All ex-servicemen will get their dues by Holi under OROP scheme, says Parrikar

New Delhi: All ex-servicemen will receive their arrears by Holi under the OROP scheme (One Rank One Pension), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Monday.

“We are expecting to cover almost entire population by Holi. That would be a real colorful Holi for the ex-servicemen,” ANI quoted Parrikar as saying.

He also expressed his gratitude to banks and defence department which have worked overnight to disburse some 2,293 crores by March 17.

On March 14, the State Bank of India (SBI) had released Rs 1,465 crore to 7.75 lakh defence pensioners as part of the first installment of arrears under the OROP scheme.

In November last year, the government had formally notified the OROP scheme for more than 24 lakh defence ex-servicemen and 6 lakh war widows in the country.

As per government directions, payment would be made in four installments, except for those in receipt of gallantry awards, who will be paid arrears in one installment.

The OROP scheme is expected to cost the government Rs 7,500 crore per year.