ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS), Arunachal Pradesh unit, has reiterated its demand for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for state government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS), citing concerns over post-retirement financial security and social protection.
In a statement, the organisation said it had been pursuing the demand since 2023 through democratic movements, protests and representations to the state government, maintaining that pension security was essential to ensuring dignity and financial stability after retirement.
As part of its campaign, NMOPS (AP) observed a black-badge programme from January 1 to 7, 2024, followed by a Pension Samvidhanik March on April 16 that year. It subsequently joined a series of movements under the banner of the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (COSAAP).
The organisation said more than 10,000 state government employees from across Arunachal Pradesh participated in the Itanagar Chalo mega rally organised on April 17, 2026, to press for the restoration of OPS. It also submitted a representation to the state government on April 20, 2026, urging it to address the concerns of employees covered under NPS.
NMOPS (AP) argued that employees who devote their working lives to public service deserve financial security after retirement, expressing concern over the uncertainty associated with a market-linked pension system.
Citing states such as Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab and Sikkim, the organisation urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to consider restoring OPS for employees recruited on or after January 1, 2008.
Reaffirming its commitment to pursuing the demand through democratic means, NMOPS (AP) said it would continue its campaign until the state government responds favourably. It also called upon the state and central governments to address the concerns of NPS-covered employees and ensure their post-retirement social and economic security.