New Delhi: Following the Defence Ministry's proposal to increase the retirement age of officers and slashing pension of those seeking premature retirement, the Congress on Friday slammed the Centre for "betraying" the armed forces and termed the move as BJP's "fake nationalism".
Addressing a press conference, Congress General Secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Habitual of seeking votes on the sacrifice of our brave soldiers and fake nationalism, the Modi Government has become the first regime in history to 'steal the pension' and even the alternate career choice after active service of those officers who protect our motherland."
The Congress' attack came after a note by Department of Military Affairs (DMA), headed by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, proposed new retirement and pension policy.
Under the new rules, the retirement age of colonels (except the Army Medical Corps and Military Nursing Service) will be increased to 57 from the current 54 years. While those seeking premature release with 20-25 years of service will now be entitled to only 50 per cent of the pension.
"Indian Army always remains young, which in the military language is called 'Lean and Mean Fighting Force'. If the Modi government's devious proposal comes into force, then 65 per cent of military officers will forever lose their second career option and their creative support in nation-building in civilian areas outside the military," Surjewala asserted.
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"90 per cent of the Army officers retire before 35 years of service. In such a situation, the Modi government is hatching a conspiracy to deny these officers their full pension. This will only lower the morale of our armed forces," he added.
Attacking the BJP-led central government, the Congress also put up a series of allegations over 'back door' cuts in spending, including the non-implementation of 'One Rank One Pension', withdrawal of 'Non-Functional Utility' benefits, imposing monthly limits on item purchasing from CSD outlets, and delay in procurement of winter gear for Jawans posted in Siachen and Ladakh.
"The Modi government's fresh attack on the Indian Army has exposed the anti-Army face of the fake nationalists," the Congress leader said.
Meanwhile, several serving and retired officers are also expressing anguish over the Defence Ministry's proposal, claiming that it will have an impact on recruitments as well.
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