BPS64th AGM at New Jalpaiguri on 22.11.2019 BPS THREE THOUGHTS ( Shri S. Suryanarayanan, Patron, Bharat Pensioners Samaj)

The first and foremost is the need for all of us to speak in one voice. Speaking in multiple, differing and dissident voices only weakens our case and needs to be eschewed.

The second is our attitude and response to NPS. Almost all over the world, defined-benefit schemes of the type we are accustomed to are giving way to defined-contribution schemes of the NPS type. We cannot wish this away. Rather than fighting for the abolition of NPS, we should strive to see how best the long-term interests of all of us-the present and the future NPS pensioners and their families could be safeguarded.

The third is healthcare. The Central Government is lagging behind a number of State Governments in this regard. Many CGHS empaneled hospitals are turning away CGHS beneficiaries, not to speak of the new RELHS & CTSE card holders. The scheme/principle of referral only adds to the problems.It is high time we make all out efforts to get in place a unified healthcare scheme for all sections of Government pensioners- both Central and the State government/s.