The protest over the New Pension Scheme (NPS) has gained momentum as the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Employees Union intensified its agitation, demanding the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). This growing nationwide movement, which involves NFR employees from across the region, is rooted in their dissatisfaction with the current pension system. They argue that the NPS offers inadequate financial security in retirement compared to the OPS.
On Wednesday, the protest reached a significant milestone when a motorbike procession, which started at Ledo Railway Station in Assam, arrived at Kokrajhar. The rally, part of a larger demonstration that spans various regions, aims to send a strong message to the government about the workers’ grievances. The participants, most of them NFR employees, have been vocal in expressing their concerns, stating that the NPS leaves them vulnerable in their later years.
The motorbike rally, which has covered considerable ground, symbolises the determination of the railway employees to see their demands met. The procession began with a significant number of workers at Ledo, and as it progressed through different stations, more participants joined, swelling the crowd by the time it reached Kokrajhar. This event has drawn attention not only from union members but also from local communities who came out to show their support for the workers.
The protest’s intensity reflects the frustration among employees who feel that the NPS is unfair, especially given the contributions they make during their service. The OPS, which was discontinued for new government employees in 2004, provided a guaranteed pension based on the last salary drawn, ensuring financial stability. In contrast, the NPS is a market-linked scheme, and workers are concerned about its unpredictability and the risk it poses to their post-retirement lives. This uncertainty has become a central point of contention, driving the employees to demand a return to the older system.
Union leaders have been vocal throughout the movement, delivering speeches at various stops along the rally. At Kokrajhar, the union representatives highlighted the struggles of the employees and their dissatisfaction with the NPS. They stressed the need for the government to reconsider its stance on pensions and called for immediate action to reinstate the OPS for railway employees. According to the union, the Old Pension Scheme provided not only financial security but also peace of mind for workers who dedicated decades of their lives to the railways.
The NFR Employees Union’s protest is part of a larger nationwide movement, with other unions across different sectors also raising similar demands. This unity among various employee groups underscores the widespread discontent with the NPS. Many employees feel that the government has overlooked the long-term impact the scheme will have on their retirement, especially for those who have no alternative source of income.
As the rally reached Kokrajhar, union leaders reiterated their commitment to continue the protest until their demands are met. The NFR Employees Union plans to escalate the movement further if the government does not respond positively. They warned that the protest could spread to other regions, and more employees might join, creating disruptions across the railway network. This could potentially affect operations, putting pressure on the authorities to address the workers’ concerns.
The Kokrajhar rally also saw the participation of families of the employees, who expressed their fears about the financial future under the NPS. Many said that the lack of a guaranteed pension creates anxiety, especially in times of rising living costs. The demonstration, which received local media coverage, highlighted how deeply the issue resonates with the workforce and their families.
As the NFR Employees Union continues its nationwide agitation, the government is under increasing pressure to respond. For now, the employees remain firm in their stance, determined to see the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, which they believe is essential for their long-term security. Whether the protest leads to a change in policy remains to be seen, but the movement is unlikely to lose steam anytime soon, especially as it garners more attention and support from different quarters.