ALL INDIA INSURANCE PENSIONERS ASSOCIATION
Circular No.06/2024.
To All affiliated Units.
25.05.2024.
Dear Comrades,
A delegation of the All India Insurance Pensioners'Association (AIIPA) consisting of its President Com. Satanjib Das, General Secretary Com. M. Kunhikrishnan, Joint Secretaries Coms. KKC Pillai and VSNalawade met Sri Anirban Sarkar, Executive Director (Personnel) on 24th May, 2024 at the LIC Central Office and held discussions on some important issues of theLIC pensioners. Shri. SS Vaidya,Assistant Secretary (ER-A) was also present. The gist of the discussion is as follows: :
The AIIPA expressed unhappiness over the manner the scheme of ex-gratia for pensioners and family pensioners was devised. We pointed out that if the scheme was in recognition of the contribution of its past employees for making LIC a world class organisation, there was no justification for excluding the majority of the pensioners below 70 years of age. The ED (P) pointed out that LIC scheme is better than the scheme titled SBI Salute for its pensioners. The AIIPA countered it saying that SBI Salute scheme was in addition to the monthly payment of ex-gratia to the bank employees. We demanded that LIC should reconsider to cover all the pensioners in ex-gratia scheme and also work out a scheme for monthly payment of ex-gratia without prejudice to our demand for pension updation. We also said that Officers who were placed in higher cadre should be paid ex-gratia applicable to the higher cadre. The ED (P) said that our feelings would be communicated to the Chairperson and our demands will be examined in due course.
The AIIPA impressed upon the need for updation of pension on the lines of Central Civil Services Rules. Since updation is agreed in principle in the RBI, there cannot be any justification for denying the same to LIC employees considering the financial strength of the Corporation. We also said LIC should not take plea that the matter is sub-judice since it is under adjudication in the Supreme Court and the Board of LIC can take a decision to extend this benefit. There was no commitment on this issue from the ED (P). The AIIPA will continue to pursue this demand both legally and organisationally.
The delegation informed ED(P) that AIIPA has been representing for cash medical allowance to the pensioners and it was assured by LIC that the matter would be examined. But no progress has been made so far. Pointing out to the steep hike in the cost of medicines and domiciliary treatment, we said the matter has gained urgency. We informed that in RBI a scheme for both hospitaliation treatment and domiciliary treatment along with cash medical allowance is existing. If the RBI can
study the RBI scheme to and examine what can be done in LIC. We also reminded ED (P) our discussions with MD and other officials on introducing a policy of preventive health check up and demanded positive decision on this issue.
The delegation reminded the ED(P) about our suggestions for increase in basic sum assured and bearing the cost of GST by the Corporation. We also suggested coverage of dental treatment, cost of hearing aids, other age related treatment expenses and full reimbursement of cost of robotic surgery. The ED(P) assured to consider positively the issue of reimbursement of robotic surgery and informed that LICI would take a composite approach towards health issues.
The delegation submitted that the increase in the ex-gratia provided by LICI to pre 1986 retirees was very nominal which brought no relief to the very senior pensioners whose numbers are minimal. We wanted the management to increase the ex-gratia substantially. The matter would be considered favourably, the ED(P) indicated.
The delegation submitted that this has been remaining as a long pending vexed issue crying for early redressal. The delegation pointed out that as far back as 23 years ago in September, 2001 LICI Board approved a proposal recommending to Central Government for full neutralisation in respect of DA for pre August 1997 pensioners.But unfortunately, the Government has been sitting over for more than two decades.We said it is the responsibility of LIC to secure approval of its Board decision.The delegation urged upon the management to take up the matter with the government afresh so that the board resolution of September, 2001 is fully implemented.
The ED(P) however, said that the matter was entangled in court cases and now rests in SC. He remained non-committalon this issue.
The delegation submitted that the Kerala High Court verdict dated 7th Feb, 2024 to grant benefits admissible to class I Officers who retired between 01.08.1992, the effective date and 18.07.1996 the date of issuance of notification, should be implemented by LICI.They were denied this benefit because of the reason that their retirement was during the interregnum. The Court held such denial not only discriminatory but also arbitrary and ruled that the benefits should be given to all similarly placed class I Officers. The ED(P) assured to look into the matter.
The delegation also discussed the issue of computation of pension on the basis of last pay drawn or 10 months' average salary whichever is beneficial to the retirees. We also demanded increased pension to those who are aged 80 and above, eligibility for full pension on completion of 20 years of service, extending video-call facility for submission of life certificate and help desk at Divisional Offices exclusively for pensioners.
The delegation also took up the cases of three retirees of Madurai division who have been denied all retiral benefits including gratuity and pension as their ST certificates were not cleared by the State level Scrutiny Committee. The delegation held such denial extremely unjust and unlawful. These retirees are struggling for sustenance, the delegation pointed out.The ED(P) assured to look into the matter.
The AIIPA has effectively placed its views on all the issues of importance relating to the pensioners. It will continue to pursue these issues without any let up.
With greetings,
Sd/-
General Secretary
No comments:
Post a Comment