United Forum of Pensioners Association Demands OPS Restoration, 8th Pay Commission Pension Revision & Railway Fare Concessions
In a significant development for pensioners and ex-servicemen across India, the United Forum of Pensioners Association (UFPA), Prayagraj, held an important meeting highlighting several long-pending demands, including the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), pension revision under the upcoming 8th Pay Commission, restoration of railway fare concessions for senior citizens, and continuation of offline railway pass facilities for retired railway employees.
The meeting witnessed active participation from a large number of retired government employees, pensioners, and veterans, reflecting the growing concern over pension-related issues affecting lakhs of retired citizens.
Pensioners and Ex-Servicemen Meet in Prayagraj
The meeting was organized on Sunday at Tapovan Park, New Cantonment, Prayagraj, under the banner of the United Forum of Pensioners Association. The gathering was presided over by President Shivcharan Singh, while General Secretary and Ex-Subedar Shyam Sundar Singh Patel conducted the proceedings. The event was coordinated by Sant Pal Swaroop.
The program commenced with the National Anthem followed by patriotic slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” setting a patriotic tone for the discussions. Government Should Not Consider Pensioners a Burden. Addressing the gathering, General Secretary Ex-Subedar Shyam Sundar Singh Patel stated that pensioners should never be viewed as a financial burden on the nation.
According to him:
- Pensioners are repositories of decades of administrative and professional experience.
- They dedicated the prime years of their lives to national service.
- Even after retirement, they continue contributing to society through social service and community development.
He urged the Government of India to resolve the long-pending issues of pensioners and implement welfare measures without further delay.
Major Demands Raised During the Meeting
The association unanimously highlighted several important demands affecting pensioners across the country.
1. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
One of the strongest demands was the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for eligible government employees. The members argued that OPS provides financial security and dignity to retired employees, unlike contributory pension systems.
2. Pension Revision under the 8th Pay Commission
The association demanded that all categories of pensioners should receive a comprehensive pension revision whenever the 8th Central Pay Commission submits its recommendations.
Members emphasized that pension revision should not be restricted to serving employees and must equally benefit retired personnel.
The association demanded:
- Uniform pension revision
- Fair pension fixation
- Removal of anomalies
- Timely implementation after the 8th CPC recommendations
3. Restore Railway Fare Concession for Senior Citizens
Another major issue discussed was the restoration of railway fare concessions for senior citizens, which were withdrawn during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not yet been reinstated.
The association stated that:
- Senior citizens face rising healthcare and travel expenses.
- Railway concession was an important welfare measure.
- The benefit should be restored for elderly passengers at the earliest.
4. Continue Offline Railway Pass Facility for Railway Pensioners
The meeting also demanded continuation of the manual (offline) railway pass system for retired railway employees.
According to the speakers:
- Many elderly pensioners are not comfortable with online applications.
- Digital-only systems create unnecessary hardships.
- Manual pass issuance should continue alongside the online system.
The association believes that maintaining both options would make the process more inclusive and accessible.
President Calls for Unity Among Pensioners
Addressing the gathering, President Shivcharan Singh appealed to pensioners and ex-servicemen to remain united and continue their peaceful efforts for their legitimate rights.
He requested everyone present to take a pledge to contribute towards strengthening India’s economy by following the Prime Minister’s call for national development.
He also informed members that several demands raised on Pensioners’ Day are currently under consideration by the Central Government.
According to him, the association has also received communication from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) regarding some of these issues, indicating that the concerns are receiving attention.
Expressing optimism, he said that persistent and united efforts would eventually lead to positive decisions in favour of pensioners.
“Unity is Strength”
One of the key messages delivered during the meeting was the importance of collective action.
President Shivcharan Singh remarked:
“Strength lies in organization. Only through unity and continuous efforts can pensioners achieve their rightful demands.”
His appeal received enthusiastic support from the gathering.
Speakers Highlight Need for Better Social Security
Several other speakers also addressed the meeting, stressing the importance of:
- Social security for pensioners
- Financial dignity after retirement
- Better healthcare support
- Simplification of pension-related services
- Timely implementation of government welfare measures
The participants urged the government to take early decisions on the pending issues affecting retired employees and veterans.
Prominent Attendees
The meeting was attended by several office bearers and members, including:
- Shivcharan Singh
- Ex-Subedar Shyam Sundar Singh Patel
- Sant Pal Swaroop
- Virendra Singh
- L.C. Pandey
- Satish Chandra
- Vijay Kumar
- Gauri Shankar Sharma
- Krishnanand Patel
- Radheshyam
- Sushma Rawat
- Bhairon Lal
Besides them, a large number of pensioners, retired government employees, and ex-servicemen participated in the meeting.
Media Coordination
The association informed that Ex-Subedar Shyam Sundar Singh Patel, who also serves as the Media In-Charge of the United Forum of Pensioners Association, played an important role in communicating the proceedings of the meeting to media representatives, including Jageshwar Fauji, Editor-in-Chief of Sach Ka Anjaam, and Coordinator Shah Alam Warsi.
Why These Demands Matter
The issues raised by the United Forum of Pensioners Association reflect concerns shared by millions of retired government employees across India.
If accepted, these demands could have a far-reaching impact by:
- Improving financial security for pensioners.
- Ensuring fair pension revision under the 8th Pay Commission.
- Making railway travel more affordable for senior citizens.
- Simplifying railway pass procedures for elderly pensioners.
- Strengthening the overall social security framework for retired employees and ex-servicemen.
With discussions surrounding the 8th Pay Commission gaining momentum, pensioners’ organizations across the country are expected to continue advocating for comprehensive pension reforms and enhanced welfare measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will pensioners receive pension revision under the 8th Pay Commission?
No official announcement has been made yet. However, pensioners’ organizations are demanding that all pensioners be included in the 8th Pay Commission pension revision.
What is the demand regarding the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
The association has demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme to provide better financial security to retired government employees.
Why are senior citizens demanding railway fare concessions?
Railway concessions for senior citizens were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pensioners are requesting that these concessions be reinstated.
What is the issue with the railway pass system?
The association wants the government to continue the offline (manual) railway pass facility because many elderly pensioners face difficulties using online systems.