Over 91 Lakh Government Workers Rally Nationwide for Old Pension Scheme Reinstatement, Across India, including Madhya Pradesh, more than 91 lakh government employees have come together in a collective demand to bring back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). This ongoing movement, initiated by the All India NPS Employees Federation (AINPSEF), is steadily gaining momentum as workers from various regions and sectors unify to stand up for their pension rights. The core issue centers around scrapping the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and restoring OPS, which provides a guaranteed pension post-retirement.
Massive Gathering at Jantar Mantar
A major demonstration took place at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on November 17, 2024, drawing participation from thousands of government staff across the nation. Representatives from central, state, and union territory administrations were present, with over five lakh AINPSEF members backing the initiative. The event sent a strong signal to the authorities about the need to secure the financial futures of employees through dependable retirement benefits.
Concerns Over Economic Security
Employees argue that the NPS presents serious flaws, chief among them being a lack of financial certainty after retirement. This shift from the OPS model has created considerable unease, as the returns under NPS have been consistently low. The mandatory 10% deduction from salaries under the scheme has also sparked dissatisfaction, prompting growing demands for a policy reversal.
Demand for Equal Treatment
A key grievance among employees is the disparity between the pensions granted to elected officials and those offered to regular public servants. Workers believe that individuals who have committed their lives to serving the nation deserve equal post-retirement security, emphasizing that this is not merely about financial support but also about upholding the dignity of their lifelong service.
Petition to Prime Minister Modi
In Tamil Nadu alone, more than 40 prominent employee associations have formally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue of OPS restoration in Parliament. They insist that decisive action is needed to safeguard the welfare of millions of government workers across the country.
Where the Movement is Headed
If their concerns continue to be ignored, employees have stated their intent to escalate the movement with broader protests nationwide. Their appeal is not just financial but rooted in the principles of social equity and long-term security for future generations.
