Srinagar, Nov 24: The National Old Pension Restoration United Front (NOPRUF) organized a landmark one-day convention at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, renewing the call to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The event saw spirited participation from employees across departments and a wide range of prominent trade union leaders, reinforcing a united resolve to secure government workers’ financial future.
B. P. Singh Rawat, National President of NOPRUF, presided as Chief Guest. The gathering was graced by distinguished guests including Jeelani Naik (President, JKADCS [Ministerial Federation)/Chief Spokesperson, NOPRUF J&K), Ramesh Sanga (Incharge South Zone NOPRUF), and Rajesh Sharma (President, NOPRUF J&K).
In his keynote, Rawat described the Old Pension Scheme as the “backbone of financial security post retirement,” highlighting its role in providing fixed, stable benefits as compared to the market-based National Pension Scheme (NPS). He called the restoration of OPS a moral responsibility to all public service employees.
Rajesh Sharma urged greater unity among the UT’s trade unions, appealing particularly to employees under NPS to lead the movement, as OPS restoration was a mission for all.
Jeelani Naik also called upon the Prime Minister to uphold “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” by reinstating OPS and thanked the Chief Minister for working towards OPS as per the party manifesto.
Numerous leaders addressed or attended the event, including:Sakoon Manir Wani, UT General Secretary (NOPRUF), Zaheer Younus, Publicity Secretary JK UT (NOPRUF), Binny Tandon, Provincial President Kashmir (NOPRUF), S. Gurmeet Singh, Provincial President JKADCS (Ministerial Federation)/Provincial Spokesperson Jammu (NOPRUF), Sachin Tickoo, President Jammu & Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association/Convener JK Power Employees and Engineering Coordination Committee, Khaleed Rafeeq Bhat, Chairman JKRETTF, Sanjay Koul, President All Minority Employees Association Kashmir, Basharat Saleem, Chairman SENTEF JKUT, Abu Huda, President MTS Association, Gazi Abdul Aziz, Ex Chairman JKTJAC, Mohd. Yaseen Bhat, President JKDEA Kashmir, Farooq Mattoo, Senior Leader JKPDD, Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, Provincial President ATA, Muzaffer Masroor Shah, Senior Trade Union Leader, Kamal Chandpuri, District President Srinagar (NOPRUF), Jaseem Hussain Mir, District President (NOPRUF), Sajad Khan, District President Ganderbal, Latif Nazki, District President Kupwara, Sadarat Hussain, District President Baramulla, Mr. Nazir Ahamed, District Vice President Kupwara, G.R. Wani, District Organizer Kupwara, Nasir, Tehsil President Karna.
The convention concluded with a firm resolve to escalate the movement for OPS restoration, asserting it as fundamental to employees’ rights and welfare. Rajesh Sharma declared, “The Old Pension Scheme is a cornerstone of dignified retirement, and we will continue our fight until it is restored.”
