Member of Parliament Pratibha Singh has urged Union Minister for Defence Sri A K Antony to consider the genuine demand of “One Rank, One Pension” for ex-servicemen on priority basis , so that soldier’s pension will be determined by their rank and length of service.She said that there is a difference in the pension being granted to the old pensioners in comparison with the new retirees, despite with their rank and length of service. She also said that, the ex-servicemen have been demanding a solution to this problem since long and have been requesting for adoption of the policy of “One Rank One Pension”.Recently the Committee of the Cabinet Secretary has made seven recommendations in this regard which has narrow gap but it could find solution for removal of this anomaly.
In her letter to Defence Minister Smt. Pratibha Singh has emphasised that Ex-servicemen Associations are not satisfied with the recommendations of Committee of the Cabinet Secretary, since pension is the only financial support for them to meet out their family/social obligations.Himachal Pradesh is one of the biggest contributors of manpower to the Armed Forces. The Officers and Jawans from Himachal Pradesh serving in the Armed Forces have earned many distinctions by rendering exemplary services and dedicating their lives in the service of the Nation.People of Himachal Pradesh are proud to all its serving Soldiers and Ex-servicemen who have won laurels in the battle field and brought honour to the country and to the State as well. There are more than 10 lakh ex-servicemen, serving soldiers, widows, war widows, gallantry award winners and their dependents in the State. Himachal Pradesh Government has introduced several schemes for the welfare of the Ex-servicemen, serving soldiers and for their dependents. Special financial grants are being provided to the Gallantry Award/ Distinguished services Award winners and the martyrs /disabled soldiers.