CHENNAI : Observing that war veterans have the right to protest over the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme as India was a democratic country, Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar today took exception to their returning and burning the medals.
In brief inter-action with the media after dedicating the Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft Boeing P8I (Poseidon Eight India) to the nation at the Indian Naval Base INS Rajali at Arakkonam about 80 km from here, he said the OROP promise was not made by the government.
”It was an election promise made by the BJP”, he added. On the growing protests against the scheme by the war veterans, Mr Parikkar said in a democratic country they (the war veterans) have the right to protest.
”But burning and returning the medals is a disrespectful act and an insult to the nation”, he added. He said the medals were given to them in recognition of their sacrifice to the nation. ”Burning or returning them is an insult to the nation”, he opined.
Asked whether there was a political motive behind the protests by war veterans, the Defence Minister said ”I will not comment on the political motive…let them prove it”.
Retierating that OROP was an election promise of the BJP, he felt that the promise has been fulfilled. He said the notification was issued after consultations with 300 various ESAs.
He said ”Para 6.4 of Koshiary Committee says the pay review in five years is an acceptable proposal,” Mr Parrikar said, adding, if the ex-servicemen had any grievances about it, they could approach the judicial commission.
The government had on Saturday formally notified the OROP scheme for the benefit of more than over 24 lakh ex-servicemen and six lakh war widows in the country. (UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel