Condemning the anti-employee policies implemented by both the Central and state governments, the Karnataka State Employees Association has declared its intention to stage a protest.
Workers from different government departments will join a one-day protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, asking for their demands to be met, today, 7 February, 2024.
The grievances against the Central government include various policies that have driven up the prices of essential commodities such as petrol, diesel and cooking gas. This has heightened difficulties for citizens while boosting corporate profits through privatisation measures.
Additionally, the employees have expressed dissatisfaction against the inadequate salaries they receive, which is the lowest among all the southern states of India. Moreover, delays in implementing the 7th Pay Commission, along with the exploitation of contract/daily/outsourced employees by outsourcing agencies, have intensified frustrations.
Unresolved issues such as pension discrepancies, unconstitutional conduct rules, and administrative reforms favouring anti-employee elements also persist.
Despite nationwide efforts by government employees to overturn the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority Act (PFRDA Act) in favour of reinstating the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the Central government has responded by forming a review committee and choosing not to comment.
The demand to revert to the Defined Pension Scheme is driven by a desire for financial security, stability and a predictable income during retirement, as opposed to the uncertainties associated with the market-dependent PFRDA Act/NPS system.