Pune Teachers Threaten Strike Over Old Pension Scheme

Teachers and non-teaching staff in Pune, appointed before November 1, 2005, have announced a phased agitation demanding to be covered under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The Maharashtra State Old Pension Coordination Committee is leading the protest, stating that the government must resolve the long-pending pension issue instead of leaving employees dependent solely on court proceedings.

The issue concerns employees who were initially working in unaided or partially aided institutions and whose institutions were subsequently brought under the 100% grant-in-aid system. The Bombay High Court has previously dealt with cases involving this category of teachers and non-teaching staff.

Kalyan Barde, a representative of the committee, said the demand is based on the fact that the employees' appointments predated the introduction of the new pension system. The committee is demanding that the government take a positive decision on the demand for old pension without further delay.

The committee has announced a phased programme, starting with teachers and non-teaching employees wearing black ribbons while attending work from September 1 to 4. On September 5, Teachers' Day, silent marches will be held across all districts at 2pm, with employees asked to wear black cloth and participate peacefully.

The committee has given the government September 25 as the deadline to take a decision. If no favourable decision is taken, employees will begin an indefinite sit-in at Azad Maidan in Mumbai from September 28. The committee has also indicated that further intensified democratic protests could follow if the issue remains unresolved.

The protesters' main demand is that employees appointed before November 1, 2005, and subsequently brought under 100% grant-in-aid should be granted the Old Pension Scheme. The committee stressed that the agitation is not politically motivated and is neither in support of nor against any political party.

Nandkumar Sagar, secretary of the Maharashtra State Secondary and Higher Secondary School Principals Association Federation, has extended his support to the agitation. The committee is appealing to employees across Maharashtra to participate in large numbers while maintaining discipline and peace.

The Old Pension Scheme has been a long-standing demand of teachers and non-teaching staff in Maharashtra. The scheme provides a guaranteed pension to employees after their retirement, whereas the new pension system is based on contributions from employees and employers.

The Maharashtra government has been facing pressure from various employee unions to implement the Old Pension Scheme. The government has been delaying the decision, citing the need for further discussions and court proceedings.

The indefinite stir threatened by the teachers and non-teaching staff could have a significant impact on the education system in Maharashtra. The committee is hoping that the government will take a positive decision on the demand for old pension before the deadline.

In conclusion, the agitation by teachers and non-teaching staff in Pune is a significant development in the long-standing demand for the Old Pension Scheme. The government must take a decision on the demand before the deadline to avoid any further protests and disruptions to the education system.