GUWAHATI: The All Assam Government NPS Employees’ Association (AAGNPSEA), which has been demanding the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), will go on a two-day strike from tomorrow.
The association on August 21 informed that the decision to go on strike follows their years-long discontent against the National Pension Scheme (NPS) which was introduced in the state in 2005.
Expressing his strong resolve, AAGNPSEA President, Achyutananda Hazarika, said that their agitation against the NPS has been ongoing as the pension system has failed to meet the needs of government employees.
Highlighting the successful implementation of OPS in five other states, Hazarika was quoted in the local press as saying, “Just as those states have taken steps to restore OPS, we urge the Assam government to do the same. Our employees are seeking a secure retirement and are dissatisfied with the NPS.”
Earlier on July 9, the decision to go on strike was unanimously taken during crucial meeting of 55 organisations including educators and employees. Hazarika informed that a memorandum outlining their concerns and demands would be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma through every district commissioner’s office.
Various organizations, including the All Assam Heads of the Department Ministerial Officers’ Association, All Assam District Administration Employees Association, All Assam Transport Employees Association, and All Assam Primary Teachers Association, have extended their support for the impending strike.
AAGNPSEA had previously issued a warning in January, indicating the escalation of their agitation if the government remained unresponsive to their plea. “Despite repeated assurances, our demands have not been acknowledged,” Hazarika emphasised during a press conference in Guwahati.
Citing the plight of retired employees who are grappling with meagre monthly pensions, AAGNPSEA underscored the urgency of their demand. Hazarika pointed out that five states, including Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, have successfully reinstated OPS, setting a precedent for Assam to follow.
In November of last year, a massive foot march rallied in Guwahati, drawing the participation of over 20,000 government employees, as well as leaders and members of worker federations from other states. Subsequently, a sit-in demonstration was organised in the state capital on December 21, further amplifying their voice.
With approximately five lakh government employees in Assam, of which around 2.4 lakh are under the NPS, the demand for OPS restoration continues to gain momentum. Notably, a significant mobilisation took place in New Delhi’s Ram Lila Maidan, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue and the employees’ determination to secure their rightful pension scheme.
