W.P.(C) No. 1057/2025 filed by various Central Government pensioners’ organisations challenging the constitutional validity of the Validation Act relating to pension and retiral benefits was listed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 12 May 2026. The matter was not taken up for hearing and is likely to be listed next on 19 May 2026.

A delegation consisting of Com. Anupam Kaul, Dy. GS, AIBSNLPWA, GS-SNPWA and GS-MREWA met officers in BSNL and DoT on 7th May 2026 regarding the long pending issues concerning pensioners.
The discussions held with Director (Finance), BSNL Board, DDG (Establishment), DoT and Director (PSU), DoT indicate:
1.    BSNL has already obtained internal approval for payment of IDA to serving employees w.e.f. 1.1.2026 and is in the process of obtaining approval from Government nominees and external Directors on priority basis.
2.    BSNL has already informed DoT that the financial liability can be met fully from BSNL internal resources without external borrowing.
3.    DoT officials have also indicated that orders relating to DR from 1.4.2026 are proposed to be issued simultaneously along with the decision on IDA for the period from 1.1.2026 to 31.3.2026.
4.    It has now become evident that DoT has linked payment of IDA/DR to pensioners with the decision regarding IDA payable to serving employees, in the same manner in which Pension Revision was earlier linked with Wage Revision.
5.    On the issue of extending the benefit of Notional Increment to VRS retirees, DDG (Establishment) informed that DoT Legal Section has decided to challenge the Delhi High Court judgment in the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
Comrades are requested to note that sustained organizational pressure continues to remain extremely important till actual orders are issued.
All units and members are therefore requested to continue full preparations for the Dharna Programme on 20-05-2026 and maintain complete unity and vigilance till final orders are issued.

Delhi High Court, in W.P.(C) No. 4946/2024, W.P.(C) No. 4955/2024 and W.P.(C) No. 4985/2024 relating to pension revision matters filed by Union of India and others against AIBSNLPWA and other pensioners’ associations, heard the cases on 04.05.2026 before the Division Bench comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla.

The matters have been re-notified for hearing on 11.05.2026 in the Supplementary List.

Important points concerning pensioners, CGHS, SAMPANN, banks and associations include:

Grant-in-Aid to Pensioners’ Associations enhanced from 75,000 to 5,00,000 per annum per association.

29 new CGHS Wellness Centres sanctioned across India including Warangal, Tirupati, Kollam, Hubli, Mangaluru, Sambalpur etc.

CGHS beneficiaries aged 70 years and above can directly consult specialists in empanelled hospitals without referral. Referral validity increased from 1 month to 3 months and up to 6 consultations.

CGHS empanelment norms relaxed for Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

CGHS considering alternative verification methods besides OTP to avoid inconvenience to family members accompanying pensioners.

DoPPW is simplifying and rewriting Rule 50 relating to Family Pension.

DoPPW directed uploading of supporting documents on CPENGRAMS and will issue fresh OM for conclusive grievance disposal.

On SAMPANN issues, DoT had not submitted reply regarding coordination with Pensioners’ Welfare Associations and dedicated service centres/officers. Action remains pending with DoT.    

35th_SCOVA_Flattened_Website_Compatible.pdf
 

The meeting of CBMPA held on 02-05-2026 deliberated on the prevailing situation regarding the non-release of IDA/DR orders for January 2026 and April 2026 by the Department of Telecommunications for BSNL and MTNL pensioners.
Leaders of all the 12 constituents of CBMPA participated in the meeting.
After detailed discussions and a thorough review, it was unanimously decided to resume the deferred Dharna programme, which will be conducted across the country on 20th May 2026.
CBMPA also appeals to the leaders of AUAB (serving employees) to extend their active support and participate in the Dharna programme, demonstrating our collective strength and unity.
As part of our intensified struggle, it has also been decided to launch a nationwide Email Campaign from 4th May 2026, addressed to the Secretary (Telecom), demanding immediate issuance of pending IDA/DR orders.
All members are requested to actively participate in the email campaign from 4th May onwards and mobilize maximum participation for the Dharna programme on 20th May 2026.
Keeping in view the prevailing heat conditions across the country and the concern for the health of our senior and super senior citizens, local leaders may suitably decide the timings of the Dharna.
Further, since the Telecom Employees Progressive Organisation (constituent of LPF) has expressed willingness for joint action, the Tamil Nadu leaders are requested to contact them and involve them in the programme.
Let us gear up, unite, and make both the Email Campaign and Dharna Programme a grand success. Through collective action, we shall compel the DoT administration to address our legitimate demands .
Make the agitation a grand success. 

-----Committee of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners’ Associations

(An Umbrella organization of BSNL/MTNL Pensioners)

PP 2026 May 32 pages.pdf
 

As per DPE OM dated 24.04.2026, the IDA for 2007 pay scale stands revised to 238.3% w.e.f. 01.04.2026, without any conditional clause.

DPE OM 24 April 26.pdf
 

The matter was listed as Items 74–76 today before Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hari Shankar and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla.

The Counsel for the Union of India commenced arguments at around 3:45 PM and continued till 4:45 PM. 

During the course of arguments, it was contended by the Union that:

BSNL pensioners are receiving higher pension than Central Government pensioners, and therefore they are not entitled to the benefits of Pay Commission revisions, which are applicable only to Central Government employees   

According to the Union, revision of pension for BSNL pensioners can be considered only based on PRC (Pay Revision Committee) recommendations

The matter has been adjourned to Monday, 4th May 2026, for arguments on behalf of the petitioners.

Following ITAT Pune order (24.03.2026) holding BSNL VRS ex-gratia as fully exempt under Section 10(10B), AIBSNLPWA has urged CBDT to ensure uniform relief.

cbdtapril2026.pdf

A significant and encouraging development has taken place today in our Pension Revision case  before the Delhi High Court. The Hon’ble Bench expressed strong displeasure over repeated adjournment requests by the Union of India. Our counsel pointed out that similar grounds were taken earlier and opposed the adjournment.  The Bench reprimanded the Junior Counsel of UOI and observed that such reasons are not acceptable. It has now clearly stated that no further adjournments will be granted.  The matter is posted to 28.04.2026, with a direction that even if the Senior Counsel is unavailable, the Junior Counsel must proceed with arguments.  This is an encouraging development, and the case is expected to proceed on the next date.