The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) saga continues in Haryana, with the Pension Bahali Sangharsh Samiti gearing up for further action despite the Punjab and Haryana High Court's recent verdict. This verdict, while a step in the right direction, has only fueled the organization's determination to see OPS restored for all government employees.
The Samiti's state president, Vijendra Dhariwal, expressed a mixed sentiment, welcoming the court's decision but emphasizing the need for swift implementation. He announced a series of OPS Sankalp marches across the state, starting with Palwal on September 10, indicating a continued push for the government's cooperation.
Sanjay Singhmar, the district general secretary, provided a detailed breakdown of the court's ruling, highlighting the categories of employees who will now be eligible for OPS benefits. This includes those whose recruitment was advertised before October 28, 2005, but re-advertised later, those initially appointed temporarily before January 1, 2006, and regularized under applicable policies, and employees appointed on compassionate grounds after the cut-off date.
However, the court's rejection of the demand to consider August 18, 2008, as the cut-off date for the National Pension System (NPS) in Haryana has left a bitter taste. Singhmar argues that this decision could have been avoided with timely government action, suggesting a sense of missed opportunity.
The Samiti's persistence is a testament to the employees' 18-year-long struggle for OPS restoration. Singhmar's claims of police action and lathi charges during protests paint a picture of a determined workforce facing a seemingly indifferent government. The organization's resolve is unwavering, with plans for further marches and a major protest outside the Chief Minister's residence in Kurukshetra on February 7, 2027.
Despite the court's ruling, Singhmar believes there's still room for the state government to make a policy decision, providing immediate relief to affected employees. This suggests a potential back-and-forth between the Samiti and the government, with the former pushing for immediate action and the latter navigating the legal and political complexities of the situation.
In my opinion, the OPS saga in Haryana is a fascinating display of the power dynamics between a persistent workforce and a government. It raises questions about the effectiveness of legal avenues in resolving long-standing issues and the potential for policy decisions to provide immediate relief. The Samiti's continued agitation is a reminder that sometimes, the legal process can be a long and arduous journey, and the power to effect change may lie in the hands of those who have been fighting for it for years.
