After the implementation of the old pension scheme by the Rajasthan government, there is a stir in other states as well. Employees of different states have started demanding from the government there to implement it. At the same time, it is estimated that soon an announcement can be made in this regard in Chhattisgarh. It is worth noting that on February 23, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, while presenting the budget, talked about re-implementing the old pension scheme. About 3 lakh employees appointed after January 1, 2004 will be covered under its benefit.
Issues made in electoral states
It is noteworthy that in December 2003, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government abolished the old pension scheme. In return, the New Pension Scheme was implemented on April 1, 2004. Now the announcement of the re-implementation of the old pension scheme by the Gehlot government has created a stir in various states. At the same time, it has become a topic of discussion across the country, especially in the states where elections are being fought. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has promised that if his government is formed, the old pension scheme will be restored in the state. At the same time, the Shivraj government in Madhya Pradesh is also under tremendous pressure regarding this. Here, not only the opposition Congress, but some BJP MLAs are also supporting the demand for restoration of old pension of employees’ organizations.
Bhupesh Baghel was also present
Recently, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had a meeting with Rahul and Priyanka in Delhi. During this, the old pension scheme was discussed. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was also present during this meeting. In such a situation, it is being speculated that the implementation of old pension scheme may be announced in Chhattisgarh very soon. After this meeting, Gehlot had said that after much deliberation, the old pension scheme has been implemented in Rajasthan. He said that other states should also adopt it for the purpose of providing relief to the employees. Gehlot said that after retirement, if a government employee does not feel financially secure, then he will not be able to contribute to his work from the heart. This is the reason why pension was implemented in the early days.
All governments should implement
Gehlot said that the Human Rights Commission is also asking for a re-look at the old pension scheme. Apart from this, demand is being made in this regard from various sections. In Assam, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, a review committee has been formed for the old pension scheme. Gehlot said that it is clear that other states are also concerned about the future of government employees. He said that the Congress Working Committee will decide that the old pension scheme should become an issue across the country. Be it any state, no matter whose government is there, it must implement such schemes.
BJP ruled states are under pressure
In this matter, political analyst Manish Godha says that Ashok Gehlot has taken this big political step. Now other states will also have to take steps in this direction. No government can raise the displeasure of its employees. Godha said that Gehlot’s move has created a buzz across the country. This will put pressure not only on the state governments but also on the Centre. Demand was rising in every corner of the country regarding this. Now that a Congress government has implemented it, the governments of BJP ruled states are under pressure. Godha said that however, there will be no economic pressure on the current governments due to the re-implementation of the old pension scheme. As its beneficiaries are all those employees who are doing job since 1st January 2004. All of them will retire after 2030. In such a situation, in future governments will have to bear its economic pressure. But Gehlot’s move has given the party an opportunity to woo the employee vote bank across the country. Ajay Maken, the national general secretary of Congress and in-charge of Rajasthan, described it as the rule of Congress model. In his statement given in the media, Maken said that the old pension scheme and the urban employment guarantee scheme are the result of the Congress model of governance. He said that now Congress would like it to be implemented in the whole country.
BJP MLA told screw
On the other hand, former minister and BJP MLA Vasudev Devnani said that if the employees study it properly, then they will find that there are many screws in it. Employees’ pension share is being cut since 2004, what will happen to it? He said that the government needs to make its move and the rules related to it more clear. Meanwhile, Tej Singh Rathore of All Rajasthan Employees Federation (United) has described it as a welcome step of the state government. He said that an employee serves the government for the rest of his life. Pension is his old age security. This is a big step and other states and Government of India should also take this step. When asked whether he considers it a political move, he said that it is definitely a political move, but what is wrong with it. Only the employees are benefiting.
Gehlot justified such a decision
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot called his move a humanitarian decision. He said that the employees had been demanding for this for a long time and it would provide them social security after retirement. The Chief Minister said that OPS is in the interest of the employees and their families. Justifying the decision in one of his articles, Gehlot said that after 30-35 years of service, only pension remains his support for the employee. Whatever be the government, it is the duty of the employee to live a life with security after retirement, so that he can participate in good governance. He said that it is being said that due to the old pension scheme, there will be an economic burden on the governments and development and welfare work will stop. But critics forget that many better things have happened in the country even when the old pension scheme was in force.