Pensioners' Coordinator

October-2010

1

Minutes of Meeting of Advisory Committee-CGHS Held on 28th August, 2010

The meeting was attended by the following members :

1. Sh. K. K. Joshi, Secretary General, Defence Service, Civilian Pensioners Welfare Association,

Panchkula (Haryana)

2. Sh. Y. P. Doshi, General Secretary, Association of Retd. Officer of Indian Audit and Accounts

Department, Chandigarh.

3. Sh. V.K. Attri, Director, REO, Planning Commission, Sector 9, Chandigarh.

4. Dr. Ashwani Kumar Seniaray, Chief Medical Officer (NFSG), I/C CGHS Wellness Centre No.1,

Sector 45, Chandigarh.

Welcome Address:

Dr. Ashwani Kumar Seniaray, CMO In-charge welcomed the members of the Advisory Committee. The

CMO I/C put forward the copy of the Directorate's order No : 4-27/2005/C&P, dated 27-02-2010

regarding functioning of Grievance/Advisory Committee, for discussion. The members agreed that the

next advisory committee should be constituted as per the Directorate's order from Jan'2011 and in the

meanwhile the different registered pensioners associations should be asked to furnish the details of

their members and who are also registered beneficiaries of CGHS WC No-1, through the AD office.

Mr. Attri suggested that at the time of enrolment for the CGHS, the individual should be briefed by the

office staff about the CGHS functioning and the facilities the members will be entitled to and all the

important relevant information should be provided in brief printed format to help the people know about

the CGHS functioning and to take the right decision suitable for them.

Disposal of Pending Claims :

CMO I/C informed the members that there are no pending claims of the employees in the Wellness

Centre, as the bills of the employees are cleared on day to day basis. It was intimated to the members

that as per information provided by AD office, the MRC bills of pensioners have been cleared up to

June, 2010.

Performance of Local Chemist:

The CMO I/C informed the members that tender of existing local chemist has ended on 11-08-2010. The

contingency plan was implemented with effect from 12-08-2010, the beneficiaries are permitted to

purchase medicines from open market for the specified period and the bill will be reimbursed by the AD

office for the pensioners and by the respective office in case of serving employees. The CMO I/C

informed the members that a large number of beneficiaries are being issued essential medicines from

the unclaimed medicines stocks and also from the unused returned medicines stock of the

wellness centre. All the members appreciated the efforts made by the whole W.C. staff in helping out the

beneficiaries during this crisis period.

Amenities for the Beneficiaries:

The members were satisfied with the infrastructure provided in the Wellness Centre and sufficient sitting

space is available for beneficiaries. The CMO I/C informed the members that two wall mounted fans are

installed in the lobby of the wellness centre for the benefit of beneficiaries. Mr. Attri suggested that a

Intercom System should be installed in the wellness centre for speedy intercommunication among staff

and will also avoid incovenience to the beneficiaries.

Staff Punctuality & Behavior:

There is no complaint against the staff behavior by any beneficiary. CMO I/C informed that all the staff is

punctual and courteous in dealing with the beneficiaries.

*****

Pensioners' Coordinator

October-2010

2

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Review of Functioning of CGHS

The performance of the CGHS is regularly reviewed by the Government. The committee of

secretaries has also been regularly reviewing the functioning of the CGHS since December 2008 and

has been giving directions to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for making it beneficiary friendly.

Some of the recent initiatives are listed below:

1. Computerisation : To keep pace with the modern times, a massive computerisation work has been

taken up under CGHS in collaboration with the National Infomatics Centre. Computerisation of the

CGHS will result in lesser waiting period for beneficiaries at the dispensaries, online placement indents

on local chemists, availability of patients profiles; availability of medicine, drugs usage pattern, which

enable the CGHS to prepare a realistic of formulary drugs; reduction in use of paper; removal of

jurisdictional restriction (as regard the dispensaries) for the beneficiaries etc.

2. Introduction of Plastic Cards : As part of the computerisation process, it has been decided to issue

plastic cards individually to each beneficiary of the CGHS. This will enable beneficiaries to avail CGHS

facility in any city should they happen to be in that city either on official work or on leave. Inter city

treatment will be possible after all cities are computerised and networked.

3. Accrediation of hospitals with National Accrediation Board for Hospitals and health-care

provider (NABH) and labs. with National Accreditation Board for Testing and Caliberation

Laboratories (NABL) : With a view to providing better quality treatment to CGHS beneficiaries, it was

decided that only those private hospitals and diagnostic centres would be empanelled under the CGHS, as

have been cleared by the Quality Council of India after it carried out inspection of the facilities available at

these hospitals and diagnostic centres. It has been decided all the hospitals and laboratories on the panel of

CGHS have to get certificates issued by the NABH/ NABL under the Quality Council of India.

4. Medical Audit of Hospital Bills is an important exercise to assess the quality of services offered

and expenditure incurred. In order to be sure that the bills raised by private empanelled hospitals are

genuine and that the beneficiaries were required to undergo only that treatment as was required and that

the hospital has not forced the beneficiary to undergo unnecessary tests/ treatment at the hospital, the

job of the medical audit of hospital bills has been outsourced to TPAs.

5. Holding of Claims Adalats : Complaints were received in the CGHS and in the Ministry that old

cases of reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by pensioners were pending for settlement for

long time. It was decided that Claims Adalats be held in each Zonal office of CGHS, Delhi under the

chairmanship of the Additinoal Directors of the respective zones. Claims Adalats were held annually, in

each zone (East, Central, South and North zones) in Delhi, during 2007 and 2008 and over 95% of the

claims were settled in those Adalats, Encouraged by the success in Delhi, all CGHS cities have been

directed to hold Claim Adalats on annual basis.

6. Local Advisory Committees : Local Advisory Committee meetings are held in each CGHS

dispensary on second Saturday of the month attended by the Welfare Officer appointed by the Chief

Welfare Officer, Department of Personnel & Training, representatives from pensioners associations,

local chemists to resolve problems at dispensary level.

7. Decentralisation and delegation of Powers : Ministries / departments have been delegated

powers to handle all cases of reimbursement claims if no relaxation of rules was involved. They had

power to handle requests upto Rs. 2 Lakh and beyond this amount, the cases were referred to CGHS.

8. Rate contract for purchase of drugs : Dispensaries in Delhi have been permitted to place indent

directly on the manufacturers on rate contract basis. The benefit of this arragement is that dispensaries /

CGHS do not have to carry huge inventory of medicines and indents can be placed on a monthly basis

depending on the need. (This information was given by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam

Nabi Azad in reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha, on 27.07.2010)

*****

Pensioners' Coordinator

October-2010

3

CAT Ruling - P & T Pensioners entitled to CGHS

The applicants have filed the present OA against the decision of the respondents under which they

have prohibited their enrolment as beneficiaries of the CGHS. They have also prayed that the

respondents may be directed to extend to them the facilities of the Central Govt. Health Scheme

(CGHS) on usual payment of subscription fee at par with other Central Govt. pensioners. It is the case of

the applicants that they cannot be denied this facility merely because they were not covered under the

CGHS prior to their retirement. They have averred that they cannot be barred from the facilities on this

account since except applicants No. 6 and 9, they retired much before 2001, the year in which the

facilities under the CGHS were extended to Chandigarh.

The respondents have stated in their reply that as per the instructions contained in Govt. of India,

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare letter dated 01-08-1996, retirees of P& T Department have not been

enrolled as members of CGHS. They have also mentioned in their reply that the applicants in OAs No.

955/CH/2003, 217/HR/2004 and 833/CH/2005 were allowed CGHS membership for one year which is

extended on a yearly basis till the outcome of CWP filed in the Hon'ble High Court of Karnatka.

In view of the statement made in the reply of the respondents regarding the relief granted to the

applicants in the aforesaid OAs in respect of similarly situated P & T pensioners, we feel that the ends of

justice will be met, if the same benefit is extended by the respondents to the applicants in the present

case also. We order accordingly. The same may be done within three months from the date of receipt of

a copy of this order. The OA is accordingly disposed off with no order as to costs.

[PN Malhotra & Ors vs Secy. DoT & others - OA No. 272/CH/2009-Chandigarh Bench-Date of

judgement : 29.9.09] Courtesy : PN Malhotra, Chandigarh

(Ten applicantts who retired from DOP & DOT had filed this OA)

The case of extension of CGHS facilities to P & T pensioners, who were not availing the benefits at

the time of their retirement, is pending in the Supreme Court - SLPLC) No. 10109-10121/2010 filed

by GOI against the order of high court of Karnatka

*****

BSNL O.M. No. BSNL / Admn. 1/14-02/09 dated 08-09-2010 addressed to All CGMs, DG (P&T)

and others

The BSNL Board has revised the outdoor ceiling for its retired employees as under:-

For employees retired after 01-01-2007

i) For employees who have opted for reimbursement with voucher it is revised as the amount

equivalent to 25 days of the last Basic Pay drawn (remain unchanged) + DA applicable in the month of

April for the financial year for which the claim pertains to.

ii) For employees who have opted for reimbursement without voucher it remains unchanged as the

amount equivalent to 12½ days of last Basic Pay and DA drawn by the retired employee at the time of

retirement and shall be paid in four equal quarterly installments.

For employees retired prior to 01-01-2007

i) For employees who have opted for reimbursement with voucher can exercise option from the

following two options. The option once exercised cannot be changed later.

Option 1 : The amount reimbursable shall be limited to an amount equivalent to 25 days of the basic pay

(which will be freezed at the minimum of the revised pay scale) + DA as applicable in the month of April of

the financial year for which the claim pertains to.

Option 2 : Alternatively, option can be exercised to claim an amount equivalent to 25 days of Basic Pay

drawn at the time of retirement and DA as applicable for the month of April of the financial year for which

the claim pertains to, in the pre-revised scale.

Pensioners' Coordinator

October-2010

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ii) For employees who have opted for reimbursement without voucher it remains unchanged as the

amount equivalent to 15 days of Basic Pay + DP + DA as applicable, drawn by the retired employee at

the time of retirement and is being paid in four equal quarterly installments.

The new scheme is applicable with effect from the Financial Year 2010-11Sd/ (J.P. Meena) Asstt. Gen. Manager (Admn.-II)

*****

ECHS/B/49711/AG/ECHS dtd. 05-02-2009

Sub : Revision in cost of ECHS Smarcard.

The cost of EGHS smart card has been enhanced from the existing Rs. 90/- per card to Rs. 135/-

per card wef 01-04-2009. (Extracted from Indian Ex Serviceman 6/2k9 issue)

*****

ECHS/B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dtd. 24-02-2009

Sub : Income criteria from all sources for Dependancy

Consequent to the implementation of recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission and revision of

Income criteria for dependency of 'family' in the CGHS vide Govt. of India, Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare letter No. S-11012/1/98-CGHS (P) dtd. 10-12-2008, the income criteria for dependency of

family in ECHS also stands revised to "Rs. 3500/- plus amount of Dearness Relief on the basic pension

of Rs. 3500/- as on the date of consolidation". The amount of Dearness Relief, as indicated in the income

limit stands for the amount of dearness relief drawn by the pensioner/family pensioner on the date of

consideration and not the amount of Dearness Relief due on the date of consideration.

The orders are to be implemented with immediate effect. All other terms and conditions of eligibility

will remain unchanged. (Extracted from Indian Ex Servieman 6/2009 issue)

*****

Ministry of P.P.G. & P (Deptt. of P & PW), O.M. No. 45/7/2008-P & PW (F) dated 12 July 2010

Subject : Implementation of the Government's decision on the recommendation of the Sixth CPC

Revision of provision regulating special benefits in the cases of Death and Disability in service -

payment of ex-gratia lump sum compensation to families of central Govt. employees-

modification-regarding-

The undersigned is directed to say that in this Department's Office Mamorandum of even number

dated 16th March, 2009, it was provided that ex-gratia lump sum compensation to the families of

deceased Government servants including from sundry Government sources, such as the Prime

Minister's Relief Fund, Chief Minister's Relief Fund etc. should not exceed the aggregate of Rs. 20 lakhs

in each individual case. Para 12 of Annexe to this Department's OM 45/55/97-P &PW (C) dated 11th

September 1998 was modified to that extent.

2. The matter has been further reviewed and it has now been decided that there will be no ceiling for

grant of ex-gratia lump sum compensation in terms of Department of Pension & Pensioner's Welfare's

OM No. OM 45/55/97-P & PW (C) dated 11th September, 1998 read with OM No. 38/37/08-P&PW(A)

dated 2nd September, 2008 and OM No. 45/7/2008-P&PW (F) dated 16th March, 2009.

3. The above revised provision will be effective from 01-01-2006.

4. All other terms and conditions in the O.M. dated 11th September 1998 shall remain unchanged.

5. This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure U.O. No.

361/EV/2010 dated 4th June, 2010.

6. In so far as persons serving in the Indian Audit & Accounts Department, these orders issue after

consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India. Sd/ (Tripti P Ghosh) Director (PP)

*****

Pensioners' Coordinator

October-2010

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Ministry of P.P.G. & P (Deptt. of Pen. & P.W.) O.M. No. 42/18/2010-P&PW (G) dated 29-08-2010

Grant of Dearness Relief to Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of provisional

pension or pension in the pre-revised scale of Fifth Central Pay Commission with effect from 01-

01-2010

In continuation to this Department's O.M. No. 42/12/2009-P&PW(G), dated the 17th November,

2009 sanctioning the Dearness Relief to those Central Government pensioners who are in receipt of

provisional pension or pension in the pre-revised scales of Fifth Central Pay Commission, the President

is pleased to grant the Dearness Relief to these Central Government pensioners as under:-

(i) Those who are in receipt of provisional pension or pension in the pre-revised scales of Fifth Central

Pay Commission are entitled to Dearness Relief@87% with effect from 01-01-2010.

(ii) The surviving CPF beneficiaries who have retired from service between the period 18-11-1960 to 31-

12-1985 and are in receipt of ex gratia@ Rs. 600 p.m. with effect from 01-11-1997 under this

Department's O.M. No. 45/52/97-P&PW (E), dated 16-12-1997 are entitled to Dearness Relief @

87% with effect from 01-01-2010.

2. The following categories of CPF beneficiaries who are in receipt of ex-gratia payment in terms of this

Department O.M. No. 45/52/97-P&PW (E), dated 16-12-1997 are entitled to DR@79% with effect from

01-01-2010.

(i) The widows and dependant children of the deceased CPF beneficiary who had retired from service

prior to 01-01-1986 or who had died while in service prior to 01-01-1986 and are in receipt of ex gratia

payment of Rs. 605 p.m.

(ii) Central Government employees who had retired on CPF benefits before 08-11-1960 and are in

receipt of ex gratia payment of Rs. 654, Rs. 703 and Rs. 965.

3. In their application to the pensioners / family pensioners belonging to Indian Audit and Accounts

Department, these orders issue in consultation with the C&AG.

4. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their U.O.

No. 377/E.V/2010, dated 28-06-2010

****

Ministry of P.P.G & P (Deptt. of Pen. & P.W.) O.M. No. 1/28/04-P&PW (E), dated 02-07-2010

Grant of Family pension to the dependant family members of a Government servant/ Pensioner

reported missing

The undersigned is to invite a reference to this Department's earlier O.M. No. 01/17/86-P&PW, dated

29-08-1986 and the subsequent clarifications issued vide O.M. No. 01/17/86-P&PW(E), dated 18-2-

1993 O.M. No. 1/17/86-P&PW (C), dated 25-1-1991 and O.M. No. 1/28/04-P&PW(E), dated 31-03-

2009 detailing therein instructions concerning grant of family pension to the eligible family members of

the Government servants/ Pensioners who have suddenly disappeared and whose whereabouts are

not known, after a period of one year, or Government servants who have been kidnapped by insurgents/

terrorists, after a period of six months reckoned from the date of registration of the FIR with the Police

Authorities.

2. The Staff Side of the National Council (JCM) have been raising for quite sometime the issue

concerning withdrawal of the mandatory condition of one year prescribed in regard to sanction of family

pension to the eligible family members of the pensioners who are reported missing while on pilgrimage,

tour etc. and sanction the family pension to the eligible family members within a period of two months

from the date of filing of the FIR with the Police. This demand of the Staff Side is based on the premise

that this kind of stipulation in the rules has been causing a great deal of hardship to the families of such

mission pensioners.

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3. The matter has been considered in this Department in consultation with Ministry of Finance

(Department of Expenditure). It has been observed from the earlier instructions issued in this regard by

this Department that the same do not make any distinction between the Government servant and the

pensioner but cover both of them for the purpose of grant of family pension. It has accordingly been

decided that the family pension/ retirement or death gratuity to the eligible family members of a

Government servant/ Pensioner reported missing and whose whereabouts are not known, may be

sanctioned after a period of six months from the date of registration of an FIR with the Police. This,

however, would be subject to the instructions regarding grant/ disbursal of retirement or death gratuity

etc. as contained in this Department's O.M. referred to above.

4. This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure vide their

U.O. No. 367/E.V./2010, dated 15-06-2010.

5. These orders, in so far as their applicability relates to the employees of the Indian Audit and Account

Department, are being issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India vide

their U.O. No. 43-Audit (Rules)/28-2009, dated 21-06-2010.

*****

Deptt. of P&PW (Coordination Branch) O.M. No. 41/14/2010-P&PW (Coord) dated 12 July 2010,

addressed to Pensioners Association Including IA&A.D. Assn. Chandigarh)

Subject : Finalisation of Strategic Plan for the next five years under Results Framework

Document (RFD) for Department of Pensioners & Pensioners Welfare- Furnishing

Views/Suggesstion of Stakeholders-Regarding

As you are aware, the Government of India has embarked on a comprehensive Performance Management System wherein all Departments are expected to prepare a Result Framework Document (RFD) summarizing the main objectives and the corresponding action for the year. The RFD contains not only the agreed objectives, policies, programmes and projects but also the success indicators and targets to measure the progress in implementing them. The Document envisages, inter-alia, finalization of a Strategic Plan for the next five years. Towards this end, an Action Plan has been prepared by the Department which is expected to help in developing the strategy and an implementation road map. The Results Framework Document (RFD) and 'Action Plan' of the Department is available on the website of Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare (i.e. www.persmin.nic.in)

2. All the Pensioners' Association working towards Welfare of the Pension Community are requested to kindly furnish their views/suggestions on the same to this Department through e-mail (address given below) latest by 19-07-2010 to enable this Department to finalize its Strategic Plan for the next 5 years.

Sd/-

(Tripti P. Ghosh)

Director (PP)

*****

Ministry of P.P.G.&P OM No. 41-14/2010-P&PW(Cord) dated 07-06-2010

Sub : Proceedings of the Meeting held under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Pensioner, AR &

PG) with the Banks and Pensioners' Associations on 14-05-2010 at Sardar Patel Bhawan, New

Delhi.

Please find enclosed a copy of the proceedings of the meeting held under the Chairmanship of

secretary, pension AR & PG on 14-05-2010 for information and record.

(Sd) KS Chibb, Dy. Secy. GoI.

Enclosure to DOP & PW OM No. 41-14/2010-P&PW (Cord) dated 07-06-2010.

Minutes of the meeting taken by Secretary (Pension, AR & PG) with the Banks and Pensioners'

Association on 14-05-2010 at 3-30 PM in the Conference Hall, Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi.

Pensioners' Coordinator

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The second meeting in the series with the stakeholders i.e. Banks and Pensioners' Assns. was held

on 14-05-2010 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Pension, AR & PG), in order to elicit their

views/opinion in regard to formulation of a Strategic Plan of the Department of Pension & Pensioners'

Welfare for the next five years. The list of participants is at Annexure A.

2. Secretary (Pension, AR & PG), while welcoming the participants, apprised them of the background

behind convening the meeting. He mentioned that the Government of India has embarked on a

comprehensive reform of the existing Performance Management System wherein all Ministries/

Departments are expected to prepare a Result Frame work Document (RFD) summarizing the main

objectives and the corresponding action for the year. The RFD envisages, inter-alia, finalisation of

Strategic Plan for the next five years. Towards this end, an Action Plan has been prepared by the

Department which is expected to help in developing the strategy as well as the implementation road

map. One of the activities envisaged under the Action Plan relates to 'Assessing the Situation' which

would have a bearing on the performance of the Department. The views/opinion of the stakeholders

would be crucial and important in guiding this Department towards formulation of a satisfactory and

workable Strategic Plan.

3. In the above context, the Chairman requested the participants to offer their valuable views/

suggestions which would form an important input for the Department in concretizing the Strategic Plan.

4. The stakeholders representing various Banks and Pensioner's Associations thereafter came out

with their views/suggestions as also the problems/constraints being faced by them in the matter of

revision/disbursement of pension/family pension, revision of PPOs etc. A gist of the major issues

discussed and viewpoint of the Banks/Pensioners' Assns. are summarized below:

a) Since revision and disbursement of pension/ family pension are the major areas of concern, prior

consultations with the pension disbursing authorities like Banks, Post Officers, etc. with regard to the

proposed pension policy changes are considered desirable. This would enable the pension disbursing

authorities to understand the nitty gritties of the proposed changes and the consequential changes in

pension rules/procedures, thus, requiring software alterations.

b) There needs to be an uniformity in the matter of PPO format (ie Civil, Defence, etc) with a view of

facilitating, uniform software development at the Bank's level. Such arrangements would enable the

Banks to develop new software for accurate and authentic calculation and prompt disbursement of the

revised pension/family pension.

c) The possibility of disbursement of pension/ family pension through the Electric Clearance system

(ECS) need to be explored in order to cut short delays in the disbursement of pension/ family pension

and bringing in transparency in the system.

d) The concept of Central Pension Processing Centre (CPPC) - a single window mechanism-needs to

be introduced by all pension disbursing authorities (i.e. banks) on priority

e) Revision of the PPO being another area of concern, a deadline needs to be fixed for revision of PPO

by the pension sanctioning authorities (i.e. HOO/PAO/CPAO). For this purpose there is a need for better

and enhanced interaction among the Ministeries/Departments, PAO/CPAO/CGA and the Banks to

ensure revision of PPO in a time bound manner.

f) It was suggested that general clarifications on matters concerning pension/family pension issued by

the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare from time to time, may be reflected under the 'FAQ'

category both in the Department's website as well as the Portal. This would help the pension disbursing

authorities in retrieval of the Government instructions online which they may need to refer to while

finalizing/ disbursing the pension/family pension.

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g) In cases where a Pensioner/Family Pensioner desires to transfer his pension account to another

bank, a copy of the PPO may be scanned and transmitted electronically by the existing bank to the new

bank in order to facilitate early payment of pension/family pension besides bringing in transparency in

the system.

h) Provision needs to be made for hassle free payment of pension/family pension in the event of a

pensioner/family pensioner switching over from one bank to another bank/one city to another city or

even from one state to another state.

i) CPENGRAMS needs to be more responsive vis a vis the pensioners' grievances. If required the

portal could be further modified in order to facilitate speedy disposal/monitoring of the grievances.

j) As of now Form 14 is required to be attested by two Gazetted Officers in connection with release of

family pension. This has been causing a great deal of hardship resulting in delay in disbursement of

family pension to the family pensioners. There is, therefore, a need to dispense with this practice for

speedy release of family pension.

k) An early decision needs to be arrived at in regard to enhancement of Fixed Medical Allowance to

pensioners residing in areas not covered under the CGHS. It was informed that the matters under active

consideration of the Government.

Necessary Government orders enhancing the FMA from Rs. 100/- p.m. to Rs. 300/- p.m. have since

been issued by the Department of Pensioner's Welfare.

i) Other than the documents (i.e. Votors' I Card, Driving License, PAN Card, Matriculation Certificate,

Ration Card) prescribed by the Government in support of proof of age, the Affidavit may also be admitted

as sufficient Proof of age for payment of additional pension/ family pension to pensioners/ family

pensioners on completion of age of 80 years or above.

m) The CS (MA) Rules may be made applicable to the pensioners/family pensioners as in the case of

Government servants, in the light of a recent Supreme Court Judgement.

n) The ex-gratia amount payable to CPF beneficiaries/dependent family members needs to be

enhanced as their counterparts in Railways (i.e. SRPF beneficiaries) are already in receipt of the

enhanced ex-gratia amount w.e.f. Nov. 2006. It was informed that the matter is under consideration in

the Department of Pension & Pensioner's Welfare.

o) The Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) and its meetings may be treated at par

with those of the JCM (Staff Side).

p) There was a lot of debate in regard to para 4.2 appearing in this Department's OM No. 38-37/08-

P&PW(A) dtd. 01-09-2008. The Pensioners' Associations emphasized upon the need for an early

resolution of the issue.

q) The designated link branches of the Banks need to facilitate payment of pension/family pension to

the Pensioners/Family Pensioners.

5. Secretary (Pension, AR & PG) concluded the meeting with the observations that the views/opinions

of the participants will be taken into consideration while formulating the strategic plan of the Department

of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare. Besides, the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare is aware

of its responsibilities towards the welfare of the pensioners community and will strive for fulfillment of its

mandate at all times. The genuine and reasonable suggestions/views offered by the representatives of

Pensioners' Associations and the Banks would be attended to/resolved in concerned in due course of

time.

6. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 9

ANNEXURE A to minutes Deptt. of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare, List of Participants of the

meeting with Banking Authorities & Pensioners Associations on 14-05-2010.

Sr. No. Name & Designation

Officials

1. Sh. Raj Singh, Director

2. Sh. K.S. Chibb. Deputy Secretary

3. Sh. Harjit Singh, US.

4. Sh. A Dwivedi, US

5. Smt. Geetha Nair, US

6. Sh. NM Ranganathan, US

7. Sh. Rajan Sood, SO.

8. Sh. PS. Ray, SO.

Banks

9. Sh. CS Parmar, DGM, Central Bank of India

10. Sh. BM Sharma, Dy. Genl. Manager, (Govt. Business) Bank of Baroda.

11. Sh. S.K. Dutta, DGM (IFB), Allahabad Bank, New Delhi

12. Sh. KSS Kamath, GM, Canara Bank.

13. Sh. SK Mishra, GM (GBOI), SBI, CC, Delhi

14. Sh. Mandajit Singh, GM Transaction Banking, Punjab National Bank.

Pensioners Associations

15. Sh. SK Sharma, AICCPA, Jt. Secy. Genl.

16. Sh. SC Maheswari, Retd. Raiway Employees Welfare Association Gurgaon (Haryana)

17. Sh. Shyam Sunder, Secy. Genl. BPS, Jangpura, New Delhi.

18. Sh. SC Pipal, President, BPS, Jangpura, New Delhi.

19. Sh. Col. Akhil Sharma, Indian Ex Services League, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi.

*****

Minutes of the Advisory Committee Meeting on Pensioners' Portal held on 19-07-2010 under the

Chairpersonship of Secretary (Pension, AR&PG)

A meeting of the Advisory Committee on Pensioners Portal was held on 19-07-2010, under the

Chairpersonship of Secretary (P.AR&PG), in Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi to review the

implementation status of the Pensioners' Portal a Mission Mode Project under National e-Governance

Plan (NeGP)

2. The following participated in the meeting:

(1) Sh. Raj Singh, Director D/o P&PW, (2) Smt. Tripti P. Ghosh, Director, D/o P&PW, (3) Shri Bhans

Singh, Director, M/o Defence. (4) Shri K.S. Chibb, Deputy Secretary, D/o P&PW (5) Shri S.K. Bhatnagar,

Deputy Secretary, M.HA (6) Shri Arvind Mukherjee, Under Secretary, MHA, (7) Smt. Deepa Anand,

Under Secretary, D/o P&PW, (8) Shri K. Ravi Babu ADG (Tech.), Dir., D/o Posts

NIC

(1) Shri S. N. Sowpari, Sr. Tech. Dir.,( 2) Shri C.K. Vij, Tech. Director,( 3) Shri Anil Bansal, SSA.

Pensioners' Associations

(1) Shri Shyam Sunder, Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), Jangpura, New Delhi,

(2) Shri S.C. Maheswari, Secretary (Rly), BPS, N. Delhi.

3 Secretary (Pension, AR&PG) welcomed the participants and initiated the discussion by apprising

them of the purpose of convening this meeting. He observed that the portal is being reviewed / updated

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Pensioners' Coordinator 10

from time to time as and when feedback/suggesions are received from the Stake holders/ Ministries/

Departments for its improvement. A lot of ground has been covered since the last meeting of Advisory

Committee was held in October, 2007. He directed that the meeting of the Advisory Committee be

convened regularly so that the monitoring of the scheme is possible on regular basis.

4. Secretary (Pension, AR & PG) expressed his concern over the non-utilisation of major part of the

provision earmarked for the Scheme during the last two years. He directed that vigorous efforts need to

be made by the Department towards utilization of plan funds earmarked for the Portal.

5. NIC thereafter made a power-point presentation giving the background, objectives, salient feature of

the Portal like interactive and non-interactive components and progress achieved under the Pensioners'

Portal so far.

6. The members of the Advisory Committee rendered suggestions with regard to review of constitution

of the Advisory Committee to provide for association of more Departments/ Pensioners' Association with

the Committee to make it broad-based; identification of more Pensioners' from where no such

Association has been identified so far; reflecting contact details of Officers of various Ministers/

Departments to whom grievances are forwarded by this Department for redressal; strengthening of NIC

Computer Centre through the provision of Manpower (i.e. Programmer) / further improvement in the

portal; reducing delay in uploading of the orders/ instructions issued by this Department on the Portal/

Website of this Department; permission to divert grant funds from one sub-head to another in the grant-

in-aid released by this Department to Pensioners' Association etc.

7. After detailed deliberations, the following decision were taken.

a) The constitution of the Advisory Committee be revisited in order to associate a representative of the

Ministry of Railways and some more Pensioners' Associations with Advisory Committee so as to make it

more broad-based.

b) More Pensioners' Associations / Organisations, particularly from the States from where no

Association / organisation has been identified so far, be identified and associated with implementation of

the Portal.

c) Workshops/ trainings on Pensioners Portal/ CPENGRAM be conducted on priority so as to acquaint

more people about the project and get better end result co-operation is required in this regard from

Stakeholders/ Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations to make the portal more effective.

d) Pensioners' Association need to help the Pensioners in filing their grievances online and follow up the

same with the concerned Ministries/ Departments/ Organisations for an early rederessal of the same.

e) While forwarding the Pensioners' grievances to other Ministries/ Departments for redressal, the

contact details of the Officers of these Ministeries/ Department be also indicated.

f) The Pensioners' Association who have received grant-in-aid from the Department of Pension &

Pensioners' Welfare under Pensioners' portal in the past, may utilize the funds expenditiously and

submit the U.C.'s thereof to this Department on priority to enable this Department to release further

grant-in-aid to them.

g) NIC Computer Centre needs to be strengthened through the provision of manpower (i.e.

Programmer) as was provided to them earlier under this Scheme.

h) As far as possible all orders/ instructions issued by DOP&PW be uploaded on the Website of the

Department/ Pensioners' Portal on the day on which such order/ instructions are issued.

i) The suggestion for allowing the Pensioner' Associations to divert grant funds from one sub-head to

another was not agreed to keeping in view of parameters of the Scheme.

j) Defence / Railway Ministries may be requested to indicate the status of PPO in their Website so that

the link could be provided in our portal. (The meeting ended with thanks to the chair)

****

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Pensioners' Coordinator 11

Minutes of the 46th meeting of the National Council (JCM) held on 15th May 2010

1. The 46th Meeting on the National Council (JCM) was held on 15th May 2010 under the

Chairmanship of Shri K.M. Chandrasekhar, Cabinet Secretary. A list of the representatives of Staff Side

and Official side who participated in the meeting is annexed.

2. The Cabinet Secretary and Chairman, National Council (JCM) extended a hearty welcome to the

representatives of the Staff Side as well as the Official Side. The Chairman stated that the although there

has been a long gap between the 45th and 46th meeting of the National Council but there have been

continued informal interactions between the staff and official sides. He referred to the fruitful discussions

held with the representatives of the Staff Side to discuss the recommendations of the 6th CPC and also

stated that the meetings of the Standing Committee have also been held quite frequently. He further

hoped that there would be progress achieved in the two meetings of the National Anomaly Committee....

Therefore, it has been the endeavour of the Government to address the problem of the employees as

effectively as possible.

3. The Chairman then enumerated some of the decisions taken by the Government in the recent past:

Instructions regarding revision/ refixation of pension/ family pension have been issued vide O.M. No.

38/37/08-P&PW dated Ist September, 2008.

Instructions regarding revision in the provisions regulating pension / gratuity/ commutation of

pension/ family pension/ disability pension/ ex-gratia lump sum compensation have been issued vide

O.M. No. 38/37/08-P&PW dated 2nd September 2008.....

4. The Chairman also stated that the fact that all the issues relating to recommendations of 6th Central

Pay Commission could be resolved through the process of constructive dialogue, shows the kind of

closeness that the government has been able to maintain with all concerned......The Chairman also

stated that there is a need to evolve a mechanism to ensure that the Meetings of the National Council

could be scheduled in such a manner that there is certain fixity about the dates and the time.

5. ...........Thereafter, the Chairman invited the Leader, Staff Side and the Secretary, Staff side to make

their opening remarks.

6. The Leader,Staff Side thanked the Chairman for apprising the staff side of the important decision

taken by the Government in the recent past particularly relating to the implementation of the

recommendations of the 6th CPC. He further thanked the Empowered Committee for hearing the staff

side on 17th May 2008 before taking a final view on the recommendations of the 6th CPC which resulted

to improvements in some of the recommendations of the 6th CPC at implementation stage. He further

thanked the Chairman for having played a key role in satisfying the genuine aspirations of the staff..

7. Leader, Staff side, also conveyed the appreciation of the staff side and thanked the Secretary (P).

Leader, Staff Side also referred to the various pay bands and grade pays recommended by the 6th CPC

and stated that there are a large number of issues/ anomalies and once again thanked Secretary (P) for

holding the two meetings of the NAC with the positive intent. He referred to the fruitful discussions held

during the two meetings of the NAC and conveyed the appreciation of the staff side for taking the

perceptions of the staff side seriously and in the right spirit. He referred to the mismatch in the pay drawn

by the senior direct recruit inducted into the service prior to 1st January 2006 and that of a junior direct

recruit included into service after 1st January 2006 and stated that this is a genuine issue and requested

the official side to find out a way to rectify that anomaly. He further stated that normally after every Pay

Commission, the Government used to raise the limit of the taxable income. This was, not done this time,

with the result that even the low paid employees have come within the ambit of the income tax.

8. Thereafter, Secretary, Staff Side while making his opening remarks, thanked the Chairman for

holding the 46th meeting of the National Council. Referring to the JCM Scheme, he stated that the

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Pensioners' Coordinator 12

scheme was evolved in order to ensure harmonious relations between the staff and the Government

and the essence of the harmonious relations between the two is a constant dialogue. He was of the view

that the JCM Scheme provided that platform for the dialogue. He further stated that it was not necessary

to have grievances but it is vital to have a dialogue which enables the Government to know the pulse of

the staff and also makes the staff aware about the thinking of the Government on various related issues.

He, however, regretted that in the past few years, the formal dialogue through the meetings of the

National Council has been irregular.....

10.Thereafter, Secretary, Staff side referred to the 16 pending awards of the Board of Arbitration and

stated that these awards have not been implemented by the Government and there is a need to discuss

them once again with the staff side...........He conveyed that the Staff Side is willing to discuss these

awards with the Official Side so as to reach an amicable solution. He, therefore, suggested that the

pending awards may once again be discussed with the Staff Side before, taking a final view of them. He

also stated that there was a need to give a second thought to the whole JCM Scheme which was

introduced in 1966. He appreciated the questionnaire prepared by the Department of Personnel &

Training seeking feedback from the staff side regarding the JCM Scheme and stated that it is the right

time for a comprehensive review of the JCM Scheme and suggested that a high Level Joint Committee

may be constituted for this purpose.

11. Secretary, Staff Side then thanked the Official Side for quickly implementing the recommendations of

the 6th CPC. He was of the view that the report of the 6th CPC was revolutionary and unique in a way that

some of the recommendations like the system of pay bands and grade pay are absolutely new........

However, there was associated problems regarding interpretation of the recommendations and different

persons were interpreting the recommendations differently resulting in a lot of problems. Therefore, he

suggested that there should not be any time limit for submission of representations and delays should

not come in the way of not listening to the genuine grievances of the employees. Thereafter, he spoke

about the recommendation of the 6th CPC regarding the allowances and demanded that in respect of

those allowances which are to be replaced by some other alternative like insurance etc., these

allowances should continue at double rates until the alternative mechanism is put in place. He further

stated that certain allowances like Patient Care Allowance and Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA)

have not been revised at all and demanded that suitable steps should be taken urgently in this

regard. At this point of time, the Chairman informed the Staff Side that a decision had been taken

to enhance the Fixed Medical Allowance from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 per month. The Staff Side

demanded that the FMA should be raised to atleast Rs. 500 per month. The Staff Side also

suggested that Dearness Allowance should be paid to FMA like the existing dispensation in

respect of Transport Allowance. Secretary, Staff Side further stated that as per the estimates

available, per capita expenditure on OPD consultation, was approximately Rs. 600 per month.

Therefore, the amount of Rs. 300 per month to be paid as FMA was not adequate and needed to

be reviewed.......

13.Thereafter, Secretary, Staff Side raised the issue relating to the class IV employee who were non-

matriculate. Referring to the recommendation of the 6th CPC regarding training of such employees to

place them in PB-I w.e.f. 01-01-2006, he stated that it was expected that the process of imparting

training to non-matriculate employees would be finished within a maximum time of six months.

However, the time taken by the different departments was different and if an employee died before he

was trained, there would be a huge loss to the family of that particular employee. Similarly, in case a

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Pensioners' Coordinator 13

person retired before re-training, he and his family would suffer financial loss. Therefore, Secretary, Staff

side requested that such cases should be considered sympathetically and their pension/ family pension

may be refixed at par with those class IV employees who were retrained and their pay was fixed in PB-I

with the grade pay of Rs. 1800/-

14.Afterwards, other members of the staff side made the following observations:

a) Non-matriculate class IV employee who retired or died between January 2006 and August 2008

without any re-training and also been deprived of the benefit of pay fixation in PB-I. Therefore, such

employees should be deemed to have been re-trained and extant benefit should be granted to them.

b) Problems are being faced in issuance of the revised PPOs as the disbursing banks are not sending

the required advice to the Controller of Accounts.

c) The workload has been increasing whereas the number of employees has been going down. It was

also stated that the problem is really acute particularly in the Ministry of Railways. Therefore, there is a

need to reconsider the policy of matching saving at the time of creation of new posts.

15.The Chairman stated that all the issues mentioned by the Staff Side have been noted and concerned

Ministry/ department will take suitable action whereever warranted.....He further stated that the pending

awards of the Board of Arbitration would be reviewed. Regarding the suggestion to constitute a high

level committee to review the JCM Scheme, the Chairman stated the matter may initially be

discussed by the Secretary, DOP&T with the Staff Side and then if needed, a committee could be

constituted.

16.Secretary, Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, while responding to the issue of

delays in issuance of the revised PPOs stated that the problem existed at the level of disbursing

banks as well as the pension sanctioning authorities. In some cases, banks are not sending the

advice to the concerned authorities and in some cases even if the advice had been sent by the

banks, the pension sanctioning authorities have not issued the revised PPOs. He assured the

staff side that the matter will be reviewed in consultation with the Central Pension Account

Office, Controller General of Account and Controller General of Defence Accounts and a

deadline will be fixed for issuance of the revised PPOs.

17.Thereafter it was decided to move to the agenda items. [Only items relating to pensioners matter are

reproduced below.

(a) Item No. 03/10/NC-46: Subject Pathological & Diagnostic Procedures

The staff side stated that very limited facilities are available with Polyclinic of CGHS Jaipur. That is

why MO (i/c) of CGHS Dispensaries at Jaipur refers such cases to State Govt. SMS Hospital. The

Principal & Controller of SMS Hospital has declined to entertain such requests. Such procedures like

Lipid Profile, G. Hb. HbAC LET, RFT, PSA etc. are not available in CGHS Polyclinic, nor has such

procedures been approved in respect of any of the empanelled Hospitals/Diagnostic Centres at Jaipur.

The staff side further stated that it may be possible that such problems are being faced at other CGHS

Stations as well. Therefore, the general orders may kindly be issued in this regard.

The official side stated that in the tenders issued in the current year, most of the pathological and

diagnostic procedures have been included in the approved list. Further, across the cities where CGHS

facility is available, many private pathological & diagnostic labs are being empanelled which will address

the problems being faced by CGHS beneficiaries. Final orders in this regard are expected to be issued

by June 2010. ITEM FINALISED

(b) Item No. 04/10/NC-46 Subject : Grant of FMA in lieu of outdoor treatment facilities

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Pensioners' Coordinator 14

The staff side stated that Fixed Medical Allowance of Rs. 100/- p.m. is granted to Central Govt.

Pensioners who reside in places not covered by CGHS as also to such CGHS beneficiaries who have

opted for FMA in lieu of out door treatment in Railways. FMA is also granted to pensioners holding RELH

card but who are residing 2.5 k.m. away from Railway Hospital/ Dispensary. There are very old

Pensioners who are CGHS or RELH card holders living within 2.5 k.m. distance (for Railway only) but

due to their old age cannot avail outdoor treatment facilities as because they are not in a position to even

stand for long time in queue before doctor & then again before dispensar. Staff Side therefore requested

that all CGHS or RELH card holders who are beyond the ripe age of 70 whether living within 2.5 k.m.

distance or not may kindly be given option for FMA in lieu of outdoor treatment.

The official side stated that firstly, the FMA may not be able to cover the requirements of OPD

treatment. Secondly, two separate records of the Pensioners will have to be maintained as those opting

for FMA might still have to come to the CGHS dispensary for referrals to the hospitals etc. Therefore,

because of the practical difficulties, it may not be possible to grant FMA to CGHS beneficiaries. The

official side further stated that the concept of FMA will have greater chances of success once the health

insurance scheme is implemented . The guidelines of the proposed Health Insurance Scheme Central

Government Employee and Pensioners have been shared with the staff side where OPD is taken care of

through FMA and for indoor treatment an insurance cover of Rs. Five lakhs is available to the

beneficiaries. The official side stated that the Insurance Scheme is in the advance stage of finalization.

In the end, the Chairman stated that the issue raised by the staff side i.e. grant of FMA in lieu of outdoor

treatment facilities in respect of card holders who are beyond the age of 70 years has been taken note of

and the matter will be further examined by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in consultation with

the Ministry of Finance.

(c) Item No. 05/10/NC-46, Subject : Relocation of One CGHS Dispensary in Wadi Area, Under the

Jurisdiction of Municipal corporation Nagpur

The staff side stated that there are about 1500 pensioners who are settled in Wadi Area of Nagpur. They

are permanent Cardholders of CGHS Nagpur. At present these pensioners have been attached to three

Dispensaries viz. Civil Lines, Seminary Hills & Kotol Road OPD Dispensaries. All these dispensaries are

situated about 15 k.m. away from Wadi area. The transport facility is quite inadequate &, therefore, in

one visit to these Dispensaries from Wadi area for consultation and another for obtaining indented

medicines would cost these beneficiaries more than about Rs. 300/-. Therefore, the staff requested that

one of these OPD Dispensaries Viz. Civil Lines or Kotol Road be relocated in Wadi area.

The official side stated that the matter had already been discussed with the staff side and it was

agreed to have a joint inspection of Wadi area and further action in the matter will be taken on the basis of

the joint inspection report. (ITEM FINALISED)

(d) Item No. 06/10/NC-46, Specialized consultation in PUC Hospital Like Ispat Hospital, HEC

Hospital & CCL Hospital, Ranchi.

The staff side stated that as per circular No. CGHS/ Ranchi/(Admn)/2006436 dated 31.3.2006

issued by Jt. Director, CGHS, Ranchi, the beneficiaries will take specialized consultation in RIMS, Sadar

Hospital (Govt. Hospitals) and in PUC Hospitals such as Ispat, HEC & CCL Hospitals. However which

specialists are there in the above PUC hospitals has not been notified. Of late all beneficiaries of Ranchi

are being asked to take specialized consultation only in RIMS hospitals which is 12 k.m. away from

residences of pensioners from Doranda, Kadrn & Hindoo areas of Ranchi City. This is very inconvenient

particularly for pensioners beneficiaries who have to travel this long distance and then to stand for long

time in a queue. If they are referred to any of the above PUC hospitals which are nearby, they can get the

consultation there in no time. Accordingly, the staff side requested that for specialized consultation, at

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Pensioners' Coordinator 15

least pensioners beneficiaries may be referred to the above one PUC Hospitals.

The officials side stated that the matter has been considered and it has been decided to agree with

the request of the staff side. (ITEM FINALISED)

(e) Item No. 07/1, Of NC-46 Supply of free diet to employees and their dependent under treatment

for TB, Leprosy, Mental Illness, Cancer and HIV/AIDS, Rental Dialysis, Therapy, Thalsaema.

The staff side stated that there are provision for free diet to employees and their family undertaking

treatment for T.B. etc. drawing basic pay up to Rs. 6000/- Rs. 6200/- (for Railway employees). The staff

side proposed that the list of diseases may include disease like Cancer, HIV/AIDS Renal dialysis and

therapy, Thalsaema pay in the Pay Scale under Pay band I may be extended the facility of free diet.

The official side stated that the demand of the staff side has been examined and suitable instructions

have been issued by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, vide its office Memorandum dated 22nd

March 2010. (ITEM FINALISED)

(f) Item No. 12/10/NC-46 Anomaly in the fixation of revised pension

The staff side stated that as per the RPS Rules, 1997, those special pay/ Allowances which were not

continued after the implementation of revised pay scale have been treated as part of pay and included in

emoluments for fixation of revised pay. The result is that those employees drawing the pre revised

special Pay/Allowances have got the benefit thereof in their revised pay/pension etc. However

employees who had retired prior to 01-01-1996 have been denied this benefit as such special

Pay/Allowances have not been included in their emoluments for fixation of their revised pension.

Employees drawing these pre revised special Pay/Allowances who retired after 01-01-1996 have been

granted higher pension than the latter which is clearly an anomaly.

The staff side, therefore, proposed that pre revised special Pay/Allowances (which have been

merged with revised pay) may be included in the emoluments of employees who retired prior to 01-01-

1996 for fixation of their pension as on 01-01-1996 / date of retirement.

The official side stated that after 01-01-1986, the system of reckoning special pay and allowances for

the purpose of fixation of pension was discontinued. However, as per the recommendations of the 5th

CPC, certain special pay and allowances were merged in the pay of the employees. Therefore, these

were automatically taken into account as emoluments for the purpose of fixation of pension. Therefore,

there was no change in the basic principle that special pay or allowance shall not be reckoned for fixation

of pension. Therefore, it is not possible to agree to the demand of the Staff Side. (ITEM FINALISED)

(g) Item No. 13/10/NC-46 Eligibility of family pension to Widow/Divorce Daughter/ Un-married

Daughter who are not eligible for payment of family pension for inclusion of names in PPOs

issued much earlier

The staff side stated that in terms of Railway Service (Pension) Rules, 1993 and extant instructions,

widow / divorced/unmarried daughters over 25 years of age are now made eligible for payment of family

pension subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. However the Railway Administration is not including

the names in the PPOs resulting in hardship to them. The official side stated that suitable clarification

has been provided to the Ministry of Railways by the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare

and accordingly, Ministry of Railways, has also issued suitable instructions in the matter in the month of

March.

The Staff Side also raised another related issue regarding insistence of the concerned authorities in

the Ministry of Defence to produce an income certificate from the competent authority in matters relating

to payment of family pension to eligible widowed/ divorced/ unmarried daughters. However, the

competent authority is not defined anywhere and therefore, most of the cases are pending. The

Chairman directed the Official Side representative of the Ministry of Defence to look into the matter and

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Pensioners' Coordinator 16

resolve the issue. The Staff Side also cited certain other difficulties being faced in granting family

pension to those eligible. The Chairman directed Secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioners'

Welfare to hold discussion with the Staff Side and issue clarifications wherever required. (ITEM

FINALISED.)

(h) Item No. 14/10/NC-46 Grant of Family Pension in Case of Missing pensioners after two

months

The staff side stated that some pensioners breathed their last while away on tour/pilgrimage and

were cremated as unidentified men. in such a situation it would not be possible for the windowed wife of

the pensioner to obtain her husband's Death Certificate/ Life Certificate. As a missing pensioner, the

wife shall have to complete necessary formalities / report to Police and wait at least for one year before

she can be granted family pension. The provision for starting family pension in the above case after

Police formalities and only after one year is very harsh. This long period during which no family pension

is payable will make it very difficult for the wife to survive. The staff side, therefore, proposed that family

pension may be paid to the wife of such pensioner on the basis of the life certificate of the wife 2 months

after reporting the matter to the police.

The official side stated that the time period of 2 months proposed by the staff side is too short and

agreed that the existing period of one year will be revised to six months for payment of family pension.

(ITEM FINALISED)

*****

Rly. Board No. 2010/TG/I/10/P/e-ticket Students ID dtd. 03-06-2010

Sub : E-Tickets - Photo ID- regarding

Ministry of Railways, referring para 2 (ii) of their letter No. 2004/TG-I/10/P/e-ticket ID dtd. 08-10-2008

(Commercial circular No. 56 of 2008) wherein the identity proofs viz. Voter Identity Card, Passport, PAN

Card, Driving License and Photo Identity Card issued by Central/State Government were prescribed for

undertaking journey on e-tickets, have decided to accept the following two proofs also for travelling on e-

tickets.

1. Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/College for their students.

2. Nationalized Bank Passbook with photograph. (Extracted from Indian Rail Worker New Delhi

7/2010 issue)

*****

Railway Board S. No. PC-VI/2 16/RBE No. 102/2010/No. PC-VI/2010/I/RSRP/5 dated. 22-07-2010

Subject : Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008- Revision of option exercised under Rule 6

of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008

In accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 11 of the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules

2008, where a Railway servant opts to continue to draw his pay in the existing scale from the 1st day of

January 2006 and switch over to the revised scale from a date later than the Ist day of January, 2006, his

pay from the later date in the revised scale is required to be fixed under Rule II (i) of the Railway Services

(Revised Pay) Rules, 2008. As per Rule 5 of these Rules, this option to switch over the revised pay

structure from a date later than 01-01-2006 is available to a Railway Servant:-

i) Who elects to continue to draw pay in the existing scale until the date on which he earns his next or

any subsequent increment in the existing scale or until he vacates his post or ceases to draw pay in the

scale

ii) Who has been placed in a higher pay scale between 01-01-2006 and the date of notification of these

Rules on account of promotion, upgradation of pay scale etc. the Railway servant may elect to switch

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Pensioners' Coordinator 17

over to the revised pay structure from the date of such promotion, upgradation etc.

2. As per Rule 6 (1) of Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 the option in the format appended

to the Second Schedule was required to be exercised within three months from the date of issue of these

Rules.

3. Further Rule 6 (4) provided that the option once exercised shall be final. The staff Side has

represented on this issue have requested that the first option exercised may not be treated as final

keeping in view the new system of pay band and grade pays and those employees may be allowed to

revise their option if the option is more beneficial to them.

4. On further consideration and in exercise of the powers available under Railways Services (Revised

Pay) Rules, 2008, the President is pleased to decide that in relaxation of stipulation under Rule 6 (4) of

these Rules employees may be permitted to revise their initial option upto 31-12-2010 if the option is

more beneficial to them. The revised option shall be intimated to the Head of his Office by the Railway

Servant in accordance with the provision of Rule 6 (2) of the Revised Pay Rules. 2008.

5. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Raiways.

Hari Krishan, Director P.C.

*****

Welfare of Defence Personnel "One Rank One Pension"

A Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to look in the issue of

'One Rank One Pension and other related issues'. After considering all aspects and keeping in mind to

spirit of the demand, several recommendations to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Armed

Forces pensioners have been made, which have been accepted and are as follows:-

i) Inclusion Classification Allowance for PBOR from January 01, 2006.

ii) Removal of linkage of full pension with 33 years from January 01, 2006.

iii) Revision of Lt. General Pension after carving out a seperate pay scale for them.

iv) Bringing parity between pension of pre and post October 10, 1997 PBOR pensioners.

v) Further improving PBOR pensioners based on award of Group of Ministers 2006.

vi) Broad-banding percentage of disability/war injury pensioners for pre-January 01, 2006 disability/war

injury pensioners.

vii) Removal of cap on war injury element of pension in the case of disabled pensioners belong to

Category E.

Government orders in implementation of the same have been issued on October 30, 2009, January,

19, 2010, January 20, 2010 and March 08, 2010. Approximately 12 lac pensioners are benefitted by the

recommendations.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju in a written reply to

Smt. Sumitra Mahajan in Lok Sabha today (27-07-2010) (Courtesy : PIB, Ministry of I&B, New Delhi)

*****

Integrated HQ of MOD (Army) Adjutant General Branch, Addl. Dte Gen Personnel Services 'A' Wing,

Sena Bhawan, New Delhi No. B/39027/29(7)/AG/PS-5 dtd. 08-01-2010

Sub : Corrigendum PPO- Reg.

Further to this office note of even No. dtd. 06-01-2010.

A copy of Joint Notice issued by the Ministry of Defence/ Deptt. of ESW in consultation with Department

of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance which appeared in National and Regional Dailies on 21-12-

2009 as mentioned in letter under reference is forwarded herewith.

(Sd) Saroj Bala, SO, AGPS-5 (Ph. 011-23792557)

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Pensioners' Coordinator 18

Government of India, Deptt. of Ex-servicemen Welfare (Ministry of Defence) Deptt. of Financial

Services (Ministry of Finance)

Notice of all ex servicemen pensioners.

1. The pension of pre 01-01-2006 ex-servicemen in implementation of the recent recommendations of

the 6th CPC has to be revised as per MOD's letter dtd. 11-11-2008 which is also available on the

websites www.cgda.nic.in, www.pcdapension.nic.in & www.mod.nic.in.

2. Annexure IV to MOD's aforementioned which has 16 columns is required to be completed by all the

Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs) and given to the pensioners. In column 12 of the Annexure IV

details of computation of revised pension/family pension are to be indicated while in Column 13 arrears

of pension/family pension are to be mentioned by the banks.

3. Deptt. of Financial Services have issued clear instructions to the CEOs of all public sector banks to

complete the task of revision of pension expeditiously and supply Annexure-IV duly filled in to the Ex-

Serviceman pensioners vide their No. 2-2/2008-BO-II dtd. 25-09-2009 and No. 2-2/2008-BO II dtd. 15-

12-2009.

4. Therefore, the ex-serviceman pensioners should obtained a copy of Annexure IV from the respective

Pension Disbursing Banks. The concerned Banks are also requested to supply Annexure IV duly

completed to all ESM pensioners so that correctness of entitlement of pension can be ascertained by

them.

This notice is being issued by the Department of financial services (Ministry of Finance) and the

Department of Ex Serviceman Welfare (Ministry of Defence) in public interest.

*****

BSNL

No. 2 (70)/2008-DPE (WC)-GL-VII/2010 dtd. 21-04-2010

Sub : Board level and below Board level posts including non-unionised supervisors in Central

Public Sector Enterprises-Revision of Scales of Pay wef 01-01-2007. Payment of IDA at revised

rates-regarding

In modification of this Department's OM of even number dated 15-01-2010, the rate of DA payable to

the executives and non unionised supervisors of CPSEs may be as follows:-

Effective date Average of AICPI Revised DA rates (%)

01-04-2010 170.33 34.8

2. The above rates of DA would be applicable in the case of IDA employees who have been allowed

revised pay scales (2007) as per DPE OM dtd. 26-11-2008, 09-02-2008 & 02-04-2009.

3. All administrative Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India are requested to bring the

foregoing to the notice of the Public Enterprises under their administrative control for action at their end.

(Sd) RJ Michael, US to GoI

*****

Letter No. 2-7D/34-PMA/PMP dtd. 20-03-2009 from DoT, PHP Branch 415 Sanchar Bhawan, New

Delhi 110 001.

Sub : Grant of Concessional Telephone facilities to retired/ retiring employees of DoT

clarification - regarding

A number of queries including the RTI applications are being received regarding the eligibility of the

officers for the concessional telephone facilities. Hence, in partial modification of earlier orders

clarification issued vide circular even No. dtd. 25-09-1998 and dtd. 30-12-1999; the following points

which are creating a doubt in the mind of the retired employees are clarified as under:

Points and Clarification

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 19

1. Whether the concessional telephone facility is admissible to the retired employee of DoT who have

completed 20 years of service before the formation of the VSNL?

The employees of OCS including VSNL are not eligible for the concessional telephone facility.

2. Whether the concessional telephone facility is admissible to the retired employees of Department of

Information Technology (DIT) under Ministry of Communications & IT?

The employees of department of information Technology (DIT) are not eligible for the concessional

telephone facility.

3. Whether the concessional telephone facility is admissible to DoT employees who have completed

20 years of service in DoT but transferred/ deputed to other department/ organisation and retired from

that department/ organisation?

The employees who have completed 20 years of service in DoT irrespective of whether they retire

from DoT or any other department/ organization, are eligible for the concessional telephone facility

applicable to retired DoT employees. In such cases, the following provision will apply in lieu of the

provision of Para 5 of Circular No. 2-79/94-PHA dtd. 25-09-1998. The retired employees will have to

furnish a service certificate for the service rendered in DoT from the authority of the department/

organization maintaining the service book. Further, the retired employee has to submit a copy of PPO

issued by the Government.

4.Whether the service of DoT employees in ITU and other government controlled organizations (other

ministries, autonomous bodies PSUs, etc.) on deputation/ deemed deputation/ training is to be counted

towards eligibility of 20 years continuous service in DoT?

Yes, the service of DoT employees in ITU and other government controlled organizations (other

ministries, autonomous bodies, PSUs etc.) on deputation/deemed deputation and training is to be

counted towards eligibility of 20 years of continuous service in DoT.

5. The above order will be effective from the date of issue of these orders. This issue with the approval

of competent authority. (Sd) Sangeeta Chugh, Asstt. Director General (PHP-I)

(Extracted from Bharat Pensioner 6/2010 issue)

*****

Cabinet Approves Direct Taxes Code - May be effective from April, 2012

(No Tax upto 2 Lakhs - 2.5 Lakhs for Senior Citizens)

The Cabinet has cleared the Direct Tax code and it has since been introduced in Rajya Sabha and

referred to a Select Committee, during the mansoon session. The provisions under the Direct Tax Code

are as follows:-

* Tax for income between Rs. 2 lakh - Rs. 5 lakh: 10%

* Tax for income between Rs. 5 lakh - Rs. 10 lakh : 20%

* Tax for income over Rs. 10 lakh : 30 %

The limit for normal exemptions for salaried people is Rs. 2 lakh, while that for senior citizens is Rs.

2.5 lakh. Corporate tax has been kept at 30%. The new Code is likely to come into effect from April, 2012.

When enacted, the Code will replace the archaic Income Tax Act 1961 and simplify the direct tax

regime.

The Code aims at reducing tax rates, but expanding the tax base by minimising exeptions. The

Finance Ministry had earlier come out with a draft on the (Direct Tax Code) DTC bill, some of whose

provisions drew strong critism from industry as well as the public. To address those issues, the ministry

brought out the revised draft, dropping earlier proposals of taxing provident funds on withdrawal.

"As of now, it is proposed to provide the EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) method of taxation for

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 20

Government Provident Fund (GPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Recognised Provident Funds

(RPF)"

The revised draft also puts pension administered by the interim regulator PFRDA, including pension

of government employees who were recruited since January 2004, under EEE, treatment. The first DTC

draft has proposed to tax all saving schemes, including provident funds at the time of withdrawal

bringing them under the EET (Exempt-Exempt-Tax) mode. Under the EEE mode, the tax exemption is

enjoyed at all the three stages - investment, accumulation and withdrawal.

The earlier DTC draft had proposed to reduce the corporate tax to 25 per cent from the present 30 per

cent. The revised proposal has also made it clear that tax incentives on housing loans will continue.

Payment on interest on housing loans up to Rs. 1.5 lakh will continue. The earlier draft was silent on

housing loans.

*****

DIRECT TAXES CODE

NEED TO EXEMPT ALL ALLOWANCES & PENSION FROM INCOME TAX

LINKING TAX AND EXEMPTION LIMIT WITH INFLATION

(Harchandan Singh, Secretary General, CCGGPA & RSCWS)

It is heartening that the government had agreed to maintain the existing provisions in the Income Tax

Act so as not to tax the withdrawal from the Provident Funds and Other Retirement Benefits in the Direct

Taxes Code. However, an appeal has been made to the Government to consider the following points

while finalizing the proposed Direct Taxes Bill.

Allowances like Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance and

the Transport Allowance (last two of which have not been merged as TA) are all of compensatory nature

paid to check erosion of real income on account of inflation and continuous rise in cost of living index.

Taxing all these Allowances is most unjustified as it defeats the very purpose for which these Allowances

are granted.

Taxing of Pension places great burden on the senior citizens - while their income gets substantially

depleted after retirement, most of the social & family obligations still remain outstanding even after

retirement - especially due to the rising trend of late marriages and need for higher education of children.

The expenses for maintaining the health, increase with advancement of age. Heavy burden of inflation

clubbed with Taxing of Pension and Dearness Allowance/ Dearness Relief further erode the depleted

resources.

Honor'ble Supreme Court of India in its historical Judgement in D.S. Nakra's case Vs Union of India

(Petition No. 5939-41/1980) had held that "Pension is not a bounty nor a matter of grace depending

upon the sweet will of the employer. It is not an Ex-Gratia payment, but a payment for past services

rendered. It is a Social Welfare measure, rendering Socio-Economic Justice to those who in the

heydays of their life, ceaselessly toiled for their employers on an assurance that, in their old age they

would not be left in the lurch"

Fifth Pay Commission recommended in para 167.7: "If such Allowances are taxed, then either the

Basic Salary gets eroded in its real value from Year to Year or the partial Reimbursement of Expenditure

incurred on certain items becomes less and less with the passage of time. In both the cases, the

objective of giving Allowances is partially nullified". Fifth CPC in Para 167.8: "We have observed that

Ministry of External Affairs pays 'Net of Tax' Salaries to its Employees on Foreign Posting. Provision for

paying Net of Tax Salary already exists under Sec. 195A of the Income Tax Act. Under the Section

employees do not have to pay Income Tax on the Salaries received by them and it is the liability of the

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 21

employer to Pay the same to the Income tax Department."

Fifth CPC in "Para 95 in Summary of Recommendations had proposed :-The Commission has felt

that the salaries and pensions recommended by it are not really adequate if they are to be fully taxed.

Accordingly, it has recommended that all Allowances and Pensions should be paid Net of Taxes"

Unfortunately, the Government had not accepted this recommendation and as such, Government

employee and pensioners continue to suffer serious erosion of their real income.

As such the Pension and all Compensatory Allowances including DA & DR (Dearness Allowance/

Dearness Relief), HRA (House Rent Allowance), CCA (City Compensatory Allowance and TA (Transport

Allowance) should be exempted from the income Tax to avoid erosion of Real Wages. The Tax thereon

should be paid by the respective Departments to the Income Tax Department - with appropriate

amendments in Section 195A of the Income Tax Act - as is done in case of employees on their postings

abroad.

Decision of Exemption Limits for Income Tax has been the most arbitrary element of our system-

totally devoid of any logic or methodology. This arbitrariness coupled with Taxation of Compensatory

Allowances results in instability and erosion of real income of the working Class- causing much hardship

and at times indebtedness - especially in case of middle class salary earners. Exemption limits for

income Tax should therefore be linked with inflation or Price Index. It should be raised every year

proportionately.

The Retirement Age (or the Age of Superannuation) for the Government Employees is 60 years.

There is a substantial loss of income immediately on retirement - due to differential in Pay & Pension as

well as stopping of all allowances forthwith - (except DA). Due to rising trend of late marriages and need

for higher education of the children, most of the the liabilities of the employee are still pending by the time

one retires. Age also impairs health thus calling for dependency on medicines . Taxation further erodes

the reduced income after retirement - with much depleted income. Age limit for The Exemption for Senor

Citizens should therefore be reduced from 65 to 60 years.

***

REMOVAL OF ANOMALIES IN PENSIONS - ISSUE RAISED IN RAJYA SABHA

QUESTION NO. 3263 BY SARDAR BALWINDER SINGH BHUNDAR, MP (Answered on 26-08-2010)

a) Whether Government have since taken a decision to remove anomalies having arisen in the grant of

pensions to those who retired from Ist January, 2006 from the higher scales in the bunched scales as

same pension has been granted to a number of scales bunched together under the recommendations of

the Sixth Central Pay Commission.

(b) If so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, by when that is likely to be done?ANSWER : BY MINISTER OF STATE - PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS: SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN

(a) to (c) : In accordance with the orders issued in implementation of the recommendations of the 6th

Central Pay Commission for revision of pension of Central Government Civil Pensioners with effect from

01-01-2006, all pre-2006 pensioners would get a minimum increase of 40% of their pre-2006 basic

pension (excluding the element of merged dearness relief/dearness pension), in addition to the basic

pension, dearness, pension and dearness relief which they were getting as on 01-01-2006 based on

their pre-revised pension. Besides, the revised pension will, in no case, be lower than fifty percent of the

minimum of the pay in the pay band plus the grade pay (in the case of HAG and above scales, fifty

percent of the minimum of the revised pay scale) corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which

the pensioners had retired. These orders are consistent with the recommendations of the 6th Central

Pay Commission and no change has been considered necessary by the Government in this respect.

Note : The Reply by the Minister is incorrect and does not answer the query regarding 'same pension

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 22

for bunched scales'. It leaves out the anomoly caused on account of the so called "Clarification" dated

03-10-2008-issued by the DOPT-which has totally mutilated the recommendations of the Sixth Pay

Commission - causing serious disparities. The in-accuracy in the above reply by the Hon'ble Minister

has been elaborated in a letter addressed to the Hon'ble Prime Minister

*****

Copy of Letter No. CCCGPA-RSCWS/ Memorandum/MP Dated: 15-9-2010 from Secy. Genl.

CCCGPA to Sardar Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MP - Reg Anomalies in Pension after Sixth Pay

Commission

Subject: Removal of anomalies in the grant of Pension (to Central Govt. pensioners) who retired

before 1st January, 2006 from the higher scales in the bunched scales - as same pension has

been granted to a number of scales bunched together under the recommendations of the Sixth

Central Pay Commission;

Reference: Un-starred question No. 3263 in Rajya Sabha, raised by you and answered by MOS (DOP-

P&PW) on 26.8.2010

1. We are grateful to you for raising question No. 3263 in Rajya Sabha pertaining to the cause of pre-

2006 Pensioners – as mentioned in the subject cited above.

2. CCCGPA & RSCWS comprise of large sections Central Government Pensioners who have retired

from various posts in Group A, B and C of Indian Railways, Post & Telegraph Deptt, Audit & Accounts

Deptt, Para military Forces, ESIC, Labour Bureau and various other Central Government Departments.

3. We regret to bring to your kind notice that the reply given is incorrect and incomplete:

a) Hon' Minister has incorrectly stated that “These orders are consistent with the recommendations of

the 6th Central Pay Commission and no change has been considered necessary by the Government in

this respect”.

b) The reply does not answer the query regarding 'same pension for bunched scales'.

c) It is also silent about the anomaly caused on account of the so called “Clarification” date 3-10-2008 -

issued by the DOPT P&PW - which has mutilated the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission –

causing serious anomaly & disparities at all levels.th4. a) The relevant recommendation of 6 Pay Commission - as given in par 5.1.47 of their Report, is

reproduced below:

The revised pension, in no case, shall be lower than fifty percent of the sum of the minimum of the pay in

the pay band and the grade pay thereon corresponding to the pre-revised pay scale from which the

pensioner had retired. To this extent, a change would need to be allowed from the fitment shown in the

fitment table”.

b) These recommendations were accepted by Union Cabinet and notified in Gazette Extraordinary th(305) vide Resolution No.38/37/08-P&PW (A) dated 29 August, 2008.

c) It is very clear from the recommendation that for fixing pension, minimum of the pay in the pay band

and the grade pay thereon have both to correspond simultaneously to the pre revised pay scale from

which the pensioner had retired.

5. As against the above accepted recommendations, the pension has been fixed by Deptt. Of Pension

& Pensioners' Welfare (DOP) by their operative orders issued Vide OM dated 3-10-2008 at the minimum

of the pay in the pay band irrespective of the pre-revised scale of pay plus the grade pay corresponding

to the pre revised scale of pay.

6. With the so called above cited “Clarification” dated 3-10-2010, it is now only the Grade Pay which

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 23

corresponds to the pre revised scale whereas the pay in the pay band which is a major component for

determining pension is reduced to minimum of the pay band by delinking it from the pre revised scale

from which one has retired.

7. Despite this distortion and a major departure from the accepted recommendations of the Sixth Pay

Commission, it stated in reply to the question that “These orders are consistent with the

recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission and no change has been considered necessary

by the Government in this respect”.th8. Had the accepted recommendations of 6 CPC for fixing pension been implemented in letter and

spirit, a large number of Pre-2006 pensioners retiring from almost all pay scales up to Joint Secretary

and equivalent / Major General Level (S-4 to S-29) would not have been forced to seek justice from the

Judiciary. There are 13 cases filed by the pensioners of Central & State Govt. and Defence, 6 in Central

Administrative Tribunals, 4 in High Courts and 3 in Armed Forces tribunals. For various reasons, cases

are being adjourned every time putting heavy financial burden on Senior Citizens.

9. It is high time that the genuine wide-spread discontentment amongst the pensioners is addressed

by the Govt. in implementing the accepted recommendations - in letter and spirit and save the

pensioners from continuous loss of pension and from long drawn legal battle.th10. a) By misinterpreting the accepted recommendations of 6 CPC and delinking the pension from the

pay / post one had retired from, all pre-2006 pensioners retiring from pre-revised pay scale S-4 to S-29

have been put to a substantial loss in their pension ranging from Rs.165 to Rs.3650 pm as on 1-1-2006.

b) A table is enclosed, showing the loss for each of the pre-revised scales, the pension as envisaged by th6 CPC in para 5.1.47 of its Report - and accepted by Cabinet – but later on misinterpreted in actual

implementation vide so called “Clarification” dated 3-10-2008 by DOP. The resultant reduction or loss in

pension is shown in last column.

11. We crave for your kind intervention in the cause of a large number of pre-2006 pensioners who have

been a victim of injustice.

12. a) We humbly request you to urge the Government to fix our pension so that it is not less than 50% of

the sum of the minimum of the pay in the pay band and the grade pay thereon corresponding to the

pre-revised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired – as recommended by the Sixth Pay

Commission.

b) We also request you to grant us a personal hearing so that the case can be explained further – as

required for redressal of the injustice meted out to Pre-2006 pensioners in fixation of their pensions.

Sd/ (Harchandan Singh) Secy. Gen.

Tenure of Anomalies Committes for Sixth CPC

The tenure of National Anomaly Committee, set up to look into anomalies arising out of

recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission, has been extended up to 31st March,

2011. The National Anomaly Committee is not expected to submit any report. Anomalies are

resolved through the process of constructive dialogue and discussion with the

representatives of the Staff Side.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances

& Pensions, Shiri Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 19 Aug.,

2010.

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 24

Existing Pay

Scales as per 5th

PC

Rev-

ised

Pay

Band

Revised Pay

Structure

Pay in the

Pay Band

(corr.to

min. of

pay scale)

Grade

Pay

Revised

Basic

Pay

Pension of

Pre-2006

retirees

( 50% of

col. 6)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S-4(2750-4400) PB-1 5200-20200+1800 5530 1800 7330 3665 3500 3500 165

S-5(3050-4590) PB-1 5200-20200+1900 5880 1900 7780 3890 3500 3550 340

S-6(3200-4900) PB-1 5200-20200+2000 6060 2000 8060 4030 3616 3600 414S-7(4000-6000) PB-1 5200-20200+2400 7440 2400 9840 4920 4520 3800 400S-8(4500-7000) PB-1 5200-20200+2800 8370 2800 11170 5585 5085 4000 500S-9 (5000-8000) PB-2 9300-34800+4200 9300 4200 13500 6750 5650 6750 0S-10 (5500-9000) PB-2 9300-34800+4200 10230 4200 14430 7215 6215 6750 465S-11(6500-6900) PB-2 9300-34800+4200 12090 4200 16290 8145 7345 6750 800S12((6500-10500) PB-2 9300-34800+4200 12090 4200 16290 8145 7345 6750 800S-13 (7450-11500) PB-2 9300-34800+4600 13860 4600 18460 9230 8419 6950 811S-14 (7500-12000) PB-2 9300-34800+4800 13950 4800 18750 9375 8475 7050 900S-15 (8000-13500) PB-2 9300-34800+5400 14880 5400 20280 10140 9040 7350 1100New scal- (Group

A entry) (8000-

13500) (JS)

PB-3 15600-39100+5400 15600 5400 21000 10500 9040 10500 0

S-16,(9000) PB-3 15600-39100+5400 16740 5400 22140 11070 10170 10500 570S-17(9000-9550) PB-3 15600-39100+5400 16740 5400 22140 11070 10170 10500 570

S-18(10325-10975) PB-3 15600-39100+6600 19210 6600 25810 12905 11666 11100 1239S-19 (10000-

15200)SSPB-3 15600-39100+6600 18600 6600 25200 12600 11300 11100 1300

S-20 10650-15850) PB-3 15600-39100+6600 19810 6600 26410 13205 12035 11100 1170S-21(12000-16500)

(JAG)PB-3 15600-39100+7600 22320 7600 29920 14960 13560 11600 1400

S-22 (12750-16500) PB-3 15600-39100+7600 23720 7600 31320 15660 14408 11600 1252S-23(12000-18000) PB-3 15600-39100+7600 22320 7600 29920 14960 13560 11600 1400

S-24 (14300-

18300) (SG)PB-4 37400-67000+8700 37400 8700 46100 23050 16159 23050 0

S-25 (15100-18300) PB-4 37400-67000+8700 39690 8700 48390 24195 17063 23050 1145S-26 (16400-20000) PB-4 37400-67000+8900 39690 8900 48590 24295 18532 23150 1145S-27(16400-20900) PB-4 37400-67000+8900 39690 8900 48590 24295 18532 23150 1145S-28 (14300-22400) PB-4 37400-67000+10000 37400 10000 47400 23700 16159 23700 0

S-29 (18400-

22400) (SAG)PB-4 37400-67000+10000 44700 10000 54700 27350 20792 23700 3650

S-30 (22400-

24500) (PHOD)HAG 67000-79000 67000 33500 25312 33500 0

S-31 (22400-26000)HAG+S

cale75500-80000 75500 37750 25312 37750 0

S-32 (24050-26000)HAG+S

cale75500-80000 75500 37750 27177 37750 0

S-33

(26000)(fixed)

(Secy)

Apex 80000 (Fixed) 80000 40000 29380 400000

S-34 (30000)

(Cab. Secy)

Cab.

Sec.90000 (Fixed) 90000 45000 33900 45000 0

Pension as per accepted

recommendations of para 5.1.47 of

6th CPC Pension

fixed as per

OM 3/10/08

(By misinter-

preting

accepted

recomm-

endations)

Consolidat

ed pension

with 40%

Fitment

Benefit

(Para 4.1 -

DOP OM of

1-9-08)

Difference

in Basic

Pension (

Col.7-Col.8

or 9)

Loss of Pension due to wrongful implementation of accepted recommendations of SCPC

Existing Pay Scales and 6th CPC Revsd.Pay

Structure

1.Pension in col. 7 is worked out as per accepted recommendations of 6th CPC by Cabinet i.e. 50%of the sum of the pay in the pay

band and the grade pay thereon correspoding to the prerevised pay scale from which the pensioner had retired.

2. Pension fixed as per DOP OM of 3-10-08 is shown in col. 9, which is in contravention to the accepted recommendations. NPM

220510

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 25

AGENDA FOR 19th MEETING OF SCOVA - 20th September, 2010

Agenda Items for Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO)1. Issue of Corrigendum PPO for Pre-2006 retirees.2. To communicate the amount of pension as well as Family Pension to revised consequent to

individuals pensioners of Pre. 20063. Expediting cases of sanctioning of secondary family pension with monitoring mechanism at

various levels. All cases of undue and unjustified delays to be viewed seriously and concerned authorities made accountable.

Agenda items for Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure4. Same fitment benefit to pre-2006 pensioners as recommended and implemented in respect

of serving employees by the VI CPC.5. Parity between Past and Future Pensioners.6. Stepping up of Pension and Family Pension to 50% and 30% respectively.7. Extension of new benefits granted to the past pensioners.8. Additional pension for service beyond 20 years of service.9. A suitable alternative to merger of DR after it reaches 50% DA/DR merger benefit to ensure

revision at reasonable intervals.10. Appointment of 7th Central Pay Commission, HRA & Transport Allowance, Children's

education allowance and Hostel Subsidey, Festival Advance.Agenda Items for Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare (DOP&PW)11. Restoration of commuted pension after 12 years.12. Revision of ex-gratia rates in respect of pre. 1986 CPF/SRPF retirees and their families.13. Ex-gratia amount to be raised for CPF/SRF retirees.14. Ex-gratia should not be less than minimum pension and the same should be effective from

01/01/06.15. Extension of secondary family pension to dependant widowed daughter-in-law.16. Extension of benefit of enhanced family pension for 10 years even in cases of death after

retirement.17. Fixed Medical Allowance to be enhanced to Rs. 1,000.00 p.m. w.e.f. 01/01/0618. Implementation of Web based Pensioners Portal.

a) Online Grievance redressal system:b) Grant in aid to Pensioners Associations to cover 'Rent' for office accommodation:

19. The implementation of order dated 01.09.2008 read with the orders dated 14.10.08 is not correct for fixation of pension.

Agenda Items for Ministry of Health & Family Welfares20. The orders of Health Ministry reiterating that all the pensioners are at liberty to entroll

themselves with any of the nearest CGHS.21. Withdrawal of arbitrary orfers dated 01/08/1996 and 01/09/1996 issued by Ministry of

Health and Director of CGHS. The order should be withdrawn and the benefit of CGHS facilities be allowed to the pensioners of department of Post and Department of Telecom as specially provided in the order of the Department of personnel and Pension.

Agenda Items for DOP &T22. Early commencement of meeting of National Anomaly Committee to settle all anomalies

arising out of 6th central pay commission recommendations.Agenda Items for Department of Telecom & Department of Posts23. Grant of confessional telephone facilities to retired P&T Employees.24. The existing Pensioners of Department of Posts and Telecom covered by P&T

Dispensaries are neither consider for treatment of hospitalisation facilities nor for Fixed

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 26

Medical Allowance. Pensioners falling within the limit of P&T Dispensaries / CGHS Hospitals may be allowed to opt for P&T Dispensaries or drawl of Fixed Medical Allowance.

Agenda Items for Ministry of Defence25. Extension of Benefits of Modified parity to pre-Jan 2006 Retiree officers.26. Disability Pension: Extension of benefit to Pre-Jan 2006 disability Pensioners.Agenda Item for Ministry of Railways.27. Companion facility in the same class to all complimentary pass holders of Railways. Cut off

age limit for this purpose should be the same as for concessions extended in railway fares.28. Inclusion of Representatives of A.I.R.R.F. and SCOVA in Railway Hospital Advisory

Committees.

Shri Joginder Singh (P&T Pensioners Welfare Association, Chandigarh) attended the SCOVA meeting at New Delhi on 20th September, 2010. The details/ action taken report will be published in the next issue.

SENIOR CITIZENS' NATIONAL PROTEST DAY AUGUST 16, 2010

The Silent March - Our Concern for Suffering Fellow Senior Citizens

(Shri Harchandan Singh, Secretary General CCCGPA, Chandigarh & RSCWS)

It is rare that the people jointly raise a voice for a cause that does not directly affect to them. It is even

more rare that the "Haves" jointly but selflessly raise their voice for the "Have Nots". It is rather rare of the

rarest to see the sexagenarians, septuagenarians, octogenarians and nonagenarians all march

together in hundreds - on issues of National Importance.

It was exactly all like that what happened on that historic day of 16th August, 2010 - when over 500

Senior Citizens belonging to nearly 30 different organizations of the tri-city of Chandigarh, Panchkula &

Mohali marched together through the main city centre in Sector 17- carrying Banners and chest paches

bearing slogans in support of their demands with a message to the Nation and younger generation to

"RESPECT AGE" & "CARE FOR THE ELDERS"

The march was a part of the Senior Citizens National Protest Day. It was followed by a delegation

meeting the UT Administrator & Governor Punjab Srhi Shiv Raj Patil and presenting to him as well to the

Deputy Commissioner Chandigarh - a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India - on the

major issues relating to the Senior Citizens.

The Silent March was led by some seniors in their 80s & 90s on the wheel chairs & crutches followed

by the Banner bearing members of Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association (CSCA) and Members of

various chapters of CSCA, Coordination Committees of Central Government Pensioners Associations

(CCCGPA), P & T Pensioners Welfare Association, Railway Senior Citizens Welfare Society

(RSCSWS), Association of Retired Officers of Indian Audit & Account Deptt., Central Government

Pensioners Association, Paramilitary Forces Retired Officers SBI Pensioners Association, Federation

of Senior Citizens (FEDSEN) - North and some other groups of Human Right Association and Women &

Youth Organizations.

MAIN ISSUES

For several decades, Governments at the Centre and in the States have been neglecting the

problems of senior citizens, Out of 10 crores of older persons, 66% go hungry every day; 90% have no

social or health security; 37% are lonely and neglected.

National Policy on Older Persons - announced in 1999 - has not been fully implemented by a single

state. The policy visualzes that the state will expend support for financial security, healthcare, shelter,

October-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 27

welfare and other needs of older persons, provide protection against abuse and exploitation. The policy

aims at well-being of older persons, so that they will not live unprotected, ignored or marginalized. Its

objective is to help older persons to live their last phase of their life with purpose, dignity and peace. But it

has yet to be implemented anywhere.

Only 3 states out of 35 have effectively implemented the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and

Senior Citizens Act - though three years have passed. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

had been implemented by only a few States. There is no comprehensive medical or health care for old

people after 60 years of age.

Several sincere and serious attempts to get Governments involved and to listen to problems and

demands failed. It was therefore decided to observe a Protest Day, on an all India basis, on August 16 to

press for the main demands of the Senior Citizens and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister

through the Governor and the local head of the Government i.e. the Deputy Commissioner.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE URGENTLY

To redress the suffering of senior citizens the need of the hour is that the Central Government should

immediately persuade and prevail on all the State Governments to promptly and sincerely implement

the existing National Policy on Older Persons - 1999, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and

Senior Citizens Act of 2007 and the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme and the monitoring

and coordinating bodies should act tough.

Senior Citizens, in spite of their number, collective wisdom & experience

- will continue to be ignored and marginalized, unless they unite — Kofi Annan

A THANKLESS JOBThere was a man who worked for a post office. His job was to process all the mail that had illegible

addresses.

One day, a letter addressed in a shaky handwriting to God with no actual address was found. Curious to

know what it was about the man opened it.

The letter read :

"Dear God,

I am an 83 years old widow, living on a meagre pension.

Yesterday someone stole my purse. It contained $100. This was all the money I had till next amount of my

pension is received. Next Sunday is Christmas. I had invited two of my friends for dinner. Now without any money, I

cannot buy food. I have no one to turn to. You are my only hope. Can you help me please?

Sincerely, Edna"

The man was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and

came up with a few dollars.

By the time he had completed his round, he had collected $96. This amount was put into an envelope and

sent to the woman.

The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to

share with her friends.

Christmas came and went.

A few days later, another letter addressed to God was received from the same old lady. All the workers in the

post office gathered around while the letter was opened.

It read :

"Dear God,

How can ever thank you enough for what you did for me?

Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told

my friends of your wonderful gift.

By the way, an amount of $4 was missing ! I think it might have been those bastards at the post office."

Sincerely,

Edna"(Courtesy - Golden Years years, Chandigarh)

August-2010

Pensioners' Coordinator 28

Comparison of Pension of Central Govt. (Pre-2006 pensioners) with UP & Punjab

Existing PayScales-

(Both in UP& Centre)

As per 5th CPC

Revised Pay Structure(PB+GP)

(Both in UP & Centre)

ConsolidatedPension (VidePara 4.1-DOPOM dated 01-09-08 by CG)

Pre-2006Pension (Fixed

as per OM 03/10/08 by

CG

Pension of Pre-2006 Pension

ers byUP

Pension of Pre2006 pensio

ners byPunjab

Pre RevisedEquivalentPay Scalein Punjab

Note : (1) Pay Scales of UP & Centre are identical. Punjab scales slightly different Nearest scale is taken for comparison.(2) Compiled by Sh. N.P. Mohan, C.E. (Retd.) Railways, Chart indicates that revised pension w.e.f. 01-01-2006 in Punjab and U.P. are better than Central pensions.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

S-4 (2750-4400)

S-5 (3050-4590)

S-6 (3200-4900)

S-7 (4000-6000)

S-8 (4500-7000)

S-9 (5000-8000)

S-10 (5500-8000)

S-11(6500-6900)

S-12(6500-10500)

S-13(7450-11500)

S-14(7500-12000)

S-15(8000-13500)

S-16,(9000)

S-17(9000-9550)

S-18(10325-10975)

S-19(10000-15200)

S-20(10650-15850)

S-21(12000-16500)

S-22(12750-16500)

S-23(12000-18000)

S-24(14300-18300)

S-25(15100-18300

S-26(16400-20000)

S-27(16400-20900)

S-28(14300-22400)

S-29(18400-22400)

S-30(22400-24500)

S-31(22400-26000)

S-32(24050-26000)

S-33(26000)Fixed

S-34 (30000)

New Scale(Group A entry)

PB-1 5200-20200+1800

PB-1 5200-20200+1900

PB-1 5200-20200+2000

PB-1 5200-20200+2400

PB-1 5200-20200+2800

PB-2 9300-34800+4200

PB-2 9300-34800+4200

PB-2 9300-34800+4200

PB-2 9300-34800+4200

PB-2 9300-34800+4600

PB-2 9300-34800+4800

PB-2 9300-34800+5400

PB-3 15600-39100+5400

PB-3 15600-39100+5400

PB-3 15600-39100+5400

PB-3 15600-39100+6600

PB-3 15600-39100+6600

PB-3 15600-39100+6600

PB-3 15600-39100+7600

PB-3 15600-39100+7600

PB-3 15600-39100+7600

PB-4 37400-67000+8700

PB-4 37400-67000+8700

PB-4 37400-67000+8900

PB-4 37400-67000+8900

PB-4 37400-67000+10000

PB-4 37400-67000+10000

HAG 67000-79000

HAG Scale 75500-80000

HAG+Scale 75500-80000

Apex 80000 (Fixed)

Cab. Sec. 90000 (Fixed)

3500

3500

3616

4520

5085

5650

6215

7345

7345

8419

8475

9040

9040

10170

10170

11666

11300

12035

13560

14408

13560

16159

17063

18532

18532

16159

20792

25312

25312

27177

29380

33900

3500

3500

3600

3800

4000

6750

6750

6750

6750

6950

7050

7350

10500

10500

10500

11100

11100

11100

11600

11600

11600

23050

23050

23150

23150

23700

23700

33500

37750

37750

40000

45000

0

5680

6750

6750

6750

8570

9075

10500

12675

14750

23050

26500

33500

0

5735

6750

7215

8145

9225

9225

10500

12625

15760

23050

27350

nil

0

4550-7220

5000-8100

5480-8925

6400-10640

7220-11660

7220-11660

7880-13500

10025-15100

12000-16350

14300-18600

18600-22100

No Scale