Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) was founded in January 1955 by Justice (Retd.) ShankarSaran of Allahabad High Court, Sh. N P Srivastava IAS (Retd.), and Sh. M Ruthnaswamy,former Vice- Chancellor of Annamalai University, as a non-profit, non-political, secularorganization. BPS is headquartered at New Delhi and is registered with the Registrar of Societies,RNI, GOI/ DoP&PW, Niti Ayog, and under 80G of the Income Tax Act. It is also affiliated withthe International Federation on Ageing as an Associate NGO and is a member of the GlobalNetwork of Senior Citizens/Pensioners Associations. In 2024, Tata Trusts sanctioned a financialgrant of Rs 10 lakhs to strengthen the BPS, marking a significant milestone in its journey.

The founders envisioned creating a network of pensioners to foster a sense of unity, providemutual support in times of need, and seek governmental assistance for resolving grievances. Over the years, BPS has grown into an All-India Federation of Pensioners’ Associations, spreadingits reach across the country, except for Sikkim and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar,with over 1 million members through its affiliated and associated associations.

BPS serves as an extended arm of the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare(DoP&PW) for resolving pensioners’ grievancesthrough various forums i.e., Centralized Pensioners Grievance Redress & Monitoring System (CPENGRAMS) wherein BPS is allotted a webpage to record & pursue pension & medical reimbursement related, Pension Adalats, correspondence and meetings with concerned authorities, spreading awareness and the dissemination of information for which BPS publishes a Monthly News Magazine under RNI Registration No. DELBIL/2006/17678. The organization has to its credit getting numerous benefits for pensioners and family pensioners through Pay Commissions and DoP&PW.

Throughout its history, BPS has been instrumental in securing numerous benefits for pensioners through advocacy with pay commissions and DoP&PW. The organization has consistentlyraised pension-related issues, which have found references in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha debates. Notable milestones include:

1. Audience with the Prime Minister (1968): BPS successfully advocated for the creation of a statutory body to address pensioners’ grievances, leading to the formation of the Ministry of Personnel& Pensions in 1970 and the establishment of the DOP&PW in 1985.

2. Fourth CPC Amendments (1985): With the intervention of the then Prime Minister, BPS influenced the amendment of the Fourth Central Pay Commission (CPC) Terms of Reference to include past pensioners.

3. Role in SCOVA (1986 onwards): BPS played a pivotal role in the functioning of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) and in persuading DOPPW to include a definite policy for SCOVA membership.

4. Launch of Pensioners Portal (2007): BPS persuaded DOPPW to launch the Pensioners Portal and promoted it through the TV serial ‘e-Kranti 3’ on Doordarshan, where BPS was part of the advisory committee.

5. Advocacy in 5th, 6th, and 7th CPC: BPS represented pensioners in the 5th, 6th, and 7th CPCs, securing various benefits, including uniform family pension rates, modified pension parity, fitment benefits, and the age-related enhancement of pensions.

6. Global Advocacy (2013): BPS Vice President (West Zone), J N Rao, represented BPS at the World Conference Against A & H Bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

7. Pension and Healthcare Reforms: BPS has been actively involved in advocating for pension and healthcare reforms, including the revision of CGHS rates and improvements in CGHS services.

8. Digital Literacy Initiative (2024): BPS made history by launching a project in Bangalore, in collaboration with TCS, to spread digital literacy among pensioners and senior citizens.

The functioning of Bharat Pensioners Samaj has attracted interest from sociologists, social scientists, and anthropologists, earning mentions in various academic publications, including: “Anthropology of Ageing” by Vijay Upadhyay Journal of Sociology Research Vol. 32-33 by the Council of Social & Cultural Research, Ranchi University “Encyclopaedia of Social Work in India Volume 4” by the Ministry of Welfare “India’s Elderly Burden – Social Science” by Sebastian Irudya Rajan “Retirement in India” by George Manachery “A Fight for Rights” by M L Sondhi “Ageing & Society” by H S Bhatia “Societal Responses” by Dr. Mala Kapur Sankar Dass UNFPA- SITUATION & VOICES UNFPA Publication No2 of 2002 page 108.UNFPA India Ageing Report 2023.

BPS has also been recognized by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, with several of its grievances considered and addressed by the government.

Bharat Pensioners Samaj has been a beacon of hope for pensioners/family pensioners acrossIndia, tirelessly working for their welfare and rights for almost seven decades. Its legacy of advocacy and support continue to make a significant impact, ensuring that the voices of pensioners are heard and their rights upheld.