The All Kerala Bank Retirees Forum (AKBRF) has recently written a stern letter to the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), expressing their dissatisfaction with the provision of ex-gratia to pensioners and family pensioners. This provision was agreed upon by the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and UFBU as part of the 12th Bipartite Settlement (BPS). The retirees’ forum has been consistently opposing the inclusion of the ex-gratia clause since its inception in the Memorandum of Understanding of the 12th BPS.
AKBRF highlights two major concerns in their communication. Firstly, they criticize the practice of permanently excluding a substantial portion of the salary from the scope of superannuation benefits. This limitation prevents increases in monthly payments from reflecting in pension benefits after retirement. Secondly, the forum laments the sidelining of the long-pending demand for pension revision in the 12th BPS.
Allocation of Funds and Disregard for Pensioners’ Aspirations
The retirees’ forum argues that the allocation for ex-gratia payments neglects the genuine aspirations of pensioners and undermines their rightful demand for pension revision. They believe that the pension corpus fund is substantial enough to accommodate pension revisions in line with wage revisions. They also point out the disproportionate allocation and utilization of funds by managements, which they find concerning.
Urgent Need for Reevaluation and Agitational Program
AKBRF stresses the necessity for revisiting the matter and suggests the formulation of an agitational program with active participation from pensioners to achieve the long-overdue demand for pension revision. They propose aligning pension revisions with those implemented in institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India. Additionally, they emphasize the need to address the exclusion of special allowances for superannuation benefits.
Prioritizing the Welfare of Retirees in the Banking Sector
The letter from AKBRF underscores the urgency and importance of prioritizing the welfare of retirees within the banking sector. It calls for a reevaluation of current policies and a concerted effort to ensure equitable treatment for pensioners, aligning with the principles of fairness and justice.
Response from UFBU and the Way Forward
As of now, the UFBU is yet to respond to the concerns raised by the retirees’ forum. However, the letter serves as a reminder of the pressing need to address the grievances of pensioners and uphold their rights within the banking industry. It is hoped that the UFBU will give due consideration to these concerns and take appropriate measures to address them.
I am also retired officer from SBI.
When I was in service I resolved many tupical cases of State and Centrsl Govt.
First and foremost anamoly starts on the day when Pension option given to the then working and retired employees, whenever Pay commission of State and Central Govt. implemented then fitment of Basic pay of retired employees also revised as per new pay commission and alive retired employees get 50% pension, whereas when our new BPS come in force, Basic pay if retired employees of Banks not revised and alive retired Banks employees get 45-46% (approx) as usual.
Second main ananamoly is that famiy pension in case of State and Central Govt. 45% whereas in case of Banks employees earlier it was merely 15%, now revised, but yet to be equallised to State and Central Govt.
While on the other hand, now a days Banks’ employees are most under pressure of work.
I got married in 1988 when I was ckerk and at that time my father in law was simple PTI in Delhi Cantt. school and his gross salary was less than me. Today he and I both retired, his alive net take home pension is 58000/- and I get net take home pension is 49000/-.
वो सुबह कभी तो आयेगी
बँक वाला दामाद चून के ओ अभी पछताते होंगे !
With the continuous efforts, we may achieve our goal.
Parity in Pension with Central Govt/State Govt Retirees is Pipe Dream for Bank Retirees. RBI /NABARD achieved it in 2019.
True Sir . This demand of updation of pension in the lines of RBI & NABARD is totally correct. UPFU has totally spoiled the scenario. Till date also they didn’t realize. Any action plan is initiated . I don’t know .
Hoping the best in coming days atleast
Regards
Kv Ramana Chari
BOB Retd ( July 2017)
Hyderabad
Clear cheating with retirees.Why the Unions did not object Special allowance, Special DA and Learning allowance not merged with basic.Why medical insurance as prevelent in SBI retirees not introduced in other Banks.?All Union leaders now lead a flamboyant Lifestyle.A serious investigation will reveal many things .But who will Bell the Cat?