Pensioners slam political parties, demand OPS and higher benefits

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: Thousands of pensioners staged a protest in Konaseema district on Monday, accusing political parties of using pensions as election bait while ignoring the real hardships of retirees. The dharna, organized at Nalla Bridge under the banner of the All Pensioners and Retired Persons Association, drew participants from across the state, including Central, State, and EPS-95 pensioners.

Former MLC accuses parties of betrayal

Former MLC IVR, speaking as chief guest, alleged that political parties are misleading people with false promises on pensions and employee welfare to gain power. “After coming to power, they are leaving pensioners’ problems to the wind,” he said, stressing that long-standing demands remain unaddressed.

Minimum pension and higher option demands

District President Kadali Satyanarayana and Secretary Gubbala Gopalakrishna demanded a minimum pension of Rs 9,000 with DA for EPS-95 pensioners. They also sought implementation of the higher option for enhanced pension and a re-examination of the Rs 14.5 lakh rejected higher pension applications across the country.

Healthcare and policy reforms urged

Protesters demanded free medical facilities for EPS-95 pensioners and their families, abolition of the pro-rata pension method, and the immediate appointment of the 8th PRC Commission. They also pressed for an interim pension declaration for Central and State employees.

Call for OPS, job security, and wage hike

Speakers demanded that the government abolish NPS, CPS, and UPS, and restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They insisted on filling all vacant posts in government departments, cancelling outsourcing and contract-based appointments, and ensuring minimum wages that match inflation.

Unpaid dues and DA arrears highlighted

The protesters reminded the State Government of its pending Rs 20,000 crore dues and demanded immediate clearance of the four pending DA installments. They also called for strengthening the Employees Health Scheme (EHS) by covering all diseases in corporate hospitals and ensuring timely sanction of bills.

The dharna was led by Honorary Presidents D. Sriramurthy and Kosadi Kari P Bhaskara Rao, along with Secretaries M. Venkateswara Rao, Pantani Ramakrishna, and V Banoji Rao. Leaders and members from Rajolu, Gannavaram, and Kothapet branches participated, making the protest a massive show of strength by pensioners.