Some Important

Information.

01. DETAILS OF MTNL ZONES FOR SUBMISSION OF BILLS ETC. 

02. DETAILS OF SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF MTNL MUMBAI AS ON 21/03/2022.   

03. FAMILY PENSION FEATURES AND PROCEDURE.

04. FORMS TO BE SUBMITTED TO AO(PDA) FOR CONVERSION OF PENSION TO FP.

05. PROCEDURE TO SUBMIT LIFE CERTIFICATE THROUGH FACE AUTHENTICATION APP.

06. DLC THROUGH POSTAL STAFF _ DETAILED PROCEDURE.

07. BOOKLET SUPPLIED IN AGB-2024 WITH ALL REPORTS.

08. PROCEDURE TO DOWNLOAD CGHIS CARD FROM WEBSITE FOR THE YEAR 2023-24

09. New Guidelines for availing CGHS Facilities - ED Mumbai Letter Dated 11/07/2023.

10. CONTACT DETAILS OF CCA MUMBAI.

IDA WITH EFFECT FROM 01/04/2024:

Orders for IDA Effective from 01/04/2024 is not yet issued.  

The calculation of IDA is based on Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers which is due for announcement on 31/03/2024 has not yet been announced. 

LINKING OF CGHS CARD WITH ABHA – PROCEDURE:

An order has been issued by Director CGHS in which step by step procedures to register for ABHA and to link it up with CGHS Card is given on page 5 and 6 of the above orders.

Please CLICK HERE to view the orders.

PENSION REVISION CAT CASE – CONTEMPT PETITION:

Contempt petition has been filed at Honourable Pr. CAT Delhi 

in Pension Revision issue.

Please CLICK HERE to view the contempt petition.

-- J.S. Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

EXTENSION OF TIME FOR LINKING OF CGHS CARD WITH ABHA:

Creation of ABHA ID has been extended up to 30/09/2024 and Linking of CGHS Card with ABHA ID been extended up to 31/10/2024.

Members are asking that what the consequences are if not linked.

Adverse effects if any due to non-linking are not informed by the AD CGHS so far.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter issued by Director CGHS.

-- J.S. Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

LINKING OF CGHS CARD WITH ABHA ID:

Health Ministry issued a circular in January-2024 for linking CGHS Beneficiary ID with ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID.

Government says ABHA is a safe platform to link, store, access and retrieve Health records of beneficiary from  prescription, diagnosis reports and details of treatment given. 

Associations and Unions apprehend that the quality of treatment that CGHS beneficiaries are entitled to, may be degraded slowly to the low level of treatment at Government hospitals,  as the socio economic deprived people are covered under ABHA.

So most of the Associations and Unions of Central Government Employees and Pensioners have opposed the compulsory linking.

In line with their views, we have also written a letter to Health Ministry opposing the mandatory linking.

Please see the letter HERE.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

MEETING WITH MTNL OFFICERS OF CORPORATE OFFICE:

Meeting with Finance & HR Cell in MTNL Corporate Office regarding the cases of pay- anomaly of stenographers, short payments of ex- gratia & release of funds for payment of medical Bills of Mumbai Unit :

ON 06/04/2024 the following Office Bearers Of RTOWA Mumbai & TEAM visited MTNL Corporate Office & had discussion with HR & Finance cell on the above issues. 

1- Com. J S Yadav, GS, RTOWA, Mumbai. 

2- Com. Virendra Singh, AGS, RTOWA, Mumbai. 

3- Com. K R Yadav, GS, TEAM. 

 Meeting With GM Finance:

GM Finance informed that there is no case pending related to short payment of Ex- gratia & recovery of stenographer cadre of Mumbai Unit. GM (F) added that he has already told his subordinate staff that  such cases may be cleared on priority basis. 

DGM Accounts Smt Vandna Jain informed that the corporate office has already cleared about 10 crores out of total demand amounting to more than Rs14 crores . Balance of Rs. 4.5 crores approximately is still pending. 

We asked DGM Accounts to release sufficient funds to Mumbai unit at the earliest so as to pay the pending bills of retirees. DGM Accounts Assured that they would take up the case on priority to clear the accumulated demand of Mumbai Unit within two months period. 

Meeting With HR Cell:

DGM HR informed that  137 cases of Ex gratia of VRS retirees  have been received with some queries raised by CCA which has been sent back to the Mumbai unit for reply to the queries & further action would be taken accordingly after the cases are received back in this unit with the reply to queries, from Mumbai unit. 

DGM HR further informed that the case of stenographers has been sent by the CCA Office to HR cell with certain queries. We discussed the case and explained to her that we had already given the clarification to all the queries raised by CCA. DGM HR assured that reply to queries would be sent back to CCA after the action is taken by HR as soon as possible.

--J S Yadav, GS (RTOWA), Mumbai.

MEETING WITH DOT OFFICERS REGARDING 5% IDA: 

On 05/04/2024, we visited DOT, Sanchar Bhawan & met Member (S), Member (F), DDG Estt. & Dir Estt. and had a discussion on 5% IDA.. 

Meeting with Dir Estt :

 Dir Estt Mr V K Agarwal informed that he is not much aware of the issue of 5% IDA as he has taken over the charge recently only on 01/04/2024 in place of earlier Dir Estt Mr. Rajkumar who has been promoted as DDG & posted in Mumbai as DDG LSA.We explained the issue in detail. He assured that he would take care of the issue on priority basis.

Meeting with DDG Estt:

We asked the DDG Estt. why the implementation of 5% IDA is being delayed further even after a lapse of more than 6 years. The affected MTNL Pensioners have been deprived of their legitimate right of 5% IDA for no fault on their part. We requested the DDG Estt. that the order for releasing 5% IDA may be issued at the earliest. She informed that the case file has already  been sent to Internal Finance of DOT for its perusal of reply of  DOT queries, from MTNL& CGCA regarding certain liability provisions & payments, pending with  MTNL. 

DDG Estt. further added that the case file would be resubmitted for the approval of Secretary (T) as well as Minister of Communication if the earlier proposal is agreed upon by Internal Finance of DOT. 

Meeting With member (S) :

Member (S) also informed that his intention is very clear to release the 5% as soon as possible but there are certain formalities are required to be observed before approval. 

We reminded Member (S) that in an earlier meeting he assured of early approval after receiving the reply from MTNL. He replied that a meeting would be organised between MTNL & DOT in the upcoming week which would be chaired by Member(F) DOT to settle the hurdles for the early approval. Member (S) then asked DDG Estt. to contact CMD MTNL & issue a letter in this regard.

Member (S) asked us to meet the member (F) also to brief the issue again. 

We then met member(F) & breifed the issue. He was fully convinced to what we explained. Member (F) informed that the file was not with him. 

He asked us to meet DDG Account & Finance & brief the matter. 

The office of DDG Account & Finance was closed. We will visit DOT, Sanchar Bhavan again in the next week & meet the DDG Account & Finance also.

The following office bearers of RTOWA Delhi, Mumbai & TEAM attended the meeting. 

1- Com. M K Bagchi, President, RTOWA, Delhi. 

2- Com. A K Kaushik, GS, RTOWA, Delhi. 

3-Com.J S Yadav, GS, RTOWA, Mumbai. 

4- Com. K R Yadav, GS, TEAM. 

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION IN HIGH COURT DELHI: 

The development in Hon’ble High Court of Delhi in regard to Writ Petition filed by DOT/DOE /DOP & PW against the judgement of Hon’ble CAT, Principal Bench, Delhi in the matter of Revision of Pension in MTNL & BSNL:

As notified, the matter came before the Court No.6. At the outset Council appearing for DOT/DOE/DOP&PW pressed for an adjournment to which the observation/ response from our side was as follows :-

(1) Betraying in regard to their own assurances for providing Govt. Scheme of Pension and Pensionary Benefits, the Petitioners are on denial mode and playing delaying tactics. Defying the clear judgement of Hon’ble CAT, Principal Bench Delhi for implementing pension revision within 10 weeks, they sat over the judgement for long 8 months and then filed the instant Writ in this court to delay and deny pension revision further.

(2) Hon’ble Bench is visibly unhappy with the plea of the petitioner that they wanted to engage ASG to plead but he was not readily available. So they need adjournment.

However after some arguments from both sides, Hon’ble Bench granted an adjournment and fixed next date as on 12/07/2024 but clearly clarifying as follows :-

(a) No notice is issued by Hon’ble Court in this regard.    and

(b) The judgement of Hon’ble CAT, Principal Bench Delhi is not stayed.

Such direction implies that the judgement still stands as it is for Petitioners to honour and implement the judgement and, if not, we are free to take further legal recourse against the petitioners for failing to implement the judgment.

After this we had a meeting with our advocate and decided to file contempt petition against DOT in Hon’ble CAT, Principal Bench, Delhi as early as possible.

Another like minded Association AIBSNLPWA was also  effectively represented by their Sr Advocate in this issue in the court simultaneously. 

The following Sr. Office-bearers of RTOWA, Delhi, RTOWA, Mumbai, AIRBSNLEWA and SNPWA were present in the court and participated in the meeting with our Advocate. 

1- Com. M K Bagchi, President, RTOWA Delhi,

2- Com. A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi,

3- Com. J S Yadav, G S RTOWA, Mumbai,

4- Com. Virendra singh, Jt GS RTOWA, Mumbai,

5- Com. K R Yadav, G S TEAM.

6- Com. Kishan Singh, President, AIRBSNLEWA.

7-- Com. Prahlad Rai, GS, AIRBSNLEWA,

8- Com. T C Jain AGS, AIRBSNLEWA.

--J S YADAV, GS, RTOWA.

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT:

A letter has been written by AIRBSNLEWA to the Secretary (T) for an appointment to discuss the issue of pension revision.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter,

LINKING OF CGHS CARD WITH ABHA CARD :

Dr. Nirmal Mondal (Head of CGHS Mumbai) AD CGHS confirmed that the linking of CGHS Card with Ayushman Bharat Card is compulsory and further instructions will follow.

Please CLICK HERE to view the OM issued by MoH.

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT:

Associations are preparing for legal battle as DoT has filed WP in the Honourable High Court Delhi. 

However DoT is requested to settle the issue without waiting for the finality of legal battle. DoT is requested to convene a formal meeting of all the Pensioners Associations of BSNL and MTNL.

Please see the letter HERE.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CIRCULAR:

AIBSNLPWA has issued a circular regarding the appeal made by DoT in Delhi High Court against the Judgement by PCAT on our Pension Revision case.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

PENSION REVISION CAT CASE - DOT FILES WP IN HIGH COURT:

DoT has filed WP before Hon Delhi HC today against each OA viz., 1271, 1272 and 1329 separately.

We feel that the BSNL / MTNL Pensioners have been cheated by this government.

Right from the Minister everybody told all the Associations that "no appeal" and proposal for implementing PB CAT judgement has been sent to Department of Expenditure. But now DoT has filed writ petition.

This is nothing but stabbing at the back.

We, all the Applicant Associations will unitedly fight it legally and win the case.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION - IMPLEMENTATION OF CAT CASE JUDGEMENT:

The following two letters have been written to the Secretary - DoT and the Honourable Minister of Communications by RTOWA Mumbai and AIBSNLEWA respectively.

1. Please CLICK HERE to view the letter by RTOWA, Mumbai.

2. Please CLICK HERE to view the letter by AIBSNLEWA.

--J S Yadav, G S, RTOWA Mumbai.

FORMATION OF FORUM OF BSNL AND MTNL PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATIONS:

The office bearers of MPWA, RTOWA Mumbai, RTOWA Delhi, and AIRBSNLEWA met at Mumbai on 24/02/2024 in the same venue of Open Session of AGM of RTOWA Mumbai. 

Com. K. Jawahar President of RTOWA Mumbai presided over the meeting. 

Pension Revision issue was discussed. The need for an organisation which can pursue the issue more aggressively was discussed. After  lengthy discussions it was unanimously decided to form "Forum of BSNL and MTNL Pensioners' Association".

Object :- Aggressive Pursuit of Pension Revision.

Constituents :- AIRBSNLEWA, MPWA, RTOWA Mumbai and RTOWA  Delhi.

Working Committe :-All Presidents and General Secretaries of constituent Associations.

There will be four office bearers viz., ex-officio viz., Chairman, Vice Chairman, Convenor and Joint Convenor. The General Secretaries of the four Associations will be the incumbants ex-offcio.

Accodingly the following were elected unanimously. 

Chairman :- Com. A.K. Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi 

Vice Chairman :- Com. Kishor Haldankar GS MPWA

Convenor :- Com. Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA

Jt. Convenor :- Com. J.S.Yadav GS RTOWA Mumbai

All these four  Associations will continue to be the constituents of the larger body CBMPA.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT ON IDA NEUTRALISATION @73.8%:

The IDA neutralisation of addl. 5% to the retirees prior to 01/01/2018 :-

The reply from CGCA and MTNL is received by DOT. Now the file is under resubmission by Establishment wing to DOT finance. 

--A K Kaushik G. S. RTOWA Delhi

--K R Yadav G. S. TEAM

REVAMPING GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL SYSTEM OF MTNL:

We have taken up the aforesaid issue in the recent meeting with ED. Now it is pursued through a formal letter.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter to ED MTNL.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION JUDGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION:

It is learnt that DoE has returned the file requesting DoT to send only one concrete proposal to DoP&PW to take a policy decision. In this regard RTOWA has written a letter to DoT.

Please see the letter HERE.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION LETTER BY ANDHRA MP TO MOF:

A letter has been written by Hon. Narasimha Rao M.P. from Andhra Pradesh for sanctioning of Pension Revision to BSNL Retirees.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

AGM OF RTOWA ON 24/02/2024 – PROCEEDINGS:

The 13th AGM of RTOWA Mumbai was held at Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Hall Dadar E.  More than 250 members participated. Breakfast was provided.  

After adjournment for quorum the AGM started at 11 am. 

Com. K. Jawahar presided over the AGM. 

Prayer Shloka was  recited by Com. B. R. Pathak Vice President.  

After approval of Agenda, one minute silence was observed to pay homage to the departed members since the last AGM. 

Minutes of last AGM was read out by Com. P.K. Kulkarni AGS and approved.

The Activity Report was presented by Com. J. S. Yadav GS and approved.

Audited Accounts for the FYE 31/03/2022 and for FYE 31/03/2023 were presented by Com. N. V. Mahajan Treasurer and adopted.

Amendment to Memorandum and Rules of Association were proposed by Com. H S. Upadhyay Vice President and adopted.

Resolutions regarding pending issues were moved by Com. H.S. Upadhyay and approvd.

The questions raised by Members were replied by Com. K. Jawahar. 

Com. M. K. Bagchi President RTOWA Delhi spoke on the latest status of Pension Revision and IDA neutralisation of 78.2%.

Thereafter the AGM concluded. 

--K. Jawahar, President RTOWA Mumbai.

A SNAP OF OFFICE BEARERS ON THE DAIS:

 INVITATION FOR THE AGB DATED 24/02/2024:

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION IN DOT:

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA discussed with Director Esst DoT regarding pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners status in DoT. Director Esst DoT informed that the draft proposal on pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners has been sent to DoE in the last week itself for comments and the reply is expected by the end of this month. It is understood that DoT has sent two- three proposals I.e. based on 7th CPC fitment formula,  3rd PRC fitment formula etc. After receiving the comments from DoE, the DoT will take necessary action to revise the pension of BSNL and MTNL pensioners. In our meeting held with the Secretary Telecom on 13th February-2024 and the assurance given by the Secretary the things are moving accordingly. Let us wait for the DoE comments and after seeing the DoT proposal we will decide our further line of action.

--Prahlad Rai, GS, AIRBSNLEWA.

MEETING WITH CMD:

We (Com. K. Jawahar President, Com. J. S. Yadav GS, Com.Virendra Singh Jt. GS) met Sh. P.K.Purwar CMD at Delhi on 13/02/2024 and requested him ,

1. To provide funds for payment of interest for the period of delay in settlement of GPF after retirement to about 7000 pensioners. He said that there are some issues to be sorted out.

2. To arrange for funds from DoT for difference in ex-gratia to those VRS Pensioners whose qualifying service is recalculated with training period. CMD said to send the issue to him directly with full details...

We have sent the details to him. Let us hope for early payment.

PENSION REVISION NEWS BY AIBSNLEWA:

A news bulletin received from AIBSNLEWA is attached below.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Bulletin.

-- J S Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CAT JUDGEMENT – LATEST POSITION:

Dear comrades,

President, Vice President Com Gangadhara Rao and self-reached Delhi on 05/02/2024.

Com N K Gandigwad, veteran leader of Hubbali along with his friend also reached Delhi on the same day.

We met Shri Pralhad Joshi ji on 6th night at his residence and requested him to arrange a meeting with Hon. MoC.

He told that he will talk to him and meeting will be arranged on 7th or 8th and told his PA to coordinate with MoC PA and us.

Hon. MoC was terribly busy and couldn't get appointment even on 9th.

But today (9th) we could meet Telecom secretary (even though he is on leave today he came to office in the evening to sign some files and by the efforts of our other source we could meet him).

We also met Member F, Member S and Director (Estt.)

After meeting all these officers our assessment is;

1) DoT mentally prepared to implement the judgement of PB, CAT without preferring an appeal.

2) Informal consultations were held with DoP&PW and DoE.

3) The file is not yet sent to DoE and it may be sent in the coming week

4) All the officers are tight-lipped about the actual proposal but we could understand that they have two/three options for implementing the CAT judgement.

5) It's clear that DoT is interested to find a permanent solution and at par with CG pensioners as we demanded.

6) It is clear that after getting the nod from nodal departments cabinet note will be prepared and the whole process will take atleast 6 months because a policy decision has to be taken to delink pension revision from pay revision and related issues.

7) We called the leaders of applicant associations today evening to brief them but only Com Bagchi and Jain from AIRBSNLEWA came and others could not come due to personal reasons.

8) We told them that we are not interested to file any contempt petition because that would provide an opportunity for DoT to file an appeal against the judgement which may drag on for nearly 4 years. We also appealed to other applicant associations not to go for contempt petition.

Despite severe cold for which we are not accustomed to and many health issues we stayed in Delhi for 5 days.

Hope all of you would appreciate our sincere efforts for getting a permanent solution.

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴,

𝗩 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗱, 

𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 AIBSNLPWA.

ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING :

Our AGB Meeting will be held on 24/02/2024. All the retired executives are requested to attend the AGBM on 24/02/2024.

For details of Agenda please CLICK HERE and view the NOTICE.

MEETING WITH ED MTNL MUMBAI:

The outcome of the discussions with ED on 03/02/2024 :-

1. Some funds received. 50% reimbursement of CGHS Subscription amount of those claims passed and sent to HQtrs up to October-2023 will be paid soon.

2. Arrangements are being done to upload Pension Slip in time on receipt of soft copy from CCA.

3. The deficiencies in the grievance redressal system on pensioner portal will be removed. 

4. Specific buildings that can be let out for opening CGHS Wellness Centres will be conveyed to AD CGHS.

5. Proper reply will be sent to CCA in the pay anomaly cases of pensioners of STS Cadre.

Com. K. Jawahar President, Com. J.S.Yadav GS and Com. P.K.Kulkarni AGS participated in the discussions. GM (A), GM(Fin), DGM (A), DGM (F) and DGM (Estates) were also present. 

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

SWITCHING OVER TO CGHS:

Due to continuous pursuit of our Association, Corporate office has issued the under mentioned orders. 

Now Pensioners can switch over to CGHS with the benefit of 50% of reimbursement of CGHS subscription. This facility is available up to 31/05/2024. 

All the pensioners are requested to avail this opportunity and switch over to CGHS.

Please CLICK HERE to view the orders.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

HOW TO JOIN RTOWA MUMBAI.:

1. Please pay the life time membership subscription of Rs. 1000 through  NEFT or GPay or any UPI App.

2. Steps to pay thro any UPI or GPay :- 

Open the App and select

Bank Transfer or Pay To Bank Account

Enter the following :-

Name of Bank :- Punjab National Bank;

Name of Account:- Retired Telecom Officers' Welfare Association

SB Account No:-  1144000105063641

IFSC CODE: PUNB0335800

Branch Name will appear as Ulhasnagar-4.

In the remarks give your name and staff no.

Proceed for payment.

3. After payment please feed your profile and payment details on our website "rtowambi.in" 

Tab "Membership", and select "Online Enrolment"

Please wait for a few seconds for the screen to open.

4. Please Inform the payment details to Sh. N. V. Mahajan Treasurer on his whatsapp 9869431615.

5. Please whatsApp to Sh. P. Subramanian Org.Secy. on 9869225700 in case any error arises while feeding the details on our website. 

6.  After a couple of days, you can verify that  your name is included in the list of  Members ...Tab "Directory" and then select "Members" on our website *rtowambi.in*

7. Treasurer will issue the receipt.

All retired executives are requested to join RTOWA Mumbai to safegaurd the interests of the pensioners if not joined already.

--J. S. Yadav, General Secretary , RTOWA Mumbai.

APPEAL TO JOIN RTOWA MUMBAI:

RTOWA Mumbai is the first Association formed for MTNL Pensioners.

RTOWA is committed to protect the interests of MTNL Pensioners. 

We take up the issues of pensioners well in time and continuously pursue them till settled.

The most significant and important achievements so far are :-

1. Payment of pension by Government.

2. Last pension revision wef 01/01/2007.

3. Winning the court case for revision of pension wef 01/01/2017.

Achievements in pipe line :-

1. 5% IDA neutralisation. 

2. Interest for the period of delay in final payment of GPF.

3. Option to Switch over to CGHS forever and many other issues.

Day to day information regarding pension matters are given on Whatsapp groups.

So all the pensioners retired from executive cadres are requested to join RTOWA. The life time membership is Rs.1000 only.

The procedure to join RTOWA is simple and given separately.

--K.Jawahar, President,

--J.S.Yadav, G.S.,

-- All Office Bearers and EC Members.

 PENSION REVISION CAT CASE- LATEST POSITION:

Pension Revision case is moving positively in the Central Govt. offices.

Please CLICK HERE to view the AIBSNLPWA GS information in this Regard.

-- K Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

EXTRACT FROM BMS NEWS LETTER DATED 18/01/2024:

A delegation from the following Unions viz., Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), BDM,  AIGETOA, BTEU representing BSNL employees, met with Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji, the Honourable Minister of Communications (MoC), on the evening of January 15, 2024.

Pension Revision of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners, at par with Central Government Pensioners:

Honourable MoC assured categorically that the issue is in advanced stage and under active consideration at higher level and the same shall be resolved expeditiously.

--K Jawahar, President, RTOWA, Mumbai.

EC MEETING OF RTOWA DATED 17/01/2024:

EC Meeting of our Association was held today (17/01/24).

Com. K. Jawahar President welcomed the members.

It was decided to *Hold AGM on 24/02/2024 at Ambedkar Hall Dadar East.

 Com. J.S Yadav GS briefed the present status of all the pending issues as under:

1. Pension Revision: Honourable MoC and Secretary have positive views on this issue and decision is yet to be taken.

2. 5% issue: CGCA has given the details of updated liability and further process is on.

3. We are coordinating with CGHS and MTNL to lease out space for opening new wellness centres.

4. Due to our continuous pursuit, orders are likely to be issued for keeping the window open forever to switch over to CGHS with 50% reimbursement of subscription.

5. Provision of funds for reimbursement of 50% of CGHS subscription to those enrolled in to CGHS is pursued.

6. Other issues such as Interest for the delayed payment of GPF after retirement, difference of ex-gratia to the entitled VRS Pensioners after augmenting training period for Qualifying Service, Pay anomaly case of retired stenographers, Recalculation of Pension of those retired within 10 months from the date of absorption etc. are being pursued.

--J. S. Yadav,GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF 5% IDA NEUTRALISATION ISSUE:

On 11/01/2024 visited Estt. Section, DOT. 

It was informed by the Estt. Cell that the required information on financial implications in respect of the 5% IDA has been received from CGCA. 

The Estt.cell has started examining the implications. 

The case will be submitted soon after examining the received information.

--A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi.

 IDA FROM 01/01/2024:

Please CLICK HERE to view the DPE OM dated 11/01/2024.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA.

INTEREST FOR THE DELAYED PAYMENT OF GPF AFTER RETIREMENT:

Now this issue has been taken up with DoT.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter to DoT.

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT:

 Minister for communications Shri Ashwini Vaishnavji attended the open session of CWC of SNEA at Delhi today. Utilising that opportunity 

Some members of AIBSNLPWA including myself requested him to implement the Judgement of Pr CAT New Delhi  on PENSION REVISION of BSNL/ MTNL Pensioners at the earliest. He replied " Ho jayega voh bhi Ho Jayega " which means " Will be done.  It will also be done. " 

--Anupamkaul, Dy. GS. AIBSNLPWA.

MEETING WITH DoT OFFICERS AT DELHI:

On 03/01/2024 the following office bearers of TEAM & RTOWA Delhi met Joint Secy.(T), Member (F), Member (S), DDG (Estt.) as well as other officers of Estt. Cell. & Dir. PSU, (dealing with MTNL merger related issues) DOT, Sanchar Bhawan. 

1-  Com. A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA,Delhi.

2-  Com. K R Yadav, GS TEAM

3-  Com. R K Sharma, C/S, TEAM, Delhi. 

4-   Com. Naresh Yadav, treasurer, TEAM Delhi

Pension Revision:

DDG Estt. Informed that the final decision on implementation of Honourable PB CAT Delhi decision order is yet to be taken at the appropriate higher level.

Member(S) as well as Member (F) informed that the issue is yet to be decided at the appropriate level.

 5 % IDA Neutralisation:

It was informed by Estt. Cell that  the related information on financial implications is still awaited from CGCA. in this regard,  a reminder was also sent to CGCA yesterday on 02/01/2024 by Estt. Cell for furnishing the required information on top priority.

DDG, Estt.have also talked to Jt. CCA for early compliance.

Member (F) as well as member (S) assured of taking care of the issue on priority basis. 

 Future of MTNL:

Jt. Secy. (T) informed that the operational merger of MTNL is being done in a phased manner. 

 We told him that there is a rumour of some development regarding the  merger of MTNL manpower with some options including VRS may occur shortly. 

 Jt. Secy. (T) informed that the issue is under consideration but there are many issues/hurdles which need to be settled before finalisation of the modalities/ terms & conditions. 

It is a time consuming exercise so at this juncture, fixed time line cannot be predicted. 

We submitted that the interest of MTNL employees should be fully protected while deciding modalities. 

Jt. Secy (T) fully agreed with our concerns & he has assured that every aspect relating to the issue will be taken into account very carefully so that the interest of MTNL Employees is fully protected. 

In this regard, member ((F) as well as member (S) also informed that finalisation of the modalities is a big task with many bottlenecks & every related aspect is to be taken into account that may take a considerable time.   regarding the fate of Employee, they also assured in the way as assured by Jt. Secy. (T). 

 Regular DPCs for regular MTNL Executives:

We again reminded Member (S) of his assurance given in the earlier meetings with him for asking MTNL management to hold the DPCs for regular promotions against all the vacant sanctioned posts in all the executive cadres before the merger as no DPC for regular promotion of MTNL Executives has been conducted since the year 2020.

Member (S) replied that he has already talked to MTNL management in this regard. He said that cadres restructuring work is under progress which will be completed soon & accordingly the DPCs will be done. 

The implementation of the 3rd PRC is also under consideration of DOT. 

Secy.(T) is on an official tour. We will also try to meet him on Friday Dt 05/01/2024 & discuss the MTNL merger issue, Pension revision & other important issues. 

--A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA, Delhi

--K R Yadav, GS TEAM.

REVISED IDA FROM 01/01/2024:

IDA decreases by 0.2% from 01/01/2024.

All India Consumer Price Index for industrial worker is as under

Sept 2023        137.5

Oct   2023        138.4

Nov  2023        139.1

IDA decrease by 0.2% W.E.F.  01/01/2024. 

The IDA will be 215.4% w.e.f  01/01/2024.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Press Release.

--J.S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

Recently Department of Food & Public Distribution has revised the pension of FCI pensioners who are getting pension on FCI  (PSU) Pay scales with 7th CPC Fitment factor. Citing this revision, we have requested DoT to implement Honourable PB CAT judgement. 

Please see the letter HERE.

--J.S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION ADALAT:

As notified by CCA Mumbai,  Pension Adalat will be held on 16/02/2024. The grievances in the prescribed form should reach CCA office before 25/01/2024.

Please view the the Notification HERE,

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

RTOWA DELHI NEWS:

Status of 5% IDA, Pension Revision, & the case of 206 :

Today on 20/12/2023, G/S RTOWA Delhi & G/S TEAM met Dir Estt. & DDG Pers. DOT, Sanchar Bhawan and had discussion on the following issues. 

1 Pension Revision:   

                  Dir Estt. Informed that the issue of implementation of Honourable PB CAT decision is still pending for consideration at appropriate level. Some development may occur after the parliament session is over. 

2 -    5% IDA neutralization :

        Dir Estt. informed that Member Fin. DOT has sent the case file back to Estt. Cell  two or three days back with some queries. In the query DOT Fin.Wing has asked to furnish the latest financial implications as on date w.e.f 01/01/2018.

He further informed that a letter seeking the said financial implications has been sent to CGCA today. The above information is expected to be received within a week from CGCA.then Estt.Cell will resubmit the case immediately after getting the information. 

3- Implementation of Honourable Supreme Court judgement order delivered in the year 2017 & 2022  in the  case of 206.

The case was discussed with Sh. A K Nema, DDG Pers. DOT with ins & outs at length. 

He told that he has already gone through the representation submitted by G/S RTOWA Delhi in the month of Oct. 2023.

After the discussion DDG Pers. asked us to submit a fresh representation including all the details relating the Honourable Supreme Court judgement order in the year 2017 & 2022 addressing to the Member (S) & Secy (T) with a copy to him. 

We requested him to get the Honourable Supreme Court judgement order delivered in the year 2017 & 2022 implemented in its true spirit so that all the affected executives of MTNL/BSNL get justice with all consequential benefits

He told that he will try his best to get the judgement order implemented. 

The fresh representation will be submitted shortly as asked by DDG pers. DOT. 

--A K Kaushik, G/S RTOWA Delhi. 

-- K R Yadav, G/S TEAM.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING:

Executive Committee Meeting of our Association RTOWA Mumbai was held today at Telephone House. 

Com. K. Jawahar President welcomed the members. 

Two minutes silence was observed in reverence to the departed souls recently.

Com. K. Jawahar briefed about the present status of pension revision and 5 % issues. 

Com. Virendra Singh Jt.General Secretary briefed about the AIRBSNLEWA Conference at Kolkatta in which he and Com. J. S. Yadav participated.

Com. P.K. Kulkarni AGS briefed about our pursuits with AD CGHS to open more wellness centres. 

Com. N. V. Mahajan Treasurer was appreciated for getting the Accounts of 2022-23 audited by CA, for filing INCOME TAX returns and Returns to Charity Commissioner before due dates and for maintaining the donation accounts properly.   

The following decisions were taken after discussions.

1. To continue to exert pressure on DoT and MoC through all means for pension revision. 

2. To achieve 5% IDA neutralisation as early as possible.

3. To launch a campaign to lodge PMO PG by individual pensioners for payment of interest for the period of delay in settlement of GPF after retirement as well as for difference in ex-gratia on counting training period for pension.

4. To start a campaign for enrolment of new members. 

5. To hold AGB before 28th February 2023.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

UPDATE ON PENSION REVISION

To review and decide about further courses of actions to ensure the implementation of the judgement of Principal Bench of CAT, Delhi we have consulted our Advocate today ( 14/12/2023 ). SNPWA also participated in the discussion. GS / AIRBSNLWA could not attend the discussion in person as he had to cancel his program at the last moment due to illness and hospitalisation of his mother. However we are in close touch with him  over telephone.

The net conclusion of the discussion is as follows :

(1) We shall remain in readiness to act appropriately if at all further litigation is thrust upon us by DOT.

For that we shall remain in utmost alertness mode and monitor the moves of DOT. We shall not pre-empt any escalation away from persuasion with Hon’ble MOC and Secretary ( T ) at this stage.

(2) The Petitioner Associations will address a letter to Secretary (T) requesting him to ensure immediate implementation of the court judgment and avoid further litigation as the issue involves the interests of the Sr. Citizens and Very Sr.Citizens.

 --  A K Kaushik, G. S. RTOWA, Delhi.

MINUTES OF CGHS MEETING DATED 29/11/2023:

Zonal advisery committee MEETING of CGHS was held on 29-11-2023. The minutes of the meeting has been sent by the AD, CGHS Mumbai.

Please CLICK HERE to see the minutes of meeting.

-- J.S. Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION UPDATE FROM AIBSNLPWA:

𝗕𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗚 𝗩 𝗟 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗵𝗮 𝗥𝗮𝗼, 𝗛𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗣 ( 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝘆𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗯𝗵𝗮 ) 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗛𝗤 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺 𝗥 𝗦 𝗡 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆  𝗮𝗻𝗱  𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗩 𝗥 𝗞 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮,   𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗢𝗖  𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗩𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗻𝗮𝘄𝗷𝗶 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.  𝗔𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺, 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺.  

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗣 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗢 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗻  𝗠𝗢𝗖 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻  𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲. 

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺 𝗩 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝗚𝗦, 𝗖𝗼𝗺  𝗥 𝗦 𝗡 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗢𝗦  𝗖𝗼𝗺 𝗠 𝗥 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗸 𝗩𝗣, 𝗖𝗼𝗺 𝗩 𝗥 𝗞 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮  𝗺𝗲𝘁  𝗵𝗶𝗺.

𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗺  𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗕 𝗖𝗔𝗧 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 20/09/2023 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲   𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻  𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 . 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀  𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗢𝗧.  

𝗠𝗢𝗖 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹. 𝗜𝘁  𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲  𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶 𝗚 𝗩 𝗟 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗵𝗮 𝗥𝗮𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗣 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. 

--𝗩 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗱, 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗔𝗜𝗕𝗦𝗡𝗟𝗣𝗪𝗔.

STATUS OF ADDITIONAL 5% NEUTRALISATION :

The latest news on the Status of 73.8% IDA (Addl. 5%) neutralisation to those  pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018 is furnished below:

It is a good news that Internal Finance also agreed to the proposal. Now Cabinet Note is under preparation for approval of Cabinet.

This information is obtained from Dir(Estt).

-- K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

CGHS GUIDELINES FOR LUNGS AND HEART TRANSPLANT:

An OM has been issued by the Ministry of Health for the Guidelines and Ceiling Rates for Lung Transplant and Heart Transplant surgery in respect of CGHS beneficiaries.

Please CLICK HERE to view the OM.

-- J.S. Yadav, G.S. RTOWA Mumbai.

AIC AT KOLKATTA OF AIRBSNLEWA:

All India Conference of  AI RBSNL EWA was held on 19/11/2023 and 20/11/2023 at Kolkatta. 

Com. J.S.Yadav GS and Com. Virendra Singh Jt.GS of RTOWA Mumbai participated in the Conference. 

Com. J.S. Yadav delivered a speech in the open session.

Please CLICK HERE to view the  brief of his speech.

-- K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

MEETING WITH AD CGHS MUMBAI:

Lengthy fruitful discussions were held for about three hours  with Sh.N.Mondal AD CGHS Mumbai, in his cabin on 15/11/2023. The following represented the Associations. 

Comrades

1. J .S.Yadav  GS, RTOWA,

2. Virendra Singh Jt. GS, RTOWA,

3. P.K.Kulkarni AGS, RTOWA,

4. R.G.Chaube  President TEAM,

5. K. Haldankar GS, MPWA and

6. Gavankar VP, MPWA.

At the outset, Com. J. S Yadav appreciated the AD CGHS for his initiatives in clearing the long pending reimbursement bills. Then the issue of closure of wellness centres and the huge crowd at wellness centres were raised.   

The AD expressed his helplessness for closing the Oshiwara and Bandra wellness centres. The lease period of these wellness centres expired and they could not find a suitable alternative place for relocation. 

Further he added that, CGHS has approached BMC K ward office for space, and the negotiations are in advanced stage.

Opening of a wellness centre at Panvel is under process. 

Com.J.S.Yadav pointed out that three years back approval was given by CGHS directorate for opening wellness centre at Akashwani premises at Gorai but not yet opened. AD said that negotiations with Akashwani on the rental rates are in final stage.  

Com. J. S. Yadav said that the number of CGHS beneficiaries is increasing day by day but wellness centres are closed without alternative arrangements. This leads to unbearable hardships to pensioner beneficiaries. Even otherwise the wellness centres are crowded. So the existing wellness centres should not be closed unless alternative place is approved. 

Com. P.K.Kulkarni pointed out why CGHS is not going for MTNL /BSNL spaces when ample space is available at all corners of Mumbai/Thane/Navi Mumbai area. The AD said that the MTNL/BSNL lands are under demonetisation. We pointed out that only a few buildings are under demonetisation and that list is available at MTNL site. Further we said that many offices of Central & State Governments and Courts have leased MTNL spaces. After lengthy discussions AD accepted that he would write a letter to ED MTNL Mumbai for space. And requested us to have a word with MTNL officers. We agreed.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Com Virendra Singh.

ENHANCEMENT OF REFUND OF CGHS SUBSCRIPTION:

MTNL's reimbursement of  CGHS life time subscription has been enhanced wef 16/11/2023.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter issued by CMD MTNL.

PENSION REVISION –PURSUIT:

Dear comrades,

Today (15/11/2023) CHQ delegation consisting of President, General Secretary, Gangadhara Rao (VP), Anupam Kaul (Dy.GS) and J S Dahiya (Org. Secretary) met Telecom Secretary and handed over the attached letter.

There is no guideline/ benchmark for PENSION REVISION to BSNL/MTNL absorbed pensioners who are getting the pension from GoI. 

Hence we requested him to take a positive decision to implement Hon.PB, CAT judgement taking it as a guideline / benchmark.

We again requested him not to go for appeal since many pensioners are 70plus. 

Telecom secretary told that he would brief Hon MoC and seek his approval; consult the nodal department I.e. pension department and take a decision. 

Let us wait and see. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter given to the Secretary DoT.

 --V Vara Prasad GS, AIBSNLPWA 

DATE EXTENSION TO RENEW CGHIS FOR 2023-24:

On personal discussions with Ms. Shama Kaushik DGM (HR) CO at Delhi on 03/11/2023, she agreed to extend the date  up to 30/11/2023. 

Therefore those who are not enrolled in CGHS are requested to apply for CGHIS by 30/11/2023 positively.

The link will be again uploaded on pensioner.mtnl.in shortly.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF JUDGEMENT OF HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT IN RULE206 CASE:

Today we discussed this issue with Sh.A.K.Sahu Member (S) and Sh.A.K.Nema DDG (Pers). 

We requested that the judgement orders of Honourable Supreme Court  in 2015, 2017 and 2022 should be implemented by ante dating the promotions of seniors to that of their juniors who were promoted as adhoc DE  in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Consequential benefits of financial upgradation to the grade of E6 and E7 with arrears should be given.

In this regard we handed over a detailed note to them. 

Member (S) and DDG (Pers) agreed to study the issue and to take decision.

--A.K. Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi,

--J.S.Yadav GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF 5% IDA (73.8%) NEUTRALISATION:

Today we discussed this issue threadbare with the following officers of DoT:

1. Sh. A.K. Sahu Member (S),

2. Ms. Roshni Sohni DDG (Estt) and

3. Sh. Rajkumar Dir(Estt).

We insisted that the entitlement of pensioners to additional neutralisation of 5% is absolute and legitimate. So the orders should be issued immediately delinking it from the modalities of sharing liability. The pensioners have waited for more than five years.

Member (S) and other officers are convinced of our view and agreed to delink the liability sharing modalities. It was assured by them that orders will be issued on getting concurrence of Finance. 

Then we apprised the issue to Sh. Manish Sinha Member (F) and Sh. Shahbaj Ali Advisor (Fin) and requested them to help to issue orders. 

The following office bearers attended the meetings:

Comrades :-

M.K. Bagchi President RTOWA Delhi,

Jawahar President RTOWA Mumbai, 

A.K.Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi,  

J.S.Yadav GS RTOWA Mumbai, 

K.R. .Yadav GS TEAM and 

P.K. Kulkarni AGS RTOWA Mumbai.

A formal letter was given in this regard.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

--A.K. Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi,

--J.S.Yadav GS RTOWA Mumbai.

MEETING  WITH ED MTNL MUMBAI:

Today we (Com. K Jawahar President, Com. J.S.Yadav GS, Com. Virendra Singh Jt.G.S) discussed the following issues with ED. 

GM (A) and DGM (A) were also present.

1. To keep the window open forever to switch over to CGHS with 50% reimbursement on subscription.

2. To reimburse the 50% on CGHS subscription to those enrolled in CGHS during the intervening period.

3. To extend the date for application to join /renew CGHIS.

4. Interest for the period of delay in settlement of GPF.

5. Payment of difference in ex-gratia to those VRS  Pensioners whose QS is recast with training period.

6. Restoration of stepping up of pay of six pensioners retired from PS Cadre.

7. To keep the life Certificate counter open at a few QCSCs during November-2023. 

ED assured to pursue the issues with Corporate Office regarding items 1 to 5 and assured favourably regarding items 6 and 7. 

--J.S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

A Joint Letter has been written to the Secretary (T) requesting to implement the judgement of Pr.CAT Delhi, by all the Six Associations which are Applicants in the OAs.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Joint Letter.

-- K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION – IMPLEMENTATION OF CAT JUDGEMENT:

As directed by Ahmedabad CWC, CHQ did some ground work regarding implementation of CAT verdict.  After knowing that Conference of India mobile Congress is being held at Delhi from 27th to 29th Oct 2023, myself and Com P Gangadhara Rao have reached New Delhi on 25th to take a chance of meeting both Secretary Telecom & MOC.

       26-10-2023:

We both along with Com Anupam Kaul Dy.GS met

1. Sri Neeraj Mittal, Secretary Telecom.

2. Sri Manish Sinha, Member, Finance

     and

3. Sri. Ajay Kumar  Sahu , Member, Services  .

 We requested the Officers to implement the judgement of PB CAT New Delhi without preferring an appeal in High Court.

After going through the operative portion of the Judgement, Secretary Telecom, Commented  " It would help you ". But the mind set of other officers has not changed.

However, they have assured to examine the judgement and take a decision.

      27-10-2023:

Met Shri Ravindra Kumar Director (Pension), DOP&PW and ascertained that his office has received the certified copy of judgement from Establishment Section of DOT for their comments. He told that it is the prerogative of the administrative ministry to take a decision on implementation of CAT order. We requested him to actively involve in implementation of the same as DOP&PW is also a respondent in the petition.

After inauguration of conference of India Mobile Congress by Honourable PM, we tried our best to meet MOC but we could not succeed during the day. Late in the evening, we came to know that Minister will be leaving to Bhopal early in the morning of 28th.

LIST OF SAMPANN PENSIONERS WHOSE LC IS DUE IN OCTOBER-2023

LIST OF MTNL CS PENSIONERS WHOSE LC IS DUE IN NOVEMBER-2023

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION CASE IN DoT:

I (Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA) discussed with Director (Establishment) DoT regarding implementation of Honourable PBCAT ND judgement on pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners. Director Estt, informed that legal opinion from law Ministry is awaited. After receiving the legal opinion from Law Ministry, DoT will decide its further course of action. We have also  advised to our Branch Secretary Bikaner District branch to take appointment from Honourable Law and Justice Minister Shri Arjun Ram Ji Meghwal for making a request to get implemented the Honourable PBCAT ND judgement.

SPECIAL CAMPS FOR DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATES:

DLC Camps have been arranged by  Pr.CCA Mumbai on 01/11/2023 at MTNL  Kandivali Telephone Exchange and on 07/11/2023 at MTNL  Charai Telephone Exchange  to the pensioners whose Life Certificate  is expiring in the month of October and November-2023.

Please CLICK HERE to view the circular issued by the CCA.

--K Jawahar, President RTOWA, Mumbai.

STATUS OF 5% IDA ISSUE:

A few months back, DOT sent a proposal file to Department of Expenditure (MoFin) for approval of liability for 78.2% IDA, but actual payment for 73.8% to the pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018.

Now a few days back, Dept. of Exp. returned the file to DoT requesting to send a fresh proposal both for liability and for payment @73.8%, by 30/10/2023. 

We hope, this time, DoE may not take long time to approve this fresh proposal and that the issue will be settled favourably soon.

--A.K. Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai

--K.R.Yadav, GS TEAM CHQ.

PENSION REVISION CAT CASE - CAVEAT FILED:

RTOWA Mumbai and RTOWA Delhi have filed Caveat in High Court Delhi regarding Pension Revision Judgement by PB CAT Delhi in OA No.1271/2020 .

Details :- 

Delhi High Court Diary No:- 

RTOWA Delhi :- 1894117/2023

RTOWA Mumbai:- 1911081/2023.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

CGHIS DATE EXTENSION:

Many members are raising query regarding last date for enrolment/SUBMISSION OF CGHIS FORM. The issue was discussed with DGM (ADMIN) and he informed that the last date has now been extended up to 31st October. Therefore any member who has not yet submitted online form can now apply up to 31/10/2023.

--J S Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PCAT JUDGEMENT ON PENSION REVISION:

It is learnt that DoT has asked for legal opinion from it's lawyers on PCAT Judgement and the opinion is said to be not in favour of implementation.  RTOWA Delhi and Mumbai continue to exert pressure on DoT through all means for implementation of the judgement. 

Please see the letter sent to DoT in this regard HERE.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

REVISED IDA FROM 01/10/2023:

Please CLICK HERE to view the OM issued by DPE dated 06/10/2023.

REVISION OF PENSION – PCAT JUDGEMENT – LEGAL OPINION:

Revision of pension to those retired after 01/01/2017:

Members raise querries as to whether the judgement is applicable to Pensioners retired after 01/01/2017 ?

Our Views :- Beyond any doubt, the pension revision is applicable to all the existing pensioners and also to the employees who will retire hereafter.

The legal opinion of a senior counsel, obtaind by AIBSNL PWA confirms that the judgement is applicable also to the pensioners retired after 01/01/2017.

Copy of the legal opinion is given  below:

PAGE-1      PAGE-2     PAGE-3

EXPECTED IDA FROM 01/10/2023:

All India consumer price index for industrial workers is as under:

June-2023      136.4

July- 2023      139.7

August-2023  139.2

IDA increase from 01/10/2023 will be 10.0%

aggregating IDA will be 215.6%.

--A K Kapoor, AGS RTOWA Delhi.

MEETING WITH GM(FIN) CORPORATE OFFICE DELHI:

Myself with Com. K.R. Yadav GS TEAM met Sh. Sultan Ahmed GM (Fin) CO at Delhi on 22/09/2023 and discussed the following issues.

1. Arrears of Ex-gratia to 137 VRS Pensioners on counting training period for Qualifying service. 

--GM Fin said the case is being processed.

2. Interest for the period of delay in payment of GPF after retirement to the retirees since December-2018 (including VRS pensioners).

--GM (Fin) said that decision is not yet taken by the management in this issue.

RTOWA and TEAM will continue to pursue these issues and we will ensure that these issues are settled soon.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CAT JUDGEMENT ON PENSION REVISION:

Dear comrades we have gone through the judgement carefully and now we will pursue the matter with DoT for implementation and simultaneously we are going to take legal preventive action by filing caveat in Delhi High court .

Be rest assured. Our association will take all steps to implement the judgement orders of PBCAT New Delhi.

--J S YADAV, GS,  RTOWA, MUMBAI.

PENSION REVISION PCAT JUDGEMENT:

Pension of MTNL and BSNL IDA Pensioners should be revised as per 7th CPC within 10 weeks.

Extracts from PCAT Judgement:

Para No. 28:

The competent authority amongst the respondents is directed to forthwith revise the pension and family pension wherever applicable, strictly in accordance with the relevant rules and the entitlement governing pension to various sets of employees of the Central Government, maintaining strict parity. It is clarified that the benefits of revision of pension and family pension as notified by the Central Government on the recommendations of the Pay Commission, shall stand extended in favour of the applicants, analogous to the revision of such pension in case of Central Government pensioners.

Para No. 29:

The directions contained herein shall be complied with within a period of ten weeks from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order.

Para No. 30:

The OA stand allowed against the background of the aforesaid directions. Pending MA(s), if any, stands disposed of accordingly. There shall be no orders as to costs.

Please CLICK HERE to view the copy of Judgement.

--RTOWA Delhi.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

--MPWA Mumbai.

CGHIS  FOR THE POLICY YEAR 2023-24:

Order for CGHIS enrolment for the period from 01/10/2023 to 30/09/2024 for the retired officers/officials of MTNL Mumbai has been posted on pensioners’ portal. This scheme can be availed by those retired from MTNL or their spouse. The retirees who got CGHS Card shall not be allowed to avail CGHIS facility.

The retirees are requested to submit the form online through http://pensioner.mtnl.in on or before 30/09/2023. The medical card will be issued without photo and sent to the applicant by post. The e-card can be downloaded from www.medsave.in.

If CGHIS facility is not opted, then OPD reimbursement claim of the retiree will not be allowed.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter issued by ED Mumbai.

SUCCESS……SUCCESS……..SUCCESS:

We won the case for our PENSION REVISION.

Principal CAT Delhi has announced the Judgement today in our favour.

Judgement Copy is awaited.

Congratulation to all the members.

Our United, Consistent stand and approach has worked well and brought success to us!

Let us hope the Government would honour the JUDGEMENT rather than indulging in dillydallying by appeal etc. However we need to remain ever united, vigilant and prepared to take on any obstacles that may be posed.

RTOWA ZINDABAD! PENSIONERS UNITY ZINDABAD!!

--AK KAUSHIK, RTOWA

--J S YADAV, RTOWA

--K R.YADAV, RTOWA

PENSION ADALAT ON 13/11/2023:

13th Pension ADALAT is Scheduled to be held on 03/11/2023 through online. The last date for sending grievances relating to pension is 06/10/2023.

Please CLICK HERE to view the circular issued by the CCA.

DONATIONS TO LEGAL FUND:

Sincere thanks to all the members for liberal donations.  

Donations received from 29/08/2023 to 04/09/2023 are acknowledged with receipt No. vide...

List No.10 (29/08 to 31/08) and

List No.11 (01/09 to 04/09) given below.

The donors are requested to inform the Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer for inaccuracies, if any, in names etc.

After remitting the donations members are requested to inform the remittance details viz., Name, Txn id, Amt etc. to the Treasurer.

Please CLICK the links below to view the donation lists.

LIST-NO-10   LIST-NO-11

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA, Mumbai.

NEW SECRETARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

Shri Neeraj Mittal, IAS (TN:92) has been posted as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications. vide sl.no.ix of Orders dtd 31/08/23 of Appointment Committee of Cabinet.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Appointment memo.

DONATION TO LEGAL FUND:

Sincere thanks to all the members for liberal donations.  

Donations received from 26/08/2023 to 28/08/2023 are acknowledged vide List No.9 given below.

The donors are requested to inform the Treasurer/Asst.Treasurer for inaccuracies, if any, in names etc.

After remitting the donations members are requested to inform the remittance details viz., Name,Txn id, Amt etc. to the Treasurer.

Please CLICK HERE to view the List No.9

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

MEETING  WITH  SRI PRALHAD JOSHI JI Honourble Minister for Parliamentary Affairs:

A delegation of AI BSNL PWA lead by Com. P. Gangadhara Rao VP CHQ met Shri  Pralhad Joshiji, at Hubli  on 27- 8- 2023. 

We brought to his notice about undue delay in settlement of our Pension Revision issue and impressed him for his further intervention. He assured that he will discuss with MOC and inform us.

DONATION TO LEGAL FUND:

Sincere thanks to all the members for liberal donations.  

Donations received from 21/08 to 24/08 are acknowledged vide

List No.8 given below.

The donors are requested to inform the Treasurer/Asst. Treasurer for inaccuracies, if any, in names.

After remitting the donations members are requested to inform the remittance details viz., Name, Txn id, Amt etc. to the Treasurer.

Please CLICK HERE to view the List No. 8.

--J.S.Yadav GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CASE AT PB COURT DELHI :

Dear Comrades, our case of  pension revision came on board in court no 3 at sl no 36 as per schedule. The arguments have been completed and judgment order is kept reserved. The judgement order will be pronounced latter.

The following were present in the court:

1. Com AK kaushick GS(RTOWA) Delhi

2. Com J S yadav  GS(RTOWA) Mumbai

3. Com K R Yadav, GS TEAM.

4. Com Shil kumar VP RTOWA Delhi

5. P K Jain Legal Adviser RTOWA.

--J S Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

DONATION TO LEGAL FUND FROM 16/08/2023 TO 20/08/2023:

Sincere thanks to all the members for liberal donations. 

Donations received from 16/08/2023 to 20/08/2023 are acknowledged vide two lists below :-

List No. 6 (Revised) -- Credits on 16/08/2023 and on 17/08/2023

List No. 7 -- Credits from 18/08/2023 to 20/08/2023

The donors are requested to inform the Treasurer/Asst. Treasurer for inaccuracies, if any, in names etc.

Please click the under mentioned Links to view the Donation Lists.

LIST No. 6 (Revised)         LIST No. 7

-- J.S. Yadav, RTOWA, Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CASE  - STATUS AS ON TODAY:

Our pension case at PB COURT Delhi was listed on Court no 3 at Sl No. 36 and came on board for hearing. But due to certain reason it is postponed Today and listed for no 1 part heard for Thursday 24th August 2023.

The following comrades were present in the court.

-- COM AK KAUSHIK GS RTOWA Delhi,

-- COM  JS YADAV GS RTOWA, Mumbai,

-- COM KR YADAV GS TEAM,

-- COM SHEEL KUMAR,

-- COM AK KAPOOR.

----J S Yadav, RTOWA Mumbai.

DONATION TO LEGAL FUND UPTO 17/08/2023:

Our sincere thanks to all the members for liberal donations. 

Two lists are given below :-

List No. 5 (Credits from13/082023 to 15/08/2023)

List No.6 (Credits on 16/08/2023 and on 17/08/2023)

Requested to inform the Treasurer/Asst. Treasurer for inaccuracies if any in names etc.

After remitting the donations please inform the remittance details Name, Txn id, Amount etc. to the Treasurer.

Please Click the Links below to view the Donation Lists.

LIST No-5            LIST No-6

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION CASE IN PB COURT DELHI:

Date of hearing of pension revision case is fixed as 21/08/2023 in Court No. 3 and the case has been listed at Sl No. 35.

 --RTOWA, Delhi.

MEETING WITH MEMBER(S) DOT IN SANCHAR BHAVAN:

                Today the following members of RTOWA (Mumbai) , RTOWA (Delhi) and TEAM met and  presented a bouquet to Shri Ajay Kumar Sahu, Member Services, in his Sanchar Bhavan chamber, New Delhi and wished him successful tenure as Member of Services DOT.

1. Com. A. K. Kaushik, G S, RTOWA, Delhi

2. Com. J.S. Yadav, G S, RTOWA, Mumbai

3. Com. K. R. Yadav, G S, TEAM. Mumbai

4. Com. Kishor Haldankar, G S MPWA, Mumbai.

5. Com. H.S Upadhyay VP, RTOWA, Mumbai

6. Com.Virendra Singh Jt GS RTOWA, Mumbai

7. Com.. P. K. Kulkarni AGS RTOWA. Mumbai

8. Com. R K Sharma, C/S TEAM, Delhi.

9. Com.Maninder sarin, Asstt.C/S,TEAM Delhi.

10. Com. Sahay, Mumbai

The following points were elaborately discussed :-

1. Expediting the pension revision wef 01/01/2017:

Com.  Kaushik presented the facts and figures of the pension revision issue emphasizing the same as per 7th CPC.  Com. Kaushik explained  that as per terms & conditions of absorption policy pension revision is the legitimate right of the retirees. Member(S) has taken note of the issue & told that file is moving in the positive direction. 

2. Com.J S yadav, G S RTOWA Mumbai raised the issue of Abnormal delay of more than 5 years in granting the benefit of 5% additional IDA to the pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018. 

Com. Kaushik, G S RTOWA Delhi explained in detail, the issue regarding the merger of 78.2%  IDA wef 01/01/2007. It has been brought to the notice of member (S) that the retirees as well as working employees of BSNL have already got the benefit of 78.2% IDA merger.                        

 But the MTNL employees who retired prior to 01/01/2018  have been deprived of their legitimate right of even 5% IDA merger.  

 The member (S) has assured  to look into the matter for early settlement.

3. Expediting the implementation of Supreme Court order regarding rule 206:

Com. J.S Yadav, G S, RTOWA (Mumbai) and com. A. K. Kaushik, G S, RTOWA (Delhi) have explained in depth the case to Member (S). Mr Nema, Director (Establishment), DoT was also present in the meeting. 

We also had a detailed discussion regarding implementation of Honourable Supreme court judgment order of Sept. 2022. We have further informed the Member (S) that MTNL has wrongfully implemented the Honourable Supreme Court order & not extended the benefit of 206 to the beneficiaries as has been directed by Honourable Supreme Court. The Member (S) asked us to submit the written brief of the matter. We have told member (S) that we will submit the same within a week time along with a copy of a letter already written to member (S) / CMD MTNL regarding implementation of Supreme Court judgement order of  Sept. 2022.

Com. A. K Kaushik, com. . K.R. Yadav have already submitted a representation in this regard to Member (S). 

Member Services has noted the case and asked DDG (Pers) to look into the matter.

4. Expediting the order on recalculation of average emoluments:

BSNL has already implemented the court order but DOT has not endorsed the same to MTNL for implementation. 

Member (S) agreed and assured that the necessary instructions will be issued to MTNL.

5. Pro-rata pensioners issue:

Com. P. K. Kulkarni has raised the pro-rata pensioners’ issue. The retirees whose services were less than 10 years in DoT were deprived of their pension. Com. Kaushik has brought to the notice of Member (S) that employees having less than 10 years qualifying service were not eligible for exercising the pro-rata pension option. MTNL has done an injustice to them. We requested Member(S) to consider the case keeping a holistic view in the interest of the employees.

Member Services assured that he will look into the issue.

The meeting concluded with thanks. 

--J S Yadav, G S, RTOWA, Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CASE AT PCAT DELHI:

Case of pension revision is not listed on 16/08/2023 as the bench is not constituted. The date of constitution of bench will be informed on 16/08/2023.

 --A.K. Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi.

DONATION TO LEGAL FUND:

Sincere thanks to all the members for liberal donations.  

Four  lists are given below :-

List N0. 1( Credits on 03/08/2023)

List No. 2( Credits from 04/08/2023 to 06/08/2023)

List No. 3 (Credits  on 07/08/2023 and 08/08/2023) and 

List No. 4 ( Credits on 09/08/2023 to 12/08/2023) 

List of donations received from 13/08/2023 onwards will be published soon.

Requested to inform the Treasurer/Asst Treasurer for inaccuracies, if any, in names etc.

Please click the links below to view the Donation Lists.

LIST-1   LIST-2   LIST-3     LIST-4

-- J S Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

REVIEW OF REGULAR PROMOTION UNDER RULE 206:

A revised consolidated list has been issued by the MTNL Corporate office as per the Court Order on Rule 206. 113 officers (Annexure III and IV) will be promoted notionally w.e.f. 30/06/2009 but arrears if any will be paid from 01.01.2018 only. For other 270 officers (Annexure I and II) there is no change in the date of promotion.

Please CLICK HERE to view the MTNL letter.

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS:

Dear Members,

Your Association RTOWA Mumbai is  fighting two  cases in courts viz.,

1)Pension Revision case at PCAT Delhi and

2)Case filed by MTNL Mumbai against United Forum in High Court Bombay regarding agitation in 2018.

We appeal to you to donate liberally to fight these court cases. 

Remittances may be made by any means NEFT, GPay etc., or by depositing cheque or cash at any branch of PNB.

Account Details :-

Retired Telecom Officers Welfare Association,

SB AC :- 1144000105063641 of Punjab National Bank, Ulhas Nagar Branch,

IFSC Code :- PUNB0335800,

MICR 400024038.

After remittance  please inform by whatsapp to Shri.N.V. Mahajan Treasurer on 9869431615.      

--K Jawahar,  President, RTOWA, Mumbai.

SPECIAL CAMP FOR DISTRIBUTION OF IDENTITY CARD TO PENSIONERS, DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE, SUBMISSION OF KYP AND HEALTH CHECK UP:

A special camp will be arranged by CCA at CTO Building on Friday, 04th August 2023 at 11.00 AM.

 The following pensioners are invited to the camp:- 

1) For KYP Forms – CDA Pensioners who have not yet submitted their KYP Forms. 

2) For Pensioners ID Card – Pensioners who have not yet given application for Pensioners ID Card may submit the same. 

3) For LC/DLC – List of Pensioners whose LC/DLC is expiring in next 3 Months, (Attached). 

4) For Health Camp – All the Pensioners can attend.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter issued by Pr. CCA, Mumbai along with list of pensioners whose LC is due.

 --J.S. Yadav, GS, RTOWA, Mumbai.

RETIREMENT OF SECRETARY (TELECOM):

Secretary Telecom Shri K Rajaraman Retired on 31/07/2023. Shri Apurva Chandra has been assigned the additional charge of Secretary Telecom.

Please view the order HERE.

--J S Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CASE AT PCAT – ARGUMENTS DT. 10^TH AND 13^TH JULY-2023:

Advocates Ms.Gauri Puri and Senior Advocate Sh. Sanjay Ghosh argued our case on 13/07/2023. Our Senior Counsel Sh.Rajashekar Rao also argued our case on 10/07/2023.

The key points of arguments of our advocates and of DoT are narrated by our Advocate in the letter below.

All of you know that the case is listed on 16/08/2023 for passing orders.

Please CLICK HERE to view the report sent by the advocate.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

MEETING WITH PGM (PERS) BSNL-CO REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF RULE-206:

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA and Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi met with PGM Pers and discussed regarding true implementation of Rule-206 on SDEs seniority court Judgment delivered in the year 2017. They again requested PGM Pers to review the wrong implementation of Hon'ble Supreme court Judgment on Rule-206 and its true implementation. PGM Pers mentioned that he is aware of the case but due to paucity of time he could not further examine the case. However, he assured that he will again discuss the matter with the concerned staff members. He also advised to submit a letter in brief to relook the matter. Shortly we will give a letter again on this issue.

--J  S Yadav, GS RTOWA.

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION CASE TODAY:

The message received from Com. A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA, Delhi:

Today pension case has been heard for almost more than an hour. The pleadings/ arguments have been completed from both sides. The case has been listed for judgment orders on 16/08/2023. Both sides advocates are asked to be present on that date so as to reply the queries if any from the bench. The observation of the bench during arguments seems to be positive.

                                                       ****************************

The brief of the message received from the Advocate Gauri:

Dear All,

The captioned matter was listed as Item No. 27 before the bench comprising Hon'ble Member Tarun Shridhar and Hon'ble Member Pratima K. Gupta at the CAT, Principal Bench in Court No. 5.

Senior Advocate Mr. Sanjoy Ghosh appeared on behalf of the Applicants in the connected matter. I appeared on behalf of the Applicants in the captioned matter. Senior Advocate, Mr. Rajshekhar Rao was on his legs in the High Court. I did not take a passover or accommodation in as much as the Bench was only sitting till 1:30 PM and had to only hear arguments from the Respondents and had allocated time of 5 minutes to each side to argue the matter, since it was substantially heard on the last date i.e. 10.07.2023.

The cabinet note of 2000 followed by the OM dated 09.11.2000 were read about to the Bench in furtherance of the OM dated 30.09.2000 and the terms and conditions of absorption in 2003. I submitted that not only are the applicants entitled to their vested right of pension revision guaranteed under Article 309 of the Constitution of India, but also have a legitimate expectation as per the terms and conditions of the absorption letter all of which guarantee that the pension of the BSNL/MTNL combined service absorbed officers will be as per the government scheme of pension/family pension. I further submitted that the pension contribution has been paid at the highest scale and that at this stage, the argument that payment of pension would be a liability does not have any basis in view of the specific assurance granted at the time of absorption due to which the applicants left their government service and status as a Group A officer to join BSNL/MTNL. I informed the court that except pension revision, all other benefits of the 7th CPC have been extended to the Applicants and as such, only pension revision was required to be done. The Hon'ble Bench recorded the submissions advanced by me.

Thereafter the Bench heard arguments advanced by the Respondent who continued to submit that the applicants had no right to revision of pension and that the revision of pension can only be done upon pay revision after the 3rd PRC and that Rule 37A does not give any right to the Applicants to seek pension revision.

After hearing arguments the Hon'ble Bench has listed the matter for passing orders and/or hearing further arguments if required. The matter is now listed on 16.08.2023.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Gauri.

                                          ************************************

 --J S YADAV, GS RTOWA.

NEW GUIDELINES FOR ENROLLMENT IN CGHS:

New guidelines have been issued by the ED, MTNL Mumbai for getting enrolled in CGHS. All required information have been explained in detail in the letter. The desiring members are requested to go through the letter and enrol accordingly. The reimbursement of 50% of the subscription will be allowed upto 31/10/2023 only.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter issued by the ED.

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION CASE IN PB COURT DELHI:

The following message has been received from Com. A.K. Kaushik, RTOWA, Delhi today.

“Today the pension revision case has been argued for more than two hours and remained inconclusive and will be finally heard on Thursday i.e., 13/07/2023 and the hearing will be concluded finally. 

The case is moving in a positive direction.”

--J. S. Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

DPE ORDERS FOR REVISED IDA:

Orders for revised IDA admissible with effect from 01/07/2023 have been issued by DPE.

Please CLICK HERE to view the orders.

-- J.S. Yadav, GS, RTOWA.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

AI BSNL PWA (Associate of RTOWA in CBMPA) has requested Secretary (T) to take necessary steps immediately for Pension Revision of BSNL and MTNL Pensioners.

Please see the letter HERE.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA.

ISSUES PURSUED WITH ED, GM(A) AND DM(PEN) IN SEPARATE MEETINGS:

The following issues were pursued with ED, GM(A) and DM(PENSION) in separate meetings:

1. To issue simplified procedure to apply for CGHS.

2. To extend the benefit of 50% subsidy on CGHS subscriptions to those who already joined CGHS without subsidy. 

3. To enhance insurance cover to Rs.2.5 lakhs in the ongoing tender to select Insurance company for CGHIS.

4. Settlement of leftover floater cases of CGHIS relating to 2016-17.

5. To send a reminder to CO requesting funds for payment of the difference in ex-gratia to those VRS Pensioners whose training period was included in QS subsequently.

The following office bearers attended the meeting. 

Comrades from RTOWA :-K. Jawahar President, J.S. Yadav GS and Virendra Singh Joint GS,

and K. Haldankar GS MPWA.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA. Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF UPLOADING FORM 16 AND PROCEDURE TO JOIN CGHS ON PENSIONERS PORTAL:

Today after our discussions with DGM (Internet), he assured that Form 16 will be uploaded on pensioner.mtnl.in within a couple of days.

CGHS enrolment:

We requested  DGM(A), GM (A) and ED to issue a simplified procedure to enroll in CGHS. 

It was assured that Procedure to apply for CGHS will be issued within a couple of days.

The following office bearers  participated in the discussions.

From RTOWA :-Coms. K. Jawahar President, J.S. Yadav GS, Virendra Singh Jt.GS.

From MPWA Com. K.Haldankar GS.

ISSUES PURSUED IN SEPARATE MEETINGS WITH CCA. Jt. CCA, Dy. CCA,Sr. AO AND AO PDA :

Today the following issues were pursued in separate meetings  with CCA,  Jt.CCA, Dy.CCA, Sr.AO, and AO PDA:

1. Non-credit of pension for June-2023 on time to a large no. of pensioners.

2. Uploading of Form 16 on MTNL pensioners portal.

3. Timely uploading of Pension Payment Slip on MTNL Pensioners portal every month.

4. To rectify the mismatch of gross pension amount between Part A and Part B of Form 16 of more than 100 pensioners. 

5. To include the interest on gratuity paid to VRS Pensioners in Form 16.

6. To effect the change of Tax Regime based on the request sent on email, attaching a signed letter. 

All the above suggestions were accepted.

The following office bearers attended the meeting: 

Coms from RTOWA :- K. Jawahar President, J.S. Yadav GS, Virendra Singh Joint GS, P.K.Kulkarni AGS

and Com. K. Haldankar GS from MPWA. 

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

IDA EFFECTIVE FROM 01/07/2023:

Based on the increase in CPI IW (Consumer Price Index) IDA increases from 1st July 2023 by 3.3 %. 

Existing IDA from 01/04/2023=202.3%

Increase = 3.3%

IDA from 01/07/2023 = 205.6%

Orders of DPE are expected soon.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

EXTENSION OF 50% SUBSIDY ON CGHS SUBSCRIPTION:

Join CGHS; 50% subsidy (Max Rs.40000) scheme is open up to 31/10/2023.

RTOWA Mumbai was continuously pursuing the issue and CMD had agreed in the meeting with Sh.A.K.Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi, to grant 50% subsidy on CGHS  subscription (Max

Rs.40000) to the existing pensioners who join CGHS before 31/10/2023.  Accordingly CO has issued orders today.

Please see the orders HERE.

All the pensioners who have not yet joined CGHS are requested to join CGHS.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

CDA PENSIONERS’ LIFE CERTIFICATE:

CCA Mumbai office has released a list of SAMPANN Pensioners (Pro-rata and DOT Pensioners) who are due to submit Life certificate. These pensioners are requested to submit life certificate before 23/06/2023 for drawing pension for June-2023. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the list.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

FORM-16 PART A AND PART B UPLOADED:

Form 16 for FY 2022-23 for Pension can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

https://www.cgca.gov.in/ccamum/form16Download

A screen appears to submit PAN No. , then on submitting PAN No., another screen appears to submit PPO No followed by date of birth. 

Example:- PPO No ending five digits is  '12345' and date of birth is 01/02/1955. Then '1234501021955' should be submitted. 

Form 16 file appears, click the file and Form 16 is downloaded in pdf format.

The site is very slow...so have patience.

We have requested CCA to upload the Form 16 on "pensioner.mtnl.in" also.

The screens will display as under:

FIRST-SCREEN        SECOND-SCREEN

--RTOWA Mumbai.

REVISION OF RATES BY CGHS:

The following message has been sent by the AD CGHS Dr. Nirmal Mandal :

I am sharing the information regarding CGHS hospital rates:

Recently in the month of April rate revised for:

Consultation from 250 to 350.

ICU - 5400

General ward - 1000 to 1500

Semi-private ward - 2000 to 3000

Private ward - 3000 to 4500/ day.

Last rate revision was there in 2014. But that rate was less than 2011.

All over India 2014 rate is followed.

Mumbai faced the problem as hospitals protested. Although not in principle but a special consideration was given for Mumbai and 2011 rate was allowed, which is better than 2014.

These rates are for empanelled hospitals.

For non empanelled hospitals 2002 rate plus 25% more amount is given as per the High Court order ( filed by Mr B N Makhija).

Now we are expecting the rates for most of the other procedures will be enhanced.

Presently we are following the rates as prescribed in the MoH OM Dated 28/08/2011.

-- A D CGHS, Mumbai.

Please CLICK HERE to view the MoH OM dated 28/08/2011.

PENSION REVISION OF BSNL/MTNL PENSIONERS:

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade Kishan Singhji President AIRBSNLEWA and Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi met Member Services and discussed regarding pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners. Member (Services) informed that Honourable MoC &IT is extremely busy in Railway Ministry due to Odisha train  accident issue. Last week Honourable MoC &IT fixed up the meeting with DoT Officers to discuss the pension revision case but at the eleventh hour the meeting was cancelled due to his being busy in Railway Ministry. Now at any time Honourable MoC &IT may hold the meeting to discuss the matter.  From administration side the draft proposal is ready for discussions and decision of Honourable MoC &IT. 

MEETING WITH MEMBER SERVICES DoT:

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA,  Comrade Kishan Singhji President AIRBSNLEWA and  Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi met with Member Services DoT and discussed regarding wrong implementation of Rule-206 on SDEs seniority case by BSNL and now by MTNL. We expressed our resentment against the wrong implementation of Rule-206 on SDEs seniority case by BSNL by conducting review CPCs on regular basis .Whereas the anti-dating to seniors w.r.t. their juniors should have been given by BSNL. We requested Member Services to kindly intervene in the matter and issue necessary orders from DoT for giving anti dating to seniors to BSNL and MTNL as happened in the year 2008 while implementing the Honourable Supreme court Judgment. Member Services collected all the relevant papers from us and assured to take necessary action in this regard. We extended thanks for giving patient hearing and understanding the case.

--Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA

MEETING WITH CMD BSNL:

Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA and Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi met with CMD BSNL and Congratulated him for getting third time financial package for BSNL for its revival and also discussed regarding the following issues-

(1) Reopening of CGHS migration window for conversion from BSNL/MTNL MRS:-

 We requested CMD BSNL/MTNL for  opening of CGHS migration window from BSNL/MTNL MRS to BSNL/MTNL pensioners to ensure  that left out willing pensioners may also apply for CGHS facility. CMD BSNL/MTNL appreciated our concern and immediately agreed to open migration window for three months in BSNL but mentioned that MTNL pensioners in Mumbai are not supporting CGHS migration thus there is no use for MTNL. Comrade Kaushik GS RTOWA pleaded that earlier good empaneled hospitals in Mumbai were very less but now some new empanelled  hospitals are there thus people will opt CGHS. CMD BSNL/MTNL after some discussions agreed to open the window of migration for three months in MTNL also. This action will be taken soon.   

 (2) Non implementation of Honourable Supreme court Judgment on Rule-206 of SDEs seniority case in BSNL/MTNL:-

We expressed our serious concern against the wrong implementation of Honourable Supreme court Judgment on Rule-206 of SDEs seniority case in BSNL and now in MTNL. CMD BSNL/MTNL patiently heard our pleadings and advised us to give him in writing so that he can get re-examined the case.CMD BSNL- MTNL heard our pleadings for 15 minutes and assured an early action in this regard. We extended our sincere thanks for giving patient hearing to our issues and positive response. 

                    *****************************************     

 Meeting with PGM (Pers) BSNL CO Delhi:-

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA and Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi met with PGM( Pers) BSNL CO in a scheduled meeting and had detailed discussions on wrong implementation of Rule-206 on SDEs seniority case in BSNL and now in MTNL. We explained the Honourable Supreme court Judgment on Rule-206 of SDEs seniority case in detail wherein holding of Review CPCs against the DEs sanctioned posts on regular basis is not at all justified. The Honourable Supreme court Judgment was to give benefit to all the seniors w.r.t. their Juniors on the basis of TES Group B Officers seniority list number 1 to 17 on DQE grounds. We pleaded that cause of actions arises on revising one to seventeen lists by lists no 1 to 6 on the basis of year of Recruitment wherein Juniors were promoted as DEs in the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 in BSNL-MTNL by DoT. Honourable Supreme court quashed the seniority list no 1 to 6 and made list number 1 to 17 as secrocent. But BSNL pers cell has conducted review CPCs against the Sanctioned DEs posts on regular basis which is not correct. BSNL has to give anti dating benefit to all seniors w.r.t. to their Juniors with all the consequential benefits including Pensionary benefit w.e.f. 1-1-2018 as per the impugned judgement. After detailed discussions about 90 minutes PGM  Pers mentioned that today first time he could understand the judgements and their implementation in BSNL. He assured that he will relook into the matter and in consultation with DoT further necessary action will be taken for its TRUE implementation. We extended our sincere thanks to PGM Pers for granting us a scheduled meeting and having detailed and elaborate discussions on the issue. PGM Pers assured that after one month again he will have discussions with us for the settlement of the issue.

-- Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA. 

-- AK  Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi

CGHS MAHA PANCHAYAT:

CGHS  Maha Panchayat was held at Samyayanahal of Incomtax office on 6th June.  Shri JS Yadav, GS RTOWA and Kishore Haldhanker, GS MPWA along with other members attended the Panchayat. The overcrowding of Kandivali, Belapur, Ambernath and Mulund wellness centres was brought to the notice of Additional Director, Mumbai. It was also brought to the notice about the shortage of wellness centre and empanelled hospitals in all over Mumbai especially in suburban area there is not a single wellness centre and empanelled hospitals from Kandivali to Virar.  Dr Nirmal  Mandalji, AD Mumbai accepted the fact and assured to sort out the problem very soon. He told that the Bombay hospital is now empanelled and many more are going to be added very soon. He also told that the support ot Associations are very important and we together make the thing better. We thanked Addl. Director Dr Nirmal Mandalji and his team.

--J S Yadav, GS, RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT:

Dear Comrades, 

Today morning  (04/06/2023) Com.  Gandigwad and others met Shri  Joshiji Honourable Minister for Parliamentary Affairs at his residence in Hubli. 

He informed our delegation that Shri  Ashwini Vaishnawji MoC had a talk with Joshiji about our meeting  with him (MoC) and  assured him that he will  settle this  issue at the  earliest.  

At present  Shri  Ashwini Vaishnawji is busy in Odisha  as Railway Minister. Let us wait till the normalcy is restored.

Hope for the best as early as possible. 

CHQ  is thankful to  Com  Gandigwad and his team. 

--P Gangadhara Rao, Vice President,  CHQ , AIBSNL PWA, Bangalore. 

PENSION REVISION – MEETING WITH MEMBER (SERVICE) JOINTLY WITH OTHER LIKE MINDED ASSOCIATIONS:

Our Organising Secretary has sent the following report.

--V Vara Prasad GS., AIBSNLPWA. 

........          ..........          .....

     As per programme to meet Sh U S Pandey, Member (Services), myself and two other members of our Association reached Sanchar Bhawan New Delhi in time. In the Reception Office Com Prahlad Rai G S of AIRBSNLEWA met and told me "should we go together or you want to go alone. "Upon this I told him that as we are like minded and our approach is the same then no harm in meeting the M (S) together. So we all went and met the Member (Services) and the meeting lasted for 30 minutes from 1310 to 1340 hours.

          I informed that we met MOC on 27/05/2023 for expediting the pension revision case and Hon'ble Minister told that he will meet Secretary DOT shortly and will see that the case is approved with fitment formula very soon

 Member(S) replied that once the process at higher level is completed he will start the process of preparing Cabinet Note and other formalities without delay. Sh A K Sahu CGMT and OSD was assisting Member(S) who is likely to take over as Member (S) when Sh U S Pandey retires within 2-3 months. Member(S) categorically said that he will not delay the case once it comes to him.

      We told that we have full justification for revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioner's pension  as per 7th CPC which we have already submitted to the DOT long back. Member(S) told that if you have anything new you can send the same to me which I will place for negotiation along with other views. Points raised like, “you are already getting more pension, 3rd PRC /7th CPC” etc. were countered properly by us. We emphasised that we want permanent solution of our pension revision which is possible and fully justified as per 7th CPC.

Following members participated in today's meeting:

1. J S Dahiya Organising Secretary AIBSNLPWA

2. Zile Singh of AIBSNLPWA

3. N N Sharma of AIBSNLPWA

4. Kishan Singh, President of AIRBSNLEWA

5. Prahlad Rai GS of AIRBSNEWA

6. K R Yadav of AIRBSNLEWA

7. A K Kaushik G S RTOWA, Delhi

8. A.K Kapoor of RTOWA, Delhi.

       Meeting ended in a cordial atmosphere. 

    When we came out team of SNPWA including G L Jogi G S, R K Mudgal and D C Sharma was waiting for their turn for meeting the Member (Services).

-- J S Dahiya, Organising Secretary, AIBSNLPWA.

PENSION REVISION ISSUE – MEETING WITH HONOURABLE MoC:

 News from AIBSNL PWA:

 Since the file is held up with Telecom Secretary for more than a month, we continuously tried to meet MoC through our own source .

 Com N K Gandigwad of Hubli helped us before to meet Parlimentary Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshiji .  

 We got a sudden message from PA to Shri Pralhad Joshiji to come to Delhi immediately. I was not in a position to go as also our President Com DG. 

 Then I requested our VP Com Gangadhara Rao . Though he was busy with some domestic affairs, he agreed to go to Delhi at short notice. 

 As directed by Joshiji, Com Gangadhara Rao met Hon MoC Shri Aswini Vaishnawji today and projected our demand.  Honourable MoC heard patiently and appreciated our concern and finally assured that he would discuss the matter with Telecom Secretary very shortly and resolve.  Our Org. Secy. Com J S Dahiya was with Gangadhara Rao during the meeting.  Dy. GS Com Anupam Kaul was out of Delhi and hence couldn't accompany.  Com Gangadhara Rao rushed back to Bengaluru after finishing the task . 

 Inspite of Niti Ayog meeting today and new parliament opening tomorrow , we could meet both the ministers which is normally impossible .

 Let us wait for the outcome and hope for the best . We express our sincere thanks to Shri Pralhad Joshiji , Gandigwad , GangadharaRao and Dahiya. 

A letter has been given to the MoC.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

 --V Vara Prasad, GS, AIBSNLPWA. 

MEETING WITH DIRECTOR (FINANCE) BSNL/MTNL:

We discussed the following issues  with Sh. Rajiv kumar Director (Fin) BSNL/MTNL at Delhi on 26/05/2023:

 1. Interest for the period of delay in payment of GPF after retirement :-

We pointed out that MTNL is bound by rules and legality to pay the interest.

 2. Subsidy on CGHS Subscription :- 

We apprised the Director that the 50% subsidy scheme was withdrawn two years back to the existing pensioners who switch over to CGHS. We pointed out that MTNL will save expenditures on premium, OPD bills reimbursement, and floater payments if pensioners switch over to CGHS. So the scheme of subsidy should be kept open forever.

 3. Enhancement of cover under CGHIS :-

We requested to increase the cover to 2  lakhs from the existing 1.5 lakhs and floater cover to 4 lakhs from 3 lakhs before floating the tender to select the insurance company. 

Dir (Fin) was in positive frame and assured that he would study these issues as he has joined recently.

Participants in the meeting:

Comrades,

A.K Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi, K.R. Yadav GS TEAM, K. Jawahar President RTOWA Mumbai, K. Haldankar GS MPWA, J. Gavankar VP MPWA.

--RTOWA Delhi & RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION AND 5% IDA:

Meeting with Smt. Roshni Sohni DDG (Estt) and Sh. Rajkumar Director (Estt) on 25/05/2023 at DoT’s office New Delhi.:

The following issues were discussed:

1. Pension Revision :-

   DDG (Estt) and Dir(Estt) heard our views on pension revision as per 7th CPC and assured that our views also will be considered in the high level     meeting before taking a final decision.

2. IDA Neutralisation at 73.8% (addl. 5%) to the pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018:

We pointed out that pensioners entitlement is absolute, so there is no need to wait for the concurrence from Dept. of Expendire, and requested to release the orders immediately. Director (HR) agreed to our view but said that DoT Finance insists concurrence of Dept. of Expenditure. He also said  that he had visited the office of Dept. of Expenditure last week and apprised the case to concerned officers and hence it  should not take much time. We handed over a letter to DDG (Estt) in this regard.

3. Removal of anomaly in pension of those retired within 10 months from the date of retirement:

DDG (Estt.) said that a detailed report is awaited from CCA Mumbai and CCA Delhi regarding no. of cases and financial implications.

4. Revision of pay mapping of CDA Scales to IDA Scales of pay for CGHS ward entitlement in pursuant to liberalisation of ward entitlement by Health Ministry:

DDG (Estt) said that orders will be issued soon.

Participants in the meeting:-

K.R. Yadav GS TEAM,

RTOWA Mumbai :-K. Jawahar President,  J.S. Yadav GS,  B.R.Pathak VP, Virendra Singh Jt.G.S., N.V. Mahajan Treasurer. 

MPWA Mumbai :-K. Haldankar GS, J.Gavankar, VP.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter to DDG(E).

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

OTHER RECOVERIES FROM PENSION OF APRIL-2023:

The CCA has clarified that the recoveries is for the short deduction of Income Tax for the FY 2022-23. But after our intervention it was found that wrong recovery has been made from 23 pensioners which has been refunded now. Two lists of pensioners have been sent by CCA along with their letter.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter by CCA.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

Meeting with Sh. Uma Shanker Pandey Member (S) on 25/05/2023:

Discussions took place about all aspects of pension revision. We put forth our views for 7th CPC fitment effectively and requested him to expedite the process.  

 Member (S) keenly heard our views with open mind.

The response of Member (S) in brief :- "Your views also will be considered  in the proposed high level discussions. The solution will be of permanent nature but the whole process may take a little longer time"

Participants :-

Com.A.K. Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi, 

K.R. Yadav GS TEAM;  

RTOWA Mumbai :-K. Jawahar President,  J.S. Yadav GS,  B.R.Pathak VP, Virendra Singh Jt.G.S., N.V. Mahajan Treasurer. 

MPWA Mumbai :-K. Haldankar GS, J.Gavankar, VP.

--RTOWA Delhi

--RTOWA Mumbai

--MPWA Mumbai

PENSION REVISION CAT CASE:

Due to non availability of bench in PB CAT New Delhi our case of pension revision will not be heard today i. e. on dated 25.05.2023 and it will be listed later on as and when bench is reconstituted.

Next date of hearing will be informed accordingly. 

--A K Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi.

MEETING WITH OFFICERS OF CORPORATE OFFICE:

A meeting was held with Sh. Sultan Ahmed and Smt. Vandana Jain DGM(Budget) today (24/05/2023).

The following issues were discussed.

1. Interest for the period of  delay in payment of GPF after retirement:- 

Pensioner wise details have been called for from GM (Fin) Mumbai and Delhi.

Besides, decision is not yet taken to pay the interest. 

We requested GM (Fin) to take positive stand to pay the interest. 

2. Payment of difference in Ex-Gratia due to counting of Training period for Qualifying service:

DGM said that it will be paid, but the Funds Requirement has not been received from GM (Fin) Mumbai.

The issues are pursued. 

Comrades K.Jawahar President. J.S.Yadav GS, B.R.Pathak VP, Virendra Singh Jt.G.S. and N.V.Mahajan Treasurer participated in the meeting.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

Meeting with Sh. Manish Sinhaji Member (Fin):

Today  we met Member (Fin) and had a lengthy discussions for more than an hour in a scheduled meeting. 

Views of Member (F) in brief :- You (BSNL/MTNL Pensioners) get significantly more pension than the Govt. pensioners even after revision, so you should not expect high. However the file with all expenditure data is with Secretary (T) and Honourable MoC will take a decision regarding fitment factor.

We pleaded for 7th CPC and presented the following letter summarising our views.

Participants in the meeting :-

Comrades

A.K. Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi,  

R.K. Yadav GS TEAM;

From RTOWA Mumbai -->K. Jawahar President,  J.S. Yadav GS, & B.R.Pathak VP; 

and Haldankar GS MPWA Mumbai.

A letter was handed over to Secretary(T), DoT.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

--RTOWA Delhi, RTOWA Mumbai, MPWA Mumbai.

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION CASE AT PRINCIPAL CAT DELHI:

As informed:-

The part-heard case before a bench came up today (22/05/2023). The counsel for DoT sought more time to take instructions from DoT.  

It was opposed by our counsel.

The bench further granted the Counsel for Respondent DoT 3 days time to seek instructions and adjourned the matter to 25.05.2023 i.e. Thursday.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CAT CASE:

A Bench has been constituted and the Pension Revision case has been listed for hearing on 22/05/2023 (Monday).

Listed at Sl. no. 28, Court no 4.

--A K Kaushik, GS, RTOWA Delhi.

NEXT PENSION ADALAT ON 21/07/2023 BY CCA MUMBAI:

Last date to lodge your grievance :- 31/05/2023. 

The procedure to lodge the grievance is simple.

Grievance may be any of  the following :-  

01. Pensioner ID Card not received Or correction is needed in the ID Card.

02. Not refunding  wrong deducted Income Tax, i.e. tax pertaining to last year deducted as 'other recoveries' from April-2023 pension.

03. Any other grievance relating to TDS.

04. Commutation or gratuity not paid to VRS pensioners after their superannuation date.

05. Interest on gratuity not paid to VRS Pensioners for the period from 01/02/2020 to the date of Superannuation.

06. Pension/Family pension not sanctioned or not received.

07. Pension not converted to family pension on death of pensioner.

08. Address Or Name correction in PPO.

09. CDA on pro rata pension not approved after retirement.

10. Revised PPO not issued Or arrears of pension or gratuity not paid on financial upgradation after retirement.

11. Any grievance regarding life certificate.

12. Any other grievance not settled by the office of CCA Mumbai.

Please  lodge your grievance thro e-mail.

-- K. Jawahar , President, RTOWA Mumbai.

NATIONAL PENSION ADALAT:

National Pension Adalat  was conducted by CCA Mumbai through Webex Meeting App on 17/05/2023. Com. K.Jawahar President RTOWA presented the following suggestions in the Adalat,

1. To hold the Adalat quarterly.

2. To issue a circular calling for option to choose new/old regime of Income Tax.

3. To take appropriate steps to remove the communication gaps between CCA Office and pensioners to avoid grievances and quick redressal of the grievances.

4. To issue Form 16 by 31/05/2023.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

REFUND OF EXCESS TDS:

Due to continuous pursuit by RTOWA, the wrong deduction of Income Tax in the pension for April-2023 has been refunded to 23 pensioners today. 

Thanks to Sh. A.P. Salunkhe CCA Mumbai for his right decision on hearing our plea. 

PENSION ADALAT DATED 17/05/2023:

The list of applicants to Nation wide pension Adalat scheduled to be held on 17/05/2023 through webex has been conveyed by CCA. The Pensioners concerned are requested to attend the Adalat online please.

Please CLICK HERE to view the list.

REFUND OF WRONGLY DEDUCTED INCOME TAX:

 Income Tax, more than Rs.10000 from many pensioners, on the pretext of short deduction during last financial year was deducted from the pension for April-2023. The issue was taken up by RTOWA and two letters were addressed to CCA. Today, on discussions over phone , CCA Mumbai informed that

1. These wrong deductions will be refunded within a few days.

2. A new software for TDS is being installed.

3. Instructions will be issued regarding switching over between Old Regime and New Regime.

-- K.Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

WRONG DEDUCTION OF TAX:

In continuation of letter dated 03/05/2023, CCA is again requested to refund the wrong deduction of TDS in the pension of April-2023.

The letter is as HERE.

--J. S. YADAV, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF 5% (or 9.4%) IDA ISSUE BY RTOWA DELHI:

Today (03/05/2023), we (A.K Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi & K R Yadav GS TEAM) visited DOE, North Block & met the concerned officers of DOE, M/O Fin. It was informed by them that DOT has nominated  & intimated the name of an officer in compliance with DOE instruction for a meeting with  DOE, in connection with 78.2% IDA. 

They further informed that the meeting will be held within a week. We again requested them to expedite the case for the earliest favourable outcome.

--AK Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi.

HEAVY RECOVERY FROM APRIL-2023 PENSION:

Many pensioners have conveyed their grievances that a heavy amount of more than Rs.10000 has been recovered from April-2023 pension. This is in addition to Income Tax. 

CCA Mumbai is requested to refund this wrong recovery.

Dy.CCA has been apprised of this issue over phone by our President.

 Please see the letter HERE.

--J.S. Yadav, GS RTOWA, Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF ANOMALY IN PENSION:

A reminder has been sent through email to DDG (Estt) to issue the orders early to remove the anomaly in pension of those retired within 10 months from the date of absorption on 01/11/1998 or 01/10/2000. 

Please see the letter HERE.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

HOLDING OF PENSION ADALATS:

CCA Mumbai is requested to organise the Adalats in such a way that the pensioners get opportunity to redress their grievances every quarter.

Please see the letter HERE.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

NATIONAL PENSION ADALAT -17/05/2023:

Last date to lodge your grievances is 02/05/2023. It is simple to lodge.

CCA Mumbai will hold National Pension Adalat online on 17/05/2023. 

Those who have any grievance listed below, are requested to lodge the grievance immediately.

1. Pensioner ID Card not received Or name not found in the circulated list.

2. Pension/Family pension not sanctioned or not received.

3. Pension not converted to family pension on death of pensioner.

4. Address Or Name correction in PPO Or Pensioner ID card.

5. Any grievance regarding Income Tax recovery.

6. CDA on pro rata pension not approved after retirement.

7. Revised PPO not issued Or arrears of pension or gratuity not paid on financial upgradation after retirement.

8. Commutation not restored after 15 years from the date of payment of commutation.

9. Commutation or gratuity not paid to VRS pensioners after their superannuation date.

10. Interest on gratuity not paid to VRS Pensioners for the period from 01/02/2020 to the date of Superannuation.

11. Any grievance regarding life certificate.

Any other grievance not settled by the office of CCA Mumbai.

Please see the circular HERE to know how to lodge grievance through e-mail.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

MINUTES OF EC MEETING DATED 13/04/2023:

Minutes of 6th ECM held on 13/04/2023 in the class room on 15th floor of Telephone House

The following is the brief of discussions and decisions.

At the outset Com. K. Jawahar President welcomed all EC members and readout the agenda,

GS's brief on his visit to Delhi and Pension Revision :-

Com J.S.Yadav GS briefed the following about his visit to Delhi during March 2023.

Met Member (S), Member (Fin), DDG(Est) and Dir(Estt) along with Com.A. K. Kaushik, Com. Prahlad Rai and others at Sanchar Bhavan Delhi and pleaded for Pension Revision as per 7th CPC. All the officers said that the fitment percentage will be decided by MoC and Secretary (T) and after deciding the fitment factor, comments of nodal ministries will be sought. After getting the comments, Cabinet Note will be prepared for the approval of Cabinet.

Earlier eleven Associations of pensioners of BSNL/MTNL signed a joint letter demanding pension revision as per 7th CPC. But now six Associations are firmly sticking to the demand for 7th CPC while the others are toeing the line of DoT and demand fitment as per 3rd PRC. All the six Associations of CBMPA will send a joint letter to DoT within a week reiterating our demand for 7th CPC fitment.

GS attended Pr.CAT during the hearing of pension revision on 22/03/2023. Our advocate pleaded for 7th CPC fitment stating that when all the recommendations of 7th CPC have been extended to BSNL/MTNL pensioners, then why not pension revision. The hearing was partly completed as the lawyer from DoT did not attend. Further ‘ part hearing’ is scheduled on 19/5/2023.

Status of 5% /9.4% issue :

GS explained the status of the issue in detail. It is learnt that Department of expenditure has called DoT to give details of 9.4% IDA issue. The issue is closely pursued by RTOWA Delhi and TEAM Delhi.

Holding of Next AGB :

There was difference of views regarding holding of AGB, whether to hold in the month of May’23 as the last AGB was held in Apr’22 OR to hold it after monsoon due to extreme hot climate in May’23. On voting, 3 were in favour of holding in May’23 and the remaining 14 were in favour of after monsoon. So it was decided to hold the AGB after Monsoon.

Approval of unaudited Accounts of Financial year ending 31/03/2023 :

The accounts for the months of Feb’23 and Mar’23 were approved unanimously. The Final accounts of 2022-23 are being prepared and will be presented in the next EC for approval.

Amendment to the bye-laws :-

GS proposed to widen the EC by inclusion of two more members who are helpful in pursuing the issues. So the resolution moved by him to increase the strength of the EC (including office bearers) from 23 to 25 was approved unanimously. This Amendment to the bye law will be ratified in the next AGB.

Com B.V.Mohite & Com R.S Nair were co-opted to the EC unanimously, in recognition of their recent contribution in pursuing the issues, as proposed by Com. J.S. Yadav GS.

Any other issues raised by EC Members :-

Com H.S Upadhyay suggested that a court case should be filed for 9.4% IDA, another round of agitation should be chalked out for pension revision and cashless facility should be given for hospital treatment under floater in CGHIS.

Com K. Jawahar President clarified that the court case filed by Com. R.Ramachandran retired pensioner from MTNL Delhi for 9.4% IDA is pending in the High Court Delhi and is coming up for final hearing in July’23. He opined that agitation is not advisable in the present circumstances as the last agitation did not bring any change in the approach of DoT in pension revision. He clarified that the reimbursement under floater is paid by MTNL and It is not possible to have it cashless due to procedural difficulties as well as due to funds crisis.

Then, Com K. Jawahar briefed about the meeting with GM(A) and GM(Fin) on 13/04/2023. Office bearers of RTOWA and TEAM greeted Sh. Vasudev Singh with bouquet who has taken over the charge of GM (A) recently. Demands to enhance the insurance cover and floater cover under CGHIS and for option to switch over to CGHS with MTNL subsidy by the existing pensioners were discussed with GM (A). GM(Fin) was requested to send reminders to CO seeking funds for payment of interest on GPF for the period of delay in payment and for payment of difference in ex-gratia on counting training period for Qualifying service of VRS pensioners.

Com. H.S.Upadhyay gave vote of thanks and the meeting concluded.

--K. Jawahar, President RTOWA Mumbai.

MEETING WITH MTNL OFFICERS GM(A), GM(F), DGM(A) AND DGM(F):

On 13/04/2023, with bouquet we greeted  Sh. Vasudev Singh GM(A) who joined recently. We requested him to take up the following long pending demands with Corporate Office.

1. To increase the insurance cover under CGHIS to  Rs.2 lakhs.

2. To increase the cover on floater basis to  Rs.4 lakhs. The total cover should be Rs. 6 lakhs.

3. Option to switch over to CGHS with MTNL subsidy should be given to existing pensioners.

4. OPD bills reimbursement limit should be increased.

5. OPD bills reimbursement should be allowed even if the pensioner is neither a beneficiary of CGHIS nor a member of CGHS. 

GM(A) agreed. 

We met GM(Fin), DGM(Fin) and requested them the following :-

1. To send a reminder to CO to place funds for payment of interest for the period of delay in payment of GPF to the pensioners retired since 2017.

2. To send reminder to CO to settle the issue of payment of arrears of ex-gratia on counting training period for Qualifying service.

3. To settle the issue of restoration of stepping up of pay of pensioners retired from STS Cadre.

GM(F) agreed.

The following greeted GM(A).

Com. K. Jawahar President, Com. J.S.Yadav GS, Com. Virendra Singh Joint GS, Com P.K. Kulkarni AGS and Com. Ramu CS TEAM.

Please CLICK HERE to view the snap with the MTNL Officers.

--J.S.Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

In accordance with the decision taken in the virtual meeting of CBMPA (Committee of BSNL MTNL Pensioners' Association) on 16/04/2023, a letter is sent to  Secretary (T) DoT requesting him to send the proposal for Pension Revision with 7th CPC fitment factor to Department of Expenditure. 

Please see the letter HERE.

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT – RTOWA DELHI NEWS:

On 13/04/2023, Com. A. K. Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi and Com K.R. Yadav GS TEAM met Member (S), DDG (Estt ) and Dir(Estt) separately in their cabin and discussed the status of pension revision. The details are as follows:

“We discussed the issue at length with Member (S). 

We submitted that pension revision may be done as per the provision of 7th CPC fitment benefit factor as a one time and permanent solution rather than the fitment benefit percentage as per Third PRC. 

Since the pension revision does not depend upon the financial viability of MTNL/ BSNL in any way and even has no cross section with it. Moreover, we are getting all the pensionary benefits as per the provision of 7th CPC. So the revision of the pension may be done as per the provision of 7th CPC fitment formula. 

The Member (S) told us that the proposal is under active consideration and the fitment benefit percentage will  finally be decided only after the necessary approval of Secretary(T) & Honourable MOC & IT. The Member (F) will send the proposal to DOE, Ministry of Finance for necessary approval. A cabinet note will be prepared & sent to union cabinet for its approval after clearance from MoF.

We put forth justifications for pension revision as per 7th CPC to DDG (E) and Dir (Estt) also.

DDG (E) said that the proposal has been prepared taking into account all the associated factors for the revision of pension. However the final decision will be taken at the higher level. 

We will continue to exert pressure for fitment factor derived from 7th CPC.

--A. K Kaushik, G.S. RTOWA, Delhi.

REVISION OF PACKAGE RATES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CGHS BENEFICIARIES:

UNION HEALTH MINISTRY REVISES CGHS PACKAGE RATES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CGHS BENEFICIARIES. After due examination of demands from stakeholders and taking into consideration the increase in costs of various components of health care, the Union Health Ministry has proposed to initially revise the CGHS package rates of consultation fees, ICU charges and room rent. The referral process under CGHS has also been simplified. Earlier the CGHS beneficiary had to visit the CGHS Wellness Centre himself and take referral to the hospital. But now, if the CGHS beneficiary is unable to go, he can send someone on his behalf with his documents to the wellness centre. The medical officer can refer the beneficiary to go to the hospital after checking the documents. Apart from this, CGHS beneficiary can also take referral through video call. 

Please View the MoH OM HERE.

PENSION ADALAT DATED 21/07/2023:

Last date will be 31/05/2023 to submit grievances.

CCA Mumbai will hold Pension Adalat online on 21/07/2023. Last date for lodging grievances is 31/05/2023. Grievances are settled by CCA Office as and when they are received. 

So those who have any grievance listed below, are requested to lodge the grievance immediately

1. Pensioner ID Card not received Or name not found in the circulated list.

2. Pension/Family pension not sanctioned or not received.

3. Pension not converted to family pension on death of pensioner.

4. Address Or Name correction in PPO Or Pensioner ID card.

5. Any grievance regarding Income Tax recovery.

6. CDA on pro rata pension not approved after retirement.

7. Revised PPO not issued Or arrears of pension or gratuity not paid on financial up gradation after retirement.

8. Commutation not restored after 15 years from the date of payment of commutation.

9. Commutation or gratuity not paid to VRS pensioners after their superannuation date.

10. Interest on gratuity not paid to VRS Pensioners for the period from 01/02/2020 to the date of Superannuation.

11. Any grievance regarding life certificate.

Any other grievance not settled by the office of CCA Mumbai.

Please see the circular below to know how to lodge grievance through e-mail.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Circular.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

SPECIAL CAMP FOR DISTRIBUTION OF IDENTITY CARD:

Pensioners whose names are in the under mentioned list are requested to collect their ID cards personally at the camp  organised at Currey Road Office on 19/04/2023. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the list.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

SHIFTING OF CCA OFFICE:

All Sections of CCA Mumbai shifted:

The whole office of CCA Mumbai has now been shifted to 2nd Floor, Old CTO Building, Near Fountain, Mumbai-400001. 

CCA Mumbai office deals with Pension of retirees from MTNL, DoT pensioners retired from Bombay Telephones and Pro rata pensioners.  

Contact No. 24717140

WhatsApp :- 9920687211.

Other contact nos. will be intimated soon. 

--RTOWA Mumbai.

IDA FROM 01/04/2023:

Based on CPI (Consumer Price Index) IDA  increases from 1st. April 2023 by 1.1%. 

Existing IDA=201.2 %

Increase = 1.1%

IDA from 01/04/23 =202.3 %

Orders of DPE are expected soon.

Please CLICK HERE to view the calculation details.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF 5% IDA ISSUE:

On 29/03/2023, we had a meeting with the Dy. Secretary and other officers of Dept. of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. We established contacts with the concerned section and pursuing the issue since last few months.

Present Status of the Issue :-

The file is moving back and forth within DoE. Last week the approving authority raised another query as to why 78.2% IDA (diff of 9.4%)  was not neutralised for pay/pension revision on 01/01/2007 in MTNL as per DPE's orders dated 02/04/2009. 

In the meeting on yesterday, we apprised  them the issue in detail and gave them copies of relevant orders. All their queries/doubts were convincingly cleared by us. We pitched for 78.2% (9.4% diff).

They intended to send the file back to DOT seeking some clarifications /information. But at our request they agreed not to send the file back, but to get the clarifications through a letter from DOT. 

There is a hope that we may get 78.2% IDA neutralisation instead of 73.8%, in other words 9.4% instead of 5%.

We are committed to pursue the issue vigorously until the goal is achieved.

--A K Kaushik, Convenor CC of RTOWA Delhi & RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION CASE IN PCAT DELHI:

The hearing started today. Our advocate Smt. Gauri with Senior counsel Sh. Rajasekar Rao submitted before PCAT that when all the benefits of 7th CPC are extended to BSNL and MTNL Pensioners why pension revision should not be extended ? BSNL/ MTNL advocates said that the issue is to be settled by DoT. Further hearing will take place on 19/05/2023. Hearing has begun; this is a good news. I was present in the PCAT.

Please CLICK HERE to view the report sent by the advocate.

--A. K. Kaushik , General Secretary, RTOWA Delhi.

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION CASE IN PB CAT DELHI:

The case was listed for yesterday (21/3/2023).  But it didn't come up yesterday.  On the insistence of our senior counsel it was listed for today.

Message from our lawyer:

As you are aware, our matter was listed as Item 59 before Bench 5 today comprising of Ms.Pratima Gupta and Dr. Chhabilendra Roul.

Our Senior Counsel requested that the matter was of extreme urgency and required to be heard on priority since the issue involved was pertaining to the non-implementation of the recommendations of the 7th CPC in the BSNL qua the applicants who were absorbed from the erstwhile DoT into the BSNL upon corporatisation of the former and consequent formation of the latter. It was submitted that several thousand pensioners have been waiting for their lawful retiral benefits for several years. However, the lawyer appearing for the respondents was in some difficulty. 

Keeping in view the urgency expressed by Senior Counsel , the bench was pleased to accept the request made by him and post the matter on the shortest possible date i.e. 29th March 2023- next Wednesday.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT:

Meeting with Member Services and Member Finance DoT:-

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade Kishan Singhji President AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade A J Ram CS AIRBSNLEWA Delhi Circle, Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi, Comrade J S Yadav GS RTOWA MTNL Mumbai,  Comrade K R Yadav , GS TEAM MTNL and Comrade Suresh Kumar GS BTEF Delhi met with Member Services DoT today as per the advice of Secretary Telecom as we requested him for granting us meeting. We welcomed Shri U S Pandey Ji on resuming the High office of Member Services DoT and requested him to settle the pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners issue as per the 7th CPC fitment formula for a permanent solution. Member Services mentioned that the matter is under active consideration. Secretary Telecom has already conducted a meeting with all the concerned Officers of DoT and the Draft proposal has been prepared to put up before the Honourable MoC & IT.  The Honourable MoC &IT may hold a meeting shortly by the end of March-2023 or first week of April-2023 to approve the final draft for a Cabinet Note on this issue. He also mentioned that DoT is also trying to evolve the formula for a permanent solution. He assured that this issue will be resolved shortly. We extended our sincere thanks to Member Services for his kind and helping attitude.         

Meeting with Member Finance DoT:-

We all the above office bearers of AIRBSNLEWA CHQ, RTOWA MTNL Delhi & Mumbai and BTEF met Member Finance DoT as per the direction of Secretary Telecom as we requested him to grant us a meeting. Member Finance DoT also mentioned that the issue is under active consideration and the comments of internal Finance of DoT has been given to the Establishment cell. We requested him to consider the fitment benefit as per 7th CPC formula to have a permanent solution. Member Finance assured to look into the matter and advised us to convince Member Services and their concerned Officers. He advised us to meet him again after some time to discuss the matter in detail. We extended thanks to him for his positive response.             

Meeting with Director Establishment DoT:-

We all the above office bearers met Director Establishment DoT and discussed regarding pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners. Director Establishment mentioned that shortly the matter will be sent to DoE for comments and after receiving the comments a Cabinet note will be prepared with the approval of the Competent authority and after getting the Comments of all the Nodal Ministries the Cabinet note will be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.                                     

Meeting with GM (Personal) BSNL CO ND:-

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA,  Comrade Kishan Singhji President and Comrade A J Ram,  CS Delhi met GM (Personal) BSNL CO and discussed regarding true implementation of Rule-206 on SDEs’ seniority as per the Honourable Supreme court Judgement. We also protested against the conduction of review CPCs against the year to year vacancies basis. Requested for the consequential benefits wef 01/01/2018. The GM(Personal) mentioned that due to extremely busy schedule he couldn't spare time to study the Court Judgements. However he further assured that by next week he will go through the Court Judgments on this issue and thereafter he will call us to discuss the matter. We expressed our serious concern and requested for true implementation. GM (Personal) assured an early action on this issue.                             

Meeting with our Advocate MS Gauri Puri:-

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA,  Comrade Kishan Singhji President,  Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi and Comrade J S Yadav GS RTOWA MTNL Mumbai met Ms Gauri Puri our Advocate dealing with Pension revision case of BSNL/MTNL pensioners. Ms Gauri Puri Advocate mentioned that tomorrow our case has been listed for hearing at Sl no.56 and there are chances that case may be heard in case the Honourable Bench takes up the cases speedily. Comrade GS and President will also be attending the Honourable PB CAT ND tomorrow morning.

PENSION REVISION – STATUS:

 (Edited version of AI RBSNL EWA News)

The present status was discussed by Com. Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA with Director (E) on 16/03/2023.

Establishment section has received the comments from Internal Finance. 

Further Course :- DOT will send  the proposal to Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance within 8 to10 days with possible fitment factor. 

After clearance from DoE, Cabinet note will be prepared by Estt.  cell of DoT. The cabinet note after assented by MoC will be circulated among the Nodal Ministries i.e.  DPE, DoE ,DoP&T, DoP&W and Law Ministry for their assent. Then the Union Cabinet will approve the Cabinet note for pension revision.  The whole process will take a few months.

--GS AI RBSNL EWA.

ASSUMPTION OF NEW GM-ADMIN:

Sh. Vasudev Singh has assumed the office of G.M.(A) MTNL Mumbai recently. RTOWA welcomes his assumption and wishes him to have a smooth and successful stint as GM Admn.

Please CLICK HERE to view the leter given to New GM(A).

--RTOWA Mumbai

MERGER OF MTNL WITH BSNL – HR ISSUES:

United Forum writes to PM regarding HR and other issues involved in the merger of MTNL and BSNL.

Please read the letter below:

PAGE-1      PAGE-2

PENSION REVISION – FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS:

Dear comrades,

Today we met Member (Services) and discussed the issue of pension revision in detail.

Before that, Member (S) had a discussion with DDG (Estt) and Director (Estt) for nearly 45 minutes when we were waiting outside.

Member (S) informed us:

1) After several corrections in the calculation DoT finance wing has sent the file to Establishment section.

2) Discussion may be held with Member (F) and Telecom secretary during this week.

3) After getting their opinion/clearance it would be discussed with Hon. MoC depending upon his convenience and quantum will be decided as directed by him.

4) We told him that since there should be a mechanism for future pension revision and hence reiterated our demand of 7th CPC fitment factor.

5) He noted down the point of hassle free future pension revision.

At last file has come out of DoT finance. Let us hope for the best.

--M. K. Bagchi,  President RTOWA Delhi.

--Anupam Kaul , Dy.GS AIBSNL PWA.

PROVISIONAL SENIORITY LIST OF SDEs AS PER RULE 206:

MTNL CO has released the above gradation list on 01/03/2023 abiding by Supreme Court Judgement. 

Objections/errors if any may be intimated with authentic evidence to CO through ED Mumbai  before 30/03/2023, a copy of which may please be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the list.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

IMPORTANT TRANSACTIONS FOR IT RETURN:

These are the 50 transactions which IT department is doing data mining from various sources like banks, register office, etc... Kindly do not miss any such transaction in reporting while filing your IT return or GST return. Ensure you have reported all those 50 transactions without fail apart from your other transactions which might not covered in these 50. This shows the future approach of IT, GST authorities while reviewing the filed returns. Slowly it will become a AIS based comparability and system throws the differences without assessing officers review. Be prepared from now on. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the list.

CONFUSION IN SHIFTING OF CCA OFFICE FROM CURRY ROAD TO CTO BUILDING:

It is learnt that still some functions are carried out from Currey Road office, though the shifting was ordered to function entire pension section of CCA office from CTO Building from 06/02/2023. There is no circular regarding partial shifting. Moreover there is no response from enquiry numbers and whatsapp number.

Pr.CCA is requested to address these issues immediately.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

EPS PENSION – DATE EXTENDED FOR OPTION:

The last date for submission of option form by  Prorata (EPS) pensioners for the higher rate of pension has been extended to 20/02/2023 from 13/02/2023.

Please CLICK HERE to view the MTNL CO letter.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

CGHS PANCHAYAT:

The Office bearers of RTOWA Mumbai, MPWA Mumbai and TEAM participated in the CGHS Panchayat convened by AD CGHS on 07/02/2023 at Shamiyana Hall, Aaykar Bhavan, Mumbai. 

We thanked AD CGHS for opening Wellness Centre at Thakurli and relocating the Belapur wellness centre within a month of its closure.   We emphasised the need for wellness centres at Borivali, Thane and Panvel. Also we emphasised the upward revision of CGHS Rates, so that more hospitals will come forward for empanelment.

AD CGHS said that

1. A new wellness center between Dahisar and Virar will be opened shortly.

2. The rates will be revised in the current year.

3. The wellness centre at Mulund will be shifted to Thane.

4. Linking of CGHS Card and Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme is optional.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

  RALLY ON 08/02/2023 – REPORT BY NEWSPAPER DATED 09/02/2023:

SUCCESSFUL RALLY ON 08/02/2023 AT MUMBAI:

Thank you All pensioners and employees of MTNL and BSNL for enthusiastic participation.

The rally was highly successful with more than 1000 enthusiastic participants from  BSNL and MTNL with banners and placards. Slogans were raised continuously.

The rally started from Shivaji Park Telephone Exchange and culminated at Telephone House Prabhadevi. 

Demonstrations were held at Telephone House. The office bearers of all the Associations gave speeches on pension revision. 

Vote of thanks was given by Com. C.U. Gade RTOWA.

Com. R.G. Chaube CS TEAM compered the event. 

The events ended with National Anthem. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the Press Release.

--RTOWA Mumbai

--MPWA Mumbai

--AIRBSNL EWA MH Circle

--AIBSNL PWA MH Circle.

GOOD NEWS TO CGHS BENEFICIARIES AT NAVI MUMBAI:

The Belapur wellness centre is relocated to CGO Complex, Ground Floor, Belapur.  It will start functioning from  07/02/2023.  This may be displayed on the notice board of the wellness centre.

--Dr. Nirmal Mandal, Additional Director, CGHS-Mumbai.

EPF SCHEME PENSION – REVISED OPTION:

Very important and Urgent to Pro-rata Pensioners regarding EPFS Pension.

Please go through the following circular and submit the required forms immediately.

Please CLICK HERE to view the MTNL Circular.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

COURT CASE ON PENSION REVISION – LATEST STATUS:

Our case in PCAT Delhi which is scheduled today has now been adjourned to 21/03/2023.

--A.K Kaushik, GS RTOWA  Delhi.

AI RBSNL EWA – MH CIRCLE CONFERENCE AT NASHIK:

The Open Session of the conference was held at Nashik on 04/02/2023. 

Com. J.S.Yadav GS RTOWA and Com. K. Haldankar GS MPWA addressed the Conference as Honourable Guests. 

Com.H.S. Upadhyay VP, Com. Virendra Singh Jt.G.S, and  Com. P.K.Kulkarni AGS attended the Open Session as Honourable guests.

Com. Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA was the Chief Guest and he covered Pension Revision at length in his speech.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION COURT CASE:

Dear Comrades,

Our pension case is listed in CAT on 06/02/2023 in court no 6 at Sl no 48 but the same will not be heard because the judges of the bench are not available. Hence the court master will give the next date of hearing.

--A. K. Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi.

CGHS PANCHAYAT ON 07/02/2023:

The following circular has been issued by the AD, CGHS, Mumbai. Those CGHS beneficiaries wish to participate can attend the Panchayat.

 --RTOWA Mumbai.

“Sir/Madam

The  CGHS Mumbai will hold a  "CGHS Panchayat" on 07/02/2023  to interact with various Stakeholders, the CGHS beneficiaries, beneficiaries associations, empanelled Health Care Organisations(HCOs), Authorised Local Chemists (ALC) & other high-value medicine suppliers to discuss and resolve issues related to CGHS. The venue is Shamiana Hall, Aayakar Bhavan, Marine Lines, Mumbai, and the time is from 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM.

This may be prominently displayed on the notice board of the CGHS wellness centres.

--Dr. Nirmal Mandal, Additional Director, CGHS-Mumbai.”

PENSION REVISION STATUS:

GS / AIBSNLPWA spoke to Dr Mahesh Shukla, Member (Services), DOT, over phone today. Enquired about the status of our pension revision issue. Member (S) confirmed  the receipt of  calculations from CGCA, on probable expenditure. Member(S) further told he has an appointment to meet Hon Minister for Communications  today in the evening. Member (S) told that he will inform the minister that pension revision is one of important pending point which is to be decided as the entire liability of cost of pension revision lies with Govt. of India. He says he is hopeful for a favourable decision by MOC on fitment factor. On our behalf, we extended our greetings to him who is retiring on superannuation tommorrow.

 --V Vara Prasad / GS, AIBSNLPWA.

THANK YOU ALL PARTICIPANTS:

The second phase of agitation, Dharna on 17/01/2023 and on 18/01/2023 was successful with en-masse paticipation of MTNL and BSNL Pensioners at Mumbai.

A letter addressed to Secretary (T) DoT was given to Pr.CCA Mumbai.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

BSNL MTNL Pensioners' Unity Zindabad!

--RTOWA Mumbai

--MPWA Mumbai

--AI BSNL PWA MH Circle

--AI RBSNL EWA MH Circle

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION OF BSNL/MTNL PENSIONERS:

It is known that Estt.Section DoT has asked CGCA DoT (Controller General of Communication Accounts) regarding financial implications on pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners.

Today (18/01/23) Com. Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA met Sh. Dilip Padhye, CGCA DoT and enquired the progress. 

CGCA assured that the financial implications of pension revision  with  different fitment factors viz., 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% will be sent to Estt Cell of DoT within two-three days time.      

Then Com. Prahlad Rai  met Director (Estt) DoT. He informed that as soon as the financial implications on different factors are received from CGCA,  it will be put up to the competent authority for consideration and decision on the fitment factor. After  approval of the  competent authority, Cabinet note will be prepared. He assured an early action in this regard.

--AI RBSNL EWA.

BSNL/MTNL PENSIONERS ON WAR PATH:

Agitating BSNL/MTNL Pensioners observed a massive Dharna today i.e. on 17/01/2023 at Telephone House, Dadar , Mumbai  demanding pension revision with 7th CPC fitment. 

The agitation was in response to and part of second phase of  the joint call for an all India nation - wide protest against inaction of DOT (Department Of Telecommunication). 

Joint call for the course of  agitations has been given by 6 Associations of BSNL and MTNL namely:-

1. All India BSNL Pensioners Welfare Association.

2. All India Retired BSNL Executives Welfare Association.

3. DOT BSNL Pensioners Association, Keral.

4. Retired Telecom Officers Welfare Association, Delhi.

5. Retired Telecom Officers Welfare Association, Mumbai

6. MTNL Pensioners Welfare Association, Mumbai.

Dharna would  continue tomorrow i.e. on 18/01/2023 as well. 

The third phase of agitation would be launched in February 2023 depending upon the response of the DOT.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CGHS WELNESS CENTRE AT BELAPUR:

The AD CGHS has issued a  Circular explaining the reasons for temporary closure of Belapur Wellness Centre.

Please CLICK HERE to view the circular.

DHARNA TO ACHIEVE PENSION REVISION:

Calling all IDA pensioners  retired from BSNL and MTNL  to participate in Dharna demanding pension revision. The schedule is as under :-

Venue.  :- MTNL Telephone House, Prabhadevi, Dadar West. 

Dates.   :- 17/01/2023 and 18/01/2023.

Time.    :-10AM to 2  PM.

Appealing to all the pensioners to join the Dharna enmasse on both days for grand success to achieve Pension Revision based on 7th CPC Fitment factor.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Joint Notice.

--RTOWA Mumbai

--MPWA Mumbai

--AI BSNL PWA- MH Circle

--AI RBSNL EWA-MH Circle

DISPOSAL OF PARLIAMENT STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT:

Report no. 120 of Parliamentary Standing Committee is under :- 

The recommendation for enhancement of pension while reaching the age of

 65(5%), 70(10%), 75(15%) and 80 years (20%) is rejected by Govt.

Please see Para 2.25 to Para 2.34 of the report (refer Pages 17-18).

Please CLICK HERE to view the full report.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENDING ISSUES WITH MTNL MUMBAI:

GM (A) and GM (F) are requested to pursue the following pending issues with Corporate office vide RTOWA's letter dated 09th Jan'23.

1. Payment of difference in ex-gratia to eligible VRS Pensioners.

2. Interest for the delay in payment of GPF.

3. Settlement of floater cases of medical bills (CGHIS)

4. Option to switch over to CGHS with MTNL subsidy.

5. Entitlement to reimbursement of OPD bills of pensioners neither enrolled in CGHS nor in CGHIS.

6. Restoration of stepping up of pay of six pensioners on PS cadre. 

 Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

 --RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT:

Dear comrades,

Yesterday (5th) our Dy.GS Com Anupam Kaul along with Com M K Bagchi, President, RTOWA Delhi went to Sanchar Bhawan and met the DDG (Estt.) and the Director (Estt.) separately.  Our leaders got the following information.

1) CGCA has worked out the financial implication and sent back to DoT finance.

2) This communication was reviewed by Member (F), Member(S) & DDG (Estt.) two days back.

3) After the review, they decided to seek some more clarification or clarity from CGCA and the file is sent back to them.

4) On receipt of the file from CGCA,   Establishment section will prepare a comprehensive 'Note' which will be sent to DoE.

5) After getting the opinion/comments from DoE,   Establishment section will prepare a Cabinet Memo.

6) It is learnt that the Member (F) already had some preliminary consultation with DoE.

It is a clear indication that DoT was asked to expedite the process of pension revision by Hon. MoC but we could not get any clue about the percentage of benefit.

--V Vara Prasad, GS AI BSNL PWA.

CLOSURE OF BELAPUR CGHS CENTRE – REPLY FROM AD CGHS:

AD CGHS has replied to our letter conveying our protest to temporary closure of wellness centre at Belapur which is as under: 

"Search for alternative place is taken very seriously and all round efforts are there. The condition of the present structure is very bad. CPWD and IIT have given notice to vacate immediately. Building is in a condition that it may collapse at anytime. If any mishap happens and any life is lost I will be responsible. With a heavy heart I am taking this decision."

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

IDA FROM 01/01/2023 – ORDERS:

DPE orders has been issued for the revision of IDA with effect from 01/01/2023. Revised IDA will be 201.2% with the increase of 5.4%.

Please CLICK HERE to view the OM.

CLOSURE OF CGHS WELLNESS CENTRE AT BELAPUR:

It is learnt that the wellness centre will be closed temporarily very soon. A message was sent to Additional Director to stop this.

He replied that despite best efforts no site is readily available for temporary shifting. But permanent relocation is possible soon. But it will take some time to complete the procedures. 

We are not satisfied with his reply. So a letter is sent to him requesting to stop the process of temporary closing. 

Please see the letter HERE.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENDING ISSUES WITH PR. CCA MUMBAI:

The following issues are pursued with Pr.CCA Mumbai.

1. To speed up the process of issuing Pensioner ID Card

2. To hold Pension Adalat quarterly

3. To pay the interest on gratuity to VRS pensioners alongwith gratuity.

Please see the letter HERE.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

KYP APPLICATION TO CCA BY PRORATA PENSIONERS:

For the attention of pro-rata pensioners and DOT pensioners retired from MTNL Mumbai:

The pension of the aforesaid pensioners will hereafter be drawn by CCA Mumbai through SAMPAAN (Pension payment system of DoT) instead of by banks. The pension will be remitted by CCA Mumbai to the bank. 

These pensioners are required to submit KYP in the given form to CCA Mumbai. Life Certificate also needs to be submitted to CCA Mumbai.

Please see the Circular of CCA Mumbai HERE.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

REVISED IDA FROM 01/01/2023:

Based on CPI (Consumer Price Index) IDA increases from 1st. January 2023 by 5.3%. 

Present IDA=195.8%

IDA increase = 5.3%

IDA as on 01/01/2023 =201.1%

Orders of DPE are expected soon.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

NOTIONAL INCREMENT – GENERAL ORDERS:

DOT is requested to issue general orders to grant a notional increment for pensionary benefits to those completed one year of service from the date of last increment to the date of retirement but increment did not take  effect due to retirement on that date. The issue has been settled by the courts long back in an individual case.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

--RTOWA Mumbai

CONTACT DETAILS  OF MTNL STAFF REQUIRED FOR PROCESS OF CLAIMS:

The LIC has informed that the claims of some staff of MTNL could not be processed and hence LIC require their contact details. The lists of such LIC policy holders whose claims are not received after maturity are given HERE.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

RESTORATION OF COMMUTED PENSION AFTER 12 YEARS:

The minister has replied in Parliament that the issue has been referred to Finance Ministry...-

Please CLICK HERE to view the Minister's reply.

SUCCESSFUL DEMONSTRATION ON 19/12/2022:

The Demonstration was held at MTNL Mumbai Head Quarters at Prabhadevi Telephone house, Dadar, Mumbai. 

More than 500 Pensioners from RTOWA, AIBSNLPWA, AIRBSNLEWA and MPWA participated in the Demonstration. 

Com. J. S. Yadav GS, Com. Virendra Singh Joint GS both from RTOWA, Com. Narender CS MH Circle AIBSNLPWA,  Com. Ramamurti AGS and Com Manani CS MH from AIRBSNLEWA and Com Kishore Haldankar GS  MPWA  addressed the gathering. 

All the speakers elaborated on the justifications of demand for Pension Revision with 7th CPC fitment. Also they exposed the tactics of DoT in twisting our demands by not recordng the assurances of Member (S) in the Record of Discussions.  In the meeting with the Associations he had assured that Pension revision will be delinked from the pay revision and the fitment factor will not be zero percent. 

The speakers also emphasised the unity of Pensioners as the  need of hour. It was declared that Agitation program will continue till our demands are met.

Com. J.S. Yadav also said that RTOWA is pursuing and the Pensioners retired from MTNL are likely to get 9.4% addl IDA, (78.2% IDA instead of 68.8% IDA) in the fitment on 01/01/2007.

The next agitation for Pension revision is two days Dharna on 17/01/2023  and on 18/01/2023 and Mass rally on 08/02/2023 to CCA Office.  

Com R. G.Chaube President TEAM compered and Com. Kishore Hadankar GS MPWA gave vote of thanks. 

Demonstration ended with National Anthem.

-- RTOWA Mumbai.

PRESS RELEASE ON OUR AGITATION FOR PENSION REVISION:

A Press Report has been given by GS, AIBSNLPWA, Maharashtra Circle on our Lunch Hour Demonstration done today.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Press Release.

AGITATION FOR PENSION REVISION – CIRCULAR:

Combined call has been given by BSNL and MTNL pensioners associations for agitation to achieve our demand of PENSION REVISION.

Please CLICK HERE to view the circular.                      

MEETING WITH MoC AND DoT OFFICERS AT DELHI  BY RTOWA DELHI AND AIBSNLPWA:

With the help of  Hubli District Organising Secretary of AIBSNLPWA, retired DGM, Shri N K Gandigwad, we met Honourable  Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Prahlad Joshi ji in Parliament on 13/12/2022 and requested his help to resolve the Pension Revision issue. 

He told that he has already told MoC about our visit and asked us to go and meet him in Rail Bhavan.

Accordingly his PA fixed the meeting at 1900 hours.

MEETING WITH  MOC: 

We met Honourable MoC Shri Ashwini Vaishnawji and handed over a letter to him.

We thanked him for taking a decision to delink Pension Revision from Pay Revision.

We explained the justification for our demand and requested his intervention for 7th CPC fitment factor.

He assured that he will get it examined.

The delegation consists of Com D Gopalakrishnan,   Com Gangadhara Rao  both from AIBSNLPWA and Com. M K Bagchi, President RTOWA , Delhi. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter handed over to the Minister of Communications.

Meeting on 14th December-2022:

We met DDG (Estt) on 14/12/2022 and discussed the following issues:

1) Implementation of Madras CAT judgement on extra increment to about 600 Pensioners in Tamilnadu.

2) Reduction of last pay drawn to Telecom Mechanics who were placed in LM scale who did not get posting immediately after training due to want of vacancies in phone mechanic cadre pertaining to Tamilnadu , Chennai Telephones and Andhra Circles.

After detailed discussion on both the above issues, DDG Estt. wanted us to forward our last written letter by email and she has agreed to relook at it afresh.

PENSION REVISION ISSUE: 

After interaction for some time she told that they have asked for financial implications.

We told her that DoT has not sent the proposal of 2.515 fitment formula for pension department’s consideration and there was no occasion for that department to reject it as claimed.

When we insisted to send the proposal to pension department and let them give their opinion she said that she has to take the opinion of DOT higher officers including Secretary Telecom. 

MEETING WITH  MEMBER (S ): 

Later we met Member (S) also. He told that they have asked the financial implications for 0% , 5%, 10% and 15% from CGCA.

He also told that BSNL though could not reach an agreement on pay revision, they have sent a pay scale for Non-executives.

Then we told him about our meeting with Honourable MoC and handed over a copy. He said that he will examine the proposal.

IT NOTICES: 

We met  Sri Atul Pokhriyal, Director (Accounts)  regarding I T notices being received by our  members for Leave Encashment of DOT  period.  He wanted the correspondence we made with the Secretary, Revenue Department, MOF, Director ( HQ ) and CBDT. Immediately we supplied all the required documents to him.  He assured to take up with the concerned officials. 

MEETING WITH LAWYER: 

We met our Advocate and requested him to ensure that on 6th February-2023 the case is heard. He told that all-out efforts will be taken for that.

 --GS, AIBSNLPWA.

Pensioners Associations of BSNL and MTNL are pushed to wall to resort to agitation path insisting the demand of Pension Revision with 7th CPC Fitment factor.

Please see the joint notice HERE. 

At Mumbai,

the Mass Demonstration will be at Telephone House Dadar at 12.30 pm on 19/12/2022.

All pensioners are called upon to participate en-masse in the Demonstration and other Agitations and make them success.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

STATUS OF 5% IDA NEUTRALISATION:

Today (on 13/12/2022) we ( A K Kaushik GS RTOWA Delhi & K R Yadav GS TEAM) visited DOE cell of M/O Finance to meet special secretary of DOE. The special secretary was busy in some important meeting as the parliament session is going on. Then we met the Deputy secretary, DOE & expressed our great concern over the long awaited implementation of 5% IDA neutralisation of the MTNL retirees & requested to get the case file cleared at the earliest. She told that she is well aware of the case & further told that the discussion over the case has already been done. Finally she assured to get the case file cleared within 10 days. Nevertheless, We will be in constant touch with the concerned officers of DOE for early clearance of the file.

 --A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi.

JOINT MEETING OF MEMBERS OF MPWA AND RTOWA:

A Joint Meeting of the members of MPWA and RTOWA Mumbai was convened  by MPWA  on 10th December 2022 in the Shirodkar Hall,  Parel , Mumbai. 

The meeting was presided over by Com S G Pawar, a very senior trade union leader. Com E M Rajpure anchored the meeting.

 The meeting was attended by Com A K Kaushik , General Secretary,  RTOWA Delhi and Convener of MTNL United Forum, Com K R Yadav the General Secretary, TEAM, Com J S Yadav , General Secretary , RTOWA Mumbai, Com R G Chaube , President , Team, Mumbai Circle and Com Ramu , Circle Secretary, Team Mumbai and Com Kishore Haldankar , General Secretary, MPWA.

 The agenda for the meeting was to apprise the members of the latest development as to Pension Revision, 78.2% IDA, 5% IDA neutralisation, merger of MTNL with BSNL..

 Leaders were welcomed with flower bouquets.

 Com J S Yadav and Com K R Yadav and other speakers spoke about the issues and exhorted the members to remain united. 

 Com A K Kaushik enlightened the members of all the issues in detail such as :-

1. He said that our stand as to our Pension Revision has been very consistent that we want pension revision as per the 7th CPC (Central Pay commission). He assured the members very confidently that we will get our pension revised as per the 7 CPC. He said that this time we want the issue of Pension Revision settled once for all, so that in future we will not have to struggle any more for pension revision. 

2. He was also confident and reassuring that issue of 78.2 % IDA neutralisation with effect from 1-1-2007 will be resolved soon.

3. He said that the file pertaining to 5% IDA neutralisation has been approved by the Budget Section and has been sent to Special Secretary under the Department Of Expenditure. He hoped that the file may be sent back to DOT within a week.

4. He expressed serious concern over the fate of a few group D employees with less than ten years of service, who opted for pro - rata pension mistakenly. As such they are getting no pension ie neither pro - rata nor EPS. They should have opted for combined service pension. He assured that he is striving to have, at least, one more option for such employees to help them opt for combined service pension. This could help them get pension.

5. He also threw light on the recent Supreme Court order on EPS on actual pay. 

6. Regarding merger of MTNL with BSNL and consequent option and absorption of employees in BSNL, Com Kaushik cautioned the members not to opt for BSNL without securing their existing terms and conditions.

7. He exhorted members to participate in the agitations which will be notified soon for our pension revision.

Com J G Gavankar , Vice President , MPWA proposed a vote of thanks and the meeting ended with the National Anthem.

-- J S Yadav, GS RTOWA    &  K Haldankar, GS MPWA.

REVISION OF EX-GRATIA DUE TO CHANGE IN BASIC PAY OR QUALIFYING SERVICE:

Due to the continuous pursuit by RTOWA for counting of training period for qualifying service and due to up gradation to new basic pay, difference in exgratia has been approved by MTNL Pension Cell and sent to Corporate office for the officials in the under mentioned list.

Please CLICK HERE to view the list.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

TENTH PENSION ADALAT BY CCA MUMBAI:

Last date is 08/12/2022 to lodge grievance in PENSION ADALAT.

The following grievances with CCA office may be lodged in Pension Adalat through email by 08/12/2022.

1. Family Pension not sanctioned.

2. FMA not sanctioned.

3. Pensioner ID Card not issued.

4. Savings details not considered for ITax recovery.

5. Gratuity not paid after superannuation date of VRS Pensioners.

6. Non payment of Interest on gratuity for the period from VRS date to superannuation date.

7. Non payment of commutation of VRS pensioners.

8. Pension not refixed after fixation of pay due to financial upgradation after retirement.

9. Any other grievances pending with CCA Office

 The form for lodging grievance, email id etc., are given in the circular given HERE.

 --RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION – BE PREPARED FOR PROTEST ACTION:

DoT in its letter dated 17/11/2022 has stated that the pension revision will be with 0% fitment factor. DoT is going back on the assurances of Member (S) in the formal meeting held on 17/10/2022 with 15 Associations. In the said meeting Member (S) assured that pension revision will be delinked from pay revision and the fitment factor will not be 0%. 

Protest actions will be launched by Pensioners' Associations of BSNL and MTNL united throughout India. The protest action programme will be decided soon.

 Please CLICK HERE to see the letter to DoT.

 --RTOWA Mumbai. 

MEETING WITH ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR CGHS:

On 23/11/2022, we (Com. K.Jawahar President RTOWA, Com. J S. Yadav GS RTOWA and Com. K. Haldakar GS MPWA) had a meeting with  Dr. Nirmal Mondal AD CGHS Mumbai.

Dscussed the folowing issues:-

1. New Wellness Centres :- We pointed out the huge rush daily at Ambernath, Charcop and Belapur wellness centres. AD told us that New Wellness centre at Thakurli will be opened within two months. New Wellness Centres at Panvel and Borivali, Bhayandar or Virar will be opened within a few months. The Belapur wellness centre will be shifted to nearby Rly Station.

2. We requested for empanelment of more multispecialty hospitals. AD said many hospitals have been now empanelled and gave a list of hospitals.  Also said that It is for the hospitals to apply for empanelment.  

3. The huge backlog on MRCs has now been cleared. The MRCs received in October-2022 are now under process.

4. We pointed out that the CGHS Mumbai website is not functional. AD said some rearrangement is being done by CGHS Directorate.

Then we met Dr. Pooja who is in charge of MRCs and empanelment of hospitals.  She said that the MRCs are settled by giving maximum benefit to the claimants. 

The latest list of empanelled hospitals is given HERE.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION – STATUS:

Setback to our demand for 7th CPC Fitment factor for Pension Revision.

DoT says that 7th CPC Fitment factor is not applicable to BSNL/MTNL Pensioners. 

Pension will be revised simply merging the basic pension with IDA as on 01/01/2017. Subsequently if pay is revised with any fitment factor, the same fitment factor will be applied to Pension Revision.

Associations will shape the response after mutual discussions.

Please CLICK HERE to view the DoT letter.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

MEETING WITH CCA MUMBAI:

On 22/11/2022 the Office bearers of RTOWA and MPWA had a meeting with CCA Mumbai and discussed the following issues :-

1. Every month pension is drawn on 25th. So we requested to draw supp. bill for pension of Nov'22 to  those pensioners whose life certificate is received during 25/11/22 to 30/11/22. CCA said that decision will be taken soon.

2. Delay in issue of Pensioner ID Card :-CCA said that the  hurdles in the process is now resolved and the process will be expedited. On date out of about 10000 applications about 1600 ID Cards only have been issued and sent by speed post. We requested to display the list of ID cards issued every month on pensioner portal. 

The following participated in the meeting:-

CCA side :-

CCA, Joint CCA, Dy. CCA, CAO (Pension), AO PDA.

Associations' side :- Comrades.  K. Jawahar, J.S.Yadav, Virendra Singh and P.K. Kulkarni ..all from RTOWA.

Comrades K.Haldankar and Gavankar from MPWA.

--J. S. Yadav, G S RTOWA Mumbai.

STATUS OF IDA NEUTRALISATION:

Today I talked to the concerned officer of DOE. He informed me that the case file of 5% IDA neutralisation of MTNL pensioners has been received back with positive remarks from Budget & DEA cell under Ministry of Finance yesterday. He further told me that the case file is under resubmission to Spl. Secretary of DOE & will be sent back to DOT by the end of next week. 

 --A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA Delhi.

MEETING WITH ED MUMBAI:

Today the office bearers of  RTOWA and MPWA met ED Mumbai and discussed the following issues :-

1. Payment of difference in ex-gratia of VRS Pensioners due to counting of training period (Techs/JTOs)  or temporary services (canteen employees) or due to financial up gradation:-

A list of about 139 pensioners will be sent to Corporate office for approval within a few days. We requested that the grievances should not be "closed" till payment is made.

 2. Settlement of 185 Medical bills of 2016-17 for in-patient treatment under CGHIS:-

 ED said that the issue will be pursued with Corporate office to get funds.

 3. ED agreed to our request to exert pressure on Corporate office on the following issues :-

    a) To get funds to pay Interest for the period of delay in payment of GPF

    b) To give option to switch over to CGHS with MTNL subsidy without any time limit.

    c) To restore the entitlement to OPD medical bill reimbursement to those who are neither enrolled in CGHS nor CGHIS.

    d) Pay anomaly cases of pensioners on PS cadre. 

The time limit to submit application for enrolment in CGHIS is extended up to 30/11/2022.

The following participated in the meeting :-

Management side :-ED, GM (A), GM(Fin), DGM(A) and DM (Pension).

Associations' side :- Comrades.  K. Jawahar, J.S.Yadav, Virendra Singh and P.K. Kulkarni ..all from RTOWA.

Comrades K.Haldankar and Gavankar from MPWA.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

DESPATCH DETAILS OF IDENTITY CARDS:

The Identity cards have been despatched to the pensioners on the following notes by the A.O. (Pen), CCA.

DATE.           No. of Cards despatched.

01/10/22.   100

06/10/22.     50

10/10/22.    133

12/10/22.    120

17/10/22.    100

19/10/22.    140

21/10/22.    235

03/11/22.    200

10/11/22.    199

11/11/22.    197

The detailed  list is HERE.

--J. S. Yadav, GS RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF INTEREST ON DELAYED PAYMENT OF GPF:

Fifth Reminder to Dir (Fin)-CO MTNL is sent requesting to provide funds for the payment of interest for the period of delay in settlement of GPF money after retirement.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

 --RTOWA Mumbai.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

A letter has been written to Secretary DoT by RTOWA Delhi reiterating to finalise the Pension Revision on the basis of 7^th CPC fitment.

Please Click the links below to view the letter.

PAGE-1    PAGE-2

REPLY TO PENSION REVISION MEETING NOTE OF DOT:

A Response has been circulated by the GS, AIBSNLPWA for the Pension Revison Note circulated by the DoT officers.

Please CLICK HERE to view the response.

PURSUIT OF PENSION REVISION:

Today on 10/11/2022 Com. Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA,  Com. A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL Delhi and other office bearers met Member (S) DoT and discussed Pension Revision.  

 1. Member (S) said that recently some Association representatives met him and told him that DoT should clarify that "DoT is considering only 3rd PRC scales not 7thCPC recommendations."

He further said that "as 0% fitment is not being beneficial, some %  fitment benefit is being discussed internally in DoT"   

We clearly told him that we are not going to accept nothing less than 7th CPC fitment formula.

 2. He further said that how the pension revision can be considered at present since the pay scales of non executives in BSNL/MTNL are not yet decided. In turn we pleaded that pension revision is not dependent upon pay scales  because the pension is to be revised as per the 7th CPC fitment formula, thus there is no need to further delay the pension revision on the pretext of non availability of non executives pay scales.

 3. Financial :- We told him that earlier also during pension revision wef 1-1-2007, the financial implications were calculated by DoT Estt cell with the concurrence of Internal Finance of DoT and were communicated to DoE. On the same pattern now also DoT may calculate the financial implications on 7thCPC fitment formula. We again requested him to expedite the matter at the earliest before his retirement on 31-01-2023. Member (S) assured an early action in this regard.  

Meeting with Director Estt DoT:- 

Then we met Director Estt DoT and discussed regarding pension revision. He also reaffirmed the information given by the Member (S). We also reiterated our stand on pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners on the basis of 7th CPC fitment formula. 

--A K Kaushik,  G. S. RTOWA Delhi.

PENSION REVISION – RESPONSE TO THE RECORD OF DISCUSSIONS :

All the Associations who had signed the joint memorandum earlier are responding to the "Record of Discussions" almost on the same lines. 

We are reiterating that the Pension Revision should be totally delinked from Pay Revision and the fitment factor should be derived from 7th CPC.

The response of RTOWA Mumbai is HERE.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

RECORD OF DISCUSSIONS OF MEETING DATED 17/10/2022:

The minutes of the meeting between all the Pensioners Associations and DoT officers held on 17/10/2022 has been circulated by the DoT.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Record of Discussions circulated.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

STATUS OF 5% IDA:

Today I talked to the concerned officer of DOE, M/O Fin. and requested to clear  the long pending case file of  MTNL retirees of 5 percent IDA neutralisation at the earliest possible. In turn he assured to give a reminder to the budget unit of DOE by tomorrow positively. "The budget unit is expected to give its comments within a fortnight thereafter DOE will finally clear the case" as told by him. 

Friends, we will visit the DOE again and meet the concerned officers for the earliest clearance of the case file if there is a delay beyond the above said time.

--A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA, Delhi.

STATUS OF PENSION REVISION OF BSNL/MTNL PENSIONERS:

Extract from the news of AI RBSNLEWA:

Com. Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA today discussed the issue of pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners and releasing of the Record of Discussions of the meeting held between the Member Services, other DoT Senior Officers and the representatives of BSNL/MTNL pensioners Associations etc.

 Director(Estt.) DoT informed that the record of discussions of the meeting held on 17th October-2022 would be issued within 2-3 days after approval of the minutes.

 --Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA.

DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE THROUGH FACE RECOGNITION:

Digital Life Certificate through Face Recognition,

 1. Can be given sitting at home.

 2. No scanner is required.

 3. Android smartphones with minimum 64 GB storage, 4GB+ RAM and internet connectivity are required.

4. Step by step procedure is given in the attached file.

     Please CLICK HERE to view the file.

5. Read the instructions carefully and do the process without any haste.

6. If needed, ask for the help of any family member who understands mobile applications.

Many pensioners have given Digital Life Certificates through this process easily.

Face recognition App to be downloaded from Google Play Stores. 

--RTOWA Mumbai.

A CLARIFICATION  ON PENSION REVISION DEMAND BY AI BSNL EWA:

Dear comrades ,

The issue is not the question about the quantum of the amount. But which formula will be a permanent solution.

It's a question of principle.

PRC - No pension revision.

Despite DoT's sincere efforts, it was not included in terms of reference as a matter of policy.

In 2027 no absorbed employee will be in service and there will be no negotiated pay scale for Non-executives.

There may be some hidden agenda for those who plead for 15% as per 3rd PRC.

Further, there is a chance for DoT to consider 5% or 10% because the 3rd PRC has suggested that also.

But in the case of 7th CPC, that danger is not there.

We are at par with Central Government Pensioners on many counts.

We are not at par with other CPSE retirees. 

Anyhow for your clarity, 

if your basic pension on 01/01/2017 is Rs.1000/- ,

you got a total pension of Rs.2195/- on that day.

If 15% is given you will get a basic pension of Rs.2525/- on that day with zero percent DR.

If 7th CPC fitment factor is given you will get a basic pension of Rs.2515/- on that day with zero percent DR.

So, the quantum of benefit is not the issue but which is BEST in the interest of Pensioners in the long run.

PRC is for pay revision of only Executives of all CPSEs.

The terminal benefit (pension, gratuity, PF & Medical) of other CPSE retirees is limited to 30% of LPD and paid by the respective CPSE. In CPSEs (except one or two), there is no Pension Revision.

Whereas for us, the terminal benefit is as per CCS Pension Rules and paid by GoI.

So, in all respects our pensionary benefits are comparable only with C.G. Pensioners.

We can sail with more than 65 lakhs CG Pensioners.

Anyway, DoT and the Government is the deciding authority.

-- P Gangadhara Rao, GS, AI BSNL EWA.

RECOVERY OF COMMUTATION VALUE FROM FAMILY PENSION:

The rule regarding the deduction of commuted value from Family Pension is again circulated.

Please CLICK HERE to view the OM issued by the DoP.

MEMORANDUM TO MOC FOR PENSION REVISION:

A Memorandum has been submitted to the Honourable MoC and IT during his visit to Jaipur today.

Com. Prahalad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA along with other office bearers met and submitted Memorandum to the Honourable MoC and IT during his visit at Jaipur on 22nd October-2022 through Shri  Ram Charanji Bohra Honourable MP  Lok Sabha,  Jaipur.

While welcoming the Honourable MoC &IT we extended our sincere gratitude and thanks for taking a decision for delinking of Pension revision of BSNL/MTNL pensioners from pay revision of BSNL/MTNL employees.

We also requested to consider the pension revision on the basis of 7th CPC fitment formula for taking a permanent solution of pension revision. 

Honourable MoC & IT appreciated our concern and mentioned that he has already taken a decision for pension revision by delinking from pay revision of BSNL/MTNL employees and informed that the matter is under active consideration for an early decision. He advised to wait for some more time to get resolve the issue. He further mentioned that he is fully aware of the issue and that pension revision will take place as early as possible.

 We extended thanks to the Honourable MoC & IT for granting us a meeting and for giving a patient hearing also extended thanks to Shri Ram Charanji Bohra the Honourable MP Lok Sabha, Jaipur for arranging the excellent meeting with the Honourable MoC & IT.  The Honourable MP assured that he will always be available to help us in arranging meeting with the Honourable MoC & IT if required. 

 --Prahlad Rai, GS AI RBSNL EWA.

CGHIS DATE EXTENSION FOR SUBMISSION OF NEW APPLICATIONS:

For submission of CGHIS enrolment date has been extended up to 31/10/2022. The retirees who have not submitted so far may apply now. Those who have already submitted OR already enrolled last year for CGHIS need not apply again. No new applications will be accepted after 31/10/2022.

Please CLICK HERE to view the MTNL Circular dated 19/10/2022.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION –RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:

Pension Revision ...recent developments. Today a Circular has been issued by all Associations.

Please CLICK HERE to view the circular.

PENSION REVISION MEETING HELD WITH MEMBER (SERVICES):

Dear comrades,

As scheduled, today the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Member (S).

It was a pleasant and successful meeting.

On behalf of 9 associations, we presented a memorandum rejecting zero percent and insisted for 7th CPC fitment factor. That was appreciated by some other Pensioners associations also.

The administration gave a powerpoint presentation.

The benefit is 0.02% according to the presentation.

BSNL is not willing to give additional contributions for post-2017 retirees.

All Pensioners' associations in one voice rejected zero percent.

Finally, the chairman said that they would not go ahead with zero percent but he can't right now tell what would be the percentage because they have to consult higher-ups including Hon. MoC.

But delinking pension revision from pay revision is decided.

Stalemate is broken and we shall continue our efforts to achieve our objective.

We have convened a meeting tomorrow morning to widen our base beyond 9 associations.

Please CLICK HERE to view the joint memorandum.

--J S Yadav, GS RTOWA.

MEETING WITH AD CGHS:

A meeting was called by the Additional Director CGHS on 12/10/2022 which was attended by,

1. Shri J.S. Yadav General Secretary RTOWA,

2. Shri P.G. Kulkarni AGS RTOWA,

3. Shri R.G. Chaube President TEAM & Active Member RTOWA,

4. Shri Kishore Haldankar G.S. MPWA and

5. Shri S.G. Pawar MPWA.

 RTOWA welcomed Dr. Nirmal Mandal with Flower Bouquet on his taking over the charge of Additional Director CGHS Mumbai.

 The following points were discussed:

1. Pending MRC Cases:

    AD CGHS assured that all MRC cases would be settled by the end of this month or latest by next month. Further he added that the staff is working on Holidays and Sundays also to clear the backlog of MRC cases.

 2. Thakurli CGHS Dispensary:

     The AD said that the space is acquired for Thakurli CGHS and may be functional within 2 or 3 months. Regarding other locations he added that there is a circular not to avail space from BSNL/MTNL. A lengthy discussion was made on this point and the AD agreed to avail space from MTNL/BSNL. The space acquiring committee will visit the locations soon in this regard and Shri J.S. Yadav, Shri P.K. Kulkarni and Shri Kishore Haldankar will coordinate with the AD CGHS.

 3. Additional New empanelled Hospitals:

    The AD has said that all efforts are taken to enrol new hospitals in the empanel lists. Due to the rate issue most of the hospitals are not approaching CGHS. Further he added that if any member knows the hospital personally they may meet the Hospital Authority for enrolment in the empanelled list. The AD assured that the rate revision would be taken up with the appropriate authority.

 4. Basic facilities in the dispensaries:

    RTOWA raised the issue of basic facilities like water, sitting arrangement, proper shelter etc. for CGHS card holders at CGHS Dispensaries. The AD agreed that lacuna is there in some dispensaries. The issue of the shabby condition of the approach road to Mulund CGHS Dispensary and overflowing of drainage water there was brought to the notice of the AD.  After detailed discussions the AD requested our RTOWA association to take up those issues with the concerned Municipal Authorities.

 5. Shortage of Specialist Doctors:

The AD agreed that  there is acute shortage of Doctors. He added that the CGHS is taking service from State/Central Government Hospital retired Doctors to manage. The AD requested our Association to help in this regard too.

Meeting ended with our vote of thanks.

CLEANLINESS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BY CCA:

A Cleanliness awareness campaign is being organised by the O/o the Principal CCA Mumbai on 18/10/2022 from 3 PM to 5 PM at the Gateway of India. The pensioners have been invited to participate in the campaign. We request our members to participate in it and the willing members may send their willingness through Email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please CLICK HERE to view the formal invitation by the Pr. CCA.

-- RTOWA Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION:

Member (S) DoT has called a formal meeting on 17/10/2022 with Pensioners' Associations of BSNL and MTNL, including RTOWA Mumbai for discussions on Pension Revision. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the notice for the meeting.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

CGHIS DATE EXTENSION FOR FRESH RETIREES:

Fresh Retirees and Retirees who have not still enrolled for CGHIS for policy year 01/10/2022 to 30/09/2023 may send their enrolment applications urgently through email to the mail id This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Annexure A, B, F and PPO page nos.1,6 and 8 may also be attached/uploaded. 

--RTOWA Mumbai.

DPE has issued orders revising IDA rate to 195.8% w.e.f 01/10/2022 in respect of CPSEs where last pay revision was implemented w.e.f. 01/01/2007. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the OM.

GS RTOWA Delhi along with GS TEAM visited DoE, Ministry of Finance, North Block today to find out the status of the case of 5% IDA neutralisation.  We met with the concerned officers who informed us that the case has been sent to the budget department of the finance ministry for budgetary approval. Then we went to the budget section and requested the concerned officer to clear the case as early as possible.

--A. K. Kaushik, General Secretary, RTOWA Delhi.

It is announced that the next hearing date for the Pension Revision Case will be 09/12/2022.

As regards our Pension Revision Case pending in CAT ( Principal Bench ), Delhi  the following message is received from Advocate Gauri Madam which is reported by  Com. A K Kaushik, GS, RTOWA, Delhi  Next date of hearing will be conveyed as soon as the same is  notified :-

 “Sir the bench is not sitting tomorrow. The matter will be adjourned to another date”.

-- M K Bagchi, President, RTOWA, Delhi.

MEETING WITH PRINCIPAL CCA MUMBAI:

On 29/09/2022, the office bearers met Smt. Vandana Gupta Pr. CCA and discussed the following issues.

 1. Expediting the issue of ID cards.

 2. To display a List of pensioners whose pension has not been with reasons therefor on the pensioner portal every month.

 3. Delay in considering savings documents for Income Tax recovery.

 4. Delay in payment of interest on gratuity to VRS Pensioners.

 5. Holding Pension Adalat quarterly and endorsing the copy of minutes of Adalat to RTOWA. 

 6. Arrangements for Life Certificate in November 2022.

 7. Expediting the process of counting of training period for QS of VRS Pensioners. 

 Detailed discussions took place on all the issues. Pr. CCA informed that there are about 300 ID Cards ready to be despatched. 

Pr. CCA further said that the acute shortage of staff and dependency on MTNL system are the main causes of the delays. 

 The following officers participated in the meeting.

Pr. CCA, Shri.A.P. Salunkhe CCA and Sh.Ramraje Jt.CCA.

 From Association side Com. K. Jawahar, Com. J.S. Yadav, Com. H. S. Upadhyay, Com. Virendra Singh, Com. P. K Kulkarni, Com. Kishor Haldankar GS MPWA  and Com. S. J. Shetty attended the meeting. 

--RTOWA Mumbai.

IDA FROM 01/10/2022:

Calculations based on Consumer Price Index (IW) for June-2022, July-2022 and August-2022 indcate that the revised rate of IDA WEF 01/10/2022 will be 195.8%. The increase is 5%.

Orders are expected from DPE.

This is for the PSU employees and BSNL/MTNL pensioners whose pay/pension was revised on 01/01/2007. 

--RTOWA Mumbai

MEETING WITH GMs:

On 28/09/2022, Com. J.S. Yadav G.S. and Com. K. Jawahar President  met GM (A), GM(Fin) and DGM (A) and discussed the following issues:-

 1. Counting of Training period of left over VRS Pensioners for Qualifying service and to pay arrears of ex-gratia. 

Condonation of gap between training period and date of appointment in respect of a few pensioners: -

  --Both GMs agreed to speed up the process.

 2. Restoration of stepping up of pay of a few pensioners retired from PS cadre:-

      --GM(A) agreed to recommend the case.

 3. Uninterrupted functioning of Life certificate counters at selected QCSCs.

       --GM (A) agreed.

In respect of the following items GM(A) agreed to remind the Corporate Office.

4. Interest for delay in GPF payment

5. Switching over to CGHS with subsidy.

6. OPD entitlement for non CGHS/CGHIS pensioners.

7. Payment of floater medical bills pending since 2016-17.

 -- RTOWA Mumbai.

A reminder letter to the Director (Fin) in pursuit of interest demand for the period of delay in GPF final payment after retirement to the pensioners retired since 2017 has been issued today.

 Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

RULE 206 - COURT CASE FURTHER STATUS:

Today the case is heard in supreme court. Supreme Court has upheld the judgment order in favour of Rule 206. Details of judgment will follow.

--A K Kaushik, RTOWA Delhi.

COURT CASE STATUS OF RULE – 206:

Rule 206 case could not be heard today in Supreme Court and now it will be heard tomorrow in court no 2 as the item no 102.

--AK Kaushik, RTOWA Delhi.

PENSION REVISION COURT CASE – STATUS:

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL and Comrade Karan Singh from Rajasthan met Ms Gauri Puri our Advocate to discuss regarding pension revision court case status & Rule 206 seniority case of SDEs Telecom. Madam apprised that pension revision case has been posted for hearing on 6th October-2022 in DB  PB CAT ND  wherein  Mr Rajshekher Rao Sr Advocate may aslo be present for argument. Regarding Rule 206  SDEs seniority case she informed that tomorrow the case for MTNL applicants has been listed for hearing  as TC-78/ 2015 at Sl no 107 .The MTNL case Judgement may come tomorrow and on that basis further BSNL case will be reviewed.

MEETING WITH MEMBER (SERVICES) DoT:

 Comrade Prahlad Rai GS , Comrade Kishan Singhji,  President AIRBSNLEWA, Comrade A K Kaushik GS RTOWA MTNL, delhi,  Comrade  Sheel Kumarji President and Comrade  K R Yadav,  GS TEAM MTNL Delhi met Member  (Services) DoT and discussed regarding pension revision issue of BSNL/ MTNL pensioners. DDG (Estt) and Director (Estt) DoT were also present in the meeting.  We explained that DoT proposal for 0% fitment benefit is no way acceptable to us and the pension revision should be on the basis of 7th CPC recommendations as pension revision should be adopted since we are Govt pensioners and getting pension from Consolidated funds of Govt of India. Member Services while discussing the matter explained that even on 0% fitment benefit the pensioners will be benefited with 8% or 10%. We explained that no one is going to be benefited with this fitment in long term. However, we explained that all the pensioners’ Associations have requested to withdraw this 0% fitment proposal and to constitute the Committee comprising DoT Officers and Association representatives headed by Member Services to discuss the matter in detail for an agreeable solution. Member Services appreciated our concern and mentioned that shortly a Committee will be constituted to discuss and resolve the issue.  All the Pensioners Associations representatives will be informed well in time to discuss the matter. He assured an early action in this regard.  During discussions it was understood that pension revision file from DoP&W has been received in DoT Estt cell wherein DoP&W has not objected 0% fitment benefit, notional fixation may be considered and the Committee may be constituted and headed by DoT not by DoP&W etc. We extended thanks for considering the request of all the pensioners’ Associations regarding Constitution of a Committee comprising DoT Officers and  Association representatives for discussions and decision on pension revision formula.

IDENTITY CARD DISTRIBUTION AND HEALTH CHECK UP CAMP:

Today a function was held for the ID card distribution and Health Check up camp at CTO Mumbai. Shri J.S. Yadav, G.S. RTOWA, Mumbai, SHRI Kishore Haldhankar G.S. MPWA and Shri D.R. Pande Org. Secretary, RTOWA attended the function.

This was well organised by CCA, Mumbai. There was an arrangement of breakfast and tea. A doctor team was present for the check up of BP, Sugar and ECG. 

Approximately 200 cards were ready and distributed. Further cards will be prepared and sent by post.

We appreciated the CCA and their office staff for doing such good work and helping the Pensioners. We pointed out that the CCA Mumbai generally take lead in all programs but is very slow in issuing ID cards compared to CCA Delhi and other units. We also pointed out the delay in uploading pension slips on the Pensioners’ Portal. We requested to upload the information regarding the cases of pension not drawn. 

The CCA informed that due to Ganesh festival staff were on leave and assured that the same will be taken care of in the future. We also requested that supplementary pension may be drawn if the pension is not drawn due to any reason but CCA informed that there is no provision in our system but assured to look into it. CCA also informed that a team of doctors will visit to Pensioners’ houses for a routine check up free of cost to pensioners whose age is 80 and above on a rotation basis.

Finally, we thanked the CCA, Joint  CCA, Deputy CCA and the Account officer Mr. Panchal for  arranging the ID card and health check up camp at CTO Mumbai

-- RTOWA, Mumbai.

PENSION REVISION – COMMON MEMORANDUM:

The DoT has sent a proposal for Pension Revision with zero percent fitment. But all the associations object to zero percent fitment. As decided in the joint virtual meeting of all the associations, a common memorandum has been sent to DOT to revise the proposal.

Please CLICK HERE to view the memorandum.

PENSION REVISION -RECENT DEVELOPMENT:

Dear comrades,

You are all aware that our association took the initiative to unite as many pensioners

associations as possible to achieve our main demand of “Pension Revision”.

In this connection, we made an appeal through ‘open letter’ on 8/9/22

AIBDPA led by Com K G Jayaraj rejected our invitation for political reasons on

11/9/22 through whatsapp message

Suggestions came from Gujarat comrades that if we send a message and link to

GS, BDPA (Shri D D Mistry) and GS, AIBSNLREA (Shri S.Basu) they may

participate.

Taking their suggestions in right spirit, we sent a message and also a link to both of

them but neither they responded nor participated in the meeting.

However, the following seven organizations participated

1) AIBSNLPWA

2) AIRBSNLEWA

3) SNPWA

4) DoT-BSNL Pensioners’ Association, Kerala

5) RTOWA, Delhi

6) RTOWA, Mumbai

7) MPWA, Mumbai

In the virtual meeting held on 12 th September 22 it was unanimously decided to reject

the zero percent fitment recommended by DoT to DoP&PW and insist on our basic

demand of 7 th CPC fitment factor. It was also decided to write a joint letter to

Telecom Secretary in this regard. We shall forward that letter later.

--P.Gangadhara Rao, GS, AI BSNL PWA.

PENSION REVISION – PURSUIT:

The G.S., AIBSNL PWA has written a letter to the MoC requesting him to intervene for finalisation of Pension Revision Proposal sent by DoT to DoE.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

DISTRIBUTION OF IDENTITY CARDS BY CCA OFFICE:

Dear Pensioners,

 It is learnt that the message about “Distribution of Identity Cards to Pensioners” has been circulated/re-forwarded by the pensioners who have received it from our office. It is requested that ONLY pensioners who have received a message from our official WhatsApp No.”9920687211” to attend the program on 15/09/2022. Others who have received “forwarded message” are requested not to attend this program. Considering COVID-19 and space constraints limited arrangements have been made. The original message is sent by this office ONLY to the pensioners whose I-cards are ready for distribution. For other pensioners, I-Cards will be delivered through Post.

Please CLICK HERE to view the list of pensioners whose Identity cards are ready for distribution.

- Sr. Accounts Officer(Pension), O/o. Pr.CCA.

PENSION REVISION – COURT CASE:

Advocate Rajasekhar Rao and Madam Gauri had attended the pension revision case in CAT but the case couldn’t come for hearing. Advocate Rao mentioned that  the case is  to be listed before DB and accordingly the case will be listed on 6/10/2022 before DB.

-- RTOWA Delhi.

CGHIS -2022:

Circular has been issued for CGHIS facility for the period from 01/10/2022 to 30/09/2023. The retirees whose names are available in the list uploaded in pensioner.mtnl.in do not need to apply again. New members have to apply in the forms concerned alongwith the copy of PPO and copy of Aadhar / PAN card on or before 15/09/2022. The pensioners who are not members of CGHIS are not eligible for claiming OPD reimbursement.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Circular.

Please CLICK HERE to view the list of retirees who are proposed for POLICY YEAR 2022-23.

-- RTOWA Mumbai.

GS RTOWA along with GS TEAM met officers in DOP&PW and DoT on 01/09/2022 to discuss the issues of Pension Revision and 5% IDA neutralisation.

During the discussion with Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary of DoP&PW, they have informed that the file related to Pension revision of BSNL and MTNL retirees wef 01/01/2017 have come only three-four days before and they are examining the case and it will take time. Dy. Secretary DOP&PW assured that they will consider the proposals of DoT sympathetically and give their recommendations according to the pension rules. 

We have met DDG(Estt) Mrs. Roshani Sohani and discussed with her the case of pension revision and 5% IDA neutralisation. She informed that the pension revision proposal with zero percent fitment for BSNL and MTNL pensioners along with notional pension revision and delinking of pension revision from pay revision have been sent to DOP&PW. We have told her that the pensioners will get less pension with zero percent fitment. DDG(Estt) thereupon asked us to provide a calculation sheet with zero percent fitment. We will provide the same on Monday on 05/09/2022. She further informed that the 5% IDA neutralisation is still pending with the department of Expenditure. We have also met Member (Finance) Shri Manish Sinha and discussed the issues of pension revision with zero percent fitment. He told us that we should be thankful to DoT. We have told him that pensioners will gain nothing rather their pension will be reduced. We further told him that we’re getting pension from the government and our pension must be revised at par with other central government employees but he didn’t agree. 

Dear friends after having a lengthy discussion with these officers we have come to a conclusion that the officers sitting on the policy-making positions are still suffering from the disease that the MTNL and BSNL employees are drawing more salaries and pensions that’s why they are making all-out efforts to kill the issue of pension revision at par with other government employees as well as they also want to harm the pensioners and don’t want to give our justified dues while these officers sitting in DoT and their associates sitting in MTNL- BSNL board and in the fields have not only enjoyed the real fruits of public sectors but also spoiled the MTNL and BSNL.

Dear comrades, we are calling our CEC in the coming week and I am also discussing with Comrades Prahlad Rai and Comrade Gangadhar Rao and other constituents of United Forum Delhi and Mumbai to discuss our further course of action to safeguard the interests of the retirees of MTNL and BSNL 

I call upon all of you to gear up yourself for a struggle to safeguard our interests and justified demands.

--A K Kaushik, GS RTOWA.

PENSION REVISION DEVELOPMENT:

There is Significant progress in Pension Revision issue.

Thanks to the efforts of AIBSNLPWA.

Please CLICK HERE to view the detailed report of Com. P. Gangadharrao in this regard.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

LIST OF CGHIS BENEFICIARIES: