Senior Citizens in China provided with GPS bracelets to avoid missing

 China is providing its senior citizens, those who are above 60, with GPS enabled bracelets so that they can contact their family when they are lost or their family can track them down when they are missed. There is provision in the bracelet to make phone call to the family.

In China, there are about 22.2 crore senior citizens above 60 years, out of a total population of 138 crore. It is reported that on an average, 1,370 senior citizens are going missing every day. Hence this new method to find them is arranged, which will help lost people to be found.

In this connection, it will not be out of place to mention that in large metro cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai etc. a large number of senior citizens are lost every day. Some arrangements, as made in China, will be helpful in their cases.

CITU delegates staged human chain, protesting demonetisation.

 

The 2,000 strong delegates of the 15th All India Conference of CITU, being held at Puri in Odisha, conducted an impressive human chain today, the 28th November,2016. The Human Chain started at 07:30 am. The participants decried the demonetisation implemented by the Modi government, which has put the working people of this country in enormous hardships. They demanded immediate action, to bring an end to the sufferings of the common people. This human chain is part of the ” Jan Aakrosh Divas ” being observed throughout the country.

(courtesy: BSNLEU website)

Reply of government to Grievances received from CGHS beneficiaries regarding functioning of CGHS

Some grievances have been received from CGHS beneficiaries through grievance portals and other channels regarding functioning of CGHS. These are mainly regarding non-issue of medicines, plastic cards, shortage of doctors/ specialists and long queue of patients in Wellness Centres.

 

Following action has been taken by the government in this regard:

(i) Appointment of retired doctors on contract basis as a stop gap arrangement to fill the vacant posts.

(ii) Medicines, which are not available at CGHS Wellness Centres are procured through Authorized Local Chemists.

(iii) A special drive was undertaken to clear the pendency of issue of CGHS Plastic cards

(iv) Option for self-printing of CGHS cards for existing CGHS beneficiaries.

(v) Introduction of on-line registration for consultation at selected Wellness Centres in Bengaluru and in one zone in Delhi.

(vi) Initiation of tele-consultation on trial basis in Delhi from two CGHS Wellness Centres with specialists of Dr. R.M.L Hospital.

Regular internal audits and also external audits/studies on the functioning of CGHS have been carried out.

Outcome of some of the important studies are as under:

(i) Staff Inspection Unit (SIU) was carried out by Ministry of finance for Staff Pattern Norms based on patient attendance. Recommendations of the SIU have been implemented.

(ii) Based on the study carried out by Kaul Committee, computerization of all the CGHS Wellness Centres has been done

(iii) On the basis of recommendations of the CAG Audit on procurement of medicines, Medical Stores Organization (MSO) has initiated e-tender for procurement of Anti Cancer and other Lifesaving medicines. It has also been decided to procure only L1 Rate medicines under formulary for Branded Medicines.

(iv) Committee of Secretaries (COS) has also been monitoring the functioning of CGHS since 2008 and various steps have been implemented to make CGHS beneficiary friendly. As per the recommendations of COS, UTI-ITSL has been appointed as Bill Clearing Agency for settlement of credit bills of empanelled hospitals and diagnostic centres pertaining to the treatment of CGHS pensioner beneficiaries.

(v) The functioning of CGHS is also monitored by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and as per the directions under ‘PRAGATI’, the process of linking of Aadhar Number with CGHS beneficiary Numbers has been started. A special drive was undertaken to clear the pendency of issue of CGHS Plastic cards. Provision has been made for self-printing of CGHS cards by existing CGHS beneficiaries.

(vi) DAR&PG conducted a study through Quality Council of India (QCI) to identify areas of Grievances in Different Ministries and organizations including CGHS and suggested possible solutions.

Based on the inputs so received:

· Financial Powers of Additional Directors of CGHS have been enhanced for early settlement of medical claims of Pensioners.

· Introduction of on-line registration for consultation at selected Wellness Centres in Bengaluru and in one zone in Delhi.

· Aadhar-based Bio-metric attendance for the staff at CGHS Wellness Centres has been implemented in Delhi and NCR.

 

The following steps have been taken for improvement in the functioning of CGHS in the country:-

1. Regular Inspection of Wellness Centres is carried out.

2. Monthly advisory committee meetings are held for each Wellness Centres with CMO (Incharge)

3. Regular monitoring of empanelled hospitals by a team constituted by Additional Directors, CGHS of cities for this purpose.

4. Regular meeting of Additional Directors, CGHS with pensioner associations. SMS alert facility to CGHS beneficiaries.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Faggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today

Declaration of WFTU General Secretary, George Mavrikos on Fidel Castro’s demise

26 Nov 2016
,
 

Forever immortal

On behalf of 92 million members of the WORLD FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, I would like to convey to the cuban people,to the CTC, to the State and Party leadership of Socialist Cuba, our deepest condolences from the bottom of our hearts for the Comandante Fidel’s demise. He was a leader who, along with Che, along with all his comrades, fought and beat the imperialists and their instruments.

For the WFTU has been the greatest honor Comandante Fidel’s own presence in its Congresses and his great speech to the delegates of the 10th WFTU Congress.

For the World Working Class will always be IMMORTAL

NCCPA CIRCULAR ON LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

NCCPA Circular

NCCPA Circular!

Pl find the latest circular covering developments:

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF PENSIONERS.

Website: nccpahq.blogspot.in.

E mail: nccpahq@gmail.com.

13.c Feroze Shah Road,m

 New Delhi. 110 001

Dated:20.11.2016.

Dear Comrades,

This is to inform you that the pension department has ultimately taken a final decision not to allow the option No.1. There are only two options left out for us.  To approach the judiciary and to agitate. We are to embrace both.

Bharath Pensioners Samaj had its General Body meeting on 13th November, 2016.  Both the President of NCCPA and the undersigned attended the inaugural session and addressed the delegates.  They have taken the decision to pursue the pension fitment issue through agitation.  We have assured them of our co-operation.  We have written a letter in this regard.  The copy of the same is enclosed. 

The AIRF has decided to organise  a protest demonstration on 14.12.2016.  The Confederation of CGE and workers have decided to organise a rally and march to parliament on 15.12.2016.  These programmes are  to oppose the totally nugatory attitude of the present Government over the Central Government employees Demands.  The affiliates of NCCPA may kindly advise their members to take part in these action programmes.

There will be a meeting with the Secretary Health soon to discuss the CGHS problems. All affiliates and state units are once again requested to send us Note indicating the various difficulties faced by the members in each State. 

The Government has extended the life certificate date to January, 2017.

The Secretry Staff  Side and the undersigned have written to the Government to disburse the salary for the months of November and December 2016 in cash. 

The annual GB meeting of the AP Unit is slated to be held on 12th and 13th December, 2016. 

We are approaching Associations/Federations of both working and retired employees, who are affected by the New Contributory pension scheme for holding a massive convention at Delhi.  As and when the date for the convention is decided, we shall intimate you.

The allowance committee set up by the Government and headed by the Secretary Expenditure did not meet the staff side formally after  the Staff Side submitted its detailed explanatory memorandum on each of the allowances the Pay Commission has recommended to abolish. The specified time limit under which the committee is to submit its report is over.  The Fixed Medical Allowance  which are presently paid to the pensioners who are not covered by CGHS is under the consideration of the Committee.

We are getting in touch with the Nagpur and Allahabad State Units to explore the possibility of holding the next National Executive Committee meeting of NCCPA 

With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.KN. Kutty.

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF PENSIONERS.

Website: nccpahq.blogspot.in.

E mail: nccpahq@gmail.com.

13.c Feroze Shah Road,m

 New Delhi. 110 001

Shri S.C. Maheswari,

General Secretary,

Bharat Pensioners Samaj

New Delhi. 

Dear Comrade,

            Kindly refer to the telephonic conversation we had on the subject of organising a rally/dharna at Jantar Mantar in the last week of Feb or in the first week of March 2017 to pursue the demand to implement the recommendation of the 7th CPC in respect of pension fitment under option No.1.  We had the matter discussed amongst us .  We welcome the initiative taken by you in the matter and we assure you of our whole hearted co-operation and participation.

            We feel that in order to ensure large scale participation of pensioners in the programme, it would be better if you could convene a meeting of Secretaries of all Pensioners organisations at Delhi  on a date convenient to you.  We may finalise the date for the programme in consultation with all at the proposed meeting. We further request that such a meeting may please be held not later than the middle of December. 2016.   I would be at Delhi on 30th November, 2016 and again on 13th December to 16th December, 2016. 

            With greetings,

Yours fraternally,

K.KN. Kutty

Secretary General

GREAT REVOLUTIONARY LEADER, COM. FIDEL CASTRO PASSED AWAY.

Image result for fidel castro new images

With profound grief we report the passing away of Com.Fidel Castro, the great revolutionary leader of the century and former President of Cuba, at Havana on 26-11-2016. He was 90 and was not in good health for the last 10 years. It was Coms. Fidel Castro and Che guevara who led the revolution to liberate Cuba from the anarchist and oppressive Batista regime in 1959. He successfully transformed Cuba to a Socialist country uplifting the common people to decent living conditions during his tenure stretched about half a century. He boldly resisted the sanctions imposed by the US imperialism and withstood many attempts on his life by the CIA. Com.Fidel Castro was a source of inspiration for many progressive countries in the world in general and Latin American countries in particular. The passing away of this great revolutionary leader is a great loss to all the progressive and socialist people of the world.

AIBDPA dips its banner and pays respectful homage to Com.Fidel Castro.

RED SALUTE TO COM.FIDEL CASTRO.

RBI advised Banks to take care of Cash requirements of Pensioners and Armed Forces Personnel

RBI/2016-17/154

DCM (Plg) No.1384/10.27.00/2016-17

November 24, 2016

The Chairman / Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,
Public Sector Banks / Private Sector Banks / Foreign Banks / Regional Rural Banks /Urban Co-operative Banks / State Co-operative Banks/ District Central Co-operative Banks

Dear Sir,

Withdrawal of Specified Banknotes : Cash requirements of pensioners and Armed Forces Personnel

In view of the withdrawal of legal tender character of the Specified Banknotes (SBN) demand for cash is expected from Government officials and pensioners after the electronic payment of their salary/pension.

2. Banks are therefore advised to take appropriate steps in order to meet this likely demand for cash by:

(i) Ensuring adequate cash availability for taking care of the requirements of pensioners

(ii) Ensuring adequate supply at the military outposts for the cash requirements of the Armed Forces personnel.

Yours faithfully,
(P Vijaya Kumar)

Chief General Manager.

MEETING WITH MEMBER (SERVICE) ,DoT

In continuation of the discussion held with Shri.J.S.Deepak, Secretary and Shri. Prahlad Singh, Member (Finanace), DoT on alternate arrangemant for pension payment to BSNL and DoT pensioners in the wake of cancellation of currencies of Rs.1000 and Rs.500, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri , Advisor and Com.K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary met Shri. R.K.Mishra, Member (Service) on 25-11-2016 and asked the progress. He stated that the issue was taken up with the Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare and Department of Expenditure. They are making some arrangement through Reserve Bank of India for cash payment to the pensioners.

DHARNA AGAINST FORMATION OF TOWER COMPANY A MASSIVE SUCCESS- PENSIONERS ALSO PARTICIPATED.

The dharna, called on by the unions and associations of BSNL, against the formation of Subsidiary Tower Company today, 25th November, 2016 is a massive success. The Non-Executives and Executives of BSNL throughout the country have participated in large numbers in the dharna. In almost all circles AIBDPA members also participated in large numbers in  solidarity as called by the CHQ. In the dharna held at BSNL Corporate Office, leaders of the all unions and associations addressed. Com. Chandeswar Singh, GS, NFTE, presided. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, com. Arvind Dahiya, Joint Secretary, SNEA, Dr. V.P. Singh, Circle Secretary, AIBSNLEA, com. Suresh Kumar, GS, BSNL MS, com. N.D. Ram, GS, SEWA BSNL, com. Sharma, VP, BTEU, com. K.G. Jayaraj, GS, AIBDPA, com. Sunil Gautam, Dy.GS, SNATTA, com. Hari Singh, Dy.GS, BTU, com. H.P. Singh, Dy.GS, BSNLOA, etc., addressed. All the leaders declared that the one day strike on 15.12.2016 will be a total success