Pension Revision Related Matter

Cat is out of the bag

One information secured under RTI is in circulation in social media. I contacted that person and got the following information:- Shri Amarnath Thakur of Kolkatta Telephones (VRS-2019 scheme retiree – retired on 31/1/2020 - and at the time of retirement, he worked as Senior GM (Admn) in Kolkatta Telephones) sought information about the file notings on implementation of PB, CAT order dated 20/9/2023 and the reply received from nodal departments.He told me that he heard all my audios about the pension revision issue and appreciated our clear approach. I asked him whether he is our member and he told that he is a member of SNPWA because one of his close friends asked him to join it.He also said that “I am following your line of approach” on the issue of pension revision. Though he got copy of the replies, from nodal departments to DoT, they did not supply the file notings of DoT. He said that he is going to appeal for the same tomorrow. The replies received from the nodal departments reveals the following facts:- DoT sought the opinion of nodal departments on 27/9/2023 (exactly one week after the PB, CAT order) On 17/10/2023 Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) replied that they have no role and it has to be decided by DoT and Department of Pension On 20/10/2023 Department of Legal Affairs stated “it seems to be a fit case for challenge. However, DoT may take decision in consultation with DoP&PW and DPE , being the nodal departments on the issue in hand. On 15/11/2023 DoP&PW in its reply quoted para 28 of PB, CAT order.It further stated “Since, the Hon’ble CAT has ordered for revision of pension and family pension strictly as per relevant rules, it is for DoT to take an administrative decision in the matter. DoP&PW has no further comments to offer”. On 4/1/2024 DoE replied “In this regard, the view taken by the Administrative Ministry for challenging the order 20/9/2023 of the CAT (PB), New Delhi appears to be appropriate.Accordingly, DoT is requested to defend the interest of UoI on behalf of Secretary (Expenditure).DoT is also requested to get the draft reply vetted by DPE, DoP&PW and DoE before filing W.P in the High Court of Delhi”.

So, the main culprit is DoT because they only decided to go for appeal.All the offiers in DoT and Hon MoC have misled all the associations. They lost the credibility before the pensioners community. DoE played its part against the interest of pensioners. The main nodal department i.e. Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, which is the authority on pension matters, has not suggested to challenge the order of PB, CAT. In my opinion, they have only understood the issue in its perspective. Even Department of Legal Affairs has thrown the ball only to DoT., DoE, without understanding the issue, has suggested to consult DPE.

We have given this input to our lawyer.

D Gopalakrishnan, CHQ President 21/5/2024