Dimapur, March 25 (MExN): The Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum (NNPSGSEF) has expressed deep anguish over the continued inaction of the state government and demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, and warned of democratic protests if their long-standing demand continues to be ignored.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the Forum said that since its formation in 2022, it has repeatedly raised grievances of all employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). It explained that National Pension System is a market-linked pension system, which has no return guarantee of the employees’ contribution. “If there is no guarantee of return/pension, there is no guarantee of financial security post-retirement,” it said.
“Pension is not charity or a bounty. It is a vested right,” the Forum said, citing the Supreme Court, while asserting that the OPS guarantees old-age security and dignity in retirement-benefits currently enjoyed by employees appointed before January 1, 2010.
The NNPSGSEF pointed out that employees under both pension systems perform the same duties and responsibilities within their respective roles. “Despite this parity in work and contribution to the State’s machinery, there exists a significant disparity in the treatment and post-retirement benefits extended,” it alleged.
Despite submitting multiple representations to the Chief Secretary and holding peaceful agitations, dharnas, rallies, and a state convention, the Forum said it has received no response from the government so far.
“This continued silence raises several questions giving rise to assumptions: The possibility of the issue being deliberately deferred for various reasons best known to the Government, a lack of discourse with policy-making bodies on how to address the demands on the employees, administrative delays or prioritization of other policy matters over pension reforms, etc,” the forum said. The absence of official communication has created uncertainty and dissatisfaction among employees regarding their long-term financial security, it added.
The Forum has urged the government to deliberate on the matter during the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly - 8th Session Phase II, commencing on March 26, and to clarify the rationale behind the distinction between the two pension systems.
It also called for appropriate measures to ensure uniformity and justice in the treatment of all state government employees.
“In the event of continued silence on this matter, employees covered under the National Pension System may be constrained to pursue alternative forms of democratic protest to assert its genuine and legitimate rights,” the Forum added.
