IDA revision BSNL.pdf
 

Dear Comrades,

As per the call of CBMPA, the Nationwide DHARNA organised on 20-05-2026 emerged as a resounding success across the country despite severe heat conditions. This magnificent response vindicates the deep resentment prevailing among BSNL/MTNL pensioners against the inordinate delay in release of increased IDA due from 01-01-2026.

Heartiest congratulations and militant greetings to all participating members, leaders, district units and constituent organisations of CBMPA who transformed the call into a determined and united action.

Our united struggle has already yielded results. The first phase of agitation through demonstrations held on 16-04-2026 demanding withdrawal of Para 5 achieved success. DPE subsequently issued the April 2026 IDA order without the controversial Para 5 and published the same on its website. This established that linking payment of IDA to the financial status of PSUs was unjustified and unacceptable.

CBMPA consistently maintained that IDA is not a concession but a rightful compensation against increase in the cost of living and has to be released periodically under the established mechanism followed for decades. Any attempt to attach extraneous conditions was unwarranted and misleading.

In the name of complying with the affordability clause contained in Para 5 of the January order, DoT sought inputs regarding the financial position of BSNL/MTNL and other PSUs under its control. The companies reportedly informed that adequate internal resources were available to meet the liability, including arrears. Subsequently, further procedural requirements were sought. The delay in the process and pace of decision-making is strikingly alarming and disturbing.

Meanwhile, implementation of April 2026 IDA has moved forward and internal action has been initiated for payment through pension authorities. Pensioners have started receiving arrears relating to April and May 2026 along with pension, reflecting a combined increase of 5.1% (3.5% from January and 1.6% from April).

However, the issue of release of increased IDA due from 01-01-2026 still remains unresolved and arrears for January to March continue to be pending. We must remain vigilant and prepared at every stage to safeguard pensioners’ rights.

Once again, greetings and congratulations to all leaders of CBMPA, AIBSNLPWA and members who demonstrated unity, determination and collective strength.

Long Live Pensioners’ Unity!
CBMPA Zindabad!

V. Vara Prasad
General Secretary
AIBSNLPWA

Our Pension Revision case came up for hearing before the High Court of Delhi today. Arguments on behalf of our side have been concluded.

The matter is listed tomorrow for rejoinder arguments by the Government side.

The Hon’ble Bench appears inclined to conclude the hearing and reserve the matter for judgment thereafter.

Let us await further developments after tomorrow’s proceedings.

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 19 May 2026. The matter was not taken up for hearing and is likely to be listed next on 25 AUGUST 2026.

Organise DHARNA effectively on 20-05-2026 since there is still no positive outcome regarding payment of increased IDR due from 01-01-2026.

At the same time, according to reliable sources, certain procedural steps relating to IDR due from 01-04-2026 are moving forward. This itself reflects the impact of the sustained united struggles and coordinated efforts of pensioners’ associations under the common platform in support of early release of IDA.

On 20th May, not only 12 Pensioners’ Associations but also AUAB is joining this struggle demanding immediate release of IDA/IDR orders 

Let us make the programme a grand success with maximum participation and ensure wide publicity through print, visual and social media.

Our pension revision case was listed today but could not be taken up due to paucity of time.

Accordingly, the matter has been adjourned to 20/05/2026 and will appear in the supplementary list.

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