Employees’ unions get together against the Modi government's Unified Pension Scheme
The Center's newly and recently announced Unified Pension Scheme, a contributory scheme like the current National Pension Scheme (NPS), was rejected by several employee unions on Sunday.
image for illustrative purpose
On Sunday, several labor unions strongly opposed the Narendra Modi government's Unified Pension Scheme, requesting the continuation of the Old Pension Program (OPS). The unions argue that the new scheme will solely enrich the government, leaving employees with insufficient retirement benefits.
Among the groups spearheading the opposition to the Unified Pension Scheme are the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Central Industrial Trade Union (CITU). They contend that the scheme is a blatant attempt to replace the OPS with the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
In addition, the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS) has joined the fray for the pension scheme.
“The package offered by the government in the name of UPS reflects the same deceptive ploy of depriving government employees of their legitimate dues on account of pension,” said Tapan Sen, general secretary, CITU in a statement.
The implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme by the Modi government has been perceived as an effort to lower its pension obligations. Under UPS, the government portion will increase to 18.5%, but employee contributions will remain at 10%.
Nonetheless, labor organizations are adamant about opposing this action, pointing to the necessity of a stable retirement pension. The lines of war have been established, and the unions representing the workers have vowed to use force if necessary.
