A major confrontation is brewing between government employees in Assam and the Centre over pension reforms, as the All Assam Government NPS Employees’ Association has once again voiced strong opposition to the proposed Universal Pension Scheme (UPS) and demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The employees’ association made its stand clear during its 3rd Biennial Conference held at the Assam State Freedom Fighters’ Association auditorium in Rupnagar, Guwahati, where several prominent organisations, including teachers’ bodies and employees’ unions, extended support for the cause. Newly elected President Achyutananda Hazarika and General Secretary Apurba Sharma announced that the Association would soon roll out a statewide democratic movement in September 2025 to intensify pressure on both the Centre and the Assam government for the restoration of OPS.
The conference was inaugurated by Chandan Kakoti, President of the Assam Secretariat Service Association, who assured full cooperation and urged various organisations to come together under one banner. “This is not just about pensions; this is about securing dignity for lakhs of employees who serve the state and its people,” Kakoti said.During the open session, speakers launched a scathing attack on the “discriminatory nature” of the current policy. Professor Jagadish Chandra Goswami pointed out the irony that ministers and legislators continue to enjoy the Old Pension Scheme, while government employees are pushed into the uncertainties of the New Pension System (NPS). “This dual system is unjust and creates a clear divide,” he remarked, drawing loud approval from participants. The OPS demand also found strong backing from retired civil servants and police officers. Rajiv Kumar Bora, former IAS officer and ex-Chairman of the Assam Administrative Tribunal, argued that the state’s Finance Department had the resources to reintroduce OPS if calculations were done properly.
Similarly, Dilip Kumar Bora, retired IPS officer, accused certain quarters of deliberately portraying government employees as corrupt and self-serving. “This narrative is false and dangerous. Employees must prove through honesty and commitment that they stand with the people,” he said, stressing the need to counter negative stereotypes.The gathering also passed a resolution to establish a welfare fund aimed at ensuring workplace safety and social security for government employees. This fund, according to the Association, would serve as a safety net while the larger battle for pension reforms continues. The employees’ body emphasized that the September movement would not be a token protest but one of the largest coordinated agitations by government employees in Assam in recent years. With lakhs of employees across departments, schools, and offices expected to participate, the stir could potentially disrupt government functioning if demands remain unaddressed.