OROP ARREARS - Details

Dear Veterans

As per HSC order dated 16 Mar 2022 the arrears for five yearly equalisation (due since 1 July 2019 as per GOI letter dated 7 Nov 2015) were to be paid by 15 June 2022. GOI could not pay the arrears as ordered by 15 June 2022. On 9 June 2022, GOI filed an application in HSC for extension of time by three months till 15 Sep 2022 to pay arrears as ordered by HSC. The application of GOI was heard on 16 Sep and HSC extended time for payment of arrears by three months from the 16 Sep 22 that is due date to pay arrears was granted till 15 Dec 2022. This was three months more than the request of GOI and total of nine months were given to GOI to process the arrears promised by GOI vide their letter dated 7 Nov 2015. Despite this GOI has not kept its word and payment of arrears has still not been given to veterans.  There is a shocking news for veterans that Govt has filed another application for extension three more months for payment of equalisation arrears due since 1 July  2019. The reason given is that CDA needs to prepare tables and hence extension is required. 

Veterans have been anxiously waiting for their lawful arrears to come to bank account but have been disheartened to hear that GOI has further sought three more months to pay the arrears, that is till 15 Mar 2023.

Our lawyers have also filed application that nine months of extension has been granted and further extension should not be given and payment of arrears be done immediately. 

At the time of argument, if HSC allows, our lawyers will raise following points 

1. Govt had sufficient time to prepare tables but has failed. 

2. Undue delay is Contempt of Court orders. 

3. In this period veterans are facing economic hardship and hence further extension should not be granted. If extension is granted veterans should be paid interest @9% from 16 Mar 2022 till date of payment. 

4. Many veterans have expired in this period facing extreme hardship and their families are going through acute financial hardship. This is injustice to veterans and families who have given their youth and life in service of motherland. 

IESM have briefed our lawyers to oppose any extension tooth and nail and aggressively argue for award of interest for delayed period. 

Govt application is filed on 14 Dec 2022.  Now we have to see if this is listed for discussion on 16 Dec or after winter holidays. HSC will close for holiday from 17 Dec and reopens on 2 Jan 2023. Our lawyers are pressing for discussion on 16 Dec 2022. 

 

IESM will put up best efforts to oppose this extension and will request HSC for payment of arrears with interest without any delay. 

Regards

Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM

Vice Chairman IESM