Continuing their agitation against the government over the delay in implementing the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, ex-servicemen on Monday began an indefinite relay hunger strike across the country.
A group of 55-60 veterans sat on a relay hunger strike at Jantar Mantar here. On Sunday, thousands of ex-servicemen held a massive protest at the same venue. The protests began after several rounds of official and back-channel talks with the government failed to make any headway.
“The hunger strike has begun today (Monday) in various cities. This will go on indefinitely till our dues are cleared,” said Colonel (retd) Anil Kaul, media adviser to the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement.
The veterans are demanding that the government adhere to the definition of OROP and announce a fixed timeline for its implementation.
Speaking at an event in Jaipur on Sunday, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had asked ex-servicemen to have “patience” and said the government would deliver on its promises.
Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Parrikar have reiterated their commitment to implementing OROP on several occasions, the final announcement has been continuously delayed. Mr. Parrikar had said the file has been sent to the Finance Ministry for clearance.
