Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has accused the Narendra Modi government of hurting the sentiments of India’s armed forces.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minster Narendra Modi, Rahul asked him to implement the One Rank One Pension (OROP) in a meaningful way and ensure that soldiers do not struggle to claim what is due to them.
Pointing out that the decisions taken over the last few weeks by the government have adversely affected the morale of the armed forces, Rahul said that it was the government’s duty to assure the soldiers that they are cared for.
“Just days after our soldiers conducted the surgical strikes, the disability pension system was converted to a new slab system, that in many instances drastically reduces the pension received by these brave men in case of a disability. The roll out of the 7th Pay Commission continues to keep our defence forces at a disadvantage and further exacerbates the disparity between them and civil employees,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Rahul, in his letter dated 18th October 2016, accused the government of downgrading the status of military officers compared to their civilian counterparts.
Rahul also added that the OROP implemented by the government does not fully meet the genuine demands of the ex-servicemen and that they have been forced to come out on the streets to make their voice heard on this vital issue.
“As a responsible democracy we must make sure that the brave soldiers who put their lives on the line for each one of us, feel the love, support and gratitude of 125 crore people. I therefore urge you, Prime Minister, to ensure that our soldiers get their due whether it is regarding compensation, disability pension, or parity with civil employees,” he said.
“As we celebrate Diwali, and rejoice in the victory of light over darkness, let us send this message to our soldiers that our gratitude is expressed both in words and in deeds. This is the very least we owe to those who give up their today to secure our tomorrow,” Rahul Gandhi added.
