THE pensioners who retired from service before implementation of the 2005 pay scale of the government and who surrendered 100 per cent of the pension money are not in a good condition now compared to those who retired after the implementation of 2005 pay scale and onwards. They are further affected after introduction of 2015 pay scale and are reportedly leading a life incompatible to that of a retired government officer.
1) As per pay scale of 1997, the highest salary was around Tk.16,000 and net pension money was around Tk.6,000.
2) As per pay scale of 2005, highest salary was Tk.24,500 and net pension money was Tk.9,750.
3) According to pay scale announced in 2009, the highest salary was Tk.45,000 and net pension money was Tk.18,000.
4) As per pay scale of 2015, highest salary drawn is Tk.86,000 while the net pension money is Tk.39,000.
5) Pension encashment facility from 2015 was re-fixed at up to 90 per cent of total pay based on maximum service length and age and at 80 per cent for the previous pensioners.
From the above presentation of facts, it is evident that there is disparity in financial facility for different groups of retired pensioners. For those who surrendered their 100 per cent pension, the government has allowed 25 per cent increase in net pension amount from 2005 and two festival bonuses a year. The net pension amount was increased by 50 per cent for the pensioners aged 65 and above and below 40 per cent effective from 2009. There is also an increase in medical facility from July 2015.
It is apparent from the above facts that the government. is somehow aware of the condition of old pensioners. Still then these are not compatible with those of the government officers retiring after implementation of the 2009 and 2015 pay scales.
Surprisingly, the 2015 pay scale has created certain anomalies for old pensioners who are supposed to be good officers of the country having dedicated their pre retired service with loyalty. They also discharged delegated responsibility in building up the war ravaged country. The old pensioners might have sold their pension on genuine grounds like good housing, time need based children education, maintaining social status and security and overcoming hazards and the likes.
In view of the position explained as above, the following points/proposals may kindly be examined for consideration by the competent authorities of the government:
1) The pension money may be increased by 75 per cent and 100 per cent for pensioners aged 65 and above.
2) The basic pay at the time of retirement should be recast by placing their old scale of pay to an equivalent stage of 2015 pay scale.
3) The original pension money may be recalculated on 90 per cent basis subject to service length criteria of the government to help them make some financial gains and alternatively Bangladesh Shanchaypotro may be issued for the increased cash flow.
4) Income on Pension Sanchaypotro should be free from tax and excise charges.
5) Medical facility may be given at a rate of Tk.5,000 for those above 65.
6) They should be allowed Boishakhi bonus like the serving employees.
A retired old pensioner
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