CGPWA celebrates 43rd National Pensioners’ Day with demand to amend ToR of 8th CPC
Health Talk on “ENT concerns of elderly”
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association (CGPWA), Jammu, celebrated the 43rd National Pensioners’ Day, emphasizing the need to amend the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) and to withdraw provisions of the Finance Act 2025 related to validation of Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules. The Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, who was the Chief Guest, noted that the Finance Minister had clarified in Parliament on December 2, 2025, that pensions would remain under the purview of the 8th CPC.
The event, presided over by CGPWA President Kuldeep Khoda, was attended by Dr. Ashok Bhan, Ashok Angurana, B.R. Sharma, and other senior members. Pensioners expressed concerns over the retrospective amendment to CCS (Pension) Rules, which they argued violates the Supreme Court’s principle of equality established in the D.S. Nakara case. Khoda and General Secretary K.B. Jandial highlighted that the omission of “pensioners” in the ToR raises fears of differential treatment based on retirement date.
Chief Secretary Dulloo acknowledged the pensioners’ contributions, citing government initiatives such as the Unified Pension Scheme, doorstep banking, universal health cover under Ayushman Bharat for those above 70, and income tax reliefs. He urged pensioners to mentor younger officers, leveraging their experience and wisdom. Dulloo also assured action on pending CGPWA demands, including disbursal of pensions on fixed dates irrespective of bank holidays. The celebration featured an illuminating health session by Dr. Rohan Gupta, Senior Consultant ENT, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, on age-related ENT concerns. Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of early intervention for presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), vertigo, balance disorders, and tinnitus, linking untreated hearing loss to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. He advised regular audiometric screenings, proper ear hygiene, avoidance of earbud misuse, and use of assistive listening devices.
Dr. Gupta also announced a free ENT camp at Narayana Hospital, Gandhinagar, on December 20, 2025, for pensioners. Both Khoda and Dulloo lauded Dr. Gupta’s session, while Khoda thanked Dulloo for his proactive engagement with pensioners’ issues. The event concluded with vote of thanks by Vice President Dr. Sudarshan Kumar and proceedings conducted by Nisar Ahmad. CGPWA presented the Chief Secretary with the latest publications of the association, reaffirming their commitment to public welfare and active engagement of pensioners in social initiatives.
