Nigam and Corporation Employees Left in Lurch: Empty Assurances in Old Pension Scheme Saga
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Shimla, Aug 28 Himachal Tonite BureauÂ
The ‘Purani Pension Aabhar Rally’ held in Dharamshala on May 28, 2023 saw Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing a massive crowd, making promises that seem to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. While the CM proclaimed to provide benefits of the old pension scheme to a substantial number of employees, a closer look reveals a troubling pattern of empty rhetoric and a lack of concrete action.
One of the CM’s key announcements was the inclusion of employees from corporations under the old pension scheme, which was met with hopeful anticipation. However, the lack of any official notification or written confirmation raises doubts about the authenticity of this claim. It’s bewildering that such a crucial decision seems to have been built “out of thin air,” with no substantial documentation to support the CM’s words.
Furthermore, the plight of the employees from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited and the Corporations cannot be ignored. These employees, who have been left out of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), are now feeling betrayed by the CM’s actions. Despite verbal assurances and the clearing of objections by the board, no concrete steps have been taken to rectify this situation.
The Chief Minister’s verbal commitment to addressing these issues seems to be a mere charade, leaving employees hanging in the balance without any assurance of a secure future. The lack of transparency surrounding the implementation of the old pension scheme for these neglected employees raises serious questions about the government’s intentions.
Lokesh Thakur, President of NPSEA (New Pension Scheme Enginer Association) stated, “Recently, our Chief Minister has provided us with reassuring news that positive outcomes are on the horizon. Certain concerns that were raised have been effectively addressed by the authorities from our side, and their response has been duly communicated. Additionally, a letter was also issued by the department about a month ago, stating the discontinuation of NPS fund deductions; however, its contents have yet to come to our attention. While I personally haven’t seen this letter yet, as government employees, our only recourse is to place our trust in our Chief Minister. We hold our expectations high, believing that a favorable resolution is imminent.”
Comparatively, other departments have begun reaping the benefits of the old pension scheme, while employees from the Nigam and corporations are left out without any written assurance. This glaring discrepancy in treatment raises concerns about the equity and fairness of the government’s approach.
Furthermore, the CM’s emotional appeal, stating that he understands the struggles of government employees as the son of one, appears to be an attempt to connect with the crowd on a personal level. However, empathy alone is not enough when employees’ livelihoods are at stake. The CM’s promise to fight for the return of NPS funds during a NITI Aayog meeting is encouraging but falls short of concrete action.
The financial challenges faced by the state are acknowledged, but they cannot be an excuse for the lack of clarity and direction. The Chief Minister’s assertion that the government is working towards revitalizing the state’s economy within the next four years sounds like a convenient way of buying time. Meanwhile, employees from the board and the corporations continue to grapple with uncertainty about their pensions and financial security.
In conclusion, while the Chief Minister’s words might have ignited hope among employees, the lack of substantive actions and official documents paints a different picture. It’s crucial for employees to be wary of empty promises and demand concrete steps towards implementing the old pension scheme for all deserving individuals. After all, their future should not hang in the balance of vague assurances and political grandstanding.
