DRAFT SAMPLE MEMORANDUM

DRAFT SAMPLE MEMORANDUM TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE 8th CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION
ON BEHALF OF THE ALL INDIA PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATION:

To
The Chairman
8th Central Pay Commission
Government of India

Subject: Comprehensive Memorandum on Pension Revision, Healthcare Reforms, and Welfare Measures for Central Government Pensioners

Respected Sir,

We, the representatives of the All India Pensioners’ Association, respectfully submit this memorandum for consideration by the 8th Central Pay Commission.

Pensioners, having rendered long years of dedicated service to the nation, are entitled to a secure, dignified, and equitable post-retirement life. Pension must not be treated as a charity; it is a right and a deferred portion of compensation for services rendered, as recognized in established service jurisprudence and judicial pronouncements.

In the present economic environment, marked by rising inflation, increasing healthcare costs, and global uncertainties, the following demands are submitted for your kind consideration, along with their justification:

1. Periodic Pension Enhancement

A minimum increase of 15% in basic pension after every five years should be granted automatically.

Justification:
This will ensure protection against erosion of real income due to inflation and provide financial stability to pensioners, especially in advanced age.

1. Fitment Factor

The fitment factor should be fixed at not less than 3.25.
DA/DR should be fixed in each and every six month on the basis of market retail prices of consumer’s products/ goods.

Justification:
• Continuous erosion of real income despite Dearness Relief
• Rising cost of living and healthcare
• Need for a realistic revision in prevailing economic conditions

1. Parity Between Past and Present Pensioners
   • Full parity must be ensured between past and present pensioners
   • Pension should be revised as per Option-1 recommended under the 7th CPC, ensuring increment-based fixation (as supported by this Association)
   • No discrimination based on date of retirement
   • The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) should be restored

Justification:
Ensures equality and removes disparities arising from different retirement periods.

1. One Rank One Pension (OROP) for Uniformed Civil Services

A system analogous to One Rank One Pension (OROP) should be extended to all uniformed departments, including CBIC and similar services.

Justification:
• Ensures equal pension for equal rank and length of service
• Removes long-standing anomalies

1. Strengthening of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

(a) Expansion of Wellness Centres
CGHS wellness centres should be established in every district across India.

Justification:
Improves accessibility for pensioners across the country.

(b) Private Pharmacy in Every Wellness Centre
A private pharmacy outlet should be established within each CGHS wellness centre.

Justification:
Ensures availability of quality medicines without delay or compromise.

(c) Mandatory Empanelment of Private Hospitals
All eligible private hospitals should be mandatorily empaneled under CGHS.

Justification:
Ensures wider access to healthcare facilities.

(d) Cashless Treatment Without Referral
Pensioners should be allowed to approach any empaneled private hospital directly for cashless treatment without referral from CGHS wellness centres.

Justification:
• Avoids delays in emergency and critical situations
• Reduces procedural hardship for elderly pensioners
• Ensures timely medical intervention

(e) Timely Revision of CGHS Package Rates
CGHS package rates should be revised periodically and in a timely manner.

Justification:
Prevents denial of treatment due to outdated rates.

(f) No Change in Specialist-Prescribed Medicines
Medicines prescribed by specialists must not be substituted or altered.

Justification:
Ensures continuity and effectiveness of treatment.

(g) Time-Bound Supply of Medicines
All prescribed medicines should be made available within 24 hours.

Justification:
Critical for maintaining health and preventing complications.

(h) Annual Health Check-up Without Referral
All pensioners should be entitled to an annual health check-up without referral.

Justification:
Encourages preventive healthcare.

1. Introduction of LTC for Pensioners

Provision of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for pensioners, including:
• Reimbursement of travel expenses
• Additional 30 days’ equivalent pension during the LTC period

Justification:
Promotes well-being and social engagement.

1. Restoration of Commuted Pension

The restoration period should be reduced from 15 years to 10 years, with retrospective effect from 01.01.1996.

Justification:
Provides financial relief and addresses long-standing grievances.

1. Simplification and Digitization
   • Simplified pension procedures
   • Time-bound grievance redressal
   • Universal digital access

Justification:
Ensures efficiency, transparency, and ease of access.

1. Family Pension Reforms
   • Enhanced family pension rates
   • Simplified procedures

Justification:
Ensures financial security for dependents.

1. Exemption from Income Tax

Pensioners should be exempted from payment of income tax on pension and interest income.

Justification:
• Pension is a deferred wage, not fresh income
• Senior citizens face increasing medical and living expenses
• Provides financial relief and social security

1. Consideration of Pensioners’ Associations’ Recommendations

The recommendations submitted by pensioners’ associations, particularly those relating to Option-1 pension fixation, should be duly considered and implemented.

Justification:
Reflects collective experience and practical concerns of pensioners.

Conclusion

The above demands are essential not merely as financial measures but as instruments to ensure dignity, equality, and security for pensioners. The 8th Central Pay Commission is requested to adopt a balanced and humane approach while making its recommendations.

We sincerely hope that the Commission will give due consideration to these long-standing issues.

Yours faithfully,

All India Pensioners’ Association :
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