
The Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), a group consisting of government employees and employees of various public sector undertakings, has decided to postpone the indefinite strike they had previously announced for May 1. The strike was organized to demand the reinstatement of the old pension scheme.
The decision to defer the strike was made after discussions with high-ranking government officials, including Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Union Finance Secretary T.V. Somanathan. The strike was scheduled to commence on May 1, and strike notices were supposed to be served, including in the Railways, starting from March 19.
According to JFROPS convener Shiva Gopal Mishra, the government requested more time to make a decision on reinstating the old pension scheme, which led to the decision to defer the strike. “They informed us that they need additional time to consult with states and various departments. We agreed to this proposal and decided to postpone the strike,” said Mr. Mishra.
The committee, chaired by Mr. Somanathan, that was established by the central government to review the pension system, also held discussions with employee leaders. Mr. Mishra informed JFROPS members that the Finance Secretary explained the delay in submitting the committee’s report, but assured that the committee is working diligently and will attempt to resolve the issue as soon as possible. “He also urged the JCM (Staff Side) to trust the committee as well as the government’s intentions in establishing the committee, which was announced in Parliament. Therefore, the JCM (Staff Side) should give some more time to finalize this issue,” Mr. Mishra stated in the circular.
The Somanathan Committee has been engaging with the staff side of the JCM and has held meetings in June, July of last year, and on March 14. “The Committee has taken note of the issues raised and is actively considering the matter in consultation with the state governments,” stated a circular by the Finance Ministry.