Dear Editor,
Information
has trickled down as to how the arguments went during the hearing in SC
which would be continued in the next sitting.
Two points emerged during
the proceedings :-
- The Judge asked Asthana's counsel ' whether your pension rules have a clear mention of pension upgradation (Mark the word CLEAR MENTION)
- Counsel for GOI said that the cost of upgradation of pension would be 9700 crores.
Arguments on the above points is likely to continue on 8 APRIL when the bench assembles again I
have this to submit at the cost of repetition as already this would
have been taken note and this may be brought into our argument :-
1.The
pension scheme contain a residual provision that matters relating to
pension and other benefits in respect of which no express provision has
been made in the pension rules shall be governed by corresponding
provision contained in the central government services ( Pension rules)
1972 or the Central services ( Commutation of pension rules) 1981
applicable to Central government employees. There was no updation of
pension in the Central GOVT EMPLOYEES PENSION RULES 1972.IT WAS ON THE
RECOMMENDATION OF 5 TH AND 6 TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION and the
representation of the employees Union GOI decided to revise pension
twice wef 1-1-1996 and 1-1-2006.Not a single revision of pension so far
has taken place in LIC for those who have already retired.
2.LIC
being an autonomous body governed by Board of Directors PENSION
UPDATION was discussed in their Board meeting in the presence of GOI
Nominee and after thorough discussion about the cost factor passed an
unanimous resolution without dissent for updating pension by giving a
weight age of 11.25 % and in the meeting it was announced that the cost
was ACTUARIALLY VALUED TO BE 6 TO 8 CRORES PER ANNUM.. The figure of
9700 crores for such updation quoted by the GOI counsel is borne out of
his own imagination and has no validity.
GOI counsel is trying to confuse and influence the learned judges .
R.K.VISWANATHAN