SCOVA Reconstituted for Next Two Years: Major Development for Central Government Pensioners

The Government of India has reconstituted the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) for the next two years, as announced through an official resolution dated September 29, 2025. This significant development affects all central government pensioners and their welfare associations across India.

Download Official Resolution (PDF)

Key Details of the Resolution

Following the expiry of the previous SCOVA tenure that was constituted on September 26, 2023, the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare has established a new committee structure under File No. 42/08/2023-P&PW(D)/E-8962 that will serve pensioners' interests for the period 2025-2027.

What is SCOVA?

The Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) is a crucial body that bridges the gap between the government and pensioners' associations. It serves as the primary platform for dialogue between central government pensioners and the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare.

Primary Objectives

SCOVA functions to promote three key objectives:

• Policy Feedback: Provide feedback on implementation of policies and programs of the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare
• Policy Review: Discuss and critically examine policy initiatives affecting pensioners
• Voluntary Mobilization: Mobilize voluntary efforts to supplement government action for pensioner welfare

New Committee Composition (2025-2027)

Leadership Structure

• Chairman: Minister of State (Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions)
• Convener & Member Secretary: Secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare

Official Members

The committee includes representatives from six key ministries and departments:

• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Defence
• Ministry of Railways
• Department of Posts
• Department of Telecom
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Pensioners' Associations Representation

A total of 15 pensioners' associations have been selected to represent central government pensioners across India, divided into two categories:

Standing Group (5 Associations)

These associations serve for three terms of two years each (total 6 years):

Association Name	Location
Baroda Central Pensioners Association	Vadodara, Gujarat
All India Central Govt. Pensioners' Association	Cuttack, Odisha
All India Central Govt. Pensioners' Association	Pune, Maharashtra
Indian Ex-services League	New Delhi
All India Federation of Pensioners' Association	Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Rotating Group (10 Associations)

These associations serve for one term of two years with eligibility for re-nomination:

Association Name	Location
Posts and Telegraphs and Other Central Govt. Pensioners' Association	Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Central Government Pensioners' Welfare Association (Regd)	Jammu, J&K
Central Government Pensioners' Welfare Association (Regd)	Ambarnath, Maharashtra
N.F. Railway Pensioners' Associations	Guwahati, Assam
Jharkhand Pensioners' Kalyan Samaj	Ranchi, Jharkhand
Bharat Pensioners' Samaj	New Delhi
Doon Central Pensioners Association	Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Coordination Committee of Central Govt. Pensioners' Association	Kolkata, West Bengal
All India Retired Railwaymen's Federation	Secunderabad, Telangana
All India BSNL Pensioners Welfare Association	Bangalore, Karnataka

Important Terms and Conditions

Meeting Schedule

• SCOVA will hold meetings at least once in a year, with additional meetings scheduled as necessary.

Financial Provisions

• Travelling Allowance (TA) and Daily Allowance (DA) provided to non-official members for attending meetings.
• Allowances regulated according to SR190 provisions and Government of India orders.
• All expenses met from the sanctioned budget of Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare.

Significance for Central Government Employees and Pensioners

For Current Employees

• Future Pension Security: SCOVA works on policies affecting future pension benefits.
• Transition Planning: Better understanding of post-retirement processes.
• Policy Awareness: Stay informed about pension policy changes.

For Retired Employees

• Direct Representation: Interests represented through these associations.
• Issue Resolution: Platform for addressing pension-related problems.
• Benefit Enhancements: Advocacy for improved pension and medical benefits.

Coverage and Representation

The reconstituted SCOVA provides comprehensive coverage across:

• Geographic Representation: All major states and regions of India covered.
• Departmental Coverage: Civil, Defence, Railway, Postal, Telecom, and BSNL pensioners represented.
• Diverse Associations: Mix of national and regional pensioner organizations.

Official Status and Legal Validity

The resolution has been officially ordered for:

• Gazette of India Publication: Making it legally binding.
• Ministry Communication: All relevant ministries and departments informed.
• Member Notification: All SCOVA members officially notified.
• Website Publication: Available on Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare website.

Authentication

The resolution is signed by Sonika Khattar, Under Secretary, Government of India, ensuring its authenticity and legal validity.

What's Next?

Immediate Actions

• New SCOVA members will be formally inducted.
• First meeting of the reconstituted committee will be scheduled.
• Priority issues for pensioner welfare will be identified.
• Action plan for the 2025-2027 term will be developed.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced coordination between government and pensioner associations.
• Faster resolution of pension-related issues.
• More responsive policy-making for pensioner welfare.
• Strengthened advocacy for pensioner rights and benefits.

This reconstitution of SCOVA represents the government's continued commitment to pensioner welfare and demonstrates the importance placed on collaborative governance in addressing the needs of India's central government pensioners.