The All Assam Government Employees’ Association announced on November 23 that it will launch a statewide agitation demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The decision came after an executive meeting held at the District Library Auditorium in Sivasagar, where representatives from multiple departments discussed the perceived shortcomings of the New Pension Scheme. Association President Dipen Sharma said the move became necessary because government employees across the state feel increasingly insecure about their financial future. He added that the NPS has failed to provide social security and guaranteed post-retirement stability. The agitation is expected to become one of the largest coordinated employee movements in Assam in recent years.
Why Employees Are Demanding a Return to OPS
Government employees in Assam have long expressed dissatisfaction with the New Pension Scheme introduced in 2004. Many argue that the scheme exposes retirees to market risks and does not offer the assured pension that OPS guaranteed. The association said several employees nearing retirement fear financial uncertainty because their pension amount depends on market fluctuations. Leaders also noted that the rising cost of living demands a more stable post-retirement income system. According to the association, restoring OPS is not only a financial issue but also a matter of dignity and long-term social security for workers who have served in public roles for decades.
Details of the Upcoming Agitation
During the meeting in Sivasagar, the association adopted several resolutions outlining its approach to the agitation. Leaders said the protest would begin with district-level demonstrations and gradually build up to state-level rallies. The association also plans to submit memorandums to the Assam government, pressing for immediate steps to restore OPS. Employees across various departments, including education, health, irrigation, revenue, and public works, are expected to participate. The association warned that if the government does not respond positively, it will intensify the agitation with larger sit-ins and statewide strikes.
Employees’ Frustrations Continue to Grow
The demand for OPS, though not new, has gained significant steam in Assam over the past year. Employees said they feel neglected despite their continued contribution to state administration and essential services. Many of them highlighted that several states, including Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, have already moved back to the Old Pension Scheme. They questioned why Assam has not taken similar steps when the concerns are the same. Leaders argued that a government committed to welfare should not overlook the financial security needs of its own workforce.
Association Accuses Government of Delay
Speaking after the meeting, Dipen Sharma criticised what he called a lack of seriousness from the state government in addressing pension concerns. He said multiple representations, letters, and appeals have been sent, but none have received a satisfactory response. The association accused the government of delaying decisions despite knowing the gravity of the issue. Leaders argued that the delay only deepens the frustration among employees and risks affecting administrative efficiency. They urged the government to initiate dialogue instead of ignoring repeated demands.
Possible Political Fallout in 2026
Observers say the agitation may become a major issue ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Government employees form a strong and influential voter base in the state, especially in urban constituencies. If the agitation grows, it could influence political campaigns and lead to widespread debates on social security. Opposition parties have already started signalling support for OPS, claiming that the government should act before the issue affects morale and governance. Analysts believe that the pension debate could play a decisive role in the political narrative over the next year.
Employees Call for Public Support
The association appealed to the public, saying the pension issue affects not only government workers but also service delivery across the state. Leaders argued that a financially secure workforce is better positioned to deliver efficient governance, particularly in sectors such as health, education, and rural administration. They urged civil society groups and other unions to join the awareness drives that will be organised in the coming weeks. According to the association, the pension demand has wide social implications and deserves collective backing. They hope that rising public sentiment will push the government to take the matter seriously.
What Happens Next
The association said the first phase of the agitation will begin in early December, starting with poster campaigns and district-level meetings. In the second phase, employees will organise peaceful rallies to highlight the urgency of restoring OPS. If there is no response from the government, a massive state-level march will be organised in Guwahati. Leaders said they remain open to discussion but warned that delays will only harden their stand. The next few weeks will determine whether the government chooses negotiation or whether the agitation escalates into a larger statewide movement.