STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Central Govt Pensioners’ Welfare Association, Jammu (CGPWA) on Tuesday celebrated the 42rd National Pensioners’ Welfare Association with gaiety and enthusiasm.
Former Chief Secretary B R Kundal was the Chief Guest and President of CGPWA and former CVC & DGP Kuldeep Khoda presided over the function.
Among others present included the Patron S. S. Wazir, Dr. Ashok Bhan, former DGP, Ashok Angurana, former Secretary, Govt of India, and B R Sharma former Chief Secretary.
This day is celebrated all over the country on 17th December as on this day in 1982 the constitution bench of the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment guaranteeing dignity and decency to the retired officials by giving them pension as a constitutional right. Considered as a Magna Carta for Indian pensioners, the Supreme Court held that “Pension is neither a bounty, nor a matter of grace depending upon the sweet will of the employer (Govt) nor an ex-gratia payment. It is a payment for the past services rendered…” On this day, the pensioners remember, with gratefulness the late D. S. Nakara, retired Financial Advisor in the Indian Defence Services, who fought this case for a decade and won it, extending the benefit of the pension to all employees, overturning the then discriminatory Liberalized Pension Scheme of 1979.
On the occasion, four 85 years old members of the Association were honoured including G N Naik IAS (Retd) who will be completing his century in April next year. He was presented with a shawl and a memento.
Other three veterans honoured are Dileep Singh IAS (Retd) Anup Singh IPS (Retd) and H L Sangra from Central Ground Water Commission.
The function was marked by musical event with Bollywood’s mesmerizing old hit songs and gazals sung by the noted artist group of Subash Langeh which took the pensioners to their youthful days; health talk Ophthalmology and a presentation on “Retirement Solutions for Health, Wealth, and Longevity” for pensioners. Former Dry Commissioner, Central Custom & Excise, M L Toofan IRS (Retd)presented a Dogri poem on the plight of pensioners.
Dr Abhishek Sachdeva of CGHS empaneled Sachdeva Netralaya gave a presentation on Eye diseases, their treatment, and latest advances in technology. He explained that the most common disease of Cataract, mostly related to age, is safely cured by surgery. Glaucoma, he said, is chronic progressive eye disease caused by damage to the optic nerve. Cataract affects the lens but Glaucoma affects optic nerve.
Dr. Sachdeva said that Diabetic Retinopathy is the second commonest cause of vision loss after cataract. It damages Retina permanently if not treated on time. Quoting data, he said according to the international diabetes federation, India has 72.9 million diabetics and according to an estimate,8.4% of India’s adult population have diabetes and by 2045,it will go up to 134.3 million. So, it is essential for everyone and especially the older persons to be serious about diabetes.
Referring to the latest advances in technology, Dr Sachdeva said that the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses light to create 3D images of tissue which works by measuring wavelengths of infrared light. It reflects off the back of retina and allows eye specialists to examine eye in layers and to measure the depth of important structures. This helps them to diagnose and treat eye conditions.
Tripti Sharma of Bajaj Capital spoke about holistic retirement solutions and explained a wide range of financial products suitable for retired persons. She said that it is essential that senior citizens carefully invest in such financial products which protect them from inflation, falling rate of interest and Taxes. She said that capital should not fall below the principal amount invested.
Kundal said it was a good tradition to celebrate this day and express gratitude to Nakra who fought and got all retired officials a constitutional right of pension. He said such occasions provided an opportunity to meet former colleagues and fondly recalled good old days spent with them. He said that we are fortunate to be in good health as only a small percentage of the population cross 75 years of age and that should be celebrated.
Kuldeep Khoda in his presidential address spoke about strenuous efforts of D S Nakara in establishing the right of retired employees to get pension. He said that the system of pension has widely improved and most of the issues stood resolved due to intervention and support of Dr Jitendra Singh who has been instrumental in addressing these concerns including in matters of CGHS. He talked at length about the improvement in CGHSservices and many hospitals in Jammu have been CGHS empaneled and another one of Ujala group is likely to be empaneled next month. The Jammu AIIMS is also being empaneled shortly. Referring to continuous improvement in services, he said that the CGHS has launched a pilot project to deliver medicines at the residence of beneficiaries who are above 75. He also thanked the Chief Secretary Atul Dulloo for addressing some of the concerns of CGPWA including giving accommodation at Wazarat Road. The Wellness Centre at Exhibition Ground Jammu is also being shifted to better accommodation at Ambphalla.
J K Vaid, former General Secretary CGPWA talked at length about the history of the CGPWA in Jammu and the contributions made by the founding members and many others. He also dwelt with the establishment of CGHS Wellness Centres in Jammu and their growth over the years. He also threw light on various Central Govt schemes which the Pensioners Associations including Jammu are enthusiastically implementing.
The Vice President, CGPWA Dr Sudharshan Kumar presented a formal Vote of Thanks. Earlier, the General Secretary K B Jandial welcomed the guests and members and read out the operating part of the 1982 Supreme Court landmark Judgement.
