As per reports, the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) Staff Association has sought early implementation of the directions of the Andhra Pradesh High Court (HC), issued in July 2023, to pay dearness relief on drop in pension (personal pension with main pension) within six weeks.

• In a statement on Monday (08 January), the Association general secretary stated that though the six weeks time given by the High Court had expired long ago, the orders were not being implemented. Instead of complying with the orders, the Ministry also issued a letter in October 2023 to the Chairperson of Visakhapatnam Port Authority to obtain legal opinion from the Deputy Solicitor General of India.
• The Association had filed writ petitions, for payment of dearness relief, in the AP High Court as the Shipping Ministry had issued orders for payment of drop in pension through its letter (dated 24/07/2008) from the date of retirement till date.