The government may have finally came up with a reasonable solution to the long-pending demand of our defence personnel on the subject of OROP, but one needs to make a few observations (“ >OROP rolled out, but veterans want more ”, Sept.6). The veterans should gracefully accept what has been offered as they should understand that there are millions in this country who are not fortunate enough to find secure jobs in their life time, leave alone dream of an old-age pension. Likewise, there are millions of Indians without pension benefits even after putting in years of service.
The nation is unanimous about keeping our armed forces personnel happy. The government should also be equally responsible in avoiding such an embarrassing situation of the kind we have witnessed. Both sides should now display the requisite magnanimity in resolving the issue. Procrastination on vital matters should now be a thing of the past.
M.V. Nagavender Rao,
Hyderabad
While the “package” the government has unveiled may be a financial bonanza for our service personnel, the manner in which the deal was sewn up has been undignified. Goodwill towards our defence personnel will now be lost in similar and competing demands that are sure to be put out by para military, railway and other government personnel (“Count us in, say railway employees” and “Paramilitary forces too demand OROP”, both Sept.6).
A. Mohan,
Thiruvananthapuram
Our veterans may have won the main battle. The government has placed a mug of coffee before them, yet they claim that it is half-flavoured. If there are more demands, the doors are not yet closed. Wise counsel should now prevail and the government and defence personnel should now sit together and sort out remaining differences and demands.
Seetharam Basani,
Warangal, Telangana
One has high regard for our defence personnel, for their patriotism and yeomen service towards the nation, but it is unfortunate that they are not completely happy with the decision. Over the years, the bargaining power of different sections of society has gone up with governments being compelled to accept ever growing demands. A major chunk of revenue now goes towards the payment of salaries and pensions. In the process, how can the government ignore the plight of farmers? The slogan “ Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan ” should have some meaning.
Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,
Hyderabad
