Daily Current Affairs : 8-November-2024

Introduction: On the occasion of completing ten years of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized its significance as a tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of India’s veterans and ex-service personnel. The scheme has had a profound impact on the lives of retired soldiers, ensuring they receive fair and equal pension benefits based on their service and rank.

What is the One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme?

The OROP scheme aims to provide uniform pensions to military personnel who retire in the same rank and with identical service lengths, regardless of when they retired. This ensures that all soldiers, whether they retired a few years ago or decades ago, are entitled to the same pension amount if they served in the same rank and length of service.

Key Features of the OROP Scheme:

  • Implementation: The Indian government approved the OROP scheme in 2015, with benefits retroactively applied from July 1, 2014.
  • Pension Re-fixation: Pensions are recalculated based on the average of the minimum and maximum pensions given to the 2013 retirees holding the same rank and having identical service lengths.
  • Arrears: Soldiers are paid arrears in four half-yearly instalments. However, family pensioners and Gallantry awardees receive their arrears in one lump sum.
  • Future Revisions: The scheme mandates that pensions will be reviewed and re-fixed every five years to keep up with inflation and changes in military pay scales.

Administration of the Scheme:

  • The OROP scheme is managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, under the Ministry of Defence.
  • The pension payments are integrated into the standard pension system, meaning they are not treated as a separate benefit.

Exclusions from the OROP Scheme:

  • The scheme does not cover personnel who were discharged voluntarily under certain military rules after its implementation.

Important Points:

  • Definition: OROP ensures uniform pensions for military personnel retiring in the same rank and with identical service lengths, regardless of their retirement year.
  • Implementation: Approved by the Indian government in 2015, with retroactive benefits from July 1, 2014.
  • Pension Re-fixation: Pensions are recalculated based on the average of minimum and maximum pensions of 2013 retirees in the same rank and service length.
  • Arrears Payment: Arrears are paid in four half-yearly instalments, except for family pensioners and Gallantry awardees, who receive it in one lump sum.
  • Future Pension Revisions: Pensions will be re-fixed every five years to keep them updated.
  • Administration: Managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence.
  • Payment Integration: The pension is integrated into the standard pension system and is not a separate component.
  • Exclusions: Personnel discharged voluntarily under specific military rules post-OROP are not eligible for the scheme.

Why In News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently commemorated a decade of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, highlighting it as a heartfelt tribute to the dedication, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment of India’s veterans and ex-service personnel. He emphasized that the scheme not only acknowledges their invaluable contributions but also ensures they receive the respect and benefits they rightfully deserve.

MCQs about One Rank One Pension Scheme

  1. When was the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme approved by the Indian government?
    A. 2010
    B. 2015
    C. 2018
    D. 2020
    Correct Answer: B. 2015
    Explanation: The OROP scheme was approved by the Indian government in 2015, with benefits being retroactively effective from July 1, 2014.
  2. How are pension arrears paid under the OROP scheme?
    A. In one lump sum for all retirees
    B. In four half-yearly instalments for all retirees
    C. In one lump sum for family pensioners and Gallantry awardees
    D. In equal monthly instalments for all retirees
    Correct Answer: C. In one lump sum for family pensioners and Gallantry awardees
    Explanation: Most retirees receive arrears in four half-yearly instalments, but family pensioners and Gallantry awardees get their arrears in one lump sum.
  3. Who manages the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme?
    A. Ministry of Defence
    B. Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
    C. Indian Armed Forces Headquarters
    D. Ministry of Home Affairs
    Correct Answer: B. Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
    Explanation: The OROP scheme is managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, which operates under the Ministry of Defence.
  4. How often will pensions be re-fixed under the OROP scheme?
    A. Every two years
    B. Every five years
    C. Every ten years
    D. Every year
    Correct Answer: B. Every five years
    Explanation: Pensions under the OROP scheme will be re-fixed every five years to keep them aligned with inflation and changes in military pay scales.

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