* CHRONICLE - PENSIONERS CONVERGE HERE, DISCUSS ISSUES OF THEIR CHOICE * CHRONICLE - WHERE EVEN THE CHAT COLUMN PRODUCES GREAT DISCUSSIONS * CHRONICLE - WHERE THE MUSIC IS RISING IN CRESCENDO !

               
                                   

Thursday, March 28, 2013

SHRI ANGURAJAN'S REPORT ON DISCUSSION WITH LIC MANAGEMENT




 At the outset I must thank our AIRIEF President & General Secretary for deputing me for the discussions with our LIC Chairman and his team, along with our  leaders like  S/Sri G.T. Parikh, Prem Srivastava and J.K. Karulkar.  I send herewith gist of the proceedings. Click on 'Read more' below for details of discussion with LIC OF INDIA.


Initiating the discussion, I congratulated  Chairman and his team for giving  this opportunity to meet them and ventilate some of the pending pensioners’ issues.
Our team explained the rationale and logic of the issues.  We thanked the Chairman and Board members for granting Rs.12000/6000 PA to ex-gratia pre-86  retirees/spouses of the deceased towards Cash Medical assistance.  We informed that we had demanded Rs.3400 to 5600 PM. This amount of Rs.1000 pm. is not at all sufficient for purchasing medicine at this advanced age.  More over, the spouse of the deceased should also have been Rs.1000/- pm. at par with the Ex-gratia retirees since the spouse should not be discriminated.  For this amount, Chairman informed that they got permission with much difficulty from Govt. of India.

Creation of Pensioners Welfare Fund - We informed, Banks have created this Fund much earlier and last year GOI has enhanced the ceiling to Rs 100cr. for SBI and Rs 25 cr. 2o cr. 15 cr. with some criteria in Feb 2012,subject to 3% of net profit  for public sector banks. In this connection, we informed the Chairman that SBI has declared Dividend of Rs1750cr. LIC has contributed a substantial Dividend of Rs.1570 cr. to Govt. LIC is engaged in doing lot of corporate social responsibility, social and national welfare work. We, therefore, pleaded that LIC can oblige Pensioners to meet unforeseen medical expenses to which Chairman replied  LIC always respected the Elders but such Fund cannot be created.
Pensioners Portal - Chairman gladly agreed to the same. It is believed, portal will serve several purposes and will be helpful to Office, pensioners and pensioner organizations.

Formation of Consultative Committee - Chairman informed that LIC Management is ready to meet elders any time with prior appointment.  But we insisted that as LIC is having such Committees at all levels including Agents, pensioners also strongly feel the desirability of such orderly meetings. We have to pursue this matter in our next meeting.
Nodal Officers - Chairman said that it is there already.  The OS Managers at all levels are Nodal Officers.
Family Pension as per RBI pattern - Chairman said, no RBI pattern.
For eligibility condition for full pension - the service period is 20 years instead of 33 years of service.
RBI relaxation - Chairman said this involves legal problems. Legal aspects may be studied.
Arriving Basic pension (calculation) - instead of 10 month average pay, the last drawn pay may be considered. But this involves Pension Regulation and also legal points.

Pension Pass Book - They  appeared to be in readiness to accept this suggestion. 
First day of the month as Date of Birth for retirement and consequential 1 month salary etc. - It appears, this will be confined to that pensioner litigant only and no circular is being issued.
Class I Officers retired from 1-8-92 to 31 -3-93 - As per recent Sri MC Jain case where LIC appeal was dismissed by Jaipur HC Bench, basic pension has to be revised upwards.  Copy of judgment handed over for their taking a positive decision.  We were told they will study the matter.
Group Term Assurance - Chairman said it is not necessary for pensioners.  More so, as the cost may be very high. We will take up this matter in the next meeting. 
Enhanced Gratuity of Rs10 lac wef 1.1.06 - Chairman said, it is as per Govt. Notification.
We pleaded that the number may not be large, Chairman may please consider as a Special Case. Corporation can be a model to other Public sectors and LIC can relook into the matter. Chairman replied whatever power is vested with him he can exercise, and beyond that he cannot do anything. We have to pursue this matter in the next meeting.  
Advance against high cost treatment may be extended to pensioners also & Special  Medical Ex-gratia Fund  from LIC Golden Jubilee Fund, as LIC Chairman’s Relief Fund is dispensed with -We have to take up this matter in the next meeting.
Joint S/B account in Bank and problems arising therefrom, uniform order may be issued. - The matter will be looked into.
Inviting pensioners to Independence Day, Republic Day, LIC Anniversary, and Oct 1st Elders day & such other depending on pensioners requests. Many Divisions are doing. - The matter will be looked into.
Deduction of Group Medi-claim premium from Pension.  Some Divisions are deducting lump sum, some from 3 months pension, many from 6 month pension and in some Zones/Divisions, no such practice, so compelling pensioners to pay in full before 31 March.  Chairman may be pleased to issue a uniform order. - Chairman said we will implement it soon.
Nomination facility to regular pensioners the old forms are being used, new forms may be devised and sent to Divisions. - Chairman said OK.

Cashless Service, Number of Hospitals may be increased. Immediately Secretary P/ER informed that lot of Hospitals are available and list made available.
Pensioners List with address. - Pensioners Portal will take care and efforts are taken to introduce and operate soon.
LIC Care Home to Elders which has earned good name but extension very low, no ambitious target, CSR towards Elders/Pensioners in view of dynamic changes in societal norms and  Sr. Citizens Homes being not up to the mark, such initiatives will be laudable and  a boon to pensioners. -  No positive reply. 
Central Office Circulars pertaining  to pensioners -  will be  posted to Web site or E mail ID.

B. ANGURAJAN, All India Organising Secretary – AIRIEF, Cell No: 9443381571.