*Coms. K G Jayaraj, General Secretary, M G S Kurup, Treasurer and M I Jakati, Circle Secretary, Maharashtra have met Shri. Md Shabhaz Ali, Controller General of Communication Accounts at his office at MTNL Bldg, New Delhi on 13-11-2024
.At the outset, General Secretary congratulated the CGCA for the continuing efforts in bringing down the DLC cases significantly. Then the following issues were discussed.
1. Denial of regular pension to ST VRS retirees of Maharashtra.
The detailed letter in this regard was handed over to the CGCA. The delegation pointed out that though BSNL has the major role on this issue, continuing with provisional pension for such a long period is violation of Rule 62 of CCS ( Pension ) Rules.
CGCA replied that the number of cases have come down to 181.The vigilance clearance in respect of the ST VRS retirees are found to be conditional with the remark that “caste validation pending.” He also stated that the issue has already been discussed with the CMD, BSNL for early resolution
.2. Non- settlement of several 2nd level Family Pension cases at CCA, Maharashtra & Goa and negative stand of Principal CCA.
The delegation gave a list of family pension cases, certain cases pending for years together and brought to his notice the sorry state of affairs in CCA office mainly due to the don’t care attitude of the Principal CCA.
CGCA stated that there had been cases of granting family pension to ineligible persons and CCA offices have to take care that only genuine cases are cosidered and processed. However he assured to seek a report on the pending cases from CCA, Maharashtra and do the needful.
The delegation stated that scrutiny is very much needed and only genuine cases be considered. But we take up cases wherein genuiness is satisfied. The CCA office, Maharashtra is actually harassing the applicants by asking for documents in piece meal manner repeatedly and cited a particular case as example wherein after submitting the death certificate of the husband, asking for the marriage certificate.
CGCA agreed to look into such cases.
3 Arrogant and unhelpful approach of Principal CCA, Maharashtra.
The delegation narrated certain incidents after which we were compelled to prefer a complaint to the Secretary, DoT.
CGCA replied that he will do the needful after hearing the explanation of the CCA.
4. Delay and discrimination in granting Fixed Medical Allowance to pensioners in Goa.
The delegation gave a list of retirees of Goa who have applied for FMA to CCA, Maharashtra & Goa . But there have been undue delay in granting FMA to those BSNL absorbed retirees who have surrendered the BSNL MRS Card. However it is noticed that the Executives among the applicants have been granted FMA. The delegation strongly protested against such discrimination and requested the CGCA early necessary action.
CGCA agreed to examine the case and do the needful.
5. Delay in transfer of PPOs from the parent circle to present staying circle.Two identical cases were brought to the notice of the CGCA, one from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu and the other from Tamil Nadu to Kerala. The copies of application of Ms. R Rajeswary, Retd OS(P) Pune to Tamil Nadu was readily handed over to the CGCA .
CGCA assured intervention for early settlement.
6. Delay in supply of ID Cards to pensioners.General Secretary asked CGCA whether any financial crunch for preparation of ID cards.
CGCA replied that there is no financial cruch but it is being done from the office expenditure. There is a shortfall in the budgetary allocation.
Over all the meeting was effective and the CGCA was very positive.