DHARNA: LIC pensioners stage protest

Ludhiana, November 5, 2012: As per the decisions and call of All India Insurance Pensioners’ Association, the members of LIC Pensioners’ Association, Divisional Committee, Ludhiana today observed a mass dharna in front of LIC Divisional Office here, from 1 pm to 4 pm, in support of their demands.

Among other things, they demand grant of increase in ex-gratia to pre 1986 pensioners, grant of full neutralization of dearness allowance to pre August 1997 pensioners and updation of pension for all pensioners.

Addressing to gathering, B. L. Bhatia, Divisional Secretary of the association apprised that there has been no improvement in the scheme of Ex-gratia for Pre 1986 retirees and these recipients have been made to suffer with increased cost of living eroding their real income.

He also said that although Central Government pensioners have been granted the benefits of grant of full neutralization in Dearness Relief and updation in pension on the basis of recommendations of Central Pay Commission but in LIC these demands are still pending although LIC has already recommended in their board meeting in November, 2001.

The leadership demanded that the Management of LIC should understand the restlessness among the Insurance Pensioners and they should prevail upon the Government to immediately solve these issues.

The dharna was also addressed by R. K. Goswami, Divisional Joint Secretary.

Amarjit Singh, Divisional Secretary, NZIEA informed them about the Insurance Amendment Bill and PFRDA Bill pending in the parliament for passage.

The employees of LIC under the banner of (NZIEA) Northern Zone Insurance Employees’ Association showing their solidarity with the LIC Pensioners participated in the dharna during lunch hours.

Memorandum was also handed over to Rajendra Kumar, Senior Divisional Manager, LIC, Ludhiana Division in mass delegation.