AIBDPA/ BSNL MRS/2020 4th June, 2020
To,
Shri P.K. Purwar
CMD, BSNL
Bharat Sanchar Bhawan,
Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001
Sir,
Sub: – Submission of option for outdoor medical facilities by the retirees – extending the last date for submission – reg.
Ref: (1) BSNL CO No.BSNL /Admn-1/15-12/18 dated 08-05-2020.
(2) This Association letter No.AIBDPA/BSNL MRS/2020 dated 13-05-2020.
(3) This Association letter No. AIBDPA/BSNL MRS/ 2020 dated 19-05-2020.
(4) Telephonic discussion had with you by Shri V.A.N. Namboodiri, our Advisor on 29-05-2020.
It is reported that in the discussion you had with our advisor, Shri V.A.N. Namboodiri, you have taken a strong stand against review of the above referred order. The unilateral and arbitrary order was issued curtailing the limited outdoor medical facilities.
All the serving unions and pensioners associations have opposed the new order and demanded reversal/ modifications. It is pertinent to point out that neglecting the all-out opposition is not desirable in a democratic country.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, has repeatedly stated that senior citizens need special care and facilities as they are the most vulnerable section to the pandemic. And as such curtailing the existing facilities tantamount to breaching the promise of the Prime Minister.
While we appreciate your efforts to reduce the unwarranted and unnecessary expenditure of BSNL, we may be permitted to point out that there are other areas of largesse which are to be dealt with strongly.
In view of the foregoing, it is once again requested that a judicial and reasonable review be made in the matter so that justice is extended to the elders.
In the case of submission of Option for outdoor medical facilities by the retirees. We are thankful to you for agreeing to extend the last date to 30-06-2020 during the discussion with Shri V.A.N. Namboodiri. However, no order is so far issued by the Corporate Office in this regard.
But you may be aware of the fact that though the central government has relaxed lockdown as on 31-05-2020, five state governments have extended the lockdown to 30-06-200 and two state governments to 15-06-2020. And there is every chance of further extension considering the alarming spread of Covid-19 in many places in the country. To add fuel to fury, West Bengal, Odisha and Maharashtra are facing unimaginable miseries after the devastation of cyclone. Communication and road traffic are the worst affected and it may take months, particularly in West Bengal, to restore normalcy.
It is absolutely impossible for the retirees to travel from far off and remote villages to the concerned BSNL office and submit the option in the absence of transportation. It will be also difficult for them to submit the option by email or WhatsApp, as internet is not available in many places.
Therefore we request you to kindly consider our suggestion to exempt from submission of Option to those who do not want change from the option submitted last year. In the case of others who want change from the earlier option may be given extension flexibility as per the local conditions.
Also in the case of medical cards revalidation may be limited only in cases where change of beneficiaries. Thus, we feel that unnecessary expenditure could be avoided.
VRS retirees who are yet to receive the PPO are not being issued the BSNL MRS cards. In such cases MRS cards may please be issued quoting the HR number.
Finally, the most burning issue of BSNL pensioners, non payment of medical bills both with voucher and without voucher, for the last two years and onetime payment made to CGHS, continue to be neglected by BSNL management. We have repeatedly explained the sufferings of the hapless pensioners in our discussions and through several letters, but of no avail. Sir, kindly do something to mitigate the miseries of the seniors without further delay.
Awaiting your positive response and favourable action.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
K G Jayaraj
General Secretary.
Copy to: (1) Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001
(2) Shri S.K. Gupta, Director (Finance), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
(3) Shri A.M. Gupta, GM (SR), BSNL CO., Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001