Ex-servicemen rally to demand MSP
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte
Churachandpur, April 03 2023:
Thousands of pensioners under Ex-Servicemen (JCOs-OR) Association, Manipur carried out a demonstration at PT Sports Complex, Churachandpur from 10.30 am on Monday demanding equal Military Service Pension (MSP), 7th pay commission, One Rank One Pension (OROP), widow pension, disability pension, reserve pensioners allowance and honorary rank.
The pensioners also protested alleged discrimination faced by the X- group and in allocation of medals.
One of the main demands of the pensioners is implementation of MSP, which was recommended for the first time in 2006 by 6th Pay Commission.
In a memorandum addressed to the President of India, the copies of which were also forwarded to the Prime Minister and the Union home minister, the association said that the 6th Pay Commission recommended MSP after Indian Army demanded implementation of the same in line with European military service.
But it was surprising that the Commission recommended MSP for Jawans (soldiers) at Rs 1,000 and for officers at Rs 6,000 per month but a class 1 officer objected.
In European countries, the MSP is given equally to both soldiers and officers but there is a big difference in the MSP of Jawans and officers in the country, which is not fair.
Nevertheless, the Central government implemented MSP at Rs 2,000 for Jawans and Rs 6,000 for officers, which the association feels is still not fair.
The association demanded equal MSP for soldiers and officers in the line with European countries.