4 lakh CIL pensioners in pitiable state

Our Correspondent

TINSUKIA, June 29: Due to apathetic attitude of Coal India Limited (CIL), more than 4 lakh retired employees out of 5 lakh pensioners in coal mines in India who superannuated prior to 2006-07 have been receiving a meagre pension amount ranging from Rs 350 to Rs 5,000 per month under CMPS-98 even as there were provisions to review the fund status in every three years with vast difference in pension amount existing between old and current retirees.

The Coal Mines Pension Holders’ Association(CMPHA) has sought dissolution of the Board of Trust (BOT) which despite having had 169 meeting during past 20 years failed to suggest any positive suggestions besides draining off huge money from the Government exchequer. In a memorandum on May 2, 2018 to the Prime Minister with copies of the same to Piyush Goel, Minister of Coal and Railways and also Chairman CIL, the CMPHA pointed out that the scheme CMPS-98 which was framed under Coal Mines Provident Fund was not indexed and linked with price index consequently has left the poor pensioners in acute financial crisis even as the then Chairman CIL in his letter no CIL:CH:31(B)/735 of 25.1.2011 suggested certain measures in favour of the aged superannuated pensioners, albeit Ministry of Labour’s assurance of Rs 7,500 per month pension under EPS-95 scheme. The CMPHA expressed its anguish over discriminatory attitude of Government of.

The CMPHA general secretary Narayan Chandra Mazumder said the coal miners who sacrificed their lives in hazardous services, prone to coal dust diseases and stood for the growth of the country are now leading a pitiable life and often subjected to alleged harassment by banks, concerned officials and others. He demanded that CMPS-98 should be revised.