The fight over One Rank One Pension and the Indian Defence forces

I was just loitering around on the internet that I saw a post by an economist on the ongoing One Rank One Pension demand by the armed forces. Here is a link of same:-

http://ajayshahblog.blogspot.in/2015/02/understanding-one-rank-one-pension.html

So what basically he is trying to say is understood here (Though its all BS), but what about the millions of Officers and other ranks who will not be able to decipher anything as to why so much dragging of feet and reluctance shown to this long term promise of OROP???

And therein lies the problem - Financial illiteracy within the hierarchy of the armed forces. Majority of the forces are financially illiterate and are in the rat race. What else can one expect from boys who got into a job at a young age, are barely higher secondary pass (some are degree holders now) and are in a closed society which takes care of basic needs (Of a young boy - then they get used to it!!)

And what has been the loss of this illiteracy? Lets see:

(1) The bureaucrats have been shortchanging the defence personnel ever since independence - helped by a suspicious political class. And the top brass was unable to counter or even recognise it due to this handicap (Of Financial illiteracy).

(2) Most of the defence personnel rely on the provident fund and pension to save for a rainy day. Never do they suspect the demon of inflation and its bite! Some of them do try to invest in gold and real estate and fare a tad bit better.

(3) The AWHO and other institutions which were started as a welfare measure have been taken over by the bureaucrats assisted by the same 'illiterate' top brass who have no option but to take up a job (inspite of a huge provident fund)!

(4) The same top brass have to look for a plush post post retirement. Most due to their financial state and some for the hunger of power - but what is bigger power than money?

It is high time (though a tad bit late) that the defence person becomes financially literate and beat the bureaucrats at their own game. Or at least they will be able to invest better and become self reliant in their nether years.

I will try to write next on means to make your savings inflation proof.. Although a no of articles are already floating aroumd. IMHO, Market is the way!