India’s 1971 military victory was short-lived for its armed forces. The euphoria was overshadowed by a grave injustice brewing within the government corridors. In 1973, the Indira Gandhi government slashed pensions from 70% to 50% of the last drawn salary, dealing a devastating blow to the heroes who secured the nation’s triumph .
This marked the beginning of the long struggle for One Rank One Pension (OROP), a fundamental principle ensuring soldiers of the same rank and service tenure receive the same pension, regardless of retirement date. The fight was for fairness, recognition, and dignity.
The 1986 introduction of the Rank Pay system by the Rajiv Gandhi government further eroded pensions, creating disparities and leaving veterans feeling cheated. Decades passed with broken promises, dashed hopes, and pleas for justice falling on deaf ears.
In 2011, the Koshiyari Committee acknowledged OROP’s legitimacy, recommending implementation. However, it wasn’t until 2014, with the BJP government, that OROP seemed within reach.
The Narendra Modi government implemented OROP in 2015, fulfilling a long-standing promise and validating millions of veterans. Since then, OROP has undergone revisions to address pension discrepancies and ensure fair benefits.
The journey of OROP reflects India’s commitment to recognizing veterans’ sacrifices, not just lip service during election seasons. Timely revisions and continuous dialogue with veterans are crucial to fulfilling OROP’s true spirit.
As Col DPK Pillay, a renowned veteran and Shaurya Chakra awardee, emphasizes, ensuring respect and financial security for those who dedicated their lives to serving the nation is a national obligation ¹.
