Withdraw New Contributory Pension Scheme

Krishnagiri: Central and State Government employees and teachers in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts struck work on October 30 urging the Union Government to withdraw the new contributory pension scheme and end downsizing operations.

The members wanted the Government to grant the right to strike to trade unions and stop contractual appointments. It should regularise casual and contingent employees and lift the ban on recruitment in the existing vacancies. The members asked the Government to provide an interim relief of Rs.1,000 to all employees and implement the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations with effect from January 1, 2006. They also raised slogans against the anti-people policies of the Centre. The Government should merge 50 per cent of Dearness Allowance with the basic pay of employees and lift the ban on appointment on compassionate grounds. The Government should also restore the interest rate of General Provident Fund and Employees Provident Fund to the earlier level. Kandasamy Taluk secretary Tamil Nadu Government Employees Association led the protest.