Govt warns against participating in strikes for restoration of Old Pension Scheme

The central government has warned its employees against participating in strikes or protests over demand for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

In a communication to all ministries on Monday, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said, “The undersigned is directed to inform that the National Joint Council of Action under the banner of ‘Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme’, has planned to organise district-level rallies across the country on March 21, exclusively over OPS.”

“The instructions issued by the Department of Personnel & Training prohibit Government servants from participating in any form of strike, including mass casual leave, go-slow, sit-down etc. or any action that abet any form of strike in violation of Rule 7 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Besides, in accordance with the proviso to Rule 17 (1) of the Fundamental Rules, pay and allowances is not admissible to an employee for his absence from duty without any authority,” the communication said.

“Central Government Employees under your Ministry/Departments may, therefore, be suitably informed of the aforesaid instructions under the conduct Rules issued by this Department and other regulations upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. They may be dissuaded from resorting to strike in any form, including protest,” it said.

“Instructions may be issued not to sanction casual leave or other kind of leave to employees if applied for during the period of the proposed protest/strike and ensure that the willing employees are allowed hindrance free entry into the office premises.”

“For this purpose, Joint Secretary (Admn) may be entrusted with the task of coordinating with security personnel,” it said. “In case the employees go on dharma/protest/strike, a report indicating the number of employees who took part in the proposed dharna/protest strike may be conveyed to this Department on the evening of the day.”

Acting on the order, the Animal Husbandry and Dairying department warned its employees of action if they participated in protests over OPS demand. In a circular, it said that in case any official participates in the strike/protest, it will be brought to the notice of the competent authority for appropriate disciplinary/penal action.