Old Pension for those recruited before 01-01-2004 but appointed after the date – Union Minister(S) for Pension

05 Friday Jun 2020

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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh has issued a press statement in which he has stated that old Pension Scheme will be extended to those employees who joined on or after 01.01.2004 but whose result for recruitment had been declared before 01.01.2004. He also stated that this was a long standing demand of employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) and was the cause of several court cases and anxiety among such employees.

(copy of press statement enclosed)

UNION MINISTER DR. JITENDRA SINGH ON ONE YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS ON PENSION

05 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL, Pension

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PRESS NEWS

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
UNION MINISTER DR. JITENDRA SINGH LAUNCHES E-BOOKLET ON ONE YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS OF DOPPW UNDER MODI GOVERNMENT 2.0

PENSION REFORMS HUGELY BENEFITTED THE LIVES OF THE PENSIONERS: DR JITENDRA SINGH

Posted On: 04 JUN 2020 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today launched an e-Booklet on one year achievements of the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW)” through Video Conferencing (VC).
Dr. Jitendra Singh, while addressing all the officers of the Department congratulated the team for carrying out a series of reforms which not only high-lighted the sensitivity of the Modi Government but also the dedication of the team during the trying times of the Pandemic. He stated that the department went outside its call of duty to organize a webinar on Covid by bringing in leading doctors to address the anxiety and fears of the Pensioners. He stated that the Department is blessed with the unique opportunity of being able to serve the elderly and retired which no other department has
Among a series of reforms in Pension policy, the most notable was the Amendment of Rule 54 of CCS Pension Rules, 1972 to provide enhanced Family Pension in the event of unfortunate death of Government servant even before completion of 7 years of service.
Earlier only those families were eligible for enhanced family Pension (@50% of last pay drawn) wherein the deceased government servant had completed 7 years of service.
Another landmark OM in the recent year was extending the Old Pension scheme to those employees who joined on or after 01.01.2004 but whose result for recruitment had been declared before 01.01.2004. This was a long standing demand of employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) and was the cause of several court cases and anxiety among such employees.
Soon after the formation of the new government a series of welfare measures for the Pensioners were also carried out such as opening of an “Integrated Grievance Cell & Call Centre with Toll free number 1800-11-1960 ” to facilitate elderly pensioners in registering their grievances and get information of pending grievances, holding of “All India Pension Adalat” wherein more than 50 locations were connected through live interactive video conferencing which resulted in resolution of more than 4000 grievances by a single event.
The other welfare activities carried out in the last one year include facilitating doorstep service for submission of life certificate with the help of Pension Disbursing Banks, DLC from home campaign by involving Pensioners’ Associations in 24 cities, organizing the First Regional Adalat at Jammu, and issuance of consolidated instructions to banks in order to ensure ease of living for pensioners.
The Department also organized a tele-consultation for pensioners on Covid 19 with renowned Pulmonologist & Director AIIMS, Dr Randeep Guleria & Dr Prasun Chatterjee, Associate Professor AIIMS.
Dr Kshatrapati Shivaji, Secretary (P&PW), thanked the Union Minister for consistently guiding DoPPW to make Pension reforms which hugely affected the lives of the Pensioners. He stated that this is one of the few Departments which even prior to Covid pandemic was 100% on e-office and therefore the transition to work from home at the height of the pandemic was easy to implement. All officials have been provided with a VPN which enables them to work from wherever they are and therefore the working of this Department remained unaffected during the pandemic.
Joint Secretary, Shri Sanjiv Narain Mathur conducted the proceedings which were completely online with all senior officers of the Department present through VC. Shri Ruchir Mittal, DS gave the vote of thanks. (Press Release)

Post Offices to normal functioning in Unlock-1

04 Thursday Jun 2020

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Department of Posts has issued instructions to restore the functioning of the Post Offices to almost normalcy in view of the Unlock-1 orders of the Central Government. Counters will be open for the usual business.

3 PSU Banks to be privatised?

04 Thursday Jun 2020

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Reports have appeared in certain news papers that the Central Government is proposing to privatise three PSU Banks viz. Bank of Punjab and Sind, Bank of Maharashtra and Indian Overseas bank. Already the more than two dozen PSU Banks have been reduced to 12 by merger. Now privatisation of three banks. Mody government is trying weaken and privatise PSU banks on the interest of the corporates and private banks.

EPFO PENSIONERS TO GET ENHANCED PENSION – MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

04 Thursday Jun 2020

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Ministry of Labour and Employment
EPFO Pensioners to Get Enhanced Pension

Posted On: 01 JUN 2020 3:42PM by PIB Delhi

EPFO released Rs 868 crore pension along with Rs 105 crore arrear on account of restoration of commuted value of pension.

On the recommendation of Central Board of Trustees (EPFO), the Government of India accepted one of the long standing demands of workers to allow restoration of commuted value of pension after 15 years. Earlier there was no provision for restoration of commuted pension and the pensioners continued to receive reduced pension on account of commutation lifelong.This is a historical step for the benefit of pensioners under EPS-95.

EPFO has more than 65 lakhs pensioners catered through its 135 regional offices. EPFO officers and staff battled all odds during this Covid-19 lockdown period and processed pension payment for May,2020 to ensure credit of pension in the bank account of pensioners on schedule.
RCJ/SKP/IA (Release ID: 1628293)

AIBDPA writes to CMD BSNL on submission of option for outdoor medical facilities by the retirees – extending the last date for submission.

04 Thursday Jun 2020

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Letter written by Com. K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary AIBDPA to CMD BSNL with regard to option to medical facilities by retirees is given below:

AIBDPA/ BSNL MRS/2020 4th June, 2020

To,

Shri P.K. Purwar

CMD, BSNL

Bharat Sanchar Bhawan,

Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

Sir,

Sub: – Submission of option for outdoor medical facilities by the retirees – extending the last date for submission – reg.

Ref: (1) BSNL CO No.BSNL /Admn-1/15-12/18 dated 08-05-2020.

(2) This Association letter No.AIBDPA/BSNL MRS/2020 dated 13-05-2020.

(3) This Association letter No. AIBDPA/BSNL MRS/ 2020 dated 19-05-2020.

(4) Telephonic discussion had with you by Shri V.A.N. Namboodiri, our Advisor on 29-05-2020.

It is reported that in the discussion you had with our advisor, Shri V.A.N. Namboodiri, you have taken a strong stand against review of the above referred order. The unilateral and arbitrary order was issued curtailing the limited outdoor medical facilities.

All the serving unions and pensioners associations have opposed the new order and demanded reversal/ modifications. It is pertinent to point out that neglecting the all-out opposition is not desirable in a democratic country.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, has repeatedly stated that senior citizens need special care and facilities as they are the most vulnerable section to the pandemic. And as such curtailing the existing facilities tantamount to breaching the promise of the Prime Minister.

While we appreciate your efforts to reduce the unwarranted and unnecessary expenditure of BSNL, we may be permitted to point out that there are other areas of largesse which are to be dealt with strongly.

In view of the foregoing, it is once again requested that a judicial and reasonable review be made in the matter so that justice is extended to the elders.

In the case of submission of Option for outdoor medical facilities by the retirees. We are thankful to you for agreeing to extend the last date to 30-06-2020 during the discussion with Shri V.A.N. Namboodiri. However, no order is so far issued by the Corporate Office in this regard.

But you may be aware of the fact that though the central government has relaxed lockdown as on 31-05-2020, five state governments have extended the lockdown to 30-06-200 and two state governments to 15-06-2020. And there is every chance of further extension considering the alarming spread of Covid-19 in many places in the country. To add fuel to fury, West Bengal, Odisha and Maharashtra are facing unimaginable miseries after the devastation of cyclone. Communication and road traffic are the worst affected and it may take months, particularly in West Bengal, to restore normalcy.

It is absolutely impossible for the retirees to travel from far off and remote villages to the concerned BSNL office and submit the option in the absence of transportation. It will be also difficult for them to submit the option by email or WhatsApp, as internet is not available in many places.

Therefore we request you to kindly consider our suggestion to exempt from submission of Option to those who do not want change from the option submitted last year. In the case of others who want change from the earlier option may be given extension flexibility as per the local conditions.

Also in the case of medical cards revalidation may be limited only in cases where change of beneficiaries. Thus, we feel that unnecessary expenditure could be avoided.

VRS retirees who are yet to receive the PPO are not being issued the BSNL MRS cards. In such cases MRS cards may please be issued quoting the HR number.

Finally, the most burning issue of BSNL pensioners, non payment of medical bills both with voucher and without voucher, for the last two years and onetime payment made to CGHS, continue to be neglected by BSNL management. We have repeatedly explained the sufferings of the hapless pensioners in our discussions and through several letters, but of no avail. Sir, kindly do something to mitigate the miseries of the seniors without further delay.

Awaiting your positive response and favourable action.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

K G Jayaraj

General Secretary.

Copy to: (1) Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

(2) Shri S.K. Gupta, Director (Finance), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001

(3) Shri A.M. Gupta, GM (SR), BSNL CO., Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

Online classes for students in Kerala.

03 Wednesday Jun 2020

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During the covid period, it is difficult to conduct regular school classes. But delaying classes will be a problem for the education of the school going children. Hence Kerala Government has started online classes for the children from 1st standard. It started on experimental basis from 1st June and is a big hit. The Chief Minister has clearly stated that it is not in lieu of regular classes, which will start as soon as possible. We congratulate the Kerala LDF Government for the initiative.

Defence Employees towards strike against proposal to corporatise Ordnance factories. Press release by AIDEF, INDWF, BPMS.

03 Wednesday Jun 2020

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Defence Federation conducts Strike Ballot and 82,000 Defence Civilian Employees of 41 Ordnance Factories Will Go For an Indefinite Strike against the Decision of the Government to Convert 219 years old Indian Ordnance Factories into a Corporation / PSU

ALL INDIA DEFENCE EMPLOYEES FEDERATION
INDIAN NATIONAL DEFENCE WORKERS FEDERATION
BHARTIYA PRATIRAKSHA MAZDOOR SANGH
(RECOGNIZED FEDERATIONS OF DEFENCE CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES)

JOINT PRESS RELEASE FOR FAVOUR OF PUBLICATION

82,000 Defence Civilian Employees of 41 Ordnance Factories Will Go For an Indefinite Strike against the Decision of the Government to Convert 219 years old Indian Ordnance Factories into a Corporation / PSU

The Federations oppose the decision of the government to convert Army base workshops in to GOCO model and abolition of vacancies in MES and Army Units !

Strike Ballot to be taken all over the country between 08.06.2020 to 17.06.2020

The 3 Recognised Federations (AIDEF, INDWF & BPMS) of the Trade Unions of the 82,000 Defence Civilian Employees working in the 41 Indian Ordnance Factories have taken a decision to go ahead with the preparations for an indefinite strike against the arbitrary, illegal and unjustified decision taken by the Government to corporatise the most strategic Ordnance Factories. This decision of the Government announced by the Finance Minister during the 4th Tranche of the Rs.20 lakh crore financial relief to meet the COVID-19 economic crisis under “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abiyan” is against the agreement between the recognised Federations and the Ministry of Defence in the past. Former Defence Minister late. George Fernandez, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee, Shri. A.K.Antony and late Manohar Parrikar have given written commitments that the Ordnance Factories would not be corporatised. The present decision of the Government is against all these assurances and agreements.

Apart from the above when the present Government included the subject of Corporatization of Ordnance Factories in its 100 days agenda, the Federations opposed the move of the Government and called for a one month strike which commenced on 20-8-2019. During the 5th day of the strike based on the direction given by the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC) a settlement was reached with the then Secretary (DP) and present Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar wherein he has assured that no final decision has been taken by the Government with regard to Corporatization of OFB. Based on his assurance that a High Level Official Committee (HLOC) will be constituted to study the possibility of the OFB achieving Rs. 30,000 crores production target in the present setup, the Strike was deferred.

Since, there was a dispute between the Federations and the Government with regard to the terms of reference the Federations represented to the Honourable Defence Minister during October 2019 to intervene and change the terms of reference of the HLOC. However without considering the pending representation of the Federations, taking advantage of the COVID-19 lock down the Government have arbitrarily made the announcement that OFB will be Corporatised and will be listed in the Share Market

Government Decision to convert Ordnance Factories into Corporation hurts 82000 Employees
The above decision of the Government has hurt the 82,000 employees, since all these employees were engaged in manufacturing of all types of PPE’s required for the Doctors, Nurses and Para medical staff for fighting against the COVID-19 spread. They have taken risk of their life and were working throughout the COVID-19 lockdown. The Government instead of recognising their service to the Country have taken a major decision to convert this War industry as a PSU and thereafter to privatise the same.

This decision of the Government is against the Defence preparedness and National security of our country. Moreover it will overnight change the service conditions of the 82,000 employees and their status as Central Government employees which will be snatched away. In spite of our repeated representation to the Defence Minister and the Defence Production Secretary there is no positive response and hence the Federations are left with no other option than to go for an Indefinite Strike demanding the Government to withdraw its decision to Corporatize the Ordnance Factories. The date of the Commencement of the Indefinite Strike will be decided after the completion of the Strike Ballot which is scheduled between 8-6-2020 to 17-6-2020 throughout the country.

The Federations also are opposing the decision taken by the Government against other Defence Industries like MES, and EME. While 9304 vacancies in MES the Army Base Workshops under EME are being handed over to Private Sector in the name of GOCO Model. The Federations have already opposed the move and we will be separately deciding for serious Trade Union Action programme in these Defence Units also. The Federations also oppose the decision of the Government for allowing 74% FD] in Defence production.

Option for BSNL MRS – Date of option up to 30th June 2020.

29 Friday May 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners

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Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA today contacted Shri P.K.Purwar, CMD BSNL and requested him to reconsider the issue of restoring BSNLMRS to the earlier position without reducing the same. CMD stated that there is no other way but to implement the present order due to the difficult financial position of the company.

Com.VAN placed the difficulties in giving option in a short time due to covid situation as also the different dates stipulated by different circle administrations and requested that the last date of option be fixed as 30th June 2020 uniformly so that all pensioners get the time and convenience to submit the option. CMD agreed to the same. (from AIBDPA website)

Com.M.P.Veerendrakumar M.P., former Central and State Minister and writer no more.

29 Friday May 2020

Posted by in Obituary, Tributes, Uncategorized

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സ: എം പി വീരേന്ദ്ര കുമാർ എം പി(84) ഓർമയായി. ഇന്നലെ രാത്രി 11.30ന്ന് കോഴിക്കോട് വെച്ചായിരുന്നു മരണം .
6 ദശാബ്ദങ്ങളിലേറെ പൊതു പ്രവർത്തന രംഗത്ത് വ്യക്തിമുദ്ര പതിപ്പിച്ച വീരേന്ദ്രകുമാർ കേന്ദ്ര മന്ത്രി ആയും എം പി ആയും സംസ്ഥാന മന്ത്രി ആയും പ്രവർത്തിച്ചു. ഉറച്ച സോഷ്യലിസ്റ്റ് നേതാവ്. മാതൃഭൂമിയുടെ എല്ലാമെല്ലാം. മഹാനായ എഴുത്തുകാരൻ , സഞ്ചാരി. ഉജ്ജ്വലനായ പ്രഭാഷകൻ. അതിലും ഉപരി ഒരു നല്ല സുഹൃത്ത്.
1960 കൾ മുതലുള്ള പരിചയം എനിക്കുണ്ട്. ജോർജ് ഫെർനാൻഡസ് കോഴിക്കോട് വന്നപ്പോൾ നടത്തിയ പ്രസംഗവും സഖാവിന്റെ പരിഭാഷയും ആവേശം കൊണ്ടും ആത്മാർത്ഥതയും കൊണ്ടും ഒന്നിനൊന്നു മേലെയായിരിന്നു. അടിയന്തരാവസ്ഥയിൽ ഒളിവിൽ, പിന്നെ ജയിലിൽ.
കമ്പിത്തപാൽ ജീവനക്കാരുടെ പല സമ്മേളനങ്ങളിലും സഖാവ് പങ്കെടുത്തു സംസാരിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. 1988 ൽ കോഴിക്കോട് വെച്ച് നടന്ന എൻ എഫ് പി ടി ഇ സംസ്ഥാന സമ്മേളനത്തിന്റെ രക്ഷാധികാരയായിരുന്നു.
1991ൽ വീരേന്ദ്ര കുമാർ പാർലമെന്റിലേക്ക് മത്സരിച്ചപ്പോൾ തിരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് കമ്മിറ്റി (അണിയറ) സെക്രട്ടറിയായി പ്രവർത്തിക്കുകയുണ്ടായി. ( കേന്ദ്ര സർക്കാർ ജീവനക്കാരന് രാഷ്ട്രിയ പ്രവർത്തന സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യമില്ലല്ലോ). എല്ലാ ദിവസവും അതിരാവിലെയും യോഗങ്ങളിലും മറ്റും പങ്കെടുത്തു രാത്രി വൈകിയും ഓഫീസിൽ എത്തി കാര്യങ്ങൾ ചർച്ച ചെയ്യും.
അടുത്ത തവണ എം പി യായും തുടർന്നു കേന്ദ്ര ഡെപ്യൂട്ടി ധനകാര്യ മന്ത്രിയുമായപ്പോൾ ഞാൻ ഡൽഹിയിൽ യൂണിയൻ ജനറൽ സെക്രട്ടറിയായി ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു. സ്ഥാനമേറ്റ ദിവസം തന്നെ കാണാൻ പോയി. റിസപ്ഷനിൽ കാത്തു നിൽക്കുമ്പോൾ സഖാവ് തന്നെ വന്നു മുറിയിലേക്ക് കൂട്ടികൊണ്ടുപോയി. രാഷ്ട്രിയ നേതാക്കളും വൻകിട വ്യവസായ പ്രമുഖരും അവിടെ കാത്തു നിൽക്കുന്നു. അഭിനന്ദനം പറഞ്ഞതിന്റ കൂടെ ഡി എ പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കാതെയുള്ള വിവരവും പറഞ്ഞു. രണ്ടു ദിവസത്തിനകത്തു ഡി എ കല്പന ഇറങ്ങുകയും ചെയ്തു.
ഇടക്കാലത്തു ന്യൂസ്‌പേപ്പർ ഫെഡറേഷൻ കാര്യത്തിനും മറ്റുമായി ഡൽഹിയിൽ വരുമ്പോൾ കാണാൻ പോകും.
1996 ജൂണിൽ ഞാൻ സർവീസിൽനിന്നും നിന്നും വിരമിച്ചപ്പോൾ ടൌൺ ഹാളിൽ നൽകിയ പൊതു സ്വീകരണത്തിൽ കോട്ടക്കൽ ആയുർവേദ ആസ്പത്രിയിൽ ചികിത്സയിലായിരുന്നുവെങ്കിലും വീരേന്ദ്ര കുമാർ അവിടെയെത്തി സംസാരിച്ചു വീണ്ടും ആസ്പത്രിയിലേക്ക് പോയത് ഞാൻ ഇന്നും ഓർക്കുന്നു.
ഒരു സുഹൃത്ത് എന്ന നിലക്കാണ് എന്നും സംസാരിക്കാറുള്ളത്. സ: എ കെ ജി യുമായുള്ള ആത്മ ബന്ധത്തെ കുറിച്ച് പലപ്പോഴും സൂചിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. പല രാഷ്ട്രിയ കാര്യങ്ങളും പറയും. ഞാൻ കേൾക്കും.
അവസാനം കണ്ടു സംസാരിച്ചത് ഈ വർഷം ജനുവരി അഞ്ചിന് ചാലപ്പുറത്തെ വീട്ടിൽ വെച്ച്. ബി എസ് എൻ എൽ പെൻഷൻകാരുടെ പെൻഷൻ റിവിഷൻ കാര്യത്തിൽ കേന്ദ്ര സർക്കാരുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെടുന്നതിനായി കാണാൻ. പുന്നശ്ശേരി ബാലൻ, കെ ജി സഞ്ജീവ്, എം ചന്ദ്രൻ, പി വി സി ll, എം കെ പ്രഭാകരൻ,എം രാജഗോപാലൻ നായർ എന്നിവരും കൂടെ ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു.സുഖമില്ലാതെ കിടക്കുകയാണെന്നും ആരെയും കാണുന്നില്ലെന്നും ഞങ്ങളെ അറിയിച്ചെങ്കിലും പേര് പറഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ അകത്തേക്ക് കടത്തി. സഖാവ് കിടക്കുക തന്നെയായിരുന്നു. വളരെ അവശതയിൽ. ഒരു വിധം എഴുന്നേറ്റിരുന്നു സംസാരിച്ചു. ഞങ്ങൾ കാര്യം അവതരിപ്പിച്ചു നന്ദി പറഞ്ഞു വേഗം മടങ്ങി. ഇത് അവസാന കാഴ്ച്ച ആയിരിക്കും എന്ന് കരുതിയില്ല.
ഇന്ന് സീനിയർ സിറ്റിസൺസ് ഫ്രണ്ട്‌സ് വെൽഫേർ അസോസിയേഷൻ ജില്ല സെക്രട്ടറി സ: മേലടി നാരായണൻ ഒപ്പം ചാലപ്പുറത്തെ വീട്ടിലെത്തി അസോസിയേഷന്റെയും സ്വന്തം പേരിലും ആദരാഞ്ജലികൾ അർപ്പിക്കുമ്പോൾ അടുത്ത ഒരു സുഹൃത്തിനെ നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടതിന്റെ ദുഃഖം.
സ: വീരേന്ദ്ര കുമാറിന്റെ വേർപാട് സമൂഹത്തിന്ന് വലിയൊരു നഷ്ടമാണ്.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഭാര്യ, മക്കൾ മറ്റു കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങൾ എന്നിവരെ അനുശോചനം അറിയിക്കുന്നു.