Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Restore benefits

Sir, — Retired medical officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force were made eligible for enhanced pension with effect from January 1, 1996 following the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission. A consolidated/revised pension was calculated at 50 per cent of the basic pay, rank pay and non-practising allowance (NPA) all put together. Widows of deceased officers were given 30 per cent as family pension on the above basis.

However, the Government, in a letter dated September 11, 2001, withdrew the benefits of enhanced NPA (25 per cent of the pension) to the officers who retired before January 1, 1996 on the plea that basic and rank pay would be taken into consideration for pension purposes based on one rank and one pension and that NPA was not part of the pay scales.

This move has dealt a cruel blow to retired medical officers. It is not clear why the Government has singled out the pre-1996 retirees and not those who retired later. Moreover, during service NPA was included in pay and also for calculation towards payment of house rent, water, electricity and furniture till retirement.

The Prime Minister and the Defence Minister should review the matter and withdraw the discriminatory letter.

G.V. Ramani,
Chennai

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