Take the OROP to its’ logical conclusion, Sir

 I only hope that it happens to be the last letter to the PM / PMO on this issue.

I certainly feel that there is someone from the bureaucracy who is bent on spoiling the issue. Sir, knowing the capacity of the bureaucracy in twisting the written word, you and your ministers should have read the fine print with a microscope. Anyway, the damage has been done now; the veterans had to resort to the agitation at Jantarmantar. Fine, but why it was allowed to be dragged to 85 odd days. In case your fire fighters had taken the veterans in confidence right from the beginning and you had convened the first kick of meeting, the impact would have been totally different. It only reflects on the lack of confidence and trust building measures the governments has shown in many of the recent cases, be it land reform, the labour reform or this OROP case. 

Even now the OROP case is an half cooked plate which is offered to the armed forces. Why the minor niggles should still have been left unresolved in the first place. Did you not know their demands from the beginning, or is it that some people were over confident that whatever was done was enough, and the announcement which appears unilateral will force a division in the ranks?

Even now, the unresolved issues could be ironed out by wresting the initiative and calling representatives of the agitating group, some representatives of the armed forces currently serving, retired chiefs of armed forces and sort out the issues. You have said on many occasions that discussions and talks are the only ways to resolve the issues. 

I can suggest three step approach as under:

First call a meeting where in some representatives of the armed forces currently serving, retired chiefs of armed forces, Union Home Minister, Defence Minister and Finance Minister, and members of PMO are called for a meeting under your chairmanship. Discuss all pending issues and chalk - out a strategy with couple of plans / options. Appoint one person to lead the discussions with the agitators. It could be anyone from the retired chiefs of forces. Give them a time line and clearance to accept any of the plans / options discussed during the meeting. No deviations should be allowed then.

Then call for a meeting with the representatives of the agitating group. Give them your personal assurance and take them in confidence and tell them that they should also be prepared to walk a few steps and look for win – win situation. Tell them upfront as to who will lead the discussions on your behalf.

  

Then ask them to discuss and negotiate with the representatives of the agitating group. This meeting may not yield result in the very first meeting. It is fine. Discuss the issues with the leader of your team, look for the gaps considering their view point and look for newer options.

Such rounds may be required only a couple of times, if the intentions are clear and if there is mutual trust built up.

They all trust you. So, take the bull by its horns.

Reference Number is : PMOPG/E/2015/0089826