be approximately Rs 7500 crore,” it added.

According to an estimate, the arrears would be approximately Rs 10,900 crore, with 86 per cent of the total expenditure on account of OROP, benefiting the JCOs/ORs.

Payment of arrears and revision of pension under OROP is to be made by the Pension Disbursing Authorities in four installments, except for family pensioners and pensioners in receipt of gallantry awards, who will be paid arrears in one installment.