Branches and members are requested to deposit Quota/Donations/Other payments with the following bank account only:

Name of Bank:Syndicate Bank; Name of Account:ALL INDIA BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED RETIRED EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION; Branch: Sector 6, Dwarka; S/B Account No:91702010001791; IFSC:SYNB0009170

After depositing the amount, the details such as Name, Name of Branch, Amount, Date of Deposit, Purpose etc., may be mailed to gensecaibsnlrea@yahoo.com

24.11.2019:

AIBSNLREA SUBMITS THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED IN ITS ALL INDIA CONFERENCE HELD AT MADURAI TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA SEEKING HIS INTERVENTION ON OPENING OF PENSIONERS’ SERVICE CENTRES IN ALL BSNL UNITS UNDER COMPREHENSIVE PENSION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CPMS) INTRODUCED BY DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISBURSEMENT OF PENSION:

The All India Conference of AIBSNLREA held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019 had unanimously passed a resolution regarding ‘Opening of “Pensioners’ Service Centers”, as ordered by DOT/BSNL, in all BSNL Units under Comprehensive Pension Management System (CPMS) introduced by Department of Telecommunications for the purpose of disbursement of pension’ to provide facilities like uploading of digital Life Certificate, downloading Form 16, uploading grievances, assistance in filling pension forms by employees/family pensioners and assistance in installing Mobile App etc. The Association has now submitted the said resolution to the Prime Minister of India.  View the letter

24.11.2019:

DOP&PW FORWARDS THE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA THAT WAS ADDRESSED TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA AND ENDORSED TO SECRETARY (PENSION) REGARDING NON-GRANT OF ONE EXTRA INCREMENT ON POST BASED PROMOTION UNDER BSNL EXECUTIVE PROMOTION POLICY TO DOT:

AIBSNLREA had sent a representation on the issue of non-grant of one extra-increment to the BSNL Executive pensioners who retired between July, 2017 and April, 2018 on their post-based promotion, to the Prime Minister of India and copy of which was also endorsed to Secretary (Pension) [View posting dated 20.10.2019 in this website to read the letter]. Now, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded the said endorsed copy of the letter to Department of Telecommunications to examine the issue as per extant rules/orders and inform accordingly. Earlier, DOP&PW had also forwarded another letter addressed to Secretary (Pension) to DOT in which the Association had expressed its total dissatisfaction on the reply received from BSNL on the same issue which was duly posted in this website on 21.11.2019.  View the DoP&PW letter

23.11.2019:

AIBSNLREA SUBMITS THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED IN ITS ALL INDIA CONFERENCE HELD AT MADURAI TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA SEEKING HIS INTERVENTION FOR RESTORATION OF GRANT OF EXTRA-INCREMENT ON THEIR POST BASED PROMOTION UNDER “BSNL EXECUTIVE PROMOTION POLICY” TO THE RETIRED BSNL EXECUTIVES RETIRED BETWEEN JULY 2017 AND APRIL 2018 AND REVISION OF THEIR PENSION THEREOF:

The All India Conference of AIBSNLREA held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019 had unanimously passed a resolution on ‘Restoration of grant of extra-increment on their post-based promotion under “BSNL Executive Promotion Policy” to the BSNL Executives retired between July 2017 and April 2018 by DOT and denial of their consequent revised pension by the CCAs’ and resolved to seek the intervention of the Prime Minister for restoration of the benefit and issue of suitable clarifications to the CCAs for revision of their pension. The Association has since submitted the said resolution to the Prime Minister of India.  View the letter

23.11.2019:

LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD A GB MEETING:

A General Body Meeting of Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 21.11.2019 at Recreation Club of Kaiserbagh Telephone Exchange under the Chairmanship of Shri B L Mishra, Branch President. A total of 41 members attended the meeting in which Shri N R Pal was enrolled as a Life member. Branch Secretary Shri S P Singh, who attended the Second All India Conference of the Association at Madurai (Tamilnadu) held on 12th & 13th November, 2019, briefed the nice arrangement that was made by the host Branch Madurai. [View Uttar Pradesh State Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report].

22.11.2019:

RESOLUTION ADOPTED IN THE ALL INDIA CONFERENCE OF AIBSNLREA HELD AT MADURAI REQUESTING PAYMENT OF CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS TO THE FORMER TES GROUP B OFFICERS OF DOT, SINCE ABSORBED IN BSNL/MTNL, AS PER ORDER OF SUPREME COURT IN CA NO(s) 4389 OF 2010 SUBMITTED TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA:

The All India Conference of AIBSNLREA held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019 had unanimously resolved that Department of Telecommunications immediately issue the modalities to implement above stated judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court in its letter and spirit and arrange payment of “consequential benefits of pay fixation including pensionary benefits” with arrears due from 01.01.2018 to the concerned pensioners from TES Group B source, absorbed in BSNL/MTNL and whose seniority in TES Group B was revised as per Court’s direction, without any further delay. AIBSNLREA has since submitted the said resolution to the Prime Minister of India requesting for his intervention .  View the letter

21.11.2019:

AIBSNLREA SUBMITS THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED IN ITS ALL INDIA CONFERENCE HELD AT MADURAI TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REQUESTING IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF DUES RECOVERABLE FROM DOT AND GOVERNMENT COMPANIES TO BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has since submitted the resolution which was passed in its Second All India Conference held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019 to the Prime Minister of India requesting immediate payment of dues recoverable from DOT and other Government companies to cash starved BSNL which is struggling hard to come out from the present acute financial crisis. The resolution states that “According to the Annual Report of BSNL for the year 2017-18 [latest available report], amount recoverable by BSNL from DoT stands at Rs.2448 crores, amount recoverable from Government departments and Government companies at Rs.2458 crores and another Rs.1929 crores, which BSNL is doubtful of recovering from Government companies. This adds to Rs.6835 crores. This amount does not include the accrued interest on these dues” and urged for the intervention of the Prime Minister in the matter.  View the letter

21.11.2019:

NON-GRANT OF ONE EXTRA INCREMENT ON POST BASED PROMOTION UNDER BSNL EXECUTIVE PROMOTION POLICY- DOP&PW FORWARDS REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA ON THE ISSUE ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY (PENSION) TO BSNL:

AIBSNLREA had earlier represented to Secretary (Pension) for intervention on the above issue [view posting dated 24.08.2019 in this website], since the reply received from BSNL [view posting dated 20.08.2019 in this website to read the BSNL’s letter], regarding non-grant of one extra-increment to the BSNL Executive pensioners who retired between July, 2017 and April, 2018 on their post-based promotion was found totally unsatisfactory and which failed to address the real issue that the CCAs need to be issued proper clarification by DOT to treat these Executives in the same manner as they did to those retired after April, 2018. DOP&PW has further advised BSNL to take action as appropriate and intimate the same to the Association  View the DoP&PW letter

20.11.2019:

AIBSNLREA SUBMITS THE RESOLUTION ON THE PLAN FOR REVIVAL OF BSNL AS ADOPTED IN ITS ALL INDIA CONFERENCE HELD AT MADURAI TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REQUESTING IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BSNL TO HELP IT COME OUT OF THE TOTAL MESS THAT HAS BEEN CREATED IN SEVERAL FRONTS AND FURTHER TO CREATE BSNL’S OWN MANEGERIAL CADRE:

AIBSNLREA has since submitted the resolution which was passed in its Second All India Conference held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019 in regard to plan for revival of BSNL to the Prime Minister of India requesting that DOT issue the all-important letter of comfort required by banks to provide loan to BSNL to meet the temporary short of cash flow in order to enable it to come out of the total mess that has been created in several fronts including payment of salary, reimbursement of medical claims, payment of electricity bills, other obligatory payments to various vendors and sanction of temporary advances to carry out even emergency works etc. The resolution also urged Government “to immediately initiate the process to create BSNL’s own managerial cadre which will be accountable and responsible for the affairs in BSNL. Government may even induct some professionals from outside in BSNL as it has recently done in the administrative service of the Government of India”.  View the letter

20.11.2019:

NADIAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD BI-MONTHLY GB MEETING:

Nadiad SSA Branch (Gujarat State) of AIBSNLREA held its Bi-monthly get together cum General Body Meeting on 16th November, 2019 at Jalaram Vishram Trust, Karamsad Distt. Anand. Forty-five members attended the meeting. Four new members also joined the Association. Shri B.M. Patel, Branch Secretary welcomed the members and reported the activities of the Branch. [View Gujarat State Section of State News page of this website to read the complete report].  View the Photos

19.11.2019:

AIBSNLREA SUBMITS THE RESOLUTION ON REVISION OF PAY SCALES OF THE BSNL EMPLOYEES AND REVISION OF PENSION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL IDA PENSIONERS AS ADOPTED IN ITS ALL INDIA CONFERENCE HELD AT MADURAI TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA:

AIBSNLREA has since submitted the resolution which was passed in its Second All India Conference held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019 requesting immediate revision of Pay Scales of BSNL Employees and Revision of Pension of BSNL IDA pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2017 for consideration and solution.  View the letter

16.11.2019:

SECOND ALL INDIA CONFERENCE OF AIBSNLREA HELD AT MADURAI ON 12TH AND 13TH NOVEMBER 2019 - AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF AIBSNLREA:

The Second All India Conference of AIBSNLREA held on 12th & 13th November 2019 in the spacious Hall of Hotel Rajadhane, Madurai, concluded with a high note of faith, confidence and hormony. Delegates from all over the country had assembled with eagerness, enthusiasm and energy. The Report of the General Secretary was hailed by all as a comprehensive record of events and orders issued by BSNL, DoT and other Central Government departments on Pensioners' issues, as a complete treatise on issues related to BSNL pensioners supported by relevant arguments and as a Study Material on concepts of pension and pension revision. Delegates participated in the deliberations which ran into the night on both the days, with vigour and vitality despite their age. Discussions on delinking of pension revision from pay revision propounded by other associations, which had created confusion among some delegates, ended with an absolute clarity in the minds of the delegates that AIBSNLREA's stand on the issue is based on the law of land and the extant rules and the proposal to delink is ill-advised. Resolutions were passed unanimously on all important issues affecting the BSNL pensioners. After dissolution of the existing body, Shri M.S.Radhakrishnan and Shri R.S.Arora took charge of the process of election of new office bearers. New office bearers were elected unanimously. All the delegates showered praise on the members of Madurai Branch, which hosted the Conference, for the excellent arrangements for the food and stay. Memories of this Conference will be cherished by all the delegates for many more years to come.
 View the list of new Office bearers
  View the GS Report
  View the Resolutions
  View the Photos
  View More Photos

06.11.2019:

E-JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE:

November 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.11.2019:

REFUSAL BY CCA (NAGPUR) TO ISSUE EQUIVALENT BASIC PAY AS PER CENTRAL PAY SCALES TO THE BSNL IDA PENSIONERS WHO DESIRED TO SWITCH OVER TO CGHS– AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH SECRETARY (TELECOM):

Controller of Communication Accounts (Nagpur), in violation of DOT’s Orders on the subject, is refusing to issue equivalent basic pay as per Central Pay Scales to the BSNL IDA pensioners who desired to switch over from BSNLMRS to CGHS. As a result, the CGHS Office is unable to decide CGHS subscription and ward entitlement of these pensioners. AIBSNLREA has since taken up the issue with Secretary (Telecom) and requested that “CCA, Nagpur is advised to follow the office instructions issued from time to time by DOT and also immediately issue the equivalent basic pay as per Central Pay scales to the BSNL IDA pensioners desirous to switch over to CGHS and whose applications are pending with his Office.”  View the letter

04.11.2019:

NEW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA COMPRISING THE MEMBERS OF THANJAVUR BUSINESS AREA (TAMILNADU STATE) FORMED:

In a meeting held on 01.11.2019 at Thanjavur, a new Branch of AIBSNLREA, comprising the members of Thanjavur Business Area (Thanjavur and Kumbakonam SSAs) has been formed. The House unanimously elected the following as office bearers:
President: Shri R.Krishna Rao, Retd CAO, Thanjavur, Mob: 9486107699
Branch Secretary: Shri M.S.Radhakrishnan, Retd AGM, Kumbakonam Mob: 9486102110
Finance Secretary: Shri P.R.Sethuraman, Retd J T O, Kumbakonam, Mob: 9443094233.

03.11.2019:

BSNL FORMS GROUPS/SUB-GROUPS RELATING TO VRS:

BSNL has formed Groups and Sub-Groups, comprising of its Officers, for implementation and monitoring of VRS. Various activities have since been identified and allotted to different officers with target dates fixed for completing the assigned activity.  View the BSNL order

31.10.2019:

DOT CIRCULATES DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS FOR REVIVAL OF BSNL AND MTNL AS APPROVED BY UNION CABINET:

DOT has circulated an OM on 29.10.2019 circulating the details of the proposals as moved by it for revival of BSNL and MTNL which was approved in the meeting of Union Cabinet held on 23.10.2019. This gives some useful information on VRS, administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services, debt restructuring by raising of sovereign guarantee bonds, monetization of assets and in principle approval for merger of BSNL and MTNL.  View the DoT OM

29.10.2019:

IMPLEMENTATION OF REVIVAL PLAN FOR BSNL AND MTNL – COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED TO IMPLEMENT VRS:

DOT has constituted a Committee comprising of senior Officers from DOT, BSNL and MTNL for finalising the guidelines for Voluntary Retirement to the employees of BSNL/MTNL as approved by Union Cabinet on 23.10.2019. The Committee will review the VRS guidelines as per approval of Union Cabinet and other general conditions/rules/by laws related to voluntary retirement and submit its report by 30th October, 2019.  View the DoT letter

23.10.2019:

CABINET APPROVES REVIVAL PLAN FOR BSNL AND MTNL:

Putting all the negative campaign and propaganda at rest, the Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 23.10.2019 has approved a revival plan for BSNL and MTNL. The Press Information Bureau has issued a Press Statement after the meeting, as given below, which outlines the various proposals included in the revival pan. We hail the decision of the Government and hope that all stake holders will join hands to make the revival of BSNL and MTNL a reality. Press Statement by PIB:

“The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for revival of BSNL and MTNL by administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services, debt restructuring by raising of bonds with sovereign guarantee, reducing employee costs, monetisation of assets and in-principle approval of merger of BSNL & MTNL.
The following was approved by the cabinet: -

1. Administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services to BSNL and MTNL so as to enable these PSUs to provide broadband and other data services. The said Spectrum will be funded by the Government of India by capital infusion in these PSUs at a value of Rs 20,140 Cr in addition; the GST amount of Rs 3,674 Cr to this spectrum value will also be borne by the Government of India through Budgetary resources. By using this spectrum allotment, BSNL and MTNL will be able to deliver 4G services, compete in the market and provide high speed data using their vast network including in rural areas.

2. BSNL and MTNL will also raise long-term bonds of Rs 15,000 Cr for which sovereign guarantee will be provided by the Government of India (GoI). With the said resources, BSNL and MTNL will restructure their existing debt and also partly meet CAPEX, OPEX and other requirements.

3. BSNL and MTNL will also offer Voluntary Retirement to their employees, aged 50 years and above through attractive Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), the cost of which will be borne by the Government of India through budgetary support. The ex-gratia component of VRS will require Rs. 17,169 Cr in addition, GoI will be meeting the cost towards Pension, Gratuity and Commutation. Details of the scheme will be finalised by BSNL/MTNL.

4. BSNL and MTNL will monetise their assets so as to raise resources for retiring debt, servicing of bonds, network upgradation, expansion and meeting the operational fund requirements.

5. In-principle merger of BSNL and MTNL
It is expected that with the implementation of said revival plan, BSNL and MTNL will be able to provide reliable and quality services through its robust telecommunication network throughout the country including rural and remote areas”.

23.10.2019:

RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES ENTITLED TO GET RETIREMENT TA FOR SETTLING IN THEIR HOMETOWN WHILE AVAILING BSNLMRS FROM THE OFFICE FROM WHICH THEY RETIRED- CLARIFIES BSNL:

: In a letter addressed to UP (East) Telecom Circle, BSNL has clarified that retired BSNL employees have been given an option to avail medical facility from the place of their settlement. As such, it does not prevent any retired employee from settling at his hometown and claim medical reimbursement from the office from which he retired. In such case, the employee would be entitled for TA for settling in his hometown after retirement.  View the BSNL letter

22.10.2019:

NON-REDRESSAL OF A GENUINE GRIEVANCE OF A SECTION OF BSNL IDA PENSIONERS WHO RETIRED BETWEEN JULY, 2017 AND APRIL, 2018 - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH PRIME MINISTER:

Having received no positive response from DOP&PW and DOT on the above issue in which the BSNL IDA pensioners promoted under BSNL Executive Promotion Policy and retired between July, 2017 and April, 2018 alone were denied the benefit of one extra increment for pay and pension fixation, ABSNLREA has since represented to Prime Minister of India seeking his personal intervention with a request to advise Department of Telecommunications to immediately issue a suitable clarification to all concerned, since the problem has been created only after issue of the DOT Order No. 40-12/2004-Pen(T)(pt) dated 17.05.2018 and thus resolve a long pending genuine grievance of the concerned affected pensioners.  View the letter

20.10.2019:

AIBSNLREA, TIRUCHIRAPALLI BRANCH HOLDS ITS AGB:

The Annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Tiruchirapalli Branch was held on 16.10.2019 under the Presidentship of Shri S.Viswanathan Retd. DGM. Shri K.Meyyalahan, Secretary welcomed all and read out the Circulars issued by CHQ on AIC to be held at Madurai. After discussions on various issues, new Office-bearers of the Branch was elected unanimously with S/Shri S Viswanathan, Retd DGM as President and Shri U Ponnuchamy, Retd DGM as Branch Secretary. Shri K Meyyalahan, Retd DE was elected as Finance Secretary. The GB also elected S/Shri U Ponnuchamy, N Viswanathan, R Venkatraman and S Meyyalahan as delegates to attend the AIC at Madurai. Then, the new Branch Secretary Shri U. Ponnuchamy, in his speech, sought the help of all members in enrolling new members and highlighted the points to be discussed in AIC to be held at Madurai viz. pay and pension arrears with 78.2% fitment benefit and exemption from Income Tax for the pensioners.  View the List of new office bearers

17.10.2019:

AIBSNLREA, VADODARA BRANCH HELD ITS G.B. MEETING:

Vadodara Branch of AIBSNLREA held its fourth quarterly General Body Meeting at Hotel Utsav on 11.00 hrs of 15th October 2019. The meeting was presided over by Shri A I Patel, President of the Branch who welcomed all the members attending the meeting. Two minutes silence was then observed in memory of the department souls of S/Shri R S Dubey, K J Sadhwani and A P Singh who were the Life Members of the Association. Shri R T Shah, Branch Secretary then submitted a brief report on the activities at Circle and CHQ level. The issues like revival of BSNL, reimbursement of medical claims and revision of pension were also discussed in the meeting. After the meeting, lunch was served.  View the Photos

16.10.2019:

DENIAL OF ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN ON NOTIONAL BASIS FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS- CCA, NEW DELHI RESPONDS TO OUR REPRESENTATION TO PRIME MINISTER:

We reported in this website on 1.10.2019 that DOP&PW had forwarded our said representation dated 29.09.2018 addressed to Prime Minister of India on the above issue to DOT for taking action as appropriate and citing the various instructions in place how to process such cases. Now, CCA New Delhi has responded stating that our request “cannot be acceded to at this point of time, as Government has not issued any orders to grant one notional increment to those who have rendered one-year service just before retirement. The Order in the court cases are applicable only to the petitioners”. In this case, our above representation to Prime Minister was based only on Madras High Court judgment. Subsequently, much water has flown through the Ganges. Supreme Court not only dismissed the Appeal of CBDT against Madras High Court judgment, but even dismissed a Review Petition. Following these subsequent developments, AIBSNLREA had represented to Secretary, DOP&T with copy endorsed to Secretary, DOE and Secretary (Pension) to grant the notional increment to all. In response, Department of Expenditure [View posting dated 23.09.2019 in this website] had infolrmed that “… the issue is under examination in DoP&T, the nodal Department concerned in the matter."  View the CCA letter

14.10.2019:

PALAKKAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD GB MEETING:

Palakkad Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting at 11 AM on 10.10.2019 at TOP IN TOWN Conference Hall, Palakkad. 58 members attended the meeting. Main agenda was the election of delegates to the All India Conference to be held at Madurai on 12.11.2019 and 13.11.2019. There were elaborate discussions on various issues being faced by BSNL pensioners. The members were very much worried about the inordinate delay in the payment of medical bills with and without voucher cases for IP & OP treatments. The members were unanimous to request that our association should take the initiative to explore the alternative in the place of BSNLMRS as the present system cannot be relied upon in future due to the financial crunch being faced by BSNL. Two new members joined the Association. The meeting came to a close at 2 PM after serving of lunch.

13.10.2019:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE CASE OF SHRI V VELAPPAN, RETD DGM, TAMILNADU CIRCLE REGARDING NON-REFUND OF HIS GPF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE PERIOD OF NOVEMBER, 1986 TO SEPTEMBER 1990, WITH SECRETARY (TELECOM):

AIBSNLREA has again addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Pension) on the above issue with reference to its earlier representations and the acknowledgment received from the o/o Secretary(T) vide Correspondence No. 400461/2019/O/o Secy(DOT) dated 04.06.2019. The Association has requested for intervention of Secretary (Telecom) so that the Pensioner concerned gets back his GPF contributions with accrued interest for the period of November 1986 to September 1990, while serving in DOT, without further delay.  View the letter

10.10.2019:

BSNL RESPONSES TO THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA ADDRESSED TO SECRETRY (TELECOM) REGARDING NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITH OR WITHOUT VOUCHERS AND CLAIMS FOR INDOOR TREATMEMT UNDER BSNLMRS – BSNL NOW SAYS THAT FUNDS WILL BE RELEASED TO THE CIRCLES AS PER AVAILABILITY OF CASH INFLOW:

AIBSNLREA had since taken up the above issue with Secretary (Telecom) and then followed it up from time to time (view postings dated 15.5.2019, 5.6.2019, 24.07.2019, 17.08.2019 and 29.08.2019 in this website). Now BSNL has replied that funds are delayed due to general financial stress in BSNL and efforts are being made to resolve the issue. BSNL has further stated that funds to the Circles will be released as per availability of cash inflow.  View the BSNL letter

09.10.2019:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF NON-PAYMENT OF REGULAR PENSION, RELEASE OF GRATUITY AND COMMUTTED VALUE OF PENSION TO SHRI A S JOSHI, RETD CAO, AURANGABAD SSA:

AIBSNLREA has since taken up the case regarding non-payment of regular pension, release of Gratuity and Commuted Value of Pension to Shri A S Joshi, Retd CAO, Aurangabad SSA of Maharashtra Telecom Circle with Secretary (Pension) and also endorsing the copy of the same to Secretary (Telecom) and CMD, BSNL, despite completion of punishment imposed on him in a disciplinary case by BSNL.  View the letter

08.10.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2019 from 146.7% to 152% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

08.10.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.10.2019 from 316.6% to 325.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders

07.10.2019:

HUBLI BRANCH AIBSNLREA HELD A GB MEETING:

Hubli Branch (Karnataka State) of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 27.09.2019. The Members were briefed by Branch Secretary Shri Vishnu Hotkar about the All India Conference of AIBSNLREA to be held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019. The members also discussed about non-opening of CGHS centres at Hubli, the court case on pay and pension arrears and implementation of 3rd PRC recommendations. The House elected S/Shri B G Bandekari, V V Katti, V B Patil and J C Umari as delegates to attend the AIC.

06.10.2019:

E-JOURNAL OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE:

October 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.10.2019:

DOE FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO ALLOW CALCULATION OF PENSION CONTRIBUTION BASING ON ACTUAL PAY AND NOT ON MAXIMUM OF THE SCALE OF THE BSNL EMPLOYEES TO THE DOT:

AIBSNLREA had earlier addressed a letter to Prime Minister of India seeking his intervention for implementation of DOP&T OM dated 19.11.2009, allowing calculation of pension contribution basing on the existing pay in place of maximum of the pay scale of the Government employees w.e.f. 01.01.2006, also in respect of BSNL and MTNL employees. The Association had endorsed a copy of this representation to Finance Minister also. [View posting dated 03.06.2019 in this website to read the letter]. Now, Department of Expenditure has forwarded the same to Department of Telecommunications for appropriate action/redressal of the grievance.  View the DoE letter

04.10.2019:

NON-INCLUSION OF THE NAME OF SHRI P S KULKARNI, RETD DE, MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE IN THE REVISED FINAL SENIORITY LISTS OF TES GROUP B OFFICERS ISSUED BY BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE- AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE:

AIBSNLREA has since taken up the case of non-inclusion of the name of Shri P S Kulkarni, Retd DE, Maharashtra Telecom Circle in the revised final seniority Lists of TES Group B Officers issued by BSNL Corporate Office to comply with the Orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court.  View the letter

03.10.2019:

BSNL’S AGR GROWS SUBSTANTIALLY IN JUNE, 2019 QUARTERS BY 27.94%:

BSNL’s AGR has reportedly grew substantially by 27.94 % to Rs. 2598.61 crores as against Rs. 2031.07 crore as in March, 2019. It will auger well for BSNL if this trend continues.

01.10.2019:

DENIAL OF ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN ON NOTIONAL BASIS FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR OF SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS- DOP&PW TAKES ONE FULL YEAR TO FORWARD OUR REPRESENTATION TO PRIME MINISTER TO THE DOT:

Following dismissal of an SLP filed by the Union of India in the Supreme Court against a judgment of Madras High Court on the above issue, AIBSNLREA had represented to Prime Minister of India as back as on 29.09.2018 requesting his kind intervention to extend the above benefit to all similarly placed retirees [view posting dated 01.10.2018 in this website]. The representation was duly registered in CPGRAMS. Now, DOP&PW has forwarded the said representation to DOT for taking action as appropriate and cites the various instructions in place how to process such cases. Anyhow, we have already been informed by Department of Expenditure [View posting dated 23.09.2019 in this website] stating that “… the issue is under examination in DoP&T, the nodal Department concerned in the matter."  View the DoP&PW letter

30.09.2019:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.10.2019:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.10.2019 by 5.3% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 8.9% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

29.09.2019:

CGHS FACILITIES TO THE RETIRED BSNL/MTNL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE IN RECEIPT OF PENSION FROM CENTRAL CIVIL ESTIMATES – DOT REPLIES TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO SECRETARY (TELECOM):

Being unsatisfied with the reply dated 10.08.2019 that was received from DOT in response to its representation dated 16.07.2019 {view posting dated 17.07.2019), AIBSNLREA had again addressed a letter dated 14.08.2019 to Secretary (Telecom) (view posting dated 14.08.2019) requesting to consider the request that the Association originally made in its earlier letter dated 16.07.2019 suggesting that on receipt of demand letter for one-time payment from CGHS authority by the BSNL pensioners, let BSNL immediately make arrangement to pay the entire amount as advance to the concerned pensioners who would submit the Receipt issued by the CGHS authorities within a fortnight to the Units which sanctioned them the advance. However, now DOT has stated in reply that “If your Association has some issues with regard to the said policy of BSNL, the same may be raised at appropriate level in BSNL”.  View the DoT letter

26.09.2019:

MEETING OF STATE EXECUTIVE BODY OF UP STATE BRANCH:

State Executive Body of UP State Branch of AIBSNLREA meeting was held on 25.09.2019 at Utsav Bhawan in Lucknow under the chairmanship of Shri M K Shukla. 23 members attended the meeting. Report of the State Secretary and also the Report of Finance Secretary were approved after some discussions. Discussion also took place on non-payment of medical reimbursement, CGHS facilities, 3rd PRC, pension revision etc. Shri R.K.Sinha Joint Secretary, CHQ also addressed the House. Meeting ended with presentation of Vote of Thanks by the President. This was followed by lunch.

24.09.2019:

AGB of AIBSNLREA Coimbatore Branch held:

The Annual General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Coimbatore Branch was held on 21.09.2019 under the Presidentship of Shri M.Ponnuswami, Branch President. After Presidential Address by Shri M. Ponnuswami, Shri R. Damodaran, Branch Secretary welcomed the members & guests and presented the Annual Report and it was accepted by the house. Shri J. Ramalingam, Finance Secretary presented the Income and Expenditure statement and it was accepted after clarifying the query raised by Shri Venkatraman, DGM (Retired). Then Shri S. Ponnuraj, DE (Retired) spoke on the Supreme Court judgment on seniority lists 1 to 17 of SDEs which has now attained finality and explained in detail the background of the seniority issue. He wanted to know the action being taken by the association for implementation of the judgment on consequential benefits. Shri V.S. Ravi, DGM (Retired) recollected his association activities in TESA. He announced that he will enroll himself as a member of AIBSNLREA. [Please go to Tamilnadu State Section of ‘State News’ Page of this website to read the full Report].

24.09.2019:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, SAHARANPUR BRANCH HELD:

General Body Meeting of Saharanpur Branch {UP} was held on 21.09.2019 under the chairmanship of Shri Bal Chander. Branch secretary briefed the members about various issues confronting the BSNL absorbed pensioners viz. Pension revision, non-payment of Medical bills and status of proposed revival plan of BSNL. The branch Secretary also briefed the members of the proposed AIC at Madurai. It was unanimously decided that Shri J S Bajwa, Branch Secretary will represent the Branch at Madurai AIC. The meeting ended with Vote of Thanks to the chair.

23.09.2019:

DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE (MINISTRY OF FINANCE) NOW RESPONDS TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ENDORSED TO SECRETARY, DOE WHICH WAS ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY, DOP&T REQUESTING GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT FOR PENSION BENEFIT TO ALL RETIREES WHO COMPLETE ONE FULL YEAR’S SERVICE BUT RETIRE ON THE DATE OF COMPLETING FULL YEAR’S SERVICE – SAYS THAT THE ISSUE IS UNDER EXAMINATION IN DOP&T:

In the background of Supreme Court dismissing the Review Petition of Government on its earlier Order by which it dismissed the Appeal of CBDT and thus gave its seal of approval to a Madras High Court judgment allowing the above benefit to one individual, AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training with copy endorsed to Secretary, Deptt of Expenditure and Secretary (Pension), requesting to bring changes in the present policy of granting increment on completion of one full year’s service to the retiring employees who retire on the date of completing full years’ service, so that all similarly placed employees get the same benefit as allowed by the Courts to one individual [View posting dated 26.08.2019 in this website to read the letter]. Now, Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance) has stated, in response to our letter, that “… the issue is under examination in DoP&T, the nodal Department concerned in the matter”.  View the DoE letter

22.09.2019:

SANGRUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING:

Sangrur Branch (Punjab) of AIBSNLREA held a GB Meeting 20.09.2019 at 11:30 AM in Kila Market parking Jail खाना Restaurant. Almost all the members attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Shri P K Jindal, Branch President. It was decided to take up with GS CHQ to place the resolutions on revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL Pensioners and payment of pending medical reimbursement claims in the AIC to be held at Madurai on 12th & 13th November, 2019. The meeting also discussed about the pay and pension arrears case which was dismissed in Pr CAT. The House elected Shri Pyare Lal as the delegate for the AIC and further decided to contribute Rs. 1000/- each by the members to run the affairs of the Branch. One new member joined the Association and it was further decided to hold the next GB Meeting at Barnala. The meeting ended after presentation of vote of thanks which was followed by lunch.

19.09.2019:

EMERGENCY TREATMENT IN CGHS EMPANELLED HOSPITALS- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE REITERATES THAT REFUSAL OF ADMISSION OF CGHS BENEFICIARIES IN EMERGENCIES ON CREDIT BASIS BY EMPANELLED HOSPITALS WOULD ATTRACT THEIR DISQUALIFICATIONS:

Taking note of the fact that some CGHS empaneled Hospitals are denying admission or insist on referral memo from CGHS Wellness Centre even in emergency conditions, Department of Health & Family Welfare has issued an OM vide No. S.11011/29/2019-EHS dated 13.09.2019 stating that in emergency the empaneled hospitals will not refuse admission or demand an advance payment from the CGHS beneficiary or his family members and will provide credit facilities to the patient. Failing to do so would attract disqualification for continuation of empanelment.  View the Deptt. of H&FA order

18.09.2019:

QUATERTLY GENERAL BODY MEETING OF MUMBAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

Quarterly General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Mumbai Branch was held on 9.9.2019 at 14.00hrs in the Conference Hall, Fountain Telecom Building, Mumbai. Shri Vasudeva presided over the meeting. The House first observed two minutes silence to pay homage to the departed soul of Shri Nadacharam, an active life member of the Branch. The President welcomed all the members and addressed the House. He briefed about all latest development at State and CHQ level. He suggested the members for regular morning and evening walk and also practice yoga daily. Branch Secretary S.P.Varma thanked the members for attending meeting despite heavy rains[Please go to Maharashtra State Section of ‘State News’ Page of this website to read the full Report].

17.09.2019:

PUNE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS GB MEETING:

Pune Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body meeting on 14.09.2019 at Bajirao Road Telephone Bhavan Conference Hall. The members were apprised about current issues with the pensioners and the AIC being held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019. Four members volunteered to attend the AIC as delegates. The house agreed to this. A new Branch Committee was also elected in the meeting with the following Office Bearers: - President: Shri S.N.Mupid, (2). Vice-President: Shri A.B. Jadhav, (3) Branch Secretary: Shri B. B. Controllu, (4) Organizing Secretary: Shri S. S. Kulkarni and (5) Finance Secretary: Shri A. M. Dixit. The meeting ended after Vote of Thanks by the President.

16.09.2019:

COIMBATORE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD ITS SECOND BRANCH CONFERENCE:

AIBSNLREA, Coimbatore Branch will be holding its second Branch Conference at 10.30 AM on 21st September, 2019 at Sri Krishna Vilas Hotel, Near Collectorate Post Office, Coimbatore-641018. Shri R. R. Balasubramanian, Asst Branch Secretary, Chennai Branch will be attending the Conference as a special invitee. Election of delegates for the ensuing All India Conference to be held on 12th and 13th November, 2019 at Madurai and election of new Office Bearers of the Branch will be held in the conference. All members of the Branch and other retired executives, desirous to enrol themselves as members, are requested to attend the Conference.

14.09.2019:

HARYANA STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA FORMED:

A meeting for election of Haryana State Body of AIBSNLREA was held on 13.09.2019 at 11.30 hrs in Yatri Niwas, Kurukshetra. It was presided over by Shri D S Sandhu Organising Secretary (North), CHQ. It was attended by State representatives from all branches except Faridabad. Following State Office Bearers were elected for the present term: (1) President: Sh S K Aggarwal Ambala, (2). Vice President: Shri S L Purey, Yamunanagar, (3). Secretary: Shri Jogi Ram, Kurukshetra, (4). Asstt Secretary: Shri S K Bhardwaj, Yamunanagar, (5). Asstt Secretary: Shri Yogesh Kumar, Kurukshetra, (6) Finance Secretary: Shri Ashok Kumar Sharma, Kurukshetra, (7).Org Secretary: Shri S K Aggarwal, Kurukshetra and Shri Jasmer Kumar, Yamunanagar, (8) Executive Members: S/Shri Amar Singh, Yamunanagar and. R K Bhasin, Kurukshetra.

14.09.2019:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF KURUKSHETRA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

A General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Kurukshetra Branch was held on 13.09.2019 at 10.30 AM in Yatri Niwas, a Haryana Tourism Hotel under the chairmanship of Shri D S Sandhu, Organising Secretary (North), CHQ. It was attended by 22 members out of total membership strength of 38 of the Branch. Issues like Court Case, Pension revision, non- payment of medical bills, joining of CGHS and on other general matters were discussed. Election of State delegates for State representative meeting was also conducted. S/Shri D S Sandhu and Jogi Ram were elected as delegates to attend the AIC at Madurai. Meeting concluded after lunch and vote of thanks to the participating members.

13.09.2019:

OPENING OF PENSIONERS’ SERVICE CENTRES THROUGH CPMS PORTAL- AIBSNLREA RAISES THE ISSUE WITH BSNL REGARDING THE PROGRESS MADE:

On the advice of DOT, BSNL vide its No. 48-3/2018-Pen (B) dated 05.10.2018, had instructed all its Circles/Units to open Pensioners’ Service Centres through Comprehensive Pension Management System (CPMS) portal. These Pensioners’ Service Centres are supposed to provide facilities like uploading of digital Life Certification, Downloading Form 16, uploading grievances, assistance in filling pension forms by employees/family pensioners and assistance in installing Mobile App etc. Keeping in view of the importance of these Centres in the background that CPMS has already been implemented for new pensioners and also the old pensioners are to be gradually brought under this system, AIBSNLREA has requested BSNL to inform the progress made in opening these Pensioners’ Service Centres in all Circle/Units. Association has also requested to supply a consolidated list of these Pensioners’ Service Centres with their locations which are now functional. The Association has further requested to advise the Circles/Units to upload the list of such functional Pensioners’ Service Centres in their respective websites.  View the letter

10.09.2019:

EXTREME HARDSHIP OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS/PENSIONERS DUE TO DRASTIC CUT IN THE INTEREST RATES OF THE FIXED DEPOSITS WITH BANKS/POST OFFICES- AIBSNLREA URGES PM TO INTERVENE:

AIBSNLREA has stated in a letter to Prime Minister of India that “interest rates of Fixed Deposits in Banks/Post Offices have been reduced drastically during the last few years, which has hit the Senior Citizens/Pensioners most. No doubt, the Senior Citizens/Pensioners are allowed 0.50% additional interest, but this hardly compensates the loss in terms of the interests earned”. The Association has further submitted that “The interests on Fixed Deposits help the Senior Citizens/ Pensioners to meet their day to day requirement which includes payment of huge medical bills due to old age related and other chronic ailments” and also urged PM to intervene and (i) raise the limit of maximum deposit in Senior Citizens Saving Schemes from existing Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 30 lakhs and also (ii) raise the additional interests in Fixed Deposits in Banks/Post Offices from existing 0.50% to 1% for the Senior Citizens.  View the letter

10.09.2019:

ALLAHADBAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS GB MEETING:

AIBSNLREA, Allahabad Branch held its General Body Meeting on 06.09.2019 in the GMTD, Allahabad Compound. The meeting was presided over by Branch President Shri R S Gupta. State Secretary, UP Shri R S Arora, who attended the meeting, addressed the House and spoke about Pension revision, reimbursement of medical claims under BSNLMRS, financial status of BSNL, Court case on pay and pension arrears issue and other organizational matters. Afterwards, election of the new Office Bearers took place. S/Shri R S Gupta, Ram Lakhan and Damodar Prasad were elected as Branch President, Branch Secretary and Branch Finance Secretary respectively. S/Shri Ram Chandra and S N S Yadav were also elected as delegates to attend the AIC at Madurai. Shri Ram Lakhan, Branch Secretary then addressed the House and thanked State Secretary and others.  View the List of Office bearers

08.09.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CMD, BSNL REGARDING AN APPEAL FROM AN AILING AND AGED PENSIONER ABOUT TRANSFER OF HIS SON WORKING AS SDE IN BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to CMD, BSNL on the appeal of Shri Ramesh Chandra, Retd DE to allow his only son and lone male member of the family to remain by the side of his parents who are continuously undergoing treatment for multiple diseases both as indoor and outdoor patients since long.  View the letter

07.09.2019:

NADIAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS BI-MONTHLY GB MEETING:

Nadiad Branch (Gujarat State) of AIBSNLREA held its Bi-monthly General Body meeting on 04.09.2019 at Rotary Club Hall, Nadiad. Sixty-Five members attended the meeting. Three new members also joined the Association. Shri B.M. Patel, Branch Secretary welcomed the members and reported the activities of the Branch. He reported that most of the members of the branch did not their medical bills without vouchers for 2018-19. However, most of the members got payment of medical bills with vouchers. Shri P.B.Pramar, State President spoke about Pension Revision as per 3rd PRC / 7th CPC fitment formula [View Gujarat State Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report].

06.09.2019:

E-JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE:

September 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

06.09.2019:

GB MEETING OF AMBALA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

A General Body Meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 4.9.2019 at Hotel Dilli Durbar under the chairmanship of Shri P.C Chauhan, Branch President. 29 members attended the meeting. At the outset of the meeting, the members condoled the death of two life members since its last meeting S/Shri R.L Duggal, Retired CAO and K.C Gupta Retired SDE. The members also observed two minutes silence for departed souls. The meeting was addressed by Shri J C Gupta Branch Secretary. He informed the members that AIC of AIBSNLREA is being held at Madurai on 12th and 13th November, 2019. He also gave detailed programme of the AIC. [View Haryana Section of State News Page of this Website to read the full Report]

31.08.2019:

ODISHA STATE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD GB MEETING:

Odisha State Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General body at 11 AM on 25.08.2019 in the Conference Hall of Door Sanchar Bhawan in which 36 members participated. 14 new members attended the meeting. Minutes of the previous GB meeting was first confirmed and then discussions were held on different issues. Members expressed their happiness of having participated in the picnic arranged by the association at Sikhar Chandi, Bhubaneswar on 23.01.2019. The CVP issue of Shri Banabara Swain, which is being handled at CHQ level, was also discussed. The procedure to switch over to CGHS facility was discussed in the House and members were advised to take conscious decision about switching over. One-time payment to be made by the pensioners are to be reimbursed by BSNL. [Please view Odisha State Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report]

30.08.2019:

AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO MOS(PP) REGARDING NON-RESPONSE FROM DOP&PW ON THE QUESTION OF APPLICATION OF ITS OM DATED 12.11.1999 CLARIFYING TO RAILWAYS TO ALLOW COMMUTATION OF PENSION TO A PENSIONER EXONERATED AS A RESULT OF DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS FROM THE DATE OF HIS RETIREMENT– DOP&PW FORWARDS THE REPRESENTATION TO DDG(PG), DOT:

Having received no response to its earlier representation addressed to Secretary (Pension) on the above subject, AIBSNLREA had taken up the matter with Minister of State for (PP) requesting his intervention for early redressal of the above grievance [View posting dated 26.07.2019 in this website to read the letter]. But surprisingly, DOP&PW has forwarded the said representation to DDG(PG), DOT to examine the issue as per expanct rules/orders – even though DOP&PW itself has to resolve the matter. This shows the most casual manner in which this nodal Department which is responsible to settle the grievances of the pensioners handles the same.  View the DoP&PW letter

29.08.2019:

DOP&PW FORWARDS COPY OF AIBSNLREA’S LETTER ADDRESSED TO DDG(ESTT), DOT REQUESTING TO INTIMATE ACTION TAKEN ON ITS EARLIER REPRESENTATION REGARDING NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY BSNL PENSIONERS UNDER BSNLMRS TO DDG(PG), DOT:

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded DDG(PG), DOT, the copy of the letter of AIBSNLREA that was addressed to DDG(Estt), DOT requesting to intimate the action taken on its earlier representation in which the Association had sought the intervention of Secretary (Telecom) in the matter of non-imbursement of medical claims submitted by the BSNL pensioners for both outdoor and indoor treatment for over several months. DDG(PG), DOT has been requested to examine the issue as per extant rules/orders and intimate the Association.  View the DoP&PW letter

28.08.2019:

AIBSNLREA, EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT BRANCH HELD BI-ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING:

AIBSNLREA, East Godavari District Branch (AP) held its bi-annual GB Meeting at Hotel RL Grand, Kakinada on 25-08-2019. Meeting started with prayer at 10.00 hrs. 80 members attended the meeting and 6 new life members Joined the Branch taking the total membership strength to 234. The meeting was presided over by Shri GV Rama Krishna, President. Shri CH Gandhi, Org Secretary (South) was on the dais. After prayer, the house observed 2 minutes silence to pay homage to the departed members souls of Late Shri DSR Krishnayya, SDE (Retd), and Late Shri P Verriah SDE (Retd) [Please visit AP State Section of State News Page of this website to read the full report].

26.08.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY, DOP&T REQUESTING GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT FOR PENSION BENEFIT TO ALL RETIREES WHO COMPLETE ONE FULL YEAR’S SERVICE BUT RETIRE ON THE DATE OF COMPLETING FULL YEAR’S SERVICE:

In the background of Supreme Court dismissing the Review Petition of Government against its earlier Order giving its seal of approval to a Madras High Court judgment allowing the above benefit to one individual, AiBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training with copy endorsed to Secretary, Deptt of Expenditure and Secretary (Pension), requesting to bring changes in the present policy of granting increment on completion of one full year’s service to the retiring employees who retire on the date of completing full years’ service, so that all similarly placed employees get the same benefit as allowed by the Courts to one individual.  View the letter

25.08.2019:

EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS BINNANUAL GB MEETING:

East Vidarbha Branch (Nagpur) of AIBSNLREA held its Bi annual GB Meeting at Amenity Hall, CTO Compound, Nagpur on Sunday, the 18th August 2019. Shri U B Nikose presided over the meeting. S/Shri V W Patil and B D Nikam Vice presidents, Bhola Kamble, ACS MH and B P Mazumdar were on the dais. At the start of the meeting, homage was paid to the departed members of Nagpur Branch and also their family members. After introductory speech by Shri N R Rachkondawar, Shri Arun Deshpande, Branch Secretary addressed the house and briefed the activities of Nagpur Branch and status of current CHQ Issues. [View Maharashtra State Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report].

25.08.2019:

LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD ITS GB MEETING:

A General Body meeting of Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 20.08.2019 in the Recreation club of Kaiser Bagh Telephone Exchange, under the chairman ship of Sri B L Mishra, Branch President. 41 members attended meeting. Two minutes silence was observed by the house to pay homage to the department members i.e. S/Shri M P Bhatnagar JTO, Panchami Ram DGM(F), V S Verma DGM and wife of Shri Radhey Shyam Organising Secretary. Notice for AIC to be held on 12.11.2019 and 13.11.2019 at Madurai was read. out. Three delegates S/Shri R S Arora, State Secretary, Ambika Singh, State Financial Secretary and S P Singh, Branch Secretary, Lucknow were elected to attend the Conference. Current Status of Court case in Pr. CAT was discussed in the House. Suggestions were also invited, but no concrete suggestion came out. It was reported that medical claims with and without vouchers are not getting cleared despite rigorous persuasion. In some cases, Income tax has been deducted without making payments. Members are ready to switch over to CGHS, but are afraid due to abnormal delay in reimbursement of one-time payment made to CGHS. The meeting concluded after presentation of vote of thanks by the Chairman.

24.08.2019:

NON-GRANT OF ONE EXTRA INCREMENT ON POST BASED PROMOTION UNDER BSNL EXECUTIVE PROMOTION POLICY- AIBSNLREA NOW TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH SECRETARY (PENSION):

Being unsatisfied with the reply sent by BSNL regarding the grievance on non-grant of one extra-increment to the BSNL Executive pensioners who retired between July, 2017 and April, 2018 [View posting dated 20.08.2019 in this website to read the BSNL letter], the Association has now taken up the issue with Secretary (Pension) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Telecom) and CMD, BSNL. The Association has maintained that “…. the fact remains that the said benefit, contrary to the claim, is still being denied to those BSNL executive Pensioners who retied between July 2017 and 2018. As such, the claim of BSNL is untrue”. The Association has further stated “that the problem is due to the Order issued by Department of Telecommunications and its own Controller of Communication Accounts who are not allowing the said benefit to be extended to the absorbed BSNL executive pensioners who retired between July, 2017 and April, 2018. As such, it is Department of Telecommunications and not the BSNL which has to take appropriate action to redress the grievance by issue of a suitable clarification to all concerned – specially to its own CCAs to extend the same benefit as ordered in its Order No. 40-12/2004-Pen(T)(pt) dated 17.05.2018 also to those absorbed BSNL executive pensioners who retired between July 2017 and 2018”. The Association has finally requested “to advise Department of Telecommunication to issue a suitable clarification to all concerned, since the problem has been created after issue of the DOT Order No. 40-12/2004-Pen(T)(pt) dated 17.05.2018 and BSNL is nowhere in the picture. Moreover, DOT’s own Controller of Communication Accounts are refusing to extend the benefit to the affected absorbed BSNL executive pensioners.  View the letter

20.08.2019:

NON-GRANT OF ONE EXTRA INCREMENT ON POST BASED PROMOTION UNDER BSNL EXECUTIVE PROMOTION POLICY:

AIBSNLREA had last taken up the issue of non-grant of one extra-increment, as admissible under the BSNL Executive Promotion Policy, to those BSNL Executives who retired between July, 2017 and April, 2018 with Prime Minister of India [View posting dated 13.07.2019 in this website to read the letter]. DOP&PW, in turn, had registered this as Grievance in CPENGRAMS under Docket No. DOPPW/P/2019/05187 dated 23.07.2019 and the issue was referred to BSNL. Now, BSNL has replied to the Association, vide its No. 35-20/19-Pen(B) dated 13.08.2019, stating that “benefit of extra-increment granted on post based promotion is being extended to the employees on submission of an undertaking to refund the same in case of the decision of Hon’ble High Court goes against them’.  View the BSNL letter

19.08.2019:

AIBSNLREA, AKOLA BRANCH HELD ITS GB MEETING:

AIBSNLREA, Akola (MH) Branch held its General Body meeting on 17th August 2019 at the Conference Hall, O/O GM Telecom, BSNL Akola. Shri A.N. Pachpande Rtd. DE Akola presided over the meeting. 16 members were present in the meeting. Shri A.G. Nema, Branch Secretary welcomed all the members present in the meeting. He apprised the members about the latest position of all pending issues. The case of 78.2% IDA merger issue was discussed at length. Branch Secretary informed that the Principal CAT has recently dismissed our 78.2% IDA case and appropriate action in this matter will be taken up by CHQ. It was informed that 2nd AIC is proposed to be held at Madurai (TN) on 12th and 13th November 2019. Volunteers were asked to inform Branch Secretary well in advance enabling him to convey to G.S. Members were also requested to approach all recently retired Executives to register them as members of AIBSNLREA, Akola branch. The meeting was concluded after presentation of vote of thanks by the Branch Secretary.

18.08.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REQUESTING TO FRAME AND ISSUE THE MODALITIES TO GRANT CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS TO THE SDEs ON REVISION OF THEIR SENIORITY IN TES GROUP B AS DIRECTED BY SUPREME COURT:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) regarding non-issue of modalities to extend consequential benefits to the SDEs, who qualified in TES Group B qualifying examinations conducted by DOT, on revision of their seniority in TES Group B following Supreme Court judgment delivered on 14.12.2017 in WP No 4389 of 2010. The Association has requested Secretary (Telecom) to “intervene in the matter so that Department of Telecommunications frame and issue the modalities for extending the consequential benefits to the concerned SDEs/Officers promoted therefrom, following revision of their seniority, and get the same implemented without further delay”.  View the letter

17.08.2019:

SUPREME COURT DISMISSES REVIEW PETITION OF GOVERNMENT AGAINST ITS EARLIER ORDER NOT TO INTERFERE WITH JUDGMENT OF MADRAS HIGH COURT ON GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT TO THE RETIREE WHO COMPLETED ONE FULL YEAR’S SERVICE ON THE DATE OF RETIREMENT BUT FAILED TO GET INCREMENT WHICH FELL ON NEXT DAY OF HIS RETIREMENT:

Earlier Government had moved an Appeal in Supreme Court against a Madras Hight Court judgment which allowed grant of annual Increment on notional basis to a Pensioner who completed one full year’s service on the date of his retirement but was not allowed his increment which fell on next day of his retirement. The Supreme Court had declined to interfere with the said judgment. Following which, pressure started mounting on the Government to extend the benefit to all similarly placed persons. Since many cases were filed in different Courts, Ministry of Finance, on the advice of DOP&T, had been exploring the possibility of filing a Review/Curative Petition in Supreme Court on its earlier Order for last few months and finally it filed a Review Petition. Now the said Review Petition of the Government has been dismissed by the bench of Justice N V Ramana and Justice Deepak Gupta of Supreme Court on 08.08.2019. Now very little option is left with the Government to deny the benefit in all similar cases. A decision is expected on this matter in due course.

17.08.2019:

EAST VIDARBHA BRANCH (NAGPUR) OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD BIANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING:

AIBSNLREA, East Vidarbha Branch (Nagpur) is holding it Biannual General Body Meeting on Sunday, the 18th August, 2019 at 4.30 pm in the Staff Amenity Hall, CTO Compound, Nagpur. All members and other retired BSNL Executives are requested to attend meeting.

17.08.2019:

AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO DDG(ESTT), DOT REQUESTING TO INTIMATE ACTION TAKEN ON ITS REPRESENTATION THAT WAS FORWARDED BY DOP&PW ON THE ISSUE OF NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY BSNL PENSIONERS UNDER BSNLMRS – DOP&PW NOW ADIVISES TO ISSUE SPEAKING REPLY/ORDER:

AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to DDG(Estt), DOT to know the action taken on its representation in which the Association had sought the intervention of Secretary (Telecom) in the matter of non-imbursement of medical claims submitted by the BSNL pensioners for both outdoor and indoor treatment for over several months. The said representation was forwarded to DDG(Estt) by DOP&PW [View postings dated 05.06.2019 and 24.07.2019 in this website]. Now DOP&PW has re-registered the grievance and Sr GM(Admn), BSNL has been asked to examine the matter and send a suitable speaking reply/order to the Association and same uploaded in CPENGRAMS. DOP&PW has also advised that the matter be examined and grievance redressed within the time limit of 60 days. It has further advised to issue an interim reply with reasons for delay, if the case is likely to take longer time to redress.  View the Status Report

14.08.2019:

CGHS FACILITIES TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES- AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING THE PROBLEM FACED BY THE WILLING RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES TO SWITCH OVER FOM BSNLMRS TO CGHS:

In response to the reply received from Department of Telecommunications [View posting dated 10.08.2019 to read the DOT letter] on its representation to Secretary (Telecom) [View posting dated 17.07.2019 to read the letter], AIBSNLREA has now addressed another letter to Secretary(T) stating that the suggestions to go for option to make payment on yearly basis is no solution, since BSNL order is to reimburse only one-time payment of subscription and not for payments to be made on yearly basis. Further, no pensioner at this old age can take the trouble to go through the hassles to get the CGHS card renewed every year after making the payment. The Association has urged Secretary (Telecom) to consider the request as originally made in the earlier letter dated 16.07.2019.  View the letter

10.08.2019:

CGHS FACILITIES TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES – DOT RESPONDS TO THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA SUGGESTING BSNL SANCTION ADVANCE TO THE BSNL PENSIONERS TO PAY THE ONE TIME SUBSCRIPTION TO THE CGHS:

In response to the representation to Secretary (Telecom) wherein AIBSNLREA had requested that ”once the retired BSNL employees, desirous of joining CGHS, surrender their BSNLMRS Card and produce the demand letter from the CGHS authorities for depositing the subscription as fixed, let BSNL immediately arrange payment of entire amount as advance to the concerned pensioners who would be required to submit the Receipt issued by the CGHS authorities within a fortnight to the Units which sanctioned them the advance” (view posting dated 17.07.2019 to read the letter), DOT has now suggested that those pensioners who are not in the position to get CGHS card with life-time validity, have the option of making CGHS contribution on yearly basis.  View the DoT letter

06.08.2019:

E-JOURNAL AUGUST 2019 ISSUE:

August 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.08.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CMD, BSNL REGARDING ATTEMPTS TO DISCOURAGE THE BSNL PENSIONERS TO MIGRATE FROM BSNLMRS TO CGHS:

In a letter addressed to CMD, BSNL, AIBSNLREA has conveyed that in order to tide over the present financial crisis, it was expected that BSNL Management would encourage the BSNL pensioners to migrate from BSNLMRS to CGHS, so that the financial burden on BSNL on account of reimbursement of their claims for outdoor and indoor treatment under BSNLMRS gets reduced. But contrary to the expectation, the BSNL Units are actually discouraging the pensioners from migrating from BSNLMRS to CGHS. The Association points out that the BSNL pensioners, though assured by BSNL, are not getting reimbursement of the one-time subscription that they paid to CGHS after surrendering BSNLMRS. The amount of subscription at times goes over Rupees one lakh and BSNL Is not reimbursing the same for several months and in some case even over a year which is causing great hardship to these pensioners. This is being seen as a disincentive by the other pensioners who hardly can afford to get such a huge amount blocked. The Association placed a list of 40 such BSNL pensioners who retired from ALTTC Ghaziabad and switched over to CGHS. But their reimbursement is held up for a long period. The Association has requested “that all the pensioners who have migrated to CGHS be immediately reimbursed of their claims. ALTTC Ghaziabad, specifically, be advised to immediately make the payment of all the pending claims by the Pensioners for reimbursement of subscriptions made to CGHS. If need be, additional fund be allotted for this purpose”.  View the letter

03.08.2019:

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

A General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Amravati Branch was under the Chairmanship of Shri R. W. Tidke, President of the Branch, at about 1400 hrs. of 2nd August, 2019 at the Conference Hall of Pr. G.M.Telecom, BSNL, Amravati. The meeting was attended by 32 members of the Branch. Three new members viz. S/Shri V S Labhane, Retd AGM, P M Dhobe, Retd DGM and V K Patne, Retd Sr SDE joined the Association. They were greeted by the House. Branch Secretary Shri D. V. Rokade, informed the House about the developments taken place after the last meeting. He elaborated the developments in respect of payment of pending medical claims (with vouchers and without vouchers. He also informed the house about the ensuing All India Conference to be held at Madurai in November, 2019. Shri V. G. Dakhode, State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Maharashtra State discussed about the latest position of the Court Case. He also spoke about the 3rd PRC developments and highlighted the important key issues of the BSNL being processed at State and All India level. The queries raised by the members were duly replied by him. Interaction by the State Secretary, the meeting concluded with the vote of thanks presented by Shri M.Z.Shinde, Financial Secretary of the Branch.

31.07.2019:

DOP&PW FORWARDS COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA ENDORSED TO MOS(PP) WHERE IN INTERVENTION OF PRIME MINISTER WAS SOUGHT IN THE MATTER OF DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PENSION BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXTRA INCREMENT GRANTED ON POST-BASED PROMOTION TO THE BSNL EXECUTIVES RETIRED BETWEEN JULY 2017 AND APRIL 2018 TO DOT:

AIBSNLREA had earlier represented to Prime Minister of India seeking for his intervention in the matter of denial of benefit of fixation of pension by taking into account the extra increment granted on post-based promotion under BSNL Executive Promotion Policy to the BSNL Executives who retired between July 2017 and April 2018 [View posting dated 13.07.2019 in this website to read the letter]. DOP&PW has now forwarded the copy of the said representation that was endorsed to MOS(PP), DOP&PW to the Department of Telecommunications examine the issues.  View the DoP&PW letter

27.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA, CHENNAI BRANCH HOLD AGB MEETING:

The Annual General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Chennai Branch was held on 20-07-2019 at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Ashok Nagar, Chennai at 10.30 am. The meeting, presided over by Branch President Shri V. Dakshinamoorthy and attended by 54 members, commenced with a prayer sung by Smt. S.Mythili. Then, the house observed one-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls of our members Late S/Shri B. Shanmugam, S. Piraviperumal, Diagaradjane and S. P. Sankaralingam. President welcomed all the members who assembled in large numbers and spoke on few issues like the need for improvement in medical reimbursement and at the same time informed the house that when BSNL struggles to pay even the salary, these issues are bound to take the back seat. After self-introduction of members, Secretary Shri L. Sundararaman read out a detailed report about the activities of the association after the last AGB held in 07.07.2017. [To read the full Report, Tamilnadu State Section of State News Page of this website may be viewed].

26.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO MOS (PP) REGARDING NON-RESPONSE FROM DOP&PW ON THE QUESTION OF APPLICATION OF ITS OM DATED 12.11.1999 CLARIFYING TO RAILWAYS TO ALLOW COMMUTATION OF PENSION TO A PENSIONER EXONERATED AS A RESULT OF DEPARTMENT PROCEEDINGS FROM THE DATE OF HIS RETIREMENT TO SHRI BANABARA SWAIN, RETD DGM & EX-PRINCIPAL, RTTC, BHUBANESWAR:

Having received no response to its earlier representation, vide No AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2019/24 dated 24.06.2019, addressed to Secretary (Pension) on the above issue, AIBSNLREA has now taken up the matter with Minister of State for (PP) requesting his intervention for early redressal of this genuine grievance of the above named pensioner who has been running from pillar to post to get his dues. The Association refers to the DOP&PW OM 34/1/99-P&PW(G) dated 12.11.1999 which was issued to Railways to clarify that “in cases where the pensioner is exonerated as a result of departmental proceedings, commutation of pension is deemed to have fallen due on the date of retirement, as if no proceeding was initiated against him, provided he had applied for the same”. The Association has submitted that “this clarification issued by DOP&PW exactly fits in the case of Shri Banabara Swain, the pensioner in question. Unfortunately, DOT is not taking cognizance of the contents of this OM and therefore the DOP&PW needs to step in”.  View the letter

25.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA HAS AGAIN TAKEN UP THE ISSUE OF PROVISION OF MOBILE CONNECTIONS IN LIEU OF LANDLINE TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL RESIDING IN TNF AREARS AND WHOSE CONNECTIONS WERE WITHDRAWN FOLLOWING CLOSURE OF WLL EXCHANGES:

In a letter addressed to CMD, BSNL, AIBSNLREA has submitted that ‘we had been requesting the BSNL Management for the last few years to allow provision of mobile connections in lieu of the concessional land line connections, as admissible as per the policy laid by the Corporate Office, to the retired BSNL employees residing in “Technically Not Feasible” areas. Some of these retired employees, residing in such areas were earlier provided connections from WLL Exchanges. But now they are not having the facility due to the policy decision of Corporate Office to close all the WLL Exchanges in the country’. The Association has expressed its total disappointment that so far BSNL has not given any response to the request. The Association has again cited the case of MP Telecom Circle which issued an Order allowing provision of mobile connections for the retired employees residing in its TNF areas and stated that “It is really surprising that when a Telecom Circle can take such a policy decision, even though Corporate Office alone frame policies on the subject, why the Corporate Office could not take an uniform policy decision on the same issue to be applicable all over India”. The Association has finally sought for the intervention of the CMD in the matter so that an early Order is issued allowing provision of mobile connections to the retired BSNL employees who are residing in TNF areas and also to those whose WLL connections provided earlier have been disconnected.  View the letter

25.07.2019:

JUNAGADH BRANCH OF AIBSNLRERA HELD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING:

A General Body Meeting of Junagadh Branch (Gujarat State) of AIBSNLREA was held on 22.07.2019 at Garden Café Restaurant, Junagadh under the chairmanship of Branch President Shri S D Kanabar. 70 members including some family members were present. Four new members joined the Association. Two minutes’ silence was observed in memory of late Shri T.K.Chitroda and other members/family members who expired within last one year. Four senior members who crossed seventy years were honoured by presentation of shawl and bouquet. Shri K.P.Dobaria, Finance Secretary briefed the members on all current issues and efforts being made by the branch to solve the problems. [Please view Gujarat State Section of State News Page of this website to read the full Report].

24.07.2019:

CBDT EXTENDS LAST DATE OF FILING INCOME TAX RETURNS FOR THE ASSESSMENT YEAR 2019-20 TO 31.08.2019:

Central Board of Direct Taxes has issued an order extending the last date of filing income-tax returns for the assessment year 2019-20 from 30.07.2019 to 31.08.2019 in cases of all tax-payers who are liable to file returns within the due date.  View the letter

24.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA ADDRESSES DDG(ESTT), DOT REQUESTING TO INTIMATE ACTION TAKEN ON ITS REPRESENTATION THAT WAS FORWARDED BY DOP&PW ON THE ISSUE OF NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY BSNL PENSIONERS UNDER BSNLMRS:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to DDG(Estt), DOT to know the action taken on our representation in which the Association had sought the intervention of Secretary (Telecom) in the matter of non-imbursement of medical claims submitted by the BSNL pensioners for both outdoor and indoor treatment for over several months. The said representation was forwarded to DDG(Esst) by DOP&PW [View posting dated 05.06.2019 in this website to read DOP&PW letter]  View the letter

24.07.2019:

CCA, GUJARAT CIRCLE TO HOLD PENSION ADALAT:

As a part of National Pension Adalat Program, Controller of Communication Accounts, Gujarat Circle has notified to hold a Pension Adalat at 6th Floor Conference Hall, P&T Administrative Building, Khanpur, Ahmedabad-380001 for the retired employees from BSNL and DOT from all SSAs under Gujarat Circle on 23rd August 2019 at 11.30 hours. Pensioners can send their pension related grievances to the Assistant CCA(Pension), o/o CCA, Ahmedabad on or before 31.07.2019.

23.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REGARDING NON-RESLOVING THE GRIEANCES OF THE PENSIONERS BY DOT TO MAKE THE PENSIONERS’ GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM INEFFECTIVE– CITES THE CASE OF THE GRIEVANCE OF THE ASSOCIATION REGARDING PENSION CONTRIBUTION OF THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES THAT WAS SENT BY PMO TO SECRETARY (TELECOM):

Being aggrieved by the action of the Department of Telecommunications in non-resolving the grievance of the Association on pension contribution of the absorbed BSNL employees which was addressed to the Prime Minister and sent by PMO to Secretary (Telecom) and then closure of the case by terming it as a policy issue, AIBSNLREA has now addressed a letter to the Prime Minister and sought for his intervention. The Association has stated in this letter that “Department of Telecommunications has made it a practice not to resolve the genuine grievances of the pensioners and put them in cold storage. We can cite numerous cases on this. However, we take this opportunity to cite a recent case wherein we had sought for your kind intervention to render justice to the absorbed BSNL pensioners, by allowing application of the same principle as allowed by Department of Expenditure vide its ID Note No. MoF (DoE) ID No.228 (SO)E-III(A)/08 dated 19.12.2008 to calculate the pension contribution for the Government employees on foreign service basing on their “existing basic pay’” instead of “maximum of the scales” w.e.f. 1.1.2006, also in respect of the absorbed BSNL employees. In fact, on receipt of the approval from DOE, the Department of Personnel & Training had issued the necessary Orders on this issue vide its OM No 2/34/2008-Estt. (Pay II) dated 19.11.2009. Our representation on this subject vide our No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2019/22 dated 01.06.2019 was duly forwarded to Secretary (Telecom) for action appropriate by your Office vide PMO ID No. PMOPG/D/2019/0183439 dated 10.06.2019”. The Association has further stated that “instead of examining the issue and taking up the matter further with Department of Expenditure, Department of Telecommunication has chosen to close the case by terming this as a policy matter”. The Association has finally pleaded that Department of Telecommunication should allow calculation of pension contribution of the absorbed BSNL employees basing on their “existing basic pay” instead of “maximum of the pay scales” under the same principle for calculation of pension contribution as decided by Department of Expenditure for the Government employees on foreign service w.e.f. 1.1.2006 and also refrain from closing the representations of the pensioners or their Associations without redressing the grievances.  View the letter

23.07.2019:

KOLHAPUR BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD QUATERLY GB MEETING:

Quarterly GB Meeting of Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLEA was held on 21st July, 2019. The meeting started at 11 AM with Branch President Shri L M Godi on the chair who welcomed all the members including the new members who attended the meeting. 71 members participated in the meeting and 5 new members joined the Association. The House observed two minutes’ silence to pay homage to the veteran Leader and AGS of AICGPA, Pune. Then the new members S/Shri C. M. Urolagin, V. T. Divate, A. V. Sabrad from Kolhapur and Shri M. D. Yadav from Sangli and Shri P. A. Patil from Karad were welcomed by the President and Secretary. Branch Secretary… [To read the full report, please view Maharashtra State Section of State News Page of this website].

22.07.2019:

SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL LIFE CERTIFICATE BY THE SENIOR PENSIONERS OF 80 YEARS AND ABOVE IN AGE- GOVERNMENT RELAXES RULE:

Considering the difficulties of the Senior Pensioners 80 years and above in submission of their Annual Life Certificate, Government has now issued Orders permitting them to submit Life Certificate one month in advance. These Senior Pensioners have been allowed to give their Life Certificate w.e.f. 1st October every year instead of November which would be valid till 30th November of the subsequent year.  View the DoP&PW letter

22.07.2019:

GRANT OF CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS TO THE TES GROUP B OFFICERS/SDEs TELECOM WHOSE SENIORITY HAS BEEN REVISED AS PER PARA 206 OF P&T MANUAL VOLUME-IV ON THE DIRECTION OF SUPREME COURT- AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM):

Now that BSNL has circulated a letter to all the Circles indicating therein that BSNL is now going to process the case for extending the consequential benefits only to those TES Group B Officers who were ordered to be promoted by BSNL to AGM(T) grade after its formation, AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) so that DOT immediately settles the case for extending consequential benefits to those senior TES Group B Officers whose promotion orders to DE grade on adhoc basis were issued by Department of Telecommunications much earlier to formation of BSNL. The Association has pointed out that if the consequential benefits to these TES Group B Officers, who were promoted by DOT before formation of BSNL and whose names find place in the revised Seniority List above the names of those promoted subsequently by BSNL, is not settled before hand, series of anomalies and discrimination will crop up inviting even more litigations.  View the letter

20.07.2019:

IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON SENIORITY OF THE TES GROUP B OFFICERS/SDE TELECOM AS PER RULE-206 OF P&T MANUAL VOLUME-IV AND GRANT OF CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS THEREOF:

Under pressure, BSNL Corporate Office has finally initiated action, though in a controversial manner, to grant consequential benefits to the TES Group B Officers/SDEs Telecom whose names are figuring in the revised Seniority Lists. It has also circulated the list of orders for promotion issued to AGM (T) grade, both on adhoc and regular basis, since formation of BSNL and has asked the Circles to provide copy of promotion orders issued, if any, left out in the list, in order to process the case for granting consequential benefits. However, nothing has been mentioned about the cases of those whose adhoc promotion Orders were issued by DOT before formation of BSNL and whose names also find place in the revised Seniority Lists. Unless the cases of the old promotees in DE grade, who are seniors, are not processed and settled, series of anomalies will crop up in the manner in which BSNL plans to move.  View the BSNL letter

20.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO DDG(ESTT), DOT REQUESTING EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE CASE OF SHRI SHANKAR SINGH YADAV, RETD JTO OF MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE REGARDING GRANT OF NOTIONAL PROMOTION AFTER HIS RETIREMENT ON HIS ACQUITAL FROM THE CHARGES IN TERMS OF DOP&T OM NO. 22011/3/2013-Estt. (D) DATED 25.01.2016:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to DDG(Estt), Department of Telecommunications on the above issue, quoting the office letter No. DOP&PW No. 4/04/2019-P&PW(D)/41014 dated 09.04.2019 of DOP&PW wherein the original representation of the Association addressed to Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW was enclosed for taking necessary action as per extant rules on our representation [View postings dated 25.03.2019 and 31.04.2019 in this website to read the representation of the Association and the response from DOP&PW respectively]. The Association has now requested “for early settlement of the case and also to intimate the progress made to render justice to Shri Shankar Singh Yadav, Retd JTO by allowing him the benefit of “notional promotion” and other consequential pensionary benefits as stipulated in DOP&T OM No. 22011/3/2013-Estt. (D) dated 25.01.2016”.  View the letter

19.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE CASE OF SHRI V VELAPPAN, RETD DGM, TAMILNADU CIRCLE REGARDING NON-REFUND OF HIS GPF CONTRIBUTIONS AND INETEREST ACCRUED THEREON FOR THE PERIOD OF NOVEMBER 1986 TO SEPTEMBER 1990:

AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up this issue with Secretary (Pension) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Telecom) [View posting dated 10.05.2019 in this website to read the letter]. This representation from the Association was duly acknowledged by the Office of the Secretary (Telecom), but the issue is still not resolved. Therefore. Association has again taken up the issue with Secretary (Telecom) requesting her intervention so that Shri Velappan, Retd DGM “gets back his GPF contributions with accrued interest for the period November 1986 to September 1990 without any further delay”.  View the letter

17.07.2019:

CGHS FACILITIES TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES - AIBSNLREA RAISES THE ISSUE REGARDING THE PROBLEM FACED BY THE WILLING RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES TO SWITCH OVER TO CGHS:

AIBSNLREA has brought to the notice of the Secretary (Telecom) about the problem being faced by the Retired BSNL employees – particularly the Retired BSNL Executives to arrange for the one-time subscription to be paid to the CGHS authorities which runs even to over Rupees one lakh. In order to overcome the problem, the Association has suggested and stated that ”once the retired BSNL employees, desirous of joining CGHS, surrender their BSNLMRS Card and produce the demand letter from the CGHS authorities for depositing the subscription as fixed, let BSNL immediately arrange payment of entire amount as advance to the concerned pensioners who would be required to submit the Receipt issued by the CGHS authorities within a fortnight to the Units which sanctioned them the advance. We firmly believe that this arrangement will motivate those retired BSNL employees to switch over to CGHS who are hesitant to do so since they are unable to arrange for such a huge amount to be paid as subscription”.  View the letter

15.07.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SHRI RAM BILAS PASWAN, MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION URGING HIM TO HELP THE BSNL PENSIONERS TO GET JUSTICE BY TAKING UP THE ISSUE OF ALLOWING CALCULATION OF PENSION CONTRIBUTION BASING ON THE EXISTING BASIC PAY OF THE ABSORBED BSNL EMPLOYEES WITH THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES IN THE GOVERNMENT:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution requesting him to take up the issue of calculation of pension contribution in respect of absorbed BSNL employees basing on their existing pay instead of maximum of the pay scales with the appropriate authorities in the Government stating further the background that ”even as former Communication Minister in the Government under Late Atal Bihari Bajpayee in the year 2000, you may still have great concern for the ex-employees of Department of Telecommunications who were scared to join newly floated Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited but finally took absorption on your declaration that their future will be safe in BSNL which will have all the protections from the Government and would even be granted Navaratna status”. The Association has pointed out that DOE had allowed calculation of pension contribution of the Government employees who are on foreign service basing on their ‘existing basic pay’ in place of ‘maximum of the pay scales’ w.e.f 1.1.2006 on the ground that in view of introduction of time bound upgradation no Government employees will reach the maximum of the scales. The Association has pleaded that since in BSNL because of introduction of time bound financial upgradation no executive/non-executive will ever reach the maximum of the scales, the pension contribution for the absorbed BSNL employees be calculated basing on the ‘existing basic pay”. The Association has further written that “In view of our past experience with your resolve to render justice to all in need, we earnestly request you to take up this genuine issue with the appropriate authority in the Government for early resolution. We may mention here that allowing calculation of pension contribution in respect of absorbed BSNL employees basing on the “existing basic pay” in place of “maximum of the pay scales”, as in the case of Government servants w.e.f. 1.1.2006, will help BSNL to save huge money that Department of Telecommunication is claiming every year. This money can be gainfully utilized for financial revival of BSNL which in turn will make it affordable to allow pay scale revision of the BSNL employees which eventually will pave the way for revision of pension of the absorbed BSNL pensioners”.  View the letter

13.07.2019:

INTERVENTION OF PRIME MINISTER SOUGHT IN THE MATTER OF DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PENSION BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXTRA INCREMENT GRANTED ON POST BASED PROMOTION IN RESPECT OF THE BSNL EXECUTIVES WHO RETIRED BETWEEN JULY 2017 AND APRIL 2018:

Having failed to get any response from Department of Telecommunication on the repeated request to get justice to a section of the BSNL Executives who were promoted under BSNL Executive Promotion Policy and retired between July 2017 and April 2018, but denied the benefit of fixation of pension by taking into account the one extra increment granted on their post-based promotion, AIBSNLREA has now taken up the issue with Prime Minister of India. In this case, the other BSNL Executives who retired earlier to July 2017 and subsequent to April 2018 under the same BSNL Executive Promotion Policy were allowed the benefit. The Association last took up the matter with Secretary (Telecom) on 11.03.2019 [View posting dated 11.03.2019 in this website to read the said letter].  View the letter

11.07.2019:

CHENNAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD ITS ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING:

Chennai Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its Annual General Body Meeting at 10.00 AM on 20th July, 2019 at Saravana Bhavan, No. 25, 10th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai-400083. All members of the Branch and other retired executives, desirous to join the Association, are requested to attend the meeting. Shri L Sundararaman, Branch Secretary may be contacted on his mobile No. 9445066061 for further details.

07.07.2019:

DOT ISSUES REVISED MAPPING OF PAY AND SCALES FROM IDA TO CDA FOR DETERMINING CGHS SUBSCRIPTION AND WARD ENTITLEMENT OF THE RETIRED BSNL/MTNL PENSIONERS WHO ARE IN RECEIPT OF PENSION FROM CENTRAL CIVIL ESTIMATES:

Following issue of orders by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare revising the rates of monthly CGHS subscription and entitlement of Wards in Private Hospitals empaneled under CGHS, the Department of Telecommunication has also issued Orders for corresponding revision w.e.f. 1.1.2017 in mapping of Pay & Scales from IDA to CDA in respect of the retired BSNL/MTNL employees receiving pension from Central Civil Estimate and CGHS facilities. This is to enable CGHS in deciding the rate of CGHS contribution and ward entitlement in respect of the retired BSNL/MTNL employees who receive pension from Central Civil Estimates and CGHS facilities.  View DoT order

07.07.2019:

QUARTERLY GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, VADODARA BRANCH HELD:

Quarterly General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Vadodara Branch, Gujarat State was held on 1st July, 2019 at 11.00 hrs in the banquet hall of Hotel Utsav. President Shri I A Patel welcomed all the members in the meeting. Branch Secretary Shri R T Shah presented a brief report on the current issues and discussions were also held on those issues. All the senior members who have crossed 70 years of age were honoured with presentation of shawls. Asst. Branch Secretary Shri A J Biniwale presented votes of thanks to all the participants. Lunch was served after the meeting.  View photos

06.07.2019:

E-JOURNAL JULY 2019 ISSUE:

July 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.07.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2019 from 141.4% to 146.7% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

05.07.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.7.2019 from 307.5% to 316.6% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders

05.07.2019:

NO TAX RELIEF FOR PENSIONERS/SALARIED EMPLOYEES:

There is no tax relief in the Union Budget placed in the Parliament to-day. No tax for income upto Rs 5 lakhs, as announced in the Interim budget, continues to hold good for all including the pensioners. With standard deduction of Rs. 50,000/-, deductions upto Rs. 1.5 lakh under section 80C and further deduction of Rs. 50,000/- against interest income on fixed deposits/Savings Bank deposits under section 80TTB, a pensioner with income upto Rs. 7.50 lakh will not be required to pay tax. If other entitled deductions are added, the no tax limit may go a little higher. There is no change in tax slabs also. The budget announcement has naturally disappointed the tax payers – specially the pensioners.

28.06.2019:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.7.2019:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.7.2019 by 5.3% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 9% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

24.06.2019:

DENIAL OF APPLICATION OF DOP&PW OM NO. 34/1/99-P&PW(G) DATED 12.11.1999 ALLOWING COMMUTATION OF PENSION TO A PENSIONER EXONERATED AS A RESULT OF DEPARTMENTAL PROCEEDINGS FROM THE DATE OF HIS RETIREMENT BY THE CCA, ODISHA – AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF SHRI BANABARA SWAIN, RETD DGM & EX-PRINCIPAL, RTTC, BHUBANESWAR:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Secretary (Pension) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Telecom) on the above issue since the Controller of Communication Accounts, Department of Telecommunications, Odisha is denying to settle the Commutation of Pension of the above-named pensioner as per the clarification issued by DOP&PW vide its OM No. 34/1/99-P&PW(G) dated 12.11.1999 wherein it has been clearly stated that “in cases where the pensioner is exonerated as a result of departmental proceedings, commutation of pension is deemed to have fallen due on the date of retirement, as if no proceeding was initiated against him, provided he had applied for the same”. The Association has requested to advise DOT to settle this case in the light of this clarifications issued vide above mentioned DOP&PW OM dated 12.11.1999.  View the letter

21.06.2019:

GRIEVANCE REGARDING NON-PAYMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS AND REVISED PENSION TO SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR TRIPATHI, RETD SDE, NTR, KOTA BY THE O/o Pr. CCA, NEW DELHI - DOT ADVISES PR. CCA, NEW DELHI FOR EXAMINATION AND DISPOSAL OF THE CASE:

AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Secretary (Telecom) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW [View posting dated 13.05.2019 in this website to read the letter], following which DoP&PW had forwarded the same to Department of Telecommunication for action as per extant rules [View posting dated 09.06.2019 in this website to read the DoP&PW letter]. Now, Department of Telecommunication has forwarded the said AIBSNLREA’s representation to Principal CCA, New Delhi advising him for examination and disposal of the case under intimation to DoT. Copy of this DoT letter has also been endorsed to DoP&PW and AIBSNLREA.  View the DoT letter

20.06.2019:

CCA GUJARAT TO HOLD PENSION ADALAT AT RAJKOT:

Controller of Communication Accounts, Gujarat is holding a Pension Adalat at 2nd Floor, Conference Hall, Kasturaba Road Exchange, Near Chaudhary High School, Rajkot-360001 on 28.06.2019 at 12.00 hours to redress the grievances of the employees retired from Bhavnagar, Amreli, Junagadh, Jamnagar, Bhuj and Rajkot SSAs. The pensioners can send their grievances in writing to Assistant CCA(Pension), o/o Controller of Communication Accounts, 7th Floor, P&T Administrative Building, Khanpur, Ahmedabad 380001 or can send by fax on Fax No. 079-25510697 on or before 21.06.2019.

18.06.2019:

PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REGARDING DENIAL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DOP&T OM DATED 19.11.2009 ALLOWING PENSION CONTRIBUTION AS PER FR-116 ON THE BASIS OF ACTUAL PAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ALSO TO THE ABSORBED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL AND MTNL TO THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

Prime Minister’s Office has since forwarded the representation of AIBSNLREA dated 01.06.2019 [ View posting dated 03.06.2019 in this website to read the letter] to the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications for action as appropriate. In this representation, AIBSNLREA had requested the intervention of the Prime Minister for implementation of DOP&T OM dated 19.11.2009, allowing calculation of pension contribution basing on the existing pay in place of maximum of the pay scale of the Government employees w.e.f. 01.01.2006, in respect of BSNL and MTNL employees also. The Association had cited the Inter Departmental Note of Department of Expenditure which justified the decision to allow calculation of pension contribution basing on existing pay on the ground that “With the introduction of Modified ACP Scheme under which an employee will now get financial upgradation to the next higher grade pay on completion of 10 years of service, under normal circumstances, no government servant is likely to remain in a particular grade for more than 10 years”. The Association had pointed out that in BSNL also, no absorbed employee remains in a particular grade for more than 4 to 5 years in case of Executives and 7 to 8 years in case of non-executives and thus the grounds on which pension contribution basing on existing pay was allowed for the Government employees by DOE are equally applicable to the absorbed BSNL employees. The Association had requested intervention of Prime Minister so that Department of Expenditure takes a logical and early decision in consonance with its own reasoning on the issue of pension contribution for the BSNL and MTNL employees based on existing pay.  View the PMO letter

14.06.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING ABNORMAL DELAY IN EXTENDING THE CONSEQUENTIAL BENEFITS TO THE JTOs QUALIFIED IN TES GROUP ‘B’ QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS ON REVISION OF THEIR SENIORITY IN TES GROUP ‘B’ FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT DELIVERED ON 14.12.2017:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) with copies to others concerned on the above issue requesting her intervention in this matter and urging her to advise BSNL and the Personnel Branch of DOT to implement the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in their letter and spirits and to ensure that no discrimination is made against the BSNL executives irrespective of whether they were promoted to DE(T)/DGM(T) by DOT or BSNL in ensuring extension of consequential benefits to all the pensioners absorbed as Executives in Telecom stream in BSNL.  View the letter

13.06.2019:

PALAKKAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD GB MEETING:

A General Body Meeting of Palakkkad Branch of Kerala State was held on 11.06.2019 at TOP IN TOWN Conference Hall, Palakkad at 11 AM. 54 members attended the meeting. 7 new members were enrolled. The meeting was presided over by Shri K.Haridas, Retd DGM. Shri Prabhakaran, Branch Secretary welcomed the participants. During the discussions on organisational matters, the Secretary and the President explained the liquidity crunch being faced by BSNL for settling various claims of the employees and the pensioners and the consequent delay in the payment of medical claims of all nature. The meeting unanimously resolved that urgent action is required to be taken from the side of the Central Govt and the DOT without further delay to revive BSNL to regain its past glory. The meeting concluded after the vote of thanks presented by Shri Krishnanunni, Asst Branch Secretary. The members dispersed after the Lunch that was served after conclusion of the meeting.

12.06.2019:

ANNUAL GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH HELD:

AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State Branch held its Annual General Body cum Get togetherMeeting in Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Ahmedabad on 10.06.2019 at 2.30 PM. About 275 members attended the meeting. 25 new members were also enrolled. Total strength of State Branch reached 1244 life members. Shri P.B.Parmar, State President presided over the meeting. He welcomed the members and appraised them with current problem of re-imbursement of medical bills and pension revision. The meeting started with lighting of the lamp. It was followed with observance of two minutes silence in memory of the departed members. Senior members above 70 years of age as on 31.03.2019 were honoured with Shawl and Bouquet. [For full Report of the meeting, please visit Gujarat State Section of State News page of this website].

11.06.2019:

DOT FOWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION EXPRESSING ITS DISSAPOINTMENT ON THE REPLY RECEIVED ON ITS COMPLAINT REGARDING FORCING ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS TO PURCHASE MEDICINES ONLY FROM THE STORES HAVING LARGE NETWORK OR OTHER ONLINE STORES OFFERING MINIMUM 12% DISCIOUNTS BY MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE TO BSNL FOR APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL ACTION:

AIBSNLREA had earlier addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) with copies endorsed to others [view posting dated 21.05.2019 in this website to read the letter] expressing its total disappointment that the genuine grievance raised by the Association on the above issue remained unsettled and the DOT letter No. DOTEL/P/2019/00435 dated 16.04.2019 attaching a copy of an internal communication from the AGM (Admn), BSNL, Maharashtra Telecom Circle to the Dy General Manager (Admn), BSNL, Maharashtra Telecom, vide No. A/Admn-I/Medical Pharmacy/2018/18 dated 10.04.2019, was far from satisfactory [View posting dated 28.04.2019 in this website to read this letter]. Now Department of Telecommunication has forwarded the said representation of the Association to BSNL for appropriate remedial action.  View the DoT letter

09.06.2019:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION DATED 11.05.2019 TO DOT REGARDING NON-PAYMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS AND REVISED PENSION TO SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR TRIPATHI, RETD SDE, NTR, KOTA BY PR CCA, NEW DELHI:

AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Secretary (Telecom) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW [View posting dated 13.05.2019 in this website to read the letter]. Now Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded the said representation to DDG(Estt.), Department of Telecommunication to take appropriate necessary action in the matter as per extant rules.  View the DoP&PW letter

06.06.2019:

E-JOURNAL JUNE 2019 ISSUE:

June 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.06.2019:

AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ON NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITH OR WITHOUT VOUCHERS AND CLAIMS FOR INDOOR TREATMENT UNDER BSNLMRS - DOP&PW FORWARDS THE REPRESENTATION TO DOT:

AIBSNLREA had addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Pension) highlighting the acute problems of the absorbed BSNL pensioners due to non-reimbursement of their medical claims both for outdoor and indoor treatment [View posting dated 15.05.2019 in this website to read the letter]. Now Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has forwarded the said representation to DDG(Estt.), Department of Telecommunications to take appropriate necessary action in the matter.  View the DoP&PW letter

04.06.2019:

DOP&PW OPENS CALL CENTRE WITH TOLL-FREE NUMBER 1800-11-1960 TO LODGE GRIEVANCES BY THE PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS WHO ARE VERY OLD AND NOT SO TECHNO SAVVY AND CANNOT LODGE GRIEVANCE IN CPENGRAMS:

Considering the problems being faced especially by the very old and not so techno savvy pensioners/family pensioners to lodge their grievances online with CPENGRAMS, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Government of India has opened a Call Center with toll free number 1800-11-1960 which will be operational during office-hours. The pensioners can now lodge their grievance by calling on this Toll-Free number.  View the DoP&PW order

04.06.2019:

AIBSNLREA, GUJARAT STATE BRANCH TO HOLD ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING:

Gujarat State Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its Annual General Body Meeting on 10th June, 2019 at Ahmedabad Medical Association Hall, Ahmedabad at 15.00 Hrs sharp. The senior members, aged above 70 years, will be honoured with presentation of shawl and bouquet. Election of new State Office Bearers will also take place. Dr. Nitin Singhal of Apollo Hospital has agreed to grace the occasion as Chief Guest. All members and other retired executives are requested to attend the meeting.

03.06.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REQUESTING HIS INTERVENTION IN THE MATTTER OF DENIAL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DOP&T OM DATED 19.11.2009 ALLOWING PENSION CONTRIBUTION AS PER FR-116 FOR THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ON THE BASIS OF ACTUAL PAY IN RESPECT OF THE ABSORBED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL AND MTNL ALSO:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Prime Minister of India seeking his intervention for implementation of DOP&T OM dated 19.11.2009, allowing calculation of pension contribution basing on the existing pay in place of maximum of the pay scale of the Government employees w.e.f. 01.01.2006, in respect of BSNL and MTNL employees also. The Association cites the Inter Departmental Note of Department of Expenditure which justified the decision to allow calculation of pension contribution basing on existing pay on the ground that “With the introduction of Modified ACP Scheme under which an employee will now get financial upgradation to the next higher grade pay on completion of 10 years of service, under normal circumstances, no government servant is likely to remain in a particular grade for more than 10 years”. The Association has argued that similarly in case of BSNL also, no absorbed employee will remain in a particular grade for more than 4 to 5 years in case of Executives and 7 to 8 years in case of non-executives and thus the grounds on which calculation of pension contribution basing on existing pay was allowed for the Government employees by DOE are equally applicable to the absorbed BSNL employees also. The Association has finally requested Prime Minister “to kindly intervene in the matter and advise the Department of Expenditure to take a logical and early decision in consonance with its own reasoning on the issue of pension contribution, so that BSNL and MTNL get huge financial relief at this critical juncture which is just and overdue”.  View the letter

02.06.2019:

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE REPLIES TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO PRIME MINISTER REQUESTING TO GET THE PRICES OF MEDICINES USED FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES LIKE DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION SLASHED:

In the posting dated 16.02.2019 in this website it was informed that the Prime Minister’s Office had forwarded the AIBSNLREA’ representation to the Prime Minister, requesting to get the prices of some medicines used for treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension slashed, to the Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare. Now the said Department has put up the reply in the pg portal giving details of action taken so far to cap the prices of medicines which includes those used for Hypertension and Diabetes.  View the DoH&FA reply

31.05.2019:

CONSULTATION FROM SPECIALISTS AT CGHS EMPANELLED HOSPITALS IN RESPECT OF BENEFICIARIES AGED 75 YEARS AND ABOVE– DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE RELAXES RULES:

In an important development and allowing relief to the aged CGHS beneficiaries, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued an Order stating that the CGHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and above shall be permitted to seek direct OPD consultation from Specialists of private hospitals empaneled under CGHS without referral from CGHS Wellness Centres. In addition, if any investigations/procedures are advised and are required in emergency, no other authorization is required.  View the DoH&FA order

30.05.2019:

DOT’S RESPONSE TO THE REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA REQUESTING GRANT OF ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN ON NOTIONAL BASIS FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES:

AIBSNLREA had earlier made several representations to the concerned authorities on the above issue since 2015. Following a Madras High Court judgment in an individual case allowing the benefit to the petitioner and the Supreme Court dismissing the SLP of the Government, the Association again took up the matter with the concerned authorities. Now, DOT has disposed-off our said representation quoting the existing provision on the matter in Rule 33 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 which does not allow the benefit. Thus, our effort to get the benefit to all similarly placed pensioners did not meet with success.  View the DoT letter

27.05.2019:

VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON DIRECT TAXES – AIBSNLREA SUBMITS ITS VIEWS AS APPLICABLE TO THE PENSIONERS:

As the new Government is to present its full budget in Parliament in July 2019, AIBSNLREA has since submitted its views and suggestions to the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare on direct taxes as to be applicable to the pensioners for the consideration of the Government of India. The Association has requested full exemption of income tax on pension, interests earned from Bank deposits, interests on Sr Citizens Savings Schemes, pension from Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana and reimbursement of medical claims for outdoor treatment.  View the letter

24.05.2019:

PROVISION OF MOBILE CONNECTION IN LIEU OF LANDLINE TO THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF BSNL RESIDING IN TNF AREAS AND CLOSURE OF WLL EXCHANGES - AIBSNLREA NOW TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH CMD, BSNL:

AIBSNLREA has now taken up the above issue with CMD, BSNL stating that the Association had been taking up the issue for the last few years and even had a meeting GM(Admn) on 22.12.2016. The Association was given to understand that the matter was under active consideration and a decision would follow soon. But the matter still remains unsettled. AIBSNLREA has again said that though retired BSNL employees are entitled to get concessional telephone connection, many of them are not being extended the benefit since the area in which they are residing are declared as TNF areas and due to closure of WLL Exchanges even the WLL connections have been withdrawn. The Association has further cited the Order issued by MP Telecom Circle allowing the provision of Mobile connection to the retired/retiring BSNL employees who are not provided Land Line facility due to non-feasibility or availing existing WLL connection which has given relief to the affected retired employees. The Association has stated in its letter that “it is surprising that when a Telecom Circle can take such a policy decision, why the Corporate Office cannot take a uniform policy decision on the same issue to be applicable all over India. After all, policies for provision of concessional telephone facility to the retired BSNL employees are the subject matter of Corporate Office”. The Association has finally requested CMD, BSNL “to kindly advise the concerned Officers to issue early Orders allowing provision of mobile connection to the retired BSNL employees who are residing in TNF areas and the WLL connections earlier provided to some of them have been disconnected”.  View the letter

21.05.2019:

NON-SETTLEMENT OF THE GENUINE ISSUE OF FORCING ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS TO PURCHASE MEDICINES ONLY FROM THE STORES HAVING LARGE NETWORK OR OTHER ONLINE STORES OFFERING MINIMUM 12% DISCIOUNTS– CASE OF BSNL, MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter on the above issue to Secretary (Telecom) expressing its total disappointment that the above genuine grievance raised by the Association still remains unsettled and the DOT letter No. DOTEL/P/2019/00435 dated 16.04.2019 attaching a copy of an internal communication from the AGM (Admn), BSNL, Maharashtra Telecom Circle to the Dy General Manager (Admn), BSNL, Maharashtra Telecom, vide No. A/Admn-I/Medical Pharmacy/2018/18 dated 10.04.2019, only gives present status of the issue at the Circle level and this is far from satisfactory [View posting dated 28.04.2019 in this website to read the letter]. The Association, in its letter, has mentioned that four specific points which arose in this case have not been answered by the Circle administration. Secretary (Telecom) has now been requested to kindly advise BSNL Management to immediately intervene in the matter and get the issue resolved at the earliest by getting its Maharashtra Telecom Circle to withdraw its irregular Order dated 07.07.2018.  View the letter

20.05.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CMD, BSNL REQUESTING TO CHANGE THE EXISTING METHOD OF DECIDING THE ANNUAL CEILING LIMIT FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT BASED ON PAY DRAWN AT THE TIME OF RETIREMENT TO BASIC PENSION AS REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME:

Referring to its earlier letter addressed to Principal General Manager (Admn), BSNL Corporate Office submitting its suggestions in connection with review of existing medical policy (view posting dated 25.02.2019 in this website to read the letter), AIBSNLREA has now requested Chairman & Managing Director, BSNL to examine on priority and accept the request to bring an uniformity in the matter of inputs to decide the annual ceiling limit for outdoor treatment of the absorbed BSNL pensioners basing on their pension as revised from time to time instead of last pay drawn at the time of retirement in the pre-revised or post-revised pay scales to avoid discrimination and disparity. The Association has reiterated its position that the ceiling limit so arrived at by adding the DA as admissible on 1st April of the years has to be multiplied by 2 to bring parity with the serving employees.  View the letter

17.05.2019:

NON-EXTENDING THE BENEFIT OF NOTIONAL PROMOTION AND CONSEQUENTIAL PENSIONARY BENEFITS IN TERMS OF DOP&PT OM NO. 22011/3/2013-Estt.(D) DATED 25.01.2016- AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF SHRI R R GARG, RETD JTO, BSNL, GUJARAT TELECOM CIRCLE WITH SECRETARY (TELECOM):

AIBSNLREA has since taken up the case of Shri R. R. Garg, Retd JTO, Gujarat Telecom Circle, who was considered for promotion to TES Group B by a duly constituted DPC held in the year 2002 and findings of which was kept in sealed cover, but has not got his due notional promotion by opening the sealed cover in terms of DOP&T OM No. 22011/3/2013-Estt.(D) dated 25.01.2016 even after his acquittal from the charges by a CBI Court and consequent absorption in BSNL. The Association has addressed letter to Secretary (Telecom) and sought her intervention “so that justice is bestowed on Shri R.R.Garg, Retd JTO, since absorbed in BSNL, by allowing him notional promotion by opening the sealed cover of the DPC held in the year 2002 as per provisions of the above quoted DOP&T O.M.”.  View the letter

15.05.2019:

NON-REIMBURSEMENT OF CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT WITH OR WITHOUT VOUCHERS AND CLAIMS FOR INDOOR TREATMENT UNDER BSNLMRS - AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF THE ABSORBED BSNL PENSIONERS WITH SECRETARY(TELECOM):

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) with copy endorsed to Secretary (Pension) highlighting the acute problems of the absorbed BSNL pensioners due to non-reimbursement of their medical claims both for outdoor and indoor treatment. The Association has stated that “Under the BSNLMRS, the retired employees are eligible to get reimbursement of their medical claims for outdoor treatment within the ceiling limit as decided by BSNL and also the claims for reimbursement of indoor treatment in empaneled hospitals. It may kindly be noted that the BSNL pensioners are not entitled for any kind of medical advance and they are to bear the entire expenses by themselves. The empaneled hospitals do not allow cashless treatment since their bills also remain unpaid for a long period. Thus, timely reimbursement of the claims of the retired employees is essential to allow them to live peacefully by managing their requirement within the meagre pension that they get.” The Association has further added that “BSNL is not clearing the pending claims submitted by the retired employees even during the last half of the financial year 2018-19. It is to be pointed out that the reimbursement of medical claims for outdoor treatment attracts deduction of TDS and the concerned retired employees are to submit the details while submitting their Income Tax returns. Thus, non-reimbursement of claims for outdoor treatment even after the end of financial year has put the concerned pensioners in great trouble”. AIBSNLREA has finally requested Secretary (Telecom) to advise BSNL to clear all pending bills and make their immediate payment.  View the letter

13.05.2019:

MP TELECOM CIRCLE ORDERS PROVISION OF MOBILE CONNECTION TO THE RETIRED/RETIRING BSNL EMPLOYEES FOR TWO MONTHS IN VIEW OF CLOSURE OF WLL SERVICES:

AIBSNLREA is the only Association which has been relentlessly pursuing with BSNL Management to provide Mobile connection to the retired/retiring BSNL employees residing in the non-faesible areas and where the WLL connections were closed due to the policy decision of BSNL. BSNL Corporate Office is reported to have already examined the case and is all set to issue an Order on the matter. Meanwhile MP Telecom Circle of BSNL has issued an order allowing provision of pre-paid mobile connection to the retired/retiring employees who are not provided Land Line facility due to non-feasibility or availing existing WLL connection, for a period of two months. We are expecting BSNL Corporate Office to shortly issue an order allowing this benefit, which will be applicable for all Circles.  View the MP Circle Order

13.05.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO SECRETARY (TELECOM) REGARDING NON-PAYMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS AND REVISED PENSION TO SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR TRIPATHI, RETD SDE, NTR, KOTA BY PR CCA, NEW DELHI:

AIBSNLREA has since addressed a letter to Secretary (Telecom) regarding non-payment of pensionary benefits and revised pension to Shri Ravindra Kumar Tripathi, Retd SDE, NTR, Kota whose final retirement Order effective from 30.06.2014 was issued by BSNL Corporate Office and following which NTR, New Delhi had forwarded all the requisite documents to the Pr CCA Office. The Association has requested Secretary (T) to intervene in the matter so that Shri Ravindra Tripathi, SDE is paid his revised pension, DCRG and Commuted Value of Pension without further delay.  View the letter

10.05.2019:

AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE CASE OF NON-REFUND OF GPF CONSTRIBUTION FOR THE PERIOD OF NOVEMBER, 1986 TO SEPTEMBER, 1990 TO SHRI V VELAPPAN, RETD DGM, TAMILNADU TELECOM CIRCLE:

Shri V Velappan, Retd DGM, who was working in MTNL Mumbai as Assistant Engineer from November 1986 till May 1993, did not receive back his GPF contributions and the interests thereon for the period of November 1986 to September 1990 which was duly deducted from his salary and remitted to DMT Coimbatore. Since his numerous representations have failed to yield any fruitful result, AIBSNLREA has now taken up the case with Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ welfare.  View the letter

09.05.2019:

AIBSNLREA, WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH DISCUSSES ISSUES WITH CGM, CALCUTTA TELEPHONES:

: A delegation of AIBSNLREA, WB State Branch comprising of President Shri S C Ray, State Secretary Shri K C Dey, Asst. State. Secretary Shri Sukumar Ghosh and Executive member Shri Ashim Sil met the Chief General Manager, Calcutta Telephones in his chamber on 26/04/2019 and discussed the following burning issues being faced by the retired executive of BSNL, Calcutta Telephones:-
(1) Uniformity of the medical bill payment in all the units under CTD:- The administration assured to maintain uniformity henceforth.
(2) Fixation of pension to retired officiating JTO's in the light of Principal CAT judgement - Cases of S/Shri Tapas Ranjan Banerjee, Jiban Krishna Biswas and others:- The CGM instructed DGM(HR) to look into the cases and settle them early.
(3) Immediate payment of partially held up 25% leave encashment to recently retired executive.- Cases of S/Shri Manas Kumar Das, Avijit Chakraborty and others:- The CGM wanted the cases to be examined.
(4) Withholding of time bound scale upgradation order from E3 - E4 for several retired executives for want of service books:- The matter will be taken up with Principal CCA CTD at the earliest.
(5) Opening of more nodal centres in the jurisdiction of BSNL, Calcutta Telephones for the acceptance of grievances of retired executives as instructed by DOT under the comprehensive Pension Management System:-. The administration assured to consider opening of area-wise nodal centres.
(6) Procedure for switching over from BSNLMRS to CGHS:- The administration referred the latest order published in Medha Intranet/CTD on 29/03/2019 and also advised to opt for CGHS Scheme, if desired.
The Association thanked CGM for the meeting. He assured the representatives of the Association to meet again after three months for review.

06.05.2019:

E-JOURNAL MAY 2019 ISSUE:

May 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

28.04.2019:

MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE’S RESPONSE TO AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION AGAINST THE ORDER FOR ARBITRARY DEDUCTION OF THE COST OF MEDICINES @ 12% FROM THE MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE PENSIONERS/EMPLOYEES:

As reported in this website on 04.04.2019, DOT had forwarded the representation of AIBSNLREA on the above issue to BSNL. The Association wanted withdrawal of the Order issued by Maharashtra Telecom Circle to purchase medicines only from the chain of stores offering discounts and providing home delivery and also ordering 12% deduction of the cost of medicines if purchased from other pharmacies. Now Maharashtra Telecom Circle has sent a report with copy endorsed to AIBSNLREA which has been forwarded by DOT to the Association. The report says that some unions/associations of serving employees of Maharashtra Circle had a meeting with Circle administration in November 2018 on this issue and they were required to give details with justifications for taking up the matter with Corporate Office, but there is no response so far from none of these unions/associations.  View the letter/documents

25.04.2019:

GENERAL BODY MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, AKOLA BRANCH HELD:

AIBSNLREA, Akola (MH) Branch held its General Body meeting on 22nd April 2019 at Conference Hall, O/O GM Telecom, BSNL Akola. Shri N.N. Ambatkar Akola presided over the meeting which was attended by 21 members. Shri A.G. Nema, Branch Secretary welcomed all the members present in the meeting. Branch Secretary also apprised about the latest scenario prevailing in BSNL in respect of revenue constraints. This has resulted in delay in clearing medical claims of retirees. Most of the members received medical claims up to 3 quarters of this financial year but there are some left out cases in which members are yet to receive payments [For full report of the meeting, Maharashtra Section of State News page of this website be viewed].

23.04.2019:

NON-ADDRESSING THE ISSUE REGARDING WRONG APPLICATION OF BSNL ORDER FOR REDUCTION OF NUMBER OF DAYS OF PAY FROM 25 DAYS TO 23 DAYS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATION OF ANNUAL CEILING LIMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR OUTDOOR TREATMENT IN RESPECT OF THE PRE-2007 BSNL PENSIONERS – AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE ISSSUE:

AIBSNLREA has again taken up the above issue since the matter raised in its earlier representation, vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2018/53 dated 11.10.2018, remained unaddressed [Posting dated 13.10.2018 in this website be viewed to read the letter]. The Association has reiterated that the annual ceiling limit for reimbursement of medical claims of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners is governed by a completely different Order vide No. BSNL/Admn.I/14-2/09 dated 8.9.2010. The annual ceiling limit of medical claims for the absorbed pre-2007 BSNL pensioners, who rightly did not receive the benefit of revised pay scales w.e.f. 1.1.2007, was allowed to be calculated based on their pre-revised basic pay. The pre-revised basic pay of pre-2007 pensioner has no connection with fitment benefit of either 68.8% IDA or 78.2% IDA. Thus, the basic pay of the pre-revised BSNL pensioners in their pre-revised pay scale did not undergo any change following raising the fitment benefit from 68.8% IDA to 78.2% IDA for the post-2007 BSNL employees/pensioners. Therefore, the BSNL Office letter No. BSNL/Admn.I/ 15-12/18 dated 10.07.2018, reducing the number of days of pay from 25 days to 23 days, in no way can be applied for pre-2007 absorbed BSNL pensioners. The Association has requested Director (HR), BSNL to cause issue of a suitable clarification to all concerned so that the said BSNL Office letter No. BSNL/Admn.I/15-12/18 dated 10.07.2018, reducing the number of days of pay from 25 days to 23 days, is not applied in respect of pre-2007 BSNL pensioners.  View the letter

22.04.2019:

COMPREHENSIVE PENSION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CPMS) – SOME IMPORTANT POINTS STAND CLARIFIED:

Last year, DOT had launched its Comprehensive Pension Management System (CMPS) to take over the responsibility for direct disbursement of pension to the BSNL/DOT pensioners which was being disbursed through the Banks/Post Offices. From the very beginning, AIBSNLREA had been raising some basic issues which were required to be sorted out to avoid subsequent harassment to the pensioners. Our concerns had been mainly on issues like submission of Annual Life Certificate, issue of monthly Pension slips and Form-16. Now in response to an RTI application by Shri R R Balasubramanian, Asstt Branch Secretary, Chennai on his individual capacity, DOT has replied that Annual Life Certificate can continue to be submitted at the Banks/Post Offices having Jeevan Praman facility. In addition, the Pensioners Service Centre at SSAs and Pensioners’ Lounge at CCA Offices will facilitate online submission of Digital Life Certificate. Pensioners may access the Monthly Pension Slips on his dashboard by logging with his/her User ID and also access the same from his/her registered mail id. SMS alert will be received in the registered mobile number, whenever pension is credited in the bank account. As regards, issue of Form-16, it has been stated that the same will be sent to the pensioner’s address by Post. Further, BSNL has been asked to provide List of locations where Pensioners Service Centres are opened in BSNL SSAs/Units. One can have further detailed information from the Reply received from DOT.  View the DoT reply

21.04.2019:

DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ADDRESSED TO SECRETARY (PENSION) TO DDG(ESTT), DOT REGARDING DENIAL OF THE BENEFIT OF NOTIONAL PROMOTION AND CONSEQUENTIAL PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO SHRI SHANKAR SINGH YADAV, RETD JTO OF MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Secretary(Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, since the issue remained unsettled even after the concerned pensioner made several representations and the Association also taking up the issue with Director(HR), BSNL as back as on 12.02.2018. The pensioner Shri Shankar Singh Yadav, Retd JTO was ordered to be promoted as TES Group Officer by DOT in 1998. But this could not be implemented since a CBI case was registered against him. Subsequently, the Special Court of CBI acquitted him of the charges after his retirement. After this, he got absorbed in BSNL and is now entitled to get the benefit of notional promotion and all other consequential pensionary benefits in terms of DOP&T OM No. 22011/3/2013-Estt.(D) dated 25.01.2016. The Association had sought the personal intervention of Secretary (Pension) in this case to render justice to Shri Shankar Singh Yadav, Retd JTO by allowing him the benefit of “notional promotion” and other consequential pensionary benefits (view posting dated 25.03.2019 in this website to read the letter). DOP&PW has now forwarded the said representation of the Association to DDG(Estt), Department of Telecommunications for necessary action as per extent rules.  View the DoP&PW letter

19.04.2019:

DOP&PW NOW FORWARDS REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA TO BSNL REGARDING ARBITRARY DEDUCTION OF THE COST OF MEDICINES @ 12% FROM THE MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE PENSIONERS/EMPLOYEES – CASES OF MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:

It was reported in this website on 04.04.2019 that DOT has forwarded AIBSNLREA’s representation that was addressed to Director (HR), BSNL and copy endorsed to Secretary (Telecom), DOT and Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW on the above issue to BSNL. The Association had requested for withdrawal of the Order issued by Maharashtra Telecom Circle to purchase medicines only from the chain of stores offering discounts and providing home delivery. It was also ordered 12% deduction of the cost of medicines if purchased from other pharmacies. Association wanted withdrawal of the said Order [View posting dated 17.03.2019 in this website to read the representation]. Now DOP&PW has also forwarded the said representation of the Association to DOT for appropriate necessary action as per extant rules.  View the DoP&PW letter

19.04.2019:

AIBSNLREA, AMBALA BRANCH HOLD GB MEETING:

A general body meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 16th April 2019 at Dilli Durbar Restaurant. The meeting presided over by Shri H.C Madan was attended by 28 members. Two new members joined the branch as life members making the total strength of the branch to 68. The meeting expressed deep shock over the sudden demise of our member Shri R S Bhatia, retired SE Electrical from Jammu on 4th March 2019 at a young age of 65 years. The members stood in silence for two minutes to pay homage to the departed soul. Shri J C Gupta, Branch Secretary briefed the members on the various issues. The members expressed their resentment over non clearance of their medical bills although it was gathered that funds have been allotted to the circle for clearance of all medical claims both with vouchers and without vouchers and also for indoor treatment. A new CGHS dispensary has been opened at Ambala after closing of P & T Dispensary. The Branch Secretary briefed the members about the CGHS facilities, procedure of becoming member of CGHS and replied to the various queries raised by the members. The meeting was followed by lunch and presentation of vote of thanks to the members.

18.04.2019:

BSNL CORPORATE OFFICE FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION ADDRESSED TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL TO THE CGMT, SHIMLA REGARDING NON-EMPANELMENT OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS FOR INDOOR TREATMENT OF BSNL EMPLOYEES/BSNL PENSIONERS:

AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Director (HR), BSNL vide its No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2018/55 dated 17.10.2018 (view posting dated 18.10.2018 in this website to read the letter) followed by a reminder vide No. AIBSNLREA/CHQ/2019/07 dated 12.03.2019 enclosing the List of Private Hospitals empanelled (within the state) with the Government of Himachal Pradesh in which the Central Government employees have also been permitted to take treatment. The Association had urged so that CGMT, Shimla, BSNL allows treatment of the BSNL IDA pensioners and its serving employees in these private hospitals after due negotiations, if needed (view posting dated 13.03.2019 in this website to read the letter). Now BSNL Corporate Office has forwarded this representation to CGMT, Shimla to look into the matter and take necessary action under intimation to the Admn.I Branch of Corporate Office.  View the BSNL letter

15.04.2019:

REQUEST TO ENSURE PAYMENT OF REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS WITH OR WITHOUT VOUCHERS UNDER BSNLMRS BEFORE 31st MARCH, 2019:

AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the above matter with Director (HR), BSNL [view posting dated 26.03.2019 in this website]. The Association has now again taken up the matter stating that the latest drive by BSNL to clear the pending bills upto January, 2019 could not benefit most of the pensioners since the BSNL Units did not process their claims which were submitted long before. The BSNL Units had been just filing the claims on the plea that funds are not being allotted by Corporate Office. The Association has further stated that because of this peculiar mentality of the concerned officials in BSNL Units, the pensioners failed to get their claims settled. The Association has finally requested Director (HR) “to kindly advise all BSNL Units to clear all the pending medical claims received during 2018-19 to facilitate their immediate payment”.  View the letter

12.04.2019:

NON-ISSUE OF FINAL RETIREMENT ORDER AND CONSEQUENT NON-SETTLEMENT OF PENSIONARY BENEFITS – CASE OF SHRI DAYANIDHI SAHOO, RETD CAO, ODISHA TELECOM CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA has taken up the above issue with Director (HR), BSNL. The Association has pointed out in its letter that “Shri Dayanidhi, Sahoo, Retd CAO, while working in Odisha Telecom Circle, was issued a charge sheet for major penalty under Rule-36 of BSNL CDA Rule and awarded punishment of 5% cut in pension for a period of one year. On implementation and completion of this penalty, Odisha Telecom Circle, vide its No. VO/Miss-Corr/2009/934 dated 23.07.2018 had requested BSNL Corporate Office to issue final retirement Order of Shri Dayanidhi Sahoo, Retd CAO”. The Association has also mentioned that in response to a communication from SEA Section of BSNL Corporate Office, Odisha Telecom Circle had also sent all the requested documents vide its No. ST/147-83/17/12 dated 06.12.2018. Since the much-needed final retirement order has not been issued till this day, AIBSNLREA has sought the intervention of Director (HR).  View the letter

09.04.2019:

AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH HOLD QUARTERLY GB MEETING:

Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA held a quarterly GB Meeting on 7th April, 2019 with Shri GV Nanjangud, Vice-President on the Chair. Meeting started with prayer. 75 members were present and 7 new members joined the Association. President welcomed all the Members. Two minutes silence was observed in memory of Late Dr. Shivkumat Swamiji of Tumkur Karnataka, Shri George Fernandes, a Great Trade Union leader and former Union Minister and S/Shri DA Aironi, NC Jain, Org. Secretary of State Body. The house also mourned the demise of wife of Shri HG Joshi in February last. All the new members introduced themselves and were welcomed by the President and Secretary with presentation of flowers. Branch Secretary Shri D K Joshi first greeted all the members on the eve of New Year Day Ugadi Padava [To view the full report, Maharashtra Section of State News page of this website be viewed].

06.04.2019:

E-JOURNAL APRIL 2019 ISSUE:

April 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.04.2019:

GB MEETING OF VADODARA BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

Quarterly General Body Meeting of AIBSNLREA, Vadodara branch was held at 10.30 of 04-04-2019 at Hotel Utsav with Branch President Shri Patel on chair. He welcomed all the members and requested them to freely express their views and suggestions on the issues. Branch Secretary Shri R T Shah then briefed the House on all current issues and activities of the Branch. Non-payment of medical claims remained as an important issue in the meeting. Discussions were also held regarding increasing membership of the Association. The meeting with presentation of Vote of Thanks by Vice President Shri N G Desai. This was followed by lunch.  View Photos

04.04.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2019 from 138.8% to 141.4% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

04.04.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.4.2019 from 303.1% to 307.5% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders

04.04.2019:

DOT FORWARDS REPRESENTATION OF AIBSNLREA TO BSNL REGARDING ARBITRARY DEDUCTION OF THE COST OF MEDICINES @ 12% FROM THE MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE PENSIONERS/EMPLOYEES – CASES OF MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE:

AIBSNLREA had represented to Director (HR), BSNL with copy endorsed to Secretary (Telecom), DOT and Secretary (Pension), DOP&PW on the above issue wherein Maharashtra Telecom Circle had issued instruction to purchase medicines only from the chain of stores offering discounts and providing home delivery. It also ordered 12% deduction of the cost of medicines if purchased from other pharmacies. Association wanted withdrawal of the said Order. [View posting dated 17.03.2019 in this website to read the letter]. Now DOT has forwarded the representation of the Association to BSNL for appropriate remedial action.  View DoT letter

30.03.2019:

VALSAD BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD GB MEETING:

Valsad Branch (Gujarat State) of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 10.03.2019 at PWD Circuit Hose, Valsad. The meeting started at 11.00 hours. The House first observed 2 minutes silence to pay homage to Shri A B Patel, ex-State Secretary, AIBSNLREA, Gujarat State Branch and the martyrs of Phulwama terror attack. Branch Secretary Shri Vasudev J Suthar presented his report on the activities of the branch and other issues connected with the pensioners. All the members participated in the discussions. Non-payment of claims for reimbursement of medical bills with or without vouchers remained as an important issue. The meeting was followed by Lunch served to the participants.

30.03.2019:

INCREASE IN IDA W.E.F. 1.4.2019:

According to calculations based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, IDA is to increase w.e.f. 1.4.2019 by 2.6% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007 and by 4.5% where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.

26.03.2019:

AIBSNLREA REQUEST DIRECTOR(HR), BSNL TO ENSURE PAYMENT OF REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL CLAIMS WITH OR WITHOUT VOUCHERS UNDER BSNLMRS BEFORE 31st MARCH, 2019:

AIBSNLREA has addressed a letter to Director (HR) pointing out that claims from the pensioners for reimbursement of their medical bills for outdoor treatment with or without vouchers for the financial 2018-19, which attract deduction of income tax, are pending for a long time with the respective BSNL units from which they retired. The Association has further requested Director (HR) “to cause issue of instructions to clear payment of all the pending claims before 31.03.2019, so that the pensioners do not find any difficulty in submitting their income tax returns for the assessment year 2019-20”.  View the letter

25.03.2019:

DENIAL OF THE BENEFIT OF NOTIONAL PROMOTION AND CONSEQUENTIAL PENSIONARY BENEFITS IN TERMS OF DOP&T OM NO. 22011/3/2013-ESTT.(D) DATED 25.01.2016 TO SHRI SHANKAR SINGH YADAV, RETD JTO OF MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE – AIBSNLREA TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH SECRETARY(PENSION), DOP&PW:

AIBSNLREA has now taken up the above issue with Secretary(Pension), Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, since the issue remains unsettled even after the concerned pensioner made several representations and the Association also taking up the issue with Director(HR), BSNL as back as on 12.02.2018. Shri Shankar Singh Yadav, Retd JTO was ordered to be promoted as TES Group Officer by DOT in 1998. But this could not be implemented since a CBI case was registered against him. Subsequently, the Special Court of CBI acquitted him of the charges after his retirement. After this, he was also got absorbed in BSNL and now he is entitled to get the benefit of notional promotion and all other consequential pensionary benefits as per DOP&T OM No. 22011/3/2013-Estt. (D) dated 25.01.2016. The Association has sought the personal intervention of Secretary (Pension) in this case so that justice is bestowed on Shri Shankar Singh Yadav, Retd JTO by allowing him the benefit of “notional promotion” and other consequential pensionary benefits as stipulated in DOP&T OM No. 22011/3/2013-Estt. (D) dated 25.01.2016.  View the letter

19.03.2019:

BI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF AIBSNLREA, EAST GODAVARI BRANCH HELD:

East Godavari Branch (AP State) of AIBSNLREA held its bi-annual Conference on 17-03-2019 at Hotel Surya in Rajahmundry. The meeting started with prayer at 09.30 hours under the chairmanship of Branch President Shri G V Rsma Krishna which was attended by seventy members. Shri CH Gandhi, Organizing Secretary (South), CHQ was also on to the dais. After prayer, the house observed two minutes silence to pay homage to the departed CRPF personnel who were martyred in the terrorist attack at Pulwama and also to Late Shri N Krishna Murty, AGM (Retd), AP Circle. S/Shri GV Rama Krishna and Ch Gandhi briefly addressed the House. District Secretary Shri GSVSS Vara Prasad narrated the social responsibilities taken up by the association with full support of the members of the Branch. He informed the house that the District association contributed Rs 1,25,000/- to CHQ towards Legal expenses and donation. He expressed his sincere thanks to the members for the trust they reposed on the District Executive Body during the period 06.12.2016 to 17.03.2018. He also informed the house that the Branch had also donated Rs 80,000/-to the CM Flood Relief Fund for rehabilitation of the victims in Kerala flood. [To read the full report, Andhra Pradesh State Section of State News Page of this website be viewed.]

17.03.2019:

ARBITRARY DEDUCTION OF THE COST OF MEDICINES @ 12% FROM THE MEDICAL CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE PENSIONERS/EMPLOYEES IN MAHARASHTRA TELECOM CIRCLE- AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL:

AIBSNLREA had earlier taken up the above issue with Director (HR) requesting her intervention and to advise the CGMT, Maharashtra Telecom Circle to withdraw his order directing the employees/ pensioners to purchase medicines only from the medical stores having large network of stores and offering discounts along with the facility of home delivery or face rejection of their medical claims in cases of purchase of medicines from other medical shops not allowing 12% discount (view posting dated 20.09.20218 in this website to read the letter). Since there was no response and also the Maharashtra Telecom Circle has already started deduction @12% from the claims of the pensioners/employees against the medicines purchased from medical pharmacies not offering discounts, the Association has again addressed a letter to Director (HR), BSNL with copy endorsed to Secretary (Pension) and Secretary (Telecom).  View the letter

16.03.2019:

INDORE BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HOLD GB MEETING:

Indore Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 09.03.2019. Apart from discussions on the issues related to the pensioners, the Branch organized a “samman samaroh” to felicitate S/Shri R K Mishra, N K Choudhary, A C Jain, A G Naik and Yusuf khan, all members of the Branch, on their completion of 75 years of age. These members were honoured by presentation of shawl and shreefal. Brief introduction about these members were given and they also shared their experience with the participants. The meeting ended after presentation of vote of thanks.

14.03.2019:

CCA GUJARAT CIRCLE TO HOLD PENSION ADALAT AT CONFERENCE HALL OF PGMT, PALANPUR SSA ON 29.03.2019:

Controller of Communication Account, Gujarat Circle is holding a Pension Adalat for the BSNL and DOT Pensioners who retired from Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Palanpur and Himanagar SSAs on 29.03.2019 in the Conference Hall of PGMT, Palanpur SSA. The Adalat to start at 12.00 PM. The Pensioners who want to take up their grievances with the Adalat may send their self-contained representations to the CCA so that these are received on or before 23.03.2019.  View the CCA Gujarat letter

13.03.2019:

NON-EMPANELMENT OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS FOR INDOOR TREATMENT OF BSNL EMPLOYEES/BSNL PENSIONERS BY CGMT, BSNL, HIMACHAL PRADESH CIRCLE - AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE ISSUE WITH DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL:

AIBSNLREA addresses another letter to Director(HR) on the above issue drawing her attention to the Association’s previous letter dated 17.10.2018 and stating that no action seems to have been taken on the said representation. The Association now encloses the List of Private Hospitals empanelled (within the state) with the Government of Himachal Pradesh in which the Central Government employees have also been permitted to take treatment. The Association has further urged that “We request that CGMT, Shimla, BSNL also allows treatment of the BSNL IDA pensioners and its serving employees in these private hospitals after due negotiations, if needed.”  View the letter

12.03.2019:

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

East Godavari Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding its next Bi-annual General Body meeting at Hotel Surya, Rajahmundry (Near BSNL Sanchar Bhawan) on 17.03.2019 sharply by 0930 hrs. All the members are requested to attend the meeting and take part in the discussions. There will be felicitations to the very senior members who completed 75 years of age (1944 year of birth). A new Executive Body will also be elected. Other retired executives, desirous of joining the Association as Life Members, are also cordially invited to attend the meeting.

11.03.2019:

DENIAL OF BENEFIT OF FIXATION OF PENSION BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXTRA INCREMENT GRANTED ON POST-BASED PROMOTION UNDER BSNL EXECITIVES PROMOTION POLICY – AIBSNLREA AGAIN TAKES UP THE CASES OF THE EXECUTIVES RETIRED BETWEEN JULY @)!& AND APRIL 2018:

AIBSNLREA again writes to Secretary (Telecom) and seeks her intervention in the case wherein a section of the BSNL Executives, who were granted extra increment on their post-based promotion under the then BSNL’s Executive Promotion Policy, 2007 and retired between July 2017 and April 2018, are still being denied the benefit of fixation of pension by taking into account the said extra increment. The Association has also mentioned that those who retired before July 2017 and those retired/retiring after April 2018 face no such problem. The Association has pointed out that “In the whole exercise, only those pensioners who had retired between July 2017 and April 2018, have been discriminated since they have not been given back the benefit of extra increment. Whereas, those who retired before July 2017 and after April, 2018 received the benefit of one extra increment to fix their pension”. The Association has further stated that this action of the DOT violets the principle laid down by various courts that all pensioners be considered as a homogenous group and there cannot be any discrimination among them.  View the letter

10.03.2019:

CGHS FACILITY TO BSNL PENSIONERS – APPLICABILITY OF CLARIFICATIONS ISSUED BY MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE:

In the background of several court cases, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India had issued certain clarifications vide its OM dated 29.09.2016 in regard to eligibility for various medical benefits to the pensioners. Now, Department of Telecommunications has issued another order clarifying that the facilities as mentioned in the said Ministry of Health & Family OM are also applicable to the BSNL/MTNL pensioners drawing pension from Central Civil Estimates.  View the DoT letter enclosing Ministry of H&FA O.M.

06.03.2019:

E-JOURNAL MARCH 2019 ISSUE:

March 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

26.02.2019:

SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD:

Lucknow Branch of AIBSNLREA held its second Annual Conference on.25.02.2019 at Rai Umanath Bali Auditorium, Kaiser Bagh under the chairmanship of Shri Jagdish Prasad, Branch President. 79 members attended the meeting. One new member joined the Branch as Life Member. The conference started with hoisting of Association Flag by President. Two minutes silence was observed in memory of our colleagues who departed for their heavenly abode since last conference. House also observed two minutes silence to pay homage to the martyred CRPF Jawans in Pulwama terror attack [View Uttar Pradesh State Section of State News page of this website to read the full report].  View the List of Office bearers  View Photos

25.02.2019:

REVIEW OF BSNL MEDICAL POLICY – AIBSNLREA SUBMITS ITS SUGGESTIONS:

BSNL has constituted a Committee to review its existing medical policy so as to make it sustainable irrespective of financial condition of BSNL. Accordingly, it has invited suggestions including introduction of Group Mediclaim from the Unions/Associations of its serving employees. AIBSNLREA, has voluntarily submitted some suggestions keeping in view of the interests of the retired employees. In our suggestions for Indoor treatment in Hospitals, we have asked for introduction of a Group Medical-Insurance Scheme with reputed and efficient public sector Insurance Company or Bank which is ready to offer hassle free cashless service for all diseases and implants etc needing hospitalization or day care services. The premium has to be borne by BSNL. We have also suggested that the retired employees be allowed option either for CGHS or the revised BSNL Medical policy incorporating the Group Medical Insurance Scheme. In regard to Outdoor treatment, we have suggested that the existing arrangements under BSNLMRS, except for those opting for CGHS, should continue with certain improvements in regard to reimbursement of claims. We have further suggested that instead of basic pay plus DA, the present basic pension plus DA should be the criteria to determine the annual ceiling limit. Since pension is 50% of the last basic pay, while calculating annual ceiling limit, the basic pension plus DA has to be multiplied by twice the number of days that are allowed for the serving employees to bring at par with basic pay of the serving employees. This is to avoid different yardsticks being followed for the pensioners which invites anomalies and discrimination among the past and present pensioners.  View the letter

24.02.2019:

DOT FORWARDS ALL THE FOUR LETTERS FROM AIBSNLREA, AS RECEIVED FROM DOE, TO BSNL FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION:

All the four representations of AIBSNLREA, as detailed in the earlier posting dated 22.02.2019, which Department of Telecommunications received from Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance) have now been forwarded to BSNL for appropriate action.  View the DoT letter

22.02.2019:

DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE (MINISTRY OF FINANCE) FORWARDS FOUR REPRESENTATIONS FROM AIBSNLREA TO DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance) has since forwarded four representations dated 24.09.20018 (view posting dated 24.09.2018), dated 29.09.2018 (view posting dated 01.10.2018), dated 18.01.2019 (view posting dated 19.01.2019) and dated 22.01.2019 (view posting dated 22.01.2019) from AIBSNLREA to the Department of Telecommunications for appropriate action/redressal of the grievances with request that the petitioner be informed suitably. While the first two representations pertain to grant of notional increment falling due on the day following superannuation on completion of one full year’s service for the purpose of allowing pensionary benefits to the Government servants, the rest two are regarding pension contribution on actual pay basis w.e.f. 01.01.2006 for BSNL as was approved by Cabinet on 26.12.2013 for MTNL.  View the DoE letter

21.02.2019:

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION DISCUSSES REVIAL PLAN OF BSNL AND MTNL:

Digital Communication Commission (erstwhile Telecom Commission) discussed the revival plan submitted by BSNL and MTNL for their respective Organization in its meeting held to-day. Both these CPSEs in their revival plans, besides others, have requested following measures for the revival of BSNL and MTNL – (1) Approval for asset sales, (2) VRS under Gujarat Model which allows payment of amount equivalent to 35 days of salary for each completed year of service and 25 days of salary for each year of service left till retirement, (3) spectrum for 4G Service through equity infusion from the Government. The DCC, after deliberations on the issue, has asked both BSNL and MTNL to explain their turnaround strategy and give an assurance to achieve higher revenue for getting financial support from the Government.

21.02.2019:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, SAHARANPUR BRANCH HELD:

Saharanpur Branch of AIBSNLREA held a General Body Meeting on 07.01.2019. The meeting started at 12.00 PM in which large number of members participated. Members participated in the discussions on the issues related to the welfare of the BSNL pensioners. Thereafter, the old body was dissolved and new set of Branch office bearers was unanimously elected with S/Shri Balchandra as President and Jagir Singh Bajwa as Branch Secretary.  View the list of office bearers

20.02.2019:

LUCKNOW BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

AIBSNLREA, Lucknow Branch is conducting its second Annual Conference on 25.02.2019 at Rai Umanath Bali Auditorium, Kaiser Bagh (near Baradari). The conference will start from 10 A.M. All members and other retired Executives, desirous to join the Association, are invited to attend the Conference.

19.02.2019:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, CHANDIGARH BRANCH HELD:

50th General Body of AIBSNLREA Chandigarh Branch was held on16-02-2019 GPO Building at 2:30 PM. Shri M.D. Bhasin presided the meeting. Points pertaining to Court Case for arrears against 78.2% IDA pending since long were discussed and the status of Court Case in Principal CAT, New Delhi. Shri M.D. Bhasin also apprised the house regarding status of 3rd PRC and other union activities were also discussed. The new system for Accounting and Management of Pension “SAMPANN” which was launched by honourable PM Shri Narender Modi on 29th Dec 2018 was also discussed along with its modalities in the house. Doubts about switching over to CPC from IDA scales were also cleared. The role played by peer unions were also discussed. The delay on the part of BSNL against release of medical bills was condemned in the house. The President cleared to house about profitability clause causing hindrance in 3rd PRC release, pension contribution by BSNL on actual bases, submission of KYP in CCA office etc. Shri M.K. Kalra, Branch Secretary welcomed two new members viz Shri Ajit Singh Hundal, Retd DE and Shri Taranjit Singh, Retd XEN (Civil) on joining as life member in the branch. Mementoes were also given to those who completed 70 years of age. The meeting concluded with happy note after serving of tea and snacks.

18.02.2019:

EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA HELD ITS BINNANUAL GB MEETING:

East Vidarbha Branch (Nagpur) of AIBSNLREA held its Bi annual Meeting at Amenity Hall CTO Compound Nagpur on Sunday, the 10th February 2019. Shri U B Nikose presided over the meeting. Shri P R Bhujbal CHQ Vice President along with Shri N G Talewar Vice President MH circle, Arun Deshpande Branch Secretary and V W Patil, B D Nikam Vice president, and B P Mazumdar were on the dais. At the start of the meeting, homage was paid to the departed members of Nagpur Branch and also their family members. Shri Arun Deshpande, Branch Secretary briefed the house about the activities of Nagpur Branch and status of current membership strength, CHQ quotas and contributions paid for court case was also reported. Shri V W Patil, Vice President welcomed all the newly enrolled members and briefed the house about SAMPANN. Whatever CHQ queries were raised regarding the implementation of SAMPANN were addressed by DOT. Shri P R Bhujbal, Vice President CHQ addressed the gathering. He welcomed and congratulated all the life members of the Nagpur Branch in the first meeting of New Year 2019. [Please view Maharashtra State section of State News page of this website to read the complete Report].

16.02.2019:

PMO FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION REQUESTING TO GET THE PRICES OF MEDICINES USED FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES LIKE DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION SLASHED:

Prime Minister’s Office has since forwarded AIBSNLREA’s representation dated 24.01.2019 (view posting dated 25.01.2019 in this website) on the above subject to the Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare for action appropriate and reply the petitioner.  View the PMO letter

15.02.2019:

AMBALA BRANCH OF AIBSLREA HOLD A GB MEETING:

A general body meeting of Ambala Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 12.02.2019 under the chairmanship of Sh. P.C. Chauhan, President of the branch. 33 members attended the meeting. One new member joined the Branch as life member. Shri J. C. Gupta, Branch Secretary briefed the members about the latest status of pension revision case as per 3rd PRC. He also gave details of the efforts made by him in ensuring the payments of medical claims of the pensioners from circle office. The members expressed their deep anger in not resolving the pension revision as per 3rd PRC and its de linking from the pay revision as pension is to be paid by Govt of India and not by BSNL. The members are of the view that our Association should also cooperate with other associations/Unions who are spear heading various agitation/dharna for pay/pension revision.

14.02.2019:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, PALAKKAD BRANCH HELD:

The general body meeting of Palakkad branch was held on 12.02.2019 at Top in Town Conference Hall, Palakkad. The meeting started at 11AM. 57 members attended the meeting. It was a very good gathering. After silent prayer, Branch Secretary Shri P Prabhakaran welcomed all the participants. This was followed by the presidential address by Shri K.Haridas, DGM(Retd). The Branch Secretary then elaborated the vital issues being faced by BSNL pensioners like non-receipt of medical allowances in time, undue delay in the pension revision under 3PRC, present status of the court case etc. The members were very much upset and annoyed in the delay in getting their legitimate dues. After the vote of thanks by Shri T.P.Krishnanunni, Asst Branch Secretary, the members dispersed at 1.30 PM after lunch.

11.02.2019:

PROVISION OF MOBILE CONNECTION IN LIEU OF RESIDENTIAL LANDLINE CONNECTION TO THE RETIRED BSNL EMPLOYEES RESIDING IN TNF AREAS - AIBSNLREA AGAIN WRITES TO DIRECTOR (HR), BSNL:

AIBSNLREA had been requesting BSNL to provide mobile connection in lieu of residential landline connection to the retired BSNL employees who are residing in the declared TNF areas, since last few years. The Association even had a meeting with GM(Admn), BSNL on 20.12.2016. The Association has now again taken up the issue with Director (HR), BSNL. The Association has further requested that this facility be allowed to other areas also allowing an option to the retired employees either to have a land line or a mobile connection.  View the letter

08.02.2019:

EAST VIDARBHA (NAGPUR) BRANCH TO HOLD GB MEETING:

East Vidarbha (Nagpur) Branch of AIBSNLREA is holding a General Body Meeting on Sunday, 10th February, 2019 at 4 PM in the Staff Amenity Hall, CTO Compound, Nagpur. All the members and other retired executives are requested to attend the meeting.

06.02.2019:

E-JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE:

February 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

01.02.2019:

WELCOME RELIEF TO INDIVIDUAL TAX PAYERS IN INTERIM BUDGET:

1. Full Tax rebate upto Rs.5 lakh annual income after all deductions.
2.Standard deduction increased from Rs.40000 to Rs.50000
3. Exempt from notional tax on second self-occupied house
4.Ceiling Limit of TDS u/s 194A increased from Rs.10000 to Rs.40000
5.Ceiling Limit of TDS u/s 194I increased from Rs.180000 to Rs.240000
6. Capital tax Benefit u/s 54 increased from investment in one residential house to two residential houses.
7.Benefit u/s 80IB increased to one more year i.e. 2020
8.Benefit given to unsold inventory increased from one year to two years.
9. No change in present tax slabs. If taxable income exceeds (after deductions) Rs.5 lakhs, income above Rs.3 lakhs (for senior citizens) will be taxable as per present slabs.

31.01.2019:

GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, MUMBAI BRANCH HELD:

A General Body Meeting of Mumbai Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 20.01.2019 at 14:00hrs in A.O. Hall % DELD Thane in Tekadi Bungalow with Shri N.K. Devassy, Vice President of the branch on the chair. There was very good gathering in spite of mega block of rail. Shri S.P. Varma, Branch Secretary requested all the members to observe 2 minutes silence to pay homage to the departed members. President N.K. Devassy welcomed the members and briefly addressed the house.[For full report of the meeting, Maharashtra State Section of State News Page of this website be viewed].

25.01.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA REQUESTING TO GET THE PRICES OF MEDICINES USED FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES LIKE DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION DOWN:

While welcoming Government’s continuous efforts to bring down the cost of several medicines, AIBSNLREA has requested Prime Minister of India also to get the prices of the medicines and insulin required for treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension which need long term treatment and thereby give a huge relief to the patients.  View the letter

22.01.2019:

AIBSNLREA WRITES TO CABINET SECRETARY REGARDING NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF CABINET DECISION TAKEN ON 26.12.2013 APPROVING THE PROPOSAL OF DOT FOR PAYMENT OF PENSION CONTRIBUTION BY MTNL AS PER FR 116 WEF 01.01.2006 ON ACTUAL PAY DRAWN IN IDA SCALES:

In a letter addressed to the Cabinet Secretary, AIBSNLREA has drawn his attention regarding non-implementation of the Cabinet decision taken on 26.12.2013 and uploaded in the website of Press Information Bureau, Government of India approving DOT’s proposal for change of methodology in pension contribution in respect of the absorbed employees of MTNL as per FR-116 upto 31.12.2005 on the maximum of the IDA pay scales and with effect from 01.01.2006 on the actual pay drawn in the IDA scales. The Association has requested him “to intervene in the matter so that Department of Telecommunication immediately implements the Cabinet decision dated 26.12.2013 in respect of change in methodology in pension contribution as per FR-116 upto 31.12.2005 on the maximum of the IDA pay scales and with effect from 01.01.2006 on the actual pay drawn in the IDA pay scales”.  View the letter

19.01.2019:

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

AIBSNLREA again writes to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India against forcing BSNL and MTNL to pay pension contribution under FR-116 to the DOT in respect of its erstwhile employees since permanently absorbed in BSNL/MTNL and who are no more Government employees on deputation/foreign service under Sub-Rule 4 of CCS (Pension) Rules,1972 after their absorption. The Association points out that FR-116 provides for pension contribution only in respect of the Government employees on deputation/foreign service to other organizations and therefore cannot be made applicable to the absorbed employees of BSNL/MTNL. The Association has pointed out that because of this wrong action of DOT, BSNL and MTNL are facing severe financial crisis.

The Association has further pointed out that the Department of Telecommunication has also not implemented even the DOP&T Order, vide OM No.2/34/2008—Estt. (Pay II) dated 19th November 2009, effective from 1.1.2006 that pension contribution as per FR-116 will have to be calculated based on the actual pay drawn and not on the maximum of the pay scales. Further, Department of Telecommunication has also not implemented a Cabinet decision taken on 26.12.2013, as was reported by Press Information Bureau, to charge pension contribution w.e.f. 1.1.2006 calculated on the actual pay of the absorbed employees of MTNL.

The Association has finally sought the kind intervention of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India stating that “Since the issue badly tells upon the very existence of BSNL and MTNL due to DOT’s unreasonable stand against these two CPSEs and its consequent adverse impact on the legitimate claims of the employees/pensioners like pay scale revision, pension revision, medical re-imbursement etc, we seek your kind personal intervention in the matter so that justice is bestowed now”.  View the letter

18.01.2019:

BI-MONTHLY GB MEETING OF UDAIPUR BRANCH HELD:

A Bi Monthly General Body meeting of Udaipur (Rajasthan) Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 12.01.2019 with Shri M P Vyas, President on the Chair. 25 members were present and 2 new members joined the Association. Meeting started with President welcoming all the Members. All the new members introduced themselves and were warmly welcomed by President and Secretary. Then President briefly touched the issues that are concerned to the general members i.e. new IDA of 3.2% w e f 1/ 1/ 2019 and Medical Allowance and asked Secretary to elaborate the same. Secretary Shri Gaffar Mohammed placed all the information received from CHQ in respect to revised IDA with 3.2% increase w e f 1st January, 2019, Medical Allowance, present position of CAT case and other issues. Also discussed rumors spread by some other associations.

14.01.2019:

AIBSNLREA, CHENNAI BRANCH HELD ITS GENERAL BODY MEETING:

The General body meeting of AIBSNLREA Chennai was held on 9th Jan 2019 at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Ashok pillar, Chennai-600083. The meeting commenced with prayer by Com.Nirmala Subramanain. Then, the house observed one minute silence as a mark of respect to the recent Gaja Cyclone victims in Tamilnadu. [For full report of the meeting, Tamilnadu State Section of State News Page of this website be viewed].

11.01.2019:

REVISION OF PENSION OF BSNL IDA PENSIONERS IN TERMS OF 7th CPC RECOMMENDATIONS RULED OUT:

DoT has issued a status report on two issues pertaining to its pension section, which includes pension revision. The report confirms that there was no decision by DoT to delink pension revision from revision of pay scales as propagated by some associations and also their claim that pension would be revised as per 7th CPC recommendations. DOP&PW has categorically replied to DoT that pension revision as per 7th PRC recommendations is applicable for the Government civilian pensioners drawing pension in the CDA scales. Thus, our consistent and logical stand on this issue is once again vindicated. DOP&PW has also asked DOT to clarify as to how pension would be revised in the case of BSNL/MTNL pensioners who are drawing pension in IDA pay scale. DoT has sent the clarifications on this matter as asked by DOP&PW, on 27.11.2018 for their examination.  View the Status Report

09.01.2019:

AIBSNLREA, KOLHAPUR BRANCH HELD ITS QUARTERLY GB MEETING:

Quarterly General Body meeting of Kolhapur Branch of AIBSNLREA was held on 07.01.2019 with Shri L M Godi, President on the Chair. 75 members were present and 6 new members joined the Association. Meeting started with prayer and President welcomed all the Members. Members first paid tribute to the departed members S/Shri. D R Vedante, from Kolhapur and P L Mantri from Satara who left for their heavenly abode in last October 2018. The House also mourned the sad demise of Shri B V Patil’s wife in November last. Then all the new members introduced themselves and were warmly welcomed by President and Secretary with presentation of flower bouquets. Then President briefly touched the issues that are concerned to the general members i.e. new IDA of 3.2% wef 1 1 2019 and Medical Allowance and asked Secretary to elaborate the same [For full report of the meeting, Maharashtra State Section of State News Page of this website be viewed].

08.01.2019:

NON-SETTLEMENT OF THE CASE FOR ABSORPTION IN BSNL AND ALSO NON-GRANT OF CONSEQUENT PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO SHRI S P CONTRACTOR, RETD SDE, GUJARAT – DOP&PW FORWARDS AIBSNLREA’S REPRESENTATION TO DOT:

AIBSNLREA had taken up the above issue with Secretary (Pension), DoP&PW since there was no response from DOT even after constant persuasion. The Association requested Secretary (Pension) to advise Department of Telecommunications to immediately issue the much-needed Orders for absorption of Shri S P Contractor, Retd SDE who last served in BSNL, Gujarat so that he receives his long pending pensionary benefits and other dues [View posting dated 27/12/2018 in this website]. Now DOP&PW has forwarded the said representation from AIBSNLREA to the Department of Telecommunication to examine the issues as per extant rules/orders and inform the Association accordingly.  View DoP&PW letter

07.01.2019:

QUARTERLY GB MEETING OF AIBSNLREA, VADODARA BRANCH HELD:

Quarterly General Body meeting of AIBSNLREA, Vadodara (Gujarat) branch was held on 02-01-2019. Eighty-four members attended the meeting which started after observing 2 minutes silence in memory of Late Shri A B Patel, Ex Circle Secretary of Gujarat. Shri I A Patel, Branch President welcomed all the members and the office bearers from CHQ and State Body. Shri R T Shah, Branch Secretary presented a brief report giving status of the important issues. Organizing Secretary (W), CHQ Shri B V Bhavsar, State President P B Parmar and the State Secretary also addressed the house and gave information in detail about Pension revision, Comprehensive Pension Management System, Payments for medical claims etc. Shri R F Valand, Auditor also addressed the house. Vote of thanks was presented by Shri S Z Tailor. The members disbursed after lunch.  View photos

06.01.2019:

E-JOURNAL JANUARY 2019 ISSUE:

January 2019 issue of AIBSNLREA E-journal has been uploaded and is available under the link "E-Journal" in the left column.

05.01.2019:

REPRESENTATION REQUESTING GRANT OF ANNUAL INCREMENT EVEN ON NOTIONAL BASIS FALLING DUE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING SUPERANNUATION ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING PENSIONARY BENEFITS TO THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES- BSNL REPLIES IN NEGATIVE:

AIBSNLREA was pursuing the above case since 2015. Subsequently the Association took up the matter afresh after the Madras High Court gave a favourable judgment and Supreme Court also dismissed the SLP of the Government in a case filed by an individual petitioner [View postings dated 01.10.2018 and 08.12.2018 in this website]. Now BSNL has replied to our representation stating that presence of an employee is required on the 1st of the month in which annual increment falls for drawal of annual increment. Since the retired employee cannot join the duty on the 1st day of the month following superannuation which was his annual increment date, the increment cannot be released in case of a retired employee.  View BSNL letter

04.01.2019:

CHENNAI BRANCH OF AIBSNLREA TO HOLD GB MEETING:

A general body meeting of AIBSNLREA Chennai branch is scheduled to be held on 9-1-2019 Wednesday between 10AM and 1PM at HOTEL SARAVANA BHAVAN,(RajaRani Hall), No.25,10th Avenue, Ashok nagar, Chennai-600083 (Very near to Ashok Pillar) to discuss about recently launched SAMPANN, 3rd Pay Revision Etc. The meeting will be followed by lunch.

03.01.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2019 from 135.6% to 138.8% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.2007.  View orders

03.01.2019:

REVISION OF IDA W.E.F. 1.1.2019:

DPE has issued orders revising IDA w.e.f 1.1.2019 from 297.8% to 303.1% for CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 1.1.1997.  View orders