Committee of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners’ Associations

H.No. 6, G No. 12th Street, Jogupalya, Halasuru, Bangalore 560008

MEMORANDUM

No.CBMPA/ Pen-Rev/2018-19 Dated at New Delhi, the Feb 4, 2019

To Shri Narendra Modiji, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Government of India

South BlockNew Delhi -110001

Subject :-Pension Revision for BSNL/MTNL pensioners ( combined service ) from 1/1/2017 on the basis of seventh CPC fitment factor

Hon’ble Sir,

At the outset, we beg apology for encroaching upon your valuable time meant for most important issues of national interest. But we are constrained to approach you, sir, as head of the establishment and sympathetic towards pensioners/senior citizens, as we don’t have any other option left.

We represent the erstwhile DOT employees who were absorbed in BSNL and MTNL on their formation and since retired from the service of BSNL/MTNL and entitled to Government pension (combined service) under Rule 37 A of CCS Pension Rules, 1972, as amended from time.

Our pension is derived on the basis of last pay drawn on our IDA Pay Scales as per Rule 33 of the said rule.Though the chairman of seventh CPC Justice A.K.Mathur was very considerate during the oral evidence and he even told that there is a prima-facie in the demand.But it could not be incorporated in the recommendations because DoT delayed its reply to seventh CPC for 8 months on this demand (December 14 to August 15).

The third PRC (for that matter no PRC) did not have ‘pension revision’ in terms of reference.Though DoT tried its best to include, DPE refused to agree based on policy decision.Thus our pension has not yet been revised whereas more than 60 lakhs Govt. Pensioners got pension revision w.e.f. 1/1/2016.

We got pension revision in 2007 and after 10 years we are asking for revision.We have taken up this matter with DOT. The senior officers of DOT are of the opinion that unless pay revision takes place in BSNL/MTNL, pension revision is not possible. The pay revision is not being done in BSNL/MTNL due to restrictions imposed by the affordability Clause of 3rd PRC recommendations as accepted and notified by the Govt. of India.

100% liability of paying pension/family pension lies with GoI and BSNL/MTNL do not have any role in this matter.Therefore, we have pleaded to delink the issue of pension revision from pay revision. Hon’ble Minister of State ( C ),I/C was kind enough to assure that this matter will be sorted out in consultation with DOP&PW.

But assurance of Hon’ble MOSC was made futile by the DOT officials by sending an inappropriate, half-baked proposal to DOP&PW. We call the DOT’s reference to DOP&PW on this matter as inappropriate because, DOT’s proposal is made deliberately short of compliance with the requirements of DOP&PW. DOP&PW has clearly stated that let DOT state how do they carry out pension revision after delinking from pay revision so that DOP&PW can examine the proposal in its entirety. DOT refuses to do so and sticks to its earlier position that pension revision is possible only after pay revision. Thus the assurance of Hon’ble MOSC has been made frustrated without even consulting DOP&PW appropriately and effectively.

Hon’ble Sir,

Our humble submission in this respect is as follows :-

1) The pension (combined service) of BSNL/MTNL pensioners are paid by DOT (CCA) from central civil estimates. This is governed by CCS Pension Rules, 1972. The pension contributions calculated on IDA Pay Scales have already been paid to DOT. This is not subjected to the “loss & profit” situation of BSNL/MTNL. Thus the pension revision cannot be affected directly or indirectly by the restrictions of “affordability clause.”

2) The BSNL/MTNL pensioners (combined service) are presently getting all pensionary benefits as per seventh CPC recommendations, accepted and notified by Govt. of India. Only pension revision is left to be done.

Hon’ble sir,

Thus you may kindly see that even the assurance of Hon’ble MOSC has been made futile, Therefore, having no other option left, we appeal to you, sir for your kind intervention in this matter and ensure that this lot of senior citizens get due justice by way of ensuring the revision of their pension.

With thanks & regards

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(P.Gangadhara Rao

Convenor / CBMPA

Copy to :

1. Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Minister of State ( C ) I/C
2. Smt ArunaSundararajan, Secretary (T), Ministry of Communication.