No OROP Benefit for PMR Retirees Who Got PMR with effect from 1.7.2014: Issues Raised By Ex-Servicemen Associations
PMR retirees who received their PMR from July 1, 2014, are not eligible for the advantages of OROP
The benefit of One Rank One Pension (OROP) is not applicable for retirees who have taken Premature Retirement (PMR) with effect from July 1, 2014. According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) letters dated November 7, 2015, and January 4, 2023, which outline the criteria for the revision of pensions under the OROP scheme, personnel who voluntarily choose to be discharged from service on or after July 1, 2014, in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, are explicitly excluded from receiving the benefits associated with OROP. This decision has been reinforced by a ruling from the Honorable Supreme Court, which upheld the principles of OROP as stated in the government letter dated November 7, 2015, in its order dated March 16, 2022. This means that those who opted for early retirement during this specified period do not qualify for the pension adjustments that would otherwise be available under the OROP framework.
7th CPC Fitment factor for JCO is only 2.57 and for Officers it is 2.8
The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has determined that the fitment factor for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) is set at a modest 2.57, while for Officers, it is slightly higher at 2.81. This decision comes as a result of a thorough examination and implementation of an ‘index of rationalisation,’ which was carefully applied during the enhancement of pay levels across various Pay Bands. Specifically, this index takes into account the increasing complexities of roles, responsibilities, and accountability that accompany each step in the hierarchical structure of military and administrative positions.
At the base level of Pay Band 1, the index is 2.57, which reflects the foundational responsibilities that JCOs are expected to fulfill. As personnel advance to Pay Band 2, this index slightly decreases to 2.52, which acknowledges the changing nature of responsibilities but still recognizes the importance of those in this band. Moving further up to Pay Band 3, the index increases again to 2.67, underlining the growing expectations placed on individuals as they rise in rank. In recognition of the significantly elevated degree of responsibility and accountability associated with Senior Administrative Grade positions, the entry pay for these roles is recommended to be enhanced by a multiple of 2.72.
This same multiple is also applied to the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) and HAG+ levels, emphasizing the critical nature of leadership responsibilities at these tiers. Notably, at the apex level, the fitment index applied is the highest at 2.81, which reflects the utmost level of authority and decision-making power held by those in these positions. Furthermore, for Service Chiefs and the Cabinet Secretary, the index has been specifically fixed at 2.78, highlighting the unique challenges and responsibilities that accompany these prestigious roles.
Equal MSP Demand for JCOs and Officers – Ex-Servicemen Call
Ex-Servicemen Associations have passionately articulated their demands for the establishment of an Equal Military Service Pay (MSP) that should be allocated not only for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) but also for Officers, emphasizing the importance of equity in compensation across ranks. The concept of Military Service Pay was first introduced by the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC), which, in its deliberations, determined the rate of MSP for JCOs and Other Ranks (ORs) to be set at Rs. 1,000 per month. This decision was based on the fact that, during the 5th pay regime, these ranks were not afforded any rank pay similar to their Officer counterparts, as noted in paragraph 2.3.26 of the 6th CPC Report. However, in recognition of the need for increased support for JCOs and ORs, the Government subsequently raised this amount to Rs. 2,000 per month following the recommendations of the 6th CPC.
Furthermore, the 7th CPC, in its report under paragraph 6.2.113, expressed that it saw no merit in altering the established structure of MSP, which was distributed in slab rates across four distinct categories. Subsequently, paragraph 5.2.22 of the same report specified the MSP rates, setting the amount for Officers at a significant Rs. 15,500 and for JCOs and ORs at a comparatively lower Rs. 5,200. The Government, in a response to these findings and recommendations, accepted the proposed changes, which led to the formal issuance of the Armed Forces Pay Rules/Regulations in 2017, reflecting an ongoing dialogue regarding the welfare and financial recognition of those who have served in the armed forces.