STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association (CGPWA) Jammu on Saturday held its 26th Annual General Meeting here. A large number of members participated in the AGM which was presided over by President of the Association, Kuldeep Khoda, former DGP & CVC.
On the occasion, a colorful Pensioners’ Journal was released which contained detailed information on pension matters and CGHS.
Among those attending the AGM included former J&K Chief Secretaries, B R Kundal & B R Sharma, former Secretary to Govt of India, Ashok Angurana, former DGP Dr. Ashok Bhan, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest P. P. Sharma and other high ranking former civil servants belonging to different All India & Central Govt Services.
Former DGP, J&K Gopal Sharma who arrived here today on a brief visit, also joined the AGM as Honorary Member of CGPWA, Jammu. Khoda spoke about the issues concerning the Pensioners and said his team is doing its best to address these. He said that while things have improved and some issues resolved, all pensioners are looking forward to the construction of CGHS Wellness Centre at Thangar, opposite Channi Himmat land, for which has been allotted by the UT Govt.
Other issues relating to further improvement of functioning of the CGHS WC including supply of timely and quality medicines are being pursued with the concerned authorities for resolution.
He also complimented the Editorial Board headed by B K Raina for bringing out a very useful Pensioners’ Journal which would serve as a ready reckoner especially on CGHS.
The General Secretary K B Jandial presented the Annual Report of the Association and said that allotment of 4.11 Kanal state land for CGHS complex in Jammu and commitment of authorities to open a second WC in Jammu soon are among the satisfying achievements of the Association in the last one year.
He explained changes made in fortnightly Monday meetings to identify the issues of the central Govt pensioners and then strive to address these and said that this has made the office bearers accountable and these meetings productive.
An element of recreation and relaxation has been inducted in the functioning of the Association and in this connection, three outings were conducted. More than 15 events were conducted in the year including three Health Talks from the Super Specialists- Dr SK Gupta Neurologist, Dr. Sushil Sharma, Cardiologist and Dr. Sumit Mahajan, Bone & Joint Surgeon. While fourteen new Life Members joined the Association in the last one year raising the number to 280, eight members left for their heavenly abode, he added.
The Treasurer O P Sharma presented the audited Statement of Income & Expenditure for the 2022-23.
Gopal Sharma who also spoke on the occasion, expressed his happiness in participating in the AGM that provided him a rare opportunity to meet his former colleagues in the service.
He found the forum quite different from similar Associations elsewhere and said that he has become nostalgic on meeting old friends. He complimented the CGPWA for their achievements.
Kundal in his address, shared some of his experiences of the fag end of his service career and advised the veterans to drive pleasures of the events of their service career and remain happy.
He said that he too found Association useful in meeting old colleagues and interacting with them.
Dr Ashok Bhan also spoke on the occasion and said that it is always pleasant to join the activities of the Association which is now diversifying these for the benefit of the veterans. He said he always enjoyed these meetings and events which are quite vibrant.
Angurana said that he joined the Association this year and during the brief period he too enjoyed this forum. Meeting old friends at one forum is always welcome for anyone, especially the pensioners.
B R Sharma also complimented the management for their thoughtful events and extended full such activities in future. Vice President of CGPWA, Dr Sudarshan Kumar welcomed the members to the 26th AGM and said that date of joining and retirement are two important events in the life of the pensioner and these remain alive throughout their lives. He mentioned some important events falling in the month of May in which AGM has been thoughtfully held. B K Raina Editor-in-Chief of the Pensioners’ Journal released earlier explained the history of this journal and said that it too has undergone changes for good. He explained the useful material on CGHS published in the journal for Pensioners.
Secretary B. B. Magotra presented the vote of thanks and M. A. Anjum very professionally conducted the proceedings.