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TESA (I) CHQ

VI CPC ON PENSION AND ITS IMPACT ON BSNL PENSIONERS

IDA RATES

 Email: gensecaibsnlrea@yahoo.com   

2009

  • 31.12.2009:REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2010: As per the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers during the past three months, IDA rates are to be revised from 25.3% to 30.9% w.e.f.1.1.2010, for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.

  • 31.12.2009:REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2010: As per the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers during the past three months, IDA rates are to be revised from 111.6% to 121% w.e.f.1.1.2010, for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

  • 31.12.2009:JALLANDHAR BRANCH (PUNJAB STATE) OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: The retired BSNL Executives of Jallandhar in Punjab state met on 27.11.2009 and formed a branch of AIBSNLREA. Following is the list of Office Bearers:
    President :                         Shri Kesar Singh, Retd DE
    Vice President:                  Shri Sham Lal Sharma, Retd DE
    Secretary :                        Shri Avinash Kr Aggarwal, Retd DE
    Asst Secretary:                Shri P K Sharma, Retd DE
    Financial Secretary:          Shri S S Chopra, Retd DE
    Asst Fin. Secretary:          Shri Kartar Singh Bains, Retd DE

  • 29.12.2009:JABALPUR BRANCH (MP STATE) OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives stationed at Jabalpur on 14.12.2009, a branch of AIBSNLREA was formed. The meeting was held at Sadar Bazar Cofee House at Jabalpur. Following is the list of Office Bearers/Executives of the Branch:-
    President:                         Shri S S Rajwar, Retired DE
    Vice President:                 Shri M K Dasgupta, Retired DE
                                              Shri R D Tiwari, Retired DE
    Secretary:                        Shri H Sikdar, Retired AGM
    Financial Secretary:          Shri B P Nema, Retired DE
    Organising Secretary:      Shri S K Nema, Retired DE
    Executives :                      S/Shri T G Saha, Retd DE, G N Mukherjee, Retd DE,
                                              S P Grover, Retd DE and G P Choubey, Retd DE

  • 29.12.2009:UP STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS DIRECTOR OF POSTAL ACCOUNTS: Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, UP State Branch along with the Financial Secretary of Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA met the Director of Postal Accounts on 15.12.2009 to discuss the problems being faced by the retired BSNL Executives drawing pension through Post Offices. They requested for ensuring early implementation of the orders issued from time to time by the CCA, UP for payment of pension and revised IDA The Director, Postal Accounts assured them that these cases will be expedited.

  • 29.12.2009:HYDERABAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS PRINCIPAL CCA, AP CIRCLE: S/Shri N Koteswara Rao, President, B V Subbaiah, Secretary and Ch R K Murthy, EC Member of Hyderabad Branch of AP State met the Principal CCA, AP Circle on 21.12.2009 and discussed the various pending pensionary benefit related cases. The CCA, AP Circle was also present during the meeting. The representatives were assured that all these cases would be settled before 14.01.2010 i.e. the ensuing Pongal Day.

  • 25.12.2009: REVISION OF PENSION: After the meeting that Secretary (T) had with ITS Officers on 5.11.2009, DOT is reported to have waited for the response from them till November end and even issued a reminder thereafter. But finally, finding no change in the stance of the ITS Officers regarding the pre-conditions for their absorptions, a case is said to have been put up for the decision of the competent authority on the matter of absorption and revision of pension.

  • 23.12.2009: Revision of CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1939 - Constant Attendance Allowance: Based on the recommendations of VI CPC, Govt. has decided to revise the rates of Constant Attendance Allowance payable to civilian employees by 25% every time the dearness allowance in the revised pay bands goes up by 50%. [View orders......]

  • 14.12.2009: REVISED RULES FOR CALCULATION OF PENSION: DOP&PW issues orders preponing the date of effect of the revised provision to dispense with the condition for linkage of full pension with 33 years of qualifying service for grant of full pension from 2.9.2008 to 1.1.2006 [view orders.....]

  • 14.12.2009: REVISION OF PENSION: DOT is said to be still waiting for the response from the ITS Officers, who met Secretary (T) on 05.11.2009, regarding the main issues which need to be addressed before their absorption including payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern. It is expected that DOT may move further on the issue of revision of pension before this month end.

  • 14.12.2009: HYBERABAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS CGMT, AP CIRCLE: S/Shri N Koteswara Rao, President, B V Subbaiah, Secretary and Ch R K Murthy, EC Member of Hyderabad Branch (AP State) met Chief General Manager Telecom, AP Circle on 21.11.2009 and discussed the general problems of the members. The CGMT assured them to look into the issues raised by the Association and resolve them at the earliest.

  • 14.12.2009: REVISED RULES FOR CALCULATION OF PENSION: DOP&PW issues orders preponing the date of effect of the revised provision to dispense with the condition for linkage of full pension with 33 years of qualifying service for grant of full pension from 2.9.2008 to 1.1.2006 [view orders.....]

  • 14.12.2009: REVISION OF PENSION: DOT is said to be still waiting for the response from the ITS Officers, who met Secretary (T) on 05.11.2009, regarding the main issues which need to be addressed before their absorption including payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern. It is expected that DOT may move further on the issue of revision of pension before this month end.

  • 14.12.2009: HYBERABAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS CGMT, AP CIRCLE: S/Shri N Koteswara Rao, President, B V Subbaiah, Secretary and Ch R K Murthy, EC Member of Hyderabad Branch (AP State) met Chief General Manager Telecom, AP Circle on 21.11.2009 and discussed the general problems of the members. The CGMT assured them to look into the issues raised by the Association and resolve them at the earliest.

  • 07.12.2009:OBITUARY: Shri T N Som. a life member of AIBSNLREA, Raipur (Chhattisgarh State) Branch left for his heavenly abode on 3.12.2009. The members of the Branch deeply mourn his sudden and untimely death.

  • 03.12.2009:OBITUARY: Shri B.B. Chavan, retired CAO BSNL Nagpur expired on 29-11-2009. He retired on his superannuation on 31-05-2007 and was elected as the Vice President of the Nagpur Branch on 16-8-2009. He was also a life member of AIBSNLREA. The members of AIBSNLREA East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur deeply mourn the untimely death of Shri B.B.Chavan and pray to almighty to give sufficient strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in peace. [Message received from Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Nagpur]

  • 02.12.2009: GB MEETING OF KOLHAPUR (MAHARSTRA) BRANCH: The General Body meeting of the Branch was held on 27th Nov’2009 at Hotel Vrashali, Kolhapur. 19 new members have been enrolled in the meeting. They belong to nearby SSAs i.e Sangli and Satara. Meeting was sponsored by M/s Birla Sun Life MF, Bank Of India and Mr. Mahesh Ghatage, Financial Consultant, Kolhapur. In the meeting Secretary Shri D K Joshi explained the various activities of CHQ and other states of India in respect of formation of Branches. He also informed the issues that are being taken up by CHQ with the DOT and DOP&PW and gave the status of the same. He stressed the need for expansion of the Association and asked the members to contact their friends in Aurangabad, Nashik, Solapur,Jalagaon and other areas and form the Branches. 19 new members were enrolled in this meeting who belong to nearby areas i.e Sangli and Satara. The House also unanimously elected following two Organizing Secretaries to represent Satara and Sangli Areas:- Shri. S.G.Kanade DE for Sangli, and Shri. G.V.Nanajangud, AGM for Satara. Thereafter, Birla Sun Life & Bank Of India Executives presented their recent products which are suitable for the pensioners. The meeting ended with Vote of thanks by the Asst. Secretary and followed by Lunch

  • 26.11.2009:AGRA BRANCH (UP STATE) OF AIBSNLREA FORMED : A general body meeting of retired BSNL Executives of Agra District was held under the president ship of Shri V R Sharma on 22 Nov 09. Shri G R Chahar, Convener briefed the House on the various activities at CHQ level and also the salient features of constitution of AIBSNLREA. After general discussions, membership forms were filled up and branch committee of Agra Branch was formed with the following Office bearers elected unanimously :-
    President:                              Shri V R Sharma
    Vice President:                      S/Shri Jagdish Prasad andi Babu Ram
    Branch Secretary:                 Shri G R Chahar
    Asst Branch Secretary:         S/Shri Jyotiprasad and Rajkumar
    Financial Secretary:               Shri Bir singh
    Asst Financial secretary:       Shri M K Soor
    Org Secretary:                       Shri VP Tyagi
    Executive Member:                Shri AS yadav

  • 26.11.2009:FORMATION OF SRI GANGA NAGAR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA IN RAJASTHAN STATE: In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives held on 22.11.2009 at SRI GANGA NAGAR , a new Branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed. Following is the composition of the newly formed Branch Executive Committee:
    President:                          Shri O.N.SETH           09414318445
    Vice President:                  Shri O.P. SHARMA    09413951439
    Branch Secretary:             Shri PREM NATH       09414387844
    Asst Branch Secretary:     Shri M.L SHARMA    09461167611
    Financial Secretary:           Shri A.L.CHANDORA 09413395085
    Organizing Secretary:        Shri P.S.NARANG      09414432666
    Executive Members:           Shri G.S.BHATIA,      09414273696
                                                Shri B.L.SAHARAN,  0154-2481001
                                                Shri R.L.KAMRA       09413544222
    AUDITOR (Nominated):       Shri H.LAXMI NARAYAN       0154-2465888
    Shri B L Garg (contact No. 0154-2465888) was nominated as the Patron of the Branch.

  • 24.11.2009: RAIPUR (CHATISGARH STATE) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a General Body meeting of the retired BSNL Executives held on 26/10/2009 at Raipur, a new branch was formed . Elected office bearers of the Branch are as follows:--
    President :                     Shri P.Z.Chordia - Retd AGM (Swg plg)
    Vice President :             Shri S.K.Sharma - Retd D.E. (Vig)
    Vice President:              Shri S.K. Agrawal - Retd AGM(Admin)
    Secretary:                     Shri G.P.Pandey - Retd AGM(O)
    Asst Secretary :           Shri N.C.Malik - Retd D.E.(Tx)
    Asst.Secretary:            Shri B.L.Sahu - Retd DE(Mob)
    Financial Secretary:      Shri R.K. Sharma - Retd D.E.(Phones)
    Asst Fin. Secretary:      Shri M.K.Golani - Retd D.E.(Phones)
    Org. Secretary:             Shri J.L. Chatterjee - Retd D.E. (TAX)
    Org. Secretary:             Shri S.D.Diwan - Retd D.E.(Phones)
    Executives:                   S/Shri A.R.Khair, S.N. Sinha, D.K.Pandey and V.P.Singh

  • 23.11.2009: DOT’S PROPOSAL FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS ON CDA PATTERN: DOT is yet to seek the official views of the concerned Ministries for their incorporation in the proposed Cabinet Memo to seek its approval for revision of pension of the absorbed DOT employees retired from BSNL/MTNL on CDA pattern. We had earlier reported that DOT may move further on the proposal only after some discussions are held at the highest level. As we have learned that there was a discussion between CMD of BSNL and MTNL with Member (F) in the first week of this month. This was followed by a meeting taken by Secretary (T) with ITS Association on 5th November 2009. As all know that revision of pension on CDA pattern is an ITS demand and some Executives’ Associations, two from BSNL and one from MTNL, including some non-Executives’ Unions had lent their support to this demand of ITS Officers terming it as their “genuine concern”. It is gathered that during this meeting Secretary (T) wanted to be sure whether the ITS Officers would take absorption or not in case the Government agrees for revision of pension on CDA pattern. It is said that during the meeting ITSA placed many demands like continuation of CDA pay scales, revision of pension on CDA pattern, absorption from prospective date, removal of DPE norm on ceiling for perks/allowances, special pays and many other demands which were earlier rejected even at the cabinet level. The Official side is understood to have expressed difficulties to move to the cabinet again on all the proposals which were rejected earlier and asked the Association to identify only two/three specific issues which could be again taken up with cabinet. The Association thereafter asked three weeks time to respond to this. Accordingly, they are supposed to clear their position by this month end. In case the ITS Association creates the condition to continue the present stalemate to remain on deputation, DOT might not move further to seek cabinet approval for revision of pension on CDA pattern and may even move to DPE/DOP&PW regarding revision of pension on IDA pattern. Thus, we hopefully expect that the position in the matter of revision of pension will be clear by December 2009.

  • 23.11.2009: LONG PENDING RE-FIXATION OF PENSION RELATED CASES WITH VARIOUS CCAs: During the meeting that we had with Secretary (T) on 20.11.2009, we were asked by him to submit the cases of above nature which are not being settled by different CCAs. We would now request all the affected pensioners retired from BSNL to address to the concerned CCA with copy sent direct to the Secretary (T). A copy of the representation may also be sent to this Association, so that we may submit a consolidated list along with the copies of these representations to Secretary (T). This will not only help the affected persons to get their problems settled, but also make the offices of all the CCAs to be more responsive.

  • 20.11.2009: MEETING WITH SECRETARY (TELECOM): In response to the request by our Association, Secretary (T) Shri P J Thomas granted us an interview. The meeting took place today at 11.00 Hrs. The discussions continued for half an hour. We took up following issues with him and presented a brief on those issues for consideration:- (1) Non-revision of pension/family pension of the absorbed BSNL Executives retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.12.2006, (2) Merger of 50% IDA with basic pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.12.2006. (3) Non-treatment of absorbed retired BSNL Executives who have served more than 20 years in DOT and residing in MTNL served areas in the "DOT category" for the purpose of billing of concessional residential telephone connections, (4) Abnormal delay in settling the re-fixation of pension, payment of gratuity etc by the various Controllers of Communication Accounts and other administrative sections of DOT and (5) Ensuring timely endorsement of DPE Orders regrding changes in IDA rates. He heard us and assured to get them examined. In regard to revision of pension, he stated that the issue is under consideration and approval of the Government will be required.

  • 17.11.2009: NON IMPLEMENTATION OF DPE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING EFFECTIVE MERGER OF 78.2% OF IDA WITH BASIC PAY: TA-I Section of DOT has sent our representation regarding non implementation of DPE instructions for effective merger of 78.2% of IDA with basic pay of the BSNL Executives for the purpose of fitment and pay fixation in revised IDA pay scales to DDG(SU), DOT for taking further necessary action. Our said representation dated 22.09.2009 is already available in this site. [view the letter from DOT.....]

  • 13.11.2009: AIBSNLREA, UP STATE BRANCH MEETS CCA, LUCKNOW: UP State Branch of AIBSNLREA represented by S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary and S N Tripathi, Branch Secretary, Lucknow discussed the issues related to early payment of DCRG and re-fixation of pension on last pay drawn for the pensioners retired on or after 1.1.2006 with S/Shri B B Singh, CCA and Sanjai Kumar, Jt CCA Lucknow on 3.11.2009. The CCA assured them for early action on the matter.

  • 11.11.2009: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH STAGES DHARNA: West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA organized a demonstration and Dharna on 29-10-2009 to protest against anti-pensioners’ attitude of Mr. D.R.Nongrum, Principal CCA Kolkata. The Executive Members along with other directly suffering pensioners participated in the Dharna program at the Telephone Bhavan Kolkata. The aggrieved members strongly protested against the discriminatory action of arbitrary deduction from DCRG of twenty BSNL Pensioners and demanded immediate release of the withheld amount of DCRG. The association registered its strong protest against the delay and callous attitude of the principle CCA Kolkata in settling the refixation of Pension/family pension due from 1.1.2006. The association also submitted a memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Minister of communication and others demanding immediate intervention.

  • 06.11.2009: MERGER OF 50% DEARNESS RELIEF WITH BASIC PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED BETWEEN 1,10.2000 AND 31.12.2006:  TA-I Section of DOT has forwarded our representation on the above to the DDG(Estt), DOT for necessary action. [View the letter………]

  • 05.11.2009: JODHPUR (RAJASTHAN) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives held at Jodhpur on 26th October 2009 under the President ship of Shri O P Agarwal, a branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed. Twenty nine members present in the meeting enrolled themselves as the Life Members of the Association. The Office Bearers of the Branch are as follows: Shri O P Agarwal (President), Shri K C Patwari, Secretary and Shri Y K Gupta (Financial Secretary).

  • 04.11.2009: ADOPTION OF UNIFORM METHOD FOR CALCULATION OF ANNUAL LIMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON OUTDOOR TREATMENT: AIBSNLREA requests CMD, BSNL issue clarification to calculate the limit based on 30 days a month basis to avoid anomaly and discrimination. [ View the letter.......]

  • 03.11.2009: CABINET MEMO FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES ON CDA PATTERN: It is learnt that a high level meeting has been proposed to be held in a couple of days time in DOT to have internal discussion on the proposal for revision of pension of absorbed BSNL pensioners on CDA pattern. As we reported earlier that a note is ready for over a month for circulation among the concerned Ministries to get their official views for incorporation in the Cabinet Memo. Further action to be taken on the present move would be known thereafter.

  • 30.10.2009: BSNLMRS - GUIDELINES FOR REGULATION OF EXPENDITURE ON INDOOR TREATMENT - CASES WHERE NO CGHS RATES ARE PRESCRIBED FOR ANY TREATMENT/PROCEDURE: BSNL has issued guidelines for regulation of expenditure on indoor treatment where no CGHS rates are prescribed for any treatment/procedure.  [Click Here for guidelines.....]

  • 26.10.2009: FORMATION OF UJJAIN BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA IN MP STATE: In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives held on 10.10.2009 at Ujjain (MP State), a new Branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed. Following is the composition of the newly formed Branch Executive Committee:
    President ….                        Shri B L Soni.
    Vice President ….                Shri Bhagwati Prasad.
    Branch Secretary ….           Shri S R Pharkya.
    Asst Branch Secretary …   Shri M M Ansari.
    Financial Secretary ….        Shri S C Pandey
    Organising Secretary …      Shri R C Jain.
    Executive Members …   S/Shri P S Pandya, N L Hardiya, M I Nagori, P N Parmar.

  • 23.10.2009: BSNL revises limit for out-door medical treatment for retired BSNL Executives: BSNL has issued orders revising the limit for out-door medical treatment for retired BSNL Executives at par with Executives in service.  For Executives who retired prior to 1.1.2007 in pre-revised IDA scales, status quo will continue. [Click Here for orders...]

  • 23.10.2009:BSNL endorses DPE orders revising IDA rate: 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 18.5% to 25.3%. [Click Here...]

  • 23.10.2009: BSNL endorses DPE orders revising IDA rate: BSNL has endorsed DPE orders revising IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f.1.1.1997, raising the IDA from 100% to 111.6%. [Click Here...]

  • 22.10.2009:REVISION OF PENSION: The DOT’s note proposing circulation of its proposal for revision of pension of BSNL pensioners on CDA pattern to the concerned Ministries to get their official views is said to be still to be approved by Secretary (T). It is further reported that there could be some internal discussions before the issue is sorted out at the present stage.

  • 22.10.2009:REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.10.2009: 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 18.5% to 25.3%.  [Click Here for DPE orders...]

  • 22.10.2009:REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.10.2009: 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 100% to 111.6%. [Click Here for DPE orders...]

  • 15.10.2009:HYDERABAD (AP STATE) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL held on 14.10.2009 at Hyderabad, a new Branch has been formed. The meeting was held at Ashman Mahal and was addressed by S/Shri M R S Prakasa Rao, AGS (CHQ) and Surya Prakasam, AP State Secretary. The elected body is as under:
    President:                         Shri N Koteswararao.
    Vice President:                  S/Shri M Eswararao and V Sridhararao.
    Branch Secretary:             Shri B V Subbaiah.
    Asst Branch Secretaries:  S/Shri P H Prasadarao and P Pandurangarao.
    Financial Secretary :         Shri V Laxamaiah.
    Executives:                        S/Shri R Papaiah, N Sivaiah, Swamydas, N V R Bose,
    Samuel Raju, Ch V A Sanyasi rao, Ratnagopal Rao, V Ganga Rao, J L Manohar, V B Sastry, K S Koteswara Rao.
    Auditor (Nominated) :       Shri M N Rao.

  • 12.10.2009: REVISION OF CDA RATES : DPE has issued orders revising the CDA rates from 22% to 27% w.e.f. 1.7.2009 for the Employees drawing pay in CDA pattern in the PSUs in which revised CDA pay scales w.e.f. 1.1.2006 have been implemented. Orders for revision of IDA rates for the PSU Employees w.e.f. 1.10.2009 are expected to be issued shortly.

  • 04.10.2009: AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF MERGER OF 50% IDA WITH BASIC PENSION OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED BETWEEN 1.10.2000 AND 31.122.2006 WITH SHRI P J THOMAS, SECRETARY (T): AIBSNLREA has taken up the issue of merger of 50% Dearness Relief (IDA) with Basic Pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.12.2006 with new Secretary (T) Shri P J Thomas. The representation is supported by the Order issued by Department of Shipping for similar benefit to Port and Dock Pensioners and also its Order issued for merger of 50% IDA with basic pay of the Port and Dock Employees. [ View the letter........]

  • 03.10.2009: AIBSNLREA ADDRESSES TO SHRI P J THOMAS, SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION REFERRING TO ITS EARLIER REPRESENTATION REQUESTING TO DROP THE DRAFT CABINET MEMO FOR CIRCULATION AMONG THE CONERNED MINISTRIES PROPOSING REVISION OF PENSION OF BSNL PENSIONERS ON CDA PATTERN BY ENCLOSING THE COPY OF THE LETTER FROM MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS & WATER RESOURCES TO SHRI A RAJA, MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & IT: Shri P J Thomas, Secretary(T) has again been addressed regarding the DOT's proposal for revision of pension of BSNL pensioners on CDA pattern in place of IDA pattern which is being opposed by AIBSNLREA from the day one. The copy of the letter from Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Water Resources to Shri A Raja, Minister of Communications & IT enclosing a similar representation and requesting to consider the same sympathetically has been submitted. [ View the letter........]

  • 03.10.2009: AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SHRI P J THOMAS, SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION TO DROP THE DRAFT CABINET MEMO FOR CIRCULATION AMONG THE CONCERNED MINISTRIES PROPOSING REVISION OF PENSION OF BSNL PENSIONERS ON CDA PATTERN: AIBSNLREA has since taken up the above issue with the new Secretary (T) Shri P J Thomas. [ View the letter........]

  • 02.10.2009: OBITUARY: Shri D.R.Gajbhiye, retired Sr SDE BSNL Nagpur expired on 29-9-2009. He retired from service only on 31-05-2009 and became the life member of AIBSNLREA, East Vidharbha Branch. He even attended the last AGB of Nagpur Branch on 16-8-2009. AIBSNLREA deeply mourn his untimely demise and pray to the Almighty to give sufficient strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in peace.

  • 30.09.2009: CABINET MEMO FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES ON CDA PATTERN: DOT’s draft Cabinet Memo proposing revision of pension of absorbed BSNL pensioners on CDA pattern, on the lines of DOP&PW OM dated 19.09.2003, which was moved for circulation among the concerned Ministries to get their official views has already been finalized but not yet been cleared by the Secretary (Telecom) who retires today. The file is expected to be put up to the new Secretary (Telecom) when he assumes charge. We will continue to oppose the move. We now find that a few Organizations, which initially supported the move and were skeptical about our stand, have now fallen in line with our stand.

  • 30.09.2009: UP STATE BRANCH MEETS MEMBER (FINANCE): Our Uttar Pradesh State Branch representatives comprising of S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, State Financial Secretary Shri Ambika Singh and the Financial Secretary of Lucknow Branch met Smt Vijayalakshmi K Gupta, Member (Finance) on 26.09.2009 at Lucknow and submitted a Memorandum requesting early revision of pension of the past absorbed pensioners who retired from BSNL.

  • 23.09.2009: AIBSNLREA ADDRESSES MOC&IT FOR MERGER OF 50% OF DEARNESS RELIEF WITH BASIC PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 1.10.2000 AND 31.12.2006 CITING THE CASE OF PORT AND DOCK PENSIONERS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF SHIPPING: AIBSNLREA takes up with MOC&IT Shri A Raja and others (including Prime Minister of India) for immediate extension of benefit of merger of 50% of Dearness Relief with basic pension of the BSNL pensioners including family pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2007 with a new point that this benefit has already been extended to the Port and Dock pensioners under the Ministry of Shipping, Transport and Roadways. Copy of the Orders issued by Department of Shipping has also been enclosed. [ View the letter.........., View the Dept of Shipping Order........... ]

  • 23.09.2009: AIBSNLREA WRITES TO MOC&IT REGARDING NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF DPE OM DATED 02.04.2009 FOR EFFECTIVE MERGER OF 78.2% OF IDA FOR THE PURPOSE OF FITMENT AND FIXATION OF PAY IN REVISED IDA PAY SCALES: AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Shri A Raja, MOC&IT with copy endorsed to others including Prime Minister of India for implementation of DPE OM No. 2(70)/08-DPE(WC)-GL-VII/09 dated 02.04.2009 in BSNL since this has an impact on fixation of pension of the Executives retiring after 1.1.2007 and also revision of pension/family pension of the pensioners retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.12.2006. [ View the letter..........]

  • 23.09.2009: SMT VIJAYALAKSHMI K GUPTA JOINS AS MEMBER (FINANCE), TELECOM COMMISSION: Smt Vijayalakshmi K Gupta has taken over the charge of Member (Finance) following retirement of her predecessor Shri R Ashok. AIBSNLREA has since welcomed her appointment and congratulated her.          [ View the letter........]

  • 21.09.2009: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE FORWARDS THE SAVINGRAMS SENT BY BSNL RETIREES TO MOC&IT: The Savingram campaign that we launched requesting intervention of Hon'ble Prime Minister regarding merger of 50% IDA with the pension and revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners did receive the attention of Prime Minister's Office and these have been forwarded to Minister of Communications & IT. An acknowledgment, in this regard, has been received by our State Secretary, Uttar Pradesh. [ View the letter ...................]

  • 19.09.2009: KOLHAPUR (MAHARASHTRA STATE) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives held in Kolhapur in Telephone Bhavan, Kolhapur; on 16th Sept’2009, it was decided to form Branch of the Association. Accordingly following office bearers are unanimously elected for the comimg year.
    President:                                 Shri. R P Kulkarni Rtd. DE Kolhapur
    Vice-President:                         Shri.G L Joshi Rtd.JTO Kolhapur
    Secretary:                                 Shri. D K Joshi Rtd.DE Kolhapur
    Asst.Secretary                         Shri. P S Kulkarni Rtd.AGM Kolhapur
    Financial Secretary                   Shri.A K Kulkarni Rtd.AGM Kolhapur
    Asst. Financial Secretary:        Shri.S G Mahajan Rtd. DE Sangli
    Executive Member :                  Shri.S M Vaidy Rtd. DE Kolhapur

  • 19.09.2009: KRISHNA DISTRICT (ANDHRA PRADESH STATE) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: Sixty retired BSNL Executives from Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh assembled at New P&T community Hall, Patamata, Vijayawada on 17th September, 2009 at 1000 hrs to form the Krishna District Branch of All India BSNL Retired Executives’ Association. Shri N R K Murthy, Retired DGM (Finance) presided over the function. Shri M RS Prakasa Rao, AGS, AIBSNLREA (CHQ) attended the meeting as Chief Guest and addressed the gathering regarding the problems of retired Executives of BSNL. In his presence, the following office bearers were elected for Krishna District Branch of AIBSNLREA:-
    President                           :Shri R K Hema Kumar, Retd. DE
    Vice-Presidents                 :Shri V Subba Rao, Retd. DE
    :                                         : Shri C S R Murthy, Retd. DE
    Branch Secretary              : Shri K K R N Poornachandra Rao, Retd. SDE
    Asst. Branch Secretaries :  Shri U Sesha Rao
                                              : Shri K Sambasiva Rao
                                              : Shri D Rama Mohana Rao
    Financial Secretary           : Shri T Satyanarayana
                                              : Shri I Satya Murthy
    Organising Secretaries      : Shri G Venkata Rao
                                               : Shri A S L Prasad
    Executive Members            : S/Shri K Surya Chandra Rao, G Venkateswarlu
                                                   K Sangameswara Rao and N Srinivasulu

  • 17.09.2009: REVISION OF PENSION OF PAST PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED FROM BSNL: DOT is yet to finalize the Cabinet Memo seeking approval for revision of pension in CDA pattern. Absorption of the ITS Group A Officers is being linked with this proposal. We are objecting to this move from the very beginning and demanding immediate revision of pension of the absorbed pensioners who retired between 1.10.2000 to 31.12.2006 on IDA pattern. Now we find that Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Hon’ble Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Water Resources, Government of India has forwarded our representation to Shri A Raja, Minister of Communications & IT to consider our representation sympathetically. We are thankful to him. [View the letter....]

  • 17.09.2009: CHANDIGARH BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL held on 15.09.2009 at Chandigarh, in presence of All India Joint Secretary Shri Lokesh Chopra, a branch of AIBSNLREA was formed. Burning issues viz IDA merger and revision of pension were discussed in the meeting. Shri Lokesh Chopra, Jt. Seceretary (North) highlighted the efforts taken by the C.H.Q. AIBSNLREA in getting justice. Following is the composition of the Chandigarh Branch:
    PRESIDENT                              Shri M.D. Bhasin Retd AGM        +91 9417500900
    VICE PRESIDENT                     Shri G.L. Sethi Retd AGM             0172-2566523
    SECRETARY                            Shri M.K. Kalra Retd DE               +919417380038
    ASSTT SECRETARY                 Shri V.K. Sharma Retd DE             0172-2673102
    FINANCIAL SECRETARY          Shri K.L. Vaid Retd AGM              +91 9463503040
    ASST FINANCE SECRETARY    Shri J.L. Khanna Retd SDE           +91 9417600051
    EXECUTIVE MEMBER               Shri K.C. Bhagat Retd DGM         +91 9417380055
    EXECUTIVE MEMBER               Shri A.K. Soni Retd DE                   0172-2728485
    EXECUTIVE MEMBER               Shri K.L. Sharma Retd SDE            0172-2655909
    EXECUTIVE MEMBER               Shri R.C. Sharma Retd SDE           0172-2021222
    EXECUTIVE MEMBER               Shri R.P. Gupta Retd ADT            +919872635738

  • 11.09.2009: GORAKHPUR (UP STATE) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL held on 07.09.2009 at Gorakhpur in UP State, in the presence of UP State Secretary Shri R S Arora, a branch of AIBSNLREA was formed. Following is the composition of the Branch:
    President :                               Shri M U Khan.
    Vice Presidents :                     Shri R R Mani and R N Singh.
    Secretary :                              Shri Khajanchi Prasad.
    Asst Secretaries :               S/Shri Samiullah, R N Burnwal, J P Dhar Dwivedi and
                                                    Murali Lal Srivastava.
    Organizing Secretaries :         Shri R Z A Khan and Jawahar Lal.
    Financial Secretary :               Shri.Md Habib.
    Asst Financial Secretary :       Shri J N Pandey.
    Executive Members :             S/Shri Surendra Singh, R N Tewari, Ram Paul     Yadav, S I A Zaidi, Babu Lal and Mool Chand.

  • 11.09.2009: ODISSA STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A General Body meeting of the retired BSNL Executives in Odissa was held at RTTC Campus, Bhubaneswar on 23.08.2009. The meeting was presided over by Shri Gobardhan Mishra, Retd DE. The participants discussed various problems being faced by the BSNL pensioners. Shri B K Singh, Retd SDE high lighted the efforts being made by the CHQ to protect the interests of the absorbed retired Employees of BSNL in general and the Executives in particular. Afterwards, the State Body of AIBSNLREA, Odissa State was formed with the following Office Bearers:-
    President :                                Shri Gobardhan Mishra, Retd DE
    Vice President :                        Shri Maheswar Biswal, Retd CAO
    State Secretary :                     Shri Bijoy Kumar Singh, Retd SDE
    Asst State Secretary :             Shri Ramesh Chandra Rout, Retd AD
    Financial Secretary :                 Shri B K Sahoo, Retd DGM(Finance)
    Organizing Secretary :             Shri R S Patra, Retd DE
    Executive Member :                  Shri S K Brahma, Retd DE
    S/Shri J R N Prusty, Retd DE, D L Das, Retd AGM, and R N Samal, Retd AGM were nominated as Advisers.

  • 09.09.2009: BSNL ENDORSES DOT'S CLARIFICATION ON APPLICABILITY OF REVISED RULES OF CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972: BSNL has endorsed DOT's Letter No. 40-31/2008-Pen(T) dated 12.08.2009 to all field units and others vide its No 40-18/2008-Pen(B) dated 31.08.2009 regarding Applicability of revised rules of CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 consequent to 6th CPC to the Government employees absorbed in BSNL- Clarification reg. [View BSNL endorsement] [View the DoT order]

  • 09.09.2009: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HOLDS GB MEETING: West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its GB Meeting at 13.00 Hrs on Tuesday Sept 15, 2009 at Telegraph Institute, CTO Building, BBD Bagh, Kolkata. All retired BSNL Executives have been invited to attend the GB Meeting.

  • 08.09.2009: AGB of AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur: Annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur was held at Amenity Block,CTO Compound Nagpur on 16-08-2009. The meeting was chaired by Shri N.G.Talewar, Branch President. Shri S.H.Gujar Dy General Manager (Finance) BSNL Nagpur was the chief invitee. Shri P.R.Bhujbal, Secretary placed his annual report in the house and highlighted all the important major issues including revision of pension related issues, 6th CPC benefits regarding calculation of emoluments for pension/family pension, DCRG ceiling limit, commutation of pension, qualifying service which have been extended to erstwhile DOT employees absorbed in BSNL under Rule-37 Revised CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 w.e.f. 1-1-2006. Members of Nagpur Branch extended special thanks to CHQ New Delhi for this fruitful achievement. The struggle for 50 % IDA merger with basic pay wef 1-1-2007, and IDA pension revision for Pre January 2007 BSNL Retirees still continues. Association expects favorable decision from Department of Telecommunication in near future. The meeting was attended by large number of members. On the day of the AGB, 34 new life members were enrolled, thus taking the total strength of life members of Nagpur Branch to 101.
    The existing adhoc body was dissolved after completion of one year term and the house unanimously elected the following body for the next term. The election was conducted under the guidance of Shri S L Dravekar CHQ Organizing Secretary (West).

    Shri N G Talewar, Retd DGM                               President
    Shri V W Patil, Retd DE                                      Vice president
    Shri B B Chavan, Retd CAO                                Vice president
    Shri P R Bhujbal, Retd Sr SDE                            Branch Secretary
    Shri P K Roy, Retd DE                                        Asst Secretary
    Shri R B Wagh, Retd DE                                     Asst Secretary
    Shri G S Chaware, Retd SDE                              Asst Secretary
    Shri S S Peshane, Retd JTO                               Asst Secretary
    Shri B P Majumdar, Retd Sr SDE                        Financial secretary
    Shri M N Gajbhiye, Retd Sr SDE                         Asst Financial secretary
    Shri N K Jhamb, Retd DE                                    Organizing Secretary
    Shri S N Kulkarni, Retd DE                                 Organizing Secretary
    Shri R R Gadpal, Retd Sr SDE                       Executive Member
    Shri S V Adbe, Retd Sr SDE                         Executive Member
    Shri Rashid khan, Retd DE                           Executive Member
    Shri S D Ghuse, Retd DE                              Executive Member
    Shri S K Roy, Retd DE                                  Executive Member
    Shri V J limje, Retd JTO                                Executive Member
    Mis R P Sarpotdar Sr SDE                            Executive Member
    Shri M S Bagde, Retd DE                              Executive Member
    Shri B S Kanoje, Retd CAO                           Executive Member

  • 08.09.2009:LUDHIANA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL held on 25.07.2009 at Ludhiana (Punjab), a branch of AIBSNLREA was formed with the following Office Bearers:
    President:                  Shri Jita Sngh, Retd DGM
    Vice President:          Shri H S Gulati, Retd CAO
    Secretary:                 Shri Amarjit Singh, Retd DE
    Financial Secretary:   Shri K S Gill, Retd SDO

  • 02.09.2009: DISCUSSION WITH JOINT SECRETARY (T), DEPARTMENT OF TELECOM ON REVISION OF PENSION OF THE BSNL RETIREES BETWEEN 1.10.2000 TO 31.12.2006: We had discussed the issue regarding revision of pension of the absorbed retired BSNL pensioners drawing pension on IDA pattern with Joint Secretary (T), Deptt of Telecom yesterday i.e on 01.09.2009. It was informed that DOT would move to the Cabinet for approval of its proposal for revision of pension on CDA pattern. It was further clarified that DOT would include the views/comments of three Departments i.e. DOP&PW, DLA (Ministry of Law & Justice) and Deptt of Expenditure in its Cabinet Memo. It was confirmed that this proposal is based on the line of DOP&PW's OM dated 19.09.2003. It was also stated that DOP&PW is of the view that its OM dated 19.09.2003 was an one time affair. He said that at present there is no order for neutralization and revision of of pension of those absorbed after 2000. We pointed out that the OM dated 19.09.2003 was issued to remove the hurdles that came in the way of implementation of another OM dated 10.02.1998 issued by DOP&PW to provide equal neutralization and equal fitment benefit for revision of pension of the absorbed PSU employees. Once these benefits were extended to the past pensioners as on 1.1.1996, the future retirees automatically are extended the benefit of equal neutralization and equal fitment benefit in revision of pension as available to the serving employees. We also quoted the cases of other PSUs where revision of pension is being allowed on IDA pattern. We stressed that our pension and other pensionary benefits are the same as available to the Central Government Employees under different provisions of CCS (Pension Rules) 1972 with the exception that it has to be on IDA pattern. Rule-37-A of CCS (Pension) Rules, which mainly speaks about payment of pension by the Government to the absorbed BSNL Employees and through Trusts for the other PSUs, has specified that payment of pension and DA relief have to be on IDA pattern only. Thus, DOT's proposal to move to the Cabinet for payment and revision of pension on CDA pattern will complicate and delay the matter. We also requested to examine the points raised in our letter to Minister of State for C & IT for immediate revision of pension on IDA pattern with open mind which he agreed to do. [Click Here for our letter dated 27.8.09 to MoS for C&IT]

  • 31.08.2009: DOT DECIDES TO CLOSE THE CASE FOR EXTENDING BENEFIT OF 50% IDA MERGER WITH PENSION OF THE BSNL RETIREES BETWEEN 1.10.2000 TO 31.12.2006: DOT has finally decided to close the proposal for extending the benefit of 50% IDA merger with effect from 1.1.2007 with pension of the Government Employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired before 2007. It appears that the decision has been taken with the approval of Secretary (T) and MOC & IT. We had, already, reported in our posting in this website on 17.08.2009 that DOT was in no mood to extend this benefit on the pretext of first to finalize the decision for payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern.

  • 31.08.2009: DHANBAD BRANCH (JHARKHAND) OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A General Body meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL at Dhanbad was held on 24.07.2009 under the president ship of Shri S R Sahu, Retired DE at Hotel Pragati Plaza, Dhanbad. Following Office Bearers were elected unanimously:- President:                           Shri P Choudhary, Retd DE.
    Vice Presidents:                 S/Shri P Singh, Retd DE and B S Pandey, Retd DE
    Branch Secretary:              Shri Rama Y N Parmar, Redt DE.
    Asst Branch Secretaries:   S/ Shri S K Verma, Retd DE and N K Das, Retd SDE
    Financial Secretary:            Shri N Chakraborty, Retd DE.
    Asst Financial Secretary:    Shri B N Prasad, Retd DE.
    Organising Secretaries:      S/Shri B P Agarwal, Retd SDE and
                                                G R Sharma, Retd SDE
    Branch Executives:             S/Shri S D Pathak, Retd Director, S R Sahu, Retd DE, K N Prasad, Retd DE and Hanuman Ram, Retd JTO.

  • 29.08.2009: EXTENDING BENEFIT OF 50% IDA MERGER WITH PENSION OF THE BSNL RETIREES BETWEEN 1.10.2000 TO 31.12.2006: A communication dated 24.08.2009 now received from Department of Telecommunication confirms that it was considering a proposal for extending the benefit of 50% IDA merger with effect from 1.1.2007 with pension of the Government Employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired before 2007. The file containing the above proposal, which was re-submitted to DOP&PW, has been received back in DOT. "This is now under submission to Secretary (T), MOC & IT with DoP&PW and DPE's stand on the issue." This position we had, however, reported in our posting in this website on 17.08.2009. Meanwhile, our Petition dated 19.08.2009 which was submitted to the President of India regarding 50% IDA merger and revision of pension issue has been forwarded to DOT. [Please refer our posting dated 19.08.2009 in this site.]

  • 29.08.2009: JHARKHAND STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A General Body meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL was held on 18.08.2009 in the Telephone Exchange campus at Ranchi and it was decided to form Jharkhand State Branch of AIBSNLREA. Accordingly, election of State Office Bearers was conducted. Following Office Bearers were elected unanimously:-
    President:                    Shri B N Jaraka, Retd AGM
    Vice President:            Shri Pandey Vidyavart, Retd AGM.
    State Secretary:         Shri G P Sah, Retd SDE.
    Asst State Secretary: Shri M K Sharma, Retd ADT.
    Financial Secretary:     Shri Surendra Prasad, Retd DE.
    Organising Secretary:  Shri C B Ojha, Retd DE.

  • 27.08.2009:DOT's surprising move to seek approval of Cabinet to its unjust proposal for payment and revision of pension on CDA pattern to the ex-Employees of DOT, DTO and DTS absorbed in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited now entitled for pay and pension on IDA pattern and denial of revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL Executives retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.12.2006: Hon'ble Minister of State for Communications & IT addressed on the issue:'We are surprised to learn that Department of Telecommunication has decided to seek approval of the Cabinet for payment and revision of pension on CDA (Central Dearness Allowance) pattern to the absorbed Employees in BSNL/MTNL who are now entitled for pay and pension on IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) pattern as per provisions under Rule 37-A of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972. We further understand that this move by Department of Telecommunication is on the behest of very negligible number of residual ITS Group A Officers who have not taken absorption in BSNL/MTNL and hold important policy making positions, though over 3.5 lakhs employees belonging to Group B, C and D Services including Group A Officers from all other disciplines of DoT/DTO/DTS have already got themselves absorbed.'[Click Here to view the letter.....]

  • 21.08.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED RULES WITH EFFECT FROM 01.01.2006 WITH REFERENCE TO 6th CPC ON ENHANCED AMOUNT OF DCRG, CALCULATION OF EMOLUMENTS FOR PENSION/FAMILY PENSION, COMMUTATION OF PENSION AND QUALIFYING SERVICE TO EX-DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL: In our earlier posting on 15.08.2009, we had suggested that commutation on additional amount of pension that would be due on re-fixation of pension on last pay drawn, as allowed in Para 9.3 of DOP&PW's OM No. 38/37/2008-P&PW(A) dated 02.09.2009 it will be advisable to give option not to seek commutation on additional amount of pension. Subsequently, we have received some queries on this issue. It is further clarified that the revised commutation table when applied on the additional amount of commutable pension will fetch lesser amount compared to what would have been receivable had the pre-revised table been applied. Since on re-fixation of pension on last pay drawn (if it is more beneficial), the amount of commutable pension would be very negligible and therefore our suggestion was not to opt for commutation on that amount to avoid financial loss - though the amount is meager. However, those who are to get re-fixation of pension due to revision of IDA pay scale and on last pay drawn have to take decision keeping in view of their requirement.

  • 20.08.2009: APPLICABILITY OF DOP&PW OM NO. 4/14/2001-P&PW(D) DATED 19.9.2003 REGARDING RE-FIXATION OF PENSION OF THE CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN PSUs/CABs: There are misconceptions in the minds of many about the relevance and applicability of the above OM in respect of the pensioners from BSNL. DOP&PW has already clarified under RTI Act 2005 that the said OM is applicable to those absorbed employees who were drawing pension on 1.1.1996. But no pensioner from BSNL was drawing pension on that day, since BSNL came into existence only w.e.f. 01.10.2000. Further, the background of the issue of the OM would further confirm that this is in sequel to an earlier OM issued by DOP&PW dated 10.02.1998 to implement one very significant recommendation of the V Central Pay Commission and accepted by the Government regarding grant of equal dearness relief and fitment benefit to the pensioners retrospectively from 1st CPC era as available to the serving employees. While no problem was found in implementing the OM dated 10.02.1998 for the Central Government Employees, numerous difficulties were observed while implementing this OM for the absorbed employees in PSUs/CABs. The OM dated 19.09.2003 was issued only to overcome those problems. Once the said recommendation of the V CPC was implemented successfully through OM dated 10.02.1998 for the Central Government employees and subsequently for the Central Government Employees absorbed in the PSUs/CABs through issue of another OM dated 19.09.2003, both these OMs have lost their relevance and further application. Shri S Ratnasubramanian, Joint Secretary, AIBSNLREA has made a detailed and in-depth study on the matter and come out with an educative article on the subject. Please click here to view the same ........  [Click here for DOP&PW'S OM NO. 4/14/2001-P&PW(D) dated 19.09.2003  and for DOP&PW OM dated 10.02.1998.]

  • 19.08.2009: Petition to bestow justice to the ex-DOT/DTS/DTO employees absorbed in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and retired between 01.10.2000 and 31.12.2006 in the matter of merger of 50% IDA with basic pension and further revision of their pension/family pension consequent to revision of IDA pay scales of the BSNL Executives with effect from 01.01.2007: Hon'ble President of India addressed on this issue: 'Let Department of Telecommunication not continue to show their apathy, insensitiveness towards the retired employees who had sacrificed best part of their lives for the development and operation of telecommunication services in India and also dis-honor the Rules framed by the Government of India and other laid down principles on the instant issues.' [Click Here to view the letter}

  • 17.08.2009:  MERGER OF 50% IDA WITH BASIC PENSION AND REVISION OF PENSION FOR PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: The available information on the above two burning issues suggests that DOT is in no mood to settle them. DOT has by and large decided not to agree for merger of 50% IDA with basic pension of Pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. The plea now being taken is that unless the issue regarding revision of pension either on CDA pattern or IDA pattern is finalized, merger of 50% IDA in IDA pension can not be agreed to. The matter is now under submission for final decision. Regarding revision of Pension, DOT is said to have drafted a Cabinet Memo for payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern, despite its failure to get the support of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare and Department of Legal Affairs because of our constant vigil and active persuasion. This stubborn attitude of DOT to stick to its wrong decision for revision of pension on CDA pattern on the pretext to take care of ‘genuine concern’ of the unabsorbed ITS Officers is just not acceptable. We fail to understand how Government could agree to DOT’s views, after all pension rules are framed by DOP&PW and not by DOT. We shall move to all concerned to prevent the damage and ensure early revision of pension to all those who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.12.2006.
    In this backdrop, It is the irony that some Associations/Unions, in the guise of taking up the causes of the pensioners, are found playing dirty games. In this respect, posting of May 20, 2009 in this website may be referred wherein a shocking disclosure came to light that how some Associations/Unions were extending support to the stated ‘genuine concerns’ of ITS Officers for payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern at the cost of BSNL pensioners. After this disclosure, there had been some damage control actions. But as the proverb goes, one day or the other the cat will be out of the bag. Now only abouit a fortnight back, one Association of the BSNL Executives reported in their website that they had a discussion with Secretary (T) on revision of pension and DOT is about to send a cabinet note for revision of pension on IDA pattern only. It was not understood why at all a cabinet approval is required for revision of pension on IDA pattern when it is any how admissible as per the existing Rules. Some felt that perhaps DOT might have changed their mind. But the fact has now come out in open and it is confirmed that the Cabinet Memo being drafted was for revision of pension only on CDA pattern and not on IDA pattern as propagated by the said Association. We think that the Pensioners must take guard against such mischievous information.

  • 15.08.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED RULES WITH EFFECT FROM 01.01.2006 WITH REFERENCE TO 6th CPC ON ENHANCED AMOUNT OF DCRG, CALCULATION OF EMOLUMENTS FOR PENSION/FAMILY PENSION, COMMUTATION OF PENSION AND QUALIFYING SERVICE TO EX-DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL: DOT's revised order dated 12.08.2009 on the above matter is already posted in this website. There had been apprehension that DOT might not implement the revised Rules with effect from 01.01.2006. But we were confident from the very beginning that the date of implementation of the revised rules can not be deferred to a subsequent date i.e. 01.01.2007 as has been the talk among some people. Moreover, the clarification that was given by DOP&PW to DOT on the entire matter was under our possession [view the clarification ..........] which further strengthened our conviction. The implementation of the various amended provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 on the above matters is having greater significance to the absorbed ex-DOT Employees in BSNL. It is an indirect confirmation that they are covered under the various provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 in the same manner as the Central Government Employees are. In future, the Administrative Ministry need not seek clarification from DOP&PW for their applicability to the absorbed ex-DOT/DTS/DTO employees in BSNL.

    We are, however, apprehensive that some CCAs may ask for more clarifications, since there is a room for that in the Orders issued by DOT. But those will be duly taken care of. Regarding commutation on additional amount of pension that would be due on refixation of pension on last pay drawn, in our opinion, as allowed in Para 9.3 of DOP&PW's OM No. 38/37/2008-P&PW(A) dated 02.09.2008 it will be advisable to give option not to seek commutation on additional amount of pension.

  • 15.08.2009:APPLICABILITY OF DOP&PW'S OM NO. 4/14/2001-P&PW(D) DATED 19.09.2003 FOR REVISION OF PENSION ON PRE-SUMPTIVE CDA PAY SCALE: DOP&PW has since confirmed under the RTI Act 2005 that the provisions of the above OM for revision of pension of the absorbed Government Employees on pre-sumptive CDA pay scale is applicable to the Govt Employees absorbed in PSU/CAB and were drawing pension on 1.1.1996. This implies that the said OM is not applicable to the absorbed Govt Employees in BSNL which came into existence only on 1.10.2000. DOP&PW has also confirmed that a proposal from DOT for revision of pension of the absorbed Govt Employees in BSNL on pre-sumptive CDA pay scale in terms of the above stated OM has been examined in DOP&PW which was under submission to Ministry of Law & Justice.

  • 13.08.2009: DOT ISSUES REVISED ORDERS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED RULES WITH EFFECT FROM 01.01.2006 WITH REFERENCE TO 6th CPC ON ENHANCED AMOUNT OF DCRG, CALCUTATION OF EMOLUMENTS FOR PENSION/FAMILY PENSION, COMMUTATION OF PENSION AND QUALIFYING SERVICE TO EX-DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL WHOSE PENSIONARY BENEFITS ARE REGULATED UNDER RULE-37A OF CCS (PENSION): As reported us on 11.8.2009, DoT has issued the revised orders on applicability of revised rules of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 in respect of BSNL absorbed pensioners.[Click Here for the letter]

  • 11.08.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED RULES WITH EFFECT FROM 01.01.2006 WITH REFERENCE TO 6th CPC ON ENHANCED AMOUNT OF DCRG, CALCUTATION OF EMOLUMENTS FOR PENSION/FAMILY PENSION, COMMUTATION OF PENSION AND QUALIFYING SERVICE TO EX-DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL WHOSE PENSIONARY BENEFITS ARE REGULATED UNDER RULE-37A OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972: The much awaited revised Orders on the above is now expected to be issued shortly by DOT - possibly within this week or latest by next week unless any unforeseen development takes place.

  • 06.08.2009: UP STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND LUCKNOW BRANCH G B MEETING: The first Executive Committee meeting of AIBSNLREA, Uttar Pradesh State Branch was held on 28-07-09 at Shivaji Sabhaghar, Lucknow. The meeting was followed by the G.B. meeting of Lucknow Branch.of AIBSNLREA. More than 100 retired BSNL Executives attended the meeting. The meeting was graced by All India President Shri P.D.Shukla and General Secretary Shri S.Basu. The main issues which were discussed in the meeting were on non implementation of 6th pay commission recomendations on pension matters, early settlement of 50% merger of I. D.A, payment of pension on IDA pay scale etc. The General Secretary explained the status on those issues and also their significance. He also briefed the House about the action taken by AIBSNLREA to resolve the same. He also replied the queries raised by the members. l In addition to all India President Shri P D Shukla, other State Office bearers including S/Shri.S.N.Shukla, State President, .R.S.Arora, State Secretary,.Ambika Singh, Financial Secretary,.K.N.Gupta, Organising Secretary, P.P.Mishra, CWC member and the office bearers of Lucknow Branch, namely S/Shri.Y.S.Tripathi, Branch President, S.N.Tripathi, Branch Secretary, Radhey Shyam, Financial. Secretary and some other members addressed the House.    [ Click here for Press coverage….]

  • 06.08.2009: UDAIPUR BRANCH (RAJASTHAN STATE) OF AIBSNLREA FORMED : Udaipur Branch (Rajasthan State) of AIBSNLREA was formed on 07.07.2009 with the following Office Bearers:
    President :                  Shri Arun Gopal Naik, Retd DE                                            Vice President:           Shri.J M Awasthy, Retd. SDE
    Secretary:                  Shri Gaffar Mohd, Retd DE
    Financial Secretary:   Shri P C Jain, Retd SDE.

  • 04.08.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF DOP&PW OM DATED 02.09.2008 AMENDING SOME PROVISIONS OF CCS (PENSION ) RULES 1972, ENHANCED GRATUITY ETC W.E.F 01.01.2006: We had reported on 27.7.2009 that DoT constituted a committee to look into the issues involved; that the committee had submitted its report and that the report is to be approved by the members of Telecom Commission. The issue is now reported to be pending with DoT Finance. After approval by DoT Finance, orders are expected to be issued by DoT Pension Cell.

  • 02.08.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO THE PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: It is reliably learnt that DOP&PW has now sent the reply to the DOT’s latest reference on the above issue. The reply is said to be on the same line as was sent a few months back on a similar reference from DOT i.e. the decision on merger has to be taken by the Ministry only. It is to be seen whether DOT now takes a positive approach on this issue or not. Settlement of the issue now rests solely with DOT only.

  • 02.08.2009: KARNATAKA STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL was held on 26.07.2009 at Bangalore. The issues concerning the pensioners from BSNL were discussed at length. Finally, the Karnataka State Branch of AIBSNLREA was formed in the meeting and following members were elected to represent the Karnataka State Branch of AIBSNLREA:-
    President:                 Shri U.S.Krishnamurthy, Retd DGM (Admin) o/o CGMT KTK
    Vice-President:         Shri D.S.Seshadri, Retd. DGM CC, BGTD Bangalore
    Secretary:                Shri D.N.Rangaswamy, Retd. DE, BGTD, Bangalore
    Joint Secretary:        Shri N.Subramanya, Retd. DGM (F&A), Mysore Tele. Dist.
    Financial Secretary:  Shri C.Srinivasa Murthy, Retd ACAO, CGMT KTK
    Asst. Fin. Secretary: Shri H.V.Ramakrishnaiah, Retd. DGM IFA, MTNL Mumbai
    CEC Member:             Shri M.R.Hanumantha Rao, Retd DE, BGTD Bangalore
    Executive Commmitte Members: S/Shri G. Devaraj, Retd DE, BGTD Bangalore, B.K.Srivatsan, Retd DE, BGTD, Bangalore, N. Raghavendra, Retd. DGM (Vig), o/o CGMT KTK, K.Jayaram, Retd CAO, o/o the AMSE, BGTD, Bangalore.

  • 29.07.2009: REVISION OF PENSION FOR PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: We have reported on 27.07.2009 (Please refer the post dated 27.07.2009 on the same subject) that on the intervention of the Hon’ble Minister of Law & Justice a meeting was conducted in his office which was attended by the Officers from Department of Telecommunication in connection with a proposal moved by DOT proposing payment of pension and its revision for the Central Government Employees absorbed in BSNL on CDA pattern instead of IDA pattern. The intervention of the Hon’ble Minister of Law & Justice has finally broken the ice. The file containing the proposal of DOT, which was resting with Department of Legal Affairs for over last eight months, has now been moved to Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare. Though during this period some discussions among concerned Departments were held on the initiative of Department of Legal Affairs, no solution to the issue was in sight. This is an important breakthrough, since revision of pension of pre-2007 pensioners of BSNL will be decided only after the question of its revision either in IDA pattern or CDA pattern is resolved.

  • 27.07.2009: REVISION OF PENSION FOR PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: As we know that DOT had moved a proposal based on DOP&PW OM No. 4/14/2001-P&PW(D) dated 19.09.2003 for revision of pension of the Government Employees absorbed in BSNL on CDA pattern. We also came to know that DOP&PW has taken the view that the said Order is not applicable in case of BSNL. We tried our best to see that Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law & Justice ensure correct interpretation of Rules and DOT’s proposal is not accepted. This proposal has been pending with Department of Legal Affairs for over last eight months. Finally, we represented to Shri M Veerappa Moily, Minister of Law & Justice, Government of India vide our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2009/27 dated July 13, 2009 requesting his intervention so that the Department of Legal Affairs expedite settlement of the issue     [Please refer our post dated 13.07.2009]. Now we understand that the Hon’ble Minister of Law & Justice held a meeting a couple of days back in his office which was attended by the Officers from DOT. We hope that after this intervention of the Hon’ble Minister of Law & Justice, the matter will receive serious attention of those concerned.

  • 27.07.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO THE PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: DOT is still waiting for the response from DOP&PW to a reference made by it a few weeks back. We hope that this time DOP&PW would give clear advice to DOT on this issue.

  • 27.07.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF DOP&PW OM DATED 02.09.2008 AMENDING SOME PROVISIONS OF CCS (PENSION ) RULES 1972, ENHANCED GRATUITY ETC W.E.F 01.01.2006: We had reported earlier that after keeping its Order dated 4th/15th May 2009 clarifying that the said OM is applicable for the employees absorbed in BSNL, the DOT constituted a Committee to look into the various issues involved. We further reported that the Committee had submitted its Report which needs the approval of Telecom Commission Members for further follow up action. It is now learnt that this process of getting the approval by the Members is still continuing.

  • 26.07.2009: KANPUR BRANCH (UTTAR PRADESH) OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL was held on 20-07-2009 in the Recreation Club, Telephone Exchange Campus, Kanpur. Fifty seven retired Executives attended the Meeting. The election of Office bearers for Kanpur District Branch was held in presence of Sh. R.S. Arora, State Secretary AIBSNLREA UP State. Following set of office bearers were elected unanimously
    President                       Shri M.D. Singh Retd. DE
    Vice-President               Shri N.P. Dwivedi Retd DE
                                           Shri R.K. Gautam Retd AGM
    Secretary                       Shri S.C. Maheswari Retd Sr. SDE
    Asstt.Secretary             S/Shri L.C.L. Srivastava Retd SDO,                        
                                           Riaz Ahamed, Retd. DE, R.N.Malwiya, Retd.DE     &-                                       R.K.Pandey Retd. SDE
    Organising Secretary     S/Shri D.C. Mishra Retd DE and Banwari Lal Retd DE
    Financal Secretary         Shri Lal Singh Tomar Retd Sr. AO
    Asstt. Fin. Secretary      Shri Surendra Singh Retd SDE
    Executive Members        S/Shri J.L. Maurya Retd SDE, A.H. Khan Retd SDE, S.P. Saxena Retd Sr. SDE, S.C.Dubey Retd SDE, Gopal Gupta Retd Sr. SDE, Wahabuddin Retd DE, D.S. Bajpai Retd CAO, B.K. Shukla Retd DE, R.K.S. Yadava Retd SDE, Kulwant Singh Retd Sr. SDE, and R.C. Mishra Retd DE
    Auditor                           Shri R.C. Verma Retd JTO

  • 21.07.2009: AIBSNLREA MEETINGS: (1) BANGALURU (Karnataka) : Retired Executives to meet on 26.07.2009 at Bangaluru to form the Branch of AIBSNLREA. (2) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) : Executive Committee of UP State Branch of AIBSNLREA meets on 28.07.2009 at Lucknow. This will be followed by the General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Lucknow Branch. Shri S Basu, General Secretary will attend the meeting.

  • 20.07.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF SIXTH CENTRAL PAY COMMIISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING REVISION OF PENSION AND FAMILY PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS: It may be recalled that DoP&PW had issued a few important clarifications in respect of the decisions on the above matter conveyed vide DOP&PW OM No. 38/37/2008-P&PW(A) dated 02.09.2008. AIBSNLREA has since requested Shri R Ashok, Member (Finance) [ vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2009/29 dated 20.07.2009] to consider those clarifications before issue of revised order for implementation of the OM dated 02.09.2008 to avoid future confusion and controversies.

  • 20.07.2009: ENDORSEMENT OF DPE ORDERS REVISING THE RATES OF IDA WITH EFFECT FROM 01.07.2009: We have since requested Shri V K Shukla, Member (Services), Telecom Commission [ vide No AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2009/28 dated 20.07.2009] for early endorsement of the DPE Orders revising the rates of IDA w.e.f. 01.07.2009 to all the CCAs/Jt CCAs and all other concerned for early implementation of revised rates of IDA to the pensioners.

  • 17.07.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF SIXTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS – REVISION OF PENSION AND FAMILY PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS: We have already reported that a Committee of DOT Officers had met on 15.07.2009 to examine some issues involved/doubts raised in respect of the above matter. Earlier, DOT had issued an order on 08.07.2009 to keep in abeyance its Order dated 4th/15th May 2009 regarding applicability of DOP&PW’s OM No.38/37/2008-P&PW(A) dated 02.09.2008 to absorbed BSNL retirees. Now the Committee has submitted its recommendations which will have to be approved by Telecom Commission. DOT may also seek certain other clarifications on the related issues from DoP&PW. Issue of revised Orders on the subject may, therefore, take some longer time. It may not be issued by this month as was expected earlier. We now have the confirmation that DOP&PW had earlier clarified to DOT that “ ….. The formula applicable to Central Govt pensioners has changed vide DOP&PW O.M. dated 2.9.2008 and therefore, the changed formula provided in O.M. dated 2.9.2008 is applicable to such absorbees also.” The above clarification is in respect of absorbed BSNL pensioners in response to DOT’s query. [The word ‘formula’ is related to calculation of pension/family pension. Thus, there need not be any apprehension about the applicability of DoP&PW’s O.M. dated 02.09.2008 to BSNL pensioners. – GS]

  • 17.07.2009:BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: DOT is still undecided on the issue. It is still waiting for the response from DOP&PW on a reference made some days back. It is gathered that DOP&PW may send the reply shortly which is being processed there.

  • 17.07.2009:REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.07.2009: BSNL has endorsed DPE  orders on revised IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007, raising the IDA from 16.9% to 18.5%. [Click Here to View orders...] [Click Here for DPE orders...]

  • 17.07.2009:REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.07.2009: BSNL has endorsed DPE  orders on revised IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997, raising the IDA from 97.3% to 100%. [Click Here to View orders...][Click Here for DPE orders...]

  • 15.07.2009:IMPLEMENTATION OF SIXTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS – REVISION OF PENSION AND FAMILY PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS: A Committee of DOT Officers met today to examine the various issues involved/doubts raised in respect of the above matter which caused DOT to issue an order on 08.07.2009 to keep in abeyance its earlier Order dated 4th/15th May 2009 regarding applicability of DOP&PW’s OM No.38/37/2008-P&PW(A) dated 02.09.2008 to absorbed BSNL retirees [Please refer our post dated 09.07.2009]. The Committee will submit its recommendations and the revised Orders will be issued thereafter.

  • 13.07.2009: INORDINATE DELAY IN REVISION OF PENSION OF THE RETIRED GOVERNMENT SERVANTS ABSORBED IN BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED ON THE PRETEXT OF A PROPOSAL FROM DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION BEING PENDING WITH DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS (MINISTRY OF LAW): Shri M Veerappa Moily, Minister of Law & Justice addressed on the issue. “…..      Let
    Department of Legal Affairs expedite settlement of the issue. Let the pensioners be saved from undue harassment and mental agony. Let them be allowed to get their dues without further delay….”
    [ Click here to view the letter…….]

  • 13.07.2009: SAVINGRAM CAMPAIGN: WE EXPRESS OUR SINCERE THANKS TO THE PENSIONERS RETIRED FROM BSNL FOR THEIR SPONTANEOUS AND OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO OUR SAVINGRAM CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THE DEMAND FOR MERGER OF 50% IDA AND REVISION OF PENSION [REFER OUR POST DATED 04.07.2009 IN THIS WEBSITE}. WE THANK OTHER PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATIONS ALSO WHO TOOK ACTIVE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN. OUR THANKS ALSO GO TO AIBSNLOA, AN ASSOCIATION OF THE SERVING BSNL EXECUTIVES, FOR VOLUNTARILY SPREADING OUR MESSAGE THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AND SUPPORTING OUR CAUSES. AS PER OUR TENTATIVE ESTIMATION OVER 5000 SAVINGRAMS HAVE BEEN DESPATCHED. OUR JOURNEY TO REACH THE GOAL SHALL CONTINUE.

  • 13.07.2009: EAST GODAVARI BRANCH (AP STATE) OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: Forty three retired BSNL executives from East Godavari District met in Sanchar Bhavan, Rajahmundry on 11-7-2009 at 10.00 hrs to form the East Godavari District Bbanch of ALL INDIA BSNL RETIRED EXECUTIVES’ ASSOCIATION. Shri.M.R.S.Praksh Rao Asst General Secretary, AIBSNLREA (CHQ) attended the meeting. Shri..K.S.S.Bhavachari, Assistant.State Secretary, (Rajamundry) of AIBSNLREA, AP State welcomed the gathering. After the address by Shri M.R.S.Prakash Rao, AGS and holding further discussions, the Branch
    was formed with the following Office Bearers and Executive Members elected unanimously:-
    President :                               Shri. S.Satyanarayana.
    Vice Presidents:                   S/Shri A Chakram and K Maheswara Rao.
    Secretary :                               Shri. R.S.N.Murthy.
    Assistant  Secretaries:   S/Shri. K.P.Srinivasa Rao, S.Venkateswara  Rao,          
                                                      S.K.D.Prasad and C.B.Sarma.                          Financial Secretary:        S/Shri. K.B.S.Naidu and.D.S.R.Krishniah.
    Organising Secretaries:      Shri. P.Ammi and A.Booriah.
    Executive members:        S/Shri. Ch.Gandhi,.M.Somasundaram,.G.Bhaskara Rao,
    K.Gopal Reddy,.T.H.R.K.Reddy, T.Apparao, P.Rama Krishna and.N.Prakasa Rao.

    Shri.K.S.S.Bhavachari, Assistant State Secretary, AP State proposed vote of thanks and the meeting concluded after the Lunch.

  • 12.07.2009: MEETING GRANTED TO AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH DY DGM, WTR, NAGPUR:- A meetingg was granted to All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executive's Association, East Vidarbha Branch, Nagpur by Deputy General Manager Maintenance, Western Telecom Region, Nagpur on 27th June, 2009 to discuss the issues concerning the retired Executives of Western Telecom Region. The Meeting was held in the Chamber of Dy General Manager Maintenance, WTR, Nagpur. From the side of the Administration, S/Shri Nitin Chayande , DGM Mtce, WTR, Nagpur, V.K.Jain DGM TAX,WTR, Nagpur, S.T.Thakre, DE Admin, Mrs K.R Killedar, AO, Miss Gurpreet Singh, SDE Admin and from the Association side S/Shri S.L.Dravekar,Central Org Secretary (West), N.G.Talewar, President, P.R.Bhujbal, Secretary, and Mujumdar, Treasurer of the Branch were present. Discussions were held on the following issues:- (1). Settlement of enhanced Gratuity and other benifits to the Executives retired after 31.12.2005, (2). Payment of encashment of leave of the Executives retired after 01.01.2007. (3). Revision of IDA pension cases of the Executives retired with effect from 01.01.2007 and (4). Payment of BSNL MRS through Banks. Accounts Officer assured to make the payment of BSNL MRS through Bank within a week's time from the respective Quarter ending. The Officers also assured to sort out and settle the other issues within 15 day's period. The representatives of the Association thanked DGM and other Officers for their cooperation and positive response.

  • 12.07.2009: AJMER BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED : In a meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL held on 08.07.2009 at Ajmer in Rajasthan, a Branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed with the following Office bearers:-
    President:         Shri D R Sharma, Retd DGM (Finance).
    Secretary:        Shri D K Malik, Retd DET.
    Treasurer:        Shri R L Goyal, Retd DGM (Finance).
    Executives:       S/Shri R C Maheswari and K S Chadda.

  • 12.07.2009: MUMBAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A meeting of the retired Executives of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited was held in the Office of Chief General Manager Maintenance, Western Telecom Region, Telephone House at Prabhadevi, Mumbai on 9th June 2009. After some discussions, Mumbai Branch of All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executive's Association, Mumbai Branch was formed with the following office bearers:-
    President :        Shri S.N.Verma , Retired DE ( Fault Control ).
    Secretary :       Shri S.P.Verma , Retired DE (Technical ).
    Treasurer :       Shri K.R.Gupta, Retired SDE ( OFC ).

  • 11.07.2009: EXEMPTION LIMIT IN INCOME TAX FOR SENIOR CITIZENS – OUR VOICE GETS SUPPORT: Visitors of this website may recall that we had represented to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Union Finance Minister to remove the present discrimination among the senior citizens based on their age to avail the benefit of income tax exemption granted to the Senior Citizens. We requested that the benefit be allowed to all senior citizens with 60 years of age and above in place of 65 years and above as at present. We also urged Shri L K Advani, MP & Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Shri Arun Jaitely, MP & Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha to take up the issue [Please see our post dated 17.06.2009 in this website]. Unfortunately, the Finance Minister has not considered our request as we find from the Budget. Now we find that there is lot of support to this issue. The Hindu, a National daily, has carried a big write up today (11.07.2009) on this issue in the front page [ Click here to view the same….]. We think that all of us individually may join the campaign by sending e-mail to the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister. Let us do it.

  • 10.07.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF SIXTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS – REVISION OF PENSION AND FAMILY PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS: AIBSNLREA writes to Secretary (T) regarding DOT’s decision to keep in abeyance its earlier Order dated 4th/15th May 2009. The letter states that ‘We are surprised to find that DOT has issued an Order vide its No. 40-31/2008-Pen(T) dated 08.07.2009 to keep in abeyance its earlier Order No. 40-31/2008-Pen(T) dated 4th/15th May 2009 where in it was clarified that the “revised rules for pension calculation as per sixth CPC with regard to limit of DCRG, commutation table, emoluments, qualifying service, etc is admissible to IDA pensioners of BSNL under Rule 37-A, w.e.f. 01.01.2006.” The said Order dated 4th/15th May 2009 was issued with the approval of Member (Finance), Telecom Commission following a confirmation received from DOP&PW that the revised rules are applicable to the absorbed BSNL pensioners……….’ [ Click here to view the letter……..]

  • 09.07.2009: SAVINGRAM CAMPAIGN: Overwhelming response is reported from all over India to our call for Savingram campaign as per our post dated 04.07.2009. Please keep it up.

  • 09.07.2009: DOT’S ORDER TO KEEP IN ABEYANCE ITS EARLIER ORDER DATED 4th/15th MAY 2009 REGARDING APPLICABILITY OF REVISED PENSION RULES TO BSNL PENSIONERS: DoT has issued an Order yesterday [Click here to view the order…………] to keep in abeyance its earlier Order No. 40-31/2008-Pen (T) dated 4th/15th May 2009 clarifying that the revised rules for pension calculation as per 6th CPC with regard to limit of DCRG, commutation table, emoluments, qualifying service etc, is applicable to IDA pensioners of BSNL covered under Rule 37-A, w.e.f. 01.01.2006. It is now learnt that DoT’s action follows the reference received from a Principal CCA seeking certain clarifications and pointing out a few shortcomings. It is further said that DOT may issue a detailed revised Order after getting the same vetted by DOT Finance within a fortnight. The visitors of this website are aware that AIBSNLREA had been relentlessly and single handedly pursuing this issue for extending the benefit of DoP&PW’s OM No 38/37/2008-DOP&PW(D) dated 2.9.2008 amending various provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, which came into effect from 01.01.2006 following a Gazette Notification issued by DoP&PW, to the BSNL pensioners. DOT, from the very beginning, was reluctant to pass on the benefits of amended CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 to the BSNL pensioners. Finally, under pressure, it had to refer the issue to DoP&PW for clarification and thereafter it issued the Orders extending the benefit only after receiving the clarification from DoP&PW. On their part, Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare informed us, as back as on 1.4.2009, that they have already sent the clarification to DoT and this helped us to mount further pressure on DoT to issue the Order extending the benefit to the BSNL pensioners. The contents of DOT’s Order dated 4th/15th May 2009, however, had given lot of rooms for raising doubts and seeking clarifications. The DoT’s Order even has no reference to DOP&PW’s OM dated 02.09.2008 which, according to us, should have a mention in its Order to have more clarity. However, in its reply to a question under the RTI Act 2005, DoT had to state to us that regarding applicability of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare’s O.M. No 38/37/2008-DOP&PW(D) dated 2.9.2008 in respect of BSNL pensioners, the final orders in this regard has been issued. It also supplied a copy of the Order [View DoT's reply under RTI Act…] Anyhow, we shall closely monitor the development and resist any possible wrong move.

  • 06.07.2009: LIKELY REVISED RATES OF IDA WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 2009 : It is learnt that the rates of IDA with effect from July 2009 may increase by 1.6% for those PSU Employees whose revised IDA pay scales have been implemented. Other Employees whose revised IDA pay scales are yet to be implemented may get 2.8% increase in the rates of IDA. This implies that the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners would get 2.8% rise in the rates of IDA and the post-2007 retirees would get 1.6% increase in the rates of IDA

  • 04.07.2009: AIBSNLREA INITIATES A SAVINGRAM CAMPAIGN FOR SETTLEMENT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA AND REVISION OF PENSION FOR PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: AIBSNLREA requests all BSNL Pensioners in general and the retired BSNL Executives in particular to take part in the Savingram campaign by sending an SOS message to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India with copies to Minister of Communications & IT and Minister of Personnel, PG & Pension requesting immediate settlement of the above issues. The campaign is being launched on 9th July, 2009. Text of the savingram may be downloaded from this site, signed by the BSNL Pensioners individually and send by post on 9th July 2009 at the addresses already given in the text. Each signatory is to sign three separate Savingrams and mention his/her last Designation and Office in BSNL under the signature. The members of AIBSNLREA, its sympathisers and other visitors of this website may themselves take the initiative to make this program a success. Please contact other BSNL pensioners and request them to take part in this campaign. Sister Associations are also requested to cooperate. All CHQ Office Bearers/State/Branch Secretaries and others may download the text, make copies of the same and distribute to the BSNL pensioners. They may also collect the signed copies from the individuals and post in the same envelop to each addressees. In such cases, please affix postage stamps of correct denomination. Those failing to post the Savingram on 9th July 2009 may do so invariably within the next 2/3 days. [Click here for the text of savingram………..]

  • 02.07.2009: REVISION OF PENSION AND MERGER OF 50% IDA FOR PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: Today we visited Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare with prior appointment and discussed the above two issues. In regard to revision of pension, DOP&PW is of the firm view that it has to be only on IDA pattern. It again recorded its view on the issue when recently the DOT’s file proposing revision of pension on CDA pattern came to it from Department of Legal Affairs (Ministry of Law) following some discussions held between these two Departments earlier. It appears that DOT is adamant and wants to push through its proposal for revision of pension on CDA pattern. Therefore, the issue is not likely to be resolved soon. Regarding merger of 50% IDA for BSNL pensioners, DOP&PW has sent back the DoT’s file with the same observation that DOP&PW has no say on the matter and the issue has to be decided by the Ministry of Communications only. So the ball is again in the court of Department of Telecommunications. But we know that DOT is not prepared to settle this issue also. We shall continue to pursue these issues and plan some other strategies to get our dues.

  • 02.07.2009: IRREGULAR WITHHOLDING OF DCRG AND ARBITRARY REDUCTION OF PAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF FIXATION OF PENSION OFR THE ABSORBED BSNL EXECUTIVES BY CCA, KOLKATA: Taken up the case with Secretary, DOT in which the CCA, Kolkata withheld a portion of DCRG and fixed pension on reduced pay without any authority in respect of some absorbed BSNL Executives of Kolkata Telephones whose pay fixation was regulated under DoP&PW OM No.4/18/87-P&PW(D) dated 05.07.1989. AIBSNLREA demanded that “…….. kindly intervene in this matter so that all the affected retired BSNL Executives are immediately paid that part of the DCRG which have been withheld arbitrarily and also their pension are refixed as per the pay fixation memos sent by Kolkata Telephones to CCA, Kolkata. These Executives may also be paid interest at the applicable rate on the withheld amount of DCRG and also on the arrear of pension which have not been paid so far due to intentional fixation of lower pension.” [Click here to view the letter…………]

  • 02.07.2009: REDUCTION IN PENSION AMOUNT OF DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL AFTER REFIXATION OF THEIR PENSION IN IDA SCALE - CASE OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED AFTER 01.10.2000 BUT BEFORE 01.08.2001: Case taken up with DoP&PW for early settlement of the case of the affected absorbed BSNL pensioners whose pension was initially fixed in CDA scale and subsequently refixed by taking average of pay for few months in CDA scale and last few months in IDA scale. AIBSNLREA further writes “……… the Government has now accepted the 6th CPC recommendation and changed the Rule for fixation of pension based on last ten months pay or the last pay whichever is beneficial. This benefit has been allowed w.e.f 1.1.2006. But we would request you to kindly extend this benefit also to the past pensioners (retired prior to 1.1.2006) in order to not only resolve the present problem but also to ensure that there is no discrimination as per the Article 14 of the Constitution of India between the pre and post 2006 pensioners’. [Click here to view the letter………..]

  • 29.06.2009: DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA'S REPRESENATIONS TO DOT: Intimation has been received from DOP&PW, vide its No. 4/41/2008-P&PW(D) dated 16.06.2009, that our representations dated 08.06.2009 regarding payment of pension in IDA pattern and earlier representations dated 30.03.2009 regarding application of DOP&PW's OM dated 02.09.2008 for BSNL pensioners (since ordered for implementation) and dated 24.04.2009 protesting against DOT's proposal for payment of pension and its revision in CDA pattern have been forwarded to DOT for appropriate action. All the above representations from AIBSNLREA are available in this website. [Click here to view the letter from DOP&PW addressed to DOT and copy endorsed to GS, AIBSNLREA....]

  • 27.06.2009: AIBSNLREA LUCKNOW BRANCH FORMED: In a largely attended meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL held on 09-04-2009 in the Recreation Club, Telephone Exchange Campus, Kaiserbagh in Lucknow, the Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA was formed with the following office bearers :-
    President:                                        Shri Y.S.Tripathi
    Vice-President:                                Shri V.K.Shukla
                                                             Shri R.K.Tandon
    Secretary:                                        Shri S.N.Tripathi
    Asstt. Secretary:                             S/Shri R.S.Agrawal and R.D.Singh
    Organising Secretary:                      S/Shri K.K.Vaish and M.P.Bhatanagar.
    Financial Secretary:                          Shri Radhey Shyam.
    Asstt. Financial Secretary:               Shri M.P.Verma.
    Executive Members:                         S/Shri K.B.Gupta, A.L.Gyanani, J.B.Khare,
                                                              U.C.Srivastava, S.D.Sharma
                                                              R.D.Suman, R.B.Shukla and B.L.Mishra.

  • 26.06.2009: AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDHABHA BRANCH HELD MEETING WITH PGMT, NAGPUR: A meeting was granted by the Principal General Manager Telecom, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Nagpur Telecom District to All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executive's Association, East Vidarbha Branch, Nagpur to discuss the grievances of the retired executives at 1130 hrs on 10 th June 2009 . The meeting was held in the Conference Hall in Telecom Bhawan, Zero Mile, Nagpur. From the Administration side following Officers were present.: S/Shri M.D.Bhatia,PGMT, S.H.Gujar, DGM(F), Smt. A.G.Landeshwari,CAO, U B Nikoshe, AGM(Admn) A.N.Borkar, AO, and Anand Gajbhiye, AO. From the Association side, following Office Bearers were present. S/Shri S.L.Dravekar, Central Org.Secretary (West), N.G.Talewar, Branch President, P.R.Bhujbal, Branch Secretary, N.K.Zam, Org Secretary, R.R.Gadhpal, Asst Secretary, Rashid Khan and G.P.Sahu, Executive Members. The issues regarding Applicability of the revised rules of Pension calcalation as per 6 th CPC to the IDA Pensioners w.e.f. 1st January 2006, pending cases foe merger of 50%of DA with basic pay from 1st January2007, re-fixation of pension of the left out cases in respect of Executives retired after 01-01-2007 and pending cases of Time bound Promotions were discussed. After some discussions, the PGMT directed to form a seperate cell and settle the cases within a fortnight. The Association thanked PGMT, DGM(F) and other Officers for their cooperation and positive approach.

  • 26.06.2009: AIBSNLREA, ANDHRA PRADESH STATE BRANCH FORMED: A meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL of AP State was held on 15th June 2009. The retired Executives assembled at Vasavi Kalyana mandapam, Hyderabad to discuss the issues of retired executives, which was convened by Sri M.R.S. Prakasa Rao AGS, AIBSNLREA, headquartered at Vijayawada. After detailed discussions, it was decided to form an Ad-hoc State Branch with the following office bearers:-

                      

    Designation

    Name of the Office Bearers

    1

    President

                            Sri G.V.R. Setty

    2

    Vice Presidents

    Sri M.V.S. Sarma

    3

    State Secretary

                            Sri P. Surya Prakasm

    4

    Treasurer

                            Sri K. Durga Prasad

    5

    Asst State Secretaries

    Sri B.V  Subbaiah

    6

     

    Sri P. Lakshminarayana

    7

     

    Sri Bhavachary  [Rajahmundry].

    8

     

    Sri K. Venkata Reddy [Suryapet].

    9

    Org. Secretaries

    Sri  K.S. Bhaskara Rao

    10

     

    Sri P. Azad

    11

     

    Sri  Srimannarayana [Visakhapatnam].

    12

     

    Sri  Taja Rao [Vijayawada].

  • 23.06.2009: EXTENSION OF BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: AIBSNLREA writes to Ms Rajni Razdan, Secretary, DOP&PW on the above matter ".................. Since this issue concerns the welfare of the BSNL pensioners, we request that Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare to issue clear directive to Department of Telecommunications to extend the benefit of merger of 50% IDA to the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners under the same terms and conditions under which the benefit of merger of 50% DA to the pre-April 2004 Government pensioners was allowed by the Government and also keeping in view of the provision in Rule-55-A of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 and thus resolve this more than one year old pending case......". [Click here for full text of the letter].

  • 21.06.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: DOT is said to have again referred the issue regarding extension of benefit of merger of 50% IDA to pre-2007 BSNL pensioners to the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare. We may recollect that earlier also, the DOT asked the views of DoP&PW on the same issue and the later had advised DOT to take decision on its own. We are pursuing the issue.

  • 21.06.2009: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: We reported about a fortnight back that DOT, having failed to get the support of Ministry of Law to its proposal for payment of pension and its revision in CDA pattern instead of IDA pattern, has again taken up the issue with DOP&PW. It is also learnt that a couple of weeks back the matter was discussed between the Officers of Department of Legal Affairs and Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare. We are, however, insisting for payment of pension and its revision only on IDA pattern and accordingly pursuing the same.

  • 17.06.2009: RAISING OF HIGHER LIMIT OF PERSONAL INCOME TAX FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS AND REMOVAL OF AGE RESTRICTION TO AVAIL THE BENEFIT: Request made to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Union Finance Minister to raise the personal income tax limit for the Senior Citizens to Rs 3.5 lakhs and also remove the existing discriminatory provision to allow the benefit of tax exemption in the Senior Citizens category only on attaining 65 years of age     [ View the letter.......]. Shri L K Advani, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha also addressed to take up the said issues during the ensuing budget session [ View the letter.......].

  • 08.06.2009: REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS CONSEQUENT TO ISSUE OF ORDERS REVISING THE IDA PAY SCALES OF THE BSNL EXECUTIVES W.E.F. 01.01.2007: “ …...... In the above background, we earnestly request Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare, which is the nodal agency for all pension related matter, to cause justice to the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners by issuing a directive to Department of Telecommunications to immediately revise their pension/family pension in IDA pattern only as provided in the Rules”. AIBSNLREA sends another respresentation with additional facts and information to Rajni Razdan, Secretary, DoP&PW and others.[ Click here for the full text of the letter........]

  • 07.06.2009: RETROSPECTIVE FIXATION OF IDA PAY SCALES FOR SOME EXECUTIVE CADRES OF BSNL CIS-A-VIS THE PROPOSAL FOR PAYMENT OF PENSION TO THE ABSORBED EMPLOYEES OF MTNL BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SIMILAR LINE AS IN THE CASE OF ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES: “We welcome the proposal sent by Department of Telecommunications for approval of the Cabinet for payment of pension to the absorbed MTNL Employees by the Government in the same line as being paid paid to the absorbed BSNL Employees under Rule-37 A of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972. …..... some Executive Cadres in BSNL (Junior Telecom Officers/Junior Accounts Officers/equivalent cadres, Sub Divisional Divisional Engineers/Accounts Officers/equivalent cadres, Sr Sub Divisional Engineers/Ar Accounts Officers/equivalent cadres, Divisional Engineers/Chief Accounts Officers/equivalent cadres, Dy General Managers etc) were granted IDA pay scales with effect from 1.10.2000 which were one stage below the IDA pay scales granted to the same Executive Cadres in MTNL. During the negotiation for pay fixation of IDA pay scales, the BSNL/DOT Officers at that time had argued that BSNL would not be able to pay same IDA pay scales to these Executive Cadres in BSNL as being offered to their counterparts in MTNL, since BSNL will have to pay pension contribution to DOT which was not the case with MTNL. …....... We would, therefore, urge upon you to kindly allow retrospective (w.e.f 1.10.2000) fixation of IDA pay scales for the above stated Executive Cadres of BSNL and consequent revision of pension/family pension/terminal benefits of the concerned absorbed BSNL pensioners.............”. Representation sent to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Union Finance Minister and other Cabinet Ministers. [Click here for the full text of the letter............]

  • 07.06.2009: NON-EXTENSION OF THE LEGITIMATE BENEFITS TO THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS: Non-extension of benefit of merger of 50% IDA to the aborbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and non-revision of pension/family pension of the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners taken up with Shri A Raja, Minister of Communications & IT. Request made to immediately settle the above two issues [ Click here to read the letter.......].

  • 03.06.2009: MERGER OF 50% IDA AND REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: In our last posts on 27.05.2009, we had indicated some positive developments on these two important issues. According to the information available with us, we are certainly in a win-win position on both these issues. DOT now seems to be making last ditch effort to delay the settlement. Most notable thing is that DOT could not enlist the support of Ministry of Law (Department of Legal Affairs) for its proposal to pay pension and its revision on CDA pattern in place of IDA pattern. It is also learnt that DOT also failed to get any supportive note from its own Legal Unit against merger of 50% IDA for the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. But DOT has still not given up. It is, therefore, trying to get the support from Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare. We strongly feel that this is also going to be a futile excercise for DOT, since Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare earlier had given their clear views which are not supportive to DOT's idea. We are following up both these issues.

  • 27.05.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: DOT's  own Legal Cell, to which the matter was referred earlier, has since recorded its views on the file. It is learnt that the matter is again being referred to Department of Pension & Pensioners'  Welfare. It may be recalled that on an earlier occasion DOT obtained the views/comments of Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare on the same matter and it was reported that DOP&PW advised the DOT to decide the issue on their own. It is not known that on what new point DOT is now seeking DOP&PW's advice.

  • 27.05.2009: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS:  In our posting in this website on 20.05.2009, we uncovered the background which is causing delay in settlement of the above issue. The proposal of DOT to pay pension and its revision on CDA pattern in place of IDA pattern, as demanded by ITS Association and backed by two Executives Associations and some other non-Executives Unions of BSNL, is yet to be through. As the visitors to this website know that our Association is opposed to the proposal and has taken up the matter strongly. Now it is learnt that the proposal, which was not moving out of Department of Legal Affairs (Ministry of Law) for the last six months, is receiving some attention. The Department of Legal Affairs is said to have now proposed a meeting with the Officers from Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare and Department of Telecommunications to sort out the issue. This clearly shows that our intervention and persuation has started yielding some results. We shall continue our opposition to the proposal and demand immediate revision of pension/family pension  only on IDA pattern.

  • 20.05.2009: REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS – BE PREPARED FOR A LONG DRAWN BATTLE: It is but natural that revision of pension for pre-2007 pensioners should have been automatic following issue of Orders for revision of IDA pay scales of the BSNL Executives with effect from 1.1.2007. But here also there is a catch. Among the Executives, the IDA pay scales for the JTO/equivalent cadres and SDE/equivalent cadres are not yet finalized. Similarly, the revision of IDA pay scales for the non-Executives has not been ordered. Unless the IDA pay scales for these cadres/employees are settled, revision of pension for those who retired in these categories would not arise. But what is happening for those categories where the revision of IDA pay scales has already been announced? Why there is such a delay in those cases? The issue is simple. DOT is contemplating revision of pension on CDA pattern with CDA relief in place of IDA pattern with IDA relief. Accordingly it has moved a proposal which is now pending with Ministry of Law for over six months. DOT’s move follows the reported demand from ITSA. This has also got the approval of AIBSNLEA, SNEA, BSNLEU, TEPU and some other non-Executives Unions. It may be unbelievable, but it is a hard fact. The minutes of the meeting that was issued vide No. BSNL/7-8/SR/2008 dated 19.12.2008 after the discussions held between Secretary(T) and representatives of United Forum of BSNL/MTNL Associations (comprising of AIBSNLEA, SNEA, MTNL Executive Association etc) states that “Secretary(T) informed that a meeting was organised with the Secretary(Expenditure) and Secretary (Pension) to discuss the issue of Group `A’ Officers absorption and addressing their concerns regarding the payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern after absorption in BSNL. It has been decided that the case for revision of pension for the officers absorbed in BSNL and MTNL would be referred to the Law Ministry and he is hopeful that the same would be accepted. However, in case the same is not accepted then the matter may have to be taken up for approval of the Cabinet.” The same minutes went on to say that “The Association representatives desired to know the time frame which would be required for completing this exercise……”. Again another minutes issued by BSNL vide its No. BSNL/7-2/SR/2009(I) dated 16.03.2009 after a meeting held between CMD, BSNL with the unions and associations of Joint Forum (comprising of AIBSNLEA, SNEA, BSNLEU, TEPU and their other associate unions) reads as follows ”At the outset, CMD BSNL made a mention of earlier agitation call by the Executives and their meeting with Secretary, DOT on 22.12.2008 wherein Secretary, DOT informed that certain genuine issues of Group `A’ are to be sorted before absorption could be concluded. One of the issues relates to clarification on BSNL’s liability to pay 40% of the pension and the other is payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern. CMD, BSNL explained progress of that case and informed that the case has already been taken up by DOT with DOP&PW, Ministry of Expenditure and Ministry of Law….”. The minutes further says that “The staff side explained that they are not against settlement of genuine aspiration of any group of employees,…..”. It is clear from the above that DOT moved the proposal for payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern based on the demand of ITSA and all the above mentioned Associations/Unions which participated in the discussions with Secretary(T)/CMD BSNL had consented to the move without any hesitation. We are to remember that payment of pension and its revision on CDA pattern does not give the BSNL pensioners any extra advantage. On the other hand it will reduce the quantum of pension/family pension. Further, Rule 37-A of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 and other Orders/clarifications by the Government clearly laid down that the pension/family pension to the absorbed BSNL pensioners has to be on IDA pattern only. Even the absorbed retired employees of Food Corporation of India are getting their pension/family pension including revision on IDA pattern. We really wonder why AIBSNLEA, SNEA and BSNLEU including their associate Unions supported ITSA in this matter. It may be a `genuine concern’ for a section of Group `A’ Officers but not for rest of the absorbed BSNL Employees. We doubt that ITSA also knows that the demand made by them is not easy to be met. But on that count they get an excuse to get the process of their absorption delayed. Already they have been given a lifeline upto December 2009 by the Associations/Unions. On our part, we have already met the concerned Officers in the Department of Legal Affairs (Ministry of Law) on 6th April 2009. We also wrote a letter to Secretary, DOT with copies to all concerned strongly opposing the proposal quoting several rules, orders, clarifications and the DOT’s own stand on the same matter in Supreme Court in regard to a case pertaining to the absorbed employees of VSNL [view the earlier report and the letter……..]. We are aware that our protest letter has not gone un-noticed in the Ministry of Law. But the matter may not be resolved soon. We may have to knock the door of the highest authority to get justice. So, be prepared for a long drawn battle.

  • 19.05.2009: AIBSNLREA BRANCH AT INDORE IN MP STATE: The branch was formed in last June with the following Office Bearers:
    President: Shri R N Rathore, Retd DE
    Vice President: Shri R S Agarwal, Retd Sr SDE
    Secretary: Shri N C Yadav, Retd SDE
    Asst Secretary: Shri K S Yadav, Retd SDE
    Financial Secretary: Shri R C Soni, Retd CAO
    Executive Members: S/Shri I K Vyas, V S Shrivastava, O P Sharma and B L Jain.

  • 17.05.2009: AIBSNLREA WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HOLDS IT AGB: Braving the unprecedented midsummer heat prevailing all over the city, a memorable gathering of over one hundred retired BSNL Executives took place on 8th May, 2009 at CTO Conference Hall at Kolkata under the banner of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch. [Click Here for a report....]

  • 15.05.2009 12.00 Noon: DoT orders implementing  DOP&PW's OM dated 02.09.2008 amending various provisions of CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972: We had reported yesterday that DoT has issued the much awaited orders on the above subject which in effect makes the  DOP&PW OM dated 02.09.2008 applicable for BSNL pensioners also. It appears that the orders have been ready on 04.05.2009 itself and has been released after Secretary DoT seeing the file and clearing it after his return from abroad.[ View the order............]

  • 14.05.2009: DoT issues orders implementing  DOP&PW's OM dated 02.09.2008 amending various provisions of CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972: DoT has today issued the much awaited orders on the above subject which in effect makes the  DOP&PW OM dated 02.09.2008 applicable for BSNL pensioners also.  This order was expected to be issued last week itself, but Secretary DoT was out of the country and the concerned file needed his clearance.  Immediately after the return of Secretary DoT yesterday, the file has been cleared and orders have been issued today.

  • 05.05.2009: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HOLDS GB MEETING: West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its GB Meeting at 13.30 Hrs on Friday, May 8, 2009 at Telegraph Institute, CTO Buildinng, BBD Bagh, Kolkata. Shri S Basu, GS, AIBSNLREA is to address the GB Meeting. All retired BSNL Executives have been invited to attend the GB Meeting.

  • 02.05.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: The proposal is still under examination in DOT. Inter-section consultation within DOT continues. It is learnt that DOT-Finance has got some reservation on the matter. Views of DOT’s own legal cell on the issue are being sought for.

  • 02.05.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF DOP&PWS’s OM DATED 02.09.2008 AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CCS(PENSION) RULES 1972 AND TERMINAL BENEFITS: We had earlier reported that after receiving the clear signal from DoP&PW that the above OM is applicable for absorbed BSNL Pensioners, DOT is all set to issue the necessary orders on the subject. Now it appears that by all probability the much awaited order is likely to be issued sometime next week.

  • 30.04.2009: DPE ORDERS REVISION OF RATES OF IDA WITH EFFECT FROM 1.4.2009: DPE has since issued an order revising the rates of IDA from 96.8% to 97.3% with effect from 1.4.2009 for the Board level/Below Board level Executives whose IDA pay scales are as per the orders of 1997. BSNL has endorsed it. [ View the order............]
    28.04.2009:
    PROTEST AGAINST THE DOT'S MOVE FOR REVISION OF PENSION IN CDA PAY SCALE WITH CDA RELIEF AND DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE REVISION OF PENSION IN IDA PAY SCALE WITH IDA RELIEF: CHQ has written a letter to Secretary, DoT lodging strong protest against DoT's proposal for revision of pension in CDA pay scale with CDA relief and demanding immediate revision of pension of the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners in IDA pay scale with IDA relief.        [ View the letter..............]

  • 25.04.2009: AIBSNLREA, MP BRANCH MEETS ADVISER (FINANCE), DOT: The representatives of MP Branch of AIBSNLREA comprising of S/Shri K N Nagarajan, Vinod Kumar, G P Vyas and A K Saxena met Smt S A Trimizi, Adviser (Finance) of Department of Telecommunications at Bhopal on 22.04.2009. They discussed the following issues and also submitted a memorandum on the same: (1) Extension of benefit of merger of 50% IDA to the BSNL Pensioners, (2) Implementation of the DoP&PW’s O.M. No 38-37/2008-DoP&PW(D) dated 02.09.2008 amending various provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 and terminal benefits like gratuity, (3) Revision of pension for pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and (4) Non-implementation of DPE’s O M. No 2(9)/2000-DPE(WC)-Gl-V/09 dated 02.03.2009 revising the rates of IDA to 96.8% w.e.f. 1.1.2009. The representatives were assured of early action.

  • 24.04.2009: DHARWAD DISTRICT (KARNATAKA) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A new branch of AIBSNLREA, called Dharwad District Branch, has been formed at Hubli in Karnataka state on 19.01.2009. On the day of its formation, 25 members joined the Association. S/Shri R R Joshi, G B Angadi and A D Pai were elected as the President, Secretary and Financial Secretary of the Branch respectively.

  • 24.04.2009:DOP&PW FORWARDS OUR REPRESENTATION DATED 02.03.2009 ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA: D0P&PW has forwarded to DoT a copy of our representation (addressed to President of India) marked to Minister of State for Finance.  The representation dated 02.03.2009 on merger of IDA, implementation of DOP&PW OM dated 02.09.2008 and revision of pension, is available in this website.  To view DoP&PW OM click here...

  • 24.04.2009: GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDARBHA REGION: Quarterly GB meeting of All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives' Association, East Vidarbha Region was held at 1100 Hrs on 10th April 2009 at Amenity Hall, CTO Compound, Nagpur. The membership of the Branch has now increased to sixty eight. The meeting received overwhelming response from the members as ever. The meeting was presided over by Senior Member Shri B.R. Londhekar, D.E (Retd). S/Shri N.G.Talewar, Branch President, S.L.Dravekar, Central Organizing Secretary (West) and P.R.Bhujbal, Branch Secretary were on the dais. S/Shri S.L.Dravekar and P.R.Bhujbal addressed the meeting .They brought to the notice of all the members about the present problems of the pensioners and the efforts being made by AIBSNLREA for their redressal at different levels. The meeting concluded with Branch President's address. The next meeting has been scheduled to be held on 10th August 2009. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks to the chair and followed by lunch.

  • 23.04.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF DoP&PW's OM DATED 2.9.2008 AND EXTENSION OF BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: Both the cases are under examination in the concerned units of DoT. While DoP&PW's OM is likely to get clearance early, the proposal for merger of 50% IDA to the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners may take a longer time. We are following up both the cases.

  • 22.04.2009: GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, TAMILNADU STATE BRANCH: A General Body meeting of Tamilnadu State Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 9th April 2009 at 17:00 hrs in Hotel Sangeetha Residency,Luz Church Road Mylapore Chennai. Fifty seven members of the Association were present in the meeting chaired by V.R Krishnan, State President. On this day Fourteen new members were enrolled by Sri.N.Devanna Treasurer. After the formal welcome address by President, Sri S Ratnasubramanian, Joint Secretary (South), AIBSNREA CHQ highlighted the efforts taken by GS in getting the clearances from the Dept of Pension in regard to the proposal for implementation of DoP&PW O.M. 38/37/2008-P&PW(D) dated 02.09.2008 amending various provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 and enhancement of the limit of Gratuity to Rs 10 lakh for the BSNL pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2006 and about the clear advice received by DOT from DoP&PW stating that the O.M. is applicable for BSNL pensioners. Subsequently he answered in detail the queries raised by many members with respect to method of revision of pension and eligibility of different categories of Pensioners. Large number of members participated in the discussion. Sri V.Chinnapappiah AGS moderated the session. Shri G Natarajan, President of the Pensioners welfare Co-coordinating Committee detailed out the actions taken during last few months on the issue of 50% IDA Merger and the present status of the case. A.Ganesan, Secretary requested the members having pending problems to come forward to explain them so that they can be taken up with the administrations.The following members viz.,S/Sri S.Narayanan, Sankarasubbu, Karthikeyan, Kaleeswaran presented different cases. President and Secretary assured them that these cases will be pursued with the concerned authorities. Many of these cases were related to revision of MRS allowance, revision of pension on upgradation, payment of arrears etc.
    Sri.G.Selvam Genl.Manager Chennai Telephones (Retd) gave a special address. The Special Invitee of the occasion Sri.V.Appakutty Chief Engineer Doordarshan South Zone (Retd) and a practicing Advocate and homeopathy doctor delivered a talk on “Cyber Crimes” and “Health care by Homeopathic way” He also answered queries by many members on health care issues.
    The meeting came to an end after vote of thanks followed by dinner.

    20.04.2009: NON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DPE’S O.M. No 2(9)/2000-DPE(WC)-GL-V/09 DATED 02.03.2009 REVISING THE RATES OF IDA TO 96.8% W.E.F. 01.01.2009: Secretary, DoT has been requested to get the above O.M. endorsed to all the Controllers of Communication Account for early implementation. [View the letter……]

  • 20.04.2009: AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HELD SPECIAL GENERAL BODY MEETING : West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA held a Special General Body Meeting on 16.04.2009 at Telegraph Institute Hall, CTO building, Kolkata with the participation of 156 pensioners coming even from far off places out side the city. 52 new members enrolled their names in a single day. This clearly manifests the growing interest of the retired Executives from BSNL in the affairs of the Association. Two retired, Ex ITSA members were also present in the meeting and enrolled their names in the Association. The members expressed their solidarity to the Association and reassured their full support to the State Branch as well as the CHQ. The members profusely expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the untiring and relentless efforts of the CHQ at different levels. On behalf of CHQ Sri Likhan Kr. Mukherjee Joint Secretary (East), AIBSNLREA enlightened the house about the burning issues of the pensioners and the role being played by the CHQ towards the settlement of the various problems.

    18.04.2009: UP STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: In a largely attended meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL held on 09-04-2009 in the Recreation Club, Telephone Exchange Campus, Kaiserbagh in Lucknow, the UP State Branch of AIBSNLREA was formed with the following office bearers :-
    President                               Sh. S.N.Shukla
    Vice-President                       Sh. M.K.Shukla
                                                   Sh. S.C.Srivastava
    Secretary                               Sh. R.S.Arora
    Asstt.Secretary                     Sh.H.P.Mishra, Sh.S.J.Pandey,
                                                   Sh.Murlidhar Ram and Sh.R.Y.Prasad.             Finanace Secretary                Sh.Ambika Singh Retd.CAO                                     Asst. Fin.Secretary                Sh. A.P.Singh Retd Sr.SDE
    Joint Secretary                      Sh.K.P.Srivastava and Sh.S.N.Tripathi.
    Organizing Secretary             Sh.K.N.Gupta, Sh.R.N.Mishra,
                                                   Sh.N.K.Dwivedi and Sh.R.P.Rathi.
    C.W.C Member                        Sh.P.P.Mishra and Sh.V.N.Bhatnagar.

  • 15.04.2009: PERSONS SERVING IN DOT FOR 20 YEARS AND RETIRED FROM ANY WHERE TO BE TREATED IN DOT-CATEGORY FOR THE PURPOSE OF RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE CONNECTION: DOT has issued Orders to treat all those who served in DoT for 20 years but retired from any where in the DoT-category for the purpose of residential telephone connection. BSNL has also endorsed the order. This decision of DoT will benefit the absorbed retired/retiring employees of BSNL who are residing in MTNL served areas. These retired employees were being charged for all the calls made in excess of the normal free calls as per plan 250 in addition to monthly rent. These concerned retired employees were required to submit bills for reimbursement. Now this problem is over. These retired/retiring employees will be required to submit a certificate basing on their service books that they have served for 20 years in DOT and also a copy of the PPO issued by the Government.[View the order……]

  • 13.04.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDED PROVISIONS IN CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 INCLUDING PAYMENT OF GRATUITY WITH EFFECT FROM 1.1.2006 AND EXTENSION OF BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA FOR BSNL PENSIONERS: We had earlier reported that in regard to the proposal for implementation of DoP&PW O.M. 38/37/2008-P&PW(D) dated 02.09.2008 amending various provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 and enhancement of the limit of Gratuity to Rs 10 lakh for the BSNL pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2006, clear advice has been received by DOT from DoP&PW stating that the O.M. is applicable for BSNL pensioners also. Now DoT has processed the case further for implementation of the said O.M. for BSNL pensioners as being demanded by us. The matter is now with DoT Finance for concurring with the proposal to issue necessary orders. The Orders on the subject is likely to be issued shortly. DoT has also moved the proposal for extending the benefit of merger of 50% IDA to the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners after having received the views/comments from both DoP&PW and DPE.

  • 13.04.2009: MEMBER (FINANCE), TELECOM COMMISSION INTERVENES: Member (Finance) of Telecom Commission has intervened in the matter of our grievances being aired by us through several representations on benefit of 50% IDA merger, implementation DoP&PW O.M. dated 02.09.2008 amending various provisions in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 and revision of pension of pre-2007 pensioners etc. On the direction of Member (Finance), the DDG (A/Cs), DOT in an U.O. Note vide UO No.7-26/2009/TA-I dated 30.03.2009 has asked DDG (Estt), DOT that our Association be given the status of the issues raised by us under intimation to his Office. [View the letter ………]

  • 10.04.2009: REVISION/FIXATION OF PENSION FOR POST 2007 BSNL EXECUTIVE PENSIONERS:  Queries  are being received regarding the fate of post 2007 BSNL Executives whose pension has already been fixed and also those whose pension is yet to be fixed consequent to revision of pay scales of the BSNL Executives w.e.f 1.1.2007. There is a difference in the position between the pre 2007 BSNL Executive pensioners (retired between 01-10-2000 and 31.12.2006) and post 2007 pensioners (retired after 1.1.2007). In case of the former group, whose IDA pay is not to undergo any revision, their pension/family pension has to be consolidated. But in case of the later group, whose pension is already fixed based on their pay in the pre-revised IDA pay, will have their pension re-fixed consequent to re-fixation of their IDA pay with effect from 1.1.2007.  They will also get other benefits like gratuity, commutation, leave encashment etc taking into account the re-fixed IDA pay. They are, therefore, to get the arrears. But those retired Executives whose pension is yet to be fixed will get their pension now fixed taking into account their revised IDA pay. They will get their pension and terminal benefits in full.  In both the cases, the concerned units in BSNL will have to update their Service Books recording their revision of pay and send the same to the authorities  i.e., CCA of DoT cell of the concerned Circle  for calculation of pension and other terminal benefits. They will also issue necessary orders i.e., pension payment order and pension arrears to the P.O./Bank for effecting pension.  The pay arrears for the period in service from 01-01-2007 upto the date of retirement, and  leave encashment will be paid by concerned units of BSNL. Gratuity and commutation of pension will be paid by CCA of DoT cell of the concerned circle. These being the normal process, there is no need to issue any advice from DOT. However, all the BSNL pensioners who retired after 1.1.2006 will be benefitted by the DoP&PW O M dated 2.9.2008 amending various pension rules and terminal benefits will get additional benefits as detailed in our write up dated 8.4.09, on Benefit of amended CCS(Pension) Rules 1972- Assured relief for BSNL pensioners .

  • 09.04.2009: REVISION OF PENSION: Revision of pension of past pensioners is linked with the revision of pay scales for the serving employees of any Organization. In Government revision of pension and revision of pay scales are always ordered simultaneously. In BSNL, pay scales for the Executives have been revised with effect from 01.01.2007 by issue of the Presidential Directive by the DOT, but the pension of the pre-2007 pensioners has not been revised. DOT, being the authority to issue Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) and make payment of pensionary benefits, is to issue necessary orders revising the pension for pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. We have been asking DOT to immediately revise the pension. Since the BSNL retirees get their pension fixed on IDA pay scales, the revision of pension has to be logically in IDA pay scale. Even in Food Corporation of India, the revised pension is in IDA pay scales. Unfortunately, DOT is having another game plan. It proposed to pay pension in CDA pay scale basing on an Order issued by DoP&PW in 2003 and accordingly moved a proposal long back. The proposal has already been examined by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare and Department of Expenditure. Interestingly, the DoP&PW has opined against the proposal. It is now under examination in the Ministry of Law. This proposal appears to aim at satisfying the left out ITS Officers who are yet to take absorption. The proposal might give such Officers some benefit along with another proposal for absorption from a prospective date instead of 1.10.2000. DOT might be planning to include these, if cleared by the concerned authorities, in a fresh circular likely to be issued calling for option for absorption from the Group A Officers. However the issue may take its own time since DOT is in no hurry as some unions/Executives’ Associations in BSNL have agreed, after a meeting with CMD, BSNL, that completion of the process of absorption of Group A Officers can wait till December 2009.  But, the Pensioners in BSNL cannot wait so long. The proposal that is under consideration also does not benefit the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. In their case, pension in IDA is the best option. On our part, we have met the concerned officers in the Ministry of Law on 06.04.2009 and requested them to expedite the matter. One thing is very clear that DOT will not take any action to revise the pension until the outcome of their proposal is known.         

  • 08.04.2009: BENEFIT OF AMENDED CCS (PENSION) 1972 RULES – ASSURED RELIEF FOR THE BSNL PENSIONERS:  We are receiving many queries about the benefits that may be available for the BSNL Pensioners once the DoP&PW O M dated 02.09.2008 amending various provisions of CCS (Pension)  Rules 1972 including terminal benefits like gratuity etc is implemented for BSNL employees.  We would like to say that a write up on the matter is still available in our website which was worked out based on the VI CPC recommendations immediately after the Report was submitted to the Government. We have reported on 01.04.2009 that DoP&PW has clarified to DoT that its O M dated 02.09.2008 is equally applicable for BSNL Employees and we have also requested DoT to advise its CCAs to implement the said order and make payment of arrears at the earliest. Since the amendments are to be implemented w.e.f 1.1.2006, in case of the pre-2006 pensioners there will be no immediate financial gain, but they will be covered by a new provision which will ensure increase in pension periodically on attaining the age of 80 years and above. The post 2006 pensioners i.e. who retired after 1.1.2006 would now get their pension revised based on last pay drawn if this is beneficial to them. In addition, those who had their basic pay plus IDA above Rs 21212 at the time of their retirement would get the additional amount as gratuity since the limit stands enhanced to Rs 10 lakhs from Rs 3.5 lakhs.  The retired employees whose pension are yet to be settled  will also be covered under the amended rules but the commutation factor for them has been lowered. To have detailed information on this matter, please click here…….

  • 08.04.2009: WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO MEET : West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLEA has convened a Special  General Body meeting at the Telegraph Institute Hall , CTO Building (3rd Floor), Kolkata to be held at 14.00 Hours on 16th April 2009. All retired BSNL Executives have been invited to participate in the meeting.

  • 06.04.2009:IMPLEMENTATION OF DOP&PW O.M. DATED 02.09.2008 INTRODUCING AMENDMENTS IN VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972: In view of the clarification received by Department of Telecommunications from Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare stating that the contents of its O M vide F No 38/37/08-P&PW(D) dated 02.09.2009 introducing amendments in various provisions in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 are applicable for BSNL pensioners (absorbed employees of DOT), AIBSNLREA requests Secretary, DOT to advice all the Controllers of Communication Accounts to implement the same and ensure early payment of arrears [View the letter …..]

  • 04.04.2009:BENEFIT OF 50% MERGER OF IDA TO THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: We have requested Secretary, Department of Telecommunications to extend the benefit expeditiously to the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners since the Department has already received the replies to its queries both from Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare and Department of Public Enterprises [ View the letter……].

  • 01.04.2009 1230 Hrs: DOP & PW ISSUES CLARIFICATION TO DOT TO IMPLEMENT ITS ORDERS VIDE F.NO.28/37/08-P&PW(D) DATED 02.09.2008 FOR BSNL PENSIONERS: Our relentless efforts, to get implemented the above orders of DOP&PW amending various provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 including enhancement of limit of gratuity w.e.f.1.1.2006, finally brings the desired result. We had earlier informed that under mounting pressure, DoT was to seek clarification from DOP&PW about applicability of the above order for BSNL Pensioners. Now we are informed that DOP&PW has since issued the clarification to the Dept. of Telecom stating that the order is applicable for BSNL Pensioners also. A Great Relief indeed.

  • 31.03.2009: BENEFIT OF 50% MERGER OF IDA TO THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS –DOT RECEIVES THE REPLY FROM DPE:  Department of Public Enterprises has since sent its reply to Department of Telecommunications on the reference made regarding the above issue. Sources say that DPE is non committal on the issue and has stated that the Order on merger of 50% IDA to the employees of CPSEs was issued after cabinet approval implying that any decision to extend the benefit to the BSNL pensioners will have to be taken with the approval of the cabinet. We had earlier reported that reply on DOT’s reference on the same issue from Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare is already available with DOT. Now, DOT may examine the issue in the light of these replies from both DoP&PW and DPE to process the case further for a decision.

  • 30.03.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AMENDED PROVISIONS IN CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 FOR BSNL PENSIONERS: We had earlier reported that DOT has referred the above issue to Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare seeking their advice as to the applicability of these amended provisions for BSNL Pensioners. We have now taken up the issue with Secretary, DoP&PW requesting for expeditious clarification to DOT [view the letter……].

  • 28.03.2009: GUJARAT STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED: A state level of body of AIBSNLREA in Gujarat state has been formed in the meeting of retired BSNL Executives held in Ahmedabad on 23.03.2009. The meeting held at the Circuit House was attended by a large number of retired Executives of BSNL. The House unanimously elected the following Office Bearers:

               President:                           Shri B M Bhavsar.

               Vice Presidents:                 S/Shri R S Agarwal and S M Chamar.

               Secretary:                           Shri A B Patel,

               Asst Secretaries:                S/Shri M N Patel                                                                   J C Modi   M P Dhami and B M Saija.

               Financial Secretary:          Shri M S Gupta.

               Asst Financial Secretary:  Shri B L Chhajed.

               CWC Member:                   Shri R C Sharma. 


  • 26.03.2009: BIHAR STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS MEMBER (FINANCE) AND ADVISER (FINANCE), TELECOM COMMISSION: The representatives of Bihar State Branch of AILBSNLREA led by all India Vice President Shri B P Singh and State Secretary Shri R B P Singh met Member (Finance) and Adviser (Finance), Telecom Commission yesterday (25.03.2009) at Patna and expressed the serious concern of all BSNL Pensioners due to inadequate attention being given to their genuine grievances and inordinate delay in settling issues like merger of 50% IDA, application of amended provisions in CCS (Pensions) Rules 1972 and revision of pensions. After some discussions, Member (Finance) stated that he has seen the representations from CHQ, AIBSNLREA and assured that actions have already been initiated to resolve these issues.   

  • 24.03.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50%  IDA TO THE PRE 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS: Much awaited response from Department of Public Enterprises to the reference from Department of Telecommunications is now expected to be received in a couple of days time. The issue is now said to be under the consideration at the highest level in DPE. Once it is cleared at that level, DPE is expected to send its views on the issue to DOT.

  • 23.03.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AMENDED PROVISIONS IN CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 FOR BSNL RETIREES: We are asking DOT to implement some provisions in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 including enhanced limit for payment of Gratuity, which have since been amended w. e. f. 1.1.2006, to the past and future retirees from BSNL. In a reply under the RTI Act 2005, DOT had once stated that “The necessary clarifications with regard to various issues for implementation of the VI CPC including enhancement of the limit for payment of gratuity from Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs to BSNL Employees in IDA scales including revision of their pension is being examined” [please see the reporting of 28.2.2009 in this site]. It is now learnt that DOT has since sought the advice of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare regarding the applicability of these amended provisions in the Pension Rules for the BSNL Employees.

  • 15.03.2009: DOP&PW FORWARDS THE REPRESENTATION ON 50% IDA MERGER, IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDED PROVISIONS IN CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 AND REVISION OF PENSION FOR BSNL PENSIONERS TO DOT:  Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare has since forwarded our representation on the above issues vide our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2009/01 dated 12.01.2009 [as detailed in the reporting dated 13.01.2009 in this website] to DOT for considering the grievances raised therein expeditiously [view the letter………]. 

  • 12.03.2009: REVISION OF IDA RATES W.E.F. 01.01.2009: BSNL has endorsed DPE orders on revised IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997, raising the IDA from 90.6% to 96.8%. [Click Here to View orders...]

  • 07.03.2009: MEDICAL ALLOWANCE/REIMBURSEMENT FOR BSNL PENSIONERS: Consequent to revision of IDA pay scales for its Executives, BSNL has ordered that Medical Allowance/reimbursement shall be admissible as per pre-revised basic pay + DP + DA as on 1.4.2008. This implies that BSNL would like to bring a change in its present policy and a new policy will be in place shortly. Any how the existing policy of basis pay + DA as on 1st April will not continue with the new pay scale. In this background, the case of the BSNL Pensioners is also to be reviewed, otherwise there would be anomalous situation giving rise to disparity. We would like to give our views to the BSNL Management so that the past pensioners are not discriminated against. The viewers of this website may mail their suggestions to us at the earliest.

  • 04.03.2009:REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2009: DPE has issued orders on revised IDA rates for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997, raising the IDA from 90.6% to 96.8%. [Click Here to View orders...]

  • 03.03.2009: REPRESNTATION SENT TO PRESIDENT OF INDIA AND OTHERS ON THE BSNL PENSIONERS’ PLIGHT:  We have since sent a representation to Smt Pratibha  Patil, President of India and others on the plight of the BSNL Pensioners and seeking intervention in the matter of revision of pension, implementation of Govt Orders introducing amendment in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, extension of benefit of merger of 50% IDA, change of rates of IDA as per old neutralization system w. e. f. 1.1.2009. [View the representation …………]

  • 03.03.2009: BHOPAL BRANCH (M.P.) OF AIBSNLREA MEETS MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS & IT:  S/Shri K Nagarajan and G P Vyas of Bhopal Branch of AIBSNLREA met Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for Communications & IT at Bhopal on 26.02.2009 and handed over a memorandum on revision of pension, implementation of amended CCS pension rules, payment of IDA as per old neutralization system and merger of 50% IDA for BSNL Pensioners.

  • 02.03.2009: REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION FOR PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS:  DOT has issued the Presidential Directive for revision of IDA pay scales for the Board level and below Board level posts. But no revision of pension for pre-2007 pensioners has been ordered. We have earlier reported that DOT had replied under RTI Act 2005 that this issue is under examination. But DOT can not escape from this responsibility and has to revise the pension/family pension. We have expressed our concern to Secretary, DOT for non issue of orders for revision of pension simultaneously along with issue of Presidential Directive for revision of IDA Pay Scales. We have also quoted a Supreme Court Order for revising the pension whenever pay revision takes place. [View the letter ….. and Supreme Court Order ……….]

  • 02.03.2009: DIFFICULTIES OF BSNL PENSIONERS RESIDING IN MTNL SERVED AREAS:  Having received  the copy of the letter from DOT forwarding our representation to CMD, BSNL (refer news item dated 28.02.2009), we have again reminded CMD, BSNL for early action in the matter. [View the letter……..]  

  • 28.02.2009: DOT REPLIES UNDER RTI ACT ON THE STATUS OF IDA MERGER, IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED ENTILEMENTS ON PENSIONERY BENEFITS, GRATUITY AND REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION FOR BSNL PENSIONERS:  Department of Telecommunications has since sent a reply on the status of the above issues under RTI Act 2005. The reply says that all the above three issues are under consideration. [view the letter…………]

  • 28.02.2009 : DIFFICULTIES OF BSNL PENSIONERS RESIDING IN MTNL SERVED AREAS:   Department of Telecommunications has forwarded our representation dated 05.01.2009 to CMD, BSNL, which we had addressed to Secretary, DOT, for action in respect of the problem raised by us regarding payment of entire telephone bill including rent and entitled free calls and then ask for reimbursement.  We had subsequently taken up the issue with CMD, BSNL separately (Refer the News items of dated 06.01.2009 and 02.02.2009 appearing in this website).  [view the letter ………….]

  • 26.02.2009: REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION:  Department of Telecommunications is yet to take a position regarding revision of pension/family pension of BSNL Pensioners consequent to revision of IDA scales of BSNL Executives. Therefore, no order revising the pension/family pension of the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners is expected along with issue of Presidential Directive for revision of pay scales for BSNL Executives.  DOT is yet to decide on the methodology to be applied for revision of pension/family pension. On our part, we have been pressing to follow the same principle which was implemented in Food Corporation of India which is in the same line as being followed by the Government for its pensioners.  

  • 26.02.2009:  BENEFIT OF CALCULATION OF PENSION ON LAST PAY DRAWN EXTENDED TO THE RETIREES BETWEEN 1.1.2006 TO 1.9.2008 :  Government had earlier issued orders to allow the benefit of calculation of pension on last ten months average pay or last month’s pay whichever is beneficial to the retirees w. e. f. 02.09.2008 i.e. the date of issue of that Order. Now the benefit has been extended for all the retirees between 1.1.2006 to 1.9.2008 also which implies that this benefit is now available to all those who retired on or after 1.1.2006  [Click Here for  Letter 1.....][Click Here for Letter 2.....]

  • 22.02.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA FOR THE BSNL PENSIONERS:  Despite all the efforts and persuasion, the reply to a reference made by DOT has not been received till this time from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). It is said that the draft reply is yet to be approved and sent back to concerned section in DPE for forwarding it DOT.

  • 22.02.2009: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2009:  Department of Public Enterprises was expected to issue another order revising the rates of Industrial Dearness Allowance w. e. f. 01.01.2009 which was to be applicable for the CPSEs where wage revision has not taken place. But it is said that there is a rethinking in DPE that such orders may not be a necessity since ultimately all CPSEs will have to go for revision of IDA pay scales. We have since taken up the issue. [Click Here to view our letter......]

  • 15.02.2009: For the past few weeks, visitors have been frequently reporting non-availability of this site due to exceeding of daily band width, a limitation put up by the free host server. AIBSNLREA CHQ has now switched over to its own domain name and paid server. Hereafter please log on to www.aibsnlrea.org

  • 12.02.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVT ORDERS MODIFYING THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972 INCLUDING ENHANCENENT OF LIMIT OF GRATUITY: Ever since the 6th Central Pay Commission submitted its Report, we had been stating that all the recommendations regarding modifications in Pension Rules and enhancement of limit of Gratuity, if accepted by the Government, etc would be applicable to the BSNL Pensioners. Thereafter when the Government issued orders on 2nd September 2008 accepting almost all these recommendations and introducing modifications in the various provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, we had been relentlessly pursing with Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOP&PW) and Department of Telecommunications for implementation of these modified provisions in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 for BSNL pensioners. We now learn that our effort has met with success. Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare is said to have advised the Department of Telecommunication to implement the modified provisions for the BSNL pensioners. DOT, on its part, may take some more time to process the case and issue the necessary orders. Immediate beneficiaries would be those retired on or after 1.1.2006 who would arrears on gratuity since the limit is enhanced from Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs.

  • 12.02.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA FOR THE BSNL PENSIONERS: We had earlier reported that the reply on the issue from Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has been received in the Department of Telecommunications. DoP&PW had left the issue to be decided by the Ministry of Communications only. They did not suggest to consult Department of Expenditure as was being propagated by some people. We also said that DOT was waiting for a reply from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and even the senior Officers from DOT had met the concerned Officers in DPE to discuss the matter. Now the reply from Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) is expected to be received in the coming week. They may also leave the matter to Ministry of Communications to decide. Thus, the matter is now likely to be settled within the Ministry shortly.

  • 12.02.2009: REVISION OF IDA RATES W E F 01.01.2009:  Department of Public Enterprises is likely to issue another order revising the rates of Industrial Dearness Allowance w. e. f. 01.01.2009 which will be applicable for the CPSEs where wage revision has not taken place. This order will be based on old IDA formula and help the BSNL Pensioners get the benefit till decision is taken on revision of Pension/Family Pension. This order is likely to be issued next week.

  • 10.02.2009: REVISION OF PENSIONS: The issue regarding revision of Pension/Family Pension for BSNL pensioners has now become more important, since DPE is following a new DA formula associated with the revision of IDA pay scales. The orders on payment of IDA due from 1.1.2009 which was issued by DPE on 30.01.2009 is based on this new formula and effective only for the CPSEs in which its orders on revision of IDA pay scales have been implemented. Unless pension is revised, the pensioners from BSNL will not get the benefit of increase in the rate of IDA. We have again taken up the issue of revision of pension/family pension with DOT. [Click here to view the letter………]

  • 10.02.2009: IMPLEMENTATION OF MODIFIED PROVISIONS IN CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972  REGARDING PAYMENT OF PENSION, GRATUITY ETC W. E. F. 01.01.2006: We have again taken up with DOT for immediate implementation of the modified provisions in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, as notified by the Dept of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare on 02.09.2008, for the BSNL pensioners and make payment of the arrears. [Click here to view the letter …….]  

  • 02.02.2009: REVISION OF PENSION OF BSNL PENSIONERS:   Pension of the BSNL Executives who retired prior to 1.1.2007 need to be revised along with revision of IDA Pay Scales of the BSNL Executives. The pre-2007 retired BSNL non-Executives are also entitled to get similar revision of their pension when the serving non Executives get their IDA pay scales revised with effect from 1.1.2007. This Association had been demanding simultaneous decision of revision of pension of the BSNL Executives who retired prior to 1.1.2007 along with issue of Presidential Directive for revision of IDA pay scales for the BSNL Executives who were in service as on or after 1.1.2007. Revision of pension, however, can not be denied.  DoT is examining the issue and considering whether the revision of pension should follow the general guidelines framed by the Government for revising the pension of the PSU absorbees drawing pension on IDA pay scales who were permanently absorbed in a PSU as a result of conversion of a Government Department and opted to retain Central Government pensionary benefits which was circulated vide Dept of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare No. 4/14/2001-P&PW(D) dated 19.09.2003 [Click here to view this order…….]. These guidelines followed after implementation of 5th Central Pay Commission recommendations. However, there are also certain doubts whether the pension of the BSNL pensioners could be revised under these guidelines. We   feel that revision of pension for pre-20O7 pensioners and those who retired after serving part of last ten months before 1.1.2007 and rest of the months after 1.1.2007 should be decided in the same principle as was decided for the employees of Food Corporation of India. Accordingly, we have taken up the matter with DoT [ View the letter…..]. We want DoT to come out early with its final decision so that we can react if need be [To view these orders please click here:  ONE    TWO  ]. 

  • 02.02.2009: PAYMENT OF TELEPHONE BILLS BY BSNL PENSIONERS RESIDING IN MTNL SERVED AREAS: We have now taken up the matter with CMD, BSNL to resolve the issue. We have proposed that BSNL Pensioners be sent bills for payment only for the calls which are in excess of free call limit. For payment of rent and calls within free call limit, all bills be sent to the nominated Officers in BSNL Units. Alternatively, BSNL may pay the concerned pensioners an amount covering charges for rent and free calls in the same line as provided in BSNLMRS with an option to the concerned BSNL pensioners to take telephone connection from any operator.[ View the letter………]

  • 02.02.2009: CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND FACILITY TO THE BSNL PENSIONERS:  CMD, BSNL has been requested to extend the facility of concessional Broad band facility to the BSNL pensioners also  

  • 02.02.2009: BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 50% IDA TO THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS:  DPE is yet to send its reply. Senior Officers from DoT visited DPE and discussed the issue. Unless the response from DPE is available, we are to keep our fingers crossed. 

  • 27.01.2009: Benefit of merger of 50% IDA for the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners: Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since sent their reply to DoT which has reached the concerned section. As reported earlier in this website, there is no advice by DoP&PW to take up the matter with Department of Expenditure in Ministry of Finance. DoT now waits for the reply from Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). This is likely to be available very shortly.

  • 26.01.2009: MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH: A meeting of All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives’ Association, W.B State Branch was held from 15.00 hours to 17.15 hours on 13th January,2009 at Library Room, O/o the CGM, W.B. Telecom Circle, 1 Council House Street, Kolkata under the chairmanship of Shri Bijan Bikas Chowdhury, Retired CAO, CTD and President of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch.  This was the second General Meeting since its formation on 23.10.08. S/Shri D.K. Chakraborty, State Vice President, N.H. Siddique State Secretary, Arun Kr. Chatterji, Asst. State Secretary, L.K. Mukherji, Organising Secretay (East), CHQ, K.P. Ghosh, State Organizing Secretary, and Samir Ranjn Palit, State, Treasurer of the Association  were on the Dias. Forty six (46) members attended the meeting. Twenty (20) new members enrolled their names as members of the Association thus raising the total membership of the Association to now sixty nine. Leaders on the Dias clarified different issues raised by the members including 50% merger of IDA and problem on medical treatment for the retired members in Calcutta Telephones.

  • 22.01.2009: Benefit of merger of 50% IDA to the BSNL pensioners: It is learned that the Officers from DoT had visited the office of the Dept of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare for getting early reply to the reference on the issue which was made by DoT. Meanwhile, AIBSNLREA has requested Secretary, Dept of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare for expeditious settlement of the issue. [ Click here to view the letter........]

  • 22.01.2009: West Vidharbha Branch of AIBSNLREA formed: West Vidharbha Branch (comprising of Amravati, Akola, Washim, Buldhana and Yavatmal Districts in Maharashtra state) of All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives' Association was formed in a meeting held at 1300 hrs on 18th January 2009 at TRC Hall, Telephone Bhawan, Amravati. Shri V.P. Agrawal, retired Divisional Engineer was in the chair. Shri V.G.Dakhode, Convener of the meeting spoke on the need regarding formation of the branch of AIBSNLREA for West Vidarbha Area at Amravati. Shri S.L.Dravekar, Organizing Secretary (West), CHQ addressed the meeting. He highlighted the salient features of the constitution of AIBSNLREA. He also spoke on Rule 37A of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and the clarifications issued by DOT on pension liability and their significance. He further apprised the House on the efforts being made by CHQ of AIBSNLREA to resolve the issue of the merger of 50% of IDA for pre-2007 BSNL pensioners. He urged the members to stand united to fight for their legitimate rights. The following members were elected unanimously as the Office Bearers for West Vidarbha Branch, Amravati:

              President                    : Shri V.P. Agrawal, Retired DE

              Vice-President            : Shri S.C. Mohane retired DE 

              Secretary                   : Shri V.G. Dakhode retired DE 

              Finance Secretary       : Shri B.R Chhabriya retired CAO (IFA)

              Asstt.Secretary          : Shri M.L. Inamdar retired DE

  • 20.01.2009: PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATIONS IN CHENNAI HELD DHARNA ON 9th JANUARY, 2009: A massive dharna was arranged in front of office of the CGM Tamilnadu Telecom Circle on 9th January, 2009 at 10 am by the joint action Committee of Pensioners Associations of BSNL Employees of which AIBSNLREA is also a constituent member. More than 300 pensioners participated in the Dharna. Around 40 members of AIBSNLREA stationed at Chennai took part in the dharna. Leaders of various organizations including NFTE, FNTO, BSNLEU, AIBSNLOA, AIBSNLREA and BSNL Pensoners’ Association of Chennai Telephones and Tamilnadu Circle delivered inspiring speeches highlighting the inordinate delay on the part of DOT and BSNL in issuing IDA merger orders and condemned such attitude by the authorities. Shri V. Chinnapappiah of AIBSNLREA addressed the gathering. There was a good coverage of the event by the print and electronic Media. At the end of the dharna, the coordinating committee (AIBSNLREA represented by Shri A.Ganesan) met separately and decided to meet Hon’ble Union Minister Thiru G.K.Vasan and to request him to use his good offices to pressurize the DOP to settle our case. Accordingly, a delegation of Pensioners Associations lead by S/Shri G. Natarajan, A. Ganesan and  Gopalakrishnan met the Hon’ble Minister in his residence at 2, Asoka Road, Alwarpet, Chennai at 11 am on 10th Jan 2009 and handed over a memorandum requesting for his intervention and settling our case of IDA merger. The minister gave a patient hearing and assured to do the needful.  

  • 20.01.2009: General Body Meetings of AIBSNLREA Tamilnadu State Branch held: A General Body meeting of newly formed Tamilnadu State Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on two occasions on 09.10.08 and 13.11.2008 in Hotel Palmgrove, Nungambakkam at Chennai.  Twenty five members of the Association were present in the meeting chaired by Shri V.R Krishnan, State President.  A. Ganesan, Secretary enlightened the members about the latest position of the problems of the BSNL pensioners being dealt by the Central Headquarters. The General Body also discussed about various problems faced by the pensioners. Shri V.R.Krishnan clarified that IDA merger proposal has been discussed in the BSNL Board meeting on 12 th Nov and we may await further for orders. Some members wanted the list of members to be circulated. Secretary assured this will be arranged. He also requested the members present to bring others who are not in the Association to the forth coming meeting. The third G B meeting was held on 8-1-2009 at Hotel Palm Grove at 18:30 hrs. Shri N.Devanna, Treasurer Informed the house that the total membership enrolled in Chennai crossed 50 mark. The delay in getting IDA merger orders was resented by many members. Shri A.Ganesan Secretary informed the Members that all efforts taken by State units and Centre have not yielded desired results and hence trade union type actions are being initiated. Some of the members wanted the Association to take the matter to court. President and Secretary then informed that the joint action committee, i.e., the Coordination Committee of all Pensioners’ Association in Chennai and Tamilnadu has called for DHARNA on 9th Jan 2009 in front of office of the CGM TN Circle, Anna Salai Chennai at 10:00 am. They requested all the members to attend the same.

  • 19.01.2009: AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha Branch, Nagpur Meets PGM Nagpur, BSNL: An informal meeting was granted to AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha (comprising of Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli Districts) Branch, Nagpur by Principal General Manager, Nagpur Telecom District, Nagpur at 1130 hrs on 17th January 2009 The office Bearers consisting of S/Shri N.G.Talewar, President, P.R.Bhujbal, Secretary, N.K.Zam, Org.Secretary, R Gadghpal, P.S.Shembekar and S.N.Kulkarni, Assistant Secretaries, S.V.Adbe, Asstt Fin.Secretary met Shri Murlidhar Bhatia, PGM, Nagpur Telecom in his chamber. The PGM was apprised of the formation of the AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha Branch,Nagpur. A memorandum on some local problems of the members was submitted to the PGM and item wise discussion was held. The PGM assured office bearers of the Association to look into the problems personally and solve them at the earliest.

  • 18.01.2009: General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA East Vidarbha Branch, Nagpur held: A meeting of All India BSNL Retired Executive's Association, East Vidarbha Branch,Nagpur  (Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Wardha, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts ) was held at 1200 hrs on 11 th January 2009 at CTO Compound,Nagpur. Shri K.G.Kuhikar,retired DGM,Shri T.R.Patil,retired DGM, Shri S.L.Dravekar, Organizing Secretary, West Zone, Shri N.G.Talewar, President, AIBSNLREA, Nagpur, Shri P.R.Bhujbal, Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Nagpur and Shri Mujumdar, Finance Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Nagpur were on the dias. Shri S.L.Dravekar and Shri P.R.Bhujbal addressed the house and answered queries raised by the members. There was overwhelming response from the members. So far 52 members have been enrolled as Life Members.  Shri S.V.Adbe, retired SDE has been elected as Assistant Finance Secretary, AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha Branch, Nagpur. Next meeting has been decided to be held in April 2009. Shri N.G.Talewar concluded the meeting and proposed vote of thanks. The meeting ended with contributory lunch in the house.

  • 14.01.2009: Merger of 50% of IDA for pre-2007 BSNL pensioners:  It is learnt that Dept of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare and Dept of Public Enterprises may send their reply to DoT shortly and there may not be any need to refer the matter to any other Ministry which implies that DoT would be able to decide the matter of its own.

  • 13.01.2009: General Secretary writes to Secretary, DoT in the backdrop of his recent letter dated 05.01.2009 reassuring that ultimate responsibility for payment of pension and family pension to the BSNL pensioners lies with the Government. Conveys the anguish and strong feelings of the BSNL pensioners since their legitimate dues are not settled on time despite owning responsibility for payment of pensionary benefits. Requests his personal intervention  for settlement of three important issues i.e. extension of benefit of 50% merger of IDA to the pre-2007 BSNL pensioners, implementation of revised   pensionery benefits as ordered by the Government and revision of pension/family pension consequent to revision of IDA pay scales. CLICK HERE FOR THE LETTER.....

  • 06.01.2009:  Existing orders on Pension liability of BSNL towards pensionary benefits/family pension continues: Betraying the general expectation that DoT would shortly withdraw its Order No. 1-45/2003-B dated 15th June 2006 which stipulated that BSNL would have to bear any amount exceeding 60% of the receipt to the Government on dividend income and licence fee from MTNL/BSNL and corporate tax/Excise Duty/Service Tax paid by BSNL for meeting the expenditure for payment of pension and family pension to its absorbed employees would be withdrawn, DoT vide its Order No. 40-12/2007-Pen(T) dated 5.1.2009 has confirmed that the existing arrangement between DoT and BSNL on meeting the expenditure on pensionary benefits to its absorbed employees as contained in its earlier order dated 15.06.2006 shall continue. The significance of the latest order is only that it has reiterated the provision in sub-rule 21 of Rule 37-A (Pension Rules) that notwithstanding any arrangement between DoT and BSNL regarding meeting the expenditure on account of payment of pension, ultimate liability towards pensionary benefits including family pension to the absorbed BSNL employees lies with the Government of India and in case BSNL is not able to contribute as per present arrangement, the Government will pay the admissible pensionary benefits. Therefore, nothing new has been said in this order. After all Rule 37-A of Pension Rules, which is a statutory Rule, ensures payment of pension to the absorbed employees by the Government. The pensioners have no concern from where the Government manages the fund. How DoT can refute this when Rule 37-A (Pension Rules) is clear on the subject? Therefore, there is not much to be read in this Order. There is nothing to be jubilant or call it a victory. It may be recalled that DoT once made a move to take up the issue with Cabinet for withdrawal of the present arrangement, drafted Cabinet Note and sought for the views/comments of other concerned Ministries. It is learnt that Ministry of Finance felt that there is no need for cabinet decision on the subject and DoT is competent to decide. Any how, DoT has preferred to issue this clarification instead of withdrawing its earlier Order dated 15.06.2006. The present order, clarifying the Government of India’s ultimate liability towards payment of pensionary benefits, is perhaps to reassure the Group A (ITS precisely) Officers who are reluctant to take absorption that their pension after absorption in BSNL is secured. [ Click here to view the order…..]

  • 06.01.2009: Merger of 50% of IDA for pre-2007 BSNL pensioners:  The Deptt of Pension & PW and Deptt of Public Enterprises are yet to send their reply to the DoT in response to the reference made by it. The replies are expected to be received shortly. The matter is being followed up.

  • 06.01.2009: Payment of telephone bill by the BSNL pensioners residing in MTNL area:  We have taken up the matter with DoT Secretary to stop harassment of BSNL pensioners residing in MTNL area and also MTNL pensioners residing in BSNL areas who are required to make full payment of bills including rent and admissible free calls and ask for reimbursement.

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