Govt employees stage hunger strike for Old Pension Scheme

Employees of the state government, who have been demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme went on a hunger strike outside the District Administrative Complex (DAC) here on Wednesday.

They warned the government that if their demand is not met, they will gherao the Punjab Chief Minister during his visit to Tarn Taran on October 3. Employees of various departments participated in the protest, which was held under the banner of Old Pension Restoration Sangharsh Committee and CPF (Contributory Provident Fund) Union, which joined the struggle for the fulfilment of the demand.

The protesters were addressed by Jarnail Singh Patti, Kulwinder Singh, Prabhjot Singh Gohalwar, etc, leaders of various organisations. They said the Chief Minister had issued a notification for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme three years ago, which he has not implemented till date.

They said the government has gone back on the promise made to the employees and on the occasion of the Chief Minister’s arrival on October 3, the Old Pension Restoration Struggle Committee and the CPF Union will hold a secret action and will surround them.

The leaders said despite holding several meetings in this regard, the Punjab Government has not paid serious attention to its fulfilment, so there is great resentment among the employees. The Punjab Government will definitely have to pay the price for this unmet demand during the elections.