Bhopal: In a recent announcement by the Central Government regarding the New United Pension Scheme (UPS), concerns have arisen over the exclusion of pension provisions for approximately one crore contractual and outsourced workers employed across various public establishments in India. These workers, who are integral to the nation’s progress, have been left out of the scheme, raising questions about their financial security and future.
Manoj Bhargava, Provincial Convener of the All Department Outsource Sanyukt Sangharsh Morcha, along with General Secretary Dinesh Sisodia, has appealed to the Prime Minister for necessary amendments to include these workers in the pension scheme. Bhargava argues that the government’s approach to pension reforms is undermining the tried-and-tested Old Pension Scheme, which has been in place for over 70 years.
Under the Old Pension Scheme, employees enjoyed a guaranteed pension without any contribution from their salaries. However, the new UPS requires employees to contribute 10 percent of their earnings, which Bhargava criticizes as an unnecessary burden.
Additionally, while the old scheme allowed employees to receive 50% of their pension after 20 years of service, the new scheme has increased the required service period to 25 years, effectively reducing pension benefits and resulting in a significant loss of gratuity.
Bhargava has urged the Central Government to refrain from unnecessary experiments and to instead restore the Old Pension Scheme, enhancing it to include provisions for contractual and outsourced employees in both central and state government departments. He emphasized that the smooth functioning of public services across the country depends heavily on these workers, and their inclusion in the pension scheme is vital for their welfare and financial stability.
