Officials at North East Leaders Meet for restoration of OPS at Guwahati on February 1.
Guwahati, February 1 (MExN): A North East Leaders Meet for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was held on Sunday at ACTA Bhavan, Guwahati, bringing together service associations and representatives from various North Eastern states.
The meeting focused on the challenges posed by the National Pension System (NPS) and the need to revert to the assured, defined-benefit Old Pension Scheme to ensure financial security and dignity in retirement for government employees across the region.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants adopted a series of resolutions, resolving to unite as a single collective voice and appeal to the respective state governments and the Central Government, wherever applicable, for the immediate restoration of OPS across the entire North East.
To strengthen the region-wide movement and create a unified platform, the meeting decided to constitute a Coordination Committee under the banner of the North East Government Employees Welfare Federation. The committee will coordinate joint efforts, formulate strategies and formally take up the issue with governments at all levels.
The next leadership meeting of the North East Government Employees Welfare Federation has been scheduled for February 14, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, to review progress and plan further intensified campaigns.
Representing Nagaland, State President Avizo Nienu and State Finance Secretary Adabe Namgi of the Nagaland NPS Forum (NNPSGSEF) participated in the deliberations.
Speaking on the occasion, Nienu said the Nagaland NPS Forum had submitted several representations to the Nagaland government seeking restoration of OPS, but no positive response had been received so far.
“The coming together of leaders from across the North East to unite and work collectively in this movement is the need of the hour. All government employees from the North Eastern states must come together, cooperate fully and speak with one unified voice. We must leave no room for any organisation or government to exploit divisions through a divide-and-rule approach,” he said.
The participants expressed optimism that the collaborative regional approach would build momentum and compel prompt action from the authorities.
The North East Government Employees Welfare Federation and its coordination committee will continue sustained efforts until the Old Pension Scheme is restored in all North Eastern states, a release received here said.
