Dispur: The All Assam Government NPS Employees’ Association (AAGNPSEA) has declared a two-day strike on August 22 and 23, aiming to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and abolish the National Pension Scheme (NPS), according to recent reports. The association's president, Achyutananda Hazarika, emphasised that pensions are meant to ensure dignified retirements for government employees. Expressing discontent with the NPS in effect since 2005, they demand OPS restoration, citing its adoption by five other states. Despite lacking government responsiveness, state employees remain dissatisfied with the NPS's inadequacies.
A joint assembly of 55 organizations decided on July 9 to stage the strike, submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister through district commissioner offices. Supporting their cause are various groups like the All Assam Heads of the Department Ministerial Officers’ Association, the All Assam District Administration Employees Association, the All Assam Transport Employees Association, the All Assam Primary Teachers Association, the Northeast Railway Mazdoor Union, the State Employees Federation, the Joint Council of Trade Unions, the All Assam High School Teacher Association, the University Employees Association, and others.