RINL Pensioners Request For Immediate Release Of Higher Pension

A group of pensioners of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) – Vizag Steel Plant met Pawan Kumar Jasti, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-II, today in his office and submitted a memorandum requesting to immediately release higher pension orders which have been pending for the last 14 months. It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had delivered a judgement in favour of EPS pensioners entitling them to pension on actual salary drawn by them at the time of retirement on payment of the arrear contributions for the eligible period of their service.

The local PF office has issued demand notices in September 2023 to about 2500 eligible aspirants of Vizag Steel asking them to remit such arrear contributions for processing the higher Pensions. On this account, more than ₹400 crores was remitted to the local PF office about 14 months ago.

Although pension is to be granted within two-three months of receipt of contributions, there has been no progress ever since.

Meanwhile, in the Central Board of Trust meeting held on 30th November 2024, the Union Labour Minister had directed to resolve the issue immediately particularly in the case of those who had remitted the contributions. The delay and indecision on the part of the PF authorities is assailed across the country by the pensioner’s fraternity. The National Confederation of Retirees is also organising a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 18th December, 2024 in this regard.

Recently, a meeting of Vizag Steel pensioners has taken place which resolved to take up the issue on a large scale by submitting memoranda, holding protests, and in case no action takes place, seeking legal address. Against this background, the above meeting of Vizag Steel pensioners with RPFC has assumed significance.