Arrear of One Rank One Pension
The Indian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the arrears of One Rank One Pension (OROP) to eligible pensioners of Armed Forces are being paid as per the government’s policy, with Rs. 5065.70 crore already paid as arrears as of March 13, 2023. However, a writ petition filed in the Supreme Court by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement has raised objections to the payment of arrears in installments, and the government has sought an extension of time for the payment of arrears as the matter is still pending a decision from the Supreme Court.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4127
ANSWERED ON 24th March, 2023
ARREAR OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION
4127. SHRI A. RAJA:
SHRI A. GANESHAMURTHI:
SHRI SUBBARAYAN K.::
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has paid arrears of one rank one pension to the eligible pensioners of Armed forces;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether ex-servicemen objected to the payment of arrears in installments contrary to the direction given by the Supreme Court; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the status of payment of arrears in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The payment of arrears of OROP to eligible pensioners of Armed Forces is in progress as per policy of the Government. So far Rs. 5065.70 crore have been paid as arrear of OROP to eligible pensioners of Armed Forces as on 13.03.2023.
(c) & (d): A Miscellaneous Application No. 219/2023 in Writ Petition (Civil) No.419/2016 was filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court by Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (an All India Federation of Military Veterans Organisation). Government has filed an affidavit in Hon’ble Supreme Court seeking extension of time for the payment of arrears of OROP. The matter was heard on 20.03.2023 and decision of the Supreme Court is awaited.