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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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