With eye on OROP, Navy officers seek higher grade pay

With eye on OROP, Navy officers seek higher grade pay

What forms the backdrop of this demand is a 2013 Supreme Court verdict that quashed differential treatment to “time-scale” captains and select grade captains.

In what is linked to the government’s announcement of One Rank One Pension scheme for armed forces, at least 10 serving Navy officers have made representations to the Navy Headquarters seeking enhancement of their grade pay which may entitle them to higher salaries, pension and benefits. Sources said the Navy authorities might receive more such representations.

The hikes sought, though seemingly minuscule, will put them in a higher pay band thereby entitling them to much higher benefits under the seventh Central Pay Commission and OROP, the officers have said.

One of the “time-scale” captains, in his letter to the Navy Headquarters, has sought that his “grade pay” be increased from Rs 8,700 per month to Rs 8,900 per month. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the navy officer said: “The seventh Central Pay Commission is currently preparing its report. It may look like a fight for just Rs 200, but it is not so. A grade pay of Rs 8,900 puts officers in a different pay band that would entitle them to enhanced benefits under the Central Pay Commission recommendations. In the light of the OROP, the hike may also affect our pensions substantially.” 

What forms the backdrop of this demand is a 2013 Supreme Court verdict that quashed differential treatment to “time-scale” captains and select grade captains.

Select grade captains are officers promoted to the rank of a captain on clearing selection boards. Those who do not clear the selection boards become captains on completion of 26 years of service. Select grade captains who spend three years in the rank enjoy a higher grade pay of Rs 8,900 per month equivalent to a Commodore, while “time scale” receive Rs 8,700. Also, retirement age for selection grade captains in 56 years, while their “time-scale” counterparts retire at 54.

In 2013, “time-scale” captains approached the Supreme Court seeking extension of their service by two years.