Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
Shimla:
The New Pension Scheme Employees Federation (NPSEA), led by state president Pradeep Thakur, submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through District Commissioner Apoorv Devgan in Mandi district today, demanding key changes in pension policies.
The memorandum outlines two primary demands:
1. Refund of Rs. 12,030 Crores from NSDL: Thakur emphasized the need for the return of over Rs. 12,030 crores currently held by the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) following the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Himachal Pradesh. The federation argues that this fund is crucial for ensuring financial security for state employees and the government.
2. Opposition to Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) and New Pension Scheme (NPS): Thakur stated that employees nationwide are protesting against the UPS and NPS, citing these schemes as inadequate for providing a secure pension for the future. The federation demands the nationwide implementation of the OPS, urging the government to pass the necessary legislation in the Lok Sabha. Thakur called for immediate withdrawal of the UPS, asserting that it does not serve the interests of employees.
Protests were held across all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh today, with demonstrations in every district against the UPS. Various union officials, including district president Lekhraj and state advisor Kanhaiya Ram Saini, participated in the event, highlighting widespread discontent among employees regarding the current pension schemes.
