Govt likely to declare One Rank One Pension today

The Narendra Modi government on Saturday will announce its decision to implement the one rank, one pension scheme (OROP) for former servicemen but the veterans have said they cannot trust its stance and will not accept a unilateral decision. Sources told Hindustan Times that Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah will brief party spokespersons about OROP at 3pm and defence minister Manohar Parikkar will announce the scheme during a press conference. The Centre is desperate to end the deadlock that has seen ex-servicemen stay away from government functions and some sitting on a hunger strike as the dates for the all-important Bihar assembly elections is likely to be announced soon. The OROP, expected to benefit three million pensioners, will guarantee equal pension to military personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of the date of retirement. The government is expected to announce its decision to remove disparities in pensions of veterans