The year 2016 also saw progress for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen as the much awaited One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme funds reaching the accounts of Ex-Servicemen and families. Apart from OROP, various other welfare schemes were launched to benefit the Indian ex-servicemen. Some of these are:
- The Directorate Of Indian Army Veterans launched: COAS General Dalbir Singh inaugurated the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) on 14 January 2016 at Delhi Cantt. The Directorate will provide a wide range of veteran care and support services and will act as a single point of contact for redressal of complaints of veterans, widows and their wards. The inauguration of the new Directorate coincided with the first ever celebration of Veterans Day followed by the launching of Veterans Outreach App.
- A Multi-Specialty Dental Wing For Veterans: On the occasion of Platinum Jubilee Celebration of the Army Dental Corps, a Multispecialty Dental Wing for veterans was inaugurated by the COAS Gen Dalbir Singh on 10 February 2016 at Army Dental Clinic (Research & Referral), Delhi.
- OROP: After a gap of more than 40 years, the much awaited One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme was announced by the Government on 7 November 2015. Detailed instructions along with tables announcing its implementation were issued on 3 February 2016. So far 20,63,529 Ex-Servicemen have been identified for getting financial benefits under OROP in pre-July 2014 category, out of which 19,57,925 defence pensioners have received the first instalment of revised pension. Expeditious steps have been taken by the Government to cover the remainder 1,05,604 defence/family pensioners under OROP.
- ECHS: The government is taking special measures to provide quality and affordable medicare to ex-servicemen and their dependents. As part of health care reforms, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has been completely digitised. A total of approximately 50 lakh beneficiaries has been covered under the scheme. As of now the scheme is being run through 28 regional centres and 426 polyclinics. A total of 1445 civil hospitals has been empanelled to provide cashless treatment to ECHS beneficiaries.
- MAP: Looking at the hardships and long separation of Jawans from their families while serving in forward and high altitude areas, the Ministry is taking steps to expedite the Married Accommodation Project (MAP) for Armed Forces personnel on a priority basis. This will provide nearly 2 lakh dwelling units for the married personnel near their places of posting. The third and final phase of MAP is soon expected to be implemented providing 71,000 more dwelling units. The second phase foundation laying ceremony was held at the hands of MoS Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre at Meerut Military station on 21st December 2016.
