Wed Nov 06 11:10:36 UTC 2024: ## Pensioners to Protest in Delhi Demanding Improved Health Scheme and Benefits

**New Delhi, November 6, 2024:** The National Coordination Committee of Pensioners Associations (NCCPA) will hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on November 6th, demanding several improvements to their benefits and the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

The NCCPA represents pensioners from various Union government departments, including post and telegraph, BSNL, railways, and income tax. Their 16-point demand list includes:

* **Improvement of CGHS:** The pensioners are urging the Union Health Ministry to recruit more doctors and fill vacancies in the CGHS, as well as periodically revise the fixed rates for tests and procedures, which haven’t been updated since 2014.
* **Increased Medical Allowance:** The current monthly medical allowance of ₹1,000 for pensioners in non-CGHS areas should be increased to ₹3,000, as recommended by the Parliament Standing Committee.
* **Restoration of Benefits:** The pensioners are demanding restoration of the dearness allowance/dearness relief impounded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the railway concession for senior citizens. They also want the commuted value of pension restored after 12 years, instead of 15.
* **Appointment of 8th Central Pay Commission:** The pensioners demand the immediate appointment of the 8th Central Pay Commission.
* **Pension Updation for BSNL Pensioners:** The pensioners demand pension updation for BSNL pensioners from January 2017, with a 15% fitment benefit as agreed by the BSNL management.
* **Restoration of Old Pension Scheme:** The pensioners are calling for the restoration of the old pension scheme, which would benefit around 68 lakh pensioners in the 60 to 75 age group. They also want an additional 5% pension to be given on attaining the age of 65, 70, and 75 years, as recommended by the parliamentary standing committee.

The NCCPA is hoping to draw attention to their demands and secure improved benefits for India’s senior citizens.

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