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Dear Comrades,

As per the call of CBMPA, the Nationwide DHARNA organised on 20-05-2026 emerged as a resounding success across the country despite severe heat conditions. This magnificent response vindicates the deep resentment prevailing among BSNL/MTNL pensioners against the inordinate delay in release of increased IDA due from 01-01-2026.

Heartiest congratulations and militant greetings to all participating members, leaders, district units and constituent organisations of CBMPA who transformed the call into a determined and united action.

Our united struggle has already yielded results. The first phase of agitation through demonstrations held on 16-04-2026 demanding withdrawal of Para 5 achieved success. DPE subsequently issued the April 2026 IDA order without the controversial Para 5 and published the same on its website. This established that linking payment of IDA to the financial status of PSUs was unjustified and unacceptable.

CBMPA consistently maintained that IDA is not a concession but a rightful compensation against increase in the cost of living and has to be released periodically under the established mechanism followed for decades. Any attempt to attach extraneous conditions was unwarranted and misleading.

In the name of complying with the affordability clause contained in Para 5 of the January order, DoT sought inputs regarding the financial position of BSNL/MTNL and other PSUs under its control. The companies reportedly informed that adequate internal resources were available to meet the liability, including arrears. Subsequently, further procedural requirements were sought. The delay in the process and pace of decision-making is strikingly alarming and disturbing.

Meanwhile, implementation of April 2026 IDA has moved forward and internal action has been initiated for payment through pension authorities. Pensioners have started receiving arrears relating to April and May 2026 along with pension, reflecting a combined increase of 5.1% (3.5% from January and 1.6% from April).

However, the issue of release of increased IDA due from 01-01-2026 still remains unresolved and arrears for January to March continue to be pending. We must remain vigilant and prepared at every stage to safeguard pensioners’ rights.

Once again, greetings and congratulations to all leaders of CBMPA, AIBSNLPWA and members who demonstrated unity, determination and collective strength.

Long Live Pensioners’ Unity!
CBMPA Zindabad!

V. Vara Prasad
General Secretary
AIBSNLPWA

Our Pension Revision case came up for hearing before the High Court of Delhi today. Arguments on behalf of our side have been concluded.

The matter is listed tomorrow for rejoinder arguments by the Government side.

The Hon’ble Bench appears inclined to conclude the hearing and reserve the matter for judgment thereafter.

Let us await further developments after tomorrow’s proceedings.

W.P.(C) No. 1057/2025 filed by various Central Government pensioners’ organisations challenging the constitutional validity of the Validation Act relating to pension and retiral benefits was listed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 19 May 2026. The matter was not taken up for hearing and is likely to be listed next on 25 AUGUST 2026.