Kharge slams BJP over pension rules, says ‘fake nationalism’ visible yet again

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party over the disability pension rules for armed forces and said that they (BJP) are working against the welfare of jawans, ex-servicemen and veterans.

Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on X, said, “BJP’s Fake Nationalism is yet again visible in the new disability pension rules for our brave Armed Forces! Around 40% of Army officers retire with disability pension, and the present policy change shall flout multiple past judgements, rules and acceptable global norms. The All India Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association has strongly protested this new policy by the Modi Government, which places soldiers at a disadvantage when compared to civilian employees”.

https://x.com/kharge/status/1707996457599439253?s=20

“In June 2019, the Modi Government had come out with a similar betrayal, when they announced that they will be taxing disability pension! Modi Government is a habitual offender in working against the welfare of our Jawans, ex-servicemen and veterans”, Kharge added.

Kharge further listed points and schemes mentioning the Agnipath Scheme and One Rank One Pension (OROP). “Agnipath Scheme: Explicit admission that Modi Govt does not have funds for our soldiers. Large scale anomalies in OROP-2. Withdrawal of the much deserved ‘Non-Functional Utility’ (NFU) to ensure automatic time bound pay promotion. Snatching away of medical benefits/pensions to our Jawans who have valiantly served the Nation under Short Service Commission. Privatisation of Ordinance Factory Board and rationing in CSD outlets”, Kharge said.

On behalf of the party, the Congres president further suggested setting up an ex-servicemen Commission. “In this context, Congress party reiterates its demand to set up an Ex-servicemen Commission at the earliest to address the grievances of military veterans”, the Congress president said. (ANI)