Our Central Working Committee discussed the pros and cons of demanding pension revision with CPC formula and PRC formula. Then, CWC constituted a committee to study the matter in depth.In the next CWC meeting, the committee’s report was discussed in detail. Again, the matter was considered by last AIC.After all these, we took a conscious decision to demand our Pension Revision with fitment benefits suggested by seventh Central Pay Commission.We want a permanent solution.We can not approach the Cabinet every time with memoranda and wait for Cabinet’s decision. We have been making all efforts to achieve our goal. Still, some comrades are confused. Suddenly some of them started alleging that our CHQ is inactive. A kind of propaganda started in Whatsapp. so I explained the position as under:
First three CPCs did not recommend any Pension Revision. Why? Govt. did not include Pension Revision in their Terms of Reference. Then came the Nakara Case judgement in 1982. Govt. included Pension Revision as an item in Terms of Reference of fourth CPC. It is a practice now. It is Govt decision. It is always a political decision.
Government never asked PRC to consider Pension Revision. Why? There are 243 Central Public Sector Establishments in India. Pension is available only in 168 PSEs. In 75 PSEs there is no Pension system. 167 PSEs out of 168 pay pension from their own funds to their ex employees.
Only in BSNL, pension is paid by Government. BSNL is in a unique position. So decision about BSNL pension should be unique.BSNL has no role in our Pension revision. BSNL can decided pay revision, with permission of Govt. Once Pay revision is decided, the staff unions will not continue their agitation for us. It is quite natural.
Then we have to agitate for pension revision. It is our battle; Our own battle. We want a permanent decision for periodic pension revision in BSNL. It should be independent of wage revision in BSNL. It should be delinked from financial position of BSNL. We are struggling for that. Some people may feel it is impossible.
BUT, WE HAVE SHOWN THAT IMPOSSIBLE CAN BE MADE POSSIBLE.
We shall continue our efforts with clear understanding of the situation prevailing. No controversy in it. No doubt in it. I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL WIN. …..