A virtual meeting of the National Coordination Committee of Pensioners’ Associations (NCCPA) was convened on 2nd May 2025 to deliberate upon critical issues affecting Central Government civil pensioners.

The meeting was presided over by Com. Shiva Gopal Mishra, President of NCCPA and Secretary, Staff Side, National Council JCM. Com. S. C. Maheshwari, Secretary General, Bharat Pensioners Samaj, emphasized leveraging social media for advocacy. AIBSNLPWA was represented by Com. D. Gopalakrishnan, CHQ President, and Com. V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary.

Com. D. Gopalakrishnan proposed a challenge in the Supreme Court against the validation clause, and advocated simultaneous organizational campaigns to press the demands of pensioners.

The online meeting was attended by over 55 leaders representing various pensioners’ associations including non-NCCPA bodies.

The meeting unanimously condemned the validation clause introduced in the Finance Bill 2025 for its intent to override court judgments and create discriminatory classifications among pensioners.

It has been decided for the Formation of a Joint Forum of Civil Pensioners’ Associations comprising Presidents and Chief Executives of all participating and future-joining associations, to coordinate and lead joint actions.

Matters to Be Closely Watched and Acted Upon:

S-30 Contempt Case – Monitoring The hearing of the S-30 Contempt Case is scheduled for 8th May 2025 in the Delhi High Court. AIBSNLPWA supports impleading in the ongoing case, if legally permissible, over filing a new case.

Supreme Court Challenge – Legal Strategy The proposed challenge to the validation clause in the Supreme Court was welcomed by all.

Ideas such as human chains, conventions, and a March to Parliament were discussed. In light of the prevailing national scenario, it was agreed that such programmes will be considered after broader consultation with other pensioners’ associations.

AIBSNLPWA reaffirms its firm commitment to united legal and organisational action.

Please click here to see Patrika for May-June 2025 pp-2025-no-3.pdf

Report – Meeting with DDG (Estt.), DoT on 30-04-2025 Com. Anupam Kaul, Deputy General Secretary, and Com. J.S. Dahiya, Organising Secretary (CHQ), met the DDG (Establishment), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on 30th April 2025 in New Delhi to discuss two important issues concerning BSNL retirees: 1.Applicability of DoT Orders to VRS Retirees: The delegation pointed out that the recent order issued by DoT appears to apply only to superannuation retirees, creating confusion about its applicability to VRS retirees. They cited the letter issued by the Chennai Circle Office, which had taken a broader view. The DDG sought clarification on whether any authority had objected to such applicability. She assured that she would interact with the concerned authorities in Tamil Nadu and issue a suitable clarification thereafter. 2.Inclusion of BSNL Pension Revision in 8th CPC Terms of Reference: On being asked about the inclusion of BSNL pension revision in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the DDG clarified that the DoT has not yet received any reference on the matter. However, she assured that if and when such a reference is made to the DoT, the Department will offer its views appropriately.

Circle Conference of Chennai Telephone Circle was held on 28th April 2025 at Chennai, presided over by Com. M. Munusamy. CHQ leaders Com. D. Gopalakrishnan (President), Com. V. Varaprasad (GS), Com. G. Natarajan (Ex-GS), Com. M. Ranganathan (VP), Com. Rathna (AGS), Com. T.S. Vittoban (Treasurer), and Com. V. Latha (Asst. Treasurer) attended and addressed the gathering. Comrades M. Munusamy, C. Olly, and R. Gunasekaran were unanimously elected as Circle President, Circle Secretary, and Circle Treasurer respectively.

Circle Conference of AIBSNLPWA Punjab Circle was held on 25-04-2025, witnessed by Com. J.S. Dahiya, OS (CHQ), and Com. Atma Ram, VP (CHQ). The following office-bearers were elected unanimously: President: Com. Sant Singh Circle Secretary: Com. G.S. Bajwa Circle Treasurer: Com. R.K. Sharma

Today, on 22-04-2025, in the Delhi High Court, our Pension Revision Case (W.P.(C) 4955/2024) did not reach for hearing, but our legal counsel, along with counsels in connected matters, mentioned the case before the Hon’ble Bench, informed that it pertains to the grant of 7th CPC benefits to BSNL pensioners, and the Bench listed the matter again on 26th May 2025 at 3:30 PM.