New Delhi, Nov 7, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of the ‘One Rank, One Pension’ (OROP) scheme, reiterating the government’s dedication to the welfare of India’s armed forces.
The scheme, which has benefited lakhs of veterans and ex-service personnel, was introduced to ensure that soldiers of the same rank and length of service receive the same pension, regardless of their retirement date.
Taking to X, PM Modi expressed, “On this day, ‘One Rank, One Pension’ was implemented as a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of our veterans and ex-service personnel who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation. The decision to implement OROP addressed a long-standing demand and reaffirmed our nation’s gratitude to our heroes.”
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, he added, “Over the last decade, lakhs of pensioners and their families have benefitted from this landmark decision. Beyond the figures, OROP represents the government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of our armed forces.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government remains resolute in its support for the armed forces, assuring that it will continue to strengthen and prioritize their welfare.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also praised the scheme, calling OROP a cornerstone of Prime Minister Modi’s approach to the armed forces.
“The Government, under PM Modi’s leadership, is committed to taking care of the soldiers and their families,” Singh said.
Sharing a video of the Indian armed forces, he noted, “More than 25 lakh veterans have benefitted from OROP. My gratitude to the Prime Minister for fulfilling the commitment to the ex-servicemen of this country.”
The OROP scheme was a historic reform, addressing pension disparities that saw veterans with similar service tenures receiving unequal pensions. For instance, a lieutenant general retiring in 1995 might have received a lower pension than a colonel retiring in 2006. Under the revised system, all defence pensioners—whether commissioned officers, honorary commissioned officers, junior commissioned officers, or non-combatants—who retired, were discharged, or invalided out after July 1, are now eligible for the OROP pension.
