31.12.2018:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2019:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.1.2019 by 3.2% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 5.3% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

31.12.2018:

VADODARA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD GB MEETING:

Vadodara Branch of AIBSNLREA will be holding its quarterly General Body Meeting at 10.30 AM on 02.01.2019. The venue of the meeting is Hotel Utsav. Members and other retired executives are requested to attend the meeting. Circle & CHQ executives will address the House. Lunch will be served after the meeting.

27.12.2018:

NON-SETTLEMENT OF THE CASE FOR ABSORPTION IN BSNL AND ALSO NON-GRANT OF CONSEQUENT PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO SHRI S P CONTRACTOR, RETD SDE, GUJARAT BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS – AIBSNLREA NOW TAKES UP THE CASE WITH SECRETARY (PENSION):

Having failed to get response from Department of Telecommunications despite repeated persuasions in getting the above issue redressed, AIBSNLREA now takes up the case with Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW. The Association has requested that “We, therefore, earnestly request you kindly to advise Department of Telecommunications to immediately issue the much-needed Orders for absorption of Shri S P Contractor, Retd SDE who last served in BSNL, Gujarat so that he receives his long pending pensionary benefits and other dues”.  View the letter

26.12.2018:

NON-ISSUE OF PRESIDENTIAL ORDER FOR ABSORPTION IN BSNL FOR SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR TRIPATHI, RETD SDE AND SETTLEMENT OF HIS PENSIONARY BENEFITS – BSNL FURNISHES THE FINAL STATUS REPORT OF THE CASE TO AIBSNLREA:

AIBSNLREA took up the above issues and pursuing them since long with different authorities. Now after issue of Presidential Order for absorption and also the formal retirement Orders, BSNL has sent a final status Report of the case to this Association.  View the BSNL letter

21.12.2018:

MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH HELD:

Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA held a meeting, which was presided over by Shri P B Parmar, State President, on 17.12.2018 at Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Ahmedabad to observe Pensioners’ Day. The meeting started with lighting of Lamp & Prayer. Two minutes silence was observed in memory of the departed members and the family members. Dr. Shashank Rathod, a well-known Eye Surgeon, gave a demonstration on EYE disease. Dr. Kamal Kapoor, CCA Ahmedabad gave lecture regarding direct payment by CCA instead of through CPPC of Banks & Postal H.O Both of them cleared the doubts raised by the members. Guests were honored by presenting bouquets [View Gujarat State Section of State News page of this website to read the full Report].

19.12.2018:

DOT FURNISHES MISSING HBA RECOVERY PARTICULARS OF SHRI A B MURMU, RETD DGM, KOLKATA TS TO QA & INSPECTION CIRCLE, JABALPUR IN CONNECTION WITH RETURN OF HIS ORIGINAL LAND DEED:

The Association took up the issue of non-return of original land deed to Shri A B Murmu despite full recovery of his HBA. In this connection, the QA & Inspection Circle had been asking DOT to furnish some missing HBA particulars which was not being furnished. After failing to get response from DOT, the matter was then taken up with Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW by the Association which advised DOT to examine the issue and inform the Association [View posting dated 12/11/2018 in this website]. Now DOT has furnished the said missing HBA particulars to QA & Inspection Circle and informed the Association accordingly.  View the DoT letter

18.12.2018:

NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES IN SANGRUR SSA DESPITE RELEASE OF FUNDS - AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CGMT, PUNJAB:

AIBSNLREA has written a letter to CGMT, Punjab Telecom Circle requesting his intervention for payment of medical claims for outdoor treatment to the retired BSNL employees in Sangrur SSA of Punjab Telecom Circle.  View the letter

16.12.2018:

AMRAVATI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA (WEST VIDARBHA REGION) HELD ITS GB MEETING:

AIBSNLREA, Amravati Branch (Maharashtra State) held a GB Meeting under the Chairmanship of Shri G. M. Talmale, Vice-President of the Branch, at about 1400 hrs. of 14th December, 2018 in the Conference Hall of G. M. Telecom, BSNL, Amravati. The meeting was attended by 30 members of the Branch. Branch Secretary Shri D. V. Rokade informed the house about the developments taken place after the last meeting held in August, 2018. He elaborated the developments in respect of payment of pending medical claims (with vouchers) and without Vouchers as per revised medical option and gave the latest status. On the day of meeting, two new members i.e. Sau. S. R. Deshmukh, Retd JTO and Shri A.R. Pawar, Retd AGM joined the Association. The house welcomed them. Shri Y.T. Behare, was unanimously elected as the Organizing Secretary of the Branch which was vacant following the sad demise of Shri R V Bokade. Shri V. G. Dakhode, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Maharashtra State, in his brief address, discussed about the latest position of the Court Case, 3rd PRC developments and also highlighted the other important key issues being processed at the State and All India level. The queries raised by the members were duly replied by him. Thereafter, the meeting concluded with the vote of thanks presented by Shri M.Z.Shinde , Financial Secretary.

14.12.2018:

LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD A GB MEETING:

A General body meeting of Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA was held in the Recreation Club in Kaiserbagh Telephone Exchange Building, Lucknow on 12.12.2018 under the presidentship of Shri Jagdish Prasad. 49 members attended the meeting out of which 5 were enrolled as new Life members. Branch Secretary Shri S P Singh submitted a brief Report on the Branch activities from 5th August 2018 to 12th December 2018 which included pursuance of Medical claim bills in Lucknow Telecom District, attending Pension Adaalat in CCA office Lucknow on 18.09.2018 and collection of Rs 25601/- as donations towards PMNRF from 41 members. Information on Status report of the court case on Pay and pension arrears issue, nonpayment of medical bills, Pension Revision etc were shared with the members. 78.2% IDA Revision case of Sri Ramnath Rao, Retd JTO, NTR, Lucknow which was taken up by CHQ with Member (Finance), Telecom Commission, New Delhi on 01.09.2018 and the PPO issued by Pr. CCA Delhi Region on 29.10.2018 has since been returned back to Pr. CCA by CCA Lucknow on 27.11.2018 for want of Pensioners Code. The meeting concluded after presentation of vote of thanks by the President.

13.12.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL REGADING NON-CLEARANCE OF PENDING MEDICAL CLAIMS OF THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL about non-clearance of medical claims of the retired BSNL employees which are pending for several months and in some cases even over a year. The Association writes “We are told that Corporate Office is not allotting sufficient fund for reimbursement of medical claims on stated financial crisis. But to our surprise, we find that the same BSNL has no problem in allowing expenditure on non-essential items. Recently BSNL, over ruling its earlier Order, has allowed purchase of diaries and calendar for the employees/offices. You may kindly agree that expenditure on Diary/Calendar cannot get overriding priority over medical treatment of the aged retired employees who solely depend on their meagre pension for livelihood. Anyhow, we do not have any objection to BSNL’s decision to incur expenditure on non-essential items. But at the same time, we expect BSNL to look into the genuine needs of its past employees also”. The Association has finally requested BSNL to clear all the pending medical claims of the retired employees.  View the letter

12.12.2018:

GUJARAT STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD MEETING:

AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State Branch will be holding a Get together cum Pensioners' Day celebration meeting on 17th December, 2018 at 03.00 PM in Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Near Natraj cinema, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad. Dr. Shashank Rathod, a well-known eye surgeon will deliver lecture on eye problems, At the end of the meeting dinner will be served. All members and other retired executives are requested to attend the meeting.

08.12.2018:

AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ON DENIAL OF ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN ON NOTIONAL BASIS FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR OF SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE GOVERNMENT SERVANTS– DOT FORWARDS THE REPRESENTATION TO BSNL FOR APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL ACTION:

AIBSNLREA had last represented to Prime Minister of India on the above issue [View posting dated 1.10.2018 in this website]. DOP&T had in turn forwarded the copy endorsed to Secretary, DoP&T to the Department of Telecommunications. Now DOT has forwarded the same to BSNL for appropriate remedial action.  View DOT letter

06.12.2018:

E-JOURNAL DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE:

December 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

03.12.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA KANPUR BRANCH HELD:

The General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA Kanpur Branch was held on 22.11.2018 and discussed the issues related to BSNL absorbed pensioners. A new body has been elected with almost the same set of office bearers. Shri Dharm Das, Shri S.B.Saini and Shri Lal Singh have been re-elected as President, Secretary and Finance Secretary respectively.

01.12.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA AMBALA BRANCH HELD:

A general body meeting of Ambala Branch was held on 27th November 2018 at Dilli Durbar Restaurant. The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Shri P. C Chauhan, President of the Branch and was attended by 35 members. One new member also joined the Association as life member taking the total membership to 65. Shri J C Gupta Branch Secretary addressed the meeting on various issues confronting the members. The members expressed great concern regarding pension revision as pay revision has not been implemented. They wanted to explore ways to ensure pension revision, as pay revision has been linked to affordability clause. The members were also very much aggrieved on non payment of medical bills which results in great harassment to the pensioners. Even pensioners with serious ailments who have paid the hospital bills in cash are not being reimbursed their expenditure. Shri K L Gakhar retd CAO entertained the members by singing bhajans and punjabi songs. The meeting ended with vote of thanks and followed by lunch.

30.11.2018:

FOURTH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HELD:

The 4th Biennial conference of AIBSNLREA West Bengal State Branch was held on 24th November 2018 at CTO Auditorium with massive participation of about 350 members. At the beginning a brief cultural program was arranged by our members. As decided earlier, 40 senior members who have completed 75 years of age as on 31st October 2018 were honoured with mementos and flower bouquet. Those unable to be present in the meeting will also be honoured later on. [For Full Report, West Bengal State Section of State News page of this website be viewed].  View Photographs

29.11.2018:

ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, ODISHA STATE BRANCH HELD:

Odisha State Branch of AIBSNLREA held its Annual General Body Meeting in the Conference Hall of Door Sanchar Bhawan, Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 18.11.2018. The meeting was presided over by Shri Sanatan Das, President, Odisha State Branch. The meeting was attended by a very large of numbers. Twelve retired executives joined the Association as Life Members. The meeting started with presentation of welcome address by Shri B K Mallick, CWC Member. The Report of activities of the State Association was presented by Shri Pravat Kumar Kar, State Secretary. Shri N Mahapatra, State Financial Secretary presented the Audited Accounts before the House. These Reports were adopted after some discussions on some points. After the presidential speech, election of new set of office-bearers for the next term was conducted. [For Full Report, Odisha State Section of State News page of this website be viewed].  View Photographs

18.11.2018:

WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD BIENNIAL STATE CONFERENCE:

West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA will hold its third biennial State Conference on Saturday, the 24th November 2018 at 13.00 hours at the Central Telegraph Office, BBD Bagh, Kolkata. All the members of the State Branch and other retired executives desirous to join the Association as Life Member are invited to attend the meeting.

16.11.2018:

BSNL ASKS CIRCLES TO FURNISH DETAILED REPORT ON HOSPITAL WISE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT PENDING PAYMENT AND THE CLAIMS PREFERRED BY RETIRED EMPLOYEES PENDING FOR PAYMENT:

BSNL Corporate Office, in a letter dated 15.11.2018, has asked all the Circles to furnish detailed report on hospital wise outstanding amount pending payment and also the medical claims preferred by retired employees pending for payment as on date. The Report has been asked to be invariably submitted by 20.11.2018.  View the BSNL letter

16.11.2018:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL REGARDING WITHDRAWAL OF CASHLESS FACILITY AGAINST INDOOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FROM ALL EMPANELLED HOSPITALS BY CGMT, UP(W) TELECOM CIRCLE:

In continuation to its earlier representation on the above issue wherein UP (West) Telecom Circle ordered withdrawal of cashless facility against indoor medical treatment from all empanelled hospitals [View posting dated 27.10.2018 in this website], AIBSNLREA has again written to Director (HR) following issue of another Order by CGMT, UP(West) Telecom restoring the cashless facility only in selected cases. The Association has protested against this fresh Order also and requested Director (HR) to advise CGMT UP(West) Telecom Circle to restore the cashless facility at least to the retired employees.  View the letter

12.11.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY (PENSION) TO THE DDG(PG), DOT REGARDING NON-RETURN OF ORIGINAL LAND DEED TO SHRI A.B.MURMU, RETIRED DGM, TELECOM STORES. KOLKATA EVEN AFTER FULL RECOVERY OF HIS HBA DUE TO NON-FURNISHING OF RECOVERY PARTICULARS:

After failing to get any response from DOT on the above matter despite taking up the issue twice, AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to Secretary (Pension) requesting his intervention so that Shri A B Murmu, Retd DGM, Telecom Stores, Kolkata gets back his original Land Deed at the earliest [View posting dated 30.10.2018 in this website to read the letter]. Now DOP&PW has forwarded the said representation of AIBSNLREA to Dy Director General (PG), DOT to examine the issue as per extant rules/orders and inform the Association.  View the DoP&PW letter

09.11.2018:

ODISHA STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING:

Odisha State Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its Annual General Body Meeting in the Conference Hall of Door Sanchar Bhawan, Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar on 18.11.2018 (Sunday) at 11 AM sharp. All the existing members are requested to attend the meeting and also strengthen the Association by bringing new Executive retirees to be enrolled as Life members of the Association. Contributory vegetarian Lunch will be served.

06.11.2018:

E-JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE:

November 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.11.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REGARDING DENIAL OF ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN ON NOTIONAL BASIS FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR OF SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE GOVERNMENT SERVANTS TO DDG(ESTT), DOT:

Following dismissal of an SLP filed by the Union of India in the Supreme Court against a judgment of Madras High Court allowing the benefit of annual increment falling due on the day following superannuation on completion of one full year of service for the purpose of granting pensionary benefits to a Government servant (Petitioner), AIBSNLREA had sent a representation to the Prime Minister of India with copy endorsed to others urging to extent the said benefit to all similarly placed retirees [View posting dated 01.10.2018 in this website]. Now, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded the copy of the said representation, which was endorsed to Secretary (Pension), to DDG(Estt), DOT for taking further action in the matter.  View the DoP&PW letter

02.11.2018:

NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED AT NANDED (MAHARASTHRA STATE):

In a meeting of the retired Executives of BSNL on 01.11.2018, a new branch of AIBSNLREA, Maharashtra State has been formed at Nanded. Initially, nine retired executives joined the Branch as Life Members. Following Office bearers were elected unanimously to represent the Branch:- President: Shri S N Shinde (09422165060), Secretary: Shri T G Hingade (09423136844) and Finance Secretary: Shri B V Kotgire (09423136900).

01.11.2018:

NON-ISSUE OF PENSION SLIPS INDICATING DETAILS OF PENSION DRAWN AND INCOME TAX DEDUCTED TO THE PENSIONERS RECEIVING PENSION THROUGH CANARA BANK BRANCHES IN KERALA- CENTRALIZED PENSION PROCESSING CENTRE OF CANARA BANK RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S LETTER TO CMD, CANARA BANK:

AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to CMD, Canara Bank since no pension slips were being issued to the pensioners, particularly DOT/BSNL IDA pensioners, receiving pension through Canara Bank Branches in Kerala. The Association had requested to ensure that all the pensioners drawing pension from Canara Bank Branches in Kerala are issued monthly pension-slips indicating the details of pension credited in their S/B accounts including the amount of income tax being deducted. The Association also requested that these particulars be supplied in the registered mobile numbers of the pensioners through sms and also by e-mail in their given e mail-id” [View posting dated 25.09.2018 in this website to read the letter]. Now, the Divisional Manager of Centralized Pension Processing Centre of Canara Bank has responded to that letter and informed that suitable instructions have been issued to all the branches to issue monthly pension slips to the pensioners as and when they visit the branches. Steps have also been taken to send PENSION SLIP to the registered e-mail of the pensioners. About TDS being deducted, the Bank has also responded.  View the letter from Canara Bank

31.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA, ALAPPUZHA-ERNAKULAM BRANCH HOLD GENERAL BODY MEETING:

A general body meeting of the Alappuzha- Ernakulam branch was held on 24th Oct 2018 at Hotel Lake Palace, Kayamkulam under the chairmanship of Shri M Sthumadhavan, Branch President. 24 members attended the meeting. Shri K G Balakrishnapillai welcomed the members. A silent prayer was held for the Flood affected people of Kerala and the members expressed their solidarity and support for all the relief work and reconstruction work that are in progress. Branch Secretary Shri Mathew Jacob in his report explained the present status on various issues viz Pay Revision, Pension revision, Status of Court cases w r t 78.2% arrears, Medical allowance without voucher, etc. In regard to local issues, he explained the developments regarding payment of arrears, wrong fixation, fixation of pay/pension following court orders for the members, status of various court cases, issue of pension slips by Canara Bank etc. Thereafter, discussions were held on various issues and the members expressed their opinion on various issues. Pre 2007 pensioners expressed their concern about non revision of pension in line with pay revision. They wanted the Association to take up the case with administration for revision of pension on the line of One Rank One Pension as done for armed forces. Shri R Sukumarapillai presented Vote of Thanks. The meeting concluded at 2PM.

30.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA ADDRESSES SECRETARY (PENSION) REGARDING NON-RETURN OF ORIGINAL LAND DEED TO SHRI A.B.MURMU, RETIRED DGM, TELECOM STORES. KOLKATA EVEN AFTER FULL RECOVERY OF HIS HBA DUE TO NON-FURNISHING OF RECOVERY PARTICULARS:

Having failed to get any response from the Department of Telecommunications on the above issue despite taking up the matter with Pay & Accounts Officer (HQ), DOT [view posting dated 19.02.2018 in this website to read the letter] and then Member (Finance), Telecom Commission, AIBSNLREA [view posting dated 31.08.2018 in this website to read the letter] has now sought the intervention of Secretary (Pension). The Association has requested “we earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter so that Shri A B Murmu, Retd DGM gets back his original Land Deed at the earliest ending the agony of this pensioner that he is facing for the inaction of Department of Telecommunications for last few years”.  View the letter

30.10.2018:

LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA ALSO CONTRIBUTES FOR THE RELIEF AND REHABILITATION OF VICTIMS OF UNPRECEDENTED FLOOD IN KERALA AND OTHER STATES:

Some of the Branches of AIBSNLREA had earlier sent the contributions raised from members for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of unprecedented and devastating flood in Kerala and other states. These were duly reported in this website. Now Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA has also sent a contribution of Rs. 25601.00 for the same purpose.

27.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP WITH DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL THE ISSUE REGARDING WITHDRAWAL OF CASHLESS FACILITY AGAINST INDOOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FROM ALL EMPANELLED HOSPITALS BY CGMT, UP(W) TELECOM CIRCLE - SEEKS RESTORATION OF THE FACILITY:

In a surprising move, UP (West) Telecom Circle has ordered withdrawal of cashless facility against indoor medical treatment from all empanelled hospitals on the plea that it was found from the medical bills of the empanelled hospitals that the cost of medicines charged are on higher side and also huge amount is pending for payment to empanelled hospitals as the reimbursement of indoor medical bills. AIBSNLREA has taken up this issue with Director (HR) and protested against the Order stating that “As regards over-charging of the cost of medicines, it is the duty of the Circles to check the same and clear payment only as per the approved rates. How the retired employees in particular are to be penalized for no fault on their parts on this account and also due to failure of the Circles to do their assigned duties? Moreover, pendency of bills for clearance cannot also be the genuine ground for withdrawal of the cashless facility”. The Association has further requested Director (HR) “to kindly intervene in the matter. The UP(West) Telecom Circle be also advised immediately to withdraw its Order dated 12.10.2018 and restore the cashless facility. The Circle may also be advised to check and verify all the bills as per extant Orders and rules before clearing them for payments. Let the Circle not penalize the retired employees for no fault on their parts and thus follow the advice given by your Office vide No BSNL/Admn.I/15-18/16(i) dated 10.08.2016 to empanel more CGHS approved hospitals on cashless basis”.  View the letter

25.10.2018:

DOT FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S LETTER DATED 01.09.2018 TO PRINCIPAL CCA, DELHI REGION REGARDING NON-REVISION OF PENSION OF SHRI RAM NATH RAO, RETD JTO, NTR, LUCKNOW – A PRE-2007 ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONER:

AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the case of non-revision of pension of Shri Ram Nath Rao, Retd JTO, NTR, Lucknow with Member (Finance), Telecom Commission since Principal Controller of Communication Accounts, Delhi Region did not revise the pension of the said retired Executive, though the Office of DGMM(NTR), Lucknow had submitted all the necessary documents to the Accounts Officer (Pension) in Pr CCA Office with a request to revise the pension with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension. [View posting dated 01.09.2018 in this website to read the letter]. Now DOT has forwarded the said letter of the Association to the Pr. Controller of Communication Accounts, vide its File No. 34-55/2018-Pen(T) dated 18.10.2018, for examination and necessary action under intimation to the Pension Section of DOT.  View the DoT letter

22.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA SEEKS INTERVENTION OF CMD, BSNL IN THE MATTER OF EXTENDING CONCESSIONAL RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE FACILITY TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES RESIDING IN TECHNICALLY NOT FEASIBLE AREAS – ASSOCIATION REITERATES ITS EARLIER REQUEST TO PROVIDE MOBILE CONNECTION IN LIEU OF LANDLINE:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to CMD, BSNL regarding non-extension of the facility of concessional residential telephone connection to the retired BSNL employees residing in TNF areas. The Association has pointed out that with gradual decommissioning of WLL Exchanges through which the retired employees residing in TNF areas were earlier given the connections, the facility is no more being extended to them. The Association further reiterates its earlier request to allow at least Cellular Mobile Service connections to the retired BSNL employees residing in the stated TNF areas in lieu of concessional residential telephone connection (DEL). The facility could be restricted to the tariff plan within the prescribed limit in monetary term that the concerned retired employee is eligible to get, had he been provided a concessional telephone connection. The Association finally has requested CMD, BSNL to intervene in the matter so that the above request is examined in right earnest and the mobile telephone facility is allowed to the eligible retired BSNL employees residing in the TNF areas.  View the letter

20.10.2018:

ROLLING OUT OF DOT’S COMPREHENSIVE PENSION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR DIRECT CREDIT OF PENSION IN THE PENSIONERS’ SAVINGS BANK ACCOUNTS - AIBSNLREA WRITES TO ADVISOR (FINANCE), DOT REGARDING NON-OPENING OF ADEQUATE PENSIONERS’ SERVICE CENTRES IN BSNL UNITS AND ALSO NON-ADDRESSING THE POINT REGARDING ISSUE OF MONTHLY PENSION SLIPS:

Earlier, DOT had advised BSNL regarding opening of “Pensioners’ Service Centres” to provide services like Uploading Digital Life Certification, Downloading Form 16, Uploading grievances, Assistance in filing pension forms by employees/family pensioners etc on implementation of its proposed CPMS (view posting dated 09.10.2018 in this website). AIBSNLREA has now addressed a letter to Advisor (Finance), DOT stating that though the concerns expressed by the Association from time to time regarding DOT’s proposal for direct credit of pension in the pensioners’ Saving Bank Accounts by the CCAs have been acknowledged, but these are not fully addressed. The Association has pointed out that more number of “Pensioners’ Service Centres” need to be opened in SSAs/BSNL Units so that the pensioners are not forced to travel long distance to get these services. The Association has also requested that the CCAs must ensure issuing monthly Pension Slips to the pensioners/family pensioners giving details of basic pension, IDA, Income Tax deducted, pension credited etc in their registered mobile number and/or e-mail id.  View the letter

18.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP WITH DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL REGARDING NON-EMPANELMENT OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS FOR INDOOR TREATMENT OF BSNL’s PRESENT AND PAST EMPLOYEES BY CGMT, HIMACHAL PRADESH TELECOM CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has since taken up the issue of non-empanelment of private hospitals for indoor treatment of BSNL’s present and past employees in Himachal Pradesh Telecom Circle. The Association has pointed out that even Shimla – the capital of the state and headquarters of the Circle Office, has got no empanelled hospital. The Association has urged Director (HR) “to kindly intervene in this serious issue and cause issue of early orders so that BSNL Employees/Pensioners of BSNL in Himachal Pradesh are also allowed to take indoor treatment at least in private hospitals which are empanelled by the Himachal Pradesh State Government under the similar terms and conditions as ordered by Central Government. At the same time, CGMT Shimla may kindly be advised to get adequate private hospitals empanelled in all SSAs within next few months”.  View the letter

15.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASES REGARDING NON-ISSUE OF FINAL RETIREMENT ORDERS OF S/SHRI M D CHAUDHARY, RETD SDE AND D P BHATT, RETD SDE, BOTH FROM GUJARAT CIRCLE AND SHRI B K MALLICK, RETD DGM, ODISHA CIRCLE EVEN AFTER SETTLEMENT OF THEIR DISCIPLINARY/VIGILANCE CASES:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director(HR), BSNL regarding non-issue of final retirement orders of S/Shri M D Chaudhary, Retd SDE, D P Bhatt, Retd SDE from Gujarat Telecom Circle and Shri B K Mallick, Retd DGM, Odisha Telecom Circle, even after settlement of their disciplinary/vigilance cases and issue of Presidential Orders for absorption in BSNL, which is delaying final settlement of their pension and other pensionary benefits. The Association has requested for early issue of the retirement Orders.  View the letter

14.10.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS COPY OF THE AIBSNLREA’S LETTER ADDRESSED TO CMD, CANARA BANK REGARDING NON-ISSUE OF PENSION SLIPS INDICATING DETAILS OF PENSION DRAWN AND INCOME TAX DEDUCTED TO THE PENSIONERS RECEIVING PENSION THROUGH CANARA BANK BRANCHES IN KERALA TO DDG(PG), DOT:

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded the copy of the letter from AIBSNLREA, which was endorsed to it, regarding non-issue of pension slips stating the details of pension credited in the Savings Bank Accounts of a DOT/BSNL IDA pensioners receiving pension through Canara Bank Branches in Kerala, to examine the issue as per extant rules/orders. The Association had taken up the issue with CMD, Canara Bank (view posting dated 25.09.2018 in this website to read the letter) and endorsed copy of the same to DOP&PW.  View the DoP&PW letter

13.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL REGARDING WRONG APPICATION OF THE ORDER TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DAYS OF PAY FROM 25 DAYS TO 23 DAYS TO CALCULATE ANNUAL CEILING LIMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS- CASES OF THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED FROM BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE:

Since BSNL Corporate Office has wrongly applied BSNL Order dated 10.07.2018 for reduction of number of days of pay from 25 days to 23 days to calculate the annual ceiling limit in the case of the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners for the purpose of determining their annual ceiling limit for reimbursement of their medical claims, AIBSNLREA has taken up the issue with Director (HR). Fitment benefit by merger of 68.8% IDA or 78.2% IDA was extended only to the post-2007 employees/pensioners while allowing them revised IDA pay scales w.e.f. 1.1.2007. There was no revision of IDA pay scales for the pre-2007 pensioners and as such their last pay drawn also did not go any change on allowing 78.2% IDA merger to the post-2007 BSNL employees. The Association has requested for strict application of BSNL’s Order No. BSNL/Admn.I/14-2/09 dated 8.9.2010 for the retired employees with special reference to the Pre-2007 BSNL pensioners and also not to apply BSNL Order dated 10.07.2018 to the pre-2007 retirees from Corporate Office.  View the letter

12.10.2018:

GB MEETING OF PALAKKAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

A General Body Meeting of Palakkad Branch (Kerala State) was held on 09.10.2018 at Top in Town Palakkad. The meeting commenced at 11hrs. Forty seven members were present and two new members joined the Association. Detailed deliberations took place on the burning issues like Pension Revision, Court case on 78.2% IDA merger, non-payment of Medical Allowance for one full year. Branch Secretary explained the present status of these issues very elaborately. Members were very much aggrieved on these vital issues. It was also decided to send a resolution for stalling the change of Pension payment through CCA. Meeting concluded after Vote of Thanks presented by Sri P V Subramanian, Asst Secretary. Lunch was served to the members who dispersed around 14.00 hrs.

12.10.2018:

SURAT BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD A GB MEETING:

Surat Branch (Gujarat State) of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 04.10.2018 in the Community Hall, Door Sanchar Colony, Surat. 59 members attended the meeting which was chaired by Shri Baburam. The meeting started at 10.30 AM with observation of two minutes silence to pay homage to Late Shri A B Patel, State Secretary. Shri N.J.Nakawala, Branch Secretary welcomed the members and reported the activities of the Branch during the current term. Surat Branch started functioning from 8/10/2010 with 15 members which has now reached to 106 life members. Members expressed their dis-satisfaction due to inordinate delay in payment of medical claims with and without voucher facility and non-revision of pension. [For full Report of the meeting, Gujarat State Section of State News Page of this website be viewed.]

11.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH HELD A GB MEETING:

Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA held its quarterly GB Meeting on 7.10.2018 with Shri L M Godi, Branch President on the chair. After prayer, the President welcomed all the old and new members and gave a brief account of the developments taking place during the past quarter. The House observed two minutes silence in memory of former Prime Minister of India Bharatratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajapaye, former LS Speaker Shri Somanath Chatterjee, hundreds of people who lost their lives in the unprecedented severe flood in Kerala and other states, Shri Tansen Thanekar, Life Member of the Branch, S/Shri P K Mohanty and A B Patel, State Secretary of AIBSNLREA, Odisha State and Gujarat State Branch respectively. Eighty members attended the meeting and five new members joined the Association who were welcomed with presentation of bouquets. Senior members S/Shri B T Gondhali, and V C Patavardhan, both from Sangli, were felicitated on their completion of 75 years of age by Shri S V Kumhar on behalf of the Branch with presentation of Shawl, Shriphal, and bouquet. [For full Report of the meeting, Maharashtra State Section of State News page of this werbsite may be visited]

10.10.2018:

GB MEETING OF VARANASI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

Varanasi Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 06/10/2018 in the CTX building on 06.10.2018. The meeting started at 15.00 hours with S/Shri R K Sinha, Joint Secretary, CHQ, A S Gaur and Akhtar Husain, both UP State Office Bearers and others on the dais. Four new Life Members joined the Branch. After discussions on various issues concerning the pensioners, election of new Office Bearers for the Branch was held. Following office bearer were elected unanimously:- President - Shri B N Singh, Vice Presidents- S/Shri D B Gupta and S P Tripathi, Branch Secretary- Shri Yad Ali, Asst Branch Secretary- S/Shri A S Gaur and Pritam Chandra, Finance Secretary - Shri R K Sinha, Asst Finance Secretary- Shri K C Srivastava, Organizing Secretary- Shri Bans Raj Ram. Executive members- S/Shri A G Ansari, R J S Yadava, R K Prasad, D K Viswas, B Prasad. Shri D N Ram was nominated as Internal Auditor.

09.10.2018:

BSNL TO OPEN “PENSIONERS’ SERVICE CENTERS” IN BSNL UNITS/SSAs FOR PROVIDING LIMITED CUSTOMER FACILITIES TO THE BSNL IDA PENSIONERS THROUGH DOT’S CPMS PORTAL:

It may be recalled that when DoT proposed direct disbursement of Pension in Pensioners’ Savings Bank Accounts through its ‘Comprehensive Pension Management System (CPMS)”, in supersession of the existing mechanism to make the payments by the concerned Banks, AIBSNLREA had strongly protested against the move since DOT failed to address the concerns expressed by this Association regarding submission of annual life certificates to the CCA Offices, issue of Form 16 to the income tax paying pensioners and providing other facilities. After all, CCA Offices are available mainly in the State capitals which cannot cover the entire state/region to provide these services and the pensioners residing in far off places also cannot physically access these offices. Finally, DOT seems to have considered these issues. Accordingly, DOT has roped in BSNL in its system to assist in implementing the new system. BSNL also has now advised its Units/SSAs to open “Pensioners’ Service Centers” to provide limited facilities like uploading Digital Life Certification, Downloading Form 16, uploading grievances etc through the CMPS portal. How far this arrangement will work to the satisfaction of the pensioners – especially those who are virtually immobile, only the future can speak.  View BSNL/DOT orders

07.10.2018:

WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH OFFICE BEARERS OF AIBSNLREA MEET PRINCIPAL CCA, KOLKATA:

S/Shri S K Moitra, President, S R Palit, State Secretary and K.C.De, Asst State Secretary of West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA met Shri G.K.Chin, Principal CCA Kolkata Telephones, who took over the charges recently, on 28th September, 2018. They took this opportunity to hand over a list of few pending issues including some pension revision cases of other Circles which required for endorsement by the Principal CCA Kolkata. The Association also requested him to send back the service books to the BSNL units, if need be, for completing the pending pension related jobs. He agreed to look into the cases.

06.10.2018:

E-JOURNAL OCTOBER 2018 ISSUE:

October 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.10.2018:

NEW STATE SECRETARIES OF ODISHA AND GUJARAT STATE BRANCHES OF AIBSNLREA:

Following the sudden and unfortunate demise of Shri P K Mohanty, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Odisha and Shri A B Patel, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Gujarat reported in this site earlier, Odisha State Branch has decided that Shri P K Kar, Asst. State Secretary will now be the State Secretary till the next AGM. Gujarat State Executive Committee also met at Gayatri Temple, Ghatlodia, Ahmedabad and decided that Shri A D Raval, Asst. State Secretary will now be the State Secretary of Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA. Earlier on 28.09.2018, the members of AIBSNLREA, Gujarat had assembled at Dharati Vikas Mandal Hall, Naranpura, Ahmedabad and paid homage to late Shri A.B.Patel.

04.10.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2018 from 128% to 135.6% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

04.10.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2018 from 284.8% to 297.8% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders

03.10.2018:

EAST GODAVARI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD GB MEETING:

East Godavari Branch of AIBSNLREA held a GB Meeting on 29.09.2018 at Hotel RL GRAND, Kakinada under the president ship of Shri GV Rama Krishna. The meeting started at 10.00hrs after prayer. GSVSS Vara Prasad, Secretary welcomed Shri CH Gandhi, OS (South), CHQ and other members. 73 members attended the meeting and 8 new members joined the Association. GB paid homage to the departed life members viz S/Shri N Krishna Murty, Ex-DE, KS Prakasha Rao Ex-JTO, Kesavacharyulu, Ex-SDE who passed away recently. The house also paid homage to the departed leaders Bharata Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister, and Karunanidhi, former DMK veteran leader. The house expressed its deep sorrow and grief for the irreparable loss to the Kerala flood victims. The House observed two minutes silence in their memory. (For full Report of the meeting, the AP State Section of State News page be visited).

01.10.2018:

DENIAL OF ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN ON NOTIONAL BASIS FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR OF SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE GOVERNMENT SERVANTS- AIBSNLREA NOW SEEKS INTERVENTION OF THE PRIME MINISTER:

AIBSNLREA had been taking up the above issue since 2015 with concerned authorities. The Association has again taken up the matter recently with Secretary, DOP&T and others quoting a Madras High Court judgment allowing the said the benefit to a Petitioner (View posting dated 24.09.2018 in this website) and requested to extend the same benefit to all similarly placed retirees. The Association has now taken up the issue, following dismissal of an SLP filed by the Union of India in the Supreme Court against the said judgment of Madras High Court, with the Prime Minister of India seeking his intervention to extend the benefit to all similarly placed retirees. The Association has pleaded that “we now earnestly request your kind personal intervention in the matter so that a common Order is issued extending the similar benefits, as Ordered by the Hon’ble Madras High Court and upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, to all the similarly placed retirees who retire/retired on the preceding day on which their annual increments are/were due on completion of their full one year of service”.  View the letter

28.09.2018:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2018:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.10.2018 by 7.6% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 13% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

27.09.2018:

GUIDELINES FOR RDA AGAINST RETIRED OFFICERS OF BSNL:

BSNL Corporate Office has since issued guidelines on above in which it has been reiterated that RDA for major penalty can be initiated on retired officers subject to the condition that 4 years have not elapsed since the date/period of misconduct. In cases RDA has been advised by Commission/CVO, BSNL and same cannot be implemented in view of the said limitation of 4 years, the status of such cases be intimated to BSNL Corporate Office immediately.  View the BSNL order

26.09.2018:

AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH HELD MEETINGS WITH CGM, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES AND CGM, ETR:

West Bengal State Branch of AIBSNLREA had a pre-scheduled with CGM CTD on 19th September 2018 in his chamber. The Association was represented By S/Shri S.R.Palit, S.K.Maitra, K.P.Ghosh, Kartick Dey and Smt. Kalpana Sadhukhan. The discussion was held mainly on huge backlog of medical allowance and reimbursement of Indoor & outdoor medical claims. After long discussions, the CGM instructed DE Health Care to call for reports from the units and also wanted to ensure that all pending (both allowance & reimbursement) bills processed and uploaded in ERP system immediately for effecting payment on receipt of funds from BSNLHQ. Regarding Indoor treatment, he assured to empanel more hospitals who are agreed to extend treatment facility at CGHS rates. The Association strongly demanded to clear all pending medical payments before the ensuing Puja festival. The association representatives also met CGM, Eastern Telecom Region on the same day afternoon. During discussions, the Association pointed out a few cases where reimbursement of medical bills were pending for a long time. The CGM was also requested to settle the left out family pension revision cases with 78.2% fitment benefit.

25.09.2018:

NON-ISSUE OF PENSION SLIPS INDICATING DETAILS OF PENSION DRAWN AND INCOME TAX DEDUCTED TO THE PENSIONERS RECEIVING PENSION THROUGH CANARA BANK BRANCHES IN KERALA- AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH CMD, CANARA BANK:

Since no pension slips, as above, are being issued to the pensioners, particularly DOT/BSNL IDA pensioners, receiving pension through Canara Bank Branches in Kerala, AIBSNLREA has requested CMD, Canara Bank “to ensure that all the pensioners drawing pension from your Branches in Kerala are issued monthly pension-slips indicating the details of pension credited in their S/B accounts including the amount of income tax being deducted. These details may be supplied in their registered mobile numbers through sms and also by e-mail in their given e mail-id”.  View the letter

24.09.2018:

NON-SANCTION OF ANNUAL INCREMENT FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR OF SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE GOVERNMENT SERVANTS– AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE ISSUE:

At present, Government Employees whose increment falls due on the day following their superannuation, on completion of their full year of service, are being denied the annual increment even for the limited purpose of granting pensionary benefits. AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the issue with VII CPC (view posting dated 08/04/2015) and Secretary, DO&T (view posting dated 05/05/2015) requesting to grant at least one notional increment in all such cases for the purpose of allowing pensionary benefits as was ordered by Tamilnadu State Government for its employees. DoP&T had forwarded our said representation to Department of Expenditure (view posting dated 14/02/2016). But DOE did not concede to our request (view posting dated 26/06/2016). The Association then again requested DOE to re-examine the issue (view posting dated 13/07/2016) and the DOP&T also forwarded copy of our said representation to DOE (view posting dated 19/09/2016). But the issue was not resolved. Now the Association has again taken up the issue with Secretary, DOP&T in the background of one Madras High Court judgment delivered on 15/9/2017 which allowed the same benefit, as requested by us, to a Petitioner who retired from Customs & Excise Department of Government of India.  View the letter

23.09.2018:

BI-ANNUAL GB MEETING OF EAST GODAVARI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA:

Bi- Annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, East Godavari Branch will be held on 29.09.2018 at HOTEL RL GRAND, KAKINADA. The meeting will commence at 10.00hrs sharp. Apart from conduct of other regular businesses, the seniors who have crossed 75 years of age during the current year will also be felicitated. All members and other retired executives are requested to attend the meeting in large numbers. Meeting will be closed before lunch.

21.09.2018:

SHRI A B PATEL, STATE SECRETARY, AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH LEFT FOR HIS HEAVENLY ABODE:

With profound grief and sorrow, we report the sudden and untimely demise of Shri A B Patel, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State Branch on 20.09.2018. He had developed low BP problem after attending a GB Meeting of the Branch Association at Anand on 15.09.2018 and was under treatment at Ahmedabad. He became unconscious while worshiping Maa Gayatri, along with his daughter-in-law, in a local temple at about 18.30 hours on 20.09.2018. He was rushed to Sterling Hospital, but the doctors pronounced him brought dead. Shri Patel, was a senior veteran leader of the Associations of Officers/Executives in DOT/BSNL. With his passing away, the Association has received a great setback. The Association joins the members of the bereaved family in their grief and pray to Almighty to give them enough strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace.

20.09.2018:

ORDER BY MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE TO REJECT MEDICAL CLAIMS IF MEDICINES ARE NOT PURCHASED FROM STORES OFFERING MINIMUM DISCOUNT OF 12% - AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) PROTESTING AGAINST THIS ARBITRARY ORDER AND REQUESTING HER TO ADVISE CGMT, BSNL, MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE TO IMMEDIATELY WITHDRAW THE SAME:

Maharashtra Telecom Circle of BSNL has issued an order threatening the beneficiaries of BSNLMRS, both employees and pensioners, to reject medical reimbursement claims if medicine are purchased from medical shops not allowing 12% discount. AIBSNLREA has protested against this Order and requested Director (HR), BSNL to advise Maharashtra Circle to immediately withdraw the said Order. The Association has pointed out that BSNL CO is the only authority to frame policies on BSNLMRS and not the Circles. Maharashtra Circle cannot order to purchase medicines from a particular Store or those offering discounts. This helps only in unfair trade practices. It also cannot threaten the employees/pensioners to reject their claims on this account. Moreover, BSNL’s medical expenditure is no way curtailed/controlled if the medicines are purchased with or without discounts, since all employees and pensioners get reimbursement within their own ceiling limit.  View the letter

19.09.2018:

AMBALA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD GB MEETING:

A general body meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 18th Sept 2018.The meeting was held in hotel Dilli Durbar under the chairmanship of Shri P.C Chauhan President of the Branch. 26 members attended the meeting. One new life member joined our branch making the membership to 63 life members. Shri Chauhan welcomed all the members. Shri S K Aggarwal Branch Executive briefed the members on the various issues in the absence of Shri. J.C Gupta Branch Secretary who has been away to Gurgaon. All the members expressed their deep anguish on the stoppage of payment of medical bills both with voucher/without vouchers and also Indoor bills. The members were also critical of the attitude of DOT in not finalizing the pension revision of BSNL Pensioners as per 3rd PRC.

17.09.2018:

CONTRIBUTION FOR FLOOD RELIEF IN FLOOD AFFECTED STATES:

This year, Kerala and few other states faced severe flood causing extensive damage to properties and loss of lives. In order to help in relief and rehabilitation work, following Branches of AIBSNLREA have made contribution as detailed below:
(1) West Bengal State Branch (Rs 25,000/-),
(2) Chennai Branch (Rs. 30,000/-),
(3) Kolhapur Branch (Rs. 10,000/-).

15.09.2018:

GB MEETING OF MUMBAI BRANCH HELD:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Mumbai Branch was held on 05.09.2018 at 14:00 hrs in the Conference Hall of Telephone House, Prabhadevi, Mumbai under the chairmanship of Branch President Shri U.A Tiwari. The House first observed two minutes silence to pay homage to former Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and hundreds of people who lost their lives in Kerala and other states due to the devastating flood. The President welcomed all the members and gave some valuable information. He explained in detail about medical facility to BSNL employees and revision of seniority list [For full Report of the meeting, Maharashtra State Section of State News Page of this website may visited].

14.09.2018:

SHRI P K MOHANTY, STATE SECRETARY, AIBSNLREA, ODISHA STATE BRANCH PASSES AWAY:

Shri P K Mohanty, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Odisha State Branch breathed his last to-day (14.09.2018) at 3.10 A.M. in a Hospital at Bangalore. A veteran leader of the Officers/Executives since his days in DOT and BSNL, he along with his team successfully conducted the last All India Conference of AIBSNLREA at Bhubaneswar. The Association joins the members of the bereaved family in their grief and pray to Almighty to give them enough strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace.

10.09.2018:

AIBSNLREA REQUEST MOSC FOR REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2017 ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS SIMULTANEOUSLY ALONG WITH THE REVISION OF PAY SCALES OF THE ABSORBED BSNL EXECUTIVES W.E.F. 01.01.2017:

In a representation to Minister of State for Communications, AIBSNLREA has expressed its satisfaction that DOT is all set to prepare a draft Cabinet Note for revision of pay scales of the BSNL Executives in terms of the recommendations of the 3rd PRC and as approved by the Government of India by seeking relaxation of the affordability clause provided in the Order for BSNL. Quoting the principle followed in Government for simultaneous revision of pay scales of the serving employees and revision of pension of the past pensioners based on the Supreme Court Orders and echoed in V CPC recommendations, AIBSNLREA has further requested MOSC “to advise Department of Telecommunications to simultaneously process the revision of pay scales of the serving BSNL Executives and revision of pension of the past absorbed BSNL Executive pensioners with the same fitment benefit to get the Cabinet approval”.  View the letter

06.09.2018:

E-JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE:

September 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.09.2018:

NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS PERTAINING EVEN FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2017-18 TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES– AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL about the serious problem that the retired BSNL employees are facing since the field units have not cleared their medical claims even for the financial year 2017-18 – thus forcing them to face serious hardships. AIBSNLREA points out that despite the direction given to the field units vide OM No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-22/14 dated 25.04.2018 to make immediate payment of 3rd and 4th quarters of medical claims for without voucher facility for the year 2017-18, none of the Units followed the advice. The Association also refers to the report that the Units in Kerala Circle have deposited TDS to the Income Tax Department for the retired employees even though no payment has been made to the concerned retired employees for the 3rd and 4th quarters under the without voucher facility. The Association has finally requested Director (HR) “to kindly intervene in the matter and let the field units be advised to clear all the claims for the year 2017-18 on priority basis and report back to you. Similarly, the claims for the year 2018-2019 also need to be expeditiously cleared since half of the current financial year is almost over..”.  View the letter

04.09.2018:

NON-REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCE OF SHRI PAWAN KUMAR JINDAL, RETD DE (SANGRUR), REGARDING NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT, LODGED IN THE RETIRED GRIEVANCE CELL DUE TO INACTION BY ERP UNIT– AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR):

AIBSNLREA writes to Director (HR), BSNL about the above case in which the Accounts Officer (Claim), Sangrur (Punjab) has intimated that due to non-acceptance of the full amount in the ERP, the claim could not be settled and the docket made on 25.06.2018 but the problem in the ERP has not been solved. The Association has requested Director (HR) to intervene and “advise the Retired Employees Grievance Cell to take up the matter with ERP Unit and get the problem in ERP as mentioned by the Accounts Officer (Claim), o/o GMTD, Sangrur (Pb) in his mail (enclosed) solved so that Shri Pawan Kumar Jindal, Retd DE could be paid his balance of medical claim for the year 2017-18”.  View the letter

03.09.2018:

REVISION OF SENIORITY OF LIST OF THE TES GROUP B OFFICERS IN COMPLAINCE OF HON’BLE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENTS TO EXTEND CONSUQUENTIAL BENEFITS - AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) CORRECTING AN INADVERTENT MISTAKE IN PARAS 3 AND 4 OF ITS REPRESENTATION DATED 01.09.2018 ON THE SAME ISSUE:

In continuation to its earlier representation dated 01.09.2018 to Secretary (Telecom), Department of Telecommunication on the above issue (view posting dated 02.09.2018), AIBSNLREA has now addressed a letter to Secretary (T) informing that there had been one inadvertent typographical mistake in Paras 3 and 4 of the said representation wherein the last word at the end of both the paras were typed as “1981” in place of “2001”. AIBSNLREA has also communicated the corrected paras by replacing “1981” by “2001”.  View the letter

03.09.2018:

NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA AT JAUNPUR (UP STATE) FORMED:

A new Branch of AIBSNLREA at Jaunpur in UP State has been formed on 01.09.2018. In the meeting held in the office campus of TDM, Jaunpur on 1st September 2018 at 3 PM, the branch was formed with S/Shri D S Yadav as President, Ram Dhani Ram as Branch Secretary and Ram Murti Maurya as the Finance Secretary. 8 life members joined the Association. S/Shri R K Sinha, Joint Secretary, CHQ, Akhtar Hussain, Organizing Secretary, UP State and Yad Ali, Branch Secretary, Varanasi attended the meeting.

02.09.2018:

REVISION OF SENIORITY OF LIST OF THE TES GROUP B OFFICERS IN COMPLAINCE OF HON’BLE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENTS TO EXTEND CONSUQUENTIAL BENEFITS - AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING THE DISCRIMINATORY DECISION BY BSNL AGAINST THE BSNL EXECUTIVES PROMOTED TO DE(T)/DGM(T) PRIOR TO 1981:

Maintaining that BSNL’s decision for revision of promotion to the DE(T)/DGM(T) issued to the BSNL Executives only after 2001 onwards is in gross violation of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and also a blatant discriminatory one against those absorbed BSNL Executives who were promoted prior to 1981, AIBSNLREA has urged Secretary (Telecom) “to kindly advice BSNL and other concerned to implement the judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in their letter and spirits and in full and also to ensure that no discrimination is made against those BSNL executives who were promoted to DE(T)/DGM(T) prior to 1981”.  View the letter

01.09.2018:

NON-REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY PRINCIPAL CCA, DELHI REGION - CASE OF SHRI RAM NATH RAO, RETD JTO, NTR, LUCKNOW:

AIBSNLREA has taken up the above case with Member (Finance), Telecom Commission since Principal Controller of Communication Accounts, Delhi Region is yet to revise the pension of the said retired Executive though the Office of DGMM(NTR), Lucknow had submitted all the necessary documents to the Accounts Officer (Pension) in Pr CCA Office almost a year back requesting to revise the pension with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension as per DOT Order dated 18.07.2016. The Association has requested Member (Finance) to “intervene in this case so that the said pensioner gets his revised PPO issued at the earliest and his arrears of pension is also paid without further delay.”  View the letter

31.08.2018:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP WITH MEMBER (FINANCE), TELECOM COMMISSION THE ISSUE REGARDING NON RELEASE OF ORIGINAL LAND DEED TO SHRI A B MURMU, RETD DGM, CMTS, KOLKATA DUE TO NON-FURNISHING OF HIS HBA RECOVERY PARTICULARS BY ACCOUNTS OFFICER (PAY), DOT TO CGM, INSPECTION & QA CIRCLE, JABALPUR:

AIBSNLREA has sought the intervention of Member (Finance), Telecom Commission in the above case wherein the original Land Deed of Shri A B Murmu, Retd DGM has not been returned by CGM, Inspection & QA Circle despite full recovery of his HBA with interest due to stated non-furnishing of the recovery particulars for the period from September 2003 to July 2004 by the Accounts Officer (Pay), DOT when the said Executive worked in DOT Headquarters.  View letter

30.08.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PENSION BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXTRA INCREMENT GRANTED UNDER BSNL EPP TO THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY PR CCA, TAMILNADU CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter in the case wherein a section of the BSNL Executives who were granted extra increment on their post based promotion under BSNL’s Executive Promotion Policy, 2007 and retired between July 2017 and April, 2018 are being denied the benefit of fixation of pension by taking into account the said extra increment by the Principal CCA, Tamilnadu Circle. AIBSNLREA has urged that “we earnestly request you to kindly intervene in this case and cause issue of suitable clarification advising the Principal CCA, Tamilnadu Circle not to deny processing the pension cases of the absorbed BSNL pensioners, who retired between July 2017 and April 2018, by granting the extra increment on their post based promotion in the same manner as in other cases of the rest of the retired executives granted/being granted extra increment under BSNL’s EPP."  View letter

28.08.2018:

BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED FROM OTHER CIRCLES CANNOT OPT CORPORATE OFFICE FOR SETTLEMENT OF THEIR MEDICAL FACILITY IN DELHI– ORDERS BSNL:

BSNL Corporate Office has issued an order stating that the retired BSNL employees, other than those retired from Corporate Office, who wish to settle and opt for medical facility in Delhi cannot opt for Corporate Office for this purpose. They may, however, avail BSNLMRS facility from any other Circle in Delhi.  View BSNL orders

23.08.2018:

AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH CELEBRATES ITS 10th ANNIVERSARY DAY:

AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha Branch Nagpur celebrated its 10thAnniversary Day on Monday, the 20th August.2018 Dr Ambedkar Hall, Nagpur. Shri U B Nikose presided over the meeting .Shri A R Savatkar Retired PGM(Mobile) graced the occasion as Chief Guest . Shri P R Bhujbal CHQ Vice President along with S/Shri N G Talewar Vice President MH circle, Arun Deshpande Branch Secretary and V W Patil Sr member, were on the Dias. In the beginning, the Chief Guest and others garlanded the portrait of Bharat Ratna Dr Bababasaheb Ambedekar and afterwards tribute was paid to Late Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, victims of Kerala floods, and the departed members of the Branch and their family members. {For full Report of the meeting, please view Maharashtra Section of State News Page of this website]

18.08.2018:

CHENNAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS GB MEETING:

A General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Chennai Branch was held on 14.08.2018 at Hotel B.R.Mathsaya,T.Nagar Chennai at 10.30 A.M which was presided over by Shri V.Dakshinamoorthy, President of the Branch. The meeting started with a prayer song by Shri G.Vijayendran followed by observance of one minute silence to mourn the demise of few BSNL retired staff, former Tamilnadu Chief Minister Dr. Kalaingar M. Karunanidhi and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Somnath Chatterji. President welcomed all the members who assembled in large numbers. He informed the house about the present status of the move of the DOT to take over the existing pension payment arrangement through banks and post offices, by the respective CCAs of territorial circles and collection of data from pensioners in KYP form and discussed the pros and cons of the proposed arrangement and requested the members to express their opinion about KYP form submission [For full Report, Tamilnadu Section of State News page of this website be visited.]

17.08.2018:

AMRAVATI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA (WEST VIDARBHA REGION) HELD ITS G.B. MEETING:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA , Amravati Branch was held under the Chairmanship of Shri R. Y. Deshmukh, Vice-President of the Branch , at about 1400 hrs of 14th Aug. 2018 at the Conference hall of G. M. Telecom , BSNL , Amravati. The meeting was attended by 28 members of the Branch. Before the commencement of meeting , two minutes silence was observed in the memory of departed life member late Shri R. V. Bokade, Organizing Secretary of AIBSNLREA, Amravati Branch. The Branch Secretary, Shri D. V. Rokade informed the House about the developments taken place after the last meeting held in April, 2018. He elaborated the developments in respect of revised medical option and gave the latest status regarding the progress of medical facility without vouchers/with vouchers. Shri V. G. Dakhode, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Maharashtra State discussed about the latest position of the Court Case. He also apprised the members about the 3rd PRC developments and highlighted the important key issues pertaining to BSNL being processed at State and all India level. The queries raised by the members were duly replied by him. After this, the meeting was concluded with the presentation of Vote of Thanks by the Chair.

16.08.2018:

AIBSNLREA, EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH TO CELEBRATE ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY:

AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha (Nagpur) Branch is celebrating its 10 th Anniversary Day on Wednesday, the 20th August, 2018 and accordingly a meeting has been arranged at 16.00 hours of 20.08.2018 at Dr. Ambedkar Hall Uruvela Colony, Opposite Sai Mandir, Wardha Road, Nagpur. Shri A R Sawatkar, Retired PGM (Mobile), BSNL Nagpur has been invited to grace the occasion as Chief Guest. All members and other retired executives of East Vidarbha (Nagpur) are requested to attend the function.

10.08.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) REGARDING BSNL’S SURPRISING DECISION TO REVISE ALL DE(T)/DGM(T) PROMOTION ISSUED TO BSNL ABSORBED EXECUTIVES AFTER 2001 ONWARDS ONLY BASED ON REVISED SENIORITY LIST CIRCULATED ON 7/8/2018 - TAKES UP THE CASE OF BSNL ABSORBED EXECUTIVES PPROMOTED PRIOR TO 2001 FOR SIMILAR REVISION OF THEIR DE(T)/DGM(T) PROMOTION:

BSNL’s Office letter No. 56-04/2015-Pers(DPC)/Pt/10 dated 7.8.2018 circulating the revised Seniority List of the TES Group B Officers, re-casted based on the principle laid down in Rule 206 of P&T Manual Volume IV, has a mention that BSNL would revise all DEs(T)/DGM(T) promotions issued to BSNL absorbed Executives after 2001 onwards. The said letter does not speak about revision of DE(T)/DGM(T) promotion issued to the BSNL absorbed executives prior to 2001. The Association has requested Director (HR) to intervene and urged “to ensure that the judgments of the Supreme Court are implemented in their letters and spirits and in full and also no discrimination is made against those BSNL executives who were promoted to DE(T)/DGM(T) prior to 2001.  View the letter

09.08.2018:

BSNL FINALLY CIRCULATES THE REVISED SENIORITY LIST OF TES GROUP B OFFICERS RECASTED BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF RULE 206 OF P&T MANUAL VOLUME IV AS PER SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT – CALLS FOR MISSING PARTICULARS TO UPDATE THE LISTS AND REVISE ALL DE(T)/DGM(T) PROMOTIONS ISSUED TO BSNL ABSORBED EXECUTIVES AFTER 2001 ONWARDS:

BSNL has finally circulated the revised Seniority List of the TES Group B Officers which were recast based on the principle laid down in Rule 206 of P&T Manual Volume IV following the Supreme Court judgment dated 21.01.2015 and 14.12.2017. BSNL has asked the Circles to send consolidated list containing the missing particulars, if any, by 20.08.2018 so as to update/enter in the seniority list of TES Group B Officers and accordingly revise all DEs(T)/DGM(T) promotions issued to BSNL absorbed Executives after 2001 onwards. We request all to check the List and supply the missing personal information, if any, to the respective Circle. In this context, our representation to Director (HR) requesting to issue early order to extend the consequential benefits to all, which was posted on 12/07/2018 in this website, may be viewed.  View the BSNL orders  View the revised seniority list

07.08.2018:

PR. CCA, ANDHRA PRADESH NOTIFIES HOLDING OF PENSION ADALAT AT HYDERABAD AND VIJAYAWADA ON 18/09/2018 FOR THE DOT/BSNL PENSIONERS OF STATES OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND TELANGANA RESPECTIVELY:

Principal Controller of Communication Accounts, Andhra Pradesh has issued Notifications inviting representations on individual grievances from the DoT/BSNL pensioners from State of Andhra Pradesh and State of Telangana for taking up in the separate Pension Adalat proposed to be held on 18/09/2018 at Hyderabad and Vijayawada respectively. The venues of the Adalat are the Conference Hall, o/o CCA, Telephone Exchange, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad and Conference Hall, CGMT Office, BSNL, Vijayawada respectively. Last date for receiving individual grievances is 15/08/2018 in both the cases. Details are available in the Notifications issued by Pr CCA, Andhra Pradesh.  View the Pr. CCA AP Notifications

07.08.2018:

AIBSNLREA, LUCKNOW BRANCH HELD ITS GB MEETING:

A General Body meeting of Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA held on 4-8-2018 in the meeting Hall of Door Sanchar Sadan at Laplace under the chairman ship of Sri Jagdish Prasad, Branch President. 58 members attended the meeting in which two new members were enrolled as Life Members. Report on the activities of the Branch from December 2017 to July 2018 was placed before the House by Shri S. P. Singh, Branch Secretary. Follow up action taken regarding submission of documents in connection with Legal case in Delhi High Court and Principal CAT was rigorously perused by the Branch. Till date an amount of Rs 1,35,000/- [Rs 1,31,500/- through Branch Financial Secretary and Rs 3,500/- directly by the members] to CHQ has been paid towards the Legal Contribution. [For full Report of the Meeting, please view Uttar Pradesh Section of State News page of this website]

06.08.2018:

E-JOURNAL AUGUST 2018 ISSUE:

August 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.08.2018:

AIBSNLREA, CHENNAI TO HOLD GENERAL BODY MEETING:

Chennai Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding a General Body Meeting on 14th August 2018 at 10.30 AM in Hotel B R Mathsaya, Thanikachalam Road, T Nagar, Chennai 600017. CCA, Tamilnadu has consented to grace the occasion as the Special invitee. All members and other executives are requested to attend the meeting.

03.08.2018:

CCA, MAHARASHTRA TO HOLD PENSION ADALAT AT PUNE FOR THE DOT/BSNL PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED FROM MAHARASHTRA AND GOA CIRCLE ON 18/09/2018:

Controller of Communication Accounts, Maharashtra has issued a Notification inviting representations on grievances from the DoT/BSNL pensioners/family pensioners who retired from Maharashtra and Goa Circles for taking up in the proposed Pension Adalat to be held on 18/09/2018 at Pune. The venue of the Adalat is the Conference Hall in Telephone Bhawan, Pune. Details are available in the Notification issued by CCA, Maharashtra.  View the CCA Notification

31.07.2018:

BSNL ADVISES CIRCLES TO SEND CASES OF LEFT OUT EMPLOYEES FOR ABSORPTION IN BSNL AND ISSUE OF PRESIDENTIAL ORDERS IN PROPER FORMAT:

BSNL has issued an Order advising the Circles to send the cases of left out employees for absorption in BSNL and issue of Presidential Orders in proper format. It has issued a check list detailing the documents to be enclosed along with these cases. If the Circles scrupulously follow these instructions, much of the delay in completing the process for issue of Presidential Orders for absorption can be avoided.  View the BSNL order

30.07.2018:

ABNORMAL DELAY IN ISSUE OF PRESIDENTIAL ORDERS FOR ABSORPTION IN BSNL- AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH MEMBER (SERVICES), TELECOM COMMISSION:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Member (Services), Telecom Commission seeking for his intervention in the matter of inordinate delay in issuing Presidential Orders for absorption in BSNL in respect of the SDEs who are now retired and whose absorption process could not be completed when they were in service. The Association has quoted the specific cases of Shri S P Contractor, Retd SDE, Gujarat and Shri R K Tripathi, Retd SDE, Rajasthan Circle for whom BSNL has already forwarded the required documents to the Staff Branch of DOT.  View the letter

28.07.2018:

EXTENSION OF WITHOUT VOUCHER FACILITY UNDER BSNLMRS TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES - AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THE DECISION TO IMPOSE DRASTIC CUT IN ALLOWANCE:

BSNL had issued an Order reducing the quantum of allowance for without voucher facility to the retired employees under BSNLMRS from 50% to 25% of the annual ceiling limit. AIBSNLREA has since requested Director (HR), BSNL to reconsider the decision to impose the huge cut in allowance since this defeats the very purpose for which the facility was restored last year. The Association quotes from the order restoring the facility that this was being done “to mitigate the hardships in submission and following up of medical claims by the retired employees” and says that the retired employees are once again being driven to the same situation as before by this decision.  View the letter

28.07.2018:

LAST DATE FOR FILING IT RETURNS EXTENDED:

Government has issued a notification extending the last date for filing Income Tax Return for the assessment year 2018-19 from 31.07.2018 to 31.08.2018.

24.07.2018:

CCA, MAHARASHTRA TO HOLD PENSION ADALAT:

CCA, Maharashtra, Mumbai has notified to hold a Pension Adalat for the BSNL Pensioners retired from Vidarbha Region on 27.7.2018 at 10.30 AM. The Venue for the Adalat shall be the Conference Hall of Telecom District Manager, Telephone Bhavan, Near HPO, Nandura Road, Khamgaon. BSNL Pensioners can attend the Pension Adalat for their grievances, if any.

21.07.2018:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, KURUKSHETRA BRANCH:

A General Body meeting of Kurukshetra Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 10/07/2018 at Yatra Niwas, a Haryana Tourism Hotel in Kurukshetra. It was attended by 28 out of total 38 enrolled life members. The meeting started at 11.30 A.M. and concluded at 2.00 P.M. This was followed by a lunch. Following issues were discussed in the meeting:- ((i) Revision of D.A w.e.f 1.07.2018 where pay revision was implemented w.e.f 1.1.2007 and 1.1.1997, (ii) Action to prepare Cabinet Note for revision of pay scales of BSNL executives by DOT, (iii) Latest development on medical reimbursement with vouchers and without vouchers and speedy settlement of claims, (iv) Status of filling case in P-CAT for settlement of pay/pension arrears on account of allowing fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA. The members were also appraised of the details of the meeting that President Shri D S Sandhu and Branch Secretary Jogi Ram had with GMTD Karnal mainly to discuss the delay in settlement of outdoor as well as indoor medical claims.

19.07.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) FOR ISSUE OF CLARIFICATION THAT THE ORDER DATED 10.07.2018 REGARDING REVISION OF ANNUAL CEILING LIMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF OUTDOOR TREATMENT IS NOT APPLICABLE TO THE PRE-2007 RETIREES:

AIBSNLREA has since requested Director (HR), BSNL to issue a clarification to avoid any confusion in the field units regarding its applicability on the pensioners who retired prior to 1.1.2007. The Association writes “While the ceiling limit for the post 1.1.2007 retirees is calculated on revised pay scales, for the pre 2007 pensioners, the medical reimbursement is based on either (i) pay at the minimum of the revised pay scale with corresponding revised DA as on April every year or (ii) last pay drawn on pre revised scale with corresponding pre revised DA as on April every year. On either count the fixation with 78.2 % fitment as on 01-01-2007 has no effect on them”. The Association has urged that “In view of the position explained above, the Orders for reducing the number of days from 25 days to 23 days to calculate the ceiling limit is not applicable to those who retired prior to 1.1.2007. A clarification to this effect may be issued immediately to avoid any confusion in the field units on the applicability of this Order on the pre-2007 pensioners so as to save these pensioners from unnecessary harassment and financial loss”.  View the letter

15.07.2018:

NADIAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD BI-MONTHLY GB MEETING:

Nadiad Branch (Gujarat State) of AIBSNLREA held its Bi-monthly General Body meeting on 11.07.2018 at Lions Club Hall, Anand. Fifty seven members attended the meeting. Three new members also joined the Association. Shri B.M. Patel, Branch Secretary welcomed the members and reported the activities of the Branch. He reported that all members of the branch have got their medical bills without vouchers for 2017-18. Dr Mahesh T Desai, an well-known doctor was the Chief Guest, who spoke about health consciousness. [For full Report, please view Gujarat Section of State News Page of this website.]

15.07.2018:

JUNAGADH BRANCH HELD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING ON 12.07.2018:

A General Body Meeting of Junagadh Branch (Gujarat State) was held on 12.07.2018 at Garden Café Restaurant, Junagah. Total 65 members including family members were present in spite of heavy rain throughout the day. Two new members joined the Association Shri S.D.Kanabar, Branch President presided over the function. He welcomed all the members. Shri K.P.Dobaria, Finance Secretary briefed the members on all current issues and efforts made by the branch for solving the problems. [For full Report, please view Gujarat Section of State News Page of this website.]

14.07.2018:

ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF VARODARA BRANCH HELD:

Annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA Vadodara Branch (Gujarat State) was held at 11.00 PM on 13.07.2018 at Hotel Utsav. 79 members attended the meeting despite heavy downpour. President Shri Ainapure welcomed all the members. Shri R T Shah, Branch Secretary presented a comprehensive report on the activities of the branch since last election. The members participated in discussions on important issues. Thereafter, election was conducted to elect new Office bearers of the Branch. [ For full report, please view Gujarat Section of State News Page of this website]

14.07.2018:

BSNL ISSUES ORDERS FOR CONTINUATION OF MEDICAL ALLOWANCE (WITHOUT VOUCHER) FACILITY FOR THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES - IMPOSES DRASTIC CUT IN ENTITLED AMOUNT:

BSNL has now issued an order allowing continuation of Medical Allowance (without voucher) facility to its retired employees. Simultaneously, it has ordered drastic cut in the entitled amount. The quantum of allowance has now been reduced from existing 50% to 25% of the annual ceiling w.e.f. 01.04.2018 subject to minimum allowance payable Rs 12000/- per annum. The payments will continue to be made on quarterly basis.  View the BSNL order

12.07.2018:

REVISION OF SENIORITY LISTS OF THE JTOs QUALIFIED IN TES GROUP B QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS AND EXTENSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS AS PER JUDGMENT DELIVERED ON 14/12/2017 BY HON’BLE SUPREME COURT IN CIVIL APPEAL NO.(s) 4389 of 2010:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL requesting her to issue Orders to extend the consequential benefits to the JTOs who qualified in TES Group B Qualifying Examinations and whose revised Seniority Lists were placed before the Supreme Court by BSNL - and thus comply with the direction of the Hon’ble Court. The Association mentions that DOT had earlier issued revised seniority List No.s I to XVII for the TES Group B Qualifying Exam qualified JTOs based on Para 206 of P&T Manual IV and BSNL also followed it up by issuing further Seniority Lists.  View the letter

12.07.2018:

BSNL ISSUES ORDERS FOR REVISION OF CEILING LIMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF OUTDOOR TREATMENT:

BSNL has now issued an Order revising the annual ceiling limit for reimbursement of outdoor treatment to 23 days salary (basic pay + DA) consequent to raising the fitment of IDA Basic Pay to 78.2% from 68.8%. This Order is in sequence to an earlier Order issued by Establishment Branch of BSNL vide No. 11-04/2015-PAT (BSNL) dated 1.1.2018. The Order is effective from 1.4.2018 and applicable to both the serving and retired employees.  View the BSNL order

07.07.2018:

RELEASE OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS NOT TO BE STOPPED TO A RETIREE AGAINST WHOM PERSONAL COURT CASES OTHER THAN DEPARTMENTAL ARE PENDING IN COMPETENT COURT:

Quoting an old DOP&PW Order issued in 2003 and also endorsed by DoT, BSNL Corporate Office has now clarified that “vigilance clearance shall have to be granted for the limited purpose of releasing pensionary benefits of BSNL employees against whom personal court cases (other than departmental) are pending at the time of their retirement, provided that such an employee is otherwise clear from vigilance angle".  View the BSNL order

06.07.2018:

E-JOURNAL JULY 2018 ISSUE:

July 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

04.07.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2018 from 127.2% to 128% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

04.07.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2018 from 283.5% to 284.8% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders

04.07.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY (PENSION) REGARDING DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF ROUNDING OFF FRACTION OF A RUPEE TO THE NEXT HIGHER RUPEE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY THE PR. CCA, TAMILNADU CIRCLE TO THE DDG(PG), DOT:

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has since forwarded the representation by AIBSNLREA dated 16.05.2018 addressed to Secretary (Pension) [view posting dated 16.05.2018 in this website to read the letter] to the DDG(PG), DOT for examining the issues raised as per extant rules. In its representation, the Association had mentioned about denial of benefit of rounding off fraction of a rupee to the next higher rupee to determine the amount of pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners by the Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu Circle of DOT. The Association had quoted the provision as available in Rule 49/4 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 which stipulates that “The amount of pension finally determined under clause (a) or (b) of sub-rule 2, shall be expressed in whole rupee and where the pension contains a fraction of a rupee it shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee”.  View the DoP&PW letter

29.06.2018:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2018:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.7.2018 by 0.8% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 1.3% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

29.06.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, RAIPUR BRANCH HELD:

A General Body meeting of Raipur (Chhattisgarh) Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 14th June 2018 at Exchange building Fafadih. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri P. Z Choradia, President of the branch and 20 members attended the meeting. Branch secretary Shri G P Pande briefed the members on the various issues concerning the members such as issuance of fresh orders on BSNLMRS for pensioners about the ceiling limit, status of 3rd PRC implementation with 15% fitment benefit for BSNL Executives and consequent pension revision, court case on arrears of pay, pension and other retirement benefits on 78.2% IDA fixation. President thanked all the members for attending the meeting and taking part in the discussions.

26.06.2018:

QUARTERLY GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH HELD:

Quarterly General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Kolhapur Branch was held on 24th June, 2018 with Shri L.M. Godi, President, in the Chair. Meeting started with the Prayer. President welcomed the old and new members and gave brief of the developments during the past quarter including that of the 1st State Conference at Kolhapur. During the meeting, 10 new members joined the Association and 65 members attended the meeting. All the new members introduced themselves and were welcomed by the President and Secretary Shri D.K. Joshi with presentation of bouquet. Shri S.K. Kulkarni, a Senior Member who completed 75 Years was felicitated by the Branch with presentation of Shawl, Shriphal, and bouquet by Shri P.Y. Patil Sr. Memebr of the Branch. Shri Kulkarni expressed his thanks for the love and felicitation and wished the Association. Then President read out the message received from another Sr. Member Shri Kanade, congratulating the Asst. Secretary Shri P.S. Kulkarni, who successfully conducted the 1st State conference in a very Grand manner. Other members also highly appreciated his stewardship and zeal for the cause of such memorable conference in Kolhapur. [ For full report of the meeting, please view Maharashtra State Section of State News Page of this website].

24.06.2018:

EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS PGMT, NAGPUR:

Representatives of AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha (Nagpur) Branch comprising of S/Shri U B Nikose President, V W Patil Vice President, Bhola Kamble, Asst State Secretary, Maharashtra, N R Rachkondawar, Asst Branch Secretary, B P Mazumdar Financial Secretary and V P Jadhav met Shri A K Bachpai, PGMT Nagpur on 30-05-2018. Shri U B Nikose presented a bouquet to the PGMT and following issues were mainly discussed: (1). Inordinate delay in payment of medical allowance to the BSNL pensioners who opted for BSNLMRS without vouchers facility for FY 2017-2018. Even after the end of financial year most of the pensioners have not received payment for even for the first two quarters. (2). Delay in payment of medical reimbursement bills for the outdoor treatment with vouchers for the FY 2017-2018. (3). Non-revision of pension with 78.2% benefit fitment wef 1st January, 2007 - Case of Smt S M Pannu Retd AGM Nagpur. [For full Report of the meeting, please view the Maharashtra State section of State News Page of this website]

13.06.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF PALAKKAD BRANCH HELD:

GB meeting of Palakkad Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 12.06.2018 at Top inTown Palakkad. The meeting started at 11.00 hours. Despite heavy showers, 54 members attended the meeting. 4 new life members were enrolled in the meeting taking the total life membership strength of the Branch to 77. Discussions were held regarding delay in getting Medical allowance due to paucity of funds in BSNL, implementation of 3rd PRC and the status on recent Court case and other issues. Members were aggrieved on the delay in implementation of 3rd PRC. President Shri Haridas, Retd DGM highlighted the cases taken up by Branch Secretary and GS for achieving the 78.2% IDA merger case in respect of few left out cases of Palakkad SSA. The members appreciated CHQ and Branch Secretary for this. The meeting came to a close at 13.30 hrs after Vote of Thanks presented by Asst Secretary Shri P.V.Subramanian. Members dispersed after the lunch arranged in the Top in town Hall.

13.06.2018:

DOT INITIATES ACTION TO PREPARE CABINET NOTE FOR REVISION OF PAY SCALES OF BSNL EXECUTIVES AS PER 3rd PRC RECOMMENDATIONS:

After receiving the advice from Department of Public Enterprises on the proposal of BSNL for revision of IDA pay scales of BSNL Executives by relaxing the affordability clause, DOT has now initiated action to prepare a Cabinet Note to get the said affordability clause relaxed and the revised pay scales approved. The draft Cabinet Note, once approved by the MOSC, will be circulated among the concerned Ministries seeking their comments. Once the comments are received, final Cabinet Note will be prepared and sent to Cabinet for approval. Revision of Pension with same fitment benefit as to be allowed to the serving Executives will be processed only after revision of pay scales is ordered.

12.06.2018:

BSNL PROVIDES LINK FOR FILING ONLINE FORM FOR LODGING GRIEVANCES OF THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

BSNL earlier introduced Grievance Redressal Cell for the retired employees. Now it has provided a link for filing online form for lodging Grievances by the retired employees at the front page of Intranet Service of Corporate Office.  View the BSNL letter

10.06.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF ALAPPUZHA- ERNAKULAM-BRANCH HELD:

A General Body Meeting of Alappuzha-Ernakulam Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on Tuesday, the 5th June 2018 at Murali Hotel, Haripad. Shri. M Sethumadhavan, President of the Branch presided over the meeting. Shri Mathew Jacob, Branch Secretary explained the developments about pension revision, status of court cases, status of medical reimbursement without voucher, 78.2% fixation status etc. It was also informed that a Pension Adalat is being held at Thiruvalla. Grievances, if any, may be posted to CCA Kerala with copy to the Secretary. Detailed discussions were held on all issues. Three new members also joined the Association.

10.06.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) SUGGESTING A FEW STEPS FOR ENSURING SPEEDY AND EFFECTIVE DISPOSAL OF PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE GRIEVANCES OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:

While welcoming the decision of the BSNL Management to open Grievance Redressal Cell for the retired employees, AIBSNLREA in a letter addressed to Director (HR), BSNL has suggested certain steps to be taken to ensure speedy and effective disposal of personal and collective grievances of the retired BSNL employees. This includes (i) opening of similar Cells in Circle Offices/large Telecom Districts, (ii) time limit for resolution of grievances, (iii) issue of acknowledgement of grievances received and (iv) furnishing periodical status report.  View the letter

07.06.2018:

REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA REGARDING GROSS VIOLATION OF RULE 70 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972 BY THE PRINCIPAL CCA, TAMILNADU CIRCLE FORWARDED TO DOT BY DOP&PW:

AIBSNLREA had again represented on 16.05.2018 [view posting dated 17.05.2018 in this website] to Secretary (Pension) drawing his attention to an earlier representation of the Association, vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2018/04 dated 10.01.2018 wherein it was requested to protect the rights of some absorbed BSNL pensioners as provided under Rule 70 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, whose pension authorized some ten years back was revised to their disadvantage by the Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu Circle of Department of Telecommunications. The said has since been forwarded by DOP&PW to Department of Telecommunication. DOP&PW has stated in its letter dated 29.05.2018 that “It is once again requested that necessary action may be taken as per extent rules/instructions under intimation to the representationist."  View the DoP&PW letter

06.06.2018:

E-JOURNAL JUNE 2018 ISSUE:

June 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.06.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY (PENSION) REGARDING DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF ROUNDING OFF FRACTION OF A RUPEE TO THE NEXT HIGHER RUPEE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY THE PR. CCA, TAMILNADU CIRCLE TO DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

AIBSNLREA had earlier sent a representation to Secretary (Pension) regarding denial of benefit of rounding off fraction of a rupee to the next higher rupee to determine the amount of pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners by the Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu Circle of DOT - thereby violating the provision available in Rule 49/4 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. The Association had requested that Department of Telecommunications be advised to strictly follow the rules regarding rounding off fraction of a rupee to next higher rupee for revision of pension and also to rectify the old revised Pension Payment Orders issued by Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu Circle of DOT in which fraction of a rupee was not rounded off to the next higher rupee [View posting dated 16.05.2018 in this website to read the representation]. Now DOP&PW has forwarded the said representation to Director (Estt), DOT to consider the issue raised therein in accordance with extant rules/instructions.  View the DoP&PW letter

04.06.2018:

AIBSNLREA REQUESTS DIRECTOR (HR) TO CAUSE CHANGES IN THE EXISTING PROCEDURE TO APPROACH THE DESIGNATED OFFICER IN BSNL TO INTIMATE/SEEK AUTHORIZATION LETTER FOR INDOOR TREATMENT IN HOSPITALS – SPECIALLY IN EMERGENCIES IN RESPECT OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:

AIBSNLREA has since pleaded with Director(HR), BSNL to cause changes in the existing procedure to approach the designated officer in BSNL to intimate/seek authorization letter for indoor treatment in hospitals – specially in emergencies in respect of the retired BSNL Employees. The Association writes “Now a days, many retired employees are living alone or with spouse only since their children are mostly settled abroad or serving in other cities in the country. These retired employees are required to approach the “designated Officer” in BSNL along with advice from an allopathic doctor and copy of MRS Card for admission in the hospitals. When the retired employee himself is sick, he will not be in a position to visit his old Office and approach the “designated officer” with the requisite papers. Otherwise also, the old retirees, because of their ill-health and age related problems, find it extremely difficult to travel a distance to contact the ‘designated officer’ and get the authorization letter for treatment in Hospitals. His/her spouse will also not be able to approach the “designated officer’ due to various reasons. These problems become more acute when the retired employees themselves are forced to get admitted in Hospitals in emergencies.” The Association has suggested that “SMS/Email information followed by a phone call should be made sufficient for getting the authorization letter issued…..”.  View the letter

31.05.2018:

BSNL ISSUES REVISED GUIDELINES FOR RETENTION OF STAFF QUARTERS ON EVENTS LIKE RETIREMENT< TRANSFER AND DEATHS:

BSNL has issued Orders revising its earlier guidelines for retention of staff quarters in the event of retirement, transfer and deaths while in service. In case of retirement, quarters can be retained upto 6 months with normal rent and other charges.  View the BSNL order

30.05.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AMBALA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

A General Body meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 25th May 2018 at Dilli Durbar Restaurant. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri P C Chauhan, President of the branch and 24 members attended the meeting. Branch secretary Shri J.C Gupta briefed the members on the various issues concerning the members such as issuance of fresh orders on BSNLMRS for BSNL pensioners w.e.f. 1.4.2018 about the ceiling limit, status of 3rd PRC implementation with 15% fitment benefit for BSNL Executives and consequent pension revision, court case on arrears of pay, pension and other retirement benefits on 78.2% IDA fixation. President thanked all the members for attending the meeting in this scorching heat. The meeting was followed by a lunch.

30.05.2018:

BSNL ADVISES ALL ITS UNITS NOT TO RELEASE DCRG TO THE BSNL ABSORBED/RECRUITED EMPLOYEES DURING PENDENCY OF CRIMINAL APPEAL/REVISION:

BSNL, in consultation with DoT, has issued an instruction to all its Units not to release DCRG to the absorbed BSNL/Recruited Employees during pendency of judicial proceedings of criminal appeal/revision as the matter has not attained the finality.  View the BSNL order

22.05.2018:

BSNL DECIDES TO OPEN GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL CELL FOR THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

BSNL has finally decided to open Grievance redressal Cell for the retired employees under the Staff Relation Cell of Corporate Office and accordingly has advised the circles to issue instructions to attend the pensioners/family pensioners on priority and promptly respond to the references received from Grievance Redressal Cell, to identify grievance prone areas and determine the causes of grievances of similar nature and also to address the root causes of the grievances. It may be recalled that the last AIC of AIBSNLREA had pointed out to the deficiencies of the existing mechanisms to redress the grievances of the pensioners/family pensioners and adopted a resolution on the issue and forwarded the same along with other resolutions to Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and others. AIBSNLREA had also been taking up with BSNL, from time to time, for appointment of nodal officers even at Circle/SSA level for dealing with the grievances of the pensioners/family pensioners. Though late, BSNL has now realized the need to set up Grievance Redressal Cell for the pensioners/family pensioners. Similar cells need to be formed, to begin with, at the Circle level also.  View the BSNL order

21.05.2018:

G B MEETING OF GORAKHPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

Gorakhpur Branch (UP State) of AIBSNLREA held a GB Meeting on 14.05.2018 in the Recreation Club at Telephone Exchange Campus, Golghar, Gorakhpur. The meeting was well attended by the members. Shri Khajanchi Prasad, Branch Secretary gave an account of the various activities at Branch level. Shri R S Arora, UP State Secretary reported about the status of legal action on pay and pension arrears, 3rd PRC, payment of medical claims without voucher facility etc. Shri R Z A Khan, State Office bearer also addressed the House.

17.05.2018:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO SECRETARY (PENSION) ON THE ISSUE OF GROSS VIOLATION OF RULE 70 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972 WHICH VIRTUALLY DISALLOWS REVISION OF PENSION ONCE FIXED TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE PENSIONERS BY THE PRINCIPAL CCA, TAMINADU CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has again addressed a letter to Secretary (Pension) to draw his attention to the earlier representation of the Association, vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2018/04 dated 10.01.2018, on the above issue wherein it was requested to protect the rights of some absorbed BSNL pensioners, as provided under Rule 70 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, whose pension authorized some ten years back have now been revised to their disadvantage by the Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu Circle of Department of Telecommunications [View posting dated 10.01.2018 in this website to read the representation]. Now the Association, while submitting the brief of the issues involved, has pointed out that though DOP&PW vide its No. 4/5/2018-P&PW(D) dated 18.01.2018 [view posting dated 23.01.2018 in this website to read the DOP&PW letter] had forwarded the said representation dated 10.01.2018 of the Association to the Director (Estt), Department of Telecommunications for taking action as per extant rules/instructions, the issue raised has not yet been resolved. The Association finally writes “we again request you to kindly intervene in the matter and advise Department of Telecommunications to strictly follow the Pension Rules and restore the original pension authorized to the said pensioners at the time of their retirement and allow them further revision as and when due.”  View the letter

17.05.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH HELD:

Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body cum Get together meeting on 11.05.2018 at Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Ahmedabad. The President Shri P.B. Parmar , Retd PGM(Fin) chaired the meeting and delivered his welcome address. The meeting started with lighting of Lamp & Prayer. Two minutes silence was observed in the memory of departed members and the family members. Dr. Jayesh Prajapati, Cardiologist gave a demonstration on heart disease.[ Please visit Gujarat State Section of State News page of this website to read the full report].

16.05.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (PENSION) REGARDING DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF ROUNDING OFF FRACTION OF A RUPEE TO THE NEXT HIGHER RUPEE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY THE PR. CCA, TAMILNADU CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Secretary (Pension) regarding denial of benefit of rounding off fraction of a rupee to the next higher rupee to determine the amount of pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners by the Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu Circle of DOT. The Association has quoted the provision as available in Rule 49/4 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 which stipulates that “The amount of pension finally determined under clause (a) or (b) of sub-rule 2, shall be expressed in whole rupee and where the pension contains a fraction of a rupee it shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee” and has requested Secretary (Pension) “to intervene in the matter and advise Department of Telecommunication to strictly follow the rules as stipulated in Rule 49/4 of CCS(Pension) Rules 1972 regarding rounding off fraction of a rupee to next higher rupee for revision of pension and also to rectify the old revised Pension Payment Orders issued by Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu Circle of DOT in which fraction of a rupee was not rounded off to the next higher rupee.”  View the letter

15.05.2018:

DOP&PW AGAIN FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY (DAR&PG) REGARDING THE HARASSMENT METED OUT TO SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR TRIPATHI, RETD SDE, RAJASTHAN CIRCLE TO THE DDG(PG), DOT:

AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to Secretary (DAR&PG) regarding the harassment being meted out to the absorbed BSNL pensioners in not issuing their absorption letters in BSNL and not releasing pensionary benefits even after settlement of their disciplinary/vigilance cases. The Association cited the case of Shri Ravindra Kumar Tripathi, Retd SDE of Rajasthan Telecom Circle whose presidential order for absorption is unduly delayed since BSNL has failed to issue the necessary vigilance clearance [View posting dated 20.03.2018 in this website to read the letter]. DOP&PW had earlier forwarded a copy of the said representation to DDG(PG), DoT [view posting dated 31.03.2018 in this website to read the DOP&PW letter]. Now DOP&PW has again forwarded copy of the said letter to the Dy. Director General (PG), DOT for examining the issues as per extant rules/orders and inform the association accordingly.  View the DoP&PW letter

14.05.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL SEEKING HER INTERVENTION FOR ISSUE OF CLARIFICATIONS AS SOUGHT FOR BY DOT IN THE MATTER OF APPLICATION OF RULE 70 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 IN REVISING THE PENSION:

In the background that Principal CCA, Tamilnadu, while revising the pension by allowing the fitment benefit on merger of 78.2% IDA, had reduced the original pension fixed some 10 years back in violation of Rule 70 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, one of the affected members Shri A G Tadakod, Retd DE, had sent a few representations to DOT after the Pr. CCA, Tamilnadu did not resolve the issue. DOT, in turn, had sought some clarifications from BSNL which are still awaited. Now AIBSNLREA has taken up the matter with Director (HR) seeking her intervention for early issue of the clarifications to mitigate the hardships caused to the affected pensioners.  View the letter

12.05.2018:

BSNL ISSUES ORDERS TO IMPLEMENT PCAT DELHI JUDGMENT QUASHING DOT LETTER DATED 5.7.2017 RESCINDING PARA I.II (v) OF BSNL EXECUTIVE PROMOTION POLICY WHICH HAD GRANTED AN EXTRA INCREMENT ON POST BASED PROMOTION:

Following Principal CAT Delhi judgment quashing DoT letter dated 5.7.2017 rescinding Para I.II (v) of BSNL Executive Promotion Policy which had provided grant of an extra increment to Executives getting post based promotion in the same scale. The order has asked Circles to settle Pay/pension cases of affected executives accordingly and intimate concerned CCAs accordingly.  View the BSNL order

11.05.2018:

DOT IS REVIEWING THE POLICY OF CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE FACILITIES FOR THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF DOT AND EXTENSION OF THE SAME TO PENSIONERS OF ERSTWHILE P&T DEPARTMENT:

Department of Telecommunication is considering a proposal to review the policy of concessional telephone facilities to the retired employees of DOT and extension of the same to the pensioners of Erstwhile P&T Department. Accordingly, DOT had asked BSNL and MTNL to furnish certain information in regard to monthly expenditure being incurred for providing telephone facilities under RE-DOT category to DOT retirees and also to the retirees of erstwhile P&T Department/Department of posts. It has also asked for information regarding likely expenditure to be incurred for extending the concessional telephone facilities under RE-DOT category to all the retirees of erstwhile P&T Department/Department of Post who have completed 20 years or more service in erstwhile P&T Department.  View the DoT letter

09.05.2018:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASES OF S/SHRI M SAHADEVAN, RETD AM AND K D JOHN, RETD DE WITH CCA, KERALA FOR SETTLEMENT OF THE DISCREPANCIES NOTICED IN THEIR REVISED PENSION FIXED WITH FITMENT BENEFIT BY MERGER OF 78.2% IDA:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Controller of Communication Accounts, Kerala to sort out the discrepancies noticed in the revised Pension Payment Orders with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA in respect of Shri M Sahadevan, Retd AM and Shri K D John, Retd DE of Kerala Circle.  View the letter

09.05.2018:

GUJARAT STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD AGM:

Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA will be holding its Annual General Body Meeting in Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Ahmedabad on 11.5.2017 at 2.30 PM. The senior members of the Association, who have completed 70 years of age as on 31.03.2018, will be felicitated in the meeting. At the end of the meeting dinner will be served. All members and other retired executives are requested to attend the meeting.

08.05.2018:

PGMT, KALYAN FURNISHES LATEST STATUS REPORT REGARDING SETTLEMENT OF PENSION AND PENSIONERY BENEFITS TO SHRI R K HIRAKANEY, RETD DE:

PGMT, Kalyan of BSNL has sent a detailed status report to AIBSNLREA in regard to settlement of pension and pensionery benefits to Shri R K Hirakaney, Retd DE, now settled in Nagpur, whose case was pending for last few years and the Association was following up the same at every stage for quite a long time [Last posting dated 27.02.2018 in this website be viewed to know earlier developments]. The office of PGMT, Kalyan has now informed that the required documents as received from the said pensioner on 25.04.2018 along with revised pension calculation sheet for 68.8% and 78.2% have been forwarded to the O/o Principal CCA, Mumbai on 28.04.2018.  View PGMT, Kalyan letter

06.05.2018:

E-JOURNAL MAY 2018 ISSUE:

May 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

02.05.2018:

INVESTMENT IN PRADHAN MANTRI VAYA VANDANA YOJANA FOR SENIOR CITIZENS RAISED TO RS. 15 LAKHS - TIME LIMIT FOR SUBSCRIPTION ALSO EXTENDED TO 31.03.2020:

Union Cabinet today decided to raise the limit of investment under Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana for the Senior Citizens from Rs. 7.5 laks to Rs. 15 lakhs. This will ensure monthly pension of Rs. 10,000/-. The Union Cabinet has also decided to extend the time limit for subscription under the scheme to 31.03.2020. It may be recalled that Life Insurance Corporation of India operates the Scheme.  View the PIB release

01.05.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL ON THE ISSUE OF REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES AND OTHER RELATED ISSUES:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL expressing its concern on the contemplated changes in the existing schemes to the disadvantages of the retired employees. The Association has urged that the cases of the pensioners – specially the past pensioners need to be considered separately and sympathetically. The Association has also pointed out that as per existing policy, many retired employees have already submitted their options, wherever necessary, to opt for particular schemes for the financial year 2018-19 and some of them have even submitted their claims for reimbursement for outdoor treatment. The Association has requested that no future decision should invite problem to these retired employees. The Association has finally requested to give an opportunity to discuss the issues and present its views before any decision is taken in future.  View the letter

30.04.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, GHAZIABAD BRANCH HELD:

Ghaziabad Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body meeting on 29.04.2018 at ALTTC. The Branch President Shri Naresh Chand, Retd GM chaired the meeting. The meeting started with self-introduction of the members present. Shri R C Khanduri, Branch Secretary, who has re-organized the Branch which remained inactive for some time after the demise of former President of the Branch, also spoke on the occasion. About 20 members attended the meeting and another 22 new members have been enrolled by the Branch. Shri V P Arya, Asst. General Secretary, CHQ attended the meeting. In his address, he briefed the members on many important issues like Pay Revision of the serving executives as per 3rd PRC, revision of pension of past pensioners of BSNL, legal remedy being sought for by the Association on pay and pension arrears following issue of orders for fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA, medical facilities under BSNLMRS and CGHS. He also mentioned about the Orders issued by Corporate Office for release of payment for 3rd and 4th quarters under without voucher facility to the retired employees after the Association took up the issue. He also clarified the doubts raised by the members on different issues. Lunch was served after conclusion of the meeting.

26.04.2018:

PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ON PAY/PENSION REVISION TO THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

AIBSNLREA had sent another representation to the Prime Minister of India on 17/04/2018 wherein it was highlighted how DOT is evading a decision on BSNL’s proposal for revision of pay scales of the BSNL Executives on the pretext of an affordability clause though the same DOT found no problem in granting revised pay scales to the Executives of chronic loss making MTNL as per 2nd PRC despite availability of a similar affordability clause. The Association also pointed out that DOT was further trying to evade its responsibility on the pay scale revision and unnecessarily sent the BSNL’s proposal to DPE for advice – though MOSC&IT is competent to approve the same as the authority was exercised in case of revision of pay scales of MTNL Executives as per 2nd PRC recommendations [View posting dated 17.04.2018 in this website to read the representation]. PMO has advised DOT to take action as appropriate on the representation of the Association.  View the PMO letter

25.04.2018:

BSNL ISSUES ORDERS FOR RELEASE OF LAST TWO QUARTERLY INSTALMENTS PAYABLE TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES WHO OPTED FOR WITHOUT VOUCHER FACILITY FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2017-18 UNDER BSNLMRS:

BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-22/14 dated 25.04.2018, has finally issued Orders for release of last two quarterly instalments payable to the optees (retired employees) for the year 2017-18 who had opted for medical claims for outdoor treatment under without voucher facility. BSNL has also intimated that decision regarding continuation of without voucher facility and other related issues will be conveyed after its approval. It may be recalled that AIBSNLREA had been continuously pursuing with BSNL for release of pending payments to the retired employees who opted for outdoor claims under without voucher facility. Postings dated 28/2/2018 and 19/04/2018 in this website be viewed for earlier references.  View the BSNL order

22.04.2018:

SHRI R K SINHA, JOINT SECRETARY, AIBSNLREA MET WITH AN ACCIDENT:

In a sad and tragic development, Shri R K Sinha, Joint Secretary, AIBSNLREA and his wife Smt Mridula Sinha met with a serious road accident in Varanasi on 20.04.2018. While Smt Sinha expired on the spot, Shri R K Sinha survived and is undergoing treatment. We pray for early recovery of Shri Sinha and express our heartfelt condolence on the unexpected and untimely death of Smt Sinha. Let God help the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

21.04.2018:

REVISION OF IDA PAY SCALES OF BSNL EXECUTIVES– DPE INFORMS DOT THAT CABINET APPROVAL WILL BE NEEDED TO GET RELAXATION OF AFFORDABILITY CLAUSE MENTIONED IN ITS GUIDELINES:

It was reported in this website that DOT had forwarded the BSNL’s proposal for revision of IDA pay scales of BSNL Executives to DPE for advice. Now DPE, in a letter dated 18th April 2018, has informed DOT that the guidelines issued by DPE for pay scale revision include an ‘affordability’ clause. Any relaxation/amendment to the extant guidelines will require approval of Cabinet and DoT may examine the issue at its end for necessary action. It may be recalled that DOT had extended the benefit of 30% fitment benefit with revised IDA pay scales as were recommended by 2nd PRC to the MTNL Executives with the approval of MOC&IT only- despite existence of similar affordability clause. Hope DOT takes note of the same and expedite revision of IDA Pay Scales of BSNL Executives as proposed by BSNL.

20.04.2018:

CCA, AHMEDABAD TO HOLD PENSION ADALAT FOR THE BSNL/DOT PENSIONERS OF VARODARA, NADIAD AND GODHRA SSAs:

Controller of Communication Accounts, Ahmedabad will be holding Pension Adalat for the BSNL and DOT Pensioners from Varodara, Nadiad and Godhra SSAs. The Adalat will be held on 18th May 2018 at Nadiad. The pensioners from these SSAs may send their grievances regarding pensionary benefits to the Accounts Officer (Pension), o/o CCA, Ahmedabad, P&T Admn Building, 7th Floor, Gujarat Telecom Region, Khanpur, Ahmedabad 380001 so as to reach him by 4th May, 2018.  View the CCA Gujarat letter

19.04.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL REGARDING NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL ALLOWANCE AGAINST CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT UNDER WITHOUT VOUCHER FACILITY TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2017-18:

AIBSNLREA has represented to Director (HR), BSNL highlighting the genuine problems of the retired BSNL employees, who opted for outdoor treatment without voucher facility for the financial year 2017-18, due to non-release of payments for 3rd and 4th quarters and in some cases even for earlier quarters. The Association has pointed out that “ Since entire payments received under this facility is taxable and the financial year is already over, non-release of payment of all earlier quarters have put the concerned pensioners in a grim difficult situation”. The Association has finally requested Director (HR) to intervene and “advice all the BSNL Units to immediately clear payment of all earlier quarters for the financial year 2017-18”.  View the letter

17.04.2018:

AIBSNLREA REPRESENTS TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REGARDING THE DILATORY ATTITUDE OF DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION IN ACCORDING APPROVAL TO BSNL’S PROPOSAL FOR REVISION OF PAY SCALES OF ITS EXECUTIVES:

In continuation of its earlier representations to the Prime Minister of India on the above issue, AIBSNLREA again addresses Prime Minister since DOT is avoiding taking decision on the matter as per the power and authority vested with it [View postings dated 16/01/2018, 28/01/2018 and 15/03/2018 in this website to read the earlier communications]. The Association has again pointed out that affordability clause should not be a bar to grant revised IDA pay scales to the BSNL Executives since MTNL Executives were granted revised IDA pay scales as per 2nd PRC despite existence of similar affordability clause and MTNL being a chronic loss making PSE. Association has further pointed out that as per the Cabinet decision for allowing payment of pension to the MTNL employees by the Government, the pay scales of MTNL Executives were required to be brought at par with BSNL Executives during next wage revision. Thus, DOT cannot now avoid upward revision of pay scales of BSNL Executives. The Association has further stated that DOT is just trying to evade its responsibility on the pay scale issue and has unnecessarily sent the BSNL’s proposal to DPE for advice. The Association has also quoted from the Order issued by DOT granting 30% fitment benefit to the MTNL employees in their revised IDA scales that the MOC&IT is competent to approve the BSNL’s proposal for revision of pay scales. The Association has pleaded that “Let Department of Telecommunication stop its dilatory attitude and accord its approval to the BSNL’s proposal for revision of IDA pay scales of BSNL Executives by exercising its own power and authority as it did in the past in case of MTNL Executives as mentioned above”.  View the letter

16.04.2018:

NON-COMPLAIANCE OF BSNL ORDER FOR TIME-BOUND SETTLEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH DIRECTOR (HR):

AIBSNLREA brings to the notice of the Director (HR), BSNL that the BSNL Office Order to ensure that “all claims of retired employees are settled within one month from the date of receipt of claims” has been put into cold storage by the field units and their claims are not being settled for months together and even in some cases for more than a year. The Association has further stated that “With their limited income, which comes through pension, the retired employees are finding it difficult to continue with their treatment for non-clearance and payment of their earlier claims. The delay also affects them physically and mentally”. The Association has sought for her so that the BSNL Office instructions dated 10.08.2016 for settling claims of the retired employees of BSNL received within one month from the date of receipt are strictly adhered to.  View the letter

10.04.2018:

KALYAN TELECOM DISTRICT, BSNL NOW RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REGARDING NON-RELEASE OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO SHRI R K HIRKANEY, RETD DE, MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA had taken up and pursuing the case for settlement of pension and release of pending pensionary benefits of Shri R K Hirkaney, Retd DE of Maharashtra Telecom Circle who was earlier ordered for 20% cut in pension for 5 years w.e.f. 01.04.2008. His final retirement Order was also not being issued despite completion of his penalty period on 31.03.2013. On constant persuasion by the Association, BSNL Corporate Office issued his final retirement Order effective from 31.07.2005 (A/N) which paved the way for PGM, Kalyan SSA to process his case for payment of gratuity and release of orders to fix entitled basic pension [View postings dated 31.08.2017, 19.12.2017, 08.01.2018 and 27.02.2018 in this website for more details]. Now Kalyan Telecom District of BSNL, referring to the CPGRMS Docket initiated by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare on the basis of representation of AIBSNLREA, has informed the Association that Service Book and the retirement Order of Shri R K Hirkaney, Retd DE were sent to Sr. AO(Pension), o/o Pr.CCA, Mumbai for revision of his pay/pension as per 68.2% & 78.2% DA fitment formula since the Officer retired before 01.01.2006.  View the PGM BSNL Kalyan letter

09.04.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, SHIMLA BRANCH HELD:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Shimla Branch was held on 04.04.2018. Shri S R Sharma, Branch President presided over the meeting. Branch Secretary Shri Harikrishan submitted his activity report which was approved by the GB. The Financial Secretary also submitted the statement of accounts. Discussions took place on issues like pension revision, court case on pay/pension arrears and BSNLMRS etc. Members expressed their unhappiness on the proposed reduction in the ceiling limit for outdoor treatment with voucher. Thereafter, a new body was elected unanimously with the following office bearers:- (1) President: Shri D K Verma, Retd DGM(F), (2) Vice-Presidents: S/Shri J S Verma, Retd Sr.PS and R P Gupta, Retd DGM, (3) Branch Secretary: Shri G S Negi, Retd DGM, (4) Asst Branch Secretary: S/Shri I S Bhandari, Retd JTO, S R Garg, Retd CAO, Vinod Kumar Mehta, Retd SDE and Jeevan Lal, Retd JTO, (5) Organizing Secretary: S/Shri Praveen Kumar Malhotra, Retd SDE and Manmohan Sharma, Retd SDE, (6) Financial Secretary: Shri Lal Bahadur, Retd SDE. In addition, S/Shri V N Sharma, B K Kashyap, Hari Krishan, S R Sharma and K L Thakur were elected as the Executive Committee members.

09.04.2018:

ALLAHABAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING:

Allahabad Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 04.04.2018 in the Telephone Exchange campus. Shri R S Arora, UP State Secretary attended the meeting and apprised the members about the development on 3rd PRC, Pension revision and court case on pay/pension arrears issue etc. The meeting was well attended and the members enthusiastically participated in the discussions on other issues as well. After the Branch Secretary and Financial Secretary submitted their reports, the old body was dissolved and a new body was elected with the following office bearers:- (1) President: Shri R S Gupta, (2) Vice-Presidents: S/Shri K P MIshra and M P Tripathi, (3) Branch Secretary: Shri Ram Lakhan, (4) Asst Branch Secretary: S/Shri Shriram, C P Roy, H L Yadav, (5) Financial Secretary: Shri Damodar Prasad, (6) Asst. Financial Secretary: G C Kushwaha, (7) Organizing Secretary: S/Shri L Ram and Ram Chandra, (8) Executive Members: S/Shri Lalji Kesari, L B Singh, Brahmadeen, V K Gupta and A K Kushwaha. The Branch Secretary then addressed the house and thanked the members for attending the meeting. He also thanked State Secretary for apprising the members about the latest development on the important issues.

08.04.2018:

DOT FORWARDS DOP&PW’S REMINDER REGARDING WRONG FIXATION OF REVISED PENSION AS WAS TAKEN UP BY AIBSNLREA TO THE CCA, KERALA:

It was reported in this website on 23.03.2018 that with reference to its earlier letter dated 07.12.2017 to DOT regarding non-revision of pension by allowing fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA for the purpose of fixation of pay/pension with effect from 1.1.2007, as was taken up by AIBSNLREA, by the CCA, Kerala, DOP&PW had issued a reminder to DOT asking for the action taken on the representation of AIBSNLREA and also forwarding another representation of the Association on wrong fixation of pay and pension. Now DOT has forwarded the said letter of DOP&PW to the CCA, Kerala for examination and furnishing comments regarding the same back to DOT at the earliest. View also postings dated 11.12.2017 and 21.02.2018.  View the DoT letter

07.04.2018:

STANDARD DEDUCTION IN INCOME TAX ASSESSMENT TO BENEFIT PENSIONERS ALSO:

While placing the budget proposal in the Parliament, Government announced re-introduction of ‘Standard deduction” for the purpose of assessment of Income Tax for the financial year 2018-19 which was earlier withdrawn in the financial year 2006-07. However, while re-introducing Standard deduction, existing tax exemptions on transport allowance upto 19200/- and medical reimbursement upto Rs. 15000/- were withdrawn. Now it has been clarified that the benefit of standard deduction will be available to the pensioners also. The BSNL IDA pensioners who do not get any transport allowance and who opted for CGHS benefit, will get the actual benefit out of standard deduction to full Rs. 40,000/-. But those who opt for BSNLMRS will get net benefit of minimum Rs. 25000/- out of standard deduction. Since the Government has also allowed no income tax on interests on deposits upto Rs. 50000/- per annum for the Senior Citizens, BSNL IDA pensioners will also get additional tax benefit upto Rs. 40000/- taking into consideration that under 80 TTA no income tax was to be paid on interest upto Rs. 10000/- on deposits in Savings Account. Thus, the additional benefit of tax exemption for BSNL IDA pensioners would vary between Rs. 65,000/- and Rs. 80000/- depending upon the condition as set out above.

07.04.2018:

STATUS OF REVISION OF PENSION OF PRE-2007 AND POST 2007 BSNL PENSIONERS WITH FITMENT BENEFIT BY MERGER of 78.2% DA/DR WITH BASIC PAY/PENSION:

In a meeting held in the chamber of DDG (Accounts), DoT, CCA-wise list of pension revision cases as per 78.2% IDA fitment yet to be received from BSNL has been handed over to BSNL authorities for early action on sending remaining pension revision cases to CCA concerned. BSNL has circulated the list to the circles and has requested to identify and send the remaining cases CCA concerned at the earliest.  View the BSNL letter

06.04.2018:

E-JOURNAL APRIL 2018 ISSUE:

April 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.04.2018:

DOP&PW RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REGARDING NON-MAINTAINING THE SCHEDULE FOR HOLDING PENSION ADALATS BY THE PRINCIPAL CCAs/CCAs – ADVISES DOT THAT THE PENSION ADALATS BE HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES ISSUED BY DOP&PW:

AIBSNLREA had represented to Secretary (Telecom) and others including Secretary (Pension) to intervene in the matter of non-maintaining the prescribed schedule to hold Pension Adalats at regular intervals by the Principal CCAs/CCAs thereby depriving the pensioners/family pensioners the opportunity to raise their grievances in that important platform [View posting dated 03.03.2018 in this website to read the letter]. Now DOP&PW has responded to that representation and advised DOT that the Pension Adalats be conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by DOP&PW vide its OM No. 44013/2/2010-P&PW (Coord) dated 25.03.2011. DOT has also been advised to send a suitable reply to the Association.  View the DoP&PW letter

04.04.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2018 from 126.9% to 127.2% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

04.04.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2018 from 283.1% to 283.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders

04.04.2018:

PG CELL OF DOT INFORMS THE STATUS REGARDING CASES OF WRONG FIXATION OF PENSION OF SOME PENSIONERS (EXECUTIVES) IN KERALA CIRCLE WHICH WERE TAKEN UP BY AIBSNLREA – INFORMS THAT PENSION OF THE SAID PENSIONERS WILL BE REVISED:

We have been reporting from time to time the development regarding the cases of wrong fixation of pension of few retired Executives of Kerala by the Office of CCA, Kerala which were taken up by AIBSNLREA with Secretary (Telecom) and others [view postings dated 20.02.2018, 22.03.2018, 23.03.2018 and 03.04.2018]. Now the PG Cell of DOT has posted the status report of the case in pgportal and also informed the Association that after processing the case of Smt Mythili who is junior to other concerned retired officers, the pension of all these 4 pensioners will be revised and orders will be issued accordingly.  View the status report of DoT

03.04.2018:

DOT FORWARDS ANOTHER COPY OF REPRESENTATION FROM AIBSNLREA ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING WRONG FIXATION OF PENSION TO THE CCA, KERALA:

We reported earlier in this website vide posting dated 22.03.2018 that PG Cell of DOT has forwarded the copy of the representation from AIBSNLREA on the above issue, which was endorsed to Member (F), to the CCA Kerala Circle for uploading in PG Portal for further course of action/settlement with the concerned offices. We again reported in this website on 23.03.2018 that DOP&PW has issued a reminder to DOT to intimate the action taken on the representation of the Association in the matter of non-revision of Pension with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA by CCA. Kerala Office of some BSNL IDA pensioners (Executives). Now PG Cell of DOT has again forwarded the representation addressed to Secretary (Telecom) in the matter of wrong fixation of pension to some retired BSNL Executives to the CCA Kerala for appropriate remedial action.  View the DOT letter

31.03.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY, DAR & PG REGARDING THE HARASSMENT METED OUT TO SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR TRIPATHI, RETD SDE, WHOSE CASE FOR ABSORPTION IN BSNL REMAINS UNSETTLED DESPITE HIS ACQUITAL IN A COURT CASE WHICH RESULTED IN DENIAL OF HIS PENSIONERY BENEFITS, TO DDG(PG), DOT:

AIBSNLREA had earlier drawn the attention of Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievance about the harassment being meted out to those BSNL retirees whose full pensionary benefits are withheld at the time of their retirement and their option for absorption in BSNL remain unsettled pending finalization of their vigilance cases even though they are acquitted of all charges. The Association cited the case of Shri Ravindra Kumar Tripathi, Retd SDE whose Presidential Orders for absorption in BSNL was not being issued due to non-furnishing the VC status deliberately by Northern Telecom Region. The Association requested Secretary (AR & PG) to intervene in the matter [View posting dated 20.03.2018 in this website to read the letter]. Now DOP&PW has forwarded the said representation to DDG(PG), DOT to examine the issues as per extant rules/orders and intimate the Association suitably  View the DOP&PW letter

30.03.2018:

MAHARASHTRA STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLDS ITS FIRST STATE CONFERENCE:

Maharashtra State Branch of AIBSNLREA held its first State Conference on 25th and 26th March, 2018 at Pavilionn Hotel, Kolhapur. The pre State Conference Executive Committee meeting was held on 25th March 2018 at 16.00 Hrs under the chairmanship of Shri. Vasudev, State President and in the presence of CHQ Office bearers S/Shri P R Bhujbal, CHQ Vice-President, Asst. General Secretary Shri S. Ratnsubramaniam and Jt. Secretary Shri D K Joshi. Nine Branches viz. Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Warhda, Parabhani, Akola, Yevatmal, Amaravati, and Kolhpur were represented. In the State Executive Meet, the Secretary, Conference Committee Shri PS Kulkarni welcomed all the Office bearers of CHQ and the State and also the delegates from the Branches with presentation of Bouquet and flowers. Total 54 delegates attended the Conference. After self-introduction by the delegates, the Branch Secretaries presented their reports on Branch activities. Thereafter, Report of the State secretary and Statement of Accounts presented by State Financial Secretary were placed before the S.E.C. and were passed by the Committee. This meeting was finally addressed by Shri S. Ratnasubramanian, AGS on issues like 3rd PRC Report, status of Revision of Pay scales of BSNL Employees and revision of pension of absorbed BSNL pensioners. His address was very informative and exhaustive. Branch Secretaries and others were fully satisfied with the replies given supported by facts and rules during the Question-Answer session. The Meeting concluded with vote of thanks by the Host Branch at 20.30 Hours. [For full Report of the Conference, please view Maharashtra State Section of State News Page of this website]  View the Photographs

29.03.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO DOT ON NON-ADDRESSING THE GENUINE CONCERNS ON THE PROPOSAL TO DISBURSE PENSION/FAMILY PENSION DIRECTLY IN THE ACCOUNTS OF THE PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS BY THE PR. CCAs/CCAs DISCARDING THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF DISBURSEMENT BY BANKS/POST OFFICES:

AIBSNLREA had represented to Secretary (Telecom) and others including Secretary (Pension) expressing serious concerns on few important issues related with the proposal to disburse pension/family pension directly in the Accounts of the pensioners/family pensioners by the Principal CCAs/CCAs by discarding the existing system of disbursement by Banks/Post Offices [View posting dated 11.03.2018 in this website to read the letter]. DO&PW has now forwarded the copy of the said representation endorsed to Secretary (Pension) to DDG(PG), DOT to examine the issues as per extant rules/orders and intimate the Association.  View the DOP&PW letter

28.03.2018:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2018:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.4.2018 by 0.3% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 0.4% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

23.03.2018:

DOP&PW ISSUES REMINDER TO DOT TO KNOW ACTION TAKEN ON AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REGARDING WRONG FIXATION OF REVISED PENSION IN RESPECT OF ABSORBED BSNL IDA PENSIONERS (EXECUTIVES) BY ALLOWING FITMENT BENEFIT BY MERGER OF 78.2% IDA FOR THE PURPOSE OF FIXATION OF PAY/PENSION WITH EFFECT FROM 1.1.2007 BY THE CCA, KERALA:

AIBSNLREA had represented to Secretary (Telecom) and others including Secretary (Pension) regarding wrong fixation of pension by CCA, Kerala [View posting dated 21.02.2018 in this website to read the letter]. DO&PW, vide its OM No. 4/5/2017-P&PW(D).Pt dated 7.12.2017, had earlier forwarded another representation of AIBSNLREA to DOT regarding non-revision of pension by allowing fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA for the purpose of fixation of pay/pension with effect t from 1.1.2007 [View posting dated 11.12.2017 in this website to read the letter]. Now DOP&PW has issued a reminder to DOT to intimate the action taken on the representation of the Association which was forwarded to DOT.  View the DOP&PW letter

22.03.2018:

WRONG FIXATION OF REVISED PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS (EXECUTIVES) BY CCA, KERALA- DOT FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S LETTER TO CCA, KERALA:

AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Secretary (Telecom) and others [View posting dated 21.02.2018 in this website to read the letter]. Now PG Cell of Department of Telecommunications has forwarded the said letter which was endorsed to Member (F) to the CCA, Kerala Circle for uploading in PG Portal for further course of action/settlement with the concerned offices.  View the DOT letter

21.03.2018:

AIBSNLRERA TAKES UP THE CASE OF NON-ISSUE OF PRESIDENTIAL ORDERS FOR ABSORPTION IN RESPECT OF SHRI J V PAJVANI, RETD SDE, GUJARAT WITH DOT:

AIBSNLREA has since taken up with Director (Staff), DOT for conveying approval for issue of Presidential Order for absorptions in respect of Shri J V Pajvani, retired SDE, Gujarat Telecom Circle of BSNL. The Association has pointed out that DOT has cleared four cases out of the total five cases forwarded by BSNL in a letter addressed to DOT for conveying approval for issue of Presidential Orders for absorption. But the case of Shri J V Pajvani retd SDE is yet to be cleared which is delaying issue of his Presidential Orders for absorption and thus further delaying settlement of his pensionary benefits. The Association has thus requested to expedite conveying approval for issue of Presidential Order for absorption in respect of Shri J V Pajvani, Retd SDE.  View the letter

20.03.2018:

EXTREME HARASSMENT OF THE ABSORBED BSNL IDA PENSIONERS IN BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR TRIPATHI, RETD SDE WITH SECRETARY (DAR & PG):

AIBSNLREA has drawn the attention of Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievance about the harassment being meted out to those BSNL retirees whose full pensionary benefits are withheld at the time their retirement and their option for absorption in BSNL remain unsettled pending finalization of their vigilance cases. These retirees, on their acquittal from the cases lodged against them, are made to run from pillar to post for years to get their dues. The Association cites the case of Shri Ravindra Kumar Tripathi, Retd SDE who’s Presidential Orders for absorption is not being issued due to non-furnishing the VC status deliberately by Northern Telecom Region in which this executive last worked. The Association has requested Secretary (AR & PG) to intervene in the matter and rescue this retired executive of BSNL from the extreme harassment being meted out to him by not issuing his presidential order for absorption in BSNL and also non-settling his pensionary benefits as admissible under the rules.  View the letter

19.03.2018:

INTRODUCTION OF DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL LIFE CERTIFICATE BY THE PENSIONERS OF DOT/BSNL/MTNL FOR AVAILING CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE FACILITY AT THEIR RESIDENCES – AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CMD, BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to CMD, BSNL on the above issue. The Association had earlier represented to the Prime Minister of India urging him to advise Ministry of Communications for introduction of Digital Life Certificate system or a similar arrangement to dispense with the need for the retired DOT/BSNL/MTNL pensioners/family pensioners to physically present themselves to the authorities for submission of annual Life Certificate for continuation of concessional telephone facility at their residence. Now the Association refers to the communication dated 18.05.2017 received from BSNL wherein it was informed that “….. Depending upon the feasibility, a methodology needs to be evolved for its implementation. The issue is being examined” [View posting dated 10.06.2017 in this website to read the letter]. Since there was no further communication from BSNL, AIBSNLREA has now requested CMD, BSNL to intervene in the matter and resolve this genuine problem of the retired employees.  View the letter

17.03.2018:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE CASE TO ALLOW THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES ENTITLED TO GET CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE FACILITY TO OPT FOR EITHER LANDLINE OR MOBILE CONNECTION:

Citing the problem that many retired employees, who are entitled for concessional telephone facility at their residences, do face to get the concessional landline connection due to the area being declared as non-feasible, AIBSNLREA has again addressed a letter to CMD, BSNL requesting him to allow the retired employees to exercise option either to go for landline or mobile connection. The Association has further suggested that “ The retired employees who opt for mobile connections be allowed to have free calls/sms/data service of same or nearest value that a retired employee having landline connection is allowed by way of free monthly rent and number of free calls”.  View the letter

16.03.2018:

DEVELOPMENT OF WEB BASED PROGRAM FOR MONITORING MEDICAL CLAIMS OF RETIRED EMPLOYEES - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE AGAIN WITH DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has been requesting BSNL to introduce a web-based tracking system to enable the retired employees to track the progress and status of their claims for medical reimbursement without needing them to visit their old offices. BSNL, on its turn, had advised CGM, ITPC Pune to develop a web based program for monitoring medical claims of retired employees and get it experimented in one Circle. However, the issue remained unresolved despite time to timer persuasion by the Association. Now the Association has sought the intervention of Director (HR) so that a suitable tracking system is introduced at the earliest for tracking the progress/status of the medical claims of the retired employees of BSNL.  View the letter

16.03.2018:

GRATUITY UPTO RUPEES TWENTY LAKHS EXEMPTED FROM INCOME TAX:

Following passage of the bill in Parliament to amend the existing law on the subject, the retired employees will now not be taxed for Gratuity, when received, upto Rs. 20 lakhs.

15.03.2018:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA ABOUT DIALATORY ATTITUDE OF DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGARDING REVISION OF IDA PAY SCALES OF BSNL EXECUTIVES AND CONSEQUENT REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Prime Minister of India since Department of Telecommunications has given a status report on the earlier representation of the Association to the Prime Minister on the same issue [view posting dated 15.01.2018 in this website] in a stereotype manner without responding to few important points raised in the said representation. The Association has also submitted that Department of Telecommunications cannot absolve itself from the current state of affairs in BSNL on financial front and requested the Prime Minister to advise Department of Telecommunications to accord approval to the BSNL’s proposal for revision of IDA Pay Scales to the BSNL Executives at the earliest.  View the letter

13.03.2018:

AIBSNLREA’S APPEAL TO PRIME MINISTER TO ALLOW TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST EARNED IN PRADHAN MANTRI VAYA VANDANA YOJANA- FORWARDED TO MINISTRY OF FINANCE:

AIBSNLREA had made an appeal to Prime Minister of India to allow tax exemption on interest earned in ‘Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana’, a subsidized pension scheme for 10 years for the senior citizens, introduced by Government of India through Life Insurance Corporation of India [View posting dated 18.09.2017 in this website to read the representation]. Now, My Gov of PMO, in its status report, has informed with reference to Docket No. PMOPG/D/2017/0450731 that the suggestion has been forwarded to Ministry of Finance for further consideration.  View the Status Report

12.03.2018:

REVIEW OF MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT - AIBSNLREA OPPOSES THE MOVE TO REDUCE THE CEILING LIMIT:

AIBSNLREA has resented against the move by BSNL to drastically reduce ceiling limit for outdoor treatment with vouchers to the serving/retired employees by half and also to withdraw the without voucher facility from the retired employees residing in CGHS areas. The Association has requested Director (HR), BSNL not to curtail the ceiling limit for medical claims of the retired employees and also remove the inequalities in the ceiling limit between past and future pensioners as has already been requested by us vide our letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2018/13 dated 22.02.2018. AIBSNLREA has also requested to explore the possibility to cover the employees with medical insurances.  View the letter

11.03.2018:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL FOR DISBURSEMENT OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION DIRECTLY IN THE ACCOUNTS OF THE PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS BY THE PRINCIPAL CCA/CCA DISCARDING THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF DISBURSEMENT BY THE BANKS/POST OFFICES:

AIBSNLREA had earlier represented to Secretary (Telecom) against the proposal for disbursement of pension/family pension directly in the accounts of the pensioners/family pensioners by the Principal CCA/CCA by discarding the existing system of disbursement by the Banks/Post Offices [View posting dated 01.01.2018 in this website to read the letter]. The Association has again taken up the issue with Secretary (Telecom) and others pointing out to many areas, like deduction of TDS and issue of Form-16, submission of Life Certificates, payment Family pension to the spouse on the event of death of the pensioners, inaccessibility of the Principal CCA/CCA offices to the pensioners/family pensioners residing in faraway places etc, in which the pensioners will face serious problems.  View the letter

07.03.2018:

VARODARA BRANCH HELD GB MEETING:

Varodara Branch (Gujarat State) held its quarterly General Body Meeting on 05.03.2018 at Hotel Utsav. Eighty members attended the meeting. Shri Ainapure, President of the Branch chaired the meeting and welcomed the CHQ, Circle office bearers and also the members of the branch. Shri R T Shah, Secretary, AIBSNLREA Vadodara conducted the meeting. Responding to his appeal, all the left out members of the Branch deposited Rs.500/- each as contribution to seek legal remedy on pay and pension arrears issue. Shri B M Bhavsar, Organizing Secretary (West) and A B Patel, State Secretary, Gujarat addressed the members and apprised them about the latest developments on various issues. They also replied the queries raised by the members. The meeting was followed by Lunch.  View the Photographs

06.03.2018:

E-JOURNAL MARCH 2018 ISSUE:

March 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

03.03.2018:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF NON-ISSUE OF REVISED PPO FOR SHRI V CHAMIYAR, RETD JTO, KERALA CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has since taken up the case of non-issue of revised Pension Payment Order, allowing fitment benefit by merger of 78.8% IDA for Shri V Chamiyar, Retd JTO, Kerala Circle, with Controller of Communication Accounts, Kerala. The Association has requested for early issue of the revised PPO.  View the letter

03.03.2018:

NON-MAINTAINING THE SCHEDULE FOR HOLDING PENSION ADALATS BY THE PRINCIPAL CCAs/CCAs - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH SECRETARY (TELECOM) AND OTHERS:

In the background that the Principal CCAs/CCAs are not maintaining the schedules as prescribed by Department of Telecommunication to hold Pension Adalats at regular intervals and the Pensioners are not getting the opportunity to raise their grievances in this important platform, AIBSNLREA has requested Secretary (Telecom) to intervene in the matter. The Association has further requested that “All the Principal CCAs/CCAs may kindly be advised to strictly follow the instructions issued from time to time regarding holding of Pension Adalats at regular intervals as stipulated in those instructions. The Principal CCAs/CCAs may be advised to draw the tentative schedule at the start of the year and upload the same in their respective websites and adhere to the same”.  View the letter

03.03.2018:

MTNL BOARD EXPRESSES ITS INABILITY TO EXTEND BENEFIT OF 78.2% IDA FITMENT TO ITS EMPLOYEES DUE TO SEVERE FINANCIAL CRISIS:

In response to MTNL’s letters proposing to extend benefit of merger of 50% IDA effectively amounting to 78.2% as on 1.1.2007 to its own employees, DOT had asked MTNL, vide its No. 11-1/2009-SU.II dated 8.2.2018, to process the case in the light of DPE OMs dated 26.11.2008 and 02.04.2009. DOT had also made it clear that MTNL has to bear the additional financial implication on account of pay revision from its own resources and no budgetary support will be provided by DOT. MTNL Board has now considered this in its meeting held on 13.02.2018 and decided to intimate DOT that MTNL is not in a position to extend the benefit of 78.2% fitment to its employees from its own resources due to severe financial crisis.

01.03.2018:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REQUESTING TO TRANSFER PENSION RELATED RECORDS AND SERVICE BOOKS OF RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES WITH ALL INDIA TRANSFER LIABILITY TO THE PRINCIPAL CCA/CCA LOCATED IN THE AREA IN WHICH THESE PENSIONERS SETTLE AFTER THEIR RETIREMENT:

In continuation of its earlier letter [view posting dated 23.12.2017 in this website], AIBSNLREA has again taken up the above issue with Secretary (Telecom). The Association has requested that “all the pension related records including the Service Books of the IDA pensioners, who have all India transfer liability and retired/retiring from stations falling within the jurisdiction of a particular Principal CCA/CCA be transferred to the Principal CCA/CCA covering the area in which these IDA Pensioners settle after their retirement”.  View the letter

28.02.2018:

DELAYED PAYMENT OF QUARTERLY CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITHOUT VOUCHERS TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES – AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH DIRECTOR (HR):

AIBSNLREA has drawn the attention of Director (HR), BSNL regarding the undue delay in making payment of medical claims for outdoor treatment without voucher facility to the retired BSNL employees by the BSNL Units. The Association has submitted that “There had been inordinate delay in clearing the payments for the first and second quarters. Now payment for the third quarters, which is overdue, has not yet been paid by the field units. Again the payment for the fourth instalment is also getting due just after a month. Thus, the retired employees are put into severe difficulties and financial constraints for no fault on their part”. The Association has further requested that “Now that the retired BSNL employees will again have to submit their option for the particular scheme of their choice at the start of coming financial year, we earnestly request you to kindly advice all the BSNL Units to immediately clear payment of earlier quarters and also ensure that the payment of fourth quarter is also not delayed.”  View the letter

28.02.2018:

WRONG FIXATION OF REVISED PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS (EXECUTIVES) BY CCA, KERALA- DDG(E), DOT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION:

AIBSNLREA had taken up with Secretary (Telecom) and others, the case of wrong fixation of revised Pension by allowing fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA for the purpose of fixation of pay/pension with effect from 1.1.2007 in respect of some absorbed BSNL Pensioners (Executives) of Kerala Circle. The Association had also requested Secretary (Telecom) to intervene in the matter so that CCA, Kerala Circle is advised to re-examine these cases and issue necessary immediate Orders correcting the revised PPOs already issued [View posting dated 20.02.2018 in this website to read the letter]. Now, Dy Director General (Estt) of DOT has acknowledged the receipt of the said representation by e-mail.  View the acknowledgment

28.02.2018:

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 Sunday, the 25th February, 2018 at Amenity Block, CTO Compound Nagpur under the Chairmanship of Shri U B Nikose, President of the Branch. After paying tributes to the departed members/family members, Shri Arun Deshpande, Branch Secretary welcomed all the life members and also the newly enrolled life members. House welcomed Shri S. V Katkar Retired CAO (Pension), Mumbai who shared the Dias as a Special Guest. The Branch Secretary briefed the house regarding the various issues being dealt at local level. He narrated regarding the meetings held with Sr GMTD, CCA and DAP Nagpur for settlement of pending pension revision cases and clearance of medical reimbursement bills [To read the complete report, please view Maharashtra State Section of ‘State News’ page of this website].

27.02.2018:

BSNL RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REGARDING NON-RELEASE OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO SHRI R K HIRKANEY, RETD DE, MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE – ISSUES FINAL RETIREMENT ORDERS TO PAVE THE WAY FOR PAYMENT OF DUE PENSION/PENSIONARY BENEFITS:

AIBSNLREA took up the case of Shri R K Hirkaney, Retd DE of Maharashtra Telecom Circle, who was ordered for 20% cut in pension for 5 years w.e.f. 01.04.2008, for release of his pending pensionary benefits and also pursuing the same. His final retirement Order was not being issued despite completion of penalty period on 31.03.2013 and he continued to receive only provisional pension besides his gratuity remaining withheld [View postings dated 31.08.2017, 19.12.2017 and 08.01.2018 in this website]. Now BSNL has issued his final retirement Order effective from 31.07.2005 (A/N) paving the way for PGM, Kalyan SSA to process his case for payment of gratuity and release of orders to fix entitled basic pension which will also enable him to get his pension arrears.  View the BSNL letter

26.02.2018:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, AKOLA BRANCH:

AIBSNLREA Akola Branch (Maharashtra State) held its General Body meeting on 19th February 2018 at Conference Hall, O/O GM Telecom, BSNL Akola. Shri N.N. Ambatkar Rtd. DE Akola presided over the meeting. 20 members were present in the meeting. Shri A.G. Nema Branch Secretary welcomed all the members present in the meeting. One new member, Shri R.S. Tathod Ex. SDE Buldhana joined as a new member and thus membership of Akola Branch went up to 59. The house welcomed the new member [For full report of the meeting, Maharashtra State Section of State News page of this website may be visited].

24.02.2018:

REMOVAL OF DISCREPANCY/WIDE GAP IN REGARD TO CEILING LIMIT FOR CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITHOUT VOUCHERS– AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH DIRECTOR (HR):

AIBSNLREA points out to the present wide disparity in the ceiling limit for medical claims for outdoor treatment without vouchers between the past pensioners and the new pensioners because of the flaw in the present policy to determine the ceiling limit. The Association has requested to review the present policy to determine outdoor ceiling limit of without voucher facility for the retired employees and remove the existing huge disparity between the past and future pensioners in respect of their ceiling limit. The Association has further requested that the policy be further revised by allowing DA as on 1st April of the year for which claims pertains to be taken into consideration instead of the DA as was available on the date of retirement, at least from the coming financial year.  View the letter

23.02.2018:

PAY REVISION OF THE BSNL EXECUTIVES AS PER 3rd CPC RECOMMENDATIONS AND REVISION OF PENSION OF ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS:

Following issue of a Status Report by Department of Telecommunications on the above and also on a few other issues, queries are coming from our members and others regarding the fate of mainly the above two issues, since a news has been spread by some groups that DOT has rejected the proposal for Pay Revision of BSNL Executives and also pension revision. But a careful reading of the status report on these issues reveals that nowhere the DOT has stated that the proposal for pay scale revision has been rejected. It has actually given only the factual status of both the cases. No one can deny that there is an affordability clause in 3rd PRC Report and BSNL is also not having net profits for last few years. Therefore, this statement of facts cannot be taken as rejection of the proposal for revision of pay scales. On the other hand, the same status Report of DOT says that “…. case of pension revision of the employees permanently absorbed in BSNL will be taken up as and when 3rd PRC is implemented in BSNL”. Does it not again confirm that the pay revision is still alive? Otherwise, why DOT would say that pension revision will be taken up after 3rd PRC is implemented in BSNL? Anyhow, we have already made clear on earlier occasions that “affordability clause” cannot come in the way of revision of pay scales since there are number of strong grounds to get pay scale revision. It all depends on how the cases are pursued and negotiated. Meanwhile, for the reasons not disclosed, DOT has withdrawn the said Status Report.

20.02.2018:

WRONG FIXATION OF REVISED PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS (EXECUTIVES) BY CCA, KERALA - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE:

AIBSNLREA has taken up with Secretary (Telecom) and others, the case of wrong fixation of revised Pension by allowing fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA for the purpose of fixation of pay/pension with effect from 1.1.2007, in respect of some absorbed BSNL Pensioners (Executives) of Kerala Circle. The Association has requested Secretary (Telecom) to intervene in the matter so that CCA, Kerala Circle is advised to re-examine these cases and issue necessary immediate Orders correcting the revised PPOs already issued.  View the letter

19.02.2018:

NON-SUPPLY OF HBA RECOVERY PARTICULARS OF SHRI A B MURMU, RETD DGM (A/T), KOLKATA TO THE QA & INSPECTION CIRCLE, JABALPUR:

AIBSNLREA has since taken up the case of non-supply of HBA recovery particulars for the period of September 2003 to July 2004 of Shri A B Murmu, Retd DGM A/T, Kolkata to the Accounts Officer (SEA), QA & Inspection Circle, Jabalpur, in absence of which his DCRG is still withheld, with the Pay & Accounts Officer, DOT. The Association has requested to supply the recovery particulars for the said missing period of September 2003 to July 2004 in respect of Shri A B Murmu, Retd DGM(A/T), Kolkata immediately to the QA & Inspection Circle, Jabalpur, so that he gets his DCRG released without further delay.  View the letter

17.02.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF SANGRUR BRANCH HELD:

A General Body meeting of Sangrur Branch (Punjab State) was held on 16.02.2018 in Kaula Park shop of Shri Parshotam Dass Retd SDE which was chaired by Shri P K Jindal, Retd DGM. The President highlighted the various issues taken up by CHQ with Hon'ble PM, Secretary (T), Director HR on Pay/Pension revision of BSNL Executives, medical claims for outdoor treatment without voucher and with voucher, opposing DOT's move to pay Pension/ Family Pension by CCAs directly in the Bank Accounts and many other issues. The branch Association members urged for early settlement of Pay revision of BSNL Executives and consequent pension/Family Pension revision, payment of 3rd & 4th installment of fixed Medical Allowance and payment of Medical claims with voucher within one month from the date of submission of bills, as per BSNL Corporate Office instructions issued from time to time, as the members are facing great hardships for their claim settlement due to scarcity of Medical funds from higher Offices [For full Report of the Meeting, please go to State News page and view Punjab State section in this website.]

15.02.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL TO ALLOW ‘NOTIONAL PROMOTION’ IN TERMS OF DOP&T ORDER NO 22011/3/2013-Estt. (D) DATED 25.01.2016 TO SHRI S.S.YADAV, RETD JTO, MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE WHOSE PROMOTION ORDER TO TES GROUP B WAS ISSUED IN THE YEAR 1998 BUT COULD NOT BE GIVEN EFFECT TO DUE TO INITIATION OF A CBI CASE:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL regarding the above case in which Shri S.S.Yadav, Retd JTO, Maharashtra Circle who was ordered to be promoted to TES Group B by DOT in the year 1998. But his promotion order was not given effect to because of initiation of a CBI case. However, he was acquitted of the charges after his superannuation. The Association has requested to consider his representation and give him the benefit of promotion in terms of DOP&T Order No. 22011/3/2013-Estt. (D) dated 25.01.2016. The Association has further requested to advise CGMT, Maharashtra Telecom Circle to grant financial upgradation to Shri S.S.Yadav, Retd JTO as admissible.  View the letter

14.02.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF PALAKKAD BRANCH HELD:

A General Body meeting of Palakkad Branch (Kerala State) of AIBSNLREA was conducted at Top in Town auditorium on 12.2.2018. Forty five members attended the meeting and two new Life Members joined the Branch during the meeting. Members appreciated the efforts taken by CHQ to settle the pension revision with fitment benefit by merger of 78.2% IDA for the left out cases under CCA, Kerala Circle. Discussions took place regarding the anomaly in the quantum of payment towards medical allowance. Branch Secretary Shri P Prahakaran briefed the status of Court case on pay and pension arrears issue. He also informed the members about formation of another Branch of AIBSNLREA in Kerala. The meeting came to a close at 13.30 hrs and members disbursed after a lunch provided in the complex.

13.02.2018:

DOT WRITES TO PRINCPAL CCA, TAMILNADU CIRCLE TO TAKE NECESSARY ACTION ON AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION DATED 10-01-2018 REGARDING VILOATION OF PENSION RULES:

AIBSNLREA had earlier addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) on the above issue wherein it was submitted that in violation of Pension Rules, the Principal CCA, Tamilnadu Circle revised the pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners (executives) which were fixed long back based on their last pay drawn taking took into account the pay fixed on local officiating promotion to the DE grade [View posting dated 10.01.2018 in this website]. DOP&PW had forwarded the copy of the said representation to DOT. Following this, our Chennai Branch also met Joint CCA, Tamilnadu on 29.01.2018 and discussed the issue. The Joint CCA had agreed to examine the cases and requested for representations from the affected executive pensioners [View posting dated 31.01.2018 in this website for details]. Now Department of Telecommunications has sent our representation to the Principal CCA, Tamilnadu Circle to “take necessary action on the matter and submit status report of the case”.  View the DoT letter

13.02.2018:

HALF-YEARLY GENERAL BODY MEETING OF EAST GODAVARI BRANCH HELD:

The Half yearly General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, East Godavari (AP) branch is held on 07.02.2018 in the Conference Hall, Sanchar Bhavan, Rajamahendravaram under the president ship of Shri GV Ramakrishna, President on the chair. Secretary invited the president Sri GV Ramakrishna and Sri Ch Gandhi OS (South) on to the dais. The conference started at 0930 hrs with prayer. 99 members attended the meeting. After the president’s opening remarks on the issues of interest, the members introduced themselves to the house. Members discussed mainly about court case on 78.2% IDA balance arrears, denial of the pension benefits of 50% of the emoluments or average emoluments received during last 10 months to the pre 2006 pensioners, 3rd PRC with 15% fitment to pensioners and many other local issues. Four pensioners namely S/Shri Y. Krishna Murty, KV Chalapati Rao, C.Markadeyulu and P. Ramakrishn, who crossed 75 years or going to cross in next six months, were felicitated with presentation of garland Shawl. [ For full text of the Report, please visit the AP State Section of State News Page of this website]

06.02.2018:

E-JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE:

February 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.02.2018:

AIBSNLREA’S WRIT PETITION IN SUPREME COURT ON PAY AND PENSION ARREARS ISSUE:

The Writ Petition filed by AIBSNLREA in Supreme Court on pay and pension arrears issue came up for hearing for admission to-day in the bench of Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta. The Court felt that the Petitioner may move High Court first and accordingly has given liberty to the Petitioner to do so. The Association will take the Petition to Delhi High Court shortly.

03.02.2018:

PMO FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION URGING THE HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER TO INTERVENE IN THE MATTER OF PAYMENT OF PENSION CONTRIBUTION TO DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION IN RESPECT OF PERMANANTLY ABSORBED BSNL AND MTNL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE NO MORE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ON DEPUTATION/FOREIGN SERVICE AS PER SUB-RULE 4 OF RULE 37-A OF CCS (PENSION RULES), 1972:

AIBSNLREA had urged Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to intervene in the above matter so that DOT stops collecting pension contribution under FR-116 for the absorbed employees of BSNL and MTNL who are no more on deputation/foreign service after their absorption. The Association also brought to the notice of the Prime Minister that DOT is yet to clear a proposal of BSNL to charge pension contribution on the actual pay of the absorbed employees instead of maximum of the pay scales. The Association further mentioned that DOT has also not implemented a Cabinet decision to charge pension contribution on the actual pay of the absorbed employees of MTNL w.e.f 1.1.2006. The Association submitted that DOT’s inaction has forced BSNL and MTNL to face severe financial crisis. [View posting dated 27.01.2018 in this website]. Now, Prime Minister’s Office has forwarded the said representation of the Association to Secretary, Department of Telecommunications for taking appropriate action and inform the Petitioner Association.  View the PMO letter

01.02.2018:

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:

No changes in personal income tax rates.
Standard deduction of Rs.40,000 in lieu of transport and medical reimbursements for salaried tax payers.
Exemption of interest income for deposits in banks and post offices (including TDS) will be increased from Rs.10,000 to Rs.50,000 for senior citizens.
All senior citizens will now be able to claim benefit of a deduction of Rs.50,000 for medical insurance. For critical illnesses, the deduction has been increased to Rs.1,00,000.
Rs 7.5 lakh per senior citizen limit for investment in interest-bearing LIC schemes doubled to Rs 15 lakh.
Senior citizens allowed Rs 50,000 deduction on health insurance premium paid in a year from earlier Rs 30,000.
Education cess increased to 4% from 3%.

31.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION AGAINST GROSS VIOLATION OF PENSION RULES TO REVISE THE PENSION, ONCE AUTHORIZED, TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE PENSIONERS BY THE PRINCIPAL CCA, TAMILNADU CIRCLE - CHENNAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA MEETS JOINT CCA, TAMILNADU TO FURTHER DISCUSS THE ISSUE:

AIBSNLREA, CHQ had earlier sent a representation to Secretary (Pension) and other concerned regarding the action of Principal CCA, Tamilnadu Circle in revising the pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners (executives) fixed long back based on their last pay drawn which took into account the pay fixed on local officiating promotion to the DE grade. The Association had cited Rules 70 of the CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 which prohibits revision of pension, once authorized, to the disadvantage of the pensioners unless a clerical error is detected subsequently [View posting dated 10.01.2018 in this website]. DOP&PW had also forwarded the said representation to DOT. Now, the representatives of Chennai Branch of AIBSNLREA comprising of Branch President Shri V. Dakshinamoorthy, Secretary Shri L.Sundararaman, and Asst. Secretary Shri R.R. Balasubramanian met Shri Anbalagan, Jt CCA TN, Chennai on 29.01.2018 and handed over him a representation, citing two cases wherein TN CCA has reduced the last pay drawn with 78.2% fitment benefit and consequently the revised pension on the plea that these pensioners are not eligible for increment fixed during officiating as per BSNL order issued in February 2017. It was also pointed out in the said representation that BSNL had correctly worked out refixation of pay with 78.2% IDA, including the officiating increments. It was further pointed out that as per Rule 70 of pension rules, the pension once authorized cannot be reduced to the disadvantage of pensioner except in case of clerical error and case of misconduct. After discussions, the Jt.CCA wanted the affected pensioners to represent individually along with the copies of their pay fixation/fitment memo issued by the concerned BSNL Units and revised PPO with 78.2% fitment, so as to examine and resolve the cases. The Branch representatives also informed the Jt. CCA that some of the pensioners did not receive their revised PPOs which were sent by ordinary post and requested him to consider sending such important orders by Speed post/registered post. He agreed to consider the proposal and also said that there are many PPOs returned undelivered and available in his office, for one reason or the other.

30.01.2018:

NON-ISSUE OF REVISED PPOs BY CCA, KERALA CIRCLE IN TERMS OF DOT ORDER DATED 18/07/2016 REGARDING REVISION OF PENSION BY ALLOWING BENEFIT OF MERGER OF 78.2% IDA TO THE BSNL PERNSIONERS RETIRED PRIOR TO 10/06/2013 – DOP&PW FORWARDS THE REMINDER ISSUED BY AIBSNLREA TO THE DOT:

AIBSNLREA earlier took up the above issue with Secretary (Telecom) and others which was also followed by a reminder on 12/01/2018. We have already reported in this website, vide our posting dated 26. 01.2018 in this website, that CCA, Kerala has reported DOT that “…. the cases are under process. Revised PPOs will be issued immediately”. Meanwhile, DOP&PW has also forwarded the copy of the said reminder issued by the Association, which was endorsed to Secretary (Pension), to the Director (Estt), Department of Telecommunications.  View the DoP&PW letter

28.01.2018:

PMO FORWARDS THE REPRENTATION OF AIBSNLREA ADDRESSED TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REGARDING REVISION OF IDA PAY SCALES OF BSNL EXECUTIVES AND CONSEQUENT REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS TO THE SECRETARY, DOT:

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of India, AIBSNLREA had earlier drawn his attention to the fact that DOT is sitting over a proposal, duly approved by BSNL Board, for revision of IDA pay scales of BSNL Executives, on the stated ground of affordability of BSNL to meet the additional expenditure even though BSNL had already suggested some measures to absorb the expenditure. The Association also stated in its representation that “The double standard of Department of Telecommunications comes to the fore when the same DOT had earlier cleared the proposal for revision of IDA pay scales of MTNL Executives with 30% fitment benefit w.e.f. 1.1.2007 based on 2nd PRC recommendations – even though MTNL was a chronic loss making CPSE for decades and the affordability clause existed then too”. The Association further submitted that “The revision of IDA pay scales of BSNL Executives is also a must in view of the decision of the Government that was taken in a Cabinet meeting, while approving the proposal for payment of pension to the MTNL employees by the Government, to bring parity in pay scales of BSNL and MTNL Executives since MTNL pay scales are higher than that of BSNL. While communicating the decision regarding sharing of the liability for the payment of pensionary benefits to the MTNL employees, Department of Telecommunications at Para (d) of its Office Order No. 42-4/2012-Pen(T) dated 28/04/2014 had clearly stated that at the time of next wage revision MTNL and BSNL will achieve pay scale parity by bringing down the pay scales of MTNL to the level of BSNL pay scales. Since the pay scales of MTNL Executives cannot be brought down, the revision of pay scales of BSNL Executives is the only option now to bring the pay scale parity” [View posting dated 16.01.2018 in this website to read the representation]. Now Prime Minister’s Office has forwarded the said representation to Secretary, DOT for action appropriate.  View the PMO letter

27.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA URGES PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA TO INTERVENE IN THE MATTER OF PAYMENT OF PENSION CONTRIBUTION TO DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION IN RESPECT OF PERMANANTLY ABSORBED BSNL AND MTNL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE NO MORE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ON DEPUTATION/FOREIGN SERVICE UNDER SUB-RULE 4 OF RULE 37-A OF CCS (PENSION RULES), 1972:

AIBSNLREA draws the attention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to a case wherein in violation of the spirit of the Fundamental Rules laid down by the Government regarding payment of pension contribution under FR-116 in respect of its employees posted to other Organizations on deputation/foreign service basis, pension contribution is being asked for in respect of its erstwhile employees who are now permanently absorbed in BSNL/MTNL and consequently who ceased to be Government servants under Sub-Rule 4 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. The Association submits that this has caused BSNL/MTNL to face acute financial crisis. The Association further states that the Department of Telecommunication is also sitting over a proposal sent by BSNL to charge pension contribution on the actual pay of the absorbed employees w.e.f. 1.1.2006 as per the revised Rules circulated by Department of Personnel & Training. AIBSNLREA has also pointed out that Department of Telecommunication has not even implemented a Cabinet decision taken on 26.12.2013 to charge pension contribution w.e.f. 1.1.2006 calculated on the actual pay of the absorbed employees of MTNL. The Association has finally appealed to the Prime Minister that “…. we fervently appeal to you to kindly intervene in the matter so that Department of Telecommunication stops collecting pension contribution under FR-116 from BSNL for the absorbed employees who are no more its employees and as such their postings on deputation/foreign service in BSNL do not arise at all. Till a decision is taken on the matter, let the pension contribution be collected w.e.f. 01.01.2006 only on the actual pay drawn in the IDA pay scales as per the revised Rules issued by DoP&T.  View the letter

26.01.2018:

DOT DISPOSES OFF THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA TO THE SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING THE CONTINUED HARASSMENT OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY CCA, KERALA IN NOT REVISING THEIR PENSION IN TERMS OF DOT ORDER DATED 18/07/2016:

AIBSNLREA had represented to Secretary (Telecom) regarding non-issue of revised PPOs to many absorbed BSNL pensioners (retired Executives) by the Controller of Communication Accounts, Kerala Circle. The Association again took up the matter with Secretary (Telecom) since the issue remained resolved despite the DCO, DOT forwarding the earlier representation of the Association to CCA, Kerala also the DOP&PW forwarding copy of the said representation to Director (Estt), Department of Telecommunications [View postings dated 27/11/2017, 11/12/2017, 15/12/2017, 30/12/2017 and 14/01/2018 in this website for more details]. Now, Department of Telecommunications has disposed off the case enclosing a copy of the Case Report by CCA, Kerala and stating that “Clarification on the subject received from Directorate and the cases are under process. Revised PPOs will be issued immediately”. Thus the matter stands resolved.  View the DoT letter

25.01.2018:

WRIT PETITION IN SUPREME COURT BY AIBSNLREA ON PAY AND PENSION ARREARS ISSUE:

The Writ Petition filed by AIBSNLREA in Supreme Court on pay and pension arrears issue was listed today for admission. However, one of the judges in the Bench recused himself from the case and therefore matter was not taken up. The case will shortly go to another bench.

25.01.2018:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, AMBALA BRANCH:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Amblala Branch was held on 24.01.2018 at Delhi Darbar Restaurant, The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri PC Chauhan and was attended by 28 members. The President welcomed all the participants and wished them a very happy new year 2018 and prayed for the good health for all the members. Two new life members also joined the Association and were welcomed by all. Branch Secretary briefed the members on the various issues concerning the members. The members were updated on the latest status on Court case filed by the Association in the Hon'ble Supreme Court on 78.2% IDA fixation arrears of pay, pension and other allowances, implementation of 3rd PRC with 15% fitment benefit for BSNL pensioners and extension of medical facility without vouchers for BSNL pensioners. The meeting was followed by Lunch.

23.01.2018:

DOP&W FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO SECRETARY (PENSION) REGARDING GROSS VIOLATION OF PENSION RULES TO REVISE THE PENSION, ONCE AUTHORIZED, TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE PENSIONERS BY THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS, TAMILNADU CIRCLE TO THE DOT:

AIBSNLREA had sent a representation to Secretary (Pension) and others concerned regarding the action of Principal CCA, Tamilnadu Circle in revising the pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners (executives) fixed long years back based on their last pay drawn which took into account the pay fixed on local officiating promotion to the DE grade. Association cited Rules 70 of the CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 which prohibits revision of pension, once authorized, to the disadvantage of the pensioners unless a clerical error is detected subsequently [View posting dated 10/01/2018 to read the letter]. Now Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded the said representation to the Director (Estt), Department of Telecommunications for considering the issue raised.  View the DoP&PW letter

22.01.2018:

NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED IN AURANGABAD, MAHARASHTRA:

In a meeting of the retired Executives held on 21st January, 2018, a new Branch of AIBSNLREA in Aurangabad (Maharashtra State) was formed. The meeting was arranged by S/Shri R S Dudhe, and V P Joshi, both Retd. DEs. Twenty members from Aurangabad attended the meeting. S/Shri. L M Godi, President of Kolhapur Branch and A K Kolekar, also from Kolhapur first addressed the meeting. Thereafter, Shri D K Joshi, Joint Secretary, AIBSNLREA, CHQ addressed the gathering and spoke in detail the about the main purpose of the Association, its functioning, activities and issues taken up at various levels. He also dealt with the issue of court case on pay/pension arrears, 3rd PRC and other circle matters. The meeting went on for nearly two hours. The queries raised by the participants were also replied to their satisfaction. Then a Branch body was formed with the following Office Bearers elected unanimously:- President: Shri R S Dudhe (Mob No.9420416788), Vice-President: Shri A S Nevargikar (Mob No. 9422201010), Branch Secretary: Shri V P Joshi (Mob No. 9423449344), Asst. Branch Secretary: Shri C S Powar, Finance Secretary: Shri H D Gadlinge (Mob No. 94222010440).

19.01.2018:

RAJKOT BRANCH HELD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING:

A General body meeting of Rajkot branch (Gujarat State) was held on 17-01-2018 at the conference hall of K.R.Telephone Exchange Building, Rajkot. Total 30 members were present. One new member joined the Association. Total membership of the Branch reached to 47.The meeting was presided over by Branch President Shri M.M. Chaniyara, who welcomed the members and briefed the members on all current issues and efforts made by the branch for solving the problems. State Secretary Shri A.B.Patel briefed the house regarding the initiatives of the State Branch for solving the problem of the members. [For full report, please visit Gujarat State section of ‘State News’ page of this website].

16.01.2018:

WRIT PETITION FILED BY AIBSNLREA IN SUPREME COURT ON PAY AND PENSION ARREARS ISSUE SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED:

The case filed by All India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Retired Executives’ Association Vs Union of India in the Supreme Court is now successfully registered and prepared for listing as per rules.

16.01.2018:

DIALATORY ATTITUDE OF DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGARDING REVISION OF IDA PAY SCALES OF BSNL EXECUTIVES AND CONSEQUENT REVISION OF PENSION/FAMILY PENSION OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS- AIBSNLREA SEEKS INTERVENTION OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA:

AIBSNLREA has brought to the notice of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India that Department of Telecommunication is sitting over a proposal, duly approved by BSNL Board, for revision of BSNL Executives listing some measures to ensure its affordability to absorb the increased expenditure. But on the same question the approval to the proposal is held up in DOT. The Association has stated in its representation that “The double standard of Department of Telecommunications comes to the fore when the same DOT had earlier cleared the proposal for revision of IDA pay scales of MTNL Executives with 30% fitment benefit w.e.f. 1.1.2007 based on 2nd PRC recommendations – even though MTNL was a chronic loss making CPSE for decades and the affordability clause existed then too”. The Association has further pointed out that “The revision of IDA pay scales of BSNL Executives is also a must in view of the decision of the Government that was taken in a Cabinet meeting, while approving the proposal for payment of pension to the MTNL employees by the Government, to bring parity in pay scales of BSNL and MTNL Executives since MTNL pay scales are higher than that of BSNL. While communicating the decision regarding sharing of the liability for the payment of pensionary benefits to the MTNL employees, Department of Telecommunications at Para (d) of its Office Order No. 42-4/2012-Pen(T) dated 28/04/2014 had clearly stated that at the time of next wage revision MTNL and BSNL will achieve pay scale parity by bringing down the pay scales of MTNL to the level of BSNL pay scales. Since the pay scales of MTNL Executives cannot be brought down, the revision of pay scales of BSNL Executives is the only option now to bring the pay scale parity. Finally, the Association has appealed to the Prime Minister to kindly advise Department of Telecommunications to accord approval to the proposal for revision of IDA Pay Scales to the BSNL Executives at the earliest”.  View the letter

14.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES AGAIN TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING THE CONTINUED HARASSMENT OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS BY CCA, KERALA IN NOT REVISING THEIR PENSION IN TERMS OF DOT ORDER DATED 18/07/2016:

AIBSNLREA has again taken up the case of non-issue of revised PPOs to many absorbed BSNL pensioners (retired Executives) by the Controller of Communication Accounts, Kerala Circle despite the DCO, DOT forwarding the earlier representation of the Association to him and also the DOP&PW forwarding copy of the said representation to Director (Estt), Department of Telecommunications for appropriate action as per extant rules. [View postings dated 27/11/2017, 11/12/2017, 15/12/2017 and 30/12/2017 in this website for more details]. The Association has pleaded that “we again earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter so that the CCA, Kerala immediately issues the revised Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) to the affected BSNL IDA Pensioners (Retired Executives)”.  View the letter

14.01.2018:

RAIPUR BRANCH HELD ITS BI-MONTHLY MEETING:

Bi-Monthly Meeting of Raipur Branch of Chhattisgarh State was held on 7th January 2018 at the residence of Shri A R Khair, Retd AGM and also a member of the Branch. The meeting was presided over by Branch President Shri P.Z.Choradia who welcomed the members. Two minutes silence was first observed to pay homage to S/Shri R K Tigga, Retd EE Civil and Rudolph Toppo, Retd DE and members of the Branch who recently expired. Branch Secretary Shri G P Pandey briefed the members on all current issues including the increase in IDA wef 1st January, 2018, DOT’s move on disbursement of pension directly in the accounts of the pensioners/family pensioners from the office of concerned CCAs instead of Post offices and Banks, 3rd PRC etc. Some local problems were also discussed. The meeting ended with vote of thanks presented by the Branch president.s

14.01.2018:

AMRAVATI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA (WEST VIDARBHA REGION) HELD ITS GB MEETING:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Amravati Branch (Maharashtra State) was held under the Chairmanship of Shri R. W. Tidke, President of the Branch at 1400 hrs. of 5th January 2018 at the Conference hall of G. M. Telecom , BSNL, Amravati. The meeting was attended by 26 members of the Branch along with Shri V.G.Dakhode, State Secretary AIBSNLREA, Maharashtra State. [For the full report of the meeting, please view Maharashtra Section of “State News” page of this website]

11.01.2018:

A NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED IN KERALA:

A new Branch of AIBSNLREA has been formed on 09.01.2018 in Kerala with retired BSNL Executives from Ernakulam and Alleppy. The Office-bearers of this newly formed “Ernakulam-Alleppy” Branch are as follows:- President: Shri M Sethumadhavan, Vice-President: Shri K P Philip, Secretary: Shri Mathew Jacob, Joint Secretary: Shri K G Balakrishna Pillai, Finance Secretary: Shri R.Sukumara Pillai, Executive Committee Members: S/Shri K B Reghunathan Nair and K Balarajan. Retired BSNL Executives of the area may contact Shri Mathew Jacob, Branch Secretary on his mobile number 9446060300 for Life Membership.

10.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA POINTS OUT TO THE SECRETARY (PENSION) AND OTHERS REGARDING GROSS VIOLATION OF PENSION RULES TO REVISE THE PENSION, ONCE AUTHORIZED, TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE PENSIONERS BY THE PRINCIPAL CONTROLLER OF COMMUNICATION ACCOUNTS, TAMILNADU CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has sent a representation to Secretary (Pension) and other concerned regarding the action of Principal CCA, Tamilnadu Circle in revising the pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners (executives) fixed long back based on their last pay drawn which took into account the pay fixed on local officiating promotion to the DE grade. Association cites Rules 70 of the CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 which prohibits revision of pension, once authorized, to the disadvantage of the pensioners unless a clerical error is detected subsequently. The Association further writes that “we earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter and bestow justice to the hapless affected pensioners. The Department of Telecommunications may kindly be advised to adhere to the Pension Rules and restore the original pension authorized and the revise the same as and when due.”  View the letter

09.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL REGARDING DELAYED PAYMENT OF QUARTERLY INSTALMENTS OF MEDICAL CLAIMS WITHOUT VOUCHER TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL about the delay that was caused for payment of first and second instalments of the amount to the retired BSNL employees who opted for the facility of medical claims without voucher. The Association has requested that the BSNL Units be advised to ensure timely payment of the third and fourth instalments as the third instalment is already due.  View the letter

08.01.2018:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ON ABNORMAL DELAY IN RELEASING GRATUITY, SETTLEMENT OF PENSION, COMMUTATION VALUE PENSION CASE OF SHRI R K HIRKANEY, RETD DE, MAHARASHTRA:

AIBSNLREA took up the above issue with Secretary (Telecom) once again and requested her to intervene in the matter. The Association further requested that Shri R K Hirkaney, Retd DE, Kalyan Telecom District be paid all his dues on account of his pension from the past years and his gratuity released forthwith with interests for delayed payments [View posting dated 19.12.2017 to read the letter]. Now DOP&PW has forwarded the copy of the said representation to Department of Telecommunications to examine the issue as per extant rules/orders and inform the Association accordingly.  View the DoP&PW letter

07.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA REQUEST DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL TO EXAMINE AND SETTLE THE CASE OF SHRI SHASHI BHUSAN, RETD SDE FOR NOTIONAL PROMOTION UNDER THE GUIDELINES ISSUED BY DOP&T FOR PROMOTION OF GOVERNMENT SERVANTS WHO ARE EXONERATED AFTER THEIR RETIREMENT:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL requesting her to re-examine the case for notional promotion of Shri Shashi Bhusan, Retd SDE, who was exonerated of the charges after his retirement from service, as per the guidelines issued by DOP&T vide its No. 22011/3/2013-Estt. (D) dated 25.01.2016. Shri Shashi Bhusan was not assessed at the time of holding CPC for regular promotion since his ACRs for the suspension periods were not available. Thus, his case remained unsettled. The Association has requested to assess his case by considering the ACRs of earlier periods and allow notional promotion to him.  View the letter

06.01.2018:

E-JOURNAL JANUARY 2018 ISSUE:

January 2018 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.01.2018:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, CHENNAI BRANCH HELD:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Chennai Branch was held on 21-12-2017 at Hotel B.R.Mathsaya, Chennai. The meeting started at 10.30 AM with Shri V. Dakshinamoorthy, President in the Chair. He welcomed all the members present in the meeting. 56 members attended the meeting. He informed the house about the proposed move of the DOT to shift the existing pension payment arrangement by banks and post offices, to the respective CCAs of territorial circle and requested the senior members to discuss the pros and cons of the same. He also added a few more issues relating to Medical reimbursement without voucher, medical reimbursement of in-patient treatment, extended stay in hospital for pensioners etc, which needs improvement. [View Tamilnadu State Section of ‘State News’ page of this website to read the full report]

04.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL REGARDING THE UNDUE DELAY IN SETTLEMENT OF THE CASES FOR WAIVER OF RECOVERY OF EXCESS/WRONGFUL PAYMENTS MADE TO THE RETIRED EXECUTIVES OF TAMILNADU CIRCLE DUE TO UNCALLED FOR REFERENCE BY THE CIRCLE TO BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE IN THE NAME OF SEEKING CLARIFICATIONS:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to the Director (HR), BSNL since the Tamilnadu Circle is delaying settlement of the cases for waiver of excess/wrongful payments made to some retired Executives by referring the matter to BSNL Corporate Office in the name of seeking some clarifications despite DoP&T’s clear Order on the subject. The Association has requested “that CGM Tamilnadu Circle may be duly advised to forward the cases of these retired Executives with justification and due recommendation as per your Office Order No. 1-06/2016-PAT (BSNL) dated 9.9.2016, without any further delay.”  View the letter

03.01.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2018 from 124.3% to 126.9% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

03.01.2018:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2018:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2018 from 278.7% to 283.1% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders

01.01.2018:

AIBSNLREA OPPOSES DOT’S MOVE TO DISBURSE PENSION/FAMILY PENSION BY THE PRINCIPAL CCAs/CCAs DIRECTLY IN THE ACCOUNTS OF PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS BY DISCARDING THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF DISBURSEMENT BY THE BANKS/POST OFFICES:

Department of Telecommunication has initiated action for disbursement of pension/family pension by the Principal Controller of Communication Accounts/Controller of Communication Accounts directly in the Accounts of the Pensioners/Family Pensioners. AIBSNLREA has opposed the move and requested Secretary (Telecom) to review and rescind the above decision for disbursement of pension/family pension by the Pr. CCAs/CCAs directly in the account of the pensioners/family pensioners. The Association has also requested that the present universal system of disbursement of pension/family pension by the Banks/Post Offices should not be disturbed.  View the letter