In addition to increasing employment prospects for former service members in PSUs, government agencies, and private businesses, the government has reinforced pension benefits under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) program.
In addition to job reservations for widows and dependents in the armed forces, financial aid is given to families of military personnel who lost their lives while serving.
Government Has Reinforced Pension Benefits Under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) Program
By guaranteeing that military personnel retiring at the same rank and with the same number of years of service receive equal pension benefits, One Rank One Pension (OROP) helps to close the gap between current and former retirees.
The OROP program improves veterans’ and their families’ financial security.
Families of military personnel who lost their lives while serving are supported by the Special Family Pension and the Liberalized Family Pension.
Ex Gratia/Gratuity payments are promptly processed to provide financial support to grieving families.
Programs for skill development and resettlement assist veterans in resettling into civilian positions in the public, private, and PSU sectors.
Through regular cadre recruitment and bonus points in the online common entrance exam under the Agnipath Scheme, the Indian Army provides employment opportunities to the children of battle casualties.
Widows of defense personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty are granted a 5% reservation in the Short Service Commission.
Job Reservations for Former Service Members Have Been Implemented
In many industries, job reservations for former service members have been implemented.
Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Public Sector Banks provide:
- 14.5% reservation in Group ‘C’ positions.
- 24.5% reservation in Group ‘D’ positions.
- 4.5% reservation for disabled ex-servicemen and dependents of those killed in action.
Special recruitment in the Indian Army:
- Reserved positions for widows of ex-servicemen.
- Priority enrollment for ex-servicemen’s children in regimental centers.
As of December 31, 2023, India had 2,778,951 ex-servicemen across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Top states with the highest number of ex-servicemen:
- Uttar Pradesh – 421,145 veterans.
- Punjab – 359,464 veterans.
- Maharashtra – 196,487 veterans.
- Rajasthan – 209,523 veterans.
- Haryana – 175,637 veterans.
Utilizing their discipline and technical know-how, the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat program seeks to reintegrate former service members into the workforce.
Through job reservations, resettlement programs, and pension reforms, the government gives veterans financial stability and empowers them to contribute to the development of the country.
By facilitating their transition into civilian life and enabling them to continue serving the nation, these policies uphold the government’s commitment to ex-servicemen.
In a written response to Devesh Shakya in the Lok Sabha on March 28, Secretary of State for Defence Sanjay Seth supplied this information.
