Petition against proposal for soldiers pension cut

 As per letter signed by DA to CDS it is seen that there is proposal to increase soldiers retirement age to 57 years for all ranks in logistics, technical and medical branch. The next para states the pension of soldiers going on PMR will be reduced up to 50% depending on length of service.

In this situation we are deeply anguished and heartfelt by this approach from Government which seeks draft from CDS regarding pension cut. Soldier spends his entire youth for nation’s integrity and sovereignty dangering his life at the borders while expecting the financially safe and sound family even after retirement.  Such decisions will entirely demoralize young soldiers who joined the forces expecting financial stability which their predecessors were getting and even what they might be promised while being recruited. We especially the non technical cadres worry about our future in case we are sent compulsory PMR after 15/17/21/28 years of service as per the practice in force. Para 3 mentions all PMR and doesn’t mention about exception to nontechnical. Where do we go only with reduced pension? Is there any hope for us to get reemployed incase of such scenario? Why there are two types of treatment for technical and non technical in same armed forces. Why only some cadres are given full service and not others? What will happen if after 20 years we have to opt PMR due family issues? Why other political/central Govt employees get pension after 2.5/25 years?

This will affect pension rights of retired soldiers who presently getting pension as per OROP after huge struggle for years and which is highly politicized on elections. In future soldiers retiring after less service in the ranks of JCO/ORs will be given only reduced. In due course of OROP review, new pension of same ranks will be less than the previous pension which retired soldiers were getting pension which could be challenged at court. So we are deeply concerned about the implications and hence request not to implement any new orders which jeopardize the financial condition of soldiers and their morale. 

Joseph    Contact the author of the petition