NPS employees mark Ambedkar Jayanti, demand restoration of old pension scheme in J&K

• Urge LG Sinha, Centre to implement OPS/UPS, cite financial insecurity under NPS

JAMMU: NPS Employees United Front on Friday celebrated the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with fervour and renewed their demand for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), urging both the Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure social and financial security for employees.

Under the guidance of Chief Patron Ganesh Khajuria , a programme was held to commemorate the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar, with participants recalling his contributions towards social justice, equality, and the protection of workers’ rights. On the occasion, members of the Front reiterated that ensuring pension security is in line with the principles of welfare and dignity advocated by the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ashwani Sharma, General Secretary Surinder Kaith, Ravi Kaith and other senior members highlighted the growing concerns among employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). They stated that the existing system lacks guaranteed returns and exposes employees to financial uncertainty after retirement.

“The NPS does not provide assured pension benefits, leaving employees vulnerable to market risks. In contrast, the Old Pension Scheme offers stability, predictability, and social security, which are essential for a dignified post-retirement life,” the speakers said.

The leaders urged the Central Government to take a compassionate and pragmatic view of the issue and restore OPS for employees. They emphasized that several states have already taken steps in this direction, reflecting widespread concern among the workforce.

The Front also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and implement the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in Jammu and Kashmir. They pointed out that employees in the Union Territory currently do not have the option to switch from NPS to UPS, placing them at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in other regions.

Raising the issue of parity and fairness, the speakers said that employees in J&K deserve equal opportunities and benefits in pension reforms. “There should be a clear mechanism allowing employees to opt for a more secure pension system. Denying this choice is unjust and needs immediate redressal,” they added.The participants collectively resolved to continue their democratic struggle until their demands are addressed. They stressed that the demand for OPS is not merely a financial issue but a matter of social security and dignity for lakhs of employees and their families.

The event concluded with a pledge to uphold Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals and intensify efforts to secure a stable and assured pension system for all employees in Jammu and Kashmir. Executive members attended programme were Kuldeepak Singh,  Manpreet Singh , Sunny Kumar, Rakesh Chander, S. Gurcharan Singh, Jarnail Chand, Neeraj Raina, Ashok Kumar, Rashpal Dass, Suresh Kumar, Bharat Bushan, Smt. Kanchan Meenia,Smt. Sandeep Kour, Dr. Harjeet Kour, Smt. Reetika Sudan, Smt. Renu Choudhary Smt Nisha Mahajan Avleen Kour Rashmi Gupta and many others.