Jammu Pensioners’ Post released

Jammu, Jan 10: The second issue of Jammu Pensioners’ Post, a quarterly newsletter of the Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association (CGPWA), Jammu, was released at an impressive function here on Friday by the Association’s President, Kuldeep Khoda, along with other dignitaries.

The 16-page newsletter carries a comprehensive representation submitted by Khoda to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the Minister of State for Pensions, and the Chairperson of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The representation raises strong objections to the enactment of the “Validation of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules” through the Finance Act, 2025, and seeks inclusion of the revision of pension for existing pensioners in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th CPC.

The representation argues that both measures could adversely impact future pension revisions for lakhs of pensioners covered under the Old Pension Scheme.

Addressing the gathering after the release, Khoda said that although mounting pressure has compelled the Central Government to offer assurances—both by the Finance Minister on the floor of Parliament and later by the Secretary (Expenditure)—that the interests of old pensioners would be protected, no formal order has yet been issued nor has the ToR of the 8th CPC been amended. This, he said, has caused widespread concern among pensioners across the country. He added that CGPWA, Jammu, is in touch with other pensioners’ associations to evolve a coordinated response against what he termed a discriminatory move.

Referring to the resolution of several pensioners’ demands, Khoda thanked Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo for addressing these issues and expressed hope that other pending matters would also be resolved soon. Marking the first meeting of the New Year, he extended New Year greetings to members by presenting rose flowers.

Former Chief Secretaries C. Phunsog, B.R. Kundal and B.R. Sharma, former DGP Dr Ashok Bhan, and former Director General, IMPA, Pramod Jain also addressed the gathering and lauded the functioning of CGPWA, Jammu, describing it as one of the most vibrant pensioners’ associations in the country.

Earlier, General Secretary K.B. Jandial, in his welcome address, highlighted the Association’s activities during 2025. He said several new initiatives were undertaken, including organising sangeet sandhya, health camps and health talks, celebrations of national and international days related to the welfare of pensioners and senior citizens, excursions, and monthly birthday celebrations.