SRINAGAR: Employees and trade union leaders from across Jammu and Kashmir gathered on Monday at Tagore Hall in Srinagar to renew their demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Organized by the National Old Pension Restoration United Front (NOPRUF), the one-day convention saw widespread participation from government employees, union representatives, and community leaders committed to securing a stable retirement future.
The event was presided over by Mr. B. P. Singh Rawat, National President of NOPRUF, who emphasized the importance of OPS as a pillar of financial security for retirees. “The Old Pension Scheme is the backbone of post-retirement financial stability,” Rawat stated, highlighting the contrast with the current market-based National Pension Scheme (NPS). He called on the government to fulfill its moral obligation by reinstating the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rajesh Sharma, President of NOPRUF Jammu and Kashmir, urged unity among trade unions and employees, especially those covered under NPS, to lead the movement for restoration. “This is a collective mission — for justice and dignity in retirement,” Sharma declared.
Prominent leaders and representatives from various trade unions and employee associations also spoke or participated in the event. Among them were Mr. Jeelani Naik, President of JKADCS and Chief Spokesperson for NOPRUF, who appealed to the Prime Minister to uphold the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” by restoring OPS, and thanked the local government for working toward this goal.
The convention saw addresses from numerous officials, including UT General Secretary Sakoon Manir Wani, Kashmir Provincial President Binny Tandon, and representatives from various employee organizations and trade unions. The speakers collectively reaffirmed their commitment to intensify the movement until the Old Pension Scheme is restored.
Concluding the event, Mr. Sharma reaffirmed the movement’s resolve: “The Old Pension Scheme is a cornerstone of dignified retirement, and we will continue our fight until it is restored.” The gathering ended with a unified pledge to escalate efforts for pension justice.