The Rank Pay Matter Relating To IV CPC{ continued :-) }

As had been suspected, pre-mature self-congratulations in some sections of the affected populace notwithstanding, the Government has indeed succeeded in delaying a resolution of the matter by clubbing all manners of subjects with the clear and distinct issue of the rank pay arrears of IV CPC. A final verdict has now been put off till such time the Hon'ble Chief Justice is presented with the matter and then, if it is so decided, the case would have to be referred to another bench. It is anybody's guess as to what sort of timeline could be assigned to the legal process. One can only look forward to updates in the media like this one . Edit 1: The Record of Proceedings of the Hon'ble Supreme Court has now been updated Edit 2: The Hon'ble Supreme Court has fixed 24 February 2011 as the date of "final disposal", as seen from the Record Of Proceedings. Edit 3: The next hearing is on the 8th March. Full details here.

OROP {continued :-)}

As the issue remains unresolved, one gets to read fresh "updates" and opinions on the matter every other day. There is a noticeable lack of clarity, however, as to what sort of structure "One Rank One Pension" is eventually intended to assume. It is time for the ESMs, currently in the forefront on the matter, to give some formal shape to the desired outcome.

For instance, the following aspects have never been fully explained:

*How do the proponents of OROP propose to take the length of service in a retiree's last rank into account for the calculation of pension? As an example, would a Lt Col (Retd.) who superannuated in 2001 with, say, 10 years of service as Lt Col, be entitled to the same pension as a Lt Col who superannuated in 2007 with just 3 years of service in the same rank?

*Would the proposed OROP take into account the change in rank structures pre and post AV Singh Phase I implementation. As an example, how would the pension of a Lt Col(TS) (Retd.) who super annuated on 30 Nov 2004, before the implementation date of AV Singh Committee, with, say, 29 years of service be treated vis-a-vis the pension of a Col(TS) who super-annuated, with the same sort of commission and an equivalent length of service, on 30 Nov 2007 after the date of implementation of AV Singh Phase I? Or would the non-retrospective implementation of AV Singh Phase-I cast a shadow on OROP as well, especially for Officer retirees.

*Why are ESMs not countering the repeated assertion by the political classes that OROP would be required to be extended to all Govt employees and hence would be prohibitively expensive? After all, civilian employees do not have to bear the burden of a truncated career and there is very little justification for a universal OROP as has been explained previously.

But, the continued thrust on the matter is indeed heartening. Till such time some positive official development is forthcoming, occasional updates do serve an important function, viz., of keeping all concerned abreast of the situation.