ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Jun 14: The state unit of the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Arunachal Pradesh state government, demanding the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) in the state. The ultimatum was delivered through a representation submitted to the Governor, reiterating the group's longstanding demand.
Vice-President of the state unit of NMOPS, Tamchi Taniang said  "If the state government fails to address the demand within the specified time frame, the unit has decided to stage a series of democratic protests." The planned protests include peaceful rallies, tools down strikes, mass casual leave as per CCS rules, and mass rallies across the state, all aimed at highlighting the need for the restoration of OPS.
Taniang expressed disappointment that despite numerous representations made since 2021, the state government is  yet to address the demand for OPS restoration. He emphasized that the New Pension Scheme (NPS) fails to provide adequate social and economic security to retired employees, as it does not guarantee any pension after retirement. 

He outlined various drawbacks of NPS, including lesser benefits compared to OPS, withdrawal limits, taxation at the time of withdrawal, account opening restrictions, investment restrictions, and no guaranteed returns.
The central government introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2003, later known as the National Pension Scheme (NPS), which replaced OPS for employees joining service after January 2004. The Arunachal Pradesh government implemented NPS in January 2008, making employees appointed on or after that date ineligible for OPS.
Taniang further highlighted that few states, such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, have already banned NPS and reinstated OPS. He questioned the Arunachal Pradesh government's stance, asking why it couldn't follow suit for the welfare of its employees. He also referenced Roing MLA Mutchu Mithi raising the issue in the state assembly, with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein responding that it was a central issue beyond the state government's jurisdiction.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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