NFRRRBS Demands Uniform Implementation of Pension and Computer Increment in RRBs

The National Federation of Retired Regional Rural Bank Staff (NFRRRBS) has submitted a detailed letter to the Additional Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), raising critical concerns regarding discrepancies and delays in implementing the Pension Scheme and Computer Increment benefits in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The letter, dated January 13, 2025, highlights nine pressing issues impacting retired employees and calls for immediate intervention to address the anomalies.

Image: NFRRRBS letter to DFS Additional Secretary demanding uniform pension benefits implementation

Key Concerns Raised by NFRRRBS

1. Inconsistent Implementation: The federation highlighted the lack of uniformity in interpreting and implementing pension regulations across RRBs. Even RRBs sponsored by the same bank display inconsistent approaches, reflecting inadequate guidance from sponsor banks.
2. Missed Deadlines: Many RRBs failed to adhere to DFS-mandated timelines for implementing pension and computer increment schemes, with some allegedly providing false compliance reports.
3. Calculation Errors: Retirees have reported widespread errors in calculating computer increment arrears, pension amounts, and EPF adjustments, with many RRBs failing to provide detailed calculation sheets for rectification.
4. Non-Payment in Specific Banks: The letter pointed out cases like Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank, where arrears for computer increments were paid for only an initial period, with insufficient documentation to substantiate prior payments.
5. Unpaid Consequential Benefits: Despite extending computer increments, many RRBs have not revised gratuities, leave encashments, or other consequential benefits, leaving retirees waiting for their dues.
6. Commutation Value and Restoration: Many banks have failed to recalculate commutation values or adjust restoration dates based on the revised pension figures, depriving retirees of their rightful benefits.
7. Ineffective Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: While the DFS directed RRBs to establish grievance redressal mechanisms, the federation noted that most of these are either non-functional or lack proper representation from employee associations.
8. Excluded Employees: Employees who missed earlier opportunities to opt for pensions due to poor communication or procedural challenges remain excluded, creating discrimination compared to other beneficiaries.
9. Supreme Court Directions Ignored: The letter expressed concern over the lack of adherence to the Supreme Court's directive ensuring current pensions for all eligible employees, including previously excluded groups.

The DFS has directed RRBs to resolve all pending retiree cases by January 6, 2025, warning that non-compliance could result in the concerned RRB’s name being cited in the Supreme Court affidavit, absolving DFS of liability.

Call for Timely Intervention

NFRRRBS has urged DFS to conduct special audits and inspections to ensure compliance with the pension and computer increment directives. They emphasized the need for uniformity, transparency, and timely implementation to prevent further hardships for retired employees.

The federation’s appeal underscores the broader challenge of implementing uniform employee benefits across RRBs, highlighting systemic inefficiencies and the need for robust oversight to safeguard the rights of retired staff.