Write up on Dharna Observed by GIPA (WZ) on Thursday, the 22nd February,2024 AZAD MAIDAN, MUMBAI
The Dharna Programme of General Insurance Pensioners Association (Western Zone) which was earlier scheduled on 16th February, 2024, was organized on Thursday, the 22nd February, 2024 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. The Dharna Programme commenced at 10.30 AM and culminated at 3.00 PM.
In all 100 Pensioners from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Rajkot attended the Dharna programme.
To express solidarity to our colleagues, the Members of the existing employees Union, GIEAIA and Members of the Joint Forum also attended the programme in large number.
The participation of Women Pensioners was also significant.
The Dharna Programme was held in the Pandal specially erected and in the backdrop of the Banners of the Organisation highlighting the Demands of the Pensioners Association. The Members were chanting slogans like, WE DEMAND JUSTICE, HAMARI MANGE PURI KARO, NAHI TO KURSI KHALI KARO, WE DEMAND 30% FAMILY PENSION TO ALL, IMPROVED MEDICLAIM FACILITY,
Sarvashri KakaSamant, U.Banerjee, Satish Shende and Vilas Sawant addressed the Pensioners highlighting in detail the continuous struggle made by GIPA (WZ) in support of our Demands, especially the rise in the Family Pension quantum as the present 15% Family Pension amount is too meagre to meet both the ends of the Pensioners who retired in earlier days in the present inflationary trend. The trend of the present Government is towards increased privatization. They are averse to bring back the earlier set up of the General Insurance Industry. Now that the Elections to the Lok Sabha are fast approaching each of us should think twice before casting the vote. The present Finance Minister is not in favour of any further infusion of the capital. As a result, it would become very difficult to get our demands fulfilled - even the increased DA as also Pension/Family Pension in future.
The support from the existing employees unions and Joint Forum helped the organization to make Dharna programme a Grand success.
Despite their age, the Pensioners attended the Dharna travelling from far off places only with one aim in mind - NEED OF THE HOUR IS UNITY - The Dharna Programme was successful due to active participation of majority Pensioners.
The Members were served Mineral Water, Tea and Lunch packets.
The Members dispersed to their destination at 3.00 PM.
