Nationwide Outcry: Central Government Employees Demand Restoration of Old Pension Scheme

In a powerful demonstration of discontent, central government employees, including those from Railways, state governments, defense, teachers, retired paramilitary forces, and various government institutions, participated in a four-day Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, from 8th to 11th January 2024. The joint initiative was organized by the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), with a memorandum subsequently submitted to the Finance Minister.

Shiva Gopal Mishra, the JFROPS Coordinator and General Secretary of AIRF, highlighted the widespread anger among government employees and teachers against the new pension scheme. An estimated participation of over five lakh employees and teachers, predominantly consisting of youth and women, reflected the magnitude of dissatisfaction.

Following four days of continuous Hunger Strike, Shiva Gopal Mishra, on behalf of central government employees from Railways, teachers, defense, postal, income tax, former central paramilitary forces, and state government employees, submitted a comprehensive memorandum urging the restoration of the old pension scheme. The memorandum emphasized the technical flaws and disparities in the new pension scheme, asserting that the old guaranteed pension is a rightful entitlement for all government employees.

Mishra underscored the dedicated service of government employees during national crises, including disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. He decried the deprivation of social and guaranteed old-age pension, characterizing it as an injustice to the employees. The memorandum invoked decisions of the Supreme Court that recognized the old pension as a fundamental right of employees.

Warning of further escalation, Mishra stated that if the government fails to address their concerns, the next step could be a general indefinite strike. He asserted that the patience of government employees has worn thin, emphasizing that retirees under the new pension scheme receive meager amounts, jeopardizing their retired lives.

The demand for the restoration of the old pension scheme has now evolved into a critical issue for government employees, with their resolve strengthened by the perceived injustice in the current pension structure. The ball is now in the government’s court to address these grievances and prevent potential unrest among its workforce.