OROP promise has been fulfilled: Parrikar on defence veterans' agitation

Vellore: Despite the growing protest by defence veterans that the government has failed to deliver the One Rank One Pension (OROP), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday reiterated that the promise on the scheme was fulfilled.

"OROP was an election promise of the BJP and I feel the promise has been fulfilled. The notification was issued after consultations with 300 various ESAs. Para 6.4 of Koshiary Committee says the pay review in five years is an acceptable proposal," Parrikar told the media here.

He added that if the protesting veterans had any pending issues regarding the OROP notification, they could go to the Judicial Commission.

The Defence Minister also slammed the 'medal burning' by the war veterans saying it was a disrespectful act.

"Burning of medals or showing disrespect to the service medals is neither good for the nation nor to the Defence service. The medals are given in the Armed Forces for gallantry, performance or service to the nation and it is not a service condition," Parrikar added.

However, Major General (Retd.) Satbir Singh, who is leading the OROP protest against the government, denied the rumour of ex-servicemen burning their gallantry medals.

"We have no knowledge and we have no plans for that at the Jantar Mantar. We do not want to burn it. Why should we burn it? If there is anything, we will see at that particular time," Singh told ANI.

He also lashed out at Parrikar for failing to deliver his promises on the OROP scheme and warned him to stop misleading the nation while daring him to meet with their delegation for an open discussion.