Jaipur: More than 200 retired railway employees gathered for a protest organised by the Railway Pensioners Society near Jaipur Junction railway station Friday. The demonstration aimed to demand revisions to existing pensions, enhanced benefits for senior retirees and the inclusion of vital pension-related issues in the 8th Central Pay Commission’s terms of reference.Among the participants were pensioners aged around 95 years, demonstrating the pressing concerns of senior retirees regarding financial security and rising healthcare costs.Guman Singh, president of the society, conveyed their collective grievances, saying, “A memorandum has been submitted to Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jaipur, Ravi Jain. A copy of the memorandum will be sent to PM Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the chairperson of the 8th Central Pay Commission as well.”One of the key issues raised was the characterisation of the Old Pension Scheme as an “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension scheme” within the commission’s terms of reference.Singh pointed out, “Many railway employees contributed to the State Railway Provident Fund (SRPF) before the pension system was introduced for them with effect from April 1, 1957.”He added, “A prescribed amount was deducted from employees’ salaries every month towards the fund, while the govt was required to deposit an equivalent amount. Both contributions earned interest, and employees received the accumulated amount at retirement. These historical financial arrangements should be considered while assessing the old pension system.”Among the society’s significant demands is an additional pension for elderly retirees. It proposed a 5% increase in pension upon reaching 65 years, another 5% at 70, and a further 5% when retirees hit 75. Moreover, they called for a 100% additional pension for those over 90 years of age, highlighting the growing medical needs and dependence that often accompanies advanced age.“The society has urged the 8th Pay Commission to examine these demands and recommend measures to ensure financial security and dignity for retired railway employees,” Singh said, underscoring the necessity for action on these pressing issues.
