Record of Discussion (RoD) of the meeting held on 17.10.2022 with representatives of Pensioners’ Associations under the chairmanship of Member (S), DCC, DoT.
A meeting was held on 17.10.2022 at 4 PM under the chairmanship of Member (S), DCC, DoT with the representatives of Pensioners’ Associations of BSNL and MTNL to discuss the issues regarding revision of pension of BSNL/MTNL absorbed employees w.e.f. 01.01.2017.
Following were present:
Official side:
Dr. Mahesh Shukla, Member (S), DCC, DoT
Ms. Roshni Sohni, DDG(Estt.), DoT
Sh.Sunil Verma,JS(A),DoT
Sh. Rajiv Kandpal, DDG(Finance), DoT
Sh.Rajiv Kumar,DDG(Accounts),DoT
Group Captain Atul Pokhriyal,Director (Accounts-1),DoT
Association side:
From Association side 35 Representative of various Associations were present (List enclosed).
At the outset, Member (S) welcomed all the participants and greeted the best wishes of auspicious festivity to all. DDG (Estt.) briefed about the relevant pension rules and the proposal prepared by the Department for revision of pension of pre-2007 retirees, pre and post 2017 retirees on the basis of notional pay as per 3rd PRC (After merging IDA with LPD without any fitment factor). Observations of DoPPW on the proposal were also shared with associations and it was duly explained that combined service pensioners are not eligible for pension revision as per 7th CPC.
Associations explained the need for revision of the pay scales of Non-Executives also by BSNL/MTNL as per 3rd PRC. It was informed by associations that the dialogue with BSNL with regard to revision of pay scales of non executives is in final stages.
The official side explained that for paying pension on notional basis amendment in pension rule 37(15) A is required to be made by nodal Ministry.Also, pension contribution as per 3rd PRC scales need to be paid by BSNL/MTNL.
The official side also gave presentation on how the pensioners will benefit with zero percent fitment while the associations pointed out that only officers on lower side of pay scales get some benefit whereas majority of the officers who are on, or near top of the scales do not get any benefit.
The official side also informed that various court judgements have ruled that the officers having opted and taken benefits of IDA , can not claim CDA benefits . It was pointed out by associations that some court case are still going on.
All the representatives were given opportunity to express their views.
Representatives of all the associations thanked Member (S) for the initiative taken by DoT for revision of pension which is their long pending request. However, they conveyed their disagreement of pension revision without any fitment factor. They insisted that they are the pensioners of DoT and their pension is being paid by the Government. They further stated that their pension should be revised as per 7th CPC w.e.f. 01.01.2017 with fitment factor 2.515 and some of the associations requested that 15% fitment factor in IDA pay scale is one of the option for revision. Six associations have handed over their memorandum containing their demands.
Member (S) intimated the representatives that the DoT is making efforts in consultation with DoPPW and DoE to address the pension revision issue of BSNL/MTNL absorbed employees and final decision on the issue shall be taken once the consultation process is over.
The meeting ended with thanks to chair.
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