Prateeksha Thakur
(pic source: adobe stock)
New Delhi, 7 April 2025
Widows of martyred paramilitary personnel from more than 20 states staged a protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and full implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP).
The protest was organised under the banner of the Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association. Participants paid a brief tribute to the fallen soldiers before handing over a detailed memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The key demands outlined in the memorandum include the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), enforcement of OROP benefits across all ranks, access to the Central Military Health Scheme (CMHS), and the opening of health dispensaries at the district level. The association also demanded the establishment of paramilitary welfare boards in every state and implementation of a 2012 Home Ministry order recognizing retired personnel as “Ex-Man.”
Protesters also raised the issue of job-linked welfare, urging the government to allow India Coffee House outlets to be set up under a special quota to benefit retired personnel and their families. The initiative, they said, would not require budgetary support and could operate through community contributions.
The memorandum was formally handed over at the Prime Minister’s Office, with support from Delhi Police officials.
NI Bureau
