The Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum (NNPSGSEF) expresses deep anguish and discontent over the continued inaction of the Government of Nagaland on our long-standing demand for restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 (Now 2021). The Forum, after its formation in 2022, on various occasion brought forth the grievances of all the employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). The National Pension System is a market-linked pension system which has no return guarantee of the employees’ contribution. If there is no guarantee of return/pension, there is no guarantee of financial security post-retirement. It is also stated by the Supreme Court that “Pension is not charity or a bounty. It is a vested right.”
On the other hand, the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme guarantee old-age security and dignity in retirement. These benefits are being enjoyed by the employees appointed before 01.01.2010. The Old Pension System ensures financial freedom and aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy. It is respectfully shared that the employees governed under OPS and those covered by NPS are performing the same duties and responsibilities within their respective roles. Despite this parity in work and contribution to the State’s machinery, there exists a significant disparity in the treatment and post-retirement benefits extended.
In light of the principle of equal pay for equal work and such differentiation in pensionary benefits, the Forum has submitted letters to the Chief Secretary on several occasions. Simultaneously, various programmes such as peaceful agitations, dharnas, rallies, campaigns and State Convention were conducted to convey the growing concerns regarding fairness and equity among the employees covered under the National Pension System.
Despite several conveyance, there has been no response from the Government till date. This continued silence raises several questions giving rise to assumptions: The possibility of the issue being deliberately deferred for various reasons best known to the Government, A lack of discourse with policy-making bodies on how to address the demands on the employees, administrative delays or prioritization of other policy matters over pension reforms, etc.
While these reasons may not reflect the actual reasons, the absence of any official communication has created uncertainty and dissatisfaction among the employees who depend on clarity for their long-term financial security after having served the State during the service years.
In light of the above, the Forum respectfully requests the Government to deliberate during the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly – 8th Session Phase II which is to commence on 26th March, 2026 on the above matter, and the rationale behind this distinction be clarified with consideration of appropriate measures to ensure uniformity & justice in the treatment of all employees in the State of Nagaland. In reiteration, it is requested that the Government provide a clear response to the Forum’s representations and address the concerns of NPS subscribers.
In the event of continued silence on this matter, employees covered under the National Pension System may be constrained to pursue alternative forms of democratic protest to assert its genuine and legitimate rights.
Issued by:
NNPSGSEF
