OROP- Not found any logic for the variation in pension between Brig and Maj Gen w.e.f. Jul 2021.

Dear Brig Vijay Arora Sir,

A similar query has come from Col NC Singhal.

I went through the table of OROP - II again. I have not found any logic for the variation in pension between Brig and Maj Gen w.e.f. Jul 2021.

As you know a Brigadier with 33 or more years of service  was fixed pension of Rs 37,570 pm w.e.f Jul 2014 in OROP - 1. W.e.f Jan 2016 it comes to Rs 37570 x 2.57 = Rs 96,555 as given in column 2 of the table. This is the basic pension and then you add DR from Jan 2016 to Jun 2019. Then comes OROP - II taking average pension of Brigadiers with 33 or more years of service retired in calendar year 2018. This comes to Rs 1,08,800 pm which is the average pension which is shown in column Revised pension w.e.f Jul 2019. No arguments till now.  

But I have not understood how the pension of Brigadier goes to Rs 1,12,596 pm w.e.f. Jul 2021. It cannot be inclusive of DR which is 31% in Jul - Dec 2021. I find this column of revised pension w.e.f. Jul 2021 is incorrect. The PIB got mixed up. The policy letter of OROP of Nov 2015 says revision is only once in five years. The Hon'ble Supreme Court also says revision is in once in five years. So how can there be one more revision in Jul 2021 when OROP - II was revised w.e.f. Jul 2019. You cannot have third revision i.e. OROP - III from Jul 2021. Let us wait for the tables of OROP like Circular 555 of OROP - I.

But sir, one thing is very clear. The pension of Maj Gens is less than Brigadier from Jan 2016 as general officers are not entitled for MSP of Rs 15,500 pm which officers of the ranks from Lt to Brigadier are entitled to. 

The latest PPOs of Maj Gens show two pensions. One pension is of Brigadier and another pension of Maj Gen. Then PPO shows the basic pension is of Brigadier as the officer got higher pay as Brigadier and lesser pay as Maj Gen. Therefore Maj Gens continued to get pay of Brigadier even on promotion to the rank of Maj Gen. Their pension is that of Brigadier and not Maj Gen.

warm regards, 

Brig CS Vidyasagar (Retd)

Dear Col Singhal Sir,

To be very frank I have not understood how basic pension from Jul 2019 which stands at Rs 1,03,700 as on Jul 2019 goes to Rs 1,07,062 in Jul 2021. 

If you see the second column which is pension as on Jan 2016 for Colonel, basic without DR (0% in Jan 2016) is Rs 92,855 (= 36130 of OROP-I x 2.57 = 92,855). The average pension of Col w.e.f Jul 2019 is Rs 1,03,700 in OROP - II. This is the average pension of Colonel with say 33 years service ( I am assuming because Rs 92,855 in OROP - I  is for service of 33 or more years of service).  This is basic pension in OROP- II from Jul 2019. 

Then add 17% for the period Jul 2019 to Jun 2021 which comes to Rs 1,21,329 which is the total pension. Then the pension w.e.f. Jul 2021 with DR of 31% , should come to Rs 103,700 x 1.31 = Rs 1,35,847. I cannot find any reason for basic pension of Colonel to go to Rs 1,07,062 pm from Jul 2019 to Jul 2021. This figure does not found anywhere.

Does it mean again the basic pension has been revised w.e.f Jul 2021 when OROP policy letter says revision is only once in 5 years. 

I think column Revised pension w.e.f. Jul 2019 is totally incorrect as given by PIB.

Let us see revised pension tables which PCDA (Pensions) Prayagraj will issue in few days' time.

If Cabinet has given approval, I am sure the cabinet papers might have got all the tables of pension from Sepoy of 15 years to say 22 years to Lt Gen (HAG+) for varying service of 20 years to 40 years. 

Therefore the PCDA (Pensions) Prayagraj should not take more than one week to put up new circular giving revised pension rank wise, qualifying service wise and group wise X or Y for JCOs /OR.

Thanks for bringing this to my notice. I ignored it in the beginning as I was happy finally Cabinet gave their approval for OROP - II. 

I am yet to see some clarification from CGDA or PCDA (Pensions) Prayagaraj or Secretary Min of Def (ESW). This PIB release to me appears to be factually incorrect for pension w.e.f. Jul 2021. Do you mean to say Govt of India is very kind to revise your pension every two years? If it so then it is good. But Hon'ble Supreme Court also said revise pension once in five years. Then how come this revised pension w.e.f Jul 2021 after fixing pension by average method as on Jul 2019?

I am as much confused as much as you are. 

The revised pension w.e.f. Jul 2021 does not stand to any logic.

warm regards, 

Brig CS Vidyasagar (Retd)