Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a)        whether Government is aware of the hunger strike by ex-servicemen at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi; and

1. (b)        if so, what steps Government is taking to address the grievances of over 2.8 million ex-servicem    en and their families relating to one-rank one-pension?

ANSWER

(SHRI M.M. PALLAM RAJU)
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a)        Yes, Sir.

(b)        The demand for one rank-one pension stands already examined in detail and was not found acceptable due to administrative, financial and legal reasons. Moreover, the pensionary benefits of the Personnel Below Officer Rank, particularly of the three ranks of Sepoy, Naik and Havildar, were significantly increased w.e.f 1.1.2006 by increasing weightage from 5 years to 10, 8 and 6 years respectively and by allowing pension of pre 1.1.1996 retirees to be computed with reference to the maximum of the pay-scale introduced w.e.f 01.01.1996. In consultation with Ministry of Finance, the benefits thus accrued to PBOR have been allowed to be retained while revising their pension as per Government decision on the 6th CPC recommendations w.e.f 1.1.2006. However, the Government is also examining whether certain improvements can be made in the pension being given to the old pensioners.