JAMMU, Oct 12: The National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS), Jammu and Kashmir, has renewed its demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all government employees appointed on or after January 1, 2010, who are covered under the National Pension System (NPS), calling for concrete measures to ensure financial security and dignity after retirement.
In a statement issued here, NMOPS-J&K President Mohammed Ashraf Sheikh said the implementation of the NPS had created uncertainty among government employees regarding their financial security after retirement. He stressed that pension was an essential component of social security and that employees who dedicated their lives to public service deserved a secure and dignified retirement.
Sheikh urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to acknowledge the genuine concerns of NPS-covered employees and take concrete steps towards restoring the OPS for all affected employees. He maintained that a secure pension system was vital to safeguarding the future of employees and their families.
Reiterating the organisation’s commitment to the cause, Sheikh said NMOPS-J&K would continue its democratic struggle until the demand for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme was addressed. He emphasised that pension should not be treated merely as a retirement benefit but as a fundamental aspect of social security, dignity and financial stability.
Describing NMOPS-J&K as a common platform representing employees from various government departments, he appealed to all NPS-covered employees across Jammu and Kashmir to unite and extend their full support to the ongoing movement.
He further called upon the government to take a favourable decision in the larger interest of employees and their families, stating that adequate post-retirement security was essential for ensuring peace of mind and a dignified life after years of public service.
The organisation reiterated its determination to continue the campaign for the restoration of OPS under the slogans “Employees’ Unity, Our Strength, Secure Tomorrow” and “OPS—Our Right, Secure Our Future.”