KATHUA, Sep 14: A delegation Jammu and Kashmir, and Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), District Kathua, today called on Hon’ble MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, and submitted a memorandum seeking his support for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and resolution of the long-pending TET issue affecting in-service teachers.
The delegation comprised Kamlesh Kumari, District President, Female Wing, JKTF Kathua, and Ashok Kumar Jamwal, District General Secretary, JKTF Kathua.
The delegation apprised the MLA that thousands of government employees of Jammu & Kashmir covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) are facing uncertainty over their post-retirement financial security. It emphasized that pension is not a bounty but an important component of social security, dignity and economic protection in old age, and urged the Government to restore OPS.
Through the memorandum, the delegation requested Dr. Rameshwar Singh to raise the issue in the forthcoming session of the J&K Legislative Assembly and support an Assembly resolution for restoration of OPS. It also urged the Government to initiate a time-bound process and constitute a high-level committee to examine the financial, legal and administrative implications of restoring the Old Pension Scheme.
The delegation also discussed the long-pending TET issue and appealed to the MLA to support and advocate for an Assembly resolution seeking complete exemption from TET for all in-service teachers appointed up to October 31, 2019, on the lines of the Tamil Nadu Government.
The delegation stressed that the proposed exemption is essential to safeguard the job security, dignity and livelihood of thousands of serving teachers, and urged the Government to adopt a humane and practical approach towards teachers who have already rendered years of service in the education sector.
Dr. Rameshwar Singh gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that he would take up the issues at the appropriate forum.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar Jamwal said that JKTF, under the leadership of UT President M. Ashraf Sheikh, has been consistently raising the demand for restoration of OPS and taking up the genuine issues of employees and teachers at every appropriate platform.
He said, “One Voice, One Demand, One Mission — to restore OPS for a fair, just and secure retirement for all.”