PM could have announced OROP on Independence Day, but talks failed: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was slated to announce the much-awaited One Rank One Pension for ex-servicemen during his speech from the Red Fort on Independence Day, but could not do so as the government hit a roadblock in the last minute.

According to reports, former Army chief General VP Malik has revealed that while the Prime Minister was all set to announce the scheme, the government was not able to reach an agreement in the final stages.

Malik said that the government had proposed to pay less than the earlier agreed amount, but the Army veterans rejected the proposal from the PMO.

The Indian Express has reported that Malik, who was mediating the talks between the government and ex-servicemen on OROP issue, sent an email to former Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, saying the PMO had called him on August 10 for taking a final call, so that the announcement could be made by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort.

According to the former Army chief, there is disagreement between veterans and government over date of implementation and basic definition of One Rank One Pension.