I have no hesitation in acknowledging/emphasising that it is this government that has done quite a few good things to the bank pensioners for the first time in the past 25+ years i.e.,since the introduction of pension scheme. Notable among these are the sanctioning of 100% DA to pre 2002 retirees (ending their sufferings from tapered DA for 18 years losing a few lakhs in the process), increase in family pension and ex-gratia (though it is below our expectations). Of course, UFBU played its role well, after knowing that the government was favourably inclined to redress the grievances of pensioners.
As regards the unusual and inordinate delay in release of AICPI figures, we may wait for some more time rather than jumping to any conclusion. After all, even if the figures are released in the first week of June, it is not going to result in any monetary loss to the employees.
And, as for pensioners this delay has no
effect as their DA revision is only due in August next.
K N Ramani