New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that his government accepted One Rank One Pension “in principle” drew the attention of Twitter users, with many of them disappointed that he made no announcement regarding OROP implementation.
It was anticipated that he would announce the implementation of the scheme in his Independence Day speech on Saturday, but Modi only repeated his government’s stand.
“No time or commitment for OROP is extremely disappointing. Don’t understand the nitty-gritty, but this is about people who lay their lives for us,” tweeted @rashminp.
Retired naval-officer-turned-writer Vikram Waman Karve also took to Twitter and said: “What is surprising is that national party like BJP has alienated military veterans due to bungling of #OROP issue.”
Writer Suhel Seth echoed similar views, and insisted that the government should announce a date for implementation.
“The government should announce a date and not just enduring intent on One Rank One Pension. Red Fort is now a fort of promises. Not action,” Seth tweeted.
“Am deeply disappointed and pretty disgusted that yet again we’ve only paid lip service to our veterans. It’s a shame. And tragic. #OROP,” he added.
“It is a bloody shame that MPs and bureaucrats constantly give themselves a raise but don’t care for veterans. We take them for granted.”
“Modi is doing everything to not come to power for a second term. No OROP announcement. No announcement for farmers,” @halsatyagrah, another micro-blogging site user, said.
Another user @DMarcusAntonius tweeted: “Implement #OROP. If we can’t even take care of our soldiers and war heroes.. do we even deserve to be safe?”
“If OROP is not immediately implemented, it will lead to unrest in armed forces,” @bb_sharma tweeted.
“Today’s speech is the first speech in which he lacks confidence. Recent parliament issues, OROP and many others have brought down his confidence,” @rocksy1234 said.
“I am assuring again, it is not a person speaking, I am speaking on the behalf of 125 crore people, under the tri-colour, from the ramparts of Red Fort… In principle we have accepted One Rank One Pension. The phase of discussions is on,” Modi said in his speech.
Ex-servicemen protested in the national capital on Saturday, shouting “shame, shame” after Modi did not announce the scheme’s implementation.