In order to demand the restoration of the old pension scheme, the Government Employees Associations have organized a huge rally in Delhi, which has been named as “Pension Adhikar Maharally”.
The rally was organized by the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), representing employees of central and state departments. The event took place on 10 August at Ramlila Maidan.
broad participation
A wide variety of employees including Central and State Departments, Railways, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), teaching professionals, defense personnel and ex-paramilitary personnel from across the country participated in the rally.
This important poll highlighted the widespread concern regarding the issue of pension planning.
Criticism of New Pension Scheme (NPS)
Shiv Gopal Mishra, National Convener of NJCA and General Secretary of All India Railway Men’s Federation (AIRF) addressed the media during the rally.
He emphasized on the discontent among the employees who joined the government service after January 1, 2004 due to strong opposition to the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
The primary controversy lies in the uncertainty faced by employees under the NPS on retirement, unlike the more secure old pension scheme.
Future and support of old age in danger
Mishra underlined that the introduction of the new pension scheme has jeopardized the future and old age support of lakhs of employees.
This concern prompted the establishment of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/NJCA.
The group’s efforts have included a variety of protests, from state-level demonstrations to torchlight processions at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Appeal and Memorandum
In their quest to retrieve the old pension scheme, the unions have submitted memorandums to district officials, governors, cabinet secretaries and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The purpose of these appeals is to draw attention to the seriousness of the matter and the potential impact on the lives of employees.
Demands and Warnings
Expressing the view of the unions, Mishra said that employees who dedicate their careers in the service of their organization and the country should not be denied adequate support in old age.
He called it a fundamental right and urged the government to restore the old pension scheme soon. Mishra also warned that if the government fails to respond to their demand, the unions may resort to a “Bharat Bandh” (a nationwide strike), bringing the entire country to a standstill.
In such a scenario, he emphasized that the government would be solely responsible for the consequences.