Teachers Rally on Gandhi Jayanti: March from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar Demanding Old Pension Scheme Restoration, Highlighting Pension Struggles
For a long time, teachers and employees from various government departments have been protesting to restore the Old Pension Scheme in the state. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti today, teachers organized a march from the Ahmedabad Collector’s Office to Satyagraha Camp in Gandhinagar.
A large number of teachers joined the march, holding banners in their hands. Additionally, retired teachers who are not benefitting from the Old Pension Scheme also participated in the rally.
Retired and Disabled Teachers Join Rally for Old Pension Scheme
Teachers from various parts of the state gathered today at the Ahmedabad Collector’s Office to demand the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. They raised slogans in support of the scheme and later embarked on a march from the Collector’s Office to Gandhinagar, holding banners.
Teachers from across the state participated in the rally, including retired and disabled teachers. The primary demand is to reinstate the pension, which was previously 50% of the salary.
Two Years Passed, Yet No Resolution on Old Pension Scheme
Rahul Lavani, a teacher, stated that they are demanding a resolution for employees hired before 2005 to be included in the Old Pension Scheme. Before the 2022 elections, a committee of five government ministers promised to resolve the issue.
Due to the state assembly elections, the government made a written commitment to address their concerns. However, even after two years, no resolution has been passed. As a result, we have resumed our protest. If our demands are not met, the agitation will continue.
I Receive Only 2,900 Rupees as Pension After Retirement
Retired teacher Kokilaben shared her experience, stating, “I joined the job in 2001 and retired in 2022. Since my retirement, I have been receiving only 2,900 rupees as a pension.
The question is, how can one survive in old age with just 2,900 rupees? That’s why I have joined this protest to demand a fair pension.”
