33rd SCOVA Meeting: Addressing Pensioners' Concerns
Recap of the 33rd SCOVA Meeting: Addressing Pensioners' Concerns
Download 33rd SCOVA meeting minutes 2024 in PDF
The 33rd meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) was convened under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on 22nd February 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting aimed to discuss and address various issues concerning pensioners and their welfare. Here's a detailed recap of the meeting:
1. Welcome and Introduction:
- Secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), welcomed the Hon’ble Minister, representatives of Pensioners Associations, and officials from various Ministries/Departments/Banks.
2. Recent Reforms and Initiatives:
- The Secretary highlighted recent reforms, including a new provision allowing female government servants/pensioners to grant family pension to eligible children in precedence to their husbands during divorce proceedings.
3. Action Taken Report on Previous Agenda Items:
- Discussions were held on unresolved agenda items from the previous meeting, including shortages of medical staff in CGHS Wellness Centres, periodic health check-ups for pensioners, and operationalizing new wellness centres.
4. Discussion on New Agenda Items:
- Topics included enhancing additional pension, increasing Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) for pensioners in non-CGHS areas, granting FMA to widowed/divorced/unmarried daughters, and more.
5. Conclusion and Additional Suggestions:
- The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair and participants. Additional suggestions were made by Pensioners Associations, urging consideration of private hospital empanelment and addressing issues related to CGHS facilities.
6. Key Participants:
- The meeting was attended by representatives from various Ministries/Departments, Pensioners Associations, and banking institutions.
7. Follow-Up Actions:
- Various actions were proposed to address the concerns raised during the meeting, including issuing clarifications, conducting further examinations, and expediting pending processes.
8. Embracing Technological Advancements:
- The use of technology, such as the CPENGRAMS grievance redressal portal and face authentication for digital life certificates, was emphasized as part of efforts to enhance the ease of living for pensioners.
9. Continuous Engagement:
- The importance of continuous engagement and feedback mechanisms, such as pension adalats and grievance redressal desks, was highlighted for ensuring effective resolution of pensioners' issues.
10. Commitment to Welfare:
- The meeting underscored the government's commitment to pensioners' welfare and its efforts to address their concerns through policy reforms and administrative measures.
The detailed discussion and deliberations during the 33rd SCOVA meeting reaffirmed the government's dedication to ensuring the well-being of pensioners and enhancing their quality of life.
