Government employees to hold rally in Puducherry on February 28 against New Pension Scheme

Confederation of Puducherry Government Employees rally against New Pension Scheme, demanding implementation of Old Pension Scheme for fair benefits.

The Confederation of Puducherry Government Employees’ Association has decided to stage a rally in Puducherry on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, against the implementation of the New Pension Scheme (NPS)

Addressing a press conference on Monday, February 26, general secretary of the association K. Radhakrishnan said the employees would stage the rally from the Swadeshi Cotton Mill complex, to express their displeasure over the implementation of NPS in Puducherry.

After holding the rally, representatives of the association would submit a memorandum to Chief Minister N. Rangasamy urging him to implement the Old Pension Scheme. The decision to implement the new scheme to those recruited after January 1, 2004, has created concerns among the workers. Under the new scheme, the pension that accrues is not commensurate with the cost of living, he said.

“A Group C employee appointed in 2004 will get around ₹2,600 to ₹ 3,000 after 20 years of service. There is no guarantee that the recommendations of the Central Pay Commission will be included for pension under the new scheme. There is no family pension or Dearness Allowance,” he pointed out.

Mr. Radhakrishnan urged the Chief Minister to use the territorial administration’s discretion to switch over to the old pension scheme. Nine State governments have issued orders to implement the old scheme, he added.