VIJAYA's PENSION
As per the EPF proviso, Vijaya was to get Pension, but only after she attains the age of 58. So, she had to wait till September 2007. She had been given a "Scheme Certificate" that was to be produced at the pension office on her attaining 58 years of age. AP/ 18059 / 85.
However we could not submit the requisition in 2007. We went to Hyderabad on 18 March 2008 and there started our ordeal with the Office of Regional Commissioner of Pension at Barkatpura, Hyderabad. At this office we were footballed around from one floor to the other, to various Sections / clerks. We were told first to fill Form 10-C (part withdrawal) but later it was changed to Form 10-D (for Pension). We were in this office for 3 hours and then returned. We filled the 10-D in duplicate at Rama's place. Some columns are to be filled by the Principal DLS.
19 March 2008.
We went to DLS, Kanchanbagh and submitted the Forms to the Principal who checked it up and advised further action - three copies of joint photo of we two, a photocopy of her Relieving Order (2002), a photocopy of the bank passbook, were a must . Since the bank pass book was at Chennai, we phoned Arvind to send us the photocopy. He sent it promptly. We had ourselves photographed at RC Puram and obtained copies.
20 March 2008.
Went to DLS with all the requirements and submitted to the principal, Mr. ES NAIDU. He said that he would submit the form with all enclosures, after filling in the wage details, at the PF office. Thanking him profusely, we returned to Rama's place. We came back to Chennai on 25 March 2008.
16-04-2008 - SUBMISSION OF FORM
Principal, DLS, submitted the form with all the needed enclosures to the PF office, Barkatpura on 16 April 2008 and obtained an acknowledgement (28800704). PF office advised us to contact them after 45 days for progress. Everyone "assured" us that the pension would be settled in 45 days !!28 MAY 2008
Rama and Satyamurthy came to our house at Chennai and we handed over a photocopy of the application form to him for followup. Nothing has been heard from PF office even after 42 days.31 DEC 2008
Nearly 8 1/2 months have gone by; still there is no news from PF office.31 JAN 2009
No news yet. Satyamurthy went to PF office to checkup - they told him that the entire form with its enclosures have been LOST. Most shocking. How could an office "lose" documents ? We spoke to the principal, DLS, who sent his rep for checking; he also told us the same. He wanted us to re-send some of the enclosures (particularly 6 photos) to him for re-submission. We sent these on 11 Feb 2009 (now 9 1/2 months). Received by principal on 17 Feb 2009. But he has not submitted it at the PF office till 26 Feb 2009.23 MARCH 2009 :: Principal told us that the PF office needs us to send an affidavitt (from a Notary). Now it is over 11 months.
11-04-2009
PF office Hyderabad sent us the Form 10-D with all its enclosures, asked us to obtain the affidavitt in a Rs 10.00 Stamp Paper. We went to Saidapet Court on 13-04-2009 in the morning and obtained the affidavitt by late evening (Rs 400.00).15-04-2009
We sent the application form etc by Speed Post to Rama today. (Nearly ONE YEAR now). Rama received it on 17-04-200920-04-2009
Satyamurthy went to the PF office and submitted the bunch. ONE YEAR COMPLETED.15-06-2009 :: Talked to Satyamurthy for followup.
03-07-2009 Satyamurthy went to the PF office; they said work is is progress. Now 1 year 3 months.
21-08-2009
Satyamurthy went to PF office for follow up; they have told him that papers have been finalised, these would be sent to Chennai Office at Royapettah in a week's time. From now on it is "Over to Chennai" Maybe another 2 months?? Now it is 1 year 4 months.05-09-2009 Friday Papers sent to Chennai office
Received a letter from PF office Hyderabad that the papers, verified and approved, have been sent to PF office, Royapettah, for further action. The original, dated 26th August 2009, has been sent to Chennai office. Bye bye Hyderabad office ? 1 year 4 months 15 days.11-09-2009 Friday. To Chennai Office and signed a Declaration.
Earlier on 06-09-2009 GBS contacted Mrs Dhanalakshmi, relative of GBS / Gayathri and told her re application form. She responded on 10-09-2009 and asked us to come to the office tomorrow for signing a declaration. So self and Vijaya went to the PF office, Chennai on 11-09-2009. Vijaya signed the declaration (not re-employed certificate). Mrs Lakshmi says that by Sep-end we would see the Pension amount credited directly into Vijaya's SBI Mandaveli account. 12-10-2009 Monday. Another Enquiry with Chennai Office.
Returning from Delhi, we enquired Mrs Lakshmi re the latest. She said the pension has been sanctioned and we should get this credited in SBI a/c by 1st week of November. Let us wait and see. 1 year 6 months now.
02-11-2009 Monday ... At Last, Finally it came ...
Today we casually checked with SBI Mandaveli. Aha, Vijaya's first Pension amount has been credited on 31 Oct 2009 (for the month of October). We both were so happy to see the entry in her passbook. After a prolonged procedural delays and wait for 1 year, 7 months, 12 days, Vijaya today got her pension.
The amount **Rs 800.00** is ofcourse small, but then pension is pension. And, Vijaya would be receiving this amount every month for her lifetime - thats something !
06-11-2009 Friday --- Pension Payment Order, arrears received
Yesterday 5-11-2009 we received a letter from Regional Provident Fund officem Royapettah that they have sent the PPO to the bank and we can collect from them.
Accordingly, we went to SBI Mandaveli this morning and collected our copy of PPO (PPO number: TN/MAS/520864) and arrears amount of Rs 19413.00. I was surprised to know that I am eligible for widower pension of Rs 450/- in case, God forbid, of the passing away of the member. This was a news to us.
Satisfactory END of a long effort ...
Rajappa
12:15 noon
06-11-2009
