VARISHTHA VAANI JANUARY 2026 EDITION -English and Hindi Version

Dear Colleagues,   
     The most awaited softcopies of next edition of VV (English and Hindi version both) are appended below. It contains Executive Committee meeting reporting / photos, as also photographs of our honourable members who have donated Rs.10,000/- and more at the crucial juncture when AIRIEF needed funds more to fight our case in the SC. Ofcourse, there are regular features and items also.    
     It is requested that the softcopy be posted in every Divisional groups for the benefit of our members.   The printed copies to the RIEAs and subscribers will be despatched in due course.        
     We have not received photos of all the donors. If any more photos are remained to be printed, please do send us before 15th February, 2026 so that the same can be printed in the next edition.
     Expecting your feed back for further improvement.    
   --- Chief Editor, VV  Dt. 07.01.2026.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8_xKKkzoDRHkooS7cg4zoDcU1mgpWVl/view?usp=sharing

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DNlXD6EUECIS8jhyZX1d4lehvQIecJ9H/view?usp=sharing

Regards,

P. B. Toke,

Chief Editor, Varishtha Vaani,

A/M-159, Sukhaliya, Indore-452.010

Mobile 98272.50688

Email : varishthavaani.indore@gmail.com.

Plz visit : https://airiefvision.wordpress.com/

 

PIB::Indian Army’s indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment safeguard the country’s sovereignty & integrity: Raksha Mantri on Army Day“Govt i

Indian Army's indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment safeguard the country's sovereignty & integrity: Raksha Mantri on Army Day"Govt i     https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2214790&RegID=3&LID=1

'Is Courtroom Jantar Mantar?' : Supreme Court 'Disturbed' By Commotion In Calcutta HC Preventing Hearing Of ED Plea

'Is Courtroom Jantar Mantar?' : Supreme Court 'Disturbed' By Commotion In Calcutta HC Preventing Hearing Of ED Plea

Click below:-

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-ed-ipac-raid-west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-court-concern-about-calcutta-high-court-commotion-jantar-mantar-519202

Enforcement Directorate vs. Mamata Banerjee

Here's a **comprehensive, up-to-date summary of the Supreme Court (SC) order / position in the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) vs. Mamata Banerjee matter (as of 15 January 2026) — a high-profile legal and political dispute related to ED's raid on I-PAC and allegations of obstruction:

www.ndtv.com

The Times of India

"Disturbed By What Happened In High Court": Supreme Court On Mamata Banerjee vs ED

I-Pac raids drama in SC: ED alleges CM barged in, accuses her of theft; Mamata calls it a 'blatant lie'

Today

🧑‍⚖️ Supreme Court's Key Orders / Directions

⚖️ 1. SC Has Issued Notice — Hearing in Progress

The Supreme Court has issued notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other state officials — including senior police officers — on the ED's petition alleging obstruction of the probe. The notice requires them to respond to the ED's allegations. �

The Times of India

⚖️ 2. Stay on FIRs by West Bengal Police

The court stayed all FIRs filed by the West Bengal Police against ED officers relating to the I-PAC raid. This effectively pauses police action against central agency officials until further SC orders. �

Republic World

⚖️ 3. Preservation Directions

SC directed that CCTV footage and other recordings from I-PAC premises and nearby areas be preserved while the matter is under examination. �

Republic World

🗓️ 4. Next Listed Hearing

The matter has been posted for further hearing on 3 February 2026. The court has ordered a counter-affidavit from the respondents (state and officials) within the prescribed timeline. �

Republic World

🔎 What the SC Is Considering

🧱 ED's Allegation

The Enforcement Directorate is arguing before the Supreme Court that:

During its raid on the political consultancy I-PAC and related premises in Kolkata (linked to a coal-pilferage/money-laundering investigation), there was interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including actions by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

ED claims the CM and state police took away evidence and demoralised central forces.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court this reflects a "shocking pattern" of interference by the state. �

The Times of India +1

👩‍⚖️ SC's Stance

The Supreme Court has described the allegations as a "very serious matter" and expressed concern — particularly about:

A chaotic situation in the Calcutta High Court hearing related to the same issue, which was marked by disruptions.

The potential conflict between a state government and a central probe agency, something the court said could lead to lawlessness if not resolved judicially. �

Live Law

🧩 Positions of Parties Before the SC

👮 ED's Position

ED has sought directions from the Supreme Court, including (among other things) a CBI inquiry into alleged obstruction.

The agency alleges state interference and improper removal of materials during its lawful search. �

Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news +1

👩 Mamata Banerjee / State Government

Mamata Banerjee denies ED's allegations, calling them "blatant lies" and politically motivated.

The state government filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, asking that no order be passed without hearing it. �

The Times of India

📌 Context from Calcutta High Court

Before going to the Supreme Court:

The Calcutta High Court disposed of a TMC plea seeking protective orders, after ED told the court it had not seized any data during the raids. �

Moneylife +1

🧠 What This Means

🟡 The Supreme Court has not yet finally decided the merits of the case — it has taken interim measures (like issuing notice and staying FIRs) while the dispute between a powerful federal investigative agency and a state government is further examined.

🟡 The next significant development will come at the February 3, 2026 hearing, unless the court issues interim orders before then.

ED v. Mamata Banerjee Over I-PAC Raid : Live Updates From Supreme Court Hearing

ED v. Mamata Banerjee Over I-PAC Raid : Live Updates From Supreme Court Hearing

Click below:-

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/ed-v-mamata-banerjee-over-i-pac-raid-live-updates-from-supreme-court-hearing-519119

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ONE-PAGE PRINTABLE SUMMARY

Below is a ONE-PAGE PRINTABLE SUMMARY of the

Composite Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees

(Designed to fit on a single A4 page)

COMPOSITE SALARY ACCOUNT PACKAGE

For Central Government Employees (India)

Launched by

Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance

in collaboration with Public Sector Banks (PSBs)

1. What is it?

The Composite Salary Account Package is a special salary banking package for Central Government employees.

It integrates salary account + insurance protection + card benefits into one comprehensive package.

2. Eligibility

✔ All regular Central Government employees

✔ Applicable to Group A, B & C

✔ Employees of Central Ministries, Departments, Attached & Subordinate Offices

✔ Existing salary accounts can be migrated to this package with consent

3. Key Benefits

A. Banking Benefits

Zero-balance salary account

Free NEFT / RTGS / UPI transactions

Free cheque book & standard banking facilities

Concessions on service charges and locker rent

Preferential interest rates & reduced processing fees on:

Home Loan

Vehicle Loan

Education Loan

Personal Loan

B. Insurance Benefits (coverage limits may vary by bank)

Personal Accident Insurance

Air Accident Insurance

Permanent Total / Partial Disability Cover

Term Life Insurance (base cover with optional enhancement)

Optional health insurance for self & family

Insurance benefits remain active as long as salary is regularly credited.

C. Debit / Credit Card Benefits

Enhanced debit card transaction limits

Credit card eligibility with relaxed norms

Reward points / cashback offers

Airport lounge access (as per card variant)

Nil or concessional card charges

4. How to Open the Account

Choose a Public Sector Bank (SBI, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank, Canara Bank, PNB, etc.)

Apply through:

Nearest bank branch, or

Bank's official website, or

Salary account drive at office

Submit documents:

Aadhaar, PAN

Address proof (if required)

Salary slip / Appointment letter

Photograph & KYC form

Ensure regular monthly salary credit to retain benefits

5. Important Notes

The package is optional, not mandatory

Benefits may vary slightly from bank to bank

If salary is not credited for 2–3 months, the account may convert to a normal savings account

On retirement/resignation, the account is converted into a regular savings account

6. Why it Matters

✔ One account for salary, banking & insurance

✔ Improved financial security at no extra cost

✔ Uniform salary account framework across PSBs

✔ Convenience, protection & preferential banking benefits

(End of One-Page Summary)

If you wish, I can also provide this as a PDF file or with a bank-wise comparison table.

PIB::Department of Financial Services launches Composite Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees in association with Public Sector BanksUnified salar

Department of Financial Services launches Composite Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees in association with Public Sector BanksUnified salary     https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2214692&RegID=3&LID=1

Circular No. P4/2026 Dated 14.01.2026

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BANKS STRIKE CALL STANDS

Vertual meeting between the users of the Medical Scheme, the TPAs and LIC,

Smt Rashmi Singh ji, 

Executive Director (Personnel)

LIC of India, Mumbai. 

Madam, 

              A well intended programme Organised through Vertual meeting between the users of the Medical Scheme, the TPAs and LIC, to minimise the complaints in settlement of Medical bills, failed to achieve its intended objective. The readons being --

1) Timing of meeting was changed from 11AM to 2.30 PM at short notice. Even though the timing was not maintained. It started late by 15  minutes. 

2) None was present in the meeting from TPAs side to receive the complaints from the pensioners and their resolutions. 

3) There were glitches during the meeting

,4) It was a one sided programme, LIC Official from Personell Deptt. Showing a power point write up on salient Features of existing Mediclaim Policy, which are known to users. 

5) As many as 248 pensioners attended it but all of them were highly disappointed, the way it was presented to them. 

           The whole idea and objective was laudable ,but to achieve the desired result, some  changes as suggested below are to be considered --

A)Such programmes  need to be organised at Zone level twice in a year ( May  & November) by the TPA not the LIC ,with the help of RM (eos) 

B) At Divisional Offices, the Manager (OS) must Organise Qly meetings between the TPA and the representatives of Employees and Pensioners to short out the grievances. The report of which should be sent to RM (eos). The RM( eos), after summarizing the reports from all the Divisions, to forward the same to Personell Deptt of Central Office for the necessary actions

C) An Officer, not from OS Deptt. , to be appointed as Grievance Redressal Officer at Zonal and Divisional Offices yo help the employees and Pensioners. 

          We hope suitable corrective actions will be taken to make the initiative purposeful. With regards

                              S. K. Awasthi

Genl. Secretary, Fed.Of Retd LIC Class I           Officers' Associations.

मकर संक्रांति की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं

Letter dated 13.01.2026 to Joint Secretary,Banking Operations

We are forwarding herewith the letter dated 13.1.2026 written to Joint Secretary, Banking operations by National Secretary Sri Girish Arya ji of BMS on 3 important issues of Pension Updation, exgratia amount review and Health Security.

Forum of Bank Pensioner Activists, Prayagraj 13.1.2026.

Click below 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gCLMLklIlMNfjIwqecvgd4cQbkzcLkgE/view?usp=drivesdk

BREAKING| Supreme Court Delivers Split Verdict On Validity Of S.17A Prevention Of Corruption Act Mandating Prior Sanction For Investigation

BREAKING| Supreme Court Delivers Split Verdict On Validity Of S.17A Prevention Of Corruption Act Mandating Prior Sanction For Investigation

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-delivers-split-verdict-on-validity-of-s17a-prevention-of-corruption-act-mandating-prior-sanction-before-investigation-518640