AIBDPA/ BSNL-FTTH/2020                                                               22^nd July, 2020

To

Shri P.K. Purwar,

CMD, BSNL,

Bharat Sanchar Bhawan,

Janpath,

New Delhi -110 001

Sir,

Sub: –     Provision of FTTH at the residences of retired BSNL employees with concession – reg.

Ref:        (1) BSNL CO No.2-7/2007-PHA dated 20-07-2007.

               (2) BSNL CO No.2-6/2005 dated 03-06-2011.

We wish to bring to your kind notice the following issue for favourable consideration.

BSNL Retirees have been provided with rent free residential land line connection and granted broadband with concession vide orders referred to above.

You may be aware of the fact that in many places landline phones are not being maintained due to shortage of staff and lack of accessories. As such the services are virtually denied to the retirees. In the case of broadband, the assured speed of a particular plan opted is not at all available in the sub premises.

Now, BSNL is concentrating on FTTH and many broadband subscribers, including pensioners are switching over to FTTH. So, we request you to kindly grant concession to Retirees in FTTH, as in the case of broadband.

It is regretted to point out that our repeated requests to grant concession in broadband to DOT Retirees are yet to be considered. We would request you once again to extend the same concession being given to BSNL retirees to the DoT Retirees also.

Awaiting early positive action and

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

K.G. Jayaraj

General Secretary

CC:   (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 Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA), BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

(4) Shri Ashutosh Gupta, GM (Admn.), BSNL CO., Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001

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No.12/9/2020-P&PW(C)-6450
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare

8th Floor, Janpath Bhavan,
Janpath, New Delhi,
Dated: 17th July, 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Provisional release of retirement benefits as per Rule 64 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 during COVID Pandemic time.

The undersigned is directed to say that in view of the unprecedented situation which has arisen due to the outbreak of COVID-19, there may be cases where the processing of pension case of a retiring Government servant gets delayed due to various factors. A Government servant may find difficulty in submission of his pension Forms (Form 5, Form 3, etc.) to the Head of Office (HOO) or the Head of Office (HOO) may not be able to forward the claim form in hard copy along with service book to the concerned Pay & Accounts office in time, particularly when both the offices are located in different cities. There may also be cases where the Pay & Accounts Office is not able to process the case for authorization of pension before the retirement of the Government servant.

2.Rule 64 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 provides for sanction of provisional pension and provisional gratuity in cases where a Government servant is likely to retire before finalization of his pension and gratuity. In order to ensure timely payment of pension and retirement gratuity on retirement of a Government servant, wherever a Government servant is likely to retire before finalization of his pensionary benefits, the Head of Office may rely upon the information as available in the official records and take action to sanction provisional pension and provisional gratuity, with the approval of the Head of Department. The provisional pension and provisional gratuity may be sanctioned in those cases also, where retiring Government servant is unable to submit the pension claim Forms for any reason. In cases where it is not possible to verify the entire length of qualifying service immediately, provisional gratuity may be sanctioned in respect of the verified continuous spell of service immediately preceding the date of retirement. A copy of the draft letter for sanction of provisional pension and provisional gratuity is enclosed.

3.The Pay & Accounts Office shall consider the case on the basis of details of last emoluments and length of qualifying service indicated by the Head of Office and release the provisional pension and provisional gratuity in the same manner as pay and allowances of the establishment are paid. The Pay & Accounts Office shall not insist for complete documents of the case, including service book, at the stage of release of provisional pension and provisional gratuity.

4.These instructions shall also be applicable in cases where the Government servant retires otherwise than on superannuation, i.e. voluntary retirement, retirement under FR 56, etc.

5.In cases where the amount of provisional pension is later found to be in excess of the final pension, the excess amount of pension may be adjusted in the manner indicated in Rule 64 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

6.The payment of provisional pension sanctioned in accordance with para 2 above, may initially continue for a period not exceeding six months from the date of retirement. The period of provisional pension may be further extended, in exceptional cases, with the concurrence of PAO and after approval by the Head of Department. However, the total period of provisional pension shall, in no case, be more than one year from the date of retirement.

7.The date from which the final pension shall be commenced by the Pension Disbursing Authority(PDA), may be indicated by the Pay & Accounts Office in the PPO. The date for commencement of final pension by the PDA shall be at least two months after the date of issue of the PPO, taking into consideration the time likely to be taken by CPAO and CPPC to process the pension case. Pay & Accounts Office shall record a note in the PPO, as mentioned below, while authorizing the final pension.

“Provisional pension has been/shall be paid by the office for the period from to _ @ Rs.________plus DA. The payment of final pension shall commence from the bank w.e.f…….”

The payment of provisional pension shall, accordingly, continue from the office till the date mentioned in the PPO for commencement of final pension by the PDA so that there is no gap between the date upto which the provisional pension is to be paid and the date of commencement of final pension by the PDA.

8.The instructions in this OM, in so far as they are at variance with the provisions of rule 64, shall be applicable till the work in offices is affected due to the outbreak of COVID-19. These instructions would be reviewed by this Department after normalcy is restored. The provisions of Rule 64 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 shall stand relaxed to the extent indicated above.

9.The Administrative Divisions of all Ministries/Department and attached/subordinate offices are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all concerned for compliance.

This issues with the approval of the competent authority.

View the DoPPW Order

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE

OF PENSIONERS  ASSOCIATIONS.

13-C Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi. 110 001.

Website: nccpahq.blogspot.in.

E mail: nccpahq@gmail.com.

PRESIDENT:       COM.SHIV GOPAL MISHRA.(97176 47594)

SECY. GENERAL:          COM.K.K.N.KUTTY. (98110 483030)

Minutes of NCCPA National Executive meeting held on 16.7.2020

The meeting was attended by 23 comrades of the 35 invited.  Due to some technical problem, the meeting could not commence at the appointed time.  It was delayed by half an hour.  There had been some problem in the conduct of the meeting.   This is mentioned in order to avoid the repetition thereof in the subsequent meetings   The participating members   hereafter will have to learn to switch off the mike and switch on when they are asked to speak.  This apart they must also ensure that no person is allowed to be with them when they are on video conferencing and no disturbance is created even inadvertently.   This apart it was noticed that the participants were attending phone calls without switching off the mike.  Either avoid taking a phone call during the meeting or go out to talk or switch off the mike. 

The meeting was presided over by Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra. All the agenda items were taken together for discussion due to the time constraints.   Almost all the participants spoke at the meeting. The meeting discussed the following agenda items:

1. Review of the programme chalked out against the DR freeze and DR denial.
2. CGHS – covid related matters.
3. Publication of the journal through electronic medium.
4. Subscription for 2019-20.
5. Sanction for the purchase of printer cum scanner.
6. Any other matter with the permission of the chair.

The meeting came to the conclusion that:           

(i)                  The affiliates and State Units will send in report to the Secretary General of the number of persons who had sent the e mail to the PM  by the end of July, 2020   The information will be compiled and will be placed for evaluation in the next meeting of the NE (Video Conference) which will be held by end of August, 2020.   In that meeting further course of action will be chalked out.  The question of filing case against the decision of the Government on DA/DP will be decided in consultation with other organizations.

(ii)                The affiliates and State units will write to the Secretary General of the issues which are still to be taken up with the Government on CGHS related apart from what has already been discussed in respect of covid 19 pandemic.

(iii)               The Secretary Generals of affiliates especially BSNL and PNB will personally take up the issues with the Secretary General of the issues they feel that should be raised from the platform of NCCPA.

(iv)              The journal will be published through electronic medium.  Steps will be taken by the Secretary General in this regard.

(v)                All affiliates will be making payment of subscription due for the FY 2019-20 and 2020-21.  The amount paid to litigation fund being adjusted to the subscription would be considered when final decision is taken to drop the idea of filing petition before the courts over option No. 1.

(vi)              The question raised by Com. S.K. Sharma r in respect of registration under T.U. Act, i.e. amendments  to constitution, other documents etc. was addressed .  The Secretary General said that he would send back by speed post any requisite documents received by him immediately on receipt.  The earlier meeting of the NE had already decided to make requisite changes n the constitution and therefore, Com. M.L. Gupta can make those changes.

(vii)             The suggestion that NCCPA should take up all issues concerning the affiliates with the Government was raised by Com. S.K. Sharma.   It was agreed that in cases where such intervention is required the Secretary General of NCCPA would do the needful.

(viii)           Sanction would be accorded to the purchase of printer cum scanner.  The Secretary General will circulate the details thereof.

(ix)              The organizational issue concerning membership discussed at the Pre-conference NE meeting was again raised by Com. S.K.Sharma.  The Secretary  General, said that it could not be discussed through video conferencing.  As and when the situation eases in respect of the pandemic, the same will be slated for discussion at a formal meeting of the National Executive. 

The meeting was concluded at 5.30 PM. 

The National Executive of NCCPA has been held through video conferencing on 16-07-2020. Com.Shiv Gopal Mishra, President presided over the meeting. Com.K K N Kutty, Secretary General briefed on the agenda items. Out of 32 invitees, 23 comrades participated. Coms.V A N Namboodiri (Patron), K G Jayaraj (Deputy Secretary General) and H S Thakur (Organising Secretary) participated from AIBDPA.

Com.K G Jayaraj raised the issues of pension revision of BSNL pensioners and denial of Medical facilities to BSNL retirees for the last two years and wanted to be taken up by NCCPA.

The email to Prime Minister demanding the order on freezing the DA/DR has to be sent by all units without further delay.

The detailed minutes/ circular of NCCPA wil be published.

LUNCH HOUR BLACK FLAG DEMONSTRATION AT CORPORATE OFFICE, NEW DELHI. AIBDPA COMRADES UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF COM.R S CHAUHAN, AGS PARTICIPATED.

The call of AUAB to hold Black Flag Lunch Hour Demonstration on 16-07-2020 demanding immediate implementation of BSNL Revival Package, including rolling out 4G services was carried out successfully throughout the country. Despite serious situation prevailing in the country due to the super spread of Covid.19, in many places AIBDPA comrades also participated as per the call of CHQ.

AIBDPA/ MED-PM/2020                                                                                       16^th July, 2020

To

Shri Narendra Modi Ji

Hon’ble Prime Minister,

Government of India,

South Block,

New Delhi – 110 001

Respected Sir,

Sub:       Denial of Medical facilities under BSNL Medical Reimbursement Scheme to BSNL retirees since 2018- measures initiated by BSNL management to make payment of medical reimbursement only to the BSNL employees ignoring the retirees – urgent intervention sought- reg.

We may kindly be permitted to bring to your notice one of the genuine and burning issues of the BSNL retirees for early intervention and redressal by your kindself.

1. We have great appreciation of your concern for the welfare of the senior citizens which have been expressed on several occasions. We take this opportunity to quote one such statement by your goodself. “One of our key priorities is the welfare of senior citizens and ensuring a good quality of life for them.”

2. In sharp contrast to your clear vision on the welfare of the senior citizens, the BSNL management is putting the BSNL retirees to utter distress by denying payment of their due medical claims for the last two years. This Association has taken up the issue with the CMD, BSNL several times through bilateral discussions and letters, but of no avail.

3. The sufferings of the retirees are beyond imagination, particularly during this difficult period of Covid-19. Pension Revision, due from 01-01-2017 is denied to BSNL retirees while their counterparts in central government have got two pension revisions according to 7^th Pay Commission recommendations. You may kindly think about the plight of the hapless BSNL retirees who find it absolutely unable to purchase life saving medicines with the meager pension.

4. Meanwhile, the BSNL management made another attack on the BSNL retirees by curtailing the eligibility ceiling drastically for outdoor medical facilities through an Office Order dated 08-05-2020. The ceiling limit was reduced from 23 days pay + DA as on 1^st April of the year of claim to 15 days pay + DA at the time of retirement. Despite opposition from all the organizations, both serving and retirees, the BSNL management was not even prepared to accept reasonable modifications of the Office Order. The worst affected are the past pensioners, particularly, pre 2007 retirees, as their DA at the time of retirement only is taken which is very meager.

5. Now, BSNL management has given instructions to add reimbursement of medical claims upto September, 2019 of BSNL employees with salary of June, 2020. Accordingly, pay slips are prepared and may be paid on receipt of the fund. We wholeheartedly welcome this move by the BSNL management. But at the same time we are at a loss to understand as to why retirees are ignored. What mistake these elders have committed for such a harsh, cruel and discriminatory treatment.
6. Respected Sir, there are BSNL pensioners suffering from chronic diseases like cancer, kidney and heart ailments. So also pensioners with geriatric ailments. They have to take medicines regularly and some of them have already died due to discontinuation of medicines. We do not know whether the BSNL management wants more such tragic incidents.

7. Therefore, we request the intervention of your kindself, to cause necessary action for payment of all pending medical claims, both indoor and outdoor,  pending medical allowances ,onetime payment made for CGHS membership and to rescind the anti-pensioner office order dated 08-05-2020 by BSNL so that the hardships of BSNL pensioners are mitigated to a certain extent.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

K G Jayaraj

General Secretary 

CC: (1) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Communications & IT, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110001

       (2) Shri Anshu Prakash, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.

       (3) Shri Kshtrapati Shivaji, Secretary, Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, Janpath Bhawan, B Wing, 8^th Floor,New Delhi-110001.

       (4) Shri P.K. Purwar, CMD BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi-110001.

Com.M S Raja, former Secretary General, All India Audit & Accounts Association and Working President of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers has passed away quite unexpectedly, due to massive heart attack on 14-07-2020 at Thrissur, Kerala. He was a militant leader with clear vision and was always in the forefront of struggles. He was also a memeber of the National Council of JCM (Staff side). The passing away of Com.M S Raja is a great loss to the entire progressive movement.

AIBDPA dips its banner in respect of Com.M S Raja and conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and comrades.

RED SALUTE COM.M S RAJA.

AIBDPA/ DOT- DLC/2020                                                                                 14^th July, 2020 

To, 

Shri P K. Sinha

Member (Finance),

Department of Telecommunications,

Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road,

New Delhi -110 001 

Sir,

Sub: –     Submission of Digital Life Certificate by Pensioners covered under SAMPANN – extension sought – reg.

The Pensioners covered under SAMPANN are required to submit Digital Life Certificate within one year of their date of retirement. The pensioners retired in the months of February, March, April and May were given extension to submit the DLC upto 30-06-2020, considering the peculiar situation prevailing in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the fact remains that most of the Pensioners could not submit the DLC within 30-06-2020 due to the worsening situation of the pandemic, slipping to super spread or rather social spread.

The pensioners need to go to the nearby Akshay Centers to generate the Digital Life Certificate and updation by respective CCAs. (It will be appreciable, if the updation is acknowledged to the pensioners individually through SMS). The elders are the most vulnerable section to the pandemic and are warned against going out by the health workers and police. It is also a fact that in many places, even when the pensioners take the risk, the Akshay Centers are found to be closed due to lock down.

In these circumstances, it is requested that the date of submission of Digital Life Certificate, may please be extended upto 30-11-2020.

Awaiting a positive action and

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

K G Jayaraj

General Secretary

CC:   The Controller General of Communication Accounts, NICF Campus, Opposite Metro Pillar No. 152, Ghittorni, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, Anand Gram, Ghitorni, New Delhi – 110 030

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