Action Taken Report on the minutes of the 27th SCOVA meeting held on 13.10.2015 and Fresh Agenda Items to be discussed in 28th SCOVA meeting

Sl.No

Issues raised in 27^th SCOVA meeting

Gist of Decision Taken in the 27^th SCOVA Meeting

Follow up Action

1

Para 5(i) of Minutes:-

Revision of PPOs of Pre-2006 Pensioners

CPAO intimated that as on date 9697 PPOs are yet to be revised. CGA took a meeting on 07.10.2015 in this connection. CPAO has been mapping the pendency location wise.

Status of Revision of PPOs of Pre-2006 Pensioners is as under:-

CPAO

To facilitate settlement of pending cases, meetings are being organized regularly by CPAOs with concerned Ministries/Departments/PAOs. In most of the cases details of pensioners are not available with Ministries/Departments/PAOs. Banks are paying pension to these pensioners under KYC norms. Banks CPPCs have been repeatedly requested to provide details of such pensioners to CPAO. The matter has also been taken up with Department of Financial Services.

One of the associations expressed their reservations about the “Nil” Pendency shown in the ATR by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. However, the association expressed its inability to provide the details of pending PPOs as the association did not maintain data in this regard. Secretary (Pension) directed that representatives of CGDA. Department of Financial Services and Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare be asked to present in the meeting scheduled to be held on 27.10.2015 for revision of pension.

Ministry Of Defence

CGDA informed that meetings were held with Air Force Pensioners Associations. The list of unrevised PPOs given by them had been looked into and the unrevised PPOs have been revised.

One of the Railway pensioners association suggested that perception for non-revision of PPO is partly due to the fact that many of the revised PPO are being sent at the addresses where pensioners no longer reside. The association suggested that the revised PPO be sent to pension disbursing bank who can send it to the pensioners.

Ministry Of Railways

Ministry of Railways has reported “Nil” Pendency.

Department of Telecom informed that the remaining PPOs pertain to BSNL about which they do not have sufficient information. Now, they are taking help from banks to get that information to reach out to remaining pensioners.

Department of Telecom

Department of Telecom has intimated that 228 cases are pending.

Jt.Secretary (pension) requested all the Ministries/Departments to issue revised authorities for all pending cases before the next SCOVA meeting so that this item could be closed finally.

(Action:- CPAO, Department of posts, Department of Telecom, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Railways and Department of Financial Services)

Department of Posts

Department of Posts has reported “Nil” pendency.

2

Para 5 (ii) of Minutes:

Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners including those residing in non-CGHS area.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that after consultation with the concerned Departments such as NITI Ayog, Department of Expenditure. Department of Financial Services and the Insurance companies, a scheme for Health Insurance for employees and pensioners has been prepared. An EFC Memo in this regard would be circulated to the concerned Department shortly.

One of the Associations suggested that the Medical Insurance Scheme may be extended to CGHS beneficiaries also, so that they could get medical benefits under Insurance Scheme over and above the reimbursement under CGHS.

(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare/DoPPW

Draft EFC Memo was circulated by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 08.02.2016. comments of DoPPW were sent to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 26.02.2016, Further comments have been sent be DoPPW vide OM dated 30.05.2016 on the observations made by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 02.05.2016.

Final EFC Note will be circulated by Ministry of Health and Family welfare once the comments/approval of all the concerned Ministries/Departments is received.

3.

Para 5 (iii) of Minutes:-

Special “Higher” Family Pension for the widows of disabled pensioners who have invalided out of service.

It was clarified by the Association that the matter pertained only to widows of disabled war veterans who have been invalided out of service and not to widows of the others disabled pensioners. It was decided that Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare will have a relook and take a decision at an appropriate level in consultation with CGDA at the earliest.

(Action: Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and CGDA)

Ministry Of Defence

The proposal was examined by Ministry of Defence in consultation with Department of Expenditure. The latter did not agree to the same.

4.

Para 5(iv) of Minutes:-

One of the Pensioners Associations stated that with the dismissal of the SLPs by the Hon’ble Supreme court on 22-08-2014. The issue has attained finality, and therefore withdrawal of Oms dated 1.8.96 and 05.06.98 must be expedited to pave the way for extension of CGHS facility to P&t Pensioners.

Ministry of Health and Family welfare informed that a proposal regarding extension of CGHS facility to all P&T Pensioners at par with other Government pensioners has been forwarded for approval of Department of Expenditure Department of Expenditure was advised to expedite their decision in this regard.

(Action: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Department of Expenditure)

Ministry Of health and Family Welfare and Department of Expenditure

7^th CPC has recommended that all postal pensioners should be covered under CGHS. Department of Expenditure has advised Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to link the issue with processing of Report of 7^th CPC and await the decision on the same.

5

Para 5(v) of Minutes:-

Anomaly in fixation of pension to DoT employees absorbed in BSNL, who retired between 01.10.2000 and 31.07.2001

It was informed that a proposal was sent by DOT to DoPPW on 24.04.2015 and a formulation was suggested by DoPPW on 26.06.2015. The case was thereafter referred by DOT to Department of Expenditure. Department of Expenditure sought some clarification/information on 17.09.2015 which are being obtained by DoT from concerned Departments/Agencies. Dot was asked to finalise their proposal by 31.10.2015.

(Action: Department of Telecom and DoPPW)

DOPPW

Based on some queries of Department of Expenditure, Department of Telecom sought further clarification. This was furnished to Department of Telecom on 11.12.2015. No further response has been received from Dot despite reminders dated 18.02.2016, 29.04.2016 and 26.05.2016.

Department of Telecom

The clarifications received from DoPPW were sent to Department of Expenditure on 26.02.2016. The matter is pending with Department of Expenditure.

6

Para 5(vi) of Minutes:-

Merger of 78.2% IDA with basic pension benefit to the absorbed BSNL Pensioners.

Department of Telecom informed circulated on 16.06.2015 and comments of DoPPW were conveyed to DOT on 06.07.2015. comments/views from other Ministries/Departments have also been received. However, some queries have been raised by Department of Expenditure and the information/inputs on same are being collected for furnishing the same to Department of Expenditure. DoT were asked to send the reply to Department of Expenditure by 31.10.2015.

(Action: D/o Telecom & D/o Expenditure)

Department of Expenditure/DoPPW

Department of Expenditure has not agreed to the proposal.

8

Para 5(Viii) of Minutes:-

Extension of benefit of OM dated 28.01.2013 w.e.f 01.01.2006 instead of 24.09.2012 (Revision of disability pension/family pension under DOP Rules)

It was informed that orders of Hon’ble supreme court’s have been complied with vide DoPPW OM No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 30.07.2015. It was informed that the proposal for revision of disability pension under EOP Rules has been referred to Ministry of Finance separately, as the formula for disability pension is different from that of normal pension. (Action: D/o P&PW)

DoPPW

In this regard DoPPW has issued OM No.45/3/2008-P&PW(F) dated 29.04.2016 which gives the benefit w.e.f 01.01.2016 corresponding to OM dated 30.07.2015 issued in the case of ordinary pensioners. The file for further revision of disability pension corresponding to the OM dated 06.04.2016 (issued in the case of ordinary pensioners) has been referred to Department of Expenditure on 30.05.2016.

9

Para 5(x) of Minutes:-

Issues relating to CGHS:-

(a). Opening of CGHS Dispensary in Srinagar.

(B) Provision of additional doctors at CGHS Wellness Centre Jammu and computerization of Jammu Wellness Centre.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the request  for opeing of dispensary in Srinagar has been regretted as the CGHS resources are fully committed as of now. Secretary(Pension) stated that he would take up the matter again with Secretary (Health).

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that there are 2 doctors posted at CGHS Wellness Centre. Jammu one on deputation from J&K Health Department and other is a retiree from J&K Health Department Regarding computerization of Wellness Centre at Jammu, the payment has been made to BSNL for installing 4 Mbps lease line and approval has been conveyed to start CGHS application in Jammu using their existing Broad Band connectivity.

(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Ø  In the review meeting held on 26.02.2016, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that P&T dispensary at Jammu has been merged with CGHS dispensary and the erstwhile P&T dispensary is lying inoperative. It was suggested to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to consider the shifting of non-operational dispensary of Jammu to Srinagar. Ministry of Health and Welfare on 22.06.2016 informed that the proposal for opening of a Wellness centre at Srinagar is under submission.

Ø  2 doctors have already been posted at Jammu Wellness Centre and the computerization of Jammu Wellness Centre has been completed.

10

Para 5(xi) of Minutes:-

Extension of CGHS facilities to retired BSNL employees Issue of follow up orders by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare and fixation of rates of contribution and ward entitlement by Department of Telecom.

The Department of Telecom informed that the matter was being examined and a proposal in this regard is being submitted for approval of competent authority to take up the case further with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Department of Telecom was asked to finalize their proposal quickly and send it to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by 31.10.2015.

(Action: Department of Telecom and Ministry of Health & FW)

Department of Telecom

Department of Telecom furnished the requisite information regarding criteria to be followed in drawing CDA/IDA pension for deciding contribution and ward entitlement to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 18.11.2015.

Ministry of Health and Family welfare

In this regard, a meeting was held with Department of Telecom (DOT) and it was decided that DOT will mention the equivalent Basic Pay and Grade Pay as per Central Dearness Allowance (CDA) Scale also corresponding to Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) scale, in the PPO issued to pensioners getting pension from central Civil Estimates. This will enable CGHS in deciding rate of contributions and ward entitlement for issuance of CGHS cards to the eligible BSNL/MTNL Pensioners.

11

S.No(27.2):-

Extension of the benefits of DOPPW OM.No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 28.01.2013 read with OM date 30.07.2015 to Pre-2006 pensioners with less than 33 years of service.

It was informed that the matter was under examination in the wake of orders dated 26.08.2015 of Hon’ble Supreme Court in a Review Petition filed by the Government in the case of M.O.Inasu.

(Action: DOPPW)

DOPPW

The Orders have been issued by DOPPW vide OM.No.38/37/08-P&PW(A) dated 06.04.2016.

12

Sl.No (27.3):-

Opening/Extension/Repair of dispensaries at following stations:

(a).Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali

(b) Ambarnath

Considering the number of CGHS card holders in chandigarh, which is much more than the prescribed norms, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare agreed that they would re-examine the case for additional dispensary/staff at Chandigarh.

The renovation work for CGHS Wellness Centre in Ambarnath, Maharashtra, is in progress since April, 2015.

(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

In the review meeting on 26.02.2016, Ministry of Health and Family welfare informed that they are examining the proposed of opening of CGHS dispensary at Chandigarh/Mohali/Panchkula. The response of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is awaited.

(b) In case of Ambarnath, the renovation work of CGHS wellness center is in progress and is likely to be completed in 3 months.

13

Sl.No.(27.4):

Issues relating to CGHS Dispensary at Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

(a).Regular appointment of Grp C&D staff.

(b). Opening of Ayurvedic/Homeoptathic and Sidda Dispensary.

(c). Delegation of power of additional Director, CGHS at Dehradun to sanction Medical Reimbursement claims (MRCs)

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare representative intimated the following:

(a). The process to appoint regular staff has now been initiated.

(b). There are only 85 AYUSH dispensaries in CGHS. The feasibility of opening one at Dehradun would be examined.

(c). There is no post of Regional Director under CGHS, even at chandigarh. However, there is post of Additional Director, CGHS at Dehradun and has been filled up by a regular incumbent. The question of delegating powers for sanctioning Medical Reimbursement Claims to Addl. Director, Dehradun would be examined.

(Action: Ministry Of health and Family Welfare)

Ministry of Health and Family welfare

Regarding issues related to CGHS Dispensary, Dehradun, following action has been taken:-

(a). the process of appointment of regular staff has been initiated.

(b). the proposal was not agreed to due to resource constraints.

(c). the powers of DDO has been delegated to Addl Director, Dehradun vide order dated 30.12.2015.

14

Sl.No.(27.5):

Supreme court judgement in CA No.11527 of 2014 (Arising out of SLP NO.11684 of 2012) regarding recovery of wrongful/excess payment from employees/Pensioner

DOPT informed that there are legal and financial aspects involved and the matter is being examined. DoPT was advised to expedite the decision in this respect.

(Action: DoPt/DoPPW)

DoPT/DoPPW

In this regard, the orders have been issued by DoPT vide its OM No.18/03/2015-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 02.03.2016.

S.No

Fresh Agenda Items

(28.1)

One time option to CGHS Beneficiaries to choose their ward entitlement based on their pay in pay band.

Prior to revision of the rates of subscription and entitlement of ward under CGHS with effect from 1^st June 2009, vide MoH & FW O.M.No.s-11011/2/2008-CGHS(P) dated 20.5.2009, Pensioners had an option to choose payment of CGHS contribution/ward entitlement based either on last pay drawn or their pension. Pensioners who had opted for payment of subscription based on their pension got lower entitlement of ward than the entitlement based on their last basic pay. Consequent upon implementation  of revised pay bands under 6^th CPC. The rate of CGHS subscription was revised to be based on the grade pay and the ward entitlement on the pay in pay band that the pensioner would have drawn but for retirement. The revised rates were introduced w.e.f. 1.6.2009. Pensioners entitled for higher wards based had opted for determination of their entitlement based on their pension at the time of their retirement/admission to CGHS. It is therefore, requested that a onetime option may be allowed to pre-1-6-2009 pensioners to opt for redetermination of their ward entitlement based on their notional pay in pay band, which would make them eligible for higher wards in Private Hospitals empaneled under CGHS.

(Action: Ministry of Health and Family welfare)

(28.2)

Issues relating to CGHS Wellness Centre, Dehradun

(A). Posting of two Doctors at CGHS Millan vihar, Dehradun:-

Posting of two Doctors at CGHS Milan vihar, Dehradun against the vacancies on account of retirement of one doctor on 30.01.2016 and posting of CMO I/C against the post of Additional director, CGHS, Dehradun (Addl. Charge).

(B). Appointment of special/super specialist i.e. Cardiologist, E.N.T., Eye, and gynecologist for a limited hours two days a week.

(c). Action taken on recommendations of committee of official of Ministry of Health & Family welfare and DoPPW which visited Dehradun on 28.08.2014 is not known.

(D). Merger of survey of India dispensary in CGHS on the same line as P&t dispensary.

The Survey of India has two dispensaries with 8 doctors and the average daily beneficiaries are 200. Whereas the CGHS cardholders are 7917 and total beneficiaries are 18796. If the survey of India dispensary is merged with CGHS. Dehradun, then the services of available doctors could be better utilized.

(Action: Ministry Of Health and family Welfare)

(28.3)

Issues related to CGHS Wellness Centre, Noida

(a). the Computers, Printers, water coolers, generator etc. are not in proper workable condition. Also there is no AMC for any item.

(b). The funds for maintenance CGHS Wellness Centre Building are allotted late to CPWD. The maintenance of dispensary starts in October/November whereas the fund are allotted for the whole financial year.

(c).There are vacant posts at every level. It is requested fill these vacant posts soon.

(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

(28.4)

Conversion of Postal Dispensary at Cantt. Road, cuttack to CGHS Wellness Centre.

It is been requested to the Ministry to convert present postal dispensary located at cantonment road, cuttack to CGHS Wellness centre. Out of 52 such dispensaries. Only 19 have been merged with CGHS dispensary. The CGHS Wellness center located in Kharavela Nagar, Bhubaneswar is overflowing with patients belonging to cuttack (0 kms away). Therefore, conversion of postal Dispensary situated at cantonment road, cuttack may be prioritized.

(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

(28.5)

Stoppage of recovery of wrongful/excess payments from railway pensioners.

In the light of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme court DoPt vide their OM No.18/26/2011-Estt(Pay-I) dated 6^th February, 2014 advised to the Ministries/Departments to deal with the issue of wrongful/excess payments on specific guidelines. The N.F.Railway authorities are denying to carry out the said order with the plea of non-availability of any such order from the railway board.

(Action: Ministry Of Railways)

(28.6)

Full Pension to Pre-2006 Pensioners with less than 33 years of Service:

The minimum pension as ordered in OM F.No.38/37/08 P&PW(A) dated 28.01.2013 read with the OM of even No. dated 30.07.2015 envisages a proportionate reduction if the service is less than 33 years. This proportionate reduction has been struck down by the Hon’ble Supreme court and a judicial finality is reached with the decress in RP(C) No.2565/2015 in SLP(C) No.6567/2015. But formal OM based on orders of the Supreme court have not been issued so far. As per the minutes of last SCOVA meeting held on 13.10.2015 (Item 27.2), it was under process. But, even after a lapse of 5 months the formal orders are to come.

(Action: DoPPW)

(28.7)

Delay in commencement of family pension to spouse on death of Pensioner.

“ Joint Account with spouse”  system was introduced with a view among other things, to avoid delay in commencement of payment of family pension after the death of pensioner even after having joint account. It has been observed that in most of the cases commencement of payment of family pension takes 4/5 months after submission of death certificate of pension to the bank. Moreover, recovery for excess credit of pension and adjustment of family pension for the intervening period are done by the Banks in a cryptic manner and not in a transparent way. CPAO may be requested to suitably advise the Banks to arrange payment of family pension within a month of submission of death certificate and indicating details of transaction for the intervening period.

(Action: CPAO, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts, Department of Telecom, Ministry of Defence)

(28.8)

Payment of (i) Restoration of commutation amount and (ii) Additional Pension on attaining the age of 80 years should be streamlined by the Banks:

As a practice the disbursing banks pay these amounts months after submission of claim by the pensioner. It is pointed out that the date of restoration of commuted amount normally indicated in the PPO. In exceptional cases, where it is not mentioned, the same should be restored after 15 years of retirement or date of payment of commutation value.

In respect of payment of additional pension, it depends on the date of birth of the pensioner, which is available in the PPO. In cases of payment of additional pension to family pensioner where the same is not recorded in the PPO, the family pensioner has to submit the documentary evidence in support of date of birth when required.

When required information are available in the PPO, the disbursing Bank should take action suo-moto for payment without waiting for the pensioner to apply except in the case of family pensioners as pointed out earlier. Therefore, those payments should be arranged by the Banks as and when due without requiring the pensioners to submit application as is the present practice of the Banks.

(Actiion: CPAO, Department of Financial Service, Ministry of Railway, Department of Posts, Department of Telecom, Ministry Of Defence.)