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Branches/Members/Well wishers are requested to deposit CHQ quota/Donations etc by bank transfer mode in our Savings Bank A/C No. 91702010001791 with Syndicate Bank in any of their nearest local Branch and inform us either by mailing the details to our e-mail id aibsnlrea@yahoo.com or by contacting our CHQ Financial Secretary on phone No. 011-25075541 or Mobile No. 09868538189. If desired, remittance can also be made by Cheque/Demand Draft drawn in favour of “All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives’ Association” and sending the same by post to our Financial Secretary. Deposit can also be made in our other Account No. 1156172000001203 with Karur Vysya Bank as per convenience. For Life Membership, please contact the local Branch Secretary/Branch Financial Secretary or directly the CHQ.

Branches are requested to visit "CHQ Circulars" Page for information on life membership, quota etc.

• 24.05.2013: REVISION OF PROVISIONAL PENSION SANCTIONED UNDER RULE 69 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972--- DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENDORSES DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE OM DATED 18.03.2013 TO ALL CONCERNED:: In a major relief to the pensioners who are receiving provisional pension sanctioned under Rule 69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 from the CCAs (DoT Cells) through Banks/Post Offices etc, the Department of Telecommunication, vide its Office letter No. 36-01/2011-Pen (T) dated 14.05.2013, has since endorsed the DoP&PW OM No. 38/6/2010-P&PW (A)(Pt) dated 18.03.2013 on the subject to all concerned for taking necessary action. [Click here to view the DoT letter....]

• 18.05.2013: INAUGURAL FUNCTION OF THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF PRINCIPAL CCA, MAHARSHTRA CIRCLE AT NAGPUR:: Smt. Sadhana Dikshit, Member (Finance), Telecom Commission inaugurated the regional office of CCA Maharashtra Circle at Nagpur under the control and jurisdiction of Principal CCA, Maharashtra Circle on 11th May, 2013. Shri J K Ghai, Principal CCA, Maharashtra Circle and PGMT Nagpur, CCA, Maharashtra Circle and other senior Officers graced the occasion. AIBSNLREA, Nagpur Branch was formally invited by CCA Maharashtra Circle to attend the said inaugural function. S/Shri V W Patil, Vice President, P R Bhujbal, Branch Secretary, N R Rachkondawar and M S Bagde, Asst Branch Secretaries, B M Majumdar, Financial Secretary and R R Gadpal, Member of the Branch attended the function. The representatives of the Association welcomed Member (Finance) by presenting a bouquet to her. Shri P R Bhujbal, Branch Secretary welcomed the guests and other dignitaries and thanked Member (Finance) and the Principal CCA, Maharashtra Circle for fulfilling a long pending demand of BSNL pensioners of Vidarbha Region to set up a separate Regional office at Nagpur. In response to the appeal made by CCA Maharashtra, he also assured full support and cooperation of the Association to the officers and staff of the newly formed CCA office at Nagpur for its effective functioning. Important issues like updating of official website of Principal CCA, Maharashtra, up loading of quarterly revised IDA orders, holding of Pension Adalat at Nagpur, holding of workshop etc were informally discussed with the Principal CCA, Maharashtra Circle. He assured to look into the issues raised. This newly formed office of Controller of Communication Accounts is now functioning at Garoba Maidan, Near Itwari Telephone Exchange Bldg, Central Avenue Road, Nagpur-440008. [Click here to view a photograph showing S/Sh V W Patil, Vice President and P R Bhujbal, Branch Secretary of AIBSNLREA, Nagpur presenting a bouquet to Smt Sadhana Dikshit, Member (F)....]

• 16.05.2013: AIBSNLREA REQUESTS SECRETARY (TELECOM) TO GRANT INTERVIEW TO DISCUSS A FEW IMPORTANT PROBLEMS OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS IN GENERAL AND THE RETIRED EXECUTIVES IN PARTICULAR:: AIBSNLREA writes to Secretary (Telecom) requesting to grant an interview to discuss a few important problems of the absorbed BSNL pensioners in general and the retired BSNL Executives in particular. AIBSNLREA has since taken up six important issues for discussion and settlement. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 14.05.2013: SENIOR OFFICERS OF STATE BANK OF INDIA (SBI), GUJARAT DISCUSS PROBLEMS OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS WITH AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH:Ms Anju Bansal, CM, CPPC, SBI, Gandhinagar along with Shri Samit S. Shah, Assistant Manager, CPPC, SBI, Gandhinagar made a courtesy visit at the residence of Shri B M Bhavsar, State President of AIBSNLREA, Gujarat at Ahmadabad on 08.05.2013 to discuss about the problems of the BSNL pensioners in regard to the services offered by the Bank. Shri A B Patel, State Secretary, Gujarat was also present during the discussion which lasted for about 30 minutes. The SBI Officers agreed to sort out the problems received by them even on phone. They also agreed to transfer pension account to the spouse in case of death of the main pensioner without insisting on opening of another pension account as is being done now. They further agreed to issue instructions to all the branches under their control to co-operate with the pensioners to reduce their grievances.

• 12.05.2013: DISALLOWING THE BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PAY/ PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO OPTED TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THEIR PROMOTION OR RETIREMENT WHICHEVER IS EARLIER AS OFFERED IN THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR ABSORPTION BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION– CASES OF THE GROUP C & D EMPLOYEES:Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since forwarded our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2013/21 dated 17.04.2013 on the above subject [since uploaded in this website on 17.04.2013] to the Department of Telecommunication, vide their No. 4/5/2013-P&PW(D) dated 02.05.2013, for considering the grievances raised therein expeditiously in accordance with the extant rules/instructions. [Click here to view the DoP&PW letter....]

• 11.05.2013: ALL INDIA BSNL RETIRED EXECUTIVES’ ASSOCIATION, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH--- A BRIEF REPORT OF THE 5th ANNUAL GENERAL BODY–CUM-GET TOGETHER MEETING:The 5th Annual General Body-cum–Get together Meeting of All India BSNL Retired Executives’ Association, Gujarat State Branch was held on Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad.
  The meeting was presided over by Shri B.M.Bhavsar, President, AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State Branch and started with the prayer. Lamps were lighted by the Hon’ble Guests on the dais including Shri S.Basu, General Secretary. The House then paid homage in memory of the departed members and some of the family members. The President, in his introductory speech, welcomed all the Guests, members, new members and others. He also gave a brief history on the formation of our separate Association for the BSNL Executives and its rapid growth in these four years. ………..” [Click here to view the complete Report....][Click here to view the photos....]

• 08.05.2013: QUARTERLY GB MEETING OF LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:The quarterly General Body Meeting of Lucknow Branch of UP State was held on 29-04-2013 in the Committee Hall of Sanchar Sadan Laplace, Lucknow. The meeting was presided over by Shri M.K.Shukla, Vice President of U.P State Branch. Shri S.P.Singh, Branch Secretary gave a brief account of the activities of the Association during the last four months. Queries raised by some members with respect to different issues were also duly clarified. State Secretary Shri R.S.Arora addressed the House and informed that the issue regarding merger of 78.2% of IDA is expected to be settled favourably but it may take some more time. The case for payment of revised commutation to the retirees w.e.f 1-1-2007 to 31-08-2008 was also discussed and it was informed by the State Secretary that the case has already been taken up by the C.H.Q for settlement. About 50 members attended the meeting and 7 new Life Members were enrolled during the meeting. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks presented by the Chair.

• 05.05.2013: INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING TIME LIMIT FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES:AIBSNLREA writes to Secretary, DoP&PW regarding non-implementation of the instructions regarding time limit for redressal of grievances by Deptt of Telecommunication citing specific cases wherein DoP&PW had forwarded some representations of AIBSNLREA to DoT for actions. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 03.05.2013: RELEASE OF RETIREMENT AND SERVICE BENEFITS TO SHRI N M JADAV, EX-SDE, GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE:BSNL Corporate Office has since issued the much needed retirement order for Shri N M Jadav, Ex-SDE, Gujarat Telecom Circle retiring him w.e.f. 30.04.2005 vide its No. 17-145/2007-Pers.II dated 01.05.2013 and also instructing CGMT Gujarat Telecom Circle to regulate his pension and release other retirement benefits as per the rules on the subject. This issue was being pursued by this Association (posting dated 18.3.2013 in this website may be viewed). [Click here to view the order....]

• 03.05.2013: PAYMENT OF LESS AMOUNT OF COMMUTATION DUE TO NON-CONSIDERATION OF DEARNESS PAY ON ACCOUNT OF 50% MEREGER OF IDA w.e.f. 01.01.2007- CASE OF SHRI R K TANDON, Ex-AGM, LUCKNOW, UP (E) :TA-I Section of Department of Telecommunication has since sent our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2013/18 dated 01.04.2013 (posted in this website on 01.04.2013) along with another similar case of Shri C P Varghese, Ex-DGM(F) received from CCA, Kerala Telecom Circle to DDG(Estt), DoT for issue of suitable clarification to office of CCA, UP(E), Lucknow and CCA Kerala for settlement of the cases.[Click here to view the letter from TA-I Section of DoT....]

• 26.04.2013: SANCTION OF LEAVE ENCASHMENT TO A GOVERNMENT SERVANT ON HIS SUPERANNUATION WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION:AIBSNLREA requests for withdrawal of provision in Rule 39(3) of CCS (Leave) Rules giving discretionary power to the authorities to with hold leave encashment to a Government servant on his superannuation while under suspension. It writes to Secretary, Deptt of Personnel & Training that “…. we would like to earnestly request the Government to withdraw the provision of Rule 39(3) of CCS (Leave) Rules 1972 allowing the authorities to with hold the leave-encashment to the Government servants on their superannuation while under suspension so that these Government servants having their pensionary benefits already blocked at least get a little amount out of their dues to discharge their social and family commitments.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 24.04.2013: PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE FACILITY TO THE RETIRING EMPLOYEES OF BSNL WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION AND FOR WHOM NO PPO HAS BEEN ISSUED:In the background of BSNL’s assertion that its policy for non-provision of concessional telephone facility to a retiring employee of BSNL while under suspension and to whom no PPO has been issued is based on the guidelines issued by DoT vide No. 2-79/94-PHA dated 30.12.1999 [please view the posting dated 18.03.2013 in this website], AIBSNLREA takes up the matter with Secretary, DoT and request him “to kindly review the DoT’s above stated policy guidelines issued vide DoT No. 2-79/94-PHA dated 30.12.1999 and allow the concessional telephone facility to the retiring employees while under suspension and to whom no PPO has been issued, since non-provision of telephone facility is no way to ensure recovery of any money due to alleged loss.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 23.04.2013: GUJARAT STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS ITS FIFTH AGM ON 28-04-2013:Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its Fifth Annual General Body Meeting at 15.00 Hrs on 28-04-2013 (Sunday) at the Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Near Natraj Cinema, Behind Handloom House, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad. Shri S. Basu, General Secretary, AIBSNLREA will be addressing the meeting. All the members of the Associations and others are invited to attend the meeting. [For further details please contact S/Shri B.M.Bhavsar, Gujarat State President, AIBSNLREA on Mobile No. 09327002491, A B Patel, Gujarat State Secretary, AIBSNLREA on Mobile No. 09427608474].

• 22.04.2013: PROCEDURE FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL UNDER BSNLMRS:AIBSNLREA requests BSNL to issue clarification “whether the claims for reimbursement for outdoor treatment with voucher against the treatment taken in the previous financial year, say 2012-13 and received in the next financial year i.e. 2013-14 can be reimbursed against the ceiling limit of the next year i.e. 2013-14, if received within the stipulated 6 months period.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 20.04.2013: REVISION OF PROVISIONAL PENSION OF PRE-2007/POST 2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS of BSNL AGAINST WHOM DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS/VIGILANCE CASES ARE PENDING:TA-I Section of Department of Telecommunication forwards our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2013/15 dated 19.03.2003 [To read this letter, posting dated 20.3.2013 in this website may be viewed] to DDG(Estt), DoT requesting to issue necessary clarification/guidelines for revision of provisional pension of pre-2007 pensioners/family pensioners. [Click here to view the DoT letter....]

• 17.04.2013: DISALLOWING THE BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PAY/ PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO OPTED TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THEIR PROMOTION OR RETIREMENT WHICHEVER IS EARLIER AS OFFERED IN THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR ABSORPTION BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION:AIBSNLREA takes up the issue with Shri M F Farooqui, Secretary, Deptt of Telecommunication who has assumed the charge of the Department as its Secretary on April 01, 2013. In our letter, we have pointed out to the discrimination meted out to the absorbed Group C & D employees who have so far not been extended the benefit as offered in the general terms and conditions for absorption in BSNL. As reported earlier, DoP&PW has already asked Department of Telecommunication for considering the grievance expeditiously. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 15.04.2013: EXTENSION OF MEDICAL FACILITIES UNDER BSNL MRS TO THE RETIRING EMPLOYEES FACING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS:BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-10/13 dated 15.03.2013, has clarified to CGM, Gujarat Circle with copy endorsed to all CGMs that medical facilities under BSNL MRS can be extended to the officers facing disciplinary proceedings at the time of retirement and who retired on superannuation with provisional pension sanctioned but no PPO issued to them. AIBSNLREA was constantly following up the case, ever since Gujarat Circle referred the matter to Corporate Office (postings dated 09.09.2012 and 25.03.2013 in this website may be referred). [Click here to view the BSNLorder....]

• 15.04.2013: CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION PROVIDED AT THE RESIDENCES OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES – CASES OF THOSE RESIDING IN MTNL SERVICE AREA:AIBSNLREA again draws attention of the Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited about the discrimination meted out to the retired BSNL Employees residing in MTNL service area who have not been extended the concessional broad band facility. It writes, “… We would, therefore, request for your kind intervention in the matter so that the in pursuant to the above stated policy decision of the BSNL Management, the retired BSNL employees residing in MTNL service area are also allowed at least similar concession as has already been allowed to the serving employees residing in MTNL service area.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 12.04.2013: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL- CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE REVISED PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:Department of Telecommunication has now informed that the matter is under consideration of the Department and Government decision will be informed in due course.

• 10.04.2013: EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS BI-ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING:The biannual General Body Meeting of All India BSNL Retired Executive’s Association, East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur was held at Amenity Block, CTO Compound Nagpur on 7-4-2013. The meeting was presided over by Shri N.G.Talewar, President AIBSNLREA Nagpur. In the beginning of the meeting, homage was paid to the departed members and their family members. The President, in his introductory speech welcomed the new members and others. Shri P R Bhujbal, Secretary briefed the members on the current status of all major issues concerning the BSNL pensioners. In his speech, he mainly focused on the main important issues of BSNL pensioners taken up by GS CHQ viz. (1) Expeditious settlement of disciplinary cases against the retired BSNL officers, (2) Revision of provisional pension under Rule-69 of CCS Pension Rules 1972 of pre 2007 BSNL pensioners, (3) Implementation of DOP&PW OM dated 28-1-2013 for revision of family pension of the pre 2007 BSNL pensioners, (4) Anomaly in fixation of pension to the DOT employees absorbed in BSNL and retired during 1-10-2000 to 31-07-2001, (5) Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension wef 1-01-2007, (6) Removal of wide disparity in ceiling limit of medical reimbursement of outdoor treatment with vouchers between Pre-2007 and post 2007 retired BSNL employees. He also gave clarifications on issues like withholding of Leave encashment on retirement while under suspension, concessional broad band facility to retired JAG and above level BSNL executives, revision of reimbursement of cost of hearing aids to the BSNL employees etc. 121 members of the Branch participated in the meeting. Shri Arun Deshpande, Asst. Branch Secretary addressed the gathering and made appeal to increase the membership of Nagpur Branch. S/Shri U B Nikose, DGM (Distt Secretary, AIBSNLEA Nagpur) and Bhola Kamble, JTO (CWC AIBSNLEA NP) joined the Association as its Associate members and also addressed the House. Twenty Eight (28) new life members were enrolled on the day, thereby the total life membership of Nagpur Branch reached to 270 from its earlier strength of 242. S/Shri B P Majumdar and N R Rachkondawar made special efforts for the grand success of the meeting. The meeting ended with vote of thanks presented to the chair and participants by Shri V W Patil, Vice President of the Branch.

• 09.04.2013: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2013:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2013 from 189.5% to 195.2% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997 [Click here to view the order....]

• 09.04.2013: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2013:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2013 from 71.5% to 74.9% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 [Click here to view the order....]

• 09.04.2013: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL– NON-MENTION OF THE PROVISION REGARDING INCREASE IN QUANTUM OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION AVAILABLE TO THE OLD PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF 80 YEARS AND ABOVE YEARS IN AGE IN THE REVISED PENSION PAYMENT ORDERS (PPOs) ISSUED BY SOME CONTROLLERS OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS::Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since forwarded our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2013/13 dated 15.03.2013 on the above mentioned subject for considering the grievances raised in the letter (posting dated 17.03.2013 in this website may be viewed to read this letter) in accordance with the extant rules/instructions under intimation to the Association.[Click here to view the DoP&PW letter...]

• 04.04.2013: REMOVAL OF EXISTING WIDE DISPARARITY IN THE CEILING LIMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS WITH VOUCHER UNDER BSNL MRS BETWEEN THE PRE-2007 AND POST-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS WITH SAME PAYAIBSNLREA points out to the case of wide disparity in the ceiling limit for reimbursement of medical claims with voucher for outdoor treatment under BSNLMRS between the pre-2007 and post-2007 BSNL pensioners with same pay. In order to remove the existing wide disparity, it writes to CMD, BSNL suggesting “….that the annual ceiling limit for reimbursement with voucher for outdoor treatment for the pre-2007 pensioners be calculated first by notionally fixing their pay in the corresponding revised pay scale with the same fitment formula as has been allowed to the serving employees. Thereafter, 25 days notional pay so fixed plus corresponding DA on the revised DA rates as on April of every year may be taken into account for the purpose calculation of annual ceiling limit.”[View full text of the letter...]View the enclosures...]

• 02.04.2013: EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD ITS QUARTERLY GB MEETING:East Vidarbha (Nagpur) Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its Quarterly General Body Meeting on 7th April 2013 at 16.00 hours in the Amenity Hall in Nagpur CTO compound. All members and other retired BSNL Executives in Nagpur and other areas have been invited to attend the meeting. For further details, Shri P R Bhujbal, Branch Secretary may be contacted on Mobile No. 9422810810.

• 01.04.2013: PAYMENT OF LESS AMOUNT OF COMMUTATION DUE TO NON-CONSIDERATION OF DEARNESS PAY ON ACCOUNT OF 50% D.A. MERGER W.E.F. 1.1.2007 – CASE OF SHRI R K TANDON, EX-AGM, LUCKNOW, UP (EAST CIRCLE):AIBSNLREA takes up the above case with Member(Services), Telecom Commission and others for intervention and issue of suitable guidelines/advice to CCA, UP East Circle for early settlement of the matter.[Click here to view the letter...]

• 30.03.2013: GENERAL BODY MEETING OF KANPUR BRANCH (UP STATE) OF AIBSNLREA:Kanpur Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body meeting on 19.03.2013 under the chairmanship of Shri Dharam Das, Branch President. Shri S B Saini, Branch Secretary welcomed the members and presented a brief report. Membership of the Branch has been increased from 40 to 72 and it was decided to raise it to 100 by April 2013. The members exchanged holi greetings and participated in a religious discourse session in which S/Shri N K Dwivedi, R C Misra, Dharam Das and S B Saini were the main speakers. It was decided in the meeting to organize a pilgrimage tour to Chitrakoot in the month of October 2013. The meeting ended with a happy note.

• 29.03.2013: WITH HOLDING OF LEAVE ENCASHMENT ON RETIREMENT WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION:Department of Personnel & Training has since issued a clarification in the form of FAQ that leave encashment of an employee on his retirement while under suspension or against whom disciplinary, criminal proceedings are pending can be with held, if in the opinion of the authority there is a possibility of some money becoming recoverable from him on conclusion of the proceedings against him. On conclusion of the proceedings he/she will become eligible to the amount so withheld after adjustment of Government dues, if any. [View the relevant extract from the FAQ issued by DoPT...]

• 28.03.2013: IDA INCREASE W.E.F. 1.4.2013:According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index, IDA is to be increased w.e.f. 1.4.2013 by 3.4% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 5.8% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

• 28.03.2013: NON SETTLEMENT OF THE CASE FOR GRANTING FIRST TIME BOUND PROMOTION TO SHRI R N GUPTA, EX-AGM, LUCKNOW CIRCLE OFFICE, BSNL:AIBSNLREA, CHQ writes to CGMT, UP (East) Telecom Circle, BSNL to settle the case for granting first Time Bound Promotion w.e.f. 1.10.2004 to Shri R N Gupta, Ex-AGM, Lucknow Circle Office, UP (East ) Telecom Circle whose case is said to be pending due to non-availability of one ACR. The Association requests to complete the requirement of CRs by considering the CR/CRs of the preceding years as per the guidelines issued by Department of Personnel & Training [Click here to view the letter...]

• 26.03.2013: PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION AT THE RESIDENCE OF RETIRED JAG AND ABOVE LEVEL BSNL OFFICERS RESIDING IN BSNL AREA - ORDERS RELEASED:BSNL has issued the much awaited Orders extending the facility of concessional broadband connection at the residences of the retired BSNL JAG and above level Officers residing in BSNL areas. AIBSNLREA has been pursuing the case ever since the Order for allowing the benefit to retired below JAG level Officers was issued. In this context, the posting dated 01.03.2013 in this website on this issue may be viewed. [Click here to view the BSNL order...]

• 25.03.2013: DENIAL TO EXTEND MEDICAL FACILITIES UNDER BSNL MRS TO THE PENSIONERS DUE TO PENDENCY OF DISCIPLINARY CASE- CASES OF GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE:AIBSNLREA again writes to CMD, BSNL on the above issue and requests “….that Gujarat Telecom Circle is advised not to deny medical facilities to the absorbed BSNL pensioners during the pendency of any disciplinary case.” [Click here to view the letter...]

• 22.03.2013: DISALLOWING THE BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PAY/ PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO OPTED TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THEIR PROMOTION OR RETIREMENT WHICHEVER IS EARLIER AS OFFERED IN THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR ABSORPTION BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION:AIBSNLREA had taken up the case regarding denial of the benefit of fixation of pay/pension to the absorbed Group C & D Employees of BSNL who had opted to retain CDA pay scale till their promotion or retirement whichever is earlier as offered by Department of Telecommunication in the General Terms and Conditions of Service for absorption in BSNL with Minister of State for (PP) and others [For details, posting dated 16.2.2013 in this website may be viewed]. Now DoP&PW has forwarded our representation to Department of Telecommunication for considering the grievance expeditiously.[Click here to view the letter of DoP&PW....]

• 20.03.2013: REVISION OF PROVISIONAL PENSION SANCTIONED UNDER RULE 69 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 - CASES OF ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS:AIBSNLREA takes up above issue with Secretary, Deptt of Telecommunication and request for issue of Orders for revision of provisional pension of those BSNL pensioners who were sanctioned only provisional pension.[Click here to view the letter of AIBSNLREA....][Click here to view the order of DoP&PW....]

• 19.03.2013: G B MEETING OF KOLHAPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:Quarterly General Body meeting of Kolhapur Branch (Maharashtra State) of AIBSNLREA was held on 17th March, 2013 in BSNL Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall at Kolhapur with Shri G L Joshi, Vice President in the Chair. Fifty ( 50) members attended the meeting and 5 more new members joined the Association. President, welcomed all the members including the new members and other Guests. Guest Lecturer, Dr. Prof. Vijay Kakade, Head of the Department of Economics, Shivaji University was welcomed with Bouquet. He was introduced to the House by the Branch Assistant Secretary. Shri D K Joshi, Branch Secretary informed the house about the sad demise of veteran Indian Trade Union Leader Com. Om Prakash Gupta on 6th January 2013 and paid rich tributes. Members observed 2 minutes’ silence and paid homage to the departed soul. The Guest Lecturer then delivered his lecture on “ Present Indian Economy and Budget 2013, and on the role of the SEBI in protection of Investors”. Members showed keen interest in the SEBI’s role and lively discussions followed. Thereafter, the Branch Secretary reported the activities of the Association and its growth in other states. The issues taken up by CHQ with various administrative Departments were also discussed. Members were especially concerned with the issue regarding the benefit of the option to retain the CDA scale up to next promotion of JTOs etc. and thanked CHQ for taking up the case very effectively. Shri NC Jain, an active member of the Branch presented his two poems highlighting how the life after retirement should be and on Vasant Rutu. Other members also shared their interesting experiences in life with the audience. Thereafter, Vote of Thanks was proposed by Secretary to the Guest Lecturer, GMT Kolhapur and all the other members present. The meeting ended with a grand Lunch sponsored by Shri. R P Sapre, a Member from Kolhapur.

• 19.03.2013: G B MEETING OF UDAIPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:Udaipur (Rajasthan State) Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body meeting on 09.03.2013. Shri Jagmohan Awasthy, Branch President presided over the meeting. Twenty five members attended the meeting and one new member also joined the Association. Shri Gaffar Mohammad, Branch Secretary apprised the members about the activities of the Association and status of various issues concerning the pensioners. The members also participated in the discussions. The meeting was followed by a Lunch served to all the participants.

• 18.03.2013: POLICY REGARDING PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE FACILITY TO A BSNL EMPLOYEE WHO RETIRE WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION -REQUEST TO REMOVE A GENUINE HARDSHIP TO A SECTIOIN OF RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:BSNL has since informed that our request to modify its existing policy for provision of concessional telephone facility to the retired BSNL Employees for allowing the benefit even to the Employees who retire while under suspension has been examined, but the same has not been acceded to.[Click here to view the letter from BSNL Corporate Office....]

• 18.03.2013: RELEASE OF RETIREMENT AND SERVICE BENEFITS TO SHRI N M JADAV, EX-SDE, GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE:AIBSNLREA takes up the issue with Sr. GM (Pers), BSNL Corporate Office. It writes “…It would be seen from the above that Shri N M Jadav, Ex-SDE suffered mentally, socially and financially for the last long nine years for no fault on his part. It is, therefore, requested that an early communication of the approval of the competent authority to retire Shri Jadav, Ex-SDE from service be sent to Gujarat Telecom Circle to enable the Circle administration to release his retirement and service benefits etc.” [Click here to view the letter]

• 17.03.2013: NON-MENTION OF THE PROVISION REGARDING INCREASE IN QUANTUM OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE OLD PENSIONERS OF 80 AND ABOVE YEARS IN AGE IN THE REVISED PENSION PAYMENT ORDERS ISSUED BY SOME CONTROLLERS OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS:In continuation to its earlier representation dated 14.08.2012 (uploaded in this website on 15.08.2012), AIBSNLREA again takes up the above issue with Secretary, Department of Telecommunication. It writes “……We would, therefore, once again request you to kindly intervene in the matter so that suitable instructions are issued to all the Controllers of Communication Accounts/DoT Cells to issue suitable addendum/corrigendum in respect of such revised PPOs, for both pre-2007 and post-2007 absorbed BSNL pensioners, where the provision of Para 4.5 of DoT Order No. 40-17/2008-Pen(T) Vol. III dated 15.03.2011 regarding revision of pension on their reaching the age of 80/85/90/95/100 years has not been mentioned.”[Click here to view the letter]

• 15.03.2013: GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA JABALPUR BRANCH HELD:A General Body cum family get together meeting of AIBSNLREA, Jabalpur Branch was held on 22nd February, 2013 at 6 P.M. at J.K.Celebration Banquet Hall, Sadar, Jabalpur. Sixty eight (68) members including their family joined the function which started with lighting of lamp and garlanding of Goddess Saraswatiji followed by Vandana. Branch Secretary Shri A.N.Bhargava welcomed all the participants. He also submitted a brief account of activities of the Branch. This was followed by a cultural program in which melodious songs were presented by S/Shri C.D.Khadse, D.K.Beohar, K.N.Baharani, A.N.Bhargava, M. K. Pandey, Smt. Beohar, Smt. Manju Dave, Smt. Baharani and Smt. Dravid. An entertaining game of Tambola was conducted by Smt. Madhu Bhargava, Shri S.S.Rajwar and Shri S.K.Bhatia. Everyone actively participated and enjoyed the entire program. Vote of thanks was proposed by Shri R.D.Tiwari. This was followed by dinner served to all the participants.

• 13.03.2013: WITHDRAWAL OF REVISED TIME BOUND PROMOTION ORDERS OF 2nd IDA SCALE UPGRADATION FROM RS. 29100-54500 (E--4) TO RS. 32900-58500 (E-5) IN RESPECT OF AGMs/DEs – ISSUE OF CLARIFICATION THEREOF TO CGM, GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE:AIBSNLREA takes up the above issue with General Manager (Estt), BSNL Corporate Office to issue suitable guidance to CGM, Gujarat Telecom Circle, as requested by his Office, so that in the background of the decision in the Pension Adalat, the provision of Rule 70 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 is invoked in respect of the affected retired Executives.[Click here to view the letter]

• 13.03.2013: NON-SETTLEMENT OF THE PRAYER OF SHRI ARABINDA CHOUDHURY, RETIRED EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, TELECOM CIVIL DIVISION, SILIGURI (WEST BENGAL) REGARDING WRONG REVISED FIXATION OF PAY ON GETTING 2nd ACP AND ABSORPTION IN BSNL:AIBSNLREA takes up the issue with GM(Estt), BSNL Corporate Office and request to issue clarifications as asked for by West Bengal Circle to settle the case. [Click here to view the letter]

• 12.03.2013: G B MEETING OF SURAT BRANCH (GUJARAT STATE) ::A General Body cum get together Meeting of Surat Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 6th March 2013 in the conference Hall of Textile Market Telephone Exchange Building, Surat under the chairmanship of Shri G S Prajapati, Retd D E, Surat. Shri N J Nakawala, Branch Secretary & Retd DE welcomed the Office Bearers of State Branch and other members by presenting bouquet to them. 25 members including 10 new members attended the meeting.
  
  President welcomed the members and requested the House to observe two minutes’ silence in memory of the departed members and also their family members. After the self introduction by the participants, Shri B M Bhavsar, State President, gave a brief account of the present activities of the association and importance of forming a strong Pensioners’ Association of the Executives. Shri A.B.Patel, State Secretary, briefed the house about the activities of the Association and status of the issues since taken up by the Association. He also informed that the State Branch took up the issue regarding delayed payment of revised IDAs with CPMG and DPA as well as CCA Ahmedabad. As a result, the pensioners got the IDA due from 1.10.2012 and 01.01.2013 along with the pension for the month of October and January respectively. Recently DOT has entered into MOUs with all Public Sector Banks, excluding Bank of India, for introduction of single window system of pension disbursement through their CPPCs. Due to our persistent efforts, the problem regarding entry of DOB of spouse of the pensioners in PPOs have been resolved. He stated that to receive pension through pension accounts in Bank or Post offices, it should be opened in the joint name with spouse. Nomination should also be made by Pensioner / Family pensioners and registered with the pension paying bank or post offices, as the case may be, for receiving balance pension amount to avoid problems in case of unfortunate demise of pensioner/family pensioner. A case against reversion of officers due to wrong interpretation of rules regarding TBP was taken up with Gujarat Circle, BSNL HQ and the Pension Adalat held at Vadodara and at present the recovery has been withheld. Shri A B Patel also appealed to the members for donation whose pension revision cases settled at the earliest possible time in Gujarat compared to the rest of the parts of India where the pension revision for 2nd PRC was considerably delayed. Shri D S Prajapati presented Vote of thanks and thereafter the participants were served with Lunch.

• 09.03.2013: BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PAY/PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO HAD OPTED TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THEIR PROMOTION OR RETIREMENT WHICHEVER IS EARLIER – CASES OF THE GROUP C & D EMPLOYEES:DoT has again informed that the above “matter is still under examination” in the Department. AIBSNLREA is following up the above case for quite some time. Apart from DoT, the matter has recently been taken up with Minister of State (PP) who is holding the charge of DOP&T. Our last posting dated 16.02.2013 on this issue may be viewed.

• 09.03.2013: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION IN DOP&PW OM F.No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A)-Pt.I DATED 3.10.2008, No. 1/3/2011-P&PW(E) DATED 25.5.2012 AND ALSO NO. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) DATED 28.01.2013 STIPULATING THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:AIBSNLREA has been vigorously pursuing with DoT and DoP&PW for implementation of the above quoted OMs to give the intended benefit to the concerned pre-2007 absorbed BSNL pensioners. At last,, DoT has now informed that the issue is under examination.

• 08.03.2013: INCOME TAX RATES:We have opened a new Section titled INCOME TAX RATES in the main page of this website and uploaded the Income Tax Rates for the assessment year 2013-14 (Financial year 2012-13). [Click here to view the IT rates]

• 08.03.2013: ELIGIBILITY OF A PENSIONER DRAWING PENSION UNDER CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 TO DRAW PENSION AFTER TAKING CITIZENSHIP OF OTHER COUNTRY:AIBSNLREA writes to DoP&PW seeking clarification on the eligibility of a pensioner drawing pension under CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 to receive his/her pension in India and credited to his/her bank account in India if he/she gets a green card or citizenship of a foreign country. [Click here to view the letter]

• 06.03.2013: NEWS ON SOME CURRENT ISSUES CONCERNING THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS:We have following information to share with our members/viewers on some current issues concerning the absorbed BSNL pensioners also which we have been pursuing with the concerned authorities:
  
  (1) Anomaly in fixation of pension to the DoT employees absorbed in BSNL who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.07.2001:- The matter is under examination in DoT which will take final decision in the matter by 31.03.2013. [Our comment: In fact, DoT has to send a proposal to resolve the issue to DoP&PW for examination and decision. It is now expected that the proposal could be send by DoT to DoP&PW anytime after March 31, 2013. In this context, the posting dated 08.02.2013 in this website may be viewed.]
  
  (2) Same benefit of pre-2006 pensioners as recommended and implemented in respect serving employees by VI CPC:- This issue is still under discussion in the National Anomaly Committee and its decision is awaited. [Our comment: This matter is also related to the demand to allow the revised fixation of pension Orders on the average of last 10 months of pay or last pay drawn whichever is beneficial to the employee to the pre-2006 pensioners also, which has since been implemented only to the post-2006 pensioners. In this context, posting dated 04.05.2012, 13.10.2011 and few others on the matter in this website may be viewed for further details.]
  
  (3) Expeditious conclusion of the disciplinary cases against the retired employees:- On this issue, a Committee of Secretaries is examining some recommendations of Hota Committee Report. The Minister of State (PP) has also taken up the matter on priority for both serving employees and pensioners. [Our comment: In this matter, the posting dated 20.02.2013 in this website may be viewed wherein a representation of AIBSNLREA to Prime Minister of India, Minister of State (PP) and others requesting for introduction of a special and effective mechanism and monitoring system for speedy and time bound disposal of pending disciplinary/vigilance cases against the retiring/retired employees was uploaded.]
  
  (4) Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension to the absorbed BSNL pensioners:-DoT has taken a stand that if in any stage the benefit of merger of 78.2% IDA with pay of serving employees is given, this benefit would also be extended to absorbed pensioners of BSNL. The matter is currently under examination in DoT. [Our comment: This should remove the apprehension in the minds of few that the pensioners may be left out, even if the benefit is allowed to the serving employees. On this issue, the postings dated 04.05.2012, 13.10.2011 and others on the subject in this website may be viewed.]

• 05.03.2013: WRONG INTERPRETATION OF RULES REG. CALCULATION OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE IN CASE OF GROUP A OFFICERS OF DOT ABSORBED IN BSNL- CASES IN BSNL, AP TELECOM CIRCLE:Telecom Accounts-I Section of Department of Telecommunication has transferred our representation dated 28.01.2013 on the above subject (uploaded in this website on 29.01.2013) to the Under Secretary, Absorption Cell of DoT HQs, endorsing a copy of their UO Note to this Association, for taking necessary action on the matter. [Click here to view the U.O.Note]

• 04.03.2013: (1) REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED.
  
  (2) WRONG INTERPRETATION OF RULES REG. CALCULATION OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE IN CASE OF GROUP A OFFICERS OF DOT ABSORBED IN BSNL- CASES IN BSNL, AP TELECOM CIRCLE:Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare forwards our representation dated 19.09.2012 and 28.01.2013 on the above two different issues (uploaded in this website on 20.09.2012 and 29.01.2013 respectively) to Department of Telecommunication for considering the grievances raised therein expeditiously in accordance with the extant rules/instructions. [Click here to view the DoP&PW letter]

• 02.03.2013: TCIL INVITES CVs FROM LOCAL RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES FOR ITS NATIONAL OPTICAL FIBER NETWORK (NOFN) PROJECT EXCLUSIVELY FOR MUMBAI REGION:Dy Manager (HRD), TCIL has requested to “send urgently the CVs of local candidates exclusively for Mumbai region of retired BSNL executives for our upcoming project.” This is in continuation of the text published on the same issue in our website on 06.12.2012. Interested BSNL retired Executives of local area may send their Curriculum Vitae (CV) directly to mail id (1) neha.bansal@tcil-india.com and (2) deepak.sain@tcil-india.com. For further details, please contact :
  Neha Gupta
  Deputy Manager (HRD),
  Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd.,
  New Delhi - 110048
  Ph. No. 011-26202224/011-26202205/011-26202202
  

• 01.03.2013: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM DEPTT. OF TELECOMMUNICATION AS COMPENSATION TOWARDS PROVIDING TELECOM SERVICES TO DOT OFFICES AND OFFICERS:AIBSNLREA writes to CMD, BSNL for asking Department of Telecommunication to pay compensation for the telecom services being provided by BSNL to the various offices and officers of DoT. It writes that “Though DoT is the administrative Ministry, but it cannot claim for free service, since DoT itself is charging BSNL for License Fee, Spectrum charges etc.” [Click here to view the letter]

• 01.03.2013: PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION AT THE RESIDENCES OF THE RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES OF THE LEVEL OF JAG AND SAG – PRESENT STATUS OF OUR REQUEST:We had represented to CMD, BSNL vide our letter dated 07.07.2012 (uploaded in our website on 10.07.2012) followed by another reminder dated 21.11.2012 (uploaded in our website on 25.11.2012) for extending the facility of concessional Broad Band connection at the residences of the JAG and SAG level retired BSNL executives residing in BSNL and MTNL area. The proposal is now pending as an agenda item before the Management Committee of BSNL for over a month. It is likely to be through with the same terms and conditions as available in the orders issued by BSNL Corporate Office on 27.06.2012 allowing the benefit to below JAG level retired BSNL Employees.

• 28.02.2013: UNION BUDGET 2013-14 - NO RELIEF FOR INCOME TAX PAYERS:The Union Budget 2013-14 presented in Parliament today did not propose any relief to the income tax payers except that a tax credit of Rs 2000 for all in the income group of Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs has been proposed. Existing tax slabs to continue in the coming year also. Those having income of more than 1 crore will be charged 10% surcharge. The woos of the pensioners continue.

• 28.02.2013: IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF FUNDS TO MARKETING & SALES UNITS OF BSNL:AIBSNLREA suggests to CMD, BSNL for immediate release of fund to the Marketing & Sales units for aggressive marketing of its products. It writes “…..some service providers are winding up/curtailing their business- thus forcing their customers to search for new service providers. BSNL can certainly take advantage of the present scenario and attract new customers – specially under MNP. No customer will come of his own unless being invited. The other service providers get more customers to their fold in the backdrop of their continued marketing activities followed by better after sales service. BSNL should now step up its marketing & sales activities through publicity of the specialty of its services/products to draw the attention of the prospective customers.” [Click here to view the letter]

• 28.02.2013: GB MEETING OF PALAKKAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:Palakkad Branch (Kerala State) of AIBSNLREA held its General Body meeting on 12.02.2013 and discussed the problems being encountered by the members. Ten new members joined the Association as Life Members raising the total membership strength of the Branch from its present strength of 42 to 52.

• 27.02.2013: WITHHOLDING OF 10% GRATUITY FROM THE RETIRING GOVERNMENT SERVANTS:DOP&PW, vide its OM No. 20/16/1998-P&PW(F) dated 19.02.2013, has clarified that “…..There is no provision for withholding any part of gratuity for the purpose of recovery of outstanding Government dues other than those pertains to government accommodation.” [Click here for detailed clarification by DOP&PW]

• 25.02.2013: AIBSNLREA, TAMILNADU STATE BRANCH HELD A SPECIAL GB MEETING:Tamilnadu State Branch of AIBSNLREA organized a Special General Body Meeting on 21.02.2013 at Chennai. The meeting held at the Lecture Hall of Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Gopalapuram, Chennai was presided over by the State President Shri V Chinnapappaiah. Shri S Basu, General Secretary, AIBSNLREA addressed the members. In his speech, he reminded the members about the big role played by AIBSNLREA in respect of revision of pension/family pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners on IDA scale in the backdrop of the strong lobby made by ITSA, other serving employees and executives’ associations in BSNL and MTNL under the banner of Joint Forum demanding revision of pension in CDA scale, extending the benefits of fixation of pension on last pay drawn and higher ceiling limit of DCRG w.e.f. 1.1.2006 to the absorbed BSNL pensioners. He cleared the doubts regarding the stated impact of new Pension Scheme on absorbed BSNL Employees which has been implemented in case of new employees joining Government service on or after 1.1.2004. He also spoke on the anomaly in fixation of pension of those who retired within 10 months of their absorption, merger of 78.2% of IDA in the fitment formula, BSNL MRS etc.

• 25.02.2013: CHANDIGARH BRANCH HELD ITS GB MEETING & ELECTION:A general body meeting of AIBSNLREA Chandigarh branch was held on dated 09-02-2013 in GPO Building, Sector-17 Chandigarh to elect a new body for the period from 2013 – 2015. The election meeting was conducted by Sh. K.C. Bhagat Retd DGM Chandigarh SSA and the unanimously elected a new body. [Click here to view the list

• 20.02.2013: INTRODUCTION OF A SPECIAL AND EFFECTIVE MECHANISM FOR SPEEDY AND TIME BOUND DISPOSAL OF PENDING DISCIPLINARY/VIGILANCE CASES AGAINST THE PENSIONERS:AIBSNLREA requests Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India for introduction of a special and effective mechanism and monitoring system for speedy and time bound disposal of pending disciplinary/vigilance cases against the retiring/retired employees. [Click here to view the letter]

• 18.02.2013: APPLICABILITY AND IMPACT OF DOP&PW OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A) DATED 28.01.2013 ON REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS:Ever since the above stated DOP&PW OM was uploaded in our website on 01.02.2013, many queries are being received regarding its applicability and impact on the revision of pension/family pension of the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. In order to explain its applicability and impact, Shri S Ratnasubramanian, our Joint Secretary(South) has prepared a short write up. This is now uploaded in our website for the information of the visitors of this website.[Click here to view the write-up]

• 17.02.2013: SPECIAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, TIMALNADU STATE BRANCH:A Special General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Tamilnadu State Branch will be held at 17.30 Hrs on 21-02-2013 at the LECTURE HALL of Institution of Electronics and Communication Engineers, 37,Conran Smith Road (Near Sathyam Theater Complex), Gopalapuram, CHENNAI 600086. Shri S. Basu, General Secretary, AIBSNLREA will be addressing the meeting. All the members of the Associations and others are invited to attend the meeting.

• 16.02.2013: DISALLOWING THE BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PAY/PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO HAD OPTED TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THEIR PROMOTION OR RETIREMENT WHICHEVER IS EARLIER:AIBSNLREA takes up with Minister of State for (PP) the case regarding denial of the benefit of fixation of pay/pension to the absorbed Group C & D Employees of BSNL who had opted to retain CDA pay scale till their promotion or retirement whichever is earlier as offered in the General Terms and Conditions of Service for absorption as offered by Department of Telecommunication. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 08.02.2013: REDUCTION IN PENSION AMOUNT OF DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL AFTER RE-FIXATION OF THEIR PENSION IN IDA SCALE- CASES OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED AFTER 01.10.2000 BUT BEFORE 31.07.2001:We reported in our posting dated 29.11.2012 in this website on the above issue that following a decision in the meeting of SCOVA held on 27.09.2012 that “Department of Telecommunication may re-examine the issue”, AIBSNLREA had sent another proposal to DoT for resolving the issue. Now the Action Taken Report of the Minutes of the said meeting circulated by Deptt of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare states that “…. since the grievance has not been settled in most of the cases, several representations were received from the pensioners/ Pensioners Associations of BSNL etc. The case is under Examination in Department of Telecommunication.” It further states that “DoP&PW will examine the matter as and when any proposal is referred by Department of Telecommunication …...”. [Click here to view the relevant extract of Action Taken Report on the Minutes of the SCOVA meeting....]

• 05.02.2013: REVISION OF CEILING RATES AND GUIDELINES FOR CORONARY/VASCULAR STENTS UNDER CGHS:BSNL has circulated Dept. of Health & Family Welfare O.M. on revision of rates and guidelines for coronary/vascular stents under CGHS for settling claims under BSNLMRS. [Click here to view the circular....]    [Click here to view the O.M.....]

• 01.02.2013: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL- CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE REVISED PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:In the background of the latest OM issued by DoP&PW vide its OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 28.01.2013 circulating a detailed instruction regarding revision of pension/family pension of pre-2006 C.G. pensioners in terms of its earlier OMs for implementation of 6th CPC recommendations, AIBSNLREA, in continuation to its earlier representations, writes to Secretary, DoT that “……. In case of the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners also, whose pension/family pension were ordered to be revised as per Govt pension rules vide DoT No. 40-17/2008-Pen(T)-Vol.III dated 15.03.2011, the principle laid down in the above quoted Orders issued by DoP&PW for revision of pension/family pension are required to be implemented in its letter and spirit”. The Association further writes “……. we would request you to kindly cause issue of an Order in the line of the DoP&PW OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 28.01.2013, if need be by circulating a detailed consolidated table, for implementation of the principle laid down therein for revision of pension/family pension of pre-2007 absorbed BSNL pensioners”. [Click here to view the letter....]    [Click here to view the OM dated 28.1.2013....]

• 31.01.2013: RULE 37A OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972 AMENDED:Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Government of India has amended the Rule-37A of CCS(Pension Rules),1972 and few other rules, through Central Civil Services (Pension) Amendment Rules 2012 by a Gazette Notification issued on 21st December 2012. The salient features of the amended Rule 37A are as follows:- (i) Conditions for payment of pension on absorption consequent upon conversion of a Government Department into a Central Autonomous Body are now taken out of the provisions in Rule-37A and have been provided under a separate and new Rule 37B, (ii) In Sub-rule 8, a clarity has been provided in regard to eligible pensionary benefits for the absorbed employee and his family by including the words (including commutation of pension, gratuity, family pension or extra-ordinary pension), (iii) provision for an option to receive benefits for the service rendered under the Central Government, as was earlier provided at sub-rule 8, is also retained, but the word “pro-rata” stands omitted, (iv) Sub Rule (9) now says that pension shall be calculated on fifty percent of emoluments or average emoluments whichever is more beneficial. This benefit was already implemented following 6 CPC recommendations, (v) Sub-rule (12) has now the provision for eligibility regarding seeking voluntary retirement after completing ten years qualifying service with the Government and the PSU taken together. This benefit was already available through a separate Order, (vi) Old Sub-rule (12) and subsequent Sub-rules in Rule-37A have been re-named as Sub-rule (13) and so on. [Click here to view the complete Gazette Notification....]

• 29.01.2013: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL- CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE REVISED PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:AIBSNLREA again represents to Secretary, DoT for implementation of the provision at Para 4.2 of the DOP&PW O.M. F.No 38/37/08 P&PW(A).Pt.I dated 3.10.2008 and also at Para 2 of DOP&PW F.No 1/3/2011-P&PW(E) dated 25.05.2012 which say that revised family pension not to be lower than 30% of the minimum pay in the pay scale corresponding to the pre-revised scale in which the pensioner/ deceased employee last worked- while revising the pension/family pension of the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL Pensioners. It writes “….. We shall, therefore, request you to kindly intervene in the matter and cause issue of necessary instructions at the earliest to remove a genuine grievance of the pre-2007 pensioners in BSNL.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 29.01.2013: WRONG INTERPRETATION OF RULES REG. CALCULATION OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE IN CASE OF GROUP A OFFICERS OF DOT ABSORBED IN BSNL- CASES IN BSNL, AP TELECOM CIRCLE:AIBSNLREA again takes up the issue which was first taken up on 8.11.2012 [for details view the posting dated 9.11.2012 in this website]. It writes: “ ………………Unfortunately, the Order seems to have been misinterpreted by some Circles including AP Telecom Circle and as a result the Group A Officers who took absorption in BSNL are being differently treated in regard to the procedure to calculate the quantum of Special Allowance payable to the absorbed Group A Officers. In the above background, we had requested that the concerned Section of DoT issue a circular clarifying the position in regard to calculation of Special Allowance and its commutation with an illustrative calculation sheet so that the problem is sorted out once for all. Unfortunately, the issue is still not resolved. We, therefore, again request you to kindly intervene in the matter, so that this issue gets resolved at the earliest.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 27.01.2013: ORDERS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF STD/ISD FACILITY FROM THE CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE OF THE RETIRED/RETIRING EMPLOYEES OF BSNL/DOT- CALCUTTA TELEPHONES KEEPS ITS ORDER IN ABEYANCE:West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA, represented by by S/Shri N H Siddique, State Secretary, N C Maji and S R Palit, both Assistant State Secretaries met CGM, Calcutta Telephones on 21.01.2013 and first raised the issue regarding the order issued to disconnect the STD/ISD facility from the concessional telephones of the retired/retiring BSNL/DoT employees. CGM informed that he had taken note of the objections raised and ordered for keeping the earlier Order held in abeyance. They thanked the CGM and discussed a few other pending grievances of the members including the deferred option cases. CGM gave them assurance to expedite settlement.[Click here to view the order issued by CTD....]

• 21.01.2013: AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE REGARDING DISCONNECTION OF STD/ISD FACILITY FROM THE CONCESSIONAL TELEPOHONE CONNECTIONS OF RETIRED/RETIRING BSNL/DOT EMPLOYEES AS ORDERED BY CALCUTTA TELEPHONES WITH CMD, BSNL:AIBSNLREA has since taken up the above with CMD, BSNL. The Association writes – “We strongly feel aggrieved by the above orders since this is not the way an organization should treat its retired employees on whose hard work and dedication the organization has been built and developed over so many years. Moreover, BSNL’s financial position is no way to improve by withdrawing the STD/ISD facility from the concessional telephone connection of the retired/retiring employees. We earnestly request you to kindly intervene immediately and to cause withdrawal of the orders referred to above.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 21.01.2013: AIBSNLREA REQUESTS UNION FINANCE MINISTER TO ENHANCE THE EXEMPTION LIMIT OF INCOME TAX FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS:AIBSNLREA has written a letter to Union Finance Minister requesting to enhance the existing exemption limit of Income Tax for the senior citizens during presentation of Budget in the Parliament. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 20.01.2013: UDAIPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS AGB MEETING:Udaipur Branch (Rajasthan State) of AIBSNLREA held its Annual General Body Meeting on 12.01.2013. After discussions on the activities of the Association and the issues concerning the members, election of new office bearers was also held. S/Shri Jagmohan Awasthi, Gaffar Mohammed and Rakish Chand Jain were elected unanimously as the President, Secretary and Financial Secretary respectively. Three new life members were enrolled in the meeting taking the total life members of the Branch to thirty six.

• 15.01.2013: AIBSNLREA, JABALPUR BRANCH CONDUCTS GB MEETING:Jabalpur Branch of AIBSNLREA conducted a general body meeting at Sadar coffee House Jabalpur on 14.01.2013 The GBM started at 4.00 PM with Shri R.D.Tiwari, Vice President on the chair. 22 members attended the meeting and a new member was also enrolled as Life Member. Shri A N Bhargava, Secretary of the Branch submitted his brief report of the activities during the year 2012. Shri Bhanu Prakash, Financial Secretary presented his report on financial matters. Birthday of S/Shri S S Rajwar, S K Dave, V K Kapoor, S K Nema, A C Kar and A N Bhargava was celebrated by presenting greeting cards and wishing them a very happy birthday. Many members participated in songs, jokes etc. It was also decided to conduct a family picnic in the next month. Election of New Office Bearers was conducted by Shri M K Nema and following office bearers were elected unanimously for the next term:- President- Shri R D Tiwary, Vice President- Shri C D Khadse, Secretary- Shri A N Bhargava, Organising Secretary- Shri S K Nema, Joint Secretary- Shri T D Dravid, Financial Secretary- Shri Bhanu Prakash, Executive Members- S/Shri K N Bahrani, K L Choubey, T G Saha, M K Pandey and R P Rajak. The meeting ended by presentation of vote of thanks Shri S S Rajwar followed by light refreshment.

• 13.01.2013: CCA AHMEDABAD CONDUCTS PENSION ADALAT:Controller & Communication Accounts, Ahmedabad conducted a Pension Adalat covering the cases of the pensioners of Godhra, Varodara, Bharuch, Surat and Valsad SSAs of Gujarat Circle at Varodara on 21.12.2012. S/Shri B M Bhavsar, Gujarat State President and A B Patel, Gujarat State Secretary of AIBSNLREA represented the Association. [Click here to view the Minutes of the meeting....]

• 10.01.2013: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2013:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2013 from 182.5% to 189.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997 [Click here to view the order....]

• 09.01.2013: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2013:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2013 from 67.3% to 71.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 [Click here to view the order....]

• 07.01.2013: COM.O.P.GUPTA PASSES AWAY:We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Veteran TU Leader, Champion of the cause of P&T and Telecom workers and former Secretary General of NFTE Com.O.P.Gupta has passed away yesterday at 8 PM. He has an unparalleled record of more than 60 years service in the Postal and Telecom workers' Movement, leading them from strength to strength. He was behind every struggle which brought the benefits enjoyed today by the BSNL employees, irrespective of cadres. As retired Executives we cannot forget the fact that it is because of his foresightedness that we are enjoyng the Government Pension although we are in a PSU, through amendment 37A to the CCS (Pension) Rules. Demise of a Leader of such a great stature is undoubtedely a great loss to BSNL and its workers. We join the mourning by thousands and thousands of BSNL employees.

• 06.01.2013: GUJARAT STATE BRANCH REGISTERS 500 LIFE MEMBERSHIP:Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA becomes the first State Branch among all the State Branches of AIBSNLREA to achieve the five hundred (500) Life Membership mark. Congratulations!

• 01.01.2013: GET TOGETHER AND GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH:The get together cum General Body meeting of GUJARAT State Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 30th December, 2012 in the Conference Hall of H.L.Commerce College, Commerce Six Roads, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad under the chairmanship of Shri B.M.Bhavsar, State President. 160 members attended the meeting including 25 new members who recently joined the Association. President welcomed the members and requested the House to observe two minutes’ silence in memory of the departed members and also their family members. After the self introduction by the participants, Shri A.B.Patel, State Secretary, briefed the house about the activities of the Association and status of the issues since taken up by the Association. He reported that all pending cases of revision of pension have been settled including those of WTR & WTP. With the cooperation of Circle Administration and CCA Ahmedabad, the Gujarat Telecom Circle became the first Circle in India where pre-2007 cases were settled within the time schedule prescribed by the DOT New Delhi. He also informed that the State Branch took up the issue regarding delayed payment of revised IDAs with CPMG and DPA as well as CCA Ahmedabad. As a result, the pensioners got the IDA due from 1.10.2012 on 31.10.2012 itself. Recently DOT has entered into MOUs with all Public Sector Banks, excluding Bank of India, for introduction of single window system of pension disbursement through their CPPCs. Due to our persistent efforts the problem regarding entry of DOB of spouse in PPOs have been resolved, since the DPA and CCA Ahmedabad have issued the orders in this regard. Reversion of officers due to wrong interpretation of rules was taken up with Gujarat Circle, BSNL HQ and pension Adalat held at Vadodara and the issue is almost settled. Shri Patel also appealed to the members for donation who could get their pension revision cases settled at the earliest possible time in Gujarat compared to the other pensioners in other parts of India where the settlement was considerably delayed. Shri R.N.Mangukia, Joint Secretary then proposed Vote of Thanks and thereafter Lunch was served to the members.

• 31.12.2012: IDA INCREASE W.E.F. 1.1.2013:According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index, IDA is to be increased w.e.f. 1.1.2013 by 4.2% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 7% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

• 26.12.2012: AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH MEETING:The quarterly meeting of Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 23rd Dec 2012 in Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall, Kolhapur under the chairmanship of Shri P Y Patil, Branch President. 40 members attended the meeting and 3 new members also joined the Association. President, welcomed the members and requested the House to observe two minutes’ silence in memory of three important National Personalities– S/Shri Indra Kumar Gujral, former Prime Minister, BalaSaheb Thakare, Maharashtra’s dearest Leader, and Pandit Ravi Shankar, World Renowned Musician. The new members were then introduced to the house who were welcomed by the President. Shri D K Joshi, Secretary, briefed the house about the activities of the Association, and status of the issues since taken up by the Association. He reported that all pending cases of revision of pension have been settled. He also informed that he had already taken up the issue regarding delayed payment of revised IDAs with DPA. In regard to entry of DOB of spouse in PPOs, it was decided to collect the application with proof of DOB of spouse from the members and submit to CCA for necessary action. Then it was proposed to hold that regular Quarterly meetings on 3rd Sunday of March, June, September and December of the year. Thereafter, Shri S G Goakakar, a member of the Branch gave a brief presentation on “Social system/Status in England with special reference to Indian residents.” He also offered to sponsor the meeting. Then P S Kulkarni, Assistant Secretary, welcomed the Guest Lecturer Dr. S P Patil, Rtd. Professor of Chemistry from Shivaji University and requested him to deliver the lecture on “Nanotechnology and Future Human Life Style”. Members appreciated the wonders of Nanotechnology’s effect in the day to day life in the years to come. President felicitated Guest Dr. Patil with Bouquet and Book on Cartoons. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by the President and followed by Lunch.

• 22.12.2012: REDUCTION IN PENSION AMOUNT OF DOT EMPLOYESS ABSORBED IN BSNL AFTER REFIXATION OF THEIR PENSION IN IDA SCALE- CASES OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED AFTER 01.10.2000 BUT BEFORE 31.07.2001:Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare forwards our representation dated 26.11.2012 to Department of Telecommunication. In our representation, we had requested to resolve the anomalies in pension fixation of the absorbed BSNL employees who retired after 01.10.2000 but before 31.07.2001. This representation was in the background of the decision taken in the 21st meeting of SCOVA held on 27.09.2012 that DoT has to re-examine the issue [For details, please refer to the posting dated 29.11.2012 in this website]. The DoP&PW, in their letter dated 13.12.2012, has written to DoT “… for considering the grievances raised” in our representation expeditiously.[Click here to view the letter ....]

• 08.12.2012: NON IMPLEMENTATION OF DOT ORDER No 2-49(3)/2009-PAT DATED 4.11.2010 TO EXTEND THE PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO ALL RETIRING/RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO HAD OPTED FOR THEIR PAY FIXATION IN IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 1.10.2000 – CASES OF THE ABSORBED GROUP C AND D EMPLOYEES:DoT, in a communication dated 30.11.2012, has again informed that the above matter is still under examination in the Department.

• 06.12.2012: TCIL NEEDS RETIRED DEs/SDEs/JTOs FOR ITS NATIONAL OPTICAL FIBER NETWORK PROJECT:The Deputy Manager (HR), TCIL has informed us through a mail that “We have massive and urgent requirement of retired DEs/SDEs/JTOs on contract basis to work in 332 locations for TCIL National optical fiber network Project”. It has also been clarified that that the contract period is for 2 years and consolidated remuneration is Rs 25,000/- per month. Preference to local candidates in respective region can be given. Willing and interested candidates can apply to TCIL directly on the following email ids: neha.bansal@tcil-india.com, deepak.sain@tcil-india.com. The list of locations and the format for filing details by the interested candidates are given in the attached files. For further details, clarification and confirmation for terms and conditions, please contact Ms Neha Gupta, Deputy Manager (HR), Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd., New Delhi 110048 (Contact Nos. 011-26202224, 011-26202205, 011-26202202.)[Click here to view the locations ....] [Click here to view the details to be given ....]

• 05.12.2012: DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% OF IDA WITH BASIC PENSION IN CASE OF REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION DUE TO NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF DPE OM NO. 2(70)/08-DPE(WC)-GL-VII/09 DATED 02.04.2009:AIBSNLREA writes to Secretary, Department of Telecommunication drawing his attention to Rajya Sabha Secretariat letter No. RS.6(199)/2012-Com.II dated 13.08.2012 advising appropriate consideration and action on the issue. [Please view the posting dated 20.08.2012 in this website to know details of our Petition and the response from Rajya Sabha Secretariat.[Click here to view the letter ....]

• 02.12.2012: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Department of Telecommunications and others [Please refer to the posting dated 22.08.2012 in this website]. Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, in turn, had also asked DoT to examine the same as per extant rules/orders [already reported in this website on 21.10.2012]. Now BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. 31-51/2012-Pen(B) dated 29.11.2012, has forwarded our representation to DoT stating that “…….since the matter pertains to DoT, it is requested that necessary action in the matter may kindly taken at your end”. [Click here to view the BSNL's letter ....]

• 29.11.2012: REDUCTION IN PENSION AMOUNT OF DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL AFTER RE-FIXATION OF THEIR PENSION IN IDA SCALE- CASES OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED AFTER 01.10.2000 BUT BEFORE 31.07.2001:We have earlier reported that in the meeting held with Standing Committee of Voluntary Organizations held on 27.09.2012, the Government has again rejected the demand for allowing application of same fitment formula i.e. on average of last ten months pay or last pay drawn whichever is beneficial to the employees for fixation of pension to the pre-2006 pensioners also which was earlier granted only to the post-2006 pensioners [For further details, please refer the posting dated 16.11.2012 in this website]. The demand, if agreed to, would have settled the anomaly in pension of those absorbed BSNL Employees who retired within 10 months of their absorption. We also reported that in the same meeting, it was decided that Department may re-examine to resolve the issue. In this background, AIBSNLREA has since taken up the matter with Secretary, Department of Telecommunication and others. It has now proposed that “……we shall request that the above stated anomaly be removed by adopting a similar approach as available in DoP&PW OM F No. 45/86/97-P&PW(A)-Part-I dated 18.09.1999 for removal of an anomaly during implementation of the V CPC recommendation. In the present case, the CDA pay for the months prior to October 2000 forming part of the 10 months average pay may be fixed notionally in the IDA pay by giving point to point fixation as was applied while fixing the CDA pay to IDA pay in October 2000. The notional IDA pay so fixed for the months prior to October 2000 forming part of the 10 months average pay and the IDA pay from October 2000 till the date of retirement of the affected absorbed BSNL employees may be taken for calculating average pay for the purpose of fixation of pension.” [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 29.11.2012: WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH ORGANIZES BIJAYA SAMMILANI:West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA organized Bijaya Sammilani on 24.11.2012 at CTO Hall, Kolkata to exchange greetings on the occasion of ID, Diwali and Bijaya Dashami. 146 members of the Association participated in the gathering which was presided over by Shri T K Mallick, Vice President of the State Branch. Shri N H Siddique, State Secretary read out the “News Letter” (7th Issue) released by the State Branch containing the latest information on pending issues and some clarification relating to Pension/Family Pension etc. A cultural program was also held. The gathering dispersed with happy note after a light refreshment which was sponsored by Shri T K Mallik.

• 25.11.2012: PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION AT THE RESIDENCES OF THE RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES OF THE LEVEL OF JAG AND SAG – REQUEST FOR:AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the above issue with CMD, BSNL vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2012/15 dated 09.07.2012 [To view the letter, posting dated 10.07.2012 in this website may be seen]. Now another representation has been sent in which says “……We shall, therefore, again request you to kindly intervene in the matter so that the necessary Orders for providing concessional Broadband connection at the residences of the retired BSNL executives at the level of JAG and SAG residing in BSNL and MTNL Service areas is issued at the earliest.” [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 25.11.2012: POLICY REGARDING PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE FACILITY TO A BSNL EMPLOYEE WHO RETIRE WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION--- REQUEST TO REMOVE A GENUINE HARDSHIP TO A SECTIOIN OF RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:In continuation to its earlier representation, vide letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2012/23 dated 12.09.2012 [The letter is available in this website against the posting dated 13.09.2012] wherein AIBSNLREA had drawn the attention of CMD, BSNL to the existing provision at Serial No 24 of the BSNL Office Order No. 2-7/2007-PHP dated 20.07.2007 which states that the concessional telephone facility after retirement can be extended to a BSNL employee who retire while under suspension provided PPO is issued to him or her – thus denying the facility to many retired employees who are under suspension. Request was also made to withdraw the same. AIBSNLREA now again takes up the issue with CMD, BSNL and writes to review the said provision in the policy guidelines and withdraw the same. [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 25.11.2012: PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION AT THE RESIDENCES OF THE BELOW JAG LEVEL RETIRED EMPLOYEES – CASES OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES RESIDING IN MTNL AREA:AIBSNLREA, in its representation vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2012/13 dated 05.07.2012 [letter since posted in this website on 05.07.2012], had represented to CMD, BSNL that the Order dated 27.06.2012 issued by BSNL Corporate Office extending the facility of concessional broadband connection to the below JAG level retired employees covers only those residing in BSNL area. The retired employees residing in MTNL area has not been extended the facility. Accordingly, request was made to extend the benefit to the below JAG level retired BSNL employees residing in MTNL Area. Now, the matter has again been taken up by AIBSNLREA with CMD, BSNL. It writes “….. We would, therefore, once again request you to kindly intervene in the matter immediately so that the retired below JAG level Officers residing in MTNL service area also gets the benefit as in the case of the serving employees residing in MTNL area.” [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 19.11.2012: PENSION CONTRIBUTION ON ACTUAL PAY IN IDA SCALE IN RESPECT OF ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES:A proposal for calculation of pension contribution in respect of the absorbed BSNL employees on the actual pay drawn in place of the existing method of calculation on maximum of the pay scale and their remittance to DoT is still being processed in Department of Telecommunication. The issue is currently being examined in Ministry of Finance. In response to a RTI query on the matter, DoT has since replied that “…at present the pension contribution in respect of BSNL employees is being calculated and remitted on the maximum of IDA scale as per the existing instruction. However, a proposal for methodology of pension contribution on actual pay drawn in IDA scale is under examination in the Government”. The proposal, if agreed to, will reduce the financial burden on BSNL which has to remit pension contribution in respect of the absorbed employees to the DoT.

• 16.11.2012: GOVERNMENT AGAIN REJECTS THE DEMAND FOR APPLICATION OF THE SAME FITMENT FORMULA FOR FIXATION OF PENSION TO THE PRE-2006 PENSIONERS AS WAS GRANTED TO THE POST-2006 PENSIONERS:Government has again rejected the demand for allowing application of same fitment formula i.e. on average of last ten months pay or last pay drawn whichever is beneficial to the employees to the pre-2006 pensioners also which was earlier granted to the post-2006 pensioners alone. Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, Government of India has since circulated the Minutes of the meeting held with SCOVA on 27.09.2012 in which the issue was discussed. Extract of the relevant portion of the Minutes is given separately. The Government has taken the plea that the issue was ‘dismissed’ by CAT in a judgment on 1.11.2011. The issue is having importance with relation to the demand to resolve the anomaly in fixation of pension of the DoT employees absorbed in BSNL who retired within 10 months of their absorption i.e. between 1.10.2000 and 31.07.2001. Had the demand been accepted, these pensioners could have got their pension re-fixed on last pay drawn and also the desired relief. However, as per the Minutes of the same meeting, in a separate agenda, it has been stated that Department of Telecommunication may re-examine the issue to remove the anomaly. Extract of this minutes is also given separately. It may be recalled that earlier, in consultation with DoP&PW, the Department of Telecommunication had circulated vide its No. 40-10/2005-Pen(T) dated 27.09.2011 in the light of an old Order of DoP&PW stating that “BSNL absorbees, irrespective of their date of retirement are eligible for minimum pension of 50% of the minimum pay in the scale of pay held by them at the time of retirement.” At that time some BSNL pensioners’ Associations (not AIBSNLREA) thought that the issue was over and expressed their happiness. [Click here to view the extracts ....]

• 12.11.2012: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH MEETS CGM, KOLKATA TELEPHONES:A delegation comprising of S/Shri A.K.Basu Roy, State President , N.H. Siddique, State Secretary and S.R.Palit Asst. State Secretary met Chief General Managar, Kolkata Telephones on 24.10 2012 and discussed the following long pending issues. General Manager( Finance), Kolkata Telephones was also present during the discussion. (a) Settlement of deferred option cases:- Out of 26 cases of Kolkata Telephones, only 6 cases have been settled. Kolkata Telephones is yet to comply with the requirement of CCA, Kolkata in respect of 11 cases and re-submit the same to the office of CCA, Kolkata Telephones. Remaining cases are either under process at DOT Cell or under correspondence with DOT. CGM assured speedy disposal of the pending cases. He also asked GM(Finance) to take required actions. (b) Concessional broad band connection: The representatives of the Association pointed out BSNL Corporate Office Order dated 27.06.2012 granting 60% concession on Broad Band connection to the retired Executives has not been implemented by Kolkata Telephones. The CGM assured its implementation within a week. (c) Cashless indoor medical treatment: The Association representatives requested to extend the facility of cashless medical treatment to the retired employees at par with serving employees. CGM assured to look in to the matter.

• 12.11.2012: AIBSNLREA, JABALPUR MEETS CGM, BRBRAITT AND GM TD, JABALPUR:(a) Meeting with CGM BRBRAITT:- The meeting was held on 28.08.2012. S/Shri S.S.Rajwar, Branch President, A.N.Bhargava, Branch Secretary, Mohd. Farroque, Member represented the Association. S/Shri S.K.Bose, G.M., Sibir Gupta, DGM (A), Smt. K.Roy, CAO, Khanpasle, AO from BRBRAITT attended the meeting. Non-reimbursement of pending medical bills and introduction of a convenient procedure for receipt and payment of bills was discussed. Extension of benefit of cashless medical treatment for indoor patients was also discussed. The Association representatives were assured that these issues would be looked into and resolved. (b) Meeting with GM TD, Jabalpur:- The meeting with GM TD, Jabalpur was held on 18.10.2012. S/Shri A.N.Bhargava, Branch Secretary, S.K.Dave, T.G.Saha, N.K.Nema, A.S.Jassal, all Members of the branch represented the Association. Shri A.C.Mishra, G.M., DGM(A) and Director (Finance), AGM (A) of GMTD were present during the discussion. Settlement of pending cases of medical reimbursement were discussed and the G.M assured to settle them early. Extension of facility of cashless indoor medical treatment to the retired employees was also discussed. Non-implementation of order for Concessional Broadband connections on Rs. 250/-plan was also raised by the Association and the GM agreed to implement the Order.

• 09.11.2012: WRONG INTERPRETATION OF RULES REGARDING CALCULATION OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE IN CASE OF GROUP A OFFICERS OF DOT ABSORBED IN BSNL - CASES IN BSNL, AP TELECOM CIRCLE:AIBSNLREA takes up the issue regarding wrong interpretation of procedures for calculation of Special Allowance payable to the Group A Officers of DoT who had taken absorption in BSNL. [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 05.11.2012: CHANGE OVER TO BSNLMRS FACILITY FROM CGHS IN RESPECT OF EMPLOYEES OF NAGPUR SSA:BSNL has since issued orders vide its No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-7/12(pt) dated 5.11.2012, conveying approval for change over from CGHS to BSNLMRS in the middle of the year in respect of the employees of Nagpur SSA, since CGHS authorities have stopped extending the medical facility to these employees.[Click here to view the letter ....]

• 29.10.2012: BSNL AMENDS ITS EXISTING POLICY FOR ALLOTMENT OF VACANT STAFF QUARTERS TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES:BSNL has since issued orders vide its No. 482-16/2007-BG dated 26.10.2012 amending its existing policy for allotment of vacant staff quarters to the retired employees by allowing an additional option for executing lease deed of vacant BSNL staff quarters for 11 months[Click here to view the letter ....]

• 21.10.2012: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) has since sent our representation dated 19.09.2012 (since available in this website dated 20.09.2012) on the above matter to Department of Telecommunication to examine the same as per extant rules/orders. The status of the case with Registration No. DOPPW/P/2012/03839 will be continuously available on Pensioners’ Portal (www.pensionersportal.gov.in) [Click here to view the letter from DoP&PW....]

• 15.10.2012: BIANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, DHARWAD DISTRICT (HUBLI) BRANCH:The biannual General Body Meeting of All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives’ Association, Dharwad District (Hubli) Branch was held on Saturday the 13TH October, 2012 at the Conference Hall, BSNL Sadan in the premises of GMTD, Hubli. The meeting chaired by Shri R R Joshi, President and Shri K K Kulkarni, Vice President first paid homage to the departed members .. Shri A. S. Parwatikar, Branch Secretary welcomed the members and addressed the gathering . He highlighted the current issues taken up by CHQ in the interest of pensioners. Various correspondence made by GS, CHQ AIBSNLREA on pension/family pension revision and discrepancies in revised PPO, restoration of medical facilities without vouchers, etc were mainly highlighted. About 45 members participated in the meeting. Many members expressed their grievances as regards delay in payment of DA where pension is being drawn through Post Offices. Shri V.V.Katti, Financial Secretary read out the finance statement. Shri R.R.Joshi, President addressed the members and highlighted the recent developments as regards to the retired BSNL officers. The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chair and members by Shri H.S.Parwati, Executive member.

• 12.10.2012: BSNL ENDORSES DPE ORDERS ON REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 1.10.2012:BSNL has endorsed DPE orders on revision of IDA rates from 61.5% to 67.3% w.e.f 1.10.2012 for PSUs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. [Click here to view the order....]

• 11.10.2012: FIRST GB MEETING OF PALAKKAD BRANCH:First GB Meeting of Palakkad Branch, after its formation, was held on 09.10.2012. 27 members out of 40 members enrolled so far, attended the meeting. The GB discussed various welfare and organizational matters. The GB also nominated Shri R Gopinathan, Retd DGM(Fin) as the Auditor of the Branch. Shri V K Ramachandran, Retd SDE and Smt Vasanthakumari, Retd AGM were co-opted as the Executive members.

• 09.10.2012: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2012:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2012 from 61.5% to 67.3% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 [Click here to view the order....]

• 09.10.2012: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2012:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2012 from 172.6% to 182.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997 [Click here to view the order....]

• 06.10.2012: FORMATION OF A NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA AT BERHAMPORE (WEST BENGAL STATE):In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives held here at 10.30 Hrs on 03.10.2012, a new Branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed at Berhampore, Murshidabad District in West Bengal State. This is the first Branch of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch outside Kolkata. Nineteen retired Executives joined the Association as its Life Members. S/Shri A K Basu Roy, State President, N H Siddique, State Secretary, K B Roy, State Organizing Secretary and Samir Sengupta, State Financial Secretary attended the meeting. Following were unanimously elected as the office bearers of this newly formed Branch at Berhampore:- President: Shri P.K.Choudhuri, DGM (Retd), Vice Presidents: S/Shri M.R.Mandal, DE (Retd) and P.K.Pal D.E (Retd), Branch Secretary: Shri D.P.Maitra, D.E (Retd), Asst Secretaries: S/Shri P.K.Saha, SDE (Retd) and S.K.Saha, SDE (Retd), Financial Secretary: Shri A.C.Dhar, DE (Retd), Organizing Secretary: Shri K.D.Biswas, DE(Retd). Shri M.C.Das was nominated as Auditor.

• 05.10.2012: BIANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH, NAGPUR:The biannual General Body Meeting of All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives’ Association, East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur was held on 2nd October,2012 at Amenity Block, CTO Compound Nagpur. The meeting was chaired by Shri N.G.Talewar President. Shri V W Patil, Vice President welcomed the members. After paying homage to departed members and their family members, Shri P R Bhujbal Branch Secretary addressed the gathering and welcomed all the retired BSNL executives on the eve of “International Sr Citizens Day”and talked about the various government schemes available for the benefit of the Sr Citizens and also highlighted the current issues taken by CHQ in the interest of pensioners. Various correspondence made by GS,CHQ AIBSNLREA on pension/family pension revision and discrepancies in revised PPO, restoration of medical facilities without vouchers, inordinate delay in settlement of disciplinary cases against the retired executives, denial of medical facilities due to pending disciplinary cases etc were mainly highlighted. Latest pension revision status of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners pertaining to Nagpur and other HQs of East Vidarbha Branch was discussed. Almost all pension revision is completed. A few left out cases are being expedited. Status of benefit of 50% IDA merger with basic pay for fitment purpose as per DPE order dated 2-4-2009 was discussed at length in the meeting. Members expressed concern over the denial of medical indoor treatment to the BSNL retired employees without advance by some major empanelled hospital in Nagpur. In response to branch appeal, few members paid donations to the association. Total 125 members participated in the meeting. Nineteen (19) new life members were enrolled on the day, thereby the total life membership of Nagpur Branch reached 242 from the earlier strength of 223. Shri B M Majumdar, Financial Secretary read out the finance statement. Shri N G Talewar President welcomed the new life members and congratulated all retired BSNL officers on the occasion of BSNL foundation day. S/Shri Rachkondawar Jhamb, Gadpal, Bhattacharya, Bagde, Chaware, Tumram took special efforts for the grand success of the meeting. The meeting ended with vote of thanks to chair and members by Shri Arun Deshpande, Asst Secretary.

• 03.10.2012: PENSION ADALAT AT AHMEDABAD:CCA, Ahmedabad conducted a Pension Adalat on 25.09.2012 at Ahmedabad. S/Shri B M Bhavsar, State President and A B Patel, State Secretary of Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA attended. Out of 19 cases taken up, 14 were settled. It was also decided that the provisional pension will be directly paid by ECS in the accounts of the retired employees against whom disciplinary cases are pending . [Click here to view the format circulated by CCA Ahmedabad ....]

• 30.09.2012: GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, KANPUR BRANCH (UP STATE) HELD:Kanpur Branch of AIBSNLREA held its General Body Meeting on 22.09.2012 at the Recreation Club, Telephone Exchange Compound, Kanpur. Shri N K Dwivedi, Retd SDE presided over the meeting. Shri R S Arora , UP State Secretary addressed the gathering and apprised them with latest developments in the matters of interest for the members. The GB, thereafter, elected the following new office bearers of the Branch Association: President:- Shri Dharm Das, Retd GM, Vice-President:-Shri Nagendra Prasad Dwivedi, Retd AGM, Secretary:-Shri S B Saini, Retd DE, Asst Secretary:- S/Shri J L Maurya, Retd SDE and A K Agarwal, Retd DE, Financial Secretary:-Shri Lal Singh, Retd Sr AO, Asst. Fin. Secretary:-Shri Surendra Singh, Retd SDE, Org. Secretary:-Shri S C Maheshwari, Retd SDE, E.C. Members:-S/Shri A H Khan, Retd SDE, B K Shukla, Retd DE, Vijay Bahadur, Retd DE, D C Mishra, Retd DE, R K Gautam, Retd DE, Auditor:-Shri J P Gupta, Sr AO.

• 28.09.2012: IDA INCREASE W.E.F. 1.10.2012:According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index, IDA is to be increased by 5.8% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 9.9% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

• 26.09.2012: BI-ANNUAL GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDHARBA (NAGPUR) BRANCH: East Vidharba (Nagpur) Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its bi-annual General Body meeting at 15.00 Hours on 2nd October 2012 at the Amenity Hall, CTO Compound, Nagpur. All the members of the Association and other retired Executives have been invited to attend the meeting. For further details, Shri P R Bhujbal, Branch Secretary may be contacted on Mob No. 9422810810.

• 20.09.2012: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:AIBSNLREA again takes up the above issue in the backdrop of another clarification issued by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare vide its No. DOP&PW F.No 1/3/2011-P&PW(E) dated 25.05.2012 reiterating that “The fixation of family pension at ordinary rates is subject to the provision that the revised family pension in no case shall be lower than 30% of the minimum of the pay in the pay band plus grade pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired. In case of HAG and above scales it is 30% of the minimum of the revised pay scale. In the cases of such employees who retired/died on and before 31.12.2005 the family pension at enhanced rates was also required to be revised” and also clarifying that “……revised enhanced family pension ….shall not be less than 50% of the sum of minimum of the pay in the pay band plus the grade pay or 50% of minimum of pay scales in case of HAG and above, corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale in which the pensioner/deceased employee had last worked.”[Click here to view the letter ....][Click here to view the DoPP&W order dated 25.5.2012 ....]

• 17.09.2012: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE PAY SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED: Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Government of India has since forwarded our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2012/20 dated 21.08.2012 on the above issue to Shri S S Singh, DDG (PG), DoT and intimated vide its letter 03.09.2012 that DDG(PG) “will examine the issues as per extant rules and will inform you suitably.”

• 17.09.2012: NON IMPLEMENTATION OF DOT ORDER No 2-49(3)/2009-PAT DATED 4.11.2010 TO EXTEND THE PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO ALL RETIRING/ RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO HAD OPTED FOR THEIR PAY FIXATION IN IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 1.10.2000 – CASES OF THE ABSORBED GROUP C AND D EMPLOYEES: The Deptt of Telecommunication has intimated on the above issue, which is being pursued by AIBSNLREA, that “the matter is still under examination in this Department. As and when the matter will be finalized the same will be intimated to you.”

• 15.09.2012: DOP&PW ISSUES ORDERS PERMITTING CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH WRONGLY RECORDED IN PPOs IN RESPECT OF THE FAMILY PENSIONERS:Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since issued orders allowing correction of date of birth as wrongly mentioned in the Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) in respect of the family pensioners subject to production of certain documents as specified in the DoP&PW’s OM dated 13.09.2012 [Click here to view the Office Memorandum ....]

• 13.09.2012: POLICY REGARDING PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE FACILITY TO A BSNL EMPLOYEE WHO RETIRE WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION – AIBSNLREA TAKE UP THE ISSUE FOR MODIFICATION IN THE POLICY:AIBSNLREA writes to CMD, BSNL to review and withdraw the present policy guideline to provide concessional telephone facility to a BSNL employee who retire while under suspension provided PPO is issued to him or her. AIBSNLREA points out that this provision is flawed and no such provision is available in the DoT’s guidelines for “Grant of Concessional telephone facilities to retired DoT Employees.” [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 10.09.2012: HONORARIUM FOR GUEST FACULTY IN BSNL TRAINING CENTRES:AIBSNLREA writes to CMD, BSNL to consider upper revision of rates of honorarium for serving/non-serving officers coming as guest faculty in BSNL’s training centers in the backdrop of an DoP&T Order revising the rates of honorarium to be paid to the experts/eminent persons coming as guest faculty in Central Training Institutes for Group A services. [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 09.09.2012: DENIAL TO EXTEND MEDICAL FACILITIES UNDER BSNL MRS TO THE PENSIONERS DUE TO PENDENCY OF DISCIPLINARY CASES IN GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE:AIBSNLREA takes up the above issue with CMD, BSNL. It writes “….We would, therefore, earnestly request you to advise Gujarat Telecom Circle not to deny medical facilities to the absorbed BSNL pensioners due to pendency of any disciplinary case." [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 02.09.2012: INORDINATE DELAYS IN SETTLEMENT OF DISCIPLINARY CASES AGAINST RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL AND NON-PAYMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS: Central Vigilance Commission has since informed that our letter dated 01.08.2012 on the above subject has been forwarded to CVO/ Department of IT for necessary action. In order to view our above referred letter, the viewers may refer to the posting dated 01.08.2012 in this website.

• 27.08.2012: QUARTERLY GB MEETING OF KOLHAPUR BRANCH: Quarterly GB meeting of Kolhapur (Maharashtra) Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 26th August 2012 in the Conference Hall of Telephone Bhavan. Forty five members attended the meeting and three more new members also joined the Branch. President Shri R P Kulkarni, welcomed the members and gave a brief account of the meetings of the Branch held during the last two and half years and the issues discussed. He then presented bouquet to the new members. After self introduction by the members, Branch Secretary Shri D K Joshi briefed the House about the issues taken up by the GS with BSNL/DOT and their status. He stated that the revision of Pension of all concerned members is over and majority of these members have got their arrears. He appealed for generous donation to the Association for its effective functioning both at the Branch and CHQ level. Members appreciated the action taken for settlement of Disciplinary cases of retired BSNL Executives and asking for releasing the Gratuity etc, pursuing the issue of extension of pensionary benefits to the retired Group C&D Employees of BSNL who opted for pay fixation from the date of their promotion and hoped that the issue be settled early. Secretary informed the Members that CCA, MH Circle is holding its Pension Adalat in October 2012, and for which the last date for submission of Grievance is up to 5th September 2012. He asked the members, if long pending problem is there, they may send their representation for taking up with the pension adalat. Thereafter, Prof D U Pawar of Shivaji University gave a presentation on the “Anandi Jeevan” of the Pensioners which was very informative and educative. The meeting ended with presentation of vote of thanks by Shri G L Joshi, Vice President followed by the Lunch.

• 26.08.2012: NON-PAYMENT OF PENSION/GRATUITY/COMMUTATION OF PENSION ETC TO THE RETIRED GROUP B OFFICERS ABSORBED IN BSNL WHO OPTED FOR IDA SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 1.10.2000 - CASES UNDER PR. CCA, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES:DOT (PHM Section) has since forwarded our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2012/14 dated 06.07.2012 to CMD, BSNL for taking appropriate action. Copy of the letter has also been sent to DDG(Estt), DoT for necessary action and Pr. Controller of Communication Accounts, Kolkata for needful action. The issue concerns some retired members from Calcutta Telephones. [Click here to view the DoT letter ....]

• 24.08.2012: GB MEETING OF KANPUR BRANCH (UP STATE): Kanpur Branch of AIBSNLREA held a GB meeting on 17.8.2012 under the chairmanship of Shri M D Singh, Branch President. Twenty seven members attended the meeting. Shri S C Maheswari, Branch Secretary submitted a brief report in the House. Membership and financial status of the Branch was reflected in the report of the Branch Financial Secretary Shri Lal Singh Tomar. Eight new members were enrolled as life members during the meeting. Shri R S Arora, UP State Secretary also addressed the members and replied the queries raised.

• 24.08.2012: GB MEETING OF GORAKHPUR BRANCH (UP STATE): General Body Meeting of Gorakhpur Branch (UP State) was held on 7.8.2012 under the president ship of Shri M U Khan. Thirty five members of the Branch attended the meeting. Shri Khannjanchi Prasad, Branch Secretary presented a brief report. Md Habib, Branch Financial Secretary gave an account of the status of membership of the Branch. Shri R S Arora, UP State Secretary briefed the members about the important issues concerning the BSNL pensioners. Twenty retired executives were enrolled as life members of the Association during the meeting.

• 23.08.2012: OBITUARY: Shri A.Ganesan, Retd. DGM, Chennai Telephones and Vice-President of AIBSNLREA Chennai Branch has passed away in the early hours of today. He was just 65 and was indisposed and hosptalised a few days back. The sudden end has come a few days after he was discharged from the hospital. Shri A.Ganesan was a 1966 batch JE and had been very active in the Unions/Associations right from the day he joined the department. He was Circle Secretary of TCEA, Chennai Telephones and later held various positions in TESA(I). He was also active in IETE Chennai Chapter. His technical articles on Communication technology had regularly appeared in 'The Hindu'. He has authored two technical books and was preparing to release another on the next BSNL Day. He was a very knowledgeable and dynamic personality and his untimely demise is a great loss to the association. AIBSNLREA conveys its condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in Peace.

• 22.08.2012: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL -- CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF FAMILY PENSION DUE TO NON-APPLICATION OF THE PROVISION THAT THE REVISED FAMILY PENSION, IN NO CASE, SHALL BE LOWER THAN 30% OF THE MINIMUM PAY IN THE SCALE CORRESPONDING TO THE PRE-REVISED SCALE IN WHICH THE PENSIONER/DECEASED EMPLOYEE LAST WORKED:AIBSNLREA writes to Secretary DoT that “…the family pensions of the DoT Officers absorbed in BSNL mainly in the scale of E-7 and above have been wrongly revised and fixed at much lower stages. This is due to non-application of the provision that “the revised family pension, in no case, shall be lower than 30% of the minimum pay in the pay scale corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale in which the pensioner/deceased employee last worked”. It further writes that “…. DoT has to issue suitable instructions to all concerned with reference to its earlier Order No. 40-17/2008-Pen(T)-Vol.III dated 15.03.2011, directing that the fixation of family pension will be subject to the provision that the revised family pension, in no case shall be lower than thirty percent of the minimum of the pay corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale in which the pensioner/deceased Employee absorbed in BSNL had last worked. [Click here to view the letter ....]

• 20.08.2012: DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% OF IDA WITH BASIC PENSION IN CASE OF REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION DUE TO NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF DPE OM NO. 2(70)/08-DPE(WC)-GL-VII/09 DATED 02.04.2009 – RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT SENDS OUR PETITION TO THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR APPROPRIATE CONSIDERATION AND ACTION:Rajya Sabha Secretariat has since sent our Petition on the above to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Department of Telecommunication) vide its No. RS.6(199)/2012-Com-II dated 13.08.2012 “for appropriate consideration and action”. Our Petition vide our No AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2012/11 dated 08.06.2012 was posted on our website on 10.06.2012. We believe that this will strengthen our case for further revision of pension/family pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners/family pensioners by allowing merger of 78.2% of IDA (in place of 68.8% of IDA merged earlier) with basic pension at a time when the issue of merger of 78.2% of IDA with basic pay of the BSNL employees w.e.f. 1.1.2007 is under process. [Click here to view the letter from Rajyasabha Secretariat....]

• 20.08.2012: QUARTERLY GENERAL BODY MEETING OF LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA: The quarterly G.B meeting of Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 28.07.2012 at La-place under the chairmanship of Shri Y S Tripathi, President of Lucknow Branch. Sixty five members attended the meeting. Nine new Life Members were enrolled during the meeting. Branch Secretary Shri S.P Singh presented a brief report on the activities of last three months to the house. It was informed that S/Shri Radhey Shyam, Organizing Secretary and A K Srivastava, Financial Secretary of Lucknow Branch met the concerned Postal Officer for early payment of last IDA installment. S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, M K Shukla, Vice-President and Ambika Singh, Financial Secretary of U P State Branch of AIBSNLREA addressed the gathering.

• 17.08.2012: NON-ROUNDING OFF THE FRACTION OF A RUPEE TO THE NEXT HIGHER RUPEE AT EVERY STAGE OF CONSOLIDATION OF REVISED PENSION WHILE PREPARING THE PAPERS FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-200& PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL BY SOME UNITS OF BSNL AND CONSEQUENT CREATION OF ANOMALY IN THE REVISED BASIC PENSION/FAMILY PENSION FIXED FOR THE PENSIONERS WITH SAME PRE-REVISED BASIC PENSION:AIBSNLREA takes up the above issue with CMD, BSNL and requests …“to advice the concerned section of BSNL Corporate Office to issue instructions to all the field units of BSNL to issue corrigendum to the Pension Papers for revision of pension already issued by them in respect of the pre-2007 BSNL Pensioners/Family Pensioners by allowing rounding off fraction of a rupee to the next higher rupee at every stage of calculation for consolidation of pension if the same was not done by them, so that the concerned CCAs may take corrective measures and the present anomaly is removed.” [Click here to view the letter....]
  [To the Viewers: To read the letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2011/09 dated 02.06.2011 as referred in the above letter, please view the posting dated 03.06.2011 in our website]

• 15.08.2012: AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE REGARDING NON-MENTION OF THE PROVISION REGARDING INCREASE IN QUANTUM OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION AVAILABLE TO THE OLD PENSIONERS OF 80 AND ABOVE YEARS IN AGE IN THE REVISED PENSION PAYMENT ORDERS ISSUED BY SOME CONTROLLERS OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS:AIBSNLREA has since taken up the above issue with Secretary, Department of Telecommunication. It writes “…… We would, therefore, request you to cause issue of instructions by the Pension Branch of DoT Headquarters advising all the CCAs/DoT Cells to issue a corrigendum to the already issued Revised PPOs by incorporating the above stated provision available at Para 4.5 of DoT Order No. 40-17/2008-Pen(T)-Vol III dated 15.03.2011, in case the same has not been included in the Revised PPOs issued by them.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 14.08.2012: A NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED AT PALAKKAD (KERALA STATE): In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives held at 10.30 Hrs yesterday, a new Branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed at Palakkad in Kerala State. This is the first Branch of AIBSNLREA in Kerala. Sixteen retired Executives joined the Association as its Life Members. Following were unanimously elected as the office bearers of this newly formed Branch at Palakkad:- President: Shri N.Bhaskaran, DGM(Retd), Vice Presidents: S/Shri M.Sankaran, AGM(Retd) and V.I.Sam, AGM(Retd), Branch Secretary: Shri P.Prabhakaran, SDE(Retd), Asst Secretaries: S/Shri P.V.Subramanian, SDE(Retd) and K.Haridas, SDE(Retd), Financial Secretary: Shri K.C.Venkitachalam, DE(Retd), Asst Financial Secretary: Shri P.Swaminathan, SDE(Retd), Organizing Secretaries: S/Shri K.Haridasan, DGM(Retd) and NVC Nair, AGM(Retd), Executive Committee Members: S/Shri K.V. Padmanabhan, DGM(Retd), M.Haridasan, SDE(Retd) and R. Sudhakara Panicker, JTO(Retd).

• 12.08.2012: ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:The 2nd Annual General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch was held at Telegraph Institute Hall, CTO Kolkata on 2ndAugust, 2012 with a mammoth gathering of about 250 members. The meeting started at 1.00 PM with Shri A.K.Basuroy, Acting President in the chair. The House first paid tribute to the memory of the departed members by observing one minute’s silence. Md. N.H.Siddique, State Secretary placed his report narrating the activities of state Branch during last two years. He also felicitated Sri Basu, General Secretary who led the Association from the front for a long and untiring battle for the cause of retired executives and ultimate success in revision of pension for pre-2007 BSNL Pensioners. The House applauded and cheered in chorus. Both the Secretary’s Report and Finance Report placed by Shri N.H.Siddique and Shri S.R.Palit respectively were passed unanimously by the house. Since due to power interruption in National grid the Rajdhani Express was delayed by five hours, GS Shri S.Basu straight away attended the venue from the Railway Station. The House was eagerly waiting for his arrival and Shri Basu addressed the gathering for nearly an hour. He assured the members that BSNL pensioners need not be worried for their pension in future since pension is paid from the Consolidated Fund of India and Rule-37A guarantees the payment by Government. He also described how in spite of so many hurdles and misconceptions amongst the sister unions who believed that pension revision was due only in CDA scale, the issue of the pension revision could be settled in IDA scale on sustained persuasion, patience and long trade union experience. This allowed much higher financial benefit to the pre-2007 pensioners. He also stated that the much talked about proposed Pension Bill will not affect the pension of the Government Employees who joined the Government Service before 1.1.2004. Since absorption in BSNL took place much before 1.1.2004, this bill has no impact on the absorbed employees. Lastly he appealed to the members to unite and rally behind the organisation that only could be instrumental in settlement of other pending issues such as another revision of pension consequent to merger of 78.2% IDA.
  The House, thereafter, unanimously elected the following office bearers of the State Body:- President: Shri A.K.Basuroy Vice President: Shri T.K.Mallick, Shri Somnath Rana, State Secretary: Shri N.H.Siddique, Assistant State Secretary: S/Shri S.R.Palit, N.C.Maji, Manas Mukherjee and Tarit Sengupta, Joint State Secretary: Shri K.P.Ghosh, Organising Secretary: S/Shri K.B.Roy, S.P.Sinha, R.K.Chattopadhyay, G.R.Khan, P.C.Das and Smt Kalpana Sadhukhan, Financial Secretary: Shri Samir Sengupta, Assistant Finance Secretary: Shri Debasis Mitra, Executive Members: S/Shri C.R.Roy, Banamali Naik, Sanat Maitra, Biplab Guha, Abhoy De, Amal Roy, T.K.Das, S.N.Saha Haradhan Das, A.K.Chatterjee, Gopal Ghosh, N.C.Bhattacharya, D.P.Maitra amd Smt Manju Bhattacharya, CWC Member: Shri S.R.Palit, Auditor (nominated): Shri N.N.Piplai.[Click here to view some photos....]

• 09.08.2012: DISCUSSION WITH CGM, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES:Shri S Basu, General Secretary, AIBSNLREA along with West Bengal State President Shri A K Basu Roy, State Secretary Shri N H Siddique and Assistant State Secretary Shri Samir Pailt met CGM, Calcutta Telephones on 04.08.2012 and discussed some pending problems of the members. In regard to the issue of re-submission of about 23 old pending deferred option cases to CCA, Calcutta Telephones, it was informed by the CGM that he had discussed the matter with CCA, Calcutta Telephones with three sample cases and it was agreed by CCA, Calcutta Telephones that all other cases could be re-submitted in the same manner. The CGM assured to expedite the matter. CGM also assured to look into the problems being faced by the retired employees in getting indoor medical treatment from some empanelled hospitals. In regard to extending the benefit of concessional broadband facilities at the residences of the below JAG level employees, he agreed to endorse the Corporate Office Order to the field units for implementation. A few other individual cases were also discussed and the CGM assured to examine those cases. He also asked the representatives of the Association to meet him again after ten days or so.

• 06.08.2012: GB MEETING OF MUMBAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:A General Body Meeting of Mumbai Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 23.7.2012 in the Conference Hall, 4th floor, Fountain Telecom Building I, Fort, Mumbai. The Meeting started at 14.30 hrs. Shri K.R. Gupta, President of the Branch welcomed all the participants for attending the meeting despite heavy rains and disruption of train services. Shri S.P.Varma, Branch Secretary informed the members about the status of issue of Revised PPOs in respect of pre-2007 pensioners. All the paid members have received the arrears except Shri K.K.Hunnargikar. A list of non-member retired executives of Mumbai Division, whose PPO numbers were available, has also been submitted to the Account Officer. Efforts are being made to settle the remaining cases. Shri Verma requested all retired executives to get themselves enrolled as members with Mumbai Branch of AIBSNLREA. A tour programme to Gangtock is being planned by the Branch in the last week of November 2012. Shri S.N.Verma Treasurer of the Branch was entrusted with the responsibility to organize the tour. The Meeting concluded at 17.30 Hrs after presentation of vote of thanks.

• 01.08.2012: INORDINATE DELAYS IN SETTLEMENT OF DEPARTMENTAL DISCIPLINARY CASES AGAINST RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL AND NON PAYMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS – AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH MOC&IT AND OTHERS:AIBSNLREA has since taken up the issue regarding non-settlement of the departmental disciplinary cases of the retired employees for over the years and withholding of release of pensionary benefits including encashment of leave, medical and telephone facility. It has urged that “… Let BSNL Management dispose of the departmental disciplinary cases of the retired Employees speedily and strictly follow the guidelines issued by Central Vigilance Commission fixing the time frame on the issue. We also request that:-
  (a) BSNL should release all pensionary benefits like DCRG, Commutation of Pension to the retired employees if there are no charges for loss to the Department which could lead to recovery of losses if proved guilty,
  (b) BSNL should also make payment against Encashment of Leave, provide the Medical facilities and residential telephone connections to the retired Executives facing disciplinary actions.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 30.07.2012: HUBLI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA ELECTS NEW OFFICE BEARERS:The General Body meeting of Hubli Branch (Karnataka State) of AIBSNLREA elected the following new Office Bearers: (1) President: Shri R R Joshi [Mob: 94483 94910], (2) Vice Presidents: (i) S/Shri K K Kulkarni and (ii) K S Kammar, (3) Secretary: Shri. A S Parwatikar [Mob: 94483 02204], (4) Assistant Secretary: Shri V B Patil,(5) Financial Secretary: Shri V V Katti [Mob: 94810 11123],(6) Assistant Financial Secretary: Shri R B Mansur, (7) Org. Secretary: Shri G G Wajapayee, (8) Executive Members: S/Shri F B Upashi, P S Kulkarni V B Desai, G B Angadi, A D Pai, H S Parwati and D G Kurlageri.

• 26.07.2012: WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD ITS SECOND AGM:West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA will hold its 2nd AGM on Thursday, the 2nd August 2012 at 12 PM at Telegraph Institute Hall, CTO Building, BBD Bag, Kolkata. Shri S. Basu, General Secretary CHQ will address the gathering. All the members of AIBSNLREA, W.B. State Branch are requested to attend the said meeting. Other retired Executives of BSNL who are yet to join the Association are also invited to attend the said meeting and enroll themselves as life-members of this Association.

• 25.07.2012: EXTENSION OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE RETIRING/RETIRED ABSORBED GROUP C AND D EMPLOYEES OF BSNL WHO OPTED FOR PAY FIXATION IN IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 01.10.2000:We had earlier on 02.07.2012 reported that DoT was examining the issue of applicablity of DoT Order No. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT dated 04.11.2010 for extension of similar pensionary benefits (as given to the Group B Officers) also to the retiring/retired absorbed Group C and D Employees of BSNL who opted for pay fixation in IDA Scale from the date of their promotion after 01.10.2000. In regard to the same issue, DoT has recently informed that “…. the matter is still under examination in this Departnment”.

• 20.07.2012: PENSION CALCULATOR:Following release of revised IDA rates w.e.f. 01.07.2012, the Pension Calculator at the top of this site has been updated to give details of arrears on pension revision upto 30.09.2012 for the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners.

• 20.07.2012: TIME SCHEDULE FOR DISBURSEMENT OF PENSION – DOP&PW ISSUES ORDERS IN VIEW OF VI CPC RECOMMENDATION:In the light of VI CPC recommendations, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since issued detailed guidelines for disbursement of pension. It has advised the Ministries/Departments to follow a time schedule to ensure timely payment of pension and other benefits to the retiring employees. [Click here to view the order....]

• 19.07.2012: BSNL ENDORSES DPE ORDERS ON REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 1.7.2012:BSNL has endorsed DPE orders on revision of IDA rates from 56.7% to 61.5% w.e.f 1.7.2012 for PSUs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. [Click here to view the order....]

• 12.07.2012: DEPOSTING TDS IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS THROUGH BANK CHALLANS QUOTING WRONG PAN NUMBERS – CASES OF BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE: AIBSNLREA takes up above issue with CMD, BSNL and requests “……Considering the gravity of the matter, we would request that the Income Tax Department may immediately be intimated the correct PAN Numbers in respect of the Deductees for whom the information are immediately available in the Cash Branch. The other mistakes, as and when detected, may also be informed without delay. The concerned retired/serving employees may also be issued corrected Form 16A immediately to enable them to file Income Tax Returns correctly.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 12.07.2012: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2012:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2012 from 56.7% to 61.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 [Click here to view the order....]

• 12.07.2012: REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2012:DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2012 from 164.6% to 172.6% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997 [Click here to view the order....]

• 10.07.2012: PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION AT THE RESIDENCES OF THE RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES OF THE LEVEL OF JAG AND ABOVE:AIBSNLREA takes up with CMD, BSNL for providing concessional Broad Band connection at the residences of retired JAG and SAG level Exectives of BSNL. It writes “………. We would, therefore, earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter and cause issuance of Orders for providing concessional Broadband connection at the residences of the retired BSNL executives at the level of JAG and SAG residing in BSNL and MTNL Service areas. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 07.07.2012: NON-SETTLEMENT OF THE GRIEVANCES REGARDING NON PAYMENT OF PENSION/GRATUITY/COMMUTATION OF PENSION TO THE RETIRED GROUP “B” OFFICERS ABSORBED IN BSNL WHO OPTED FOR PAY FIXATION IN IDA SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 01.10.2000 – CASES UNDER PRINCIPAL CCA, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES:AIBSNLREA takes up the case with DDG(PG), DoT and others since the status reports being sent by CCA, Calcutta do not reflect the actual position. The Association writes “….. We shall, therefore, request you to kindly inquire into the matter, if needed, by deputing some senior Officers to investigate the cases and fix responsibility. We also request that the affected pensioners be paid interest also in addition to their dues for the period of delay in payment of gratuity, pension and commutation of pension etc. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 05.07.2012: CONCESSIONAL RESIDENTIAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION AT THE RESIDENCES OF RETIRED BELOW JAG LEVEL EMPLOYEES – AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES RESIDING IN MTNL AREA:BSNL Order No 2-06/2005-PHA(Pt) dated 27.06.2012 extending the benefit of concessional broad band connection at the residences of the retired below JAG level employees speaks only about those employees residing in BSNL service area. AIBSNLREA has since taken up the case of exclusion of the retired below JAG level employees residing in MTNL service area. It requests CMD, BSNL ….. “We would, therefore, earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter immediately so that the retired below JAG level Officers residing in MTNL service area also gets the benefit as in the case of the serving employees residing in MTNL area and keeping in view of the Policy Decision in vogue as at Para (b) of BSNL Circular No. 2-6/2005-PHA dated 24.09.2008 for providing Broad band connection.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 02.07.2012: NON EXTENSION OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE RETIRING/ RETIRED GROUP C AND D EMPLOYEES WHO OPTED FOR THEIR PAY FIXATION IN IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 01.10.2000::In regard to the above issue being relentlessly pursued by AIBSNLREA, Department of Telecommunication has since informed that “DoT Order No. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT dated 04.11.2010 is applicable to Group “B” employees of BSNL. It has further informed that “Applicability of DOT Order No. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT dated 04.11.2010 to Group “C” & “D” employees of BSNL is under consideration in DOT.”

• 30.06.2012: IDA INCREASE W.E.F. 1.7.2012:According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index, IDA is to be increased by 4.8% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 8.1% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

• 28.06.2012: BSNL ORDERS PROVISION OF 60% DISCOUNT ON BROAD BAND CONNECTION AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE BELOW JAG LEVEL RETIRED EMPLOYEES RESIDING IN BSNL AREA AS APPLICABLE TO THE SERVING BELOW JAG LEVEL EMPLOYEES – AIBSNLREA’s CONSTANT PLEADING WITH MANAGEMENT BRINGS RESULT:BSNL has now issued Orders vide its No. 2-06/2005-PHA(Pt) dated 27.06.2012 modifying its earlier policy decision regarding provision of concessional Broad Band connection at the residence of the below JAG level BSNL employees. Now the below JAG level retired employees residing in BSNL area are also eligible to get 60% discount on broad band connection at residence. [Click here to view the modified order....][Click here to view the old order....]

• 24.06.2012: IMPACT OF THE RECENT AGREEMENT IN RESPECT OF REVISION OF PAY AS PER FITMENT BENEFIT @ 78.2% W.E.F. 01.01.2007 AND OTHER ISSUES ON BSNL EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS:We are being approached by many viewers of our website to give our views on the impact of the recent agreement dated 12.06.2012 in respect of revision of pay as per fitment @ 78.2% w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and other issues on the BSNL employees in general and the Pensioners in particular We have since analysed the same and are publishing our findings. The analysis has been made based on the inputs available at this point of time and the rules on the relavant subjects. [Click here to view the analysis....]

• 23.06.2012: RESTORATION OF FACILITY OF MEDICAL CLAIMS WITHOUT VOUCHER FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT AT LEAST FOR THE BSNL PENSIONERS - AIBSNLREA URGES CMD, BSNL IN VIEW OF THE RECENT STRIKE AGREEMENT REJECTING THE RESTORATION FOR BSNL EMPLOYEES:AIBSNLREA, expressing its “total dismay and deep anguish that BSNL Management has not agreed to restore the above facility and has accordingly signed an agreement with some employees unions/associations in total disregard to the problems and difficulties of the absorbed BSNL Pensioners”, has urged CMD, BSNL “…….. to kindly intervene in the matter and restore the facility of medical claim without voucher for outdoor treatment at least for the Pensioners.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 10.06.2012: DENIAL OF MERGER OF 78.2% OF DA WITH BASIC PENSION IN CASE OF REVISION OF PENSIONOF THE ABSORBERD BSNL PENSIONERS – AIBSNLREA SENDS PETITION TO THE COMMITTEE ON PETITIONS, RAJYA SABHA:AIBSNLREA now takes up the above issue with Committee of Petitions in Rajya Sabha since all its previous representations to the DoT and others failed to break the stalemate. Its Petition urges “…… Since numerous representations to the different authorities in the Government including Department of Telecommunication to redress the above stated genuine grievance of the absorbed BSNL Pensioners did get no response from those authorities, we find no other alternatives but to urge upon you to bestow justice by advising the Department of Telecommunication to immediately implement the DPE Order No. 2(70)/08-DPE(WC)-GL-VII/09 dated 02.04.2009 for the purpose of revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners. [Click here to view the petition....]

• 06.06.2012: AIBSNLREA CHENNAI HELD ITS GB MEETING: General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA Chennai was held at 17:30hrs on Wednesday May 9, 2012. Shri V.Chinna Pappiah President was on chair. More than 60 members attended the meeting. After the welcome address, President gave a brief of the activities of the Association. He mentioned that pension revision case was taken up by us as early as in February, 2009 when no other CHQ level Association/Union for pensioners was existing. At the state level with active cooperation of non executives Association led by Shri G.Natarajan pension revision and arrears were got in time. AIBSNLREA Chennai expresses its sincere thanks to the then principal CCA Tamil Nadu and other officers and officials dealing with the pensions in BSNL Chennai Telephones. President then explained the issues of stopping of quarterly payment of medical expenses without voucher under BSNLMRS and revision of pension for those who retired before completing ten months of service in BSNL based on the last pay drawn. He explained that this is not the proper time for initiating organizational action for cancelling the order of stoppage under BSNLMRS. Since the revision of pension issue for those who have not completed ten months service in BSNL is pending with National Anomalies Committee and the staff side is pursuing the issue, it will not be in the interest of pensioners if legal remedies are sought at tis moment. Shri G. Natarajan gave details of the proposed organizational actions like Post card campaign, dharna etc by his association. He also informed that decision has been taken to fight legally the issue of pension revision of those with less than ten months of service in BSNL. Shri B. Sanjeevan Secretary addressed the gathering. He suggested that Rs.1000/ has to be paid as donation by those who have got arrears within a period of three months. Out of this, Rs.750/ will be sent to CHQ and Rs.250/ will be retained for circle. He also opined that regarding BSNLMRS we can wait for some more time. House approved his suggestions. Shri N.Devanna Treasurer gave brief regarding the financial status. He informed that CHQ Quota has been paid upto date. Shri A.Ganesan suggested that All India Conference of AIBSNLREA must be hosted by a circle with more membership. Shri R.Masilamani MBA(F),CFP Financial Planner delivered a special address on Financial Planning. The lecture was very much interesting and the members actively interacted with him. He gave many tips on how to save money received by us at the time of our retirement. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Shri B.Sanjeevan, Secretary. A special dinner was also arranged.

• 30.05.2012: DEPOSTING TDS IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS THROUGH BANK CHALLANS QUOTING WRONG PAN NUMBERS – CASES OF BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE:AIBSNLREA takes up above issue with CMD, BSNL and requests “……Considering the gravity of the matter, we would request that the Income Tax Department may immediately be intimated the correct PAN Numbers in respect of the Deductees for whom the information are immediately available in the Cash Branch. The other mistakes, as and when detected, may also be informed without delay. The concerned retired/serving employees may also be issued corrected Form 16A immediately to enable them to file Income Tax Returns correctly.”[Click here to view the letter....]

• 21.05.2012: STATED PROPOSAL TO SWITCH OVER FROM BSNL MRS TO CGHS: We have received several mails making queries on the stated proposal by BSNL to transfer the responsibility of Medicare of its employees to CGHS by discarding the BSNL MRS. We are to state that BSNL Corporate Office is not thinking in this term. In fact, there is no proposal to switch over to CGHS at this moment. However, if at all, such proposal is moved, AIBSNLREA will not out rightly reject the same. It will firmly ask for individual option from BSNL employees either to remain in BSNL MRS or join CGHS whichever is considered beneficial to him/her.

• 16.05.2012: QUATERLY GB MEETING OF KOLHAPUR BRANCH:Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA (Maharashtra State) held its quarterly GB Meeting on 6th May 2012 at Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall. Kolhapur. Shri R P Kulkarni, Branch President welcomed the members. The new members were presented with bouquets. Shri P S Kulkarni, Assistant Secretary presented the report of the last meeting and also about the short trip conducted to Ratnagiri, Pawas, Ganapatipule etc. in February last year at the initiative of Shri Kale, the member from Ratnagiri. Shri D K Joshi, Branch Secretary presented the status of Revision of Pension cases of the Pensioners retired before 2007. He informed that many cases have since been settled and sent to DPA, Nagpur and still about 1000 cases are pending in DOT Cell, Mumbai, and said those would be settled by the end of May or latest by June 2012. He also informed that Nagpur Branch Secretary Shri P R Bhujbal, is in regular touch with DPA, Nagpur Office and making all out efforts to get the files cleared. He then reported the status of other issues taken up by the Association. He also briefed about the issues pertaining to Pensioners in General. The high lights of new Income Tax rules, DOP&PW Pensioners Portal, developments on ITS absorption, Pensioners Do’s Don’ts as per CPAO; were informed in detail. He informed about the likely All India Conference and GS’s appeal to members for Donations to CHQ from members. Members expressed their resentment due to abnormal delay in revision of pension. However, they appreciated the action taken by the Association at different level. Later Shri Angaolkar extended vote of thanks to all those present and the BSNL, officers and especially Sr. GMT, Kolhapur. Then meeting ended with hosting of Lunch.

• 14.05.2012: GB MEETING OF MUMBAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:General Body meeting of Mumbai Branch was held on 30.4.2012 at 14.00 hrs in Recreation Club, Telephone House, 12th floor, Prabhadevi, Dadar(W), Mumbai- 400028. Com.S. N. Verma was on the chair as Com. K.R. Gupta President of the branch was out of Mumbai. Delay in settlement of revision of pension cases of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners of Mumbai Branch was the major discussion. Com. S.P.Varma Divisional Secretary of Mumbai Branch intimated that already the issue was discussed with Principal CCA, a few times. After we took up the matter with CGMM, WTR, he deputed one AO and one clerk to PCCA office twice a day every week to assist in disposing of the cases. As a result, some PPOs have been issued & some are under issue. Efforts are being made to settle the remaining cases. A pilgrimage for Retired Executive is being arranged by Mumbai Branch for visit to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamnotri and Haridwar from 23rd May to 31st May 2012. Interested members were requested to join the pilgrimage. Meeting was concluded with vote of thanks at 16.45 hrs.

• 13.05.2012: FIXATION OF PAY IN DEFFERED OPTION CASES FOR THE GROUP B OFFICERS IN KOLKATA:Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Govt of India had forwarded our representation dated 04.03.2012 regarding non-implementation of DoT Order No. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT dated 4.11.2010 in respect of Group B Officers in Kolkata, which was addressed to MOC&IT and copy endorsed to Secretary, DoP&PW (available in our website), to DDG (PG), DoT for appropriate remedial action. PCCA, Kolkata has now responded to it saying that the deferred option cases are lying with BSNL authorities and that on receipt of these cases from BSNL, pension will be revised accordingly.[Click here to view PCCA Kolkata letter....]

• 05.05.2012: INCOME TAX DEDUCTION ON LEAVE ENCASHMENT ON RETIREMENT:BSNL has since issued a clarification, vide its No. 1001-04/2011-12/Taxation/BSNL/LE/176 dated 04.05.2012, according to which the employees absorbed in BSNL with 300 days leave at their credit will not face Income Tax Deduction at Source while receiving full amount of leave encashment at the time of their retirement. However, the absorbed employees with less than 300 days of leave at their credit at the time of absorption will be subjected to TDS for the balance number of days of leave earned while serving in BSNL and added to their leave account to reach the figure 300 days, subject to exemption limit of Rs 3 lakhs at the time of their retirement.[Click here to view the order....]

• 04.05.2012: FIXATION OF PENSION OF THE BSNL OPTEES WHO RETIRED BEFORE COMPLETION OF TEN MONTHS AFTER THEIR ABSORPTION W.E.F. 01.10.2000:The BSNL Optees who got absorbed w.e.f. 1.10.2000 and retired before completion of 10 months are still receiving lesser pension compared to those who completed 10 months of service. Earlier, DoT, in consultation with DoP&PW, issued an Order vide its No. 40-10/2005-Pen(T) dated 27.09.2011 instructing to follow an earlier Government Order to allow minimum pension as not less than 50% of minimum pay in the revised scale if it is beneficial to the concerned pensioners. This Order was seen as a settlement of the problem by many and they started claiming this as an achievement. However, we had reported that this Order would not give the desired relief, unless the Government agrees to allow revision of pension on the last pay drawn instead of average of last 10 months pay even to those who retired earlier to 1.1.2006. We also informed that the issue is under discussion in the National Anomaly Committee and a decision is awaited. We now inform that the matter is still under the consideration in the National Anomaly Committee and the Staff Side is pursuing the same. The Government has so far neither accepted nor rejected the proposal. The issue is alive.

• 01.05.2012: AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE HOLDS ITS FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING:The Fourth Annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State, Ahmedabad was held at Ahmedabad on Sunday the 29th April,2012 at 10.30 hrs at the State Circuit House, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad under Chairmanship of Shri B.M.Bhavsar, State President. About 140 members attended the meeting. 25 new Life Members were enrolled in the meeting. Shri R.C Sharma, CEC Member, welcomed the members. Shri B.M.Bhavsar, President welcoming the existing and new members requested them to observe two minutes silence for paying tribute to the members of the Association who departed during the last year. Thereafter, senior members, who completed 70 years of age on or before 31-03-2012, were honoured with presentation of Shawl and bouquets. Out of fifteen such senior members, seven members i.e. S/Shri S.N.Rahul, M.P.Jadav, B.M.Bhavsar, C.D.Gohil, M.P.Dhami, S.M. Chamar and R.S.Dubey were present in the meeting. Shri A.B.Patel, State Secretary, then read out the minutes of third Annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State, Ahmedabad. Shri B.M.Bhavsar , State President gave a report on the action taken by the association at appropriate level on each issue. The minutes were passed by the house unanimously. Shri A.B.Patel, State Secretary informed the House about call of General Secretary regarding hosting of AIC of our association at Ahmedabad. After long discussion, it was unanimously decided to request our General Secretary to hold CEC first before holding AIC and discuss about the sources of meeting the expenditure of CEC/AIC. If it is found viable then only we may invite CEC or AIC as case may be at Ahmedabad or elsewhere in Gujarat. Shri A.B.Patel, Secretary informed the House about the status of the Pre-2007 Pension Revision cases. Almost all the cases have been settled except WTR & WTP members. He also requested the members to be Life Members of the Association instead of becoming member on monthly subscription basis. He also informed the House about the efforts taken at the level of CGM/ CCA/CGMP/DPA and Banks etc for early implementation of IDA DA Orders. Following issues and their status were also discussed:- cancellation of time bound promotion from E-3 to E-4 and E-4 to E-5, non-finalization of long pending disciplinary cases, non- release of leave encashment, non-issue of medical cards, denial of concessional residential telephones against whom disciplinary cases are pending, medical facility and preparation of bills for outdoor treatment etc, 60% concession on charges for Broad Band connection, publishing pensioners’ magazine on quarterly basis and donation to CHQ. Other individual problems were also discussed. S/Shri M.S.Gupta & R.M.Nayi State Financial Secretary thereafter presented the Accounts and Statement of Expenditure for the period ending 31-03-2012. This was passed by the House unanimously. The AGB Meeting concluded with presentation of vote of thanks by Vice President Shri S.M.Chamar. This was followed by Lunch.

• 16.04.2012: PENSION ARREAR CALCULATOR FOR PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS DUE TO REVISION OF THEIR PENSION:We have since modified our Pension Calculator to automatically calculate the arrears due to revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. Now this will give information regarding arrears up to June 2012. This has been done following receipt of requests from some pensioners who are yet to receive their revised pension.[Click here to download....]

• 11.04.2012: DPE ISSUES ORDERS FOR MAINTAINING STATUS QUO IN REGARD TO DA PAYABLE TO THE CPSE EMPLOYEES:DPE has since issued Orders vide its F.No. 2(50)/86-DPE(WC)-GLV/12 dated 10.04.2012 stating that status quo of the existing DA rates for 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2007 pay scales would be maintained for a further period of 3 months effective from 1.4.2012 since there is no change in existing IDA rates. This means that there would be no change in the IDA rates which was made effective from 01.01.2012 – thus confirming the information given in our website on 30.03.2012. [Click here to view the order....]

• 09.04.2012: BI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF AIBSNLREA, DHANBAD BRANCH: The bi-annual Conference of AIBSNLREA, Dhanbad Branch (Jharkhand State) was held on 25.03.2012 at the 4th Floor Canteen Room of the office of General Manager, Dhanbad Telecom District. This was followed by a Dinner in which Shri S R Sharma, GM TD was the Chief Guest. Following were unanimously elected as the Office Bearers of the AIBSNLREA, Dhanbad Branch for the next term:- President: S R Sahu, Retd DE, Vice-Presidents: S/Shri P Choudhary, Retd DET and P Singh, Retd DE, Branch Secretary: Shri Rana Y N Parmar, Retd DE, Asst Branch Secretaries: S/Shri B P Agarwal, Retd SDE and B Mistri, Retd DE, Finance Secretary: Shri N Chakravarty, Retd DE, Asst Finance Secretary: Shri M C Mishra, Retd DE, Organising Secretaries: S/Shri N A Ansari, Retd SDE and B S Pandey, Retd DE, Executive Committee Members: S/Shri Honuman Ram, Retd JTO, R Paswan, Retd SDE and S K Verma, Retd DE.

• 01.04.2012: FIXATION OF PAY IN DEFFERED OPTION CASES FOR THE GROUP B OFFICERS IN KOLKATA:Department Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Govt of India has forwarded our representation dated 04.03.2012 regarding non-implementation of DoT Order No. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT dated 4.11.2010 in respect of Group B Officers in Kolkata, which was addressed to MOC&IT and copy endorsed to Secretary, DoP&PW (available in our website), to DDG (PG), DoT for appropriate remedial action. [Click here to view the DoP&PW letter....]

• 30.03.2012: REVISION OF IDA RATE W.E.F. 1.4.2012: As per the figures for All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers available, there will be no increase in IDA rates w.e.f. 1.4.2012 either for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented on 1.1.2007 or the CPSEs where pay revision was last implemented on 1.1.1997.

• 25.03.2012: NON IMPLEMENTATION OF DOT ORDER NO 2-49(3)/2009-PAT DATED 4.11.2010 TO EXTEND THE PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE RETIRING/RETIRED BSNL GROUP C AND D EMPLOYEES WHO HAD OPTED FOR THEIR PAY FIXATION IN IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 1.10.2000- AIBSNLREA WRITES TO MOC&IT:AIBSNLREA writes to MOC&IT “…….We would, therefore, earnestly appeal to you to kindly intervene in this matter since many retired absorbed Group C and D Employees of BSNL are being deprived of their due pensionary benefits because of non-implementation of the contents of Para 2 of the DoT Order No. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT dated 4.11.2010 in respect of the concerned retiring/retired Group C and D Employees of BSNL. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 25.03.2012: DONATION TO CHQ:We are publishing herewith the details of donations received so far from some beneficiaries of Revision of Pension Order for Pre-2007 absorbed BSNL Pensioners following settlement of their cases. [Click here to view the list....]

• 23.03.2012: REVISED ROOM RENT FOR INDOOR TREATMENT UNDER BSNLMRS:BSNL has approved revised room rent for indoor treatment for beneficiaries of BSNLMRS. [Click here to view orders....]

• 23.03.2012: GB MEETING OF LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:A General Body Meeting of of AIBSNLREA, Lucknow Branch (UP State) was held on 17.03.2012 in the Conference Hall of LA-PLACE, Lucknow under the chairmanship of Shri Y.S.Tripathi Branch President. 78 members were present in the meeting. Shri R.S.Arora, UP State Secretary informed the House about the status of the Pre-2007 Pension Revision cases. Almost all the cases have been settled barring three cases in which some corrections are needed and being processed for necessary action. He also requested the members to be Life Members of the Association instead of becoming member on monthly subscription basis. Shri S.P.Singh, Secretary of the Branch informed the House about the efforts taken at CCA/DPA levels for early issue of IDA DA Orders. S/Shri Radhey Shyam, Executive Committee Member, A.K.Srivastav Branch Financial Secretary and some other members also addressed the gathering. S/Shri M.K.Shukla, State Vice President and Ambika Singh, State Financial Secretary also attended the meeting. 35 new members, including some Life Members, were enrolled. The House was adjourned after paying tribute to the departed comrades.

• 21.03.2012: CALCULATION OF MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COST OF PENSION PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF BSNL ABSORBED EMPLOYEES TO CONTINUE ON MAXIMUM OF THE PAY SCALE:Department of Telecommunication has since clarified vide its No. 7-45/2008/TA-I/409-433 dated 01.03.2012 that the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) has rejected the proposal for calculation of monthly contribution based on existing basic pay in the pay scale instead of maximum of the pay scale towards cost of Pension payable in respect of absorbed BSNL Employees. Thus the calculation of contribution towards cost of pension continues to be on the maximum of the pay scale in respect of the absorbed BSNL employees. This is a serious set-back and needs to be strongly taken up. [Click here to view orders....]

• 19.03.2012: WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD DHARNA IN THE OFFICE OF CCA, KOLKATA:West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA staged a Dharna on 14.3.2012 in front of the Office of CCA, Kolkata to press for immediate release of with held amount of DCRG and settlement of pension cases of the ex-Executive BSNL pensioners who had opted for IDA pay scale on promotion after 01.10.2000 by implementing the DoT Order No. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT dated 04.11.2010. Fifty six (56) pensioner-members participated in the program. The CCA Kolkata assured the representatives of the Association that all the pending cases are being kept ready so that once the prescribed Bonds of these Pensioners are received through the concerned BSNL authorities, the required Orders settling the cases will be issued within 10-12 days.

• 17.03.2012: ISSUE OF REVISED PENSION ORDERS - CASES UNDER PRINCIPAL CCA MAHARASHTRA, MUMBAI:Shri S.N.Mupid, Pune Branch Secretary of AIBSNLREA visited the office of the Principal CCA Maharashtra yesterday, ie. on 16.3.2012 and met the concerned officers to pursue for early release of pending revised PPOs. It was informed that the remaining revised PPOs are being issued progressively despite acute shortage of staff. It was further informed that a few BSNL units are yet to send the cases for revision of pension. All concerned Branch Secretaries of AIBSNLREA may please check up, mainly from the offices of the non-recruiting units under the jurisdiction of Principal CCA Maharashtra, so that the cases of revision of pension, if not already sent, are sent immediately.

• 16.03.2012: UNION BUDGET PROVIDES ONLY MARGINAL RELIEF:The Union Budget presented today has provided only a marginal relief to the tax payers, raising the exemption limit from Rs.1.8 lakhs to Rs.2 lakhs. For senior citizens not having any income from Business, it has been proposed to exempt them from paying advance tax. [Click here to view details....]

• 09.03.2012: GENERAL BODY MEETING OF EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT BRANCH, RAJAHMUNDRY (AP STATE) OF AIBSNLREA:The General Body meeting of East Godavari District Branch of All India BSNL Retired Executives’ Association was held at Rajahmundry on 07.01.2012. The following office bearers were elected for the branch for the two years term commencing from January 2012:- PRESIDENT: Shri S Satyanarayana, Rajahmundry, VICE PRESIDENT: S/Shri C B Sarma, Anaparthi and A Booraiah, Kakinada, BRANCH SECRETARY: Shri P D Arunkumar, Kakinada, ASST BRANCH SECRETARIES: S/Shri P Trimurthulu, C Ramakrichna, Rajahmundry, G Ammiraju, Kakinada, B Narasimahamurthy, Kakinada, FINANCIAL SECRETARY: S/Shri K B S Naidu, Rajahmundry and K P Sriniavasa Rao, Amlapuram, ORGANISING SECRETARIES: S/Shri D S Prakasarao, Rajahmundry and M R Ramarao, Kakinada, EX-OFFICIO SECRETARY: Shri R S N Murthy, Rajahmundry, EXECUTIVE MEMBERS: S/Shri Ch Gandhi, Rajahmundry, R Satyanarayana, Kakinada, K Kootiah, Kakinada, V V Subramanyam, Nidadavolu, T Brahmam. Kakinada, K Maheswararao, Amalapuram, S K D Prasadarao, Rajahmundry, K Manikyalarao, Rajahmundry, G Sundararao, Razolu, Auditor: Shri S Venkateswararao, Kakinada.

• 05.03.2012: NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF DOT ORDER NO. 2-49(3)/2009-PAT DATED 4.11.2010 REGARDING PAY FIXATION OF GROUP B OFFICERS WHO OPTED FOR IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PRMOTION AFTER 1.10.2000 BY PRINCIPAL CCA, KOLKATA:AIBSNLREA again takes up the issue and writes Hon’ble MOC&IT for his immediate intervention. Meanwhile, West Bengal State Branch is to stage a Dharna from 12 PM to 4 PM on 14.03.2012 to press for early settlement of the issue. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 24.02.2012: BSNLMRS - REIMBURSEMENT OF COST OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR:BSNL has conveyed the decision of the competent authority on reimbursement of the cost of Oxygen Concentrator subject to conditions. [Click here to view the order....]

• 22.02.2012: EAST VIDARBHA NAGPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS HALF YEARLY MEETING :Half yearly meeting of All India BSNL Retired Executives’ Association, East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur was held at Amenity Block, CTO Compound, Nagpur on 19-02-2012. The meeting was chaired by Shri N.G.Talewar President. Shri V W Patil, Vice President welcomed the members and Shri Arun Deshpande, Asst Secretary addressed the House and highlighted the current issues taken by up CHQ. Latest status of pension revision of pre-2007 pensioners in Maharashtra circle was briefed to the members. Various correspondences on pension revision, income tax limit etc made by CHQ, AIBSNLREA with various ministries were highlighted in the House. Latest pension revision status of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners pertaining to Nagpur and other HQs of East Vidarbha Branch was discussed at length in the meeting. About 100 members participated in the meeting. 13new life members enrolled on the day, thereby the total number of life members of Nagpur Branch reached 223. Shri N G Talewar President welcomed the new life members. S/Shri B M Majumdar, S V Adbe, S N Bopardikar, R K Mehta, Tumram took special efforts for the grand success of the meeting. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks to chair and members by Shri N R Rachkondawar.

• 18.02.2012: NON SETTLEMENT OF REVISION OF PENSION CASES OF PRE 2007 ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY PRINCIPAL CCA, MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA:Pension & Establishment Section of BSNL Corporate Office forwards our representation dated 03.02.2012 on the above issue vide its No. 40-27/2011-Pen(B)/Misc dated 10.02.2012 to Department of Telecommunication for appropriate action. [Click here to view the forwarding letter....]

• 18.02.2012: AGB OF KOLHAPUR BRANCH (MAHASRASHTRA STATE) OF AIBSNLREA :Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA held its quarterly meeting on 13th February 2012 at Ratnagiri. The meeting was arranged by Shri R D Kale, Retired AGM and our life Member. 28 members including those stationed at Kolhapur, Pawas, Ganpati pule and Marleshwar attended the meeting. Three new BSNL retirees became members of the branch. The meeting was chaired by Shri G L Joshi. He welcomed all the members and also the new entrants and assured them of the all the help by the Association. Shri R D Kale also welcomed the members and thanked them for coming over to Ratnagiri on his invitation and assured that he will sincerely try to increase the membership of the Association. He appreciated the role of Pensioner organization like that of ours. Thereafter, Branch Secretary Shri D K Joshi, gave the detailed accounts of the developments in respect of Revision of pension and action taken by the branches of Maharashtra and GS in New Delhi in settling the cases. He said that out of total 23 cases, revised PPOs of 12 members have been issued and in some cases arrears have also been paid. Remaining cases are being perused. He also informed about the important issues taken up by AIBSNLREA CHQ with BSNL and DOT. He gave the information about the pensioner’s issues taken up by various Pensioners Organizations and their activities. He also urged to contact the retired BSNL Executives and enroll them as the members of the Association. He proposed to hold a meeting of all the Branch Secretaries at Mumbai and meet the Jt.CCA and also to explore formation of State Body of the Association. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Asst. Secretary Shri P S Kulkarni.

• 16.02.2012: DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% OF IDA WITH BASIC PENSION :Department of Public Enterprises has since forwarded the copy of the representation dated 25.01.2012 of our Association on the above noted subject, submitted to Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, to Department of Telecommunications to take necessary action. DPE has also endorsed a copy of its forwarding letter dated 10.02.2012 to our Association. [Click here to view the forwarding letter....]

• 11.02.2012: RECTIFICATION OF ANOMALY IN PENSION OF BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED WITHIN TEN MONTHS OF THEIR ABSORPTION :We had reported on 13.10.2011 that the above issue will be fully resolved once the National Anomaly Committee takes a positive view and recommends for extending the benefit of fixation of pension on last pay drawn even to the pre-2006 pensioners with suitable safeguards to avoid further anomaly. The National Anomaly Committee last met on 05.01.2012 and also considered the item relating to fitment benefit to pre-2006 pensioners. The minutes of the meeting is awaited.

• 06.02.2012: AIBSNLREA, BHOPAL BRANCH (MP STATE) MEETS CMD, BSNL AND HANDS OVER MEMORANDUM :Bhopal Branch of AIBSNLREA, led by S/Shri M S Pawar, Branch President, K Nagarajan, Branch Secretary and O P Sharma, Branch Joint Secretary, met Shri R K Upadhyay, CMD, BSNL on 04.02.2012 at Bhopal. They also submitted a memorandum requesting to restore the facility of reimbursement of medical claims without voucher for outdoor treatment and provide concessional Broad Band facility to the retired employees.

• 06.02.2012: AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE FOR INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN THE LIST OF EMPANELLED HOSPITAL OF BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE:AIBSNLREA writes to Director (HRD) BSNL “………. Recently, a new Private Hospital named Rockland Hospital has started its operation at Sector-12, Plot:-HAF B, Phase-I, Dwarka, New Delhi and is providing various specialty services. Rockland Hospital is in the panel of many Govt/PSUs including Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL). Since this is in the heart of Dwarka Sub-city, it may be useful to the BSNL Employees/Pensioners residing in and around this area, in case of emergencies, if this Hospital is included in the list of empanelled Hospitals by BSNL Corporate Office.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 03.02.2012: VISIT TO THE OFFICE OF PR. CONTROLLER OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS, MUMBAI TO PURSUE REVISION OF PENSION CASES:AIBSNLREA Mumbai Branch Secretary and Pune Branch Secretary visited the office of Principal CCA, Mumbai on 02.02.2012 and discussed about the delay in settling the revision of pension cases of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. They were informed that there is shortage of staff and CGM, BSNL Maharashtra Circle and CGM, Western Telecom Region, though requested, has not provided additional staff. It was indicated that settlement of the cases may be complete by April 2012. AIBSNLREA, CHQ had earlier written a letter to the Pr. CCA requesting to settle all pending cases expeditiously [Click here to view the letter....]This was as a follow up to our earlier letter dated 07.01.2012 to MOC&IT. Now, after receiving the above report, the matter has been taken up with Secretary, DoT[Click here to view the letter....]

• 30.01.2012: INCOME TAX RELIEF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS--- AIBSNLREA REQUEST UNION FINANCE MINISTER TO CONSIDER GIVING RELIEF IN THE ENSUING BUDGET:AIBSNLREA writes to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Union Finance Minister to allow various income tax relief- like raising of income tax exemption limits, bring down the age limit of very senior citizen group to 75 years and above, lowering of income tax slabs and exemption of medical benefits from income tax etc to the senior citizens. [Click here to view the letter....]

• 29.01.2012: AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH -- ORGANISATIONAL NEWS:(1) Branch meeting at Surat:- A General Body meeting of Surat Branch of ABSNLREA was held on 18.01.2012. S/Shri B M Bhavsar, Gujarat State President and A B Patel, Gujarat State Secretary attended and addressed the gathering. They narrated how the Association was able to achieve the revision of pension for the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners on IDA pattern by strongly presenting the case against the move for revision of pension on presumptive CDA scale. They also informed the house how the state branch effectively perused and its members got involved in revision of pension cases which helped the pensioners to get their dues within the stipulated time frame. Ten (10) new members were enrolled during the meeting. (2) Formation of new Branch at Valsad:- . S/Shri B M Bhavsar, Gujarat State President and A B Patel, Gujarat State Secretary attended a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives at Valsad. They apprised the gathering about the role of AIBSNLREA in taking up their genuine problems and achieving results. Later a new Branch was formed with 20 members. S/Shri V K Kapoor, Retd DE, V J Suthar, Retd DE and B C Tripathy, Retd AO were elected as the President, Secretary and Finance Secretary respectively of the Branch.

• 27.01.2012: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% of IDA WITH BASIC PENSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS:AIBSNLREA takes up the above issue with Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communication & IT and others. It writes “ ...... we appeal to your kind self for intervention so that Department of Telecommunication immediately implements the DPE Order No. 2(70)/08-DPE(WC)-GL-VII/09 dated 02.04.2009 for the purpose of revision of pension/fixation of pay of the absorbed BSNL pensioners/employees and thereby remove the injustice being meted out to them.” [Click here to view the letter....]

• 19.01.2012: REVISED PENSION ARREARS CALCULATOR:We are aware that some pre-2007 absorbed BSNL Pensioners are yet to receive their revised pension and arrears. We have therefore replaced our earlier Pension Arrears Calculator, available on the top of this page, with the one that gives your arrears calculated upto March 2012.

• 19.01.2012: REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 1.1.2012:DPE has issued orders for revision of IDA rates from 156.6% to 164.6% w.e.f 1.1.2012 for PSUs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997. [Click here to view the order....]

• 18.01.2012: BSNL ENDORSES DPE ORDERS ON REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 1.1.2012:BSNL has endorsed DPE orders on revision of IDA rates from 52% to 56.7% w.e.f 1.1.2012 for PSUs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. [Click here to view the order....]

• 16.01.2012: REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 1.1.2012:DPE has issued orders for revision of IDA rates from 52% to 56.7% w.e.f 1.1.2012 for PSUs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. [Click here to view the order....]

• 08.01.2012: NON-SETTLEMENT OF REVISION OF PENSION CASES OF PRE-2007 ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY PRINCIPAL CCA, MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA:AIBSNLREA seeks the intervention of Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of Communications & IT for expeditious issue of revised PPO and payment of revised pension/arrears to the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners from Maharashtra Circle and other non-recruiting units like Project, Maintenance Regions etc covering the states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra etc.[Click here to view the letter....]

• 07.01.2012: CONCESSIONAL BROABAND CONNECTION TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:AIBSNLREA again takes up the issue regarding provision of concessional Broadband connection to the retire BSNL Employees.[Click here to view the letter....]

• 31.12.2011: ALLOTMENT OF VACANT STAFF QUARTERS TO THE RETIRED BSNL/DOT EMPLOYEES:BSNL BOARD has agreed to the proposal for allotment of vacant staff quarters to the retired BSNL/DoT Employees. The CGMs have accordingly been empowered to allot the vacant staff quarters to them.[Click here to view the order....]

• 30.12.2011: IDA INCREASE W.E.F. 1.1.2012:According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index, IDA is to be increased by 4.7% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 8% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

• 27.12.2011: CLAIM FOR INCOME TAX RELIEF UNDER SECTION 89(1) OF IT ACT:Following revision of pension and receipt of arrears from January 2007, many absorbed pre-2007 BSNL Pensioners will have to pay higher amount as Income Tax if the arrears for the past years are also added in the current year’s income and the tax to be paid is calculated accordingly. However, under Section 89(1) of Income Tax Act some relief can be claimed. The position will differ from individual to individual and this has to be worked out for each individual. Further, some may not find it beneficial. We have made the task easier for those who are willing to take this benefit. A simple Write Up has been prepared explaining the steps to be taken to calculate the relief that one may get. Please read the Write Up and work out the details.[Click here to access the writeup....]

• 23.12.2011: INCOME TAX RELIEF:Consequent on receiving the pension arrears, many pre-2007 absorbed BSNL pensioners have been asking us how to minimise the burden of income tax, since the arrears pertaining to past years along with the income of the current year will be much higher. Under the IT Act, this is possible and we shall shortly suggest some measures which are permissible under the IT Act. Please keep watching this site.

• 21.12.2011: APPLICABILITY OF RULE FOR PERMITTING VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT WITH REGARD TO STAFF ABSORBED IN BSNL:BSNL has clarified that employees directly recruited by BSNL on or after 1.10.2000 and persons employed on compassionate grounds on or after 1.10.2000 shall be governed by Rule 55 (ii)(c) of BSNL CDA Rules, 2006 with regard to voluntary retirement. For those who were absorbed in BSNL from DoT, provisions of sub rule 11-A under Rule 37 A of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 shall apply.[Click for orders....]

• 09.12.2011: PENSION CONTRIBUTION FOR BSNL ABSORBED EMPLOYEES:BSNL has issued orders directing all Circles to calculate pension contribution of absorbed employees at par with those on deputation as per DoP&T OM dated 19th November 2009, on the basis of the existing basic pay, instead of maximum of the pay scale as being done presently. This will ease the burden on BSNL to a large extent.[Click for orders....]

• 30.11.2011: GUJARAT STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS ORGANISATIONAL MEETINGS:(a) Meeting at Junagadhon:- The meeting was organized on 10.11.2011. The pensioners were present in the meeting with their family members. The meeting was addressed by Circle President Shri B.M.Bhavsar and Circle Secretary Shri A.B.Patel. They informed the members about latest development on various issues and how the cases for revision of pension were perused. A new Branch was opened during the meeting with 25 members. (b) Meeting at Ahmedabad:- A get together meeting of the members of AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State was held on 13.11.2011 at old Circuit House, Ahmedabad. About 150 members were present. Shri R.C.Sharma, CEC Member welcomed the members. State President Shri B.M.Bhavsar and State Secretary Shri A.B.Patel addressed the members. 15 new members were enrolled during the meeting. The vice president Shri S.M.Chamar gave vote of thanks which was followed by a Lunch. (c) Meeting at Rajkot:- A get together meeting of the members of Rajkot Branch was held on 23.11.2011. About 45 members were present. The meeting was addressed by State President Shri B.M.Bhavsar and State Secretary Shri A.B.Patel . 5 new members were enrolled during the meeting.

• 24.11.2011: CAT JUDGEMENT ON REVISION OF PENSION:In view of the queries being received from time to time on the implication of judgment by the Principal Bench of CAT regarding revision of pension of pre-2006 Government Pensioners, we would like to state that the judgment relates to the past pensioners of Central Government who retired prior to 2006 and were placed in S 29 scale as per recommendation of VI CPC. This does not in any way apply to other Central Govt. pensioners who retired prior to 2006. As per 6th CPC recommendations various scales were bunched together in a pay band and individual scales were given a grade pay. This resulted in an anomaly for those in S 29 scale who retired prior to January 2006 compared to those who retired after January 2006 in the same scale. A number of officers who retired in S 29 scale prior to 2006 had taken up the case and a few of them had earlier even sent email to our Association for taking up their case. Though their case was a genuine one, but since it concerned only the Central Govt. pensioners who retired in S 29 scale, we could not take up the matter. Subsequently, the Original Application was filed in CAT. Now, the CAT judgment has come. This gives benefit only to the affected Central Government Officers in S 29 scale who retired prior to January 2006. However if higher Courts are not approached, the Order on the matter is expected to be issued by the Government. [view judgment....]

• 24.11.2011: KOHLAPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS GB MEETING:Kolhapur Branch (Maharashtra State) of AIBSNLREA held its GB meeting on 12-11-2011 at 10-30 AM in Kolhapur under the chairmanship of Shri R P Kulkrani. 44 members , including 4 new members from Ratnagiri attended the meeting. After the address by the President, Shri D K Joshi, Branch Secretary informed the House about various developments and status of the issues concerning the BSNL Employees in general and its Executives in particular. He presented the status of the Pension revision cases of the Executives in Maharashtra Circle. Though the members appreciated the action taken by the Association, they expressed their anxiety for inordinate delay in settling the cases which showed the apathy of the DOT Cell, Maharashtra Circle and desired that the matter be taken up with PCCA and DOT Headquarters since only about 25% to 30% cases have so far been settled. Branch Secretary also informed that CHQ is pursuing the issues like Concessional Broad Band Service to Retired employees, restoration of facility of medical claim without voucher for outdoor treatment under BSNLMRS. The annual report was submitted by him. Shri A K Kulkarni, Finance Secretary submitted Financial Report for 2009-2011. These were passed by the House. The House also wanted to have a State Branch to effectively pursue the cases at State level. The House also decided that old Branch Body should continue to function for the next term. Accordingly, the following members were inducted as Branch Executive Committee Members to function along with other old Office Bearers/Executives: S/Shri S G Kanade (Sangli), R D Kale (Ratnagiri), G V Nanjangud (Karad), C P Deshpande (Satara) and Smt P P Nadagouda. The House then decided to hold the next meeting at Ratnagiri. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks proposed by P S Kulkarni and followed by Lunch.

• 13.11.2011: OBITUARY:Shri V V Adbe, retired Sr SDE and life member of AIBSNLREA, Nagpur Branch (Maharastra State) passed away on 28th October, 2011 after prolonged illness. AIBSNLREA join the bereaved family to mourn the sudden death of Shri Adbe.

• 11.11.2011: GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH :A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch will be held on 17.11.2011, Thursday at 13.00 Hours in Telegraph Institute Hall, CTO building, BBD Bag, Kolkata for exchanging greetings on Dashera, Vijaya-dashami, Diwali and Id. All the members of AIBSNLREA, W.B. State Branch are requested to attend the meeting positively. In the said meeting, latest status of Revised Pension, Deferred Option, BSNL-MRS & Broad Band connection etc. will also be reviewed and discussed. New Telephone Directory will be made available for distribution to the members in the said meeting. Members coming from outside Kolkata may collect the same on behalf of other members in their respective area/branch by submitting the list of such members. The members who have not yet received Revised Pension Payment Orders may furnish the particulars like full name, file number, designation, contact number and name of circle in the meeting. The retired executives of BSNL who have not yet joined the Association are also invited to attend the said meeting and enroll themselves as members. [A message from West Bengal State Branch]

• 09.11.2011: DONATION :We are receiving some queries from the pensioners benefited from the Pension Revision Order about the mode of payment for the donation that they would like to send to CHQ of AIBSNLREA. Payments may be made by crossed cheque/demand draft drawn in favour of "All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives' Association" payable at New Delhi and sent to Shri Hari Ram, Financial Secretary at Flat No. 214, DDA SFS Flats, Pocket 1&2, Sector 3, New Delhi 110 078. Name, last designation in office and address may also be invariably sent along with the cheque/draft.

• 06.11.2011: AGB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, LUCKNOW BRANCH HELD:Lucknow branch of AIBSNLREA held its Annual General Body Meeting on 31.10.2011 at Recreation Club, Kaiserbagh Telephone Exchange campus under the chairmanship of Shri Y S Tripathi, President of the Branch. 55 members of the branch participated in the meeting. S/Shri R S Arora and Ambika Singh, State Secretary and State Financial Secretary of UP State Branch also attended and addressed the gathering. Shri Arora made an appeal for enrolment as life members. In response to his appeal, 20 new life members were enrolled during the meeting itself. Shri S N Tripathi, Branch Secretary, in his address, urged the members to strengthen the Association. Shri Radhey Shyam, Branch Financial Secretary presented the audited account which was approved by the House. Election of new Office bearers for the term 2011-13 was conducted by Shri M C Shukla, Retd DGM. Following is list of newly elected Office Bearers :- President – Shri Y.S. Tripathi, Retd DE, Vice-Presidents: S/Shri Jagdish Prasad, Retd EE(Civil) and Murlidhar Ram, Retd DE, Branch Secretary: Shri S P Singh, Retd AGM, Asst Branch Secretary: S/Shri R S Agarwal, Retd SDE and U C Srivastav, Retd AGM, Organizing Secretary: S/Shri Radhey Shyam, Retd DE, R D Suman, Retd AGM and J B Khare, Retd SDE, Financial Secretary: Shri A K Srivastav, Retd SDE, Asst. Financial Secretary: Shri Guru Prasad, Retd DE, Executive Committee Members: S/Shri I S Singh, Retd AGM, Ajit Singh, Retd DE, T N Srivastav, Retd DE, Nuzahat Hussain, Retd DE, Hira Lal, Retd DE, B L Mishra, Retd DE, A.P Singh, Retd DE and R M Chopra, Retd SDE.

• 04.11.2011: PENSION ARREARS CALCULATOR:We have replaced our Pension Arrears Calculator which was showing arrears upto June 2011. Now that many pensioners are yet to get their revised PPOs/Pension, we have introduced a new Pension Arrears Calculator which will show month-wise arrears from June 2011 to December 2011.

• 03.11.2011: WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH MEETS Jt CCA, CTD:The representatives of West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA met Jt. CCA, Calcutta Telephones on 01.11.2011 as per the program fixed in the earlier meeting held on 19.10.2011. The representatives were informed that out of 3612 numbers of revision of pension cases including those of non-executive pensioners received so far from BSNL, CTD, 2972 number of cases were settled as on 28.10.2011. Out of these, 2852 cases were already dispatched on 31.10.2011 for payment and rest of the cases would be dispatched by 02.11.2011. Nearly 640 cases were returned to BSNL, CTD for incomplete/incorrect fixation. Out of these, 474 cases have been received back from CTD after correction. The Jt. CCA assured to complete all the remaining cases within next 15 days. The Jt CCA, CTD also agreed to hand over one CD containing all data of finalized cases of revision of pension to the representatives of AIBSNLREA by this week. It was also decided that cases for deferred option would be taken up after 15th of November, 2011.

• 26.10.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 1.10.2011 IN RESPECT OF CPSEs WHERE LAST PAY REVISION WAS GIVEN EFFECT TO W.E.F. 1.1.1997:DPE has issued orders revising IDA rates from 148.6% to 156.6% w.e.f. 1.10.2011 in respect of CPSEs where last pay revision was given effect to w.e.f. 1.1.1997.[view DPE orders....]

• 24.10.2011: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL ORGANISISES MASS DEPUTATION: West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA organized a mass deputation on 19.10.2011 with 15 members and led by S/Shri A.K.Basu Roy, State President, N.C.Maji, Asst. State Secretary, S. R. Palit, State Finance Secretary, K.P. Ghosh, State Org. Sectetary and Biplab Guha, State Asst. Finance Secretary to the Jt CCA (CTD) as CCA, CTD was on tour. They also met the CCA, W.B. Circle. The Association representatives expressed their utter dissatisfaction over the in-ordinate delay in settlement of pre-2007 pension revision cases in the office of CCA (CTD). They further urged the Jt. CCA to settle the Deferred Option cases as per DOT, New Delhi Order dated 04.11.2010 and also refund the withheld amount of DCRG to the concerned affected pensioners. The Jt CCA, CTD gave a patient hearing and assured that by the end of October 2011, most of the revised PPOs will be issued. He also assured that the Deferred Option cases are also in process and being examined with priority. It was agreed that the representatives of AIBSNLREA will again meet the Jt CCA, CTD on 01.11.2011 to review the progress.. The CCA, West Bengal Circle informed that in respect of more than 75% cases, the revised PPOs of pre-2007 Pensioners have been released and the remaining cases will be settled shortly. Regarding issuance of revised PPOs for minor Circles like ETR, ETP, Telecom Stores, Telecom Factory etc., it was informed that all cases are nearly on completion baring only a few cases due to administrative reasons. The CCA, W.B Circle also assured to personally examine the Deferred Option Cases in consultation with other Circles.

• 21.10.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 1.10.2011 IN RESPECT OF CPSEs WHERE LAST PAY REVISION WAS GIVEN EFFECT TO W.E.F. 1.1.2007: DPE has issued orders revising IDA rates from 47.2% to 52% w.e.f. 1.10.2011 in respect of CPSEs where last pay revision was given effect to w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and BSNL has endorsed the DPE orders. In respect of CPSEs where last pay revision was effective from 1.1.1997, orders are expected to be issued shortly. [view DPE orders....] [view BSNL endorsement....]

• 21.10.2011: CHECK LIST FOR MEDICAL CLAIMS & RE-VALIDATION OF BSNL MRS CARDS: BSNL Corporate Office (L &A section) has issued Orders regarding the check list to be attached with every medical claims and annual Re-validation of BSNL MRS Cards.[view check list....] [Click here for undertaking for revalidation....]

• 13.10.2011: RECTIFICATION OF ANOMALY IN PENSION OF BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED WITHIN TEN MONTHS OF THEIR ABSORPTION IN BSNL: A case to give relief to the absorbed BSNL pensioners who retired within ten months of their absorption in BSNL after introduction of IDA pay scales w.e.f. 1.10.2000 was taken up with various Departments including DoP&PW and DoT from time to time. This Association is of the view that the actual relief to the affected Pensioners will be available if the Government allows the benefit of fixation of pension on last pay drawn or average of last ten months pay whichever is beneficial to the pensioners even to those who retired after 1.10.2000 i.e. extend this benefit to the Pensioners who retired even prior to 1.1.2006 by taking care that no further anomaly arises.. Accordingly it had taken up the matter with DoP&PW long back. The matter of retrospective application of this latest rule for pension fixation with reference to the Govt Pensioners was also discussed in a recent meeting of the Anomaly Committee held between the representatives of the Govt Pensioners' Associations and the Government. We shall come to know about the decision on the matter shortly. Meanwhile, some BSNL Pensioners' Associations in their websites had reported that the above anomaly concerning the BSNL pensioners have been settled. No doubt, DoT has issued an Order vide its No. 40-10/2005-Pen(T) dated 27.09.2011 on the above subject in respect of BSNL Pensioners who retired within ten months of their absorption informing all concerned to implement an old decision of the Government which is effective from 1.1.1996 according to which the pensioners are to get minimum pension as not less than 50% of the minimum pay in the revised scale. Thus, this is not a new decision and it does not give the desired relief to the BSNL pensioners retired within ten months of their absorption. The issue is actually yet to be resolved.[view the order....]

• 02.10.2011: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL RETIREES IN GUJARAT: All cases for revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL retirees in Gujarat has been settled by CCA, Ahmadabad. However, a few cases are still pending due to administrative reasons.The State Branch of AIBSNLREA along with others followed up the cases at every stage. The cases in respect to those who retired from WTR and WTP are yet to be fully settled. The State Branch is pursuing the matter with Pr CCA, Maharashtra at Mumbai..

• 30.09.2011: IDA increase w.e.f.1.10.2011: According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index, IDA is to be increased by 4.8% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 8% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

• 29.09.2011: PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL BROADBAND CONNECTION TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES: AIBSNLREA request CMD, BSNL to extend the facility of concessional Broadband connection to the retired BSNL Employees at their residences. [Click Here to view the letter...]

• 28.09.2011: AIBSNLREA, GUNTUR (AP STATE) BRANCH HOLDS GB MEETING: The General body meeting of the above Branch of AIBSNLREA was held at Guntur city on 27th July 2011, and a new body was elected unanimously for the years 2011-13. Following is the list of newly elected Branch Executives:- President: Shri B.R.K Naidu (0863 2350200), Vice President: Shri M. Bhavanarayana (9490605444), Secretary: Shri M. Lakshminarayana (9441604499), Organizing secretary: Shri Y. Subba Rao (9441503355), Treasurer: Shri T Sita Ramaiah (9441096066), Auditor: Shri B. Appa Rao (9440230163), Executive Committee Members: S/Shri D.V.S.C Bose (9441491156), P. Mogili (9440633824), M. Sambhulingachari (08644 232246), M. Prasada Rao (9440093500), N. Chandra Sekhara rao (9441215464) and K. Ramaiah (9490105888).

• 27.09.2011: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS – CASE OF CHENNAI TELEPHONES: Sri V. Sivasamy Vice President of AIBSNLREA CHENNAI interacted with Corporate Accounts of BSNL CHENNAI TELEPHONES on 24-09-2011. Cases upto December, 2006 have already been sent to the o/o Principal CCA TAMILNADU. Pension Revision Orders for 2081 cases covering period upto 2003 have since been issued by o/o Principal CCA TAMILNADU. Details of these revision orders are available in five lists in www.ccatn.gov.in.Further cases are being processed in o/o PCCA. It is expected that before 15th October, 2011 revision orders will be issued for all the remaining cases.

• 12.09.2011: UP STATE BRANCH MEETS CCA, LUCKNOW: S/Shri R S Arora and Ambika Singh, State Secretary and State Finance Secretary respectively visited the office of CCA (UP) East on 08-09-2011 and submitted a representation regarding non issue of revised PPOs of retired BSNL officers (Pre-2007). The CCA gave a patient hearing and assured that revised PPOs for all the remaining cases are likely to be issued by the end of September, 2011. It was also informed that no pick and choose policy is being followed to clear the cases.

• 09.09.2011: AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CMD, BSNL TO RESTORE THE FACILITY FOR MEDICAL CLAIMS WITHOUT VOUCHER FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES: AIBSNLREA takes up with CMD, BSNL for restoration of facility for medical claims without voucher for outdoor treatment to the retired BSNL Employees [Click Here to view the letter...]

• 06.09.2011: BSNL WITHDRAWS MEDICAL FACILITY WITHOUT VOUCHER W.E.F 1.10.2011: BSNL has withdrawn the medical facility without voucher for outdoor treatment cases for both serving and retired employees with effect from 1.10.2011. Henceforth only medical facility 'with voucher' system will be available. BSNL has also withdrawn leave encashment benefit during LTC and curtailed the LTC facility for the serving employees. [Click Here to view the order...]

• 04.09.2011: STATE SECRETARY, UP STATE BRANCH VISITS THE OFFICE OF CCA, DELHI: Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, UP State Branch visited the Office of CCA, New Delhi on 24-08-2011 and submitted a representation for early issue of revised PPOs for the retired Officers from NTP/NTR Units in the territorial jurisdiction of UP East and UP West Circles. He also met the concerned CAO. It was informed that the PPOs have already been issued in respect of the cases which were received before 16.08.2011. The cases received on or after 16-08-2011 are expected to be put up for issue of revised PPOs within a week.

• 25.08.2011: AGM OF AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH: The Annual General body meeting of All India BSNL Retired Executives’ Association, East Vidarbha Branch, Nagpur was held at Amenity Block, CTO Compound Nagpur on 21-08-2011. The meeting was chaired by Shri N.G.Talewar President. Shri P.R.Bhujbal, Secretary placed the annual report before the house and highlighted all the important major pension related issues to the members. Latest status of revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners pertaining to Nagpur and other HQs of East Vidarbha Branch was also discussed at length in the meeting. Various clarifications, recently issued by DOT on various modified provisions in Revised CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 and its applicability to erstwhile DOT employees absorbed in BSNL were briefed to the house. Important tips on disbursement of pension by Agency bank as per the latest Master Circular issued by Reserve Bank of India, were supplied to all members. Statement of Annual Account submitted by Shri B P Majumdar, Fin Secretary was approved by the house. Members of Nagpur Branch extended special thanks to CHQ New Delhi for the spectacular achievement of IDA pension revision of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. The meeting was attended by more than 100 members. 20 new life members were enrolled on the day, thereby the total number of life members of Nagpur Branch has reached to 210. The present body was dissolved on completion of two years term and the house unanimously elected the following body for the next term. The election conducted under the guidance of Shri R H Mitkary Retd AGM Nagpur.
  S/N   Name & designation    Post
  1  Shri N G Talewar Retd DGM    PRESIDENT
  2  Shri V W Patil Retd DE    Vice president
  3  Shri B S Kanoje Retd CAO    Vice president
  4  Shri P R Bhujbal Sr SDE Retd    BRANCH SECRETARY
  5  Shri Arun Deshpande SDE Retd    Asst Secretary
  6  Shri R C Rachkondwar SDE Retd    Asst Secretary
  7  Shri M S Bagde DE Retd    Asst Secretary
  8  Shri S V Adbe SDE Retd    Asst Secretary
  9  Shri B P Majumdar Sr SDE Retd    FINANCE SECRETARY
  10  Shri A K Bhattacharya Sr SDE Retd    Asst Financial secretary
  11  Shri N K Jhamb DE Retd    Organizing Secretary

• 13.08.2011: WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBNLREA MEETS CGM, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES: S/Shri A.K. Basu Roy, State President and N.H.Siddique, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA W.B. State Branch met CGM, CTD on 09.08.2011 for early settlement of Pension Revision cases of the members. The CGM, CTD in co-ordination with concerned CCA informed the latest position of the pension revision cases pertaining to CTD upto the end of July 2011 as follows:- (i) Total number of cases required to be sent to DOT Cell … 2881 (Executives ... 358, Non-Executives ... 2523), (ii) Cases already sent to DOT Cell by BSNL ... 2489, (iii) Balance of cases to be sent by BSNL ... 392 (iv) Cases so far settled by DOT Cell … 176 (v) Pending Cases in DoT Cell/BSNL ... 2705. It was also informed that four staff has been specially assigned to handle 20 cases per head per day with a target of 400 cases per week. Therefore, another 8 weeks time may be required for issuance of revised PPOs including payment of arrears there on. Thus entire process is expected to be over by the end of September, 2011. The CGM also informed that according to the 6th CPC recommendations, DOT Cell, may collect (wherever required), Date of Birth of Spouse/Nominee, Recent address for sending revised PPOs to pensioners, Account number/CBS A/c number along with BSR Code of the Bank for completing the annexure. The State Body of AIBSNLREA is also maintaining liaisons with other Circle Heads in West Bengal where progress is by and large quite satisfactory. In these Units also, all cases are expected to be completed by September, 2011.

• 11.08.2011: GRANT OF FULL PENSION TO BSNL ABSORBEES WHO HAD RETIRED AFTER COMPLETING 10 YEARS QUALIFYING SERVICE, BUT LESS THAN 20 YEARS: AIBSNLREA had taken up with DoT on 21-03-2011 for granting pension as 50 % of last pay drawn for those retiring on or after 01-01-2006 with less than 20 years of service. We had also quoted the orders of the Ministry of Railways in this regard.(Ref our letter published on 21-03-2011 in this site) Now DoT has issued orders for the same. BSNL has also endorsed it. It is yet another victory for our sustained efforts in the cause of BSNL pensioners. [Click Here for the DoT orders endorsed by BSNL....]   [Click Here for the amended Rule 49 of Pension Rules....]

• 11.08.2011: ABNORMAL DELAY FOR PAYMENT OF REVISED PENSION TO THE BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED BEFORE 1.1.2007: AIBSNLREA again writes to Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communications & IT regarding abnormal delay on the part of BSNL and DoT to expeditiously implement the Orders regarding revision of pension of the BSNL pensioners who retired before 1.1.2007. It writes …….”Unfortunately, neither BSNL nor DoT seems to have any real concern for the plight of the pensioners. The BSNL Corporate Office, itself, has so far failed to send the revised pension papers in respect of the employees who retired from its own Office to the concerned section of DoT in Sanchar Bhawan. On the other hand, the PWP Section of DoT [under Member (F)] has not forwarded a single case to the CCA, New Delhi till date. If these be the state of affairs in the Headquarters of BSNL and DoT, how could one expect that they will have any control over their own subordinate Offices.” [Click Here for the full text of the letter....]

• 10.08.2011: AIBSNLREA TAMILNADU MEETS G.M FINANCE,BSNL CHENNAI TELEPHONES: AIBSNLREA TAMILNADU, represented by Sri V.Chinna Pappiah, President and V. Sivasamy, Vice President, met General Manager (Finance) of BSNL Chennai Telephones on 05-08-2011 to request for expediting the process of revision of pension cases of pre 2007 retirees. Earlier it was learnt through interaction with Accounts Officer, Special Squad set up for settlement of pension revision cases of pre 2007 retirees in Corporate Accounts of Chennai Telephones that cases upto December 2002 had been sent to the office of Principal CCA, Tamilnadu. The cases upto December 2003 were under preparation for onward submission to PCCA. The squad was unable to cope up with the workload due to acute shortage of staff which was further depleted due to retirement of two officials recently. The interaction with G M (Finance) was very cordial and useful. The G M assured to have a personal discussion with CAO and AO, Special squad to find a solution to the shortage issue. He also assured that all out efforts will be taken by him and his team to settle the pension revision cases. It is expected that the Special Squad will be able to send the remaining cases of pre 2007 retirees to PCCA within a month’s time. In the PCCA’s Office, Pension Revision Orders have so far been issued to 541 retirees of TAMILNADU covering the period upto DECEMBER 2001. Detalis are available in two lists in the web site of PCCA TAMILNADU-www.ccatn.gov.in.

• 30.07.2011: GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH: A General Body meeting of Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 24th July at 10.45 Hours at Sangli. 45 members attended the meeting. Four new members were enrolled in the Branch – thus increasing the membership strength to 66. The Meeting was presided over by Shri R P Kulkarni, President of the Branch. In his address, he thanked for holding the meeting at Sangli and welcomed the new members and the senior retired colleagues of DOT. Shri D K Joshi, Branch Secretary gave details regarding the issues like Revision of pension, new orders on Medical facility to BSNL retirees, extension of CGHS facilities, Railway concessions, Income Tax relief for pensioners above 60 Years, increase of period of enhanced family pension from 7 to 10 years to the family pensioners where the employee dies while in service, partial settlement of Non-Executives’ deferred option case for IDA pay scale after the date of their promotion etc. He also gave status of the latest developments in BSNL and also about its growth and fiscal position etc. It was decided in the meeting to hold the Annual GB Meeting in the month September 2011 at Kolhapur. The gathering was also addressed by the representative of M/s Hiremath Investments about various investment opportunities in different schemes for the benefit of the pensioners. Shri B G Kulkarni, ex-DE who retired from DOT in 1991 also spoke and appreciated the initiative and interests shown by the members and re-collected the memories of past DOT. Shri P S Kulkarni gave vote of thanks to all and specially to GMTD/DGM TD Sangli for extending cooperation in holding the meeting in Telephone Bhavan , Sangli.

• 27.07.2011: OPTION FOR DEFERRING IDA PAY SCALE TO A DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF PROMOTION: DoT is yet to take a final view on the matter of pay fixation of the Executives who opted for IDA pay scale from the date of their promotion after 1.10.2000. It had only issued Orders conveying its decision to provisionally make payments by obtaining an undertaking from the concerned Executives to refund the amount in case the Government finally decides not to extend the benefit. CCA Tamilnadu has already posted one format of undertaking on their website. In view of the court orders, it appears that the Government cannot take a decision to withdraw the benefit without having any Order from higher Courts. But the fact remains that the issue is yet to be resolved. Meanwhile, BSNL issued Orders on 12.07.2011 to extend the same provisional pay fixation benefits to the non-Executives, but it immediately withdrew the same. It appears that unless the issue receives final settlement in respect of Executives, the case for non Executives will remain pending unless there is some directions from judiciary. [Click Here for the orders issued for Non-Executives by BSNL....]

• 26.07.2011: DPE CIRCULAR ON IDA RATE W.E.F. 1.7.2011: DPE says that there is no change in existing DA rates w.e.f. 1.7.2011 at 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2007 levels. [Click Here for the Circular....]

• 01.07.2011: AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CABINET SECRETARY REQUESTING HIS INTERVENTION FOR EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CABINET DECISION ON REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: AIBSNLREA takes up the issue regarding abnormal delay in implementation of the cabinet decision for revision of IDA pension for employees of BSNL who retired after 01.10.2000 and before 01.01.2007. [Click Here for the letter...]

• 30.06.2011: AIBSNLREA's LETTER TO MOC&IT REGARDING ABNORMAL DELAY IN PREPARING THE REVISED PENSION PAPERS FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS AND ISSUE OF REVISED PPOs, BRINGS THE DESIRED RESPONSE: AIBSNLREA had on 4.6.2011 represented to Shri Kapil Sibal, MOC&IT that “ We are constrainED to seek for your kind intervention in the matter of abnormal delay in implementation of the various instructions issued by Department of Telecommunication in its Office Order No. 40-17/2008-Pen(T)-Vol.III dated 15.03.2011 regarding revision of pension/family pension of the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and consequent delay in settlement of revision of pension/family pension cases.” We had also requested that "the Circles/Units of BSNL should personally monitor the progress and send report to DoT after every fortnight." BSNL has now issued directions to the Circles to issue instructions to SSAs to ensure that the calculation of revised pension is sent to CCA concerned without further delay. The letter also directs the Circles to personally monitor the progress of these cases and intimate the status from time to time. [Click Here for BSNL letter...]

• 30.06.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATE W.E.F. 1.7.2011: As per the figures for All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers available, there will be no increase in IDA rates w.e.f. 1.7.2011 either for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented on 1.1.2007 or the CPSEs where pay revision was last implemented on 1.1.1997.

• 26.06.2011: AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING: and members. The House also observed two minutes silence in memory of departed members and/the family members. Shri A.B.Patel, State Secretary reported about the following problems (i) holding of pension adalats by CCA Ahmedabad, (ii) delay in implementation of IDA orders due from dated 01-01-2011 & 01-04-2011 for pre-2007 BSNL pensioners, (iii) CAT ND's Judgement on pension, (iv) making entry in PPO for revised pension and DOB of spouse, (v) clubbing of mediclaim and BSNLMRS for indoor treatment etc. A resolution to this effect was also passed by the House. The gathering was also addressed by Shri M S Gupta, State Finance Secretary and others. The meeting was attended by 150 members including the representatives from Rajkot, Vadodara and Surat Branches. More than 50 new members were enrolled on the same day. The GB discussed various pension related issues including revision of pension of pre-2007 pensioners/family pensioners. Some resolutions were also adopted for taking up with appropriate authorities. The AGM also unanimously elected the new State Body for the next term with the following Office Bearers:- President :- Shri B.M.Bhavsar Retd DE, Ahmedabad Vice Presidents:- (1) Shri D.M.Patel Retd Dir(Fin),Ahmedabad (2) Shri R.S.Agrawal Retd DE, Ahmedabad (3) Shri S.M.Chamar Retd DE, Ahmedabad Secretary :- Shri A B Patel, Retd DE, Ahmedabad Joint Secretary :- (1) Shri R.N.Mangukia Retd DE Bhavnagar, (2) Shri Y K Patni, Retd DE, Ahmedabad (3) Shri P N Sharma, Retd EE(C), Ahmedabad (4) Shri B.K. Modi, Retd SDE, Ahmedabad Organising Secy :- (1) Shri C J Patel, Retd DE, Jamnagar (2) Shri J C Modi, Retd DE, Ahmedabad (3) Shri A K Patel, Retd DE, Ahmedabad (4) Shri B M Saija Retd DE, Ahmedabad Finance Secretary:- Shri M S Gupta, Retd SDE, Ahmedabad Joint Finance Secretary:- Shri R M Nayi Retd CAO, Ahmedabad CWC member :- Shri R C Sharma Retd DGM, Ahmedabad

• 22.06.2011: OFFICE-BEARERS OF UP STATE BRANCH AND LUCKNOW BRANCH HOLD JOINT MEETING: The Office bearers of UP State Branch and Lucknow Branch jointly held a meeting at the Recreation Club at Kaiserbagh Telephone Exchange, Lucknow on 15.06.2011. The meeting was presided by Shri Y S Tripathi, President, Lucknow Branch. Shri P D Shukla, All India President attended the meeting as Special Invitee. S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, Ambika Singh, State Finance Secretary, S N Tripathi and Radhey Shyam etc addressed the meeting. The main issue for discussion was revision of pension of pre-2007 pensioners. The status of the pension revision case was discussed at length and also the strategy to be followed to expedite the matter was chalked out. Other pension related matters were also discussed.

• 17.06.2011: AIBSNLREA, UP STATE BRANH MEETS CCA (UP EAST): S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary and Ambika Singh, State Finance Secretary of AIBSNLREA, UP Sate Branch met the CCA, UP East at Lucknow on 14.06.2011 to request expedite release of revised PPOs for the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. They were informed that additional staff has since been deputed from the BSNL Circle Office Lucknow to the CCA Office for expediting the cases of issue of revised PPOs. They were assured that release of revised PPOs will start within a couple of days and the entire work will be completed as early as possible. They also discussed a few individual long pending cases. The CCA assured to look into these cases.

• 10.06.2011: AIBSNLREA,TAMILNADU MEETS PRINCIPAL CHIEF CONTROLLER OF ACCOUNTS: S/Shri V. Chinna Pappiah, President, V. Sivaswamy Vice President and B, S, Sanjeewan Secretary of AIBSNREA, TAMILNADU met Principal Controller of Accounts, Tamilnadu at Chennai on 08-06-2011 seeking his intervention for sorting out the issue of abnormal delay in settling Pension Revision cases of pre 2007 BSNL Retirees.
  Earlier Shri V.Sivaswamy interacted with CAO,Corporate Accounts BSNL,Chennai Telephones to know the present status of the issue. It was learnt that 500 cases for the retirees upto 2004 year were sent by Corporate Accounts to CCA in the proforma specified by BSNL Corporate Office. These cases were returned by CCA for want of additional information like age of the spouse, scale of pay, and present residential address. These cases are being sent back with all the required information.
  With this information the Office Bearers met CCA to know the plan of action at his end. CCA told the representatives that a period of four months will be required to settle all the cases. It was pointed out to him that already there is a delay of three months since the issue of order wherein target dates have been fixed for different levels. He was requested to settle the issue year wise.
  In order to convey the anxiety of the Members, Principal CCA was met. He explained that due to shifting of the concerned section from Anna Salai to Ethiraj Salai, work could not proceed with the required speed. Now after the receipt of papers from Chennai Telephones as well as Tamilnadu Circle, cases will be processed. Further it was told that with the available information, data sheet has been prepared. Cases have been sorted out as per the disbursing units i.e. Post Office or Bank up to the branch/sub post office level. After calculating the revised pension, Due Statement will be sent to them and they will be requested to pay the arrears taking into account of the already Drawn Amount. He also informed that due to Centralized computerized process, it will be easy and quick in cases of Post Office and State Bank of India. In case of others also, settlement will be expedited. It is expected that payment will be received by the retirees starting from end of June and all cases will be settled by July end. The representatives thanked Principal CCA for his positive and constructive interaction.

• 06.06.2011: AIBSNLREA WRITES TO MOC&IT REGARDING ABNORMAL DELAY IN PREPARING THE REVISED PENSION PAPERS FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS AND ISSUE OF REVISED PPOs: AIBSNLREA represents to Shri Kapil Sibal, MOC&IT that “ We are constraint to seek for your kind intervention in the matter of abnormal delay in implementation of the various instructions issued by Department of Telecommunication in its Office Order No. 40-17/2008-Pen(T)-Vol.III dated 15.03.2011 regarding revision of pension/family pension of the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and consequent delay in settlement of revision of pension/family pension cases. ……”[For full text of the letter click here...]

• 03.06.2011: AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES ON REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL BY ROUNDING OFF THE FRACTION OF A RUPEE TO THE NEXT HIGHER RUPEE AT EVERY STAGE OF CALCULATION: AIBSNLREA writes to General Manager (Estt), Corporate Office “Kindly refer to the query that you made to-day on phone on the above matter following our several representations. We would like to make it clear that we want that the principle of rounding off the fraction of a rupee to the next higher rupee should be followed at every stage of consolidation of revised pension in respect of not only the retirees from BSNL Corporate Office but also for the pre-2007 pensioners/family pensioners from other Offices of BSNL as well. …. “[For full text of the letter click here...]

• 29.05.2011: AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDHARBA BRANCH MEETS PGMT, NAGPUR: The representatives of AIBSNLREA, East Vidharba Branch, comprising of S/Shri N G Talewar, President, V N Patil, Vice President and P R Bhujbal, Secretary, met the Principal General Manager Telecom, Nagpur on 27.05.2011 and expressed their serious concern over the delay in sending the revised pension papers of about 640 pre-2007 BSNL pensioners to the CCA, Maharashtra at Mumbai for revision of their pension. The PGMT appreciated their concern and assured to expedite the process and send the revised pension papers at the earliest.

• 27.05.2011: UP STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEET DY CCA, UP(EAST) CIRCLE AND GMT (NTP), LUCKNOW: S/Shri R S Arora and Ambika Singh, State Finance Secretary of UP State Branch of AIBSNLREA met Dy CCA, UP(East) Circle on 24.05.2011 to request issue of revised PPOs in respect of the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners as per time schedule set by DoT. The concerned CAO was also called to participate in the discussion. It was informed that some pension papers have already been received and the time schedule decided by DoT will be followed. Next day i.e. on 25.05.2011, the State Branch represented by S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, Ambika Singh, State Finance Secretary, Y S Tripathy, President, Lucknow Branch and R S Agarwal, Asst Branch Secretary, Lucknow met the Dy GM(NTP), Lucknow and expressed their anxiety since the revised pension papers were yet to be sent to the office of CCA. Afterwards, they also met the DGM. It was assured that the cases are under process and would be sent to the office of CCA at the earliest.

• 20.05.2011: AVAILING MEDICAL FACILITIES BY RETIRED EMPLOYEES FROM THE OFFICES LOCATED IN THE PLACE OF SETTLEMENT: BSNL has conveyed the approval of the competent authority that the retired employees may change their claim office from place of retirement to their place of settlement.[View the letter...]

• 11.05.2011: UP STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS CGMT, UP(EAST): S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, Ambika Singh, Financial Secretary of Uttar Pradesh State Branch and U C Shrivastava, Executive Committee Member of Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA met CGMT UP(East) and thereafter the GM(A) in Circle Office at Lucknow and discussed about the delay in sending the revised pension papers for revision of pension to the office of the CCA. In addition, issues like non-payment of medical reimbursement bills on revised IDA pay to the post-1-01-07 pensioners, financial upgradation case of Ex. AGM Gorakhpur, non-settlement of thirteen T.A. bills of Ex-JTO Deoria and non-payment of special pay to the Ex-ADTs from 2004 were also discussed and detailed letters were submitted to the CGMT. The Administration assured to get the pension revision cases expedited and send them to DoT cell by 15-05-2011.The individual cases were also assured to be examined and settled early.

• 09.05.2011: AIBSNLREA TAKES UP WITH BSNL C.O. FOR ROUNDING OFF THE FRACTION OF A RUPEE TO THE NEXT HIGHER RUPEE WHILE PREPARING REVISED PENSION PAPERS OF THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL CO: AIBSNLREA has taken up with BSNL Corporate Office to ensure that fraction of a rupee is not ignored but rounded off to the next higher rupee as per provision of Rule 49/4 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 while preparing the revised pension papers of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners/family pensioners. [View the letter...]

• 30.04.2011: AIBSNLREA RAJKOT BRANCH (GUJARAT STATE) FORMED : A new Branch of AIBSNLREA was formed at Rajkot on 23.04.2011 in a meeting held in the conference hall of K R Exchange, Rajkot. The meeting stated at 17.00 hrs and 35 retired Executives attended the meeting. S/Shri B M Bhavsar, State President and A B Patel , State Secretary addressed the gathering. They explained the need of an association of retired Executives of BSNL and also briefed the participants about the activities of the Association in various fronts including the revision of pension in IDA scale for the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners which could resolve many policy matters and bring relief to the BSNL pensioners in general. They also replied the various queries raised by the participants. Thereafter, a new Branch was formed with the following office-bearers:
  President:    Shri N.N.Chaniara Retd D E
  Secretary:  Shri M.M.Khatri Retd D E
  Financial Secretary: Shri A.T.Bhimani Retd D E
  Executive Committee Members: S/Shri B.N.Jani Retd D G M, P.K. Rabadia Retd SDE and N K Oza Retd SDE.

• 25.04.2011: GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL: A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch was held on 13.04.2011 at Telegraph Institute Hall, CTO building, BBD Bag, Kolkata. The meeting was presided over by Shri A K Basu Roy. 150 members attended the meeting. Members from different parts of West Bengal namely, Siliguri, Berhampur, Asansol etc also attended the meeting. The meeting started with observance of one minute’s silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul of Krishna Ch Patra Ex SDE, CTD who passed away on 24.03.2011.This was the first GB meeting after the historic OM dated 15.03.2011 was issued by DOT announcing the Revision of Pension/Family pension of Pre-2007 BSNL Pensioners. All the relevant points of the DOT’s OM dated 15.03.2011 and Circular No.9 dated 04.04.2011 of Corporate Office, BSNL on the same issue were brought to the notice of the members through a News letter. A good number of speakers addressed the house urging for the solidarity amongst the members so as to get the benefit of said OM as early as possible in keeping with the time frame announced by the DOT. The speakers also appreciated the efforts taken by CHQ in this regard. The members also urged upon the CHQ to pursue the matter with BSNL CO towards removal of the discrimination made in respect of BSNLMRS for pre-2007 Pensioners as referred to in CHQ letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2010/09 dated 23.12.2010.

• 21.04.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.04.2011: BSNL has endorsed DPE orders revising IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007, raising the IDA from 43% to 47.2%. [Click Here for BSNL orders...]

• 20.04.2011: NEW PENSION REVISION CALCULATOR : Following issue of revised IDA Order w.e.f 1.4.2011 by the DPE, we have modified our Pension Revision Calculator to find out the revised pension and the arrears upto June 2011. The old calculator has since been replaced by the new one.

• 19.04.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.04.2011: DPE  has issued orders revising IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007, raising the IDA from 43% to 47.2%. [Click Here for DPE orders...]

• 19.04.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.04.2011: DPE  has issued orders revising IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997, raising the IDA from 141.5% to 148.6%. [Click Here for DPE orders...]

• 19.04.2011: AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH HELD GB MEETING: Kolhapur Branch (Maharashtra State) of AIBSNLREA held its quarterly GB meeting on 16th April, 2011. Thirty five (35) members attended the meeting which was chaired by Shri R P Kulkarni. At the start of the meeting, the members paid homage to three departed members of the Association including Shri S. Sanyal Rtd. CGMT, NE Circle. Shri D K Joshi, Secretary of the Branch then presented the details of the Pension revision orders issued by DoT for pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. Members appreciated the persistent efforts made by the Association to get the revision of pension case settled. Secretary then informed about the action taken by the Association in regard to the issue for early payment of ID Relief to BSNL pensioners by the Post Offices. The members also expressed satisfaction for succeeding in the efforts to get the Income Tax relief for all the pensioners above 60 years of age. The members expressed the opinion that consequent to increase of pension after 80 years, the date of birth of spouse needs to be entered in the PPO and the issue needs to be taken up with competent authority. A brief but well-narrated talk on Swamy Vivekanad's life sketch was delivered by noted Scholar Dr. Pof Subhash Desai. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Shri A K Kulkarni. It was decided that the next meeting will be held at SANGLI.

• 12.04.2011: PAYMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DEARNESS RELIEF TO THE BSNL PENSIONERS AFTER THEIR ABSORPTION FROM DOT – AIBSNLREA REQUESTS SECRETARY (POSTS) FOR REGULAR AND TIMELY PAYMENT: AIBSNLREA writes to Secretary (Posts) pointing out the delay in payment of the Industrial Dearness Relief at revised rates from the Post Offices and request “....................In the above background, we would request you to kindly issue a similar Order, as issued by Department of Telecommunication, advising all concerned Directors (Postal Accounts) and all other concerned to similarly download the Orders revising the rates of Industrial Dearness Relief available on the website of Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for immediate implementation.” [Click Here to view the letter.....]

• 12.04.2011: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL HOLD DEMONSTRATION AND DHARNA ON 05.04.2011 AGAINST THE PRINCPAL CCA, KOLKATA FOR NON IMPLEMENTING DOT ORDER REGARDING PAY FIXATION OF THE GROUP B OFFICERS ABSORBED IN BSNL WHO HAVE OPTED FOR IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION: AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch held demonstration and dharna in front of the office of Principal CCA, Kolkata on 05.04.2011. More than 70 members took part in this program. The Principal CCA and the concerned Joint CCA remained on leave. However, the Joint CCA (Legal) met the representatives of the Association and pointed out to a case pending in CAT, Kolkata. This could not satisfy the Association. The Branch is now holding a GB Meeting on 13.04.2011 at 13.00 hours at the Telegraph Institute Hall, Central Telegraph Office Building, BBD Bagh, Kolkata to decide the future courses of action.

• 11.04.2011: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – BSNL ISSUES CORRINGENDUM: AIBSNLREA had taken up with BSNL for issuing a corrigendum in regard to a mistake in its Pension Calculation Sheet circulated vide Annexure-III of BSNL Office Circular No. 09 (vide No 40-06/2011-Pen (B) dated 04.04.2011). BSNL has now issued the corrigendum. [Click Here to view the order.....]

• 08.04.2011: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS OF BSNL – AIBSNLREA WRITES TO BSNL FOR ISSUE OF CORRINGENDUM: AIBSNLREA has already taken up with BSNL for issuing a corrigendum in regard to a mistake in its Pension Calculation Sheet circulated vide Annexure-III of BSNL Office Circular No. 09 (vide No 40-06/2011-Pen (B) dated 04.04.2011). [Click Here to view the letter.....]

• 07.04.2011: AGB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA OF EAST VIDHARBHA BRANCH (NAGPUR): The Annual meeting of All India BSNL Retired Executive’s Association East Vidarbha Branch (Nagpur) was held at Amenity Block, CTO Compound Nagpur on 3-4-2011. The meeting was presided over by Shri N.G.Talewar President AIBSNLREA Nagpur. In the beginning homage was paid to Late Shri S L Dravekar CHQ Org Secretary (West) Nagpur.Shri Arun Deshpande Vice President welcomed the new members and made a brief introductory remarks. Shri P R Bhujbal Secretary addressed the house and briefed the current major issues of the BSNL pensioners. Secretary mainly focused in his speech on the important order recently issued by DOT on 15th March, 2011 regarding IDA pension revision of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. The DOT’s order regulating IDA pension/Family pension shall benefit all DOT employees absorbed in BSNL and retired during 1-10-2000 to 31-12-2006 wef 1-1-2007.The members appreciated the efforts of CHQ in this regard. The latest order issued by BSNL on 8th September, 2010, regarding revision of out door ceiling limit of medical reimbursement to the retired BSNL employees was discussed at length. Queries raised by the pensioners were replied by Secretary/President. The members were briefed about the discussion in the meetings held with DAP/and PGMT Nagpur.Shri N G Talewar, addressed the gathering and made fervent appeal to be united under the umbrella of AIBSNLREA Nagpur. S/Shri Arun Deshpande, B.Majumdar, S N Bopordikar, R C Rachkondawar and A K Bhattacharya made special efforts for the grand success of the meeting. 10 New BSNL retirees joined the association and became the life member of the association. Now the total life membership has risen to 188.The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chair and participants by Arun Deshpande vice president.

• 05.04.2011: BSNL ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS WHILE ENDORSING DOT ORDER DATED 15.03.2011 REGARDING REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: BSNL has since issued instructions to its all sub ordinate offices for taking necessary action by the Pension disbursing authorities to prepare revised pension papers of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and send the same to the respective DOT Cells. Branches are requested to take follow up action. [view the order.....]

• 04.04.2011: ENDORSEMENT OF DOT ORDER DATED 15.03.2011 REGARDING REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: We had reported on 01.04.2011 that the proposed instructions/endorsement of the DOT Order dated 15.03.2011 was under examination in Establishment Finance Unit of BSNL Corporate Office for according its concurrence. It is now learned that the file has since been cleared by the Establishment Finance Unit paving the way for the Pension Section of BSNL Corporate Office to release the much awaited endorsement letter. It is likely to be released tomorrow.

• 04.04.2011: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL TO STAGE DAY LONG DEMONSTRATION AND DHARNA ON 05.04.2011 AGAINST THE PRINCPAL CCA, KOLKATA FOR NON IMPLEMENTATION OF DOT ORDER DATED 04.11.2010 REGARDING PAY FIXATION OF THE GROUP B OFFICERS ABSORBED IN BSNL WHO HAVE OPTED FOR IDA PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION: AIBSNLREA writes to Shri R Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications and others including the MOC&IT requesting their intervention in respect to the above. AIBSNLREA writes “…..Let the affected pensioners get their dues as per the above stated DOT Office Order dated 4.11.2010. We would also request you to kindly ensure payment of interest against the amount of gratuity and pension that has been unauthorizedly and illegally withheld by the Principal CCA, Kolkata for the last few years.“ [Click Here to view the letter.....]

• 01.04.2011: ENDORSEMENT OF DOT ORDER ON REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED PRIOR TO 01.01.2007: We had earlier reported that BSNL would endorse the DOT Order dated 15.03.2011 with some specific instructions for taking necessary action by its concerned field Offices after obtaining approval of the competent authorities. The Pension Section (Estt Branch) of BSNL Corporate Office had sent the file with the draft instructions about a couple of days earlier to the Estt Finance Section of the same Office for concurrence. The instructions would be released immediately after file is received back by the Pension Section. Sources say that it is almost ready and likely to be released sometime next week.

• 01.04.2011: APPLICABILITY OF FULL PENSION ON COMPLETION OF 20 YEARS: BSNL has circulated for necessary action, the DoT order dated 16.8.2010 extending the admissibility of full pension on completion of 20 years qualifying service to absorbed BSNL employees, applicable from 1.1.2006, which was previously applicable from 2.9.2008. [Click Here to view the letter.....]

• 31.03.2011: IDA increase w.e.f.1.4.2011: Orders are expected to be issued by DPE increasing IDA by 4.2% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 7.1% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

• 22.03.2011: IMPLEMENTATION OF DOT ORDERS ON REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED PRIOR TO 01.01.2007: All pre-2007 pensioners would generally be expecting expeditious action by all concerned so that the Orders dated 15.03.2011 issued by Department of Telecommunication for revision of pension is implemented at the earliest. We have already indicated in our write-up on the matter that BSNL Corporate Office and DDG (TPF & A/C) will have to issue further instructions to the concerned field offices of BSNL and the CCAs respectively. So far BSNL Corporate Office is concerned, the draft instructions are ready. These will be issued after obtaining the approval of concerned authority. This may not take much time. We have requested that these may be uploaded in BSNL’s website. Meanwhile, DoT has already uploaded its Order dated 15.03.2011 in its website as requested by us.

• 21.03.2011: PAYMENT OF FULL PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED/RETIRING AFTER COMPLETION OF 10 YEARS OF SERVICE AFTER 01.01.2006: AIBSNLREA takes up the case for allowing the benefit of full pension to the absorbed BSNL Employees retired/retiring after 01.01.2006 on completion of 10 years of service. It writes “…….it is requested that a similar approach, as stated above, followed by the Ministry of Railways may please be adopted by the Department of Telecommunication. Let the DoT issue Orders regarding the applicability of Para 5.3 of DoP&PW OM dated 02.09.2008 as further amended by it vide its OM dated 10.12.2009 so that the absorbed BSNL employees retiring after 10 years of qualifying service find no difficulty to get pension being 50 % of their last emoluments or average emoluments whichever is more beneficial to them.” [Click Here to view the letter.....]

• 18.03.2011: DOT ORDERS ON REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED PRIOR TO 01.01.2007 – OUR OBSERVATIONS: We now offer our comments and observation on the various provisions in the Order dated 15.03.2011 issued by Department of Telecommunications for revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners in the background of our consistent stand on those issues from the day one i.e. when the Order was issued by DPE for revision of pay scales of the Executives of all PSUs. During these days, we had to pass through many anxious moments and had to overcome numerous hurdles that came in our way. Shri S Ratnasubramanian, our Joint Secretary (South) briefs the same in his small write-up. [Click Here to view the same.....]

• 16.03.2011: OBITUARY – SHRI S L DRAVEKAR, ORGANISING SECRETARY (WEST), AIBSNLREA IS NO MORE: Shri S L Dravekar, our Organising Secretary (West) expired in the late afternoon of today (16.03.2011) due to massive heart attack. He was being taken to Hospital for receiving medical attention. But he breathed his last on his way in the vehicle itself. When he was in service, he served the then Telecom Engineering Supervisors’ Association i.e. Junior Telecom Engineers’ Association, Telecom Engineering Services’ Association and AIBSNLEA in different capacities. He was considered as a pioneering leader not only in Nagpur but also in Maharashtra and all CHQs. With his demise, we lost a brave crusader against injustice and odds. His commitment, sincerity and dedication to the cause of the members of the Associations are unparallel. Let his soul rest in peace.

• 16.03.2011: REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED PRE-2007 RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES: Department of Telecommunication has since released the Order for revision of pension of the absorbed pre-2007 retired BSNL Employees. [Click Here to view the order.....]

• 13.03.2011: ISSUE AND EXPEDITIOUS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDER FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 ABSORBED RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES: AIBSNLREA writes to Member (Services), Telecom Commission requesting to follow the principle laid down by DOP&PW in its OM dated 01.09.2008 regarding payment of pension/family pension by all Pension Disbursing Authorities including the Public Sector Banks without waiting for authorization from Head of Office/Accounts Officers etc. It writes “Since the Order under issue by Department of Telecommunication is also believed to contain consolidation of pension, it is requested that in case of existing BSNL pensioners retired prior to 01.01.2007, the pension disbursing authorities including the Public Sector Banks, Post Offices etc handling the disbursement of pension be authorized to pay pension without waiting for authorization from CCAs etc. The PPOs and other records may be updated in the similar manner as prescribed in the above stated OM of DOP&PW for the CG pensioners.” [View the letter.....]

• 12.03.2011: RELEASE OF ORDER ON REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 ABSORBED RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES: It was earlier reported by us that the Telecom Finance had given their concurrence to the draft Order on revision of pension of the pre-2007 absorbed retired BSNL Employees and the issue of the much awaited Order is imminent. We also informed that the Order will be implemented only in the next Financial year i.e. 2011-12. We now understand that release of the Order by Telecom Establishment Branch (Pension Section) of Department of Telecommunication may take some more time purely due to administrative reasons. However, there is no technical problem with release of the Order. It is now expected to be released latest by 3rd/4th week of March 2011 i.e. well before the current financial year.

• 10.03.2011: YOUR QUERIES ANSWERED – FOURTH SET ON FAMILY PENSION: We now release the fourth set of replies to the queries received from the viewers of this website regarding revision of pension related matters. However, this is exclusively on family pension related matters. [Click Here for the same...........]

• 10.03.2011: YOUR QUERIES ANSWERED – THIRD SET: We are now releasing the third set replies to the queries received from the viewers of this website regarding revision of pension related matters. [Click Here for the same...........]

• 09.03.2011: RELEASE OF ORDER FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF THE PRE-2007 RETIRED ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES: Following concurrence given by Telecom Finance to the Order for revision of pension of the pre-2007 retired absorbed BSNLemployees, the Telecom Establishment Branch is expected to release the much awaited Order at any moment.

• 05.03.2011: RELEASE OF ORDERS FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF THE-ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED PRIOR TO 01.01.2007: We had last indicated on 25.02.2011 in this website that the orders for revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL Employees who retired prior to 01.01.2007 is expected to be issued within a fortnight. We once again confirm the same. There is nothing unusual in the present development in regard to the time taken to release the Order. Those who know the details about the channel of submissions and the procedures in Telecom Directorate in regard to processing of such important and unique issue will not show any sign of impatience. After all, never before pension revision Orders for a PSU like BSNL was handled in Telecom Directorate. We have already stated that it is not a simple Order. It contains detailed consolidation of pension. Telecom Finance cannot be expected to vet the Order and accord their U.O. No. unless they are fully satisfied about its contents. We, therefore, do not suggest any panic action from our side.

• 28.02.2011: ELIGIBILIBITY AGE FOR HIGHER INCOME TAX EXEMPTION LIMIT FOR SENIOR CITZENS LOWRERED – GOVT ACCEPTS OUR REQUEST: The benefit of higher income tax exemption limit will now be extended to all senior citizens above 60 years of age which was earlier available only to the senior citizens above 65 years of age. AIBSNLREA had been constantly pleading with the Government to remove the discrimination among the senior citizens based on their age to get this benefit. This year also we not only made representation to the Government but also had been pursuing the same. Finally, the Government has accepted the request. According to the Budget proposal placed in the Parliament today, the Government has proposed the following in respect of income tax which directly concerns us (pensioners above 60 years of age): (1) all senior citizens above 60 years of age to get higher exemption limit, (2) a new provision has been introduced for further higher income tax exemption limit for the senior citizens above 80 years of age (3) income tax exemption limit for senior citizens above 60 years and below 80 years raised from Rs 2,40,000 to Rs 2,50,000, (4) senior citizens above 80 years to have income tax exemption limit of Rs 5 lakhs. All the benefits will be available from next year i.e for the income of 2011-12.

• 25.02.2011: RELEASE OF ORDERS ON REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED PRE-2007 RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES IN IDA SCALE: We had already informed earlier that release of the Order regarding revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL employees retired prior to 1.1.2007 would take time since it would be a lengthy one containing consolidation of pension (please refer the message dated 27.01.2011 appearing in this website). Telecom Branch of DOT has already prepared the draft Order and sent it to Telecom Finance for vetting. The same is being checked and all the calculations and consolidation is being verified by Telecom Finance. The Order will be released only after Telecom Finance vets the same. It is also learnt that it has been proposed in the draft Order itself that the revised pension shall be paid only in the next financial year i.e. 2011-12. The release of the Order is now expected within a fortnight.

• 25.02.2011:YOUR QUERIES ANSWERED: After release of two sets of replies to the queries received from the viewers of this website regarding pension related matters, we have received some more mails containing fresh queries. These will shortly be replied.

• 17.02.2011: AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CMD, BSNL ON THE ISSUE OF ENDORSEMENT OF IDA ORDERS ISSUED BY DPE: AIBSNLREA writes to CMD, BSNL “..... Either, let BSNL continue to endorse all the IDA Orders as and when issued by DPE or all the field units of BSNL be advised to download these Orders directly from DPE website in the same manner as the Department of Telecommunication has advised (vide DOT No. 36-04/2008-Pen (T) dated 24.11.2010) its all CCAs/Jt CCAs to download the IDA Orders from DPE website for their action instead of waiting for endorsement by DOT”. [view the complete letter...........]

• 14.02.2011: AIBSNLREA REQUESTS DOT TO UPLOAD THE REVISION OF PENSION ORDERS IN DOT’S WEBSITE WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO DOWNLOAD THE SAME FOR IMPLEMENTATION: AIBSNLREA writes to Member (Services) to strengthen the offices of CCAs/JCCAs by posting additional staff and also upload the Orders for revision of pension of pre-2007 absorbed BSNL pensioners in DOT website to avoid delay in implementation of the Order. [view the letter...........]

• 14.02.2011: AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO CMD, BSNL REGARDING BSNL MRS: AIBSNLREA draws the attention of CMD, BSNL to its earlier letter dated 23.12.2010 and request to allow the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners also to change Option for reimbursement with or without voucher under BSNL MRS [ view the letter.............]

• 09.02.2011: YOUR QUERIES ANSWERED: We are releasing the second set of Questions and Answers based on the queries that we received from our viewers on revision of pension related matters. [ Click here to view the same………]

• 04.02.2011: AIBSNLREA URGES UNION FINANCE MINISTER TO ALLOW THE BENEFIT OF HIGHER EXEMPTION LIMIT OF INCOME TAX TO ALL SENIOR CITIZENS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR AGE: “........ Now that the Budget for the ensuing financial year is to be placed in the Parliament, we would request you to allow the above benefit to all the Senior Citizens reaching the age of 60 years in addition to further extending the present exemption limit of Rs 2.40 lakhs.” [View the letter...]

• 04.02.2011: AIBSNLREA SEEKS PERSONAL INTERVENTION OF CMD, BSNL TO REMOVE THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE RETIRED ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT OF TELEPHONE BILLS: AIBSNLREA again writes to CMD, BSNL to sort out the dispute regarding the date from which telephone bills are to be raised in respect of concessional telephone facilities provided at the residence of the retired absorbed BSNL employees residing in MTNL served areas. [View the letter...]

• 04.02.2011: EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH (NAGPUR) OF AIBSNLREA MEETS DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS (POSTAL), NAGPUR: Shri S L Dravekar Org Secretary (West), CHQ along with S/Shri P R Bhujbal Secretary. W Patil Vice President, B M Majumdar Finance Secretary and R R Gadpal member of the Branch met Shri Shivendu Gupta. Director (Accounts) Nagpur on 25-01-2011,and submitted a memorandum regarding the problems being faced by BSNL retired employees drawing monthly pension/family pension through various Post Offices in Maharashtra Postal Circle. The representatives expressed deep concern over the undue delay in implementation of the orders issued by CCA Maharashtra Circle regarding revision of pension and calculation of arrears, disposal of revised PPO by concerned Head Post Offices in MH circle, delay in payment of revised Industrial Dearness Relief to BSNL pensioners. Representatives requested the DAP to download the orders on revised IDA from the official website of CCA MH circle and disburse the payment without delay. The DAP assured to look into the matter.

• 03.02.2011: GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH: Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA held a GB Meeting on 30.01.2011. The meeting was attended by 35 members. Following enrolment of 6 new members, the total membership strength of the Branch has increased to 62. Shri. G L Joshi, Vice President of the Branch chaired the meeting. After self introduction and exchange of New Year greetings by all the members, the Branch Secretary Shri D K Joshi presented details of the activities at CHQ level and informed about settlement of long awaited revision of pension issue for pre 2007 BSNL retirees. He appreciated the action taken and efforts made by the Association in this regard. He also spoke about other issues like medical reimbursement, option issue for continuation of CDA scale till promotion or retirement for BSNL employees, financial viability of BSNL and also the actions being taken by the employees associations. Members pointed out that there is abnormal delay for pension settlement and payment of arrears because of reported shortage of staff at DOT Cell in Mumbai office. Branch Secretary reported that the matter could not be resolved at the local level and need to be taken up at DOT level. Income Tax relief case for Sr Citizens below 65 years of age needs to be again taken up. Shri S M Vaidya, a Branch member, who also sponsored the meeting gave a pictorial presentation on "Success Street" for systemizing earning while traveling & touring the Nation as well as world. Shri. Bhise, a retired Executive Engineer gave very detailed information and narration on the "Narmada Parikrama" which he had recently completed on foot. Shri. P S Kulkarni, Asst. Secretary gave Vote of thanks to all the participants and also the GMT and DGM of Kolhapur Telecom for extending cooperation for successful conduct of the meeting.

• 01.02.2011: REPLY TO QUERIES ON REVISION OF PENSION: There are number of queries from individuals regarding their consolidated pension and resultant arrears on phone as well as in e mail. While the individual queries will be answered directly to them, cases of common interest which may be in the minds of a few more persons will be hosted in our website. For any query regarding revision of pension, the viewers may send e mail to rathan_aangarai@yahoo.com Further, we have made a collection of few important queries of common interest received during the past two days and now hosted the same with reply in our website for the benefit of our viewers [Click here to view the same……..]

• 27.01.2011: REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED PRE-2007 RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES IN IDA SCALE: The top ranking Officer in Telecom Commission who had earlier indicated that DOT is waiting for the minutes of the Cabinet meeting in this regard has informed today the receipt of the minutes by DOT. Issue of orders on Consolidation of Pension w.e.f. 1.1.2007, which naturally will be a lengthy one, will however take some time as it has to be approved by the senior officers in DOT and Telecom Finance. We may expect the orders to be issued by the end of February.

• 25.01.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2011: BSNL has endorsed DPE orders revising IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007, raising the IDA from 39.8% to 43%. [Click Here for BSNL orders...]

• 25.01.2011:REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED PRIOR TO 1.1.2007: It is learned that no minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet carrying its stated decision on the above taken in its meeting held on 20.01.2011 has reached DOT till now.

• 25.01.2011: ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF JABALPUR BRANCH : Annual General body meeting of AIBSNLREA Jabalpur branch was held on 10.01.2011 at SADAR Coffee house under the president ship of com. R.D.Tiwari Vice President of the branch as the president was out of station The meeting was conducted by com. H. Sikdar, Branch Secretary. 26 members out of total membership strength of 48 of the Branch attended the meeting. Branch Secretary reported that the Branch is having 33life members and rest are regular members who subscribe periodically. He also reported that 3 new members have been enrolled on Annual GB Day. He thanked the executives and the associates for their cooperation for running the activities of the Branch throughout the year. The Branch Secretary also submitted annual report stating the activities of the branch and that of the CHQ covering the status of the proposals sent by the Branch to CHQ. He reported that the proposals of extending benefit of LTC to pilgrimage places and Annual Health checkup irrespective of BSNLMRS without getting admitted are yet to be taken up with BSNL HQ. All members expressed happiness over holding of frequent monthly meeting which stood as 15 in numbers. The meeting ended after the President thanked the members for attending the meeting and participating in the discussions.

• 24.01.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2011: DPE  has issued orders revising IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007, raising the IDA from 39.8% to 43%. [Click Here for DPE orders...]

• 24.01.2011: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2011: DPE  has issued orders revising IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997, raising the IDA from 136.1% to 141.5%. [Click Here for DPE orders...]

• 24.01.2011: REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED PRE-2007 RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES IN IDA SCALE: A top ranking Officer in Telecom Commission has indicated today that the Cabinet, in its meeting held on Thursday, has considered the Cabinet Note sent by DOT for revision of pension of the absorbed pre-2007 retired BSNL Employees. DOT is waiting for the minutes of the Cabinet meeting.

• 18.01.2011: REVISION OF PENSION IN IDA SCALE: It is on record that at one point of time a controversy was raised whether the absorbed BSNL Employees were entitled to get revision of pension in IDA scale or CDA scale. While this Association was all along holding the view that it should be in IDA scale, almost all the Unions/Associations in BSNL supported the views of the DOT that it would be in CDA scale. In order to get the views of the DOP&PW, an information was sought on 2.7.2009 under RTI Act 2005 from DOP&PW to state “… whether the absorbed retired employees of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited who receive pension (or family pension in case of deceased employees) in IDA pattern are entitled to receive revision of pension or family pension, as the case may be, in IDA pattern only.” The DOP&PW did not give direct information but stated that “ It is for the Department of Telecommunications to consider the issue of revision of pension (under IDA pattern) of retired employees of BSNL:…” Being not satisfied with the reply, appeal was made to the competent authority and the matter was finally heard on 17.1.2011 by the CIC. During the hearing on the intervention of the CIC, an internal note of DOT dated 11.01.2011 was handed over to the Appellant which says that “ It is intimated that Cabinet Note on the proposal regarding revision of IDA pension/family pension to the existing BSNL absorbed pre-2007 employees has been submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat.” This is thus the official confirmation that the absorbed retired BSNL employees are to get revision of pension in IDA pattern and a Cabinet Note has already been moved for revision of pension in IDA pattern. Thus our position stands vindicated. [View the internal note of DOT.............]

• 14.01.2011: GENERAL BODY MEETING OF CHENNAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA: General body Meeting of AIBSNLREA Chennai was held at 17-30 hours on 12-01-2011 at Chennai. Out of 86 life members, 51 attended the meeting. Sri V. Chinna Pappiah President in his welcome address mentioned that such active participation of members in large numbers indicate their belief in AIBSNLREA. Sri B, S. Sanjeevan Secretary listed out the activities both at H/Q and Circle Levels .He informed that New team of elected officers meet the Executives on the date of their retirement in their offices and welcome them to AIBSNLREA, By this way membership is increased. He pointed out that no case was referred to in response to the SMS sent to all members requesting issues to be taken up with Principal CC A. He thanked GENERAL SECRETARY for his prompt action in getting published the Life members’ list in our Website. He also gave the details of the discussion arranged with Sri RATHNA SUBRAMANIAN for getting guidance for settling the grievance of one member. Help was extended to the family of Sri S VAIYAPURI who is in a coma stage for the past three months with respect to life certificate for pension. Six new members joined as life members. An updated address/ telephone book containing the contact details of our members was released in the meeting and issued to all. Special Lecture on TIME MANAGEMENT AND STRESS MANAGEMENT was delivered by a Sister from Prajapita Brahma Kumaries Eswariya Viswa Vidyalaya. Meeting ended with vote of thanks by Secretary.

• 11.01.2011:GB MEETING OF EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH NAGPUR OF AIBSNLREA: The Annual meeting of All India BSNL Retired Executives’ Association, East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur was held at Amenity Block, CTO Compound Nagpur on 08-01-2011. The meeting was presided over by Shri N.G.Talewar President AIBSNLREA Nagpur. In the beginning homage was paid to departed members. Shri V W Patil, Vice President welcomed the new members and introduced them to the House. Shri P R Bhujbal, Secretary addressed the House and briefed the current major issues of the BSNL pensioners. He informed the House about the ongoing developments in DOT and BSNL. In his speech, he mainly focused on the main important issues of BSNL pensioners viz. IDA pension revision of the Pre 2007 retirees. The DOT’s Cabinet Memo proposing revision of IDA pension of DOT employees absorbed in BSNL and retired during 1-10-2000 to 31-12-2006 is still awaiting the nod of union cabinet. The latest order issued by Department of Pension dated 27-10-2010, regarding payment of difference of commutation to the govt employees retired on or after 1-1-2006 but before 2-9-2008,and expired before exercising option for additional commutation, was discussed at length. The House was informed about the other important orders regarding encashment of Earned leave while availing LTC, revised outdoor ceiling for medical reimbursement for retired BSNL employees issued by BSNL. More than 100 members attended the meeting. Queries raised by the pensioners were replied by Secretary/President. During discussion the members expressed concern over delay in payment of leave encashment, quarterly payment of medical allowance, settlement of medical reimbursement claims, delay in refixation of pension and drawl of arrears by Post offices /and Banks on issue of revised PPO. Shri P R Bhujbal Secretary assured to take up the issues at appropriate level. S/Shri N G Talewar and Arun Deshpande also addressed the gathering and made fervent appeal to be united under the umbrella of AIBSNLREA Nagpur. S/Shri N.K Jhamb,B.Majumdar,MR Shaikh,S N Bopordikar,R C Mohan made special efforts for the grand success of the meeting. 26 New BSNL retirees have joined the association as the life members. Present life membership strength of the Branch has now reached to 177. The meeting ended after vote of thanks to the chair and participants by Shri Arun Deshpande vice president.

• 08.01.2011: CABINET MEMO FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL EM)PLOYEES RETIRED PRIOR TO 01.01.2007: DOT’s Cabinet Memo on revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL Employees retired prior to 01.01.2007, which was reported to have been sent again to the Cabinet Secretariat on 03.01.2011, is yet to be placed before the Cabinet for decision.

• 04.01.2011: IDA increase w.e.f.1.1.2011: Orders are expected to be issued by DPE increasing IDA by 3.2% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 5.4% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.