Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 27: A meeting cum convention organized by Jammu Kashmir Movement for Old Pension Scheme (JKMOPS) took place in Ramban on August 27, 2023, to advocate for the restoration of the old Pension Scheme for NPS (New Pension Scheme) employees of the Union Territory (UT). Hundreds of employees from various departments, including a significant number of teachers from all Zones of District Ramban, attended the convention under the banner of JKMOPS, with the full support of Jammu Kashmir Teachers Joint Action Committee (JKTJAC).
The convention was led by Vinod Sharma, JKTJAC UT President and a senior leader of JKMOPS, alongside JKTJAC Chairman Saleem Sagar, UT Vice President of JKTJAC Aftaf Malik, and District Ramban DP Har Lal Nag.
Vinod Sharma emphasized the critical need for restoring the old Pension Scheme for all NPS employees of the UT hired after December 31, 2009. He highlighted the insecurity of the old age future for NPS employees due to the scheme's shortcomings, which have negatively impacted their families as well. Sharma explained that those retiring under NPS do not receive guaranteed pensions, leaving them with meager amounts that fail to cover essential expenses, including medical costs. He questioned how families could survive on pensions as low as Rs 2000-3000 in today's inflationary times. Sharma pointed to other states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh that have either implemented or planned to implement the Old Pension Scheme, and he urged the same for the employees of the UT.
Saleem Sagar called for the unconditional implementation of benefits under SRO-43 for UT employees, expressing concern over the present conditions making it challenging for families to access employment under SRO-43.
Speakers from various departments, including UT General Secretary Najam Jafri, called upon the LG administration to intervene and implement the old Pension Scheme to alleviate the challenges faced by NPS employees post-retirement, similar to states that have already taken such measures.
The speakers announced plans to hold similar programs in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir Divisions soon, aiming to intensify the movement at the grassroots level for the restoration of the old Pension Scheme.
Several others also spoke at the event, including Reyaz-ur Rehman, Rajesh Jamwal, Sukesh Khajuria, Malik Ashraf, Ghulam Nabi Ganie, Yousuf Shah, Mushtaq Khan, Mohd Yaseen, Ravinder Manhas, Khazan Singh, Parshant Sharma, Suresh Sharma, Javed Ahmed Bali, Joginder Singh Chib, Sawa Singh Sumbria, District Vice President Joginder Singh Manhas, Ashraf Katoch District Chief Coordinator, Surajeet Singh District Advisor, Khursheed Ahmed Naik Chief Organizer, Ramesh Sumbria District Executive Member, Shiv Kumar District Executive Member, Das Raj District Executive Member, Sanjay Singh District Executive Member, Farooq Ahmed Lone ZP Ukhral, Chamail Singh ZP Ramban, Ghulam Nabi ZP Banihal, and several others. |
