SOURCE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-a-DqXRp7M
OROP: Veterans reject govt offer, boycott '65 war celebrations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-a-DqXRp7M
OROP row: Delegation of ex servicemen meets Home Minister Rajnath Singh
PM will make announcement on OROP 'as and when time comes', says Defence Min Parrikar
One Rank One Pension Talks Break Down, Vetrans to Boycott 1965 War Victory Celebrations
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"I don't believe in boycotts, this is my government," he told NDTV, "But I thought it was unfair for me to attend the government function when my brothers were here protesting for OROP (One Rank One Pension)."
OROP: Veterans reject govt offer, boycott '65 war celebrations
Published on Aug 28, 2015
Protesting ex-servicemen boycotted golden jubilee celebrations of the 1965 war on Friday after they rejected the Central Government's latest offer on resolving the impasse over OROP as the protest entered its 75th day.
Published on Aug 28, 2015
Retired military personnel upset by the lack of a breakthrough on the issue of one rank one pension (OROP) have decided to boycott the government’s celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of India's 1965 war with Pakistan.
Veterans to boycott 1965 war events after OROP talks collapse
OROP row: Delegation of ex servicemen meets Home Minister Rajnath Singh
Published on Aug 28, 2015
Demanding immediate implantation of One Rank One Pension (OROP), a delegation of ex servicemen today met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today met the Army veterans who are demanding the implementation of One Rank One Pension or OROP and promised a resolution even as a stalemate over a critical clause continued.
Despite Mr Singh's intervention, sources say the government is firm its offer of reviewing pensions every five years while the veterans are demanding an annual review. The review rationalises outdated pension rates, in effect raising them after a particular period.
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One Rank One Pension Talks Break Down, Vetrans to Boycott 1965 War Victory Celebrations
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Talks between the government and the veterans reportedly broke down once again on Thursday night. Upset veterans decided to boycott celebrations today to mark the 50th anniversary of India's successes in the 1965 war against Pakistan.
There had been speculation that a date for implementing OROP could be announced today if an agreement was reached between the government and ex-servicemen.
Last night, the group of ex-servicemen negotiating with the government, walked out of a meeting that they had hoped would finally bring a breakthrough on their demand of two decades. They said they could not accept the government's new proposals on OROP.
Sources said, the government is unwilling to appear as buckling under the veteran's pressure to implement OROP. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Thursday that PM Modi would make an announcement "as and when time comes".
The government is said to be upset that more and more veterans are joining the hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, which began after PM Modi failed to announce OROP in his Independence Day speech on August 15.
OROP will give equal pension to servicemen retiring with the same rank regardless of when they retire.
1965 War Victory Celebrations Dampened By OROP Protests
For the first time, Army veterans today boycotted the official celebrations and commemorated the 1965 victory at Jantar Mantar.
New Delhi: Brigadier DP Nair had confirmed his presence at the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemoration function in the capital to celebrate 50 years of India's victory in the 1965 war against Pakistan. He got ready, his medals proudly adorning his blazer. Then, as he was about to leave home, he changed his mind, heading to Delhi's Jantar Mantar, instead of India Gate, where his "fellow brothers", as he put it, were protesting.
"I don't believe in boycotts, this is my government," he told NDTV, "But I thought it was unfair for me to attend the government function when my brothers were here protesting for OROP (One Rank One Pension)."
For the first time, veterans today boycotted the official celebrations and commemorated the 1965 victory at Jantar Mantar. continuing with their demand for One Rank One Pension. Maj General Ram Nath also boycotted government functions to support fellow veterans at Jantar Mantar. "We want to celebrate but it's very unfortunate that it has come down to this," he said.
With many veterans staying away, the President met the few who showed up at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, while Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reiterated the government commitment to its election promise.
"OROP has been accepted. We are committed to it. There are some gaps. It will take some time," he said.
The protesting veterans today also met Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources say, even though most hurdles have been cleared, except one. The government is firm its offer of reviewing pensions every five years while the veterans are demanding an annual or at least a biennial review. The review rationalises outdated pension rates, in effect raising them after a particular period.
With many veterans staying away, the President met the few who showed up at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, while Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reiterated the government commitment to its election promise.
"OROP has been accepted. We are committed to it. There are some gaps. It will take some time," he said.
The protesting veterans today also met Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources say, even though most hurdles have been cleared, except one. The government is firm its offer of reviewing pensions every five years while the veterans are demanding an annual or at least a biennial review. The review rationalises outdated pension rates, in effect raising them after a particular period.
Story First Published: August 28, 2015 19:44 IST
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