Nationwide Hunger Strike Announced by Government and Railway Employees for Old Pension Scheme Restoration
In a significant development, government and railway employees across the nation have collectively decided to embark on a gradual hunger strike from January 8 to January 11, 2024. This decision was reached during the Steering Committee meeting of the Old Pension Scheme Restoration Joint Forum (JFROPS) on December 15, 2023, and the subsequent Standing Committee meeting of the All India Railway Men’s Federation on January 2, 2024.
Starting from January 8, employees will observe a sequential fast from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in front of Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, as well as within their respective administrative offices, production units, and other facilities. The primary demand of this collective action is the restoration of the old pension scheme, encompassing not only government and railway employees but also defense personnel, teachers, and other affected constituents.
Shiva Gopal Mishra, the Convenor of JFROPS and General Secretary of AIRF, emphasized that the restoration of the old Pension Scheme is a paramount issue for all Central and State Government employees, as well as railway employees who entered government service from January 1, 2004, and the previous year. Despite numerous agitations and demonstrations at various levels, including a historical demonstration at Ramleela Maidan on August 10, 2023, Mishra pointed out that the government has not shown significant attention to this matter.
Expressing the frustration of government employees, Mishra stated that, in light of the government’s indifference, this hunger strike serves as a final warning before a potential general strike. The strike, scheduled in the biting cold from January 8 to January 11, 2024, will take place at headquarters, factories, and units nationwide, in addition to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The resolute demand from the employees is the restoration of the old pension scheme, and Mishra cautioned that if the government does not respond positively, the responsibility for any subsequent general strike lies squarely with the government.
