Government and semi-government employees in Maharashtra are planning to hold a “Family March” on November 8 to demand the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They have also warned of an indefinite strike from December 14 if their demands are not met.
The employees are unhappy with the state government’s approach towards their demand for OPS, which provides a stable source of income post-retirement. They are also demanding the cancellation of the indirect privatization of the education sector and the filling of all vacant posts.
The Shinde-Fadnavis government is already struggling to solve the Maratha reservation issue, and this latest demand from government employees is another major challenge for them.
The demand for OPS has been on the political agenda in Maharashtra since the legislative council elections in January this year. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had announced that the government would consider the demand positively, but the issue remains unresolved.
Government employees went on strike in March during the budget session of the legislature, but the strike ended after the state government appointed a committee to look into the demand for OPS. However, the committee has not yet submitted its report, and the state government has not taken any action on the issue.
The employees’ unions have now decided to take matters into their own hands and hold the “Family March” on November 8. They have also warned of an indefinite strike from December 14 if their demands are not met.
The state government is facing a difficult situation, as it is already struggling to deal with the Maratha reservation issue and the financial crisis. It will need to find a way to address the demands of government employees without further straining its finances.