OROP Negotiations - Col TN Raman

Dear Veterans,

 At the outset, let us congratulate the United Front of ESM Associations (UFESM) for firstly, uniting to forge ahead with our struggle for OROP at Jantar Mantar, and secondly for breaking in the tight cordon of Govt machinery to reach at the negotiating table.

 I also thank Gp Capt Vinodh Gandhi, who had assured me yesterday morning that a report would be mailed by the evening. He has done it in his official capacity in UFESM.

 We trust that similar reports will be sent on a regular basis for the information of Veterans all over the country.

 Now, coming to the Report on OROP Negotiations itself, I place my views for consideration of all Veterans.

 Under First Attempt at Resolution, the escalation points are mentioned. Though the ESM Negotiators had agreed to go slow on the escalation of agitation for a period of 10 days, they could not implement the same.  These were,

1.15^th August declared as a black day for ESM.

2. Boycott of all government run/sponsored functions will be enforced.

3. Black flags and Black arm bands will be displayed by all ESM

4. RHS to continue.

5. FUD will nor be discouraged unless medical condition warrants     

As a result, no announcement was made.

 My comments.

  Except the aspect of Relay Hunger Strike (RHS), none of the other escalation points were supported by majority of Veterans themselves. The Fast Unto Death (FUD) by a few Veterans, though volunteers, must be discouraged and should not be clubbed with the RHS.  After going through the Report, I have a feeling that there seems to be some passive encouragement given to FUD. I wish I am proved wrong on this score.

  As on date there can be no serving soldier who had taken part in the 1965 Indo- Pak War. All the events connected to Golden Jubilee of 1965 War, must be patronised by the Veterans, who have the first hand knowledge of the same. We owe this to our Nation and to our Serving Fraternity. We are Veterans of the great Institution of Indian Defence Forces, and not mercenaries to say that unless OROP is sanctioned we will not honour our war heroes, our martyrs and the war wounded, and above all our Nation.

 Second Attempt at Resolution. My Comments:-

  Obviously this phase was restricted to Generals Balbir Singh and Satbir Singh from the ESM side, and the COAS and Govt reps as given out. The last meeting was also attended by Lt Gen NS Malik of BJP. The maximum confusion and misinformation sprang up during this period. In my view, this could have been avoided had the Generals not indulged in playing cards too close to their chests. Selective information could have been divulged to the Veterans in order to stem the misinformation and speculation being spread by the bureaucrats through the media. This may be a vital lesson learnt for the future.

 Trend of Proposals. My Comments:-

  The main thread line of thinking by the Govt seems to be the burden of annual increment of 3 % to the pensions and its effect on other Central Govt employees. It is obvious that our negotiators do not  enjoy any lee way to digress from or dilute the accepted definition of OROP, which is by now known to all the ESM by heart.  As per the mails emanating on the subject from the Veterans, the consensus seems to be that even if we give in some concession on the date of base year and the date of pay out, there can be no margin given to the concept of 3% annual increment on the pension. Without this annual increase, there can be no OROP, but only Modified Parity. Therefore, Resolution of this issue is of utmost importance for the implementation of OROP.

  To arrive at a consensus on this issue, I had sent out a mail to some 40 well known and well informed ESM personalities, for their frank views, including the negotiators. I am really grateful to all of them who have responded spontaneously and more so, for expressing their frank views. I will place on record the same, for larger participation by more Veterans. This may help the negotiators in gauging the mood of the Veterans.

 In my view, our negotiators have carried on their job in a credible way. The unity of Veterans has really put the Govt on the back foot so far. But, the resolution is still not in sight. Rigidity is appreciated in only one type of operation.  But, that has got nothing to do with war. It is better for both the parties to remember this saying.

Col TN Raman