New Delhi, Feb.17 (ANI): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that One Rank One Pension scheme will prove historical for the welfare of the soldiers, who defend the country by working in difficult conditions.
"It (One Rank One Pension) is a historical step. The soldiers posted in difficult terrains are defending our country by giving their blood and sweat. It is our responsibility to help them. I would like to thank the government, the prime minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The soldiers must feel that they have the government's support," he said.
Defense experts, however, expressed skepticism about the timing of the announcement. The scheme's announcement which comes a few months before the general elections is being seen as a bribe by many.
"It is a very good thing for our soldiers and JCOs (Junior Commissioned Officers) but the timing couldn't have been more wrong. Why did they (the government) sit on this issue for 10 years? They seem to be bribing the soldiers," said P N Hoon, a defense expert.
Another defense expert Bharat Verma attributed the announcement of One Rank One Pension as a result of competitive politics.
"This decision has been taken due to competitive politics. But I've heard that we don't have enough ammunition to sustain intense firing for 40 days. Our ammunition can only last for one and a half days. We don't have fighter planes and ground defense lacks in resources. The government must pay attention to that," he said.
Earlier on Mionday, Finance Minister P Chidambaram increased the defense allocation for new fiscal beginning April 1 by 10% to 2.24 trillion rupees from 2.03 trillion rupees for last fiscal.
He also announced "one-rank one pension" to ensure that retirees receive a pension to match the rank at which they retired regardless of when they leave the forces. (ANI)
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Comments:
Tarun
February 17, 2014 at 5:45 PM
Tarun
February 17, 2014 at 5:44 PMRahul always insisted in providing more pensions to the ex-servicemen and now when govt. agreed on increasing the amount of pension, Rahul should also be given credit for this and government should be thanked.
Anuj Dhaka
February 17, 2014 at 5:43 PMI feel congress has some good policies for the people. It will motivate the soldiers . Young students will also feel to join the army. Families will allow their children to join the army.
Anuj Dhaka
February 17, 2014 at 5:43 PMWith this decision, the soldiers would feel happy, not only soldiers but their families would be glad as well. Congress made a very fine decision here.
Shashank Singh
February 17, 2014 at 5:42 PMCongress always believed in providing equal chance to the people and giving them what they deserve.Congress should be praised for the decision.It will encourage a lot of young soldiers to work more.
Shashank Singh
February 17, 2014 at 5:41 PMThis is a good news for ex-servicemen. They should be given some good pension. The soldiers work for the nation and they are the biggest hero of our country.
Diksha Malik
February 17, 2014 at 5:15 PMA very good decision by Rahul gandhi and UPA made keeping in line with the sentiments of the Indian Army jawans who are deployed on borders and else in service of the nation, this will really boost their morale.
Kumar Anshuman
February 17, 2014 at 5:13 PMIts army which helps us in sleeping peacefully in our home, so Rahul took a great decision to encourage them, He is a true leader who has understanding of everything.
SK Reddy
February 17, 2014 at 5:09 PMRahul does what he says he not like the dream seller Modi who only sells dreams and build castles in the air, this step of Rahul Gandhi will help in motivating youths who wants to serve our country.
Soldiers are life of our country. They fight for us at the border so that we can breathe and laugh. This is indeed a historic decision. Way to go !