New Delhi: Government is expected to announce the implementation of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme for ex-servicemen today.
The government has accepted the veterans' demand that OROP be effective from July 1, 2014, with arrears, sources told India TV.
Sources said that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will announce the government's decision at around 3 pm.
The government has prepared a draft proposal that lays out Rs. 8,000-10,000 crore a year for OROP.
OROP benefits will be available to war widows, but not to those of soldiers who opted for voluntary retirement (VRS).
While widows will get arrears in lump-sum, others will be paid in four half-yearly instalments.
The government is making announcement even its talks with representatives of the ex-servicemen remain inconclusive.
The government is under pressure over the OROP scheme in the light of the veterans' protest for its implementation entering its 82nd day and the approaching Bihar assembly polls.
However, the government has not given up on the one remaining point of disagreement. It will offer a revision of pension every five years and not the one, or maximum two years demanded by the veterans.
One Rank, One Pension will benefit 25 lakh ex-servicemen.
