Minutes of the 22nd meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held on 19.2.2013 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of State (PP) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi
The list of participants is at Appendix – I.
2.
At the outset Secretary (P&PW) welcomed Hon’ble MOS(PP),
representatives of Pensioners Associations and the participating
officers of various Ministries/Departments. He mentioned that SCOVA has
been successful in achieving the objective for which it was started in
1986. Secretary (P&PW) added that the serving officers should be
considerate to the pensioners as they will also join the ranks of
pensioners after retirement. He praised the contributions made by the
Pensioners as officers during their tenure in the Government and also
applauded for their present contributions as Senior Citizens. Referring
to the issue of revision of PPOs, he mentioned that a lot of work had
been done. However, still a lot remained to be done. Efforts were on to
make the procedures simple and uncomplicated.
3.
Welcoming the participants, Hon’ble MOS (PP) stated that as promised
last time, the SCOVA meeting was being held for the second time in a
year. He mentioned that Department of P&PW is coordinating with
several other Ministries/Departments to redress the grievances. The
pensioner’s portal is very user friendly. CGHS still remains a
contentious issue. He also referred to the problem of Ministry of
Defence where pensioners data was available manually. He urged them to
switch over to the computerised system of data maintenance and
calculating pension to overcome the problem of delay in
sanction/revision of pension.
4. Thereafter, the Action Taken Report (ATR) of 21st SCOVA meeting and Agenda items of 22nd SCOVA meeting were taken up for discussion.
5. Action Taken Report (ATR) on the points raised in the 21″ meeting of SCOVA.
i) SL No. 1 and 19 of ATR or para 5:
Issue of revised PPO for Pre-2006 retirees and also to communicate the amount of pension as well as Family Pension to be revised consequent to the 6th Central Pay Commission to Pre 1.1.2006 pensioners.
a) CPAO, Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts were told to complete the work by 31
st March, 2013.
b)
Department of Telecommunication informed that they had not received the
latest update on revision of PPOs from BSNL and therefore the data was
not up to date. The Hon’ble MOS (PP) desired that the representative who
attended the meeting should be able to give the requisite information.
The representative of the Department of Telecom agreed to comply with
the same.
c) Ministry of Defence informed that 6 Lakh PPOs had
been revised. Efforts were on to adhere to the deadline of 30.09.2013.
However, slippages could not be ruled out in view of the fresh revision
of pension mandated by the Cabinet decision of 24.9.2012. Some of the
Associations desired that outside agencies should be involved. They also
desired that the Pension Regulation should be revised in tune with
changes recommended by 6
th CPC and accepted by Government.
The revision of PPOs pre-1990 should also be completed by 30.09.2013.
Secretary (Pension) also pointed out that there were number of
grievances of PCDA Allahabad in this regard and asked organization of
CGDA to specifically look into this.
d) Some Associations pointed out the long delay in the revision of PPOs after 6
th CPC
should be taken up urgently and requested MOS (PP) to intervene at his
level to get the work completed without further delay. For this purpose
they proposed that additional staff and honorarium may be considered.
(
Action :CPAO, All Ministries, DOP&PW, Desk-E)
ii) SI. No. 6, 7 and 8 of ATR of Para 5:
(a) Revision of ex-gratia amount to CPF/SRPF retirees.
(b) Uniform rates of DR &
(d) Ex- gratia to those who voluntarily retired after 20 years of service in respect of pre-1986 CPF/ SRPF retirees.
(e) Ex-gratia should not be less than minimum pension and the same should be effective from 01/01/06.
As
regards (a), (b) and (e) the status was explained in the meeting. As
regards (d) it was informed that the opinion of Railway Board is under
examination in consultation with Department of Expenditure. Medical
invalidation cases were asked to be looked into again in view of court
Judgement.
(
Action ; Ministry of Railways and DOP&PW, Desk-E)
iii) SI. No. 13 and 16 of ATR of Para 5:
(13) – The Orders of Ministry of Health reiterating that all the pensioners are at liberty to opt themselves with any of the nearest CGHS hospital/ dispensary may be widely circulated. Arbitrary orders dated 01/08/1996 and
01/09/1996 issued by Ministry of Health and Director of CGHS may be
withdrawn and the benefit of CGHS facilities be allowed to the
pensioners of Department of Post and Department of Telecom as specially
provided in the order of the Department of Personnel and Pension.
(16)-(i) The existing Pensioners of Department of Posts and Telecom covered by P& T Dispensaries are neither considered for treatment of hospitalization facilities nor for Fixed Medical Allowance & (ii)Pensioners falling within the limit of P& T Dispensaries /CGHS Hospitals may be allowed to opt for P&T Dispensaries or drawl of FMA.
Ministry
of Health informed that the matter regarding withdrawal of OMs dated
1.8.1996 and 1.9.1996 (which provide that the P&T pensioners not
participating in CGHS while in service may not be extended this
facility) is subjudice. Regarding merger of 19 P&T dispensaries in
12 cities with CGHS, representatives of Ministry of Health and Ministry
of Finance informed that the matter is at advanced stage of
consideration and a decision is expected shortly. Department of Posts
need to pursue it vigorously.
The Ministry of Health informed that
the proposal for opening of new dispensaries at
Mohali/Panchkula/Chandigarh could not be agreed to due to severe
resource crunch with CGHS. Ministry of Health was requested to agree to
at least opening of a new dispensary at Panchkula as the Chandigarh
dispensary is over burdened with 23500 beneficiaries. MOS (PP) mentioned
that he would take up the matter with Minister of Health and Family
Welfare.
On the question of computerization of CGHS dispensary at Jammu, Ministry of Health informed that the same would be done.
(Action: Ministry of Health & FW,
Department of Posts, Department of Telecom,
DoP&PW, Desk-D)
iv) SL No. 17 of ATR of Para 5:
Inclusion of Representatives of AIRRF and SCOVA in Railway Hospital Advisory Committees.
Ministry
of Railways informed that the Members/representatives in Hospital
Advisory Committee are appointed by Chief Personnel Officers of each
Zonal Railway with the approval of General Manager of the respective
Railway as a welfare measure. In view of the position explained by
Ministry of Railways the matter has been treated as closed.
v) Si. No. 23(11) of ATR of Para 5
Fixed Medical Allowance.
(ii): to pensioner residing beyond 2.5 kms from dispensary.
The
position regarding entitlement of FMA to non-railway civil pensioners
was explained in the last meeting. It was explained that those residing
within the jurisdiction of CGHS dispensary were not entitled to FMA.
Hence the item was closed.
vi) SL No. 26 of ATR of Para 5:
Anomaly in fixation of pension to DoT employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired between 1.10.2000 and 31.7.2001
Department
of Telecommunication informed that the order were issued on 27.9.2011
to the effect that the absorbees in BSNL are also entitled for minimum
of pension at not less than 50% of the minimum of the pay in the scale
of pay held by them at the time of retirement. However, the DOT is still
getting representations from BSNL retirees on
this subject. The matter is under examination with DoT. It was decided that DoT will take final decision in the matter by 31
st March,
2013.
(Action : pepartment of Telecommunication)
vii) Sl. No. 28 of ATR of Para 5:
Payment of pension to postal retirees through banks.
Department
of Post has finalized and issued a scheme for Payment of Pension to
postal retirees through Banks. Hence, the task has been completed. In
view of the position explained by Department of Posts the matter has
been treated as closed.
viii) 6.1 of Para 6
Time bound grievance redressal & real time dissemination of information are the two main ingredients of this novel venture for the welfare of pensioners
In view of the position explained by the various ministries the item has been dropped.
ix) 6.2 of Para 6 Dissemination of information in real time:
MOS
(PP) reiterated that the DR orders of this department should be
immediately implemented by all the Ministries. Department of Pension
stated that most of the ministries/departments were adhering to the DR
orders issued by this Department and, therefore, the item may be treated
as closed. One of the Associations, however, informed that in case of
Karimnagar (AP) Post Office, the same is not being followed. Department
of Posts was asked to find out the same.
x) 6.3 of Para 6 Simplification of submission of Life Certificate.
The
orders relating to submission of life certificate to any branch of a
bank authorized for transacting government business has since been
issued by the CPAO and hence the matter has been treated as closed.
xi) 6.5 of Para 6 Nomination facility for Family Pensioners drawing Life Time Arrears:
The
Department of Legal Affairs has examined the provisions contained in
this department OM dated 30.10.1995 and stated that the stand taken vide
that OM appears to be in accordance with the intention of the makers of
the extant
rules and are legally in order. Hence the nomination
facility for family pensioners’ drawing life time arrears has not been
agreed to.
xii) 6.7 of Para 6
Medical Insurance coverage to Pensioners.
Ministry
of Health informed that the matter would be processed further after
finalization of the 12 Five Year Plan which is in its final stages. In
view of this the item may be treated as closed.
xiii) 6.8 of Para 6
a) Grievances Committees at the Additional Director (CGHS) Level at Delhi.
b) A similar grievance committee at national level may also be constituted.
Instructions have been issued to all Additional Directors of CGHS
cities/zones
to fix a time slot of 11.00 AM to 01.00 PM on every Wednesday for
hearing and redressal of grievances of CGHS beneficiaries including
pensioners.
There is no need to constitute a separate Grievance
Committee at National level. In view of this the item may be treated as
closed.
c) Central Government Health Scheme: Issues at Wellness Centers Bangalore.
d) CGHS Dispensary/ Wellness Centre at Jammu.
e) Opening of three more CGHS Dispensaries, one at Mohali, second at Panchkula and “one more at Chandigarh.
Ministry of Health & FW intimated that there is severe resource crunch and
hence
several places including areas in Delhi were not covered. However, the
Hontle MOS (PP) assured that he will take up with Minister of Health the
issue of
opening of CGHS dispensary at Panchkula. Representative
of Ministry of Health also intimated that computerization of these
dispensary will be done in a phased manner.
(Action : Ministry of Health & FW, DOP&PW, Desk-D
xiv) 6.12 & 6.13 of Para 6:
6.12:
i) RELHS facilities to dependent parents ;
ii) On 24th February, 2010 during the budget speech Minister for Railways have stated about Railways Outpatient Department (OPD) and Diagnostic centres.
iii) Separate nominated days for Pensioners/family pensioners for specialist consultation in Rly hospital.
iv) Inclusion of representatives of identified Associations & SCOVA members in Rly Hospital grievance committees.
v) Smart Card Facility for RELHS beneficiaries
vi) RELHS to be open ended scheme
vii) Streamlining of functioning of Railway Hospitals
6.13-Welfare Measure for Railway Pensioners:
(ii) Provision of office accommodation to Pensioner Associations.
iv) Allow dependents in Widow passes :
v) Provision of passes to family pensioners other than the widow
The
concerned federation had discussed the issues with the Ministry of
Railways before attending the SCOVA meeting. In view of this the item
has been treated as closed.
FRESH AGENDA ITEMS FOR 22ND SCOVA MEETING.
6. Same fitment benefit to Pre-2006 pensioners as recommended and implemented in respect of serving employees by the VI CPC.
Parity between Past and Future Pensioners.
Stepping
up of Pension and Family Pension to 50% and 30% respectively. Extension
of new benefits granted to the past pensioner. The implementation of
orders dated 01.09.2008 read with the orders dated 14.10.08 is not
correct for fixation of pension.
All
these issues were part of the agenda of the National Anomaly Committee
and hence it was felt that we should await the decision of National
Anomaly Committee. The associations were informed that w.r.t. stepping
up of pension & Family Pension, the Cabinet vide its decision dated
24.9.2012 has already granted the same to pre 2006 pensioners. In view
of the above the item was treated as closed.
7. Disposal of disciplinary cases against the Retired Officials:
DoP&T
informed that reforms were being implemented to ensure expeditious
conclusion of disciplinary/vigilance proceedings against government
servants. Though decisions on a few recommendations contained in Hota
Committee report have been taken, some recommendations are still under
the consideration of Committee of Secretaries. Hon’ble MOS (PP) said the
issue had been taken up by him on priority for both serving employees
and pensioners. In view of the position explained the matter may be
treated as closed.
8. Prompt response to grievance letters Central Secretariat Manual of office procedure Para 66 &
67 page 39
Prompt response to letters received: Para 66 CSMOP reads:
Since most of the ministries/departments were complying with the orders of the CS MOP the item was closed.
9. Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL Pensioners:
DoT informed that the decision to merge 68.8% IDA with pension was in
line
with the decision taken for revision of pay in respect of serving
employees of BSNL. They informed that if at any stage the benefit of
merger of 78.2% IDA with pay of serving employees is given, this benefit
would also be extended to
absorbee pensioners of BSNL. DoT informed that the matter is under
examination in that Department.
(Action: Department of Telecommunication. DoP&PW, Desk-D)
10. Delay in appointment on COMPASSIONATE ground:
In view of the position explained by the Department of Personnel & Training, the item was closed.
11. Extension of life CGHS membership to P&T Pensioners:
Ministry
of Health informed that extension of CGHS benefit to P&T pensioners
on payment of subscription on yearly basis was allowed on the basis
of
a court decision. It would not be possible for them to extend the
benefit of life membership to such P&T pensioners. Ministry of
Health also mentioned that the
problem will be
solved to a large extent after the merger of 19 dispensaries in 12
cities with CGHS. Hence the matter was treated as closed.
(Action: D/o Posts),
12. Nomination for reimbursement in CGHS:
The Ministry of Health informed that nomination for reimbursement in
CGHS
would not be advisable as it would create legal complications. Ministry
of Health was asked to reexamine the issue in consultation with
Ministry of Law.
(Action: Mb o Health & FW)
13. Extension of duty hours of CGHS Dispensaries:
The working hours of CGHS has been extended in Delhi/NCR in order to
ensure optimum utilization of scarce manpower resources of CGHS and also to improve the functioning of CGHS.
(Action: Mb o Health & FW1
14. CGHS Plastic Smart Cards:
The
work has been assigned to NICSI and they are in the process of issuing
orders to private agencies for making plastic cards in other cities
after
following due tender process. In view of the position explained above, the item was closed.
15. CGHS sites on the net
Ministry
of Health informed that the website of CGHS is being updated from time
to time. It was pointed out that the link of CGHS website available on
pensioners portal is an older version. DOP&PW was asked to give link
with the updated version of CGHS site.
(Action: DOP&PW, Desk-A)
16. Defence Civilian Pensioners :
The associations raised the issue of CSD canteen facility to defence civilian
pensioners.
Secretary (Pension) desired that the issue being specific to the
Ministry of Defence, they should look into the matter. The SCOVA is not
the correct forum to address these issues. In view of this the item was
closed.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
