Pune: XXIXth Annual General Body Meeting of Defence Accounts Pensioners Association was conducted on 24th September at Sebestian Hall of PCDA(SC). The body was established in the year 1988 under the founding President Shri. G B Karajagi. It has been functioning since 34 years and has over 1500 membership.
The managing committee is elected for 3 years with 12 members. The outgoing body handed over the baton to the new body which has been chosen and elected with Smt Rajalakshmi D as President, Shri H B Daware, as Vice-President and Shri C B Ranpise as Secretary.
Dr Rajeev Chavan, IDAS, PCDA(SC) graced the occasion as Chief Guest accompanied by Sh Omkar Moghe, DCDA and Sh Alok Kumar Tiwari, ACDA. Some of the special invitees were Shri P. J. Jose, Retd Jt.CDA and Shri. Rajashekharan Nair, Retd ACDA.
The program began with lighting of the lamp by all dignitaries present on dais, followed by 2 min silence to pay condolences to 10 divine souls which were lost last year. After that felicitation was done by all dignitaries, of 100 members who are between 85 to 90 years of age and those who have already completed 75 years of age, keeping in view the spirit of Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsava.
Minutes of 28th AGBM held virtually on 17.12.21 (Pensioner`s day) along with annual report pertaining to 2021-22 was adopted. After the welcome address by President, the keynote address by delivered by Chief Guest of the occasion.
During his speech, he exhorted the audience to extend the jurisdiction and presence of the association abroad as well as to re-strengthen and re-vitalize its functioning and applicability to other central and state government establishments. He also guided to celebrate 17th Dec as Pensioners day with great Pomp, Show, gaiety and joy.
He announced about establishment of new CGHS dispensary as the current dispensary is located in 2 flats of Chitragupta DAD Complex. He told the gathering that the Covid – 19 will stay as endemic in Pune so we should take precautionary measures to have own health establishment at our own disposal. AYUSH Ministry must also be roped in to provide health coverage and medical support.
He told the gathering that the Pensioners office located in PCDA(SC) should be completely repaired and renovated and provide with necessary logistics and infrastructure support.
The SPARSH helpline dealing with pensioners payment with the intent of “SAHAYATA, SAHAYOGA,SAMPARK and SAMVEDAN-SHEEL SEWA BHAVA” will be established. This will help in reducing the pension blues and pension related grievances related to life certificate, pension revision and updation of records.
He also extended his support by announcing that CSD profits will also be shared with the pensioner`s association and facilities available with PCDA(SC) like Kalyan Mandapam will be given at subsidized rate. He motivated the gathering with his encouraging lines-“We don’t grow when things are easy, our challenges grow us, don’t run from your challenges, face it, kill it and you will overcome your fear”