CLARIFICATION SOUGHT FOR IT EXEMPTION FOR EX-GRATIA FOR VRS 2019 RETIREES .

The Association has addressed the CBDT seeking clarity on income tax exemption for ex-gratia received under BSNL VRS-2019. The issue has led to inconsistent decisions across cases, and a uniform order has been requested to ensure justice to all affected retirees.

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Meeting with Secretary (Telecom) – Discussion on Pension Revision of BSNL Absorbed Pensioners
Comrades V. Vara Prasad, General Secretary, along with Comrades P. Gangadhara Rao (Vice President), R. S. N. Murthy (Vice President), Anupam Kaur (Deputy General Secretary) and J. S. Dahiya (AGS) met Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom) at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi on 11-03-2026.
At the outset, the delegation welcomed Shri Amit Agrawal on assuming charge as Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, and conveyed best wishes for his successful tenure.
During the meeting, the delegation discussed the long pending issue of revision of pension of BSNL absorbed pensioners with effect from 01.01.2017 based on the 7th Central Pay Commission fitment factor.
It was briefly explained that the DoT Note to Cabinet dated 25.09.2000 assured continuation of the Government pension scheme even after absorption in BSNL.
The delegation explained that the pension of BSNL absorbed employees is regulated under Rule 37-A of CCS (Pension) Rules and paid by the Government of India, though calculated based on the IDA pay drawn in BSNL.
It was also pointed out that BSNL absorbed pensioners are not covered under either Pay Revision Committees (PRC) or Central Pay Commissions (CPC) for pension revision, resulting in the present anomaly.
The delegation informed the Secretary (Telecom) that the Principal Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), New Delhi, in OA No.1329/2000, delivered its judgment in September 2023, directing the respondents to revise the pension of BSNL absorbees on par with Central Government pensioners.
It was also brought to his notice that the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, in WP(C) No.16360/2023, in its judgment dated 06.02.2026, observed that absorbed employees are required to be extended the pension applicable to a Central Government servant, and that their service and retirement are to be treated as retirement from Central Government service.
In view of these facts, the delegation requested the Secretary (Telecom) to take a positive decision on this long pending issue of pension revision with effect from 01.01.2017. The Association also expressed its willingness for constructive discussions with the Department to resolve the matter.
The Secretary (Telecom) stated that the matter is presently sub judice and informed that it would be examined after the High Court proceedings are finalized. He listened to the submissions made by the delegation.
V. Vara Prasad 

 General Secretary

FRAUD ALERT – ADVISORY TO PENSIONERS.

It has come to the notice of the Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA), Tamil Nadu that some pensioners are receiving fraudulent phone calls from unknown persons claiming to be officials from the CCA Office.
The callers are reportedly quoting personal details of pensioners, including PPO numbers, and asking them to share OTPs generated on their mobile phones or other bank-related details. In some reported cases, pensioners have been cheated and amounts ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 have been fraudulently withdrawn from their bank accounts.
All pensioners are hereby cautioned to remain vigilant and advised to strictly follow the instructions below:
        1.     Do not share OTPs, bank account details, ATM PIN, Aadhaar details, or any confidential information with anyone over phone.
        2.     The Office of CCA, Tamil Nadu or any Government office will never ask for OTPs or bank details over phone calls.
        3.     If you receive such suspicious calls, do not respond and disconnect the call immediately.
        4.     In case of any such incident, inform your bank immediately and report the matter to the nearest Cyber Crime Police Station or through the National Cyber Crime Helpline.
Pensioners are requested to stay alert and not fall prey to such fraudulent activities.
— Office of the Principal Controller of Communication Accounts.

Tamil Nadu Circle