96 Ex-Servicemen Flag 24-Year Pay, Pension Delay; Warn of Indefinite Protest in Delhi

New Delhi | December 26, 2025

Ninety-six ex-servicemen linked to Dabhol/NTPC on Friday raised the issue of unpaid salaries and pensions pending for the past 24 years, warning of an indefinite protest if immediate action is not taken. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Press Club of India.

Senior ex-servicemen from Mumbai presented documentary evidence related to the case and said the concerned institutions failed to release their salaries and pensions despite years of service.

They said the prolonged delay has pushed many of them, now elderly into financial distress, forcing them to struggle for medical care, food and housing.

The interaction with the media turned emotional as sustained questioning brought out the weight of the prolonged struggle.

In a symbolic act of protest, some ex-servicemen removed their upper garments, saying they had nothing left to lose after 24 years of waiting.

The moment visibly affected journalists present, several of whom assured the veterans that the issue would not be allowed to fade and that their voices would be carried to a wider national and international audience.

Journalists also expressed solidarity with the proposed protest outside the Dabhol/NTPC headquarters.

The ex-servicemen said “Jai Hind, Jai Jawan” defines their identity, yet the same soldiers are now forced to take to the streets to claim their rightful dues, describing the situation as a systemic failure.

Addressing the media, Laxman Mahadik said 24 years constitute a major part of any individual’s working life, adding that the veterans served with commitment but received only repeated delays in return.

Suryakant Pawar said the case is entirely document-based and that all records have been placed before the media, calling for accountability from the authorities.

R.G. Pawar questioned how soldiers who served the nation have been left struggling for basic necessities.

V.S. Salunkhe said the ex-servicemen have exhausted all constitutional remedies and would intensify their agitation if the matter is not resolved.

Appealing to the media, Suresh Pachpute said continued inaction would send a message that soldiers’ rights hold little value.

Chandrakant Shinde said the issue now concerns the future of 96 families, not just the individuals involved.

Vijay Nikam said the group would stage an indefinite sit-in outside the Dabhol/NTPC headquarters if authorities fail to act immediately.

The ex-servicemen reiterated that they are seeking justice through peaceful and constitutional means, but added that 24 years of inaction have left them with no option but to prepare for decisive action.