In a significant display of collective solidarity, employees from central and state government departments are poised to convene at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Thursday. Their united demand revolves around the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, according to a group of prominent railway union leaders.
Organized under the banner of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), the ‘Pension Rights Maharally’ intends to bring to the forefront employees’ apprehensions. These concerns are centered around the New Pension Scheme (NPS), which was introduced after January 1, 2004.
NJCA’s National Convener and All India Railway Men’s Federation (AIRF) General Secretary, Shiv Gopal Mishra, addressed the media, emphasizing the strong opposition of employees who joined government service post-2004. Mishra pointedly highlighted that the shift to NPS has caused distress about post-retirement financial stability.
The abrupt transition from the Old Pension Scheme to the New Pension Scheme has left countless employees uneasy about their future, thereby prompting the formation of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/NJCA. In response to this growing unrest, a ‘Pension Rights Maharally’ is scheduled for August 10 at Ramlila Maidan, commencing at 9:30 am.
The impending rally is expected to unite employees from diverse sectors, encompassing central and state, railway, and PSU employees, teachers, defense personnel, and ex-paramilitary forces from across the country. This consolidated effort marks a culmination of various demonstrations, rallies, and advocacy initiatives. Protests have ranged from state-level actions to larger gatherings at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where memorandums have been submitted to district officials, governors, cabinet secretaries, and even the Prime Minister.
Mishra candidly highlighted the collective exhaustion stemming from what employees perceive as the government’s “anti-employee policies.” He iterated that if the government remains unresponsive to their legitimate concerns, it might culminate in a ‘Bharat Bandh’ (nationwide strike) announcement. This unprecedented step could potentially bring the entire nation to a standstill, underscoring the gravity of the matter.
The essence of this movement echoes the call for safeguarding employees’ rights to secure financial support during their twilight years, mirroring the privileges granted to leaders under the Old Pension Scheme. As the rally gains momentum, it serves as a poignant reminder to policymakers of their responsibility to address these pressing concerns promptly.
