Cir No : 08/2017 Date : 20th March 2017 To All Divisional/Regional/State units of AIIPA Dear Comrades, AIIPA MEETS LIC OFFICIALS A Delegation of All India Insurance Pensioners' Association, consisting ofComs.M.L.Setiya.,President,K.Natarajan,Vice.President. and T.K.Chakraborty,General Secretary, met top officials, Shri Sharad Srivastva,E.D.[P], Smt.T.S.Hindoyar, Chief[Per] and Shri. M.C. Chaturvedi, Secretary [E.R.] of LIC @C.O. Mumbai, on March 17, 2017 in an effort to find solutions to the issues of LIC Pensioners. Though the Meeting lasted for about ninety minutes and there was fruitful interaction on certain aspects, the Management did not or shall we say, was hesitant to come forward with positive overtures on the issues represented. The Delegation could understand the predicament, given the approach and attitude of the Government on issues concerning LIC Pensioners . When the Organisation pointedly referred to the long past inclination, to get the issue clinched along with the wage revision then due, from August 2007, the response was muted and we were told the Government, at the present juncture, was not inclined to listen to any pleas concerning LIC Pensioners. The issue of Ex Gratia to Pre- 1986 retirees was raised that had no relevance to the process of litigation, the Management desired to know the number of beneficiaries and the estimated cost for increase sought. The Delegation told the Management that these Senior Citizens were getting much less than the Minimum Pension now prescribed under the Rules. The Organisation drew the attention of the Officials, on the demand for Uniform Rate of Family Pension @ 30%, prevalent in Central Government and RBI and demanded of LIC to initiate steps for grant of similar benefit to families of deceased LIC Pensioner's. AIIPA also demanded increase in minimum pension on par with Central Govt. The Management though did not commit to any position, agreed to look into cost and other aspects. LIC Management shared its anguish over the way certain issues especially fiscal issues were sought to be focussed in Delhi High Court case and we told that from our side the Organisation had only concentrated on legal points. It was our turn to tell the Management that we were also not happy how LIC's counsels tried to project a poor picture of the performance of LIC to defend its stand over non- grant of benefits to LIC Pensioners. The explanation forthcoming was that because certain financial issues had surfaced, they had to use these arguments to rebut the claim. On grant of full Pension for 20 years of service, the contention of LIC was two fold, that it may lead to attrition in general with employees leaving service for greener pastures and with professionally qualified employees opting to sever with additional benefit of notional service available to them. AIIPA demanded grant of full pension for less than 33 years of service in respect of Agents appointed as Development Officers, ex-servicemen, employees appointed on compassionate ground and special recruitment drive. The Organisation demanded to allow computation of Pension based on last drawn salary or average emoluments, whichever is beneficial, and the question posed was whether the proposition would work to advantage. When AIIPA demanded pension for those who have resigned from the services of LIC, based on Judgements of the Supreme Court, the officials informed that this issue was being referred to a Larger Bench, in view of conflicting judgements. AIIPA wanted the Management to consider improvements under Group Mediclaim Scheme in relation to increased Basic Sum Insured and or cent percent subsidy, another option to join the scheme, inclusion of dependant parents and parents in law etc AIIPA pointing out to the reduction in Premium in earlier years and the steep increase last year desired to keep it affordable. The officials informed that as of now, it might not be possible to consider any of these issues and that during midyear review some of these could be considered. The Management felt another option to join the scheme may lead to adverse selection with consequent increased premium later. However AIIPA insisted on one more option to join the scheme. On inclusion additional beneficiaries the opinion was that these will be of higher ages with Pensioners themselves being old and full premium for them may be a huge burden. On being told of the availability of these benefits in GIC, the response was it was their product and hence advancements were possible and as of now the premium rates quoted in GIC for their Pensioners was more than being charged to LIC. On the question of Premium Rates for the ensuing year we were told the claims experience seemed to be adverse but assured to negotiate with the Insurer. The demand for Monthly Cash Medical Allowance for all Pensioners was reiterated and the Delegation referred to the commitment of the previous Chairman.LIC Management said the demand meant additional payment to LIC Pensioners and this can be considered only with Government approval and at the present time Government was averse to any benefit for LIC Pensioners. AIIPA's suggestion for appointment of Nodal Officers for redressal of grievances of pensioners was accepted and agreed to be implemented at the earliest. AIIPA wanted LIC Pensioners' Portal to be more informative and wanted LIC to bring this to the knowledge of the pensioners. The process of dialogue with LIC has only created an opening with possibilities of continuity and attempts to clinch issues in days to come. AIIPA assures that it will strive its best to protect and further the interests of LIC Pensioners and take a similar lead in respect of GIC Pensioners too. With Greetings, Comradely Yours, (T.K.CHAKRABORTY) General Secretary