Pensioners Portal Orders - Action Taken Report (ATR) on the minutes of the
22nd meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA)
F. No. 42/6/2013-P&PW(G)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
3rd
Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan
Market, New Delhi - 110003
Date:
12th September, 2013
OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
Subject: Action
Taken Report (ATR) on the minutes of the 22nd meeting of Standing Committee of
Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA).
Please
find enclosed herewith a copy of Action Taken Report (ATR) on the decisions of
the 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held
on 19th February, 2013 in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS(PP)
for kind perusal.
sd/-
(
Sujasha Choudhury )
Deputy
Secretary (P)
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare)
ACTION
TAKEN REPORT ON THE DECISIONS OF THE 22nd MEETING OF STANDING
COMMITTEE
OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES (SCOVA) HELD ON 19.02.2013
Sl. No.
Issue raised in 22nd SCOVA meeting as per
minutes
Decision taken in the 22nd SCOVA meeting
Follow up Action
1.
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 31st March, 2013. d) Some
Associations pointed out the long delay in the revision of PPOs after 6th 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.
(i) D/oP&PW & CPAO:- >
All the Ministries have been requested to issue revised authority for all
pensioners, all the pensioners/family Pensioners afresh. Secondly, with a
view to reconciling the pension payment records, it had been decided to
monitor the Pre-2006 cases only on the basis of e-scrolls made available by
the banks. The CPAO is in the process of reconciling the data with the banks
and Ministries/Departments. The progress is being monitored in this
Department. To strengthen the monitoring at the level of the Secretary of the
administrative Min/Deptt, this item has been made a part of the Monthly d.o
to the Cabinet Secretary. >
Several meetings were arranged CPAO at the level of Controller by the
Accounts, Addl. CGA, CC(P), CPAO General of with the CCAs/CAs of
Ministries/Departments to discuss the problems and to plan strategies to
complete the targets within stipulated time. Letters were also written at the
level of CGA to AGs and Administrators of Union Territories. >
Pension of all the live pensioners of pre- 2006 and pre-1990 have already
been revised as reported by banks. >
As on 08.08.2013, 71,334 cases(34,733 pre-1990 and 36,601 pre-2006), of Civil
Ministries/Deptts, are pending for revision. Approximately, 82% work of Civil
Ministries/ Departments has been completed.
Ministries
/Deptts
Pre-1990
Pre-2006
Total
CivilMinistries/Deptts
34,733
36,601
71,334
> The major reason for non-revision of remaining cases by
Ministries/Departments are re-organisation of various Departments/PAOs and
non-availability of records of the pensioners in CPAO, Ministries/Departments
and Banks. The efforts were also made through advertisements to approach to
the pensioners but poor response from pensioners/family pensioners has also
become the reason of this slow progress as their pension has already been
revised by the banks. (ii) Ministry of Railways:-
Current Status
Period
Total no.
of pension cases
No. Of PPOs
issued by the A/cs Department
Pre 2006
10,93,772
5,87,035
Action Plan:
• Due to non-availability of complete information required for revisions
(viz, updated address, date of birth of beneficiaries spouse new a/c no. etc)
with the Pension Sanctioning Authority, Railways could not revise the PPOs
suo¬moto. Accordingly, the Railways published advertisements in news
papers/TV etc. to call for requisite details through application form.
• Assistance of RBI was also availed to issue instructions to the Banks to
place notices in Banks premises requesting Railway pensioners to fill up
application forms and send the same to Railways.
• Revised PPOs have been issued in respect of application forms received from
the pensioners.
• However, all these efforts did not help in getting applications from all
the pensioners/family pensioners. Therefore, PPOs could not be revised in
remaining cases.
• The position was reviewed in May/2013, and it was decided that to issue the
PPOs suo-moto by collecting the requisite gap information/details form Banks.
• Railways had been given a target of 30.09.2013 for completion of this work.
(iii) Department of Posts :-
Out of the 2,12,995 identified cases of pre- 2006 pensioners/family
pensioners, 1,55,957 PPOs have been revised and issued upto31.07.2013, thus
73.22% works stands completed. All the Heads of the Circles/ Postal Accounts
Officers have been requested to complete the balance work at the earliest.
The work regarding revision of Pension and PPOs of Post-2006 Pensioners
has been completed almost cent percent
Total
Pensioners
PPOs
revised
PPOs
pending forrevision
Percentage
2,12,995
1,55,957
57,038
73.22%
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 Hontle 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.
(b) Department of Telecommunications
Status of pension, revision of pre-2006 as on 30.08.2013 is :-
Total No of
Pre-2006 pensioners
PPOs
revised
PPOs yet to
be revised
94,635
40,637
53,998
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 6th 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, (Action, : CPAO, All Ministries, D/oP&PW)
(c) M/o Defence (D/O Ex-Servicemen Welfare):- Corrigendum PPOs
could not be issued by the concerned Pension Sanctioning Authorities(PSAs)
for want of computerised data. There was some mismatch in data available with
the PSAs and with the current pensions PDAs. Accordingly, a Task Force was
created during one of the meetings held on 09.05.2013 comprising reps of SBI,
PNB(large pension disbursing banks) and CGDA to sort out the matter. It has
been reported that the records in respect of Post-2006 pensioners have since
been computerised and database exists for 4.5 lac pensioners (approx.).
Digital records of 5.88 lac pensioners have also been created in respect of
pre-2006 pensioners under Project SANGAM so far. It has been proposed to
create print file of approx. 1 lac cases every month for the next 4-5 months
commencing August, 2013. It has been assured that digitisation of pensioners
both pre-2006 and post- 2006 pensioners would be finalised for approx 15.5
lac pensioners by December,2013. >
No specific grievances have been pointed out. However, it is submitted that
CGDA has prepared pension guide for the benefit of pensioners as well as the
Pension Disbursing Agencies/ Head of Offices/ Record Offices apart from
developing a computerised pension enquiry project (SUVIGYA). It is online
pension enquiry system which enables the ex- service men to know their
entitlements of pension at the click of a button after giving certain basic
inputs. There is a Public Grievance Officers (PGO) in the 0/0 PCDA(P),
Allahabad for redressal of pensioners grievances. A cell also exists there to
attend to the grievances relating to pension. Another mechanism developed in
the Office of PCDA(P), Allahabad is to lodge the pension related complaints
online through the official website of through e-mail. Defence (Civilians) :-
Comments still awaited.
2.
ii)
Sl. No 6, 7 and 8 of ATR of Para 5:
(a) Revision of ex-gratia amount to CPFISRPF 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
01.01.2006.
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 Dio Expenditure.
Medical invalidation cases were asked to be looked into again in view of
court judgement. (Action:M/o Railways & D/OP&PW)
D/o
P&PW & Ministry of Railways :,
(a) & (d):- Necessary instructions have been issued by D/oP&PW &
Mb o Railways. (e):- Further increase in ex-gratia has not been acceded to
while making a decision in (a) & (d).
3.
Sl.
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.
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.
M/o
Health and Family Welfare:-
(13) The matter is sub-judice.
D/o Telecommunications:-
DOT is not providing any medical facility to Pensioners. Ministry of Health
and FW issues CGHS Card directly to the pensioners on payment of requisite
fees. CS(MA) Rules, medical facilities under CGHS is a subject matter of
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. As per M/oH&FW OM No.
S-11011/46/95-CGSD-II/CGHS(P) dated 01.08.96 P&T Pensioners who were not
participating in CGHS while in service are not eligible for CGHS facility
after retirement.
D/o Posts & M/o Health & FW:- >-
Regarding merger of P&T dispensaries with CGHS :-
Recently, CGHS has taken over 19 P&T dispensaries in 12 cities w.e.f 01st
August, 2013 vide M/oH&FW's notification dated 09.07.2013 circulated by
Department of Posts vide circular No.2-3/2009- Medical dated.18.07.2013.
Accordingly, P&T pensioners residing in these cities may join CGHS to
avail its facilities including inpatient medical treatment/ hospitalisation
etc The issue stands settled. (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. 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 23,500 beneficiaries. MOS (PP) mentioned that he would
take up the matter with Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
Issue regarding opening of new dispensary at Panchkula :-
D/o P&PW :-
Issue was taken up by the Hon'ble Minister of State (PP) level with the
Minister of Health & FW vide D.O. letter dated 26.02.2013.
M/o Health and Family Welfare:-
Due to the financial and logistic constraints it is not possible to open a
new dispensary at Panchkula. The Ministry has mooted a proposal for opening
at least one dispensary each in the capital city of States which do not have
the presence of CGHS as yet. On the question of computerization of CGHS
dispensary at Jammu, Ministry of Health informed that the same would be done.
(Action : M/o Health & FW, Department of Posts, Department of Telecom,
Dlo P&PW) The matter is under process regarding computerisation of CGHS
dispensary at Jammu.
4.
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/depa rtment s 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. (Action : Department of Posts)
Department
of Posts:-
D/o Posts vide dt. 11.10.2012 has issued instructions for payment of DR to
pensioners on the basis of OM issued by Department of Pensions and Pensioners
Welfare, and without waiting for the separate circular, the same instructions
were again reiterated vide dt 25.06.2013.
5.
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.
D/oP&PW:-
The matter has been again examined in consultation with the % Legal Affairs.
It has been decided that since family pension is granted only for the
sustenance of the family of the deceased Govt. servant/pensioner it is not
legally correct to consider the same as property of the family pensioner and
therefore to facilitate nomination for the same. At the same time,
instructions have been issued to allow payment of lifetime arrears up to Rs.
2,50,00 without succession certificate when no member in the family is
eligible for family pension. In view of the foregoing, it is proposed that
the item may be dropped.
6.
6.8
of Para 6 c)
Central Govt Health Scheme: Issues at Wellness Centres 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 Hon'ble 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
computerisation of these dispensary will be done in a phased manner.
(Action: Ministry of Health & FW, D/oP&PW)
D/o
P&PW:-
Issue regarding opening of new dispensary at Panchkula was again taken up by
the Hon'ble Minister of State (PP) level with Minister of Health & FWvide
D.O. letter dated 26.02.2013.
M/o Health & Family Welfare:-
Due to the financial and logistic constraints it is not possible to open more
dispensaries.
7.
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 re-examine the
issue in consultation with Ministry of Law.
(Action: M/o Health & FW)
D/o
P&PW :-
Ministry of Health & FW informed that it would be administratively
difficult to monitor nomination on a regular basis as the facility for change
of nomination at any time would also have to be provided. However, in our
letter dated 30.07.2013, Ministry of Health was informed that seeking
affidavits/NOC etc. on stamp paper from the legal heirs/family members may
cause avoidable inconvenience to them. The feasibility of reimbursing the
hospitalization expenses in respect of the deceased employee/pensioner to the
nominee for the purpose of GPF,gratuity, CGEGIS, etc. could, therefore, be
examined. Ministry of is again requested to re-consider the matter and to
inform the decision taken in this regard.
M/o Health &. Family Welfare :-
In the light of the observations of D/oP&PW, the issue is being
re-examined.
8.
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: M/o Health & FW)
M/o
Health &. Family Welfare:-
The working hours of CGHS dispensaries have since been revised to 8.00AM to
3.00 PM with a 30 minutes lunch break from 1.00 to 1.30. It has been made applicable
across the country at all CGHS locations.
9.
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&PWwas asked to give link with the updated version of CGHS site.
(Action: NIC)
NIC:-
Link of current website of CGHSis available.
10.
S1.
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 31st March, 2013.
(Action : Department of Telecom)
D/o
P&'PW :-
The decision in the matter is to be taken by DOT. DOT has been requested on
14.03.2013, 18.07.2013 & 13.08.2013 seeking information regarding the
decision taken by them in the matter.
D/o Telecommunications:-
The proposal for rectification of anomaly in pension of BSNL employees
retired within ten months of their absorption in BSNL w.e.f. 01.10.2000 was
earlier considered and agreed by Department of Pension and Pensioners'
Welfare. But, Department of Expenditure did not agree to the same. However, a
fresh proposal for calculation of pension to such absorbees on notional basis
is under examination in the Department.
11.
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: D/o Telecom, D/oP&PW]
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