Perspective of the problems faced by LIC pensioners in general?
GNS: As we all know, retirees are slighted on three counts: discrimination in DR pattern, triviality of ex-gratia to pre-1986 retirees and ghastly distortion owing to the stagnated pension. Prudence dictates that the first two issues, being comparatively simple in nature, are sorted out immediately as the affected pensioners are fast dwindling in number. The third one, undoubtedly of complex order, demands a totally different approach and multiple routes to reach solution.
The issue of DR anomaly will have to be set right one day or the other, sooner or later, in the backdrop of LIC management itself having recognised its justness and a few judicial pronouncements on such a disparity being already out. Adoption of differing basis for DR and creating class within class with unjustified and artificial cut-off dates is clearly unconstitutional. On the other hand, the issue that relates to revision, I am firmly of the view, is pretty difficult to achieve, though the justification for revision and breaking the stagnation is more than justified.
In my opinion, the legal case by itself will not yield the much sought-after revision which view of mine may however be contrary to the 'great’ expectation of a section of retirees.The real problem arises by clubbing both the simple problem and the complex issue together for solution in one go. Nothing has fructified in years. We are not able to pluck even the low hanging fruits. All do not have hundred years to live. Should not people get some benefits in their lifetime? Most of the affected retirees are in the age group of 75-85. Is it not prudent to clinch easier ones immediately and devise a strategy to achieve the complex one in time to come. The pre-86 retirees are drawing pittance as ex-gratia. They have nothing to do with the court cases, but then are also deprived of benevolent consideration. They are all of 80 or 85+. I am sad about it. Why does it happen?
Above all, as we are anxiously engaged on pension and significantly on pension only, but other considerations that are very material to our health and very survival, such as liberalized medical scheme, domiciliary treatment facility, cashless hospitalization and the like, and also social considerations such as escalated pensions to higher age groups have all been unfortunately relegated to the background. The younger groups among pensioners should dispassionately think about it.
(To be continued)
