Paradox of Bank Retirees' Organisations'

[Prasad C N]

Dear friends,

I have been observing various organisations approaching Hon'ble Kerala High Court and seeking 'Stay' with regard to issue of GST on Group Medical Insurance.  I would not like to go into merits of the case, impact of the Court's order and legality or otherwise of the claim.

In the recent years, we have seen Bank Retirees' Organisations indulging in litigation directly or through proxies in respect of two issues.  Issues are recovery of Commutation amount and now GST on GMS.  The first one is on account of an interim order by Hon'ble Punjab & Haryana High Court and the second one in respect of interim order in GST case by Hon'ble High Court of Kerala.

But, all these organisations were silent and continue to be silent, when Hon'ble Supreme Court ordered payment of differential Commutation in contempt petition filed by us and Hon'ble Supreme Court even ordered payment.  Subsequently, State Bank of India has paid  this benefit, with reduction from the date of payment to over 650 petitioners from State Bank of Mysore. Instead, all these oganisations have allowed even recovery, instead of payment.  One such Bank is Indian Overseas Bank.  After every Bipartite Settlement the Banks are enriching themselves by recovering from the date of retirement.  No one has gone to Court in respect of these issues, even when monies were recovered out of pension.

All these organisations are active only if such issues affects those from the Top.  In this case, who are affected?  Those who can afford to pay huge premium.  Demand for Subsidy - who are the beneficiaries? Those who had paid huge premium.  Who are the beneficiaries of 100% DA nutralisation benefit?  Those who were getting far higher amount of pension.  Who are the beneficiaries of improvement in Family Pension?  Again, those whose 'Pay' is higher, thereby they are hit by 'ceiling' and lower rate of Family Pension.  Who are the beneficiaries of 40%/50% issue in State Bank of India?  It is again top 17% of employees of the Bank, as per Bank's claim.  

I will leave it all of you to conclude.

Thanks, a Million. 

With regards,

Prasad C N