Letters on Various issues concerning to BSNL Retirees and news for workers as well:

MEMBERSHIP : BSNL & DOT Pensioners Association (INDIA), enrolls total 4439 + 604 = 5043 members as on 31.03.2014. Membership is spread out to 15 states in India.

We reproduce the news from various quarters for the information of our members which does not mean that we endorse the contents thereof unless we specifically comments upon either way.

Membership Form: We are receiving querries for membership form, which is available in "About US" with detailed procedure. However, the form is uploaded here once again.Click.

Administrative Charges: Check your Administrative Charges Receipt yourself. Click Part 1. Click Part 2.We have credited the amount upto 31.03.2014 which is reflected here.Those who have not paid their Administrative Charge for the year ending March,2014 will not get " BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT" April, 2014 ISSUE. PLEASE NOTE.Members are requested to view the web and verify their account.

Birthdays of APRIL, 2014

Pension Revision Calculator - 68.2% IDA Merger: We are in receipt of numerous requests from viewers to place Latest Pension Revision Calculator for the period from 01.01.2007 to 30.06.2012 & 68.2% IDA MERGER. For the information of our viewers the same is placed here. Click Here.

Telephone Directory :with members name, address, telephone Nos and other details for Gujarat Male, Gujarat Female and other State members is updated upto 31.03.2014. Please view membership register.Click

View Membership Alphabetic List as on 31.03.2014.Click.

BDPA (I) CONSTITUTION.

Membership Register : BSNL & DOT PENSIONERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP REGISTER - AS on 31.03.2014 Members are requested to see the register and send the information which is pending against them.Click.

Check your mailing address.

BSNL MRS FORMS.

Quote of the day.

24.04.2014: 78.2% IDA Merger Issue: The queries are yet not responded by the DoT, as the root cause of the issue is the impracticable agreement by the Unions/Association with the BSNL Management. The date of effect of the 78.2% IDA merger has to be from 01.01.2007 and not any other date as pension contribution has been made on maximum of scale w.e.f. 1.01.2007 and the Pensioners cannot be deprived of the benefit of arrear w.e.f. 01.01.2007; and the apparently the Agreement comes has hurdle for issuance of orders w.e.f. 01.01.2007. We are pursuing the issue with concerned authorities.

24.04.2014: BSNL & PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT – APRIL 2014 Edition. Colour Pages

23.04.2014 : BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT – APRIL 2014 ISSUE – EDITORIAL.

23.04.2014: BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT – APRIL 2014 ISSUE – 3,000 Copies posted on 22.04.2014 and rest 1000 copies will be posted to-day. The District Secretaries extra copies will be dispatched on 24.04.2014.

23.04.2014: S/Shri A.N. Patel, J.B. Kumpavat & D.D. Mistry, met Shri Parmar, PGM (Fin), o/o CGM Gujarat on 22.4.2014 and extended their greetings.

22.04.2014: BSNL HQ Vide Circular No.43 and its No: 14-1/2012-PAT (BSNL) dated 21.04.2014 endorses DPE order dated 03.04.2014 on I.D.A. w.e.f. 01.04.2014. It is reflects working of Corporate Office which took 20 days to endorse the routine order. Click.

22.04.2014: ‘BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT” APRIL, 2014 issue containing 84 pages will be posted to-day to all the Members. For complimentary copies, subscribers and Officers it will be posted to-morrow. Click.

22.04.2014: Smt. Sujata Tapan Ray, joins her duties as Executive Director Finance, BSNL, New Delhi on 21.04.2014. We convey her our best wishes and assure our co-operation.

21.04.2014: Meena Agarwal, Secretary , 7th CPC New Delhi vide D.O No. 7CPC/15/Questionnaire 9th April, 2014 asks information from all Secretaries Govt. of India. Click

20.04.2014: S/Shri J.B. Kumpavat, D.D. Mistry & R.C. Sharma call on Shri A.A. Patel at his residence on 19.04.2014 morning and inquired for his health, as he had undergone cataract operation recently.

19.04.2014: ‘BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT’ April, 2014 issue in press and will be posted to al members on 22.04.2014 as scheduled. It carries total 84 pages.

19.04.2014: The JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE OF UNIONS & ASSOCIATIONS OF NON-EXECUTIVES, New Delhi vide is No: JAC/2014 dated 09.04.2014 submits Memorandum to the CMD BSNL on long pending issues.09.04.2014. An extracts from the said Memorandum is placed below:

(22) Option to the Non--Executives, for fixation of pay on promotion, on the date of next increment which fell after 01.10.2000.

(23) Revision of pension to those who retired between 01.01.2007 and 10.06.2013, based on 78.2% IDA merger.

(24) Settlement of the anomalies that have arisen in the first wage revision.

(27) Payment of arrears to the serving employees on merger of 78.2% IDA merger.

However, we feel that the following issues too could have been added.

1. Revision of Pension for pre-2007 Pensioners by merging 78.2% IDA w.e.f. 01.01.2007 with due arrears.

2. Payment of arrears for retirees between 01.01.2007 to 10.06.2013, though it demands payment for arrears to serving employees on merger of 78.2% IDA.

3. Implement of CAT order for extra increment to those who were given one extra increment as the time of retirement, as they could not get 10% BCR. The Management had promised to orders while implementing it for 44 applicants and has back out by approaching the apex court.

When they submitted 30 items in Memorandum, inclusion of 3 more items would have not harmed them.

17.04.2014: BDPA (INDIA) conveys heartiest congratulation to Smt. Sujata Tapan Ray, on her appointment as Executive Director (Finance) in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited. The letter No. 1-5/2010 SEA BSNL (Pt IV), dated 16th April, 2014 reads “Competent Authority is pleased to appoint Smt Sujata Tapan Ray (Staff no. 80041), an absorbed IP&T AFS officer, presently working as PGM (Finance)/IFA, Gujarat Telecom Circle, Ahmedabad, as Executive Director (Finance) in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited in the IDA pay scale of Rs. 62,000-80,000/- with immediate effect for a period of five years from the date of her assumption of charge of the post or till the date of her superannuation or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”

16.04.2014: TIME LIMIT FOR REDRESSAL OF PENSIONERS’ GRIEVANCES: DoP&PW Vide its OM F. No. 55/18/2014-P&PW(C) dated 28.03.2014 asks all the Ministries/ Departments reiterating its previous orders indicating the time limits for various actions prescribed to deal with the grievances of the pensioners in a time bound manner. Click.

16.04.2014: BSNL HQ Vide No: BSNL/Admn.I/25-24/13 dated 15.04.2014 empanelled “ Vision Eye Hospital” Sector 7, Hohini, New Delhi for “Eye care centre” from 3rd April, 2014 to 31st December 2015.

14.04.2014: HAPPY BAISHAIKHI: The auspicious festival of Baisakhi is celebrated on first day of Vaisakh month (April-May) according to the Nanakshahi calendar. Hence, the festival of Baisakhi is also popularly known as Vaisakhi. According to Gregorian Calendar, Baisakhi falls on April 13 every year and on April 14 once in 36 years. This variation in date is due to the fact that date of Baisakhi is reckoned according to the Indian solar calendar and not the lunar calendar.

12.04.2014: Modify Presidential Order on payment of 78.2% IDA merger - Forum resolves to raise the demand before the DoT : The meeting of Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations was held on 09-04-2014, reviewed the issue of revision of pension to the retirees, based on 78.2% IDA merger. It is learnt that the settlement of the issue is getting delayed in view of the fact that the Department of Expenditure has raised certain queries to the DoT, on it's proposal to revise pension notionally from 01-01-2007 and payment from 10-06-2013. It is learnt that the Dept. of Expenditure has asked the DoT, how pension could be fixed on notional basis. The meeting of the Forum discussed the issue at length and came to the conclusion that the Presidential Directive issued by the DoT on 10-06-2014 is the root cause for all the problems, wherein it is mentioned that fixation of 78.2% IDA merger would be done notionally from 01-01-2007 and payment would be made only from 10-06-2013. Hence, the meeting unanimously decided to demand the DoT, to modify it's Presidential Order issued on 10-06-2013, to the effect that actual payment on 78.2% IDA merger will be made from 01-01-2007 itself, both for the serving employees, as well as for the pensioners. It is decided to seriously persue this case with the DoT.

Our Note: Thanks God, after Nine Month Maturity has born in to the minds of the Unions to see light of the day. Hope it will not be illusory and followed with due sincerity and all force. We extend our support to the move.

10.04.2014: The C.D.A. for Pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2014. The Orders are issued on 09.04.2014. Click

07.04.2014: Aware of the fact that now a day politicians are fully engaged in their battle for survival, GS BDPA (INDIA) has one more endeavor to invite attention of Shri Rahul Gandhi, on the struggle of Pensioners for settlement of their long pending 78.2% IDA Merger issue. Click.

06.04.2014: Web Viewers: During the month of March, 2014, total 47,199 persons visited our web. We thank all of them fror their trust and reliance upon us for latest news.

05.04.2014: DPE issues orders for reduction in I.D.A. w.e.f. 01.04.2014. Click.

04.04.2014: The CMD BSNL issues reminder on the issue of settlement of pre 2006 CDA pension revision cases, asking the latest reports. Click.

04.04.2014: The ONGC is following a method of annual cash reimbursement for Uniforms, stitching Charges, Washing Allowances and Canteen Subsidy to its Employees. This year the cost for the same is fixed as Rs 84332. The reimbursement would be on the basis of quarterly installments as Rs 21083/-

04.04.2014: Smt. Geeta Rau, ED (Finance), retires and the BSNL HQ issues orders for Looking After the duties of Executive Director (Finance) by Shri John A Thomas .will look after as ED (Finance), BSNL.

03.04.2014: DoT’s letter on CGHS facilities for BSNL Employees/Retirees endorsed by the BSNL. Click.

03.04.2014: List of Empanelled Hospitals for New Delhi as on 31.03.2014. Click.

02.04.2014: 78.2% IDA Merger Issue – Our information reveal that the queries raised by the Department of Expenditure have been prepared and reply has been sent to the Department of Expenditure by DoT.

31.03.2014: I.D.A. w.e.f. 01.04.2014 - There is reduction of 2.1% and as such it will be 88.4%.

31.03.2014: Chennai BDPA (INDIA) CWC PHOTOS.

31.03.2014: 78.2% IDA Merger Issue & Pension Anomaly Case : DoT is preparing the reply to the queries raised by the Dept. of Expenditure on both issues.

31.03.2014: DoT asks the CCA Offices to fix one hour in a week to hear Pensioners grievances by particular Officer. Click.

31.03.2014: Happy Gudi Padva & New Year

Masti kabhi na ho low

Dosti ka surur chaya rahe

Dhan aur Shorat ki ho bauchar

aisa aye apke liye Ugadi ka tyohar.

Happy Ugadi 2014!!

29.03.2014: 78.2% IDA Merger Issue – The DoT has so far not replied to the Dept. of Expenditure query.

29.03.2014: The order on C.D.A. w.e.f. 01.01.2014 has been issued for Working Employees by Ministry.

29.03.2014: We have strongly opposed the Corporate Office letter, vide which the one extra increment granted in lieu of Grade IV, to the officials one year prior to their retirement was withdrawn, and has demanded restoration of that one increment. The Corporate Office has requested the CGMs to furnish certain in formations in this connection. The concerned are requested to issue reminder to their earlier representation to their SSA Head with a copy to the concern CGMs. Click.

27.03.2014: Pension Contribution & Leave Salary Contribution of BSNL deputed in DoT Letter No. 500-57/BSNL/2011-12/CA IV/Vol V-part I dated 14.03.2014. Click.

27.03.2014: Obituary: We are deeply grieved to know that the daughter of Bro. Shri Islam Ahmed, President, NFTE BSNL, passed away at Allahabad on 24.03.2014. She has been ailing and was under treatment for the past several months. BDPA (INDIA) conveys heartfelt condolences to Shri Islam and members of his family.

27.03.2014: Shri D.D. Mistry, GS BDPA (INDIA) has returned from his tour to-day morning and reached to Ahmedabad. the web will be updated in the evening.

24.03.2014: Second C.W.C. 0f BDPA(INDIA) was held on 21.03.2014 at 14.00 hours. More than 35 Office bearers, Invitees and Circle/District Secretaries participated. Shri M.R. Vashist, All India President presided over the meeting. The minute of 1st CWC Meeting were passed. Accounts upto 31st March, 2013 was also adopted. It was decided that vacant posts will not be filled till next year. The 2nd AIC will be conducted in Tamilnadu Circle, at Trichy. Details to follow. Shri D.D. Misry was elected as AGS – FNTO NUBSNLW in 4th AIC on 22.03.2014. BDPA congratulates him on his election as AGS. GS BDPA (INDIA) will returned to CHQ Ahmedabad on 27.03.2014.

21.03,2014: The C.W.C. of BDPA (INDIA) will commence at 14,00 hours on 21.03.2014 at notified venue.GS BDPA (INDIA) will greet Open Session of 4th AIC of FNTO.

18.03.2013: S/Shri D.D. Mistry & C.W.C. Members will commence their tour to Chennai on 19.03.2014 and will reach Chennai on 19.03.2014. The web will be updated from time to time.The Ahmedabad BDPA (INDIA) Office will remain closed from 18.03.2014 to 28.03.2014.

17.03.2014: The Central Working Committee Meeting of BDPA (INDIA) will be held on 21.03.30214 at Chennai under the Presidentship of Shri M.R. Vashist. All the concerned are once again requested to make it convenient to attend the same in time. The meeting will also chalk out further programme for expediting the finalization of 78.2% IDA merger issue for the BSNL Pensioners.

17.03.2014: The Open Session of 4th A.I.C. FNTO will be held on 21.03.2014 at Sri Balaji Maal, sushantha Gosh Arangam, Chrompet, Chennai. Shri M. R. Vashist, All India President, D. D. Mistry General Secretary and Shri K.K. Gopakumar, CWC Member, will also address the Session. View the Poster for further details. Click.

WISH YOU ALL HAPPY HOLI

This Holi Make A Wish,

Take A Chance To Do Something Good

Because Holi Is All About Good Things

And Good Things Are Supposed To Be Start On An Auspicious Day

Have An Abounding Holi

15.03.2014: 78.2% IDA merger to Pensioners : It is reported that the DOE has sought for the following clarifications from the DoT.

Whether fresh cabinet approval is required?

2. Whether the expenditure will exceed 60% of what BSNL pays to Govt. of India as per Finance Dept order?

3. Is there any precedent to extend increased gratuity, commutation etc on Notional pay?

13.03.2014: Shri K. Jayaprakash, GS FNTO met Shri S.C. Misra, Member services, DoT. It was informed that the file on 78.2% IDA Merger issue for Pensioners is pending for clarification on pension contribution sought for by the Department of Expenditure.

12.03.2014: Status of 78.2% IDA for BSNL pensioners:- The information reveals that the Director (Admn), Department of expenditure has seen a note in file regarding 60-40% pension contribution by BSNL which may create problem. He has returned the file to the concerned officer and instructed to “Delete” the note and resubmit.

Our say: This is nothing but delay tactics as 60-40% has no relativity. However, we can have our only after seeing complete note.

12.03.2014: Shri A.N. Tripathi, President, Bharat Pensioner Samaj, New Delhi visited BDPA (INDIA) office at Ahmedabad on 11.03.2014 at 16.00 hours and addressed Central Working Committee Members. He assured full cooperation from BPS. Few irritating issues alike (1) issuance of Pre-2006 Pensioners PPO (2) Service Book Not available (3) Disconnection of Family Pensioner’s residential telephone connection by Junagadh GM (4) Not meeting Pensioners by certain CGMs (5) need for separate Pension Adalat by BSNL etc. were discussed. He also spoke on various activities under taken by the BPS and approach to 7th CPC.

11.03.2014: BSNL paid Rs. 126.67 crores penalty to DOT on account of incomplete consumer application form (nfteweb).

08.03.2014: Vasan Eye Care Hospitals, New Delhi empanelled. Click.

08.03.2014: Saket City Hospital, New Delhi empanelled. Click.

07.03.2014: Govt. has approved 8.75% interest on EPF for year 2013-14.

07.03.2014: BSNL retirees receiving Central Civil Pension can opt for CGHS. Click.

07.03.2014: Corporate Office Circular N0.104 on special discount scheme for serving/retired employees of BSNL under EVDO and NIC postpaid data plan. Click.

06.03.2014: Issue of DA Merger will have to be considered by the 7th Pay Commission only, as the Govt. could not take decision thereon because of negative recommendations by the 6th Pay Commission vide Para 4.1.18 of its report, wherein it had recommended that the DA should not be merged on reaching 50% on the ground that the Increments had been recommended to be on percentage basis (instead of fixed ones in each Scale earlier). Now, the ball is in the court of 7th CPC. Thus, we cannot expect any development before the formation of new Government at Center which will be formed after 15th May, 2014.

06.03.2014: BSNL PENSIONERS CAN OPT FOR CGHS : The DoT has issued an order that BSNL retirees can opt for CGHS which covers only 25 cities in India, if they desire for which huge amount has to be paid by the Pensioner(details awaited).

06.03.2014: Cashless service in private hospitals (empanelled by CGHS) withdrawn from March 7, 2014. Patients will henceforth have to cough up hospital charges and later claim the amount from the government, according to the new rule which will affect 50 lakh serving employees and over 30 lakh pensioners, as well as their family members.

05.03.2014: 78.2% IDA merger to Pensioners, the file is awaiting its clearance by Department of Expenditure and Pension is with DOP&PW. We are watching developments.

03.03.3014: Shri Chandrasinh J. Chaudhary, Retired C.S.S. from Vyara joins stream of regular donors from January, 2014 by contributing Rs.200/- per month to BDPA (INDIA). We convey our hearty thanks to him for noble and inspiring gesture to strengthen the BDPA (INDIA).

02.03.2014: In the month of February 2014, total 42011 viewers visited our web. We thank them for their visit and assure to cater latest news-update for workers and pensioners as well.

01.03.2014: The Cabinet gave its approval to the Terms of Reference of 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) and also released of additional installment of dearness allowance to Central Government employees and dearness relief to Pensioners, due from 1.1.2014. Click.

01.03.2014: The Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pension, DOPP&W New Delhi issues notification dated 20.02.2014 of 35 pages modifying the various forms to be filled up at the time of retirement. This will be useful to those who are to retire hereafter. Click.

01.03.2014: Obituary: Bro. Umraomal Purohit a legendry leader of trade union movement, Secretary Staff Side JCM National Council and the President of All India Railwaymen’s Federation expired at Mumbai in hospital at 4.15 AM on 27th February, 2014.We convey our heartfelt condolences.

01.03.2014: Settlement of grievances arisen due to implementation of Non-executive Promotion Policy (NEPP) – BSNL HQ vide No: 13-5/2013-Peb.(B) dated 28.02.2014 issues reminder to affected circles to submit required data. Click.

28.02.2014: Obituary: Shri G.I. Daruwala, Retired Section Supervisor, C.T.O. Ahmedabad expired on 26.02.2014 at Ahmedabad. He was born on 18.01.1923 and retired on 31.01.1981. We had visited his residence on 17.12.2013 on "Pensioners Day". He was hale and healthy and was renovating his ancestors’ house and staying in rented house supervising the work of his new house. We have printed his photo in January, 2014 issue of our magazine. Each year he was posting us New Year Greeting in Greeting Forms purchased by him when he was in service. He expired at the age of 91 years. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family. He was like by all his colleagues for his noble nature.

28.02.2014: Cabinet to meet to-day to clear populist measures:

The Union Cabinet may decide on a series of populist measures and some ordinances on anti-graft and protection of rights bills at a meeting possibly the last before the model code of conduct could come into force for coming Lok Sabha polls which include.

Hiking dearness allowance to 100 per cent from existing 90 per cent, which will benefiting 50 lakh employees and 30 lakh pensioners. The hike in DA would be effective from January 1 this year.

Another proposal which will bring cheers to pensioners is to ensure Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under the pension scheme run by retirement fund body EPFO, which would immediately benefit 28 lakh pensioners.

Sources said the cabinet may also consider raising the retirement age of government employees from 60 to 62 years. The raising of superannuation age was originally a part of the Terms of Reference of the Seventh Pay Commission. Since the Commission report is expected not before 2017, a decision on raising the retirement age cannot happen before that.

So, the reference to retirement age has been removed from the ToR of the 7th Pay Commission and it is speculated that the same may be brought as a supplementary agenda.

When the model code of conduct goes into force with the announcement of the election schedule, no populist measure can be made public and any policy decision can be announced only with the clearance of the Election Commission.(PTI).

27.02.2014: Meeting with Officers of Department of Expenditure on 78.2% IDA : On 26.02.2014, in a meeting with Union Representatives, Shri Vijay Kumar Singh Director (ADM), Department of Expenditure, Shri Vivek Ashish, Under Secretary and Shri Sanjay Kumar, Section Officer, issue of approval for 78.2% IDA for BSNL retirees was discussed. All the officers assured that the delay has taken place as they were fully engaged with the restructure process of BSNL/MTNL being proposed by the Empowered Group of Ministers. However, they assured that the process of approval for 78.2% will start by today/tomorrow and will be finalized without further delay.

26.02.2014: The Department of Pension & Pensioners has since issued the Minutes of the 24th Meeting of SCOVA held on 05.02.2014 vide its F. No. 42/2/2014-P&PW(G) dated 24.02.2014. These issues are in respect of (i) Anomaly in fixation of pension to DOT Employees absorbed in BSNL who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.07.2001 and (ii) Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL pensioners. Extracts.

26.02.2014: ONGC is the top profit making PSU in 2012–13 : ONGC is the top profit making PSU in 2012-13, with Rs.20,926 crore profit. Power major NTPC retained it’s position as the 2nd highest profit making PSU. However, Fertiliser Corporation of India has jumped to the 3rd position, replacing Coal India Limited, which is pushed down to the 4th place. NDMC is in the 6th position, followed by Indian Oil Corporation, Power Finance Corporation, Power Grid Corporation of India and GAIL. In the same period, BSNL has incurred a loss of Rs.7,884 crore.

26.02.2014:50% DA Merger, Retirement Age 62 and Interim Relief – Cabinet is likely to clear some of these demands..!

This week may bring cheer to central employees and pensioners.

Central Govt. employees and pensioners will find reasons to celebrate this week. The union cabinet is likely to clear some long awaited demands for it’s staff in the next meeting later this week The F.M., currently on foreign tour, likely to return India on 26th February and after which cabinet meeting is likely to take place.

According to information available with us, merger of 50% D.A., an additional hike of 10% D.A. from 01.01.2014, granting of Interim Relief and enhancing retirement age to 62 years are under the consideration of Govt. and some of these are to be approved in the next cabinet meeting.

As the notification of loksabha poll may be issued in the first week of March, this would be the last cabinet meeting before the code of conduct comes into force.

So the central employees and pensioners may definitely hope for some bonanza to be announced this week.(Source: www.paycommissionupdate.blogspot.in)

24.02.2014: The Budget session is over. The Finance Minister is back from his foreign tour. We are expecting the clearance of the file of 78.2% IDA Merger by this week end. Members should not feel panic as some are spreading rumors that if the elections are declared our file will not be cleared.

21.02.2014: Terms of Reference For 7th Pay Commission: In order to benefit over 50 lakh employees and over 30 lakh pensioners, the Cabinet also approved terms of reference for seventh pay commission. This includes merging dearness allowance above 50 per cent with basic pay. Currently DA is around 90 per cent of basic pay and another hike of 10 per cent is expected soon. DA is calculated on the basis of change in retail inflation. (The Hindu: BusinessLine).

21.02.2013: This will pave the way for following the same for PSUs Employees and Pensioners. The relief will come for CG Employees/Pensioners only after commissioning of work by the 7th CPC and acceptance of the same recommendation by the Government of India. So there is a long way at go.

20.02.2014:Govt likely to increase and merge dearness allowance with basic pay:

Mahendra Kumar Singh,TNN | Feb 20, 2014, 01.08 AM IST

NEW DELHI: The government may increase and merge dearness allowance (DA) with basic pay with the Union Cabinet expected to include the proposal as part of the terms of reference of the 7th pay commission.

The move will facilitate announcement of interim relief to more than 50 lakh government employees and 30 lakh pensioners by the newly-constituted pay commission before the code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls come into force.

Central government employees unions have been demanding that besides raising DA to 100%, the government should revise the pay and merge DA with basic pay, considering market inflation and price hike of essential commodities.

As per practice, DA is merged with basic pay when it breaches the 50% mark. DA merger helps employees as their other allowances are paid as a proportion of basic pay.

An official said if merger of 50% DA with basic pay was decided, it could lead to hike in salary by around 30-35%. He added that there were instances of announcing interim relief to employees apart from DA by a newly constituted pay commission prior to their implementation.

Merger of 50% DA with basic pay was done in the 5th pay commission, but the 6th commission did not recommended it.

The Centre is expected to announce next month a hike in dearness allowance by 10% which would make it 100% of basic pay. It will be the second double digit DA hike in a row as the government had announced a hike of 10% in September last year, effective from July 1, 2013.

An official said hike in DA will not be less than 10% and would be effective from January 1 this year.

19.02.2014: The CMD's DO letter No. 40-23/2013-Pen(B) Dated 18.02.2014 to CGMs on settlement of revision of pension of pre-2006 CDA pensioners. Unfortunately, this D.O. does not reflect pending pre-2006 cases with the CCA Gujarat/GMs for want of service books. Are these pensioners fall in category of pre-2006 Pensioners? Their cases are shown settled by the CCA Gujarat, as per the said D.O. Click.

18.02.2014: ONE RANK ONE PENSION: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said on Monday that the fund allocation for one rank, one pension in the interim budget presented by him was in keeping with the estimate given by the Defence Ministry. This was not final and the government would provide more if needed, he added.

Asked if he had agreed to the one rank, one pension demand after Rahul Gandhi pushed for it, Mr. Chidambaram said: “The Budget speech was written many days ago; if the Congress vice-president anticipated very cannily what was going to be in budget, then I congratulate him.”

“We need a young fighting force, we need young jawans and we need young officers. We also need to take care of those who served in the defence forces only for a limited numbers of years. The government has, therefore, decided to walk the last mile and closed the gap for all retirees in all ranks,” he said.

Welcoming the government’s intent, members of the armed forces and retired defence personnel felt the fund required would be nearly five times the allocation of Rs. 500 crore.

They said the Expenditure Secretary had informed the Rajya Sabha committee in 2012 that to fully implement the scheme, nearly Rs. 1,800 crore would be required annually and would entail a 10 per cent hike every year.

But, for the moment, the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) welcomed the announcement. Lieutenant-General (Retd) Raj Kadyan of the IESM, who was among those who met Mr. Gandhi, said: “We are very happy at this development. Ex-servicemen are not concerned whether it is politics or impending elections that has motivated the Centre to implement this.”

In the past three years, the government tried to address the issue twice, in 2010 and in January 2013. But each time, parity in pension of defence personnel proved elusive.(Souce: The Hindu).

17.02.2014: Karnataka Circle is holding Pension Adalat in March, 2014. Last date for sending representation is 20.02.2014. Click.

17.02.2014: Principal CCA Maharashtra Circle held its Pension Adalat on 14.02.2014 in the Conference Hall of PGMT, Nagpur. The Adalat was chaired by the Principal CCA Maharashtra and attended by the PGM Telecom and Director of Accounts (Posts), Nagpur. The following issues were discussed in the meeting. (1) delay in payment of revised DA to the BSNL pensioners drawing pension through post offices in Maharashtra Circle, (2) delay in payment of earned leave encashment on superannuation, (3) timely updating of official website of CCA Maharashtra, (4) Circulation of minutes of the Pension Adalat held in Maharashtra Circle, (5) Payment of arrears of CVP in respect of Post-2007 BSNL pensioners as per clarification issued by DOT on 10-06-2013, (6) Posting of revised PPO copy by speed post instead of ordinary post to the pensioners, (7) Amount of additional pension available to the old pensioners to be shown distinctly in the PPOs. The Principal CCA Maharashtra assured to look into these matters. Director of Posts (Account) also assured to reduce the hardship being faced by BSNL Pensioners in receiving the revised DA payment.

17.02.2014: 78.2 IDA Merger Issue – It is pending with the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. We expect its clearance by week end.

14.02.2014: Copy of our Presentation on working of BSNL & DOT Pensioners Association (India) – Subject - Identification of Pensioners Associations Under Pensioners Portal on 7th February, 2014. Click.

14.02.2014: C.G.A. Appointments – Case of Kerala Circle – Clarification issued by BSNL CO vide No:268-Gen.Corr/2010-Pers.IV dated 13.02.2014. Click.

13.02.2014: Shri A.N. Rai, Director, BSNL Board, will hold the charge of Director (HR) for six more months. Shri Anupam Srivastava, Director (CM), will hold additional charge as Director (Finance).

12.02.2014: Retirement age to be raised to 65? - The standing committee of Parliament on social justice and empowerment have recommended the government to raise the retirement of the employees age to 65 years. The recommendations is based on the fact that growing lifespan was adding to the need for "productive ageing".

11.02.2014: Grant of One Extra Increment to BCR GR.III Employees prior to their retirement –Resident Audit Office, BSNL HQ ND Audit IM No. 03 Dated 27.01.2014. Information called for. Click.

10.02.2014:” Recovery of wrongful/excess paymen is made to Government servants” - Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pension Department of Personnel and Training, New Delhi No: F. No. 18/26/ 2011-Estt (Pay-I), dated the 6th February, 2014. Click.

10.02.2014: In order to have inkling towards our working, we herewith place “Compendium on Editorials published in “BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT” since its inception, i.e. from June 2006 to January, 2014. Hope you will like to read all the editorial at once place. Click.

09.02.2014: Know outstanding amount of BSNL & MTNL. Click. .

09.02.2014: S/Shri A.N. Patel & D.D. Mistry gave presentation at Conference Room, 2nd Floor at OYC, Department of Atomic Energy, Anushakti Bhawan, CSM Marg, Mumbai at 10.30 hours on 07.02.2014 on “Identification of Pensioners Association Under Pensioners Portal” before Ms Tripti Ghosh, Director (PP), Vandna Sharma Jt. Director (Pension), Prem Kumar, Sr. Consultant and two other Consultants. Others who gave representation includes Shri Bimal Ray, President, Central Government Pensioners’s Welfare Association, E-6, Shiv Basav Nagar, Shiv Mandir Road, Ambarnath, SH. P.K.N. Swami, President, Retired Railwaymen’s Federation, Mumbai, Sh. V.Y. Veshvilkar, GS, Baroda Central Pensioners Association, Vadodara & GS Atomic Pensioners’ Welfare Association, Mumbai. During the conversation with participants it was emerged that the Ministry if thinking to evolve a policy to involve Pensioners Association for betterment of social conditions of other civilians in social and educational field.

07.02.2014: Identification of Pensioners Association Under Pensioners Portal: The Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensioners, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, New Delhi vide No; F. No. 55/12/2013-P&PW(C) Dated 20th January, 2014 extends invitation to Shri D.D. Mistry, GS BDPA (INDIA) to participate in the meeting to-day, i.e.on 7th February,2014 at Mumbai. Total Four Associations are invited. From Gujarat two associations are invited and from Ahmedabad we are invited. S/Shri A.N. Patel President & D.D. Mistry, GS will represent BDPA (INDIA), at Anushakti Bhavan, Mumbai.

05.02.2014: Wage & Pension Revision: On poll-eve, UPA rolls out pay panel:

With the Lok Sabha elections fast approaching, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, on Tuesday, constituted the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

The commission’s recommendations are expected to benefit 35 lakh Central government employees.

The commission, to be headed by the retired Supreme Court judge Ashok Kumar Mathur, will submit its report in 19 months and its recommendations will be effective from January 2016.

The commission’s full-time member will be Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Vivek Rae and part-time member will be Rathin Roy, Director, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had in September 2013 approved the Pay Commission. The award of the Sixth Pay Commission, set up by the first UPA government, had resulted in an additional outgo of Rs. 12,561 crore in 2008-09.

The Eleventh Finance Commission had categorically said that pay commissions need not be set up routinely as their awards had a cascading effect on the finances of State governments.

The Economic Survey for 2013-14 says the Centre’s expenditure as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on pay and allowances for its employees rose from 0.9 per cent in 2007-08 to 1.4 per cent in 2009-10 after the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations were implemented. The data available show that the Budget estimate for 2011-12 is 1.1 per cent of the GDP.

Similarly, the Centre’s expenditure on pensions went up from 0.5 per cent of the GDP in 2007-08 to 0.9 per cent in 2009-10 and 0.6 per cent in 2011-12.(Source: The Hindu).

04.02.2013. The 23rdMeeting of SCOVA was held on 20-9-2013 had taken decision on our pending two issues. The next meeting to be held on 5th February, 2014 has been given action report. Click .

REGARDING 78.2% IDA: "A proposal was sent by % Telecom on 20.12.2013. D/oP&PW has communicated its 'No Objection' to the proposal subject to the approval of Deptt. Of Expenditure. 0/0 Telecomm. has referred the proposal to 0/0 Expenditure on 08.01.2014. Approval of 0/0 Expenditure is awaited by % Telecomm."

REGARDING PENSION ANOMALY ; "A proposal was received from Department of Telecom on 19.11.2013. DoP&PW has sought some more information/clarifications on the proposal on 19.11.2013. D/o Telecom has sent the requisite information which is under examination in D/oP&PW."

04.02.2014: GOM on revival of BSNL, MTNL : The government is likely to consider roughly Rs 8,500 crore of soft loans at a token 1 per cent interest to help BSNL and MTNL pay salaries to a section of employees who were absorbed from the telecom department. BSNL and MTNL are likely to receive roughly Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 390 crore, respectively, in the first year.(The Economic Times 01.02.2014).

01.02.2014: In the month of January 2014, 50,010 viewers visited our web. We thank all the viewers.

01.02.1014: C.D.A. w.e.f. 01.01.2014: Labour Bureau of India notifies All India Consumer Price Index 239 for December, 2013. The C.D.A. will increase by 10%, making 100% w.e.f. 01.01.2014.

01.02.2014: Shri D.D. Mistry, GS BDPA completed 10 years of retired life, serving the Pensioners from the same premises where he served for 39 years. A Video CD was displayed in BDPA (India) office to refresh green and golden memories of glorious past of trade union movement in telegraph service.

30.01.2014: 24th meeting of the SCOVA shall be held on 5 Feb 2014 at Vigvyan Bhawan New Delhi. Click.

29.01.2014: Reply from the BSNL HQ on queries raised by DOP&PW on Pension Anomaly for those retired during the period from 01.10.2000 to 30.06.2001, received by DoT has been forwarded to DOP&PW on 28.01.2014

29.01.2014: All the District and Circle Secretaries are provided with extra copies of BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT – JANUARY 2014 issue through courier on 28.01.2014. Please ensure receipt of your copies.

29.01.2014: BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT – JANUARY 2014 issue has been posted to All subscribers, Officers of BSNL and Complimentary subscribers numbering to 400 on 28.01.2014.

28.01.2014: DoT gets reply from the BSNL HQ on queries raised by DOP&PW on Pension Anomaly for those retired during the period from 01.10.2000 to 30.06.2001.

28.01.2014: BSNL D.O. No.40-23/2013-Pen (B), dt-22-01-2014 in pending pension cases (pre-2006) in 14 circles. Click .

28.01.2014: BSNL Letter No.40-14/2013-Pen.(B), Dated:-23-01-2014 on Undue delay in submission of complete pension papers to CCAs. Click .

28.01.2014: View Editorial & Colour Pages - January 2014 Issue Click ..

27.01.2014:T0-day, we have posted 1950 copies of Magazine. Complimentary & Officers copies will be posted on 28.01.2014 Morning.

26.01.2014: Wish you all HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY.

26.01.2014: we have posted 1500 copies of BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT -JANUARY 2014 issue on 25.01.2014 and rest all will be posted on 27.01.2014. Please wait up to 05.02.2014 to receive your copy.

25.01.2014: The file sent by the DoT to Ministry of Expenditure, is yet to reach the concerned for consideration.

23.01.2013: Pension Adalat – It will be held at Conference Hall, 5th Floor, Door Sanchar Bhavan, Karimabad, o/o the PGM (BSNL), Ghod Dod Road, Opp. Panja Pole, Surat at 12.00 hours on 7th February, 2014 for Valsad, Surat & Bharuch SSAs. All concerned are requested to take note.

22.01.2014: Identification of Pensioners Association Under Pensioners Portal: The Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensioners, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, New Delhi vide No; F. No. 55/12/2013-P&PW(C ) Dated 20th January, 2014 extends invitation to Shri D.D. Mistry, GS BDPA (INDIA) to participate in the meeting on 7th Februar7, 2014 at Mumbai. Total Four Associations are invited. From Gujarat two associations are invited and from Ahmedabad we are invited. S/Shri A.N. Patel President & D.D. Mistry, GS will represent BDPA (INDIA).

22.01.2014: OBITUARY: Shri T, Sunderajan, Trade Union Leader & Ex-Circle Office Bearer of TN Circle, passed away on 21.01.2014 at Akkur, Near Mayildu Thurai. We convey our heartfelt condolences to bereaved family.

22.01.2014: Read Web copy of ‘BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT’ January 2014 issue. Click. .

21.01.2014: “BSNL PENSIONERS NEWS GUJARAT” – January 2014 issue containing 72 + 16 pages is ready and will be dispatched shortly to all members who have cleared their Administrative Charges up to March 14 and all the subscribers who have already renewed the same.

20.01.2014: At 00.39 hours, Mistry Family celebrated 70th Birthday of Shri D.D. Mistry. He was greeted by His Two Daughters with their family and also his family in most surprisingly. He thanks one and all who call on him at that time and also continue to convey good wishes and birthday greetings. He also conveys who conveyed greetings through mail, face book and calls.

19.01.2014: BSNL HQ Vide No: 27-7/2008-TE-II/Pen (B) Dated 13.01.2014 relaxes Non Executive Promotion Policy. Click.

18.01.2014: Merger of 50 percent DA may soon be considered by Central Government – Sources close to the Central Government Employees Federations told that Merger of 50% DA will soon be considered by Central Government before the budget session of Parliament in February 2014. According to the sources, the central government is likely to consider the central government employees demand for merging of 50 % DA, for the reason that the DA will be crossing 100% level after January 2014. The demand would be considered in view of parliament elections.

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