Sixth pay commission: State pensioners demand payment of arrears

PUNE: The Maharashtra Pensioners' Association (MPA) has opposed the state government's decision to pay arrears of the sixth pay commission to pensioners in five instalments over the next five years. The arrears are for the duration of 39 months from January 2006 onwards.

The association has demanded that the payment must be made in accordance with the union government's decision to pay arrears in two instalments in as many years.

Speaking to TOI, MPA president Madhukar Lokur said, "Of the 10 lakh pensioners in Maharashtra, many are above 75 years of age. If the arrears are cleared in five instalments, many may not be able to reap the benefits of the sixth pay commission when in need. The Union government has agreed to make the payment in two parts over the next two years."

Lokur said that if the state government said that it will implementing the sixth pay commission recommendations on lines of the Union government, then they should also follow suit in payment of arrears to pensioners.

"We are not asking for a favour by demanding timely payment of arrears but seeking our right, hence we are firm on our demand," Lokur added.

Lokur was speaking in the back drop of state government's decision taken during the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday to implement the sixth pay commission recommendations. The arrears of serving state employees, municipal corporations, Zilla parishads for the duration of January 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009 will be added to their provident fund with immediate effect, it was decided. "But, the pensioners, however, will have to wait for five years," he stated.

Lokur, who retired in 1990 and is working for the pensioners' rights, added, "If the state government is unable to make the payment of arrears to all pensioners, then the decision to pay arrears over the next five years could be applied to those who retire in the period January 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009. But for those who are already above 75 years of age and may need the money for medical emergencies and other requirements, the payment should be made in the next two years."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com