AIRIEF CIRCULAR

Friends, 

The way we have chosen to fulfill our expectations is the most difficult way, but it was the only alternative for us. All other doors were closed. At the outset we were in know that we had to go long. To get justice is not so simple, easy and economic, in our country, but we had no other go to resolve our problems.

Thanks to Mr. KML Asthana who dared to fight the battle as one man's army right from 1998. AIRIEF came to his rescue only after 2008 i.e. after General Council of Jabalpur but supported him full-fledged right from 2010-2011 when he became successful in getting favourable judgment from the Jaipur Court. Hon'ble Justice Bhandari's Judgment dt. 12.01.2010 was a wonderful judgment. Division Bench of Jaipur not only okayed the judgment but also provided an umbrella in support of it. L.I.C. then went for Appeal but could not succeed, and after that Chandigarh & Delhi High Courts also gave the judgments on the lines of the Jaipur Court specifying the Bhandari's Judgment. But it is said "success has got so many fathers, as well as critics." mean while many persons jumped in the game. A great confusion has been created in the minds of innocent & ignorant pensioners.

Friends, Justice Bhandari has admitted both the writs one for DA anomaly 1998 and Second writ for upgradation 2007. He had widely discussed 'Nakra' Case in his judgment but some very wise leaders are creating a great confusion on this. Whereas it is a clear cut judgment, all the petitioners who want to protect interest of pensioners should pray for implementation of the Jaipur judgment in S.C. in one voice. With folded hands I request all such persons to keep almost welfare of the pensioners, ignoring the mistakes if any by any person what so ever.  Come with shoulder to shoulder for the benefit of pensioners. Mudslinging will not help the pensioners.  It should be stopped immediately.  Any person who puts even a brick in the castle of pensioners' benefit will be welcomed but we cannot leave him who tries to harm the harmony of pensioners.

2. OUR CASE IN JAIPUR H.C. - We have filed two writ petitions in Jaipur H.C. in March 2014 only for mandamus implementation of the judgement given by Justice Bhandari on 12.01.2010. The only aim is to have a weapon in our hands for 12.08.2014 in Supreme Court, as the "stay" request of LIC was refused by S.C. on the implementation of the judgment. Writs came on 22.05.2014 but LIC advocates prayed for time and now the cases will be listed on 21st July ie. after summer vacations of court.

3. A RAY O F HOPE : We are confident that Jaipur H.C. can not give adverse order to its own judgement.  If the court given clear cut order for implementation of its own judgement LIC can not stand to protect the order in S.C. even. Though time constraint is there but definitely we may say we are sailing in the right direction. We know innocent pensioners who had never faced courts are frustrated and confused but always remember "Satya pareshan ho sakta hai parajit nahi."

Even a H.C. judge can get justice in long 13 years in our country, where we stand? All the pensioners are requested to keep patience. We are sailing near the beach. Main stream is far behind.  Keep the finger crossed. Good days are Ahead.

Here are reasons why the good days are ahead. 

(A) The judgement of five judges S.C. bench presided by chief Justice R.M.Lodha dismissed the curative petition of UOI spelling out in clear terms that full DR should be restored for Central Govt. employees retrospectively from 1.8.97 and also that pension 

revision should be effective from the date of every successive wage revision.
(B) It is learnt that Govt. has accorded in principle approved for updation of pension in RBI on following conditions : 

1) Pension upgradation once in 10 years
2) Pension to be computed on pay and grade pay
3) Revision of pay scales once in 10 years.
4) All perks to be rationalised.
5) Pension option to be reopened.

Immediately - RBREA leaders met ED RBI on 7.5.2014 who informed that upgradation will be effectively from 1.11.2012, on OROP, as in Govt. It is gathered that Governor was instrumented in breaking the ice on upgradation.

(C) All India Bank Retirees Federation has identified 3 major pension related resolutions in 10th wage settlement :-
1)Uniform D.A. to all pensioners
2) Improvement in family pension on Lines of RBI
3) Upgradation of Basic Pension.

United Forum of Bank Unions met IBA on 14.03.2014. It is learnt that IBA is ready to consider 1 & 2 on priority basis and also examine the third for past retirees keeping in mind the cost factors. Friends, now the conclusion is yours. LIC need not worry for cost. The only worry is that some of our pensioners are still advocating for DR Anomaly only. They may confuse the Apex Court and our case may be delayed. We should be cautious about such persons. Their negative and pessimistic views are spoiling the cordial atmosphere prevailing amongst the pensioners fraternity.  Personal criticism and nasty comment on persons in the front line expecting good for pensioners and sincerely sacrificing their health and wealth should be stopped immediately :"Freedom is well good till it does not hurt the others freedom."

4) POLITICAL EFFORTS : We are receiving calls from all corners for approaching political  leaders. We are already on job and approaching Present Govt. We welcome the efforts made by some of our pensioners and leaders who have approached the political leaders of their area.
Our V.P. R.B. Kishore has also written Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley. We are seeking time to meet them and put our grievance that were left unsolved by UPA-2 Govt.