Pensioners Samaj writes to FM demainding the FMA to ₹ 3000 pm

Bharat Pensioners Samaj have written to Hon'ble Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman, the Finance Minister of the Government of India, requesting an expedited decision to enhance the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) from Rs. 1000/- per month to Rs. 3000/- per month. The letter highlights:

• The recommendation of the Parliamentary committee on Pensioner's Grievance in its 110th report to increase the FMA due to the health challenges faced by pensioners at old age.
• The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoP&PW) has taken up the issue of enhancement with the Finance Ministry.
• The DoP&PW has forwarded the proposal to the Finance Minister for a decision.
• The FMA was previously increased from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 1000/- per month in 2018 to cover the day-to-day expenses on medicines for retired Central Government pensioners residing beyond 2.5 KMs from any CGHS dispensary or other health units.
• EPFO pensioners receive Rs. 2000/- per month since March 1, 2013.
• The price index has increased in the past six years, resulting in higher medicine costs for elderly pensioners.

The letter concludes by requesting the Finance Minister's sympathetic consideration and early decision on the matter, emphasizing the Prime Minister's concern for senior citizens and stating that an enhanced FMA would benefit all pensioners. It is signed by D.D. Mistry, Secretary BSNL/PSU.

BHARAT PENSIONERS’ SAMAJ
(All India Federation of Pensioner’s Association)
(Registered No. 2023 of 1962-63)

No.BPS/BDPA (I)/Fixed-Med/Enhancement/2023

Dated 26th April, 2023

To:

Hon’ble Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman,
Finance Minister, Govt. of India,
15, Safdarjung Road,
New Delhi

Sub: A request to expedite decision for enhancing Fixed Medical Allowance from Rs. 1000/- Per Month to Rs. 3000/- PM.

Respected Madam,

1. That the Parliamentary committee on Pensioner’s Grievance has submitted its 110th report on 10.12.2021; wherein it has been recommended the enhancement vide para3.14, sub Para (iii) “Fixed Medical Allowance may be enhanced from Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 per month since most pensioners are suffering from different diseases at old age and are unable to manage with meager pension as CGHS hospital is not available in every town”.

2. As per Para 2.21 of 120th Action Taken Report, “DoP&PW has taken-up the issue of enhancement of FMA with the Finance Ministry.

3. Now, as we understand the GOI Min of Personnel, Public Grievance& Pensions, DoP&PW F. No. 4/34/2017-P&PW(D dated 31-01-2018 has forwarded the said proposal to your Minister for further decision in the matter.

4. That GOI Min of Personnel, Public Grievance& Pensions, DoP&PW F. No. 4/34/2017-P&PW (D) dated 31-01-2018 had increased it from Rs.500/- to Rs.1000/- per month in the year 2018 to meet the day-to-day expenses on medicines for those retired Central Govt. pensioners who are residing beyond 2.5 KMs from any CGHS dispensary or any other health unit corresponding Health unit administered by other Ministries/Departments. In turn BSNL Corporate Office had also implemented the same for the BSNL Pensioners.

5. For your information, EPFO pensioners get Rs. 2000/- PM since 01.03.2013.

6. Since 2018 till date the FMA is paid per month on the above rates whereas it is established fact that during these six years price index is increased resulting in to rise in prices of medicines which are required by the age pensioners to maintain up their health.

In light of above factual reasons, we request you to kindly expedite decision to enhance Fixed Medical Allowance from Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 per month since most pensioners are suffering from different diseases at old age and are unable to manage with paltry sum of Rs. 1000/- per month.

Your ministry will be aware of the fact that now a day’s our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai is also reiterating the stand of govt. showing its concern for Senior citizens. Your sympathetic consideration of the issue will be a boon to all the Pensioners fraternity.

We therefore look forward to your august office for early sympathetic decision in the matter.

With Regards,

Yours Sincerely,

(D.D. MISTRY)
Secretary BSNL/PSU.