Guwahati: Teachers and Employees demand for Old Pension Schemes

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The All Assam Government NPS Employees Association (AAGNPSEA) and the Joint Forum of Employees – Teachers – Workers Unions staged a large-scale protest on Monday, demanding the reinstatement of the Old Pension Schemes (OPS) for government employees and teachers. The protest, marked by a one-day non-cooperation movement and a march to Dispur, aimed to pressurize the state government, which has refused to consider reintroducing OPS despite repeated appeals, protests, and demonstrations.

The protestors gathered at Chachal, defying administrative hurdles, and made it clear that their movement would intensify if the government failed to act. Addressing the gathering, Achyutananda Hazarika, president of AAGNPSEA, stated, “OPS is the only way to ensure financial security for retired teachers and employees. The government’s refusal to reinstate it has left thousands facing financial deprivation. We will continue our democratic struggle until our demands are met.”

The Assam government recently announced a new system, the Unified Pension System (UPS), for employees under the National Pension System (NPS). However, protesters argued that it does not address the shortcomings of the NPS and fails to provide adequate retirement security. Apurba Sarma, general secretary of AAGNPSEA, said, “Instead of solving the problems faced by NPS employees, the government is prolonging this issue. The working class, teachers, and employees will fight till the last moment to secure their rightful pension benefits.”

The protest also saw participation from several employee and teacher associations, including the All Assam Judicial Employees Association, Assam High School Teachers Association, Assam College Teachers Association, and others. The protesters also condemned alleged intimidation tactics used by authorities to suppress the movement.

The leaders warned that if the government remained indifferent, the agitation would escalate with even stronger participation from teachers and their families. They emphasized that securing post-retirement benefits is crucial for ensuring socio-economic stability in the state.

Also read: Assam: Teachers’ body hails cabinet decision on head teacher posts

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