Executive Committee Meeting:

RTOWA's monthly E.C. meeting was held on 23/12/2019.

A brief of meeting with CMD, GM(HR), Member (Fin) and other senior officers of DOT during the visit to Delhi from 18/12/2019 to 21/12/2019 was given by President, GS, and Jt.G.S.

Issue of Revision of Pension :-

In reply to a question in Parliament recently, MOC had stated that Pension revision will be considered only after pay revision which will take effect after BSNL starts earning profits. This reply by MOC is contradicting the earlier stand of DoT that Pension revision will be delinked from Pay revision. AI BSNL PWA is in favour of filing a court case by CBMPA. 

This issue was discussed in EC. All members participated in the discussions. It was decided to seek a legal opinion from an expert counsel by first week of January-2020. Decision will be taken in the next EC Meeting and it will be conveyed to CBMPA (Committee of BSNL and MTNL Pensioners Associations). 

Members may offer their views on the issue through whatsapp. Views for and against filing court case will be posted separately.

--RTOWA Mumbai

RTOWA meets GM (Admin) and DGM (IR):

Today the office bearers of RTOWA ( Sh.K. Jawahar, Sh.B.R.Pathak, Sh.J.S.Yadav, Sh.Virendra Singh & Sh.K.P.Ravindrakumar) met GM (Admin) and discussed about the training issue. The issue is as under:

1. Already retired but training requirement not fulfilled, so CCA has taken objections; pensionary benefits not yet paid.

2. A few VRS Optees do not fulfil training requirement despite the recent exemption orders of Corporate Office. There is no time left to complete training. CCA may take objections.

3. A few employees who are due for up gradation wef 01/10/2019 have not fulfilled training requirement of last up gradation or training completed after 01/10/2019. So up gradation has not been given.

GM A said that the issue has been taken up with Corporate Office for  one time condonation in all these cases.

We emphasised that it is the responsibility of Admin to ensure imparting training so employees should not be harassed.  

RTOWA requested GM (A) to call for applications from VRS optees for enrolment to CGHIS now itself so that they will be covered by the scheme from 01/02/2020. GM A agreed.   

Then we met DGM (IR) and discussed about the options for the medical facilities of VRS optees after retirement.

--RTOWA Mumbai

Pursuit of 73.8% IDA (Addl. 5% IDA neutralisation) in revision of pay/pension wef 01/01/2007 to those retired prior to 01/01/2018:

Today (19/12/2019) the office bearers of RTOWA Mumbai and MPWA Mumbai discussed this issue with Sri.P.K. Sinha Member (Fin), Sh. S.K. Jain DDG (Estt), Sh. Sanjay Agrawal  Dir(Estt),  Sh. A. Srivastav DDG (Accts), and Sh. S. Mishra, Dir(Accts) at DoT. 

We requested them to recognise the following facts :- 

1. DOT has taken about 18 months so far  to process the case and even now orders are not issued.

2. Pensioners are entitled to this benefit as per rules regardless of whoever viz., MTNL or DOT bears the liability.

3. Ambiguity in accounting adjustments between MTNL and DOT regarding MTNL's liability should not be the reason for further delay in this issue. 

All the officers stated that the issue is now clear and after final vetting by Finance, orders will be issued.

Member (Fin) stated that orders will be issued soon. 

We got the impression that orders might be issued within a month.

Revision of Pension:

We asked Member (Finance) about not giving information called by Pension ministry regarding DOT's proposal to delink pension revision from pay revision.  

Member (Fin) has a clear vision on this issue and narrated the road map and hurdles involved and he further said that the issue of revision of pension will be addressed after revival plans are put firmly on course.

We will discuss the issue with all other Associations of CBMPA.

Sh. K. Jawahar, Sh. B.R.Pathak and Sh.J.S.Yadav from RTOWA & Sh.S.M.Sawant and Sh.K.Haldankar from MPWA participated in the discussions.

--RTOWA Mumbai

--MPWA Mumbai

Meeting with CMD and other officers of Corporate Office At Delhi:

Today (18/12/2019) the office bearers of RTOWA Mumbai and MPWA Mumbai discussed the following issues with CMD at Delhi. GM (Fin) CO was also present.

 1. Payment of Salary and other dues of employees before 31/01/2020.

 2. Early payment of Leave Encashment and GPF after VRS.

 3. Dues of Pensioners :- 

Payment of Leave encashment, GPF, 50% subsidy of CGHS, Salary arrears of 5% IDA neutralisation to those retired between 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018, OPD reimbursement bills, Telephone reimbursement bills etc.   

CMD said that on raising funds through bonds all the dues mentioned at 1 to 3 above are likely to be settled.

 4. To issue orders for 'Financial up gradations' which have become due up to 31/01/2020:

CMD said that instructions already have been issued to complete all formalities in this regard.

 5. Applications for CGHIS should be immediately called for from VRS optees (from those not opted for CGHS) so that they will be covered under CGHIS from 01/02/2020.

CMD Agreed.

 6. Payment of interest on delay in final payment of GPF during last one year.

CMD said that he will consider.

 7. Those who had not opted for CGHS (VRS Optees) by 16/12/2019 also should be allowed to apply for CGHS up to three months from the date of VR. 

CMD said to take up at Mumbai level.

 8. Withdrawal of court case filed by MTNL against United Forum and others. This issue was discussed with GM HR too.

CMD said that it will be examined.

 9. Waival of Overpayment of salary detected after 5 years in accordance with  the instructions of Dept. of Personnel.

CMD did not agree.

Most of the above issues were discussed with GM(HR) and DGM (HR) also.

10. Refund of withheld gratuity of Rs.One lakh from a few pensioners who had retained BSNL Quarters and cancellation of demand notes raised by BSNL MH for maintenance charges  for occupation of BSNL Quarters at Mumbai. This issue was discussed with GM HR. She suggested to take up the issue with CMD BSNL.

Sh. K. Jawahar, Sh. B.R.Pathak and Sh.J.S.Yadav from RTOWA & Sh.S.M.Sawant and Sh.K.Haldankar from MPWA participated in the discussions.

--RTOWA Mumbai

--MPWA Mumbai

Revision of Pension:

Sh. P. S. Raman Kutty President of AI BSNL PWA issued a special circular narrating the need for filing court case.

PENSION REVISION ISSUE ...REPLIED IN PARLIAMENT:

In reply to a Parliament Question, DoT has stated that Pension revision of BSNL pensioners is not done as pay revision of employees is not done.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Question and the Minister’s Reply in the Rajyasabha today.

No salary hikes to BSNL employees – Govt.:

(Applies to MTNL too)

The government of India today clarified (reply to a question in Parliament) that it will not be implementing any pay revision for the employees of state-owned telecom provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd as the company has failed to meet the profitability criteria applicable for all government enterprises.

“BSNL does not fulfil the criteria under affordability clause as per Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines dated 03.08.2017 on pay revision in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) with effect from 01.01.2017. Therefore, the pay revision in BSNL has not been considered due to poor financial condition and continuous losses in BSNL,” Junior Minister for Communications, Sanjay Dhotre informed the parliament today.

Today, it also promised that BSNL will get 5G spectrum without having to participate in the upcoming auction. The company has been doing 5G trials and may turn out to be one of the first to bring the technology to the market.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Question and the Minister’s Answer,

REVAMPING OF CGHS:

RTOWA MUMBAI and MPWA MUMBAI have jointly written to Health Ministry giving suggestions for revamping CGHS.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

Revision of Pension:

VERY IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS; MINISTER IS NOW NEGATIVE:

Com. DG reports from Delhi:

As suggested by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon. Minister for Par. Affairs, DG and T S Vittoban from Chennai and Com. R Changappa, CS Karnataka from Bangalore reached Delhi on 8th evening.   A Delegation of seven comrades from Hubli led by Shri N K Gandigawad on their own also reached.  Minister Joshiji kept his words.  He arranged a meeting with MoC in the evening yesterday, 9th December 2019. A Discussion took place on pension revision in presence of Joshiji.  We presented our case.   MoC was talking mainly about BSNL.  Regarding our pension revision he asked us to wait till BSNL earns profit.  We pointed out to him that (i) Our pension revision has nothing to do with profit/loss of BSNL/MTNL (ii) In Airports Authority of India pension was revised without pay revision but (iii) The officers in DoT have a negative mind-set that pension revision is not possible without pay revision.  Then MoC openly said “I am with my officers”.  It means that there cannot be pension revision without pay revision in BSNL/MTNL.

That marks end of our efforts to get pension revision through negotiations.  Only alternative before us now is legal battle against injustice. Our CWC meeting held at Kanyakumari in February 2019 had decided to resort to legal remedy as the last resort even though it is costly and time consuming. 

CBMPA MEETING 

 As suggested by Com. Gangadhara Rao, who is in hospital in Bangalore, Com. DG convened a meeting of CBMPA at 11 hours on 10-12-2019.  Com. M K Bagchi presided over.   Com. DG reported the developments and the negative attitude of the MoC.  S S Nanda, R K Mudgal, Kishan Singh, Anupam Kaul etc. participated in the discussion.  All agreed for legal remedy and unanimously decided;

(1)   Immediately consult the lawyer and take legal opinion.

(2)  File a single petition with AIBSNLPWA as main petitioner.  AGS in Delhi  will sign on behalf of our Association.

(3)  Other willing constituents of CBMPA will also sign the petition. In addition, M K Bagchi and Anupam Kaul too will sign it as individual pensioners. 

(4)   DG will prepare the matter for petition and circulate to all.

Comrades,

We are pushed to the wall.   We have no alternative.    More than 52 lakhs central Govt pensioners drawing pension under CCS Pension Rule 1972 got pension revision.  It is denied to us, though covered by the same rule. We have to fight against this injustice.  Our leaders in Delhi are now trying to contact the proper advocate.   

Supplementary bill for Pension for November-2019:

Pension for Nov'19 has been drawn on supplementary bill today  (09/12/2019) for those pensioners whose Life certificates were updated in the system from 20/11/2019 to 03/12/2019 as special cases.

-- RTOWA Mumbai.

Pursuits by RTOWA Delhi:

Meeting with Member ( Fin. ), DOT on 4/12/2019:

Sh. S. S. Nanda G/S and Sh. R. K. Mudgal AGS met Member (Fin.), DOT to discuss and expedite our long pending issue of IDA neutralisation. Association representatives briefed him about the said issue and latest status of the case which is swinging in between accounts and finance wings of DOT. He very patiently heard the issue and immediately marked the case to the Advisor (Fin.). He assured to look into the matter personally. 

Association representatives also met DDG (A/Cs) & Director (Estt.) about the said issue and requested them to co-ordinate with the DOT finance wing for the early decision in the subject matter. 

Association representatives also met GM (Fin.) MTNL, Delhi unit about release of fund for the preparation of pensioner's I - Cards. He told that due to financial constraints and also the staffs are badly engaged in the VRS process the funds could not be allotted at present. Further he said that after the VRS process is over, the said issue will be well taken up.

ASSUMPTION BY NEW ED:

Sri. V. Srisankar has assumed the charge of ED MTNL Mumbai.

Sri. A.K. Srivastava ED MTNL Mumbai retired on Superannuation on 30/11/2019. Sri. V. Srisankar has assumed the charge of ED. 

We met Sri. A. K. Srivastava and wished him a happy and peaceful retired life. 

We met Sri. V. Srisankar and congratulated him on his assumption of charge of ED. We wished him on behalf of MTNL Pensioners to steer MTNL Mumbai on the path of revival.

--RTOWA Mumbai

Meeting with GM (Finance):

Today we (Sh. S. M. Sawant, K. Jawahar, J.S. Yadav, P.D.Pradhan and K. P. Ravindrakumar, office bearers of MPWA and RTOWA)   met GM (Fin). 

Requested him to arrange for funds for the following :-

1. Arrears of salary of 73.8% IDA for the period from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018 to the pensioners retired during that period.

2. Reimbursement of 50% of Lifetime contribution to those joined CGHS.

3. Reimbursement of OPD medical bills.

4. Reimbursement of telephone bills of pensioners residing at BSNL Area.

5. Leave encashment to those retired since August-2019.

GM (Fin) said that funds requirements have already been placed to Corporate Office. 

--RTOWA & MPWA, MUMBAI

Pursuit of 73.8% IDA (5% neutralisation)  in revision of Pay/Pension w.e.f. 01/01/2007 to those retired prior to 01/01/2018:

RTOWA Delhi has written a letter to Member (Fin) in pursuit of this issue.

PENSION FOR NOVEMBER-2019:

Pension for November-2019 will be drawn for all 15160 pensioners whose life certificates have been updated in the system upto 20/11/2019. 

Supplementary bill will be drawn in the first week of December-2019 for those pensioners who give life certificates from 21/11/2019 to 30/11/2019. 

For any query regarding updation of life certificate please contact Toll Free Number 1800223211. This is as per information gathered from AO PDA.         .

For any feedback kindly WhatsApp to any office bearer.

--RTOWA MUMBAI

RTOWA DELHI NEWS:

Pursuit of additional 5% IDA neutralisation (73.8% IDA) in Pay/Pension Revision on 01/01/2007 to the pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018:

ONE STEP AHEAD...... 

Today, GS Sh.S. S. Nanda and AGS Sh. R. K. Mudgal met DDG ( Estt. ) Sh. S. K. Jain and Dir ( Estt. ) Sh. Sanjay Agarwal and handed over them copy of reply of MTNL corporate office regarding 5% IDA neutralisation for the pensioners retired before 01/01/2018. Both the officers of DOT appreciated the efforts of the association representatives for their untiring persuasion and bringing positive reply from the corporate office. On our request DOT had already moved the file in advance to DOT Finance/Accounts for seeking the approval of financial liability of DOT's part on the said issue about a month ago. They told that after getting the reply from DOT Finance/Accounts, case will be put up to Secy. DOT for the decision in the subject matter. If DOT Finance/Accounts owns its financial liability then there is no need to send the case to cabinet. They are waiting for their decision. Association representatives thanked DDG Estt. and DIR Estt. for their co-operation.

PURSUIT OF 5% IDA-RTOWA DELHI NEWS:

After continuous pursuasion of the association representatives of RTOWA DELHI , today MTNL corporate office sent the reply to DOT by confirming it's financial liability on the expenditure involved in implementing the 5% IDA neutralisation for the pensioners retired before 01/01/2018 . We are thankful to CMD MTNL and all the concerned officers of HR & Finance wing for their support and co-operation. 

COPY OF THE LETTER SENT TO DOT.

LIFE CERTIFICATE PENDING STATUS:

According to AO PDA, the life certificates both manual and digital received as on 18/11/2019 have been updated in the MTNL Pension FMS. Still 4054 Certificates are wanting. The list of 4054 pensioners who are yet to give (as on 18/11/2019) Life certificates is given below.

Pensioners can contact Toll Free Number '1800 223211' and find out whether his/her LC is updated in the system by giving staff number.

-- RTOWA MUMBAI.

LIFE CERTIFICATE PENDING LIST.

ENROLLMENT IN CGHS WITHOUT PPO – PROCEDURE:

The retirees who have not been issued PPO but wish to enrol to CGHS are requested to follow the under mentioned Procedure.

Get certificate from the Head of the office mentioning the following details:

Name of the employee, 

Post held and

Date of retirement. 

Above three will be available in LPC / Strike off order.

Certificate of CDA pay scale & Level of pay can be collected from AO (PDA) Curry Road.

No claim for Fixed Medical Allowance - mentioned in LPC.

No disciplinary action pending - mentioned in Strike off order.

With this CGHS will issue card to the retiree without PPO.

-- RTOWA, MUMBAI.

PURSUIT OF 73.8% IDA:

RTOWA Mumbai has written to CMD about 5% IDA in revision of pay and pension on 01/01/2007 to the pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018.

VRS – UF LETTER FOR CLARIFICATIONS:

United Forum Mumbai has sought clarifications/modifications on VRS Terms.

Life Certificate Status:

Out of  18000+ pensioners about 5000 pensioners are yet to give Life Certificate as on date (11/11/2019) as gathered from AO PDA.

After updation of Life Certificates received upto 16/11/2019 in the system, AO PDA will upload a list of LCs updated from 26/10/2019 to 16/11/2019 within a couple of days thereafter on portal pensioner.mtnl.in.

--RTOWA MUMBAI.

Pursuit of Revision of Pension:

Com. P. Gangadhara Rao GS, AI BSNL PWA writes:

Comrades,

You are all aware that AIBSNLPWA has been collecting donations from members to PMNRF to help victims of rains and floods throughout the country.

We could collect about Rs. 38 lakhs from our members and from CHQ we gave Rs. 2 lakhs to make the  total Rs. 40 lakhs.

A Cheque of Rs. 40 lakhs was made over in a function on 9th at Hubli to Sh. Pralhad Joshiji, honourable minister for parliamentary affairs. He very much appreciated the efforts.

Due to health reasons I and Treasurer could not go. Com Ramankutty (President) , Com. DG (VP), Com. Rama Rao (Asst Treasurer), Com. Radhakrishna (AGS) and Com. R Changappa (CS, KTKA) went to Hubli. 

After the function we had a brief discussion with the Minister on our demand for pension revision. We submitted a memorandum to him. He asked a few questions and we clarified them. He told that now he understood our issue and asked us to meet him at Delhi during the  first week of December-2019.

--P Gangadhara Rao, GS, AIBSNLPWA.

To view the memorandum, please CLICK HERE.

CGHIS (Contributory Group Health Insurance Scheme):

Medsave TPA has introduced a Mobile App "Mediwheel". The CGHIS card holders can download this App from Google Playstores. Through this App, E-Card can be downloaded and Claim can be tracked. Other useful information are also available.

Medsave Desks are now at the following places:

1.GM office E2 Thane,

2.W3 Kandivili and  

3.First floor, Telephone House. 

Helplines:

Telephone House,Dadar : 022-24374277 & 022-24373667

CO, Delhi :011-71221234

Sh. Vinod Dhembare,Dy. Manager, Mumbai -  9322646395

To escalate:

Sh.Rakesh Basin, Sr.Manager - 08595249035

Please see MTNL, Mumbai's letter HERE.

--RTOWA Mumbai

Revamping CGHS-Suggestions invited:

Suggestions to improve the working of CGHS are invited by the under mentioned letter from members for compiling response. Further it is requested that members may also email individually to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with copy marked to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through whatsapp to Shri K.P. Ravindrakumar to  his Mobile No.9869251414 so as to increase more response to look in to our problems.

Our requirements as to more number of dispensaries, empanelled hospitals more importantly in the suburbs like Kalyan, Dombivili, Vashi, Borivali, Bhayander, Virar etc, Test centres etc on cashless basis, relaxing rules such as empanelling hospital beyond 5 KM of distance from the dispensary, quick disposals of medical reimbursement claims of individuals and empanelled hospitals, issue of medicines as per private family doctors' prescriptions instead of frequently changing generic medicines, issue of prescriptions on consumption of medicines etc shall be the points for suggestions in additions to what each one had come across during the course of their visit to dispensaries for treatments / consultations.

Reducing number of trips to get medicines in view of raising intents to Government Medical stores and receipts of medicine from there for issue to beneficiaries may also be taken up. For this purpose we shall request access to the beneficiary portal for placing our request for medicines which we take from dispensaries on regular basis for life time treatment. Once they receive our request in the portal CGHS dispensaries may collect medicines and inform beneficiaries through SMS to collect it. This practice will reduce beneficiaries trips to the dispensary. CGHS can be asked to make suitable modification in the portal for requesting medicines and Doctors can place order after verifying our record of medicines issued earlier.

To view the MoH Letter dated 09/10/2019 please CLICK HERE.

-- RTOWA. MUMBAI.

Life Certificate-2019:

CCA Office has started accepting life certificate at Curry Road from today. All pensioners who have not submitted Life Certificate between 1st April-2019 to 31st Oct 2019 are requested to submit life certificate before 20.11.2019 at,

Office of AO PDA (CCA Office),

3rd Floor, 

Currey Road Tele.Exch. Building,

Mumbai 400012

The office will be kept opened on all weekdays including all Saturdays during Nov'2019. Sundays and holiday on 12/11/2019 are Closed.

Please propagate among all pensioners.

--RTOWA MUMBAI.

RTOWA DELHI NEWS: 

Meeting with Dir (Fin.) & CMD-MTNL:

After two weeks marathon exercise of association representatives with the finance and HR units of corporate office, ultimately GM (Fin) unit again sent the file to GM (HR) on 29/10/2019 for the approval of the CMD for sending the reply to DOT about confirmation of financial liability of MTNL on 5% IDA neutralisation.

Sh. S. S. Nanda, G/S and Sh. R. K. Mudgal, AGS met Director (Fin) & CMD, MTNL on 30/10/2019 to discuss and pursue the said matter. GM (Fin) was also present in the meeting. The view point of the corporate management was that as per cabinet decision of 2014, pay scale equalisation is to be done w.e.f. 01/01/2017 at the time of implementation of PRC. So, there is no financial liability of MTNL w.e.f. 01/01/2017. Association representatives reminded them that after having 5-6 months detailed discussions with the DOT administration, finally the said calculations were worked out about financial liability of MTNL & DOT and was sent to DOT with the approval of CMD, MTNL. Then, CMD directed DGM (Pers.) to put up the file to his office and he assured to look into the matter in a positive way. 

Association representatives also met Sh. Dharam Raj Singh, G/S, MTNL MS and requested him that they should also take up and pursue the said issue with CMD, MTNL for it's early settlement. He told that the said issue is already in their agenda and they will discuss the issue with CMD very shortly.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI:

RTOWA Wishes All Pensioners and Employees of MTNL and BSNL:

May the Deepavali illuminate their life with Love, Happiness, Prosperity and Excellent Health forever.

--OFFICE BEARERS AND EC MEMBERS.

Revision of Pension:

Govt has set the  "Revival Plan of MTNL and BSNL" in motion.

Pensioners expect that DoT should give attention to "Revision of Pension" now.

CBMPA (RTOWA Mumbai is active constituent) is expected to fast track the pursuits on Revision of Pension of BSNL and MTNL Pensioners.

--RTOWA MUMBAI.

MERGER OF MTNL WITH BSNL:

Government Agreed in principle for merger of BSNL and MTNL.

This vindicates the stand of United Forum of MTNL Unions and Associations. United Forum had launched many agitations for merger during last 10 years. This is a BIG VICTORY to United Forum.

Govt. accepted that MTNL and BSNL are strategic assets and they will not be disinvested but strengthened.

This is the stand of All Unions and Associations of BSNL as well as MTNL. So this is the big victory to all Employees and Pensioners of BSNL and MTNL.

--K. Jawahar, President RTOWA Mumbai.

Successful Demonstration:

The Lunch hour demonstration called by United Forum today (16/10/2019) was successful. Near about 1000 employees and pensioners participated.

Loud slogans were raised demanding regular payment of salary. Office bearers of all constituent Unions and Associations addressed the gathering. 

Sri.A.K.Kaushik Convenor UF Apex Body gave an inspiring speech. 

He stressed that it is the duty of the Govt. to revive and to carry on MTNL. He said that employees are assets not liabilities. MTNL must implement 3rd PRC, 78.2% IDA and pay the salary regularly. 

All the speakers emphasised the need to intensify the agitation until the salary payment becomes regular.

Sh. S.M. Sawant Convenor UF gave vote of thanks.

The event was compered by Sh.K.R Morey, TEAM.

Sh.S.M.Sawant Convenor UF thanked the gathering for successful demonstration.

The demonstration concluded with National Anthem.

After the demonstrations, about 100 employees led by Sh. A.K.Kaushik discussed the issue with ED at the Conference Room. The anger of employees on MTNL/DOT was vented out. ED contacted CMD in our presence and conveyed him the frustrations of employees. CMD said that every effort is made for early payment of one month of salary by 25/10/2019.

United Forum informed ED that the agitations will intensify if a regular arrangement for salary payment is not done shortly.

--United Forum Mumbai.

SAD NEWS:

It is informed with profound sorrow that Shri. Sandeep Nanda Son of 

Shri.S.S.Nanda GS, RTOWA, Delhi passed away today (14/10/2019) morning at New Delhi. 

No words to console Nandaji and his family. 

RTOWA Mumbai condoles the demise. May Almighty rest the departed soul in peace.

Nandaji attended our AGB and Open Session on 11/10/2019 at Mumbai though his son was hospitalised at Delhi. RTOWA Mumbai salutes Nandaji for his dedication to the cause of Pensioners.

Please send condolences to Shri.S.S.Nandaji on his mobile no.9968721515.

RTOWA MUMBAI 11th AGB and OPEN SESSION on 11/10/2019:

A Booklet was handed over to the participants in the AGB. This booklet contains messages from Leaders and Annual Report etc.

The contents are :-

Messages from, 

1.Shri.Raman Kutti National President, AI BSNL PWA,

2.Shri. M.K. Bagchi, Convenor UF Delhi/President RTOWA Delhi,

3.Shri. P.Gangadhara Rao, GS, AI BSNL PWA and

the following REPORTS:

1.Annual Report,

2.Audited Accounts and

3.Keynote address.

Please see the booklet HERE.

OPEN SESSION IN AGB:

In continuation of RTOWA Mumbai 11th AGB in the morning, Open Session was held after lunch on 11/10/2019.

Sri. H.S. Jakhar GM (Admin) was the Chief Guest. The following were the Honourable guests on the dais.

Sri. A.K. KAUSHIK, Convenor Apex body of UForum,

Sri. S.S. Nanda Convenor Co-ord.Committee / GS RTOWA Delhi,

Sri. Ramraje Mali Dy.CCA, 

Sri. S.S. Jagtap President CHQ TEAM / DGM(IR), 

Sri. J.S.Yadav Chairman UF Mumbai/Jt.G.S RTOWA Mumbai,

Sri.S.M.Sawant Convenor UF Mumbai/GS MPWA, 

Sri.R.K.Mudgal AGS RTOWA Delhi,

Sri.P.K.Kulkarni President TEAM,

Sri.R.G.Choube CS TEAM,

Sri. N.W. Chincholkar Founder President RTOWA Mumbai,

Sri. K. Balasubramaniam Ex CHQ President TESA,

Sri.N.Chandrasekaran ex CHQ President TEAM, 

Sri. Ramadundaram GS TPWA,

Sri. R. K. Dubey CAO (FMS),

Sri. M.Dhuri AO PDA, Sri. Madhu Jakkula AO (Pen),

Sri.Sheelkumar VP RTOWA Delhi, Sri.Bhayanna Treasurer RTOWA Delhi and Sri.S.K.Bhatia RTOWA Delhi.

Chief Guest and all the honourable guests were welcomed with bouquet. Sri. K. Jawahar President gave welcome address.  Sri. B. R. Pathak GS delivered the keynote address. Sri. P.K. Kulkarni spoke on the present plight of employees and appealed to pensioners and employees to fight together. Sri. Ramasundaram spoke on the issues of pro rata and EPF pensioners.

Sri. M.Dhuri spoke on the steps taken by CCA Office for Life Certificate, Sri.S.S. Jagtap spoke on extension of CGHIS last date and appealed to Pensioners to switch over to CGHS, 

Sri. Ramrajraje Mali spoke on the initiatives taken by CCA to redress grievances of pensioners.

Sri.S.M.Sawant recalled the contribution of Sri.Bhai Jagtap in achieving the issue of getting government pension.

Sri.S.S.Nanda spoke at length on Revision of pension, 5% issue, FMA, delay in payment of pensionary benefits and GPF  Single window to redress the grievances of pensioners etc.

Sri.H..S.Jakhar Chief Guest spoke at length about financial crisis faced by MTNL, delay in payment of GPF and leave encashment, CGHIS etc. and appealed to the pensioners to switch over to CGHS.

Sri.A.K.Kaushik spoke at length about 78.2% issue and United Forum's determination to achieve this issue, revival of MTNL and Revision of pension.

Sri.S.V.Gajam, Vice President gave vote of thanks. 

The event was compered by Sri.R.G.Choube President TEAM Mumbai.

Open Session concluded after National Anthem.

--RTOWA MUMBAI.

Annual General Body Meeting:

Today (11/10/2019) AGB was held. More than 250 members participated. Sri. K. Jawahar President welcomed the members. Last AGB's minutes were read out by Sri.K.P.Ravindrakumar AGS and confirmed. Sri.B.R.Pathak GS presented Annual report for the period up to 10/10/2019 and Sri.P.D.Pradhan Treasurer presented the Audited Accounts for the year ending 31/03/2019. Both Annual Report and Audited Accounts were adopted. 

Sri. S.S.Nanda Convenor Co-ord.Committee /GS RTOWA Delhi spoke about 5% IDA issue. Sri. J.S.Yadav Jt.G.S. spoke on Revision of Pension. Sri.  Sri.R.K.Mudugal AGS RTOWA Delhi spoke on FMA.  Sri.K.P. Ravindrakumar AGS spoke on CGHS.

Sri.H.S.Upadhyay Vice President moved seven Resolutions emphasising our future course and all resolutions were passed unanimously.

Sri. P.D. Pradhan Treasurer proposed to appoint Ms S.R.Patil & Co Chartered Accountant as our Auditor for 2019-2020 at the same terms of last year. The GB approved it. President proposed to appoint our member Sri.A.A.Ardhalkar to be Internal Auditor for the current year. The GB approved it.

Sri.Virendra Singh Org.Secretary gave vote of thanks and the AGB meeting was  concluded.

--RTOWA Mumbai

CGHIS EXTENSION OF LAST DATE:

Last date for submission of Contributory Group Health Insurance Scheme has been extended from 23/09/2019 to 31/10/2019. Those who have not submitted the application so far may please submit the application without further delay. All the members are requested also to inform the fellow retirees to submit application if not submitted earlier.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter from CO, MTNL, Delhi.

United Forum Issued Notice for Lunch Hour Demonstration:

Salary for two months viz. Aug'19 and Sep'19 are not yet paid to MTNL Employees.

United Forum is on Protest Action. Lunch Hour demonstration will be held on 10/10/2019 and 16/10/2019 insisting immediate payment.

Please see the letter to Secretary (T) HERE.

AGB INVITATION: 

All Members and Retired Executives are invited to participate in the

           AGB and 

  OPEN SESSION of

   RTOWA MUMBAI

    On 11/10/2019

           FRIDAY

 From 10.30 AM to 4 PM

            VENUE

    Community Hall

    Mitradham CHS

        Behind SBI

       PAREL EAST

You can become Life Member at the venue by payment of life time subscription of Rs.1000. Members are requested to pay donations.

Lunch will be provided.

--K. Jawahar President. 

--B.R.Pathak GS.

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

Note: Our Auditor suggests that the Accounts should be communicated to all members. 

 "Receipts and Payments A/c", "Income and Expenditure A/c", "Balance Sheet", Auditor's Notes are available under the menu “MEETING”.

Members are requested to go through them and may please ask additional information or clarifications if any they want. Such clarifications will be compiled and put up in AGB. 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING WITH CGHS AUTHORITES HELD ON 26/09/2019:

To view the miniutes please click the links below.

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PURSUIT OF 5% IDA NEUTRALISATION and abnormal delay in the payments of GPF & Leave Encashment: 

Sh.S.S.Nanda, G/S and Sh.R.K.Mudgal, AGS met CMD MTNL and personally handed over the DoT letter regarding sending the confirmation on the financial liability part of MTNL on 5% IDA neutralization for the pensioners retired before Jan 2018.

 Association Representatives also briefed him about the issue and requested him for early reply to DoT on the subject matter. CMD immediately marked the letter to Dir (Fin) to process the case.

 Association Representatives also discussed the case of abnormal delay in the payment of GPF and Leave Encashment to the retirees retired from Jan-2019 onwards. CMD told that Rs.48 Crores have been released recently for Delhi and Mumbai units for the said payments and he is trying his best to manage funds for the rest of the retirees also.

 Association Representatives reminded him of their discussions held in last meeting that interest is payable on the delayed payment of GPF as per Govt. of India rules. CMD replied that they are bound to follow the GOI rules.

 Association Representatives then met Dir(Fin) MTNL and handed over the DoT letter to him and briefed him about the 5% IDA neutralization case and the discussions held with CMD. He assured to process the case at the earliest. 

 Association Representatives also met GM(F) & the officers of GM(HR) unit and  briefed them the case and requested them to put up the case file of 5% IDA neutralization as per requirement of DOT at the earliest. They assured to support in the subject matter in issuing the reply to DoT. 

--RTOWA Delhi.

Release of funds for payment of Leave Encashment and GPF:

Funds are released today for payment of GPF to the Retirees of Feb'19, payment of Leave Encashment to the Retirees up to May'2019, and payment of pro rata pensioners' gratuity up to July 2019.

They will get payment within a few days.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

Executive Committee  Meeting:

Today EC meeting of our Association was held.

Arrangements for AGB and Open Session were discussed. Audited Accounts were approved after clarifications to the doubts raised by members. 

A brief of Annual Report was approved. 

A system of on line Application for RTOWA Membership was discussed in detail and decided to implement it after providing safeguards to prevent duplicity.

EC concluded thereafter.

--K. Jawahar, President RTOWA.

5% IDA neutralisation issue:

DoT has asked CMD, MTNL vide letter dated 03/10/2019 "to confirm the financial liability on the part of MTNL" if this benefit is given to all the pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018.

It is most disappointing. DoT is simply dragging on this issue on some excuses for more than an year since orders were issued giving the benefit to employees in June'2018.

Meeting with CCA Mumbai:

Yesterday (30/09/2019) We met Smt. V. G. Mishra CCA Mumbai and discussed the following issues:

1.Wrong reversal of long back settled pay anomaly cases:- 

She was convinced of RTOWA's views that MTNL CO's orders are not considered by  CCA Office while raising objections on the stepping up cases which had arisen  due  to  switching over from CDA pay to IDA Pay on absorption. 

She said that she will take appropriate action after discussions with the Pension section.

2.CCA agreed  to issue instructions to give priority to preparation of  PPO to those who want to apply for CGHS.

3.The rules regarding liability to pay interest on Gratuity for  delay of more than three months was brought to her notice. She said that CCA Office is striving  to pay all pensionary benefits  within three months from the date of retirement. We requested her to settle them within the time frame as per rules.

4.Life Certificate :-

She agreed to upload a list of pensioners whose Life Certificates have been updated in the system. (LC given from Apr'19 to Sep'19). 

We requested her to make arrangements similar to last year at Currey Road premises during Nov'19 for Life Certificate.

5.Lengthy discussions took place regarding Fixed Medical Allowance.

RTOWA will give a letter in this regard.

All the above issues will be pursued continuously.

The following represented RTOWA:

S/Sri.

Jawahar President, B.R.Pathak GS, J.S.Yadav Jt.G.S, P.Ravindrakumar AGS, S.V.Gajam V.P., H.S.Upadhyay VP.

--RTOWA Mumbai

INCREASE IN IDA:

Based on average CPI (IW) the IDA increase effective from 01/10/2019 is 5.3%. So the revised IDA Rate wef 01/10/2019 is 152%.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

DETAILS OF DISCUSSIONS HELD IN THE MEETING WITH Addl. DIRECTOR CGHS MUMBAI ON 26/09/2019:

1. New wellness centres needed at Thane, Borivali, Kalyan,  Dombivli,  Vashi and Panvel: 

The Addl Director said that they are alive to the issue and are doing all that they could do. 

Thane:- Ministry to be clarified by CGHS Mumbai for the heavy  estimated cost quoted by CPWD for partition work. 

Borivili site is not made ready by MTNL.

Kalyan : There is no firm offer for accommodation so far. 

2. Empanelment of more Hospitals:-

AD said that one of her team is continuously working on this. She added that If anybody could bring in hospitals which are willing to get empanelled at GGHS rates, she is open to accept them.

3. Non-availability of medicines:

AD said that there is no shortage of medicines and that the medicines are supplied regularly by Government Medical Stores.

AD further added that members can procure the medicine from outside in case of non-availability and can get reimbursement from CGHS. However she accepted that the reimbursement does take time. As such members prefer to collect the medicine rather than purchasing the same from outside.

 4. Some hospitals are in the panel at some location but the same hospitals are not in panel at other locations:

AD said that it happens for variety of reasons encountered during finalisation of tender and depends upon the consent of the hospital.

 5. Delay in Settlement of Reimbursement claims :-

Claim bills received up to Feb 2019 have been settled except those bills which require approval of Committee. These Bills requiring approval of Committee   have also been processed and payment will be released within a month.

AD pointed out that monthly around 700 bills are being received and the delay in clearance of pending bills could not be reduced owing to shortage of staff. Introduction of online records of billing process further aggravated delay.  

The three bills of Nov'18 cited in our letter as example cases of delay were traced out and we were told that the bills will be paid in a month's time.

6. Empanelled hospitals demand payment for some specific services :

Instances mentioned in our letter were brought to AD's notice and she agreed to write to the hospitals in this regard.

Shri. Badri Pathak GS, Shri. K.P. Ravindra Kumar, AGS, Shri.H.S.Uphadyay, VP and Shri. Gajam, VP were present in the meeting along with others from other Departments.

--RTOWA Mumbai

QUARTERLY MEETING WITH CGHS AUTHORITIES:

The grievances and suggestions received from the members were compiled and a letter was handed over to Dr. Mrs. L.Ailawadi, Additional Director, CGHS in the meeting held on 26/09/2019. Please CLICK the LINKS below to view the letter:

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PURSUITS BY RTOWA DELHI ON VARIOUS ISSUES:

Pursuit of Early payment of GPF and Leave Encashment on retirement:

Sh. S. S. Nanda, G/S and Sh. R. K. Mudgal, AGS met CMD, MTNL on 26/9/2019 to discuss about the abnormal delay in the payment of pensionary benefits of the retirees i.e. GPF, Leave Encashment, CGEIS etc. Association representatives also stressed upon to pay the interest on GPF amount for the delayed period. 

CMD told that he is managing the funds and assured that in a week's time, the said payments may be released. 

Extension of last date of CGHIS:

On the issue of date extension for filling CGHIS forms, CMD told that ED Mumbai unit has been asked to give the list of the pensioners by 27/09/2019 to the corporate office who want to avail the said facility (whether single or with spouse) so that payment to the medical insurance company can be finalised and the current medical insurance facility is continued with effect from 01/10/2019.

Left over cases if any, may be dealt separately, who wants to avail this facility later on.

5% IDA Neutralisation Pursuit:

Sh. S. S. Nanda, G/S and Sh. R. K. Mudgal, AGS met DDG (Estt.) in DOT to discuss on the issue of 5% IDA neutralisation on 26/09/2019 .

Director(Estt.) was also present in the meeting. They told that the matter has been discussed with the higher ups and it is decided to send the case to MTNL corporate office for the formal approval about the payment of MTNL's liability.

They told that the letter in this respect will be sent to MTNL corporate office by the next week. They also told that as the MTNL corporate office gives the approval of its financial liability, the case will be processed immediately by their office for the approval of DOT's financial liability.

Association representatives will follow up the matter in the corporate office for the early reply to DOT on the subject matter. 

Association representatives also met Section Officer and ADG, DOT(Vig.) to discuss the case of Sh. S. A. Singh, Retd. DE of MTNL Mumbai about regularisation of his suspension period. They told that after completing the formalities, his case has been sent to MOC with a positive note for approval.

--RTOWA, Delhi.

Request to Extend the date for Application to CGHIS:

Today (23/09/2019) is the last date to submit Application (Form G) for renewal or (Form A, B, F and G) to new enrolment to CGHIS.

RTOWA has written a letter to GM (HR), CO requesting to extend the date up to 30/11/2019.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter. 

--RTOWA Mumbai.

ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING – 2019:

Please Click the Links below to view the Notices dated 19/09/2019.

1. NOTICE FOR GENERAL BODY MEETING

Executive Committee Meeting: 

The EC Meeting of RTOWA Mumbai was held on 17/09/2019. The following issues were discussed.

 1. Arrangements for AGB and Open Session scheduled on 11/10/2019.

 2. Status of 5% IDA and pension revision.

 3. CGHS,  CGHIS and FMA

 4. Delay in payment of pensionary benefits and GPF final payment

 5. Objections being raised by CCA regarding pay anomaly cases while processing pension.

Decided to continue the pursuit of all these issues.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

Progress in the pursuit of 73.8% IDA (5% IDA) :

Information received from RTOWA Delhi today:

PS to JSA informed that 5% IDA neutralisation file has been sent to Director (Estt.) with the remarks that no policy decision is required in this case. 

Thereafter, Sh. S. S. Nanda G/S and Sh. R. K. Mudgal AGS discussed the said issue with Director (Estt). He confirmed that his office has received the said case file. He told that he will discuss the case with DDG (Estt) on the remarks of JSA and accordingly the case file will be processed further for the final decision. Very shortly, the association representatives will discuss the said issue with DDG(Estt) .

MEETING WITH GM (Fin):

Today (17/09/2019) the office bearers of RTOWA (S/Shri. K. Jawahar, B.R.Pathak, J.S.Yadav, N.V.Mahajan, K.P.Ravindrakumar and Bargaje) met Sri. N.K Dhaktode GM Finance.

The following issues were discussed:

 1.Abnormal delay in  GPF final payment and Leave Encashment :~

We insisted to pay interest for every month of delay in GPF payment as clearly provided in the rules.

Now there is a delay of more than six months in payment of Leave Encashment. Requested him to get / allot funds so that the delay is not escalated further.

GM Fin expressed his helplessness.

 2.Requested him to release the small amount OPD Bills reimbursement and Telephone bills reimbursement.

GM Fin said he will consider it.

 3.Pay anomaly cases (CDA to IDA switching over) being reversed by Areas after retirement and  recovery of huge amount of overpayment from Gratuity  :~

Requested him to issue directives to the Areas to adhere to orders of  Corporate Office in pay anomaly cases arising due to point to point fixation while switching over from CDA to IDA. We brought to his notice the wrong action taken by  some Areas in reversing  the pay anomaly settled rightly 15 years back.

GM Fin said that he will discuss the issue with FC Section tomorrow.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

Pursuit of 5% issue:

Office bearers of RTOWA Mumbai and MPWA met Sri. S. K. Jain DDG (Estt) and Sri.Navneet Gupta on 23/08/2019 at Delhi and after a long discussions on the issue we convinced both of them.

 Now RTOWA Delhi has further pursued the issue and the file has been cleared by JS (Admin).

Now DDG (Estt) will decide whether the proposal requires cabinet approval or not. It will be known within a couple of days.

Please see HERE the snap that we took with Sri.Navneet Gupta Joint Secretary (Admin) o/o DOT.

APPEAL TO BECOME A MEMBER OF RTOWA MUMBAI:

Life Time Subscription is Rs.1000.

Payment Modes :-

 1. Cheque 

is to be drawn on RETIRED TELECOM OFFICERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION MUMBAI and to be  sent to Sri. N.V. Mahajan Asst.Treasurer, Amrut Park Bldg No 6/ Flat No.401 ,Gokulnagari Road ,Khadakpada, Kalyan (West) -421301.

along with the  Application Form (Print it or write on a paper) given in pdf format below.

OR

2. Deposit  Rs.1000 at any branch of Punjab National  Bank. 

OR 

3. NEFT/IMPS  Transfer  to RTOWA's Account: 

Intimate the remittance details and Application Form details by WhatsApp to 

Sri. N.V.Mahajan Asst.Treasurer to 9869431615.

Account Details :-

Name:- Retired Telecom Officers Welfare Association,

Punjab National Bank,

4, Roma Chambers, Ulhasnagar.

SB A/C No. : 1144000105063641

IFSC Code : PUNB0335800

MICR Code : 400024038

Donations also may be remitted as above please.

Receipts will be issued by Treasurer/Asst Treasurer and posted on Remitter's WhatsApp No.

--K. Jawahar, President RTOWA Mumbai.

CGHIS NEWS:

CGHIS (Contributory Group Health Insurance Scheme) application for the policy year 1/10/2019 to 30/09/2020 has been called for. 

The pensioners who are card holders  of the current  insurance policy year 2018-19 may submit only "Form G"  in duplicate to SM/DM (Admn) of concerned MTNL Area Office.

Those pensioners who are not the members of the scheme in the current year should submit Forms A, B,F and G in duplicate.

The Applications should reach the Admin section  of concerned Area by 23/09/2019.

Self and spouse are covered in the scheme. Pensioner's share of premium will be deducted from the OPD entitlement to the extent of Rs.6261 for two beneficiaries and Rs.3775 for one beneficiary.

 Please Click Here for form.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Orders for MTNL Concessional FTTH Connection to Employees and Pensioners issued.

Please CLICK HERE to view  the orders.

Window for availing 50% of CGHS contribution for old retiries kept open till 31.12.2019. All retirees interested in availing the concession may join CGHS before 31.12.19. Those interested in CGHIS for insurance through TPA are requested to submit application in time. Click here for the Office Order.

CGHS Form to be fillied Online. 

United Forum led Lunch Hour Demonstration was held in front of Telephone House, Prabhadevi during today protesting against Non Payment of Salary of July and August 2019 to MTNL employees, demand of Pay Scale revision as per 3rd PRC and demand of Pension Revision as per 7th CPC and to ensure regular payment of salary in future. Around 500 employees and Pensioners attended the lunch hour demonstration. Leaders from United Forum and office bearers of Team along with all affiliated members of other Unions and Associations elaborated the evil design of management delaying the payment so as to compel working employees to accept VRS. Members were explained about the consequences of VRS and Reduction in retirement age from 60 years to 58 years. We will discuss about VRS only when some thing in writing is issued and advise members. United Forum is of the firm opinion that VRS scheme after implementation of 3rd PRC only is beneficial and cautioned members that accepting VRS before implementation 3rd PRC will only reduce terminal benefits to the tune of 8 to 10 lakhs at the lowest scale. 

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Yesterday (23/08/19) National Pension Adalat was held at CCA Office at CTO Complex Mumbai.

Sri.Manish Pathak Jt.CCA,  Mrs.V.G.Mishra CCA Mumbai, Accounts Officers of CCA Office and more than 25 pensioners participated. 

Sri. G.N. Haragabal Organising Secretary and Sri.Ravindrakumar Asst.G.S participated from RTOWA.

The following issues were brought to the notice of Pension Adalat.

1. Delay in payment of gratuity, commutation and issue of PPO.

2. Non giving copy of sanction of gratuity and commutation to the pensioners.

3. Raising unnecessary objections on already settled pay anomaly cases etc.

These issues will be discussed further with CCA.

Out of 14 cases raised in the Adalat 8 cases were settled. It was told that the remaining cases will be settled within a month positively.

IEPFA gave a presentation regarding "Investment Education and Promotion".

The Pension Adalat ended thereafter.

--K.P. Ravindrakumar, AGS- RTOWA Mumbai.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today (23/08/2019), the office bearers of RTOWA and MPWA met Sri. S.K.Jain DDG O/O DOT at New Delhi and discussed at length regarding 73.8% IDA (5% IDA) in the fitment factor in the  Revision of pay /pension on 01/01/2007 to all the pensioners retired before 01/01/2018.  After lengthy discussions he assured that on receipt of file from SU section it will be processed positively.

Then we met Sri.Navneet Gupta Joint Secretary (Admn) to discuss the same issue. On hearing the case from us he said that he will study and move the file with positive notes (based on our inputs) to Estt. Section.

Now it seems the file will be cleared by different Sections of DOT soon. If cabinet approval is needed, it may perhaps take a couple of more months to get the orders.

The following office bearers met the above officers in DOT:

RTOWA :-

S/Sri.  K. Jawahar, B.R.Pathak and  J.S. Yadav.

MPWA:-

S/Sri.  S. M. Sawant and  K. Haldankar

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter in this regard.

RTOWA / MPWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today the following office bearers of RTOWA and MPWA met Sri.Sunilkumar CMD, Sri. M.V. Joshi Director (Fin) and Smt.Meena Chauhan GM (HR) at their cabins at Corporate Office Delhi and discussed the following issues. 

1. Delay in payment of GPF and Leave encashment after retirement. 

We told CMD and Dir (Fin) that the delay is abnormal and it is against rules. We insisted to pay interest as per rules for the period of delay in GPF.

CMD and Dir (Fin) said the liquidity crunch may continue for another two months. Decision to pay interest will be taken soon. They said that there is sufficient money with GPF Trust.

2. Calling application for CGHIS for Oct' 2019 to Sep'2020:

Orders will be issued soon.

3. Granting the facility to switch over from CGHIS to CGHS with partial subsidy of CGHS contribution.

CMD accepted our request and orders will be issued soon.

4. Allocation of sufficient funds every month to reimburse OPD bills, telephone bills etc. besides funds for GPF and Leave encashment.

CMD and Dir (Fin) assured that Pensioners requirements are always kept in view.

5. Cancellation of demand notes of BSNL MH claiming maintenance charges from MTNL employees occupying BSNL Quarters and refund of withheld gratuity to the retirees towards alleged non-payment of maintenance charges for BSNL Quarters.

 GM (HR) said that file has been moved in favour of our demand.

The following office bearers discussed these issues with the Management.

RTOWA MUMBAI:

S/Shri. K. Jawahar, Badri.R.Pathak and J.S.Yadav.

MPWA MUMBAI:

S/Shri.  S.M.Sawant and Kishor Haldankar.

Please see the letters submitted to CMD below.

Letter for CGHIS         Letter for payment of GPF & Leave Encashment.

Coordination Committee Meeting of RTOWA DELHI & Mumbai:

A meeting of Co-ordination Committee of RTOWA Delhi & Mumbai was held on 21/08/2019 in Kidwai Bhawan New Delhi to discuss about the on-going issues of the pensioners. 

Shri K. Jawahar chaired the meeting. Shri S.S.Nanda, convener briefed the house about the latest status of the issues as per agenda items given below. 

1. 5% IDA neutralization issue, present status.
2. Revision of Pension
3. CGHS / CGHIS issue i.e giving one more chance to join.
4. Delay in final payment of GPF and Leave encashment to retirees.
5. Delay in Reimbursement of OPD bills and telephone bill.
6. Any other item with the permission of chair.

All the members participated in the discussions.

Following Committee members attended the meeting:- 

S/Shri R.K.Mudgal,  S.K.Bhatia, S.K.Dabral, Badri Pathak, J.S.Yadav, H.S.Upadhaya, 

Sri S. M. Sawant GS MPWA and Sri.K. Haldankar MPWA also attended the meeting as guests.

Meeting ended with a vote of thanks.

Meeting of CBMPA at Delhi:                

Meeting of CBMPA (Committee of BSNL and MTNL Pensioners Associations) was held today (21/08/2019) at Delhi.

The present status of pursuit on Revision of Pension, the further course etc. were discussed thoroughly.

Sri.Gangadhar Rao Convenor of CBMPA and GS of AIBSNL PWA narrated in detail about the pursuits that are done in the last few months. It was decided unanimously to focus on channelising the political pressure that has been initiated recently with a reliable political source.

The doubts being raised about the efficacy of the formula for conversion of IDA Pension to CDA Pension were discussed and clarified. 

All the constituent Associations expressed solidarity with CBMPA.

The progress will be reviewed in the next meeting, tentatively decided to hold after 15th September.   

The following attended the meeting from MTNL Mumbai.

RTOWA:

S/Sri.  K. Jawahar, B.R.Pathak , J.S.Yadav  and  H.S.Upadhyay .

MPWA:

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Executive Committee Meeting :- 

On 17/08/2019 EC meeting of our Association was held.

The following issues were discussed.

1) 5% issue.

2) Revision of Pension. 

3) Delay in payment of pensionary benefits from CCA.

4) Delay in payment of GPF and Leave Encashment by MTNL.

5) Wrong reopening of pay anomaly cases by CCA/MTNL, settled correctly long ago.

6) Delay in payment of OPD bills and telephone bills.

7) Calling applications for enrolment to CGHIS for the period from October-2019 to September-2020 and giving one more option to switch over to CGHS during this period with the benefit of partial subsidy on contribution to CGHS. 

8) CGHS New wellness centres, empanelment of new hospitals.

9) The issues relating to maintenance charges levied by BSNL and Gratuity of one lakh withheld by BSNL regarding BSNL controlled Quarters occupied by MTNL employees..

10) Holding of next AGB during October-2019.

On all these above issues the present status was discussed.

Decided to participate in the meeting of CBMPA scheduled at New Delhi on 21/08/2019.

Decided to meet high level officers at DOT and CMD during Delhi visit and to discuss our issues.

--K. Jawahar, President.

--B.R.Pathak, General Secretary.

United Forum Mumbai News :

Today office bearers of all the constituent Unions and Associations met CMD at Mumbai. The discussions in brief :-

UF :- Salary  not being paid on time which resulted in frustration in staff.

CMD: Due to constraints imposed by RBI, MTNL is not getting loan from banks. The pending amount due from DoT is being collected and being paid presently.

U F :- How long will it continue ?

CMD: We have sent a file for approval for  Rs.23000 Cr. loan.  DoT agreed and now the proposal requires cabinet approval. 

VRS will come mostly on Gujarat model. 

Retirement age will be reduced after VRS.

UF :-Let 3rd PRC be implemented first. 

CMD: There is no possibility.

UF :- How to Stop falling of revenue.

CMD: We have approved broad band plan for Rs.100 and it should be implemented within 10days. Delhi had already done.

Nearly 500 leased circuits which are pending to be completed.

UF :- All such things are only on paper as there is no man power in field and no material to complete the work as you said. 

Vigorous and sincere pursuit is needed to collect pending dues from DoT, so that salary can be paid on time.

CMD :- I will put my full effort  to get the thing done. You people should cooperate.

UF :- Employees are not responsible for all the mess made by management. Please take early remedial steps... We have no other go except to take strong trade union action.

After the meeting with CMD, further course of action was discussed by United Forum and decided to launch mass demonstration during lunch hour on 30/08/2019.

A letter was given to CMD in this regard. Please see the letter below.

PAGE-1       PAGE-2

--J.S Yadav, Chairman UF.

--S. M. Sawant, Convenor UF.

News from  CBMPA:

A letter  addressed to Secretary (T) signed  by all  the constituent Associations regarding Revision of Pension has been issued on 03/08/2019.

Please CLICK HERE to see the letter.

RTOWA Mumbai News:

Sri.  Anshu Prakash has assumed the office of "Chairman  DCC and Secretary (T) to Minister of Communications" on 01/08/2019 on retirement of Smt. Aruna Sundararajan. 

RTOWA Mumbai and United Forum Mumbai welcome his assumption. 

Two letters dated 02/08/2019 have been sent to him.

Please see the letters issued in this regard.

Letter for Salary Payment         Letter for Pension Revison

United Forum Mumbai News:

A Mass Demonstration demanding Salary Payment on due dates took place

on 02/08/2019 in front of Telephone House Dadar. 

Employees participated enmasse despite rains and though the call was at short notice.

Com.  A. K.  Kaushik Convenor of Apex Body of United Forum MTNL Mumbai and Delhi addressed the gathering. His speech covered the present status of MTNL, VRS and revival plans. He said that implementation of 3rd PRC must be a precondition for VRS. Strong agitations are necessary to exert pressure of MTNL/DoT/Government for regular payment of salary. 

After the demonstration all office bearers of all constituent Unions / Associations led by Com. A. K. Kaushik met ED Mumbai and handed over a letter addressed to MOC. Delay in GPF payment to employees as well as to retirees was brought to his notice.

Then Com.A.K. Kaushik and office bearers met GM Finance and insisted that there should not be delay in payment of GPF.

UF thanks TEAM for successfully conducting the Demonstration.

Please see copy of letter addressed by United Forum to Sri. RaviShankar Prasad MOC below.

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-J. S. Yadav , Chairman UF,

-S.M.Sawant, Convenor UF.

CBMPA NEWS (Committee of BSNL MTNL Pensioners Association): 

Revision of Pension:

CBMPA is now demanding Revision of Pension w.e.f. 01/01/2016 as per 7th CPC  A formula has been devised to convert IDA Pension to CDA Pension on 01/01/2016 and to revise the pension.

A letter has been written by CBMPA to Secretary (T) giving full justifications,  formula for conversion etc. 

RTOWA Mumbai actively participated in this process. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

CGHS:

Orders regarding mapping of IDA Scales of BSNL/MTNL to CDA Pay Scales of Government for the purposes of Contribution and ward entitlement of CGHS have been issued by DOT.

Please see the orders HERE.

Pursuit of Revision of Pension: 

At 9 AM on 21/07/2019, Com. P Gangadhara Rao GS led the delegation of BIHAR Circle to the House of Sri Ravi Shankar Prasad  at Patna. 

GS requested  Hon'ble MOC to settle our Pension Revision issue at the earliest after handing over a memorandum.

--P Gangadhara Rao, GS AIBSNL PWA.

Please CLICK HERE to view the photo of the representatives in front of the House of the Minister.

National Pension Adalat:

The pension Adalat will be held on 23/08/2019. 

Those who have grievances regarding any issues relating to pensionary benefits  viz,  delay in payment of pensionary benefits,  delay in getting PPO,  Corrections to be made in PPO,  delay in settlement of family pensions,   Life Certificate issues etc may write to Pension Adalat in the prescribed form.

To be addressed to

Sri. S. M. Panchal,

Sr. Accounts Officer,

O/o CCA, 

4th Floor, MTNL Telephone Exchange, Currey Road Mumbai-400012.

The grievances should reach by 31/07/2019.

RTOWA requests all pensioners to use this means for settlement of grievances.

Please see the circular containing the prescribed form HERE.

United Forum Mumbai News:

As all you are aware that MTNL Management had filed suit No 266 of 2018 in Hon. High Court of Bombay in 2018 against United Forum & all the Unions & Association operating in MTNL Mumbai. The hearing was held on 16/07/2019 before Hon. Prothonotary of Hon. High Court of Bombay. However, the Board was discharged & next date will be communicated in due course. 

-- J.S.Yadav Chairman & S.M.Sawant Convener United Forum Mumbai.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

AO PDA has conveyed the following message to RTOWA regarding emailing Form 16 Part A and Income Certificate at the email request of pensioners.

"All mails received till 4.47 pm (13.07.2019) answered. Further mails received henceforth will be answered on Friday (19/07/2019) only."

MTNL REVIVAL NEWS:

The Cabinet Memo on BSNL and MTNL revival plan is approved by the Hon. Minister today and will be sent to other nodal Ministries today (10/07/19) or tomorrow for their comments. 

It is learnt that it is redrafted based on the discussion between Cabinet Secretary and Secretary DoT.

Brief of the proposal includes:

1) 4G spectrum by 100% Govt. equity infusion,

2) Taking over of all the loan of BSNL and MTNL by an SPV with land parcel of equal amount.

3) Allowing BSNL to monetize the remaining land, monitored by a Committee of officers of DoT and BSNL.

4) VRS and then retirement age reduction to 58. Funding will be through bonds having sovereign guarantee.

5) Merger of BSNL and MTNL in a phased manner after addressing the issues. Initially debt free MTNL will become a subsidiary of BSNL.

IDA REVISED RATE FROM 01/07/2019:

The IDA has been revised to 146.7% with effect from 01/07/2019 vide DPE OM dated 04/07/2019.

PENSION REVISION NEWS:

VERY SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS...

AT HUBLI:

As reported earlier, AIBSNLPWA, GS Com. Gangadhara Rao, along with Com Changappa (CS, KTK Circle) and leaders of Hubli met Shri Pralhad Joshi, the fourth time MP from Hubli-Dharwad on 22-6-2019 and sought his help to settle our demand for pension revision. Comrades Radhakrishna (AGS CHQ), Gandigawad (VP HB), Shivananda (VP KTK), S T Pawar (DS HB), S L Purjar (OS HB) were also present.

Shri Pralhad Joshiji is now Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, succeeding his close friend late Sh. Ananthkumar.

IN DELHI ON 1-7-2019:

On the instruction from Sh. Pralhad Joshiji, Com. Gangadhara Rao, Com. Changappa and our senior Vice President Com. D Gopalakrishnan reached Delhi on 30-6-2019. They, along with Com. Anupam Kaul (AGS CHQ), Com. M K Bagchi (Veteran leader of MTNL Pensioners) and Com. S S Nanda (GS of RTOWA Delhi) met Shri Joshiji in his office at 10 AM .

Shri Joshi was very effective as Ananthkumarji. He arranged a meeting with Minister of State for Communications, Shri Dhotre Shyamlal Shamrao.

MEETING WITH SHRI DHOTREJI:

Our leaders met Shri Dhotre, MOS© at 4.30 PM and handed over a letter explaining our demand. He was very friendly and positive. After going through our letter he desired that we should meet senior minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad.

MEETING With Sh. RAVI SHANKAR PRASADJI:

Once again, Shri Pralhad Joshi helped. He arranged a meeting Communication Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasadji. Comrades Gangadhara Rao, DG, M K Bagchi, Changappa and Nanda met the minister at 6.35 PM on 2-7-2019. The meeting lasted for 15 minutes. Initially, the minister was very angry with performance of BSNL. Our leaders explained our case slowly. He heard it very keenly and understood the matter. We told him

1.We are asking for pension revision after ten years.

2.There is no liability for BSNL on Pension Revision.

3.The financial liability lies with Government only.

Shri Ravishankar Prasad asked some questions too and our leaders explained that

a) All staff unions have demanded delinking of pension revision from pay revision in BSNL.

b) We have addressed (in our letter handed over to him) the issue of probable anomaly in the pension of post-2017 retirees.

c) The financial liability may be around Rs 650-700 crores.

We further informed him that,

(1) DoT sent a letter to Dept of Pension in November 2018 for which DOP&PW asked DoT to submit concrete proposal about pension Revision. DoT did not submit it. We approached the DoP&PW. On 8-3-2019, DoP&PW again asked DoT to submit the concrete proposal. Despite of it, the DoT has not done it.

(2) Entire BSNL/MTNL pensioners await an intervention by the Honourable Minister.

After hearing the leaders, Shri Ravishankar Prasad, the Minister for Communications assured categorically; “I will take care of it”

We are Hopeful. We thank Shri Pralhad Joshiji, his personal staff, the comrades of Hubli and Karnataka for the great work done.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter submitted to the Honourable MoC.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Form 16 Part A and Income Certificate will be issued by AO PDA  o/o CCA at 3rd Floor Currey Road Telephone Exchange from Monday 01/07/2019.

Form 16 Part A and Form 16 A are different.

Form 16 Part A gives the details of tax received by IT Dept. as remitted by the Employer or PDA who had recovered tax from Salary or Pension respectively. It also gives the amount of Salary or Pension, only for the months in which Tax was (TDS) deducted not for the whole of 12 months unless TAX was deducted in all the 12 months. So AO PDA issues  Income Certificate mentioning the total amount of pension paid during the year besides Form 16 Part A.

All the savings details as well as other incomes etc we should give in the Tax Returns.

Form 16 A is for Tax received by IT Dept remitted by the Deductors towards Income on interest, dividends, Commissions etc.

We can view and screen print both Form 16 Part A and Form 16A from the TRACES in IT website.

Discussed the issue of getting Form 16 Part A and Income Certificate through email....

A.O. (PDA) says it will be sent through email if a request is made through email.

Please give your email request on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. mentioning   Name, Staff No. & PAN Number.

NEWS FROM CBMPA:

On 22/06/2019, Com. P Gangadhara Rao GS along with other leaders FELICITATED Honourable Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sri PRALHAD JOSHI JI at Hubli.

After congratulating him, we sought his help for our main demand of PENSION REVISION and he assured his help.

--P Gangadhara Rao GS, AIBSNL –PWA.

PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT DUES:

GPF FINAL PAYMENT:

As per rules GPF final payment should be made on the date of retirement itself.

If not paid interest should be paid for every completed month of delay.

All those who have not received GPF payment may please give a letter to S.M. (GPF), 9th Floor, Telephone House, copy to your Area Accounts Section requesting to pay GPF Payment immediately with interest for the period of delay.

Please keep contacting Sri. Madhu Jakula A.O (GPF) to mobile number

9869222288 through SMS or Whatsapp giving your name, staff_no and date of retirement.

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LEAVE ENCASHMENT :

There is delay of about 4 to 6 months in payment of Leave Encashment.

No interest is payable for delay.

Please keep on reminding your Area Accounts Section.

RTOWA has taken up the issue many times and the response is "even salary is not paid and the recovered society dues are not paid to society for a couple of months”

Any how we will go on reminding by individuals and by RTOWA.

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PENSION PAYMENT:

Pension payment generally starts from the second month after retirement.

Gratuity is paid first and then pension payment starts.

As per rules PPO should be issued on the day of retirement and pension should start from the first month after retirement itself.

RTOWA DELHI NEWS:

Sh. S. S. Nanda G/S and Sh. R. K. Mudgal AGS of RTOWA, Delhi today discussed with Dir. (Estt.), DOT about the status of 5% IDA neutralisation. He told that the said case file is still under process in PSU Finance section. He said that he is in touch and following the issue with the officers of the concerned unit. 

After that association representatives had telephonic discussion with DDG(PSU) to expedite the issue. He told that he is on leave and will join on 20/06/2019. He said that he will personally look into the matter and assured to clear the file as early as possible. 

Association representatives also discussed the issue of Sh. S. A. Singh of MTNL Mumbai with the concerned officers of DOT vigilance about regularisation of his suspension period and requested for early settlement of the case. He told that the original file of the said case is missing and said that they are preparing a duplicate file. He also assured that the case will be put up to the higher ups by the end of the next week for the decision.

Filing IT Return for FY 2018-19 by PENSIONERS:

The last date for filing IT Retuns is 31/07/2018 and Form 16 should be issued by 30/06/2019.

The Form 16 can be downloaded by individuals from the IT Web site after processed by CCA through IT website.

AO PDA also will start issuing Form 16 and Income Certificate by 30/06/2019.

--RTOWA Mumbai.

RTOWA Delhi NEWS:

Shri. S.S.Nanda G/S and  Shri. R.K.Mudgal AGS (RTOWA Delhi), Shri. V.K.Tomar G/S, Shri. P.K.Gupta CHQVP, Shri. Sunil Kumar C/S and Shri. Satyavir Singh CT (MEA) met Honourable Minister of  Heavy Industries , Shri. Arvind Sawant on 10/06/2019 to greet him on taking over the charge of Cabinet Minister. Association Representatives also discussed on the issues of revival & survival of MTNL/BSNL, removal of affordability clause, pay revision & pension revision of MTNL/BSNL employees. Honourable Minister assured to look into the matter and said that he will discuss with his counterpart concerned ministries also.

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

Today Shri. S.S.Nanda G/S & Shri. R.K.Mudgal AGS discussed with DDG (Estt.) DoT and Dir (Estt.) regarding the status of the 5% IDA neutralization issue. They told that the case has been sent to DDG (PSU)/Finance for approval of the financial liability part of MTNL. After that file will be put up for cabinet note.  

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

EC Meeting of our Association was held today. Two minutes silence was observed praying for the departed souls of pensioners.

Members expressed their views on organisation issues, Revision of Pension, 73.8% IDA, Medical facilities etc.

Activities of Association since last EC meeting were briefed by GS and President.

Our priority is Revision of Pension. EC decided to take all out efforts to achieve this.

Decided to hold meetings of Pensioners at Borivali, Thane/Kalyan and Vashi/Belapur at least once in six months to have more interaction with all pensioners.

Decided to start membership drive.

Meeting ended thereafter.

CGHS NEWS:

A big relief to Senior Pensioners from age 75!

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued an order to facilitate Pensioners who are CGHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and more to directly go for consultation with Specialists of private hospitals empanelled under CGHS without referral from CGHS wellness centres. This is really a big relief to aged pensioners!

News From United Forum Mumbai:

Today Meeting of United Forum Mumbai was held at Telephone House, Dadar.

All of you may be knowing that a case was filed by MTNL Mumbai against United Forum, Mumbai and all other Unions and Associations with a plea for compensation of about 1.5 crores from UF and all the Unions towards the alleged loss suffered by MTNL, Mumbai during agitations for 78.2% IDA. This case is coming up for hearing on 16th July, 2019. This issue was discussed by the UF from all angles and the further course of action was decided.

The UForum, Mumbai will again meet next month to review the developments regarding revival of MTNL, Pay /Pension revision etc.

By

J.S.Yadav Chairman & S.M.Sawant Convenor.

RTOWA DELHI NEWS :

Shri S. S. Nanda GS and Sh. R. K. Mudgal AGS met DGM(Pers),  MTNL CO to collect the copy of detailed financial liability report of 5% IDA neutralisation for the pensioners retired before 01/01/2018 and the forwarding letter sent to DOT on the subject matter,  so as to pursue the issue in DOT for its early settlement . 

Association representatives met with Dir. (Estt)/DDG (Estt) in DOT and personally handed over the said report to them and requested them to expeditiously process the case in DOT for early settlement of the issue.  They assured that the case will be further processed without any delay to complete the required formalities.

Please CLICK HERE to view the report of the MTNL, CO.

Association representatives also met with Dir. (Staff) to discuss the case of Shri S. A. Singh, MTNL Mumbai about the regularisation of his suspension period from 21/02/2003 to 08/01/2004. After doing all possible efforts in the concerned units by the Dir. (Staff) the entry of the case in their Receipt/Despatch records was not found. Association representatives delivered an additional copy of the letter of DGM (Pers), MTNL CO to Dir. (Staff) of the said case and requested him to personally look into the matter on priority. He immediately marked the letter to the Under Secy. STG section to seek the decision in the matter. He gave positive response and assured for early settlement of the case.

RTOWA Mumbai thanks RTOWA Delhi.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today we (K. Jawahar President, Sri. J.S.Yadav Jt.G.S. and Sri.S. M. Sawant GS MPWA) met GM (A) and discussed about the  maintenance charges (not prescribed in Govt. rules) levied by BSNL, Maharashtra Circle on MTNL employees for occupation of quarters. GM(A) said  that these charges are now kept pending by BSNL and MTNL is pursuing the issue with BSNL MH  to cancel the claim.

We met DGM (Accts) and discussed about the settlement of pay anomaly cases unsettled even after retirement.

We met DGM (IR) and discussed about streamlining of procedures for speedy settlement of hospital bills of by Medsave.

-- President, RTOWA, Mumbai.

LC AND FMA NEWS:

MPWA Mumbai and RTOWA Mumbai have jointly written to Mrs.V.G.Mishra CCA Mumbai regarding the following issues :-

1.Life Certificate,

2.FMA,

3.Revision of  pensionary benefits of those who got financial up-gradation retrospectively after retirement and

4.Form -16.

Please click the Links below to see the letter:

NEWS ON 73.8 IDA NEUTRALISATION:

MPWA Mumbai and RTOWA Mumbai have jointly written to Mrs.Aruna Sundararajan Secretary (T) DoT in pursuit of granting the benefit of 73.8% IDA (addl.5% IDA) neutralisation to those retired prior to 01/01/2018.

Please click the following links to view the letter.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today we (S/Shri. K.Jawahar President, J.S. Yadav Jt.G.S, K.P.Ravindrakumar AGS, from RTOWA and Sri.S.M.Sawant  GS MPWA) discussed the following issues with the concerned officers:-

1.CGHS Wellness Centres :-

We met Dr. Smt.Geetha Jeevan  CMO at CGHS HQrs. Approval for Wellness Centre at Thane already received. CPWD will take up the civil work. We requested to speed up the process for Wellness Centres at Kalyan and Borivali. She assured positively.

2.Life Certificate and FMA :-

We met Shri.BhajiRao Jt.CCA. We requested him

  a) To give SMS every month to those due to give life certificate in that month and to give confirmation SMS after updation of life certificate in the system.

  b) To provide in the system for manual life certificate also in case the system of digital life certificate does not work due to any reason the pensioners should not be turned back.

3.To prescribe procedures for sanction of FMA to the eligible pensioners.

Jt.CCA assured to take steps.

We met Sri.Narendra Dhaktode GM (Fin) and discussed the following issues.

i) To pay interest for delay, if any, in payment of GPF after retirement, as a matter of routine without application from pensioner.

ii) To streamline the procedures to speed up the payment of following to Pensioners.

a) Leave Encashment,

b) Reimbursement of OPD Bills,

c) Reimbursement of telephone bills,

d) Reimbursement of 50% of CGHS Contribution.

GM Finance agreed to our requests.

Form 16:- The Income Tax   recovered from pension in the last quarter will be remitted to INCOME TAX within a few days. Then it will reflect in 26AS.  Form 16 is likely to be issued by 15th June-2019 by CCA.

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

RTOWA is continuously pursuing the issue of recalculation of pensionary benefits of those retired from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018 considering 73.8% IDA (5% increase) in the fitment of pay revision on 01/01/2007.

 Accepting our request, GM (Fin) has issued instructions to all areas to forward all  the cases to CCA Office by 30/06/2019.

Please see the letter HERE.

Pursuit of 73.8%  IDA benefit to those retired prior to 01/01/2018 :

RTOWA Delhi says :

On 02/05/2019, Association Representatives met DGM (Co-Ord) and CAO (FMS) to discuss about finalization of the report to be sent to DoT on 5% IDA neutralization. They told that they are on the job. CAO (FMS) said that for the last 3-4 days, there was a frequent disruption in the system. They also assured that in a day or so, the said report will be finalized and  will be sent to DoT for further process very shortly. 

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Letter has been written to GM (Fin) on the following issues.

1. Interest on delayed payment of GPF balance after retirement.

    Please CLICK HERE to view the letter

2. Drawal of arrears of pay and recalculation of pensionary benefits of those retired from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018 due to benefit of 73.8% IDA in the fitment on notional revision of pay on 01/01/2007 with payment from 01/01/2018

   Please see the letter HERE.

Pursuit of 73.8% IDA to those retired prior to 01/01/2018:

A letter has been written by Shri Nanda, GS, RTOWA, Delhi to DoT to expedite the sanction for 5% IDA to the Retirees prior to 01/01/2018.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today we ( K.Jawahar President, B.R.Pathak GS and K.P.Ravindrakumar AGS) met DGM (Accounts), DGM(Budget) and DGM (Pension) and discussed the following issues.

 1. Pay refixation, drawal of pay arrears and recalculations and payment of differences in pensionary benefits of those retired from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018 on 73.8% IDA.

2. Revamping procedures to demands of funds from corporate office for prompt payment of leave encashment and GPF after retirement.

The above issues will be continuously pursued by RTOWA.

--K. Jawahar, President.

Meeting of MEA with CMD:

GS, Shri V K Tomar along with Shri D P S Chaudhary, AGS, Shri Sunil Kumar, CS Delhi & Shri Sunil Sonkar, Jt Secretary, CHQ had a meeting with CMD yesterday, 24th April, 2019 and discussed MTNL revival proposal cabinet note and other issues. GS briefed him about the issues discussed with Additional Secretary on 16th April regarding MTNL revival proposal cabinet note and wanted to know the factual position of the VRS and 4G allocation issue and funding by govt. CMD explained that cabinet note has been circulated amongst the various concerned departments for their comments before putting it in the cabinet meeting. Comments of all departments except department of economic affairs have been received which are expected in a day or so after which cabinet note will be put up before Cabinet meeting. There are two issues in cabinet note.

VRS to employees above 50 years of age:

CMD informed that in PMO meeting it was decided that MTNL has to bring out an attractive VRS so that good number of employees can opt for it. He said that after detailed discussion in DOT, VRS with 5% extra exgratia payment has been proposed. Association retreated its stand that VRS can be excepted with 3rd PRC only and informed him that the very purpose of VRS will be defeated if it comes with out 3rd PRC and also made it clear to him that pay revision is our legitimate right and we will not leave it and continue to fight till 3rd PRC is implemented.

Funding of 4G spectrum:

Association raised that it has come to know that 4G funding is being done by the government through preferential shares  instead of equity infusion which will be reflected on our balance sheet, so it will not be beneficiary to MTNL. CMD clarified why preferential share, which is short of capital infusion, was chosen over equity infusion. 

30% Corpus for post-retirement benefits to MTNL recruited officers/ employees:

Association expressed its concern over long pending legitimate issue of post retirement  benefits to MTNL recruited officers and urged him to take an early decision to create corpus for pension to these officers as in BSNL. He assured to find out the ways to create this corpus.

Term insurance policy:

Association expressed its concern over abnormal delay in finalizing the term insurance policy. CMD asked GM(HR) to decide this matter with in a week time.

Promotion from AM(F)/ JAO to DM(Fin)/ AO:

Association apprised him how HR wing is denying promotion to about 100 JAOs of 2008/09 year of recruitment by wrongly interpreting amendments in recruitment rules in spite of availability of sufficient vacancies. CMD assured to look into the issue.  

In pursuit of 73.8% IDA benefit to all the pensioners retired prior to 01/01/2018, the following letter has been sent to Honorable PM.

Please CLICK the links below to view the letter.

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News on Money Control today :

Comments of Key Ministries are awaited on the Cabinet Note regarding VRS and 4G.

"The Department of Telecom is learnt to have circulated a draft cabinet note for the allocation of 4G spectrum to BSNL and MTNL and implementation of a voluntary retirement scheme at the two loss-making telecom PSUs.

The department has sought comments of the key ministries on the proposals, an official source told PTI."

"The Department of Telecom has sent a draft cabinet note on 4G spectrum allocation to BSNL and MTNL and implementation of voluntary retirement scheme in these organisations. Comments from some of the key ministries are awaited," an official source told PTI. 

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today EC meeting of our Association was held. 

The present status of the following issues was discussed.

 1. Revision of Pension.

 2. 73.8% IDA in revision of pay/pension for those retired before 01/01/2018.

 3. Delay in drawal of pay arrears and revision of pension benefits of those retired from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/18.

 4. FMA

 5. Delay in payment of Leave encashment.

 6. Organisation :-

--Accounts for 2018-19 will be got audited and returns will be filed by due dates.

--Website "rtowambi.in" is to be enriched. 

--Membership enrolment drive will be undertaken.

Decided to pursue these issues vigorously. 

--K. Jawahar, President, RTOWA Mumbai.

UNITED FORUM MUMBAI NEWS:

UNITED FORUM MUMBAI has written to Secretary (T) DoT opposing proposed VRS  in BSNL/MTNL without giving importance to Revival Plans.

Please Click the Links below to view the letter.

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--J.S.Yadav, Chairman UF.

--S.M.Sawant , Convenor UF.

WHY VRS IS OPPOSED IN BSNL ?

[This is taken from the site of AIBSNLEA. Com Prahlad Rai convincingly dealt with the issue of VRS. This is quite relevant to MTNL situation. So we reproduce it here for the knowledge of MTNL employees.]

Why AIBSNLEA is opposing VRS ?

Dear Comrades, you are aware that DoT, under the instructions of PMO, has suddenly decided to roll out VRS Plan for BSNL/MTNL employees. BSNL Management has been assured that there will be no dearth the money to give effect to VRS proposal. Almost 54000 existing employees of BSNL are supposed to go out the roll of the BSNL on implementation of this VRS. This is done under the pretext of “Revival of BSNL/MTNL”.

You are also aware that all BSNL Unions and Associations barring a few,  have  decided collectively to oppose this move of the Government and  AIBSNLEA  is a party to this and accordingly Notice has been issued to the DoT/BSNL to hold protest demonstration on  12th April 2019.

The question is why have we taken such decision? Does it mean, we as Associations and Unions of BSNL do not have any concern for revival of BSNL from the on-going crisis? Or, is it that we are indifferent about the interests of the individual members?  It is to everybody’s knowledge that the Unions and Associations of BSNL are very responsible Trade Union organizations and interest of BSNL is prime in their minds. For last couple of years the Unions and Associations have been constantly fighting for uplift of BSNL in the arena of cut throat competition. We have resisted every move by the authority that be to inflict harm to BSNL directly or indirectly. Years before we have demanded to roll out 4G in BSNL to make it more competition fit. Other demands having financial implications e.g. payment of pension contribution on actual basic pay instead of maximum of pay scale have been demanded and pressed for by us. At the same time we have opposed the move of VRS even earlier. Why?

Association is aware that there may be individual members who, out of their own unique situation or personal financial equation may feel that VRS is up to his or her interest. AIBSNLEA is sensitive to the interests of individual members.

But we must understand that the issue like VRS at this crucial juncture cannot and should not be viewed through a narrow prism of individual gain or loss. We, the office-bearers at various levels must try to weigh it on broader perspective. BSNL should stay healthy. There are employees who have long service life left. They should not be sacrificed for short term gain.

Our Association is not opposed to VRS per se. We are aware that in PSU systems, VRS is an accepted proposition. We are also aware that in some organizations VRS is implemented to the advantage of the organizations and the employees have been benefited as well. It is a win win situation there. In these organizations where VRS is successfully implemented, the entire road map is carefully chalked out on long drawn perspective. VRS is planned 2-3 years before. The targeted employees are identified carefully, mapping the need of the field and the action for suitable replacement is initiated well in advance so that there is no shortage of man power.                                        

On the contrary, consider the case of MTNL where VRS has been implemented twice so far. But the net result is that MTNL became weaker and weaker at this. Now when DOT is proposing VRS in MTNL for the third time, MTNL is already experiencing acute shortage of working hands in the field units. The revenue hits at the lowest bottom. The strength of employees has been reduced   drastically and   so is the customer base and revenue earning. None in DOT/Govt is interested to look at it. It is as if, reducing the employees is their ultimate objective and not revival of MTNL.

For BSNL, VRS is being thought of only from one angle. Let the strength of the employees be reduced so that present wage bill is reduced. But there is no consideration about the resultant impact in the field units. We are certain that minimizing the working hands by applying mindless VRS without having any regard to its immediate retrograde impact in the field, cannot serve any meaningful purpose in the way of reviving of BSNL. It will go in MTNL way. One VRS will follow another VRS but crisis will continue. Unmindful reduction of staff will lead to a situation where offloading of day to day maintenance work will be assigned to the petty contractors. Cost will be enhanced but efficiency will be reduced resulting into steady loss of customers and revenue.

UNITED FORUM NEWS:

Meeting of the United Forum of Unions & Associations of MTNL Mumbai was held today at 1500 hrs to discuss and decide on Proposed VRS introduction in MTNL. It was Unanimously decided to oppose the move of management and stall the process until such time the 3rd PRC implementation. It was also decided unanimously that United Forum of MTNL Unions & Associations, Mumbai to issue letter in this regards in coordination with United Forum Delhi.  10/04/2019

CGHS NEWS:

Today Mr. Bhadri Phatak, GS, RTOWA and Mr. K.P.Ravindra Kumar, AGS, RTOWA attended quarterly meeting with CGHS authorities at Churchgate Office at 14.30 hrs.

Following points were discussed:

    1.Permission for CGHS Dispensary at Thane Cherai received. To discuss agreement formalities with MTNL, CGHS authorities fixed meeting with ED, MTNL, Mumbai tomorrow. Since CGHS authorities expressed concern over MTNL's delay they have requested us to join them during the meeting. Shri. Ravindra Kumar will accompany CGHS team.

    2. In principle approval for opening Dispensaries at Kalyan and Borivali received from Director, CGHS Delhi. Borivali site was inspected by the CGHS team yesterday. Kalyan site was inspected already and several meetings with GM Kalyan were already held. Further process will be initiated shortly.

    3. CGHS received direct supply of medicines yesterday. This will be distributed to wellness centres in 2 days. This will reduce shortage of medicines in wellness centres. 

    4. Bills upto 31.12.2018 were cleared. Disposal will be streamlined to reduce delay.

    5. It was brought out that Doctors at CGHS are not writing prescription or giving advice on frequency of medicine. After discussion AD directed that proper prescription to be issued wherever it is not  possible to issue print out. Beneficiaries were requested to get clarifications on dosages from Doctors before leaving.

    6. It was brought to the notice that there are lot of delay in issuing medicines through Local Purchase. AD instructed Doctors to give permission to purchase medicines from local market and allow reimbursement wherever delay in supply is expected. Beneficiaries are requested to get reference to this effect from consulting CGHS Doctors.

    7) Ayurvedic facility at these points were requested. Since not much response to Ayurvedic treatment and shortage of Ayurvedic Doctors at CGHS facility can't be extended to other centres. Those interested in Ayurvedic treatment may go to Sion Koliwada dispensary /Polyclinic.

Meeting concluded at 16.00 hours. 

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS :-

GS AIBSNL PWA Writes :-

(Extracts of discussions on common issues of pensioners of BSNL and MTNL)

Yesterday (04-04-2019) , I met Smt. Anuradha Mitra , Member (F) at BANGALORE in the

office of CCA Karnataka.

Grant of minimum Pension of 9000/-:-

She told that for this a policy decision has to be taken.

We requested her to do whatever is required from her side.

Finally I requested her to take initiative to solve our PENSION REVISION issue from

01/01/2017. She told that this is in the domain of Member (S). When she was mentioning that

DOP&PW has not taken any decision still , I explained the actual position and made over the

copies of our  letters to Secretary , Pension on 14-12-2018, to JS , Pension on 12-02-2019 and

DOP&PW letter to DOT on 08-03-2019.

We made out a point that DOT Establishment section is not taking the required action. In

DOT, if anyone feels   that  the hike given to us at the time of absorption and according to

2nd PRC is  to be adjusted in future revisions , we will not allow it.

At the end, we requested her to take the initiative as the CUSTODIAN of BSNL/MTNL

Pensioners in DOT and sort out our PENSION REVISION issue at the earliest.

--P Gangadhara Rao GS AIBSNL PWA.  04/04/2019

CGHS NEWS:

For information to all CGHS members:

It is learnt that Permission for Thane CGHS dispensary has been received from Health Ministry. CGHS will undertake subsequent activity of signing contract and related activity shortly.

Proposal in respect of CGHS dispensaries at Kalyan and Borivali are under active consideration.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Life certificate due in April-2019:

The following pensioners are requested to give Life certificate in the month of April-2019.

1) Pensioners retired in the month of April in any year.

2) Direct Family pensioners, whose spouse expired in April any year while in service.

3) Converted Family pensioners whose spouse pensioner retired in April any year. 

AO PDA says SMS has been given to all the above pensioners to give life certificate in April-2019.

The usual life certificate procedure is to be followed.

Those retired on VRS on 01/04/2006, the life certificate due month is March every year.

IDA INCREASE FROM 01/04/2019:

IDA increased by 2.6% (from 138.8% to 141.4%) w.e.f. 01.04.2019. 

Consumer price Indexes:  Dec-2018=301, Jan-2019=307 and Feb-2019=307  29/03/2019

PENSION REVISION PURSUIT:            

CBMPA Members met DoT officers in Sanchar Bhawan on 28/03/2019.

As intimated earlier and as a follow up action Coms. M K Bagchi, Anupam Kaul and SS Nanda met Member (S) and DDG (Estt.) Yesterday and handed over a copy of short and crisp letter addressed to Secretary (T) regarding the communication from pension department and requested them to send a concrete proposal to that department early.

Our leaders got the information that Secretary (T) has sought a 'Note' from Additional Secretary (T) on the issue of pension revision. They also got the information that the 'Note' is ready.

Our leaders could not meet Secretary (T) as she was out of station and could not meet Additional Secretary (T) also as he was otherwise busy.

Our leaders shall continue their efforts in the coming weeks.

--P Gangadhar Rao, GS AIBSNL PWA.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Recovery of Income Tax from Pension of February 2019:

The issue was discussed with AO PDA.

There was some glitch in the system. Due to that Income Tax (FY 2018-19) was not recovered in the pension for February-2019.

This short recovery of tax for FY 2018-19 has been recovered in the pension for March-2019. This amount is shown as "Revoveries" in the details of pension for March-2019.

Tax for FY 2019-20 also has been recovered in the pension for March-2019. This amount has been shown under Income Tax in the details for pension for March-2019.

Details of pension drawn for March-2019 are available at pensioners portal "pensioner.mtnl.in”

Pursuit of 5% IDA neutralisation issue:-

RTOWA, Delhi meets DOT officials to sort out the issue of non- issue of order to implement 5% DA neutralization w.e.f  01/01/2007.

S/Shri M.K.Bagchi, President, RTOWA/Delhi and S.S. Nanda, General Secretary,  RTOWA/Delhi have met Member Technology who is also presently holding the charge of Member (Services) and DDG(Est.) today ( 28/03/2019) to discuss about the long pending issue of non-implementation of 5% DA neutralization (Effecting 73.8% in total) for the eligible pensioners of MTNL w.e.f. 01/01/2007. 

To this, DDG(Est.) explains that there appears to be gap/discrepancy in the data sent by MTNL. The reconciliation of data needs to be done before taking up this matter with IFD of DOT. He also informs that some progress has been made recently but still something more needs to be done.

General Secretary clarifies that the association has tried its level best to see that the hitch, if any, between MTNL and DoT in this respect is removed. It has made it possible to hold discussion between the concerned officials of MTNL and DOT. But it is frustrating that even then DOT is not in a position to issue the order. 

President stated that the excuse like non-reconciliation of data is preventing DOT to issue the order is not acceptable. Such reconciliation between MTNL and DOT is for everything that DOT pays for the pensioners. Even the payment of pension each month needs reconciliation of payable liabilities. But for this, the payment of pension is not held up. Such reconciliation is a continuous process and it involves so many liabilities discharged either by DOT or MTNL from time to time. It is not correct to pick up one issue like DA neutralization to meet that score. It is now long 7 months since the working employees have received payment but the pensioners have been denied.

Ultimately DDG(Est) assures in presence of Member (services) that he will sit with the concerned Director and personally look into this matter with urgent note and settle this issue soon. 

Hopefully, this issue will be settled now without further delay. We have thanked Member (Services) and DDG (Est,) in anticipation.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS: 

PENSION ADALAT :-

Pension Adalat was held today (27/03/2019). Sri.S.M.Sawant Convenor United Forum and GS MPWA attended the Adalat.  

He requested CCA for further improvement in settlement of pensionary benefits and preparation of PPO.

Out of 36 cases referred to Adalat 32 cases were settled.

CBMPA NEWS:

Today CBMPA members Coms. M K Bagchi , Anupamkaul and SS Nanda met Officers in Pension Department and enquired about the position on PENSION REVISION.

They were informed that DOT has not yet replied to their communication dated. 14/01/2019.

Further they were informed that another letter was sent to DOT on 08/03/2019 in which they have once again asked for reply to their communication dated. 14/01/2019. In addition they have attached our letter dated 12/02/2019 addressed to Secretary, DOP&PW and sought comments of DOT on that . The copy of that letter dated 08/03/2019 was endorsed to Convener, CBMPA.

The same is exhibited HERE.

Our leaders in Delhi will take follow up action in Sanchar Bhavan.

--P Gangadhara Rao, Convener, CBMPA.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Staggering of Life Certificate :-

The following new procedure begins from 01/04/2019 as per the Circular issued by AO PDA.

 1. Life Certificate Due Month :- Month of retirement is the LCD month for  Pensioners  (Superannuation and VR) and converted Family Pensioners. 

 2. Month of death of employee is the  LCD Month for direct Family Pensioners.(due to death of employee while in service)

 3. However the LCD month is not rigid. In other words the LC is required to be given before the lapse of validity (12 months) of previous LC.

 4  LC is required to be given by 15th of the LCD Month.

 5. The validity of life certificate is 12 months. For example LC given during November-2018 is valid upto 31/10/2019. 

 6. The year 2019 is the transition year to new procedure. 

 So in this transition year the procedure is as under :- 

 7. If the LCD Month is any month from April to October, the LC may be given by 15th of LCD Month or by 31/10/2019.

 8. If the LCD Month is any month from November to March (except retirees from November-2018 to March-2019) then LC should be given by 15th November-2019 and thereafter by 15th of LCD Month.

 9. The above implies that the pensioner retired in December-2018 is required to give LC by 15/11/2019 and again by 15/12/2019. However Pension will be drawn if the validity (12 months) of the last LC is not lapsed. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the Circular issued by AO PDA.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

In pursuit of 5% IDA neutralisation to the pensioners retired before 01/01/2018, a letter has been addressed to Honourable MOC.

Please CLICK HERE to see the letter.

News in Quint.Com:

 Telecom Minister Shri Manoj Sinha on Tuesday(12/03/2019) met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and is understood to have sought funds amounting to over Rs 1,000 crore for salary payments to cash-strapped MTNL till June this year.

Sinha was accompanied by Telecom Secretary Mrs. Aruna Sundararajan and MTNL Chairman and MD Mr, Praveen Kumar Purwar to the meeting.

Sinha, Sundararajan and Purwar declined to comment on the purpose of their meeting. However, MTNL sources said the meeting took up the sector's concerns.

MTNL share price is down by 2.51 per cent at Rs 13.60. The PSU is under intense pressure over high comeptition, lack of funds and revenues. Its net worth has turned negative. MTNL operates in Delhi and Mumbai.

Sources said MTNL is not in a position to pay salaries any further. The Department of Telecom has been paying the salaries amounting to around Rs 200 crore a month since November last year.

The funds sought from the Finance Ministry would cover MTNL's wage bill till June or completion of polls. MTNL, which operates only in Delhi and Mumbai and expects that these measures will help the company in doing away with debt to the tune of around Rs 19,000 crore. The revenue to wage ratio in case of MTNL has swelled to 90 per cent.

In January, MTNL had sought Rs 500 crore from DoT to pay January salary by raising pending dues for the period 2000-13.

MTNL has sought financial support, 4G spectrum and approvals for asset sales as part of its revival plan. It has pleaded for a refund of interest that it paid for broadband wireless access spectrum which it had returned to the government.

DoT had returned MTNL's loans taken for the purpose on the principal amount while withholding the interests.

The PSU has also sought permission to monetise their land assets as well as the voluntary retirement scheme for employees on the Gujarat model costing Rs 2,120 crore.

MTNL's December-quarter loss widened to Rs 832.26 crore. Total income of the Telecom PSU stood at Rs 692.42 crore, 18.7 per cent lower than Rs 852.64 crore notched in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Total expenses climbed to Rs 1,524.6 crore as against Rs 1,491.6 crore in the year-ago quarter.

NITI AAYOG IS AT WHOSE SERVICE ?

          There is a report in certain press that Hon’ble Minister of State ( C ) has met Shri Arun Jetley, Hon’ble Minister ( Finance ) and pleaded for grant of Rs 1000 Crores for the purpose of payment of salary of MTNL employees. This amount, it is felt, is just sufficient to enable

MTNL to pay the salary of the employees of MTNL till June,2019 when new Government would take over the rein of the country.

         It is reported that Smt. Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary ( C )/ DOT and Shri P.K.Purwar, CMD/ MTNL accompanied Hon’ble MOS( C ). It is not clear yet whether the result is in positive.

         To start with, we hail heartily the initiative taken by our Minister. It is heartening to know that DOT/ Communication Ministry have come forward for the rescue of the employees.

This is   what MTNL employees were crying for so long and so desperately.

       But it is needlessly to state that MTNL employees will be more immensely obliged to Hon’ble  MOS ( C ) and DOT if something more concrete and more effective is done to put MTNL back on to track. MTNL employees are determined to work hard to see their MTNL to be back on viable and vibrating mode. They wish to see that their MTNL is driven hard by really dedicated management with strong supports of funds to invest in rejuvenating its basic network in the field and in cutting age technology.

      NITI Aayog is often in report to suggest that MTNL has finally failed and its burial is due. By doing so it only adds to the confusion and misery of MTNL employees. We simply don’t

understand what message NITI Aayog wants to convey and in whose interests by way of making such speculations/ assertions. If NITI Aayog is prompted to promote the interests of certain favoured private player in telecom, it can do so but definitely not at the cost of MTNL and its employees.

      MTNL employees need to be more assertive to defeat the ill-design of NITI Aayog. Time has come for both MTNL and BSNL employees to join together to safeguard the interests of MTNL/BSNL Customers and Employees.

--M.K. Bagchi Convenor United Forum of MTNL Delhi.

UNITED FORUM NEWS:

United Forum Mumbai has written the following two letters.

1) One letter dated 07/03/2019 addressed to ED intimating that "SAMPARK ABHIYAN" will be conducted at all the offices of MTNL from 07/03/2019 onwards to apprise the employees about present status of MTNL. 

To view the letter please click the links below.

PAGE-1   PAGE-2

2) Another letter dated 08/03/2019 addressed to DoT stating that if regular arrangement for salary payment is not done the DoT recruited employees may be repatriated to DoT.

To view the letter please click the following links.

PAGE-1       PAGE-2

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

In pursuit of 5% IDA neutralisation benefit to the pensioners retired before 01/01/2018, RTOWA Mumbai has written a letter dated 07/03/2019 to Secretary (T) DoT. 

Please  click the following links to view the letter.

PAGE-1    PAGE-2

Meeting of United Forum of MTNL Unions & Associations, Delhi on 6^th. March, 2019.

United Forum of MTNL Unions & Associations met on 2/3/2019 to review the ongoing situation in and around MTNL focusing mainly on the development arisen out of non-payment of salary to the employees regularly on the scheduled payment day since November, 2019. It is apparent that the stated position of MTNL at present is closed to “payable when able” sort of situation. The top management of MTNL is very candid to state that they have no clue when   such   insecurity or uncertainty will end.

If CMD is to be believed, the crisis has been created because Banks have refused to give loan and, as per CMD, but for loan, it is not possible to pay salary on regular basis.

DOT is not as forthcoming as it should be to bail out MTNL by way of arranging and providing funds. DOT talks about revival plan which is presently pending almost at the initial stage. It is unlikely that the revival plan will see the daylight during the remaining period of the present political dispensation.

It is also taken into cognizance that the officers at very senior levels who mostly belong to ITS cadre of DOT and presently working in MTNL on deputation basis, have already preferred to apply to DOT for their repatriation to DOT in view of such situation.

Under the aforesaid backdrop various participants discussed thoroughly about this issue so as to suggest some means to way forward. The following decisions have been taken:-

• UF should write to Shri Nripendra  Misra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister with detailed account of prevailing situation of MTNL and distress of its employees and seeking an appointment to apprise him in person.
• UF and its affiliates including those of pensioners will hold LUNCH HOUR DEMONSTRATION on 14.3.2019 in front of MTNL Corporate Office, CGO, Delhi.
• Keeping in view that BSNL is also currently facing similar situation, efforts should be taken to launch joint movement with our counterparts in BSNL to press for the issues like Job/Pay Security, Pay Revision and Pension Revision.

 Other Decisions :

• 1) It is reiterated that we shall continue to pursue more vigorously the issue of fresh option for the optees of Pro-rata Pension and implementation of merger of DA w.e.f. 1/1/2007 @ 78.2%.
• UF, Delhi has endorsed the proposal of UF, Mumbai to coopt Shri A.K.Kaushik as the Convener of the Apex Body of UF, Delhi & Mumbai. Apex Body is supposed to hold common meeting of UF Delhi And UF Mumbai at the convenient time to fill other posts of Apex Body.

  Meeting ends with vote of thanks.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today We (K.Jawahar, B.R.Pathak, J.S.Yadav, K.P.Ravindrakumar) met Sri.Pravin Punj ED Mumbai. We requested him to cancel the orders of shifting of MTNL Nodal Pension section at Currey Road premises to Telephone House.We pointed out that both Pension Sections (CCA as well as MTNL) must be at same place for better coordination and to avoid delays in transmission of records. ED agreed to cancel the orders. A letter has been given to ED in this regard.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter to ED.

We met GM Finance also. DGM(FC) was also there.We requested him too to cancel the orders of shifting.

We requested him to revamp the procedures for asking funds from Corporate Office for leave encashment. The issue was discussed at length. We pointed out that by asking for funds in the same month of retirement, the delay in payment of leave encashment will be reduced by one month. GM Finance agreed to consider our proposal. Also we requested him to ask for funds for payment of salary arrears to those retired from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018 due to 5% neutralisation of IDA. GM Finance agreed.

--K. Jawahar, President.

RTOWA DELHI NEWS : 

Shri S. S. Nanda GS and Shri R. K. Mudgal AGS met Diector.(Estt.) to pursue and discuss the following issues of the pensioners:

5% IDA neutralisation :- Association representatives managed to have telephonic discussion of Dir.(Estt.) with CAO(FMS) to clear his doubts on the report sent by MTNL corporate office. In the long discussion, some of the doubts were cleared but still a personal meeting is required to process the said issue. In spite of her ill health, CAO(FMS) agreed for the meeting for detailed discussion in the next week.

Reply of DoT in reference to the letter of DOP&PW on the issue of pension revision :- Dir./DDG(Estt.) told that the case has already been put up to the higher ups along with the existing rules position on the subject. The decision in the matter is still awaited. They also said that existing pension rules needs to be modified for delinking the pension revision from the pay revision and it is not in their purview.

Reply of DoT in reference to the clarification asked by CCA office regarding FMA :- Association representatives requested ADG(PAT)/Dir.(Estt.) to reply the query of CCA office on the subject. They told that the case has been put up to the DDG(Estt.) with a positive note. ADG(PAT) said that shortly the reply will be sent to CCA office.

RTOWA Delhi NEWS:

(Extracts)

Sh. S.S.Nanda, G/S & Sh. R.K.Mudgal, AGS met CMD MTNL and congratulated him for his selection as CMD BSNL. He thanked RTOWA for the support. 

CMD assured to talk to the concerned officers of DoT regarding 5% IDA neutralization to all MTNL pensioners retired before 01-Jan-2018 and also to clear the issue of FMA. 

---------------------------- 

Then Association representatives met Jt. CCA to discuss about the status of payment of FMA cases. She told that before making the said payment, CCA wants some more clarifications from the concerned unit of DoT. She requested to wait till the matter is clarified by DoT.

----------- -----------------

Association representatives then discussed the matter of FMA with ADG(PAT) DoT and discussed about the clarification asked by CCA office.  He assured to reply the query of CCA Office at the earliest.

----------------------------- 

Association representatives met GM(F), MTNL corporate office and requested him to send DGM /CAO(FMS) to DoT to clarify the 5% IDA neutralisation liability calculations sent by MTNL GM(F) assured to arrange a meeting of MTNL CAO(FMS) with DoT officers in the next week .

Regarding the delay in payment of terminal benefits to the current year retirees, he said that it is due to non-availability of funds and MTNL CO is trying to arrange funds and assured to make the said payments on priority.

-------------------------------

--RTOWA Delhi.

News from Coordination Committee of RTOWA,Delhi and Mumbai:

The AUAB representing the BSNL employees has been pushed to the wall to go on three days strike w.e.f. 18th Feb,2019 for their reasonable demands.

A consensus could be arrived at on all their demands. 

The Coordination Committee of RTOWA,Delhi and RTOWA,Mumbai appeals to the management of DOT to accept the demands of AUAB in the interest of BSNL and the Nation.    

MTNL pensioners of Delhi and Mumbai are in solidarity with BSNL Employees.    

--K.Jawahar, Chairman,

--S.S.Nanda Convenor.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

CBMPA has written to DOP&PW regarding Pension Revision of BSNL and MTNL Pensioners. 

Please see the letter below.

PAGE-1      PAGE-2

United Forum Mumbai:

Successful demonstration took place today during lunch hour.  About 600 employees and pensioners participated with enthusiasm. 

Shradhanjali was done to the martyrs of Pulawama terrorist attack.

Slogans were raised with enthusiasm.

Sri. Bhai Jagtap Chairman of Apex body of United Forum delivered an inspiring speech.

He said that the designs of the Government and management to weaken MTNL will be defeated by the employees. Demands of Revision of Pay / Pension will be achieved with MTNL's revival, similar to the achievement of Pension issue.

The other speakers were Sri. Gulab Yadav, Sri. Chakravarty, 

Smt. Jyoti sonawdeker,Sri.Pradeep Salve and Sri.J.S. Yadav.

The demonstration and meeting were well conducted by Sri. R.G.Choube.

Sri. S. M. Sawant gave vote of thanks. 

The meeting ended with National Anthem.  

--J.S.Yadav Chairman,

--S.M.Sawant Convenor.

Click here for the photos.

PENSION ADALAT:                

CCA Mumbai is convening Pension Adalat on 27/03/2019. 

Grievance should be wtitten in the proforma and should reach CCA Office at Currey Road Exchange by 20/02/2019.

Those who have any grievance may write to Pension Adalat immediately. 

Any grievance relating to delay in payment of pensionary benefits, corrections nedded in PPO, name of dependant other than the spouse not written on PPO for Family Pension etc. may be taken up in Pension Adalat.

Pensioners retired during 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018 may write to Pension Adalat regarding Non Payment of pensionary benefits due to merger of 5% IDA.

Please Click the following LINKS to view the letter and Proforma.

LETTER    PROFORMA

RTOWA Delhi NEWS:

Sh. S.S.Nanda, G/S & Sh. R.K.Mudgal, AGS discussed with Dir (Estt.) DOT about the status of 5% IDA neutralisation for the pensioners, retired before January- 2018. 

He told that there are some points which need to be clarified by the MTNL officers who have prepared the report of financial liability of DoT & MTNL on the subject.

Association Representatives then talked to GM (Fin.) corporate office and requested him to send DGM/CAO (FMS) to DoT to clarify the doubts of the concerned officers of DoT, dealing with the said case. 

GM (Fin.) agreed on the proposal of the association representatives. Association Representatives also talked to CAO (FMS) and briefed her about our discussions with Dir (Estt.) & GM (Fin). She said that in the next week she will be available for the meeting with DoT officers to clarify the things on the subject.

Association Representatives will help in arranging the meeting.

News from TEAM CHQ:

TEAM representatives Sh. S.P.S.Yadav, CS, Delhi, Sh. K.R.Yadav CP, Delhi and Sh. Ajay Kumar CFS under leadership of Sh. Rajeeb Kumar Acting GS  met with Sh. Khandelwal Joint Secy. Admin at DOT on 11.02.2019 at Sanchar Bhawan New Delhi.

The anger and distress of executives /employees of MTNL were communicated to him over non-payment of salary for the month of January-2019. We asked him what action DOT is taking at this need of hour for saving MTNL. He preciously described that the revival plan submitted by MTNL is in active consideration of DOT and after finalization it will be sent to Government for final decision.

As far as salary disbursement is concerned, he told that dues of DOT are being cleared by its concerned wing and sanction is likely to be cleared very shortly. Furthermore, he asked us that MTNL may ask Govt. for returning its money which was given to M/S ITI along with its interest and likewise the payment of dues from various Govt. Departments so that the expenditure of salary may be done until the revival plan is being sanctioned.

We have communicated him that executives/employees of MTNL will not sit tight and silent if DOT is not taking proper care of them as we have been recruited by DOT only and DOT cannot be just silent looker of this situation.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:                           

The monthly Executive Committee meeting of our Association was held on 07/02/2019.

President,GS and Jt. GS apprised the EC about their Delhi trip. 

Decided to support the employees whole heartedly in all their efforts regarding Salary payment.

Decided to continue the efforts to exert political pressures for revision of pension of MTNL and BSNL Pensioners.

Decided to participate in the Post Card Campaign launched by CBMPA all over India for Revision of pension.

Decided to vigorously pursue the issue of benefit of 5% IDA to pensioners retired before 01/01/2018.

BSNL NEWS:

The future of the families of 1.70 lakh BSNL employees is in dark - AUAB calls upon to organise “Rallies With Family Members” on 15-02-2019.

          The future of the families of the 1.70 lakh BSNL employees is in dark. The government wants to kill BSNL. It does not want BSNL to compete on equal footing with Reliance Jio. So, it does not want to allot 4G spectrum to BSNL. It does not want to allow BSNL to generate revenues from its vacant lands. It does not even want BSNL to get bank loans, while the private telecom companies, including Reliance Jio, are taking lakhs of crores of rupees as loans from government banks. It is doing everything to starve the families of the employees, by seeing to it that the employees do not get their salaries in the days to come. It wants to reduce the retirement age of the employees from 60 to 58. It is doing everything to create panic among the employees and thereby, compelling them to take VRS and go home. According to Modi government, Reliance Jio is the government company and not BSNL. The government is doing everything to promote Reliance Jio. The Indian Railways has dumped the Public Sector BSNL and has taken connections from Reliance Jio. What a shame? Who is behind this decision? We shall not allow this injustice. Come on comrades! Let us stand up and fight against the conspiracies of the government, aimed at finishing off BSNL. The people are the real owners of this great BSNL. They are our masters. Let us go to the people of this country and seek their support to save BSNL. It is the people who finally win. The AUAB has called upon the employees to organise “Rallies With Family Members”  on 15-02-2019. BSNLEU calls upon the circle and district unions to take all out steps to make the rallies a historic success. BSNLEU calls upon each and employee not to feel shy of bringing their families to the streets on 15-02-2019. 

 -P.Abhimanyu,GS BSNLEU.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Due to our meeting with GM (Fin) CO, GM (HR),  and Dir(Fin) and other officers during our stay at Delhi last week, orders have been issued for drawal of pay arrears, recalculation  of pensionary benefits to those retired from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018. 

Yesterday (08/02/19) RTOWA discussed this  issue with DGM (FC) and DGM (FMS) to find out when payment will be made and following information gathered.

    1.Funds for payment of salary arrears is required.

    2.Unless Salary arrears is drawn system will not generate revised LPC.

    3.Revised LPC and some modification is required to recalculate pensionary benefits.

 RTOWA is continuously pursuing these issues. 

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter.

CBMPA NEWS:

About 2000 Pensioners of BSNL and MTNL held a massive Rally at New Delhi today the 8th Feb 2019 under the banner of Committee Of BSNL & MTNL Pensioners Association (CBMPA) on the single issue of Pension Revision with 7th CPC Fitment Formula. All the constituents of CBMPA participated in the Rally. Our comrades from adjoining circles and NCR were present in great strength. 

The rally started from BSNL HQ/Khursheed lal Bhawan accompanied by strong contingent of Police Force.Roaring slogans were raised by the participants in favour of their just demand.

Rally was stopped at Jantar Mantar by police. Leaders of CBMPA and working Associations addressed the participants and apprised them of the latest developments and efforts of CBMPA on the issue.The contents of the memorandum were read out to the participants. Four representatives of CBMPA were escorted to Sanchar Bhawan by the police personnel. The Memorandum was submitted to Secretary Telecom through her OSD and PPS. The Memorandum was submitted by com M K Bagchi, Com S S Nanda, Com Prahlad Rai and Com Anupam kaul. Com M K Bagchi, Com S S Nanda, Com J. S. Dahiya,Com R k Mudgal, Com Prahlad Rai,Com Kishan Singh,Com R P Sharma,Com Sunil Kumar (MTNLEA),Com K R Yadav(TEAM),Com ArvindDahiya(SNEA),Com SukhvirSingh(MTNL M S), ComRaviKumar(AIBSNLEA) and others addressed the gathering.

Click Here to See Photos taken during the Rally.

News from United Forum Mumbai:

News from AI BSNL PWA  :-

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

In the meeting of CBMPA (Committee of BSNL and MTNL Pensioners' Association) held on 29/01/2019 the following two decisions were taken to exert pressure on Government for Revision of Pension of BSNL / MTNL Pensioners wef 01/01/2017 as per 7th CPC.

 1. Massive rally to Sanchar Bhavan at Delhi on 08/02/2019 and submission of memorandum addressed to PM.

 2. POST CARD COMPAIGN.

 All BSNL and MTNL Pensioners to send post card addressed to PM by 09/02/2019.

POST CARD CAMPAIGN:

All pensioners are requested to buy a Post Card, write the following text and post it to Prime Minister by 09/02/2019.

TEXT to write on Post card.

To:

Sh. Narendra Modiji,

Honourable Prime Minister of India,

Newdelhi.

Sir,

I joined Central Govt. service in DOT but retired from MTNL.

Revision of my Pension is due from 01-01-2017 after 10 years. Please arrange to revise my pension as per 7th CPC fitment formula.

(Sign)

Name ……………………………………..

( Pensioner MTNL Mumbai)

Date:-

Post card shall be addressed to:

Shri Narendra Modiji,

Prime Minister of India,

South Block,

New Delhi 110001.

Text in Hindi :-

आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्रीजी, 

*मै भारत सरकारके दूरसंचार विभागमे सरकारी सेवाकी शुरूवात की लेकीन एमटीएनएल से सेवानिवृत्त हूआ। मेरा पेन्शन 10 वर्षके बाद 01/01/2017 से रिविजन होनी है।               आपसे दरख्वास्त है की 7 वे वेतन आयोगके अनूसार मेरा पेन्शन 01/01/2017 से रिवाईज करनेके आदेश सम्भधीत विभाग को देनेकी कृपा करे।*  

आपका भवदिय ,

 हस्ताक्षर:-

 नाम-     

एमटीएनएल पेन्शनर्स- 

 दिनांक-

  01.02.2019

CBMPA meeting on 01/02/2019:

Com. P Gangadhara Rao, Convener conducted the meeting at 11-30am. Following members attended.

Coms. M.K. Bagchi , Anupamkaul ,  S.S. Nanda , M.K. Mudgal , T.K Jawahar , J.S. Yadav , S.M. Sawant and Kishor Haldankar. 

Decisions taken:-

1) Each Constituent should ensure that POST CARD campaign is done by every member.

2)  Delhi Comrades should conduct MASSIVE RALLY with maximum participation on 08/02/2019.

3). AIBSNLPWA should arrange to mobilize maximum number of members from near by Branches and make the RALLY program a grand success.

Strengthen the hands of CBMPA by conducting each and every program whole - heartedly to achieve our legitimate demand.

Meeting ended with vote of thanks.

--P Gangadhara Rao Convener, CBMPA.

Meeting with CMD:

Today we (K. Jawahar President, B.R.Pathak GS, J.S.Yadav Jt.GS and  Kishor Haldankar AGS of MPWA) met Sri. P.K.Purwar CMD at Corporate office Delhi. 

We congratulated him on his selection as CMD BSNL (the present CMD BSNL retires on 30/06/2019). We requested him to strive for merger of MTNL and BSNL in the interest of Nation, in the interest of Telecom Sector and in the interest of employees. 

We also requested him to issue orders immediately for drawal of pay arrears and recalculation of pensionary benefits of those retired from 01/01/2018 to 31/07/2018 with 5% addl. IDA benefit in revision of pay.  Orders are likely to be issued within a few days.

MEETING OF CBMPA HELD AT DELHI ON 29/01/2019

Committee of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners’ Associations met in a crucial meeting at Delhi today to review the status of our demand of Revision of Pension in BSNL and MTNL with Seventh CPC fitment and chalk out further courses of action thereto.

Com. Gangadhara Rao, Convenor presided over the meeting. The following members representing the various constituents have attended the meeting:

S/Shri Rajendra Prasad, Prahlad Rai, Kisan Singh, Anupam Kaul, M.K.Bagchi, S.S.Nanda, R.K.Mudgal, K.Jawahar, Badri Pathak, J.S.Yadav, Kishor Haldankar,and R.P.Sharma.

At the outset, Convenor thanked all members for attending this meeting with short notice. He recalled that the first meeting of CBMPA was held on 21/11/2018 in Delhi. Within this short intervening period there have been lots of developments and hectic persuasions at various levels. But still we have miles to go to reach the goal, thanks to the reluctant and negative attitudes of some important officers in DOT.

All members have taken active participation in the discussion. Among various opinions / observations expressed, one point has emerged as common and that is DOT is not alive to the assurance given by MOSC regarding delinking the Revision of Pension from Revision of Pay. It is clearly apparent that even the positive and proactive approach of DOP&PW is blunted by the inept handling of the issue by the concerned officers of DOT.

CBMPA has noted with satisfaction that AUAB and their agitation has highlighted the issue of pension revision among other matters and hoped that they would continue to do so in future.

The important decisions taken in the meeting are given below:

Decisions taken in the meeting of CBMPA held at Delhi on 29/1/2019.

1) Convenor and other members will approach the AUAB leaders and request them to strongly persuade with Additional Secretary (T) in the meeting to be held on 30/1/2019 for implementing the Policy Decision taken by MOSC to de-link pension revision from pay revision by resubmitting the file with a concrete and comprehensive proposal to DOP&PW.

2) Convenor has reiterated our earlier decision to contact important political personalities throughout India to take up with the Government of India regarding Pension Revision in BSNL/MTNL with Seventh CPC fitment.

3) Post Card campaign to Shri Narendra Modi, Honourable Prime Minister from 4/2/2019 to 9/2/2019 by every pensioner of BSNL and MTNL on the issue of revision of Govt. Pension in BSNL and MTNL.

4) A Massive Rally shall be organized at Delhi from BSNL Corporate Office to Sanchar Bhawan on 08/02/2019 (Friday) and submit Memorandum to MOSC/Secretary (T).

5) A suitably drafted letter should be addressed to Honourable Prime Minister highlighting the failure on the part of MOSC in dealing with the Pension Revision case as assured.

6) CBMPA expresses happiness to learn that DOT-BSNL Pensioners’ Association, Kerala has joined as Eighth constituent and has whole-heartedly welcomed this important development at this crucial juncture.

Convener and other members shall meet Secretary (T)/AST and present our case of Pension Revision with 7th CPC fitment and request DOT to send back the file to DOP&PW accordingly at the earliest.

--P.Gangadhara Rao, Convener.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

 Today We (K. Jawahar, B.R.Pathak, J.S.Yadav, K. P. Ravindrakumar,) and Sri. S.M.Sawant and Sri. Kishor Haldankar of MPWA, met  Sri.Narendra Dhaktode GM (Fin) and Sri. A.C. Kumar DGM (Pen) The delay in settlement of pensionary benefits was discussed. 

We brought to his notice about the delay of more than six months in payment of  Leave encashment, delay of about three months in starting pension / payment of gratuity, commutation and delay of more than six months in PPO. 

GM (Fin) agreed to our request  to prescribe  uniform procedure to be followed by all the Areas to place  demand to Corporate office for "Funds for Leave encashment" 

GM (Fin) assured that the delay if any on MTNL side will be pulled up. He also said modifications have been done for drawal of arrears of pension for the cases of  pay anamoly settled after 01/04/2014 but retirement before 01/04/2014.

We will meet CCA in the next week regarding delay on CCA side.

Please CLICK HERE to view the letter given to GM(F).

--RTOWA Mumbai. 

COMMITTEE OF BSNL/MTNL PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATIONS MET

DOP&PW OFFICIALS ON THE ISSUE OF PENSION REVISION OF BSNL & MTNL PENSIONERS.

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

Com. M K Bagchi, Com. Anupam Kaul and Com. S S Nanda,

the members of the Committee of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners' Associations

( CBMPA ) today met the top officers in Department of Pension & Pensioners’

Welfare and discussed about the issue of pension revision.

They were informed that DoT did not clarify the issues sought for earlier by

DoP & PW.  DoT should have sent a clear proposal for pension revision if

pension revision is delinked from pay revision.  But they have not sent that

kind of a proposal. 

So once again we have asked the DoT to send a concrete proposal.

Our representatives gained the impression that DoP&PW officers are very much

aware of the issue involved. Our representatives clarified certain doubts also. 

It is understood that if DoP&PW gets a proper proposal with due

justification from DoT it may be favourably considered by them and the views

of DoE also should be sought.

CBMPA will seriously pursue the matter.

--Gangadhara Rao, Convener, CBMPA.

Quarterly meeting of CGHS :

Shri. B.R. Pathak GS, and Sri. K. P. Ravindra Kumar AGS attended the meeting convened by Dy.Director CGHS at CGHS HQrs. Prathista Bhavan today.   

Apollo Hospital Belapur and Therna Hospital at Navi Mumbai are likely to be empanelled by CGHS. 

CGHS authorities agreed to write to MTNL requesting space in residential quarters of Borivali Exchange premises shortly and Inspection of premises for new wellness centre will be taken up shortly. 

CGHS authorities stated that generic medicines only will be supplied through local purchase as per agreement and it is not possible to supply branded medicines as there are many brands available in the market.

Empanelling of more number of super speciality hospitals was emphasised by Associations

--RTOWA Mumbai.

08.01.2019

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

Today the office bearers of RTOWA (S/Shri. B.R.Pathak, J.S.Yadav, K.P.Ravindrakumar and P. Subramaniam) and Sri. S.M. Sawant GS MPWA met GM (Fin) and requested him to pull up the delays in paymemt of retirement benefits.   A letter was also given to him. 

 Another letter regarding settlement of difference in pensionary benefits of those retired prior to 01/04/2014 was also given.  He called for a meeting next week for detailed discussions on the points raised in these letters.

CGHIS NEWS:

CGHIS (Contributory Group Health Insurance Scheme) Policy for Retired Employees has been issued vide MTNL CO's Circular dated 04/12/2018. This is applicable for a period two years from 01/10/2018. The following existing features continue for Hospital treatment.

 1.The Insurance cover is provided by United India Insurance Co.

 2. M/s Medsave continues to be TPA for MTNL Mumbai.

 3.The cover is Rs.1.5 lakh for pensioner and spouse on floater basis; if single the cover is for Rs.One lakh.

 4.On exhausting the above cover, additional cover of Rs. 1.5. lakhs/1 lakh is applicable under Corporate Floater. ED and Dir(HR) will approve the corporate floater.

 5.OPD Entitlement is reduced by Rs.6261 for two beneficiaries and Rs.3775 for single beneficiary....to meet 50% of Insurance Premium.

RTOWA MUMBAI NEWS:

 Shri. M. K. Bagchi Convenor UF Delhi / President RTOWA Delhi, Shri. J.S.Yadav Jt.GS, RTOWA Mumbai and  Office bearers of TEAM Delhi including Shri.A.K.Kaushik GS, met following DOT officers yesterday ( 03/01/2019 ) at  Sanchar Bhawan :-

Addl.Secretary ( T ), Member ( Services ), Jt. Secretary ( Admin ), Jt. Secretary ( PSU ) and DDG ( Estt.) separately at their respective cabins.

 After exchange of New Year’s pleasantries, the issues of pension revision, pending payment of 5% ( part ) DA neutralisation and Revival of MTNL were discussed.  

 As regards pension revision, it is gathered that DOT awaits response of DOP&PW regarding the note sent on delinking Pension Revision from Pay Revision for BSNL Pensioners. DOT will take a call on this matter only thereafter. (It is learnt that the Officer concerned at DO P&PW is on leave and the file is expected to move next week). 

 As regards the issue related to 5% DA

( Part ) neutralisation, it is gathered that MTNL will have to share the part of financial liability in this respect. but MTNL is yet to furnish informations called by DOT in this regard. 

 We conveyed the anguish and agony of the pensioners in this regard to all these officers. 

 Please see below the letter written by DoT to MTNL CO regarding 5%.  

 RTOWA Mumbai and Delhi are pursuing this issue.