State & Central Government Employees on 4 day relay hunger strike for Old Pension Scheme

The Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS) and AIDEF have initiated a nationwide 4-day Relay Hunger Strike starting on Monday, joined by a significant number of Central Government Employees and State Government workers. Under the AIDEF banner, numerous Defence Civilian Employees from various units such as Ordnance Factories, DRDO, MES, NAVY, Air Force, DGQA, EME, and other Army establishments have actively participated in this Hunger Fast. Their primary demand, upheld for the last two decades, is the withdrawal of the contributory National Pension System (NPS) for Central Government Employees due to its lack of the benefits present in the Old Pension Scheme.

Several opposition-led State Governments have previously withdrawn the NPS, contrasting with the Modi Government's unwavering stance to persist with the NPS and not reinstate the Old Pension Scheme. Despite the formation of a high-level committee chaired by Finance Secretary Mr. Somanathan to suggest improvements in the NPS, Central Government Employees, including Defence Civilian Employees, have adamantly rejected it as their core demand remains the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.

In a bid to amplify their plea, JFROPS orchestrated a massive rally at RamLeela Maidan, New Delhi, on August 10, 2023, resolving to initiate an indefinite strike should the Government fail to heed their call to reinstate the Old Pension Scheme.

Subsequently, Strike Ballots were conducted within the Railways and Defence sectors, with over 99% of employees voting in favor of an indefinite strike. In preparation for this prolonged strike, JFROPS has decided to observe a 4-day Relay Hunger Strike from January 8th to January 11th, 2024. Consequently, the Hunger Fast commenced nationwide on the 8th as planned.