The government will implement ‘One Rank, One Pension’, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He reiterated his Government’s commitment to defence personnel.

“You kept your patience for 40 years. Give me some time. We will sit together and come out with a solution,” Modi said in the eighth edition of his radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He informed men in uniform that it is a complicated issue and various wings of the Government are working on the scheme. “This Government, and I repeat this Government, will give the solution to one-rank-one-pension,” he said.

One rank one pension is a very old demand of defence personnel. It implies armed forces personnel holding the same rank and same length of service will get the same pension, regardless of the last drawn pay. The demand was accepted last year and accordingly budget provision was also made. However, due to some issues related with calculation, implementation of the scheme has been delayed.

It was widely expected that PM Modi will announce about the scheme on May 25 in his rally at Mathura to celebrate one year of his Government. But that did not happen and after which principal opposition party Congress raised a question.

Replying to all the criticisms, Modi said that work is in progress and the Government cannot give running commentary. "Is it not a fact that the question of ‘one rank, one pension’ has not been hanging for the last 40 years? Is it not a fact that all the previous governments only talked but did nothing,” he said.

Two positives

Mentioning about one year of his Government, he highlighted two key positives, Social Security Schemes and launch of Kisan Channel, during this month. He announced that just in 20 days after launch of three social security schemes – Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana, 8.52 crore people have enrolled into these schemes. . “I have always wanted to work for the poor. We think of new initiatives, we take feedback on initiatives,” he said while urging more people to join these schemes. Similarly, new channel Kisan will help not only farmers, but also fishermen and cattlemen.

Yoga

He said June 21 is now not just the longest day on the earth but also international Yoga Day. “It will act as catalyst in bringing the whole world together,” he said, while highlighting the fact that it just does not cure various diseases but also help in getting rid of sufferings. It may be recalled that 177 countries in United Nations adopted a resolution to make June 21 as International Yoga Day after Modi made a strong appeal for that.

Heat wave

Earlier, starting his 30 minutes broadcast, Prime Minister expressed concern over prevailing heatwave in several parts of country. He asked people to extend the same care to birds and animals, too. The heatwave, especially in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, has killed over 2,000 people and considered 5th deadliest worldwide.

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