Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 30: V Srinivas, the Secretary to the Government, Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare, commended the Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association (CGPWA) in Jammu for their active role in supporting the pensioners’ issues.
He emphasized the importance of pensioners contributing to society and accelerating development.
Srinivas highlighted the department’s efforts to ensure pensioners lead dignified lives and contribute to society.
He mentioned the CPENGRAMS portal, an online system for grievance redressal related to pensions, which has streamlined the process for pensioners. He urged pensioners to use this platform for their grievances.
Impressed by the Jammu Association’s work on projects such as rejuvenating water bodies and creating environment friendly bathing ghats, Srinivas praised the pensioners’ technical support for sustainable development even after retirement.
He suggested articles from leading contributors outside Jammu and Kashmir to enhance the association’s publications. He encouraged innovative projects, like the publication of relevant constitutional court judgments, which have simplified pension rules.
He urged the association and pension banks, including JKB, to participate in the national campaign for Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) to benefit pensioners, with the department aiming to cover 50 lakh pensioners for DLCs. He recommended using the SBI Pension Seva Portal.
Regarding the issues raised by CGPWA General Secretary KB Jandial, Srinivas assured that increasing the grant-in-aid to pension is under consideration.
He confirmed that a second wellness centre in Jammu had been approved by CGHS. The disbursement of Dearness Relief (DR) sanctioned by the Central Government for pensioners will now be paid in one go and pension will be credited on a fixed date, similar to other pension banks, he said.
Srinivas agreed to consider pensioners’ cases, including the denial of the third salary raise after 30 years of service under the MACP scheme, notional increment for those who retired on June 30th, and resolving anomalies in fixing pensions in the apex grade of two PCCFs.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome to Srinivas and an overview of the association’s activities by KB Jandial.
Dr Sudarshan Kumar, Vice President of the Association, discussed the SPARSH defense pension issue. Dr Pramod Kumar, Director of DoPPW, extended the vote of thanks.
The meeting was attended by dignitaries, including BR Sharma, State Election Commissioner, and Dr Ashok Bhan, former DGP, as well as representatives from CGHS, SBI, PNB, and JKB.
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