MoD improves pensions for Gurkhas

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that it is improving pensions for Gurkhas and plans to conduct a review of the mechanisms in place for increasing Gurkha pensions.

Gurkha pensioners will now be granted an average increase of 19 per cent to their service pension and a review will look at the best ways of measuring the cost of living in Nepal, along with how Gurkha pensions are increased each year.

Announced by defence secretary, Derek Twigg, the changes to the Gurkha Pension Scheme (GPS) are in line with changes to Indian Army pensions announced earlier this year by India's Pay Commission.

Following on from a seven per cent increase in Gurkha pensions announced at the start of 2007, the new measures apply to all Gurkha pensioners of the rank Warrant Officer Class 1 and below.

Gurkhas, from Nepal and certain parts of India, are recruits to the British Army and the subject of their status and nationality has been widely disputed in recent years.

Mr Twigg said: "This increase will sustain Gurkha Pension Scheme payments at an appropriate level and demonstrates our continuing commitment to the retired Gurkha population in Nepal."

A number of Gurkhas lost an appeal earlier this year against the MoD, calling for pensions parity with British armed forces personnel.

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Date:20/07/2007 11:46:52