More trouble for Modi govt, now railway employees demand One Rank One Pension

New Delhi, Aug 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government has been facing criticism for not fulfilling its promise regarding One Rank One Pension (OROP). Now, it seems that the govt at the Centre may face more trouble.

After defence personnel, now railway employees too raise demand for OROP.

[PM going back on commitment on One Rank, One Pension: Antony]

Railway employees claimed that they should not be ignored as they too dedicated their services to the nation. Currently there are 13.26 lakh employees working in the Railways.

General Secretary of All-India Railwaymen's Fedration, Shiv Gopal Verma said that during the Seventh Pay Commission, issue of OROP for railway employees was discussed.

[OROP issue: We are disheartened with PM Modi's I-Day speech, say ex-servicemen]

Mr Verma was also quoted as saying, "Railwaymen are performing dedicated service for the nation. Railway is the lifeline of the country. Employees are working round the clock across the country."

He, however, said servicemen in defence forces should get OROP but the same principle should also be applicable to Railways.

"Our brothers in defence should get it as soon as possible. But at the same time we should also not be ignored," AIRF leader said.

Expressing disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech at Red Fort, Mr Verma said, "PM should have offered something concrete on the OROP issue. Though there were expectations for an announcement on the issue, nothing happened."

[One Rank One Pension accepted in principle, says PM Modi during I-Day speech]

PM Modi, in his Independence day speech, said in-principle the government has accepted the demand for OROP but it is a long pending issues, and discussions are underway and in the last stages.

Taking on lawmakers, he said, "MPs are increasing their salaries whenever they want to increase. They even get full pension irrespective of their term or attendance."

OneIndia News
(With agency inputs)