Government Employee Unions Rally for Pension Rights in Delhi: Government employee unions have organised a major gathering in Delhi, dubbed the “Pension Rights Maharally,” to demand that the Old Pension Scheme be reinstated. The rally was orchestrated by the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), representing central and state departments’ employees. The event took place at Ramlila Maidan on August 10.
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Wide Participation
The rally garnered participation from a diverse range of employees, including those from central and state departments, railways, public sector undertakings (PSUs), teaching professionals, defense personnel, and ex-paramilitary personnel from across the nation. This significant turnout highlighted the widespread concern regarding the pension scheme issue.
Critique of New Pension Scheme (NPS)
Shiv Gopal Mishra, the NJCA’s national convener and the general secretary of All India Railway Men’s Federation (AIRF), addressed the media during the rally. He emphasized the dissatisfaction among employees who entered government service after January 1, 2004, due to their strong opposition to the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The main point of concern is the uncertainty that NPS employees face upon retirement, as opposed to the more stable Old Pension Scheme.
Jeopardized Future and Old Age Support
Mishra underscored that the introduction of the New Pension Scheme has put the future and old age support of millions of employees at risk. This concern prompted the establishment of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/NJCA. The group’s efforts have encompassed various forms of protests, from demonstrations at the state level to torch processions at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Appeals and Memorandums
The unions have delivered memorandums to district authorities, governors, cabinet secretaries, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi in their pursuit of regaining the Old Pension Scheme. These appeals aim to draw attention to the gravity of the matter and the potential ramifications on employees’ lives.
Demands and Warnings
Mishra expressed the unions’ viewpoint, asserting that employees who dedicate their careers to the service of their organization and country should not be denied adequate support in their old age. He characterized this as a fundamental right and urged the government to promptly reinstate the Old Pension Scheme. Mishra also cautioned that if the government fails to respond to their demand, the unions could resort to a “Bharat Bandh” (nationwide strike), which would bring the entire nation to a halt. In such a scenario, he emphasized that the government would bear sole responsibility for the consequences.