Assam: Sadou Asom Karmachari Parishad to fight National Pension System

The Sadou Asom Karmachari Parishad (SAKP), a major body of Assam government employees, will make opposing the National Pension System (NPS) its top priority, its newly elected general secretary Pranab Bhuyan said on Sunday.

Bhuyan spoke as the council's new 199-member executive committee took charge at its central Shaheed Divas observance at Karmachari Bhavan in Sixmile-Panjabari, Guwahati, The Times of India reported.

New leadership

Kumud Kumar Kotoky was elected president and Bhuyan general secretary after the outgoing committee was dissolved.

"Our priority will be to raise a strong voice against the National Pension System and take up issues affecting the interests and welfare of government employees," Bhuyan was quoted as saying. The council did not announce a specific programme of agitation on Sunday.

The NPS is a contributory scheme in which an employee's pension depends on contributions and market returns, unlike the old pension scheme, which promised a fixed pension linked to the last salary drawn. Employee unions in several states have campaigned for a return to the old scheme.

Remembering Dilip Chakraborty

The programme was held to mark the 46th death anniversary of Dilip Chakraborty, who died on November 1, 1980, following police atrocities during the Assam Movement. The council paid tribute to his role in the movement.

"Chakraborty's sacrifice will remain an eternal inspiration for us," Kotoky said, according to the report.

The observance began with the hoisting of the council flag, followed by the lighting of earthen lamps, floral tributes and a traditional Diha Naam. Former office-bearers recalled the council's role during major political developments in Assam.

Former senior bureaucrat and engineer Pradyut Kumar Choudhury, along with Nagen Kalita, Basanta Kalita and Charan Deka, attended the swearing-in of the new committee.

What comes next

Pension reform has been a recurring demand of employee organisations across the country. The SAKP's decision to put the NPS at the top of its agenda signals that the issue is likely to feature in the council's dealings with the Assam government in the coming months. NEInsider will report on any programme the council announces.