Pension Revision – Unwarranted criticism.
Some of our comrades have drawn our attention to a veiled criticism, that has been made about the handling of the pension revision issue, by All Unions and Associations of BSNL, in the meeting held with the Hon’ble MoS(C) on 24.02.2018. All knows that the AUAB is fighting not only for the 1.85 lakh serving employees, but also for the 2 lakh BSNL retired employees. It was only through the two day strike conducted by the unions and associations of BSNL on 21st & 22nd April, 2015, that the 60% ceiling imposed by the government, on it’s limit to pay pension to BSNL retirees, was broken.
As regards revision of pension from 01.01.2017, DoT’s stand is that, pension revision would be done, only if wage revision is completed. This was conveyed in DoT’s letter no.24-1/2018/SR dated 21.02.2018 also. (On the eve of the meeting with the Hon’ble MoS(C), this letter was withdrawn). It is nothing but total denial of pension revision. However, due to the mighty struggles of the AUAB, the Hon’ble MoS(C) has now conceded the demand for pension revision.
Perhaps, this settlement has disturbed some, whose only contribution to the pensioners is, giving ‘lip-service’ and making ‘time-pass’, by criticising others. Settlement of pension revision w.e.f. 01.01.2017 is the immediate goal of AUAB. At the same time, the AUAB will also find a permanent solution to the pension revision issue, as it has solved the 60% ceiling issue. Hence, the ‘arm-chair critics’ need not get disturbed, and can take rest.