31.12.2021:

IDA RATES DUE FROM 01.01.2022:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for the months September, October and November 2021, the revised IDA rate due w.e.f. 01.01.2022 is 184.1% [increase by 4.8%] for CPSEs where the last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and 379.6% [increase by 8.1%] for CPSEs where the last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

27.12.2021:

CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES (PENSION) RULES, 2021:

A complete reading of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 notified recently by the Government shows that all the amendments issued earlier to the CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 have been duly incorporated. Thus Rule 37A has been incorporated in Rule 37 itself. However there is one addition, which was not available in CCS (Pension) Rules 1972. Under Rule 66 of CCS (Pension) Rules 2021, under the heading "Revision of pension after authorisation", it has been stated that "(1) The pension authorised under rule 44 and family pension authorised under rule 50 may be revised by the Government in accordance with any general order issued in implementation of decisions taken on the recommendations of the Central Pay Commissions, or otherwise...."

Here the word 'otherwise' would include instances where a retrospective promotion is ordered by the department on its own or based on a court direction.

24.12.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO SECRETARY, DOT ON DELAY IN EXTENDING THE CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS TO THE JTOS QUALIFIED IN TES GROUP B QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS AND WERE PROMOTED TO DE/AGM GRADE DURING THEIR SERVICE IN DOT PRIOR TO 01.10.2000, BASED ON REVISED SENIORITY AS PER THE DIRECTIONS OF HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA IN CA NO.4389 OF 2010:

AIBSNLREA has again written to the Secretary, DoT drawing his attention to the fact that "BSNL has not shown even an intention to review the DPCs conducted prior to its formation on 01.10.2000. Most of those who are eligible for antedating of their promotion based on the revised seniority have already retired. These retired executives will get increased pension and related benefits once their date of promotion is preponed based on the revised seniority. Therefore, these retired executives have been put into enormous mental agony and financial loss, feeling let down by its employers, both the DoT as well as BSNL. Many octogenarians wonder if they will get the benefit of orders of the Supreme Court of India during their lifetime." AIBSNLREA has therefore requested the Secretary, DoT to bestow his personal attention to this issue and advise BSNL to conduct review DPC in respect of the promotion orders issued during the DoT period, i.e., before formation of BSNL on 01.10.2000, at the earliest and without further delay.  View the letter

22.12.2021:

GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES (PENSION) RULES, 2021:

The Government of India has notified CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, replacing the CCS (Pension) Rules 1972. It appears that the amendments made since 1972 have been incorporated in the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, including 37A. A detailed reading is required to see if the amendments find a place without deviations.  View the Gazette Notification

21.12.2021:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA KOLHAPUR BRANCH HELD:

General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA Kolhapur Branch was held after lapse of 2 years in Vishwesharayya Memorial Hall , Kolhapur on 17th December 2021. Meeting was presided over by Sri. GV Nanjangud, and 48 members were present with six new members joining the Association. Meeting started at 11 AM as usual with Prayer. President welcomed all the Members and new 6 Members Shri.RD Joshi, Ichalakarnji , Mrs. Vishakha Joshi, & AG Khot,Gadhinglaj, PB Kumbhar, PattanKodoli, RD Bakare, SR Nangare, Kolhapur. New members were Welcomed by President with Flowers, and were introduced to the House. [View Maharashtra Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report]

20.12.2021:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA INDORE BRANCH HELD:

A special General Body Meeting of Indore branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 17-12-2021 at Bagarwal Parisar, Aerodrum road, Indore. The meeting was presided over by Shri S.K Jain, Branch President and conducted by Shri N.C Yadav, Branch Secretary. 77 Members participated, many along with their spouses. This special meeting was organised mainly to felicitate S/Shri H.C Agrawal, V.K Arora, S C Baisakia, S.S Dandekar, R.C Gupta, R.C Kanugo, P.S Kher, N.D Maheshwari, P. Neema, O.P Nigam, G.J Pandse, D.P Sharma, S.L Sisodia, R.C Soni, K.B Trivedi, S.L Tamrakar, N.K Upadhyaya, on completion of 75 years. All of them were honoured with Garland, Shreefal-(Coconut) and Shawl. S/Shri R.C Garg, R.C Maheshwari, S.C Jain and R.B Banke took keen interest for the success of the function which was conducted in an atmosphere of deep bond of friendship and affection. The vote of thanks was presented by Shri R.C Garg. Lunch was also served to all the participants after the meeting.

18.12.2021:

BSNL ISSUES ORDERS BASED ON REVIEW DPC OF THE 4TH REGULAR DPC FOR PROMOTION TO DE/AGM (T) GRADE HELD FROM 26.07.2013 TO 30.07.2013:

Consequent to revision of seniority in the grade of SDE (T) based on the judgement of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, BSNL has conducted review DPC in respect of the 4th Regular DPC held from 26.07.2013 to 30.07.2013. Based on the review DPC, BSNL has issued orders promoting notionally w.e.f. 16.08.2013 14 executives who were never promoted in the original DPC, antedating the date of promotion notionally to 16.08.2013 in respect of 204 executives, some subject to VC and postponing the date of promotion in respect of 48 executives to 16.08.2013. While there has been no change in status in respect of 22 executives 10 executives have remained un-assessed due to non-availability of relevant period of ACRs.  View the BSNL order

10.12.2021:

CGHS TO HOLD WEBINAR ON 'PRESCRIPTION PRACTICES IN CGHS'':

CGHS has informed us through email that as a step further towards the issue ‘Your Health Our Goal’, it is holding a webinar on ‘Prescription practices in CGHS’ at 4 PM on 14.12.2021. One can join the same by using the link: https://cghshq.webex.com/meet/adhq.dl CGHS has further requested to download webex app to attend the seminar.

09.12.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE MINISTER OF STATE (FINANCE) REQUESTING TO STOP HARASSMENT OF BSNL IDA PENSIONERS BY CPC BANGALORE BY DISALLOWING FULL EXEMPTION AS ALLOWED UNDER SECTION 10(10AA)(I) OF IT ACT FOR LEAVE ENCASHMENT FOR THE PERIOD SERVED IN DEPT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ISSUING CHALLANS TO DEPOSIT ADDITIONAL TAX:

Earlier, when CPC Bangalore issued notice to these BSNL absorbed pensioners demanding paying of additional tax even after submission of written reply, AIBSNLREA had sought the intervention of the Minister of State for Finance vide letter dated 10.02.2021, following which CPC Bangalore had dropped further proceedings. Now, it has again started issuing similar notice stating that the “order u/s 154 was erroneously taken up for rectification again, whereby full exemption, as claimed in the return, was allowed. As the assessee’s claim of exemption, in excess of Rs 3 lakhs, is erroneous and is a mistake apparent from records, the exemption u/s 10(10AA) is restricted to Rs 3 lakhs in this order”. AIBSNLREA has again written to the MOS (F), explaining in detail the justifications for full exemption from income tax for the encashment of leave earned during service in the DoT as Central Government Servant and requesting to stop harassment of BSNL IDA pensioners.  View the Letter

08.12.2021:

LOK SABHA PASSES BILL TO CLARIFY THAT RETIRED JUDGES WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PENSION FROM THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH IN WHICH THEY COMPLETE THE MINIMUM AGE UNDER THE CONCERNED AGE BRACKET:

Following a judgement of Gauhati High Court accepting the claim of a retired Judge and ordering enhanced pension from the first day of 80th year instead of on completing 80 years, in respect of the petitioner and Hon’ble Supreme Court of India dismissing the SLP filed by the Union of India, there were voices demanding extension of the benefit to BSNL pensioners. Since both the courts were considering the term “from 80 years to less than 85 years” under Section 17B of the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, we were aware that the benefit of the judgment cannot be extended to those who are drawing pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. We had therefore represented to the Prime Minister of India requesting removal of the conflicting term “after completion of eighty years of age or above” under Sub rule (2A) of Rule 49 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972. Now the Lok Sabha has passed a bill to clarify that the retired judges will receive additional pension from the first day of the month in which they complete the minimum age under the concerned age bracket. During discussions on the bill in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of Law and Justice Mr.Kiren Rijju has said that "we are not reducing the entitlements of judges in terms of their salary and pension. We are only clarifying the intention of the legislature."...."If on the basis of Gauhati HC judgement, all civil servants start claiming pension it will be a huge problem for us."  View the newspaper report

06.12.2021:

E-JOURNAL DECEMBER 2021 ISSUE:

December 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

01.12.2021:

DoP&PW ISSUES ORDERS EXTENDING THE TIME PERIOD FOR SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICAE BY CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS TILL DECEMBER 31, 2021:

DoP&&PW vide its OM No.18/1/2020-P&PW(H)-III-6786 dated 1st December 2021 has extended the existing time line for submission of Life Certificate for all group of pensioners till 31st December 2021, in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in various states.  View the DoP&PW OM

26.11.2021:

ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA KANPUR BRANCH HELD:

AIBSNLREA Kanpur Branch held its Annual General Body meeting on 18.11.2021, duly following all COVID safety norms. After discussions on issues related to BSNL Pensioners, new office bearers were elected unanimously.  View the list of new office bearers

25.11.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW ON NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS OF BSNL PENSIONERS FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS SINCE 2018-19 – REQUEST FOR INTERVENTION IN ORDER TO BRING TO END THE SUFFERINGS OF THE PENSIONERS:

AIBSNLREA has written to the Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW, pointing out that the utter disregard BSNL has been showing towards its retired employees can be understood from the fact that non-availability of funds has not prevented BSNL from reimbursing medical claims of its serving employees, with payment being made upto date. AIBSNLREA has requested Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW that suitable directions be issued to BSNL to specify a date in the near future within which all the pending medical claims will be paid so as to ensure a real life of dignity and respect for the BSNL Pensioners.  View the Letter

24.11.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW ON RIGID AND BLIND APPROACH OF BSNL KARNATAKA TELECOM CIRCLE ADMINISTRATION WITH UTTER DISREGARD TO THE RULES ON THE SUBJECT IN THE MATTER OF REQUEST TO RELEASE THE WITHHELD AMOUNT OF EX-GRATIA, GRANT OF TIME BOUND UPGRADATION FROM E4 TO E5 AND FROM E5 TO E6 AND ALSO RELEASING OF GRATUITY AND CVP IN VIEW OF QUASHING OF CHARGESHEET BY HON'BLE CAT BANGALORE AND ON ATTAINING OF AGE 60 YEARS- CASE OF SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT:

AIBSNLREA has written to the Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW, bringing to his notice about the rigid, unhelpful and ignorant attitude of another BSNL unit, unwilling to examine the genuine and valid arguments raised by us in support of the issues involved, by repeating the same one-word response ‘subjudice’, and failing to understand the meaning of the said word itself, thereby putting a hapless pensioner in an unimaginably pathetic situation.  View the Letter

22.11.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO THE DIRECTOR (F) BSNL ON INCORRECTNESS OF THE CLARIFICATION ISSUED BY BSNL ON TAXABILITY OF REIMBURSEMENT OF ONE TIME CGHS SUBSCRIPTION MADE TO RETIRED EMPLOYEES AND NOMINEES OF DECEASED EMPLOYEES:

AIBSNLREA has again written to the Director (F) BSNL pointing out that even if Section 80D is taken note of, in the case of CGHS subscription paid by the BSNL absorbed Pensioner and reimbursed by BSNL, the highest one-time payment made is Rs.1,20,000 and the fraction arrived at by dividing the one-time payment by 10 years, is Rs.12000, which is far lesser than the limits of Rs.25000 and Rs.50000. Therefore, even on this count, BSNL clarification issued vide letter dated 22.09.2021 is not valid.  View the Letter

22.11.2021:

BSNL RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 27th SEPTEMBER 2021 ON INCORRECTNESS OF THE CLARIFICATION ISSUED BY BSNL ON TAXABILITY OF PAYMENTS MADE TO RETIRED EMPLOYEES AND NOMINEES OF DECEASED EMPLOYEES :

In response to AIBSNLREA letter dated 27th September 2021, BSNL has just quoted the provisions of Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, without resolving the issue.  View the BSNL reply

18.11.2021:

CGHS TO HOLD WEBINAR ON 'VARIOUS SLEEP DISORDERS AND ROLE OF YOGA':

CGHS has informed us through email that as a step further towards the issue ‘Your Health Our Goal’, it is holding a webinar on ‘Various Sleep Disorders and role of Yoga’ by Dr Ishwar Acharya, MDNIY New Delhi at 4 PM on 23.11.2021. One can join the same by using the link: https://cghshq.webex.com/meet/adhq.dl CGHS has further requested to download webex app to attend the seminar.

18.11.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW ON DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PENSION BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXTRA INCREMENT GRANTED ON POST-BASED PROMOTION UNDER BSNL EXECUTIVE PROMOTION POLICY, REQUESTING TO REMOVE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST BSNL EXECUTIVES WHO RETIRED DURING THE PERIOD FROM JULY 2017 TO APRIL 2018:

AIBSNLREA has again drawn the attention of Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW to the long pending grievance of a section of the retired BSNL Executives, who retired from July 2017 to April 2018 but agonisingly denied the benefit of fixation of pension by taking into account the extra increment granted on their post-based promotion under BSNL Executive Promotion Policy-2007, while the other Executives who retired earlier to July 2017 and subsequent to April 2018 under the same Promotion Policy were allowed the benefit and has requested him to intervene in the matter and render justice to the concerned affected pensioners.  View the Letter

18.11.2021:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA AMBALA BRANCH HELD:

A general body meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 16th November 2021 at Delhi Durbar Restaurant. The meeting was held under the Presidentship of Sh. R K. Sharma and was attended by 45 members. First of all the members expressed grief over the death of the wife of Sh. K C Pandwar former Treasurer. With the permission of the chair, Branch Secretary S K Aggarwal briefed the members on various issues concerning the members particularly on the pension revision issue after the development of the proposed wage revision of non-executives with 0% fitment and repercussions thereof. The members were also agitated over the non-payment of pending medical bills of BSNL pensioners since April 2019, although most of the members have now shifted to CGHS facility at Ambala. Two new members have also joined our Association as life members making the branch strength to 96. These new members were greeted by all the members. The meeting was followed by Lunch with a vote of thanks to the chair.

11.11.2021:

PAY REVISION OF BSNL EMPLOYEES:

We may recollect that revision of Pay Scales w.e.f. 01.01.2017 for the BSNL Executives could not be achieved since the DPE Order vide its OM No. W-02/0028/2017-DPE(WC)-GL-XIII/17 date 3.8.2017 provided a stringent Affordability clause for the CPSEs to allow pay revision to their Executives. Government made no major changes in the recommendations made by the 3rd Pay Revision Committee including the one on Affordability Clause. As per this clause, the revised pay scales would be implemented subject to the condition that the additional financial impact in the year of implementing the pay-package for Board level Executives, Below Board level Executives and Non-Unionised Supervisors should not be more than 20% of the average Profit Before Tax (PBT) of the last three financial years preceding the year of implementation. DPE further ordered that in case additional impact in implementing the revised pay-package of a CPSE is 20% of average PBT of last 3 years, a uniform fitment benefit of 15% would be provided. DPE Order went on to say that in case additional impact in implementing the revised pay-package of a CPSE is more than 20% but upto 30% of the average PBT of last 3 years, a fitment benefit of 10% will be provided. Similarly, in case additional impact in implementing the revised pay-package of a CPSE is more than 30% but upto 40% of the average PBT of last 3 years, a fitment benefit of 5% will be provided. DPE was further categorial in its Order that

“No fitment or any other benefit of pay revision will be implemented in the CPSEs where the additional financial impact of the revised pay package is more than 40% of the average PBT of last 3 years.”

When the DPE Order is very loud and clear that it never provided any provision for 0% fitment benefit for pay revision and there would be no pay revision in the CPSEs in which financial impact on revision of pay package would be more than 40% of the average PBT of last three years, we find that there is loud talk about pay revision with 0% fitment. Of course, this talk is not about the Executives but about the non-Executives. But no Order has ever been issued by DPE allowing the CPSEs to go against its basic principle for pay revision while negotiating for pay revision of non-Executives in the Pay Negotiation Committee.

In the above background, the Official letters issued by BSNL notifying ‘Meeting of Joint Committee to recommend pay structure of non-executive employees w.e.f. 1.1.2017 in BSNL’ raises serious doubt that both the BSNL Management and the Unions/associations have joined hands to hoodwink the non-Executive employees. It is said that they would recommend ‘pay structure’ and that too with much publicised 0% fitment benefit concept. It seems that BSNL Management now wants to convey that it is empowered to do whatever it wishes to do regarding the Wage Policy of its employees and that neither DPE nor Ministry of Finance has any say on pay revision, as if these are just redundant Department/Ministry.

09.11.2021:

BSNL ASSURES THAT ALL OUT EFFORTS WILL BE TAKEN BY BSNL TO FOLLOW UP THE CASES FOR APPROPRIATE DISPOSAL:

AIBSNLREA had addressed the Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW, requesting to advise Ministries/Departments to honour and implement the intention of DoP&PW in providing mechanism for resolution of grievances of pensioners through CPENGRAMS, drawing his attention to BSNL closing a case stating that "GRIEVANCE PORTAL IS NOT THE FORUM TO TAKE UP UNION MATTERS. KINDLY TAKE UP AT THE APPROPRIATE FORUM". AIBSNLREA had requested that BSNL and DoT be properly advised accordingly and to sincerely make efforts to resolve the grievances of the pensioners including the present one instead of finding some excuse to close the docket. DoP&PW had forwarded the letter to BSNL and GM SR BSNL has now replied that "IT IS ASSURED THAT ALL OUT EFFORTS WILL BE TAKEN BY BSNL TO FOLLOW UP THE CASES FOR APPROPRIATE REDRESSAL".  View the BSNL response

08.11.2021:

CGHS TO HOLD WEBINAR ON 'COMMON CANCERS IN INDIA, THEIR INCREASING INCIDENCE, SYMPTOMS WHICH NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION':

CGHS has informed that as a step further towards the issue ‘Your Health Our Goal’, it is holding a webinar on ‘Common Cancers in India, their increasing incidence, Symptoms which need immediate attention’ at 4 PM on 09.11.2021. One can join the same by using the link: https://cghshq.webex.com/meet/adhq.dl CGHS has further requested to download webex app to attend the seminar.

06.11.2021:

E-JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2021 ISSUE:

November 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

05.11.2021:

BSNL ENDORSES DPE OM ON PAYMENT OF GRATUITY AND LEAVE ENCASHMENT IN RESPECT OF BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO RETIRED ON OR AFTER 01.10.2020 AND UP TO 30.06.2021:

BSNL forwards DPE OM No.W02/0029/2021-DPE(WC)-GL-XI/21 dated 25.10.2021 for payment of Gratuity and cash payment in lieu of leave accumulated in respect of BSNL employees who retired on or after 01.10.2020 and upto 30.06.2021.  View the BSNL OM

30.10.2021:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA CHANDIGARH BRANCH HELD:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA Chandigarh Branch was conducted on dated 27-10-2021 in Pearl Hotel Industrial Area II Chandigarh after a gap of 1.5 Yrs. The President Shri M.D. Bhasin presided over the meeting. After paying tributes to the three members of the Branch who had left for heavenly abode during Corona period, various issues related to pensioners were discussed.[View Chandigarh UT Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report].

30.10.2021:

BSNL EXTENDS LAST DATE FOR REVALIDATION OF BSNL MRS CARD & FRESH OPTION FOR PAYMENT OF CASH ALLOWANCE TO RETIRED EMPLOYEES UPTO 30.11.2021:

BSNL CO has issued orders further extending the last date for submission of fresh option form by retired employees upto 30.11.2021.  View the BSNL letter

27.10.2021:

DPE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTERS ON NON-ISSUE OF ORDERS FOR REVISION OF IDA RATES DUE FROM 01.07.2021 & 01.10.2021 BY DPE:

In response to the letters dated 07.09.2021 and 11.10.2021 by AIBSNLREA addressed to the Secretary, DPE, DPE has today replied that "Orders for revision of IDA rates due from 01.07.2021 & 01.10.2021 are issued vide OMs dated 27.10.2021 (available on DPE website: www.dpe.gov.in )."  View the responses by the DPE

27.10.2021:

DPE ISSUES ORDERS ON REVISED IDA RATES DUE FROM 01.07.2021 AND 01.10.2021:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA rate to 173.8% due and payable from 01.07.2021 and 179.3% due and payable from 01.10.2021, in respect of CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 01.01.2007.  View the DPE OM

27.10.2021:

DPE ISSUES ORDERS ON REVISED IDA RATES DUE FROM 01.07.2021 AND 01.10.2021:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA rate to 362.2% due and payable from 01.07.2021 and 371.5% due and payable from 01.10.2021, in respect of CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 01.01.1997.  View the DPE OM

26.10.2021:

DPE ISSUES ORDERS ON CALCULATION OF GRATUITY AND CASH PAYMENT IN LIEU OF LEAVE FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF CPSEs FOLLOWING IDA PATTERN RETIRED ON OR AFTER 01.10.2020 AND UP TO 30.06.2021:

DPE has issued orders on calculation of gratuity and cash payment in lieu of leave for the employees of CPSEs following IDA pattern, retired on or after 01.10.2020 and up to 30.06.2021 based on notional IDA rates for different categories of CPSEs.  View the DPE OM

26.10.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY, DoT, ON DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF ORDERS OF SUPREME COURT OF INDIA IN CA No.4389 OF 2010 IN EXTENDING THE CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS OT THE JTOs QUALIFIED IN TES GROUP B QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS AND WERE PROMOTED TO DE/AGM GRADE BASED ON THE REVISED SENIORITY LIST:

AIBSNLREA has drawn the attention of Secretary, DoT to the BNSL letter vide No. BSNL CO-COMN/12(11)/3/2020-PERS 1 dated 19.01.2021, wherein BSNL had conveyed that "Further, review DPCs against the DPCs conducted in the past for promotion from SDE (T) to DE (T) is under process. It requires collection of ACRs from different part of India in respect of even those officers who have retired more than 10 years ago. This work of collection of essential ACRs/data/records is time consuming. All out efforts are being made to start the process of holding review DPCs" and has pointed out that only one review DPE has been conducted till date. Secretary, DoT has been requested to advise BSNL to conduct review DPC in respect of the remaining 162 promotion orders listed in its letter dated 16.07.2019, at the earliest and without further delay.  View the Letter

25.10.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO THE SECRETARY, DPE, ON NON-ISSUE OF ORDERS FOR REVISION OF IDA RATES DUE FROM 01.07.2021 & 01.10.2021 BY DPE:

AIBSNLREA has again addressed Secretary, DPE, drawing his attention to the fact that while there has been no response from DPE to our earlier letters, the Union Cabinet has recently approved release of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 1.7.2021 and hence there can be no justification now to continue to deny increase in IDA due from 01.07.2021 and 01.10.2021 to the CPSE employees, requesting him to ensure that orders for revision of IDA rates w.e.f. 01.07.2021 and 01.10.2021 are issued immediately.  View the Letter

23.10.2021:

CGHS TO HOLD WEBINAR ON 'VARIOUS SKIN CONDITIONS & ROLE OF YOGA':

CGHS has informed that as a step further towards the issue ‘Your Health Our Goal’, it is holding a webinar on ‘Various skin conditions & role of Yoga’ at 4 PM on 26.10.2021. One can join the same by using the link: https://cghshq.webex.com/meet/adhq.dl CGHS has further requested to download webex app to attend the seminar.

22.10.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL ON DISCREPANCIES IN FORM 16 ISSUED BY TAMILNADU CIRCLE IN RESPECT OF BSNL VRS 2019 RETIREES:

AIBSNLREA has written to the Director (HR), BSNL about the discrepancies in Form 16 issued by Tamilnadu Circle to those who retired under BSNL VRS 2019, which remain unrectified months after the same were reported and even when the extended last date for filing ITR by the retirees is fast approaching and has requested immediate action for issue of corrected and revised Form-16 to the BSNL VRS retirees of Tamilnadu Circle with simultaneous action to get Form 26 AS of the affected VRS-retirees rectified.  View the Letter

20.10.2021:

CGMT KARNATKA RESPONDS POSITIVELY TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 15.09.2021:

Responding to AIBSNLREA letter dated 15.09.2021 addressed to the CGMT Karnataka Circle requesting early settlement of claim for reimbursement of indoor treatment taken in a non-empanelled hospital by Shri I F Hadimani, Retd DGM, CGMT Karnataka has reponded by providing the copy of the letter conveying post-facto approval in favour of the claim of Shri I F Hadimani to the GMTD Bellary.  View the response from CGMT KTK Circle

19.10.2021:

PCCA DELHI INFORMS AIBSNLREA THROUGH EMAIL ABOUT CONDUCT OF PENSION ADALAT FOR TELECOM PENSIONERS OF DELHI CIRCLE SETTLED IN RAJASTHAN, AT JODHPUR:

AIBSNLREA has received an email communication from the PCCA Delhi, informing us about conduct of a localised Pension Adalat on 27th October 2021 - 3 PM at office of GM, BSNL, Jodhpur, for those Telecom (BSNL and MTNL) Pensioners of Delhi Circle settled in Rajasthan, collaborating with the office of CCA, Rajasthan. Pensioners who want to participate in the Adalat are required to register by 22.10.2021 through email or WhatsApp provided in the attached Notice.  View the PCCA Delhi Email and Notice

18.10.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO THE SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW, ON CONDONATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE DELAY IN ISSUING APPOINTMENT LETTER TO SHRI A K DUBEY, Retd AGM AGRA UNDER RULE-22 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972:

Pointing out that BSNL has selectively quoting from Rule 22 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to deny the benefit of condonation of administrative delay in issuing appointment letter to Shri A K Dubey, AIBSNLREA has again written to the Secretary (Pension) that BSNL Corporate Office has tried to suppress the fact that under the same Rule, there is a provision for ‘condonation of administrative delay in issuing posting order after training, for counting training period for pension’. Attaching the copy of the relevant pages of Swamy's Pension Rules, highlighting the provisions, AIBSNLREA has requested early resolution of the issue.  View the Letter

12.10.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW, REQUESTING TO ADVISE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS TO HONOUR AND IMPLEMENT THE INTENTION OF DoP&PW IN PROVIDING MECHANISM FOR RESOLUTION OF GRIEVANCES OF PENSIONERS THROUGH CPENGRAMS:

Dismayed with the unimaginable and irresponsible responses by BSNL and DoT, to the grievances filed by AIBSNLREA in CPENGRAMS, AIBSNLREA has now written to the DoP&PW requesting to advise BSNL and DoT to sincerely make efforts to resolve the grievances of the pensioners instead of finding some excuse to close the docket.  View the Letter

11.10.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY, DPE ON NON-ISSUE OF ORDERS FOR REVISION OF IDA RATES DUE FROM 01.07.2021 & 01.10.2021 BY DPE CAUSING CONCERN AND ANXIETY AMIDST BSNL IDA PENSIONERS:

While there has been no response to our earlier letter from DPE and no orders on revised IDA rates due from 01.07.2021 has been issued, another installment of IDA has become due from 01.10.2021. AIBSNLREA has therefore again written to the Secretary DPE pointing out that all these years, DPE had been issuing orders on revised rate of IDA mostly in the first week of the month it became due and non-issue of orders for revised rates of two installments giving room for rumors and speculations unnecessarily. It is also against the principle of compensating the employees and pensioners for the price rise as and when the compensation becomes due. AIBSNLREA has requested Secretary, DPE to ensure that orders for revision of IDA rates w.e.f. 01.07.2021 and 01.10.2021 are issued immediately in order that the uncertainty in the matter comes to an end.  View the Letter

08.10.2021:

CGHS TO HOLD WEBINAR:

CGHS has informed that as a step further towards the issue ‘Your Health Our Goal’, it is to hold a webinar on ‘Common Eye Ailments - Need to prioritize the symptoms’ at 4 PM on 12.10.2021. One can join the same by using the link: https: cghshq.webex.com/meet/adhq.dl. CGHS has further requested to download webex app to attend the seminar.

08.10.2021:

DOT FINALLY ISSUES ORDERS RESOLVING THE ANOMALY IN PENSION OF THE BSNL PENSIONERS RETIRED WITHIN 10 MONTHS OF THEIR ABSORPTION:

AIBSNLREA has been pursuing a case for removal of anomaly in pension of some absorbed BSNL pensioners who retired within 10 months of their absorption for quite a long time. There are about 4320 such cases in BSNL belonging to different cadres- hardly a few of them had been the retired Executives. Since pension was fixed for them taking into average of last 10 months pay, parts of which were in CDA and part in IDA, they received less pension compared to others who had their last 10 months pay only in IDA scale. The matter was taken up both with DOT and DOP&PW. In order to resolve the issue, we first proposed to allow pension fixation on one’s last month’s pay as has been made applicable to post 2006 Government/BSNL employees covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. But DOP&PW, vide its No. 38/6/10-P&PW(A) dated 11.08.2011, conveyed to us that it had consulted Department of Expenditure and no change in the said order for revision of pension to pre-2006 pensioners is required to be made. Then AIBSNLREA suggested that the said anomaly be removed by adopting a similar approach as available in DOP&PW OM F No. 45/86/97-P&PW(A)-Part-I dated 18.10.1999 for removal of an anomaly which was noticed during implementation of the V CPC recommendation. In the instant case, the CDA pay for the months prior to October 2000 forming part of 10 months average pay may be fixed notionally in the IDA pay by giving point to point fixation as was applied while fixing the CDA pay to IDA pay in October 2000. We even suggested that the notional IDA pay so fixed for the months prior to October 2000 forming part of 10 months average pay and the IDA pay from October 2000 till the date of retirement of the affected absorbed BSNL employees may be taken for calculating average pay for the purpose of fixation of pension. We even managed to get this issue along with few other issues included in the agenda items in the meetings of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) since last few years.

DOP&PW, on its part, had suggested a formula to resolve the issue and the DOE advised DOT to work out the financial implication on application of this formula. Meanwhile, CAT Principal Bench, in an Order passed on 16.12.2016 in OA No. 2173/2014, allowed a petition filed by a Pensioners’ Association and some other individuals, and directed to fix pension by granting notional benefit of IDA pay scales. In the subsequent Meeting of SCOVA held on 27.01.2017, Department of Telecom informed that, as desired by Department of Expenditure, financial implication on the formula suggested by DOP&PW was being worked out in consultation with BSNL. In the SCOVA meeting, Department of Telecom was requested to examine the judgment of CAT. Since there was no progress in the matter, we again took up the issue and even addressed a letter to Prime Minister in August, 2017. However, DOT moved Delhi High Court with a Writ Petition against the Principal CAT Order and also obtained a stay Order.

Consequent to the dismissal of the appeal on 24.01.2020, with the approval of the competent authority, DoT has now issued orders to remove the anomaly by refixing the pension of those who retired within the period of 10 months from 01.10.2000, from the date of their retirement, by adopting the formula as contained in DOP&PW OM F No. 45/86/97-P&PW(A)-Part-I dated 18.10.1999 by giving them notional benefit of IDA pay for the period their pay was taken in CDA pay for the purpose of calculating average emoluments and thereafter grant of all consequential benefits, thus bringing to an end the anomaly that was allowed to exist for two decades.  View the DoT letter

06.10.2021:

E-JOURNAL OCTOBER 2021 ISSUE:

October 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

02.10.2021:

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ISSUES CLARIFICATION REGARDING INVESTIGATIONS AT EMPANELLED DIAGNOSTIC CENTRES IN RESPECT OF CGHS BENEFICIARIES AGED 75 YEARS AND ABOVE:

With reference to its earlier O.M. dated 29.05.2019 permitting CGHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and above to consult Specialists at Hospitals empanelled under CGHS without referral from CGHS, Department of Health & Family Welfare has clarified that there is no provision to undergo investigations at CGHS empanelled Diagnostic Laboratories and Imaging Centres without advice from Government Specialists/CGHS Medical officer/Specialists of empanelled hospitals. In case of unlisted investigations, approval of competent authority is necessary before undergoing such investigations from empanelled Diagnostic Laboratories and Imaging Centres.  View the DoH&FW O.M.

01.10.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER, TELECOM, BSNL, ANDHRA PRADESH CIRCLE ON DISCREPANCY IN PAY FIXATION IN IDA PAY SCALE ON ABSORPTION IN BSNL W.E.F. 01.10.2000 RESULTING IN LESSER PENSION - CASE OF SHRI C H SUBRAHMANYAM, RETD SDE NELLORE:

Shri C H Subrahmanyam, Retd SDE, Nellore, had been representing since the year 2004 regarding fixation of his pay in IDA pay scales on absorption in BSNL which resulted in his drawing lesser pay than his junior from 19.01.2002. Non-settlement of his grievance has resulted in his drawing lesser pension than his juniors. AIBSNLREA has taken up the issue with the CGMT, AP Circle, drawing attention to Para 4 of DoP&PW OM No. No.4/18/87-P&PW (D) dated 5th July 1989, according to which "until the exercise of this option, they will continue to be governed by the pay scales, leave entitlements and terminal benefits under the Government” and therefore rejecting his representation as ‘time barred’ is completely against the law.  View the Letter

30.09.2021:

IDA RATES DUE FROM 01.10.2021:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for the months June, July and August 2021, the revised IDA rate due w.e.f. 01.10.2021 is 179.3% for CPSEs where the last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and 371.4% for CPSEs where the last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997. DPE has not yet issued orders for IDA rates due w.e.f. 1.7.2021 with the IDA rates remaining at 170.5% in the former case and at 356.7% in the latter case.

30.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY, DoT ON CALCULATION OF GRATUITY AND LEAVE ENCASHMENT IN RESPECT OF BSNL EMPLOYEES WHO RETIRED FROM OCTOBER 2020 TO JUNE 2021:

Drawing the attention of the Secretary, DoT, to the DoE OM No.1(5)/E.V/2020 dated 7th September 2021 allowing notional calculation of DA in respect of Central Government employees retired during the period from January 2020 to June 2021, in order to ensure that those retired during the period did not get less amount of gratuity and cash payment in lieu of leave than what would have been calculable but for the freezing of DA during the period, AIBSNLREA has requested to issue similar order as has been issued by the DoE, so that BSNL employees who retired during the period from October 2020 to June 2021 are not to put to loss by getting lesser amount of gratuity and leave encashment than what would have been calculable but for the freezing of IDA during the said period.  View the Letter

28.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY, DoT REQUESTING ISSUE OF ORDERS RESTRAINING CCAs NOT TOGO BACK TO A PERIOD EARLIER THAN 24 MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE OF RETIREMENT FOR RAISING OBSERVATIONS RELATING TO PAY FIXATION Etc:

Drawing the attention of the Secretary, DoT, in the matter of unending cases of harassment and huge financial loss to the retiring BSNL employees, whose pension papers are forwarded to the offices of Controllers of Communication Accounts for fixation of their pension and release of other pensionary benefits and pointing out orders issued by Department of Posts quoting from the provision in Rule 7.3.2 - Role of Pay and Accounts Officer in Chapter 7 of the Civil Accounts Manual for the HOD and Pay and Accounts Officer etc and directing its officers in DAP that the Officers should in any case not go back to a period earlier than 24 months preceding the date of retirement for raising observations relating to pay fixation etc as per the guidelines, AIBSNLREA has requested that DoT also issues clear orders to the CCAs, in the same manner as issued by the Department of Posts to protect the BSNL retirees from being harassed and put to financial loss.  View the Letter

27.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE DIRECTOR (F) BSNL POINTING OUT THE INCORRECTNESS OF THE CLARIFICATION ISSUED BY BSNL ON TAXABILITY OF PAYMENTS MADE TO RETIRED EMPLOYEES AND NOMINEES OF DECEASED EMPLOYEES AND REQUESTING WITHDRAWAL OF THE CLARIFICATION:

BSNL vide its letter dated 22.09.2021, had issued clarification on taxability of payments made to retired employees wherein it had advised the Circles/Units to deduct tax at source under the head salary for the reimbursement of one-time subscription paid by BSNL absorbed pensioners for switching over from BSNL MRS to CGHS, stating that there was absence of clarity on the matter. AIBSNLREA has since written to the Director (F), BSNL, reimbursement cannot be treated as income and that initial payment by the retired employee and later reimbursement by BSNL is only a working arrangement instead of BSNL paying the onetime subscription directly to CGHS in respect of those opting for CGHS. AIBSNLREA has therefore requested to withdraw the clarification as there is no rationale and justification in BSNL deducting tax at source for the reimbursement of onetime payment of subscription to CGHS in respect of BSNL absorbed IDA pensioner.  View the Letter

25.09.2021:

CGHS TO HOLD WEBINAR:

CGHS has informed that as a step further towards the issue ‘Your Health Our Goal’, it is to hold a webinar on ‘Gastrointestinal disorders & role of Yoga’ at 4 PM on 28.09.2021. One can join the same by using the link: https: #cghshq.webex.com/meet/adhq.dl. CGHS has further requested to download webex app to attend the seminar.

24.09.2021:

VARANASI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD GB MEETING:

Varanasi Branch of AIBSNLREA will be holding its General Body Meeting at 14.00 hours of 06.10.2021 in the CTX Building. The meeting to be held under the presidentship of Shri P M Ansari will pay condolence in memory of the departed members and other family members. Agenda of the meeting includes consideration and adoption of Branch Secretary’s Report, passing of Finance Secretary’s Report and holding of election of Office Bearers of the Branch for the next term. All members and other retired BSNL Executives desirous to join the Association are requested to attend the meeting.

22.09.2021:

BSNL ISSUES CLARIFICATIONS ON TAXABILITY OF PAYMENTS MADE TO RETIRED EMPLOYEES AND NOMINEES OF DECEASED EMPLOYEES:

BSNL has issued clarifications on taxability of reimbursement of CGHS subscription to BSNL absorbed retired employees, gratuity/leave encashment payable to nominee/legal heirs of BSNL employee on death while in employment and medical reimbursement to the spouse/dependents of the deceased employees.  View the BSNL letter

22.09.2021:

NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED IN KALABURAGI (FORMERLY GULBARGA), KARNATAKA CIRCLE:

A meeting of retired BSNL executives was held on 16.09.2021 in GM Office, Kalaburagi, with 19 executives attending. 15 Executives enrolled as members of AIBSNLREA in the meeting and the others will join shortly. The meeting elected unanimously the office bearers of the branch, with Shri S B Telgani as President, Shri G S Hugar as Secretary and Shri M D Joshi as Finance Secretary. The meeting resolved to enroll many more members in the coming weeks.  View the list of office bearers

22.09.2021:

DoP&PW ISSUES O.M. SUMMARISING DIFFERENT MODES AVAILABLE TO PENSIONERS FOR SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL LIFE CERTIFICATE:

DoP&PW has once again summarised the different modes for submission of Life Certificate by Pensioners which include personal appearance before Pension Disbursing Banks, certificate signed by designated official without personal appearance,Digital Life Certificate through Jeevan Pramaan, availing doorstep service through postman using India Post Payments Bank network and doorstep banking by 12 public sector banks.  View the DoPP&W OM

17.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE CHAIRMAN, CBDT ON WAIVAL OF 1% INTEREST ON SELF ASSESSMENT TAX PAID DURING THE EXTENDED PERIOD FOR FILING OF ITR BY INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER:

Usually, if the government extends this deadline of filing ITR, then it is assumed that deadline of making self-assessment tax payment is also extended, unless otherwise is specifically mentioned by the government. But according to the notification issued by CBDT vide CBDT Circular No.17/2021 in F.No.225/49/2021/ITA-II dated 09.09.2021, while deadline for filing ITR by individual tax payers has been extended till December 2021, the deadline for making self assessment tax payment has not been extended, resulting in a situation where the individual taxpayers whose tax due exceeds Rs.1 lakh will be required to pay interest @ 1% per month or part thereof from August 1, 2021, till making the entire payment of Self-Assessment tax. AIBSNLREA has therefore written to the Chairman, CBDT, requesting waival of the interest and allowing payment of Self Assessment tax until 31st December 2021.  View the Letter

16.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REQUESTING AMENDING OF SUB RULE (2A) OF RULE 49 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES 1972 TO REMOVE THE CONFLICTING TERM 'ON COMPLETION OF 80 YEARS AND ABOVE.':

Referring to the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court order, which has interpreted “from 80 years” as the first day of 80th year for eligibility of additional quantum of pension and Hon’ble Supreme Court of India dismissing the SLP against the ruling, AIBSNLREA has written to the Prime Minister of India, requesting him to get the issue examined and order removal of the conflicting term “after completion of eighty years of age or above” under Sub rule (2A) of Rule 49 of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972, so that the amendment brought in vide DoP&PW letter No. 38/80/2008-P&PW (A) (Part II) dated 8th June 2011 becomes just, reasonable and sensible.  View the Letter

15.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE CGM KARNATAKA REQUESTING EARLY SETTLEMENT OF CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF INDOOR TREATMENT OF SHRI I F HADIMANI, RETD DGM:

AIBSNLREA has written to CGMT Karnataka Circle for grant of post-facto approval for treatment undergone by Shri I F Hadimani in a non-empanelled hospital for emergency procedure on 19.09.2019.  View the Letter

15.09.2021:

BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 12TH AUGUST 2021 ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR (HR) ON DISCREPANCIES IN BROADBAND BILLS OF BSNL PENSIONERS HAVING RESIDENTIAL CONNECTION UNDER CHENNAI TELEPHONES AREA:

Responding to our letter dated 12th August 2021, BSNL Corporate Office has stated that 60% discount on Broadband is applicable for BSNL retired employees and not applicable to DoT retired employees and accordingly the 60% discount was inactivated for DoT retired employees. It has further suggested that if any connection of the BSNL retired employee got inactivated or discount of 10% is being given in place of 60% discount, the concerned SSA may be contacted for updation of 60% discount in SZ CDR system after verification of records.  View the BSNL letter

14.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO THE CGM KARNATAKA REQUESTING RELEASE OF WITHHELD EX-GRATIA, GRATUITY AND CVP IN VIEW OF QUASHING OF CHARGESHEET BY CAT BANGALORE - CASE OF SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT:

Responding to our letter dated 11th August 2021, copy of an Internal Note from AGM (Legal) to AGM (PG) O/o CGMT, Karnataka has been provided to us, which states that a Writ Petition has been filed before Karnataka High Court and the matter is subjudice. AIBSNLREA has again written to CGMT, Karnataka, drawing his attention to BSNL letter No.48-7/2018-Pen (B) dated 30.12.2019 conveying the decision of DoT that unless there is a stay on the orders of acquittal, a pensioner should not be put to disadvantage and DoT had decided to go by the advice rendered by Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, wherein it has been stated that "if a pensioner is acquitted by a Trial Court, notwithstanding the appeal filed against this acquittal, the fact remains that with the acquittal, the judicial proceedings should be considered to be concluded in accordance with the rules ibid, and the Department may take action and issue orders accordingly." AIBSNLREA has further stated that the present case is not even one of criminal proceedings and only is a departmental disciplinary proceeding which has also been aborted by the CAT Bangalore quashing the chargesheet itself. Therefore, there cannot be any justification in denying issue of final retirement orders and grant of all retirement benefits in respect of Shri B M Nyamati, Retd CAO on the plea that appeal is pending.  View the Letter

14.09.2021:

MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 11TH AUGUST 2021 ON DISCRIMINATION ARISING OUT OF DENIAL OF OPTION TO GROUP C EMPLOYEES OF DOT TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 01.10.2000:

Responding to our letter dated 11th August 2021, Maharashtra Circle has stated that the applicability of DoT letter dated 04.11.2010 to group C & D employees is referred to DoT and the decision is awaited.  View the MH Circle response

13.09.2021:

KARNATAKA CIRCLE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 11TH AUGUST 2021 REQUESTING RELEASE OF WITHHELD EX-GRATIA, GRATUITY AND CVP IN VIEW OF QUASHING OF CHARGESHEET BY CAT BANGALORE - CASE OF SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT:

Responding to our letter dated 11th August 2021, copy of an Internal Note from AGM (Legal) to AGM (PG) O/o CGMT, Karnataka has been provided to us, which states that a Writ Petition has been filed before Karnataka High Court and the matter is subjudice.  View the Note

12.09.2021:

WEBINAR BY CGHS:

CGHS has informed us that as a step further towards the subject ‘Your Health Our Goal’ on ‘Care during Pregnancy & After Delivery’, it is holding a webinar at 4 PM on 14.09.2021.  One can join the same by using this link.

10.09.2021:

BSNL RESPONDS TO OUR LETTER DATED 13TH AUGUST 2021 ON DELAY IN ISSUE OF FORM 16/16A BY BANKS AND EMPLOYERS:

Responding to our letter addressed to CBDT requesting extension of last date for filing ITR in view of delay in issue of Form 16/16A by the banks and employers, BSNL has stated that so far as BSNL is concerned Form 16 has already been issued by this office and shared with Circles for onward distribution to the concerned retired employees on receipt of request mentioning PAN through email.  View the BSNL letter

09.09.2021:

CBDT FURTHER EXTENDS DUE DATE FOR FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN TO 31.12.2021:

A CBDT Press Release today conveys that the due date of furnishing of Return of Income for the Assessment year 2021-22 is further extended to 31st December 2021.  View the CBDT Press Release

09.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY, DOT REGARDING REFUSAL BY CCA TAMILNADU TO ALLOW NOTIONAL PAY AS ON EFFECTIVE DATE OF VRS 2019 I.E. 31.01.2020 ASSUMING THERE IS NO PENALTY AS PER BSNL GUIDELINES DATED 30.01.2020 IN RESPECT OF SHRI V SAMPATHKUMAR, RETD AO TAMILNADU CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has written to the Secretary, DoT requesting issue of clarification sought for by PCCA Tamilnadu almost a year back in order that Shri V Sampathkumar gets his pension fixed as per BSNL CO guidelines dated 30.01.2020.  View the letter

08.09.2021:

DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE ISSUES ORDERS ON CALCULATION OF GRATUITY AND CASH PAYMENT IN LIEU OF LEAVE FOR THOSE WHO RETIRED ON OR AFTER 01.01.2020 AND UPTO 30.06.2021.:

Keeping in view that gratuity and cash payment in lieu of leave are one-time retirement benefits admissible to employees on retirement and employees who retired during the period from 01.01.2020 to 30.06.2021 have been allowed lesser amount than what would have been calculable but for freezing of Dearness Allowance during the period and considering the matter sympathetically, DoE has issued orders for calculation of gratuity and cash payment in lieu of leave on the basis of notional percentage of DA for the said period.  View the DoE letter

08.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) REQUESTING FORMULATION OF HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY FOR BSNL RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

In response to our letter dated 31.07.2021 on the subject, BSNL had replied that the payment of premium is to be deducted from salary and paid to Insurer whereas for retired employees, deduction of premium amount is not possible and as such Group Health Policy is not technically feasible. However the letter also mentioned that the issue raised by us in lieu of indoor treatment under BSNL MRS is a policy matter and our suggestions have been noted, implying that our suggestions will be considered as and when the policy is reviewed. AIBSNLREA has therefore written again to Director (HR) suggesting that an exercise can be initiated to work out the financial implications involved and modalities that will be required to put in place an effective Health Insurance Policy for retired employees with BSNL paying the premium.  View the letter

07.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW REQUESTING HIM TO IMPRESS UPON THE BANKS TO IMPLEMENT THE LONG EXISTING INSTRUCTIONS ON DOORSTEP COLLECTION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE FROM PENSIONERS:

DoP&PW vide its Circular No.12/4/2020-P&PW(C)-6300 dated January 17, 2020, had issued instructions, for strict compliance, to promote Ease of Living for pensioners and minimize the cases of non-submission of Life Certificate by the pensioners and ensure uninterrupted disbursement of pension to them. The core of the instructions was that the banks should encourage pensioners to take request for doorstep visits through SMS/Email and provide doorstep collection of the Life Certificate, charging them not more than Rs.60/- for such doorstep visit, apart from encouraging submission of Life Certificate through Digital means. But it has been observed that such services are yet to be offered by banks or are restricted to select branches. AIBSNLREA has written to the Secretary (Pension) requesting him to use his good offices to impress upon the CPPCs of all banks about the extreme hardship faced by the pensioners, especially those above 70 years of age and ensure implementation of the long existing instructions to collect the Life Certificate from the doorsteps of the pensioners.  View the letter

07.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY DPE ON NON-ISSUE OF ORDERS FOR REVISION OF IDA RATE W.E.F. 01.07.2021 BY DPE CAUSING CONCERN AND ANXIETY AMIDST BSNL PENSIONERS:

After issue of orders for restoration of the frozen IDA by DPE on 2nd August 2021, increasing the rate of IDA from 159.9% to 170.5%, which included the revised rates for the period from 01.10.2020, 01.01.2021 and 01.04.2021, we expected that orders for revision of IDA rate for the quarter July 2021 to September 2021 w.e.f. 01.07.2021 will be issued separately in the next few days. But non-release of orders for revision of IDA rate w.e.f. 01.07.2021 till now, has given room for anxiety and concern among the BSNL IDA pensioners. AIBSNLREA has therefore written to the Secretary, DPE to ensure that orders for revision of IDA rates w.e.f. 01.07.2021 are issued early in order that the uncertainty in the matter comes to an end.  View the letter

06.09.2021:

E-JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE:

September 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

04.09.2021:

SENIOR CITIZENS ABOVE 75 NEED TO SUBMIT FORM 12BBA FOR EXEMPTION FROM FILING IT RETURN:

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified a new rule that mandates senior citizens above 75 years to submit form 12BBA for claiming the benefit of not filing an income tax return (ITR) under section 194P. The board has notified a new rule 26D, under which senior citizens are required to submit form 12BBA with the specified bank to claim the benefit of section 194P. The board has also amended form 16, form 24Q, form 26QC and form 26QD to incorporate necessary changes related to provisions of section 194P. Under section 194P, tax deduction at source (TDS) is deductible only for specified senior citizens above 75 years. These seniors need to submit a declaration of income in form 12BBA to the specified bank as notified by the Union government. The declaration contains information like total income, details of deductions under section 80C to section 80U, rebate available under section 87A and a declaration confirming receipt of income only from pension and interest. Once the specified bank deducts tax under section 197P, the specified senior citizens are not required to file ITR since section 139 will not apply to them. For the purpose of Section 194P CBDT notifies specified Bank to mean a banking company which is a scheduled bank and has been appointed as agents of Reserve Bank of India under section 45 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934), vide another Notification No. 98/2021-Income-tax Dated: 2nd September, 2021.  View the CBDT Notification

01.09.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW REQUESTING FOR ANALYSIS AND PASSING OF ORDERS BY DOP&PW ON DENIAL OF PENSION ISSUE, WHICH IS EXLUSIVELY A GRIEVANCE CLOSED BY BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED AND ISSUE OF ADVICE TO BSNL FOR TAKING APPROPRIATE FINAL ACTION:

Recently, DOP&PW vide its OM No.17/3/2021-P&PW(Coord.) E 7179 dated 06.08.2021 had issued guidelines for timely and qualitative disposal of Pensioners' grievances, wherein it had been rightly pointed out that the purpose of grievance redressal machinery is not only to allow easy access of Govt machinery for pensioners but also disposal of the grievances expeditiously while maintaining the quality in redressal of the grievances. It had also been mentioned that DOPPW is periodically analysing closed Grievances wherever it is observed that Grievances were closed by the offices without taking appropriate final action. Drawing attention to this OM, AIBSNLREA has now requested Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW to get the grievance of Shri A K Dubey analysed and issue specific advice to BSNL Corporate Office to clear the air by categorically writing to UP West Telecom Circle that CGMT UP West has the authority to approve the condonation of administrative delay in issuing posting orders after completion of pre-appointment training and thus put to an end of this long pending grievance.  View the letter

27.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW REQUESTING TO ALLOW SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE W.E.F. 1ST OCTOBER EVERY YEAR FOR PENSIONERS ABOVE 70 YEARS OF AGE:

DoP&PW vide its OM No.I/20/2018-P&PW (E) dated 18.07.2019, had conveyed the decision that senior pensioners aged 80 years and above be allowed to give their Life Certificate w.e.f. 1st October every year instead of November which would be valid till 30th November of the subsequent year. AIBSNLREA has written to the Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW requesting that pensioners aged 70 years and above be allowed to give their Life Certificate w.e.f. 1st October every year instead of November which would be valid till 30th November of the subsequent year, since the pensioners will face more difficulties due to the pandemic still around and consequent risk involved in crowding. AIBSNLREA has also requested that in addition, like last year, all the Pensioners may be allowed to submit Life Certificate from 1st November 2021 onward till 31st December 2021 and the pensioners in the age group of 70 years and above may submit Life certificate from 1st October 2021 onwards till 31st December 2021.  View the letter

26.08.2021:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA KURUKSHETRA BRANCH HELD:

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA KURUKSHETRA Branch was held on 25.8.2021 at Haryana Tourism's Yatri Niwas Kurukshetra. At the very outset tributes were paid to the memory of one of our active members, late Shri Ashok Kapoor who succumbed to Corona a few months back. A two minutes silence was observed for grant of peace to the departed soul. Shri D S Sandhu OSN who is also a member of this branch briefed the members of the efforts made at CHQ level by the General Secretary to resolve pending issues. The status of cases like medical bills reimbursement, notional increment due on next day of retirement, 78.2 IDA arrears court case, FTTH plan discount, CGHS enrollment, wage & pension revision, freezing/restoration of IDA and many more issues were discussed in detail. The vigorous efforts made by Shri Basu GS despite his prolonged illness were appreciated. Due to large number of pensioners joining CGHS a demand was projected by some members for setting of CGHS wellness Center at Kurukshetra and for empanelment of more hospitals at/around Kurukshetra. The members expressed their concern about the prolonged illness of State secretary shri Jogi Ram's wife and about medical condition of Life member Shri Sushil Kumar Aggarwal who had undergone surgery for his oral cancer and wished for their early recovery. 11 retired executives who were invited to attend the meeting also joined as life members. The meeting was concluded with a vote of thanks followed by lunch for the participants.

26.08.2021:

MADRAS HIGH COURT ORDERS THAT EVERY PAGE OF RTI REPLIES SHOULD BE ATTESTED AND SIGNED:

The Madras High Court has ordered that while replying to Right to Information (RTI) Act applications, the public information officers, appellate authorities as well as officials of Information Commission must sign in every page and provide their Aadhaar number too so that action can be taken for furnishing false information. The orders were passed while disposing of a writ petition filed by an individual M. Sittarasu in 2020.  View the Media Report

24.08.2021:

BSNL RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 31.07.2021 REQUESTING FOR FORMULATING A HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY FOR BSNL RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

Following notification on 30.07.2021 by BSNL of a Health Insurance Policy for BSNL employees, AIBNSLREA had written to Director (HR) for formulating a Health Insurance Policy for BSNL retired employees, with the premium paid by BSNL. View the AIBSNLREA letter BSNL has now responded to our letter stating that a Group Health Insurance policy for retired employees is not technically feasible through BSNL as deduction of premium by BSNL is not possible. It adds that the issue raised by us is a policy matter and our suggestions have been noted.  View the BSNL response

24.08.2021:

BSNL SURPRISES WITH INCREASING SUBSCRIBER MARKET SHARE:

According to media reports, BSNL saw a consistent growth in subscriber market share in the last few years. In FY17, the telco had a subscriber market share of 8.6% which grew to 9.4% in FY18, then to 9.9% in FY19, and then to 10.3% in FY20.  View the Media Report

24.08.2021:

FINANCE MINISTER GIVES INFOSYS SEPTEMBER 15 DEADLINE TO SET RIGHT INCOME TAX PORTAL:

According to media reports, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a meeting with Infosys CEO Salil Parekh yesterday expressed "deep disappointment" plaguing the new income tax portal for more than two months after launch and gave him till September 15 to resolve all issues.  View the Media Report

23.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES AGAIN TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRAR COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES ON THE SERIOUS STATE OF AFFAIRS IN THE GOVERNMENT TELECOM EMPLOYEES' COOPERATIVE SOCIETY CHENNAI, RESULTING IN NON-SETTLEMENT OF DUES OF ITS MEMBERS WHO HAVE RETIRED FROM SERVICE AND CEASED TO BE THE MEMBERS SINCE LONG, REQUESTING HIS INTERVENTIONTO END THE PLIGHT OF THE PENSIONERS:

AIBSNLREA had earlier brought to the notice of all concerned, including the Central Registrar Cooperative Societies, vide letters No.AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/39 dated 25.05.2020 and AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/121 dated 13.10.2020, about the high handed attitude of the above named Society, by refusing to pay the dues of its members who have retired long back and thereby ceased to be its members but brazenly recovering huge amounts as its dues even without adjusting the assets of the members available with the society. After more than a year now, the situation is still worse, with the hundreds of past members of the society, those who ceased to be members after their retirement, remain clueless as to when will they get back their dues running to lakhs of rupees for each individual. AIBSNLREA therefore has again sought the intervention of the Central Registrar drawing his attention to the Constitution 97th Amendment through which Part IXB under the chapter heading ‘The Co-operative Societies’ was introduced, “the Central Government has committed to ensure that the co-operative societies in the country function in a democratic, professional, autonomous and economically sound manner” and therefore the Central Registrar cannot remain a silent spectator and should intervene immediately to ensure that the pensioners’ plight comes to an end.  View the letter

22.08.2021:

OPERATION OF MTNL MUMBAI MOBILE NETWORK TO BE HANDED OVER TO BSNL W.E.F. 01.09.2021:

The case of maintenance of MTNL Mobile network by BSNL as an outsourced agency has already been agreed by BSNL & MTNL Board. Operation of Delhi Mobile network has already been handed over to BSNL w.e.f. 1st April 2021. Now the operation of MTNL Mumbai Mobile network is to be taken taken over by BSNL w.e.f. 01.09.2021.

21.08.2021:

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS ISSUES ORDERS ALLOWING WITHDRAWAL /LOAN/CLOSURE/PREMATURE CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS IN POST OFFICES THROUGH AUTHORISED PERSON:

Responding to representations about difficulties faced by Senior Citizens of people suffering with illness, Department of Posts has issued orders that in case of extreme exigencies (i.e. Senior Citizens or illness of account holder or suffering from physical infirmity or is with differently abled conditions), the withdrawal or loan or account closure or premature closure may be allowed through authorised person and has laid down the procedure to be followed.  View the Dept. of Posts letter

20.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY PENSION, DoP&PW ON NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF ORDERS OF SUPREME COURTOF INDIA IN CA No.4389 OF 2010 IN EXTENDING THE CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS TO THE JTOs QUALIFIED IN TES GROUPB QUALIFYING EXAINATION AND WERE PROMOTED TO DE GRADE ON ADHOC BASIS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS BEFORE FORMATION OF BSNL:

Having no response to its earlier representation addressed to the Secretary, DoT, AIBSNLREA now has sought the intervention of the Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW, pointing out that both BSNL and DoT are silent over extending the benefits to those who were promoted prior to formation of BSNL and has requested him to impress upon DoT and BSNL to extend the benefits to them.  View the letter

20.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE CMD BSNL ON DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF ORDER OF SUPREME COURT OF INDIA IN CA No.4389OF 2010 IN EXTENDING THE CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS TO THE JTOs QUALIFIED IN TES GROUP B QUAIFYING EXAMINATION AND WERE PROMOTED TO DE/AGM GRADE, BASED ON THE REVISED SENIORITY LIST:

AIBSNLREA has written to the CMD BSNL that after writing to all circles on 16.07.2019 indicating indicating therein that BSNL is about to process the case for extending the consequential benefits, as ordered by the Supreme Court, listing 162 promotion orders issued by BSNL, only one of the promotion order issued on 14.10.2009 has been processed till now. AIBSNLREA has requested CMD to kindly bestow his personal attention and cause review DPCs in respect of all the other promotion orders issued by BSNL.  View the letter

19.08.2021:

GB MEETING OF AMBALA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

A general body meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 18th August 2021 at Delhi Darbar Restaurant. The meeting was conducted under the Presidentship of Shri K L. Gakhar as Shri Prithvi Chand President was not present in the meeting due to certain preoccupations. At the outset branch members paid rich tributes to two of our members Shri Anil Gupta and Shri M.K. Srivastva who lost their lives due to covid during the intervening period. The members observed two minutes of silence for the departed souls. [View 'Haryana' page of State News section for full text]

16.08.2021:

ITPC PUNE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 15.07.2021 ON DISCREPANCY IN BROADBAND BILLS OF BSNL PENSIONERS RESIDING UNDER CHENNAI TELEPHONE AREA:

AIBSNLREA had written to CGM ITPC Pune on 15.07.2021 pointing out discrepancy in broadband bill for the period 1.6.2021 to 30.6.2021 wherein only 10% concession had been allowed instead of the 60% hitherto allowed and had requested remedial action. CGM ITPC has now responded with the reply from DE (Admin) SDE Hyderabad. This letter states that 60% discount scheme is inactivated and 10% discount is activated against 279 Retired DOT connections w.e.f. 01.06.2021 as per data available in SZ CDR database and that if any connection referred to by AIBSNLREA belongs to retired BSNL officials, the concerned SSA may attach the applicable discount after verifying the records and the same may be updated in SZ CDR system also.  View the reply from ITPC Pune

13.08.2021:

DoP&PW ISSUES FRESH AND IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR TIMELY AND QUALITATIVE DISPOSAL OF PENSIONERS' GRIEVANCES:

DoP&PW vide its OM No.17/3/2021-P&PW(Coord.) E 7179 dated 6th August 2021 has issued fresh guidelines for timely and qualitative disposal of pensioners' grievances. The grievances are to be resolved within 45 days and in respect of family pensioner/super senior pensioner (above 80 years) the grievance should be resolved within 30 days. EVERY GRIEVANCE SHALL BE CLOSED ONLY AFTER ITS FINAL RESOLUTION. If it pertains to subordinate/attached office, the case may be forwarded to the concerned office but should not be closed until final action is taken. The responsibility lies with the Ministry/Department to follow up the matter with the subordinate/attached units for final resolution. If the grievance is disposed of in favour of the pensioner, the option 'Accepted' shall be indicated. In other cases, a speaking order shall be passed giving reasons for rejection/partial acceptance and als uploaded in the portal. Ministries/Departments/Organisations shall identify core grievance prone areas and streamline their systems to eliminate root cause of grievances.  View the DoP&PW OM

13.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE CHAIRMAN CBDT REGARDING DELAY IN ISSUE OF FORM 16/16A BY BANKS AND EMPLOYERS AND REQUESTING EXTENSION OF LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF IT RETURNS:

AIBSNLREA has written to the Chairman, CBDT requesting him to issue directions that the banks/employers should send the Form 16/16A to the senior citizens/pensioners either through post or email and the last date for filing IT returns is further extended to 31st October 2021, keeping in mind the non-receipt/delayed receipt of Form 16/16A and the time required to prepare and submit the returns after receipt of Form 16/16A.  View the letter

13.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (F) BSNL REQUESTING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MTNL TELEPHONE BILLS FOR THE PENSIONERS RESIDING IN DELHI AND HAVING MTNL RESIDENTIAL CONNECTIONS UNDER RE-DOT CATEGORY WHICH ARE PENDING SINCE THE YEAR 2019:

AIBSNLREA has writtent to Director (F) BSNL drawing her attention to the fact that the claims for reimbursement of telephone bills for pensioners residing in Delhi and having MTNL residential landline connections under RE-DOT category remain unpaid since the year 2019 and requesting her to ensure payment of pending claims without further delay.  View the letter  View the addendum to the letter

13.08.2021:

DPE ISSUES CORRIGENDUM TO ITS LETTER DATED 10TH AUGUST 2021:

In response to AIBSNLREA letter dated 11.08.2021 requesting to issue a corrigendum regarding the effective date in its letter dated 10th August 2021 shown inadvertently as 01.01.2017 instead of 01.07.2021, DPE has responded immediately stating that the last line of para 2 of DPE Letter No. W -02/0045/2020-DPE(WC) dated 10.08.2021 may be read as the following: DPE vide OMs dated 02.08.2021 & 03.08.2021 (available on DPE website) has revised the DA rates for2017, 2007, 1997, 1992 & 1987 IDA pay scales in respect of Executives and Non-Unionized Supervisors ofCPSE w.e.f. 01.07.2021, which subsumes the installment due on 01.10.2020, 01.01.2021 & 01.04.2021.  View the DPE Email

12.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) SEEKING HIS INTERVENTION TO REMOVE CONFUSION AND DISCREPANCY IN CONCESSION ALLOWED FOR BROADBAND CONNECTION TO RETIRED ERSTWHILE DOT EMPLOYEES:

AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the issue with the CGM, ITPC, Pune drawing his attention to discrepancies in broadband bills of BSNL pensioners residing in Chennai Telephones area for the billing period 1.6.2021 to 30.6.2021 in respect of concession available to BSNL retired employees for broadband connection at their residences, pointing out that the concession allowed hitherto of 60% has been reduced wrongly to 10%. As there has been no response or action by CGM ITPC Pune, AIBSNLREA has now drawn the attention of Director (HR) BSNL, conveying our apprehension that the above said discrepancies are a fallout of incorrect interpretation of the recent BSNL Circular on concession for FTTH connection and confusion in categorization of 60% concession in broadband available to retired erstwhile DoT employees and the 10% concession available to employees of Government departments/PSUs.  View the letter

12.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (PENSION), DoP&PW SEEKING REMOVAL OF DISCRIMINATION ARISING OUT OF DENIAL OF OPTION TO GROUP C EMPLOYEES OF DOT TO RETAIN CDA PAY SCALE TILL THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 01.10.2000, THE DATE OF FORMATION OF BSNL:

AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the issue of non-allowing of option to retain CDA pay scale till date of promotion after formation of BSNL to Group C and D employees while the same was offered to the Group A&B officers, without success. Now it has been brought to our notice that discrimination exists not only between the employees and officers but also among the employees themselves, leading to a situation wherein senior employees of Group "C" level are drawing lesser pension than their junior Group "C" level employees who have been allowed the benefit of option and got their fixed at higher stages while in service. AIBSNLREA has written to Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW requesting his intervention.  View the letter

11.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CGMT KARNATAKA CIRCLE REQUESTING RELEASING OF WITHHELD EX-GRATIA, GRANT OF TIME BOUND UPGRADATIONS AND RELEASING OF GRATUITY AND CVP IN VIEW OF QUASHING OF CHARGESHEET BY CAT BANGALORE - CASE OF SHRI B M NYAMATI RETD CAO BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT :

After getting the Leave encashment released in respect of Shri B M Nyamati, Retd CAO Bangalore Telecom District, AIBSNLREA had been pursuing release of his withheld ex-gratia. Now that Hon'ble CAT Bangalore has quashed the chargesheet pending against him, we have now written to the CGMT, Karnataka Circle to initiate action for issue of final retirement orders, consequent release of withheld ex-gratia, grant of two time bound promotions and release of gratuity and commutation in view of his attaining the age of 60 years.  View the letter

11.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA RESPONDS TO DPE REMARKS THAT DPE DOES NOT ISSUE DA RATES FOR WORKMEN AND PENSIONERS OF CPSEs:

AIBSNLREA has responded to the DPE remarks by submitting that "though it is true that DPE does not issue DA rates for workmen and pensioners for CPSEs, it is also a fact that BSNL pensioners are paid IDA pension and other pensionary benefits by the Government of India under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and the IDA rates issued by the DPE apply to them for release of Dearness Relief. The DoT has even issued guidelines to its CCAs to release Industrial Dearness Relief by downloading the orders available on DPE website." AIBSNLREA has also pointed out an inadvertent error in the letter where the effective date of restored IDA is shown as 01.01.2017 instead of 01.07.2021 and has requested issue of a corrigendum.  View the letter

11.08.2021:

DPE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 28.07.2021 REGARDING RESTORATION OF IDA:

AIBSNLREA had written to the Secretary, DPE expressing concern over delay in issue of orders for restoration of IDA w.e.f. 1.7.2021. In response, DPE has now informed us that orders have been issued vide OMs dated 02.08.2021 & 03.08.2021. It has further stated that "DPE does not issue DA rates for workmen and pensioners of CPSEs."  View the DPE letter

09.08.2021:

BSNL ISSUES CLARIFICATION REGARDING REVALIDATION OF BSNL MEDICAL CARD AND PAYMENT OF MEDICAL CASH ALLOWANCE WITHOUT VOUCHER FACILITY TO RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

It was AIBSNLREA which immediately reacted when BSNL vide its letter dated 07.07.2021 required all retired employees to furnish fresh option both for allowance without voucher and claims with voucher along with so many documents already available with the SSAs, and requested Director (HR) to cause "issue of clarification that option is required to be submitted only by those who want to change from one scheme to other and submission of details/documents only by those for whom there have been any change/changes." BSNL has issued the long awaited letter clarifying that all retirees who have submitted their option for the financial year 2020-21 need not submit fresh option for FY 2020-21 and fresh option for the current financial year need to be submitted by only those retired BSNLMRS beneficiaries who have not submitted option or revalidated their BSNLMRS card earlier and whose bank account or contact details are changed.  View the BSNL letter

07.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA’S RELENTLESS EFFORTS TO GET CCA GOA & MAHARASHTRA AND CGMT MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE TO ACT TOGETHER TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF NON-PAYMENT OF PART OF THE GPF ANOUNT OF SHRI C M UROLGIN, RETD JTO. KOLHAPUR FOR THE PERIOD HE WORKED IN WTP, MUMBAI, RESULT IN SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION OF THE ISSUE:

AIBSNLREA had been relentlessly pursuing the above case since long. Finally, the issue has been settled in favour of the affected member. Shri Urolgin has since received his unpaid GPF amount of Rs. 472896/- only against the period he worked in Western Telecom Project.

06.08.2021:

E-JOURNAL AUGUST 2021 ISSUE:

August 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

05.08.2021:

BSNL ENDORSES DPE ORDERS RESTORING IDA PROSPECTIVELY W.E.F. 1.7.2021:

BSNL has endorsed the DPE OM vide F.No. W-02/0002/2014-DPE(WC)-GL-III/2021 dated 2nd August 2021, restoring the IDA frozen w.e.f. 01.10.2020, 01.01.2021 and 01.04.2021, prospectively w.e.f. 01.07.2021.  View the BSNL letter

05.08.2021:

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER REQUESTING ISSUE OF PENSION SLIPS BY POST OFFICES:

AIBSNLREA vide its letter dated 09.07.2021 had written to Secretary, Department of Posts requesting instructions for issue of Pension slip to the pensioners drawing pension through Post Offices, citing DoP&PW OM dated 22-06-2021 requesting Pension Disbursing Banks to issue pension slips through SMS and email. Department of Posts has now responded stating that pension is disbursed through HR module of CSI and a system generated message is sent to the respective registered mobile number of the pensioner/family pensioner immediately. Pensioners whose mobile is not registered in CSI do not receive such messages. The matter is forwarded to FS Division so that such provisions may be enabled in POSB in consultation with CEPT. Also the provision will be circulated to all field units advising them to populate mobile number in the PPOs, so that message can be sent to the pensioners from CSI system itself.  View the Dept of Posts letter

04.08.2021:

ISSUE OF CLARIFICATION TO BSNL letter No.BSNLCO/4/2021-ESTT FIN dated 07.07.2021 CALLING FRESH OPTION FOR MEDICAL CLAIMS - AIBSNLREA MEETS GM (ADMIN) :

Shri V.P.Arya, AGS AIBSNLREA met the new General Manager (Admin) today and discussed the issue in detail. GM (Admin) agreed with our contention that option is required only where there is change in bank details and where the pensioner wants to change the option. He assured to take action as required with in the next few days. AGS then met DGM (Admin) also and ascertained that the matter will be put up to GM (Admin) shortly. We expect clarificatory orders to be issued in a day or two. Shri V.P.Arya, AGS, also handed over a copy of our letter on our proposal for Health Insurance Policy for BSNL retired employees to the new GM (Admin), who has agreed to get our proposal examined.

02.08.2021:

DPE ISSUES ORDERS FOR PAYMENT OF IDA AT REVISED RATES W.E.F. 01.07.2021:

DPE has issued orders revising the rate of IDA to the executives and non-unionised supervisors of CPSEs (2007 pay revision) from 159.9% to 170.5% w.e.f. 01.07.2021. The increase subsumes the additional installments arising on 01.10.2020, 01.01.2021 and 01.04.2021. The rate of DA for the period from 01.10.2020 till 30.06.2021 shall remain at 159.9%.  View the DPE letter

02.08.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) BSNL REQUESTING ISSUE OF CLARIFICATION TO BSNL letter No.BSNLCO/4/2021-ESTT FIN dated 07.07.2021:

Earlier AIBSNLREA had written to Director (HR) requesting withdrawal of the letter, else to modify it so as to necessitate submission of option only by those who want to change from one scheme to other and submission of details/documents only by those for whom there have been any change/changes. Subsequent to that, Chennai Telephones and Tamilnadu Circles have issued orders requiring fresh option to be submitted only by those whose bank account number and IFSC have changed due to merger of banks and those who want to change the option. Gujarat and Kerala Circles are also reported to have issued similarly worded orders. As all these orders have been issued with reference to BSNL letter cited above and carry similar text, it is believed that they have issued orders with the concurrence of Corporate Office. Non-issue of similar order by other Circles have created confusion and concern among the pensioners of those circles. Therefore, AIBSNLREA has again written to Director (HR) for immediate issue of clarification that option is required to be submitted only by those who want to change from one scheme to other and submission of details/documents only by those for whom there have been any change/changes as the last date mentioned in BSNL letter referred to above, 10.08.2021, is fast approaching.  View the letter

31.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) BSNL REQUESTING FORMULATING A HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY FOR BSNL RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

BSNL vide its letter No.25-1/2021-BSNL(WL)/Admn dated 30.07.2021 has introduced Health Insurance Policy - 2021 for its serving employees w.e.f. 01.09.2021  [View the BSNL letter] . Earlier, when the proposal to review the existing medical policy was mooted by BSNL in the year 2019, AIBSNLREA had submitted its views vide letter No.AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2019/05 dated 25.02.2019, suggesting introduction of a Group Health Insurance Scheme for retirees also, with the premium borne by BSNL and continuation of the existing arrangement under BSNLMRS for outdoor treatment. AIBSNLREA has now written to the Director (HR) suggesting formulation of a similar Health Insurance scheme for BSNL retired employees, with the yearly premium paid by BSNL. Our proposals are not onlly rational but also implementable.  View the letter

30.07.2021:

BSNL RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 19.04.2021 ADDRESSED TO DIRECTOR (HR) REQUESTING ALLOWING OUTDOOR MEDICAL CLAIMS WITH LATEST PRESCRIPTION AVAILABLE:

AIBSNLREA vide its letter dated 19.04.2021 addressed to Dirctor (HR) BSNL had requested for issue of instructions to all Circles/Units that claims submitted with the latest available prescription for chronic illness, as a special case, be allowed till normalcy returns. BSNL has now responded stating that vide its office letter dated 03.05.2021, reimbursement has been allowed for Tele-consultation from a registered medical practitioner in India.  View the BSNL letter

29.07.2021:

ESTABLISHMENT SECTION OF BSNL CO COMMUNICATES TO AIBSNLREA ATTACHING THE CLARIFICATORY LETTER TO KOLKATTA TELEPHONES ON THE ISSUE OF PAY FIXATION OF TTA OFFICIATING AS JTO IN REVISED SECOND PRC PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AS JTO:

In response to AIBSNLREA's earlier letter dated 02.03.2021 which was submitted in PG portal vide No.DOPPW/E/2021/07385, BSNL CO has now replied that the grievance is resolved by issue of clarification to Kolkata TD circle vide BSNL CO Letter no. BSNLCO-A/16(29)/2/2012-ESTAB dated 19.07.2021 and has enclosed the copy of the said letter [which has been published in this website on 22.07.2021].  View the BSNL letter

28.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY DPE REGARDING NON-ISSUE OF ORDERS FOR RESTORATION OF IDA W.E.F. 01.07.2021, CAUSING CONCERN AND AGONY AMIDST BSNL PENSIONERS:

We were hoping for immediate issue of orders for restoration of IDA, since DPE had committed under Para 2 of its OM dated 19.11.2020 that “As and when the decision to release the future installment of Dearness Allowance due from 01.07.2021 is taken by the Government, the rates of Dearness Allowance as effective from 01.10.2020, 01.01.2021 & 01.04.2021 will be restored prospectively.” Now it is more than two weeks after the Union Cabinet took a decision to release the frozen Dearness Allowance and DPE is still sitting on the matter without issuing orders on increased rates. This has caused concern and agony amidst BSNL Pensioners. AIBSNLREA has therefore written to the Secretary, DPE that orders for restoration of rates of IDA effective from 01.10.2020, 01.01.2021 & 01.04.2021 may be issued without any more delay.  View the letter

26.07.2021:

PCAT NEW DELHI ORDERS EXTENSION OF BENEFIT OF INCREMENT THAT FALLS DUE ON THE NEXT DAY AFTER RETIREMENT:

While disposing of a batch of OAs, PCAT New Delhi has ordered that
(a) for such of the employees, who retired on 30th June of any particular year, increment payable on 1st July shall be extended. Their pensions shall also be revised, subject to their fulfilling other conditions which are applicable. The arrears that become due shall be paid without interest;
(b) Similarly for employees, who retired on 31st December of a particular year, the increment payable on the 1st January of the next year shall be extended and pension revised, subject to same conditions in the same manner.
(c) While extending such benefits, a clause shall be incorporated to the effect that in case the Hon’ble Supreme Court takes a different view in the Civil Appeal arising out of SLP No.4722/2021, they shall be under obligation to refund the entire benefit without any demur.
The aforesaid exercise shall be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.  View the PCAT New Delhi order

26.07.2021:

IN RESPONSE TO REPEATED PERSUASION BY AIBSNLREA, BSNL CO ISSUES FINAL RETIREMENT ORDER IN RESPECT OF SHRI G P BIRADAR, RETD AGM, KARNATAKA CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has been pursuing since 03.08.2020 relentlessly, the case of non-issue of final superannuation pension, release of DCRG and grant of Commuted Value of Pension even after completion of judicial proceedings on 25.10.2018 to Shri G P Biradar, Retd AGM Karnataka Circle who retired on 31.12.2010. After Vigilance Status in his case had been sent to BSNL CO on 02.06.2021, AIBSNLREA followed it up with a request to PGM Pers BSNL CO on 20.07.2021, requesting early issue of final retirement order. While closing the related CPENGRAMS docket DOPPW/E/2021/25704, PGM Pers has stated that "the retirement order i.r.o. Shri G P Biradar is enclosed. The case may be closed."  View the BSNL letter  View the PG Docket No.DOPPW/E/2020/25704

22.07.2021:

ESTABLISHMENT SECTION OF BSNL CO SENDS ANOTHER CLARIFICATORY LETTER TO KOLKATTA TELEPHONES ON THE ISSUE OF PAY FIXATION OF TTA OFFICIATING AS JTO IN REVISED SECOND PRC PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AS JTO:

In continuation of our letter to GM Establishment on 20.10.2020, appearing in CPENGRAMS Docket No.DOPPW/E/2020/24019 [quoted by GM Estt letter] and subsequent letters dated 30.03.2021 and 28.06.2021 contesting the CTD's revised fixation methodology, Establishment Section of BSNL CO has issued another clarification to CTD administration vide No.BSNLCO-A/16(29)/2/2021-ESTAB dated 19th July 2021, categorically stating that the BSNL CO letter dated 22.12.2015 is a general instruction on the method of pay fixation of officials who were officiating in the cadre of JTO as on 01.01.2007 and continue to officiate as JTO(T). The letter also specifically mentions that the judgement of Ernakulam CAT, being mentioned by CTD, relates to a different issue where option under para 3.6 is not applicable. Further it stipulates the method of pay fixation as per para 3.6 of BSNL order dated 07.05.2010.  View the GM Estt., BSNL CO letter  View the PG Docket No.DOPPW/E/2020/24019

20.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO PGM PERS BSNL CO AGAIN, REGARDING NON-SETTLEMENT OF ISSUE OF FINAL SUPERANNUATION PENSION, RELEASE OF DCRG AND GRANT OF COMMUTED VALUE OF PENSION IN RESPECT OF SHRI G P BIRADAR, RETD. DE:

After our continuous persuasion and in response to our grievance filed with DoP&PW vide Docket No. DOPPW/E/2020/15400, CGMT Karnataka Circle, on 23.12.2020 had closed the docket stating that ‘.... He has been exonerated by the designated court at Dharwad. To meet the above demands, VC is required. Action for seeking VC is under process. On receipt VC, all eligible payments will be made.’ Subsequently Karnataka Circle has also furnished the vigilance status to BSNL CO for issuing final retirement orders. AIBSNLREA has now written to PGM (Pers), BSNL CO to ensure issue of final retirement order without further delay.  View the letter

19.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE SECRETARY, PENSION REGARDING INACTION ON APPEAL FILED AGAINST CLOSURE OF GRIEVANCE DOCKET IN RESPECT OF SHRI A K DUBEY WITH OUT RESOLVING THE ISSUE:

AIBSNLREA has requested personal intervention of Secretary, Pension, pointing out that BSNL UP West circle is deliberately delaying resolution of the grievance of the distressed Pensioner on the plea that no guidelines have been issued by BSNL, while all other circles are condoning the delay as per DOT No.36-14/88-NB/T/Pen dt 25.06.1990, which was issued before formation of BSNL and therefore any question of BNSL endorsing it or issuing guidelines on it does not arise and has requested review the grievance redressal process in this case and cause resolution of the grievance of Shri Ajay Kumar Dubey without further delay.  View the letter

18.07.2021:

BSNL SLASHES FY 2020-21 LOSSES BY 52% WITH REDUCED STAFF COSTS:

According to media reports, BSNL has managed to reduce its losses by more than 50% at Rs 7,441 crore in FY21 after its wage bill came down by around 51% at Rs 6,679 crore. This was due to a voluntary retirement scheme undertaken by the company following a revival package offered by the government in October 2019. The narrowing of the losses was despite the company’s total revenues declining by 2% at Rs 18,595 crore in FY21. As a result BSNL became Ebitda-positive after more than three years. The company reported a positive Ebitda of Rs 1,177 crore in FY21 against negative Ebitda or loss of Rs 6,879 crore a year back.  View the Media Report

16.07.2021:

CPAO, DOE DIRECTS CREDIT OF PENSION ON THE BASIS OF E-PPO FIRST, FOLLOWED BY SUBSEQUENT VERIFICATION WITH PHYSICAL PPO:

CPAO, Department of Expenditure vide its F.No.O/o-13012(12)/3/2021-IT Technical/40 dated 12.07.2021 has directed all Heads of CPPCs of authorised banks to ensure that credit of the first pension into the account of pensioner/family pensioner is carried out immediately on the basis of e-PPO and e-SSA received from the CPAO. On receipt of the physical PPO booklet, the CPPC of banks will verify the details.  View the CPAO, DOE O.M

15.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE CGM ITPC, PUNE REGARDING THE DISCREPANCIES IN BROADBAND BILLS OF BSNL PENSIONERS FOR THE BILLING PERIOD 1.6.2021 TO 30.6.2021 IN RESPECT OF CONCESSION AVAILABLE TO BSNL RETIRED EMPLOYEES FOR BROADBAND CONNECTION AT THEIR RESIDENCE UNDER CHENNAI TELEPHONES:

It has been brought to our notice that there are discrepancies in broadband bills of BSNL pensioners residing in Chennai Telephones area for the billing period 1.6.2021 to 30.6.2021 in respect of concession available to BSNL retired employees for broadband connection at their residences. Instead of 60% concession, the bill shows only 10% concession. Similar cases were reported in Tamilnadu circle too. AIBSNLREA has since writtent to the CGM, ITPC, Pune requesting him to look into the matter, order remedial action as required and also cause issue of fresh bills for the period 1.6.2021 to 30.6.2021 in respect of all similar cases.  View the letter

14.07.2021:

CABINET APPROVES INCREASE IN DEARNESS ALLOWANCE AND DEARNESS RELIEF FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES/PENSIONERS:

According to a Press Release today by Press Information Bureau, The Cabinet Committee chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has approved increase the Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from 01.07.2021 to 28% representing an increase of 11% over the existing rate of 17% of the Basic Pay/Pension.

In view of the unprecedented situation which arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic, three additional instalments of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners, which were due from 01.01.2020, 01.07.2020 and 01.01.2021, had been frozen.

Now, the Government has decided to increase the Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from 01.07.2021 to 28% representing an increase of 11% over the existing rate of 17% of the Basic Pay/Pension. The increase reflects the additional instalments arising on 01.01.2020, 01.07.2020 and 01.01.2021. The rate of Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief for the period 01.01.2020 to 30.06.2021 shall remain at 17%.

[In respect of CPSE executives, we expect the DPE to issue orders releasing the frozen IDA, specifying the increase in IDA w.e.f. 01.07.2021 over the 159.9% IDA drawn before 01.10.2020. According to our calculations the increase will be 13.7% taking the IDA w.e.f. 01.07.2021 to 173.6%.]

14.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE MINISTER OF FINANCE REQUESTING TO ADVISE THE BANKS FOR REVISING THE ADDITIONAL INTEREST RATE AVAILABLE TO SENIOR CITIZENS FROM 0.5% TO 1%:

Referring to RBI response to AIBSNLREA's earlier representation addressed to PM, according to which in terms of para 8 (b) of its Master Direction, banks shall formulate term deposit scheme specifically for resident senior citizens, offering higher and fixed rate of interest as compared to normal deposits of any size. AIBSNLREA has now requested the MoF to impress upon all the banks about the extreme hardship faced by the senior citizens due to the ever-reducing interest rates for fixed deposits and advise the banks to revise the additional interest from 0.5% to 1%.  View the letter

13.07.2021:

NO PERMISSION TO JOIN ANOTHER CPSE ON CONTRACTUAL BASIS AFTER RETIRING VOLUNTARILY UNDER BSNL VRS 2019:

BSNL vide its O.M No.A-41/12/1/2020/ESTAB dated 13th July 2021, referring to DoT O.M. No.19-1/2019-SU-1 dated 25.06.2021 which has clarified that engagement in CPSE/Government on contractual/consultancy basis would also qualify as re-employment, has said that request/application from VRS 2019 retirees be rejected and any such permission already granted be withdrawn.  View the letter

13.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS & IT REQUESTING HIS PERSONAL INTERVENTION IN THE MATTER OF NON-PAYMENT OF CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL EXPENDITURE IN RESPECT OF RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES SINCE FY 2018-19:

Serious concern has arisen from BSNL letter calling of fresh options for medical claims and resubmission of documents like cancelled cheque in original, PAN card, Address Proof, with the condition that the claims for the period 2020-21 will be released only if these documents are submitted by 10.08.2021, whether the payment for claims for the years 2018-19, 2019-20 will ever be released at all. AIBSNLREA has represented to the new MOC, requesting his personal intervention and directions to BSNL administration to allot required fund for clearing all the pending medical claims of the retired employees, both for outdoor treatment with and without voucher and for hospital treatment and resolve the grievances immediately.  View the letter

10.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS, REQUESTING ISSUE OF INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL POST OFFICES FOR PROVIDING PENSION SLIP THROUGH SMS AND EMAIL :

Referring to DoP&PW OM No.1(4)/2021-P&PW(H)-7223 dated 22nd June 2021 wherein all Banks were requested to issue pension slip to pensioners after credit of pension on their registered mobile numbers through SMS and email, AIBSNLREA has written to Secretary, Department of Posts requesting him to issue similar instructions to all its Post Office Branches for providing pension details every month to the pensioners drawing pension through Post Offices.  View the letter

09.07.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR) BSNL REQUESTING WITHDRAWAL OF BSNL letter No.BSNLCO/4/2021-ESTT FIN datd 07.07.2021 AS IT SEEKS TO HARASS THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES :

BSNL has issued an order vide its letter No.BSNLCO/4/2021/ESTT FIN dated 07.07.2021,[published in this site today] calling for fresh option from the retirees to avail the medical cash allowance facility for the financial year 2020-21, in the requisite format along with updated bank details, self attested copy of PAN card, cancelled cheque leaf in original, address proof and working mobile number plus one additional mobile number. AIBSNLREA has written to Director (HR) expressing our disgust that BSNL, which has been treating its retired employees with utmost contempt in respect of reimbursement of their medical expenses, now wants to put them in unwarranted trouble, making them run around to collect the documents from banks and xerox copies from shops. This at a time when the Government has warned the Indian citizens of complacency against the Corona virus and has advised elders to remain at home. We are unable to understand the necessity of this exercise when all the details are already available with the SSAs concerned. AIBSNLREA has requested withdrawal of the letter, else to modify it so as to necessitate submission of option only by those who want to change from one scheme to other and submission of details/documents only by those for whom there have been any change/changes.  View the letter

09.07.2021:

BSNL CALLS FOR FRESH OPTION FOR REVALIDATION OF BSNL MEDICAL CARD AND PAYMENT OF MEDICAL CASH ALLOWANCE WITHOUT VOUCHER :

BSNL has issued an order vide its letter No.BSNLCO/4/2021/ESTT FIN dated 07.07.2021, calling for fresh option from the retirees to avail the medical cash allowance facility for the financial year 2020-21, in the requisite format along with updated bank details, self attested copy of PAN card, cancelled cheque leaf in original, address proof and working mobile number plus one additional mobile number. It says payment of MEDICAL CASH ALLOWANCE for the year FY 2020-21 will be released only to those retired officers/officials whose fresh option Form with the requisite documents is received in LA section [in case of corporate office]/designated person in circle office latest by 10.08.2021.. Payment of outdoor medical claim with voucher for the year FY 2020-21 will be released only to those who retired officers/officials whose validated medical card is received in LA section [in case of corporate office]/designated person in circle office latest by 10.08.2021. All the circles/units will have to call the options online as early as possible.  View the BSNL order

06.07.2021:

E-JOURNAL JULY 2021 ISSUE:

July 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

05.07.2021:

BSNL ANNOUNCES POLICY FOR PROVISION OF CONCESSIONAL FTTH CONNECTIONS TO SERVING/RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL:

BSNL has issued a circular conveying approval of Management Committee of BSNL for provision of concessional FTTH connection to serving/retired Executive as well as Non-Executive employees in BSNL area only. The concession will be 40% on plan charges with ceiling of Rs.300 per month. In MTNL area, the existing guidelines for providing concessional broadband only will continue. FTTH connections already working in private capacity or availed under 10% concession will be allowed to be migrated to eligible concessional plan if requested by the employee. GSM in lieu of RSTC/CTC provided in TNF area will be withdrawn after provisioning FTTH. [It may be recollected that BSNL had responded to AIBSNLREA letter dated 30.12.2020 stating that "your suggestion to extend the facility to the retired employee is welcome and the same may be considered a appropriate time in future taking into account its viability and market dynamics etc.  View the BSNL response ]
 View the BSNL circular

03.07.2021:

DOPT CITES SUPREME COURT ORDER IN SLP(C) NO. 4722/2021, STAYING OPERATION OF CAT BANGALORE ORDER ALLOWING NOTIONAL INCREMENT FOR PENSIONARY BENEFITS WHERE THE ANNUAL INCREMENT IS DUE ON THE DAY NEXT TO DATE OF RETIREMENT AND ASKS MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS TO DEFEND SIMILAR COURT CASES:

Hon'ble Supreme Court of India has issued orders staying operation of CAT Bangalore order allowing grant of notional increment and consequential pensionary benefits on the rationale of the order dated 15.09.2017 passed by Hon'ble High Court, Madras in WP 15732 of 2017 filed by Shri P.Ayyamperumal. Citing the order, DoP&T has requested all Ministries/Departments to defend similar cases. BSNL has circulated the said DoP&T OM, requesting all Circles/Units to suitably incorporate the guidelines of DoP&T while preparing Counter Reply in court cases in their jurisdictions.  View the BSNL letter

30.06.2021:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2021:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.7.2021 by 3.1% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 5.4% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

30.06.2021:

BSNL, TAMILNADU CIRCLE REPEATS ITS EARLIER RESPONSE TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REGARDING NON-REFUND OF BALANCE AMOUNT OF GPF CONTRIBUTION TO SHRI V VELAPPAN, RETD DGM, TAMILNADU CIRCLE, ALSO- SAYS THAT RETENTION PERIOD FOR GPF STATEMENT IS ONLY ONE YEAR:

AIBSNLREA had last taken up with the Prime Minister of India, the above case of non-refund of balance amount of GPF contribution for the period the pensioner Shri V Velappan, Retd DGM worked in Coimbatore, on his joining DOT as Junior Engineer, and in MTNL Mumbai on his promotion as Assistant Engineer from 03.12.1980 to 30.09.1990 vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/27 dated 09.02.2021 (view posting dated 03.05.2021 in this website to read the letter]. Now, BSNL, Tamilnadu Circle, vide its No. TAC/GPF/Genl.Corr/2014-17/V.Velappan/32 dated 22.06.2021, has again expressed its inability to concede to the request on the ground that “no serious attempt was made by the officer during his period of service to settle the issue and instead chose the fag end of his service to exert pressure for settlement of the issue of missing credit.” Earlier the Tamilnadu Circle BSNL was taking the plea that due to a major fire during February 1998 at Coimbatore, all GPF records were destroyed and as such claim of Shri V Velappan cannot be verified and hence the payment cannot be made. Now it says, citing Records Retention Schedule and GFRs, that the retention period of GPF Annual Statements is only one year.  View the CAO (CA) BSNL Tamilnadu Circle letter

28.06.2021:

WRONG PAY-FIXATION CASES OF THE TTAs SINCE PROMOTED AS JTOs IN 2008 WHO OPTED FOR FIXATION OF THEIR PAY IN THE REVISED IDA PAY SCALES FROM THE DATE OF THEIR NEXT PROMOTION - AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO SR.GENERAL MANAGER (ESTT) BSNL CO, POINTING OUT DISTORTED REPORTING BY CALCUTTA TELEPHONES:

AIBSNLREA has again written to the Sr.General Manager (Estt), BSNL CO, pointing out the deficiences in the reply submitted by Calcutta Telephones to DGM (Estt) and also suggesting that there is no room for Establishment Branch of Corporate Office to be misled by the distorted reporting by Calcutta Telephones referring only to the 'CAT Ernakulam Judgement in OA 180/00823/2019 dated 08.01.2021 endorsed by CO, BSNL, ND vide Order No.BSNLCO-A/16(21)/5/2021-ESTAB dated 3.02.2021' and then remaining silent on the subsequent developments after wrong fixation and recovery.  View the letter

28.06.2021:

GMTD BSNL KOLHAPUR RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 06.05.2021 REGARDING NON-TRANSFER OF GPF BALANE IN RESPECT OF SHRI CHANNAPPA M UROLGIN RETD JTO KOLHAPUR :

AIBSNLREA vide its letter dated 06.05.2021 had written to the Sr.General Manager (Finance), Maharashtra Telecom Circle requesting to take appropriate action in the matter as requested by the Joint CCA, Maharashtra & Goa in his letter dated 09.04.2021 addressed to GM (F) Maharashtra Telecom Circle. In this regard, Accounts Officer (Pay), GMTD, Kolhapur has informed that now all the available details are forwarded to Maharashtra Circle Office for taking up with WTP Circle for early settlement of the issue.  View the AO GMTD Kolhapur response

26.06.2021:

CB&B DIVISION OF BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA LETTER DATED 04.05.2021 ADDRESSED TO DIRECTOR (HR) REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT OF PENDING MEDICAL CLAIMS OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES IN THE BACKGROUND OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC :

AIBSNLREA vide its letter dated 04.05.2021 had written to the Director (HR) BSNL following his D.O. letter to Circle Heads on extending financial support to deserving and genuine COVID cases, pointing out that the indoor and outdoor medical claims of the retired employees have not been paid for years, which includes claims related to COVID. AIBSNLREA had pointed out that since 'Fund constraint' is not being talked of now while grating advance to serving employees, BSNL Management should start clearing all pending medical claims of the retired employees including the reimbursement of one-time payment made to CGHS as Life-time subscription for switching over from BSNLMRS. Corporate Budget & Banking Division of BSNL Corporate Office vide its letter dated 02.06.2021 has now responded stating that "funds amounting to Rs.68 Crores against medical pendency of the retirees under medical head were released during the year 2021-22 (till date) to various circles in BSNL and one time subscription paid for CGHS migration by retirees, to be reimbursed by BSNL, is being paid regularly every month as perERP data generated along with salary payment of working employees. Further the funds with reference to demand raised by the circles will be released as per availability of cash inflow in future.  View the CB&B response

25.06.2021:

CBDT ISSUES A PRESS RELEASE GRANTING FURTHER EXTENSION IN TIMELINES OF CERTAIN COMPLIANCES AND ANNOUNCES TAX EXEMPTION FOR EXPENDITURE ON COVID TREATMENT AND EX-GRATIA RECEIVED ON DEATH DUE TO COVID:

Central Board of Direct Taxes has issued a Press Release further extending timelines of certain compliances. The Certificate of Tax Deducted at Source in Form No.16, can now be furnished on or before 31st July 2021. Previously it was required to be furnished before 15th July 2021. The Government has also announced tax exemption for expenditure on Covid treatment and the ex-gratia received on death of family member due to Covid, from employer or from other person, curing FY 2019-20 and subsequent years. The exemption shall be limited to Rs.10 lakh in aggregate for the amount received from any other persons.  View the CBDT Press Release

23.06.2021:

DOP&PW REQUESTS PENSION DISTRIBUTING BANKS TO ISSUE PENSION SLIPS ON MONTHLY BASIS:

DoP&PW vide its O.M.No.1(4)/2021-P&PW(H)-7223 dated 22-06-2021, has requested all Pension Distributing Banks to issue pension slip to pensioners after crdit of pension on their registered mobile numbers through SMS and email, Whatsapp etc. The pension slip should provide complete details of monthly pension paid alons with breakup of the amount credited and tax deductions etc if any.  View the DoP&PW OM

21.06.2021:

CGCA ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE/DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE BY DOT PENSIONERS AT ANY CCA OFFICE:

Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts, DoT, vide its letter No.13-23/2020-21/BA&IT/236-267 dated 21.06.2021, has issued instructions to all CCAs regarding difficulties faced by DoT pensioners in submitting their Physical Life Certificate when they reside in a circle other than the circle which issued the PPO and submission of Digital Life Certificate by any pensioner unknowingly to a CCA office other than the concerned CCA. According to the letter, the pensioners receiving pension via SAMPANN/FMS can submit their physical life certificate in any nearby CCA office. The recipient CCA should scan the LC and send the soft copy to the concerned CCA via an official email ID. For Digital Life Certificate via Jeeva Pramaan submitted incorrectly by the pensioner, the recipient CCA shall identify and share the details with the concerned CCA in his official email ID immediately.  View the CGCA letter

19.06.2021:

DOP&PW ISSUES FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXPEDITIOUS SETTLEMENT OF FAMILY PENSION CASES BY BANKS:

DoP&PW vide its letter No.3(8)/2021-P&PW(H)-7246 dated16th June 2021 has issued instructions to CPPCs of all Pension Disbursing Banks regarding expeditious settlement of family pension cases. In cases where the deceased pension and spouse were holding a joint account, Form 14 is not required and only Death Certificate of the deceased pensioner, copy of PPO, proof of age/date of birth of the applicant along with a simple application is enough. Form 14 is required only in cases where the spouse did not have a joint account with the deceased pensioner. The letter categorically states that the details of family members, other than the Applicant, are not relvant for commencement of family pension by the bank and the same should not be sought from the Applicant under any circumstances.  View the DoP&PW letter

18.06.2021:

ENGAGEMENT OF RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL/MTNL, WHO TOOK VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT UNDER VRS-2019, IN DOT AS CONSULTANTS - DOT SAYS THE MATTER IS UNDER EXAMINATION IN DOT HQ:

Department of Telecommunications in a O.M. vide its F.No.1-50(1)/2018-E&C-Part(1) dated 14.06.2021, while refering to Field/Attached offices of DoT seeking clarification as to whether former BSNL/MTNL employees who have taken voluntary retirement under BSNL/MTNL VRS - 2019 are eligible to be hired/engaged as consultants in the Government offices or not as per DoT OM No.1-50(1)/2018-Estt. dated 10.09.2020, has said that the matter is presently under examination in DoT HQs and guidelines in this respect would be issued as and when decision is taken and till then these applicants may not be considered for engagement as consultant.  View the DoT OM

15.06.2021:

DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE MODIFIES TIME LIMIT FOR SUBMISSION OF CLAIMS FOR TRAVELLING ALLOWANCE ON RETIREMENT:

Department of Expenditure vide its O.M. No. 19030/1/2017-E.IV dated 15th June 2021 has conveyed its decision that the time limit for submission of claims for TA on retirement is modified from 60 days to 180 days, succeeding the date of completion of the journey.  View the DoE OM

11.06.2021:

DoH&FW HAS ISSUED ORDERS FOR CREATION OF 64 POSTS FOR 16 NEW ALLOPATHIC CGHS WELLNESS CENTRES:

Department of Health & Family Welfare has issued ordes for creation of 64 posts for 16 New Allopathic CGHS Wellness Centres at Ghaziabad (2), Narela (1), Panchkula (1), Nasik (1), Aurangabad (1), Mysuru (1), Coimbatore (1) and Chandrapur (1) and regularisation of CGHS units temporarily functioning at Gwalior (1), Kannur (1), Kozhikode (1), Sonipat (1), Wadi (10 in Nagpur and Ichhapur (1) in Kolkata. Director CGHS shall issue instructions for opening of the new allopathic wellness centres and for encaderment of the newly created posts.  View the DoH&FM order

09.06.2021:

CGA, DOE PROPOSES TO DISCONTINUE WITH PHYSICAL PENSION PAYMENT ORDERS FOR SUPERANNUATION PENSION:

Controller General of Accounts, Department of Expenditure has referred to his earlier order dated 04.12.2020 intimating that the office of the CGA is in the process of discontinuation of physical PPO and 100% implementation of e-PPO and has requested all CCAs to ensure that 100% issue of e-PPO and to intimate any technical issue by 15th of June 2021.  View the CGA, DoE O.M.

06.06.2021:

E-JOURNAL JUNE 2021 ISSUE:

June 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

03.06.2021:

DOP&PW REITERATES ITS EARLIER ORDERS FOR SANCTION OF PROVISIONAL FAMILY PENSION BY THE HEAD OF OFFICE IMMEDIATELY ON RECEIPT OF CLAIM:

DoP&PW has issued O.M. reiterating the instructions in its earlier O.M.dated 29.07.2020 for sanction of provisional family pension by the Head of Office immediately on receipt of a claim for family pension and death certificate from the eligible family member, without waiting for forwarding of the case to PAO. Simultaneous action needs to be taken on priority basis for disbursement of regular family pension through the bank and for payment of other entitlements of the family on death of the Government Servant. The O.M. stipulates that it should be ensured that the PPO for family pension is issued and disbursement of regular family pension is commenced by the Bank not later than one month of the receipt of the claim for family pension.  View the DoP&PW O.M.

28.05.2021:

BSNL ISSUES CLARIFICATION REGARDING USE OF INCORPORATION/FORMATION DATE OF BSNL:

Legal section of BSNL CO has issued a clarification that the formation date of BSNL is 15.09.2000, the date mentioned in the certificate of incorporation issued by the Registration of Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, citing Section 9 of the Companies Act 2013. The background for this late realisation after 20 years and the purpose for this action are not known.  View the BSNL letter

25.05.2021:

CGHS ISSUES O.M. ALLOWING REIMBURSEMENT OF COST OF OPD MEDICINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ILLNESSES DURING THE INTERVENING PERIOD FROM 1.3.2021 TO 14.04.2021:

CGHS vide its earlier O.M. dated 15.04.2021 had provided an option to the CGHS beneficiaries getting medicines for chronic illnesses, to purchase medicines based on the prescription held till 28.02.2021 and from 15.04.2021 to 31.07.2021, irrespective of non-availability certificate from CGHS or otherwise. Now another O.M. vide No.Z 15025/12/2020/DIR/CGHS dated 25.05.2021, it has allowed reimbursement of cost of OPD medicines for the treatment of chronic illnesses during the intervening period from 01.03.2021 to 14.04.2021.  View the DG CGHS OM

24.05.2021:

EXTENSION OF DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE FOR SAMPANN PENSIONERS:

CGCA office has issued orders vide No.13-23/2020-21/BA&IT/176 to 203 dated 24.05.2021, allowing SAMPANN pensioners whose Life Certificate is expiring in April & May 2021, to submit their Life Certificate till 30th June 2021. During this extended period pension would continue to be paid by the Pension Disbursing Authority uninterrupted.  View the CGCA order

24.05.2021:

CGHS ISSUES OM SIMPLIFYING THE PROCEDURE FOR INVESTIGATIONS AND TREATMENT RELATED TO COVID-19:

Director General, CGHS has issued an O.M. detailing the simplification of procedures while suffering from symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 illness, option for Tele-medicine during home quarantine after testing positive, further investigations for inflammator markers ike CRP, D-Dimer, IL-6, HRCT etc., requirement of essential medicines, without need to visit the CGHS Wellness Centres.  View the DG CGHS OM

21.05.2021:

CBDT EXTENDS THE DUE DATE FOR FILING INCOME TAX RETURNS UPTO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2021 FOR THE AY 2021-22:

CBDT has issued a Circular extending the due date of furnishing of Return of Income for the Assessment Year 2021-22, which is 31stl July 2021 under sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Act, to 30th September 2021. The Certificate of Tax Deducted at Source in Form No 16, required to be furnished to the employee by 15th June 2021 under Rule 31 of the Rules, is to be furnished on or before 15th July 2021.  View the CBDT circular

18.05.2021:

DIRECTOR (HR) BSNL WRITES TO ALL HEADS OF CIRCLES REQUESTING THEM TO GIVE PERSONAL ATTENTION TO ENSURE THAT THE VIGILANCE CASES OF BSNL VRS-2019 RETIREES ARE FINALISED IN A TIME BOUND MANNER:

Pointing out that a focussed approach is necessary for early settlment of pending vigilance/disciplinary matters and that DoT is pressing hard for issue of Ex-gratia fund utilisation certificate from BSNL, Director (HR) BSNL has written a DO letter to all Heads of Circles requesting them to give personal attention to ensure that the vigilane cases of BSNL VRS-2019 retirees are finalised in a time bound manner.  View the letter from Director (HR)

08.05.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CGMT, KARNATAKA REGARDING NON-SETTLEMENT OF FINAL SUPERANNUATION PENSION AND OTHER PENSIONERY BENEFITS CASES OF SHRI G P BIRADAR, RETD DE, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to CGMT, Karnataka Telecom Circle on the above issue. The Association has referred to the Remarks by the Circle Office in the Status Report of the CPENGRAMS Grievance Registration No. DOPPW/E/2020/15400 on the above-mentioned issue, based on an earlier representation of the Association vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/67 dated 03.08.2020, which was closed by Karnataka Telecom Circle on 23.12.2020. The Circle Office had stated that “The officer retired on 31-12-2010. He has requested for final superannuation pension, release of leave encashment, DCRG & commuted value of pension. At the time of retirement, a CBI case was pending against him. He has been exonerated by the designated court at Dharwad. To meet the above demands, VC is required. Action for seeking VC is under process. On receipt of VC all eligible payments will be made”. Since the issue is still not resolved, despite the assurance given, the Association has requested the CGMT to intervene in the matter so that necessary Orders are issued for settlement of this long pending case for grant of final superannuation pension and other pensionary benefits to Shri G P Biradar, Retd DE, Bangalore Telecom District at the earliest.  View the letter

07.05.2021:

NON-TRANSFER OF GPF BALANCE FOR THE PERIOD 16.03.1998 TO 06.06.2000 IN RESPECT OF SHRI CHANNAPPA M UROLGIN, RETD JTO, KOLHAPUR (HRMS NO. 198400965) WHILE THE PENSIONER WAS WORKING IN WTP CIRCLE- AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SR. GM (FINANCE & IFA), MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Sr. GM (Finance & IFA), Maharashtra Telecom Circle, BSNL drawing his attention to the letter No. CCA/MH&Goa/GPF FP/CUM/2020-21/2 dated 09.04.2021 from Joint Controller of Communication Accounts, Maharashtra & Goa regarding non-transfer of GPF balance to Kolhapur SSA in respect of Shri Channappa M Urolgin, Retd JTO. The Joint CCA, MH & Goa, in his letter has sought for some actions from the end General Manager (Finance) to resolve this long pending case. In this case, Shri Channappa M Urolgin, Retd JTO, Kolhapur Telecom District (HRMS No. 198400965), who retired on 30.04.2019 from Kolhapur SSA, is yet to receive the balance amount of his GPF contributions for the period 16.03.1998 to 06.06.2000 when he worked in WTP Circle. As per Kolhapur SSA, the GPF amount for the said period was not incorporated in Kolhapur Accounts. This suggests that the WTP Circle did not transfer this amount to Kolhapur SSA after Shri C M Urolgin was released to join Maharashtra Telecom Circle on his transfer. In addition to this, the CCA Maharashtra & Goa has also pointed out a few other discrepancies in GPF balance which need to be sorted out. The Association has thus requested Sr. GM (Finance & IFA), Maharashtra Telecom Circle to take appropriate action on the issues as pointed out by Jt. CCA, MH & Goa, so that this long pending grievance may be resolved at the earliest.  View the letter

06.05.2021:

E-JOURNAL MAY 2021 ISSUE:

May 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

05.05.2021:

REIMBURSEMENT OF PENDING MEDICAL CLAIMS OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES IN THE BACKGROUND OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC- AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL:

In a letter addressed to Director (HR), BSNL on the above issue, AIBSNLREA has referred to his D.O. No. BSNLCO-ADMN/11(15)/2/2021-ADMN dated 29.04.2021 addressed to Circle Heads and expressed great satisfaction on his opening remarks which stated that “During last one week, the Covid-19 pandemic has hit India in a very big way. The cases are increasing every day. BSNL employees are also facing the wrath of this disease. In to-day’s trying time, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that treatment to BSNL employee or his dependent family members affected by this disease is not hampered due to financial constraints. It shall be our endeavour to extend financial support in deserving and genuine COVID cases by way of giving timely medical advance”. The Association has conveyed that ‘It is really a matter of great relief that BSNL Corporate Office, which was not reimbursing the medical claims particularly of the retired employees on the plea of Fund constraint, has now assured to give financial support in the form of medical advance to the serving employees affected by Covid-19 keeping aside the earlier excuse of fund constraint’. The Association has further pointed out that unfortunately, this does not make any difference in the situation for the retired employees under BSNLMRS, since they are not eligible to receive any advance- even though Covid-19 does not spare them in any way. AIBSNLREA has finally pleaded “Now that ‘Fund constraint’ is not being talked about to grant advance to the serving employees, may we request BSNL Management to start clearing all pending medical claims of the retired employees including the reimbursement of one-time payment made to CGHS as Life-time subscription for switching over from BSNLMRS”.  View the letter

04.05.2021:

BSNL ISSUES GUIDELINES UNDER BSNLMRS IN VIEW OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC:

In view of Covid-19 pandemic, BSNL, vide is No. BSNLCO-ADMN/11(15)/2/2021-ADMN dated 03.05.2021, has issued guidelines for treatment under BSNLMRS. Requirement of visit of designated officers to the Hospitals and giving certificates has been dispensed with for all diseases. Treatment in non-empanelled hospitals with the approval of CGM has been allowed. Tele-consultation charges will be reimbursed. Similarly, charges of RT PCR test and Rapid antigen test against valid receipts but without prescription has also been allowed. These guidelines are valid for the period 01.04.2021 to 30.09.2021.  View the BSNL order

03.05.2021:

AIBSNLREA NOW SEEKS INTERVENTION OF PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA IN THE MATTER OF REFUSAL BY THE ACCOUNTS WING OF BSNL TAMILNADU CIRCLE TO REFUND THE BALANCE AMOUNT OF GPF CONTRINUTION TO SHRI V VELAPPAN, RETD DGM, TAMILNADU CIRCLE DESPITE PROVIDING PROOF OF DEDUCTIONS OF GPF CONTRIBUTIONS DURING THE PERIOD UNDER CONTENTION AND REQUEST INVESTIGATION BY AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY AGAINST THE ERRING OFFICIALS/OFFICERS:

Due to repeated refusal by the Accounts Wing of BSNL, Tamilnadu Circle to refund the balance amount of GPF contribution for the period 03.12.1980 to 30.09.1990 along with interests accrued there on to Shri V Velappan, Retd DGM despite providing official records as proof of having deducted the contributions, AIBSNLREA has now sought the intervention of Prime Minister of India and requested him to render justice to the pensioner and conduct of an inquiry against the concerned erring officials/officers who seem to be hiding seemingly a big scam. In this case, the Accounts Wing (Corporate Accounts) of BSNL Tamilnadu Circle is taking no action to refund the balance amount of GPF contribution on the plea that all relevant records were destroyed in a fire in Coimbatore SSA and they are not able to intimate any proof in this regard to DOT. But the same Corporate Accounts Branch of Tamilnadu Circle is not even ready to accept the official records, already provided to them, as “proof” which were issued by DMT, Coimbatore and MTNL, Mumbai confirming that GPF deductions were duly made by them and even the MTNL Mumbai transferring the same to Tamilnadu Circle.  View the letter

30.04.2021:

DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL ASKS CIRCLES TO SANCTION MEDICAL ADVANCE TO THE COVID AFFECTED BSNL EMPLOYEES AND THEIR DEPENDENDENTS UNDER BSNLMRS AND SEND CONSOLIDATED FUND REQUIREMENT FOR THE PURPOSE TO CBB SECTION OF BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE:

Director (HR), BSNL, vide his D.O.No. BSNLCO-ADMN/11(15)/2/2021-ADMN dated 29.04.2021, has asked the Circles to sanction medical advance to the COVID affected BSNL employees and their dependents who are covered under BSNLMRS in terms of BSNL O.M.No BSNL/Admn.I/15-10/07 dated 16.04.2010. The Circles have also been advised to send consolidated fund requirement for the purpose to the CBB Section of BSNL Corporate Office giving details of employee-wise advance sought.  View Director (HR) BSNL letter

30.04.2021:

NON-CREDIT OF GPF BALANCE OF SHRI C M UROLGIN, RETD JTO, KOLHAPUR FOR THE PERIOD 16.03.1998 TO 06.06.1998 DURING WHICH THE PENSIONER SERVED IN WESTERN TELECOM PROJECT CIRCLE, MUMBAI- CCA MAHARASHTRA & GOA NOW ASKS GM (FINANCE), MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE TO TAKE UP THE MATTER WITH WTP CIRCLE, SUBMIT RESIDUAL PAYMENT AND FORWARD THE LEDGERS TO CCA OFFICE:

AIBSNLREA had been pursuing this issue since long and the last communication in the matter was made vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/99 dated 11.09.2020 [View posting dated 12.09.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Following this, CCA MH & GOA had earlier asked Kolhapur TD to furnish certain information vide its letter No. CCA/MH&GOA/GPFFP/CUM/PGP/19-20/ dated 13.10.2020 [View posting dated 16.10.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Now based on the various inputs received, CCA MH & GOA has addressed a letter to General Manager (Finance), Maharashtra Circle requesting him to take up the matter with WTP Circle to sort out certain discrepancies as pointed out and submit the residual payment to the CCA Office at the earliest. GM(Finance), MH Circle has also been requested to forward all the GPF Ledgers from 01.04.1998 to 30.04.2019 to CCA Office.  View the CCA, MH&Goa letter

29.04.2021:

BSNL, TAMILNADU CIRCLE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REGARDING NON-REFUND OF BALANCE AMOUNT OF GPF CONTRIBUTION TO SHRI V VELAPPAN, RETD DGM, TAMILNADU CIRCLE- SAYS THAT WITHOUT ANY REPLY OR PROOF FROM COIMBATORE SSA AND MTNL MUMBAI, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO INTIMATE PROOF TO DOT:

AIBSNLREA had last taken up the above case of non-refund of balance amount of GPF contribution for the period the pensioner Shri V Velappan, Retd DGM worked in Coimbatore, on his joining DOT as Junior Engineer, and in MTNL Mumbai on his promotion as Assistant Engineer from 03.12.1980 to 30.09.1990 vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/08 dated 09.02.2021 (view posting dated 09.02.2021 in this website to read the letter]. Now, BSNL, Tamilnadu Circle, vide its No. TAC/GPF/Genl.Corr/2014-17/V.Velappan/30 dated 20.03.2021, has expressed its inability to concede to the request on the ground that “As at this distance date without any reply or proof from Coimbatore SSA and MTNL Mumbai, BSNL Tamilnadu Circle is not in a position to intimate proof to Department of Telecommunication (DoT).”  View BSNL Tamilnadu Circle letter

28.04.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE CASE FOR ISSUE OF FINAL SUPERANNUATION ORDER FOR SHRI G P BIRADAR, RETD DE, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT ON HIS ACQUITTAL IN A CBI CASE ON 25.10.2018:

AIBSNLREA has again up the case of non-issue of final superannuation Order and consequent non-settlement of final superannuation pension, release of DCRG and grant of Commuted Value of Pension even after completion of judicial proceedings on 25.10.2018 to Shri G P Biradar, Retd DE, Bangalore Telecom District, Karnataka Telecom Circle who was earlier permitted to retire provisionally on 31.12.2010. In continuation to several other representations on the subject by the Association, attention of PGM (Pers), BSNL Corporate Office has been drawn to the fact that BSNL Corporate Office has already issued final superannuation Orders in respect of few other co-accused in the same case who were also acquitted of the charges by the same Court on the same day and by the same Order vide BSNL C.O. Nos (i) BSNLCO-PRII/11(12)/1/2020-PERS-II dated 21.07.2020 in respect of Shri S B Mohare, Retd Accounts Officer, Gulbarga Telecom District, Karnataka, (ii) BSNLCO-PRII/11(12)/1/2020-PERS-II dated 29.09.2020 in respect of Shri M Mathuramani, Retd CAO, Chennai Telephones, (iii) BSNLCO-PRII/11(22)/10/2020-PERS-II dated 10.03.2021 in respect of Shri S V Rojed, Retd SDE, QA & Inspection Circle. The Association has further requested to get the necessary Orders issued by Personnel Branch permitting Shri G P Biradar, Retd DE to retire from BSNL services on attaining the age of superannuation on 31.12.2010 and advising Karnataka Telecom Circle to take appropriate measures for immediate release of his final pension and other retirement benefits.  View the letter

28.04.2021:

DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL ADVISES CIRCLES TO CO-ORDINATE WITH STATE GOVERNMENTS TO ARRANGE VACCINATION CAMP FOR BSNL EMPLOYEES AND THEIR DEPENDENTS COVERED UNDER BSNLMRS:

Director (HR), BSNL, vide his D.O. No. BSNLCO-ADMN/11(15)/2/2021-ADMN dated 27.04.2021, has advised all BSNL Circles to coordinate with State Government/local authorities to arrange a vaccination camp for BSNL employees and their dependents whose names are mentioned in BSNLMRS Card. Cost of vaccination for them, if any will be borne by BSNL and directly paid to the concerned authorities. Other members of the family, whose names do not find mention in the BSNLMRS Card as dependents, may be allowed to get vaccinated at such centres but on payment basis as per actual cost of vaccination. The employees themselves and their dependents as mentioned in BSNLMRS Card can also get vaccinated at any Government approved vaccination centre at the rates fixed by the Government which will be reimbursed as outdoor claim as a part of annual ceiling for out-door limit under BSNLMRS. It may be added here that Government is vaccinating all those above 45 years of age free of cost in Government Hospitals and other approved centres. As such, BSNL is to pay no charges for them.  View the letter from Director (HR)

23.04.2021:

CTD, BSNL REPLIES TO CORPORATE OFFICE IN RESPONSE TO THE LETTER FROM DGM(ESTT) REGARDING WRONG PAY FIXATION CASES OF THE OFFICIATING JTOs OF CALCUTTA TELEPHONES WHO EXERCISED OPTION FOR PAY FIXATION IN REVISED SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION:

Earlier DGM(Estt-II) of BSNL Corporate Office had addressed a letter to Calcutta Telephones in regard to pay fixation of officiating JTOs who exercised option for pay-fixation in revised pay-scales from the date of their promotion clearly stating that ‘fixation does not seem to be correct’ and asking to explain how the pay-fixations were carried out. In this background, AIBSNLREA had also addressed a letter to Sr GM(Establishment), Corporate Office detailing where Calcutta Telephones had erred while issuing revised pay fixation Orders [View posting dated 03.03.2021 in this website to read this letter]. Now Calcutta Telephones has sent a reply to DGM(Estt-II) and copy of the same has been sent to AIBSNLREA in response to its letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/17 dated 02.03.2021 addressed to Sr GM (Estt), BSNL C.O. with Grievance Registration No. DOPPW/P/2021/02102. However, this does not address the specific issues raised by the Association.  View the CTD BSNL letter

21.04.2021:

BSNL RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA ON THE ISSUES RELATED TO BSNLMRS CONCERING THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

In response to the representation of AIBSNLREA, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/119 dated 08.10.2020, addressed to Prime Minister of India on various problems faced by the retired BSNL employees with BSNLMRS, BSNL now sends the same reply as it provided earlier also [View posting dated 09.10.2020 in this website to read the letter]. The reply says that payment of medical bills has not been made since April, 2019 due to severe fund constraints and BSNL has discontinued the practice of deducting TDS at the time of posting bill in SAP.  View the BSNL reply

19.04.2021:

AIBSNLREA REQUESTS MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE TO EXTEND VALIDITY OF FORM 15G AND 15H SUBMITTED TO THE BANKS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020-21 DUE TO SUDDEN SURGE SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES:

In a letter addressed to Minister of State for Finance, Government of India, AIBSNLREA has stated that due to sudden and unexpected huge surge in Covid-19 cases, the depositors – especially the Senior Citizens are not able to move out and visit their banks and other institutions to submit their Form 15G and 15H. In the similar situation last year, the Central Board of Direct Taxes had issued instructions, vide its F.No.275/25/2020-IT(B) dated 03.04.2020, extending the validity of these Forms submitted during the financial year 2019-20 up to 30.06.2020. This helped the Senior Citizens immensely. The Association has thus requested that since the present situation relating to Covid-19 cases has become more problematic and the various State Governments have already issued several restrictions, the Central Board of Direct Taxes issue similar Orders as issued last year vide its F.No.275/25/2020-IT(B) dated 03.04.2020 extending the validity of these Forms submitted during the financial year 2020-21 at least up to 30.09.2021 to give positive relief to all the stake holders including the Senior Citizens.  View the letter

19.04.2021:

AIBSNLREA REQUESTS DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL TO ALLOW OUTDOOR CLAIMS WITH LATEST PRESCRIPTION WHICH ARE NOT OLDER MORE THAN SIX MONTHS DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC:

In a letter addressed to Director (HR), BSNL, AIBSNLREA has brought to his notice that due to sudden surge in Covid-19 cases and the restrictions imposed by several State Governments, the retired BSNL Employees are now facing acute problems in moving out to consult their doctors and get prescriptions to carry out their treatment. Those with chronic diseases requiring long term treatment are suffering the most. The Association has further stated that the CGHS beneficiaries have now been permitted by Directorate of CGHS, vide its No. Z 15025/12/2020/DIR/CGHS dated 15.04.2021, to reimburse the cost of medicines purchased for chronic diseases based on the prescription already held. Pointing out that BSNL had earlier issued orders vide No. BSNLCO-ADMN/12(12)/12020-ADMN dated 02.06.2020 allowing outdoor claims with latest prescription available which are not older more than six months due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Association has requested that to mitigate the hardships caused both to the retired and serving BSNL employees, instructions be issued to all circles/units that the claims submitted with the latest available prescription for chronic illnesses, as a special case, be allowed till normalcy returns.  View the letter

17.04.2021:

UNWARRANTED WITHHOLDING OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT IN ADDITION TO GRATUITY TO A BSNL VRS-RETIREE FACING DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS- AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE CASE OF SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT:

The above issue was earlier taken up by AIBSNLREA, vide its letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/18 dated 15.03.3021 with registered Grievance Docket No. DOPPW/E/2021/09036, requesting to release the Ex-gratia payment to the above-named BSNL-2019 VRS-retiree who is facing a departmental proceeding initiated just a day earlier to his date of retirement. In his case, the ex-gratia payment was also withheld in addition to his Gratuity – even though Rule-69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 provides for withholding of only the Gratuity [View posting 16.03.2021 in this website to read the letter]. But Karnataka Telecom Circle had disposed off the grievance stating that “The Grievance cannot be resolved by CGMT Karnataka Circle, BSNL, since he has to act as per BSNL Corporate Office letter No. 1-15/2019-PAT (BSNL) dated 4.11.2019. In view of this, the CGMT has already expressed his inability. In the grievance document, this was made clear. This issue can be resolved by BSNL Corporate Office. DOP&PW has to advise BSNL to strictly follow Rule-69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and withhold only the Gratuity of the affected pensioner and not the Ex-gratia payment in addition. Therefore, the grievance needs to be examined only by DOP&PW and not the CGMT, Karnataka Circle.” Since Karnataka Telecom Circle stated that the grievance needs to be examined only by DOP&PW and not by CGMT, Karnataka Circle, the matter was again taken up vide letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/21 dated 01.04.2021 with the grievance registered under DOPPW/E/2021/10864 [View posting dated 01.04.2021 in this website to read the letter]. But the CGMT, Karnataka Circle once again disposed off the Grievance without resolving the same and stating that “Karnataka Circle has disposed off the earlier docket No. DOPPW/E/2021/09636 on the above issue stating that – The Grievance cannot be resolved by CGMT Karnataka Circle, BSNL, since he has to act as per BSNL Corporate Office letter No. 1-15/2019-PAT (BSNL) dated 04.11.2019. Matter to be dealt at CO-ND”. In view of the above – especially when CGMT, Karnataka Circle has stated that the Matter is to be dealt at CO-ND, the Association has now taken up the matter with Director (HR), BSNL.  View the letter

17.04.2021:

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CGHS ISSUES SPECIAL SANCTION PERMITTING THE CGHS BENEFICIARIES TO PURCHASE MEDICINES FOR CHRONIC DISEASES TILL 31.07.2021 IN VIEW OF COVID-19:

Directorate General of CGHS, vide its No. Z 15025/12/2020/DIR/CGHS dated 15.04.2021, has issued special sanction permitting the CGHS beneficiaries getting medicines for chronic diseases to purchase medicines based on the prescription held (prescribed by CGHS Medical Officers/CGHS Specialists/other Govt. Specialists/Specialists of empanelled hospitals) till 31st July, 2021 on the same condition as per its earlier OM dated 27.03.2020. The OM also clarified that CGHS Wellness Centres are functional and CGHS beneficiaries also have the option to collect medicines through CGHS Wellness Centres as per normal practice.  View the DG CGHS order

16.04.2021:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL ON THE ISSUE OF CONDONATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE DELAY IN ISSUING APPPOINTMENT LETTER AFTER COMPLETION OF PRE-APPOINTMENT TRAINING TO SHRI AJAY KUMAR DUBEY, RETD AGM, AGRA TD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING TRAINING PERIOD TO BE COUNTED AS SERVICE UNDER RULE-22 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972:

UP (West) Telecom Circle, in a reply to AIBSNLREA, had stated in a letter to the Association on the above issue that “Since no guidelines have been issued by BSNL Corporate Office regarding GoI decision (3), hence the request of Sh Ajay Kumar Dubey cannot be accepted” [View posting dated 15.04.2021 in this website to read the UP (West) Circle letter]. Being unsatisfied with the reply, the Association has now again taken up the issue with Director (HR), BSNL. The Association has stated that this stand of UP (West) Telecom Circle is really surprising and unacceptable and went on to say that “In this context, it is once again reiterated that Dept of Telecom, vide No.36-14/88-NB/T/Pen dt 25.06.1990, had issued the necessary guidelines which is being followed even in BSNL after its formation on 1.10.2000 by all its Circles. Even Kerala Circle, based on the above DOT Orders, in the recent times issued several orders condoning the administrative delay in issuing appointment letters. The Circles, being the recruiting and appointing authority of Group C and D employees, are being allowed for over last 30 years to act as per DoT No. 36-14/88-NB/T/Pen dt 25.06.1990 and extend the benefit as permitted under Rule-22 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. Further, BSNL Corporate Office, while forwarding the registered Grievance No. DOPPW/E/2021/01344 to UP (West) Telecom Circle, has already stated in the Remarks column of the Status Report that ‘The grievance of the complainant is forwarded for redressal under intimation to the complainant as Circle is competent to take decision in the matter’. As such, there is no room for any further confusion on the part of UP (West) Telecom Circle in regard to its authority to redress this genuine grievance”. In view of the above, AIBSNLREA has finally requested that the UP (West) Telecom Circle be advised to issue the necessary orders condoning the administrative delay in issuing appointment letter to Shri A K Dubey, Retd AGM, Agra so that his pre-appointment training period is counted as service under Rule-22 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 for the purpose of pension.  View the letter

15.04.2021:

UP (WEST) TELECOM CIRCLE RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S LETTER REGARDING RESTORATION OF THE ORDER TO CONDONE THE ADMINISTRATIVE DELAY IN ISSUING APPPOINTMENT LETTER AFTER COMPLETION OF PRE-APPOINTMENT TRAINING TO SHRI AJAY KUMAR DUBEY, RETD AGM, AGRA TD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING TRAIN ING PERIOD TO BE COUNTED AS SERVICE UNDER RULE-22 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972:

Following an earlier letter of AIBSNLREA, addressed to Director (HR), BSNL, on the above issue, having been forwarded to UP (West) Telecom Circle with the remarks that “The grievance of the complainant is forwarded for redressal under intimation to the complainant as Circle is competent to take decision in the matter”, AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to CGMT, UP(West) Telecom Circle requesting him to restore his Circle Office Order issued earlier vide No. UP(W)/BSNL/HR-I/6-013/Staff-2017/V/27 dated 08.01.2020 condoning the administrative delay in issuing appointment letter to Shri A K Dubey, Retd AGM or issue a fresh Order so that the pensioner can get the benefit of pension under Rule 22 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 for which he is fully eligible [View posting dated 17.02.2021 in this website to read the letter]. Now, UP (West) Telecom Circle, though agreed with the all the points raised by the Association in its letter justifying the case in accordance with BSNL C.O. No. 1-15/2019-PAT (BSNL)-Part dt 26.11.2019 and Rule-22 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, has replied vide its No. UPWCO-11/20(39)/1/2020-HR AND ADMIN/18122 dated 20.03.2021 expressing its inability to accept the request on the plea that “Since, no guidelines have been issued by BSNL Corporate Office regarding GoI decision (3), hence the request of Sh Ajay Kumar Dubey cannot be accepted”.  View UP (West) Circle letter

09.04.2021:

BSNL EXTENDS THE VALIDITY OF BSNL MRS CARD OF BSNL RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

BSNL Corporate Office has issued orders extending the validity of BSNL MRS Card of BSNL Retired employees upto 30.09.2021 or till further order and has requested the Circles to take necessary action.  View the BSNL order

06.04.2021:

E-JOURNAL APRIL 2021 ISSUE:

April 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column. E-Journals of earlier years/months can also be downloaded from the drop down menu "EJournal Archives" at the top of the website.

01.04.2021:

UNWARRANTED WITHHOLDING OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT OF SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT- AIBSNLREA SEEKS INTERVENTION OF SECRETARY (PENSION), DOP&PW:

Since Karnataka Telecom Circle expressed its inability to resolve the grievance and release Ex-gratia payment to the above-named VRS-retiree who is facing department proceedings, the Association has now sought the intervention of Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW in the matter. While disposing of the grievance docket No. DOPPW/E/2021/09036, registered based on the letter of the Association vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/18 dated 15.03.2021 [View posting dated 16.03.2021 to read the letter], Karnataka Circle stated that “ The Grievance cannot be resolved by CGMT Karnataka Circle, BSNL, since he has to act as per BSNL Corporate Office letter No. 1-15/2019-PAT (BSNL) dated 4.11.2019. In view of this, the CGMT has already expressed his inability. In the grievance document, this was made clear. This issue can be resolved by BSNL Corporate Office. DOP&PW has to advise BSNL to strictly follow Rule-69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and withhold only the Gratuity of the affected pensioner and not the Ex-gratia payment in addition. Therefore, the grievance needs to be examined only by DOP&PW and not the CGMT, Karnataka Circle’. The Association has pointed out BSNL cannot withhold Ex-gratia payment in addition to DCRG payable to a retiree facing departmental/judicial proceedings, since Rule-69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 provides for withholding of only DCRG. The Association has requested that BSNL be advised to immediately releases Ex-gratia payment to Shri B M Nyamati, Retd CAO, BG TD by keeping his DCRG payment alone as withheld till the final outcome of the charge-sheet is known.  View the letter

31.03.2021:

DECREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2021:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to decrease w.e.f. 1.4.2021 by 1.0% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 1.8% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

31.03.2021:

AIBSNLREA ADDRESSES SR GM (ESTT), BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE ON THE ISSUE OF NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE ADVICE GIVEN TO CALCUTTA TELEPHONES BY ESTABLISHMENT BRANCH OF BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE IN THE MATTER OF PAY FIXATION OF THE OFFICIATING JTOs WHO OPTED FOR FIXATION OF PAY IN REVISED PAY SCALES ON THE DATE OF THEIR REGULAR PROMOTION:

In a letter addressed to Sr GM (Estt), BSNL Corporate Office, AIBSNLREA has drawn his attention on the issue of “Non-compliance of the advice given by Establishment Branch of BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No 5-21/2021/Estt.IV/CPGRMS/24019 dated 16.02.2021, in the matter of pay fixation of the officiating JTOs, who were promoted in 2008 and opted for fixation in revised pay scale from the date of their regular promotion”, by Calcutta Telephones. The Association has pointed out that though BSNL Corporate Office conveyed that the pay fixation (done by CTD) did not seem to be correct and even indicated the manner in which the pay fixations are to be made, the reply received from Calcutta Telephones makes it clear that it is not ready to follow the advice and the rules. The Association has also pointed out several other omissions and commissions in the pay-fixation order issued by Calcutta Telephones. Enclosing a copy of the Order issued by Kerala Telecom Circle in the matter of pay fixation of exactly similarly placed persons, the Association has requested to issue specific instructions to CTD to follow the methodology mentioned in the Kerala Telecom Circle order, vide its No. AGM(HR)/Pay Anomaly/JTO(O)/2013(Part)/34 dated 05.01.2021, without giving any room for the CTD administration to find a new excuse or raise a new query.  View the letter

30.03.2021:

BSNL REPLIES TO THE REPRESENTATIONS OF AIBSNLREA SEEKING INTERVENTION OF SECRETARY (PENSION) IN THE MATTER OF REFUSAL BY BSNL TO EXAMINE AND REDRESS THE GRIEVANCES OF THE BSNL IDA PENSIONERS:

AIBSNLREA had sought intervention of Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW in the matter of refusal by BSNL to examine and redress the genuine grievances of the BSNL IDA pensioners and disposing of the same by using a common phrase “It is the Policy matter of BSNL” in the Remarks column of the related registered Grievance Dockets. One of such grievances taken up was regarding submission of self-declaration of life certificate to continue with the concessional telephone facility [View postings dated 26.10.2020 and dated 03.11.2020 in this website to read the letters]. Now, BSNL has just sent identical reply in response to these representations stating that ‘…. The matter has been examined and your request has not been acceded by competent authority”.  View the BSNL letter

29.03.2021:

BSNL REPLIES TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA SEEKING HIS INTERVENTION IN THE MATTER OF VIRTUAL DENIAL OF MEDICARE FACILITIES UNDER BSNLMRS TO THE BSNL IDA PENSIONERS AND DRASTIC REDUCTION IN THEIR ANNUAL CEILING LIMIT:

Following drastic cuts ordered in Annual Ceiling limit for reimbursement of medical claims for outdoor treatment in respect of the past BSNL retirees, AIBSNLREA had sent an SOS MESSAGE to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India urging him to come to the rescue of the hapless BSNL IDA pensioners who are virtually being denied of any Medicare facility under BSNLMRS [View posting dated 09.07.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Now, BSNL Corporate Office has responded to the said representation and has stated that its Order dated 08.05.2020 regarding annual ceiling limit for outdoor medical reimbursement is a policy decision duly approved by the management of the BSNL and also informing that ‘However, your suggestion has been noted”.  View the BSNL letter

27.03.2021:

FAMILY PENSIONERS WHO GET CGHS FACILITY BY SURRENDERING BSNLMRS CARD/FACILITY ARE ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT OF ONE-TIME SUBSCRIPTION PAID TO CGHS- CLARIFIES BSNL:

BSNL Corporate Office, vide its Office letter No. BSNLCO-ADMN/12(12)/4/2021-ADMN dated 26.03.2021, has clarified that “The family pensioners (dependents of the deceased BSNL employees) who get CGHS facility by surrendering BSNLMRS card/facility are also allowed for one time reimbursement of CGHS subscription fee paid to CGHS authority for migrating to CGHS facility”.  View the BSNL order

26.03.2021:

THE GOVERNMENT WILL ADMINISTRATIVELY ALLOCATE SPECTRUM TO TELECOM PUBLIC SECTOR UNITS BSNL AND MTNL FOR 5G AND FUTURE SERVICES, UNION MINISTER RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD INFORMS PARLIAMENT:

Minister of Communications Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad in a written reply in Rajya Sabha stated that the Government has approved to administratively allot spectrum for providing 5G services to BSNL/MTNL, spectrum for maintaining current operations and future services on the same principle as proposed for allotment of spectrum for 4G services. He said that the government has allocated funds of Rs 24,084 crore for spectrum for 4G services in 2021-22 and BSNL invited an expression of interest (EoI) on January 1 for prior registration and proof of concept (PoC) for its upcoming 4G tender. He further said that both BSNL and MTNL, the loss making companies have become EBITDA positive for the half year ended September 2020 and nine months ended December 2020.  View the Media Report

22.03.2021:

AIBSNLREA ADDRESSES PGM(PERS), BSNL TO EXPEDITE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE VC REQUEST BY KARNATAKA TELECOM CIRCLE IN RESPECT OF SHRI G P BIRADAR, RETD DE, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT TO SETTLE HIS LONG PENDING PENSION AND OTHER RETIREMENT BENEFITS:

AIBSNLREA had been requesting for early settlement of final pension and other consequent retirement benefit cases of Shri G P Biradar, Retd DE, Bangalore Telecom District. Earlier, while disposing of the Grievance Docket No. DOPPW/E/2020/15400 registered in CPENGRAMS basing on a representation from the Association, Karnataka Telecom Circle had stated in the comment section of its Status Report that “The officer retired on 31-12-2010. He has requested for final superannuation pension, release of leave encashment, DCRG & commuted value of pension. At the time of retirement, a CBI court case was pending against him. He has been exonerated by the designated court process. On receipt of VC, all eligible payments will be made”. Now, having learnt that Personnel Branch of Corporate is yet to respond to the VC request from Karnataka Telecom Circle, AIBSNLREA has requested PGM (Pers) to expedite action on the VC Request.  View the letter

21.03.2021:

BSNL ISSUES FINAL SUPERANNUATION ORDER FOR SHRI S V ROJED, RETD SDE, QA & INSPECTION CIRCLE WHO WAS ACQUITED OF CHARGES BY THE CBI COURT ON 25.10.2018- ANOTHER LONG PENDING CASE BEING PURSUED BY AIBSNLREA STANDS SETTLED:

AIBSNLREA had been requesting BSNL Corporate Office to issue the final superannuation order of Shri S V Rojed, Retd SDE, QA & Inspection Circle following his acquittal of charges along with some others by the CBI Special Court at Dharwar (Karnataka) on 25.10.2018. Because of non-issue of his final superannuation order, his final pension, release of DCRG etc were not being settled. Now, BSNL has issued his final superannuation order permitting him to retire w.e.f. 31.03.2012 vide its No. BSNLCO-PRII/22/10/2020-PERII dated 10.03.2021 and disposed of the grievance dockets No. DOPPW/E/2020/31142 and DOPPW/E/2021/01609 which were registered based on the representations of AIBSNLREA vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/153 dated 28.12.2020 and No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/03 dated 14.01.2021 respectively [View postings dated 28.12.2020, 13.01.2021 and 14.01.2021 in this website]. Issue of this has paved the way for settlement of his retirement benefits.  View the Status Report for First Docket
 View the Status Report for Second Docket

20.03.2021:

BSNL RESPONDS TO THE REQUEST OF AIBSNLREA TO SHIFT ALL OFFICIAL AND CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS OF BSNL AND ITS RETIRED EMPLOYEES FROM MTNL TO PROPOSED BSNL NETWORK IN DELHI AND MUMBAI:

As BSNL was to start its own landline services in Delhi and Mumbai service areas, AIBSNLREA had requested CMD, BSNL to shift all official and concessional telephone connections of BSNL and its retired employees from MTNL to proposed BSNL network in Delhi and Mumbai. The Association argued that this would not only help BSNL to avoid incurring expenditure in reimbursing the telephone bills of the retirees but also help the retirees by not having to pay the bills themselves to MTNL and then wait, without result, to get the reimbursement. Further, once BSNL starts operation of its own network, there is no justification to use the telecom services from other network by incurring huge expenditure [View posting dated 17.02.2021 in this website to read the letter]. Now, BSNL has stated in its reply that BSNL is yet to start its services in Delhi and Mumbai and the suggestion of the Association is noted for consideration after services are started by BSNL.  View the BSNL reply

19.03.2021:

WAGE REVISION FOR BSNL EMPLOYEES- MOSC TABLES REPLY IN RAJYA SABHA:

Minister of State for Communication Shri Sanjay Dhotre has since tabled a reply in Rajya Sabha on 18.03.2021 in response to the unstarred question No. 2570 on the issue of wage revision for BSNL employees vis-à-vis revision of pension of BSNL IDA pensioners. The MOSC has stated in the reply that BSNL is incurring losses since 2009-10 and does not fulfil the criteria under affordability clause as per DPE guidelines dated 03.08.2017 on pay revision in CPSEs w.e.f. 01.01.2017 and as such the pay revision was not considered. MOSC has further stated in his reply that BSNL continues to incur loss despite many employees opting for VRS. In regard to pension revision, it has been stated that since it is linked with pay revision of serving employees, this has to wait implementation of 3rd PRC in BSNL.  View the RS reply

16.03.2021:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF WITHHOLDING OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT IN ADDITION TO GRATUITY OF SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO, BANGALORE WHO IS FACING A DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDING:

AIBSNLREA has taken up the above issue with Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW, since CGMT, Karnataka Circle, citing provision in Para 7(ii) of BSNL Order No. 1-15/2019-PAT(BSNL) dated 04.11.2019, expressed its inability to accede to our request to release ex-gratia payment to Shri B M Nyamati, Retd CAO, Bangalore Telecom District who was served a charge-sheet just a day earlier to his retirement under BSNL VRS-2019 on 31.01.2020. The Association has pleaded that though BSNL stated in the above-said Para of its Order dated 04.11.2019 that the VRS-retirees, facing departmental/judicial proceedings, be paid all the other retirement benefits as in Rule-69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, it ordered to withhold payment of even Ex-gratia in addition to Gratuity. Since the BSNL VRS-retirees also draw pension from Central Civil Estimate, they are governed by CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and BSNL cannot tinker with any provision of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. As the Rule-69 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 provides for withholding of only “Gratuity” of an employee facing Departmental/Judicial proceedings, BSNL cannot add another condition to withhold payment of Ex-gratia in addition to Gratuity. Referring to the OM No. 25013/7/77-Estt(A) dated 26.08.1977 issued by Dept of Personnel & Administrative Reforms, the Association has further stated that in the present case, the accepting authority committed a grave mistake which has landed Shri B M Nyamati in an unprecedented situation and financial trouble. Had his option for VRS not been accepted, citing contemplation of disciplinary proceedings, he would have remained in service and would have drawn full salary till conclusion of the proceedings. Allowing one to go on VRS and denying his benefits payable under VRS, is completely untenable and illegal. AIBSNLREA has, accordingly, requested for intervention of Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW so that BSNL immediately releases Ex-gratia payment to Shri B M Nyamati, Retd CAO, BG TD by keeping his DCRG payment alone as withheld till the final outcome of the charge-sheet is known.  View the letter

14.03.2021:

KARNATAKA TELECOM CIRCLE ACCEDES TO THE REQUEST OF AIBSNLREA TO ISSUE ORDERS GRANTING TIME BOUND FINANCIAL UPGRADATION TO SHRI SHRIKANT B MOHARE, RETD ACCOUNTS OFFICER, GULBARGA TELECOM DISTRICT:

AIBSNLREA had last taken up the above issue with CGMT, Karnataka Telecom Circle, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/09 dated 10.02.2021, requesting to issue Orders granting two consecutive Time Bound Financial Upgradation to Shri Shrikant B. Mohare, Retd Accounts Officer, Gulbarga Telecom District who retired from service on 31.08.2016 and against whom a judicial proceeding was earlier pending. Now Karnataka Telecom Circle has disposed of the related Grievance Docket by issuing the Order granting him Financial upgradation from E3-E4 scale to E4-E5 scale with effect from 01.10.2014.  View the KTK circle Order

12.03.2021:

DOP&PW ISSUES ORDERS PRESCRIBING MEASURES TO ENSURE TIMELY PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT DUES TO THE RETIRING EMPLOYEES:

Expressing concerns that despite the timelines prescribed in rules/instructions and simplification/streamlining of the procedures through BHAVISHYA, the issue of PPO and payment of retirement benefits to the retiring employees continue to be delayed in large number of cases, the DOP&PW, vide its OM No. 3(6)/2021-P&PW(H)-7083 dated 09.03.2021, has issued instructions for establishment of an effective monitoring mechanism to regularly monitor the progress of pension cases. The OM also suggests other measures to ensure timely payment of retirement dues to the retiring employees.  View the DOP&PW Order

09.03.2021:

KARNATAKA TELECOM CIRCLE EXPRESSES ITS INABILITY TO ACCEDE TO THE REQUEST OF AIBSNLREA TO RELEASE EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT ALSO A VRS-RETIREE CITING A PROVISION IN THE BSNL ORDER DATED 04.11.2019:

AIBSNLREA, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/05 dated [view posting dated 25.01.2021 in this website to read the letter], had requested CGMT, Karnataka Telecom Circle to release the Ex-Gratia payment to Shri B.M.Nyamati, Retd CAO who was served with a charge-sheet just a day before his retirement under BSNL VRS-2019 on 31.01.2020. Now Karnataka Telecom Circle, while disposing of the related Grievance Docket, has cited the provision in Sub-clause 7(ii) of BSNL Corporate Office instructions issued vide No. 1-15/2019-PAT (BSNL) dated 04.11.2019 which states that ‘in respect of VRS-optees facing Departmental/Judicial proceedings, payment of Ex-gratia and Gratuity shall be released only on the conclusions of and based on the outcome of vigilance/disciplinary proceedings’.  View the BSNL KTK letter

07.03.2021:

DOT DECIDES TO INCLUDE PAYMENT OF FIXED MEDICAL ALLOWANCE THROUGH CPMS FOR THE BSNL IDA PENSIONERS:

DOT, vide No. 13-6/2020-21/BA&IT/54 to 86 dated 04.03.2021, has decided to add a feature in SAMPANN for payment of Fixed Medical Allowance to the BSNL IDA Pensioners opting for FMA. Accordingly, DOT has evolved an interim process and advised the CCAs to follow the same till the required feature is added in SAMPANN. It is to clarify that BSNL IDA pensioners also, who opt for CGHS but reside in areas not covered under the Scheme, receive FMA.  View the DOT order

06.03.2021:

E-JOURNAL MARCH 2021 ISSUE:

March 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.03.2021:

PAYMENT OF FOURTH AND FINAL INSTALMENT OF EX-GRATIA TO THE BSNL VRS-2019 RETIREES - DOT RELEASES FUND:

Following release of fund for payment of fourth and final installment of ex-gratia to the BSNL VRS-19 retirees by DOT, BSNL, vide it's No. BSNLCO-A/11(11)/8/2020-ESTAB dated 05.03.2021, has issued detailed instructions to the Circles to release the payment in ERP/SAP latest by 10th March, 2021.  View the BSNL order

03.03.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SR GM (ESTT), BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE IN THE MATTER OF WRONG PAY FIXATION CASES OF THE OFFICIATING JTOs OF CALCUTTA TELEPHONES WHO EXERCISED OPTION FOR FIXATION IN REVISED SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Sr General Manager (Estt), BSNL Corporate Office thanking him for his office letter No. 5-21/2021/Estt-IV/CPGRAMS/24019 dated 16.02.2021 on the above issue, which was sent under the signature of DGM(Estt-II) BSNL CO to the CGM, Calcutta Telephones, requesting to furnish as to how the pay fixations in these cases were done. In this letter, BSNL C.O. has clearly stated that ‘fixation does not seem to be correct’ and also explained how the pay fixation in these is to be done. AIBSNLREA, in its letter, has now again pointed out some glaring irregularities in pay fixation and requested to examine the same while coming to the final conclusion in the matter after receiving the report from Calcutta Telephones.  View the letter

27.02.2021:

DOT ISSUES ORDERS REVISING THE EXISTING PROCEDURE FOR REVISION OF CONVERSION TO FAMILY PENSION IN CASES WHEN ELIGIBLE CLAIMANT IS OTHER THAN THE FAMILY PENSIONER MENTIONED IN THE PPO AND COMMUTATION REVISION IN RESPECT OF ALL SAMPANN PENSIONERS INCLUDING BSNL VRS-2019 RETIREES:

Department of Telecommunication, vide its Office Order No. 7-47/2016/PFP-Policy/Pt-1/3402 to 3433 dated 25.02.2021, has revised the existing procedure for revision of conversion to Family Pension when eligible claimant is other than the family pensioner mentioned in the PPO and also Commutation Revision in respect of all SAMPANN pensioners including the BSNL VRS-2019 pensioners. Now onwards, the requisite forms with specified documents will have to be submitted, instead of the Head of Office as at present, directly to the CCA Office which shall be performing the role of the Head Office for the purpose of these two revisions.  View the DoT order

25.02.2021:

NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE BILLS OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES RESIDING IN THE AREAS SERVED BY MTNL IN DELHI AND MUMBAI- AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH DIRECTOR (FINANCE), BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has taken up the above issue with Director (Finance), BSNL, since the claims for reimbursement of telephones bills of the retired BSNL employees residing in the areas served by MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai are not being reimbursed for last two years or even more. The Association has stated in its letter that the retired employees residing in the areas served by MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai are being charged even for free calls, as allowed by BSNL as concession, and these employees are to pay these bills in full which are subsequently reimbursed by BSNL. The Association has also expressed the apprehension that that many of these bills may not even be found traceable in the coming future, if the reimbursement remains pending for such a long time. The Association has further requested for immediate reimbursement of all pending telephone bills.  View the letter

24.02.2021:

BSNL’S RESPONSE TO AIBSNLREA’S REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF CONCESSIONAL FTTH CONNECTION IN LIEU OF EXISTING CONCESSIONAL BROAD BAND CONNECTION TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES:

As BSNL Corporate Office constituted a three-member Committee with Sr. GM(PDC), FIN-CFA as its Chairman to decide the modalities and other issues related to the proposal to extend concessional FTTH connection in lieu of existing concessional broadband connection to the below JAG level Officers, AIBSNLREA made a request to Director (HR), BSNL to consider simultaneous extension of concessional FTTH facility to the retired BSNL employees at their residence in lieu of concessional broadband connection [View posting dated 30.12.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Now BSNL has replied, vide its No. BSNLCO-ADMN/18-5/2020-ADMN dated 08.02.2021 stating that “your suggestion to extend the facility to the retired employee is welcome and the same may be considered at appropriate time in future taking in to account its viability and market dynamics etc.  View the BSNL letter

24.02.2021:

AIBSNLREA REQUESTS MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE TO RESCIND/MODIFY UNFAIR PROVISION UNDER SECTION 15(a) OF IT ACT, 1961 TO TREAT SALARY DUE BUT NOT PAID AS TAXABLE:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Minister of State for Finance, Govt of India drawing his attention to the unfair provision under Section 15 (a) of Income Tax Act, 1961 to treat salary due but not paid as taxable. The Association has pointed out that “though income tax for an assessment year is to be calculated based on the total income earned in a financial year, at present income tax is also being charged against the amount due against medical claims, which forms part of salary under Section 17(2) of IT Act, 1961, but not paid in the said financial year. TDS is also being deducted against such unpaid amount and the hapless tax-payers are forced to include these unpaid amounts in their annual income and also pay additional tax”. The Association has further requested to rescind/modify the existing provisions under Section 15 (a) of IT Act, 1961 or issue suitable clarification so that TDS or Income Tax is charged only when the amount due, forming part of salary, is actually paid to the employees/pensioners.  View the letter

21.02.2021:

PROCESS TO BE ADOPTED FOR SETTLEMENT OF PENSION DUES WHERE A RETIREE EXPIRES PRIOR TO FILING PENSION PAPERS- DOP&PW ISSUES GUIDELINES:

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 12(19)/2020-P&PW(H)-6569 dated 18.02.2021, has issued a detailed procedure for processing of the case for sanction of pension in respect of deceased retired Government servant and for sanction of family pension to his/her family. In such cases, the spouse of the deceased retired Government servant or, in the absence of the spouse, a member of his/her family eligible for family pension may submit claim in prescribed form to the Head of Office. The Head of Office, in turn, shall process the claims in prescribed form and send the same along with a forwarding letter to the PAO for authorization of pension and family pension in respect of deceased retired Government servant. The PAO, thereafter, shall authorize pension (in respect of deceased Govt servant) and family pension to the spouse/eligible family member.  View the DoP&PW OM

20.02.2021:

RESTORATION OF PAY FIXATION AS ALLOWED EARLIER TO THE ERSTWHILE TTAs OFFICIATING AS JTOs OF CALCUTTA TELEPHONES WHO EXERCISED OPTION FOR THEIR PAY FIXATION IN THE REVISED SCALE ON THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION AFTER 01.01.2007 - AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO CGM, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES:

In response to AIBSNLREA’s letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/126 dated 20.10.2020 [View posting dated 20.10.2020 in this website to read the letter], which was registered under Grievance Docket No. DOPPW/E/2020/24019 on the above subject, AGM Admin South BA, Kolkata of CTD had earlier furnished the revised fixation memo dated 11.11.2020 in respect of an affected retired executive stating that BSNL Corporate Office letter No. 3-32/2013/Estt-IV dated 22.12.2015 and No. BSNLCO-A/16(27)/12/2020-ESTAB dated 28.10.2020 were followed for the said fixation. But several defects in this pay fixation were found and these were duly taken up by the Association with Sr GM(Estt), BSNL Corporate Office vide letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/01 dated 11.01.2021. Now that the Establishment Branch of BSNL Corporate Office, vide its letter No. 5-21/2021/Estt-IV/CPGRAMS/24019 dated 16.02.2021 addressed to CGMT, Calcutta Telephones, has categorically stated that the fixation does not seem to be correct, the Association has again taken up the issue with CGM, Calcutta Telephones. The said letter from Establishment Branch also makes it clear that “In case of exercise of option for fixation of pay from the date of promotion/upgradation, the employee will continue to draw pay in the revised pay till the date of his promotion/upgradation. On the date of promotion, the pay in the promoted post will be fixed under FR 22(1)(a)(i) and thereafter the pay in the promoted post may be revised in terms of fitment formula as per para 2 of this office order No.1-50/2008-PAT(BSNL) dated 05.03.2009”. The Association has also mentioned that earlier CTD, vide its letter No. MAS/SI.South/Executive/20-21 dated 01.02.2021 addressed to the Association, had stated that “For allowing (fixation) in the same manner as allowed to JAO (Deptl), to all Non-Executives including the TTAs as per clarification issued vide No. BSNLCO-PRII/11(24)/14/2020-PERS1 dated 28.08.2020, clarification is needed from Corporate Office, New Delhi.” The Association has now pointed out that since the method of pay fixation to be followed in this case, as elaborated by Establishment in its letter No. 5-21/2021/Estt-IV/CPGRAMS/24019 dated 16.02.2021 addressed to CGMT, CTD, is just the same as allowed to the JAO(Deptl), the Finance wing of CTD cannot have any more excuses for following the correct procedure as per FR and other standing instructions on fitment in revised pay scale from the date of promotion after 1.1.2007 to JTO grade. The Association has, finally, again requested to restore the pay fixations which were initially allowed to these officiating JTOs who opted for pay fixation in the revised pay scale from the date of their promotion.  View the letter

20.02.2021:

GRANT OF ANNUAL INCREMENT FALLING DUE ON THE NEXT DAY OF SUPERANNUATION/RETIREMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS- BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE ISSUES GUIDELINES TO ITS OFFICES TO DEAL WITH THE GRIEVANCES/REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FROM RETIRED EMPLOYEES:

In the background of the Supreme Court judgment on the above issue dismissing an SLP filed by Department of Telecommunication against a judgment of Hon’ble High Court, Lucknow Bench but ‘keeping all the questions of law open’, BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No.48-2/2021-Pen(B) dated 18.02.2021, has issued guidelines to its various offices how to dispose of the grievances/representations received from retired employees regarding grant of notional increment falling due on the next day of superannuation/retirement for the purpose of pensionary benefits. AIBSNLREA had earlier already published the DOP&PW guidelines on this matter in the posting dated 04.02.2021 in this website.  View the BSNL letter

19.02.2021:

WRONG PAY-FIXATION CASES OF THE OFFICIATING JTOs OF CALCUTTA TELEPHONES WHO OPTED FOR THEIR PAY-FIXATION IN THE REVISED PAY SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PROMOTION- BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE ADDRESSES CGMT, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES REQUESTING TO PROVIDE DETAILS AS TO HOW THE FIXATION IN THESE CASES HAVE BEEN DONE:

Being unsatisfied with the reply dated 07.05.2020 received from Establishment Branch of BSNL Corporate Office regarding wrong pay-fixation cases, AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to Sr General Manager (Estt), BSNL, vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/126 dated 20.10.2020 which was registered in CPENGRAMS as Docket No. DOPPW/E/2020/24019 [View posting dated 20.10.2020 in this website to read the letter]. In this letter, the Association pointed out the irregularities in the revised pay fixations done by Calcutta Telephones in respect of the Officiating JTOs who opted for pay-fixation in revised IDA pay scale from the date of their promotion and requested to take corrective actions. Now, Establishment Branch of BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. 5-21/2021/Estt-IV/CPGRAMS/24019 dated 16.02.2021, has addressed a letter to CGMT, Calcutta Telephones after examining a report on the issue received from CTD. It has been stated in the said letter that “… In this connection, it is observed that method of pay fixation does not seems correct. In case of exercise of option for fixation of pay from the date of promotion/upgradation, the employees will continue to draw pay in the pre-revised pay till the date of his promotion/upgradation. On the date of promotion, the pay in the promoted post will be fixed under FR22(1)(a)(i) and thereafter the pay in the promoted post may be revised in terms of fitment formula as per para 2 of this office order no. 1-50/2008-PAT(BSNL) dated 05.03.2009”. BSNL Corporate Office has also requested Calcutta Telephones to provide details as to how the pay fixations were done to enable it to examine the case further.  View the BSNL CO letter

17.02.2021:

RESTORATION OF THE ORDER TO CONDONE THE ADMINISTRATIVE DELAY IN ISSUING APPPOINTMENT LETTER AFTER COMPLETION OF PRE-APPOINTMENT TRAINING TO SHRI AJAY KUMAR DUBEY, RETD AGM, AGRA TD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING TRAIN ING PERIOD TO BE COUNTED AS SERVICE UNDER RULE-22 OF CCS (PENSION) RULES, 1972:

AIBSNLREA had last taken up the above issue with Director (HR), vide its letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/02 dated 12.01.2021 [view posting dated 12.01.2021 in this website to read the letter] and this grievance was also registered in CPENGRAMS under Grievance e Docket No. DOPPW/E/2021/01344. Now it is observed from the Status Report of the above referred Grievance Docket that the Grievance has been forwarded to UP (West) Circle Office with the following remarks: “The grievance of the complainant is forwarded for redressal under intimation to the complainant as Circle is competent to take decision in the matter”. Now that it has been agreed that the Circle is competent to take decision in the matter, the Association has addressed a letter to CGMT, UP(West) Telecom Circle, BSNL requesting him to restore his Circle Office Order issued earlier vide No. UP(W)/BSNL/HR-I/6-013/Staff-2017/V/27 dated 08.01.2020 condoning the administrative delay in issuing appointment letter to Shri A K Dubey, Retd AGM or issue a fresh Order so that the pensioner can get the benefit of pension under Rule 22 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 for which he is fully eligible.  View the letter

17.02.2021:

SHIFTING OF OFFICIAL AND CONCESSIONAL TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS OF BSNL AND ITS RETIRED EMPLOYEES RESPECTIVELY FROM MTNL TO PROPOSED BSNL NETWORK IN DELHI AND MUMBAI:

Since BSNL is said to start its own landline services in Delhi and Mumbai service areas, AIBSNLREA has requested CMD, BSNL to shift all official and concessional telephone connections of BSNL and its retired employees respectively from MTNL to proposed BSNL network in Delhi and Mumbai. The Association has stated that this will not only help BSNL to avoid incurring expenditure in reimbursing the telephone bills of the retirees but also help the retirees by not having to pay the bills themselves to MTNL and then wait, without result, to get the reimbursement. Otherwise also, once BSNL starts operation of its own network, there is no justification to use the telecom services from other network incurring huge expenditure.  View the letter

17.02.2021:

PR. CCA, TAMILNADU CONVEYS SETTLEMENT OF THE CASES FOR ISSUE OF PPO, PAYMENT OF PENSION AND DCRG TO SHRI M MATHURAMANI, RETD SR AO, CHENNAI TELEPHONES:

AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom), vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/06 dated 02.02.2021 which was duly registered in CPENGRAMS with Grievance Docket No. DOPPW/E/2021/03681, requesting him to direct Principal CCA, Tamilnadu to immediately release the provisional pension for the last two months to Shri M Mathuramani, Retd Sr AO and also issue the PPO for his final superannuation pension and make payment of his DCRG, CVP etc. without any further delay [View posting dated 02.02.2021 in this website to read the letter]. Now the CCA, Tamilnadu, while disposing off the said Grievance Docket, has stated that “The pension case been processed and retirement gratuity paid to the pensioner on 03.02.2021 and PPO forwarded to CPPC, SBI for effecting the monthly payment of pension at SBI Kilpauk Branch. A copy of the forwarding memo also endorsed the pensioner..”  View response from Pr CCA TN

13.02.2021:

DOP&PW REVISES THE UPPER AND LOWER LIMITS OF TWO FAMILY PENSIONS PAYABLE TO A CHILD IN RESPECT OF BOTH OF THE PARENTS AFTER THE 7th CPC:

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, vide its OM No. 1/1(2)/2020-P&PW(E ) Part-1 dated 12.02.2021, has issued orders revising the upper and lower limits of two family pensions payable to a child in respect of both the parents after the 7th Central Pay Commission. While the higher limit has been revised at Rs. 45,000 per month, the lower limit has been fixed at Rs. 27,000 per month. For details, the Orders may be perused.  View the DOP&PW OM

13.02.2021:

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ISSUES DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT INDEX CARD AND VALIDITY OF CGHS CARD:

Department of Health & Family Welfare, vide its F.No. S.11011/3/2021-EHS dated 10.02.2021 has issued detailed instructions for downloading Index Card and take print out of validity of CGHS Plastic Cards for serving employees/pensioners (except whole life card). The beneficiary will no longer be required to visit the office of the Additional Director of the city/headquarters at Delhi to collect the paper Index Card.  View the Dept of Health & Family Welfare Order

13.02.2021:

BSNL SHIRKS ITS REPONSIBILITY ON THE FUSS CREATED BY IT REGARDING ITS FALSE CLAIM IN FORM 26AS AS TO HAVE MADE PAYMENTS TO THE RETIREES AGAINST THEIR MEDICAL CLAIMS:

AIBSNLREA had been continuously raising the issue of serious problems being faced by the BSNL retirees, while filing their Income Tax Returns, due to false claims made by BSNL in Form 26 AS of IT Department as to have made some payments against medical claims without actually doing so. In this respect, the Association had last represented to Prime Minister of India vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/124 dated 19.10.2020 with Grievance Docket No. PMOPG/E/2020/0924904 and which was posted in this website on 19.10.2020 and No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/151 dated 08.12.2020 with Grievance Docket No. PMOPG/E/2020/1023975 which was also posted in this website on 08.12.2020. While in the first representation, the Association drew the attention of the Prime Minister on non-redressal of grievances in the matter of discriminatory treatment meted out to the BSNL retirees in respect of reimbursement of their medical claims, false claims made by BSNL in Form-26AS, drastic cuts in Annual Ceiling Limit etc., in the second representation the Association pointed out to the evasive action of CBDT to clarify/advise on treating the false claim made by BSNL in Form 26 for the assessment year 2021-21 as having credited some amount while filing ITR. Now both these representations have been disposed off by BSNL by sending identical replies. BSNL has stated that “Medical claims form part of salary as per Sec 17(2) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and Salary is chargeable to tax either on ‘due basis’ or ‘receipt basis’ whichever is earlier as per Section 15 of the Income Tax Act, 1961”. BSNL has further stated that “…. In the instant case, TDS was deducted and reflected in 26AS however bill continued to remain unpaid due to financial crunch faced by BSNL. There is no false claim by BSNL as once TDS is deducted it is automatically reflected in 26AS. However, BSNL is committed to clear the liability of the retirees at the earliest”. View the BSNL’s replies.  View the BSNL replies

12.02.2021:

NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF ONETIME SUBSCRIPTION PAID BY THE BSNL RETIREES TO THE CGHS FOR SWITCHING OVER FROM BSNLMRS TO CGHS- AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DIRECTOR (FINANCE), BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director (Finance), BSNL Board drawing her attention to the above issue wherein the BSNL retirees, who switched over from BSNLMRS to CGHS by paying huge amount as one-time subscription, are not being reimbursed their claims for last many months. This is causing serious problems to them, since the subscriptions paid in most of the cases are more than double of the amount that they receive as monthly pension. With no revision of pension for last 14 years and even payment of IDA at revised rates being stopped, these retirees are now facing acute financial problems. The Association has requested to order immediate reimbursement of all pending claims for reimbursement of one-time subscriptions paid to CGHS by the BSNL retirees.  View the letter

12.02.2021:

BSNL RESPONDS TO SOME REPRESENTATIONS FROM AIBSNLREA ON REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS UNDER BSNLMRS ADDRESSED TO VARIOUS AUTHORITIES AND SENDS IDENTICAL REPLIES:

AIBSNLREA had made been making representations to all concerned authorities from time to time on issues related reimbursement of medical claims under BSNLMRS. Now BSNL Corporate Office has sent identical replies in response to four of such representations (i) vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/124 dated 19.10.2020 addressed to Prime Minister of India [view posting dated 19.10.2020 in this website to read the letter], (ii) vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/128 dated 22.10.2020 addressed to Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW [view posting dated 22.10.2020 in this website to read the letter], (iii) vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/135 dated 02.11.2020 addressed to Prime Minister of India [view posting dated 02.11.2020 in this website to read the letter] and (iv) No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2021/04 dated 15.01.2021 addressed to Director (Finance), BSNL [view posting dated 16.01.2021 in this website to read the letter]. All these representations were duly registered in pgportal. Now BSNL has stated in its replies that “…The payments of medical bills have not been made since April, 2019 due to severe fund constraints. Efforts are being made for releasing funds and payments will be made as soon as possible”. BSNL has further stated that “… BSNL has discontinued the practice of deducting TDS at the time of posting of medical bill in the SAP and will deduct TDS of Retirees medical bills at the time of payment with effect from January 2021 onwards vide letter No. BSNLCO-TAXN/13(15)1/2020-Taxation/4045 dated 03.02.2021”.  View the BSNL replies

11.02.2021:

CASES OF WRONG REVISED PAY FIXATION OF THE OFFICIATING JTOs OF CALCUTTA TELEPHONES WHO OPTED FOR FIXATION OF THEIR PAY AND FITMENT IN REVISED 2nd PRC SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR REGULAR PROMOTION AS JTOs- CALCUTTA TELEPHONES RESPONDS TO OUR LETTER TO SR GM (ESTT), BSNL CO:

Since Calcutta Telephones once again issued wrong revised pay-fixation Orders in respect of the Officiating JTOs who had opted for fixation of their pay and fitment in the revised second PRC scale from the date of their promotion after 01.01.2007 “as per guidelines given by CCA Kolkata” and thus totally brushing aside the clarifications issued by BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. BSNLCO-A/16(27)/12/2020-ESTAB dated 28.10.2020, AIBSNLREA had taken up the matter with BSNL Corporate Office. Pointing out various irregularities noticed in the revised pay-fixation Order, the Association also mentioned that three increments drawn while officiating in JTO scale have not been taken into account for fixation of pay in JTO scale. The Association also cited a Sample fixation memo of officiating JTOs regularised in 2008 under FR22(i)(a)(1) and exercised option for the pay revision (2nd PRC) from the date of their promotion as per para 3.6 of File No. 1-16/2010-PAT(BSNL) dated 07.05.2010 which was circulated by Kerala Telecom Circle and stated that Calcutta Telephones has used a different and defective methodology. The Association also requested to call for report from CTD BSNL authorities, examine the documents and take necessary remedial measures to end the agony of the affected pensioners [View posting dated 11.01.2021 in this website to read the letter]. Now Calcutta Telephones, vide its No. SDE/HR-III/HQ/CPGRAMS/2020-21/74 dated 09.02.2021, has responded to the letter of the Association and quoting various orders explained how pay-fixations have been done. But the reply does not have any mention of the specific points raised by AIBSNLREA in its letter dated 11.01.2021 addressed to Sr. GM (Estt), BSNL.  View the CTD letter

11.02.2021:

CALCUTTA TELEPHONES REPLIES TO THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA ADDRESSED TO SR GM (ESTT), BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE REGARDING WRONG PAY-FIXATION CASES OF THE TTAs SINCE PROMOTED AS JTOs IN 2008 WHO OPTED FOR FIXATION OF THEIR PAY IN THE REVISED IDA PAY SCALES FROM THE DATE OF THEIR NEXT PROMOTION:

Being unsatisfied with the reply received from DGM (Estt), BSNL C.O., vide No.s CPGRAMS_Pay Fixations dated 07.05.2020, on the Grievances lodged in CPENGRAMS in respect of the above stated issue, stating that “… Circle Office has informed that the pay fixation has been processed as per BSNL existing guideline”, AIBSNLREA vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/126 dated 20.10.2020 contested the claim with facts and records [View posting dated 20.10.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Now Calcutta Telephones has replied by e-mail sent on 05.02.2021 as follows: “R/Sir, Refer to the reply dated 05-02-201 with enclosure (attached herewith). Kindly refer to the the BSNL CO order no. BSNLCO-A/16(21)/5/2021-ESTAB Dated 03-02-2021 regarding "Recovery due to erroneous pay revision of officiating JTOs whose pay revision were made in JTO as substantive cadre instead of TTA at the time of implementation of 2nd PRC w.e.f. 01-01-2007. The official Sh. Apurba Kr Jana was reverted to his parent substantive cadre TTA and pay fixation has been done accordingly. Refer to reply attached. The official has been intimated through email also. The case is disposed off from this unit. Regards”. Earlier also, CTD had sent another reply on the same issue vide its letter No. MAS/St. South/Executive/20-21 dated 01.02.2021 which was duly posted in this website on 03.02.2021.  View the attachment

10.02.2021:

AIBSNLREA REPRESENTS TO MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE TO STOP HARASSMENT OF BSNL IDA PENSIONERS BY CPC BANGALORE DISALLOWING FULL EXEMPTION AS ALLOWED UNDER SECTION 10(10AA)(i) FOR LEAVE ENCASHMENT FOR THE PERIOD SERVED IN DOT AND ISSUING CHALLANS TO DEPOSIT ADDITIONAL TAX:

As several BSNL IDA pensioners, who filed their ITR for FY 2018-19 and FY 2019-20, have received notice from CPC Bangalore disallowing full exemption as provided under Section 10(10AA)(i) for encashment of leave earned during their service in DOT period and demanding payment of additional tax even after their submission of written reply, AIBSNLREA has since taken up the issue with Shri Anurag Thakur, Minister of State for Finance. The Association has quoted the BSNL Office letter No. 1001-04/2011-12/Taxation/BSNL/LE/196 dated 04.05.2012 wherein it has been clearly clarified at point no. 1 of the said letter that the absorbed employees will be eligible for full exemption of the amount due as leave encashment for the Government service period. The Association has further pointed out that the INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL “SMC” BENCH, MUMBAI in ITA No. 3261/Mum/2018 had ordered in respect of absorbed employees of MTNL allowing tax exemption for leave encashment for the leave earned during the period served in the Government. AIBSNLREA has finally requested Minister of State for Finance to kindly direct CPC Bangalore to withdraw the notices and stop harassing the BSNL pensioners by issuing challans to deposit additional tax.  View the letter

10.02.2021:

NON-GRANT OF TWO CONSECUTIVE TIME-BOUND FINANCIAL UPGRADATIONS UNDER EPP TO SHRI SHRIKANT B MOHARE, RETD AO, GULBARGA TELECOM DISTRICT:

Since Karnataka Telecom Circle is yet to issue orders granting two consecutive time-bound financial upgradations under EPP to Shri Shrikant B Mohare, Retd Accounts Officer, Gulbarga Telecom District, AIBSNLREA has taken up the matter with CGMT, Karnataka Telecom Circle. In its letter the Association has thanked CGMT for issuing orders granting financial upgradations in respect of two of the three long pending cases of retired executives on their acquittal from the same court case that the Association had been pursuing from time to time, but regretted that the much-awaited orders for Shri Shrikant B. Mohare, Retd AO, who has to receive two consecutive financial upgradations, are yet to be issued. The Association has also sought for the intervention of CGMT, Karnataka so that immediate Orders are issued granting two consecutive financial upgradations under EPP to Shri Shrikant B. Mohare, Retd AO.  View the letter

09.02.2021:

NON-SETTLEMENT OF PAYMENT OF BALANCE AMOUNT OF GPF CONTRIBUTION FOR THE PERIOD 03.12.1980 TO 30.09.1990 TO SHRI V VELAPPAN, RETD DGM, TAMILNADU CIRCLE:

Being totally unsatisfied with the response from Tamilnadu Telecom Circle of BSNL to the representation of AIBSNLREA on the above issue vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/141 dated 11.11.2020 [View posting dated 11.11.2020 in this website to read the letter], duly registered under CPENGRAMS Grievance Docket No. DOPPW/E/2020/26181, the Association has again addressed a letter to Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW. Countering the arguments advanced by Tamilnadu Telecom Circle in its letter No. TAC/GPF/Genl.Corr/ 2014-17/28 dated 27.01.2021 to defend its unjustified stand to deny refund of GPF contributions for the period 03.12.1980 to 30.09.1990, the Association has stated that the pensioner cannot be held responsible for the fire accident and failure of Tamilnadu Circle to protect its records/documents. Moreover, Tamilnadu Circle might have failed to protect its records/documents, but the affected pensioner in this case has not. All the official documents/records related to deduction of GPF contributions for the said period, which were made available to him from time to time, were duly submitted by the pensioner to the Circle as well as by this Association as attachment to its representation No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/141 dated 11.11.2020. The Association has further stated that no Balance Sheet for the years 1986-87, 1987-88 was ever issued by DMT Coimbatore to Shri V Velappan, Retd DGM. Similarly, no Balance Sheet was issued even for the years 1989-90 and 1990-1991 (up to September, 1990) when MTNL Mumbai deducted the GPF contribution and transferred the same to DMT, Coimbatore. Thus, having issued no GPF balance Sheets (Annual Statements) for the above said periods, BSNL, Tamilnadu Circle cannot take shelter under Rule-39(2) of GPF(CS) Rules, 1960 to deny the pensioner to get legitimate refund of his GPF contributions. The Association has further urged Secretary (Pension) to advise Tamilnadu Circle, BSNL to construct the case for refund based on the copies of official records/documents supplied as attachment to the representations and refund the GPF contribution for the period 03.12.1980 to 30.09.1990 along with interests accrued there on to Shri V Velappan, Retd DGM (PPO No. 602015121235604, GPF A/C No. TCED 30022) without any further delay.  View the letter

08.02.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CGMT, KARNATAKA CIRCLE REGARDING NON-SETTLEMENT OF FINAL SUPERANNUATION PENSION, PAYMENT OF DCRG ETC. TO SHRI G.P. BIRADAR, RETD DE, BANGALORE TD DESPITE THE ASSUSANCE GIVEN:

In response to an earlier representation of AIBSNLREA, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/67 dated 05.08.2020 on the above issues, which was registered under Grievance Docket No. DOPPW/E/2020/15400 in CPENGRAMS, Karnataka Telecom Circle had disposed of the Grievance Docket stating that “On receipt of VC, all eligible payments will be made” [View posting dated 25.12.2020 in this website to read the reply by Karnataka Circle]. Since the issues taken up are still not resolved, AIBSNLREA has now drawn the attention of CGMT, Karnataka Telecom Circle to the issue and requested to expeditiously settle his long-pending cases.  View the letter

06.02.2021:

E-JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE:

February 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.02.2021:

BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE REPLIES TO AIBSNLREA’S LETTER TO CGM, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES REQUESTING RESTORATION OF PAY-FIXATION EARLIER ALLOWED TO THE ERSTWHILE TTAs OFFICIATING AS JTOs AND SINCE RETIRED AS EXECUTIVES WHO EXERCISED OPTION FOR THEIR PAY-FIXATION UNDER PARA 3.6 OF BSNL ORDER NO. 1-16/2010-PAT(BSNL) DATED 07.05.2020:

Following issue of clarification by BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. BSNLCO-A/16(27)/12/2020-ESTAB dated 28.08.2020, AIBSNLREA, vide its letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/138 dated 07.11.2020, had requested Chief General Manager, Calcutta Telephones for early restoration of pay-fixation that was earlier correctly allowed to the concerned affected retired Executives who had exercised option for their pay-fixation on their regular promotion as JTOs under Para 3.6 of BSNL Order No. 1-16/2010-PAT(BSNL) dated 07.05.2020 [View posting dated 08.11.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Now, BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. 5-21/2021/Estt-IV/PCGRAMS/25805 dated 04.02.2021, has replied that “it has been intimated by Calcutta Telephones that the instant case has been considered as per Para 3.6 of BSNL letter no. 1-16/2010-PAT(BSNL) dated 07.05.2010. Further the pay has been revised as per latest clarification from this BSNL CO. Estt-IV letter no. BSNLCO-A/16(27)/12/2020-ESTAB dated 28.10.2020.”  View the BSNL CO letter

05.02.2021:

BSNL REPLIES TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ON THE ISSUE OF NON-PAYMENT OF GROUP SAVINGS LINKED INSURANCE SCHEME AMOUNT BY THE LIC TO THE BSNL EMPLOYEES RETIRED UNDER BSNL VRS-2019:

AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/96 dated 08.09.2020, to Secretary (Telecom) in which it was pointed out that most of the BSNL VRS-2019 retirees were yet to receive their GSLI payment from LIC. The Association also pointed out that some of the claims which were forwarded to the LIC still remained unsettled and none of the retirees who retired from BSNL’s Offices in Delhi received the payment and many Circles were yet to forward some of the cases to the LIC for payment that included BSNL Corporate Office [View posting dated 09.09.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Now, BSNL Corporate Office, while disposing of the Grievance registered in CPENGRAMS, has stated that the Corporate Office is regularly pursuing for the settlement of GSLIS cases of retired employees. It has quoted several letters issued to the Circles as well as to LIC and even supplied copies of these correspondences with Circles and LIC.  View BSNL Reply in Status Report      View the copies of BSNL letters to Circles/LIC

04.02.2021:

NOTIONAL INCREMENT FOR PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SERVANTS WHOSE INCREMENT DATE FALLS ON THE DAY AFTER DATE OF RETIREMENT - DOP&T SAYS DECISION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JUDGEMENT OF MADRAS HIGH COURT 'IN REM' HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN:

DoP&T has issued an OM reiterating its earlier stand that the implementation of the judgement dated 15.09.2017 of Hon'ble High Court of Madras in the case of P.Ayyamperumal Vs Union of India & Ors, is 'in personam' in nature. Pointing to the Supreme Court Judgement dated 29.03.2019 while dismissing SLP filed by Department of Telecommunications against the judgement dated 03.05.2017 of Hon'ble High Court, Lucknow Bench, 'keeping all the questions of law open', DoP&PW further says that since the question of law is open and not yet decided, decision for implementing the judgement of Madras High Court 'in rem' has not been taken.  View the DoP&PW OM

04.02.2021:

BSNL FORCED TO CHANGE ITS POLICY TO DEDUCT TDS AT THE TIME OF POSTING MEDICAL BILL IN THE SAP- IMPACT OF AIBSNLREA’S SUSTAINED EFFORTS:

BSNL had been deducting TDS against medical claims under BSNLMRS even without making actual payment and posting the same in Form-26 AS. This was causing serious trouble to the retired employees while submitting their annual Income Tax Returns. Now, in response to our representation to Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes, BSNL has reviewed its existing practice of deducting TDS at the time of posting of medical bills in the SAP even without making actual payment and decided to discontinue the same. Accordingly, BSNL has now decided to deduct TDS on Retiree Medical Bills at the time of payment with effect from January 2021 (i.e. Q4 of F.Y. 2020-21) onwards. Instructions in this regard has already been issued vide BSNL No. BSNLCO-TAXN/13(15)/1/2020-Taxation/4045 dated 03.02.2021.  View the BSNL order

03.02.2021:

CTD (BSNL) RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S LETTER DATED 20.10.2020 ADDRESSED TO SR GM(ESTT), BSNL ON WRONG PAY FIXATION OF OFFICIATING JTOs:

AIBSNLREA had earlier addressed a letter to Sr. GM(Estt), BSNL, vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/126 dated 20.10.2020, countering the report given by Calcutta Telephones that “the Pay fixation has been processed as per BSNL existing guide lines” and also pointing out several other irregularities committed by Calcutta Telephones in the revised pay-fixations [View posting dated 20.10.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Now Calcutta Telephones, vide its No. MAS/St. South/Executive/20-21 dated 01.02.2021, has replied that it has fixed the pay as per BSNL Nos. 1-16/2010-PAT(BSNL) dated 07.05.2010 and No. BSNLCO/V/16(27)/12/2020-Estab dated 28.10.2020. Calcutta Telephones has further stated that for pay-fixation as allowed to JAO(Deptl) to all Non-Executives including the TTAs as per clarification issued vide No. BSNLCO/PRII/11(24)/14/2020-PERS1 dated 28.08.2020, it needs a clarification from BSNL Corporate Office to this effect.  View the CTD letter

02.02.2021:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF HARASSMENT OF SHRI M MATHURAMANI, SR AO, CHENNAI TELEPHONES BY PR CCA TAMILNADU IN NOT SETTLING HIS LONG-AWAITED FINAL SUPERANNUATION PENSION AND ALSO STOPPING HIS PROVISIONAL PENSION:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) on the above issue and requested him to direct Principal CCA, Tamilnadu to immediately release the provisional pension for the last two months to Shri M Mathuramani, Retd Sr AO and also issue the PPO for his final superannuation pension and make payment of his DCRG, CVP etc. without any further delay.  View the letter

25.01.2021:

RELEASE OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO SHRI B M NYAMATI, RETD CAO, BANGALORE TELECOM DISTRICT AND A VRS-RETIREE - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH CGMT, KARNATAKA TELECOM CIRCLE:

While thanking CGMT, Karnataka Telecom Circle for releasing leave encashment to Shri B M Nyamati, Retd CAO, Bangalore Telecom District and VRS retiree, who was served an incomplete charge-sheet just on the previous day of his retirement for alleged inaction on his part in carrying out his designated duties some 13 years back, AIBSNLREA has now requested to release his Ex-Gratia payment. The Association has contended that even now his DCRG and Ex-gratia payment continue to remain withheld which is unjustified and unwarranted, since Shri B.M.Nyamati, Retd CAO is entitled to receive over Rs. 20 lakhs as DCRG and Rs. 17.7 lakhs as Ex-Gratia – thus the total withheld amount goes above Rs. 37.7 lakhs as against the total recoverable amount of Rs. 13.69 lakhs as per the charges made against him. Therefore, in this case there is no justification to withhold both Ex-Gratia and DCRG, as DCRG amount alone is more than sufficient to recover Rs. 13.69 lakhs if the charges against him are finally proved. In view of the above, at least the Ex-gratia payment to Shri B M Nyamati, Retd CAO, BG TD be immediately released by keeping his DCRG payment alone as withheld till the final outcome of the charge-sheet is known.  View the letter

22.01.2021:

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA WITHDRAWS ITS EARLIER CIRCULARS ON RECOVERY OF EXCESS PENSION MADE TO PENSIONERS:

RBI withdraws its earlier circulars dated 18.04.1991, 06.05.1991 and 17.03.2016 related to procedure for recovery of excess pension paid by agency banks and has requested the banks to seek guidance from respective Pension Sanctioning Authorities regarding the process to be followed for recovery of excess pension paid to the pensioners.  View the RBI Circular

21.01.2021:

RECOVERY OF DUES OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT DUES FROM THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF BSNL VRS-2019 SCHEME RETIRED EMPLOYEES WHO ARE STILL IN OCCUPATION OF BSNL ACCOMMODATION:

BSNL has issued instructions regarding the manner in which recovery of dues are to be made from BSNL VRS optees who are still in occupation of BSNL accommodation and also from those who have not submitted "No Dues Certificate", till they submit NDC after vacation of quarters. The recovery will be first made from Leave encashment payable to the VRS retiree, then the remaining 8% ex-gratia will be withheld, then recovery will be made form the amount of reimbursement of Outdoor/Indoor medical claims, then from amount of reimbursement of LTC/TA claims and then from amount of reimbursement of Mobile Handset/Briefcase/Bag/Newspaper etc submitted by the retiree.  View the BSNL letter

21.01.2021:

BSNL INCREASES THE DISCOUNT FROM EXISTING 5% TO 10% FOR THE SERVING AND RETIRED CENTRAL GOVERNMENT/STATE GOVERNMENT/PSU EMPLOYEES (EXISTING AND NEW CUSTOMERS) UNDER LANDLINE, ADSL BROADBAND AND BHARAT FIBRE SERVICES:

BSNL has issued orders increasing the discount from existing 5% to 10% for the serving and retired Central Government/ State Government/PSU Employees (existing and new customers) under landline, ADSL Broadband and Bharat Fiber Services, w.e.f. 01.02.2021 in all the Circles/Metro Districts.  View the BSNL letter

21.01.2021:

BSNL TO PROVIDE LANDLINE SERVICES IN DELHI AND MUMBAI FROM MARCH 1, 2021:

According to media reports BSNL will start providing landline services in Mumbai and Delhi from March 1, 2021. Though it was reported earlier that BSNL would start these services in January 2021, there has been a delay due to technology related issues. MTNL will shut its special services for landline users from March 1, 2021.

21.01.2021:

PAYMENT OF CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS FOLLOWING REVISION OF THE SENIORITY OF THE TES GROUP B OFFICERS AS ORDERED BY SUPREME COURT- BSNL REPLIES TO THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA ADDRESSED TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA:

Being aggrieved by the attempt by DOT to close the Grievance registered based on the AIC Resolution of AIBSNLREA and forwarded by PMO to Secretary, DOT regarding payment of consequential benefits to its former TES Group B Officers of DOT since absorbed in BSNL and MTNL, following revision of their seniority on the order of Supreme Court in its final judgment delivered on 14.12.2017 in CA No(s) 4389 of 2010, AIBSNLREA had represented to Prime Minister of India on 03.01.2020 [View posting dated 04.01.2020 in this website to read the letter] and urged him to advise Department of Telecommunications to resolve the said grievance at the earliest so that the affected pensioners get their long pending grievance mitigated without further delay. Now BSNL, vide its No. BSNL CO-COMN/12(11)/3/2020-PERS 1 dated 19.01.2021, has informed that seniority in respect of SDE(T) Grade has already been re-fixed and published vide its office letter dated 04.06.2019. BSNL has also informed that “Further, review DPCs against the DPCs conducted in the past for promotion from SDE(T) to DE(T) is under process. It requires collection of ACRs from different part of India in respect of even those officers who have retired more than 10 years ago. This work of collection of essential ACRs/data/records is time consuming. All out efforts are being made to start the process of holding review DPCs”.  View the BSNL letter

16.01.2021:

LONG PENDING CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS OF THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES- AIBSNLREA REQUESTS DIRECTOR (FINANCE), BSNL BOARD TO CLEAR ALL THE PENDING CLAIMS:

Expressing serious concern that BSNL is yet to reimburse the medical claims of its retired employees pending for the last few years, AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director (Finance), BSNL Board. The Association has stated that ‘Apart from pending claims mostly pertaining to financial year 2019-20, no payment has been made for the current financial year. There are many cases of indoor claims for Covid-19 and other serious chronic diseases which need to be reimbursed early. In addition, the reimbursement against payment of lifetime subscription to switch over to CGHS facility are also remaining uncleared. As a result, the retired BSNL employees, most of whom are aged and suffering from various diseases, are passing through acute financial crisis and mental agony.’ The Association has also requested her to take immediate steps to clear all the pending medical claims of the retired BSNL employees and reimburse the life-time subscriptions paid by them to CGHS.  View the letter

14.01.2021:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO PGM(PERS), BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE REGARDING NON-ISSUE OF FINAL SUPERANNUATION ORDER AND CONSEQUENT GRANT OF FINAL SUPERANNUATION PENSION AND OTHER BENEFITS TO SHRI S V ROJED, RETD SDE (HR NO. 197503181) OF QA CIRCLE:

Drawing personal attention of PGM(Pers), BSNL CO to its earlier letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/139 dated 11.01.2020 requesting to issue the final superannuation order to Shri S V Rojed, Retd SDE (HR No. 197503181), QA Circle, who was earlier permitted to retire provisionally from service on 31.03.2012 vide BSNL C.O. F.No 17-10/2012-Pers.II dated 30.03.2012, AIBSNLREA has again requested him to cause issue of his final superannuation Order. The Association has further stated that Quality Assurance & Inspection Circle, vide its letter No. CGM(QA&I)/SG-2904/CPGRMS/2020-2021 dated 11.01.2021, has informed that the AGM (Pers.II-Staff), BSNL C.O., under his letter No. BSNLCO-PRII/22(10)/2020-PERS-II dated 25.08.2020, had requested CGMT, QA & Inspection Circle to provide details regarding ‘provisional pension retirement Orders in respect of Shri S V Rojed, Ex-SDE’. The Circle, accordingly, had also forwarded the copy of the same vide its No. CGM(QA & I)/SG-2121/SDE/EPP/2012/Pt dated 08.09.2020 to Principal General Manager (Pers), BSNL Corporate Office. But the Personnel Branch is yet to issue the final superannuation Order in respect of Shri S V Rojed, Retd SDE. As a result, the pensioner is continuously being denied of his final superannuation pension including pensionary benefits like DCRG, Commuted Value of Pension and other service benefits.  View the letter

13.01.2021:

PAYMENT OF FOURTH AND FINAL INSTALMENT OF EX-GRATIA TO THE BSNL VRS-2019 RETIREES- BSNL INSTRUCTS ALL ITS HEADS OF TELECOM CIRCLES/ ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS TO INITIATE PROCESS FOR PAYMENT:

BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. BSNLCO-A/11(11)/8/2020-ESTAB dated 12.01.2021, has informed that sanction of fund for payment of final instalment of Ex-Gratia is being released by DOT shortly and instructed all its Heads of Telecom Circles and other Administrative Units to initiate the process for release of final instalment of Ex-Gratia in ERP/SAP as per the existing guidelines and complete the exercise by 14.01.2021.  View the BSNL order

13.01.2021:

QUALITY ASSURANCE & INSPECTION CIRCLE REPLIES TO THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA REGARDING ISSUE OF FINAL SUPERANNUATION ORDER, GRANT OF FINAL PENSION AND OTHER PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO SHRI S V ROJED, RETD SDE, QA CIRCLE ON COMPLETION OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS:

AIBSNLREA had taken up with PGM(Pers), BSNL CO, vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/139 dated 11.09.2020 [View posting dated 09.11.2020 in this website to read the letter], the case for issue of final superannuation Order, grant of final pension and other pensionary benefits to Shri S V Rojed, Retd SDE, of erstwhile Quality Assurance Circle who was earlier permitted to retire provisionally on 31.03.2012. He was also acquitted of the Charges, along with all other accused, in a Court case on 25.10.2018 by the Special CBI Court at Dharwar, Karnataka and the BSNL Corporate Office has already issued final retirement orders for some of them. This grievance was also registered in the CPENGRAMS. Now Quality Assurance & Inspection Circle, vide its No. CGM(QA&I)/SG-2904/CPGRAMS/2020-2021 dated 11.01.2021, has intimated that as desired by BSNL C.O., the Circle has forwarded the provisional retirement order in respect of Shri S V Rojed, SDE (HR No. 197503181), retired on superannuation on 31.03.2012 so that up-gradation, retirement benefits and pension may be released by the Circle.  View the QA & I Circle letter

12.01.2021:

AIBSNLREA DRAWS ATTENTION OF DIECTOR (HR), BSNL ON INACTION BY ESTABLISHMENT BRANCH ON PENDING ACTVITY HAVING IMPACT ON EX-GRATIA IN RESPECT OF A VRS RETIREE- RAISES THE ISSUE FOR RESTORATION OF THE ORDER CONDONING ADMINISTRATIVE DELAY IN ISSUE OF APPOINTMENT LETTER TO SHRI A K DUBEY, RETD AGM:

Following issue of a DO letter to all Heads of Telecom Circles/Districts/Administrative Heads by Director (HR), BSNL vide his D.O. No. BSNLCO-A/11(11)/8/2020-ESTAB dated 01.12.2020 regarding completion of pending activities in regard to BSNL VRS-2019 which are having impact on Ex-Gratia payment, AIBSNLREA had earlier brought to his notice a few specific cases of the VRS-retirees needing immediate resolution since those were having impact on Ex-gratia payment. The Association, besides other cases, had also taken up the case for restoration of the Order for condonation of administrative delay in issuing appointment letter after pre-appointment training to Shri Ajay Kumar Dubey, Retd AGM, Agra TD for the purpose of allowing the training period also to be counted as service for pension under Rule-22 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 [View posting dated 04.12.2020 in this website to read the letter]. Since the Establishment Branch of BSNL Corporate Office, which itself is to address this pending case, as briefed at Serial No. 01 of the table in the Association’s letter No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2020/150 dated 04.12.2020, but failed to take action, the Association has again taken up the issue with Director (HR), BSNL for its early redressal.  View the letter

11.01.2021:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF WRONG REVISED PAY FIXATION OF THE OFFICIATING JTOs OF CTD WHO OPTED FOR FIXATION OF THEIR PAY AND FITMENT IN REVISED 2nd PRC SCALE FROM THE DATE OF THEIR REGULAR PROMOTION AS JTOs:

Since Calcutta Telephones has once again issued wrong revised pay-fixation Orders in respect of the Officiating JTOs who had opted for fixation of their pay and fitment in the revised second PRC scale from the date of their promotion after 01.01.2007 “as per guidelines given by CCA Kolkata” and thus totally brushing aside the clarifications issued by BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. BSNLCO-A/16(27)/12/2020-ESTAB dated 28.10.2020, AIBSNLREA has taken up the matter with BSNL Corporate Office. Pointing out various irregularities noticed in the revised pay-fixation Order, the Association has also mentioned that three increments drawn while officiating in JTO scale have not been taken into account for fixation of pay in JTO scale. The Association has also cited a Sample fixation memo of officiating JTOs regularised in 2008 under FR22(i)(a)(1) and exercised option for the pay revision (2nd PRC) from the date of their promotion as per para 3.6 of File No. 1-16/2010-PAT(BSNL) dated 07.05.2010 which has been circulated by Kerala Telecom Circle. Calcutta Telephones has used a different and defective methodology without following the clarifications dated 28.10.2020 issued by BSNL Corporate Office. The Association has finally requested to call for report from CTD BSNL authorities, examine the documents annexed with this representation and to take necessary remedial measures to end the agony of the affected pensioners from Calcutta Telephones.  View the letter

11.01.2021:

GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT FALLING DUE ON THE NEXT DAY OF RETIREMENT TO THE GOVT EMPLOYEES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS:

In response to our representation on the above issue, now BSNL has communicated vide its letter No. 31-904/2018-Pen(B) dated 23.12.2020 that Government has not made any changes in rules governing grant of increment to retired employees notionally. BSNL has further stated that the case has been implemented by CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance in personam and not in rem. In this regard, our last posting dated 21.12.2020 in this website on the same issue wherein a similar reply from Department of Personnel & Training was posted be viewed.  View the BSNL letter

10.01.2021:

DPE ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON ITS ORDERS FREEZING THE IDA OF THE CPSE EMPLOYEES- REITERATES THE DECISION AS AT PARA 3 OF ITS O.M. DATED 19.11.2020:

In response to the request from Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines, the Department of Public Enterprises has since clarified vide its No. W-02/0045/2020-DPE(WC) dated 08.01.2021 that as per Para 3 of its earlier O.M. dated 19.11.2020 circulating the guidelines for freezing of IDA w.e.f. 01.10.2020 till 30.06.2021 [View posting dated 19.11.2020 in this website to read the O.M.] are applicable for the Executives and Non-Unionised Supervisors of the CPSEs and not for other employees. Thus, this clarification does not bring any change in the guidelines issued earlier vide O.M. dated 19.11.2020.  View the DPE O.M.

07.01.2021:

DOT ANNOUNCES AUCTION DATE FOR 5G SPECTRUM SALE:

According to media reports, DoT will be holding auction for 5G spectrum from March 1. The spectrums being offered during the auctions include the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands. According to the notice, the last date for the online submission of the applications to participate in the auction is February 5, with the auctions commencing from March 1. All of the auctions will be held online this time along, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

06.01.2021:

E-JOURNAL JANUARY 2021 ISSUE:

January 2021 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

01.01.2021:

RUNNING OF MOBILE NETWORK OF MTNL BY BSNL AS ITS OUTSOURCED AGENCY:

As per DoT letter No.20-06/2019-PR dated 31.12.2020, as proposed by BSNL and agreed by MTNL, BSNL will run the mobile network of MTNL as its outsourced agency from 01.01.2021.  View the DoT letter

01.01.2021:

BREAK UP OF PENDING LIABILITY OF HOSPITAL VENDORS AND RETIREES- BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE SEEKS INFORMATION FROM CIRCLES:

BSNL Corporate Office, vide its No. 16-05/2019/CBB/RB/Gen. Corr. dated 31.12.2020, has asked all IFAs of Telecom Circles/ Territorial Circles and Districts to furnish information regarding pending dues of hospital vendors and retirees after updating the payments already released. The information has to be sent in prescribed per-forma by 6th January, 2021.  View the BSNL letter