Central Government Employees Rally for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme; Indefinite Strike Announced

New Delhi, August 10, 2023 – A massive gathering of more than one lakh Central and State Government Employees took place at Ramleela Maidan, New Delhi, on August 10, 2023, for the “Massive Pension Adhikar Rally.” The Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), under the aegis of the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA), made a resounding call for the reinstatement of the Defined and Guaranteed Old Pension Scheme, scrapping the controversial No Guarantee National Pension System (NPS).

Memorandum to Prime Minister and Unified Demand

At the rally, attended by employees from diverse sectors, a unanimous “Memorandum” was adopted to be presented to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. This memorandum underscores the collective demand for discarding the NPS and restoring the Old Pension Scheme for Central and State Government Employees and Teachers, regardless of their date of appointment. The rally was a convergence of voices representing a united demand for a secure retirement.

Key Speakers and Strategic Actions

Shiva Gopal Mishra, Convener of JFROPS/NJCA, led the proceedings, proposing the submission of the “Memorandum” to the Prime Minister through the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He was joined by prominent leaders including Dr. M. Raghaviah, Co-Convener of JFROPS/NJCA, Dr. N. Kanniah, President of AIRF, Shri Guman Singh, President of NFIR, and other notable representatives.

An extensive Action Programme was put forth and unanimously adopted for implementation in the forthcoming days:

1. Continuous Campaign and Mobilization: A sustained campaign will be conducted to mobilize employees and garner public support for the cause. Social media will play a pivotal role in amplifying the demand.
2. Joint Activities on Designated Dates: A series of joint gate meetings, rallies, processions, dharnas, and seminars are planned for the following dates: August 21, 2023; September 21, 2023; and October 21, 2023.
3. Indefinite Strike Ballot: Constituent Organizations will carry out a secret ballot to gauge support for an “Indefinite Strike” on November 21 and 22, 2023, exclusively for the demand of scrapping NPS and restoring the Old Pension Scheme.
4. Steering Committee Authorization: The Massive Pension Adhikar Rally empowers the Steering Committee of JFROPS/NJCA to determine the issuance of a Strike Notice and the initiation of the “Indefinite Strike.”
5. Nationwide Protest Call: In collaboration with Central Trade Unions and like-minded entities, JFROPS/NJCA will call for a “Bharat Bandh” during the strike period.
6. Declaration Delivery: The Convener of JFROPS/NJCA will formally communicate the adopted Declaration to the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, and the Chief Secretaries of respective State Governments.

A Unified Pursuit for Guaranteed Pensions

The resolution passed during the “Massive Pension Adhikar Rally” on August 10, 2023, manifests the collective commitment to advocate for the “Defined and Guaranteed Old Pension Scheme.” The movement, spearheaded by JFROPS/NJCA, aims to secure a dignified retirement for Central and State Government Employees, Teachers, and personnel across various sectors.