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Monday, November 11, 2013




Dear Editor,

I have been observing that comments are continuing in the Chronicle, in the matter of pensioners problems. One has attributed motives to my action. Time has come for me to avoid any response to such comments but before doing so, I consider it necessary to explain for the last time the rationale behind our actions and policies so that discerning pensioners may understand the same. I do not make sweet promises and give hopes on impossibilities to lure the pensioners. I do not believe in sending flash messages that often turned to be incorrect. 

 To repeat my contention in nutshell:
  • (1) the disparity in pension as between earlier and later retirees should end or at least minimised, and revision is certainly vital to keep pressing for 
  • (2) we cannot be sure that the court alone can lead us towards this goal, and we need to take multiple routes to achieve it 
  • (3) final interpretation of what has been given by Jaipur HC has to come from the Apex Court and it might involve pretty long time 
  • (4) contempt routes have been futile for three years 
  • (5) pensioners are dying one by one and old pensioners warrant sympathy of uniform dearness relief at their fag end 
  • (6) whatever efforts that are on the way must continue unabated but as an interim measure or as the first step the dearness issue must be settled forthwith as a gesture to old retirees who are hit on multiple counts and pathetic amount of pension 
  • (7) uniform DR is pressed for to bring about parity for all pensioners as a class to maintaining the equality of the constitutional guarantee 
  • (8) The hike in basic pension in pace with in-service employees is a different issue as in (1) above, and that should not stand in the way of dearness relief. 

We chose to file WP on only one issue at the moment which we pursue. This is independent of the battle of the twin issues through two WPs filed by others. Let all of us pursue our contentions the way we feel right and appropriate. There is no clash at all.

Let me say “No further comment on the conflicting interpretations of the Board resolution or the Court verdicts” as the Apex Court itself is seized of the matter. Success or otherwise will depend on how tenable the grounds are in the eyes of the court. Statement such as ... and GNS is to sabotage the court efforts is unethical as we all represent organizations working for common cause. Is it an attempt to find a scapegoat in me for what is going to come out?   


Best Wishes, GN Sridharan
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