Email: gensecaibsnlrea@yahoo.com   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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