Our delegation met Ms. Shivani Maheshwari, Joint Director in the Department of Public Enterprises, today.
She informed that the order regarding IDA revision due from January 2026, which was issued on 27.02.2026, has already been circulated to all Ministries/Departments.
She further confirmed that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has contacted the Department of Public Enterprises regarding this issue. It was indicated that DoT is now required to endorse the order for implementation in respect of BSNL pensioners.

Today our delegation consisting of Com. V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary; Com. P. Gangadhara Rao, Vice President; and Com. R. S. N. Murthy, Vice President met Shri Ananda Kumar Jha, Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) under the Ministry of Cooperation, on 13.03.2026.
During the meeting, the delegation discussed the long-pending issue of non-settlement of dues to the members of the Government Telecom Employees Cooperative Society Chennai. The delegation pointed out that some members have expired, causing financial distress to their families, and requested the CRCS to issue appropriate directions to the society management for early settlement of the long-pending dues.
Shri Ananda Kumar Jha expressed the view that since the Government has no financial stake in the society, it cannot directly intervene in its affairs and the management of the society itself is the competent authority to take appropriate decisions in this regard. He also stated that as the Government has no stake in the society, the appointment of a Special Officer is not within the powers of the CRCS. General body of society is supreme to take decision required.

Our delegation consisting of Com. V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary; Com. P. Gangadhara Rao, Vice President; Com. R. S. N. Murthy, Vice President; and Com. J. S. Dahiya, Assistant General Secretary met Shri Sandeep Goud, Joint CGCA, New Delhi, on 12.03.2026.
The delegation discussed the issue relating to the Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA)  due from 01.01.2026, based on the Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).
Shri Sandeep Goud informed that though the DPE has notified the revised IDA rates, their implementation in respect of BSNL pensioners requires necessary orders from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). For this purpose, DoT is interacting with DPE to ascertain the modalities for implementation.
He further stated that the matter has to be examined by the Establishment and Finance Sections of DoT, since as per the DPE Office Memorandum, the extension and implementation of the orders, including the financial implications, rest with the concerned Administrative Ministry/Department.
After DoT issues the necessary orders, the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts will incorporate the enhanced IDA in   the pension of BSNL pensioners.

Our delegation consisting of Com. V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary; Com. P. Gangadhara Rao, Vice President; Com. R. S. N. Murthy, Vice President; and Com. J. S. Dahiya, Assistant General Secretary met Shiva Gopal Mishra at the All India Railwaymen's Federation office in New Delhi on 12-03-2026.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on important issues concerning pensioners, particularly:
• Terms of Reference (TOR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission
• Pension revision of BSNL absorbed pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2017 based on the 7th CPC fitment factor
Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra extended his support and facilitated Com. V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary, to participate in the Virtual Meeting of the Forum  of Civil Pensioners Associations (FCPA) held today. As President of FCPA, he enabled our GS to join the meeting along with him and present our concerns.
The participation in the FCPA virtual meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the issues of BSNL pensioners at the national level, particularly the long-pending demand for pension revision.

The delegation also met Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), Department of Telecommunications, and apprised him of the concerns of BSNL absorbed pensioners regarding the long pending issue of pension revision from 01.01.2017. He appreciated the concerns raised by the delegation.

Comrades V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary, along with Comrades P. Gangadhara Rao (Vice President), R. S. N. Murthy (Vice President), Anupam Kaur (Deputy General Secretary) and J. S. Dahiya (AGS) met Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom) at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi on 11-03-2026.

At the outset, the delegation welcomed Shri Amit Agrawal on assuming charge as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, and conveyed best wishes for his successful tenure.

During the meeting, the delegation discussed the long pending issue of revision of pension of BSNL absorbed pensioners with effect from 01.01.2017 based on the 7th Central Pay Commission fitment factor.

It was briefly explained that the DoT Note to Cabinet dated 25.09.2000 assured continuation of the Government pension scheme even after absorption in BSNL.

The delegation explained that the pension of BSNL absorbed employees is regulated under Rule 37-A of CCS (Pension) Rules and paid by the Government of India, though calculated based on the IDA pay drawn in BSNL.

It was also pointed out that BSNL absorbed pensioners are not covered under either Pay Revision Committees (PRC) or Central Pay Commissions (CPC) for pension revision, resulting in the present anomaly.

The delegation informed the Secretary (Telecom) that the Principal Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), New Delhi, in OA No.1329/2000, delivered its judgment in September 2023, directing the respondents to revise the pension of BSNL absorbees on par with Central Government pensioners.

It was also brought to his notice that the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, in WP(C) No.16360/2023, in its judgment dated 06.02.2026, observed that absorbed employees are required to be extended the pension applicable to a Central Government servant, and that their service and retirement are to be treated as retirement from Central Government service.

In view of these facts, the delegation requested the Secretary (Telecom) to take a positive decision on this long pending issue of pension revision with effect from 01.01.2017. The Association also expressed its willingness for constructive discussions with the Department to resolve the matter.

The Secretary (Telecom) stated that the matter is presently sub judice and informed that it would be examined after the High Court proceedings are finalized. He listened to the submissions made by the delegation.

letter to secretary telecom 0903.pdf
 

The 35th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) was chaired by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, on 10th March 2026. Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), briefed the members about various initiatives taken by the Government for bringing ease in the life of pensioners.
Senior officers including Shri Dhruba Jyoti Sen Gupta, Joint Secretary (DoPPW) and Ms. Roshni Sohni, Sr. DDG, Department of Telecommunications were present along with representatives from various Ministries/Departments.
SCOVA consists of 15 non-official members representing Pensioners’ Welfare Associations and official members from different Ministries/Departments of Government of India. It provides an institutional forum for Pensioners’ Associations to raise issues concerning pensioners directly before the concerned Ministries/Departments through constructive deliberations.
From AIBSNLPWA, the following representatives participated:
• Com. V. Vara Prasad – General Secretary
• Com. P. Gangadhara Rao – Vice President
• Com. R. S. N. Murty – Vice President
During the meeting, issues relating to CGHS, Railways, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, Civil Defence and Telecom were discussed. 

A meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of AIBSNLPWA was held virtually on 05 March 2026 from 17:00 hrs to 19:30 hrs. Thirty-four members attended the meeting. The General Secretary welcomed all and initiated the discussion, explaining the necessity of convening the meeting at short notice and pointing out the restriction imposed in the 8th CPC portal, where each submission of memorandum is limited to 200 words.  He requested the President to preside over the meeting and he would explain the salient features of the two draft documents (author of the documents) to be sent to 8^th CPC.

President explained salient features of the documents and also mentioned about the stipulations imposed by 8^th CPC restricting the memorandum within 200 words and that too only ‘online’.  By and large the CWC not only endorsed the documents but also expressed that the documents are well drafted and appreciated.

The CWC discussed and deliberated on the two documents already circulated, namely:

        •     BSNL Pension Revision Issue

        •    Pension Revision Issue for submission to the 8th Central Pay Commission

Some members suggested two modifications viz. “ instead of all absorbees” have served DoT for 25 years may be corrected as “most of the absorbees”;  Mention of ‘Minimum pension’ may be included.  These two suggestions were accepted (Minimum pension should be 60% of Minimum pay recommended by 8^th CPC).   

The Memorandum thus modified will be sent by GS online to 8^th CPC.  After a gap of a week other CWC members should send the same memorandum to 8^th CPC online.

Condolence Resolution

The CWC expressed its deep sorrow at the demise of Com. P. K. Gopala Pillai, former T3-NFPTE Circle Secretary and Circle President of AIBSNLPWA Kerala Circle, who passed away today (5/3/26) at Thiruvananthapuram. The house paid homage to the departed leader and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Visit to Delhi – SCOVA Meeting

The CWC noted that the General Secretary will shortly visit Delhi to attend the forthcoming SCOVA meeting. During this visit team led by GS will also meet the Secretary, Staff Side, NCJCM, and pursue inclusion of the BSNL pension revision issue in the Staff Side memorandum to the 8th CPC. Efforts will also be made to secure an opportunity for physical presentation before the 8th CPC, if such meetings are permitted.

MP Circle Issue

The CWC discussed the letter received from Com. S. P. Tripathi regarding the MP Circle organisational issue in which he suggested to divide MP circle into two circle units.

After discussion, the CWC decided that division of MP Circle into two units cannot be accepted, as it is unconstitutional and not in the organisational interest.

District Units should maintain the membership list and it is not practically possible for CHQ to verify the membership at District level.  CHQ can give the membership of each District based on CHQ quota only.  As per constitution, the Districts have to remit equal quota to both Circle and All India.  There can’t be any deviation on this.  It is not possible to go back from what has already been decided.  Before the next circle conference, the circle secretary has to circulate the membership of each district.  If there is difference in quota for circle and CHQ, the quota remitted to CHQ shall be taken provided the Districts remit the difference to circle without further delay.  The General Secretary, accompanied by Com. J. K. Tripathi -Bhubaneswar (CHQ Vice-President-), will interact with the district units and circle leadership in MP accordingly.

Financial Assistance Request – B D Sharma (HP Circle)

The CWC discussed the request from Com. B. D. Sharma, (Circle Secretary, Himachal Pradesh), seeking financial assistance in connection with the legal case relating to 78.2% IDA merger for retiral benefits pertaining to Commutation and Gratuity for retirees between 01-01-2007 and 09-06-2013.  Com B D Sharma, as an individual, along with 19 others filed the case before CAT, Chandigarh and this case, though went upto Supreme Court is still pending.  They have spent lot of money in this legal battle.  For carrying the legal battle further and to take it to its logical end he sought the financial assistance from CHQ.  Some CWC members expressed their opinion.  Ultimately it was decided that, this issue can be discussed in physical CWC to be held in Satara and decide.    

IDA Order – January 2026

The CWC noted that the IDA order issued by DPE for January 2026 has not yet been uploaded on the DPE website.  Further, the order states that extension of IDA to CPSE employees will hereafter be decided by the concerned administrative ministry considering financial implications.  Some members expressed their concern about this order, which may adversely affect employees and pensioners of BSNL/MTNL, since the decision would rest with DOT as the administrative ministry.

The matter will be discussed with DoT authorities by our CHQ during their visit to Delhi next week.   

Income Tax on Ex-Gratia paid to VRS Retirees.

The CWC discussed the issue of Income Tax on ex-gratia to VRS Retirees where different Income Tax authorities in different regions have issued varying orders in similar cases.

CHQ will write again to CBDT requesting uniform application of the law, since the subject matter of the petitions remain the same and the variation arises only in interpretation by different authorities.

Nomination of Legal Advisor 

The CWC unanimously nominated Com. A.Sukumaran, Chennai, as a Legal Advisor and Special Invitee to attend the meetings held by CHQ.

Concern on International Conflict

The CWC unanimously expressed its concern over the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.  Already thousands of people including the supreme leader of Iran and his family members were killed.  This war has already affected the entire Gulf countries.  Lakhs of Indians are employed in this region.  This war will have cascading effect on global economy including India.  Fuel including LPS gas price will increase in the immediate future.

The CWC felt that such conflicts threaten global peace and stability and cause suffering to innocent people. The CWC expressed the view that the United Nations should intervene and initiate dialogue among the concerned countries to bring an immediate halt to hostilities and restore peace in the interest of mankind.

The President summed up the decisions taken in the meeting. The General Secretary proposed the vote of thanks, and the meeting concluded.

The District Conference of AIBSNLPWA, Sasaram (Bihar) was held on 01-03-2026 at Sasaram. Sri Ram Govind Pandey was elected President, Sri L. B. Sahu as District Secretary, and Sri B. K. Sharma as Treasurer unanimously for the session 2026–2028.

The Special State Convention organized by the Forum of Civil Pensioners’ Associations (FCPA), Tamil Nadu, was held successfully at Chennai on 27th February 2026 with the participation of over one thousand pensioners from BSNL, Posts & RMS, Railways, Accounts & Audit, CPWD, Income Tax, Central Excise and State Government departments across Tamil Nadu.
The Convention was presided over by Com. D. Balasubramanian (AIFPA GS). Com. R. Rajasekar (FCPA Convenor) welcomed the gathering. Com. S. Sundarakrishnan  CS-Tamilnadu Circle ,proposed the resolutions. Com. D. Gopalakrishnan, President CHQ, AIBSNLPWA, explained the Supreme Court case relating to the Validation Act and informed that the matter is expected to be taken up on 10-03-2026.
The Convention demanded:
• Repeal of the Pension Verification Act, 2025
• Inclusion of Pension Revision in the Terms of Reference of the 8th Central Pay Commission
• Withdrawal of remarks terming non-contributory pensions as “unfunded liabilities”
• Immediate settlement of the long-pending BSNL pension revision issue
The Convention was addressed by
D. Ravikumar, MP (VCK),
T. K. S. Elangovan, Former MP (DMK),
A. Arumugam Nainar (CPI-M), and
G. R. Ravindranath (CPI),
who assured their full support to the demands raised.
The Convention concluded with a vote of thanks by Com. C. Olli. (CS-Chennai) 

Forum Of Civil Pensioners Associations Delhi State held an impressive Dharna at Jantar Mantar New Delhi today  28 February 2026 . Hundreds of Retirees from Delhi NCR attended the Dharna with great enthusiasm.  They were  addressed by the leaders of FCPA . Our comrades from Meerut ,Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad , Rohtak and adjoining areas were in attendance. Our Dy GS Anupam kaul also addressed the geathering.
Com J S Dahiya, Com Malik, Com kailash Gautam and Com Zile Singh also attended