Briefing by NC JCM on meeting with the committee on pension review

The Committee, chaired by the Finance Secretary, held discussions with the Standing Committee Members of the National Council - JCM regarding the pension system for government employees. The Staff Side, represented by various individuals, met separately to strategize their approach before the Committee. They unanimously concluded that they did not demand any improvements in the NPS (National Pension System) and found the Terms of Reference unacceptable. They decided to submit a memorandum to the Committee Chairman, outlining their opposition to the NPS and their demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. The memorandum emphasized two key demands previously adopted by the JFROPS (NJCA) declaration. During the meeting, the Staff Side presented their views and justifications for scrapping the NPS and restoring the old pension scheme. The Chairman and committee members responded by stating that they would consider the memorandum and take it into account when finalizing their recommendations. They assured continued discussions with the Staff Side of the National Council - JCM. Despite these assurances, the Staff Side reiterated their position that the only solution to the problem was to abolish the non-guaranteed NPS and reinstate the defined and guaranteed old Pension Scheme.

---

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

Ph.: 23382286
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E-Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

No.NC-JCM-2023/RPS

June 09, 2023

All the National Council
JCM Staff Side Members

Dear Comrade,

All of you are aware that the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, vide its Notification dated 06/04/2023 has constituted a Committee to Review the Pension System for Government Employees Under the Chairmanship of The Finance Secretary & Secretary (Expenditure). The following Terms of Reference have been given to the Committee:

(i) Whether in the light of the existing framework and structure of the National Pension System, as applicable to Government employees, any changes therein are warranted.

(ii) If so, to suggest such measures as are appropriate to modify the same with a view to improving upon the pensionary benefits of Government employees covered under the National Pension System, keeping in view the fiscal implications and impact on overall budgetary space, so that fiscal prudence is maintained to protect the common citizens.

The Staff Side met on the forenoon of today in the office of the Staff Side and discussed in detail about the approach and strategy to be adopted by the Staff Side before the Committee, which Shri Mukesh Singh, BPMS also attended. After detailed discussions the Staff Side has unanimously taken the following conclusion:-

1. No Central Government Employees Organizations and the Staff Side of the National Council – JCM have ever demanded for any improvement in the NPS. Therefore the Terms of Reference is not acceptable.
2. A memorandum on behalf of the Staff Side should be submitted to the Chairman of the Committee in the meeting bringing in all facts and arguments why the Central Government Employees are opposing NPS and demanding for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme.
3. We should reiterate the following two demands which was adopted in the declaration of the JFROPS (NJCA).

(i) To withdraw the National Pension System implemented to the employees who are recruited on or after 01/01/2004 and to bring them all under the coverage of old pension scheme under CCS(Pension) Rules 1972.

(ii) To implement the GPF scheme to the employees who are recruited on or after 01/01/2004 by depositing the accumulated employees contribution along with the returns to the GPF Account of the employees.Accordingly a detailed memorandum was prepared and handed over to The Chairmen of the Committee in today’s meeting. A copy of the memorandum dated 09/06/2023 addressed to The Chairman of the Committee is enclosed along with this circular.

In the meeting the Staff Side placed our firm views and all justifications for scrapping the no Guarantee NPS and restoration of the defined and guaranteed Old Pension Scheme. Detailed discussion took place on all the issues raised by us in the memorandum. A patient hearing was given by the Chairman of the Committee on all the issues raised by us. We also clarified on the issues raised by the Chairman in an effective manner.