JAMMU, Oct 18: The National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS)–J&K on Sunday convened a virtual meeting of district presidents from across Jammu and Kashmir to reiterate its demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for eligible employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
The meeting, chaired by UT President Mohammed Ashraf Sheikh, reviewed pension-related grievances, organisational preparedness and the financial difficulties faced by employees, retirees and bereaved families.
According to a statement issued by NMOPS–J&K UT Spokesperson Shan Irfan, Sheikh called for a comprehensive district-wise assessment of the problems confronting NPS-covered employees, particularly those who had retired under the scheme and families facing financial hardship following the death of an employee.
He stressed that pension security and financial stability after retirement were essential concerns requiring serious consideration by the authorities.
Sheikh appealed to employees across departments to unite behind the demand for OPS restoration. He said NMOPS–J&K would continue its peaceful and democratic struggle until the demand was fulfilled.
He also directed district presidents to maintain regular contact with employees, identify genuine pension-related grievances, compile details of pending cases and coordinate with the UT leadership to ensure effective representation before the concerned authorities.
The district units were further asked to extend possible assistance to retired employees and bereaved families facing genuine hardship. Sheikh emphasised that the organisation must remain accessible to affected employees and ensure that their concerns were properly documented.
He maintained that pension was not merely a post-retirement benefit but an important component of social security, adding that employees who had devoted their productive years to public service deserved financial dignity and security after retirement.
During the meeting, district presidents shared feedback from their respective areas and highlighted concerns relating to pension benefits, retirement security and the difficulties faced by affected families. They assured the UT leadership of their cooperation in strengthening the movement.
The meeting was attended by district presidents Sanjay Sharma (Jammu), Aakash Kashyap (Kathua), Jai Krishna Vasista (Samba), Atul Raina (Udhampur), Dr. Syed Nusrat Hussain Shah (Poonch), Vijay Singh (Ramban), Shakeel Ahmed Dar (Rajouri), Sushil Kumar Sharma (Reasi), Tariq Amin Naik (Doda), Mohammed Imran (Kishtwar), Sarfaraz Ahmad Rather (Srinagar), Peerzada Irshad Ahmad (Ganderbal), Farooq Ahmed Kuty (Budgam), Irfat Mehboobi (Pulwama), Romi Koul (Anantnag), Zahoor Ahmed Malik (Shopian), Tanveer Ahmed Khanday (Kulgam), Khan Aatif Abdullah (Kupwara), Razak Ahmed (Baramulla) and Saleem Kawa (Bandipora).
The meeting concluded with a resolve to improve coordination among district units, follow up on employee grievances and intensify collective efforts for pension security.
NMOPS–J&K called upon NPS-covered employees to stand united in support of OPS restoration, maintaining that sustained and democratic collective action was necessary to secure a dignified retirement for employees and their families.