Proddatur – Andhra Pradesh: In a strong show of opposition to the Central Government’s Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), leaders at an awareness program in Proddutur declared the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) as the only acceptable alternative to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), calling for its immediate implementation.
OPS: The only viable solution
During the event organized by APCPSEA at the Upadhyaya Seva Kendram on Monday, leaders voiced their unwavering support for the reinstatement of OPS. Onteru Srinivasula Reddy, the event’s chief guest, firmly stated that OPS is the sole alternative to CPS, rejecting any other pension schemes proposed by the government.
Echoing this sentiment, State Additional Chief Secretary SR Venkata Janardhana Reddy criticized the current pension models, including CPS and the proposed UPS. He questioned how UPS, with its continued employee contributions, could be seen as an alternative to OPS. He raised concerns about the security and adequacy of the pension under UPS, particularly for employees who retire early or pass away prematurely. SR demanded that the government of AP fulfill its pre-election promises by reinstating the Old Pension Scheme immediately.
Other leaders also emphasized the importance of OPS for the well-being of employees. Rizwan Ali called for the implementation of OPS for those appointed before 2004, while Bala Jojappa noted that no government has ever thrived by ignoring the demands of its employees. Chandra Obula Reddy warned that anti-employee policies would inevitably lead to widespread movements.
A call for immediate action
Several speakers at the event expressed their dismay at the government’s pension policies. Social Welfare Officer Ramakrishna Reddy lamented the lack of pension security for employees in their old age, urging the government to reconsider its stance. Excise Circle Inspector Bhargava Reddy affirmed that pension is a fundamental right of employees and that no amount of legislation would satisfy the working community if their rights were eroded.
SLTA leaders Ankal Kondaiah and Narasimha Sai Kumar reiterated their support for the implementation of OPS, vowing to stand by the employees in their fight for fair pension rights.
The event saw participation from various leaders and activists, including Murali Mohan, Nagaraju, Jamal Reddy, Subba Reddy, Mastan Wali, and others, all united in their demand for the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme.
