SN

Comments

18 Dec 15, 07:24 AM 

JM Aboobucker: Our demand is 100% DR as was given to retirees from 1.8.1997.  So LIC may contend that they have calculated the arrears by granting the 100% DR to the pre 8/97 retirees. Thus they have implemented the PH HC orders and there is no contempt of court, according to LIC. 

In this connection we have to remember that Courts would go into the aspects of law and rules and decide if there is any violation by LIC rather than going into the nuances of the arithmetical calculations involved in the dispute as expressed by the SC. Under the circumstances what could be the solution for this problem?

Comments

17 Dec 15, 10:58 AM

subbu: Usually, a doctor directs a patient advises his patient to undergo a scan expecting something which he feels adverse to confirm his intuition. But he has to depend on the radiologist. There are many instances when the radiologist's opinion differed with those of physical clinical findings of your physician. Then what does the physician do? He directs the surgeon to cut open the rib and see for himself and do what should and could be done. The present direction from the HC is one example.

CH Mahadevan's response to comments

CH MAHADEVAN

Comments

16 Dec 15, 02:51 PM

G.Krishna Prasad: So, Chandigarh HC asks for details of calculations. SC's observations in passing that they will not go into calculations has been treated by LIC as license to miscalculate!

16 Dec 15, 09:01 PM

B Ganga Raju: Shri S.N's suggestion is good. If there is going to be delay in preparing and serving the feast, atleast hot soup can be served to all. 

But the main course also must follow in a reasonable gap of time. 

Implications of Chandigarh Order

Chandigarh High Court order dated 14-12-2015 differs from the S.C. order dated 04-12-2015. May be that the lower court has not taken cognisance of higher court's decision for the reasons mentioned below :

There were arguments. The judge went through all the old records including his own judgement dated 09-11-2012 and has asked LIC to furnish an affidavit explaining as to how Rs.33.67 lakhs deposited in the court is considered as the entire dues payable to the petitioners. Probably, the judge must have felt that it would not meet the end of justice, if 20% of amount of (apparently) a wrong computation is paid to the petitioners.

 
It is difficult to know how the stalwarts at LIC would save their face. At the same time, it may not be difficult for LIC to furnish an affidavit. The amount in question viz.Rs.33.67 lakhs arrived at on some data, is "right" according to them. The amount worked out by LIC is much less than Rs.93.47 lakhs worked out in respect of pensioner -petitioners numbering 31 by Shri. MSM, Shri CHM and Co,

It would be possible to verify the authenticity and counter LIC only when complete computation data of the amount of Rs.33.67 lakhs is submitted by LIC to the court.

No doubt that the S.C. in its order 17-10-2012 had ordered LIC to deposit the amount due to the pensioners, to the Writ Petitioners at the Jaipur H.C. Registry. The S.C. ordered recently on 07-05-2015 to pay 20% of the amount deposited in the H.C. Registries (or even when not deposited) to the respondent - employees (pensioners) as an ad interim measure. Shri KML Asthanaji and other petitioners of Jaipur excepting a few got 20%. Shri GN Sridharanji went in search of his members and enabled them to get 20%. Here, it is not just to the Writ Petitioners at Delhi H.C.

It is alright if the case at the S.C. is decided in one or two or more sittings without adjournments. All the pensioners are affected parties. The disparity in pension drawn by the employees retirees of different dates and retired in different scales of pay of Pre 1997, Aug. 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012 is alarming. The employees retired before 1997, having served the institution, during its formation years, for 35 to 40 years are languishing, many unable to live a life with dignity, as they are getting near to half or less than half the pension drawn by the employees retired in the last few years. Cost of living is not different, no less for those retired in 90s.

If the case coming up on 20-01-2016 at the S.C. is adjourned for more than fifteen days, for any reason, all the case Managers- all the Advocates, IN UNISON, may request the Hon. Judges to order LIC to pay minimum amount as ad interim measure, to all the pensioners and family pensioners for some reasons mentioned above and for other reasons.

The relief may be on the basis of cadre in which the employee has retired and numbers of years as pensioner or number of years as pensioner and as family pensioner. [ A, B ,C or ..i.e.minimum relief as interim as per post retired x completed number of years since retirement as pensioner or total number of years as family pensioner plus that of employee / spouse ]. There may be better suggestions with some other readers of PC. They may like to share their views. No wishful thinking here, the facts, the past experiences speak for themselves.

Incidentally, it may not be out of place to invite kind attention of senior leaders, Shri RBK and Shri GNS, who were very serious in regard to the meagre pension given to family pensioners. There is hardly any progress or no progress at all during the last two years. The leaders may kindly do something for the good of the family pensioners.

SN.

'BANK NEWS'

UNION BANK RETIRED EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION

Communications exchanged between All India Union Bank 

Retirees' Federation and the management of Union Bank of India 

regarding Group Medical Insurance Scheme

PLEASE SEE THE THREE ATTACHMENTS

(1) CLICK HERE (2) CLICK HERE (3) CLICK HERE

Yours sincerely,

B.G.Raithatha,

General Secretary

Chronicle Cartoon

15 Dec 15, 08:43 PM

v.s.rajamani: Dear Editor Sir, The cartoon is a good exercise for the mind. Casual look at it gives the impression that one year has to go; but actually it is one month. Beautiful cartoon I enjoyed it.

God Bless all the Pensioners soon.

'BANK NEWS'

UNION BANK RETIRED EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION

Periodical Bulletin of RBI Retirees' Organization - latest issue

ATTACHED TO READ, CLICK HERE

Yours sincerely,

B.G.Raithatha,

General Secretary

JUSTICE !

CHANDIGARH HC ORDER

COCP No.2975 of 2013 (O&M)

*****

Sanjeev Gandhi and others

Vs.

R.K. Takru and others

*****

Present: Ms.Alka Chatrath, Advocate,

for the petitioners.

Mr.Arjun Pratap Atma Ram, Advocate,

for respondents No.2 to 4.

*****

Learned counsel for respondents No.2 to 4 is directed to

file an affidavit of the respondents explaining as to how the amount

of `33,67,838/- deposited earlier is considered to be the entire dues

payable to the petitioners.

Adjourned to 27.1.2016.

(RAKESH KUMAR JAIN)

14.12.2015 JUDGE

A good and timely move

        
Nothing unusual for the Chandigarh 

case getting adjourned to 27-1-2016. 

However it was wise and well thought 

over move by MSM to file IA. 

The very fact that LIC counsel gave an evasive reply when he was asked by the bench to tell the court how the arrears due was calculated it becomes imperative for LIC to come out with an affidavit giving details of calculation which would establish whether the court order has been implemented in letter and spirit and whether the DR anomaly persisting before 1-8-1997 has been genuinely removed, what is the effective date taken for the purpose and if there is any snag in implementing the court order the reasons thereof. 

This will be an eye opener where 20 % of arrears were paid in other courts besides serving as a caution when the remaining 80 % of arrears become payable which hopefully will be decided on 21-1-2016

R.K.Viswanathan

CHANDIGARH CASE ADJOURNED TO 27-01-2016

Our case was taken up by Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain at chandigarh high court today.

Our advocate told that as per supreme court order dated 4th December in response to our IA we are in a position to withdraw the amount as per the corporation's computations, which is Rs 33.67 lacs. A copy of supreme court order dated 4th December was passed on to Judge by our advocate. 

LIC counsel intervened and insisted that they have no objection if we withdraw 20 % of amount deposited. There were exchange of arguments from both sides and Judge went through all the records from the beginning including his own original judgement dated 9th November 2012 and questioned LIC counsel how the Corporation has calculated the money deposited by them. His response being evasive, Judge directed that they should file an affidavit explaining how they have calculated and adjourned the case to 27th January 2016.

Regards
BR Mehta

CH MAHADEVAN: "My Email has been hacked"

I have been informed that a number of pensioners and other friends have received email messages sent from my gmail account for promotion of a face whitener newly launched in the market.Many of them were not able to open the mail,but some where able to open after further attempts.

I am not able to send a bulk mail as my desk top needs some repair.

So I am requesting visitors to the blogs not to believe promotional messages sent from my email account or messages with any request for money in my name.In case of doubt an individual mail may be sent to me for clarification.
I have since changed my password.

Greetings.

C H Mahadevan

'BANK NEWS'

UNION BANK RETIRED EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION

(1)

Bank cannot recover Loan Amount from Pension

- held Madras High Court recently

We forward herewith a soft copy of the relevant judgment made available to us by Shri J.P.Shah, RTI & Consumer Activist member of our Association.

PLEASE CLICK HERE

(2)

Long Term Action Program chalked out by AIBRF

PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED CIRCULAR ISSUED BY AIBRF

PLEASE CLICK HERE

Yours sincerely,

B.G.Raithatha

Chandigarh Contempt Case

Our contempt case  COCP 2975/ 2013  is listed for today in court no 13 Justice  Rakesh Kumar  Jain  at Chandigarh High Court.

As per cause list,  our matter is at Serial  No  203 and 20 urgent matters are before our case.

Sh.  Murty  had a meeting with our advocate Ms  Alka Chatrath in her office yesterday  at 6.00 pm. Our case turn is expected any time between 11 to 11.30 am. We assure to keep you updated from High Court Campus.

Regards,

B.R.Mehta

Comments

From Dayal Sharan (retd.1997)
~~~
Ageing does not get adjournments !
Good that some colleagues have received some payments.
Perhaps a bird in hand is better than two in the bush !
MSM and colleagues of his like are doing their best to get justice
to all of us .
Several colleagues have left this world waiting for justice.
In LIC it can be jindagi ke saath, yaa jindagi ke baad .Most likely
jindagi ke baad .The way the case is dragging on.
I am fast developing Alzheimer's disease. May be some other friends
also.
Eastern Zone news letter rightly points out the travails of elders.
This news letter keeps us up to date.Thanks
Regards,
DAYAL SHARAN

ADV N. PRADEEPKUMAR

TO READ THE POST, CLICK HERE

SHRI MURTY'S VISIT TO PANCHKULA

Our 5th Anniversary celebration Meeting  for 
Panchkula Unit  held  today 13th December 
Sunday at Senior  Citizens Council  Sector 15 
Panchkula  was a  great  success.  

This  meeting was well attended.  Our senior most  Petitioner at chandigarh high court   Sh. Balwant  Singh  aged 86   presented a bouquet of flowers to Sh.Murty .  Sh. H. L Kharbanda our President  welcomed all participants and our chief guest  Sh. Sreenivasa Murty from Hyderabad.  Our Secretary   Sh.  S N Chhabra  remembered Late  Sh. M .L Gandhi architect of  our Panchkula Unit and other members who unfortunately left us during this period and two minutes silence was observed in their  memory .


Sh. Chhabra touched briefly  current  status of our legal case and also informed members  about proceedings of recently held  AIRIEF EC Meeting  at Bhopal.  Sh. B .R Mehta  highlighted special contribution  of  Sh. Murty  as our case Manager  devoting his 24 × 7  time , money and energy.  He has already  incurred a lot of  funds from his personal resources towards legal fee of  senior counsels engaged by him at supreme court while securing favorable orders dated 7th September and 4th December.
 

Sh. Murty  explained  entire history of our legal battle  touching details of supreme court order dated 7th September 2015 ad well as 4th  December 2015. He also said how a beautiful  verdict delivered by Justice Deepak Misra on 1st July 2015 regarding  Pension Up gradation  in case of  Rajasthan State Govt Pensioner is going to certainly  help   our  case since our case is also being heard by same  Judge. He also dicussed his preparation and strategy for our case coming at supreme court on 20th  January 2016 . He also touched  our contempt case coming up at chandigarh high court tomorrow 14th  December.  Sh. Murty  concluded  with hope that he will ensure  final victory for all the  fifty thousand LIC Pensioners including  13 thousands family Pensioners.

Sh. C M Bhargav our Patron also addressed our members appreciating very special consideration for Panchkula Unit.  Sh. R. C Sodhi  our Patron proposed a vote of  Thanks for our chief guest  Sh Murty, all participants and organisers of today's meeting.   

Regards 
BR Mehta

An ordinary member's views

Dear Editor,

                              
Now I reiterate the following regarding the court case which is in jeopardy. Sri Sridharan at least got his members 20% which is admirable. Also Sri Murthy is doing his best to get his members the said benefit.  I find that the AIRIEF is doing nothing to benefit the pre 97 pensioners.

Mr Asthana and the present Secretary of AIRIEF got the benefit and that is where it has ended. No advocate has asked for extension of the order to all pre 97 pensioners in the last hearing. The lawyer asked for adjournment. he could have asked for extension to all. When asked Mr Aathana hits back with personal attacks. The Secretary of AIRIEF has no time to take up the case at Delhi. Mr Kishorji gives lengthy emails only. NO efforts on his part for extension of this benefit to all.

Donations are solicited and for what purpose?

NOWADAYS THE MONEY IS WASTED ON AIR TRAVELS AND TRAIN MODE FORGOTTEN.  THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE ADJOURNMENTS.

WITH RESPECT TO ALL COMRADES

K. SUNDARARAJAN.

Adv N Pradeepkumar

TO READ THE POST, CLICK HERE.

M Sreenivasa Murty

Mighty LIC acting Small 
OR Is it an admission of guilt/
contempt of Supreme Court?

The Hon’ble Supreme Court issued Interim Directions to LIC on 7 May 2015 to pay 20% of the amount payable under the Judgement, within six weeks. The time given ended on or around 21 June 2015.

LIC writes to GNS Federation on 6 July 2015, calling for ‘valid member’ details under Thirteen (13) Heads. (Exact plain copy attached to this Post).CLICK HERE The communication addressed to the General Secretary of the Federation was kept under wraps by the addressee. As soon as the contents came in to public view, we cried ‘foul’ because it amounts to contemptuous meddling with the 7 May Order as far as LIC was concerned and at the same it was a serious TRAP for the GNS Federation.

How the ‘consensual collusion’ between ‘I don’t care’ LIC and the ‘ever willing to oblige’ GNS, played havoc to deprive the entire community of Pensioners (of 20% interim payment) barring about 1200 across the country, is very well known to all.

I had applied under the RTI Act, for a certified copy of the letter dated 6 July 2015. I attached a plain copy of the letter itself to my application. It would have taken just a couple of hours to furnish me the copy requested online. But as a I suspected and feared, LIC has been showing my request as ‘being processed’ for an entire month (it has 30 days’ time under the Act).

Exactly before the stipulated time ended, LIC replies that the information sought cannot be furnished under Sec 8 (1)(h) of the RTI Act, as the matter is ‘sub-judice’. The reply dated 9.12.2015 is also attached.

I will of course exercise my right of appeal against the denial of the information and will eventually succeed in obtaining the document also because LIC unashamedly cited a Section which cannot come to its rescue on a proper reading of the provision. That is a moot point. What hurts and what is relevant is that LIC these days resorts to any method to harass its Pensioners. LIC’s intention is only to delay it as long as possible.

Obviously because LIC’s communication in question is a brazen violation of the SC Order of 7 May 2015 and it can land itself in trouble. A fear of being exposed and be questioned.

MV VENUGOPALAN

Comments

11 Dec 15, 09:39 AM

B.D.Bhargava: If Salman Khan's case is any guidance, we cannot expect fair judgement. Nobody asked him why he didn't name the driver the very first day.

11 Dec 15, 09:47 PM

subbu: Editor Sir ! u hv put in your cartoon the date and month only as Jan 20. I hope it is 2016 only !!


12 Dec 15, 01:38 AM

G. Naryanaswamy: I share the agony and sentiments expressed in the tear-jerking etc letter of my friend rkv. 

Laws grind the poor and rich men rule the law. In most of the cases in India the State is the respondent. High-sounding philosophy in the Justice delivery system is a myth. Laws delay is proverbial, taking years to get decided. 

Let us hope for a favorable verdict, mustering up all our courage. Placing our faith on the impartiality of the system Our faith on the basic ethics of governance is always there. Therefore talk of out-of-court settlement. May God - the ultimate dispenser of all laws - give us what is lawfully and ethically due. On the New Year. More than that LIC implements the verdict without further delays.

I emphathize with RK Viswanathan, says CH Mahadevan

I can empathize with Mr R K Viswanathan when he is expressing his anxiety over delayed justice to the old pensioners. Whether a pensioner is 61 or 84, injustice done is injustice; may be the degree varies. The sunset time varies not only between places but also between individuals, especially pensioners. The difference between being in service and out of it on retirement is that in the former the rule of out of turn promotion is normally non-existent. Destiny does provide out of turn promotion to some pensioners from this world to the next.  While in-service promotions are welcomed by the beneficiaries, the post-retirement out of turn promotions are dreaded by pensioners. No individual can foresee what is in store for him in the next moment.

In the circumstances, let us all-in the evening our lives-accept the ongoing protracted legal process going on as a fact of life and not get unduly anxious to settle for anything short of being just. That is not to say that let us all resign to our fate and sink into oblivion. With a spirit of equanimity we can think how well each of us can play a constructive role in making our ongoing legal struggle lead to success. Let success come when it does. Till then let us all live our life counting all our blessings instead of dwelling too much on our troubles and sufferings.

I do concede that many old pensioners are suffering because of the pension anomalies and lack of equitable upgradation of pension. But we cannot speed up things towards the rectification of anomalies beyond the legal process.Let us recognize that we have no alternative but to wait for the efforts of those fighting for justice to come to fruition. Let us all play a catalytic role to supplement their efforts.

A happy and healthy life with available resources within our control is all that most of us can wish for in the evening of our lives.

Greetings.
C H Mahadevan

MURTY'S VISIT TO PANCHKULA

We are pleased to inform all concerned that Sh. Sreenivasa Murty has been kind enough to confirm his participation in 5th Anniversary Meeting of Panchkula AIRIEF Unit on 13th December Sunday.

He has also accepted our request to attend chandigarh high court contempt case proceedings coming up on 14th December.

Panchkula Unit is really grateful to Sh. Murty.

Regards,
B.R.Mehta

A pensioner’s voice in the sun set of his life

Frustrated as we are due to frequent and annoying long adjournments, we are coerced to think of an off the court settlement and such a wishful thinking will not bear any result for the matter is in the final stage before the court. Let us be hopeful now that on 20 January the bench will not be benevolent in granting any more adjournments for any reason whatsoever and pull down the curtain saying enough is enough.

Further we cannot expect from the management anything other than the court settlement and become all of a sudden good Samaritans and if it were to be so they should have long back before the civil suit got into the melting pot gracefully conceded the removal of the DR anomaly no sooner the writ was admitted in the Jaipur HC knowing well that the law is not on their side and they are waging a losing battle in successive appeals. 

The bogy of  ‘ripple effect ‘ gone in to the thin air and the affordability question could not convince the bench and the world knows what is this affordability for the mighty financial institution, LIC the appellant has become desperate to somewhat keep the litigation dragging to frustrate the petitioners and they would succumb to the pressure, poor they are financially and energetically. But that did not happen .When petitions were sent to the management highlighting the just and lawful demands very well known to them the Chairman pleaded his inability to act as he said that his hands were fettered and he cannot do anything without the Government permission. What happened to the much hyped slogan by the NDA government ‘We are for less governance and more government‘. If it were to be so the Government should not have dragged this pensioner’s issue for this long. The philosophy as enshrined in the National Litigation policy that ‘matters should be left to the court for ultimate decision’ should be decried and ‘ efficient litigant means focusing on the core issues involved in the litigation and addressing them squarely ‘. These high sounding words proved to be hocus pocus.

Suffice to say the need of the hour at the cost of repetition and the readers may pardon me, to unite eschewing prejudices and egoism resist parroting ‘ I know better he knows nothing ‘, not to take anything for granted , anticipate the arguments likely to figure and go well prepared with facts and figures and there are host of pensioners who could give a helping hand. Let us not be over confident for as we know that even mighty elephant do some times falter in the step and fall into a trap.

I am 83 although one may say that your age is what you think in reality I am in the sun set of my life and God forbid I should live to hear the victory bugle.

May the New Year bring cheer and good days ahead.

R.K.VISWANATHAN 

Comments

11 Dec 15, 07:05 AM

RKGupta: Dear Mr Editor, LICPC , Thanks for keeping us informed & amused. It will keep us alive till eternity, lic and goi designs notwithstanding. 

MIRAGE,MYTH and MAYA

MIRAGE,MYTH and MAYA

(2nd final part). 

There was an interesting item in the blog that the Finance Minister was going to make an important announcement in the Lok Sabha on pension matters and I eagerly switched on the TV. It was a Live Programme. The PM was one Gandhi(some grand cousin of Rahul Gandhi, earlier PM) and in his presence the FM started his speech, first eulogising his leaders, past and present. 

He narrated the story of 100%DA, and the grave injustice done to pre2002 RETIREES. He informed that the then FM, PC was about to sanction it in 2014, and while signing the order he got the news that his party had lost the general elections. He stopped signing in the halfway and the documents are still lying as such, which the FM stated, stood testimony for their sincerity in supporting the RETIREES. 

The subsequent FMs, including one AJ did not have any respect for the senior citizens. The IBA in the meantime decided to have view on the costs and started working on that. Initially it was expected to be over by 3, 4 months, but took two years and was completed only in Dec 2017. Thereafter a small committee of 3 CMDs,5 MDs and 7 GMs, with an official from IBA was formed to view the report and suggest measures to implement (or not to) the same. 

The committee sat 10 times at various places like New York, Brussels, Zurich, Paris at different intervals, convenient to the members and their families. It took almost 5 years and they submitted a report containing 13287 pages, with supporting documents numbering 922. The report could not be taken up as the rival party was ruling then, who were 100% against RETIREES.

We came to power in 2035 and in the fag end of our regime, we wanted to do justice to them. We formed a cabinet committee which went into the report entirely, visiting various countries from South Africa to Australia. The matter was postponed again as we lost power, and in this year 2047, we are determined to sanction 100% DA to the pre 2002 RETIREES. For this we have signed agreement with the govt of Japan for a soft loan of 100 thousand US $ carrying 0.5% payable in 25 years. Singapore govt has also offered to give assistance if there is any shortfall. We have accepted the cabinet committee's report, with a little modification. 

There was a dissenting report that some suggested the date of effect should be from. Nov2015, when the committee was formed to arrive at the costs. As a matter of a rare gesture we have decided to pay the arrears of DA from 2005, the date, when the RBI got the same. We are willing to give arrears even from 1993, the year when pension was implemented, if there is a demand from the Associations. The FM summed up that his party always respected RETIREES and senior citizens and in view of of the long delay, he informed that each retiree would be given an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakhs. Thumping the desks the ruling party erupted in joy.
The Speaker: Any questions?

• A lone member from one corner stood up and asked " whether the honourable FM can state the financial outgo in view of the implementation of 100% DA?". 

• FM: The Honourable member has asked a question, fortunately, I have an answer, ready with me. The last pre 2002 pensioner has expired 2 years before and as on date no family pensioner is alive to receive the benefit. Still the honourable member should recognise our concern and appreciate our offer to pay DA arrears even from 1993.

The members thudded the desks and started singing:
Long live the executive
Long live the parliament
Long live the judiciary
Long live democracy!
I also joined them.

Suddenly there was some big noise and I woke up. My wife was shouting: "what, still day-dreaming?

Previously you used to blabber, while sleeping. Now started singing? Big nuisance!'
Even dreaming of getting 100%DA was shattered!.

MIRAGE, MYTH and MAYA (part 1)

(Dear Editor, 

Here is a satirical piece in TWO Parts on the Issues of Bank pensioner portrayed by Sri Gopalakrishnan Ramachandran, a pre-1/11/2002 retired Senior Pensioner. I hope this may be of some relevance to the suffering Lic Pensioners also! 

Perumalmaruthu)

I was just loitering in the park. Sri Krishna appeared smiling. I did not want to lose the opportunity. I asked him what is Maya. He replied giving examples. Maya appears in many forms. "You RETIREES are surrounded by Maya, in one form as mirage, that is 100% DA neutralization. Appears almost settled, but never so far. Another is MYTH, that is your updation of pension, which will never happen." Sullen by His words, I asked him, " OK Lord, please let me which one of the following is true. (Enakku oru unmai therinjakanum)."

1. A tall leader declares in open house that he will not sign bipartite settlement without securing something for RETIREES.

2. Last year there was authentic report that IBA has recommended to government in the matter of 100%DA.

3.Subsequently a top leader of a big union declares to his cadres, govt has cleared the IBA request as recommended.

4. In the record note the pension has been reduced to a welfare measure, meaning if banks suffer loss no provision for allocation under welfare measure.

5. The IBA declares no mandate for negotiating retirees' issues. Whether they had mandate to negotiate on pension related issues earlier in 1993 and 2010?

6. But IBA records that they can consider the 100%DA on humanitarian consideration (even after stating that there is no mandate).

7. Suddenly, in the Thrissur conference it is informed IBA has an agenda for their ensuing committee meeting, among others, for 100%DA. There is a huge applause, as if it is secured.

8. Alas, the IBA informs the CLC on 08/12/2015, the costing exercise has started and it may take 3,4 months "to have a view".

Oh, my Lord, which one of the above is true? How long we will be taken for a ride, please tell.

I pleaded. Sri Krishna smilingly replied:
" You search the answers yourself. I could answer Arjuna's queries very easily. But your question is all the more difficult and the answer lies within you".

He disappeared.
Friends, do you have any answer?

(To be continued).

Comments

10 Dec 15, 01:10 PM

subbu: I am chuckling seeing your statement that the cost of benefit is negligible, Ganga Raju Sir !

The legal expenses in fighting the pensioners' cases is much much more than annual cost of pensions even on upgradation. But LIC u know always stands on a legal footing. And what is legal is what is conveyed to them by the bureaucrat in the GOI. Cost of upgradation is a pittance against the meal coupons value to the employees. 

But who cares? Even now LIC does not think of a voluntary donation to CM Relief Fund, when other Corporate bodies have freely donated for Chennai floods. It requires a heart.

Communicate

10 Dec 15, 12:36 PM

S.R. Nagarajan: "Communicate" is a good message to keep the members informed & as rightly put by Sri. MVV and others we have LIC Pensioners Chronicle as the vehicle. Wish they make the best use of the same.

Question of small mercies !

10 Dec 15, 11:51 AM

B Ganga Raju: There are some posts about staff rebate under LIC policies for LIC Staff. I think everyone who worked in NB or PS departments is familiar with the Clause incorporating the conditions for staff rebate, which is attached to the policy document and endorsed in the schedule.

The rebate is operational as long as the policyholder remains an employee of LIC. That is the contract modified through the relevant clause. If it is to be extended even after retirement (i.e. for pensioners also till the end of policy term or premium paying term) LIC Board can take a decision and the cost of the benefit will be very very small to LIC and may be negligible when the denominator runs into crores of policies. But let us remind ourselves that pensioners do not enjoy even SSS like arrangement i.e. monthly recovery even for mediclaim premium.

But all these are small mercies.

'Communicate' - more comments

It is only such words of encouragement from well-wishers, that give the strength and enthusiasm to do one's best. If I may add a line more, between 2 Dec 2015 (when our cases were pushed for 50 more days by the least expected party) and 4 Dec, when I could secure the services of no less a person than Mr Gopal Jain, there were dramatic developments and I had a real tough time moving from pillar to post.

 
Finally, that the Bench was pleased to pass a favorable Order by taking the mentioned matter on Board, is a miracle caused due to HIS abundant grace.

 
A typical instance of  'all is well that ends well'. Hope and pray that in the weeks to come also, we all work with positive energy coming from the wonderful common cause we all are pursuing.

I can assure M/s MVVenugopalan, SN, JM Abubucker and all others (not to omit the redoubtable Dear Subbu) that I shall not fail them, in any area where I have a role to play. Good days are really ahead.

M Sreenivasa Murty

"COMMUNICATE"

Mr MVV’s suggestion for all to communicate is indeed a good call and if such communication does take place and the legal cases are thereby steered in the right direction, about 50000 pensioners and family pensioners of LIC will really be benefited not only immediately but also in the long run.

As regards his statement that the visit of all the three to Delhi for the hearing on 2nd December was sheer waste of time and energy, while the concern of Mr MVV for the trouble taken by these aged between 70 & 80 is to be appreciated, at least in the case of Mr M Sreenivasa Murty, he had stayed over for two more days and ensured that an order by the Supreme Court on 4th December 2015 allowing withdrawal by the petitioners of the amount deposited by LIC in the Chandigarh HC Registry was secured.

In his case, the time, money and energy spent had not gone in vain. No doubt at age 74, as rightly empathized by Mr MVV,Mr Murty would surely have had a tiresome and stressful experience but nevertheless well rewarded.

Greetings.
C H Mahadevan

"Out of court settlement" - idea of sheer desperation

I HAVE READ A SUGGESTION FROM SOME PENSIONER THAT " LET US HAVE OUT OF COURT SETTLEMENT ".   I FEEL THAT THIS SUGGESTION CAME TO BE SHARED OUT OF DESPERATION AND WITHOUT KEEPING IN MIND THE DICTATORIAL BEHAVIOUR OF LIC CHAIRMAN. LIC CHAIRMAN IS NOT FOR ANY BENEFIT TO PENSIONERS WHEN THE RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT ALREADY SETTLED THE ISSUE BY COMMON ORDER ON 12-1-2010. SUPREME COURT CONFIRMED JUSTICE BHANDARI'S ORDER . REFUSED STAY .STILL LIC CHAIRMAN CONTINUES TO DEFY.

THE OFFER OF 20 % INTERIM RELIEF BY SC IS ITSELF A DIRECTION FROM SC. LIC CHAIRMAN HAS ACQUIRED MASTERY ON TWISTING THE ORDERS OF SC. BECAUSE THE PETITIONER REFUSED TO SEEK CLARIFICATION OF THE ORDERS DT 7-5-15;7-9-15 THE OFFER WAS DROPPED AND 41000 PENSIONERS LOST THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH THAT THE SC IS IN FAVOUR OF GRANTING BOTH BENEFITS ( 100 % neutralisation and upgradation of basic pension ) when LIC CHAIRMAN IS ONLY FOR VIOLATION,  HOW DO U EXPECT FROM HIM ANY OFFER.

LIC CHAIRMAN IS NOT IN TALKING TERMS WITH PENSIONERS. SO THE EXPECTATION OF OUT OF COURT SETTLEMENT IS UNTHINKABLE . IF AT ALL ANY SUCH OFFER IS THERE THE SC IS THE PLATFORM . WE HAVE TO WAIT TILL SC FINAL ORDERS

CS MURTY, HYDERABAD

Panchkula 'FOUNDATION DAY' on 13th Dec.

Dear Editor,

Late Sh. M.L. Gandhi is remembered by all of us as Founder of Panchkula AIRIEF Unit which came into existence on 12.12.2010 as his dream project. God was very unkind to snatch him from all of us within few days thereafter. The bimonthly meeting of our unit on second Sunday of December every year is observed by us as Foundation Day to remember architect of our unit.

As such, Panchkula AIRIEF Unit is celeberating its 5th Anniversary on 13.12.2015 Sunday 11.00 am at Day Care Centre, Senior Citizens Council, Sector 15, Panchkula.

Our Secretary Sh. S.N. Chhabra has already sent invitations to AIRIEF President Sh. S.S. Saxena, General Secretary Sh. G. Krishnaswamy and our Mentor Sh. Sreenivasa Murty on this occasion.

Regards,
B.R.Mehta

Comments

10 Dec 15, 07:51 AM

G. Narayanaswamy: I am surprised at Rkchopra's comment on Staff rebate. The premium under the policy is contractual. How can they reduce the rebate amount during claim settlement. Will it not be breach of contract?

Comments

10 Dec 15, 06:41 AM JM Aboobucker: Mr MVV's request - keep communicating, keep reporting to the Case Managers is very timely. I hope and wish this sane request will receive their serious and sincere consideration in the interest of the Pensioners fraternity.

MV VENUGOPALAN

STAFF REBATE UNDER LIC POLICIES

Sir

LIC employees are given staff rebate of 10% in premium for policies purchased during service period.

This benefit is available only up to the date of retirement.This rebate from date of retirement to date of maturity [if it happens to be during retirement period] of policy is recovered from claim amount.

But in banks & Co-operative banks staff are given 1% extra interest against FD's purchased even after retirement.

When LIC is not paying any commission to agents against staff policies I think this benefit should continue to be paid even after retirement to the employees. 

Employees Unions should take up this matter with management.

With regards
RK CHOPRA
PANCHKULA

Let's take a step or two forward

There is no question of out of court settlement. The tagged cases are within reach of final destination. The cases shall be decided by the Hon. Justice Shri Dipak Misra (and ....) of the Apex Court of the country, hopefully, in next two / three months. All the learned counsellors of Jaipur, Delhi or Chandigarh have been pleading for their petitioners and in consequence, for ultimate good of all LIC pensioners. All seems to be going well notwithstanding unjustifiable delays because of unhelpful attitude of GOI/LIC and notwithstanding some angry sparks on certain occasions among the known veterans.

The suggestions made in "Do's and Don'ts" was to take advantage of time at our disposal to resolve the pending issues (not matters sub - judice) listed therein, among others - with the management by the joint approach by the leaders of in-service and retired employees.

SN

Sh. KML Asthana's Version of 6th December disputed‏

Dear Editor,

The Version dated 6th December from Sh. KML Asthana made available through your blog is nothing but just a bundle of lies. Let us look at the other side of this artificial story.

May I request the creator of this artificial story to answer following simple queries for the benefit of esteemed readers of your blog.

Before raising my questions, I wish to say that being a layman  I am simply not aware of court procedures but still we are much more human and not inhuman at all as claimed by him.

• 1. As per my confirmed information, senior advocate Sh. Nidhesh Gupta told bench during mention some personal constraint for seeking out of turn hearing. He did not tell reason as his father's surgery. Rest is all a beautifully created artificial story. The real cause behind this step taken by senior counsel is some thing else and that may be so unpleasant that it will remain a top secret.

• 2. Again, we have confirmed information that our senior counsel in question was in full working mode next day also i.e. on 3rd December.

3. Why Sh. Asthana is now silent about his  story dated 24th November telling all of us that Justice Deepak Misra has clearly directed that this is the last adjournment and hearing will take place even if counsels for LIC and UOI are absent on next date.

I am very clear that either my queries will be ignored or I am likely to be attacked in a very bad language as per his old style to hit every one who either does not agree with him or does not seem to be his blind follower. No issue at all. Still I pray for his final success for the benefit of whole Pensioners Community.

Regards,
B.R.Mehta

Right to pension, Right to property & Right to human rights

Referring to Mr Sudhakaran's post, I hasten to clarify that I have connected the earlier ruling of the Supreme Court that Right to Pension is like right to property with the latest ruling in a land owners' compensation matter by the SC that Right to property is part of human rights.

I do not say that it is not applicable to others.But  I am not aware whether in case of private sector employees, there is any SC ruling making it mandatory for employers to grant pension to employees. To my knowledge as a general practice private sector employers do not pay pension but many employers facilitate payment of pension through group superannuation scheme with LIC ( now perhaps through other life insurers as well). 

I feel that legally there is no obligation for private sector employers to grant pension. In case of Central Government the scheme has been notified from 1972 to its employees and extended to employees of LIC,GIC companies and Public Sector banks (besides RBI) in the nineties. CLICK HERE TO READ SC JUDGMENT DT 1-12-2015

Kind regards.
C H Mahadevan

GN SRIDHARAN RE-ELECTED AS GENERAL SECRETARY

Dear Sri Gangadharan,

I am appending the following for your information.

"The 8th Biennial General Council Meeting of Federation of Retired LIC Class I 
Officers' Associations was held at Bangalore on 7th Dec 2015. Fifty Delegates from 
all our Affiliated Units actively participated in the discussions/deliberations 
concerning pensioner's issues, and organisational matters. 

A new  team of Office-bearers and Executive Committee members for the years 2015 - 
2017 were elected unanimously. Shri NP Bali from Mumbai has taken over as the 
President. Shri GN Sridharan is re-elected to continue as General Secretary. 

-- TKS Narayanan, 
President, Bangalore Unit. 

CS MURTY

       

COMMENTS

8 Dec 15, 11:16 AM

JM Aboobucker: The view of Mr CHM re. Joint front is very practical and only option before us. So let our case Managers utilise the long break to sharpen and focus our strategies to get a favourable judgment.

8 Dec 15, 10:10 AM

sudhakaran: Sorry Mahadevan sir, I disagree with you. When 'human rights' is for all, you cannot interpret that it is not applicable to 'others'. (I have not seen full text of the judgement).

JOINT FRONT

In my view, as things stand today, a joint front among the three sets
of pensioner groups is not practicable either for the legal struggle
or for any solution through negotiations with LIC Management.

The need of the hour is to steer the cases before the Supreme Court
properly and effectively so that we may derive the advantage out of
the strong points in favour of the pensioners in the case before the
Supreme Court.

At this stage it is not wise to attempt an out of court settlement as
knowing as we do  the response  of LIC and GOI towards issues raised
by the pensioner groups so far,such a settlement-even with 1% chance
of yielding results-may take longer than the Supreme Court case.

Glaring anomalies cannot be removed completely by negotiated
compromise. Any settlement  free from anomalies can emerge only
through a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court for which, in my
opinion, chances are bright provided we conduct the case properly with
a constant and purposeful briefing to the counsel. The legal
sub-committees wherever in place need to play a very effective role in
this regard to monitor the conduct of the cases and effect mid-course
corrections where needed.

Let us not get desperate that we may end up in finding a remedy worse
than the disease, but patiently think of a workable successful
strategy for the 20th Jan 2016 SC hearing. Let all our  available
resources be put to proper use  on that day.

Greetings.
C H Mahadevan