Retired Public Sector Bankers Raise Issue Of Unfair Deal Regarding Pension

By Tricitynews

Chandigarh 15^th July:- Different Associations of retired officers of public sector banks held a press conference regarding their pending issues of pension anomalies and skewed policy related to medical reimbursement.

The conference was spearheaded by All India Punjab National Bank Retired Officers Association, which was represented by its Vice President-H.L. Aggarwal. Several Banks’ pensioners' association office bearers and members spoke against the unfair treatment meted out to Senior citizen (pensioners of public sector banks), by the central government.

While addressing the gathering, H.L. Aggarwal, Vice President of All India Punjab National Bank Retired Officers Association said that pension was introduced in 1995 with the assurance that the pension rules would be framed similar to Government of India or the RBI rules. This did not happen till date. Moreover, though salary kept increasing for working employees but the revision of pension never took place. This created an anomaly due to which a situation has come, where the pension of earlier retired manager is even less than that of present day retire peon.

Clarifying further he said that “Since 1995, pension revision never took place. Since then no policy has been framed for the pensioners, which has created a wide discrimination in the pensions of early retirees and those retiring at a later date.

H.L. Aggarwal, Vice President of All India Punjab National Bank Retired Officers Association said that he  wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Narendra Modi over the pension issues of public sector banks’ pensioners (senior citizens), calling for further intervention in the matter at the highest level.

The pensioners of the different banks highlighted the plight of all public sector bank retired employees’ due to the non -revision of pension issue.

Kuldeep Gupta, Area President of PNB Retired Officers Association of Chandigarh said that it’s our long pending demand for the revision of pension of public sector banks. As we have been neglected for more than 25 years, so we demand that higher authorities personally look into this matter and render justice to us.

Another office bearer said that we demand an increase of the family pension from 15 percent to 30 percent for the retired officers to lead a reasonably good life.

The members demanded to stop the discrimination in the medical facility being provided to the working and nonworking employees.

They demanded to cover the retired employees by health insurance cover at the bank cost. As current premium demand is illogical and skewed. In the present policy, it is difficult for retired officers to bear abnormally high premium expenses from meager pension they received.

The members were hopeful that after formation of the new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, their grievances would be properly attended to at the earliest.

H L Aggarwal informed that the PMO has forwarded a letter to the Secretary Department of Financial Services (Banking Division) for an early action, which has further forwarded the same to the IBA (Indian Banks’ Association). However, when the retired bankers followed up with IBA officers they simply washed their hands off the issue and turned a blind eye to the senior citizens’ problems.

Due to this type of attitude by the Finance Ministry and IBA (Indian Banks’ Association) this issue has been lingering for the last 25 years which is making the pensioners suffer.

VYRL Cover Star in Association with Gaana Celebrates the Success of “Woh Baarishien”

By Tricitynews

Mumbai 15^th July:- After the encouraging response to the 1^st edition of the VYRL Cover Star with “Sajna Ve” singer-songwriters Vishal Mishra and Lisa Mishra, VYRL Originals has comeback with a second edition of VYRL Cover Star as an extension to the “Woh Baarishein” Campaign. VYRL Originals “Woh Baarishein” having crossed over 22 million views in just 2 weeks had the youth humming to its tunes.  As an extensive marketing initiative VYRL Originals associated with Gaana to reach out to the aspiring artists which gives music enthusiasts an opportunity to perform LIVE in front of their much-celebrated artists. A nationwide initiative gave singers and music aficionado a chance to perform for the highly talented Arjun Kanungo and showcase their talent.

The Cover Star contest received more than 500 entries from across the nation. The talented top 5 finalists were handpicked by Arjun Kanungo and were invited from their respective cities to perform LIVE in front of him, the incredible lyrist Manoj Muntashir and Vinit Thakkar. The finalists performed Woh Baarishein and one of their favorite VYRL tracks which was live streamed on VYRL Originals and Gaana’s social media handles.

Top 5 finalists – Shashwat Mishra, Samar Monsoon, Shruti Mishra, Razik Mujawar and band Rhaspsody Online wowed the audience with their exquisite renditions of the songs. The night ended on a high note with Arjun’s enthralling performance. Razik Mujawar stood out amongst all the participants to become the winner of the “Woh Baarishein” VYRL Cover Star contest.

Sharing his excitement, Arjun Kanungo said that so happy to be part of VYRL cover star which is by VYRL Originals. I'm so happy that all the contestants who came in today gave it their heart and soul. We had to choose Razik today as the winner because he really stood out. He think VYRL cover star is a great platform for young artists to come and demonstrate their talent in front of established biggies in industry and he is so happy that so many people covered 'Woh Baarishein'. We had over 500 entries and unfortunately we had to pick only five, if he could he would pick all 500.

Manoj Muntashir said that all talent is waste without a proper opportunity'. He is glad VYRL is taking this statement seriously. They are working as a magnet to attract new and unexplored talent. Today, what he witnessed was an eye opener as to what kind of treasure we are sitting on. These 5 performers were original, daring, passionate and full of musical fire. He wish them all the very best for a very-very bright career ahead.

Speaking about the initiative, Vinit Thakkar Senior Vice President, Universal Music Group India & South Asia shared thar being overwhelmed with the response of the first edition of VYRL Cover Star we are stoked to bring back the second edition in association with Gaana. We are ecstatic with the kind of response we have been receiving for this initiative from the fans across the country. We are passionate about developing the culture and category for non-film music in India and the superlative talent in the country has motivated us to continue with the VYRL Cover Star endeavour.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan Launched in Chandigarh

By Tricitynews

Chandigarh 15^th July:- Jal Shakti Abhiyan, a flagship scheme of govt. of India to conserve water, has been launched in Chandigarh. As a part of the scheme Eco-club Day was celebrated in 114 govt and private schools today. The theme of the celebration was water conservation and tree plantation. More than 20,000 students from all schools took part in various activities. The abhiyan includes water conservation and Rain Water Harvesting, renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks, reuse and recharge structures and intensive Afforestation

Manoj Parida, Adviser to the UT Administrator, UT Chandigarh was the Chief Guest at GMSSS, Sector -16, Chandigarh. He flagged off a rally of 500-600 students, based on the theme of water conservation. Under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan Jan Andolan a tree plantation drive was carried out, in which more than 100 students of the school participated.

The students of the school also presented a small skit to save water that was highly applauded by the officers/audience. Adviser Manoj Parida in his speech commended the efforts of the children & staff of GMSSS 16 and motivated the children to contribute to saving water and protecting the environment for future generations through a story that was an effective way of communication. He concluded by saying we enjoy the fruits of the trees planted by our ancestors and now its our turn to pass our heritage to our future generations.

Mandeep Singh Brar Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Nazuk Kuma, S.D.M (C), Chd ; Rubinderjit Singh Brar , D.S.E,UT, Education Department and Mrs. Anujit Kaur ,D.E.O,  U.T., Edu. Deptt,  Amar Singh, Director General Labour Bureau, Chd and C.K Gogoi, Scientist, CGWB, Patna were also present. As a part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan such activities will continue to enhance people’s participation in the andolan. 

Hotel Industry Professional Kick Starts Region’s First True Multi-Cuisine Veg Restaurant with Focus on ‘Health & Hygiene’

By Tricitynews

Chandigarh 15^th July:- A new pure vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant, ‘Nineteenth May’, was formally unveiled in Mohali. The hospitality start up is the brainchild of 37-year-old Manouj Kaushikk, who was a Food & Beverage Manager at a leading multi-national Hotel chain of Chandigarh. Manouj has a rich experience of working with the best Hotel brands of India and abroad, for over 12 years.

Manouj Kaushikk said that he always wanted to set up his own restaurant. The reason–to provide an international quality multi-cuisine place positioned as an authentic vegetarian restaurant, which was missing in tricity & the region. On a lighter note, it was her daughter’s wish that he spend more time with the family, and his job in Hotel chains did not allow him that privilege, so ‘Nineteenth May’ was born.

‘Nineteenth May’ is named after the birthday of Manouj’s daughter. The restaurant was unveiled formally today in a media event, the soft launch had taken place on May 19. The setting of the place is informal and the ambiance reflects a happy mood.

The outlet is unique in many ways. It has been created keeping in mind cleanliness, a very high degree of sanitization and best global hospitality practices. The restaurant has International machinery in refrigeration, automatic dishwashing, cooking equipments and kitchen appliances.

Manouj Kaushikk added that in Chandigarh all the top notch restaurants don’t allow customers to sneak inside the kitchen but at ‘Nineteenth May’ we are happy to show the work and ambiance to the customers.

Manouj Kaushikk said that all the vegetables & fruits are freshly cut & immediately used and herbs that go into dishes are handpicked by experts. Healthy food and ingredients are our forte.  ‘Nineteenth May’ has its in-house artisanal homemade ingredients like sauces and syrups.

‘Nineteenth May’ offers a mouth-watering cafe menu, Indian recipes created with handpicked spices and condiments, magical Continental dishes and a gastronomically created Chinese menu. The beverage menu is something which differentiates the restaurant from others in its category. It has lip smacking shakes, smoothies and full of natural nutrition hand & cold pressed juices.

The signature foods include Hand tossed pizzas, whole wheat pasta, healthy green salads made with exotic veggies etc. The‘Healthy Garden Salad’ is an amalgamation of taste and health. The outlet is a paradise for pizza lovers. Pizzas like Margherita, Romano Pizza, Primavera and Garden Greens are attractions. The restaurant has introduced a delicious and crispy pizza ‘Quattro Formaggi’. ‘Grilled Panini’ is quite a treat. Some Indian delights include Punjabi Baingan Bharta, Malai Kofta, and Dal Makhni. Enticing dishes are part of the menu in Pan Asian. ‘Singapore Style Noodles’, ‘Wok Tossed Hakka Noodles’ are there among others. In the sweltering summer, the restaurant offers you a sip nutrition & taste in its fresh fruit juices. The cold press South Korean Juicer preserves the taste and nutrients. Hand pressed orange juice & cold pressed watermelon juice are refreshing. Jamun juice shots are inviting. The restaurant also offers a range of shakes and smoothies. The Dates & Caramel milkshake is an essential try.

‘Nineteenth May’ boasts of a live Chaap Station where healthy Chaap’s are freshly made and served hot. ‘Nineteenth May’ also boasts of an in house bakery.

He said that our top priority is to serve pure veg, healthy-nutritious food that matches International standards of cleanliness and hygiene at reasonable rates. We will soon roll out a fine dining place with a greater seating capacity.