YEAR 2015
31.12.2015:
INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2016:
According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to be increased w.e.f. 1.1.2016 by 4.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 7.6% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.30.12.2015:
CCA, NAGPUR RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION AGAINST NON-SETTLEMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS OF SHRI S N GAJBE OF CHANDRAPUR SSA, MAHARASHTRA:
The Controller of Communication Accounts, Nagpur has sent a reply to AIBSNLREA regarding the status of the case for settlement of pensionary benefits of Shri S N Gajbe who retired from Chandrapur SSA of Maharashtra Circle and is a life Member of East Vidarbha Branch, Nagpur. The CCA has also given the details of the pensionary benefits as ordered for him. View the letter23.12.2015:
AIBSNLREA, UJJAIN BRANCH (MP STATE) HOLDS ITS CONFERENCE:
Ujjain Branch (Madhya Pradesh State) of AIBSNLRERA held its conference on 21.11.2015 and unanimously elected a new set of office bears as follows:- President: Shri K.N. Gupta, Vice President: Shri S.C.Pandey, Branch Secretary: Shri S.R.Pharkya, Asst. Branch Secretary: Shri P.N. Parmar, Finance Secretary: Shri B.C. Kulmi, Executive Committee Members: S/Shri N Dave, C.L. Pawar, P.R. Verma, G.K. Pathan and U.S Khatri.23.12.2015:
RAM GOPAL BAJPAI OF AIBSNLREA, KANPUR BRANCH DECLARED WINNER OF SECOND DAN BLACK BELT IN TAEKWONDA:
Shri Ram Gopal Bajpai, Retd SDE, born on 12.01.1947 and a life member of AIBSNLREA Kanpur Branch (UP State), has been declared winner of second Dan Black Belt by Taekwonda Federation of India on 30.11.2015 which is affiliated to World Taekwonda, headquartered in South Korea. Congratulations!21.12.2015:
TENSION ON PAYMENT OF PENSION IN BSNL:
A renewed disinformation campaign seems to have again started to establish that the pension of the BSNL pensioners is not secure. An article titled “Known and Unknown facts” to establish this is doing round the corner for the last few months. Following this, we have also received many queries from some disturbed BSNL pensioners. This is not a new development. Earlier also such campaign was launched and we had to counter the same with hard facts. Our Joint Secretary (South) Shri S Ratnasubramanian has again come out with a write-up based on rules and facts on the issue which outrightly rejects the theory that the pension of BSNL pensioners is not secure. His write-up titled as “Is our pension secure ?” is now available at the left column of this main page.19.12.2015:
AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH HOLD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING:
Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA held its GB meeting and Diwali get together on 16-12-2015 at Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall in Ahmedabad. The meeting started with lightening of lamp followed by prayer by Shri B.C.Chauhan. President Shri P.B.Parmar welcomed all the participants, and informed about the activities of the Association during last six months. The House observed silence in memories of flood victims of Taminadu and also the departed members and family members of the Association [Please click State News page of this site and go to the Gujarat State section to read the full report].13.12.2015:
AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HOLD GB MEETING:
A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch was held at Kolkata CTO Auditorium at 1PM of 10th December 2015. The members from Kolkata city and far off districts of West Bengal most enthusiastically joined the meeting and the number of participants exceeded 260. The meeting was presided over by a presidium consisting of Sri S.K.Maitra and Sri S.C.Roy. One minutes’ silence was observed to pay tribute to four departed members and a resolution of condolence was adopted by the House. State Secretary’s report containing all the relevant issues was placed by the State Secretary Shri S.R.Palit. Many members participated in the discussions and highlighted some issues including medical facilities. They also countered the rumours on stated uncertainty of BSNL Pensions as propagated by some vested interested persons. State Secretary in his reply touched all the points and elaborately explained the background of creation of BSNL, Protection of Pension of the absorbees as guaranteed under Rule 37A of CCS(Pension) Rules 1972 and also our long battle for revision of Pension for pre 2007 retirees on IDA scale. He also asserted that there is no imminent threat to the BSNL pensioners. The House deliberated the issues with rapt attention and maintained pin drop silence till the end of the meeting. 15 new members enrolled their names in the meeting. An one page wall calendar for 2016 was published and distributed to the members who were present in the meeting. It was also announced that the members who could not be present, may collect the calendar from the Association Office on 22nd December/5th January 2016 at 3 PM. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair. View the photographs11.12.2015:
NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED AT SANGRUR (PUNJAB STATE):
In a meeting of the retired BSNL Executives of Sangrur SSA held on 08.12.2015, a new branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed at Sangrur (Punjab). Seven members had attended the meeting. The members had expressed their anxiety due to non-settlement of revision of pension with the fitment benefit of merger 78.2% IDA. Shri P K Jindal, who was elected as Branch President, apprised the members about the actions taken by the CHQ to settle various problems of BSNL pensioners. The Meeting also unanimously elected the following office bearers:- Branch President: Shri P K Jindal, Retd DGM, Vice President: Shri Resham Lal, Retd DGM, Branch Secretary: Shri Gurmail Singh, Retd SDE, Asst. Branch Secretary: Shri Didar Singh, Retd SDE, Financial Secretary: Shri V K Mittal, Retd AGM, Organizing Secretary: Shri B S Sidhu, Retd DET. The meeting ended with vote of thanks to all the members and office bearers.09.12.2015:
FINAL CABINET NOTE FOR REVISION OF PENSION WITH FITMENT BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% IDA:
On 5.11.2015 we had reported in this site that "DOT has decided to send the final Cabinet Note on the above issue to the Cabinet Secretariat by addressing the points raised in DOE’s reply to DOT’s draft Cabinet Note which was earlier sent to all concerned Ministries/Departments including DOE for their comments/views. The points will be addressed in the Cabinet Note itself." It is now learnt that the cabinet note has been finalised, incorporating a few suggestions by PSE section of DoT and is likely to be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat next week. A letter will simultaneously be sent to DoE replying to the queries earlier raised by it, as have been included in the final cabinet note.08.12.2015:
CHENNAI FLOODS - AN APPEAL:
Nature let out its worst fury, as unprecedented heavy rains pounded Chennai and surrounding areas leaving the areas amidst worst floods ever recorded, as more than 250 people have died and 2 million people were stranded without power, water and food. Train services came to a halt and the Chennai Airport was closed. Communication networks failed leaving friends and relatives in a quandary. Rain has now stopped and Chennai is limping back slowly to normalcy. Rehabilitation measures have commenced, with the Government of Tamilnadu estimating the cost at 20000 crores. Business houses, NGOs, Social Institutions and individuals are pitching in with assistance to the flood victims. We request all our members to contribute towards rehabilitation of the affected people in Chennai by sending either cash or cheque or Demand Draft drawn in favour of "CHIEF MINISTER'S PUBLIC RELIEF FUND" addressed to : The Joint Secretary to Government and Treasurer, Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund, Finance Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009. Alternately, contribution can also be sent to Prime Minister's National Relief Fund either through Nationalised Banks, Netbanking or online at pmnrf.gov.in.06.12.2015:
E-JOURNAL DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE:
December 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.05.12.2015:
AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH TO HOLD GENERAL BODY MEETING:
A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch will be held on Thursday, at 13.00 hours of 10th December 2015 at the CTO Building Telecom Hall, Kolkata to discuss about the problems of the pensioners and their status, other important issues and organizational activities. Wall Calendar for the year 2016 will also be distributed among the members. All the members of the Association and other retired executives of BSNL are requested to attend the meeting.30.11.2015:
NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED AT WARDHA:
A new Branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed at Wardha in Maharashtra. The meeting was held at 11.00 hours of 3rd November 2015 in Swadhyay Mandir Wardha. Ten members have already enrolled as Life members of the Association. S/Shri S.K.Patankar and G.S.Kawley were elected as the Branch President and Branch Secretary respectively. Shri A.A.Chawade is the Finance Secretary of the Branch.28.11.2015:
PRINCIPAL CCA, MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE HOLDING PENSION ADALAT AT AMRAVATI:
The Principal CCA, Maharashtra Circle, Mumbai has notified to hold a Pension Adalat on 23.12.2015 for redressal of grievances of the employees retired from BSNL and DOT from Amravati, Nagpur, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldana, Khargaon, Wardha, Bhandara, Chandrapur and Ghatcharoli SSAs. The Adalat will be held at Amravati.24.11.2015:
AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE CASE OF NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF ASSURANCE TO EXTEND THE BENEFIT OF OPTION TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THEIR PROMOTION OR RETIREMENT WHICHEVER IS EARLIER IN CASE OF GROUP C & D EMPLOYEES OF DOT SINCE ABSORBED IN BSNL:
AIBSNLREA has again taken up the above issue of Non-implementation of assurance to extend the benefit of option to retain CDA pay scale till their promotion or retirement whichever is earlier offered in the General Terms and Conditions of Service for absorption to the Group “C” & “D” Employees by the Department of Telecommunications. AIBSNLREA has urged the Minister of State for (PP) that “Since the Department of Telecommunications is not implementing its own offer made in its General Terms and Conditions for Service for absorption in BSNL for “an option to retain Government Pay Scale i.e. CDA pay scale till their promotion or retirement whichever is earlier” to the absorbed Group C & D Employees, we seek for your kind personal intervention in the matter for immediate implementation of the said offer which cannot be withdrawn at any stage after absorption. The early resolution is urgently required to settle their claim for higher pay and pensionary benefits which are overdue.” View the letter23.11.2015:
BIMONTHLY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, AKOLA BRANCH:
AIBSNLREA Akola (MH) Branch held its bi-monthly General Body meeting on 18-11-2015 at the residence of Shri P.P. Chimankar Retd. A.O. Akola. Twenty one (21) members were present in the meeting and three new Life Members were also enrolled in the Branch. After enrollment of these members, the membership of Akola branch has increased to 52 members. Shri A.G. Nema Branch Secretary welcomed all the members including the new members. Two minutes silence was first observed to convey condolence to the departed souls of Vice President Late Shri P.T. Kolhe retired D.E. and his wife Late Smt. Kamal Prabhakar Kolhe who expired on 26th September and 24th October 2015 respectively. Branch Secretary apprised about the latest information regarding the case of merger of 50% I.D.A. effectively amounting to 78.2%. The members condemned the long delay in this matter. Branch Secretary highlighted the importance of the Association and urged the house to help in enrollment of new retired executives. The meeting was adjourned with vote of thanks.22.11.2015:
RESTORATION OF WITHOUT VOUCHER MEDICAL ALLOWANCE SCHEME FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL:
In order to consider the requests received from all corners, BSNL Corporate Office wanted to examine the above issue and had asked the CGMs to send information about the (i) total number of retired employees availing medical facility and (ii) total Outdoor expenditure incurred during the financial years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 vide its letter No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-22/14 dated 17.03.2015. Thereafter, since information was received only from five Circles, the Corporate Office issued a reminder vide its No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-22/14 dated 23.04.2015 to all the circles. So far out of the 48 Circles, complete information has been received only from 22 Circles, while another Circle i.e. Haryana has sent only partial information. Another 25 Circles are yet to send the requested information. These Circles are: A&N, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, North East I, North East II, Orissa, Punjab, Kolkata Telephones, Uttaranchal, West Bengal, BRBRAITT, BBNW, ETP, ETR, IT Project, NTP, NTR, Inspection and TF Kolkata. We now request for the help of our members and other interested individual retired employees and the concerned unions and associations to prevail over the defaulting Circles and expedite supply of the information as requested in the above quoted BSNL letters to get the case examined and a decision taken at the earliest.22.11.2015:
GUJARAT TELECOM REGION POSTPONES HOLDING OF PENSION ADALAT FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES OF THE EMPLOYEES OF BSNL AND DOT RETIRED FROM VARODARA, GODHRA, BHARUCH AND NANDED SSAs:
In continuation of the posting dated 16.11.2015 in this website on the above issue, it is informed that the proposed holding of Pension Adalat has now been postponed to 29.12.2015 and the date for submission of grievances for redressal has been extended to 4.12.2015. The venue, however, remains unchanged.21.11.2015:
KANPUR BRANCH (UP STATE) OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS ITS GB MEETING:
Kanpur Branch (UP State) of AIBSNLREA had a General Body meeting in the TRC Hall, Kanpur Telephone Exchange Main Building on 05.11.2015. Shri R S Arora, State Secretary attended and addressed the meeting. Afterwards, a new set of office bearers was unanimously elected with S/Shri Dharam Das as President, S B Saini as the Branch Secretary and Lal Singh as Branch Finance Secretary.20.11.2015:
SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION SUBMITS ITS REPORT:
The Seventh Central Pay Commission has submitted its Report to the Government yesterday evening i.e. on 19.11.2015. This is the first time in the history of the Commissions that the Report has been submitted before the scheduled date of implementation of the recommendations. Now the Government has to examine the recommendations and decide on their implementation or otherwise. Read More19.11.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR(HR), BSNL ABOUT NON-SETTLEMENT OF WRONG FIXATION OF PAY AND PENSION CASE OF SHRI ARABINDA CHAUDHURY, RETD EE(CIVIL), WEST BENGAL TELECOM CIRCLE:
AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL drawing her attention to the above case in which the Establishment Branch of Corporate Office had advised PGM(BW), BSNL to send some clarifications to WestBengal Telecom Circle. But the same has not been complied with and the case remains unsettled. The Association has requested Director (HR) to intervene in the matter so that the sufferings of the above retired officer come to an end. View the letter19.11.2015:
BSNL RETURNS TO THE PATH OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY:
In an interesting development, for the first time after so many years of continuous losses, BSNL has started to move on the path of economic recovery. BSNL has recorded an operative profit of Rs 672crores for the year 2014-15 as against the operating loss of Rs 692 crores during 2013-14. The Company is expected to have net profit from the year 2019. CMD, BSNL has broken this newsto the newsmen. This turn around by BSNL is very significant and may inspire the employees to give their best so that BSNL starts earning net profit even earlier to the date as expected by the Management.17.11.2015:
SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION TO SUBMIT ITS REPORT ON THIS 20TH NOVEMBER - REPORTS MEDIA:
Media has reported that the 7th Central Pay Commission constituted by the Government for giving recommendations on pay and allowances of the CG Employees and revision of pension of retired CG employees, besides other issues, may submit its report on 20th November 2015. The recommendations of CPC will not have any direct impact on the employees of CPSEs for whom a separate Pay Revision Committee has to be constituted. However, any benefit coming out of any possible changes in the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 will be applicable to the absorbed BSNL pensioners.16.11.2015:
CCA, GUJARAT TELECOM REGION TO HOLD PENSION ADALAT ON 15.12.2015 FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES OF THE EMPLOYEES OF BSNL AND DOT RETIRED FROM VARODARA, GODHRA, BHARUCH AND NANDED SSAs:
Controller of Communication Accounts, Gujarat Telecom Region is holding Pension Adalat on 15.12.2015 for redressal of grievances of the employees retired from BSNL and DOT from Vadodara, Godhra, Bharuch and Nanded SSAs of Gujarat Telecom Circle. The concerned retired employees may send their grievances to Assistant Controller of Communication Accounts, o/o Controller of Communication Accounts, Gujarat Telecom Region, 7th Floor, P&T Administrative Building, Khanpur, Ahmedabad -380001 so as to reach the same on or before 23.11.2015. For further details, the Assistant. CCA be contacted on phone No. 079-25510050.09.11.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (PENSION), DOP&PW ON THE ISSUE OF NON-SETTLEMENT OF APPEAL OF SHRI S N GAJBE, RETD SDE, CHANDRAPUR SSA OF MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE AGAINST THE PUNISHMENT ORDER ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION AND NON-RELEASE OF HIS PENSIONERY BENEFITS:
AIBSNLREA, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2015/34 dated 09.11.2015, has sought the intervention of Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare in the above case. The Association writes that “we earnestly request you to kindly intervene in this case and advise Department of Telecommunication to expeditiously settle his Appeal against punishment Order and also immediately release all his pensionary benefits including payment of regular pension. We also take this opportunity to enclose herewith a copy of his last reminder sent to Department of Telecommunication for your kind perusal”. View the letter08.11.2015:
INTRODUCTION OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME FOR THE EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS INCLUDING THOSE RESIDING IN NON CGHS AREAS:
Government of India is considering a proposal for introduction of Health Insurance Scheme for the employees and pensioners including those residing in non-CGHS areas. It has already prepared a proposal in consultation with NITI Ayog, Department of Expenditure, Department of Financial Services and the Insurance Companies. An EFC Note in this regard is being sent to all concerned Departments to get their response.07.11.2015:
STATUS OF THE ISSUES CONCERNING THE BSNL PENSIONERS AS ON 13.10.2015:
The status of three specific issues pertaining to the absorbed BSNL Pensioners which are being discussed in the meetings of SCOVA for quite some time is now obtained from the Minutes of the 27th Meeting of SCOVA held on 13.10.2015 issued by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare vide its F.No. 42/07/2015-P&PW(G) dated 05.11.2015. The status given, therefore, is as on 13.10.2015 and not the latest one. The given status was as follows:-
06.11.2015:
E-JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE:
November 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.05.11.2015:
FINAL CABINET NOTE FOR REVISION OF PENSION WITH FITMENT BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% IDA - NOW UNDER SUBMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF MOC&IT:
As we have been given to understand, DOT has decided to send the final Cabinet Note on the above issue to the Cabinet Secretariat by addressing the points raised in DOE’s reply to DOT’s draft Cabinet Note which was earlier sent to all concerned Ministries/Departments including DOE for their comments/views. The points will be addressed in the Cabinet Note itself. Accordingly, a draf proposal was submitted and now the competent authority has advised to submit the fair copy of the same and process the file for submission to MOC&IT for his approval. If no other new points are raised, it is expected that the final Cabinet Note will be sent to the Cabinet Secretariat, hopefully before this month end. It may, however, be noted that in the meeting of SCOVA held on 13.10.2015, DOP&PW had advised DOT to reply the queries raised by DOE by 31.10.2015.03.11.2015:
ABNORMAL DELAY IN SETTLEMENT OF MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT CASES OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS – AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) ABOUT OUTDOOR CLAIMS:
While thanking for issue of instructions to the CGMs reiterating BSNL’s earlier Orders to settle the claims of indoor treatment cases of BSNL pensioners within one month of their receipt, AIBSNLREA draws the attention of Director(HR), BSNL about the inordinate delay taking place in settlement of claims for outdoor treatment. The Association, in its letter, has requested “…. we shall again urge you to kindly cause for issue of an order advising the CGMs to settle the Medical reimbursement claims for outdoor treatment of the retired BSNL employees also in a fixed time period”. View the letter02.11.2015:
RESTORATION OF BENEFIT OF MEDICAL ALLOWANCE FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITHOUT VOUCHERS FOR THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:
AIBSNLREA writes to Director(HR), BSNL to expedite a positive decision in respect of the case of restoration of benefit of medial allowance without vouchers for the retired BSNL employees which was under consideration of BSNL Corporate and for which BSNL had asked all the Circles to send some information as specified in its letter No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-22/14 dated 17.03.2015. View the letter31.10.2015:
SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE:
All pensioners will be required to submit their Life Certificate in November 2015. Life Certificate can be submitted in newly introduced Aadhar based digital Life Certificate system or old system of filling up a prescribed form. Pensioners may contact their concerned pension disbursing banks/Post Offices as the case may be.28.10.2015:
BSNL REFERS TO ITS OLD ORDER AND ADVISES ALL CGMs TO SETTLE THE INDOOR EXPENDITURE CLAIMS OF THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES WITHIN ONE MONTH:
BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. BSNL/Admn.I/30-6/15 dated 23.10.2015 has drawn the attention of all its Chief General Managers to its earlier instructions issued vide No. BSNL(Admn.I/1(Pt) dated 23.08.2006 (view BSNLMRS Section of “Important Orders” Page of this website) and has advised them to settle the indoor expenditure claims of the retired employees within one month. It may be recalled that AIBSNREA had last taken up the issue of abnormal delay in settlement of both indoor and outdoor reimbursement claims of the BSNL pensioners with Director (HR) on 21.10.2015 [view posting dated 22.10.2015]. View the Order26.10.2015:
AIBSNLREA, AMBALA BRANCH HOLD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING:
A general body meeting of Ambala Branch (Haryana State) was held on 25.10.2015 under the chairmanship of Shri P C Chauhan to elect a new set of office bearers since the existing body had completed its tenure. 23 members of the branch attended the meeting. Branch Secretary briefed the members about the achievements of the branch in resolving the issues relating to the members. He also discussed about the latest status of 78.2% DA merger case for which the members expressed their deep anguish over the delay in settling the issue by DOT and BSNL in spite of all best efforts by all the pensioners associations. Financial Secretary placed the Statement of Accounts of the Branch in the house which was adopted unanimously. A new set of officer bearers of the Branch was later elected unanimously with Shri P C Chauhan as the Branch President, Shri J C Gupta as Branch Secretary and Shri K C Pandwar as Financial Secretary.22.10.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF ABNORMAL DELAY IN SETTLEMENT OF MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT CASES OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS WITH DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL:
AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL highlighting the problems of the BSNL Pensioners in getting their claims for reimbursement of both indoor and outdoor medical bills settled on time. The Association has also drawn her attention to the existing instructions issued by BSNL on the subject and sought her personal intervention in the matter, so that all medial reimbursement cases of the BSNL Pensioners are settled in accordance with the existing instructions on the subject and more importantly timely reimbursement is ensured. View the letter21.10.2015:
DISCUSSIONS IN 27TH MEETING OF SCOVA:
27th meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) was held on 13.10.2015 as scheduled. Three specific issues of importance for the absorbed BSNL pensioners were also discussed in the meeting. The status of these issues as available before this meeting and given in the Action Taken Report (ATR) circulated by DOP&PW was duly uploaded in this website on 08.10.2013. However, confirmed information on the latest status and decisions taken in the said meeting on these issues are not available. This can be known only when the official minutes of the discussions is issued. We cannot confirm the authenticity of the reporting’s by others, since on the last occasion such reports were found to be totally misplaced.21.10.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CMD, BSNL REQUESTING TO EXTEND THE FACILITY OF FREE NIGHT CALLS TO THE RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES:
AIBSNLREA has written a letter to the Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited requesting to extend the facility of free night calls, which has been allowed to its customers, to its retired Executives. View the letter21.10.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF APPOINTMENT OF NODAL OFFICERS TO DEAL EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE INDIVIDUAL AND COMMON GRIEVANCES OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS:
AIBSNLREA takes up with Director (HR), BSNL for appointment of Nodal Officers in BSNL Units including Corporate Office to deal with exclusively the individual and common grievances of the BSNL pensioners. AIBSNLREA says that at present “…the BSNL Pensioners are also facing immense problems in getting their individual grievances resolved. They are to run from pillar to post to pursue the cases, but in most of the cases no one in administration takes them seriously. As a result the grievances are either badly delayed or remain unsettled”. View the letter20.10.2015:
FINAL CABINET NOTE ON EXTENSION OF FITMENT BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% IDA TO THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS:
It was earlier reported that after due scrutiny of the draft cabinet note sent by DOT, Department of Expenditure raised some queries. Thereafter, Establishment Branch of DOT had re-submitted the file and the Internal Finance Unit of DOT, on their own, collected certain information which are required for the purpose from all the CCAs. The Establishment Branch, after doing the needful, had again re-submitted the case. The issue is reported to be getting sorted out.20.10.2015:
AIBSNLREA REQUESTS DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL TO CAUSE ISSUE OF INSTRUCTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE DOP&PW OMs REGARDING ISSUE OF IDENTITY CARDS TO BSNL PENSIONERS:
AIBSNLREA has requested Director (HR), BSNL to cause issue of instructions for issue of Identity Cards to the BSNL Pensioners in accordance to the guidelines as contained in Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare OM No. OM 41/21/2000-P&PW(D) dated 12.08.2015. AIBSNLREA has pointed out that the said OM not only prescribed specifications for issue of Identity cards, but also has prescribed the material on which the Identity Cards are to be printed. The guidelines also say that no hand written cards are to be issued. The Association writes “……. we earnestly request you to kindly cause issue of instructions to all concerned BSNL Units to strictly follow the guidelines and specifications issued by DOP&PW for issue of Identity Cards to the BSNL Pensioners. All the BSNL Units may further be advised to replace all the hand-written Identity Cards issued so far”. View the letter20.10.2015:
ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, DHARWAD DISTRICT (HUBLI) BRANCH:
The Annual General Body Meeting of All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives’ Association, Dharwad District (Hubli) Branch, Karnataka was held on Saturday the 3rd October 2015 at the Conference Hall, BSNL Sadan in the premises of GMTD, Hubli. Shri B G Kanavi, President chaired the meeting. Shri A. S. Parwatikar, Branch Secretary welcomed the members and addressed the gathering. There were discussions mainly on merger of 50% of DA effectively amounting to 78.2% for fitment benefit in the revised IDA pay scales and other issues. He highlighted the current issues taken up by CHQ in the interest of pensioners. Various correspondences made by GS, CHQ AIBSNLREA on pension/family pension revision and medical facilities, etc were mainly highlighted and appreciated by all the members. All the members expressed that General Secretary AIBSNLREA should take up the matter of 78.2% on war footing so that at this stage it will not be delayed for any kind of reasons by the authorities. Also a resolution was passed to communicate to the GMTD HUBLI and also CGMT Bangalore for empanelment of good and reputed hospitals for the purpose of BSNLMRS facility at Hubli-Dharwad. About 65 members participated in the meeting. Shri V.V.Katti, Financial Secretary read out the finance statement. Shri B G Kanavi, President addressed the members and highlighted the recent developments as regards to the retired BSNL officers. Shri G B Angadi highlighted the recent developments as regards 78.2% issue. The election of office bearers for the period 2015-16 was on the agenda. The house unanimously passed the resolution that the existing body should continue. The same was adopted. Ten new retired officers were enrolled in the meeting and were extended warm welcome by all other members of the association, Hubli Branch. Shri N K Gandhigawad, who retired as DGM, Hubli last month, joined our association and enlightened members regarding latest developments in BSNL. The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chair and members by Shri G B Angadi.19.10.2015:
AIBSNLREA, LUCKNOW BRANCH HOLDS QUARTERLY GENERAL BODY MEETING:
Quarterly General Body meeting of Lucknow Branch (UP State) was held on 9-10-2015 in the Recreation Club at the Telephone Exchange campus, Kaiserbagh. 58 members attended the meeting. Four new life members also got enrolled. Members expressed their resentment due to abnormal delay in settlement of 78.2% ida merger issue and pay anomaly cases [ For full text of the Report, please view the Uttar Pradesh Section of State News Page of this website].19.10.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT BRANCH HELD:
Quarterly General body meeting of AIBSNLREA, East Godavari District Branch was held on 15-10-2015 at RL GRAND Hotel, Kakinada under the president ship of Shri GV Rama Krishna. Meeting started with the prayer by Shri KS Prakasha Rao. Shri GSVSS Vara Prasad, District Secretary welcomed the members [Please view the Andhra Pradesh State Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report].16.10.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE INSTRUCTS ALL DEPARTMENTS/MINISTRIES TO INVARIABLY CONSULT MINISTRY OF LAW AND DOP&PW BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION OR OTHERWISE OF ANY COURT ORDER RELATING TO PENSION MATTERS:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 38/70/2014-P&PW(A) dated 07.10.2015, has instructed all Departments/Ministries that “… in all cases where any policy issue relating to pension matters is involved, the Department of Pension & PW should invariably be consulted before taking a decision on the question of implementation or otherwise of any order of the court. No such order shall be implemented by the concerned Departments/Ministries without referring the matter to this (DOP&PW) Department for advice”. View the DoP&PW OM10.10.2015:
VARANASI BRANCH (UP STATE) OF AIBSNLREA HOLD ITS BI ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Bi annual conference of AIBSNLREA, Varanasi Branch was held on 07/10/2015 at Vaibhav Hotel, Varanasi Cantt. Members of adjoining areas of Varanasi also attended the meeting in large numbers. Shri K P Singh, General Manager, Varanasi, BSNL graced the occasion as the Chief Guest [ For full text of the Report, please view Uttar Pradesh State section of State News Page of this website]09.10.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2015 from 102.6% to 107.9% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. Click Here for the orders09.10.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2015 from 242.1% to 251% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997. Click Here for the orders09.10.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE NOW CIRCULATES THE FRESH AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSIONS IN THE 27TH MEETING OF SCOVA:
Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 42/07/2015-P&PW(G) dated 09.10.2015, has circulated the fresh Agenda Items to be discussed in the 27th Meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) to be held on 13th October, 2015 under the chairmanship of Minister of State for (PP). The linked OM may be viewed to find the details. View the DoP&PW OM08.10.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE ISSUES THE ACTION TAKEN REPORT (ATR) OF THE 26TH MEETING OF SCOVA – STATUS OF THREE ISSUES PERTAINING TO ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS FINDS A MENTION:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 42/07/2015-P&PW(G) dated 08.10.2015, has since issued the Action Taken Report (ATR) of the 26th Meeting of SCOVA which includes the status of the following three issues pertaining to the absorbed BSNL pensioners : (1) Anomaly in fixation of pension to DOT Employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.07.2001, (2) Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL pensioners, (3) Extension of CGHS facilities to retired BSNL employees – Issue of follow up order by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & fixation of rates of contribution and ward entitlement by DOT. The viewers are requested to read the Serial No.5, 6 and 11 of the Action Taken Report against which the detailed status of the above stated three issues are given. The latest official status as on the day of discussion i.e. 13.10.2015 would be known after the Minutes of the meeting is issued in due course of time. View the DoP&PW OM (ATR)08.10.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AKOLA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:
AIBSNLREA, Akola (MH) Branch held its General Body meeting on 12-09-2015 at Conference Hall, GMT Akola office. Twenty six (26) members were present in the meeting and three new Life Members were also enrolled in the Branch. After enrollment of these members, the membership of Akola branch has increased to 50 members.[For full text of the Report, please view Maharashtra State section of State News Page of this website]07.10.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH:
Quarterly General Body Meeting of Kolhapur (Maharashtra State) Branch was held on 4th October, 2015 in Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall with Shri L M Godi, President in the Chair. 54 members attended the meeting and one more new member joined the Association. President welcomed all the members including the new member Shri I J Mujawar…..[For full text of the Report, please view Maharashtra State section of State News Page of this website]06.10.2015:
E-JOURNAL OCTOBER 2015 ISSUE:
October 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.04.10.2015:
PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE APPRECIATES THE GESTURE OF WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA IN DONATING IN PRIME MINISTER’S NATIONAL RELIEF FUND:
We had already informed through this website on 07.09.2015 that the West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA had deposited Rs. 50,000 in Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to provide relief to the earth quake victims of Nepal. PMO has not only acknowledged the receipt but also conveyed the gratitude and appreciation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the members of the Branch. View the letter30.09.2015:
INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2015:
According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to be increased w.e.f. 1.10.2015 by 5.3% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 8.9% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.30.09.2015:
DR. LAL PATHLABS EMPANELLED TO PROVIDE PATHOLOGICAL TESTS TO BSNL EMPLOYEES AS PER CGHS RATES ACROSS ALL ITS CENTERS ALL OVER INDIA:
BSNL has issued an OM dated 28.09.2015 empanelling Dr. Lal Pathlabs to provide pathological tests at CGHS rates against cash payments to the BSNL employees. The facilities will be available across all the listed centers all over India. View the OM and list of centres30.09.2015:
DOP&PW ADVISES ALL MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS/ORGANIZATIONS TO UPLOAD THE REPLIES GIVEN TO THE PETITIONER ON THE PENSION RELATED GRIEVANCES ON PORTAL OF CPENGRAMS:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has issued an Order, vide its No. 55/6/2015-P&PW(C) dated 29.09.2015, reiterating that “since effective grievance redress mechanism is a priority of the Government, the quality of disposal is important and a well reasoned speaking reply should be furnished to the petitioner before closure of grievance and a copy of the same be uploaded on CPENGRAMS. View the orders28.09.2015:
FINAL CABINET NOTE FOR REVISION OF PENSION WITH FITMENT BENEFIT OF 78.2% IDA:
Department of Telecommunications (Establishment Branch) is yet to prepare the final Cabinet Note on pension revision since it is yet to obtain the views/comments of Department of Expenditure on its draft Cabinet Note. In fact, DOT is yet to send the reply to the queries that were raised by Department of Expenditure on its draft Cabinet Note. The draft for the reply to be sent to DOE was submitted to Internal Finance by the Establishment Branch and the Internal Finance Unit is now said to be giving its response shortly which will enable Establishment Branch to send the reply to DOE. The later will only then give its much needed views/comments to DOT.24.09.2015:
DOP&PW ANNOUNCES THE RESCHEDULED DATE AND TIME TO HOLD THE 27TH MEETING OF SCOVA:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 42/07/2015-P&PW(G) dated 24.09.2015, has announced the rescheduled date and time to hold the 27th Meeting of Standing Committee Of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA). The meeting is now proposed to be held on 13th October, 2015 at 11 AM at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. However, the Action Taken Report on the items discussed in the last meeting and also the new agenda for the ensuing meeting are yet to be circulated. View the DoP&PW OM23.09.2015:
VERIFICATION OF QUALIFYING SERVICE AFTER 18 YEARS OF SERVICE AND 5 YEARS BEFORE RETIREMENT:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, while expressing its concern for not meticulously following the existing instructions as mandated as per existing instructions for regular verification of the service of the employees, has since asked all the Ministries/Departments, vide its OM No. 1/19/2013-P&PW (E) dated 16.09.2015, to send the status regarding the verification of qualifying service after 18 years of service and 5 years before retirement in respect of all the serving employees in a prescribed format. View the DoP&PW OM23.09.2015:
GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, AMBALA BRANCH HELD:
A general body meeting of Ambala Branch (Haryana) of AIBSNLREA was held on 10.9.2015 under the chairmanship of Sh. P C Chauhan. 26 members participated in the meeting. Shri J. C Gupta Branch Secretary addressed the meeting and updated the members on various issues confronting the members. The members expressed their anguish over the abnormal delay on the fixation of pay of retirees with merger of 78.2% DA . The members also expressed their concern over the non-payment of medical bills in Haryana Circle since April 2015. It was further decided in the meeting to hold elections of the branch in the next meeting as the present body has completed its tenure of two years. One new member has joined the Association as life member.22.09.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF PALAKKAD (KERALA) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:
Palakkad Branch held a General Body meeting at Top in Town conference hall at Palakkad on 8.9.15. Meeting started at 11am. 36 members were present. 3 new members have joined the branch and the present strength has reached 63. There were elaborate discussions on various topics related to pensioners especially OROP and the highly belated and unsettled 78.2 % ida merger issue. All the members were in an agitated mood. Majority of them opined for approaching the court of law. Thereafter the meeting was concluded and the members disbursed after lunch at 1400 hrs.08.09.2015:
27TH MEETING OF SCOVA SCHEDULED FOR 29TH SEPTEMBER 2015 POSTPONED:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, in an office circular issued on 7 th September 2015, has informed that the 27th Meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies(SCOVA) which was earlier scheduled to be held on 29th September 2015 has been postponed. Revised date and time to hold the meeting will be announced later.07.09.2015:
WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA REMITS RS. 50,000 TO PRIME MINISTER’S NATIONAL RELIEF FUND FOR EARTH QUAKE VICTIMS IN NEPAL:
Responding to the appeal made by the CHQ of AIBSNLREA, its West Bengal State Branch collected nearly Rs.50,000 from its members for the relief operations for the earth quake victims in Nepal and remitted the said amount (Rs 50,000/-) to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. PMO has acknowledged the same and appreciated the gesture. A good initiative for a noble cause.06.09.2015:
GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTS ONE RANK ONE PENSION FOR THE EX-SERVICEMEN:
Government of India has announced implementation of One Rank One Pension scheme for the ex-servicemen w.e.f. July 1, 2014. This demand was raised in 1973 after the then Government under Indira Gandhi reduced the pension of the ex-servicemen from 70% to 50%. Incidentally this happened immediately after the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war in which the Army had the convincing victory for India. All the previous Governments could not implement the same because of various complexities, though all of them gave assurances after assurances. But after the long wait of 42 years, this Government has implemented this and has also announced formation of a one man judicial committee to look into the missing points in the broad order for solution. In OROP Scheme, the widening gap between the ex-servicemen in the same rank retiring at different stages have been attempted to be removed. In order to understand the OROP better, we may read the annexed details. View the details06.09.2015:
E-JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2015 ISSUE:
September 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.02.09.2015:
CABINET NOTE FOR REVISION OF PENSION:
In continuation to our last posting dated 19.08.2015 in this website on the above issue, it is to report that Internal Finance Unit of DOT has examined the contents of the reply to be sent by the Establishment Branch of Department of Telecommunications to the Department of Expenditure in response to their queries. The file has already been submitted to the senior Officers of Internal Finance.31.08.2015:
INORDINATE DELAY IN SETTLEMENT OF APPEAL CASE OF SHRI T K CHITRODA, RETIRED DE, GUJARAT:
AIBSNLREA has again taken up the case with Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare since BSNL has not settled the appeal case despite DOP&PW forwarding our representation to DOT. Instead, Gujarat Telecom Circle has sent a reply which is irrelevant to the issue that was taken up with DOP&PW. AIBSNLERA writes “….The above clearly indicates how insensitive and careless are Department of Telecommunications and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited about the issues involving the pensioners. Ours was not a case to know who is to deal with pensionary benefit case of the affected retired employee but was to get his Appeal Case pending for long period with the Chief Vigilance Officer/Chairman & Managing Director of BSNL expeditiously settled. Therefore, it is surprising how our representation on a different subject duly forwarded by DOP&PW to Department of Telecommunications landed in a subordinate office of BSNL which has nothing to do with the Appeal Case”. View the letter View BSNL Gujarat's reply31.08.2015:
PRINCIPAL CCA, NEW DELHI HOLDS MEETING WITH PENSIONERS AT VARANASI:
Smt Sumita Purkayastha, Principal CCA, New Delhi held a meeting of the pensioners at Varanasi on 25.08.2015 in connection with introduction of Pension Distribution Authority System in Varanasi. Discussions were also held on the pensionary benefits. S/Shri K P Singh, GeneralManager, Varanasi, U B Tiwari, Controller of Communications Accounts, UP(East) and the concerned Accounts Officers from both UP(E) Telecom Circle Office and Varanasi Telecom District were present in the meeting. Forty members from AIBSNLREA, Varanasi Branch attended the meeting.28.08.2015:
DOP&PW NOW FIXES DATE OF HOLDING OF 27th MEETING OF SCOVA:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has now issued an Order fixing the date and time to hold the 27th Meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA). The meeting shall be held at 11.00 hours of 29th September 2015. However, the venue for the meeting is not yet announced. The Action Taken Report (ATR) on items discussed in the last meeting is also not yet circulated. View the order25.08.2015:
DOP&PW ISSUES NOTIFICATION FOR HOLDING 27th MEETING OF SCOVA:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since notified that the 27th Meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) will be held shortly. It will notify the date, time and venue of the meeting in due course of time.25.08.2015:
DOP&PW ISSUED FURTHER ORDERS REGARDING ISSUE OF IDENTITY CARDS TO THE EMPLOYEES RETIRING FROM CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
In continuation of its earlier order (view posting dated 14.08.2015 in this website to view the order), DoP&PW has now issued a revised order advising issue of Identity Cards to the pensioners retiring from Government offices in Delhi and other Metropolitan/big cities be printed with the help of PVC Thermal Printer with 600 DPI resolutions. View the order24.08.2015:
ENTITLEMENT FOR MEDICAL BENEFITS TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PROVISIONAL PENSIONERS-- AIBSNLREA REQUEST DG, HEALTH SERVICES TO SUPPLY THE ORDERS:
AIBSNLREA has requested Director General, Health Services, GOI to supply the copies of any Office Orders issued on the issue of entitlement of medical benefits to the Government pensioners who are granted only provisional pensioners. View the letter23.08.2015:
ALL INDIA CONFERENCE OF AIBSNLREA:
We are proposing to hold our All India Conference at Ahmedabad in December 2015/January 2016. In this regard, we have mailed a circular letter to the branches and others at their e-mail ids available with us. Those who have not received the same may mail us giving their e-mail ids. Sometime back, CHQ had requested all Branches to mail us the e-mail ids of the President, Secretary and Finance Secretary of the Branches. Unfortunately, many of the branches did not respond. All such branches are again requested to do the needful at the earliest. The Notice for the AIC will be issued after receiving the feedback from the branches and making other arrangements.22.08.2015:
WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS CGM, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES:
A delegation from West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA, comprising of President, State Secretary, Vice President ex President Sri A K Basuroy, met the new CGMCalcutta Telephones on 18.08.2015 and welcomed him. They also handed over a list of unsettled long pending deferred option cases of the Executives and requested for his personal intervention for their early settlement. It has also been informed by the State Secretary that Principal CCA Kolkata has issued a notification through the leading dailies of Kolkata on 12th August 2015 asking for submission of Pensioner’s updated data by the Telecom/BSNL pensioners residing in the State of West Bengal Sikkim. State Branch has already informed the members through SMS and personal contact and distributed copy of the format among the members present in a meeting held on 18th August 2015. BSNL Pensioners in West Bengal and Sikkim, if desired, may contact State Secretary and other Office Bearers of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch for further details.21.08.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT BRANCH HELD:
The Annual General body meeting of AIBSNLREA, East Godavari District Branch (APState) was held on 17-08-2015 in the Conference Hall, Sanchar Bhavan Rajahmundry. The meeting started at 09.30 hours under the presidentship of Shri GV Rama Krishna. …… [For the full report of the GB Meeting, please open the Andhra Pradesh State section of State Newspage of this website.]20.08.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF INORDINATE DELAY TO SETTLE THE REGULARISATION OF SUSPENSION PERIOD AND THE APPEAL FOR QUASHING OF ORDER FOR COMPULSORY RETIREMENT OF SHRI S N GAJBE, RETD SDE, CHANDRAPUR, MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE WITH SECRETARY (PENSION):
AIBSNLREA has taken up the above case with Secretary (Pension) in the background of the BSNL’s reply stating that the case pertains to DOT and it is the DOT which is to settle the case. Secretary (Pension) has been urged to intervene for early settlement of these cases. In this regard postings dated 19.05.2015 and 07.08.2015 in this website on the same issue may be viewed. View the letter19.08.2015:
CABINET NOTE ON PENSION REVISION WITH FITMENT BENEFIT BY MERGER OF 78.2% IDA – LATEST STATUS:
Department of Telecommunications has received the final views/comments on its proposal on pension revision to prepare the final cabinet note from all the concerned Ministries except Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure). Department of Expenditure is stated to have asked for certain clarifications/information which are now being examined by Establishment Branch of DOT in consultation with the Internal Finance. Once this process is over, reply will be sent to Department of Expenditure. This is a routine procedure and nothing more can be attributed to this. Incidentally, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has agreed to DoT’s proposal ‘subject to approval by Department of Expenditure’.14.08.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE ISSUES REVISED FORMAT FOR ISSUE OF INDETITY CARDS TO GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since issued an order reiterating that Government Pensioners should invariably be issued Identity Cards. It has also revised the format to include Aadhar Number, if available. View the order09.08.2015:
BSNL ISSUES MODIFIED POLICY FOR RENTING/LEASING OUT OFITS VACANT STAFF QUARTERS:
BSNL has issued a modified policy for renting/leasingout of its vacant staff quarters to Central/State Government, CPSU/State PSU employeesand outside reputed Private Agencies. The orders are applicable for the family members ofBSNL employees and retired DOT/BSNL employees also. View the order07.08.2015:
INORDINATE DELAY IN SETTLEMENT OF “REGULARIZATION OF SUSPENSION PERIOD” AND QUASHING OF ORDER FOR COMPULSORY RETIREMENT OF SHRI S N GAJBE, RETD SDE:
The above issue was taken up AIBSNLREA with Member (Services), Telecom Commission, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2015/20 dated 18.05.2015 [view posting dated 19.05.2015 to read the letter]. Now the General Manager, Chandrapur SSA, Maharashtra Circle has sent a status report stating that Shri Gajbe is being treated as a DOT employee and his pensionary benefits will be settled by DOT only. View the letter07.08.2015:
CHANDIGARH BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD ITS BIMONTHLY GB MEETING:
A bimonthly General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Chandigarh Branch will be held on 8th August, 2015 (Saturday) at 2:30 PM at the canteen of General Post office on 2nd Floor, Sector-17, Chandigarh. All are requested to attend the same in time.06.08.2015:
E-JOURNAL AUGUST 2015 ISSUE:
August 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.01.08.2015:
OBSERVATION OF AADHAR SEEDING WEEK FOR PENSIONERS:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has issued Notification for Observation of Aadhar Seeding Week for the Pensioners by the Banks from 1.8.2015 to 7.8.2015. Those pensioners who are yet to get their Aadhar numbers seeded has been advised to visit their pension disbursing Branches of the Bank with original copy of their PPOs, Aadhar Cards and Bank Pass Books along with copies of these documents. View the Notification31.07.2015:
SPECIAL MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, ERODE BRANCH HELD:
A meeting of AIBSNLREA Erode Branch was held on 25.7.2015 at Hotel Kohinoor, Erode to felicitate Shri C.Krishnan, SDE and Shri S.Mahendran, DGM on the eve of their retirement. ……….[For full report, please view Tamilnadu Section of State News Page of this website].30.07.2015:
CABINET NOTE ON PENSION REVISION WITH FITMENT BENEFIT BY MERGER OF 78.2% IDA:
Department of Telecommunications is still in the process of collecting the views/comments from the concerned Ministries on the proposal contained in its draft cabinet note to extend the proposed benefits to the pre-2007 and post 2007 BSNL pensioners who retired before 10.06.2013. Hopefully, DOT will be able to prepare the final Cabinet Note by August 2015 and process it further.29.07.2015:
REGRET:
We regret that we could not update our website since for the last five days our internet was not working. We failed to get it restored despite our all out efforts with concerned MTNL authorities. As a result, we even failed to post our homage to Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Ex-President of India and builder of India’s space technology who expired on 26/07/2015 while delivering a lecture at IIM, Shillong. We once again regret for our failure due to the reasons beyond our control.29.07.2015:
INORDINATE DELAY IN SETTLEMENT OF APPEAL AGAINST THE ORDERS IN DISCIPLINARY CASES IN BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED - CASE OF SHRI T K CHITRODA, RETIRED DE, GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE:
AIBSNLREA takes up the above case in which the Appeal of Shri T K Chitroda, Retired DE has not been settled by CMD, BSNL despite having received it more than one and half year back. The Association urges Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW “to kindly intervene in the matter so that the CMD, BSNL expeditiously settles this long pending appeal case to render justice to a retired officer”. View the letter20.07.2015:
DAR&PG FORWARDS AIBSNLREA A COPY OF THE REPLY BY SECRETARY, DOT ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY, DAR&PG IN THE MATTER OF INORDINATE DELAY IN FINALIZATION OF A DISCIPLINARY CASE AGAINST SHRI BUDHESWAR MISTRY, RETIRED DE, HAZARIBAGH, BSNL, JHARKHAND:
AIBSNLREA was pursuing the above case with all concerned since long. It even took up the issue with Secretary (Pension), Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances who in turn had taken up the matter with Secretary, Department of Telecommunications for early action. Since there was no progress in the matter, AIBSNLREA had again taken up the matter with him which caused Secretary (Pension) to again write to the Secretary, DOT. [View postings dated 16.3.2015, 25.03.2015, 30.04.2015, 11.5.2015 in this website]. Now the Secretary, DOT has given a reply to him giving detailed position of the case and informing that CGMT, Jharkhand has since issued the final order. He has further informed that “a charge sheet is pending for trial in the CBI Court (RC 13(A)/2006-R) due to which his vigilance clearance is still withheld till finalization of the court case”. View the letter from DARPG forwarding DoT reply18.07.2015:
VARANASI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS THE GENERAL MANAGER, BSNL, VARANASI:
The representatives of Varanasi Branch of AIBSNLREA met the General Manager, BSNL, Varanasi on 15.07.2015 and discussed about some of their pressing problems. The GM assured them to look into their grievances and take appropriate actions. The report in this regard also appeared in the local edition of Dainik Jagaran - a widely circulated national Hindi daily. View the news clipping15.07.2015:
RESTORATION OF BENEFIT OF MEDICAL ALLOWANCE FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITHOUT VOUCHER FOR THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES – AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE MATTER AGAIN:
In order to examine the proposal to restore the benefit of medical allowance for outdoor treatment without voucher to the retired BSNL Employees, BSNL Corporate Office had called for some information from the Circles In March this year. But since then no progress was reported in the matter. AIBSNLREA has now taken up the matter with Director (HR) to expedite a positive decision. It writes “We would, therefore, request you to kindly intervene in the matter so that an early positive decision is taken to restore the benefit in order to mitigate the hardships being caused to the retired BSNL employees”. View the letter14.07.2015:
BI-ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH HELD:
The bi-annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha (Nagpur) Branch was held on 11th July, 2015 at Amenity Block, CTO Compound Nagpur under the Chairmanship of Shri N G Talewar President of the Branch. After paying tributes to the departed family members, Shri Arun Deshpande Asst Secretary welcomed all the life members and newly enrolled life members. ……….[For full report, please view Maharashtra Section of State News Page of this website].13.07.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE ON PENSION REVISION:
AIBSNLREA had already reported (view posting dated 19.06.2015 in this website and also the Editorial in July 2015 issue of its e-journal “Second Innings”) that DOT has circulated the draft cabinet note on its proposal for revision of pension of BSNL pensioners with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA to all the concerned Ministries to get their comments/views. As we understand, DOT will review the status regarding the response that it might receive from various Ministries immediately after the completion of one month of its sending the draft cabinet note. It may, thereafter, issue reminder to the Ministries concerned from where comments/views would be awaited. However comments/views from DOP&PW, DOE and DPE would only be important, though the DPE may respond but not give any views/comment as it did so when the Cabinet Note for revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners was processed following finalization of revision of pay scales of the BSNL employees w.e.f. 1.1.2007.12.07.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION DATED 20.04.2015 WHICH WAS ADDRESSED TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND COPY ENDORSED TO UNION FINANCE MINISTER ON INACTION BY THE OFFICERS OF DOT TO BACK HIS MESSAGE DATED 31.03.2015 TO THE ELDERS, TO THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & IT:
Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance), vide its No. 276/E-V/2015 dated 03.07.2015, has forwarded the endorsed copy of AIBSNLREA’s representation dated 20.04.2015 to the Ministry of Communications & IT for appropriate action/redressal of grievances with a request to inform the petitioner. The said representation was addressed to the Prime Minister of India and endorsed to the Union Finance Minister, with reference to PM’s message dated 31st March 2015 to the elders conveying Government’s commitment to ensuring elders’ golden years are spent happily, peacefully and meaningfully, wherein the Association informed him that his message was not being backed by the action of the officers of DOT. AIBSNLREA had cited the case of non-settlement of the revision of pension issue for the absorbed BSNL pensioners with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA. To read the PM’s message and the AIBSNLREA’s representation, posting dated 20.04.2015 in this website may be viewed. Earlier, as already reported, DOP&PW also forwarded the copy of the same representation that was endorsed to MOS(PP) to DOT for appropriate action. View the DoE letter11.07.2015:
DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION DATED 20.04.2015 ADDRESSED TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA ON INACTION BY DOT’S OFFICERS TO BACK HIS MESSAGE DATED 31.03.2015 TO THE ELDERS, TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded AIBSNLREA’s representation dated 20.04.2015 to the Department of Telecommunications for appropriate action. The said representation was addressed to the Prime Minister of India, with reference to his message dated 31st March 2015 to the elders conveying Government’s commitment to ensuring elders’ golden years are spent happily, peacefully and meaningfully, wherein the Association informed him that his message was not being backed by the action of the officers of DOT. AIBSNLREA had cited the case of non-settlement of the revision of pension issue for the absorbed BSNL pensioners with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA. To read the PM’s message and the AIBSNLREA’s representation, posting dated 20.04.2015 in this website may be viewed. View the DoP&PW letter07.07.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2015 from 100.5% to 102.6% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. Click Here for the orders07.07.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2015 from 238.5% to 242.1% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997. Click Here for the orders07.07.2015:
DOP&PW TO ORGANIZE AADHAAR SEEDING CUM REGISTRATION CAMPS FOR THE PENSIONERS OF NCR:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has decided to organize Aadhaar Seeding cum Registration Camps for the pensioners in NCR at various locations from 13th July 2015 to 17th July 2015 ( 9 AM to 5 PM). The pensioners have been advised to carry their original PPO, Aadhaar Card and Bank Pass book with photocopies of all these documents. Those pensioners, who are not having Aadhaar Card have also been advised to carry their photo id like Voters Card. Representatives from all the concerned Banks will also attend the camps. View the DoP&PW Notification06.07.2015:
E-JOURNAL JULY 2015 ISSUE:
JuLY 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.04.07.2015:
EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD BI-ANNUAL GB MEETING:
East Vidarbha (Nagpur) Branch of AIBSNLREA is to hold its bi-annual General Body Meeting at 4.00 PM on Saturday, the 11th July 2015 at Amenity Hall, CTO Compound, Nagpur. All the members of the Branch and other retired Executives have been invited to attend the meeting. Shri P R Bhujbal, Branch Secretary may be contacted for further details on his mobile No. 9422810810.02.07.2015:
KOLHAPUR BRANCH (MAHARASTRA STATE) OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS ITS QUARTERLY GENERAL BODY MEETING:
Quarterly General Body Meeting of KOLHAPUR Branch was held on 28h June 2015 at Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall in Kolhapur with Shri L M Godi, President in the Chair. 52 members attended the meeting and 6 more new members joined the Association. President welcomed all the members…. [For full report, view Maharashtra Section of State News page]30.06.2015:
INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2015:
According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to be increased w.e.f. 1.7.2015 by 2.1% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 3.6% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.29.06.2015:
ANOMALY IN FIXATION OF PENSION OF DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL, WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 1.10.2000 AND 31.7.2001:
AIBSNLREA has been pursuing the above issue for last few years. The issue also became a regular item for discussions in the meetings of SCOVA. In its last meeting held on 03.02.2015, it was recorded in the minutes that “It was informed that since the last SCOVA meeting, two meetings were held with the officials of Department of Telecom on 20.9.2014 and 30.12.2014 and Department of Telecom was advised to expedite the details/Reply sought in DoP&PW’s ID Note dtd 28.02.2014. Department of Telecom informed that the BSNL is collecting the requisite information sought by DoP&PW from corporate offices of BSNL/MTNL. Department of Telecom was advised to send a reply to DOP&PW within a fortnight”. However, DOT was taking its time to prepare and send the reply since the requisite information was being delayed from BSNL. Now it is informed by DOT that the concerned file in which the issue is being dealt has been referred to DOP&PW for a decision on the issue.26.06.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP WITH SECRETARY (PENSION), DOP&PW THE ISSUE OF NON FIXATION OF RATES OF CONTRIBUTION AND ENTILEMENT TO AVAIL CGHS FACILITIES BY RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:
AIBSNLREA has taken up the above issue with Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare since the Department of Telecommunications is yet to send a proposal on the connected issues to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as was agreed to in the 26th Meeting of SCOVA held on 03.02.2015. The Association has requested for his intervention to expedite settlement of this long pending issue. View the letter25.06.2015:
GOVERNMENT ISSUES REVISED INCOME TAX RETURN FORMS:
Ministry of Finance, through a Gazette Notification, has issued the revised Income Tax Forms. Now tax payers can file their returns. The Forms are available in the IT Department’s website.19.06.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE ON PENSION REVISION WITH MERGER of 78.2% IDA AS FITMENT BENEFIT CIRCULATED:
The Establishment Branch of Department of Telecommunications is reported to have circulated the draft cabinet note on its proposal for revision of pension of BSNL pensioners to all the concerned Ministries. The draft note also includes payment of enhanced Gratuity, Commuted Value of Pension and leave encashment on the date of retirement to those who retired after 01.01.2007 but before 10.06.2013.16.06.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE ON PENSION REVISION WITH MERGER of 78.2% IDA AS FITMENT BENEFIT IS YET TO BE CIRCULATED:
The Establishment Branch of Department of Telecommunications is yet to circulate the draft cabinet note on its proposal for revision of pension of BSNL pensioners to all the concerned Ministries, though the note already stands approved by Internal Finance and other competent authorities as was reported earlier in this website. It is expected that the same may be sent to all concerned Ministries by early next week.15.06.2015:
ESTABLISHMENT BRANCH OF BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE ASKS BW SECTION OF BSNL TO INFORM AIBSNLREA IN REGARD TO THE CASE OF FIXATION OF PAY ON GRANT OF SECOND ACP TO SHRI ARABINDA CHOUDHURY, RETD. EXECUTIVE ENGINEER (CIVIL), SILIGURI, WEST BENGAL CIRCLE:
AIBSNLREA had been pursuing the case for non-settlement of the representation of Shri Arabinda Chaudhury, Retd. Executive Engineer (Civil), Siliguri, West Bengal for proper fixation of his pay/pension following grant of 2nd ACP since long. AIBSNLREA’s last representation to DOP&PW that BSNL Corporate Office was not responding to repeated representations to resolve the issue caused DOP&PW to advise DOT to examine the issue and inform the Association accordingly [Posting dated 31.03.2015 in this website be viewed for more details]. Now Establishment Branch of BSNL Corporate Office has informed its BW Section that the communications received from West Bengal Circle in regard to this case were transferred to PGM(BW) on 29.07.2013. It has further advised BW Section to inform the applicant (AIBSNLREA) suitably in respect of the case of Shri Arabinda Choudhury, Retd. Executive Engineer (Civil), West Bengal Circle. View the letter13.06.2015:
AIBSNLREA, UP STATE BRANCH MEETS CGMT, UP EAST CIRCLE:
The representatives of UP State Branch of AIBSNLREA, comprising of S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, Ambika Singh, State Finance Secretary and S P Singh, Lucknow Branch Secretary, met CGMT, UP East Telecom Circle on 3rd June, 2015 in his chamber and submitted a representation on some grievances of the pensioners being faced in the Circle. [Please open STATE NEWS page, UP section of this website for full report….]11.06.2015:
A GANG OF CHEATERS CONNING PENSIONERS ARRESTED FROM NOIDA:
Police has finally busted a gang of cheaters in Noida who had been conning the pensioners for quite some time. This particular gang had been contacting the pensioners posing themselves as the income tax officers or LIC officials and getting their bank and other personal details. The pensioners who had fallen prey to their false promises to help them in recovering unpaid money finally had to part with their hard earned money to these cheaters. A news report appearing in today’s edition of Times of India is appended herewith which gives further details. It appears that there are several such gangs operating with the same intention but under different mode. AIBSNLREA did receive several complaints from the retired Executives from all over the country and even took up the matter with CBI which forwarded the representation of the Association to Delhi Police for investigation. We would once again advice all the pensioners not to divulge any bank or other personal details to any person in the expectation that such person or persons will help them to receive unexpected money. If any such call is received in this regard, the details may be recorded and handed over to local police. View the news paper report10.06.2015:
BSNL ISSUES TENTATIVE SENIORITY LIST NO. 1 TO 17 OF THE TES GROUP B OFFICERS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF PARA 206 OF P&T MANUAL VOLUME IV AS PER JUDGMENT DATED 21.01.2015 BY THE SUPREME COURT:
Following a Supreme Court direction on 21.01.2015, BSNL has since issued the tentative revised Seniority Lists No 1 to 17 of the TES Group B Officers based on the principle of Para 206 of P&T Manual Volume-IV which was once relied upon by Allahabad High Court for promotion and re-fixing seniority of S/Shri P N Lal and Brij Mohan. BSNL has now asked the Circles to furnish the missing information in these lists in respect of some of these Officers so that the same could be incorporated in the final revised seniority lists. Such retired Officers are requested to contact their respective Circle Offices and provide the information if found necessary. We had earlier informed through this website that Supreme Court had also ordered constitution of a two member Expert Committee with Justice Shri K.Ramamoorthy, retired judge of High Court of Madras now residing in Delhi as its Chairman. The Expert Committee was to suggest the way out for balancing the rights of the two groups of employees whose grievances are to be addressed with minimum disturbance in the matter of fixation of their seniority and allowing consequent promotions. The Committee is understood to have heard all the stake holders and AIBSNLREA had also submitted its view points to the said Committee [View posting dated 03.05.2015 in this website to read the letter]. The Supreme Court has to consider the report of the Expert Committee and thereafter issue final orders. This may take some time. Till that we are to keep our fingers crossed. View the tentative revised seniority lists09.06.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE FOR REVISION OF PENSION CLEARED FOR CIRCULATION:
In continuation of the information that was given in this website on 05.06.2015, it is now to confirm that the draft cabinet note for revision of pension with revised fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% DA, in respect of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and the retirees who retired between 1.1.2007 and 9.6.2013, has been approved by the competent authority for circulation to all the concerned Ministries to seek for their views. Establishment Branch of DOT is expected to circulate the same in a few days time. DOT has to finalize the Cabinet Note by incorporating the views that are to be received from the concerned Ministries and get it approved by MOC&IT before forwarding the same to the Cabinet Secretary.09.06.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES BACK TO DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS ON THE ISSUE OF NON-ISSUE OF PRESIDENTIAL ORDERS FOR PERMANENT ABSORPTION OF SHRI S S YADAV, RETD. JTO, MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:
Responding to the letter from the Department of Telecommunications to CMD, BSNL in the case of non-issue of Presidential Order for absorption of Shri S S Yadav, Retd. JTO Maharashtra Circle [Posting dated 02.06.2015 in this website may be viewed for details]. AIBSNLREA now writes DOT to inform that the much awaited Presidential Order for absorption in this case has not yet been issued by Maharashtra Telecom Circle of BSNL and also requested it to intervene. View the letter08.06.2015:
MINISTRY OF FINANCE FORWARDS DOT THE COPY OF REPRESENTATION DATED 28.03.2015, ADDRESSED TO PRIME MINISTER, WHICH WAS ENDORSED TO MEMBER (FINANCE) REGARDING NON-FINALIZATION OF THE CABINET NOTE TO EXTENT BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% DA FOR FITMENT BENEFIT IN PENSION AND PAY OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 1.1.2007 AND 9.6.2013:
Ministry of Finance, vide its letter No. 200/E-V/2015 dated 24.04.2015, has forwarded to DOT the copy of AIBSNLREA’s representation dated 28.03.2015 on the above matter which was addressed by the Association to the Prime Minister of India and copy endorsed to the Finance Minister. [view posting dated 30.03.2015 in this website to read the representation]. Ministry of Finance has forwarded the said endorsed copy of the representation for appropriate action/redressal of the grievances with the request to inform the petitioners suitably. View the MoF letter06.06.2015:
E-JOURNAL JUNE 2015 ISSUE:
June 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.05.06.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE ON PENSION REVISION:
All the queries raised by Internal Finance of DoT have been replied by the Establishment Branch and reportedly no further queries have been raised by Internal Finance. Internal Finance of DoT had advised incorporation of certain corrections in the draft and the Establishment Branch is reported to have resubmitted the draft to the senior officers concerned after incorporating the required corrections. It can be now expected that the draft cabinet memo will soon be circulated for inter-ministrial consultations.04.06.2015:
DOP&PW ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION DATED 18.05.2015 REGARDING NON SETTLEMENT OF CASES FOR REGULARISATION OF LEAVE DURING SUSPENSION PERIOD AND QUASHING THE ORDERS FOR REMOVAL FROM SERVICE IN RESPECT OF SHRI S N GAJBE, RETD SDE, MAHARASTHRA CIRCLE – FORWARDS THE REPRESENTATION TO DOT:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has acknowledged the receipt of AIBSNLREA’s representation dated 18.05.2015 [view posting dated 19.05.2015 in this website for details] addressed to Member (Services) and copy endorsed to Secretary (Pension) requesting early settlement of cases for regularization of leave during suspension period and quashing of Orders for removal of service in respect of Shri S N Gajbe, Retd SDE, Maharashtra Circle and forwarded the said representation to Department of Telecommunications to examine the issues as per extant rules/orders. View the DoP&PW letter03.06.2015:
EXTENSION OF CGHS FACILITIES TO RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES – PRESENT STATUS OF THE PROPOSAL FOR FIXATION OF RATES OF CONTRIBUTION AND WARD ENTITLEMENT:
The above issue was last discussed in the meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies on 03.02.2015 and the minutes of the meeting was also circulated by DOP&PW vide OM No. 42/39/2014-P&PW(G) dated 26.02.2015 wherein it was recorded that “Department of Telecom informed that since pay structure in BSNL and Central Govt. was different, the orders of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare regarding Ward entitlement on the basis of pay band/grade pay could not be made applicable in case of BSNL retirees. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare requested Department of Telecom to suggest alternate mechanism for the retirees of BSNL. Department of Telecom was advised to send a proposal to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in this regard in a month’s time”. However till this date, DOT has not sent any alternate proposal to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare but a request has been made by Member (Services), Telecom Commission vide his DO No. 4-12(11)/2012-PAT dated 19.05.2015 to Addl. Secretary & DG(CGHS) requesting him to fix a date to discuss the above issue along with the case for extension of the CGHS benefit to the ITS Officers working on deputation in BSNL/MTNL.02.06.2015:
RESPONDING TO THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA TO MEMBER (SERVICES), TELECOM COMMISSION REGARDING NON-SETTLEMENT OF PERMANENT ABSORPTION CASE OF SHRI S S YADAV, RETD. JTO, MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE, DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS NOW WRITES TO CMD, BSNL:
AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the case of non-settlement of permanent absorption of Shri S S Yadav, Retired JTO, Nagpur of Maharashtra Circle in BSNL with Member (Services), Telecom Commission endorsing a copy to Sr. GM (SR), BSNL vide its letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2015/12 dated 18.04.2015 [View posting dated 19.04.2015 in this website]. SR Section of BSNL had also responded to the letter and intimated that DOT had already conveyed its approval for issue of individual PO in respect of Shri Yadav vide its letter No. 29-1/2006-SNG/Vol.III dated 16.03.2015 duly endorsing the same to CGMT, MH Circle for further action. The letters from both BSNL and DOT were posted in this website on 27.04.2015. Now Department of Telecommunication has also addressed a letter to CMD, BSNL stating all the facts and asking to furnish a compliance report to it with regard to issue of presidential order to Shri S S Yadav. View the DoT letter31.05.2015:
INCOME TAX RETURN FORMS TO BE MADE SIMPLER:
Modifying the form introduced a month back for filing income tax return for Assessment Year 2015-16, the finance ministry has decided to cut the number of pages in the form while keeping those clauses that will help it check tax evasion. In the new form, taxpayers won’t have to disclose details of all foreign travel undertaken and expenses incurred but they will have to give their passport numbers in the revised I-T return form. The taxpayers won’t have to mention the balances in their bank accounts but will have to disclose all their accounts, according to a finance ministry statement. The revised forms are yet to be uploaded in Income Tax department website. With the e-filing return forms expected to be released only by the third week of June, the government has also extended the last date for filing of returns to 31.8.2015 from 31.7.2015.28.05.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH HELD:
Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA held its General Body Meeting on 25.05.2015 at Ahmedabad. 230 members attended the meeting and 24 new life members were enrolled during the meeting. Dr. Amit Agrawal and Dr Maharshi Bhatt graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively. The meeting started by lighting of the lamp followed by prayers. The House first observed two minutes silence in memory of the recent earth quake victims and the departed pensioners and their family members. Thirty six senior members, who completed their 70 years of age, were honoured with presentation of bouquets and shawl. [Please read the full report in the Gujarat Section of State News Page of this website]28.05.2015:
DHANBAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS SECOND BIENNIAL CONFERENCE:
Dhanbad (Jharkhand State) Branch of AIBSNLREA held its second Biennial Conference on 26th April 2015 at Hotel Vishram Lodge, Hirapur, Dhanbad. The meeting was presided over by Shri P Choudhury, Retired DE, Giridih. After other regular deliberations, election of new office bearers for the next term was conducted. Shri P Singh, Retd DE(M/W), Dhanbad was elected as the President of the Branch. S/Shri R Y N Parmar, Retd DE(Extl), Dhanbad and N Chakraborty, Retd DE(Admn), Dhanbad were elected as the Branch Secretary and Branch Financial Secretary of the Branch respectively.26.05.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE ON PENSION REVISION:
Contrary to the reports appearing here and there that the draft cabinet note stands cleared by Member (Finance), the note is still under examination in Internal Finance of DOT. In fact the file was last sent to Finance on 20.05.2015 by Establishment Branch clarifying an issue raised by Finance. The point on which Internal Finance has raised doubts is regarding the proposal to allow benefit of enhanced Gratuity, Commuted Value of Pension and Leave Encashment to those pensioners who retired between 1.1.2007 and 9.6.2013 which has been included in the present draft cabinet note. Incidentally, this part of the proposal was not agreed to by Department of Expenditure on the ground that IDA pensioners do not get any actual benefit of increase in pay/pension during the period between 1.1.2007 and 9.6.2013. However, there is no dispute on the question of pension-liability between BSNL and DOT as was being propagated by many to create some panic in the pensioners. Now Internal Finance is expected to take a final call on draft cabinet note to pave the way for its circulation.22.05.2015:
GOVERNMENT NOW PLANS HEALTHCARE SCHEME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS:
A report now says that ‘the government is set to launch a healthcare scheme for senior citizens as part of its social security initiative. Sources said the scheme would be funded through unclaimed deposits available with the government for which the law has already been amended as part of the budget exercise. The amendment will enable the government to tap a couple of thousand crores for the healthcare scheme. We will workout a threshold and people beyond that would be covered by the healthcare scheme, a source said. In the absence of access to government medical facilities, healthcare is seen as a crucial missing link for senior citizens who have to rely on family members to take care of them in old age.’ AIBSNLREA had earlier reported that the Government “has formed a Committee under Shri H R Khan, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India to assess the amount of unclaimed deposits in PPF and Post Office Savings Schemes and also suggest steps for their utilization for the benefits of Senior Citizens. Other members of the Committee are Secretary, Department of Posts, Joint Secretary (Ministry of Law), Joint Secretary (Budget Division, Ministry of Finance), Deputy Managing Director, State Bank of India and Executive Director, Punjab National Bank. The Committee is to submit its report by 31.12.2014”.21.05.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH:
A General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State Branch will be held on Monday, the 25th May 2015 at 15.00 Hours at the Amdavad Medical Association Hall, near Natraj Cinema, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad to discuss the latest developments on the pending issues concerning the BSNL Pensioners. The election of new Office Bearers will also be held. Dr. Amit Agrawal will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. The meeting will be followed by Dinner. All the members are requested to attend the meeting.20.05.2015:
DONATION TO PRIME MINISTER’S NATIONAL RELIEF FUND TO ASSIST THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN NEPAL AND PARTS OF SOME NORTH INDIAN STATES:
AIBSNLREA had made an appeal, through this website, to all the BSNL pensioners to contribute as per their might to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to assist the Government in its massive relief operations in the earth quake devastated Nepal and some parts of North India. We had also requested all the contributors to this special cause to send their names and other details by e-mail for our record. We have so far received information only from a few pensioners as per the attached list. The list will be updated as and when we receive further information. View the list19.05.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES TO MEMBER (SERVICES) REQUESTING EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE CASE OF SHRI S N GAJBE, RETD. SDE, MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE FOR REGULARISATION OF SUSPENSION PERIOD AND QUASHING OF HIS ORDER FOR COMPULSORY RETIREMENT FROM SERVICE:
AIBSNLREA has since written to Member (Services), Telecom Commission on the issue of inordinate delay in settlement of the “regularization of suspension period” and “quashing of Order for compulsory retirement from service” case of Shri S N Gajbe, Retd. SDE, Maharashtra Telecom Circle. The Association has urged that “……. we would earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter so that the undue long sufferings of Shri S N Gajbe, Retd SDE, Chandrapur SSA, Maharashtra Telecom Circle for no fault on his part come to an end”. View the letter18.05.2015:
7th CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION ACKOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF AIBSNLREA’S LETTER DATED 08.04.2015 SUBMITTING AN ADDITIONAL ISSUE REGARDING GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT FOR PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THOSE WHO COMPLETE FULL YEAR’S SERVICE ON THE DATE OF THEIR RETIREMENT BUT DENIED THE ANNUAL INCREMENT SINCE THE DATE OF THEIR INCREMENT FALLS ON NEXT DAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH:
Seventh Central Pay Commission has since acknowledged, vide its Acknowledgement id No. CPCL000579, AIBSNLREA’s letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2015/11 dated 08.04.2015 [posting dated 08.04.2015 in this website may be viewed to read the letter] wherein an additional issue was taken up to grant notional increment for pensionary benefits to those who complete full year of service on the date of their retirement but denied the annual increment since the date of their increment falls on the next day of the following month. View the Acknoowledgment slip from VII CPC16.05.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF ALLAHABAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:
Allahabad Branch (UP State) of AIBSNLREA held a General Body meeting on 25.04.2015. The meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of Shri R.S. Gupta, Branch President. 25 members of the Branch participated in the meeting. 24 new life members have joined the Association taking the total membership strength of the Branch to 38………[Please read the full report in the “Uttar Pradesh” section of “State News” page of this website].16.05.2015:
QUARTERLY GB MEETING OF LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:
The quarterly General Body meeting of Lucknow Branch (UP State) of AIBSNLREA was held on 18.04.2015 in the Recreation Club at Kaiserbagh Telephone Exchange campus. The meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of Shri Jagdish Prasad, Branch President. 70 members were present in the meeting and 5 new Life Members joined the Association…… [Please read the full report in the “Uttar Pradesh” section of “State News” page of this website].15.05.2015:
DOT RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’s LETTER DATED 24.04.2015 ON NON-RELEASE OF LEAVE ENCASHMENT TO S/SHRI C A PATEL, RETD. DE AND R DAYAL, RETD. SDE OF BSNL GUJARAT CIRCLE – FORWARDS THE LETTER TO CCA, GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE:
Department of Telecommunication (TA Section), vide its letter No. 6-24/2012/TA-1/9/Gujarat/3028 & 3029 dated 11.05.1015 has forwarded AIBSNLREA’s letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2015/14 dated 24.04.2015 [Posting dated 24.04.2015 in this website may be viewed to read the letter] on non-release of leave encashment to S/Shri C A Patel, Retd. DE and R Dayal, Retd. SDE of BSNL Gujarat Circle to the Controller of Communication Accounts, Gujarat Telecom Circle to examine the points as mentioned in the letter and to inform the action taken/status report to the Association as well as to the DOT. View the letter13.05.2015:
DARPG ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF RESPRESENTATION BY AIBSNLREA ON NON-FINALIZATION OF CABINET NOTE TO EXTEND THE BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% DA FOR FITMENT IN PENSION AND PAY OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS AND FORWARDS IT TO DOT:
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has acknowledged the receipt of AIBSNLREA’s representation dated 28.03.2015 regarding non-finalization of a Cabinet Note to extend the benefit of merger of 78.2% DA for fitment benefit in pension and pay of the BSNL pensioners who retired before 1.1.2007 and also between 1.1.2007 and 9.6.2013 respectively [view posting dated 30.03.2015 in this website to read the letter] and forwarded the same to the Department of Telecommunication to redress the grievance. View the DARPG letter11.05.2015:
SECRETARY (PENSION), AGAIN WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) ON THE ISSUE OF INORDINATE DELAY IN FINALIZATION OF A DISCIPLINARY CASE AGAINST SHRI BUDHESWAR MISTRY, RETIRED DE, HAZARIBAGH, JHARKHAND CIRCLE AND ALSO WRITES FOR EARLY FINALIZATION OF THE CASE:
In response to AIBSNLREA’s second letter dated 29.04.2015 regarding inordinate delay in finalization of a disciplinary case against Shri Budheswar Mistry, Retired DE, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand Circle (view posting dated 30.04.2015 in this website for the letter), Secretary (Pension), while bringing the issue to his notice, has again written to Secretary (Telecom) emphasizing that “… it is in the best interest of both, the organization and the employees concerned, that the disciplinary case gets finalized early”. In this regard postings dated 16.03.2015 and 25.03.2015 in this website may also be viewed for further details. View the letter from Secretary (Pension)09.05.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE ON REVISION OF PENSION:
The draft Cabinet Note on revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and also those who retired between 1.1.2007 and 09.06.2013, following merger of 50% DA effectively amounting to 78.2% for fitment in revised IDA pay scales of the serving BSNL employees, is yet to be received back by Establishment Branch of DoT. The Note in file is reported to be still with Internal Finance Division of DOT.08.05.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AMARAVATI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:
Amaravati Branch (Maharashtra State) of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 03.05.2015 in the TRC Hall of Auto Exchange building under the president ship of Shri V P Agarwal. …. [Please read the full report in the “Maharashtra” section of “State News” page of this website].07.05.2015:
QUARTERLY GB MEETING OF KOLHAPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:
Quarterly meeting of AIBSNLREA, Kolhapur Branch was held on 5th April 2015 in Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall with Shri L M Godi, President in the Chair. 56 members attended the meeting and 2 new members joined the Association. [Please read the full report in the “Maharashtra” section of “State News” page of this website].07.05.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AMBALA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:
A general body meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 4.5.2015 under the chairmanship of Shri P.C Chauhan, President of the Branch and was attended by 27 members…… [Please read the full report in the “Haryana” section of “State News” page of this website].06.05.2015:
E-JOURNAL MAY 2015 ISSUE:
May 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.05.05.2015:
REDRESSAL OF A GENUINE GRIEVANCE OF THE PENSIONERS OF NOT BEING ALLOWED TO EARN THE ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN THOUGH COMPLETING ONE FULL YEAR’S SERVICE ON THE DATE OF THEIR RETIREMENT – AIBSNLREA REQUEST DOP&T TO GRANT ONE NOTIONAL INCREMENT:
AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the above issue with the Seventh Central Pay Commission through its Supplementary Memorandum dated 08.04.2015 [View posting dated 08.04.2015 in this website for details]. Now the Association takes up the same issue with Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training since the matter is within the purview of DOP&T. However, the Pay Commission can also consider the issue while examining the memoranda submitted by different organizations. View the letter03.05.2015:
REVISION OF SENIORITY LISTS NO. 1 TO 17 OF THE TES GROUP B OFFICERS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF PARA 206 OF P&T MANUAL VOLUME IV AS PER JUDGMENT DATED 21.01.2015 BY THE SUPREME COURT:
BSNL is in the process of revising the entire Seniority Lists No 1 to 17 of the TES Group B Officers based on the principle of Para 206 of P&T Manual Volume-IV which was once relied upon by Allahabad High Court for promotion and re-fixing seniority of S/Shri P N Lal and Brij Mohan and had also ordered accordingly. Thereafter, many similarly placed Officers moved to courts and were allowed similar benefits. However, the number of cases went on increasing since Department of Telecommunications did not apply the same principle for promotion and fixing seniority to those who were not the applicants in the cases. Now the Supreme Court in its Judgment dated 21.1.2015, while disposing of series of Civil Appeals, has ordered constitution of a two member Expert Committee with Justice Shri K.Ramamoorthy, retired judge of High Court of Madras now residing in Delhi as its Chairman. The Expert Committee will suggest the way out for balancing the rights of the two groups of employees whose grievances are to be addressed with minimum disturbance in the matter of fixation of their seniority and allowing consequent promotions. The Supreme Court will consider the report of the Expert Committee and thereafter issue final orders. Though this Association is not a party in the case, there are many members whose interests are likely to be affected. Keeping this in view, AIBSNLREA has sent some suggestions to the Committee for consideration so as to balance the rights of the groups in the process of revising their seniority and allowing promotions so as to cause minimum disturbance. View the letter01.05.2015:
EXTENSION OF CGHS FACILITIES TO RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES- FIXATION OF RATES OF CONTRIBUTION AND WARD ENTITLEMENT ETC:
Referring to the decision taken in the 26th Meeting of SCOVA held on 03.02.2015 that Department of Telecommunication would send a proposal to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in the matter of fixation of rates of contribution, ward entitlement etc for the retired BSNL employees desirous to opt for CGHS facilities, AIBSNLREA writes to Member (Services), Telecom Commission to intervene in the matter since the involved issues have not been resolved so far. The Association urged him “to kindly intervene so that all the connected issues for implementation of DOT’s above referred Order dated 20.02.2014 is finalized at the earliest and the absorbed BSNL pensioners desirous to switch over to the CGHS can exercise their option after judging the conditionality associated with the scheme”. View the letter30.04.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS, PG & PENSIONS TO INFORM NO PROGRESS IN DOT IN THE MATTER OF FINALIZATION OF DISCIPLINARY CASE PENDING AGAINST SHRI BUDHESWAR MISTRY, RETD DE, HAZARIBAGH, BSNL JHARKHAND CIRCLE:
AIBSNLREA has since written a letter to the Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms, PG & Pensions, Government of India informing no progress at the end of Department of Telecommunication despite his taking up the matter of Inordinate delay in finalization of a disciplinary case pending against Shri Budheswar Mistry, Retired DE, Hazaribagh, BSNL Jharkhand Circle with Secretary, Department of Telecommunications. View the letter27.04.2015:
BSNL (SR SECTION) REPLIES TO AIBSNLREA’s LETTER DATED 18.04.2014 TO MEMBER (SERVICES) WITH COPY ENDORSED TO SR. GM(SR), BSNL IN THE MATTER OF NON-SETTLEMENT OF PERMANENT ABSORPTION CASE OF SHRI S S YADAV, RETD JTO, NAGPUR (MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE):
AIBSNLREA had taken up non-settlement of permanent absorption case of Shri S S Yadav, Retired JTO, Nagpur of Maharashtra Circle in BSNL with Member (Services), Telecom Commission with copy endorsed to Sr. GM (SR), BSNL vide its letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2015/12 dated 18.04.2015 [View posting dated 19.04.2015] in this website for further details]. SR Section of BSNL has now responded to the letter and intimated that DOT had already conveyed approval for issue of individual PO in respect of Shri Yadav vide its letter No. 29-1/2006-SNG/Vol.III dated 16.03.2015 duly endorsed to CGMT, MH Circle for further action. View the BSNL letter View the DoT letter26.04.2015:
ECONOMIC OFFENCE WING OF DELHI POLICE FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S COMPLAINT ORIGINALLY MADE TO CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ABOUT THE RACKETS OPERATING TO DUPE THE UNSUSPECTING RETIRED BSNL OFFICERS TO DY. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, SOUTH WEST DISTRICT, DELHI:
Economic Offence Wing of Delhi Police has since forwarded, vide their No. 2/07-08 COMPLT.BR/DCP/EOW dated 21.04.2015, AIBSNLREA’s complaint originally made to the Central Bureau of Investigation against a racket operating to dupe the unsuspecting retired BSNL Officers to Dy. Commissioner of Police, South West District, Delhi for ‘necessary action and direct disposal’. AIBSNLREA had received complaints from its Palakkad Branch and couple of other retired BSNL Executives. In order to have further details, postings dated 10.02.2015 and 17.04.2015 in this website may be viewed. View the DCP EOW letter24.04.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE ISSUES ORDERS ALLOWING ROUNDING OFF OF A FRACTION OF A RUPEE TO THE NEXT HIGHER RUPEE IN REGULATION OF ADDITIONAL PENSION:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 38/8/15-P&PW(A) dated 16.04.2015, has issued an Order stating that “…. The amount of additional pension as finally calculated may be rounded off to the next higher rupee”. It also orders that “In cases where pension/family pension of old pensioners has been fixed/revised without rounding off the additional pension, in those cases also, the additional pension be rounded off to the next higher rupee”. It may be recalled that it was AIBSNLREA which alone strongly took up the matter with BSNL and then with DOT at the time of revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners in 2011 following revision of IDA pay scales for the serving BSNL employees w.e.f. 1.1.2007. In this connection, the posting dated 03.06.2011 in this website may be viewed. View the DOP&PW OM.24.04.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASES OF NON-RELEASE OF LEAVE ENCASHMENT TO S/SHRI C A PATEL, RETD DE AND R DAYAL, RETD SDE OF GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE DESPITE ISSUE OF FINAL ORDERS ON DISCIPLINARY CASES. WRITES TO CMD, BSNL TO INTERVENE AND ADVISE CGMT, GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE ACCORDINGLY:
AIBSNLREA has since taken up the above two cases of non-payment of leave encashment despite issue of final orders on pending disciplinary cases against the above named retired Officers. AIBSNLREA requests CMD, BSNL “to kindly intervene in the matter and advise Gujarat Telecom Circle to immediately release the payment of their leave encashment”. View the letter20.04.2015:
RESPONDING TO THE MESSAGE TO ELDERS BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA, AIBSNLREA WRITES TO HIM STATING THAT THE OFFICERS IN DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ARE NOT BACKING HIS GOVERNMENT’S RESOLVE TO ENSURING THAT ELDERS’ GOLDEN YEARS ARE SPENT HAPPILLY, PEACEFULLY AND MEANINGFULLY – CITES THE CASE OF NON-FINALISATION OF THE CABINET NOTE TO ALLOW REVISION OF PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BEFORE 10.06.2013:
Prime Minister of India in his Message dated 31st March 2015 to the elders, while highlighting some of the measures initiated by his Government, conveyed that “My Government is thus committed to ensuring that your golden years are spent happily, peacefully and meaningfully.” His Message further says that “Thus it is the nation’s responsibility to look after you.” AIBSNLREA has now written to him stating that ‘We the ex-employees of Department of Telecommunication and absorbed in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited almost 15 years back, after our retirement are not being allowed to live “happily, peacefully and meaningfully” due to indifferent and callous attitude of the Officers in Department of Telecommunications. We can cite many cases to prove our total dissatisfaction with the system. As a result, we are spending our days with total frustration and under acute tension’. AIBSNLREA cites the case of non-finalization of the Cabinet Note to allow revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL employees (pensioners) who retired before 10.06.2013. The Association further seeks his personal intervention in the matter “so that we get our dues and also our days are truly spent ‘happily, peacefully and meaningfully’." View the PM's Message View AIBSNLREA's letter19.04.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP WITH MEMBER (SERVICES) THE CASE OF NON-ISSUE OF PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE FOR PERMANENT ABSORPTION IN BSNL OF SHRI S S YADAV, RETD JTO, MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:
AIBSNLREA has since taken up the above issue with Member (Services), Telecom Commission since DOT is yet to take appropriate action to pave the way for issue of Presidential Directive for permanent absorption of Shri Yadav, Retd JTO of Maharashtra Telecom Circle. The Association has further requested for intervention of Member (Services) in the matter so that expeditious action is taken by the SNG Section of DOT to issue the necessary orders in the matter as requested by SR Branch of BSNL Corporate Office. View the letter18.04.2015:
BSNL ISSUES ORDER CLARIFYING THAT REIMBURSEMENT OF ALL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AS RESTRICTED UNDER CGHS/CS(MA) RULES SHALL ALSO BE RESTRICTED UNDER BSNLMRS:
BSNL Corporate Office, vide its Office Order No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-6/14 dated 17.04.2015, has issued a clarification stating that under outdoor medical expenditure reimbursement of all dietary supplements including inadmissible foods, tonics, toiletries and medicines as restricted under CGHS/CS(MA) Rules shall also be restricted under BSNLMRS. BSNL Order further says that reimbursement of treatments undertaken from paramedical staff should also be on the advice of the qualified registered medical practitioners only. View the order17.04.2015:
DOP&PW ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION DATED 12/03/2015 ADDRESSED TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA AND COPY ENDORSED TO MINISTER OF STATE FOR (PP) ON REMOVAL OF ANOMALY IN PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 1.10.2000 AND 31.07.2001 AND FORWARDS IT TO DOT TO EXAMINE THE ISSUES:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has acknowledged the receipt of AIBSNLREA’s representation dated 12.03.2015 addressed to Prime Minister of India and copy endorsed to Minister of State for (PP) on the above mentioned issue [View posting dated 13.03.2015 in this website for further details]. DoP&PW has also forwarded the said representation to Department of Telecommunication to examine the issues. The Association, in their representation, had requested personal intervention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in resolving the issue citing earlier decisions of the Government to resolve identical cases of some PSU/Government employees. View the DoP&PW letter17.04.2015:
CYBER CRIME INVESTIGATION CELL OF CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S LETTER DATED 09.02.2015 COMPLAINING ABOUT THE RACKETS OPERATING TO DUPE THE UNSUSPECTING RETIRED BSNL OFFICERS:
Cyber Crime Investigation Cell of Central Bureau of Investigation has responded to AIBSNLREA’s letter dated 09.02.2015 requesting CBI to investigate and arrest the people behind the racket who are attempting to dupe the unsuspecting retired BSNL Officers by offering them to pay stated unreleased pending amount out of their Provident Fund [View posting dated 10.02.2015 in this website for further details]. Cyber Crime Investigation Cell has forwarded AIBSNLREA’s letter to Dy. Commissioner of Police, Economic Offence Wing, New Delhi for necessary action at its end. View the letter16.04.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HELD:
A General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch was held at CTO Building, Kolkata on 13th April, 2015 with a mammoth gathering of more than 240 members. After a brief cultural Program, the deliberation started with Shri S.K.Maitra, President in the chair…… [Please read the full report in the “West Bengal” section in “State News” page of this website].14.04.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE REQUESTS ALL PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATIONS TO ASSIST IN LINKING AADHAR NUMBERS OF THE PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS TO THEIR PENSION PAYMENT ORDERS AND PENSION ACCOUNTS:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 1/19/2014-P&PW(E) dated 01.04.2015, has requested all pensioners’ Associations to assist the Government to get the Aadhar Number of the pensioners/family pensioners linked to their Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) and Pension Accounts. DOP&PW has said that “ A pensioner or family pensioner who wants to benefit from this (Aadhar based digital certificate) facility needs to get his/her Aadhar number linked to his/her Pension Payment Order (PPO) number and pension account. This will also speed up commencement of family pension in the event of death of pensioner or spouse.” DOP&PW has further advised the pensioners/family pensioners to visit the nearest NIC centers for the purpose. In this regard, posting dated 02.04.2015 on the same issue in this website may also be visited. View the DoP&PW O.M.08.04.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH:
A General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, West Bengal State Branch will be held on Monday, the 13th April, 2015 at 13 hours at the auditorium of CTO, Kolkata to discuss the latest developments on the pending issues of the BSNL pensioners. General Secretary Sri S. Basu will address the meeting. All members are requested to attend the meeting.08.04.2015:
AIBSNLREA SUBMITS ADDITIONAL ISSUE OF GRANTING NOTIONAL INCREMENT FOR PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THOSE WHO COMPLETE FULL YEAR’S OF SERVICE ON THE DATE OF THEIR RETIREMENT BUT DENIED THE ANNUAL INCREMENT SINCE THE DATE OF THEIR INCREMENT FALLS ON NEXT DAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH:
AIBSNLREA has written to 7th Central Pay Commission that “There are many pensioners who even after completing one full year’s complete service on the last day of their service do not get the increment since the date of their annual increment falls on the next day. Just because they retire before the day of receiving the annual increment, even after completing one full year’s service, they receive lesser pension and other benefits compared to those who retire after receiving the next increment. Thus an anomalous situation is created in such cases”. Citing a Notification issued by Tamilnadu State Government granting notional increment in such cases, AIBSNLREA urges Pay Commission to recommend to allow notional increment in the similar cases for the Central Government Employees also. View the letter08.04.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2015 from 100.3% to 100.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. Click Here for the orders08.04.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2015 from 238% to 238.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997. Click Here for the orders07.04.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DOP&PW ON NON-COMPLIANCE OF ITS ADVICE TO DOT TO EXAMINE OUR REPRESENTATION REGARDING DOT’S DECISION TO PUT THE BURDEN OF PENSION LIABILITY IN RESPECT OF DOT EMPLOYEES RETIRED PRIOR TO 1.10.2000 ON BSNL:
AIBSNLREA had protested against the decision of DOT to put the burden of pension liability in respect of the DOT Employees retired prior to 1.10.2000 on BSNL [View posting dated 30.07.2014 in this website to read the letter]. Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare had advised DOT to examine our representation and inform this Association of the action taken on the issue. DOT was also advised to intimate DOP&PW of the action taken in the matter [View posting dated 20.10.2014 in this website to read the DOP&PW’s letter]. Since DOT has so far not send any information to this Association about the action taken on its representation, AIBSNLREA has now drawn the attention of DOP&PW on the matter and requested them to intervene. View the letter07.04.2015:
NON-RESPONSE TO AP TELECOM CIRCLE’S REQUEST TO RELAX THE CONDITION OF NABH ACREDITATION FOR EMPANEL OF HOSPITALS UNDER BSNL MRS AS HAS BEEN DONE IN CASE OF TAMILNADU CIRCLE:
AIBSNLREA writes to Shri Anupam Srivastava, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited on the above issue and says that “…. Other than Hyderabad, NABH accredited Hospitals are NOT available at SSA level so as to empanel the hospitals. As a result, the BSNL employees – specially the retired employees at their old age are facing the brunt. The employees from far-away places in the SSAs cannot always be shifted to Hyderabad – specially under emergency condition for taking in-patient treatment in empanelled hospitals”. The Association further request him “to kindly intervene in the matter and get the necessary orders issued relaxing the condition of NABH accreditation for empanelment under BSNL MRS for AP Circle to mitigate the hardships faced by the BSNL employees residing in the SSAs outside”. View the letter06.04.2015:
DRAFT CABINET NOTE ON REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 AND POST-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 1.1.2007 AND 09.06.2013 IS NOW UNDER EXAMINATION IN DOT’S INTERNAL FINANCE:
Establishment of Branch of DOT finally resubmitted the file containing the above proposal to its own Internal Finance replying to the various queries raised by it and providing all the information including the one for which DOT had only in last March asked BSNL to supply the same. It vindicates AIBSNLREA’s apprehension that DOT had unnecessary asked BSNL to supply such information which was already available with it [Read our editorial in April 2015 issue of e-journal]. Thus, one full month’s time has unnecessarily been wasted by DOT. This further confirms that some Officers in DOT are not seriously involving themselves in this important issue of the BSNL pensioners. Anyhow, the matter now is under scrutiny by Internal Finance and Member (F) has finally to approve the draft Cabinet Note in case Finance find it in order. Thereafter, the Note will be circulated among the concerned Ministries for their comments. Once their comments are received, the final Cabinet Note will be prepared by including these comments in the Note and submitted to MOC&IT for approval. Once approved, this will be sent to Cabinet Secretariat under the signature of DDG(Establishment), DOT.06.04.2015:
E-JOURNAL APRIL 2015 ISSUE:
April 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.02.04.2015:
PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS DESIROUS OF AVAILING THE BENEFIT OF SUBMISSION OF AADHAR BASED LIFE CERTICICATE TO GET THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS REGISTERED FOR AADHAR AND FURNISH THIS INFORMATION TO THE PENSION DISBURSING AUTHORITY:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 1/19/2014-P&PW(E) dated 31.03.2015, has advised all pensioners and family pensioners to get themselves and their family members enrolled for Aadhar and furnish this information to the concerned Pension Disbursing Authority. This is to avoid inconvenience at the time of submission of newly introduced Aadhar based digital life certificate in the month of November. View the DoP&PW circular letter31.03.2015:
INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2015:
According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to be increased w.e.f. 1.4.2015 by 0.2% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 0.5% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.31.03.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’s LETTER DATED 07.03.2015 TO DOT ON THE ISSUE OF NON-SETTLEMENT OF FIXATION OF PAY/PENSION OF SHRI ARABINDA CHOUDHURY, RETD. EXECUTIVE ENGINEER (CIVIL) TAKEN UP WITH SECRETARY (PENSION), DOP&PW FOR EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE AND INFORM THE ASSOCIATION:
AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare seeking for his intervention in the above case since BSNL Corporate Office was not responding to repeated representations to resolve the issue [Posting dated 09.03.2015 in this website may be viewed to know more]. DOP&PW has advised DOT to examine the issue and inform the Association accordingly. View the DoP&PW letter30.03.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP WITH PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA THE ISSUE OF NON-FINALIZATION OF THE CABINET NOTE BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION DESPITE CLEAR ADVICE FROM DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND THE TIME FRAME FIXED BY DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PERNSIONERS’ WELFARE – POINTS OUT TO THE INSENSITIVE, INDIFFERENT AND APATHETIC ATTITUDE OF THE OFFICERS OF DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION:
In the background of inordinate delay taking place to finalize the Cabinet Note to seek its approval on the issue of revision of pension of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and post 2007 BSNL pensioners, who retired between 1.1.2007 and 9.6.2013, AIBSNLREA presents a brief narration of the issue to the Prime Minister and seeks his intervention in the matter since the Officers in DOT seem to be insensitive, indifferent and apathetic to this genuine problem of the pensioners. AIBSNLREA writes:“5. On our part we have already knocked the doors of all concerned Officers in Department of Telecommunication. We have also sent numerous representations to even Secretary (Telecom) and Minister of Communications & IT. But there is no response. This compels us now to seek for your kind intervention so that Department of Telecommunication do the needful, as advised by both DOE and DOP&PW, to extend the genuine and lawful benefit to the affected absorbed BSNL pensioners”. View the letter
28.03.2015:
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION ASKS BSNL TO FURNISH INFORMATION REGARDING THE NUMBER OF PENSIONERS CADRE/GRADE WISE IN RESPECT OF THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS AND ALSO THOSE WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 01.01.2007 AND 09.06.2013 IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSAL FOR REVISION OF THEIR PENSION/FAMILY PENSION:
Department of Telecommunication has since asked Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited to provide the information regarding number of pre-2007 BSNL IDA pensioners and post 2007 BSNL IDA pensioners (cadre/grade wise) who retired between 01.01.2007 and 09.06.2013 vide its No. 40-13/2013-Pen(T) dated 13.03.2015. BSNL on its part, vide its No. 48-04/2015-Pen(B) dated 26.03.2015, has asked the Circles to furnish the same information to it. This is believed to be in connection with finalization of the draft Cabinet Note by DOT for revision of pension/family pension of the concerned pensioners/family pensioners. Thus, the circulation of Cabinet Note to the concerned Ministries will be further delayed. View the letters.27.03.2015:
PALAKKAD BRANCH (KERALA STATE) OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS GENERAL BODY MEETING:
A General Body meeting of Palakkad Branch (Kerala State) was held on 26.03.2015 at Hotel Indraprastha Palakkad. …… [For further details, please view KERALA State in STATE NEWS page of this website.]25.03.2015:
SECRETARY (PENSION) FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION DATED 15.03.2015 ON THE ISSUE OF INORDINATE DELAY IN FINALIZATION OF A DISCIPLINARY CASE AGAINST SHRI BUDHESWAR MISTRY, RETIRED DE, HAZARIBAGH, JHARKHAND CIRCLE AND ALSO WRITES FOR EARLY FINALIZATION OF THE CASE:
AIBSNLREA had taken up with Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare the issue of inordinate delay in finalization of a disciplinary case against Shri Budheswar Mistry, Retired DE, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand Circle vide our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2015/06 dated 15.03.2015 [View posting dated 16.03.2015 in this website for further details}. The Secretary (Pension) has now, vide his DO No. Secy/AR&PG/PG/2015/5856 dated 23.03.2015, has forwarded the said representation to Secretary (Telecom) and said that “You would agree that it is in the best interest of both, the organization and the employee concerned that the disciplinary case gets finalized early”. View the letter.19.03.2015:
RESTORASTION OF BENEFIT OF MEDICAL ALLOWANCE FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITHOUT VOUCHER TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:
BSNL Corporate Office is now considering the demand for restoration of medical allowance for outdoor treatment without voucher to the retired BSNL employees. In order to examine the issue, it has asked all CGMs to furnish some information vide its No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-22/14 dated 17.03.2015. View the letter.18.03.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF INORDINATE DELAY IN EXTENDING THE BENEFIT OF DEFERRED OPTION AS PER PARA 4 OF DOP&PW OM NO. 4/18/87-P&PW(D) DATED 05.07.1989 TO THE GROUP C EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL WITH PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA:
AIBSNLREA draws the attention of the Prime Minister of India on the unprecedented delay in extending the above benefit to the Group C Employees of DOT since absorbed in BSNL. It may be recollected that after series of representations on the above issue, DOT had sought for some information from BSNL to process the case at their end. BSNL Corporate Office had also asked the CGMs to furnish those information. In this regard posting dated 13.11.2014 and 02.12.2014 in this website may be viewed. However, the matter is still not resolved. View the letter.16.03.2015:
UNPRECEDENTED DELAY OF OVER 8 YEARS IN PROCESSING A DISCIPLINARY CASE DEPRIVING PAYMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS – AIBSNLREA NOW TAKES UP THE CASE OF SHRI BUDHESWAR MISTRY, RETD DE, HAZARIBAGH WITH SECRETARY (PENSION):
AIBSNLREA has now taken up the above case with Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare since BSNL and DOT are showing no interest to finalize the case though the IO had submitted his findings in December 2010. View the letter.13.03.2015:
REMOVAL OF ANOMALY IN PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 1.10.2000 AND 31.07.2001- AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE WITH PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA:
AIBSNLREA has taken up the above issue with Prime Minister of India since numerous representations in the matter has failed to break the ice. The Association has requested for his personal intervention in resolving the issue citing some earlier Government decisions to resolve identical issue in cases of some PSU/Government employees. The Association also refers to its earlier representation vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2014/24 dated 3.11.2014 (to read the letter, view posting dated 08.11.2014 in this website) addressed to Minister of State for (PP) on the same issue wherein the said Government decisions were quoted. View the letter.09.03.2015:
AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF NON-SETTLEMENT OF FIXATION OF PAY/PENSION OF SHRI ARABINDA CHOUDHURY, RETD. EXECUTIVE ENGINEER (CIVIL) WITH SECRETARY (PENSION), DOP&PW:
AIBSNLREA has written a letter to the Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare seeking for his intervention in the above case since BSNL Corporate Office has not been responding to repeated representations to resolve the issue. View the letter.06.03.2015:
E-JOURNAL MARCH 2015 ISSUE:
March 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.02.03.2015:
TAMILNADU CIRCLE ISSUES CORRIGENDUM TO ITS EARLIER LETTER ON ANNUAL LIMIT FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITH VOUCHER FOR THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES:
AIBSNLREA had written to CGMT Tamilnadu Circle regarding a letter from CGM office dated 5.11.2014 to its Heads of SSAs authorizing the DGMs of the SSAs to sign permission letter to take treatment in nearby SSAs in absence of the GMs/PGMs to avoid delay. It had reproduced in the letter one particular Para of one BSNLMRS Order issued by Corporate Office in 2003. While, the revised annual limit for outdoor treatment with voucher for the serving employees has also been mentioned alongside the old provision by the Circle in its letter, this has not been done in case of the retired employees. AIBSNLREA had drawn the attention of the CGMT about this omission and requested to issue a corrigendum circulating the revised annual limit for the retired employees that was issued by BSNL Corporate Office in 2010 [Posting dated 18.11.2014 in this site may be viewed]. Tamilnadu CGM office has now issued a corrigendum reproducing extract from BSNL letter dated 8.9.2010. We are thankful to CGMT Tamilnadu Circle for issue of the corrigendum. View the Corrigendum.28.02.2015:
PERSONAL INCOME TAX :
The Union Budget 2015-16 presented in the Lok Sabha to-day did not propose any change in the personal income tax rates or exemption limit. These remain the same as in last year. However, transport allowance exemption limit has been raised to Rs. 1600 per month. It has also been proposed to increase the limit of deduction on account of health insurance premium from Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000. In case of the senior citizens, this limit is to be increased from Rs.20,000 to Rs.30,000. For very senior citizens above the age of 80 years, who are not eligible to avail of health insurance, deduction will be allowed for medical expenses up to Rs.30,000. The deduction limit of Rs.60,000 on expenditure on account of specified diseases - like cancer etc is to be enhanced to Rs.80,000 in the case of senior citizens. Limit on deduction on account of contribution to a pension fund and the new pension scheme is proposed to be increased from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.1.5 lakh. Additional deduction of Rs.50,000 will be allowed for contribution to the new pension scheme under section 80 CCD of Income Tax Act -- increasing the exemption from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.1.5 lakh. The budget also proposed additional deduction of Rs.25,000 for differently-abled persons, increasing the limit from Rs.50,000 to Rs.75,000. It also proposed to increase the limit of tax deduction from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.1.25 lakh in case of severe disability. Investment in Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme will be eligible for deduction under section 80C of the income tax and any payment from the scheme shall not be liable to tax. These proposals would result in tax deductions to the tune of around Rs.4,44,200 for the individuals as given below:-Deduction u/s 80C: - Rs.150,000; Deduction u/s 80CCD: - Rs.50,000; Deduction on account of interest on house property loan (Self-occupied property): - Rs.200,000; Deduction u/s 80D on health insurance premium:- Rs.25,000; Exemption of transport allowance - Rs 19,200; Total - Rs.4,44,200
28.02.2015:
EXTENSION OF CGHS FACILITIES TO RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:
DOT had earlier conveyed the approval of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to its proposal to allow the option to either avail the CGHS facilities or to continue with the BSNLMRS by the retired BSNL employees. BSNL, on its part, had also circulated the said Order of DOT. However, there was some problems being faced by the retired BSNL employees to get the CGHS facilities. The matter was last discussed in the 26th Meeting of SCOVA held on 03.02.2015 to sort out the issue. The relevant extract of the Minutes of the said meeting is reproduced below which indicates that DOT was finding it difficult to fix the rates of contribution and ward entitlement for the retired BSNL employees due to difference in the pay structure in BSNL and Central Government.5 (XV) Sl No. 15 of ATR: Extension of CGHS facilities to retired BSNL employees – Issue of follow up orders by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & fixation of rates of contribution & ward entitlement by DOT:- Department of Telecom informed that since pay structure in BSNL and Central Govt. was different, the orders of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare regarding Ward entitlement on the basis of pay band/grade pay could not be made applicable in case of BSNL retirees. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare requested Department of Telecom to suggest alternate mechanism for the retirees of BSNL. Department of Telecom was advised to send a proposal to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in this regard in a month’s time.
27.02.2015:
MERGER OF 78.2% IDA WITH BASIC PENSION BENEFIT TO THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS AND ANOMALY IN FIXATION OF PENSION TO DOT EMPLOYEES ABSORBED IN BSNL, WHO RETIRED BETWEEN 1.10.2000 AND 31.7.2001:
As already informed, both the above issues were last discussed in the 26th Meeting of Standing Committee Of Voluntary Agencies on 03.02.2015. Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since issued the Minutes of the said Meeting. The minutes related to the above two items, as recorded, are as follows:5 (VIII) Sl No. 8 of ATR:- Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL pensioners: It was informed that the proposal has been approved by Department of Expenditure, in principle. Department of Telecom informed that as per the advice of the Department of Expenditure a Cabinet Note has been prepared and sent to their IFD for approval. Department of Telecom was advised to finalise the draft Cabinet Note and circulate it to the concerned Ministries by the end of February, 2015.
5 (VII) Sl No. 7 of ATR:- Anomaly in fixation of pension of DOT employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.7.2001: It was informed that since the last SCOVA meeting, two meetings were held with the officials of Department of Telecom on 20.9.2014 and 30.12.2014 and Department of Telecom was advised to expedite the details/Reply sought in DoP&PW’s ID Note dtd 28.02.2014. Department of Telecom informed that the BSNL is collecting the requisite information sought by DoP&PW from corporate offices of BSNL/MTNL. Department of Telecom was advised to send a reply to DOP&PW within a fortnight. View the complete Minutes issued by DOP&PW.
26.02.2015:
TCIL’S BSNL DEFENCE PROJECT:
TCIL is in need of services of the “retired DE/SDE/JTO on contract basis to work in Rajasthan, who are having experience in the field of Transmission for TCIL’s BSNL Defence Project. Please send the resumes as well the complete details in the format” given “whomever are having above mentioned experience or willing to work in Defence Project at Rajasthan.” The Format is as follows: (1) Staff No/HRMS No., (2) Name & Designation, (3) Date of Birth, (4) Address, (5) Tel/Mob. No, (6) Experience details, (7) e-mail id. For further queries please contactShri Deepak Sain, JCA (Pers.) Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. Ph. No. 011-26202225, e-mail id: deepak.sain@tcil-india.com
25.02.2015:
CABINET NOTE IN REGARD TO EXTENSION OF BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% IDA WITH BASIC PAY/PENSION TO THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS:
The draft Cabinet Note prepared by Establishment Branch of DOT and sent to its Internal Finance about a month back has since been received back in the Section two days ago with some queries raised by the Internal Finance. The Section is said to be now preparing the reply and the file containing the draft Note would again be sent to Internal Finance shortly.19.02.2015:
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LIFE CERTIFICATE:
Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance) has since issued a circular letter dated 30.01.2015 in the background of some complaints being received that some banks are insisting for physical appearance of the pensioners/family pensioners at the time of submission of annual Life Certificate in the month of November every year. The Department of Expenditure has reiterated that physical appearance for the pensioners/family pensioners is not required if the Life Certificate is signed by any of the authority as already specified by it earlier. DOE has further clarified that Aadhar based Digital Life Certificate launched by the Prime Minister also does away with the need for physical appearance. View the circular letter.12.02.2015:
VARANASI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS MOC&IT:
Representatives of AIBSNLREA, Varanasi Branch met Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications & IT at Hotel Gateway, Varanasi on 8th February 2015. They discussed with MOC&IT on the delay in final settlement of the case for extension of benefit of merger of 78.2% DA for fitment in pay/pension of the retired BSNL employees. They also handed over him a memorandum on the issue. The MOC&IT assured them to examine and expedite the matter. S/Shri Rakesh Garg, Secretary, DoT and Anupam Shrivastava, CMD, BSNL were also present during the discussion. The Branch was represented by S/Shri B N Singh, President, Yad ali, Branch Secretary and Hariom, Org Secretary11.02.2015:
EXTENSION OF BENEFIT OF DEFERRED OPTION UNDER PARA 4 OF DOP&PW NO. 4/18/87-P&PW(D) DATED 05.07.1989 TO THE ABSORBED GROUP C & D EMPLOYEES IN BSNL:
BSNL Corporate Office has again issued a reminder vide its No. 1-15/2011-PAT (BSNL) dated 03.02.2015 to all CGMs to supply the requisite information sought earlier vide its Nos. 1-15/2011-PAT (BSNL) dated 12.11.2014 and 01.12.2014 (Last posting on the same issue dated 02.12.2014 in this website may also be viewed). These information are required to be submitted to DOT for settlement of deferred option cases.10.02.2015:
AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR, CBI ON THE ISSUE OF ATTEMPT BY A RACKET TO DUPE THE RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES:
AIBSNLREA has requested Director, CBI to investigate and arrest the people behind the racket who are attempting to dupe the unsuspecting retired BSNL Officers with an assurance to pay pending amount out of Provident Fund. View the letter06.02.2015:
E-JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE:
February 2015 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.02.02.2015:
ACTION TAKEN REPORT ON THE DECISIONS OF 25TH MEETING OF SCOVA ISSUED BY DOP&PW:
The 26th Meeting of SCOVA is scheduled to be held tomorrow on 03.02.2015. DOP&PW has now issued the Action Taken Report on the minutes of the 25th meeting of SCOVA. In respect of Anomaly in the fixation of pension of DOT employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.7.2001 there is no change in position as the details required by DoPPW have not yet been received from MTNL and BSNL. In respect of Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL Pensioners, DoT has conveyed that “DoPPW has conveyed its no objection and Department of Expenditure has also agreed to the proposal subject to the approval of Cabinet. Accordingly, Cabinet Note has been prepared and put up for approval of MOC & IT.” View the ATR01.02.2015:
DO NOT RESPOND TO THE CALLS PROMISING PAYMENT OF MONEY:
Of late, some groups are making calls to the pensioners asking for the details of their Bank Accounts and even advising them to pay specified amounts in their specific Accounts promising them to pay huge money which are now said to be due to them but remained unpaid. Such calls were earlier being received promising to pay additional amount for LIC bonus. No one should respond to such calls, as these calls are aimed at to deceive the recipient of the calls. Do not divulge your bank account details, passwords of your mails etc to anyone.31.01.2015:
EXTENSION OF EMPANELMENT OF HOSPITALS IN NAGPUR SSA:
CGMT Maharashtra Circle, Mumbai has approved extension of empanelment for 17 hospitals in Nagpur SSA from 1-2-2015 to 17-01-2017, for Indoor Medical treatment under BSNLMRS to the BSNL employees and the retired BSNL employees. All retired BSNL executives are requested to take note of the orders. Click Here for the CGMT Maharashtra letter29.01.2015:
STATE NEWS:
In order to publish information of local importance to various Branches, a new link "STATE NEWS" with sub-links to each state has been created and is available in the row above. The first news uploaded in this link happens to be from Maharashtra State . Branches are requested to send important developments/orders/news to the CHQ for publishing in the respective pages.29.01.2015:
GENERAL BODY MEETING OF CHANDIGARH BRANCH:
General Body Meeting and Get Together of members of AIBSNLREA Chandigarh Branch will be held on 01-02-2015 (SUNDAY) at 12.30 HRS in SINDHI SWEET SCO 403 Sector 37D Market. Meeting will be followed by LUNCH. All members are requested to attend without fail.25.01.2015:
REVISION OF IQ RATES:
BSNL has revised the rates for stay in IQs w.e.f. 23.1.2015, to be uniformly followed in all BSNL IQs across the country. The rates for retired officers of BSNL will be Rs.150/- per day in A & A1 class cities and Rs.75/- per day in B, B1 and other cities. Click Here for the BSNL letter21.01.2015:
BI-MONTHLY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA AMARAVATI BRANCHS:
Bi-monthly meeting of AIBSNLREA Amaravati branch was held on 18th January 2015 in the Conferance Hall of O/o GMT Amaravati. Secretary welcomed all the members. All members were eager to know the status of pension revision due to merger of 50% DA effectively amounting to 78.2%. Secretary conveyed that the case is still pending in DOT as draft cabinet note has to be circulated among different ministries before submission for cabinet approval. Regarding reimbursement of medical expenses for outdoor treatment, bills pertaining to Maharashtra circle are being paid but those pertaining to WTR and WTP are still pending. Secretary along with two members has met DGM(Finance) twice and raised this issue. DGM (F) has assured to look into the issue. Secretary informed members that from February 2015 onwards BSNL will not issue land line/broad band bills to working and retired BSNL employees to encourage "Green Movement". Members may pay bills through net-banking or opt for ECS facility. Secretary also suggested that the members draw pension through joint account. The meeting felicitated four new members who have enrolled as life members. Meeting ended with vote of thanks.19.01.2015:
GUJARAT STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA REGISTERS 700 LIFE MEMBERSHIP, MAHARASHTRA STATE BRANCH CROSSES 600 MARK:
Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA has recorded exactly 700 life membership strength and thus became the first State Branch to reach 700 mark. On the other hand, Maharashtra State Branch has now registered 610 Life Membership strength.17.01.2015:
DOP&PW CIRCULATES FOUR NEW ITEMS FOR DISCUSSIONS IN THE SCOVA MEETING, BUT THE ATR ON OLD ITEMS NOT YET CIRCULATED:
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since circulated four new agenda items for discussion in the next meeting of SCOVA to be held on 3rd February 2015. However, the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the agenda items discussed in the last meeting has not yet been circulated. The ATR would have given us an opportunity to know the latest official status of two important items pertaining to the absorbed BSNL Pensioners. These items are (1) Anomaly in the fixation of pension of DOT employees absorbed in BSNL who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.07.2001 and (2) Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL pensioners.16.01.2015:
AIBSNREA WRITES TO UNION FINANCE MINISTER SHRI ARUN JATELEY REQUESTING HIM TO ENHANCE THE EXEMPTION LIMITS IN INCOME TAX IN THE PROPOSED UNION BUDGET 2015-16:
AIBSNLREA has again taken up the issue of raising the personal income tax limits for the General Public and the pensioners. It may be recalled that in the last Financial Year, AIBSNLREA had similarly submitted a memorandum and the limits were also marginally increased. Last year, the Government had little time to prepare and present the budget immediately after the LS Election was held. Now that the Government has got some time to look into the issues, expectation of the people is quite high. AIBSNLREA’s present Memorandum, therefore, is similar to its earlier one with little modifications. View the letter View the Memorandum15.01.2015:
QUARTERLY MEETING OF KOLHAPUR BRANCH:
Quarterly meeting of Kolhapur Branch was held on 4th January 2015 in Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall under the Presidentship of Shri L M Godi, President. 58 members including 2 new members participated in the meeting. President wished all members a “Happy New Year 2015” and appreciated the enthusiasm of members in attending meetings and the Branch becoming more and more active. Then Shri D.K.Joshi, Secretary spoke on the “Pensioners Day on 17th December” being observed and mentioned about two Pensioners Com. D S Nakara and Satyapal Singh who were instrumental in obtaining Supreme Court's landmark Judgment in 1982 providing dearness relief to the pensioners. Then he informed the house about the latest developments and status in respect of the issues of revision of Pension with merger of 78.2% IDA for both pre&post 2007 BSNL Pensioners. He explained the continuous efforts by our GS, taking up the issue with PMO, MoC and others. He spoke about constitution of 3rd Pay revision committee, proposal of Digital Life Certificate based on Aadhar Card, expectations from the 26th SCOVA meeting to be held in February, increase in Medical Allowance to CG Employees from 300/- to 500/- per month and other issues pertaining to pensioners. Then Dr. Amith Sukre delivered a guest lecture on "Aurvedaachaarya” Sangli and gave useful information on “Spiritual Healing based on Adhyaatma & Science”. Then President of the Local Sr.Citizens' Association Shri. Chavan gave a valuable lecture on the Health and Social Service. Both the Guests were honored with bouquet & memento. The meeting conculded with vote of thanks by Shri SG Kanade.13.01.2015:
ELIGIBILITY OF DISABLED CHILDREN FOR FAMILY PENSION AFTER MARRIAGE AND ELIGIBILITY FOR TWO FAMILY PENSIONS - CLARIFICATION:
BSNL has circulated for information and necessary action, a DoP&PW letter dated 16.1.2013 clarifying that disabled children are eligible for family pension after marriage and allowing grant of family pension to a military pensioner after his re-employment in a civil service or civil post and grant of two family pensions to a person who is already in receipt of a family pension under any other rules of the Central Government or State Government and/or a Public Sector Undertaking/Autonomous Body/Local fund under the Central or State Government. Click Here for the BSNL letter12.01.2015:
BI-ANNUAL MEETING OF AIBSNLREA NAGPUR BRANCH:
Bi-annual meeting of AIBSNLREA Nagpur was held on 11th January,2015 at Amenity Block,CTO Compound Nagpur under the Chairmanship of Shri N G Talewar President of the Branch. After paying tributes to the departed family members, Shri U B Nikose Vice President welcomed all members in the first meeting in the New year 2015. Shri N G Talewar briefed the house regarding the efforts being taken by CHQ to meet the expectation of the BSNL pensioners. Shri P R Bhujbal Branch Secretary highlighted the status of long pending issues, and other important issues being taken up by CHQ. Various correspondences made by CHQ over the inordinate delay in allowing the benefit of 78.2% IDA merger with basic pay as on 1-1-2007 to the BSNL pensioners retired during 1-10-2000 to 9-6-2013 were briefed to the house. Other issues viz. unending delay in settlement of pending disciplinary/vigilance cases against the pensioners, ensuring timely and expeditious settlement of the pension cases of the BSNL retirees, Pension liability in r/o the DOT employees retired prior to 1-10-2000 in CDA scale, Memorandum on pensionary benefits and related issues submitted by CHQ to 7th CPC, Income Tax exemptions in union budget 2014-15 and Aadhaar based digital life certificate for the pensioners were fully explained to the members. Meeting was attended by members in large numbers. Twelve BSNL retired executives joined the association and enrolled as life members of AIBSNLREA. House congratulated all the newly enrolled life members. Meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Shri N R Rachkondawar Asst Secretary. Shri U B Nikose, Shri Arun Deshpande and Shri Bhola Kamble took efforts for the grand success of the meeting.07.01.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2015 from 98.1% to 100.3% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007. Click Here for the orders07.01.2015:
REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2015:
DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2015 from 234.5% to 238% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997. Click Here for the orders07.01.2015:
EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD BI-ANNUAL GB MEETING:
East Vidarbha (Nagpur) Branch of AIBSNLREA is to hold its bi-annual General Body Meeting at 4.00 PM on Sunday, the 11th January 2015. The venue of the meeting is Amenity Hall, CTO Compound, Nagpur. All the members of the Branch and other retired Executives have been invited to attend the meeting. Shri P R Bhujbal, Branch Secretary may be contacted for further details on his mobile No. 9422810810.06.01.2015: