By Shri G. L. Jogi, General Secretary, Sanchar Nigam Pensioners Welfare Association (SNPWA)
The present political dispensation, right from the outset, has pursued a premeditated, immutable, and inflexible agenda aimed at undermining the rights of the working class and pensioners. This calibrated and systematic move is ultimately designed to stop the payment of pensions from the Consolidated Fund of India. The government’s intentions are not only evident but also alarming, as they seek to dismantle the existing pension framework through a series of meticulously orchestrated steps.
Phase One: A Dangerous First Step Through the Finance Bill
The ratification of the Finance Bill, which confers sweeping and absolute powers upon the government to amend the CCS (Pension) Rules retrospectively, is the first step in this sinister plan. These amendments aim to nullify several landmark court judgments that have consistently protected pensioners’ rights, including decisions related to pension and pension revision. By arrogating such unbridled power, the government is paving the way to arbitrarily alter pension rules, disregarding the principles of natural justice and constitutional protections enshrined under Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
Phase Two: The Looming Threat of Abolishing Pension Altogether
If this dangerous first step succeeds, the government’s ultimate objective — to abolish pensions altogether — will not be far behind. This calculated assault is not merely an attack on pensioners but a direct blow to the social security of millions who have served the nation with dedication. The dismantling of pension protections is not an isolated move but part of a larger ideological agenda to weaken the working class and pensioners by denying them their rightful entitlements.
The Attempt to Nullify the Nakkara Judgment: A Blatant Violation of Justice
The amendments proposed to the Pension Rules confer unbridled power to the government to nullify the historic D. S. Nakkara & Others v. Union of India (1983 AIR 130) judgment. In this landmark case, the Hon’ble Supreme Court unequivocally ruled that classifying pensioners on the basis of their retirement date for granting pension benefits is arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of Article 14. The judgment established that pension is not a bounty but a right earned through years of service, and any attempt to differentiate between pensioners is unconstitutional.
The present move to amend the Pension Rules through the Finance Bill is a clear attempt to undermine this historic judgment and set the stage for an eventual abolition of pensions. If this happens, the consequences will be devastating, not just for existing pensioners but for future generations of retirees as well.
A Grim Parallel: Echoes of the Sinister Farm Reform Laws
The government’s current approach mirrors the devious intent behind the Farm Reform Laws, which were designed to transfer the nation’s precious agricultural resources to vested interests. The farmers of India, though largely uneducated but possessing a deep sense of justice and resilience, saw through this sinister design. Their unwavering struggle, with thousands laying down their lives, ultimately forced the government to withdraw the oppressive farm laws.
The amendment of pension rules through the Finance Bill is no different from the disastrous Farm Reform Laws. Both are part of a larger agenda to weaken the vulnerable sections of society while strengthening the hands of a select few. Just as the farmers rose to protect their livelihood, pensioners must now rise to safeguard their hard-earned entitlements.
The Path Forward: An Urgent Call for Collective Action
The question before us is no longer just about pension revision but about the very survival of the pension system itself. The need of the hour is a united and coordinated effort to resist this blatant assault on pensioners’ rights. We must:
- Mobilize Pensioners Nationwide: Build a powerful and united movement to raise awareness and mobilize pensioners across the country.
- Engage Legal Expertise: Pursue all possible legal avenues to challenge these arbitrary amendments and protect the sanctity of the Nakkara judgment.
- Leverage Media and Public Opinion: Expose the government’s hidden agenda and generate public discourse to build pressure on policymakers.
- Strengthen Dialogue with Political Stakeholders: Engage with opposition leaders, civil society organizations, and influential policymakers to garner support against these oppressive moves.
Conclusion: A Time to Act, A Fight to Win
The time has come for pensioners to emulate the spirit of the farmers who fought against the unjust farm laws. We cannot afford complacency when the very foundation of our pension system is under threat. If this agenda is allowed to proceed unchecked, the future of millions of pensioners and their families will be at stake.
We must act decisively and collectively to safeguard not just our pensions but the dignity and security of all retirees. Let this be our defining moment — a moment where we stand together to protect what is rightfully ours.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Let us rise to the occasion and ensure that justice prevails!
G. L. Jogi
GS/SNPWA