Date:08/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/08/stories/2008100859270400.htm

New Delhi

SBI pensioners protest against ‘step-motherly treatment’

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Pensioners of State Bank of India staged a peaceful dharna at Jantar Mantar here on Monday protesting against “step-motherly treatment” meted out to them by the Government and the bank.

A large number of pensioners from across the country under the banner of State Bank of India Pensioners’ Association (Delhi Circle) took part in the dharna. Their main demands included 50 per cent pension on the last drawn pay for all past retirees, immediate revision of pension in respect of those who retired between November 1, 1997, and October 31, 2002, extension of 100 per cent dearness allowance neutralisation to all past retirees and 30 per cent family pension for all family pensioners.

Association (Delhi Circle) general secretary H.R. Magon said it was tragic that while the Government had opened its coffers for its own pensioners based on the Sixth Pay Commission report, SBI pensioners continue to receive “step-motherly treatment”.

“This has compelled the pensioners’ fraternity to launch the peaceful struggle. The pension scheme of SBI for its retirees has been in force for the past 150 years. Sadly all pensioners are not getting 50 per cent pension of the last drawn pay,” Mr. Magon added.