NEW DELHI: Unifying under the banner of reclaiming the Old Pension Scheme, government employees hailing from both Central and state departments are poised to assemble at Ramlila Maidan on the 10th of August. Termed the 'Pension Rights Maharally,' this event has been proclaimed by a consortium of railway union leaders and will be orchestrated as part of the larger Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS) and the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA).

Presenting their stance before the press, Shiv Gopal Mishra, the national convener of NJCA and the general secretary of All India Railway Men's Federation (AIRF), articulated that a substantial portion of employees who embarked on their government service journey post-January 1, 2004, vehemently oppose the New Pension Scheme (NPS). These employees harbor concerns regarding their post-retirement prospects, sensing that they have been divested of the Old Pension Scheme and involuntarily transitioned into the New Pension Scheme, as per reports.

"The repercussions of this are far-reaching, endangering the future and twilight years' sustenance for countless employees. This is the rationale behind our establishment of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS)/NJCA," the report stated.

The imminent 'Pension Rights Maharally' is marked for August 10th at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, with proceedings commencing at 9:30 am, as verified by Mishra.

Envisioned to draw a diverse assemblage, encompassing Central and state employees, railway staff, PSU personnel, educators, defense operatives, and former paramilitary personnel spanning the nation, Mishra indicated the rally's broad appeal. Mishra also highlighted the group's history of staging numerous regional demonstrations, rallies, and torch-lit processions. They have further submitted petitions to local officials, governors, cabinet secretaries, and even the prime minister, spotlighting their concerns on this matter. Mishra underscored the mounting discontent among employees, attributing it to what they perceive as the government's "anti-employee policies."

Mishra stressed that if leaders can access the privileges of the Old Pension Scheme, then employees who dedicate their entire careers to public service are equally deserving of similar support during their retirement years. He affirmed that the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme is the rightful entitlement of these employees. "It's their due, and the government must promptly reinstate the Old Pension Scheme," he asserted.

Mishra cautioned that if the government neglects their demands, the specter of a nationwide protest known as a 'Bharat Bandh' could loom, effectively halting the nation. In such an eventuality, Mishra made it clear that the government alone would bear the brunt of the ensuing repercussions.

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