Tuesday 13 March 2018

Third Part of File notings leading to issue of OROP letter dated 7.11.2015



RTI Request No. DEXSW/R/2018/50005
for File Notings and other Information relating to Para 3 of the
MoD letter dated 07 Nov 2015 for One Rank One Pension
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Note:   For brevity, information available on other websites is not re-produced here but the name of the website is given in the appropriate places viz. Hon’ble Supreme Court for orders pertaining to Case numbers mentioned. Readers are requested to go to that/those website(s) for necessary information.
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Reply of Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
Reference No. 237/RTI/D (P/P)/2014 dated 1st March 2018

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-25-

            As advised by the Secretary, ESW, I attended the meeting held by JS (PMO), Shri Anurag Jain on 15.5.2015 along with Ms Devika Raghuvanshi, JS  & Addl FA. Based on the discussions, draft DO letter addressed to CGDA for the required information is placed below for approval. 
Sd/-------
K Damayanthi
19/05/15
  Secretary (ESW)        Please send letter asking information as required by JS (PMO).
                                                                                                                        Sd/-------- 20/05/15

DO letter sent to Addl CGDA. Sd/------------ 20/5/15

K Damayanthi
Joint Secretary (ESW)                                                              Government of India
Tele: 2301 1804                                                                                  Ministry of Defence
                                                                                    Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare                                                                                                          New Delhi – 110 011
D.O. No. 12 (1)/2015-D (Pen/Pol) Part II                                20th May 2015

            Dear Sir,
           
            A meeting was held by JS (PMO) with JS (ESW) on OROP. JS (PMO) desires to draw tables for pension fixation by arriving at a notional pay of the pensioner as on 1.1.2006 for pre-2006 pensioners as mentioned in SPS Vains case. You may like to work out the same by using one of the two options given below:

Option I

By taking last drawn pay of the pensioner and pay scale from the PPO to work out his pay over various pay commissions based on concordance tables drawn for pay fixation.

Option II

By taking initial pension sanctioned to the pensioner, then work out his last drawn pay by reversing the formula used at the time of his retirement to work out his pension. Reverse calculation as per pay fixation tables to find out how many increments he has earned in that pay scale or where he stands in the concordance tables promulgated for pay fixation. 

With regards
Yours sincerely,
Sd/---------
(K Damayanthi)
Shri A N Saxena
Addl CGDA
Office of the Controller General of
Defence Accounts,
Ulan Batar Road, Palam
New Delhi – 110010

*          *          *          *          *
Controller General of Defence Accounts
Ajay Mishra IDAS                                                                    Ulan Batar Road, Palam
Jt CGDA                                                                                   Delhi Cantt – 110010

DO No. 5699/AT-P/OROP/Vol –IV
Dated 26th May 2015 (wrongly typed as 2014)

Dear Madam,

            This is with reference to your DO letter No. 12 (1)/2015-D (Pen/Pol) Part II dated 20th May 2015 to draw tables for pension fixation by arriving at a notional pay of the pensioner as on 1.1.2006 for pre-2006 pensioners as mentioned in SPS Vains case.

2.         The options provided by JS (PMO) have been examined. It has been observed that in both the options, methodology has been suggested to reach on pay last drawn by the Defence personnel with reference to pension sanctioned. In this regard it is intimated that prior to 1.1.2006, JCOs/ORs holding a rank for last 10 months preceding retirement get their pension fixed on maximum of the pay scale of that particular rank irrespective of the stage of pay being actually drawn in that pay scale. There was no linkage of pay drawn and pension sanction for JCOs/ORs who retire prior to 1.1.2006. Reverse calculation of pay from pension sanctioned could only reach on maximum of prevalent pay scales. It is pertinent to mention that in case of pre-2006 JCOs/ORs, pension has already been revised on 50% of notional maximum of 6th CPC pay scales corresponding to maximum of 5th CPC pay scales as per fitment tables with a linkage to 33 years of service.    

3.         In case of Commissioned officers retired prior to 1.1.2006, retiring pension was fixed based on average of emoluments drawn during the last 10 months of service. Hence, reverse calculation of pay from pension sanctioned would reach on average emoluments drawn in last 10 months instead of last pay drawn. Further, the concern in implementation of suggested methodology is that the officers promoted to acting ranks get rank pay of higher rank with pay in pay scale of substantive rank i.e. lower rank. However, if such officers get promoted to acting rank after completion of minimum number of years of qualifying service prescribed for promotion to substantive rank or complete prescribed service at a later date, such officers get their pay fixed in the pay scale and rank pay of higher acting rank actually held. It is pertinent to mention here that acting rank promotions are very frequent in Armed Forces especially in field areas. It is also intimated that officers were allowed weightage in years of qualifying service. It ranges between 9 years for Lieutenant to 3 years for General officers i.e. higher rank gets less weightage. There was also a provision that pension of an officer should not be less than the pension that would be admissible to him had he not been promoted to higher rank. Thus, in lot of cases where an officer get promoted to higher ranks, his pension has been sanctioned for lower rank being emoluments and rank weightage of lower rank beneficial.         

4.         In view of the foregoing, it is submitted for consideration of the Ministry that methodology suggested for fixation of pay would not be appropriate to implement in the judgment of SPS Vains case as the same could lead to lot of anomalies and representations by aggrieved pensioners.

With regards
Yours sincerely,
Sd/----------
Ms K Damayanthi, IAS
Joint Secretary
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
South Block, New Delhi – 110011

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K Damayanthi
Joint Secretary (ESW)                                                              Government of India
Tele: 2301 1804                                                                                  Ministry of Defence
                                                                                    Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare                                                                                                          New Delhi – 110 011
D.O. No. 12 (1)/2015-D (Pen/Pol) Part II                                29.5. 2015

Dear Shri Ajay Mukharji,

            I invite your attention to your DO No. 5699/AT-P/OROP/Vol-IV dated 26.5.2015 regarding preparation of tables for pension fixation by arriving at a notional pay of the pensioner as on 1.1.2006 as mentioned in SPS Vains case.

2.         As far as Para 2 is concerned, as this Department understands, in case of JCOs/ORs, maximum of pay scale of that particular rank irrespective of the stage of the pay being actually drawn in that pay scale is already given to JCOs/ORs in the past and with the implementation of CSC 12 maximum of the fitment table across three Services has been granted. Hence, JCOs/ORs are already given more than what they would be getting if notional pay fixation as per methodology given in SPS Vains case is done except linkage with 33 years of service. The same may kindly be confirmed.    

3.         With regard to the Commissioned Officers, this Department appreciates the problem. However, it may kindly be informed whether the problem explained in para 3 of your ibid letter is applicable to all ranks or is limited to certain ranks only. It is understood that while implementing Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment in Dhanapalan case, CGDA has already done the exercise for re-fixation of pay of all officers who were serving as on 1.1.1986. It is understood that this exercise is completed, in that notional pay fixation and subsequent pension fixation for officers as per the methodology given in SPS Vains case should be possible. Ministry would like to have the rank-wise strength of pre-2006 officers (Pensioners).  

4.         Reply may kindly be sent by 1.6.2015 as PMO is pressing for the same.

With regards
Yours sincerely,
Sd/----------------------
K Damayanthi
Joint Secretary (ESW)
Shri Ajay Mukharji
Jt CGDA
CGDA, Ulan Batar Road, Palam
New Delhi – 110 010

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Ajay Mishra IDAS                                                        Controller General of Defence Accounts  
Jt CGDA                                                                       Ulan Batar Road, Palam
                                                                                    New Delhi -110 010

DO No. 5699/AT-P/OROP/Vol-IV
Dated 29th May 2015 

Dear Madam,

            This is with reference to your DO letter No. 12 (1)/2015-D (Pen/Pol) – Part II dated 29th May 2015 regarding preparation of tables for pension fixation by arriving at a notional pay of the pensioner as on 1.1.2006 for pre-2006 pensioners as mentioned in SPS Vains case.

2.         The methodology/new proposals suggested vide para 2 of ibid DO letter dated 29.5.2015 has been examined. It is intimated that our comments were with reference to the methodology suggested for reverse calculation of pay from pension fixed. It is, however, confirmed that if linkage of service with 33 years is removed under existing formulation for determining pension of pre-2006 JCO/OR pensioners, they will get benefited to what they would be getting if notional pay fixation as per methodology given in SPS Vains case is done. Ministry is, however, intimated that due to suggested methodology all JCO/OR pensioners retiring in the same rank and group would get same pension irrespective of their qualifying service. Similar relaxation have to be allowed for post-2006 retirees as their pension in terms of MoD’s letter dated 18.8.2009 (to determine pension of notional maximum pay) also have linkage of pension with 33 years of service including rank weightages.          

3.         In case of Commissioned Officers it is confirmed that constraints mentioned in reverse calculation are equally applicable for all ranks. However, it is confirmed that in implementation of Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment in Dhanapalan case, pay for officers in the rank of Captain to Brigadiers who were in service as on 1.1.1986 and got retired thereafter have been recomputed. Some of these officers might have continued in service  after 1.1.2006. Hence, only those officers who get retired prior to 1.1.2006 could be readily available for re-fixation of notional pay as on 1.1.2006. Further, data in respect of pre-1996 retiree Major General officers could also be utilised as their pay as on 1.1.1996 have been fixed in terms of MoD letter dated 15.7.2009 issued in implementation of Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment in Major General SPS Vains case. It is, however, pertinent to mention here that out of a total of 45,243 identified strength of officers serving as on 1.1.1986, 6315 cases are yet to be finalised for want of certain information/records. Ministry may, however, be intimated that the officers who get retired prior to 1.1.1986, and the officers who get retired with the rank not covered by Dhanapalan judgement or are pending for implementation, will take some time as special efforts have to be made for retrieving records/information in such cases.     

4.         A statement indicating strength of pre-2006 as well as post 2006 retirees pensioners  for all ranks is enclosed herewith.

With regards
Yours sincerely,
A Mishra
Ms K Damayanthi, IAS
Joint Secretary
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
South Block, New Delhi - 110011

Statistics for Commissioned Officers Pensioners

Rank for Army & equivalent ranks in Navy & Air Force
Number of pre-2006 retirees as on 1.4.2014
Number of post-2006 retirees as on 1.4.2014
Total
1
2
3
4
Major
1294
107
1401
Lt Col
12490
3751
16241
Colonel
9037
3300
12337
Brigadier
7891
1307
9198
Maj Gen
3428
613
4041
Lt General
1266
111
1377
Total
35406
9189
44595

Reply from CGDA is received and the same was informed to JS, PMO (Shri Anurag Jain). He did not agree with the response sent by CGDA. This was discussed with JS & Addl FA (DR) as JS, PMO has asked for a reply in 2 or 3 days. Based on the discussions, CGDA has, once again, been requested to re-examine the issue and send the reply by 1.6.2015. Submitted for favour of information.  
            Sd/-------
(K Damayanthi)
29/5/2015
Secretary ESW             Sd/----- 1/6/15
JS (ESW)         

As the JS, PMO (Shri Anurag Jain) has called for information on the financial implications and the number of ESM likely to get the benefit, DO letter addressed to CGDA is placed below for approval.
Sd/-------- 2/6/15
Secretary ESW                         Sd/----------------- 2/6/15
JS (ESW)
*          *          *          *          *
Prabhu Dayal Meena                                                              Government of India
Secretary                                                                                             Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
South Block, New Delhi – 110 011
June 2, 2015
 Dear Shri Mohanty,

            A meeting on One Rank One Pension was held by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister on 01.06.2015. PMO has been seeking information on the financial implication of the OROP using the methodology given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in SPS Vains case (judgment dated 9.9.2008 in 5566 of 2008 titled Union of India Vs SPS Vains & Ors) if followed. Also the number of E-Servicemen rank wise likely to get the benefit from this methodology is being asked by the PMO. The same was reiterated during the discussion. The required information may kindly be sent at the earliest.

With Best Wishes
Yours sincerely,
Sd/--------------
(Prabhu Dayal Meena)
02/6/15
Shri S S Mohanty
Controller General of Defence Accounts,
Ulan Batar Road,
Delhi Cantt - 110010

*          *          *          *          *          *
K Damayanthi
Joint Secretary (ESW)
Tel: 23011804
D.O. No. 12 (1)/2014-D (P/P) Pt II                                          Dated the 11th June 2015

Dear

            Kind attention is invited to D.O letter dated 2nd June 2015 of secretary, ESW to the CGDA wherein it was requested to provide the financial implication of OROP using the methodology given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in SPS Vains case as desired by the PMO. Also, the number of Ex-Servicemen rank-wise likely to get the benefit from this methodology has been asked by the PMO. The required information is yet to be received.

2.         As the PMO is likely to call for the above information at any time, it is requested to kindly furnish the above information at the earliest.

With regards
Yours sincerely,
Sd/--------------
(K Damayanthi)
Shri A N Saxena
Addl CGDA
Office of the Controller General of Defence Accounts
Ulan Batar Road, Palam
New Delhi – 110010.

*          *          *          *          *          *
Office of the Controller General of Defence
Accounts, Ulan Batar Road, Palam
New Delhi 110 010

Sub: Financial Implication on the basis of Hon’ble SC judgment dated 09.09.2008 in SPS Vains case
Ref: DO letter dated 02.06.2015 to CGDA

            Kindly refer above cited DO letter of Secy (ESW) for financial implication of OROP on the basis of implementation of Hon’ble SC judgment dated 09.09.2008 in UoI Vs SPS Vains & Others.

2.         The financial implication has been worked out in consultation with PCDA (P) Allahabad on the basis of 2003 retirees data. The increase in service pension in each rank has been worked out from 2003 retirees data and divided by total number of individuals retired in that rank to arrive at per capita increase in service pension in each rank. The financial implication on the basis of the above parameters in respect of service pension only, is as follows: -

            For commissioned officers:     Rs 258.31 crore per annum

            For PBORs:                                          Rs 561.57 crore per annum.   

3.         The details calculation sheets along with analysis for beneficial & non-beneficial cases and assumptions taken to work out financial implication are attached as Annexure A to E.
Sd/----------------
(A N Saxena)
Addl CGDA
Sh P D Meena, IAS
Secretary
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
South Block, New  Delhi – 110 011
No. 5699/AT-P/OROP/Vol-V
Dated 11th June 2015


Annexure A

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION ON THE BASIS OF NOTIONAL FIXATION IN TERMS OF SAI 2/S/2008 CORRESPONDING TO PAY UNDER 5TH CPC
Financial implication on grant of One Rank One Pension to pre 1.1.2006 retirees Commissioned Officers (Armed Forces)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Sl No
Rank of Army
Estimated number of Pre-2006 retirees
Average increase in pension
DR @ 113% applicable from 1.1.2015 of column 4
Per Capita increase in Pension (Col 4+5)
Financial effect per year including DR
1
Major
1294
1531
1731
3262
50652336
2
Lt Col
12490
2844
3214
6058
907973040
3
Colonel
9037
2845
3215
6060
657170640
4
Brigadier
7891
2479
2802
5281
500068452
5
Maj Gen
3428
4262
4817
9079
373473744
6
Lt Gen
1266
2900
3277
6177
93840984
Total

35406



2583179196

                                                                                                            TOTAL Rs 258.31 crores
1.         Revised pension has been calculated on the basis of notional pay fixation as on 1.1.2006 as per fitment table attached with SAI 2/S/2008 corresponding to pay under 5th CPC.
2.         The notional pay varies from individual to individual. Therefore financial implication has been calculated on the basis of data of officers retired in year 2003.
3.         Average of per capita increase in pension in each rank has been calculated and multiplied by estimated number of pre-2006 pensioners in that rank.

Annexure B

Financial implication on notional fixation of pay w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in r/o PBORs (Army)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Sl No
Rank of Army
Estimated number of Pre-2006 retirees
Average increase in pension
DR @ 113% applicable from 1.1.2015 of column 4
Per Capita increase in Pension (Col 4+5)
Financial effect per year including DR
1
Sepoy
67161
298.13
337
635.13
511871591.16
2
Naik
500805
217.01
246
463.01
2782532676.60
3
Havildar
481891
169.47
192
361.47
2090269677.24
4
Nb Sub
70093
103.77
118
221.77
186534295.32
5
Sub
128101
11.48
13
24.48
37630949.76
6
Sub Maj
16177
16.35
19
35.35
6862283.40
Total





5615701473
Total                                                                                                                Rs 561.57 crore
1.         Revised pension has been calculated on the basis of notional pay fixation as on 1.1.2006.
2.         Revised rate of pension varies from individual to individual. Financial implication has been calculated from the data of 2003.
3.         Per capita increase in pension in each rank has been calculated and multiplied by all pre-2006 pensioners in that rank.

Annexure C

Analysis of beneficial & non-beneficial cases if methodology of SPS Vains case is applied for revision of pension based on notional pay as on 01.01.2006 to retirees Permanent Regular Commissioned Officers (retired in year 2003)

S No.
Rank
Non-beneficial cases
Beneficial cases
Total no. of retirees in 2003
Percentage beneficial cases
Percentage non-beneficial cases
Per Capita increase in pension
Total No. of pre-2006 retirees
Total beneficial cases
1
Maj
4
154
158
97.47
2.53
1531
1294
1261
2 
Lt Col/Lt Col (TS)
15
701
716
97.91
2.09
2844
12490
12228
3
Col
4
199
203
98.03
1.97
2845
9037
8859
4
Brig
0
121
121
100
0
2479
7891
7891
5
Maj Gen
0
44
44
100
0
4262
3428
3428
6
Lt Gen
0
20
20
100
0
2900
1266
1266








35406
34934

Note: In case of Major, Lt Col and Col as shown above pension will remain same as these officers were getting pay of minimum of the scale.

Annexure D
Analysis of beneficial and non-beneficial cases if methodology of SPS Vains judgment is applied for revision of pension based on notional pay as on 01.01.2006 for retiree PBORs retired in year 2003

S No.
Rank
Non-beneficial cases
Beneficial cases
Total no. of retirees in 2003
Percentage beneficial cases
Percentage non-beneficial cases
Per Capita increase in pension
Total No. of pre-2006 retirees
Total beneficial cases
1
Sep
182
2482
2664
93.17
6.83
298.13
67161
62573
2 
Nk
4590
6668
11258
59.23
40.77
217.01
500805
296622
3
Hav
9656
6263
15919
39.34
60.66
169.47
481891
189590
4
N Sub
1182
225
1407
15,99
84.01
103.77
70093
11209
5
Sub
4321
65
4386
1.48
98.52
11.48
128101
1898
6
Sub Maj
389
7
396
1.77
98.23
16.35
16177
286




36030



1264228
562178

Annexure E

ASSUMPTIONS TAKEN TO WORK OUT FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS BASED ON METHODOLOGY IN SPS VAINS CASE AS PER HON’BLE SUPREME COURT ORDER
(Calculation of Pension based on notional Pay as on 01.01.2006 corresponding to pay under 6th CPC as per SAI 1/S/2008 and SAI 2/S/2008)

1.         As per Hon’ble Supreme Court order in SPS Vains case (Judgment dated 09.09.2008), the pay of affected officers of ranks of Major General was to be fixed/re-fixed notionally as on 01.01.1996 by Pay Accounting Authority (PCDA (O) Pune) and on the basis of this notional pay, pension was to be revised. Similarly, Pay Accounting Authority had to fix the pay as on 01.01.2006 under 6th CPC.

2.         In case the above methodology is applied under 6th CPC, then notional pay in respect of pre-96 retirees fixed as on 01.01.96 would be required for notional pay fixation w.e.f. 01.01.2006.

Basis and Assumptions taken for calculations of Financial Implication

ICOs

1.         The notional pay as on 1.1.1996 is not available at this end for all ranks except Major General. Further, pay drawn by the officers in same rank are different, therefore, notional pay fixed as on 01.01.1996 would also be different and required to be fixed in each case by Pay Accounting Authority. 

2.         Since notional pay as on 01.01.1996 in case of officers, except Major General, is not available, actual pay drawn by Permanent Regular Commissioned Officers retiring in the year 2003 have been taken into account and their notional pay as on 01.01.2006 has been taken as pay shown in fitment table annexed with SAI 2/S/2008 corresponding to pay under V CPC for that rank.

3.         There are 11 cases where basic pay under 5th CPC is not matching with pay in stages in respective scale due to acting rank and Major granted pay of Lt Col on completion of 21 years of service. These cases have not been taken into account to work out financial implementation.

4.         50% of above notional pay has been taken as pension and difference of this pension and existing pension as on 24.9.2012 has been obtained. The average of difference of pension so obtained for each rank has been worked out and taken as average increase in pension for that rank.

5.         Notional pension fixed as above has been deducted from existing pension of ICOs as on 24.09.2012 and sum of the difference is taken as total increase in pension amount in respective ranks.

6.         The sum difference has been divided by total number of ICOs retired in that rank and per capita increase in pension has been worked out calculation of financial implication.

7.         Financial implication has been calculated by multiplying total number of pre-2006 retirees with per capita increase in pension along with existing Dearness Relief i.e. 113% and per annum financial implication has been worked out by multiplying the same with 12 months.

PBOR

1.         Data of 2003 retirees has been taken from data base of this office.

2.         Financial implication in r/o PBORs has been prepared taking into consideration each rank and Group of Sepoy, Naik, Havildar, Naib Subedar, Subedar, and Subedar Major excluding Naik – TS, Hony Hav, Hony Nb Sub, Hony Lt and Hony Capt.

3.         Out of total 63260 PBOR retirees )retired between 01.01.2003 and 31.12.2003) 36030 PBOR cases have been analysed.

4.         Notional pay for each rank has been fixed according to fitment tables attached with SAI 1/S/2208.

5.         Service pension has been worked out at 50% of notional pay as mentioned above (4) without reducing qualifying service i.e. pension for lesser qualifying service has not been reduced proportionately. 

6.         Notional pension fixed as above has been deducted from existing pension of PBORs (w.e.f. 24.9.2012) and sum of the difference is taken as total increase in pension amount in respective ranks.

7.         The sum of difference has been divided by total number of PBORs retired in that rank and per capita increase in pension has been worked out for calculation of financial implication.

8.         Financial implication has been calculated by multiplying total number of pre-2006 retirees with per capita increase in pension along with Dearness relief i.e. 113% and per annum financial implication has been worked out by multiplying the same with 12 months.

Reason for Notional Pay Fixation beneficial in PBOR cases: -

The methodology of notional pay fixation is beneficial in lower ranks having less qualifying service and ‘X’ Group holders. This is due to the reason that the existing pension has been worked out @ 50% of notional maximum of the fitment tables of ranks and groups across three Services for 33 years qualifying service. However, for lesser qualifying service, the amount of pension had been reduced pro rata. In the cases of lower ranked PBOR retirees having lesser qualifying service, notional pay fixation is beneficial due to the reason that pro rata method has not been taken into consideration while preparing notional pension fixation. Therefore, in case of allowing the benefit of 33 years qualifying service to each rank irrespective of actual qualifying service in most of the cases, notional pay fixation will not be beneficial.  

Reasons for Notional Pay fixation – Beneficial in ICOs cases

As the existing pension of ICos as on 24.9.2012 has been determined on the basis of minimum of the fitment table, therefore, notional pay/pension is beneficial in almost all pre-2006 cases.
F No. 12 (1)/2014 – D (P/P) Part II     
-27-

            As desired by JS to PM on 1.6.2015, financial implication of OROP using the methodology given by Hon’ble Supreme Court in SPS Vains case for 2003 retirees has been received from CGDA and the same has been sent to JS to PM. He desired to have 50 cases of PBORs & Officers (randomly taken) for each period (i.e. pre-1986 cases, 1986-1997 cases, post 1996 cases( be taken up and financial implications be worked out. Accordingly, a draft DO letter addressed to CGDA is placed below for favour of approval.
Sd/---------------
(K Damayanthi)
Joint Secretary (ESW)
15.6.2015
Secretary (ESW)                      Sd/--------- 23/6/15
JS (ESW)                                  Sd/--------- 23/6/2015

*          *          *          *          *          *

Prabhu Dayal Meena                                                                                      Government of India
Secretary                                                                                                         Ministry of Defence
                                                                                                Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
                                                                                                South Block, New Delhi – 110 010
D.O. No. 12 (1)/2014- D (P/P)/Part II                                                              23rd June 2015

Dear Shri Mohanty,

            In invite your attention to the D.O. letter No. 5699/80-P/OROP/Vol-V dated 11.2.2015 of Additional CGDA regarding the financial implication of OROP on the basis of the methodology given by Hon’ble Supreme Court‘s judgment dated 9.9.2008 in SPS Vains case and along with the analysis and the same has been sent to the PMO. Regarding additional information asked by PMO has been informed by JS (ESW) to the Addl CGDA on 15.06.2015 followed by email dated 22.06.2015.  
2.         As per this, PMO desires to have an analysis of beneficial and non-beneficial cases given in Annexure A to D for the 50 cases taken randomly for the various Pay Commission periods for JCOs/ORs and officers each for pre-1985 cases, 1986 to 1995 cases, 1995 to 2003 cases. 
3.         I request you to kindly arrange to provide the above information at the earliest.

With Best Wishes
Yours sincerely,
Sd/---------------
Shri S S Mohanty
Controller General of Defence Accounts
Ulan Batar Road, Delhi Cantt
New Delhi – 110010

-29-
Ministry of Defence
(Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare)
D (Pension/Policy)
Subject:          Implementation of One Rank One Pension  - Draft Note for the Cabinet

            The Ex-Servicemen Associations have been demanding for several years the same pension which is granted to new pensioners with same rank and with same length of service. This is popularly known as ‘one rank one pension.’ The acceptance of the principle of One Rank One Pension for the Defence Forces personnel has been announced by the Government. One Rank One Pension implies that uniform pension be paid to the Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension to be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners and also future enhancements in the rate of pension to be automatically passed on to past pensioners.

2.         Defence Secretary has directed to submit a note on OROP for consideration and approval of the Cabinet under Rule 12 of Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. Accordingly, a Note for the Cabinet has been prepared and placed opposite. Inter-Departmental consultations, including with Ministry of Finance could not be done due to extreme urgency and paucity of time. Rule 11-12 provide as under: - 

“11. To meet a situation of extreme urgency or unforeseen contingency in any particular case, Rule 12 of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 empowers the Prime Minister to permit or condone a departure from these rules, to the extent deemed necessary.

12.       In such situations also, the process of examination and inter-ministerial consultations would need to be followed. All cases under Rule 12 are mandatorily required to be routed through the Cabinet Secretary and should, in no case, be sent directly to the Prime Minister.”

3.         In view of the fact that the principle of OROP is accepted by the present Government, it has been decided that the proposal for implementation of OROP may be submitted urgently. Accordingly, it is proposed that the draft Note for the Cabinet placed opposite may be submitted for kind approval of Hon’ble RM, as given in para 4 hereunder, for onward submission of the same to the Hon’ble Prime Minister through Cabinet Secretary, under Rule 11 and 12 of Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961.   

4.         OROP PROPOSAL

4.1.      The present Government has accepted the One Rank One Pension (OROP) in true spirit. This was mentioned in the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament on 9.6.2014 after constitution of 16th Lok Sabha and an allocation of Rs 1000 crore was provided in the Budget 2014-15 for implementation of OROP.

4.2.      In pursuance of the Government’s decision to implement the principle of OROP for Defence Forces, a series of meetings were held in this Ministry for the purpose. Government extensively consulted the experts and the Ex-Servicemen. OROP implies that uniform pension be paid to Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement. Any future enhancements in the rates of pension would be automatically passed on to past pensioners. This implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current pensioners and the past pensioners at certain interval. Under this definition, it has been decided that the gap between rate of pension of current pensioners and past pensioners will be bridged every five years (emphasis added by Aerial View as it differs from Para 1).  

4.3.      Under the OROP Scheme:
           
4.3.1.   The benefit will be given from 1st July, 2014.

4.3.2.   Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners retiring in the same rank and with the same length of service as the average of minimum and maximum pension drawn by retirees in the year 2013. Those drawing pensions above the average will be protected.

4.3.3.   The benefit would also be extended to family pensioners including war widows and disabled pensioners.

4.3.4.   Personnel who voluntarily retired/retire will not be covered under the OROP scheme.

4.3.5.   Arrears will be paid in four half-yearly instalments. Widows will be paid arrears in one instalment. 

            4.3.6.   In future, the pension will be re-fixed every 5 years.

4.3.7.   OROP is a complex issue. A thorough examination of interests of retirees of different periods and different ranks is needed. The inter-service matters of the three Forces also require consideration. This is not an administrative matter alone. Therefore, it is proposed that a One Member Judicial Committee may be constituted which will give its report in six months.

4.3.8.   The tentative financial implication for payment of arrears would be Rs 10, 000 to Rs 12, 000 crores and annual financial implication for the above proposal would be Rs 8000 to Rs 10000 crores.

The draft Cabinet Note is placed below for favour of approval.
Sd/--------------------
(K Damayanthi) JS (ESW)
JS & Addl FA (DR) Discussed with FA (DS). Proposal is concurred.
Secy (ESW)      The draft Cabinet note is place below for kind approval.      Sd/------------05/9/15

Hon’ble RM     Sd/---------5/09

Secy (ESW)      Sd/--------05/9/15

JS (ESW) Draft OM addressed to Director, Cabinet Secretariat is placed below for approval.
Sd/-----------
Secy (ESW)                  Sd/-------5/9/15

JS (ESW)          OM issued and delivered personally to Director, Cabinet Sectt Sd/-------- 5/9/15
(Readers, please Note: The 26 page Cabinet Note has not been typed as the notes immediately above and below this message convey the proposal and the modified approval. The MoD assured the Cabinet in its Statement on Major Milestones and Target Dates at Appendix III that relevant orders would be issued within two months.)

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Subject: Implementation of One Rank One Pension

Ref:      Cabinet Secretariat I.D. No. 144/1/1/2015-Cab dated 07.11.2015

            Reference preceding note and I.D. No. 144/1/1/2015-Cab dated 07.11.2015 received from the Cabinet Secretariat communicating approval of Hon’ble PM to the Cabinet Note submitted vide this Department O.M No. 12 (01)/2014/D (Pen/Pol) (Part II) dated 05.09.2015. The Cabinet Note was submitted with the approval of RM for approval of Hon’ble PM under Rule 12 of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961.

2.         The Cabinet Note was submitted with the following proposal:

            (i)         The benefit will be given with effect from 1st July 2014.

(ii)        Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners retiring in the same rank and with the same length of service as the average of minimum and maximum pension drawn by the retirees in the year 2013. Those drawing pensions above the average will be protected.

(iii)       The benefit would also be extended to family pensioners including war widows and disabled pensioners.

(iv)       Personnel who have voluntarily retired/retire will not be covered under the OROP scheme.

(v)        Arrears will be paid in four half-yearly instalments. Widows will be paid arrears in one instalment.

            (vi)       In future the pension will be re-fixed every 5 years.

(vii)      OROP is a complex issue. A thorough examination of interests of retirees of different periods and different ranks is needed. The inter-service matters of the three Forces also require consideration. This is not an administrative matter alone. Therefore, it is proposed that a One Member Judicial Committee may be constituted which will give its report in six months.

3.         The Cabinet Secretariat vide I.D. No. 144/1/1/2015-Cab dated 07.11.2015 has communicated the approval of Hon’ble PM to the said proposal as contained in para 7 with the following modifications:

Paragraph 7.4: Personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule 13 (3) 1(i)(b), 13 (3) 1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively. 

Paragraph 7.7: The proposal is for constituting one member Judicial Committee; instead the approval is for Judicial Committee.     

4.         CGDA vide UO No. 5699/AT-P/OROP/Vol-VIII dated 07.11.2015 has communicated that annual financial implication on account of grant of OROP including PMR cases would be Rs 7123.38 crores. The financial implication on account of arrears w.e.f. 01.07.2014 to 31.12.2015 would be Rs 10392.35 crores. 

5.         Now the file may be referred to MoD (Fin) for concurrence to the draft letter addressed to the Chief of the Army/Navy/Air Staff. The draft order has been shown to the JS (Pers), Deptt of Expenditure, MoF. Notification for constitution of the Judicial Committee may be issued subsequently.

6.         On obtaining the concurrence of MoD (Fin), the file will be submitted to the Hon’ble RM for approval.
Sd/-------------------
(K Damayanthi)
Joint Secretary (ESW)
07.11.2015
Secretary, ESW-OL
Additional Secretary (R) – LO             Sd/------ 7/11/15
FA (DS)                        Sd/--------7/xi/15

Def Secy          Sd/-------------- 7/xi/15

RM                   Sd/-------------7/11
Def Secy          Please issue    Sd/--------7/xi/15

JS (ESW)          Letter is issued and sent to DG (PR). Please issue letters to all concerned immediately.    Sd/-------------7/11/15 
DS (P) On leave
US (P/P)

FAX MESSAGE/EMAIL
Office of the Controller General of Defence
Accounts, Ulan Batar Road, Palam,
Delhi Cantt – 110 010
Subject: Financial implications on OROP - reg

            Kindly refer to telephonic discussion of date regarding financial implications on account of grant of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and in continuation of details forwarded earlier (through mail) on the subject matter.           

2.         As desired, the financial implications on account of grant of One Rank One Pension including PMR are forwarded herewith in the enclosed Annexure. The statement indicated the recurring impact as well as arrears involved with effect from 01.07.2014.

3.         This is for favour of kind information and necessary action.
Sd/--------------
(Rozy Agarwal)
Joint CGDA (Pen)
Ms K Damayanthi, IAS
Joint Secretary
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
South Block, New Delhi - 110011
UO No. 5699/AT-P/OROP/Vol-III
Dated 7th November 2015.
Annexure

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION ON GRANT OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION


Including PMR cases


Summary (Rs in crores)
Summary (Rs in crores)
Categories of Pensioners
Nature of pension
Annual Financial implication
Arrears wef 1.7.2014 to 31.12.2015
On the basis of MID POINT of pension for 2013 retirees JCOs/ORs
Arrears Financial implication





JCO/OR
(i) Service Pension
4148.46
6052.31
(ii) Disability Pension
244.28
356.39
(iii) Family Pension
483.19
704.81
(a) Total financial implication for pre-2006 pensioners
4875.93
7113.51
(b) Financial implication for post-2006 (23.26% of (a) above)
1133.65
1653.89
Total (a) + (b)
6009.58
8767.41
Commissioned officers
(i) Service pension
723.77
1055.92

(ii) Disability pension
35.13
51.25

(iii) Family pension
183.09
267.10

(a)  Total fin imp for pre-2006 pensioners (i) + (ii) + (iii)
941.98
1374.27

(b) Financial implication for post-2006 [18.24% of (a) above]
171.82
250.67

Total
1113.80
1624.94

Grand Total
7123.38
10392.35
*          *          *          *          *

2 comments:

  1. Dear Sirs
    As to why the ranks of commissioned Lt and Capt has not mentioned any where ?. For example Finance Implications TABLE regarding the above ranks was not considered. Are the above commissioned officers not the part of officers fraternity. Shameful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sir, please refer to Circular 555 which are the tables for OROP. You will find Lt and Capt ranks and qualifying service mentioned there.

    Secondly, the noting state that Regular Commissioned Officers of the ranks mentioned did not retire in the datum year 2013. Hence the methodology to determine the OROP would be as given in the assumptions.

    ReplyDelete