3rd PRC for BSNL pensioners latest news (2025): Complete analysis, struggle and future.

Lakhs of retired employees of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) are today waiting for justice that has been pending for more than eight years. The issue is related to the 3rd PRC for BSNL pensioners, latest news, which is not just a financial benefit for them but a symbol of respect for their lifelong service.

The recommendations of the 3rd Pay Revision Committee, which have been stuck since 2017, still remain a distant dream for the pensioners. In this article, we will deeply analyse the issue as per the latest on-page SEO strategies suggested by Ahrefs, understand the developments till July 2025 and find the way forward.

What is the 3rd PRC and why is it important for BSNL pensioners?

The government constitutes a Pay Revision Committee to revise the pay and pension of employees of Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) every ten years. The 3rd Pay Commission (3rd PRC) gave its recommendations, which were to be implemented from January 1, 2017. Its most important recommendation was the 15% fitment (pay/pension increase) benefit.

This revision is extremely necessary for BSNL pensioners. In this era of rising inflation, the purchasing power of their pension is constantly decreasing. This revision will help them live a dignified life and meet their medical and other needs. This is their right, not a charity, as a pension is considered “Deferred Wage”.

Biggest hurdle: The controversial “Affordability Clause”

The biggest hurdle in implementing the 3rd PRC for BSNL pensioners has been the government’s “affordability clause”. According to the 3rd PRC report, the benefit of 15% fitment can be given only to those PSUs that are running at a profit. Since BSNL has been continuously facing financial losses for the last several years, the government has been deferring salary and pension revision by citing this clause.

Strong argument of pensioners’ associations

The pensioners’ associations find this argument completely unjustified. Their stand is very clear and strong:

• Pension is paid by the government: The pension of BSNL pensioners is paid directly by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of the Government of India and not from the profits of BSNL. Therefore, it is irrational to link the financial condition of BSNL to pension revision.
• Pension contribution already deposited: Pension contribution has already been deducted from the salary of these employees during their service period and deposited with the government. The government is only acting as a trustee and should pay the revised pension on time.
• Judicial precedent: The country’s highest courts have also made it clear many times that pension is an earned right of the employees and it cannot be stopped on any pretext.

3rd PRC BSNL Pensioners Latest News: Latest developments till July 2025

The issue is still alive today due to the continuous efforts of pensioner associations. There have been several important developments in the matter till July 2025, which raise a ray of hope:

• Increasing pressure from associations: The All India BSNL Pensioners Association (AIBDPA) and other associations are constantly putting pressure on the government. They are regularly submitting memorandums to the Telecom Minister, the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
• Major demand of “de-linking”: The most prominent and logical demand of the associations is to “de-link” the pension revision from the salary revision. They say that since the responsibility of pension lies with the government and that of salary lies with BSNL, both should be looked at separately. This can provide immediate relief to pensioners, without waiting for BSNL to turn profitable.
• Important meetings of July 2025: According to reports, another high-level meeting is likely to be held on this issue in July 2025. The associations are hopeful that this meeting can yield some concrete results, as the pressure is mounting on the government to resolve this old issue.

Government’s approach and prospects

So far, the government’s stance has not been very encouraging. There could be several administrative and financial reasons behind this:

1. Financial burden: Although pensions are paid from the government’s exchequer, the revision with 15% fitment will increase the one-time and annual financial burden on the government.
2. Precedent for other PSUs: The government may also be concerned that if this rule is relaxed for BSNL, similar demands will come from other loss-making PSUs.

Still, hope is not lost. The proposal of “de-linking” offers the government a respectable way to give senior citizens their rights without setting a wrong precedent.

Conclusion

BSNL pensioners’ struggle for 3rd PRC is a symbol of patience, determination and a fight for rights. Eight years of waiting is very long, but their case is morally and legally strong. The argument of the “affordability clause” should not apply in the case of pensions.

Now the ball is completely in the court of the Central Government. It remains to be seen whether the government takes a positive decision honouring the decades of service of these lakhs of senior citizens, or this wait gets longer. The tireless efforts and solidarity of the pensioners’ associations are their biggest strength in this fight, and this can ensure their victory in the future.

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