State government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) observed a statewide Black Day on April 1, 2026, under the initiative of the Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum (NNPSGSEF), highlighting growing concerns over pension security.
The observance saw participation from employees across the state, with the forum stating that the programme was a collective expression of dissatisfaction over the existing pension frameworks.
According to the Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum, the NPS has led to apprehension among employees due to uncertainty of returns, lack of assured post-retirement income, and concerns related to fund management and annuity provisions.
The forum reiterated its long-standing demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), arguing that a market-linked system such as NPS, and its modified version, the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), does not provide adequate social security or guaranteed retirement benefits.
“Employees covered under NPS collectively seek old-age financial security and dignity in retirement which can be provided only by the Old Pension Scheme,” the forum stated, adding that the Black Day reflects a united expression of disappointment among employees.
The forum also noted that the Unified Pension Scheme introduced on April 1, 2025, has not addressed core concerns, leaving employees uncertain about their retirement savings, which remain exposed to market fluctuations.
As part of the program, representatives of the NNPSGSEF Central Unit and Dimapur District Unit met the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, to raise awareness on the issue and engage in discussions regarding the movement.
State President Avizo Nienu stated that returns under NPS and UPS are not guaranteed, with the Government not bearing responsibility for fixed post-retirement income, thereby placing the risk on employees. He added that returns may not keep pace with inflation, affecting the real value of savings.
National-level support was also extended by Dr Manjeet Singh Patel, National President of the All India NPS Employees Federation (AINPSEF), who stated that discussions have been held with the Centre on multiple occasions regarding concerns over NPS and UPS.
He further noted that a High-Level Expert Committee was constituted by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in February 2026 to examine the concerns surrounding the implementation of the pension systems.
The NNPSGSEF said it would continue its peaceful and democratic movement until its demands are addressed.