A significant protest movement is set to begin in Kerala's capital as retired state government employees, enrolled under the contentious New Pension Scheme (NPS), plan to stage a relay demonstration. The protest will commence on January 16 in front of the state Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram.
Core Demands: Scrap NPS and Ensure Minimum Pension
The primary demands of the protesting retirees are clear and twofold. They are urging the state government to completely withdraw from the NPS and revert to the old statutory pension scheme. Additionally, they are pressing for the implementation of a decent minimum pension amount for all beneficiaries under the current system.
This decision to intensify their long-standing agitation comes directly on the heels of a major policy shift in a neighboring state. On Saturday, the Tamil Nadu government officially decided to revert to the old pension scheme, a move that has galvanized pensioners in Kerala.
The Harsh Reality of NPS Payouts
The protest is fueled by genuine financial distress among retirees. Under the contributory NPS, the pension amount is not guaranteed and depends on market returns. This has resulted in meager monthly payouts for many. Individuals who have served the government for 10 to 15 years are reportedly receiving pensions as low as Rs 650 to Rs 1,500, a sum deemed insufficient for survival.
Ravindran Pillai J of the Retired NPS Forum in Palakkad highlighted the dire situation. He stated that apart from the paltry pension, retirees under NPS also do not receive gratuity, a critical lump-sum payment. "It's impossible to meet daily needs after retiring from service," he emphasized.
Government Response and Political Context
While the state government has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly exploring ways to introduce a minimum pension guarantee, protesters remain skeptical. Ravindran Pillai noted that such a guarantee "wouldn't be as effective as the statutory pension" of the old system, which offered defined and secure benefits.
The political backdrop of the NPS in Kerala adds another layer. The scheme was initially introduced by the Congress-led UDF government in 2013. The current LDF government, which had promised to re-examine the policy, ultimately ratified it, leading to continued disappointment among employees.
The Retired NPS Forum has been vocal about its demands for several years. However, the decisive action by Tamil Nadu has provided fresh momentum, prompting them to launch this sustained relay protest to force the Kerala government's hand on the critical issue of pension security.
