Woes of Railway Pensioners and Family Pensioners

Addressing the Woes of Railway Pensioners and Family Pensioners: A Call for Modern Advocacy,

As the backbone of the nation's transportation system, railway employees serve tirelessly throughout their careers, ensuring the smooth operation of one of the most vital sectors in India. However, upon retirement, their journey often takes a turn fraught with challenges, particularly in accessing essential medical care and pension benefits. Despite the existence of schemes such as UMID cards and RELHS, many railway pensioners and family pensioners find themselves grappling with bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent implementation. The Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), representing over 20 lakh pensioners nationwide, sheds light on these pressing issues and advocates for innovative solutions to alleviate their plight.

One of the primary concerns faced by UMID cardholders is the refusal of private empanelled hospitals to honour the card without a referral letter, even in emergencies. This not only contradicts the intended purpose of UMID cards but also places undue financial strain on pensioners. Similarly, the lack of uniformity in honouring UMID cards across railway zones exacerbates the problem, leaving pensioners stranded without access to medical care, even in railway hospitals.

To address these challenges, BPS proposes a simple yet effective solution: standardizing UMID cards to bear the inscription "Indian Railway" instead of specifying the issuing zone. By issuing a general order to all railway authorities to recognize UMID cards from other zones and advising empanelled hospitals accordingly, railway pensioners can enjoy seamless access to medical treatment nationwide.

Furthermore, BPS advocates for the continuation and expansion of initiatives like the OPD consultation in private empanelled hospitals for RELHS beneficiaries aged 75 years and above. This pilot project, although beneficial, faces delays in implementation across various railway zones, depriving elderly pensioners of much-needed medical care. Making such schemes permanent and streamline the referral process to private hospitals through teleconsultation can significantly improve access to healthcare for retired beneficiaries.

Additionally, BPS highlights the need for clarity and consistency in policies governing medical facilities and widow pass benefits for dependent daughters of deceased railway employees. In an era where women's empowerment is a key focus, it is imperative to ensure that widowed, divorced, or unmarried daughters receiving family pensions are entitled to medical benefits and widow passes without ambiguity or discrimination.

In confronting these challenges, BPS recognizes the importance of embracing modern advocacy methods. Leveraging the power of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn, pensioners can amplify their voices and garner support for their causes. Webinars and virtual forums provide avenues for engaging with policymakers and raising awareness about the plight of railway pensioners and family pensioners.

In conclusion, the issues faced by railway pensioners and family pensioners demand urgent attention and effective solutions. By uniting under the banner of organizations like BPS and harnessing the tools of modern advocacy, pensioners can pave the way for a more dignified and secure retirement for themselves and future generations.

Join Bharat Pensioners Samaj in championing the rights of railway pensioners and family pensioners, and let's navigate this journey towards a better tomorrow together.

Thank you.

Jai Hind

Jai Bharat