On Friday, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) pensioners in Visakhapatnam staged a protest to demand resolution of their long-pending issues on the occasion of ‘All India Demands Day’. The protest, organized by the All India Insurance Pensioners’ Association (AIIPA), highlighted several key issues that have been pending for a long time. These issues include periodical updation of pension, eligibility for full pension after 20 years of service, pension determination based on last drawn pay, and additional pension or family pension at a uniform rate of 20% after attaining the age of 80.
The pensioners also demanded payment of cash medical benefits for domiciliary treatment, improvements in the medi-claim scheme, and payment of ex-gratia without discrimination. Furthermore, they sought an increase in ex-gratia for pre-1986 retirees. The AIIPA expressed disappointment that despite bringing these issues to the attention of the authorities on several occasions, they remain unresolved. The protest was a demonstration of the pensioners’ strong dissatisfaction with the negative attitude of the LIC management and the Central government.
Prominent personalities, including MVS Sarma, former MLC, and K Mohan Rao, former vice president of AIIPA, participated in the protest. They emphasized the need for the management and government to recognize the invaluable services rendered by the pensioners in the past and resolve their genuine demands without further delay. The pensioners are seeking a fair and timely resolution to their issues, which they believe are essential for their well-being and livelihood.
The protest in Visakhapatnam is part of a broader movement by LIC pensioners across the country, who are seeking better treatment and benefits from the government and the LIC management. The AIIPA has been actively advocating for the rights of insurance pensioners, and the protest is a testament to their determination to bring about positive change. The pensioners are hoping that their demands will be heard and addressed by the authorities, and they will receive the benefits and recognition they deserve for their years of service.