Government Employees Nationwide Rally for Old Pension Scheme Restoration at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi
The "Pension Rights Maharally," scheduled for August 10, 2023
New Delhi, August 10, 2023 – Government employees from every corner of India are set to assemble at Ramlila Ground in New Delhi on August 10, 2023, to advocate for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. This significant event comes in response to a call from the “Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/NJCA,” a coalition of organizations that have been actively pushing for the reinstatement of the scheme.
The momentum behind this movement can be traced back to decisions made during a pivotal National Convention organized by the JFROPS/NJCA. The convention took place on January 1, 2004, at “Pyare Lal Bhavan” in New Delhi, paving the way for an ongoing, determined struggle at both the central and state levels to bring back the Old Pension Scheme.
Shiva Gopal Mishra, NJCA Convenor and General Secretary of AIRF, underscored the significance of the gathering during a press conference in New Delhi. Employees who entered government service after January 1, 2004, have been vocal in their opposition to the New Pension Scheme. Their concerns about future financial security have been exacerbated by the exclusion of colleagues who joined service after that date from the Old Pension Scheme. Instead, they have been compelled to adopt the New Pension Scheme, raising apprehensions about post-retirement sustenance.
The formation of the “Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/NJCA” has been a direct response to these issues. The organization has orchestrated a series of impactful demonstrations, rallies, and torch processions, spanning from local levels to the iconic Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Memorandums outlining their demands have been presented to district officials, State Governors, Cabinet secretaries, and even the Prime Minister.
The “Pension Rights Maharally,” scheduled for August 10, 2023, at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi, holds the promise of a substantial turnout. Employees from various sectors, including Central and State government bodies, Education, Railway, Teachers, Defence, Ex. Para Military Force, and PSU’s, are expected to converge to voice their demand for the revival of the Old Pension Scheme.
Shiva Gopal Mishra, Convenor of NJCA, reiterated the collective sentiment of government employees who are weary of what they perceive as detrimental government policies. He emphasized that the leaders, entitled to the Old Pension, should not be denied to employees who have dedicated their lives to public service. Mishra stressed the government’s responsibility to promptly restore the “Old Pension Scheme” for central and state government employees, Teachers, Defence, Ex Para Military Force, and other government personnel, ensuring their dignity and well-being in their later years.
With the threat of a potential “Bharat Bandh,” Mishra underscored that the government would bear sole responsibility for any resulting nationwide disruption if their demands go unanswered.
Addressing the press conference, Dr. M. Raghavaiah, Co-Convener of NJCA and General Secretary of NFIR, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the old pension is an inherent right for employees, one that cannot be negated by the government. He cautioned that the government must take this demand seriously, lest the envisioned “Bharat Bandh” paralyze the nation.
Leaders from various other organizations also expressed their unwavering support for the demand to restore the “Old Pension Scheme” during the press conference, reinforcing the broad-based and determined stance of government employees.
