The write-up chosen by you under "Editor's Choice" reflects the aspirations and thinking of many pensioners.The majority of us are 70 plus and we know well that when different forces act on a body, the resultant determines the direction of movement. To bring organisations with different
perceptions to a position of talking to each other to find out the common denominator, requires enormous effort and Mr. M. Srinivasa Murthy needs to be appreciated for undertaking this task. When myself and other friends met him informally we knew well that he would receive brickbats also for his initiative. I am sure bouquets would come at a later stage. I agree with Mr. CH Mahadevan. Rigidity in thinking takes us no where.
It is not my purpose to speculate on what would be the final outcome. That would be relevant only after the SC hearing in August 2014. In case SC decrees in our favour, what breathing space would the Hon'ble Court allow to the G.O.I and LIC? All said and done LIC is not an individual. We know it to be the premier public sector financial institution that also is GOI undertaking. The SC also would in all likelihood deal with LIC accordingly.
Fortunately the two main organisations that are parties to the legal fight appear to be non-political, notwithstanding an occasional praise for this leader or another. They are free from some dogmatic positions and do not have to stand any point of prestige except that which benefits all pensioners.
I remember studying Bernard Shaw. Writing about the role of Ruling party and Opposition in a democracy Shaw said " In a democracy the opposition party opposes something, not because the measure is bad. It feels if the measure is good it can be implemented once it comes into power." For us the banners exist for serving the cause of all pensioners.
Banners are created by us and they are for us. Give credit to every leader for what they achieved. They deserve it. Present a united picture before the combined might of GOI and LIC before the bench of Hon'ble Supreme Court. Remember, with the introduction of the New Pension Scheme
(that operates on defined contribution principle,) the pensioners like us who receive pension under the old scheme are a closed group. There will be no new entrants only exits.
Even if both the organisations forge a united approach, it does not automatically achieve the desired result, as there is the second party to the dispute viz.,LIC/GOI and what surprises they pull remains to be seen. But Unity would certainly eliminate the possibility of " divide and rule" by the establishment.
The coming 50 days are crucial. I hope the leaders of all organisations would respond to the desire of all pensioners.
With Greetings, B. Ganga Raju, Hyderabad
Even if both the organisations forge a united approach, it does not automatically achieve the desired result, as there is the second party to the dispute viz.,LIC/GOI and what surprises they pull remains to be seen. But Unity would certainly eliminate the possibility of " divide and rule" by the establishment.
The coming 50 days are crucial. I hope the leaders of all organisations would respond to the desire of all pensioners.
With Greetings, B. Ganga Raju, Hyderabad