In a massive display of unity, government and Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees from more than 20 states gathered at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan for the 'Pension Shankhanaad Rally.' Their resounding demand: the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). This protest, organized by the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS), brought to the forefront the concerns of employees who joined government service after January 1, 2004, and have since been subject to the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The heart of the matter lies in the dissatisfaction of employees who feel deprived of the security and benefits provided by the Old Pension Scheme. Shiv Gopal Mishra, the National Convener and General Secretary of All India Railway Men's Federation, succinctly voiced their concerns, stating that "The employees are worried about their future after retirement because they have been deprived of the Old Pension Scheme and forced into the New Pension Scheme."
The protest witnessed heavy police deployment, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the determination of the employees to make their voices heard. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal threw his support behind the OPS, expressing his solidarity with the employees. He went further to state that he had formally requested the Centre to implement OPS for Delhi government employees, emphasizing that NPS was perceived as an injustice against them. Kejriwal highlighted that OPS had already been implemented in Punjab, and several non-BJP states have followed suit.
The Congress party also extended its support to the protest, drawing attention to the fact that party-ruled states had already restored the old pension system, indicating bipartisan concern for this issue.
The ongoing agitation underscores the significance of pension schemes for government employees, not just as a financial safeguard but also as a symbol of the trust and security they seek from the government. As these employees continue to rally for the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme, it remains to be seen how the central government responds to their demands and whether this movement will bring about the desired changes in the pension system for public servants across the country.
