I recently came across a circular of State Bank of Patial Retired Officers Association, wherein they are organising the next Annual General Body Meeting of the members on 22nd September, 2013 at Patiala.   I am sure many other such associations must be in existence in all nook and corners of India.   However, there were certain striking points, which I would like to share with the retired fratarnity :-

(a) At the Annual General Meeting, the Association will be honouring the members who have crossed 85 years of age.  The circular lists seven of them;

(b) The association is also honouring members who have reached 70 years of age.  The circular lists 69  of such members.

This is a great gesture from the Association of Retired officers to bring together all the retirees and honour the officers who have reached a particular age.  This gives a chance to such senior citizens to meet other colleagues and revive their memories. 

Another interesting part of this was the photograph which I received from one of the members, Mr B.C. Jindal.  The photograph is of the building constructed with the funds of the retired officers and is available to its members whenever they visit Patiala.  I am uploading the same for benefit our readers:-

By all standards, this building appears to be an excellent contribution of the retired officers for the officers who will be retiring in coming years.   There is a need for other Retired Bank Officers associations to learn from State Bank of Patiala, as if such a small bank's retired officers can manage things so well, why others are lacking behind. 

Moreover, during the last Dharna held in August, 2013, State Bank of Patiala retired officers participated in large number as compared to all other Banks across India.  Thus, there is a need for organising such Associations with devoted people so that they can take the burning issues (like Pension to left over officers,  Updation of DA for all pensioners, and Updating of Pension at the time of every settlement) so that retired officers are not ignored though they have contributed their best not only to the bank but to also unions through regular subscriptions.

A small portion of all the contributions received by Unions should be used for creating facilities like holidays homes / halls for large gatherings etc.,  which should be made available to be used by the Retired officers during holidays / family functions / get together.    Unions for serving officers,  can use the retired officers for managing the affairs of the Unions at free of cost.    This will create a better understanding and trust among the serving and retired officers.    At bigger cities, Unions can take the services of specialist doctors - say once a week and all the serving and retired officers may have free access to such doctors.   This will help the retired officers to get free medical assistance as these days even consultation has become very costly and banks do not pay for such medical consultations.

I would like our other retired bankers' associations also to share their views, suggestions and experience through comments so that an awareness can be created.