CGPWA convenes inaugural AGM in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 13: The Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association (CGPWA) Monday convened its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Srinagar's Amar Singh Club.

During the gathering, the association launched its website and unveiled the first issue of its journal, aimed at disseminating essential information regarding pensioners' benefits and senior citizens' rights.

Former Chairman of the State Public Service Commission and President of the CGPWA, Muhammad Shafi Pandit said that the association is a one-stop portal for the central government pensioners.

He said that the association was established in 1920 and now has over 50,000 registered members.

Pandit also highlighted the association's role in setting up a wellness centre under the central government health scheme in Srinagar.

Former ADG IBS and Vice President of the CGPWA, Rafeeq Masoodi said that the website was primarily devoted to its members, who were members of the Central Government Pensioners' Welfare Association.

He said that the website provides information on various government schemes and benefits available to pensioners, as well as a platform to connect with the association's office bearers.

“We try to reach out to as many members as possible and explain to them the benefits of the CGHS Wellness Centre at Sanat Nagar, Srinagar. We aim to provide a one-stop facility for pensioners to access all the facilities they need, including medical and other benefits,” Masoodi said.

Established under a defined constitution and bylaws, and duly registered with the Registrar of Societies, J&K, the Association gained recognition from the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DOPPW) GOI.

This affiliation ensures that pensioners receive benefits under various government schemes, including access to the CGHS Wellness Centre at Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, offering health coverage and medications.

The association operates through an Executive Committee comprising eleven members elected for a three-year term.

Composed of former senior government officers, they now dedicate their expertise and time to advocate for pensioners' rights.

Their routine Monday meetings serve as a platform to deliberate on pertinent issues and engage with authorities to seek solutions.

Presently, the office bearers include Muhammad Shafi Pandit as President, Rafeeq Masoodi as Vice President, G J Nahvi as General Secretary, G H Kango as Treasurer, and G M Wani as Secretary.

Talking about the first issue of their journal, former Director AIR, Syed Humayun Qaiser said that the journal was not specific about central government pensioners but every senior citizen.

He said that the journal covers a range of topics related to senior citizens who have retired, including health, wellness, legal rights, and social issues.

Kaiser also highlighted the association's efforts to work with the government to secure better concessions and facilities for senior citizens.

CGPWA General Secretary, G J Nahvi said that the launch of the CGPWA's website and journal was a welcome development for the central government pensioners.

“The association's work is to advocate for the rights and well-being of its members and we are making all efforts to provide a one-stop facility for pensioners to access all the facilities they need,” he said.