TOTAL NUMBER OF CGM AND GM IN PUBLIC SECTOR BANK

Fraud Women submitted Fake Death Certificate of Husbands to waive off Bank Loan, Police arrests and sends to Jail

Gorakhpur: In a shocking incident in Gola Bazar, four women fraudulently declared their husbands dead to avoid repaying loans taken from Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited, a subsidiary of IndusInd Bank. By submitting fake death certificates, they not only had their loans waived off but also claimed refunds of previously deposited loan installments as death benefits.

How the Fraud Unfolded

The fraud case came to light after the bank filed a complaint, prompting the police to investigate. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the husbands of all four women were, in fact, alive. The accused women—Aashiya alias Asha (wife of Islam), Rajkumari Devi (wife of Neeraj Jaiswal), Sadhna (wife of Vinay Kumar Maurya), and Moti Devi (wife of Gaurishankar Prajapati)—were arrested on Sunday and sent to jail. The investigation is still ongoing, as more individuals may be involved in the scam.

A Wider Network Suspected

Police suspect that the fraudulent scheme, involving fake death certificates, could be part of a larger network. According to Kotwal Ved Prakash Sharma, this kind of scam cannot be carried out by a few rural women alone. It may involve bank employees and agents working together to exploit loopholes in the loan and insurance processes.

The fraud allegedly occurred under the watch of the bank’s former branch manager, Brijesh Kumar Saroj, and his father, Rambali. They are accused of misusing their positions to embezzle insurance money and loan amounts by forging death certificates. The total amount swindled is estimated to be Rs 6.44 lakh.

Loans Meant for Rural Women Misused

Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited offers loans to women in rural and semi-urban areas to promote self-employment. These loans are typically given to women’s groups and repaid in easy installments. However, in this case, the loan system was manipulated by creating fake death claims.

Past Incidents of Loan Exploitation

This is not the first time rural women have been exploited under the guise of financial assistance. Some private banking companies active in rural areas allegedly provide loans at low rates without formal agreements and later charge exorbitant interest rates. Women often end up paying back more than the original loan amount, yet their debt remains unchanged due to hidden terms.

In a similar case last year, women in Maharajganj district were deceived with false promises of loan waivers. Some were even lured to Gorakhpur with the promise of debt relief, only to realize it was a scam. Tragically, in Deoria, a woman caught in a debt trap took her own life.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

The Gola police are determined to uncover the full extent of this fraudulent network. Additional suspects have been identified, and further action is expected soon. The police have emphasized that fake death claims not only led to loan waivers but also enabled the accused to collect insurance money fraudulently.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the need for stricter oversight in loan disbursement and recovery processes, especially in rural areas. It also underscores the vulnerability of women in rural regions who may be lured into scams by false promises of financial aid. Authorities are now focused on dismantling the network behind this fraud and bringing all culprits to justice.

Eligibility age for additional pension benefits : Lok Sabha QA 19.03.2025

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF PENSION & PENSIONERS’ WELFARE)
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2991
(ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025)

ELIGIBILITY AGE FOR ADDITIONAL PENSION BENEFITS

2991. SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B:
SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

(a) the rationale behind setting the eligibility age for additional pension benefits at 80;

(b) whether the Government is considering to reduce this age threshold to 65 years as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Pensioner’s grievances and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of Central Government pensioners expected to benefit from the additional pension scheme and the estimated annual expenditure likely to be incurred under this scheme;

(d) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to ensure that pensioners receive their additional pension benefits in a timely and transparent manner and there are no delays or discrepancies in the payment process;

(e) whether the Government is considering to extend the additional pension benefits to State Government pensioners and other categories of retirees and if so, the timeline for implementing this extension; and

(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to address the concerns that the additional pension benefits may not keep pace with inflation and the mechanisms put in place to ensure that the benefits are indexed to rising living costs?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (f): Government has on the recommendation of the 6th CPC approved the quantum of additional pension of 20% on attaining the age of 80 years, 30% on attaining the age of 85 years, 40% on attaining the age of 90 years, 50% on attaining the age of 95 years and 100% on attaining the age of 100 years, on the rationale that the older pensioners require a better deal because their needs, especially those relating to health, increase with age. The recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for amendments in additional pension in its 110th report dated 10.12.2021 have been duly examined in the Government and an action taken report was submitted on 06.06.2022.The Parliamentary Standing Committee in its 120th report dated 08.12.2022 noted the action taken report and observed that the Committee do not wish to pursue this matter for now. The additional pension is automatically paid to the pensioner/family pensioner by the Pension Disbursing Authorities/Banks as soon as it becomes due. The instructions/guidelines, as issued by the Government from time to time, are there in place ensuring scrupulous and timely payment of additional pension. The grant of additional pension is age based only. To address the concern regarding inflation and rising living costs, Dearness Relief equivalent to Dearness Allowance is payable to the pensioners/family pensioners at such rate as Central Government may specify from time to time. The dearness relief is applicable on additional pension also.

5 Day Banking: AIBEA issued Clarification on 5 Day Banking, What happened in meeting?

Recently, UFBU has deferred the scheduled Bank Strike on 24 and 25 March 2025. The strike was being held due to non-fulfillment of various demands such as 5 Day Banking, Adequate recruitment in Banks, etc. A conciliation meeting was held on 21.03.2025 at the office of Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC) with IBA, DFS and Bank representatives and the strike was deferred. 

As soon as the strike was deferred, Bank employees all over the country started criticizing the decision of UFBU as DFS gave no solid confirmation regarding 5 Day Banking. Click here to read what CLC said about 5 Day Banking. Now, AIBEA has issued clarification regarding 5 Day Banking.

What AIBEA said about 5 Day Banking?

There was elaborate discussion on introduction of 5 Day Banking per week. We pointed out that even though our Bipartite Settlement/Joint Note was signed one year ago in March, 2024, the issue still remains pending with the Government to whom the IBA has recommended. We explained that keeping the issue pending for such a long time amounts to ignoring the sanctity of the bilateral settlement arrived between the IBA and UFBU. We also pointed out that in the present scenario where employees and officers/Managers in the Banks work under a lot of stress and strain, many times, working beyond normal working hours, the demand for 2 days of weekly off has become a necessity. IBA replied that as per the Settlement/Joint Note, they have recommended the matter to the Government and they are awaiting their approval. When pointed out by CLC that IBA should follow up the matter with Government, they assured that they would pursue the matter with Government for getting their due approval. DFS representative stated that the issue is under consideration but cannot commit any timeline. Hence there was virtual stalemate on this issue. Hence, the Chief Labour Commissioner wanted some senior officials from the DFS to participate in the conciliation meeting to know the stand of the Government to end the stalemate. Even though all the top officials of the DFS were busy with the proceedings of the ongoing Parliament Session, a senior Joint Secretary of the DFS participated in the meeting via video conference and clarified that the matter is receiving the serious attention of the Government including by the Finance Minister. We conveyed our disappointment over the undue delay in the matter and wanted the Government to expedite the process. He assured that the matter is already receiving the serious attention of the Government including at the level of Finance Minister and hence requested the UFBU to reconsider our call.

What this means?

The demand for a 5-day banking workweek is both reasonable and necessary, considering the increasing workload, stress, and extended working hours faced by bank employees. AIBEA rightly pointed out that the delay in implementation undermines the bipartite settlement between unions and the IBA. While AIBEA has rightfully pushed for immediate action, the Government’s vague responses indicate that it may require further pressure, public awareness, or stronger agitation to expedite the approval. Employees deserve fair working conditions, and a 5-day workweek is long overdue. The onus is now on the Government and IBA to deliver on their commitments rather than prolong the process.

Five days Banking will be implemented with in 2-3 month

Dear comrades: About 5 days banking:

I have been going through the messages in the group and understand the sentiments of members who feel the strike should have taken place.

I completely agree that a strike would have further engaged our membership and it was an opportunity to show our might.

However, let us remember that strike calls are not given just for the sake of striking, but to ensure our demands are met.

Unions did have an agreement with IBA in March 2024 but the govt never gave a positive response to implementation of 5 day week.

This is the first time the government has shown positive intent to implement a 5-day work week in the Banking Industry.

Had we gone ahead with the strike despite govt's positive nod, it could have made the govt more rigid in its stance. Instead, our focus should remain on achieving our goal.

The Joint Secretary, DFS has explicitly conveyed that the Finance Ministry is positively pursuing the implementation of a 5-day work week.

The Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC), the highest authority for industrial dispute resolution on the country, has committed to overseeing its implementation.

With such strong assurances, it was felt necessary to postpone our strike for a month or two to allow the process of implementation of 5 day  to move forward smoothly.

We are hopeful that the 5-day work week in the banking industry is expected to be implemented in the 2-3 months.

Many other major issues such as detailed plan of recruitment, revisiting PLI, Perquisites tax etc. has also been agreed for discussion and resolution.

We urge all members to trust the leadership and remain united.

Regards,
UFBU

Government Takes Action Against Telecom Fraud: 3.4 Crore Mobile Connections Disconnected

In a significant move to tackle the growing menace of telecom fraud, the Indian government announced on Friday that it has disconnected over 3.4 crore (34 million) mobile connections. This crackdown aims to curb the misuse of mobile networks by fraudulent users. Additionally, the government has blocked 3.19 lakh IMEI numbers through its Sanchar Saathi portal as part of its anti-fraud efforts.

What Is the Sanchar Saathi Portal?

The Sanchar Saathi portal is a digital platform introduced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to enhance user security and prevent telecom-related scams. The portal allows users to check the status of their mobile connections and take action if they detect unauthorized SIM cards issued in their name.

The platform also helps trace and block lost or stolen mobile phones using their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers, which are unique identifiers assigned to each device. By blocking these numbers, stolen or misused phones can no longer be used for illegal activities.

How the Crackdown Is Happening

The DoT launched this initiative to eliminate fraudulent mobile connections issued based on fake or forged identity documents. Many cybercriminals exploit loopholes in telecom verification processes to acquire multiple SIM cards, which they later use for phishing, scams, and other cybercrimes.

To tackle this, the government implemented stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) verification procedures and identified mobile connections registered using fake identities. Once detected, these connections were swiftly disconnected, and the fraudulent IMEI numbers linked to them were blocked.

The Impact of the Crackdown

The large-scale disconnection of mobile connections is expected to make it more difficult for scammers to operate. The government believes that this move will improve telecom security, reduce cyber fraud, and create a safer environment for mobile users in India.

A Message to the Public

The government is urging citizens to be vigilant and periodically check their mobile connections on the Sanchar Saathi portal to ensure that no unauthorized SIM cards are issued under their names. Users can also report lost or stolen mobile phones through the platform, helping curb mobile theft and fraud.

The Way Forward

This anti-fraud initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure and protect citizens from rising cybercrimes. With mobile phones playing a central role in digital payments, social media, and communication, securing telecom networks has become a top priority for the government.

No Plans to Change Retirement Age of Government Employees, Confirms Govt

The Government of India has clarified that there are no plans to change the retirement age of government employees. This statement was made in response to a query raised in the Lok Sabha regarding possible changes in retirement policies for central and state government employees.

No Proposal to Increase or Decrease Retirement Age

The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, informed the Parliament that the government has no proposal under consideration to alter the retirement age of government employees. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and discussions regarding possible reforms in retirement policies.

Vacancies Created Due to Retirement Will Not Be Abolished

In response to another question about whether the government plans to abolish posts vacated due to employee retirements, the minister stated that there is no such policy. Vacancies created after retirement are not being eliminated, and there has been no directive to discontinue posts following retirements.

No Centralized Data on Retirement Age Across States

When asked about the retirement age for employees in different states, the government stated that such data is not maintained at the central level. The retirement age for government employees varies across different states, as the matter falls under the jurisdiction of state governments. Each state decides its own retirement policies based on local governance requirements and administrative considerations.

Why is Retirement Age Different for Central and State Employees?

The minister explained that the retirement age of government employees is not uniform across the country because it falls under the “State List” in India’s Constitution. This means that each state has the power to set its own retirement rules for employees working under its administration. In contrast, the central government decides the retirement policies for its own employees separately.

No Formal Demand from Employee Unions

The government also clarified that no formal proposal has been received from employees’ unions or organizations demanding changes in the retirement age. The staff side of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery), which represents central government employees, has not submitted any request in this regard.