NFRRRBS Demands Timely Implementation of Pension Scheme and Computer Increment for RRB Employees

The National Federation of Retired Regional Rural Bank Staff (NFRRRBS) has written to the Department of Financial Services (DFS), urging swift implementation of the pension scheme and computer increment benefits across Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). 

In the letter dated December 11, 2024 the federation mentioned, “in spite of the above joint meeting in which many matters were discussed and clarified, still there exist many anomalies, deviations and distortions vis-a-vis the Scheme of things as implemented in NCBs.” This comes after the DFS's directive on October 3, 2024, ordered pension parity for retired RRB employees.

Image: The NFRRRBS letter to the DFS on implementation of the pension and computer increment

Key Issues Causing the Delay

The NFRRRBS has outlined six key issues pertaining to delay in implementation of the pension and computer increment:

1. Uniform Pension Implementation: The pension scheme, meant to align RRB employees’ benefits with Nationalised Commercial Banks (NCBs), has seen delays and inconsistencies across RRBs.
2. Timely Arrears Payment: Several RRBs have not yet disbursed arrears, creating financial hardships for retirees.
3. Grievance Redressal Mechanism: The absence of a robust grievance mechanism has left retirees without a channel to resolve issues efficiently.
4. Computer Increment Benefits: Many retirees have not received computer increment benefits, which were promised alongside pension parity.
5. Deviations in Calculations: Some RRBs have deviated from prescribed formulas in pension and arrears calculations, leading to discrepancies.
6. Stakeholder Consultations: The federation called for regular consultations with RRB associations and improved communication for smoother implementation.

RRBs Delaying the Implementation

NFRRRBS General Secretary Ganapathi Hegde told Kanal, “Despite a clear directive from the DFS, RRBs have delayed implementing the pension scheme and computer increment, failing to meet the stipulated timelines. For instance, the left-out retirees including the dismissed ones were supposed to receive the current pension by November 30, 2024, but this deadline was missed. Additionally, the 50% computer increment disbursal, expected by December 31, 2024, remains uncertain due to unclear communication, which urgently needs to be addressed.”

The NFRRRBS GS also shared that during a video conference on December 11, the DFS instructed all RRB Chairpersons to establish a “Pensioners Grievances Redressal Cell” in their respective banks and confirm its setup to the DFS by December 18.

The NFRRRBS’s appeal to the DFS seeks to ensure strict compliance by RRBs in addressing the grievances of retired employees and providing equitable treatment to retirees. This appeal gains added significance as RRBs approach their 50th anniversary, a milestone shaped by the invaluable contributions of these retirees.

The growing frustration of retired staff, who have long awaited these benefits, and seeks decisive action to uphold the principles of fairness and justice.