Pensioners’ Forum Marks 17th Foundation Day; Raises Key Issues Before Centre and State Governments
KANPUR: The Pensioners’ Forum celebrated its 17th Foundation Day today at Chitrakoot Dharmashala, “C” Block, Govind Nagar, Kanpur, where senior officials, pensioner representatives and dignitaries participated in large numbers. The event began with a prayer ceremony, followed by lamp lighting by Dr. Ragini, Additional Director, CGHS, and the release of the annual magazine by Mahesh Trivedi, former minister and MLA.
During the programme, General Secretary Anand Awasthi presented the annual report, highlighting the Forum’s sustained efforts to resolve long-pending issues affecting lakhs of pensioners. He acknowledged CGHS authorities for addressing several concerns and initiating long-delayed reforms.
Awasthi informed members that documents related to the Railway Co-operative Bank scam involving 136 fraudulent appointments have been taken up by the CBI, marking a significant step forward in the investigation. He also said that matters pending in the Ordnance Equipment Factory, Ordnance Parachute Factory and Field Gun Factory—specifically the overtime dues pending since 2009—have gained traction after representations were sent to the Defence Minister and Prime Minister through MP Ramesh Awasthi.
The Forum also worked to resolve difficulties faced by pensioners while submitting life certificates in banks and intervened regarding delays in implementing the UP Government’s senior citizen portal. Letters were sent to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath through MP Ramesh Awasthi, following which action has sped up.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ragini (Additional Director, CGHS) commended the Forum’s efforts and assured cooperation, stating that the department is committed to resolving medicine shortages and strengthening pharmacy operations across the country.
Pensioners’ Forum marks its 17th Foundation Day, raising key demands on CGHS, pensions & EPS-95 before the PM. #PensionersForum #CGHS #PensionReform pic.twitter.com/pgTgkDAn0P
— The Vocal News (@thevocalnews) December 15, 2025
Former minister Mahesh Trivedi and senior journalist Anjanee Nigam lauded the Forum’s proactive role in resolving member grievances. Nigam noted that the Forum has become a model for citizen-driven problem-solving and honoured doctors and contributors present at the function.
At the conclusion of the programme, members unanimously approved a resolution requesting that major pending demands be conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through MP Ramesh Awasthi. These include restoration of Old Pension Scheme, income-tax exemption for all pensioners, inclusion of pensioners in the next Pay Commission, revision of additional pension slabs at 65/70/75/80 years, filling pharmacy vacancies in CGHS nationwide, enhanced EPS-95 pension, restoration of travel concessions for senior citizens, and release of withheld DA arrears for 18 months.
General Secretary Anand Awasthi expressed confidence that the government would address these long-pending demands in the interest of millions of retired employees across India.
