A Decade of Purpose After Retirement (1 December 2015 – 30 November 2025)

A Decade of Purpose After Retirement (1 December 2015 – 30 November 2025)

By Lokanath Mishra,

The Chief Adviser , The All India Pensioners Association of CBIC & The All India CGHS Beneficiaries Association of CBIC

Retirement is often described as a gentle withdrawal from professional life—a time for rest, reflection, and personal pursuits. Yet for some, retirement becomes an opportunity to serve with renewed purpose and dedication. The ten years from 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2025 have been such a journey for me—a period filled with advocacy, collective action, and steadfast commitment to the welfare of the CBIC pensioners’ community.

Beginning a New Chapter with a New Mission

Soon after my retirement, I had the privilege of joining hands with two dedicated colleagues—Late Shri Shankar Biswas and Late Shri R. Kumar. Together, with a shared resolve to strengthen the voice of CBIC pensioners, we laid the foundation for the All India Pensioners Association of CBIC.

Our objective was clear and compelling:
to create a national platform that could represent pensioners meaningfully and champion their causes with unity and clarity.

Raising a Collective Voice: Submission before the 7th CPC

One of our earliest achievements was preparing and submitting a comprehensive memorandum before the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). This memorandum addressed long-standing issues of pensionary benefits, anomalies, parity concerns, and systemic gaps. It required significant consultation and coordination, but it reinforced our belief that pensioners must have a structured and strong voice in policy decisions.

Over time, the association helped resolve several pension-related problems faced across the country by retired CBIC personnel.

Expanding Support: Formation of the All India CGHS Beneficiaries Association of CBIC

Recognizing the crucial role of healthcare in a pensioner’s life, we extended our efforts by forming the All India CGHS Beneficiaries Association of CBIC, jointly with Shri Ravi Malik. His tireless work, strategic thinking, and administrative strength have made him an invaluable pillar of both associations.

Today, Shri Ravi Malik serves as the Secretary General of both associations, steering them with exceptional efficiency, dedication, and vision.

Equally important is the leadership of Shri A.K. Sharma, who, as President of both associations, has been providing outstanding guidance, unity, and motivation to all members. His leadership has helped strengthen the associations across India.

Along with them, several other key members have been contributing significantly:
• Shri Ramesh Babu
• Shri C. S. Sharma
• Shri GnanSundaram
• Shri N. Pradhan

Their sincere and continuous efforts have empowered the associations to address numerous issues related to pension, CGHS, and administrative grievances effectively.

The Long Road to Pay Parity: A Battle Still Underway

Among all the causes, the pay parity case seeking appropriate pay scales since 1986 remains one of the most important and emotionally significant struggles. Filed in 2004, this case has traveled a long and challenging path.

At present, Shri Niranjan Pradhan and Shri Ravi Malik are working tirelessly to push this matter forward in the High Court of Odisha, advocating with determination and unwavering commitment. Their persistent efforts keep the hope alive that justice will eventually prevail.

A Decade Well Spent

As I reflect on these ten years, I find that they have been anything but a retreat from public life. Instead, they have been years of:
• organization,
• collaboration,
• advocacy,
• problem-solving,
• and unwavering service to the pensioners’ fraternity.

The memories of working with Late Shri Shankar Biswas and Late Shri R. Kumar continue to inspire us, while the ongoing leadership of Shri A.K. Sharma and Shri Ravi Malik strengthens the foundations we built together.

Our collective team—Ramesh Babu, C.S. Sharma, GnanSundaram, N. Pradhan, and many others—remains committed to the betterment of pensioners across the nation.

Looking Ahead with Hope and Determination

The work of our associations is far from over. Each achievement motivates us, and every unresolved issue strengthens our resolve. With strong leadership and dedicated members, we are confident that both associations will continue to serve, support, and uplift the entire CBIC pensioners’ community.

As I conclude this decade of post-retirement service, I do so with gratitude for the past and renewed commitment for the future. The journey continues—with purpose, unity, and hope.