Haryana favours one rank, one pension scheme for ex-servicemen

BHIWANI - Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda Saturday said that his government was in favour of one rank, one pension scheme for the ex-army personnel.

“I had also advocated this issue in parliament when I was an MP. The union government has taken a number of steps in this direction,” said Hooda, while talking to reporters at an Army Mela here.

The two-day ‘Army Mela’, which is being organised by the Indian Army, was inaugurated at Bhim Stadium here Saturday.

Speaking on the issue, Army chief Gen. V.K. Singh, who was also present, said: “The centre is considering the issue. The one rank, one pension norm has been achieved for JCOs (junior commissioned officers) and soldiers, up to 90 percent ranks, while the issue regarding officers is under consideration.”

Comparing the strength of Indian defence forces with China, Singh said that Indian soldiers are matchless.

“Defence forces are not evaluated on the basis of numbers only, other factors like morale, physical efficiency, courage and enthusiasm are also important,” he noted.