Tanveer Hussain
Srinagar 20 Oct: The Jammu Kashmir General Line Teachers Forum (JKGLTF), associated with the Teachers Federation of India (TFI), has urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS), emphasising that pension security is essential for ensuring dignity and financial stability after retirement.
The Forum reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the legitimate rights and demands of employees at both the national and Union Territory levels. It stated that the restoration of OPS remains one of its key demands and assured employees that it would continue to raise the issue on appropriate platforms until a favourable decision is taken.
The JKGLTF observed that government employees dedicate their productive years to public service, implementing government policies and ensuring the smooth functioning of various departments. After decades of dedicated service, such employees deserve financial security, dignity and peace of mind during their retirement years.
“Pension is not a favour granted by the government; it is the rightful entitlement of employees who devote their productive years to serving society and the nation,” the Forum stated.
The organisation maintained that retirement should mark the beginning of a secure and dignified phase of life rather than expose employees to financial uncertainty and anxiety. It stressed that a dependable pension system is vital for protecting the interests of employees who have contributed significantly to public welfare and institutional development.
The Forum appealed to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to adopt a sympathetic and employee-friendly approach towards this long-pending demand and initiate concrete steps for the restoration of OPS for NPS-covered employees in the Union Territory.
It further assured employees that JKGLTF, in coordination with the Teachers Federation of India, would continue its efforts to secure the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and safeguard employees’ social security and retirement benefits.
The Forum reiterated that employees who dedicate their lives to serving the government and the public deserve security, dignity and justice in their old age. It urged the government to give due consideration to their concerns and take appropriate measures to address their demand.
