General Secretary Report - SBM Pensioner'ssbmpensioners.in/files/General_Secretary_Report.pdfSBMPC - General Secretary Report General Secretary’s Report Pranams to every one of you.

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SBMPC - General Secretary Report

General Secretary’s Report

Pranams to every one of you. I owe every one of you gratitude. Thanks, infinite.

Our Central Committee craves for condoning the delay in conducting this Conference,

which was due on the 29th September, 2015. Our Central Committee recognizes

the magnanimity of members of our Commune. I would proceed further, if you

condone the delay.

On behalf of Central Committee of State Bank of Mysore Pensioners’ Commune,

I am presenting saga of our toil, efforts, successes, achievements, benefits,

accomplishments, short-comings, victories, failures, and pains during last four years.

I am placing this report for you to dissect, debate, argue and suggest. We should

also be creating a Blue print of our activities for next term.

Dear Sirs and Madams, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory

becomes the treasure. Still, it is painful. Simply, it is impossible to fill the Vacuum.

The most painful Goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained.

During last four years more than 250 of our friends, ex-colleagues, superiors, sub-

ordinates, gurus and shishyas, are not with us. They have reached heavenly abode.

We shall all join together to pray. SBMPC dips its banner in honour of the departed

colleagues and Let the departed souls rest in peace.

We are fortunate. Unlike earlier terms, we lost only one member of our Committee,

Shri Srikantaiah. Ever smiling and always helpful Shri Srikantaiah was member of

Central Committee of our Commune. He was Mr.Dependable. All of us were

fortunate to have such persons as members of our Committee. But, it is unfortunate

to lose such a person.

During last four years, we have lost many eminent personalities. The list is very

long. But, some of them are :

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer, R J Sridharan, N Sampath, A.B. Bardhan,

Chavez, Margarat Thatcher, Lalgudi Jayaraman, T.M.Soundararajan, Mohan Dharia,

G P Deshpande, S S Thiagarajan, Satyapal Dang, Dr.Narendra Dabholkar, Pran Chopra,

Anjali Devi, M.V.G.Nair, U.R.Ananthamurthy, Benoy Konar, N.Mahalingam, Phillip

Hughes, K.Balachandar, P.S.L.M.Haragopal P.B.Srinivas Rao, Dilip Mukherjee (RRB),

J.S.Varma, Samar Mukherjee, Sarojini Varadappan, J.S.Bhatnagar, Veliam Bhargavan,

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T.K.Dutta, Nelson Mandela, G.S.Shivarudrappa, Parvathi Krishnan, R.Umanath, Attun

burrough, Mandalin Srinivas, Kushwant Singh, Deven Verma, R.K.Laxman,

Shakunthala Devi, Manna Dey B.P.Bajpai, R.A.Mittal, Sis Ram Ola, Kali Ghosh,

N.K.Swamy, Dr.Shanthi Patel, Bipan Chandra, Som Benegal, Rajam Krishnan,

A.R.Antulay, C.R.Venkateswaran, Nagoor Hanifa, Lee Kuan Yew P.S. Gopalakrishna

Pillai, M .S.Viswanathan, Manorama Sharad Joshi A.B.Bardhan A.Nageswara Rao

Gopinath Mundhe S.K.Vyas Govind Pansare, Noorul Huda, Sadhana, Mufti Mohammad

Sayeed, Ritu Panighom, Sushil Koirala, B.N.Nagarajan, Kannada Writer Kalburgi,

K.G. Kamath, Ritupani Ghosh, Kamala Ramakrishnan, Bani Deshpande, Mrinalini

Sarabhai, M.A.M. Ramasamy, Balram Jakhar, O.N.V.Kurup, Jagmohan Dalmiya, Saeed

Jaffrey, Syed Zahoor Qasim, S. S. Tarapore, Nida Fazli, Sudhir Tailang, K.V.Krishna

Rao, J.F.R. Jacob, Sarosh Homi Kapadia, Abdul Rashid Khan, Rajesh Vivek Upadhyay,

V. Rama Rao, Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar, Ustad Sabri Khan, Ashok Singhal,

Shankaran Nair, Lakshman Rao Mohite, G M Natarajan,

We shall all join together to pray. Let the departed souls rest in peace.

It is a custom and practice to thank those who had helped, in closing paras of

General Secretary’s report. But, we have decided to set a new and desirable trend

of thanking in the beginning of this report. It is they who are responsible for

achievements during last four years. It is their support, advise and hard work,

working shoulder to shoulder in achieving some positives for the benefit of members

of our Commune. There are some who have helped me personally in discharging

my duties as General Secretary. We shall take time to be thankful for everything

that we have. We can always have more, but we could also have less !

Jennifer Gayle says : Find beauty in the things around you, choose patience and

happiness, being thankful in this moment and appreciate all of the little things in

life that mean so much. - Be still, see the bigger picture beyond yourself, see its

beauty. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom for your eyes to be truly opened.

Our members form the life line of our Commune. There is no Commune, without

you. Your confidence in the Committee has given us immense strength to do very

small things for you. Our Committee is aware that what we have done is nothing

great in the backdrop of your support, your participation, your love and affection.

Tremendous support we are receiving from our members gives us courage and

conviction to serve them better. Today’s attendance has demonstrated our strength

and we would proudly say our members are second to none in their Commitment.

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With your financial support and your presence in person have made our Organisation,

one of the strongest Bank Retirees’ organisation. Everywhere, numbers matter. You

have become member of our Commune and added numerical strength. When we

requested you to strengthen our finances, you are generous. You are contributing

your mite by giving standing instructions. Whenever, we have given a call to

participate in Agitation program, you are present. In every such program every

second person is our member. With your participation, you have strengthened our

Commune. On behalf our Central Committee, thank you very much. As Prasad,

personally, I would like to thank you. It is you who has made a nondescript person,

what I am today. Thank you and Thank you very much.

We owe our members, sincere thanks. Dear friends, entire committee joins me in

thanking you. Thanks, a trillion.

Management of our Bank, State Bank of Mysore should be thanked for every possible

help. You have given us, everything what you can give. We understand, your

limitations. You have given us many benefits, which many or most of other Banks

have not given to their former employees. Every one of you have helped our

members. You have given us space, both in your hearts and premises. Infinite

thanks, sirs.

Deputy General Managers, Chief Managers and every Officer and workman in

Industrial Relations Dept., Pension, Gratutity Dept., & Provident Fund Department

deserve special thanks.

Contribution and help of Dr. K Lakshmisha, Director of our Bank and Shri Jayesha,

General Manager is immense and helped us in every step and whenever we required

their help. We thank both these gentlemen for their help and contribution.

We thank Shri S C Jain, General Secretary, Shri Deshpande, President and Shri S V

Srinivasan, Deputy General Secretaryof our Apex Organisation, All India Bank

Retirees Federation, our Apex Organisation for all the advise, guidance and help.

They value strength and contribution of our Commune. We are thankful to them.

It is not only the Organisations, viz., SBM Employees’ Union and Associate Bank

Officers’ Association – SBM Unit, but also leaders of these organisations, especially,

Com S R Powar, General Secretary and Shri N Rangaswamy, President and every

other leader of SBM Employees Union and Shri R Ramesh, General Secretary,

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Shri Harikrishna, President and every other leader of Associate Bank Officers’

Association – SBM Unit have treated our Commune as their own Organisation and

helped us. They are with us. We are proud that we have such wonderful employees’

and officers’ organisations in our Bank, Mysore Bank. We thank them for everything

they have done to us.

I bow my head before every member of my Central Committee for standing with me

through thick and thin, when our Commune had to face challenges. You never

allowed dilution of our independence in functioning and with all humility at my

command, I would say, thanks. Thank you very much.

There is one gentleman, who retired along with me, way back in 2001. Today, he is

there in the Office every day. Whether, General Secretary or President or the

Treasurer, present in the Office or not, he is present. He has done every possible

thing in helping each one of us. Thank you, Shri Ramachandra.

He is 90 years young on next 1st December. He is working assiduously for our

Commune, during last 21 years. His mere presence itself reminds that we are not

old. We are so young. When he can, why not we ? Every one of us should thank

Shri C E Sundar Rao, our Founder Treasurer. Thank you, Sir. Hats off !!!Your

Commitment and sincerity. But, for his support and presence, perhaps I would not

have spoken to you today. Therefore, I would like to thank you very much. Words in

my vocabulary are not sufficient to thank him. Thank you Sir.

Our President, Shri N Jagannathan is 87. Over 50 years of serving Bank Employees

and retirees, is a great achievement. He is an iconic figure. His contribution by

forming a Retirees’ Organisation, SBM Pensioners’ Commune and his continued

service is also responsible for all of us being here. He continued to guide us. All of

us join you in thanking him for his sacrifice and contribution.

Most of Office Bearers of our Commune who are in Bangalore and involved in day

today activities of our Commune do not have much of Trade Union experience. We

need advice and guidance of those who have decades of experience. We had the

privilege of Shri Ka Na Shri’s advice and guidance. We are thankful to him.

We have the privilege of service, aid, assistance and advise of Shri Siddagangaiah.

Personally, I have drawn plenty of support and guidance from Shri Siddagangaiah.

Every one of us, I included is thankful to him.

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There is young, committed and sincere brigade which is working for welfare of our

Bank retirees through our Commune. They would be in the office of our Commune,

every day whenever, their presence is required. Smt. Geetha Devi, Smt. Shylaja

Kumari, Shri Shamsundar, Shri Dayananda Kumar, Shri Taranath, Shri Sathyanarayana,

Shri Siddaramappa, Shri Govindappa and Shri Thulasi Prasad.

We fail in our duty and gratitude is absent if we fail to thank Shri M Anjani, Shri S

Gundu Rao, Shri T S Nagaraja, Shri H S Nanjunda Swamy and other Senior members

of our Commune, Shri C Gopinathan Nair, former Vice President of AIBRF and Shri C

Gopinathan Nair, Organising Secretary of AIBRF and also President of Coordination

Committee of Associate Bank Retirees’ Organisations.

Shri T V Gurumurthy was our General Secretary from 7th April, 2011 till 12th March,

2012. Under his leadership, our previous Conference was conducted. It is on account

of his efforts, we started visiting Staff Learning Centre for attending Pre-retirement

Training Programs and converting a ‘godown looking’ Office to a decent office. We

are thankful to him for his contribution and service. We also congratulate him on

receiving Kempe Gowda Award.

We fail in our duty, if we do not thank Shri S Siddagangaiah, Shri K Chandrashekar,

Shri K Hanumantharayadu and Shri Changalaraya for coming out with an idea of

providing Pensioners’ Wallet and also sponsoring the same.

Shri Mohandas Rao, who is a resident of Shimoga should also be thanked for his

guidance and participation, through our Google Groups. Many of our members

have derived benefit out of his service and has certainly reduced our work to the

great extent.

It isan usual practice to include National, International, Banking, etc. scenarios in

General Secretary’s Report, detailing various happenings around the world. But,

our Commune has decided to move away from this tradition. Our members are

retired and well informed. They have luxury of free time post retirement. This has

enabled them to learn and understand far much more than what we can add in the

General Secretary’s report. Instead, it is felt that the valuable and scarce time be

utilized for discussing and highlighting issues concerning Bank retirees’ in general

and our members in particular. This congregation should discuss, dissect and find

solutions for the problems faced by our members. Huge challenges we face do not

provide us time to discuss issues like how many days our Prime Minister of our

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Country was away from India. Therefore, we shall focus on problems and solutions.

We shall utilize every minute of time we spend today and optimise the results.

Our Commune and its footsteps :

It is said that those who forget History, will not even be a part of the History. During

last four years, over 2000 have joined us. They may not have the knowledge of

journey of our Commune. Therefore, we are duty bound to inform them as to our

History.

On the 29th October, 1995, a vibrant and committed Bank Retirees’ Organisation

was formed. The Venue, Sir M Vishweshwaraiah Auditorium, Head Office Building

witnessed congregation of over 150 retirees of our Bank. It was also a memorable

day when three doyens of Bank Employees’ movement in our State of Karnataka in

general and our Bank in particular, occupied the stage. They were Com P S

Sundareshan, Com N Jagannathan and Com M Anjani. They need no introduction.

Com P S Sundareshan inaugurated the Organisation. Com N Jagannathan was

elected as the President. Com M Anjani facilitated formation of this organisation.

We are proud that Com N Jagannathan is the President of our Commune for over 20

years. Perhaps, he is the longest serving President of any Bank Retirees’

Organisation in this country. Com M Anjani is proud member of our Commune.

Com P S Sundareshan continues to guide us. The first General Secretary or founder

General Secretary was Late Shri H S Janardhan, the first Cash Officer of our Bangalore

Branch. He continued as the General Secretary till he left this world. He was a

Retired Officer.

For all of us, Union means, State Bank of Mysore Employees’ Union and Association

means, Associate Bank Officers Association: SBM Unit. When, this Commune was

born, vision of founders was that Pensioners’ Organisation means only one

organisation for all former employees of our Bank, i.e our Commune now, which

was Unionthen. With the cooperation and understanding of retirees and pensioners

of our Bank, State Bank of Mysore Pensioners’ Commune is the ONE organisation

for every retiree/pensioner of our Bank. The vision of visionaries who are responsible

for forming one composite organisation is the guiding factor and remain a guiding

factor.

It was felt that the word ‘Union’ in the name of our organisation indicates that this

organisation is for those who retired as award staff. With a view to erase such an

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impression and to make our Commune truly inclusive organisation, both in letter

and spirit, the word ‘Union’ is replaced with the word ‘Commune’. Perhaps, there is

no other organisation in this country with the word ‘Commune’ in it. The meaning

of ‘Commune’ is ‘Converse or talk together, usually with profound intensity, intimacy,

etc; interchange thoughts or feelings’ or to be in intimate communication or rapport’

if used as a verb or ‘a group of people living together and sharing possessions and

responsibilities’ or a close-knit community of people who share common interests’,

if used as a Noun.Every meaning is wonderfully appropriate.

Now, our Commune is the confluence of every retiree of our Bank. Understanding

and foresight of our leaders is proved to be right.

State Bank of Mysore Pensioners’ Commune has travelled the journey of over 20

years. There are very few bank retirees’ organisations which are as old as our

Commune. This journey has taught us many lessons, which other retirees’

organisations had no such opportunity. Historically, the period of last four years

has situations or events which have brought cheers or pains. Events and information

of this period is presented to you.

Our membership :

The objective of our Commune is to bring in every former employee of State Bank of

Mysore into its fold. Functionaries of our Commune are aware that continuous and

sustained efforts are required, especially when more and more retirees have already

become members. We have continuously and assiduously, made efforts to bring in

non-members into our Commune’s fold. We also believe that the confidence in our

Commune would only grow with conduct of its functionaries, how it responds, how

members are treated, how issues are identified and tackled and performance. We

have undertaken many activities/measures to reach out to the retirees of our Bank.

Those who had not become members have started appreciating the activities and

commitment of our commune. We have provided them reasons to become our

members. Increase in the number of our members and response to our request to

become member of our Commune, has confirmed that members of our Commune

have faith in our Commune.

Following activities/efforts have helped our members and non-members and are

some of the reasons for growth of our Commune :

a. Our sincere efforts to secure some of the Benefits ;

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b. Programs, Celebrations, Seminars and Workshops conducted during the

period 2013 -2016 ;

c. Imparting knowledge regarding post-retirement life to retirees during Pre-

retirement Training Program, as to various benefits, steps to be taken during

post-retirement period, options available for investments, etc.

d. Distributing most useful Kit at the time of retirement ;

e. Contacting those who have not become members, personally ;

f. Sending Medi-Assist E-Cards ;

g. Flow of information by SMSs and Email.

h. Faster flow of information ;

i. Information through various media.

We have attended every Pre-retirement training provided at Staff Learning Centre,

Mysore and interacted with the participants. We have provided them with a kit,

which has formats of the forms which are useful, post retirement, information

regarding method of calculating terminal benefits and copies of our Magazines &

Circulars. We have also assisted them in obtaining Senior Citizens’ Identity Cards,

if they are residents of Bangalore. We have guided them how to secure these ID

cards, if they are not staying in Bangalore. All these efforts have raised their

confidence in the functioning of our Commune.

We have created an environment, where the retirees of our Bank feel that there is

an organisation which would take care of their future. They are also confident and

feel that our Commune would bring in best possible benefits. This feeling and aura

has resulted in more and more retirees of our Bank becoming our members. Figures

speak for themselves.

During first five years, our Commune added 625 members. 278 of our Bank retirees

have become members of our Commune during next five years. Our membership

reached 1524 at the end of 2010.

Our Commune had 2150 members at the end of 2011. On the date of last conference,

we had 2572.

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Our Commune has added 2102 members during this period of four years. In the

same period, number of those who retired is 1530. It can be observed that those

who have retired earlier are becoming members of our Commune in large numbers.

They have observed the activities undertaken by and functioning of our Commune.

Now, we have over 85% of retirees of our Bank as members. It is our desire and

dream that before the end of this year, we would like to cover 90% of retirees. With

your cooperation, it appears to be easier.

Our Cadre and designation is like a game of chess. While playing, we have King,

Queen, Rooks, Bishops, Knights and Pawns. But, after the game all of them are

placed in a box. Only one Box. Similarly, till we are in services, we have various

cadres and designations. On retirement, there is only one designation, ‘Pensioner’.

All of them join one organisation, State Bank of Mysore Pensioners’ Commune.

Only way to wipe out any feeling that our Commune is ‘Union’ and mostly retired

Award Staff are its members, we have mapped designation/cadre of our members

at the time of their retirement. We have over 1300 members who were Officers,

while in service. On behalf of the Central Committee, I request and appeal for

bringing your every friend into the family of our Commune. This has lot of significance

post-merger.

We have the ambitious target of adding 1,000 members during this year, 2016. So,

far we have added 664 members in eight months & fifteen days. We have three

months and fifteen days’ time left to add another 336 members. With your support

and involvement, we are confident that we would add 1,000 members.

Date No. of Members Membership

added Number

1st October, 2012 2572

31st December, 2012 (3 months) 52 2624

31st December, 2013 365 2989

31st December, 2014 456 3445

31st December, 2015 565 4010

16th September, 2016 (8 months & 16 days) 664 4674

Total 2102

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Central Committee has approved admission of these members. We urge upon this

General Body Meeting to confirm their membership.

Our Bank’s Merger with or acquisition by State Bank of India :

Media and also umpteen rumours reported and discussed proposed merger of

Associate Banks with State Bank of India. These reports and rumours were false.

Mergers did not take place. At periodical intervals over a period of couple of

decades, mergers were discussed. Such news was dismissed with contempt. But,

on 18th June, 2016, merger information was received with pain, shock and

bewilderment. Though impact of merger on retirees is insignificant, still it is painful

to note that the organisation which gave us ‘Roti’, ‘Kapada’ aur ‘Makan’ would be

there only as a part of history. Thereafter, ‘MYBANK’ is ‘STATE BANK’.Processes

relating to merger is in full swing. One may receive information regarding merger

at any point of time.

We have already assured members who are pensioners that payment of Pension

to Associate Bank Retirees would continue to be in terms of Bank Employees’

Pension Regulations, 1995 and merger of Associate Banks, including State Bank

of Mysore cannot alter quantum of pension. Details of post-merger scenario

are awaited. It is pre-mature to discuss benefits that may be made available to our

Bank retirees post-merger. But, it is certain that some benefits like distribution of

Sweet Packets on Bank’s Foundation Day, Payment of amount under Shradhaanjali

Scheme (But, our Commune is launching ‘Shradhaanjali’ Scheme, today), Annual

Diagnostic Charges out of Staff Welfare Fund may not be available post-merger.

Our Bank retirees are not naive to believe that these kinds of benefits would be

made available to Associate Bank retirees, without extending these benefits to

retirees of State Bank of India also.

Till date we were discussing issues/requests/benefits with our Bank Management.

Many of these issues are required to be decided by the Corporate Centre of State

Bank of India, by the top management. Further, State Bank of India is not a party to

any settlement/Joint Note as far as Pension matters are concerned. Since, their

Pension Regulations are different, decisions in respect of Pension matters in State

Bank of India is decided at the Bank level itself. But, for those who are covered by

Bank Employees’ Pension Regulations, 1995, improvement of pension is decided at

Industry level, involving Indian Banks Association. But, other benefits extended by

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State Bank of India are not yet clear. Therefore, we need to have two different

roles. This issue is discussed in detail as a part of issues concerning organisation.

But, majority of opinions expressed in the Questionnaire is that we should continue

to maintain our Identity.

It is our opinion that we should not only continue as ‘State Bank of Mysore

Pensioners’ Commune’, we should also continue to enroll employees who were

working for State Bank of Mysore, but retired from State Bank of India, on account

of merger. Then, our organisation continues to grow. We should chalk out programs

for continued growth of our Commune.

But, there is no doubt or dispute that every retiree in Associate Banks should come

under one umbrella, as far as subjects to be discussed with Top Management of

State Bank of India. Formation of groups based on various criteria would harm the

interest of Associate Bank retirees. Today, we need to take several decisions. Some

of the decision relate to membership of our Commune and its future.

Our activities :

Our Commune does not restrict its activities to activities/events associated/directed

by our Apex organisation, All India Bank Retirees’ Federation. We believe that

strong base units with committed membership alone would strengthen Bank

Retirees’ movement. This is possible only by indulging in various activities, other

than agitation programs. We are extremely pleased to report that we have organised

several programs for the benefit of our members. It was dreams and desire to have

conducted many more such programs. We assure you that we would continue to

organise such programs during years to come.

Centenary of our Bank :

It is a privilege and a life time opportunity to witness completion of 100 years of

existence of an Organisation for which one has toiled for decades, sincerely to the

best of one’s abilities. We are also a part of the history of State Bank of Mysore.

We are also fortunate that we have amongst us, those who were working in Bank of

Mysore Ltd. We also have, amongst us, who have played a major role in

establishment, strengthening and growth of State Bank of Mysore Employees Union

and Associate Bank Officers’ Association – Mysore Unit. We feel that our Bank,

State Bank of Mysore, our Union, State Bank of Mysore Employees’ Union, our

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Association, Associate Bank Officers’ Association – Mysore Unit and we, the retirees

form four pillars of this successful saga. We are joined by more than 4600 retirees

and over 10000 employees who have contributed for successful saga of our Bank,

in celebrating completion of existence of glorious 100 years. We celebrated

Centenary of our Bank in an exemplary manner.

Sunday, the 2nd February, 2014 is a red-letter day in the annals of our Bank, State

Bank of Mysore, our Organisation, State Bank of Mysore Pensioners’ Commune and

every retiree of our ‘My Bank’. It is on that day, Vijaya College auditorium was over-

flowing with retirees of our Bank, when they congregated to celebrate 100 glorious

years of State Bank of Mysore, for which retirees have toiled for decades. They had

the opportunity to chew memories of their working years. They could meet several

of their former colleagues after decades. Every one of them was also proud to have

worked for this great organisation. The event was memorable and every participant

would remember this event for a long time to come.

Retirees were greeted with placards with years starting from 2013, the year in

which namma bank turned 100 through every year till 1913. Entrance of the

auditorium had the year 1913, the year in which our Bank was founded. These

placards with years 1913 to 1959 had ‘Bank of Mysore Ltd’ and ‘State Bank of

Mysore’ was inscribed on the placards with years from 1960 to 2013.

Celebrations commenced with release of Balloons. At 11 a m Managing Director of

our Bank, Shri Sharad Sharma released 100 White and Blue Balloons. Each of 100

retirees also released a balloon.

More than 700 retirees congregated in the auditorium. Our Managing Director, Shri

Sharad Sharma, General Managers of our Bank, Shri Lakshmisha and Shri Vijay

Dube, Shri V Manjunath, former President of SBM Employees’ Union and Shri S

Gundu Rao, former Chairman of ABOA were among the dignitaries seated on the

dias. Our member, Smt. Parvathi Murthy rendered Invocation. Thereafter,

Celebrations were Inaugurated by Lighting the lamp by our Managing Director, Shri

Sharad Sharma. In his inaugural address, Shri Sharmaji wished that our Bank would

celebrate 200 glorious years. He also accounted the contribution of former

employees. He also urged retirees to support the Bank in every possible way.

Thereafter, Shri Lakshmisha explained the contribution of our Bank for the

development of Karnataka. He also explained the journey of 100 glorious years of

Mysore Bank with a power point presentation.

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Our Chief Guest of this programme, Shri H N Anantha Kumar, MP and former Minister,

Government of India appreciated the need for improvement in Bank Pension Scheme.

He also highlighted the need for improvement in pension, duly recalling the struggle

of his father during his retirement years. He also advised us to take a delegation to

New Delhi, where he would lead the delegation to various authorities including

Ministers, Members of Parliament and Bureaucrats. He also said that Bank retirees

deserve pension updation and appreciated need for improvement in family pension.

He also stated that Retirees’ Organisations should also be involved in discussion/

negotiation with regard to issues confronting retirees.

Thereafter, a huge cake was cut by Shri Anantha Kumar and our Managing Director,

Shri Sharad Sharma. Shri Ravi Subramanya, MLA who was present on the occasion

alongwith Shri Anantha Kumar, released our house Magazine, ‘Shathayu’.

Shri V Manjunath, former President of State Bank of Mysore Employees’ Union

recalled the contribution of employees during 100 glorious years of State Bank of

Mysore. He explained the sacrifice of employees for the growth of the Bank.

Shri S Gundu Rao and Shri Vijay Dube also greeted retirees on the occasion. Shri H

S Nanjunda Swamy, our Senior Vice President presided over and vote of thanks was

proposed by Smt.Shailaja Kumari, Organising Secretary. Shri M Putta Swamy,

Secretary compered.

This event was covered by Samaya News Channel and it is also reported in Kannada

Prabha on the 4th February, 2014.

We are also thankful to M/s Adamya Chethana, which is providing free mid-day

meals for two lakh school children for sponsoring the lunch. Smt Thejaswini Anantha

Kumar is the Life Trustee of Smt Girija Shastry Memorial Trust which is undertaking

this programme under the banner of ‘Adamya Chethana’. Our Commune donated a

sum of Rs.10,000/- recognising the contribution of ‘Adamya Chethana’.

This was the first event, other than our members’ meeting or Conferences, to be

organised by our Commune.

Meeting of our Bank retirees who are practicing advocates

A meeting of retirees of our Bank who are practicing as Advocates was organised

by our Commune on the 20th October 2014. An extended Central Committee meeting

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was also conducted on the same day, wherein these Advocates were also invited.

Many Advocates participated and legal perspective of various issues confronting

our Bank retirees were discussed. We had also invited our member, Shri S Gundu

Rao, former Chairman of ABOA:Mysore Unit and he also participated in the

deliberations. A resolution was also passed in the meeting to launch agitation

programs in the event of State Bank of India and/or our Bank do not consider and

resolve various pending issues, many of which are legitimate and genuine. The

General Secretary was also directed to chalk out these programs in consultation

with other Senior Office Bearers and also forward this resolution to our Bank

Management.

Workshop on Inheritance and Devolution of properties on 22nd September,

2014

It is our endeavour to provide right information and educate our members regarding

various aspects of Life. It is also required to know rights and duties. And also

about entitlements and commitments with regard to properties they own. These

properties may be Self-acquired or inherited. In this direction, it was felt that many

of our members have desire to understand what is their right in respect of properties

– both movable and immovable, whether self-acquired or inherited. They also want

to know to what they have received as their share of Ancestral property is correct.

Many of them also have desire to know to what extent they have right to pass on

their assets to their Spouse, Children and/or other Legal heirs. They also desire to

understand as to means, methods and instruments to pass on their asset. They

should also know about the precautions they need to take, when they inherit or

when they pass on. Many of us are not aware of cost and legal implications of all

these aspects. In order to help them in avoiding any legal tangle, we had organised

a Seminar with the title ‘Your Property, Inheritance & thereafter – Your Rights, Duties

and Responsibility’ on Monday, the 22nd September, 2014 at ADA Ranga Mandira,

Opposite to Ravindra Kalakshetra, J C Road, Bangalore at 2 30 p m.Shri K R Keerthi,

DGM (Law) of our Bank and practicing Advocates (and our members), Shri LV

Muralidhara and Shri M Y Kumar spoke. More than 400 of ourmembers present on

that day, were enriched by the knowledge shared by these legalluminaries. Subjects,

they dealt with included Inheritance and Devolution of properties.

15


Seminar on Controlling your asset – Second Part& Honouring Com. J Lokesh :

We had organised a Seminar on ‘Controlling your Asset after you’ at Vijaya College

Auditorium on the 2nd November, 2014. This was organised in association with

Council of Financial Planners. Shri Pradeep Hattangadi, Shri A Suresh and Smt Neeti

Trivedi explained various aspects of Estate Planning including Wills, Assignments,

Lien, Nomination, etc. Those who attended had loads of knowledge to carry. Over

450 of our members attended this program and one thing is common in every program

organised by our Commune. ‘Want more, much more’. Our members desire

organising many such events. We also believe that well informed membership is

essential.

We are also happy to note that our Bank paid a sum of Rs.25,000/- towards organising

this event. Perhaps, this is the first event, where our Commune was able to secure

such contribution from our Bank.

Shri J Lokesh, our member and former Secretary of SBM Employees’ Union has also

made us proud when he was honoured by Karnataka State Government with

‘Rajyothsava Prashasthi’ on 1st November, 2014. He was also honoured by our

Commune on that day. Perhaps, our Commune is the first to honour him on his

achievement.

State Bank of Mysore Employees’ Union :

Bank Trade Union movement in our Bank commenced with our SBM Employees’

Union. Our Commune was also founded with the aid and assistance of SBM

Employees Union. We continue to have the privilege of support from our SBM

Employees’ Union. Triennial Conference of SBM Employees’ Union was held in

Bangalore on the 27th and 28th March, 2015. Inauguration of the Conference was

held on the 27th March, 2015, evening. Shri N Rangaswamy is elected as President,

Shri Miland Katti and Shri Pandu as Vice Presidents, Shri S R Pawar as General

Secretary, Shri Raghavendra, Shri Krishna Murthy, Shri Ravishankar, Shri Yogeshwaran

and Shri Venkoba Rao as Secretaries and Shri Sarveshwar Rao as Treasurer. With

the present0.2 leadership, we have an excellent relationship with SBM Employees’

Union.

16


Associate Bank Officers’ Association – SBMUnit :

Triennial Conference of ABOA – Mysore unit was held on the 11th of October, 2015

at Bangalore. Shri Harikrishna G (President), Shri Raju D (Vice President), Shri Ramesh

R (General Secretary), Shri Nagesh V N (Deputy General Secretary), Shri Thulasiram

(Treasurer), Shri Deenadayal G, Sriram S, Shri Arora D K (Asst. General Secretaries),

and Ms.Roopa J Rao, Sreejit V K, Sunil V, Nataraj B H M, Shri Bhaskar Pai

Ramachandran C, Chandrasekhar K M, Suresh H G, Murali J (Secretaries) are elected

for the next term. We are privileged to have support of Officers of our Bank

represented by Associate Bank Officers’ Association.

Retirees of Mysore Bank request and expect continued cooperation and assistance

from SBM Employees’ Union and Associate Bank Officers’ Association – SBM Unit

in securing legitimate benefits.

Meeting with Managing Director (A&S), State Bank of India and Shri

Harshavardhan Madhubashi, General Secretary, Associate Bank Officers’

Association :

On behalf of Coordination Committee of Associate Bank Retirees’ Organisations,

we had a meeting with Shri Kannan, Managing Director (A&S), State Bank of India

on the sidelines of Joint Meeting of Executives of State Bank of India and its

Associates with leaders of Associate Bank Officers’ Association held on the 22nd

December, 2014 at Bangalore. We have impressed upon the SBI management for a

meeting of representatives of retirees’ organisations in Associate Banks with

representatives of SBI Management. We have also requested the SBI management

to extend various benefits which are available to its retirees in State Bank of India

and also order payment of benefits in respect of which cases are pending before

various courts, such as addition of 5 year notional service to VRS-2001/Exit Policy

retirees, Pension Option to Exit Policy retirees, etc. We have been assured that

they would consider our request. In the meantime, we also had a meeting with Shri

Harshavardhan Madhubashi, General Secretary, ABOA. Shri Guruswamy, General

Secretary, ABOA : Mysore unit who was present, also supported our cause. Shri

Harshavardhan Madhubashi assured us that he would take up issues raised by us

with MD, A&S Department of State Bank of India. He has since taken up the matter

with MD, A&S Department of State Bank of India. We are thankful to Shri

Harshavardhan.

17


Workshop on Medical Insurance at Bengaluru, Mysore and Tumkur :

Our Commune is in the forefront in providing information and guiding members in

various aspects of retired life. Earlier issue of Mysore Bank Shathayu provided

complete information regarding importance of Medical Insurance. Workshops at

Bengaluru (19/10/2015), Mysore (31/10/2015) and at Tumkur (21/11/2015) were

organized.

Medical Insurance Workshop for the benefit of our members residing in Tumkur

District was held on Monday, the 19th October, 2015. Over 60 of our members

residing at Tumkurparticipated in the Workshop.

A meeting of our Members was organised on the 31st October, 2015 at Babbur

Kamme Hostel, Mysore Premises. This meeting was organised for the twin purposes.

Explaining all about medical insurance scheme and also inauguration of celebration

of 20 years of service by our Commune are two objectives. 70th Birthday of Shri H

S Nanjunda Swamy was also celebrated on that day. Over 200 of our members

participated in the program and got clarification in respect of every doubt/query of

them.

Workshop on Medical Insurance Claim processes at Bengaluru and Tumkur

A program to make members understand about claiming Medical Insurance was

organized in Bengaluru on the 12th January, 2016 at 2 30 pm at ADA Ranga Mandira,

J C Road, Bengaluru. Representatives of MediAssist India, the Third Party

Administrators, who manage claims under IBA Group Medical Insurance Scheme of

our Bank, explained claim processes, in detail. They also answered every question

and cleared doubts with regard to claim processes. Perhaps, SBM Pensioners’

Commune is the only Bank Retirees’ Organisation to conduct such an independent

program.

The response of the members was also overwhelming. Over 700 members attended

this program and most of them were from Bengaluru.

Medical Insurance Claims Process Workshop for the benefit of our members residing

in Tumkur District was held on Saturday, the 13th February, 2016. Over 75 of our

members residing at Tumkur participated in the Workshop.

18


Grievance Cell Meeting was held on 24/07/2015 :

Memories of members are recalled with regard to the concept of constitution of

Grievance Cell and periodical meeting of the cell to redress Grievances which was

introduced on account of efforts of our Apex Organisation, All India Bank Retirees’

Federation. One such meeting in our Bank was earlier held on 22nd March, 2012.

Even though, a meeting was conducted, the benefits derived by retirees of our

Bank, was also limited. Our Commune pursued continuously with our Bank

management for conduct of another meeting. Commune was asked to submit the

list of issues/demands and Grievances. Precedence, Court decisions, provisions of

Bipartite Settlements/Joint Notes, situations in other Banks, Legal positions, Law/

Rules, etc. were presented along with every required document, in support of issues

raised by our Commune. Still, meeting did not take place. Fortunately, Sri

Ramasubramanian, Director of our Bank who also belong to our tribe, raised this

issue at various forums/platforms, which culminated in conducting preliminary

Grievance Cell meeting. Shri Parthasarathy, then General Manager (HR & GA), Shri

Pradeep Kumar (since retired), the then Deputy General Manager and Shri K

Jayakumar, Chief Manager (IR) and every other Officer in Industrial Relations

Department helped retirees in organizing ‘Grievance Cell meeting’. Two

representatives from each of the Retirees Organisations in our Bank, viz. our

Commune and ABROA – Unit : Mysore were invited to attend the meeting. Our

Commune was represented by the General Secretary, Shri C N Prasad and Vice

President, Shri S Siddagangaiah.

The list of benefits include : Payment of Gratuity by including Extra-Ordinary Leave

on Loss of Pay, period of suspension, period of Temporary service, before

regularization and entire period of service instead of proportional service in respect

of part-time employees, Extension of another option to become a member of REMBS

to non-superannuated retirees, addition of ailments to the list of ailments covered,

removal of ceiling on amount reimbursed in respect of various ailments (which is

already implemented) and payment of full amount of bills, removal of discrimination

against SBMVRS retirees in respect of rate of interest on loan against own securities,

payment of pension/extension of pension option to those who retired under SBMVRS,

but served for a period less than 20 years, pension option to those who retired

under exit policy and five year notional service benefit to those who retired under

SBMVRS/Exit policy, Delay in settlement of terminal benefits, recovery of leave

19


salary out of terminal benefit in respect of those who retire voluntarily, but absence

during notice period, without any leave at credit, Extension of pension option to

those who could not take advantage of second pension option, dispensing medicines

at Banks clinics to retirees, Payment of pension on 27th of every month, like SBI,

Loan to our Bank retirees at a concessional rate, Group Medical Insurance coverage

out of Staff Welfare Fund allocation and Reduction of Commutation from the date

of payment, instead of from the date of retirement.

Most of these benefits, we believe, have been agreed to be extended. Due to

some technical and inexplicable reasons, many of these agreed benefits have not

yet been extended. SBMPC is proud that it is the only retirees’ organization in the

country, which has compiled such grievances of retirees, many of which are not

extended in many other Banks also. We are pursuing conducting of Grievance Cell

meeting, where we reach logical conclusions.

Successes of efforts by our Commune :

Our Commune is raising various issues confronting its members. Our Commune

has succeeded in some and but, not yet in some others. This does not mean that

our Commune has failed to secure some legitimate benefit. If our Commune has

not succeeded in some means that efforts are still on and issues have not reached

finality. But, our Commune is certainly proud that our Bank retirees have several

benefits which are not extended in most of the Banks. In most of such benefits,

our Commune has played its role. We have the advantage of enlisting support of

both Workmen’s and Officers’ Organisation. Many of the benefits secured are on

account of support and assistance of leaders of Union and also of our Association.

Some of them are :

a. Payment of Pension to our members even before Pension Regulations,

1995 was notified in the Official Gazette. Shri C E Sundara Rao, our

Founder Treasurer, is the first retiree in Associate Banks to receive

Pension ;

b. Our Bank is the first Bank to pay amount out of unclaimed/forfeited

amount laying in Provident Fund in the event of death of an employee,

as funeral expenses. This Scheme is named as ‘Shradhaanjali’. With

the efforts of our President and leaders of our Commune, this is extended

20


to retirees also. Now, this is extended in every Associate Bank. The

amount paid, currently is Rs.15,000/-. Perhaps, our Bank is the first to

introduce and our Commune is the first to ensure introduction of such

scheme in the Banking industry ;

c. Diagnostic Charges is being reimbursed in our Bank, out of Staff Welfare

Fund allocation. This was introduced even before Govt. of India advised

Public Sector Banks to extend this benefit. The amount reimbursed

during last and this year is Rs.4,000/- for all former employees and

their surviving spouses. Perhaps, the only Bank to disburse such benefit

to all, irrespective of mode of their exit ;

d. Every benefit available to Superannuated Retirees is available to every

retiree of our Bank, irrespective of their mode of exit, except Scheme II

of REMBS ;

e. Only Bank, which is reckoning probationary period of service of part

time employees, while calculating pension, from the date of introduction

of pension ;

f. Pension is being paid under Regulation 29 to every retiree who has

retired voluntarily after serving for a period over 19 years and 6 months,

since 2007

These benefits are secured by our Commune before commencement

of this term. However, we are proud that we have secured following

benefits, during this term :

a. Initiating disciplinary proceedings against retired officers even after

completion of four years after Cause of action is completely

withdrawn. Now, no launching of disciplinary proceedings if four

years have lapsed from the date of cause of action.

Some of our members who have retired as officers, informed us that

they have received letters from Controlling authorities of Branches in

which these Officers have served. They have sought explanation from

these retired officers in respect of causes of action which arose or in

respect of earlier events, after a period of more than four years.Several

21


audits had also taken place after these events took place and no malafide

have also been attributed to any of these decisions/actions of these

retired Officers. It is unfortunate that some Controllers had sought

explanation from these retired officers, in respect of such events/causes

of action. We took up this issue with the top management of our Bank,

duly quoting provisions of Regulation 48 of Bank Employees’ Pension

Regulations, 1995. We have succeeded in convincing our Management

and our Bank functionaries have stopped such actions of calling

explanations, etc.

b. Full length of service of part time employees is considered when

minimum required service to become eligible for pension :

Our Bank was reckoning part time service of Part time employees

proportionately, as provided in Appendix IV of Bank Employees’ Pension

Regulations, 1995. For those who have served for thirty years on one

fourth wages, only 25% of service is reckoned for calculation of Pension.

But, for those who had served for a period of ten years and on three-

fourth wages, service is considered as seven and a half years. Such

retirees were not eligible for pension if they have retired on attaining

superannuation, as the service reckoned is less than ten years, required

to become eligible for pension. We brought provisions of Regulation

14 which defined qualifying service to the notice of concerned

authorities. We have also helped them to differentiate qualifying service

from service reckoned for calculation of pension. We are extremely

happy to note that our Bank has commenced to reckon entire service

for the purpose of calculation of qualifying service.

This issue of reckoning proportionate service for the purpose of

calculation of pension was causing a great amount of loss to part time

employees. This is because a Part Time Employee on half wages with

30 years of service is reckoned as 15 years of service. Further, wages

taken into account was also 50% of wages entitled. Consequently,

service taken into account is 7 years and 6 months only, if full wages is reckoned.

This issue was raised by our Commune in several meetings of our Apex

Organisation. This issue was also taken up with UFBU constituents.

Finally, this anomaly is rectified in 10th Bipartite Settlement, which reads

as under :

22


15(A). Pension for Part-time Employees

With effect from 1st November 2012, for the purpose of

calculating the amount ofpension in respect of permanent

part time employees in scale wages who are covered by

the Pension Scheme, their actual service shall be reckoned

for qualifying service and not pro rata. The actual service/

qualifying service shall be calculated from the date of

recruitment/appointment as permanent part time

employee in scale wages or from 1st September 1978

whichever is later.

But, the Banks extended this benefit to only those who retired on or

after 1.11.2012. This matter was again taken up at Office Bearers

meeting held at Ahmedabad. Now, with the the aid and assistance of

Shri S V Srinivasan, Deputy General Secretary of our Apex Organisation,

AIBRF, this issue is resolved with direction from IBA to all its member

Banks, who are parties to 10th Bipartite Settlement, based on the

clarification sought by AIBEA, the benefit is extended to all those who

were in service as on 1.9.1978 or later. But, the benefit or arrears is

payable only from 1.11.2012. We profusely thank our Apex

Organisation, AIBRF, its DGS, Shri S V Srinivasan and All India Bank

Employees’ Association.

We have also taken up anomaly regarding payment of Gratuity to Part-

time employees who have since retired.

c. Pension option to those who retired under Exit-2006/07 & under

VRS 2001 after serving over 15 years, but less than 20 years :

Pension Settlement dated 27.4.2010 provided for Pension option to those

who had opted for Provident Fund and retired. The settlement covers

‘retirement’ and all those retired on or after 29.9.1995/26.3.1996. They

had to pay 156% of management contribution of PF. Member Banks

extended this pension option only to those who retired on Superannuation

or under VRS – 2001. This option was not extended to those Retired

under various clauses/regulations. This option was not extended to

those Officers, who were voluntarily retired or compulsorily retired.

Those who have resigned are also excluded from this benefit. IBA/

23


Banks denied this benefit invoking Regulation 22 of Bank Employees’

Pension Regulations, 1995 or absence of explicit clause covering those

who retired under other modes.

Many retirees, including our members, coordinated by Shri Madhava

Murthy and Shri Ramalingam filed Writ Petitions in Karnataka High

Court. Karnataka High Court decided in favour of Petitioners and ordered

pension option to all those who have completed 20 years of service to

opt for pension. But, Banks filed appeals.

On account of judgments by several High Courts including Judgment by

Karnataka High Court and on advice from Government of India , Indian

Bank Association instructed member banks to extend pension option to

those who retired under Regulation 19(1) of Officers’ Service Regulations,

1979, vide CIR/HR&IR/2012-13/G2/6213 dated 9th November, 2012.

Unfortunately, Associate Banks did not extend Pension option to Officers

who retired under Exit Policy 2006/07. Associate Banks took a stand

that these Officers have not retired under OSR 19(1), even though every

clause of this Regulation was applicable to these retirees.

Our Commune had launched agitation program, by submitting mass

memorandum during November, 2014. Our Commune initiated several

measures to secure this benefit. Retired Officers from State Bank of

Travancore succeeded in Division Bench of Kerala High Court, quoting

decision of Karnataka High Court. Our Commune assisted these Retired

Officers in filing Caveat in Supreme Court. Fortunately, State Bank of

Travancore did not file Special Leave Petition.

d. Pension option to those who retired under VRS – 2001 :

Another benefit where Associate Bank Retirees were agitating was

Pension/Pension option to those who retired under VRS 2001, after

serving over 15 years, but less than 20 years of service. Regulation 28

(Superannuation pension) of Pension Regulations was amended in all

Public Sector Banks, with an exception of Associate Bank, duly

incorporating provision for payment of pension to those who retired

under Voluntary Retirement Scheme approved by the Government,

24


provided such these retirees have put in service over 15 years, but less

than 20 years. Associate Banks, specifically denied pension to those

who had put in 15 years of service, but less than 20 years, but retired

under Voluntary Retirement Scheme.

This issue reached Hon’ble Supreme Court. Civil Appeal filed by State

Bank of Patiala against Pritam Singh Bedi and others. Hon’ble Supreme

Court, though dismissed Civil Appeal filed by State Bank of Patiala, it is

stated that those who had served more than 19 years and six months

are entitled to receive pension under Regulation 29. But, orders were

not clear as to entitlement of pension by those who had served less

than 19 years & 9 months. State Bank of Patiala filed clarification

petition, which was also dismissed. But, the Court advised State Bank

of Patiala to file review petition. Review Petition was also filed and the

same was dismissed. State Bank of Patiala paid this benefit only to

petitioners. There are several such retirees who are not receiving

pension.

Before, Hon’ble Supreme Court decided this matter, Smt. Shankari, who

retired from State Bank of Hyderabad, was successful in Madras High

Court. The Court ordered extension of benefit. But, the Bank has filed

Writ Appeal.

But, similarly placed retirees from State Bank of Travancore filed Writ

Petition before Kerala High Court. Kerala High Court ordered payment

of this benefit. But, the Bank filed Writ Appeal. Writ Appeal was also

dismissed by the Division Bench, duly quoting Pritam Singh Bedi’s and

Shankari’s cases.

In the meantime, Joint Meeting of functionaries of ABOA and Top

Management of State Bank of India and Associates was held at

Bangalore on the 22th December 2014. The General Secretary and

Shri Siddagangaiah, Vice President, met Shri Kannan, Managing Director

(A&S), State Bank of India and Shri Harshavardhan Madhubashi, General

Secretary, ABOA. We appealed for payment of these benefits in

Associate Banks, which have been extended by every Public Sector Bank,

other than Associate Banks. It was indicated on that day itself, that

25


these benefits would be extended. In the meantime, Shri Harshavardhan

also took up the matter with top management of State Bank of India.

We also assisted Petitioners who had retired under Exit Policy from State

Bank of Travancore in filing Caveat before Supreme Court. But, on

account of constant persuasion, State Bank of India decided to extend

these two benefits.

Most of these retirees had a feeling that this benefit would not be

extended. They never thought that they would be pensioners at the end

of 15th year of retirement. They had not left their contact details also.

Most of these retirees applied for Pension/Pension option. But,

substantial number of retirees did not opt, on account of lack of

information. In fact, one of them is staying in Nepal. The list of those

whose addresses were not available was published in our Magazine.

Due to our efforts, many of the eligible retirees got the benefit.

In the meantime, we requested our Bank Management to set off arrears

with 156% of Provident Fund amount refundable. We are extremely

pleased to report that our Bank not only paid arrears from 27.11.2009,

but also paid arrears after netting. Our efforts ensured that only in our

Bank, not only arrears was paid from 27.11.2009 in respect of PF optees,

from the date of retirement in respect of Pension optees, netting of

arrears with 156% was also allowed. Only in State Bank of Travancore,

arrears was paid from 27.11.2009 in respect of PF optees and from the

date of retirement in respect of Pension optees. However, netting was

not allowed. In all other Associate Banks, pension is being paid only

from 27.4.2010, both in respect Pension and PF optees.

e. Pension paid to Smt. Manoharamma, Family Pensioner.

Smt. Manoharamma, applied for family pension during the year 1998 as

Shri Muniswamy, her husband died during the year 1993. She pleaded

that she did not apply for pension as she was not aware of introduction

pension scheme in Banks during 1995/1996. She also pleaded that she

is residing at Punganur and illiterate. Unfortunately, our Bank refused

family pension with ‘delay’ as the reason. Our Commune also

represented on her behalf. On refusal, she filed Writ Petition before

26


Andhra Pradesh High Court and Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered

extension of this benefit keeping in view her background. Our Bank

filed Writ Appeal and Writ Appeal was dismissed stating that family of

deceased employee is entitled to ‘Notice’. Our Bank has filed Special

Leave Petition which was also dismissed. Now, our Bank has paid arrears

of pension. While we congratulate Smt Manoharamma, we are also

requesting our management for extension of pension to similarly placed

retirees/family pensioners. Incidentally, name of our Commune also

finds a place in the Judgment of Andhra Pradesh High Court.

f. Payment of Gratuity(based on revised pay to all those Officers who

retired/died during the period from 1.7.1993 to 31.10.1994) to Smt

Saroja Shiva Kumar:

One of our members, Smt Saroja Shivakumar had filed Writ Petition

praying for payment of Gratuity based on revised pay of her Late

husband, Shri Shivakumar, instead of pre-revised pay as per Joint Note

dated 23.06.1995. Her Writ Petition was allowed. Writ Appeal by our

Bank was also dismissed by Division Bench of Karnataka High Court.

Thereafter, Special Leave Petition and Revision Petition filed by our Bank

have also been dismissed by Supreme Court of India. Since, the highest

Court in the Country has dismissed appeals. Our Bank did not agree to

extend this benefit to similarly placed retirees, stating that the Special

Leave Petition is dismissed without a detailed order, therefore, the law

is kept open and Bank is not bound by this order. It is unfortunate that

this matter has not yet been settled even after 22 years. The youngest

retiree, who is the beneficiary in this issue is 82 years.

g. Payment of full amount of Bill under REMBS, instead of limiting to

certain sub-limits :

Our Bank introduced SBM Retired Employees Medical Benefit Scheme

II vide PGP/01 dated 15.12.2012. Highlight of the Scheme is :

ü Maximum amount – Rs.7,00,000/- for self, spouse and invalid

children ;

Amount to be paid :Plan A Two months gross pension plus 15% for

2.00 lacs

27


Plan B ‘ 42,600.00 for 3.00 lacs, ;Plan C ‘ 50,000.00 for 4.00 lacs

Plan D ‘ 57,000.00 for 5.00 lacs ;Plan E ‘ 62,000.00 for 7.00 lacs

ü Duration of coverage – Till entire amount opted is exhausted or

demise of both retired staff & spouse or exhausting limit as per

chosen plan

ü 20 ailments covered (a. Cardiac ailments b. Cancer c. Kidney Failure

/ transplant d. Paralysis e. Retinal detachment or cornea replacement

f. Major accidents g. Tumor h. Cerbro-vascular accidents / brain

hemorrhage i. Total hip / knee replacement j. Cataract and Glaucoma

surgery k. Tuberculosis l. Diabetes m. Appendicitis surgery n.

Prostrate o. Hernia p. Removal of Stone in Gall bladder q. Alzheimer’s

disease r. Parkinson’s disease s. Liver Cirrhosis [ non-alcoholic ] t.

Arthritis)

ü 10% of amount in entire life with 1% ceiling per annum can be

withdrawn for domiciliary treatment

ü Reimbursement basis only

However, our Bank was limiting the amount of reimbursement to the

limits of Scheme I. For example, maximum amount payable is Rs.30,000/

- for cataract in any one year, under Scheme I. But, Scheme II does not

restrict such amounts. Further, Service Tax component of the Bills were

also not paid. We took up this matter and our Bank is making payment

in full, without any sub-limits and without deducting Service Tax.

The new Scheme of REMBS – Scheme II allows only those who retired

on Superannuation, spouse of deceased employees and those retired

voluntarily on Medical Grounds after appearing before Bank’s Medical

Board. Now, we understand that other Associate Banks have allowed

all those who are members of Scheme I of REMBS to become members

of Scheme II of REMBS. Stipulation of appearance before medical board

is waived in respect of those who have retired voluntarily on medical

grounds. Consequently, those who have retired voluntarily on medical

grounds without appearing before Bank’s medical board are also

28


allowed to join Scheme II in addition to those who have already become

members of Scheme I of REMBS. In other Associate Banks, time to

become a member of Scheme II is extended by three months. We have

represented to and requested our Bank Management to extend similar

facility in our Bank also. We have brought contents of Annexure III of

Circular No. CDO/P&HRD-PM/58/2015 – 16 dated 7th October, 2015 to

the notice of our Bank Management regarding extending another option

to join REMBS. We are confident that our Bank also allows such facility.

We are confident of introduction of this scheme.

h. Dispensing of blocking of accounts in the event of non-receipt of

Life Certificate :

Some of our members informed us that their accounts are blocked on

account of alleged non-submission of Life Certificate. They claimed

that the Bank was aware of their existence. They also informed that no

notice was also sent before blocking of such accounts. We were also

informed that some of the cheques issued by our members in such cases

were also returned on account of blocking of account. We took up this

matter with our Bank. We also brought to their notice as to provisions

of Pension Regulations. We are pleased to inform that our Bank issued

instructions vide PGP Circular No.1/2014 – 15 dated 19.1.2015 advising

branches not to block accounts on account of alleged non-receipt of

Life Certificates.

It is also brought to our notice that Pension is not credited on account

of non-receipt of Life Certificate, even though they had submitted Life

Certificate. Unfortunately, they had not obtained acknowledgement,

when Life Certificate is submitted. Therefore, we have advised our

members to submit Life Certificate only against acknowledgement.

We place on record the efforts of Shri C S Ramanath, our member, in

this regard.

i. Payment of Gratuity taking into account period of suspension :

We are happy to inform that Karnataka High Court, in Balakrishna Singh

Vs State Bank of Mysore and others, has ordered payment of Gratuity

29


duly including the period of Suspension, even in cases where disciplinary

proceedings culminated in punishment, if final orders do not specify

non-payment of Gratuity on account of non-inclusion of period of

suspension under Section 2A of Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. We

arepursuing the matter for extension of this benefit to all such retired

employees, who were suspended till the conclusion of disciplinary

proceedings which culminated in any form of punishment, including

warning.

j. Election of Dr.Lakshmisha as Director of our Bank representing Share

holders

Our Commune had appealed and requested our members to support

the candidature of our member, Dr.K Lakshmisha. He richly deserved

support of our Bank Retirees. Our members supported his candidature

and he won by securing nearly 90% of the votes polled. On behalf of

every member of our Commune, Our Commune congratulate Dr. K

Lakshmisha for his election as Share Holder Director of our Bank. We

are proud that we have a representative on the Board of State Bank of

Mysore. Among affiliates of our Apex Organisation, All India Bank

Retirees’ Federation, only our Commune has a representative on the

Board of the bank. Perhaps, if our representatives are there in Boards

of Banks, Bank Retirees can draw a lot of benefits. We hope other

affiliates of our AIBRF would also ensure that our representative is on

the Board of every Bank.

Our Commune assures whole hearted support to Dr.K Lakshmisha in his

new assignment. Every member of our Commune stands behind him in

his new assignment.

Dr K Lakshmisha is the Chief Convenor of this Conference. He has, in

fact, assisted and represented us and our issues were also taken up.

We are thankful to him, for his support.

Our Commune also thanks Shri S Ramasubramanian, for his support

and assistance for the cause of our Bank retirees. Even after demitting

his Office, he continues to assist retirees in taking up our issues with

the Management of our Bank.

30


k. Payment of Diagnostic Charges to Family Pensioners/Surviving

spouses :

It is on account of efforts of our Commune, reimbursement of Diagnostic

Charges to Surviving Spouses deceased retirees/Family Pensioners was

introduced during 2011. Initially, the amount paid to them was Rs.1,000/

-. This was increased to Rs.1,500/-. Since last year, they are also entitled

to the amount equivalent to the amount being reimbursed to our Bank

retirees. Currently, the amount reimbursed is Rs.4,000/- to all retirees

and surviving spouses/Family Pensioners, irrespective of mode of their

retirement. Perhaps, our Bank is the only Bank, which is extending

such facility irrespective of mode of exit from the Bank.

l. Treatment at Branches :

Some of the retirees of our Bank have reported several problems faced

by them at our Bank Branches. Our Bank has extended several benefits

to our Bank retirees. They are entitled to such benefits, as a right.

They are also High Value Customers of our Bank. But, it is unfortunate

that some Officials at Bank Branches take whimsical decisions of

denying such legitimate benefits. In some cases, retirees were also

abused. In case, retirees of our Bank face any such problem, they were

advised to inform functionaries of our Commune, in writing. Our

Commune is in forefront to secure such legitimate benefits and does

not hesitate launching of agitation in front of such Branches of our

Bank, in the presence of media.

m. Establishment of Museum:

In the Annual General Meeting of our Bank held on the 31st May, 2016,

our member, Shri M Y Kumar raised the issue of establishment of Museum

for posterity, post-merger. The Chairman, agreed and appreciated the

suggestion. Our Bank is establishing a Museum in and around Shri

Lakshmi Statue at Bangalore Branch. Our Commune’s representatives

are also a part of the Committee to oversee establishment of Museum.

We have requested our members to provide photographs of their times.

It is also an opportunity to leave a mark, providing memorable pictures

of yesteryears. Many of our members have shared or handed over a lot

of material for establishment of Museum.

31


n. Shradhaanjali Scheme :

June & July 2016 issues of Mysore Bank Shathayu have already reported

that payment of Rs.15,000/- on unfortunate demise of a retiree may

not continue post-merger. Central Committee in its meeting held on

the 26th June, 2016 deliberated on this issue at length and also discussed

ways and means to continue this facility. Committee decided

unanimously to introduce a scheme by the same name, ‘Shradhanjali’.

Our Commune, would continue to pay Rs.15,000/- as is paid by our

Bank, now under Shradhanjali Scheme, through a Trust formed by our

Commune. Every member of our Commune who becomes a member of

this Scheme, by paying one time amount of Rs.2,500/- would be covered

under this Shradhanjali Scheme. This Scheme would be launched in

5th Triennial Conference of our Commune to be held on 17th September,

2016. A part of amount collected out of advertisements placed in our

Souvenir would also be a part of Corpus of this Scheme.

Further, our Central Committee, in its meeting held on 3rd September,

2016 also decided to cover those employees including Officers who

are in service, under this scheme. Those employees who join this

scheme would become members of our Commune on their retirement,

automatically.

o. Webpage for retirees :

This issue is also one of the issues, our Commune is raising through

Grievance Cell. Now, we understand that creation of Webpage is

approved and would be available shortly. But, we are also aware that

this facility is also in existence in State Bank of India. We have been

informed that all retirees would also be provided with Email IDs, also

shortly.

p. Group Medical Insurance :

Our Commune do understandthe fears of our members regarding

continuity of Medical Insurance. All of us are aware that this Group

Medical Insurance was introduced by Banks, which are members of

Indian Banks Association and covered by Bipartite Settlement/Joint

32


Notes, with an exception of State Bank of India. State Bank of India is

not covered by this portion of Bipartite Settlement. Therefore, the

present Medical Insurance Scheme is not available in State Bank of

India. If merger/acquisition does not take place before 1.11.2016, the

same insurance policy would have to be continued. We shall deal further

on this subject, later paragraphs.

q. Increase in Ex-gratia Pre-1986 :

All of us aware that the Pension in terms of Pension Regulations, 1995

in terms of Pension Settlement dated 29.10.1993 was extended to those

who retired on or after 1.1.1986. Those who retired earlier were entitled

to Ex-gratia. Ex-gratia Basic for retirees was Rs.300/- plus Dearness

Relief thereon at 0.67% per slab over 600 points of CPI. Currently, the

Dearness Relief is at 948.05% for 1415 slabs. The total Ex-gratia payable

is Rs.3,668/-. Surviving Spouse of deceased Pre-1986 retirees are getting

50% of this amount at Rs.1,834/-.

However, Ex-gratia to Pre-1986 was being paid at Rs.300/- plus Dearness

Relief thereon. Surviving Spouse of deceased Pre-1986 retirees were

getting Rs.1,000/-. But, due to efforts of our Apex Organisation, All

India Bank Retirees Federation and All India Bank Employees’ Union,

Ex-gratia is revised to Rs.350/- and Rs.175/- plus Dearness Relief thereon

in respect of Pre-1986 Retirees and surviving spouses of deceased Pre-

1986 retirees, respectively.

Our Commune is also pursuing various other issues. We have not yet

achieved success. But, that does not mean that we have failed. We

are prepared to wait. Good things come to those who wait. We have to

wait with patience. We are aware that many a time, patience reduces

waiting time. Patience is not the ability to wait. But, it is the ability to

keep a good attitude while waiting. We are confident that many of

these issues would also be resolved, before merger with State Bank of

India.

33


We have raised and pursuing following issues :

a. Notional addition of five years to those who retired under VRS/Exit

Policy :

Most of the retirees who retired during SBMVRS – 2001 are eagerly

waiting for this benefit which is extended in every other Bank, other

than Associate Banks of State Bank of India. It is also true that period

of 15 years is also completed from the date of retirement, during March,

2016. It is a very long painful wait. But, Rules, Systems and Procedures

at Supreme Court for early hearing have been prescribed and any

deviation is impermissible. Our cases have been filed in the year 2013.

Unfortunately, there are many cases which have been filed earlier have

not come up for hearing. Advocate engaged by our Commune, Shri

Rajappa is making every effort for early hearing of cases, within the

prescribed rules. They may have to wait for some more time. But,

with great pride, we would place before you the fact that number of our

cases in this regard form over 1% of pending cases in Hon’ble Supreme

Court.

The first batch of Special Leave Petitions have not yet been converted

to Civil Appeals, as we had filed caveat and our Advocate Shri Rajappa

ensured that this batch of petitions is not converted into Civil Appeals

(not admitted). Our Advocate has also undertaken to represent all

respondents. Therefore, there cannot be any delay on account of service

of notice. But, delay is on account of not bringing legal representatives

of deceased respondents on record by the Bank. We have also taken up

this issue with our Law Department to ensure early and suitable action.

But, our Commune is assiduously following up this issue outside the

Court also. We have submitted many representations, through Members

of Parliament. Through, Coordination Committee of Retirees’

Organisations in Associate Banks, we have taken up matter with

Corporate Centre of State Bank of India, several times. I have also

visited Corporate Centre and impressed upon the top executives

regarding necessity to pay this benefit. We have also brought several

judgments of Hon’ble Supreme Court, which cover this issue also.

34


We also had a meeting with Mr.M M Dawla, Under Secretary, Dept. of

Financial Services and then Govt. of India representative on the Board of our

Bank, at his Office in New Delhi. We also brought to his notice stand of our

Bank before Hon’ble Supreme Court in Special Leave Petitions/Civil Appeals

filed that our Case and Vijaya Bank case are identical and Vijaya Bank has

since extended this benefit. We also brought to his notice that Allahabad

Bank case, which was tagged to Vijaya Bank Case was also dismissed by

Hon’ble Supreme Court, along with payment of interest at 9% from the date

of Judgment by High Court. It is also pertinent to note that this Judgment

also reiterated that our Bank issue also comes under the sweep of Judgment

in Mohandas’s case.

Our Apex organisation, All India Bank Retirees’ Federation also took up the

matter with State Bank of India, regarding this issue. Our Commune also

requested our Bank Management, whenever, there is any order of Hon’ble

Supreme Court, covering this issue.

The General Secretary of Associate Bank Officers’ Association, Shri

Harshavardhan Madhubashi also took up this issue, based on our

representation. We have appended a copy of the letter by Shri Harshavardhan

Madhubashi, in this regard.

Representations were handed over to the Chairman of State Bank of India,

whenever, they visited our Bank’s Head Office for attending Annual General

Meeting of our Bank.

This issue was also a part of issues raised by our Commune through mass

representation. Fortunately, other two issues, viz. Pension option to Exit

Policy/VRS 2001 retirees and Pension to pension optees retired under VRS –

2001, are extended without pursuing legal recourse.

But, this benefit is not extended. Perhaps, but for the adverse Judgments by

Division bench of Madras High Court and Single Judge Bench of Kerala High

Court, this benefit would have also been extended. Certainly, we are proud

to report that only our members coordinated by our Commune have succeeded

in Division Bench of a High Court and matter has reached Hon’ble Supreme

Court. It is also noteworthy that cost of Rs.10,000/- to each of the petitioner

was awarded by the Division Bench of Karnataka High Court.

35


I had the opportunity to speak in the Annual General Meeting of our Bank

held on the 31st May, 2016. This issue was brought to the notice of the

Chairman, Directors of the Bank and other Share Holders present. We used

this occasion to plead for extension of this benefit, instead of demanding

this benefit. We are extremely pleased to inform you that our efforts have

created positive impact and well appreciated. The Chairman, while replying,

said that this issue would be dealt by the Managing Director of our Bank.

We have also handed over a representation to Smt.Arundathi Bhattacharya.

We are extremely happy to report that the information trickling in indicate

that this benefit would be extended in Associate Banks shortly. Perhaps, we

may hear positive information, anytime now.

Our continuous efforts have fructified. Certainly, our Commune’s efforts

deserve to be recognised.

b. Payment of Pension based on last 10 months pay drawn – 7th BPS

retirees :

Cases filed by members of our Commune, who retired between 1.4.1998

and 31.10.2002 include issue of non-payment of Pension based on

average of last ten months’ pay drawn. Pension of those who were

Provident Fund optees have received Commutation based on average

of last ten months Pay drawn. This has created discrimination. Those

who retired on the same day are divided into two groups. One has got

pension calculated correctly. But, other has not got Pension and

Commutation correctly.

Further, there is violation of Bipartite Settlement provision also in our

Bank, as far as this issue is concerned. Para 16 of the 7th Bipartite

Settlement clearly stipulates that payment of pension based on notional

pay which is aggregate of Pre-revised Pay and Dearness relief thereon

at 1616 points, provided relevant provisions of Bank Employees’ Pension

Regulations, 1995 are amended, duly incorporating these provisions.

Since, Pension Regulations in our Bank remain un-amended, the method

of calculation of Pension as provided in the para 16 of the Bipartite

Settlement is violation of Bipartite Settlement provisions.

36


We are confident that this matter is settled early.

c. Payment of Gratuity and Pension by duly adding Temporary Service

rendered before confirmation :

Minimum service required to become eligible for Pension is Ten years

and it is five years of service to receive Gratuity. It is estimated that

there are more than 1,000 of our members who have worked on

Temporary basis for a very long period, before confirmation. There are

instances, where they have worked for two to three decades on

Temporary basis, before confirmation. They had served for more than

240 days every year during this period. But, many of such retirees have

served for a period less than ten years and in some cases, they have

served for a period less than five years also. Such retirees are not in

receipt of Pension and in many cases, Gratuity also. We have

represented to our Management to pay Gratuity and also Pension by

reckoning Temporary Service also, before confirmation.

We are confident that these benefits would be secured. A note prepared

by us and presented to Management is provided in Annexures.

d. Reduction of Commuted portion of Pension from the date of

retirement, instead of date of payment :

On account of increase in pension either on account of revision in Pay

or on account of decision of Courts or on account of error in calculation

of pension, commutation amount also goes up. Currently, every Bank is

reducing commuted amount of increased portion of Basic Pension from

the date of retirement, instead of reduction from the date of payment.

This is opposed to Regulation 56, read with Rule 6 (1) b, 6 (2) and 10(A)

of Central Civil Services (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 1981. This

reduction of commuted amount of increased portion of Basic Pension

could be allowed only from succeeding month of receipt of increased

portion by the retiree. Those who retired under VRS – 2001 after serving

over a period of 15 years, but less than 20 years, got their pension

along with arrears during April/May, 2016. By that time, period of 15

years was over and there was no amount to be reduced. Consequently,

37


difference in Commutation payable and Commutation amountrecoverable was recovered from arrears of salary, without paying a rupeeof commutation. This has resulted in huge loss.

We have taken up this matter with our Bank management. We have notyet heard final word from the management. We would take this issueto the logical end.

Public Sector Banks, including our Bank is reducing commuted portionof increased Basic Pension from the date of payment as ‘Secondcommutation’, instead of reducing from the date of retirement, in respectof pensioners of Central and State Government. It is ironical that thisbenefit paid by Bank employees to Central/State Governmentpensioners, are deprived of this benefit.

e. Improvement in REMBS and another option :

We have been requesting for improvements in REMBS and another optionto left overs to become a member of the Scheme. Addition of ailments,payment of full amount of expenditure incurred without reducing VAT,ST, etc.. We have also requested for removal of per annum limits onvarious types of treatment. As reported earlier, we have succeeded inall other demands relating to REMBS, with an exception of extension ofanother option to become a member of the Scheme. We are pursuingthe matter and confident that another option would be extended, beforemerger takes place.

f. Extension of Pension option to those who could not take advantageof pension option, earlier :

We are requesting our Bank Management to extend another option tosome of the retirees, who could not opt for pension when option wasextended during 2010. There are many infirmities, in extending pensionoption. Based on various Judgments, we are seeking extension ofanother option to these retirees.

g. Continuing Staff Housing Loan, at concessional rates, in case theemployee retires, voluntarily :

Our Bank is allowing employees, including Officers to continue StaffHousing Loan till the age 70/75 years. But, we have receivedrepresentation from these retirees requesting for extension of continuing

staff Housing Loan at concessional rates.

38


h. Pension/Pension option for those who are removed or discharged or

compulsorily Retired :

Regulation 22 of Bank Employees Pension Regulation provides for forfeiture

of entire service, if an employee is either discharged, removed or Compulsorily

retired from the Bank’s service.

But, paras 6(b) – removal from service, 6(d) – discharged from service, clearly

provide for clause ‘with superannuation benefits, i.e. Pension and/or

Provident Fund and Gratuity as would be due’. Based on this portion, Hon’ble

Supreme Court decided that those who have retired under Clause 6(b) or 6

(d) are entitled to Pension.

Dispute went upto Hon’ble Supreme Court. Judgement was delivered in

Bank of Baroda Vs LRs of S K Kool case allowing payment of pension to

those who were discharged or removed from service. The decision of Hon’ble

Supreme Court also went in favour of retirees in Bank of Baroda Vs Girish

Shukla.

Indian Banks Association did take cognizance of Judgement delivered in

Bank of Baroda Vs LRs of S K Kool and Bank of Baroda Vs Girish Shukla.

Thereafter, a Circular was issued by Indian Bank Association vide CIR/HR&IR/

KU/M1/1004 dated 30th June, 2012. This Circular also provide for amendment

to Regulation 22 regarding extension of pension to those who were either

discharged or removed from service. Those who were retired compulsorily

were getting pension, if they were pension optees.

Earlier, there was another decision by Hon’ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal

No.2729/2006 and 4677/2010 dated 30th August 2011, which allowed

pension option to those who retired compulsorily prior to 1993.

Pension option was not extended during 2010 to those who have retired

Compulsorily and also under other modes of exit, such as Discharge, Removal

from Service, etc. There are various Judgments regarding granting Pension

to those who retired compulsorily.

Despite these decision and communication, Banks continue to deny pension/

pension option to those who are removed or discharged from service. In the

meantime, Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered extension of Pension option

39


to those who retired compulsorily from Andhra Bank. Bank filed Special Leave

Petitions. Hon’ble Supreme Court dismissed SLP No.35389/2013 and 35449/

2013 of Andhra Bank Management against the orders of Andhra Pradesh

High Court. Andhra Bank Management filed review petition No. 2889 &

2994/2014 against the order, which were also dismissed. Thereafter, Andhra

Bank extended Pension Option to these retirees only. Several other Judgments

have been delivered by various High Courts, in favour of Bank Retirees, who

are retired compulsorily.

Our Commune took up this matter with our Bank Management. Our Law

Department has opined that Pension Option needs to be extended to those

who are retired compulsorily, in respect of our Award Staff only. We are

pursuing the matter.

i. Leave Encashment for Compulsorily Retired :

In many Banks, Leave Encashment is not being allowed in respect of those

who are retired compulsorily. Now, based on account of various Judgments,

Indian Banks’ Association issued circular vide HR&ir/76/H7/E9/755 dated

11th May, 2015, advising member Banks to pay Leave Encashment to those

Officers retired on or after 30.4.2015. We have requested our Bank

management to extend this benefit.

But, it is unacceptable to restrict Leave Encashment to those who retired

compulsorily only from 30.4.2015. We would initiate necessary action.

j. Continuing Staff Housing Loan beyond retirement & till the age 75 :

Associate Banks decided to extend tenure of Housing Loans of Officers till

75 years of age as decided in the Joint Meeting with Officers held on the

21st December, 2014. It was also decided that Associate Banks would also

dispense the system of keeping monies as ‘matching deposits’. But, Housing

Loan tenure for those who belong to Award category is restricted to 70

years and they need to continue to deposit amounts in Fixed Deposits.

But, our Bank would say that twin benefits of extension of Housing Loan till

the age 75/70 and not maintaining matching deposits are not available to

those who retire on modes other than superannuation. But, Staff Circular

40


No.80/2014 – 15 dated 31.03.2015 clearly provides for both extension of

repayment period upto age 75 and also dispensing of ‘matching deposits’

subject to certain conditions for ‘retired officers’. This Circular does not

specify whether this is applicable to those who are retired before or later.

Further, the circular is silent as to mode of exit. Still, this benefit is being

denied. This requires re-examination and clarification with regard to both

these aspects.

Dr.Lakshmisha wins Aryabhata International Award :

The award is instituted to honour those achievers in recognition of their creative

and constructive work and in appreciation of their accomplishments in their

respective and chosen field of service. The Aryabhata International award is

given to the people who have excelled in various fields like Banking, Industry,

Art, Science, Music and Entertainment. Every year Aryabhata Institution identifies

the achievers from all over the world. This year our member and Director of our

Bank, Dr.K Lakshmisha has been awarded with Aryabhata International Award

for his contribution to Banking. He is the first from Mysore Bank family to

receive this award. Members of State Bank of Mysore Pensioners’ Commune

congratulate Dr.K Lakshmisha on receipt of this Award. Dr.K Lakshmisha, you

have made each one of Mysore Bank family, proud.

Meeting of Retirees residing at Chennai on Sunday, the 15th December, 2013

Meeting of our Bank Retirees residing at Chennai was held on Sunday, the 15th

December, 2013 at Canara Bank Employees’ Union Auditorium “A.K.Nayak Bhavan”,

2nd Floor, 14, Second Line Beach, CHENNAI - 600 001. Over 60 of members residing

at Chennai attended this meeting. Shri S V Srinivasan, Deputy General Secretary of

AIBRF addressed our members. We crave for arranging such meetings at Chennai

also, in the near future.

Meeting of retirees staying at Hyderabad-Secunderabad.

Meeting of our Bank retirees who are staying at Hyderabad-Secunderabad was

held on Sunday, the 30th November, 2014 at the Grand Solitaire Hotel, Secunderabad.

More than 25 of about 35 retirees who are residing at Hyderabad-Secunderabad

attended the meeting. Members were updated about issues taken up by our

Commune, various developments, etc. We are thankful to Shri Changalaraya, who

41


retired as Chief Manager on that day, for hosting this meeting. Shri Changalaraya is

the Special invitee to our Central Committee meeting.

Our Apex Organisation, All India Bank Retirees’ Federation :

Pension Settlement/Joint Note dated 24-10-1993 is a product of collective bargaining

on account of protracted struggle paving the way for its introduction. Thus Pension

Scheme was introduced in banking industry on 29.09.1995. It baptized the bank

retirees as pensioners irrespective of their past designations & restored their links

with bank as pensioners. This landmark achievement in the history of bank employees

as well as bank retirees necessitated organising bank retirees for redressal of their

legitimate grievances and eventual improvement in pensionary benefits. The difficult

task of organising bank retirees across the country was initiated by none other than

the Founder General Secretary of All India Bank Employees’ Association, Late Com.

Romesh Chander Chakraborty along with Sri T.M.Mathews and other bank retirees

with the objective of forming an inclusive all-cadre national organisation of bank

retirees. It is a historical coincidence that the national organisation of bank retirees

– ALL INDIA BANK RETIREES’ FEDERATION was born on 1st May in 1994 at

Ahmedabad.

The founders of bank employees’ movement always cherished a dream of a single

united organisation of bank employees – Officers and Workmen under one banner.

The dream could not become reality due to Pillai Committee, legal discrimination

and fragmentation of Trade Unions on political ideologies. But, in respect of retired

bank employees, there is no conflict of interest amongst retirees. Bank Employees’

Pension Regulations treat all bank retirees irrespective of past designation in the

bank as a retiree without any discrimination. The formation of AIBRF gave fillip to

organising bank retirees throughout the country and bank wise organization at State

and all India level were formed in majority of banks – both in public sector and

private sector. AIBRF and its units have played major role in bringing the issue of

another option for pension to PF retirees also in the discussion with IBA/Govt and in

the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel & Public Grievances, Law &

Justice.

Shri D AMasdekar of Union Bank of India is the Chairman, Shri S.M.Deshpande of

Central Bank of India is the President and Shri S C Jain, who is amongst us today is

the Secretary of AIBRF. Shri S C Jain retired from Bank of India as General Manager.

42


‘We shall make our own way’ and ‘We shall achieve’ are the slogans adopted at 3rd

Triennial Conference held at Kolkata from 1st to 3rd March, 2012 and at 4th Triennial

Conference held at Thrissur from 26th to 28th November, 2015respectively. Between

these two conferences and thereafter, true to these slogans, our Apex organisation

undertook various agitation programs. We are very proud of our Commune’s

association with our Apex Organisation, All India Bank Retirees Federation.

Our All India Bank Retirees’ Federation has 21 years of experience. Over 1.50 lakh

members representing 44 Banks forms its strength. Former Senior Executives to

Former Bank Trade Union leaders guide our AIBRF. Our Apex organisation is not

affiliated to any Bank Employees’ or Officers’ Organisation. We are independent.

There is no conflict of interest. Our organisation is like an Ocean. Affiliates are like

rivers. We all join this great organisation, called All India Bank Retirees’ Federation.

General Secretary’s Report of 22nd Conference of All India Bank Employees

Association held at Jaipur between 19th to 22nd March, 1994 has a reference to

our Apex Organisation, AIBRF. Relevant portion is extracted, hereunder :

265. With the Pension becoming a regular service condition in Banking

Industry, there is a sizable number of pensioners today. This number

will go on increasing as more and more people will retire.

Implementation of Pension Scheme in respect of such retirees, solving

their problems, taking care of various difficulties in respect of

calculations, commutation of pension, family pension, etc., etc., will

call for continuous attention. Hence, an organisation is required for

the purpose. Our Central Committee has decided that appropriate

steps by our Unions, should be taken for formation of an All India

Retirees’ Association, covering employees of all categories, and

without any affiliation to us. It will be unfortunate if the present day

organisational differences on account of multiplicity of unions are

extended to the retirees’ unions. Such Unions should be formulated

on Bankwise basis as well as All - India level. At the moment there is

All India Bank Retirees’ Federation headed by Com.Ramesh Chandra

Chakraborti, our first General Secretary. There is another All India

Retirees’ Organisation in Kerala. Our CC directed our Kerala State

Organisation to bring up rapproachment so that only one union

remains in the field. Unfortunately, their efforts did not yield the

43


desired result. In this situation we must make our position clear. Having

regard to all facts, I submit that ‘All India Bank Retirees’ Federation

headed by Com.Ramesh Chandra Chakraborti should be extended

all-out help, assistance and encouragement by us on All-India level.

Under this umbrella, Bankwise organisations also should be set up. It

is necessary to reiterate that these retirees, unions shall not be.

affiliates of AlBEA. Neither any of the AlBEA Office-bearer or leaders

, retired or not, should hold any post in any such organisation. It

should remain independent of inter-union rivalry. Our duty is to extend

them full support in the interest of proper implementation of Pension

Scheme for the benefit of retired employees.

All India Bank Retirees’ Federation continues to remain independent and has many

leaders who were Office Bearers of industry level organisations.

Some of the agitation programs and various events organised by our Apex

Organisation, AIBRF during the period from 1.10.2012 till 16.9.2016 are :

a. Success in Madras High Court in respect of 100% DA neutralisation –

Members of various affiliates of AIBRF are the petitioners ;

b. General Secretary of our Apex Organisation, Shri S C Jain was invited to

speak in 27th National Conference of AIBEA at Kochi ;

c. General Secretary, Shri S C Jain also had a meeting with officials of

Department of Financial Services on the 6th February, 2013. He raised

the several issues including Discussion of retirees issues with Bank

Retirees’ organisations, Improvement in Ex-gratia payable to Pre-1986

retirees, Uniform allocation of funds for the welfare of Bank Retirees

out of Staff Welfare Fund, Extension of five years benefit under

Regulation 29(5) to Vijaya Bank, Allahabad Bank and Associate Banks

of SBI and filing appeals against decision of lower courts.

d. Letter from Dept. of Financial Services to Indian Banks Association to

hold discussion with retirees, vide 10/30/IG/2013-IR dated

11.06.2013.This is on account of persuasion of the General Secretary

by meeting DFS officials twice

44


e. Took matter with then Finance Minister, Shri P Chidambaram during

October, 2013 ;

f. Massive Dharna at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on the 7th March, 2013.

Number of retirees participated exceeded 4,000. This program was

addressed by Shri Gurdas Dasguptha, Shri D Raja, Shri C H

Venkatachalam, among others. 26 members of our Commune

Participated in this program ;

g. Letter to Shri Narendra Modi on his election as Prime Minister and also

drawing his attention to Bank Retirees’ problems ;

h. Meeting Officials of Department of Financial Services on the 17.11.2014

and drawing Bank Retirees’ problems ;

i. To achieve success by concluding negotiation, UFBU launched various

agitation programs. AIBRF supported and joined in every agitation

program, leading to signing of Bipartite Settlement.

j. A memorandum dated 18.3.2015was also submitted to UFBU leadership

on proposed Medical Insurance to Bank retirees.

k. Took up matter relating to submission of Life Certificate by Bank

Pensioners

l. A memorandum was submitted to the Hon’ble Finance Minister on the

13th May, 2015 regarding Bank Pensioners’ issue.

m. Strongly worded letter expressing disappointment and displeasure was

sent to the Convenor, UFBU – A copy of which was already circulated

among members of our Commune ;

n. Bipartite Settlement and Record note were signed on the 25th May,

2015. For members of AIBRF, it was a Protest Day. Demonstrations

were also held on that day at Azad Maidan, Mumbai.

o. Memorandums were submitted to Chairmen of local chapters of IBA

and also to Chairmen of Public Sector Banks ;

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p. Individual letters were sent by members of affiliates of AIBRF to the

Secretary, Dept. of Financial Services. Over 3500 letters were also sent

by members of our Commune ;

q. Issue of non-payment of Domiciliary Treatment expenses and corporate

buffer was also taken up with Indian Banks Association ;

r. Launching of various action programs starting from Mumbai, during

January, 2016 at Mumbai and later at all Major centres ;

s. Meeting of Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances,

Law and Justice held on the 8th February, 2016 at Delhi, was attended

by Dr B Ramji and Shri A Chandramouli, General Secretary and President

of IOB Retirees’ Association, representing AIBRF. They submitted a

memorandum requesting resolution of Bank Retirees’ issues ;

t. All these efforts started yielding results. IBA wrote letters to member

Banks regarding establishment and functioning of Grievance Cell. IBA

commenced correspondence with AIBRF ;

u. Demand’s day was observed throughout the Country on the 25th May,

2016. Resolutions were passed in the Protest Meetings held throughout

the Country

v. Responding to the call of AIBRF, over 25,000 online representations

were sent to Hon’ble Prime Minister by members of affiliates of AIBRF.

Over, 400 of our members have submitted online representations.

w. By middle of June, memorandum was submitted to 37 Members of

Parliament, including Speaker of Lok Sabha, Deputy Speaker of Rajya

Sabha and four Central Ministers. Our members from Tumkur submitted

representation to Smt. Maneka Gandhi ;

Above list is abridged and only some and important developments/programs/efforts

have been listed, above. Every member of our Commune salute efforts of

Shri S C Jain, the General Secretary of All India Bank Retirees’ Federation in planning

and execution of action programs. We are proud of our Apex Organisation, AIBRF.

All these efforts are to secure benefits, including the following to Banks’ Retirees’

Community:

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a. Updation of Pension ;

b. Improvement in Family Pension ;

c. Uniform DA ;

d. Uniform Health Insurance ;

e. Pension optionto left overs

Napolean Hill has stated that Strength and growth come only through continuous

effort and struggle. Therefore, we should all join and strengthen the movement

lead by our Apex Organisation by All India Bank Retirees’ Federation, by our

participation. Though these issues have to be settled at National level and we

have our Apex Organisation, doing wonderful job, we feel that our members should

have insight in to each of these aspects.

Many of Bank retirees are agitated and may feel that there is delay in delivery of

these benefits. Many may also feel that Retirees’ organisations need to do more.

It is natural to have that kind of a feeling because recent introduction of ‘One Rank

One Pension’ for Defence Pensioners and Implementation of 7th Pay Commission

Report.

Naturally, Bank retirees tend to compare improvement of Pension of Central Govt.

Pensioners, with that of themselves. Unfortunately, situations are incomparable.

It is also pertinent to note that there are many PSUs, fully owned by Govt. of India,

where pension benefit is not extended, at all. Whereas, Pension in Banks was

introduced only through Settlement signed on the 29th October, 1993. Therefore,

Pension Scheme of Bank Retirees is in infancy. It is just 22 years old.

But.Improvement in Pension and Pay Commissions in India has history of over 70

years, dating back to Pre-independence era. The first Pay Commission improved

pension during the year 1946-47. But, updation of pension was unheard off till

early 80s. Intelligent and person with a foresight, Shri D S Nakara has changed

everything. Now, Pension of Central Govt. Pensioners are being updated based on

the Judgment of Constitution Bench of Hon’ble Supreme Court on the 17th December,

1982. This day is celebrated as ‘Pensioners’ Day’ throughout the country by

Pensioners. This Judgement disallowed division of retirees. This Judgment also

emphasised and propounded that ‘Pension is not gratis’. We have adopted this

Judgment in thousands of cases involving Pensioners for securing or improving

Pension benefits.

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Unfortunately, omnibus application of this ‘law’ to our Bank pension is not available.

This is because, Bank Employees’ Pension has not been improved so far. Still,

pension paid to those who retire during later years is far higher, when compared to

the Pension being paid to those who retired earlier. It is not because of improvement

in pension, but because of improvement in salary. Therefore, these judgements

have no application to Bank Employees’ Pension.It is also important to note that

Bank Retirees’ Writ Appeals for updation of Pension before Rajasthan High Court

are dismissed and matter is pending before Hon’ble Supreme Court. Therefore,

Bank Retirees have reached Supreme Court as Petitioners, who have lost case in a

High Court. Therefore, our members are requested not to overwhelmed by decisions

of Courts concerning Central Government Pensioners. Perhaps, if more than 90 –

95% of Bank employees were to opt for pension during 1993 – 1995/96, updation of

pension would have been easier to achieve, than the situation prevalent today.

Pension of Central Government is out of Consolidated Fund of India through Budget

allocation. No provision is required to be made for payment of future pension. But,

increase in Pension, including that of Dearness Relief every half year of Public

Sector Bank involves additional provision and transfer of such provision to a separate

Trust for payment of such pension to Bank pensioners till last pensioner/family

pensioner is alive, even if the Bank is liquidated. In respect of Private Sector Banks,

annuities have to be bought from LIC of India. We have already published an article

on Pension Funds in Banks in our earlier issue of Mysore Bank Shathayu.

‘One Rank One Pension’ is another issue in the limelight recently. This demand is

in existence from early eighties. Problem faced by Defence Personnel is different

from that of other Retirees/Pensioners. There is concept of Compulsory Retirement

to keep Armed Forces young. The age at which these personnel retire is : 35 -37

years for Sepoys, 45 – 47 years for JCOs, and Major, Lt Col, Col-, Brig, Maj Gen, Lt

Gen, General at the age of 50, 52, 54,56, 58, 60 and 62 years respectively. Therefore,

their service is shortened. This situation is not in existence in Banks and Central

Govt. This demand found place in Manifestos of Political Parties. They are also in

substantial numbers in various parliamentary constituencies and can be decisive in

many constituencies. But, these Pensioners could not achieve this benefit legally.

It was only through agitation and sustained action programs spread over three

decades.

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Above instances also provide us the insight into the difficulties and journeys of

these struggles. One was secured through Judicial intervention and other through

struggles. We are at a disadvantageous position in several ways. It is not as easy

as we believe. Therefore, we need to work hard, struggle and pursue longer. This

does not mean that it is impossible to achieve updation of pension. There is a

saying by Winston Churchill, that Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence -

is the key to unlocking our potential. Persuasion and perseverance would ensure

success. We have the leadership of Shri S C Jain, General Secretary and Shri

Deshpande, the President of AIBRF. We are confident that we would achieve success.

We have made efforts to calculate the possible quantum of load in case updation

of pension takes place. Our calculations reveal that approximate pension payment

to Bank retirees in PSBs during the year 2012 – 13 is Rs.6,500/- Crores. We have

considered the figures of 2012 – 13, as 10thBipartite period covers those who retired

on or after 1.11.2012. Payment of pension benefit to those who retired from

1.11.2012 to 31.3.2013 forms buffer, for calculation purposes. This amount of

Rs.6,500/- Crores also include payment of Commutation. Therefore, this amount is

on higher side. For Actuarial valuation the rate of return is assumed at 8%. 10%

increase in pension results in additional outgo of Rs.650/- Crores, per annum. To

secure returns to the extent of Rs.650/- Crores per annum out of perpetual annuity

with 8% per annum returns, provision required is at Rs.8,125/- Crores. This could

be the maximum amount required as provisions are not made based on perpetual

annuity. Perpetual annuity means payment of annuity forever. But, amount provided

is based on regular annuity, which after a specified time, payment ends. In case,

this amount is amortised for 6 years, each year all PSBs together have to provide

for Rs.1,350/- Crores. In all probability, total payment of Group Medical Insurance

premium to be paid by these Banks would be more than Rs.1,350/-, next year. Which

also means, updation is possible and the figures quoted by Indian Banks Association

is far higher.

Extension of 100% Dearness Relief for the entire quantum of Basic Pension for Pre-

2002 retirees is one of the issues engaging attention of leaders of Bank Retirees’

movement. Our Commune feels that this is a settled matter and Pension Settlement

dated 29.10.1993 clearly provides for calculation of Dearness Relief based on

Reserve Bank of India DA formula. But, it is unfortunate that Indian Banks’

Association is attempting to estimate/calculate the load of extension of this benefit

49


and treat this as a new benefit. This is incorrect and improvement cannot be out of

a separate settlement, but by implementing existing provisions of Bipartite

Settlement.

The clause 6 of Pension Settlement dated 29.10.1993 is extracted, hereunder :

6. Dearness relief to pensioners will be granted at such rates as may

be determined from time to time in line with the dearness allowance

formula in operation in Reserve Bank of India.

Additionally, Memorandum of Settlement dated 10/11/1997 also reiterated that the

Reserve Bank of India Pension Regulations form bedrock for payment of Pension in

Banks. Since, Reserve Bank of India has extended the benefit of Dearness Relief on

entire Basic Pension with 100% neutralisation, Bank Retirees are also entitled to

receive Pension with Dearness Relief duly neutralising Dearness Relief to the extent

of 100%. We suggest and request for demand of this benefit as a ‘implementation

of provisions of Pension Settlement dated 29.10.1993 read with clause 3 of

Memorandum of Settlement dated 10/11/1997.

It is unfortunate that both UFBU and IBA are treating this benefit as ‘New Benefit’.

But, Civil Appeal filed by members of several affiliates who had filed Writ Petitions

before Madras High Court, is pending before Hon’ble Supreme Court. Retirees

from Kolkata have also succeeded before Single Judge Bench of Kolkata High Court.

The significance of this Judgment is that it validates our opinion on 100% Dearness

Relief issue.

Family Pension in Banks is abysmally low. Though, Reserve Bank of India and

Government of India are paying Family Pension at the highest rate of 30% of last

month’s Pay of the deceased employee/retiree, the maximum rate in Banks is 15%.

There is also a ceiling on Basic Family Pension. Family pension table is provided in

the annexure. One can see maximum family pension payable in the Banking industry

in respect of employee/retiree who would have attained the age of 65 years, is

Rs.13,509/-. In case, Family Pensioner is entitled to twice the family pension, then

it is Rs.27,018/-. These amounts are fraction of Pension paid. Increased cost of

living and medical expenditure making Family Pension grossly insufficient to match

standard of life normally expected.

50


We have covered details of Medical Insurance, in detail in later of this report.

It is unfortunate that some of our friends among Bank retirees community are

deprived of pension. Those who resigned and compulsorily retired are deprived of

Pension. We are aware that every Management, including Bank Managements,

would like to minimise funds outgo. They would like to reduce expenditure. They,

often forget that Pension provides Social Security and it is the duty of the employer

to take care of former employees during their autumn years. We feel that taking

care of its former employees should also be a part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

It is unfortunate that Bank Managements forget this aspect and find reasons to

deny rather than finding reasons to give. One such example is denial of pension/

pension option to those who resigned from service. Most of them resigned because

there was no other mode to exit. There is no provision to ‘Retire’ in Awards and

Settlements for those belonging to Award Staff. Retirement after completion of 20

years of service required to be covered under provisions of Regulation 29 is not

enough for Officers of Associate Banks. They require at least 25 years of service, if

they have to retire under Regulation 19(1) of Officers’ Service Regulations, 1979.

Regulation 22 provides for forfeiture of entire service in the event of resignation.

Unfortunately, an employee who resigns after serving over 20 years is not entitled

to pension. But, one who has served for ten years or more, but discharged on

account of his acts of omission and commission is entitled to pension. Legally,

case is pending before three Judge Bench of Hon’ble Supreme Court on account of

contradictory judgements. Our Apex organisation is also taking up this issue.

It is a very long drawn battle for retirees to secure above benefits. Our Apex

organisation is strong and vibrant enough to carry forward the battle till they are

secured. We are aware that

Our Commune is affiliated to All India Bank Retirees’ Federation since 2012. First

Conference where delegates of our Commune participated was in the Conference

held at Kokata during 2nd March, 2012 and 4th March, 2012. Myself, our Vice

President, Shri K N Srinivasa Rao and Shri Ramaiah, our Committee member attended

this conference. Now, we have realised the importance of attending conferences

of AIBRF. One of the major events in any organisation is periodical General Body

meeting/Delegate Session. Like this General Body meeting, AIBRF Conference

held at Thrissur, Kerala on 26th to 28th November, 2015. 25 delegates representing

51


our Commune, came back with loads and loads of knowledge, experience and sweet

memories. Events like this recharge energy to continue the fight. Over 1500 Bank

retirees-delegates from all over the country congregated. They presented, discussed,

debated and decided various issues confronting Bank Retirees in the Country.

Memorable procession, Enlightening Inauguration, Meaningful discussions,

Thought provoking delegate session, mouth-watering delicacies, enthusiastic

delegates, youthful volunteers, impeccable arrangements and God’s own Country

are the highlights of the 4th Conference of our Apex Organisation, All India Bank

Retirees Federation at Thrissur. We shall Achieve is the Slogan. This Conference

also provided opportunity to chew decades old memories. This Conference show

cased strength of All India Bank Retirees Federation. Twenty Five soldiers

representing State Bank of Mysore Pensioners Commune participated in this

Conference, as delegates.

We were received by volunteers of host committee, at Railway Station at wee hours.

Transportation was also arranged. Kudos to hosts : All Kerala Bank Retirees

Federation, led by Shri K Srinivasan, President, SBT Retirees Association. The first

program was the procession of bank retirees. The distance covered is about two

KMs and the length of the procession was about one and a half KMs. Thousands of

Bank retirees participated in this Rally. But, cynosure of all eyes of every one

alongside the procession route is the contingent from our State Bank of Mysore

Pensioners Commune. Attired in traditional dress of Mysore, ‘Kachhe Panche’, Jubba

and ‘Mysore Peta’, they were highlight and talking point about Procession.

Inaugural session of the Conference was attended by over 3000 retirees from nook

and corner of the country. The Conference was inaugurated by Shri Jeevandas

Narayan, Managing Director of State Bank of Travancore. Shri C H Venkatachalam,

General Secretary of AIBEA was the Chief Guest. Colurful Inaugural Ceremony

concluded with the reciting National Anthem, joined by entire team from SBM

Pensioners’ Commune, on the dias.

Delegate session was held on 27th & 28th November, 2015. The General Secretary,

AIBRF presented a detailed Report on the activities, programs, action programs,

organizational developments, etc., of our Apex organization. Over 81 speakers from

various Retirees’ Organisations, who had come from nook and corner of the country

spoke. Shri B L Dayananda Kumar, Shri Basavanna and Shri Thippeswamy of our

Commune also spoke raising various issues confronting retirees.

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While Shri D A Masdekar, is elected as the Chairman, Shri S M Deshpande and

Shri S C Jain are re-elected as President and General Secretary of AIBRF. Shri C N

Prasad, General Secretary of our Commune, who was Organising Secretary of AIBRF

in earlier term, is elected as the Vice President.

While deciding on the Guests to be invited to this Conference, our leaders considered

various names. But, we decided on inviting Shri Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Central

Minister. One of the main reason is to secure an opportunity for us to bring to his

notice the problems and issues of Bank Retirees. This can also be best explained

by Shri S C Jain, General Secretary of AIBRF. This also provides an opportunity to

Shri S C Jain to interact with Shri Sadananda Gowda. This would help Bank Retirees.

We also thought programs like this are a better option when compared to handing

over memorandum. We are sure, we succeed in our endeavour.

We shall continue our support and participation in every program organised based

on call of our Apex organisation, All India Bank Retirees Federation.

Struggle Fund of AIBRF :

We all agree that the distance we have to travel to achieve updation, etc. is very

long. We need to fight and struggle. These action programs involve lot of

expenditure. Continuing fight involve lot of money and efforts. To create resources

for carrying out agitation programs, it was decided in the Thrissur Conference that

AIBRF should build Struggle Fund. Every affiliate should contribute to this fund at

Rs.50/- per member. We are liable to contribute to this fund, before 30th September,

2016.

Our Commune – successful saga of last four years :

Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you.

Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have

perseverance to realise the great life – Dr.Abdul Kalam

4th Triennial Conference of our Commune was held on the 30th September, 2012 at

Chandrashekara Bharathi Kalyana Mantap, Pampa Maha Kavi Road, Chamarajapet,

Bangalore. The Team with Shri N Jagannathan, our Founder President, as President

and Shri T V Gurumurthy, as General Secretary was elected. There was a vacant

post of Secretary. In the first Central Committee meeting, it was decided to co-opt

53


Shri S Siddagangaiah, who was a Central Committee member then, as Secretary

and myself was coopted as ‘Senior Vice President’. Later, on account of resignation

of Shri T V Gurumurthy on the 1st March, 2013, Central Committee meeting held on

12th March, 2013, accepted the resignation of Shri T V Gurumurthy and Co-opt me

as the General Secretary. In the same meeting, Shri H S Nanjunda Swamy was co-

opted as Senior Vice President and Shri S Siddagangaiah as the Vice President.

Later, Shri B H Shamsundar is coopted as Secretary, in the place vacated by Shri S

Siddagangaiah.

Eight Central Committee meetings have been conducted so far, during this term.

Central Committee has also co-opted following members as Committee Members,

including filling up of one vacancy created on account of death of Shri L Srikantaiah :

a. Shri B L Dayananda Kumar

b. Shri K Sathyanarayana

c. Shri D Nagendra Rao

d. Shri Thulasi Prasad

e. Shri Siddaramappa

All these members were serving our Commune, sincerely. They are present on

most of Tuesdays and Thursdays, in our Office. They were not members of the

Central Committee, when they were standing shoulder to shoulder with our other

functionaries in serving members of our Commune. Our Commune recognised their

commitment to serve, as they served sincerely, even though they were neither office

bearers nor members of the committee. We believe that those who are sincere to

serve need no position. All of us shall join together in following same principles,

while forming a new team.

We have seen many challenges during this term. We had to work from a place

which was outside our Office. We took these challenges in stride. In fact, the

challenges posed firmed up our resolve to serve. We never compromised

independence of our Commune. We have grown. Accolades, we have received

from you is because of you. You have ensured all of us succeed. We have loads of

patience. We have tons of tolerance. They are our strengths, not weaknesses.

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Today, many retirees of other Banks or retirees’ organisations look to us for support,

guidance, assistance and advise. Your Commune has left indelible mark. We are

pioneers. Pioneers in real sense. We have listed some of such endeavours:

May be the first organisation to introduce sending bulk SMSs.We are the pioneers

and trend setters. Perhaps, our Commune may be the first retirees organisation to

use bulk messaging facility, which is both faster and cheaper. Now, over 78% of our

members have Mobile Phones and are receiving messages. So far we have sent

over 3 lakh messages in two and a half years period.

Members of our Commune are privileged to receive SMSs duly informing the exact

amount of DA increase ;

We also a google group, [email protected]. We have over 1,000

members who are part of this group. We share and debate in this group. There is

no restriction or impediment in reaching our members with E-mail IDs. Perhaps, we

are pioneers, hereagain ;

Mine and our President’s names are listed in Telephone Directory of important

functionaries and organisation published by our Bank. Perhaps, Our Commune is

the only bank retirees’ organisation whose contact details are available in Bank’s

official telephone directory ;

Five Seminar/Workshop/meetings were organised to make our members better

equipped with relevant information. Perhaps, only bank retirees’ organisation in

the country to organise so many programs ;

On 19.2.2016, first ever protest march by Bank retirees in Bangalore was organised

by our Commune. Over 500 of members participated. Another feather in our Cap.

Our Commune is functioning from the office space provided by the Bank. Our

Commune is the only AIBRF affiliate to have Office space provided by the Bank.

This is in tune with direction of Central Office to secure space for offices of retirees

from Banks ;

Today, we are releasing ‘Pensioners’ Wallet’ which provides space for recording all

required and relevant information by our members. This is useful in many ways.

Every relevant information is available at one place. They do not miss out any

55


information. In the unfortunate event of absence of them, every bit of relevant

information is available for the members of family. This is another first attempt ;

Over 650 Civil Appeals/Special Leave Petitions filed by our Bank where our members

are respondents. Perhaps, only Bank retirees’ organisation to have so many

members as parties. This number is more than 1% of total cases pending before

Supreme Court ;

Our Commune is the first organisation to raise the issue of ‘second commutation’,

if additional part of Basic pay is commuted and paid ;

174 members of our Commune are awarded with cost of Rs.10,000/- payable by the

Bank to each of them. Perhaps, our Commune is the only organisation to secure

such benefit ;

Functionaries of our Commune assisted 22 resignees of Vijaya Bank to get pension.

In fact, this is acknowledged by them ;

We are also assisting retirees of State Bank of Patiala in fighting their case before

Bombay High Court regarding payment of pension from their date of retirement,

instead of from 27.4.2010 in respect of those who retired under VRS – 2001.

We are also assisting retirees of State Bank of Hyderabad to fight their VRS – 2001

five years case in Supreme Court, which they lost at Division Bench of Madras High

Court ;

Perhaps, only organisation to make a case for adding temporary service, before

regularisationfor the purpose of calculation of Gratuity and Pension ;

Highest percentage of retirees have become member of our Commune. Over 85%

of retirees of our Bank are our members. Perhaps, we are number one in this

regard ;

Perhaps, only retirees organisation to seek opinion of members regarding functioning

of a voluntary organisation ;

We had launched agitation by way of submission of representation to the Chairman,

State Bank of India, through the Branch Managers of Pension drawing branches.

The issue covered was compulsive litigation and non-extension of following benefits.

56


They are : Notional addition of five years to VRS/Exit retirees, Pension/Pension

option to those who retired under VRS 2001 and Pension option to those who retired

under Exit Policy. We have secured all these benefits, with an exception of addition

of notional service to the extent of five years to those who have retired under VRS

– 2001/Exit Policy. We do expect positive developments on this front also. May be

the first retirees organisation in Associate Banks to agitate.

Any organisation like our Commune, has to work in the interest of its members. The

existing benefits need to be protected. Legitimate benefits need to be secured.

Interest of members should be paramount. Vision and foresight of the functionaries

would make the difference. We are proud. Functionaries of our Commune are

following all these both in letter and in spirits.Every issue that is being raised by

our members is already being taken up. Expecting our Bank to continue litigation

in respect of VRS – 2001 Regulation 29(5) benefit, we have decided to ensure a

large number of our members file Writ Petitions. Consequently, very large number

of persons would share the expenses. Benefits like Cost and Interest, if ordered by

the Courts, would be extended to larger number of our members.

All of us are aware that our members who were Clerks and Sub-ordinate Staff, before

their retirement were denied of benefits like continuing their Staff Housing Loan till

the age of 75 years or 20 years from date of sanction, whichever is earlier, is being

denied. We understand that facilities like this were denied in view of not accepting

Career Progression Scheme by unions under the umbrella of SSBEA. Career

Progression Scheme provides for additional benefits to those who opt for this

scheme. This scheme has certain conditions which are not completely in tune with

Bipartite Settlement provisions. Inference that could be drawn from the whole

affair is that Associate Banks are seeking to alter provisions of Bipartite Settlement

through a contractual scheme. Associate Banks are also taking same stand before

Courts as far as our VRS 2001 5 years case. After the judgment of Single Judge

Bench of Karnataka High Court, we had brought this to the notice of then President

of SSBEA. Relevant portion of our letter dated 30.11.2011 addressed to the President,

SSBEA and General Secretary, ABOA is extracted hereunder :

We have no option, but to infer that the Banks are asserting their right

to take away benefits as available under Pension Regulations, as a part

of terms of any contract with employees, without amending Pension

57


Regulations. This is an ominous sign and clear indication that

Managements are testing waters. Therefore, your immediate

indulgence, interference and support are required.

Now, our fears have come true. Timely actions could have prevented such violations.

What is happening to our neighbours today may also happen to us tomorrow. If

Problems faced by retirees are not addressed by employees’ and officers’

organisations immediately, having tasted blood, Managements would treat

employees also similarly tomorrows.

Perhaps, such actions by our Commune make our Commune stand out. Are you not

proud to be a member of our Commune ?

Our premises :

Our Commune was established with the aid and assistance from State Bank of

Mysore Employees’ Union. Initially, our Commune started working from Union Office

premises. Later, we also started working from Record Room of SBMEU. Later, we

occupied the space vacated by the Union after renovation of Union’s office. This

space is in the first floor of our Bangalore Branch. Our Office was also provided

with telephone connection. Furnishing of our Office was also done by the Bank. In

fact, Shri Dilip Mavinkurve, then Managing Director of our Bank visited our Office.

Later, we found that many of our members, including our Office Bearers could not

visit our Office, since the premises is in the first floor and it was difficult for them

to climb steps. Every one of us started feeling the need for an Office premises in

the ground floor. We requested the then Chief General Manager (RB), Shri Kalyana

Mukherjee to provide us the space in the ground floor. He agreed to provide.

Unfortunately, we did not get the space. We requested his successor, Shri Sajeev

Krishnan, again for a premises in the ground floor. We pursued the matter and with

the the aid and assistance of Shri M R Jayesha, General Manager, our Bank has

provided us a new premises in the ‘A’ Block of BKG Complex in the Head Office

compound.

Space provided to us is convenient for every member to visit and it is convenient to

even for those who cannot walk. We are extremely thankful to Shri Sajeev Krishnan,

Shri M R Jayesha and Shri C P Kishor Babu, General Manager (HR & GA) for helping

Senior Citizens. Every time they visit our Office, they thank you, Sirs.

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Merger/Acquisition of Associate Bankswith/by State Bank of India :

There were whispers during third week of May that Emergency Meeting of Boards

of Directors of Associate Banks scheduled to be held on 17th May at Mumbai,

would decide on merger of Associate Banks with State Bank of India. Information

started trickling in and confirmation of news regarding decision of Boards of

Associate Banks proposing acquisition of Associate Banks by State Bank of India.

Boards of each Associate Banks met one after the other and decided to propose

acquisition of Associate Banks. Thereafter, Board of State Bank of India also sought

approval of the Central Government to proceed further. Shri Arun Jaitley, Finance

Minister has also declared in an interview that this decision of State Bank of India

& its Associates is in accordance with government’s policy. Smt.Arundhati

Bhattacharya, Chairman, State Bank of India has also stated that the entire process

would be completed during this Financial Year.

In the meantime, Central Cabinet has also approved proposal of merger of Associate

Banks with State Bank of India, in principal on 15th June 2016. On the 18th August,

2016, Boards of State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of

Bikaner and Jaipur and Central Board of State Bank of India decided on the Share

Swap ratio and merger process moved further. Now, we understand that the proposal

has been forwarded to Reserve Bank of India for approval. On approval, the proposal

would be forwarded to Govt. of India for approval and notification. Merger would

be effective on the 30th day of notification.

In this background, our Commune assures its members who are pensioners

that payment of Pension to Associate Bank Retirees would be in terms of Bank

Employees’ Pension Regulations, 1995 and this decision followed by merger of

Associate Banks, including State Bank of Mysore would not alter quantum of

pension.

But, it is certain that some benefits like distribution of Sweet Packets on Bank’s

Foundation Day, Payment of amount under Shradhaanjali Scheme, Annual Diagnostic

Charges out of Staff Welfare Fund may not be available post-merger. Our Bank

retirees are not naive to believe that these kinds of benefits would be made available

to Associate Bank retirees, without extending these benefits to retirees of State

Bank of India also.

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Our Commune has taken measures for launching ‘Shradhaanjali’ Scheme so that

this benefit is continued, even after merger.

Our Commune has also decided to Celebrate every October 2nd as Mysore Bank

day from the year 2017. We would also be inviting every employee who is a part of

Mysore Bank family, provided he joins our Commune’s ‘Shradhaanjali’ Scheme.

Scenario after merger :

Now, merger process of Associate Banks including our Bank with State Bank of

India is in the final phases. Lot of changes are expected to happen. We are not

naïve to expect same situation, post-merger. Many of our members have concerned

about treatment after merger on account of their experiences in our own Bank

post-retirement. Only way we can reassure our members, is by strengthening our

Commune. Unity among retirees of Associate Banks would insulate from any

adverse situations.

Our Commune has created a niche for itself in our Bank. We need to start afresh

and we need to function with enhanced vigour and ensure that the authorities

recognise our Commune as an organisation of substance. Those who are employees

of State Bank of India are not aware of provisions of our Pension Regulations. But,

our pension would be paid in terms of Bank Employees’ Pension Regulations, 1995.

SBI Pension Regulations, 2014 has indeed provided for payment of pension to

pensioners of merged entity. Experience of Pensioners and Pensioners’ Associations

of eState Bank of Saurashtra and eState Bank of Indore would help us in planning

for our Commune’s life after merger.

Unless, we are active and create confidence in our Commune, we would remain in

side-lines. We need to be hyper active and prove our mettle. Opportunity for our

Commune to grow is not limited.

Organisation Structure, post-merger :

We have discussed at length everything about Merger/acquisition of our Bank and

other Associate Banks by State Bank of India. We have collected suggestion of our

members regarding what we should we do post-merger/acquisition. Most of our

members have suggested maintaining present identity and co-ordinate with SBI

Pensioners’ Associations.

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Our Commune is affiliated to All India Bank Retirees Federation. We have AIBRF

affiliates in our Bank, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Hyderabad, State

Bank of Patiala and e-State Bank of Indore. We had formed Co-ordination Committee

of Retirees’ Organisations in Associate Banks at Hyderabad, during December, 2014.

Every affiliate of AIBRF in Associate Banks and AIBREA are part of this committee.

I was chosen as the Convenor and Shri C Gopinathan Nair, Organising Secretary of

AIBRF and General Secretary of SBT Retirees’ Association is the President of the

Coordination Committee.

Now, our All India Bank Retirees’ Federation cannot have more than one retirees’

organisation of any Bank. Post-merger, every retirees association of Associate Bank

would retirees’ organisation of State Bank of India. Discussions are underway

regarding formation of a retirees’ organisation affiliated to AIBRF and also an

umbrella organisation of all retirees’ organisations in Associate Banks.

There are 12 retirees’ organisations in Associate Banks. They are affiliated to four

Apex Organisations. Of these, three are ‘Retired Officers’ only organisations. Six

of these are affiliated to our Apex Organisation, All India Bank Retirees’ Federation.

Keeping all these facts in view, we shall decide on our future.

Copies of SBI Circulars, SBI Pension Regulations, SBM Pension Regulations, etc. are

part of this report. We would keep our members informed of further developments.

Formation of District/Area/Regional Committees :

Since our Bank is founded with the aid and assistance of Wodeyars, our Bank

Branches are situated mainly in old Mysore area. We have identified sixteen districts,

where members of our Commune are substantial. We have also found that in many

of these districts, one in every two bank retirees are our members. An organisational

structure at these places would help our members and organisation. They can also

launch agitation programs at these places whenever they are warranted. These

committees have important roles. Their presence would also facilitate oneness

among Mysore bank retirees’ fraternity. Fourteen districts we have identified are :

Ramanagaram, Chickballapur, Kolar, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar,

Kodagu, Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Bellary, Hubli and

Belgaum. This is in addition to Bangalore City and Rural Districts, where no such

organisation is required on account of proximity. It was decided that we would

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form District Committees at all these Districts, by end of this month. So far, we

have formed District Committees at Mysore, Tumkur, Davanagere, Belgaum and

Shimoga Districts. Due to our Bank merger moves and organising this Conference

have come in the way of completing this task before end of September, 2016. But,

we would complete this task by December, 2016.

Mysore District Committee :

Mysore District Committee was formed on the 18th December, 2011, when over

170 of our members were present. The team was lead by Shri H S Nanjunda Swamy,

Shri Huchappa, Shri Vijaya, Shri Puttaswamy, Shri Srikantaiah and Shri Nagendra. A

new team of Office Bearers would also be elected shortly.

Tumkur District Committee:

Over 65% of all Bank retirees (who are members of Bankwise units affiliated to

AIBRF) who are residing in Tumkur District, are members of our Commune. They

were urging us to form a District Committee at Tumkur District. We have more than

150 of our members who are residing at Tumkur District. This is also in consonance

with the decision of our Central Committee meeting held on the 10th January, 2016.

As decided by the Central Committee, a District Committee was formed at Tumkur

on the 13th February, 2016. Shri K Mahesh Chandra, Shri Shiva Kumar, Shri Sevya

Naik and Shri N B Veerendra Kumar are elected unanimously as President, Vice

President, General Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Shri B Dharanendra Kumar,

Secretary of our Commune is an Ex-Officio member of Tumkur District Committee.

A Vibrant and active District Committee of our Commune is born.

Davanagere District Committee :

On the 25th June, 2016, a meeting of retirees residing at Davanagere was formed

and over 65 of our members were present, even though this meeting was organised

in five days. Functionaries of our Commune participated and explained various

queries. Medi Assist Cards were also distributed. A district committee was also

formed at Davanagere on that day. Shri Umesh Pai, Shri A Raghunandan and Shri

Ajithkumar S Nyamathi were elected unanimously as President, Vice President and

General Secretary of Davanagere District Committee of SBM Pensioners’ Commune.

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North East States Committee :

Not many members of our Commune stays in North Eastern States, including West

Bengal. Number of Branches of our Bank is also not significant. Still, with a view

to form West Bengal State Committee, Shri P K De, a former leader of SBM Employees’

Union was requested to coordinate and organise a meeting of members of our

Commune staying in West Bengal. Since, not many stay outside West Bengal in

North Eastern part of the Country, a meeting of members who are residing in other

Eastern States was also called on the 20th July, 2016 at our Bank’s Rash Bihari

Avenue Branch premises. More than 35 members participated and a Committee

has been formed. Shri P K De, Shri S Dutta, Shri D Bhattacharya and Shri D Paul were

elected as the President, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and Treasurer

respectively.

Shivamogga District Committee :

Shivamogga is yet another District where more than 100 retirees of our Bank are

residing. In fact, number of retirees of our Bank outnumber retirees of other Banks

in Shivamogga District also. With a view to meet aspirations and desires of members

of our Commune residing at Shivamogga, a meeting of retirees was also conducted

at Shivamogga on the 22nd July, 2016. More than 80 of members of our Commune

participated in the Meeting held at Hotel Samrat Ashok. Logo of 5th Triennial

Conference is also launched by the former President of SBM Employees’ Union, Shri

H S Hiriyannaiah, who is also elected as the President of Shivamogga District

Committee. Shri K T Srinivasa Rao, Shri S V Manjunatha and Shri Mohandas Rao,

were elected as General Secretary, Organising Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Formation of General Council:

The experience during last four years has made us to think about formation of a

General Council. Post-merger, many important decisions need to be taken. Many

such decisions need wider debate and deliberations. Central Committee is too

small and calling a General Meeting like this is time consuming and also cost of

conducting such meetings is also enormous. Larger number of functionaries of

District/Area Committees should also be accommodated. Therefore, a General

Councilconsisting of representatives of District Committees and Area Committees

in addition to larger number of activists who can add value needs to be formed to

strengthen our Commune. We seek approval of this body for formation of a General

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Council. This General Council shall have advantages of a General Body and

convenience of a smaller body. As a part of amendments to Bye-laws, we shall

discuss powers, etc. of this body.

Mysore Bank Shathayu :

We recall your memories of launching of ‘Mysore Bank Shathayu’ by Shri H N Anantha

Kumar, Minister, Govt. of India, on the 2nd February, 2014 at Vijaya College

Auditorium, Bangalore. Now, we have Registered our ‘Mysore Bank Shathayu’ with

Registration No.MAG(3)/NPP/391/2015-2016. Registration of ‘Mysore Bank

Shathayu’ with Registrar of News Paper is underway, as we have attended to certain

observations made by Registrar of Newspapers in India. With this move, we are

compelled to come out with issues every month.

We are pleased to report that the Contents of our Magazine has received alround

appreciation, not only from our members, but also from other Banks’ retirees. We

would like to place on record the services of Shri Tharanath in assisting us in getting

registration from Registrar of Newspapers for India.

Medical Insurance :

We have widely circulated and discussed benefits, advantages, terms and conditions

of IBA Medical Insurance Scheme. IBA Medical Scheme is extended to retirees on

account of provisions of 10th Bipartite Settlement. Problems arising out of

implementation of this Scheme like exclusion of Domiciliary Treatment expenses,

OPD expenses, etc. need to be kept in mind. Information that is trickling in from

various sources indicate that claim ratio is more than 200% of the gross premium

paid, as at the end of June, 2016. Final claim ratio may be in excess of 300%. The

terms of contract with United India Insurance Co. Ltd provide for negotiation of

premium payable for next year period. Usually, premium would be in the range of

± 15% of claim outgo.

We and our members have to think a lot with regard to IBA Medical Insurance

Scheme, post-merger. State Bank of India is not a party to provisions of settlement

relating to Medical Insurance Scheme. Retired Employees Medical Insurance Scheme

has replaced Retired Employees Medical Benefit Scheme. This Scheme has two

parts. Part A covers those who are members of REMBS. The amount of coverage is

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restricted to the balance of limit only. This limit gets reduced to the extent of

amount claimed from the insurance company. The premium is paid by the Bank.

The Scheme also allows 15% to 25% of the limit for claiming domiciliary treatment.

The premium is competitive. However, we are not sure about renewal premium.

Those who are not part of REMBS can join the Scheme by paying premium/additional

premium depending on the required coverage. We have provided entire scheme,

as annexure to this report. After detailed discussion, we would come out with

suggestion with regard to further course of action with regard to REMBS.

But, we need to ponder about various options before us as far as Insurance coverage

is concerned. We have also enclosed circulars issued by State Bank of India with

regard to Medical Insurance Scheme of SBI Retirees.We are considering resolutions

in this regard.

Donation :

We have been requesting our members to donate liberally. We also requested our

members to give Standing Instructions for transferring amounts to our Commune’s

account every month. Many of them have responded and their names are listed in

Annexure. We are happy with the responses of our members and would be happier,

if every one of you can give Standing Instructions.

Further, many of our members have given donation in lumpsum. We have also

provided their names along with the amount of their contribution. Please join us in

commending their decision. Thank you very much, friends.

Accounts &Finance :

Expenditure incurred during 2012-13 is Rs.5,01,959/-, during 2013-14 is Rs.631,345/-,

during 2014-15 is Rs.6,17,013/- and during 2015 – 16 is Rs.10,63,548/-. The amount

of expenditure incurred for attending Trichur Conference, Workshops on Medical

Insurance, formation of District Committees, expenses incurred for visiting Mysore

to attend Pre-retirement training etc., are included in Rs.10,63,548/-, spent during

this year.

We have also spent over Rs.1,00,000/- towards Legal expenses for fighting our

case at Supreme Court.

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We are maintaining books of accounts are Computerised. Account books are printed

and bound. Any of members who desires to have further information, may please

visit our Office.

Now, we have fixed deposits to the extent of Rs.18.00 lacs and accrued interest in

excess of Rs.2.00 lacs. We have debit authorizations to the extent of about Rs.25.00

lacs. As at 31.3.2012, Bank balance we had was about Rs.14.00 lacs. We have,

indeed grown financially also.

Responses to Questionnaire :

We had enclosed a Questionnaire to July issue of Mysore Bank Shathayu, requesting

our members to provide their opinion on functioning of our Commune and also their

personal details which are useful in rendering better service. We are in receipt of

over 1,000 responses and responses are being received every day. While most of

our members are satisfied, many of them have also commended our efforts and

services. There are a few responses where our members have expressed

reservations. The first one is regarding not extending the facility of dispensing

with keeping matching deposits as provided in SC 80 to those who have retired

earlier, non-receipt of Medical Insurance E-Cards and improving communications.

Since, State Bank of India has advised our Bank that this facility of dispensing with

maintaining matching deposits in respect of those who retired earlier, we did not

respond due to inexplicable reasons. We have personally called the person and

explained the reasons.

Perhaps, our Commune is the only Bank Retirees’ Organisation which has undertaken

this activity of distribution of Medi Assist E-Cards. We have several constrains and

still we have sent more than 98% of Cards. In most of remaining cases, we do not

have addresses. Therefore, you may contact our Volunteers and if you have not

received these cards, you may please obtain the same, if they are available.

It is our endeavor to take service by our Commune to higher levels. Please assist us

by your indulgence.

Conclusion :

Personally, I never aspired for or dreamt that I would stand before you today,

presenting General Secretary’s Report. I was aware that it will take efforts, time,

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blood, sweat and tears. The circumstances under which I had to take this

responsibility forced me to make determined efforts to prove that our Commune

would be second to none in every area which is pertinent to retirees’ organization.

I do not know, how far we have succeeded. It is you who has to say, whether we

have succeeded or I have failed.

I am using the letter ‘I’. It is not on account of arrogance connected with this. But,

it is only ‘I’ who is responsible for every mistake we have committed, every error of

ours and failures on our part. I have made mistakes. But, I never made a mistake of

claiming that I never made a mistake. After all, it is only who work can make mistakes,

but not those who do not work.

While I plead each one of you to condone the lapses, we always welcome your

guidance and suggestion.

Thank you very much.

******

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