Government Employees Rally for Old Pension Scheme (OPS), Plan Jantar Mantar Protest
Central and state government employees are set to stage a massive protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The rally, scheduled for [date], highlights growing frustration with the New Pension Scheme (NPS), rebranded as the Uttar Pradesh Scheme (UPS) in some states. Employees argue that UPS/NPS fails to provide financial security compared to OPS.
Why Are Employees Protesting?
The Old Pension Scheme, scrapped in 2004, guaranteed retirees 50% of their last drawn salary plus inflation adjustments. The NPS/UPS, a market-linked plan, offers no fixed returns, leaving many with pensions as low as ₹1,000–2,000 per month—far below OPS benefits.
“NPS pensions are unpredictable. Under OPS, retirees would get ₹15,000–20,000 monthly,” says Rakesh Kumar of the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS).
State vs. Centre: Clash Over Pension Policies
While states like Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Punjab have revived OPS, Uttar Pradesh’s rebranded UPS retains NPS features, angering employees.
“UPS is just NPS with a new name. We need OPS, not labels,” says a UP government employee.
Politically, opposition parties (Congress, AAP, SP) back OPS, while the BJP-led Centre calls it “fiscally unsustainable.” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has ruled out reverting to OPS, citing rising liabilities.
Key Demands of Protesters
- Restore OPS immediately for all government staff.
- Guaranteed pensions, not market-dependent payouts.
- Legal protection against future pension changes.
With elections nearing, the protest could sway voter sentiment, especially in states with large employee populations.
What’s Next?
Employees threaten nationwide strikes if demands are ignored. “We’ve waited 20 years. Now, we’ll escalate,” warns a protester.
The OPS debate pits employee welfare against fiscal concerns, with lakhs of livelihoods—and political fortunes—at stake.
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