Hyderabad: Thousands of retired employees were set to march on Indira Park in Hyderabad today in a mass dharna demanding restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and immediate settlement of pending benefits. Over 40 pensioners’ associations across Telangana joined hands to form the Telangana Government Pensioners’ Associations Coordination Committee, saying they would “show their strength” to the state government.
Retired employees said that without timely pensionary benefits, they could not support their families or meet medical expenses. Many cited diabetes, heart disease and kidney problems, adding that GPF balances remained inaccessible even as treatment costs rose.
Pensioners target Congress over promises and spending
Leaders accused the Congress government of betraying pre-election assurances and wasting funds on “free schemes” for ineligible beneficiaries while claiming no money for salaries, dearness allowances (DA) or pay revisions (PRC). They alleged inflation had worsened their plight while ministers “lived lavishly and travelled in helicopters.”
Pensioners’ key demands
- Scrap the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
- Grant full pension after 20 years of service as per First PRC recommendations.
- Provide 50% RTC concession for senior citizen pensioners.
- Implement cashless treatment under the Employees’ Health Scheme (EHS) immediately.
- Release all pending pensionary benefits, including GPF, for employees retired after April 2024.
- Grant notional increments to special teachers appointed on ₹398 honorarium.
- Announce incentives for pensioners similar to those given to employees in the Telangana movement.
- Release pending DA/DR arrears as promised in the Congress manifesto and announce PRC with improved fitment.
- Pay pensions through the treasury to retirees from all departments.
- Establish a Pensioners’ Directorate to address grievances.
