Sub:- Minutes of the 30th SCOVA meeting held under the chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS(PP) on 23.03.2018, at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi-reg
Reference is invited to this Department’s OM of even no. dated 25th April,2018 on the subject cited above and to say that at Sl No. 11 of the “List of Participants-Pensioners Associations ” the word ”Gwalior” may be read as “Mysore, Kamataka”.
1. All the Pensioners Associations included in the SCOVA vide Resolution dated 31.01-2018.
2. To All participative Ministries/Departments in 30th SCOVA meeting.
SCOVA : Minutes of the 30th SCOVA meeting held on 23rd March 2018
vide Resolution dated 31.01.2018
Sub:- Minutes of the 30th SCOVA meeting held under the chairmanship of
Hon’ble MOS(PP) on 23.03.2018, at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi-reg.
Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held under the chairmanship of Hon’ble
MOS(PP) on 23.03.2018, at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi for your kind perusal.
Minutes of the 30th Meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA)
held on 23.03.2018 under the chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS(PP) at Vigyan Bhawan
Annexe, New Delhi
under the chairmanship of Hon’ble MOS(PP) on 23.03.2018. List of participants is
enclosed.
and the participating officers from various Ministries/Departments
Two review meetings were held with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on
05.06.2017 and with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, CPAO, Ministry of
Defence, Department of Telecom and Department of Financial Services on
09.01.2018 to resolve issues pending in SCOVA.
meeting and Fresh Agenda Items of the 30th SCOVA meeting were taken up for
discussion.
informed that revision of pension w.e.f 01.01.2006 in respect of all pre-2006
pensioners has been completed. CGDA informed that out of a total of 1,39,504 Air
Force Pensioners drawing pension as on 01.01.2016, 76591 were identified as
pre-2006 pensioners. Revised authority in respect of 69,595 pre-2006 pensioners
has been issued. However, revised PPOs in respect of 6996 pensioners were yet to
be issued. These cases are pending due to non-matching of records (PPO No.)
provided by PDAs with the records available with Pension Sanctioning Authorities
(PSAs). Banks are also not able to intimate correct PPO numbers in these cases.
He informed that efforts are being made to identify these 6996 pre-2006
pensioners.
1,39,504 Pre-2006 Air Force Pensioners. It was brought out by the Secretary Air
Force Association that in Mar 17, the Raksha Mantri while giving an answer to
Lok Sabha Starred question had indicated the figure as 2,05,942. Further, as
late as Feb 18, the JCDA (AF) has shown the figure as 2,60,895 Air Force
Pensioners in an excel sheet marked as “CPPC wise, no. of pensioner-airforce”
and sent to Directorate of Air Veterans, (DAV) Air HQ on their CD. As regards
the number of pre-06 Air Force Pensioners for whom Corr. PPOs have not been
issued, the number is close to 1,00,000 and not 6,996 as stated by CGDA.
revision of pension of pre-2006 pensioners in consultation with Directorate of
Air Veterans, Air HQ and issue revised authority in respect of all the pre-2006
pensioners along with their 7th CPC Pension revision. CGDA will also take urgent
action to identify the 6996 pre-2006 pensioners and issue revised authority,
where necessary. It was decided that the CGDA will fix a target date of around 3
months for completion of these activities. Subject to this, the item was closed
in respect of all other Departments.
CGHS area.
finalization of Health Insurance Scheme was submitted more than a year ago and
that the matter was pending with Department of Expenditure. Director (E.V),
Department of Expenditure said that the proposal is not pending with his
Division and it may be pending with some other Division in the Department of
Expenditure. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was advised to follow up the
matter with Department of Expenditure for taking a final decision in regard to
EFC Memo.
invalidated out of service.
in consultation with Service Headquarters. In accordance with the relevant
rules, on death of a pensioner in receipt of disability pension, only the normal
family pension is allowed. Therefore, Special Higher Family Pension for widows
of war disabled pensioners is not permitted under the rules. It has therefore
been decided, in consultation with Defence (Finance), that the request for
Higher Family Pension in such cases cannot be accepted.
extended to all pensioners of P&T Department vide Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare OM dated 19.07.2017. In view of this, the item was closed.
Centre.
7th CPC, a comprehensive proposal for merger of all Postal Dispensaries in CGHS
has been under examination in consultation with Department of Posts. This
involves the issue of filling up of vacant posts in such P&T dispensaries. After
firming up a proposal in consultation with Depattinent of Posts, the matter will
be referred to Department of Expenditure for their approval. Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare informed that the process is likely to be completed in 3
months time. The proposal for merger of Postal Dispensary at Cuttack in CGHS and
P&T dispensaries in other cities would be considered as a part of comprehensive
proposal for merger of P&T dispensaries in CGHS.
BSNL between 01.10.2000 and 30.07.2001.
petition filed by some absorbee BSNL pensioners who retired during 01.10.2000
and 30.07.2001. DOT has filed a writ petition in Delhi High Court against order
of Hon’ble CAT. Hon’ble High Court has granted stay on implementation of Hon’ble
CAT’s order. The case will come up for hearing in High Court in October,2018.
formulation suggested by DoPPW. Department of Expenditure has sought financial
implications on the proposal. DoT is compiling information and would submit the
same to Department of Expenditure.
S-12 grade (Issue of grant of grade pay of Rs. 4600/- instead of Rs. 4200/-)
some cases allowed the grant of grade pay of Rs. 4600/- to pre-2006 pensioners
who retired from the pay scale of Rs. 6500-10500/- In order to avoid the
contempt action. DoT has implemented the orders of Hon’ble CAT/High Court in
respect of the petitioners only. Director(PP), Department of Pension & PW
informed that a proposal for extending the benefit of grade pay of Rs. 4600/-
for revision of pension of all pre-2006 pensioners who retired from the pre-
revised pay scale of Rs.6500-10500/- was earlier referred to Department of
Expenditure. However, the proposal was not agreed to by Department of
Expenditure. The matter has again been referred to Department of Expenditure for
reconsideration on 22.02.2018. Department of Expenditure was requested to
expedite their decision in the matter.
lines as P&T.
merger of Survey of India Dispensary under CGHS in Dehradun has been agreed to
by Surveyor General of India and the matter is being examined in consultation
with M/o Science & Technology. A committee has been formed comprising officers
from Survey of India and Directorate General of CGHS to sort out the issue
regarding merger of Survey of India Dispensary in CGHS. Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare informed that a good progress has been made in this regard and a
decision is likely to be taken in a month’s time.
Pensioners.
instructions have been issued to all Zonal Railways to provisionally stop
recovery from the pensioners till further advice from the Railway Board which
will be issued on receipt of instructions from Department of Expenditure.
Ministry of Railways informed that the Department of Expenditure has desired
certain information. The information is being collected from all Zonal Railways
and Production Units. After compiling the information, the matter will be
resubmitted to Department of Expenditure for approval.
Association and Railway Pensioner Association, Mysore mentioned that in spite of
circular dated 04.05.2017, certain Zonal Railways and Public Disbursing Banks in
some zones, e.g North- East Frontier Railway and Eastern Railway, were still
continuing with recoveries from the pensioners. It was also mentioned that
although the instructions issued by Railways provide for refund of the
recoveries made, these instructions have not been implemented. Ministry of
Railways was advised to look into these issues and take up the matter with the
concerned Zonal Railways, and the Banks and ensure that the instructions issued
by Railway Board were duly implemented. The concerned Pensioners’ Associations
will provide details of cases where instructions dated 04.05.2017 have not been
implemented and recovery is continued from the pensioners. Ministry of Railways
was also advised to expedite a final decision on the issue of recoveries in
consultation with Department of Expenditure.
pensioners.
pension to widow should commence within one month of the receipt of death
certificate in respect of deceased pensioner. However, widows and other family
members of the deceased pensioner continue to face a lot of difficulties in
getting the family pension started.
commencement of family pension from all banks. The report prepared by CPAO
confirms that there has been considerable delays by the banks in commencement of
family pension on death of pensioner. The family pension commenced within
stipulated period of one month was only in only 38% in cases. In around 47%
cases, the time taken for commencement of family pension was more than 6 months.
CPAO informed that they have again issued instructions to all the banks on
30.01.2018 and had also taken a meeting with these banks on 31.01.2018 to
impress upon them the need for ensuring that the family pension commences within
the stipulated one month period. Department of Pension and PW has also taken up
the matter with Department of Financial Services on 07.02.2018 forwarding a copy
of the report received from CPAO and requesting them to advise all Banks to
adhere to the timeline.
sure that the families of the deceased pensioners get the family pension in time
and an acknowledgment is invariably given by the Bank to the family member on
receipt of the death certificate of the deceased pensioner and application for
commencement of family pension. CPAO was advised that the representatives from
DFS may also be invited in meetings held by CPAO with the banks.
Defence Family Pensioners and there are number of delayed cases. They also
handed over the list of delayed cases to the DFS.
on payment of pension by banks after receipt of death certificate from spouse
etc. causes subsequent complications and delay in start of family pension, be
stopped by banks.
Additional Pension on attaining the age of 80 years by the Banks.
more than 83% cases during 1.10.2016 and 30.09.2017, commuted pension was
restored after a period of 12 months from the date it was due. The report of
CPAO also reveals that in 87% cases, the additional pension to old pensioners
was started more than 12 months after the date when it was due. Secretary
(P&PW), observed that situation is really grim and it cannot be allowed to
continue. JS(Pension), DoPPW emphasized the need for making suitable
modifications in the software for automatic restoration of commuted value of
pension and commencement of additional pension/family pension. Department of
Financial Services (DFS) was advised to instruct banks in this regard.
time to time to ensure restoration of commuted pension and
commencement/enhancement of additional pension. The matter was also discussed by
the CPAO with the banks in the meeting held on 31.01.2018 and the banks were
directed to make necessary provisions in the software for timely restoration of
commutation and commencement of additional pension. CPAO also requested that all
CPPCs should have their e-mail id and contact number. Software should also have
date of birth of family pensioners.
banks which will take care of problems relating to delay in restoration of
commuted pension and commencement of additional pension.
pensioners.
January, 2018 in this regard. DoPPW mentioned that only SBI is implementing
these instructions to some extent and other banks are not providing the details
to pensioners. DFS was requested to issue fresh instructions to all the Banks in
this regard.
24 months can be accessed from their website. Joint Secretary (P) said that
Ministry of Railways should also explore the feasibility of similar provisions
in their software ARPAN.
Railways)
years and above.
been issued by Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare vide their letter dated
05.09.2017. The item was accordingly closed.
discussed with NIC. The NIC has informed that messages on medicines are already
being sent through SMS. However, detailed information of medicines and
investigation reports cannot be sent through SMS, for which the e-mail will be
captured.
Jaipur has already been completed. The Association raised the issue of
replacement of old equipments for Eye and ENT treatment. Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare informed that these issues will be considered on receipt of a
request. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare stated that an officer of the
Department will visit Jaipur in April, 2018 to sort out all the pending issues
relating to the dispensary.
8 new CGHS Wellness Centres in the country, including one at Kochi, has been
referred to the Depai tinent of Expenditure. Further action for opening of
wellness centre at Kochi will be taken on receipt of approval from the
Department of Expenditure.
Ambernath/Dombivli.
conditions and rates for empanelment of private hospitals under CGHS. A private
hospital in Ambarnath could be empanelled under CGHS only if such an Hospital
applies and accepts the terms and conditions and rates of CGHS. There was some
issue regarding CGHS rates for treatment in empanelled private hospitals.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare informed that they have initiated the
process for revision of rates based on a new formula which is likely to attract
more private hospitals for empanelment under CGHS.
CPC orders.
of different Ministries/Departments. Out of which, 5,13,160 cases have been
revised as per 7th CPC. CPAO also informed that revision at their end has been
fast, however, the cases are not coming from the DDO level because of
non-availability of records. The pensioners associations stated that although
PPOs have been revised in many cases, pensioners are not getting the copy of the
Revised Authority. Also, as well as payments have not been started by the banks
due to non-receipt of PPOs by them in many cases.
revised authorities in respect of 2,17,644 cases.
revised as per 7th CPC.
been revised.
authority has been issued in respect of 1,52,417 cases. Ministry of Defence
intimated that they are monitoring the revision of cases of pensioners at
highest level i.e by Secretary (Defence); and CGDA is also monitoring these case
fortnightly. Concordance tables for service pensioners have been prepared and
will be submitted to Ministry of Defence for approval. Pensioners also raised
point of following different guidelines by PCDA(P), Allahabad than the
guidelines issued by CPAO. It was advised to CGDA to issue centralized
guidelines so that the same guidelines are followed in their all units.
Ministries/Departments (except Ministry of Defence) by 31.05.2018. Ministry of
Defence/CGDA will complete the work in respect of civilian pensioners by
30.06.2010.
be sent by issuing authority to the last known address of Pensioner/Family
Pensioner by registered Post to ensure its delivery.
been revised there are lying with the banks and banks are not revising pension
because of shortage of man-power. Ministry of Railways was advised to hold
meetings with the SBI, Assam especially CPPC, Guwahati, Kolkata and Patna and
UCO bank to sort out the problems.
Telecom and Department of Posts)
pensioners to the nominee/legal heir.
para 23.2 and 23.3 of the Scheme Booklet of CPAO. As per this para payment is
made by the bank to the nominee by a bank pay order after making suitable note
on both halves of the PPO. CPAO was advised to direct all banks to take action
accordingly in these cases. In the context of revision of pension/family pension
of those pensioners/family pensioners who have died on or after 01.01.2016, it
was clarified that revised authority needs to be issued in respect of all such
pensioners/family pensioners. It was decided that suitable instructions in this
regard will be issued by DoPPW.
fixation method to pensioners drawing Compulsory retirement
pension/Compassionate Allowance (on dismissal/removal).
Department of Expenditure informed that the proposal was under examination with
them.
the States in the country.
hospitals is done only in those cities where CGHS facility exists. Due to
referral issue, empanelment of private hospitals was not possible in non-CGHS
areas. The proposal for opening of CGHS wellness centres in some more cities is
under consideration with Department of Expenditure. Empanelment of private
hospitals in these cities will also be considered. Ministry of Health and Family
Welfre also informed that the pensioners in non-CGHS areas can also avail CGHS
facility and thus avail the benefit of treatment in private empanelled hospitals
in CGHS areas. In view of the above, the item was closed.
hospitals for empanelment.
CGHS package rates for medical facilities in private empanelled hospitals has
already been initiated and a new formula has been proposed in this regard for
finalization of rates. This is likely to attract more private hospitals for
empanelment under CGHS.
RELHS centres.
However, in accordance with instructions issued in the year 2011, all Railway
Pensioners residing at a distance of 2.5 kms or more from Railway Health Clinics
can claim FMA after submitting an undertaking that they will not take OPD
treatment from medical hospitals or Railway Health Centres. Therefore, the
contention that the Railway pensioners residing away from RELHS centres are not
eligible for FMA, is not correct. In view of this, the item was closed.
2006 military pensioners.
pensioners was fixed w.r.t the pay scale of the rank which was held by the
pensioner for a minimum of 10 months. However, the condition of 10 months
service in the rank is not applicable in the case of post-2006 retirees. It is
in this background that different criteria has been fixed for fixing of rank
pension in the case of pre and post 2006 pensioners. DoPPW clarified that in the
case of civil pensioners for revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners, orders
have been issued for fixation of notional pay with respect to the last pay/pay
scale of the pensioners, even if that pay was drawn for one day only.
Associations to Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare bringing out all the issues
involved. Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare will examine the issue afresh and
take an appropriate decision in this respect, in consultation with Department of
Expenditure.
personnel can opt only one of the following three medical options:-
in composite hospitals to retired CAPF personnel covered under CGHS without
charging any additional fee, provided the pensioners do not avail FMA facility.
The Association was advised to submit a detailed representation to MHA in this
regard. MHA was requested to examine the issue and to take a decision in the
matter at the earliest
to held Pension Adalats. Ministry of Defence informed that they are regularly
conducting such adalats. Ministry of Railways, DoT, Department of Posts also
informed that they have been regularly conducting such Pension Adalats.
Representatives of Pensioners associations also confirmed holding of Pension
Adalats by the respective Departments on regular basis.
decided that a special review meetings on issues related to banks will be taken
by Secretary (P&PW). CPAO and Department of Financial Services will also
participate in the meetings.
which is indicative of the efforts being made by the Department of Pension &
Pensioners Welfare. He said that the SCOVA has made a considerable progress
since first time the SCOVA meetings were convened.
benefit of pensioners. For instance, minimum pension has been increased to Rs.
9000/-, ceiling of gratuity has been increased to Rs. 20 lakh, FMA has been
increased to Rs.1000/- per month. Constant Attendance Allowance has been
increased from Rs. 4500/- to Rs. 6750/- w.e.f 01.07.2017. Some benefits relating
to income-tax e.g Standard Deduction, tax-rebate etc.on interest made available
in the Finance Bill, 2018.
regarding difficulties in disbursement of pension in the absence of Aadhaar
linkage with the Bank Account. Hon’ble MOS(PP) clarified that Aadhaar has not
been made mandatory for getting pension for Government employees. Aadhaar is an
additional facility to enable use of technology for submission of life
certificate without the need for visiting banks.
stated that DoPPW is the nodal department for receiving grievances through
CPENGRAMS. However, it is for the concerned administrative
Ministries/Departments to take suitable action to redress the grievances.
Therefore, DoPPW forwards these grievances through CPENGRAMS to the concerned
officers for disposal in a time bound manner. DoPPW, however, continues to
monitor quality disposal of the grievances.
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
SI.
No. |
Name |
Designation |
1. |
Dr. Jitendra Singh
|
Hon’ble Minister of State (Personnel, P.G. & Pensions)
Chairman, SCOVA |
2
|
Shri K.V.Eapen
|
Secretary (P&PW)
Convener & Member Secretary, SCOVA |
Officers/Officials of Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
SI. No. |
Name |
Designation |
1.
|
Shri Sanjiv Narain Mathur
|
Joint Secretary
|
2.
|
Shri Harjit Singh,
|
Director
|
3.
|
Smt. Seema Gupta
|
Director
|
4.
|
Shri A.K Singh
|
Under Secretary
|
5.
|
Shri S. K. Makkar,
|
Under Secretary
|
6.
|
Shri.S. Chakrabarti
|
Under Secretary
|
7.
|
Shri Sanjay Shankar
|
Under Secretary
|
8.
|
Shri R K Dutta
|
Under Secretary
|
9.
|
Shri Charanjit Taneja,
|
Under Secretary
|
10.
|
Shri T. C. Varghese,
|
Under Secretary
|
11.
|
Shri Subhash Chander
|
Under Secretary
|
12.
|
Shri
Rajesh Kumar |
Section Officer
|
13.
|
Shri Prem Kumar
|
Sr. Consultant
|
14.
|
Shri S.P.Kakkar
|
Consultant
|
15.
|
Shri. H.S.Toki
|
Consultant
|
List of
Participants- Ministries/Departments
S.no. |
Ministry/Department |
Name & Designation |
I. |
CPAO
|
1. Sh.
N.K.Mishra, CC(Pension)
2. Sh.
Subhash Chandra, CA
3. Sh.
M.S.K.Ansari, ACA |
2.
|
Department of Posts
|
1. Sh. Dilip Padhye, Sr. DDG
|
3.
|
Department of Telecom
|
1. Sh. Sanjay Agarwal, Director (Estt-II)
|
4.
|
Department of Financial Services
|
1. Sh. Gulab Singh, Deputy Secretary
|
5.
|
Department of Expenditure
|
1. Sh. Arnar Nath Singh, Director
|
6.
|
CGDA
|
1. Sh.
Puskal Upadhyay, Jt. CODA |
7.
|
Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare
|
1. Ms.
Bindu Tewari, Director (EHS)
2. Dr.
D.C.Joshi, Director (CGHS) |
8.
|
Department of Ex-servicemen
Welfare
|
1. Sh. Manoj Sinha, Under Secretary
|
9.
|
Ministry of Railways
|
1. Sh.
B.K.Singh, Exe. Director F(E)
2. Dr.
Amitava Dutta, Exe, Director (Health)
3. Sh.
G Kabni, Director F (CCA)
4. Sh.
N.P.Singh, Jt. Director E (P&A) |
10.
|
Department of Revenue
|
1. Sh.
Sudhir Kumar, Jt. Secretary (Admn), CBDT
2. Sh.
Nubhai Singh, US (Ad-1X), CBDT |
11.
|
Ministry of Home Affairs
|
1. Dr.
S. Chakraborty, DIG (M d), CAPFs, MSG & AR
2. Sh.
Rakesh Negi, DIG, BSF
3. Sh.
Raman Kkumar, US, MI-1A
4. Dr.
Rajesh Kumar (Assam Rifle) |
12.
|
NIC
|
1. Sh.
Y.K.Singh, Sr. Tech. Director
2. Sh. Anil Barisal,
Tech Director |
List of Participants- Pensioners
Association
S.no. |
Pensioners Association |
Name |
1.
|
Air Force Association, New Delhi
|
1. Grp. Capt.
Ashok Sethi |
2.
|
NF Railways Pensioners Association,
Guwahati
|
1. Sh.
S.M.Kanjilal |
3
|
Central Govt. Pensioners Association, Jaipur
|
1. Sh.V.K.Kasliwal
2. Sh.S.K.Sharrna
|
4.
|
Central Govt. Pensioners Welfare
Association, Noida
|
1. Sh.
A.K.Nauriyal |
5.
|
Tamilnadu Ex-services League, Tamilnadu
|
1. Lt. Sundar
Sugumar |
6.
|
Govt. Pensioners Association, Dehradun
|
1. Sh. M.C.Mittal
|
7.
|
Uttarpara Central Govt. Pensioners
Association, West Bengal
|
1. Sh. Kamlesh
Bose |
8.
|
All India Ex-para Military Personnel
Association, Jalandhar
|
1. Sh. Balwinder
Singh |
9.
|
Railway Senior Citizens Welfare Society,
Punjab
|
1. Sh. Harchandan
Singh |
10
|
All India Organisation of Pensioners,
Lucknow
|
I. Sh. V.K.Mishra
|
11.
|
Railway Pensioners Welfare Association,
|
1. Sh.
A Dyavanna
2. Sh.
Bhanuprasad M |
12.
|
All India Org. of
Pensioners (Civil & Military) Kerala |
1. Sh. K Krishna
Pillai |
COMMENTS