New Delhi – The National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS) has called for a nationwide ‘Black Day’ on April 1, 2025, in protest against the implementation of the Unified Pension System (UPS) by the central government. The government’s decision to introduce UPS for central employees from April 1, 2025, has sparked widespread opposition from teacher and employee organizations across the country, who are demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Protests Under ATEWA’s Banner in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, the ATEWA (Anshdayi Shikshak Evam Karmachari Kalyan Sangh) has taken the lead in organizing protests. On April 1, teachers and employees will wear black armbands while working at their offices to express their opposition to NPS and UPS. Additionally, memorandums will be submitted to district officials, urging the government to scrap the new pension schemes and reinstate OPS.
A meeting was held at the ATEWA office in Cantt, Lucknow, where representatives from various employee organizations participated. NMOPS National President Vijay Kumar Bandhu addressed the gathering, reiterating the collective demand for OPS restoration. He urged all employee unions to stand united with ATEWA on Black Day and announced a massive demonstration at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on May 1, 2025.
Leaders Condemn UPS, Demand OPS Restoration
ATEWA’s State General Secretary Dr. Neerajpati Tripathi emphasized the importance of reinstating OPS for paramilitary personnel, calling it their “support in old age.” Ashok Kumar, General Secretary of the Health Employees Federation, demanded the government end privatization and bring back OPS. Ramendra Srivastava, General Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Rural Sanitation Employees Association, pledged full support to ATEWA, recognizing its role in fighting for pension rights from Lucknow to Delhi.
Senior leaders from the Irrigation Department, Narendra Kumar and Amit Yadav, declared that April 1 would mark a historic protest, with employees nationwide observing Black Day. LUACTA President Dr. Manoj Pandey criticized the government’s move, calling UPS a direct attack on the rights of government teachers and employees. He urged the immediate withdrawal of NPS and UPS in favor of OPS.
Railway Unions, Health and Education Sectors Join the Protest
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, State Media In-Charge of ATEWA, stressed that OPS is crucial for the financial security of employees, urging them to unite for its restoration. Ajay Saroj and Rakesh Chandra Verma from the All India Railway Trackmen Union expressed solidarity with NMOPS and ATEWA. Joint Front District Media In-Charge Harishankar Rathore assured that the Black Day movement would be observed with full force across Uttar Pradesh.
Vikramaditya Maurya, State Treasurer, pointed out that even the government now acknowledges the shortcomings of NPS. Sanjay Rawat, a senior leader from the Health Department Ministerial Association, also supported the demand to abolish NPS and UPS in favor of OPS.
The meeting was moderated by District Coordinator Sunil Verma and attended by prominent leaders, including Sangeeta Devi, Vijay Kumar Vishwas, Narendra Kumar, Vijay Singh, Vinay Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Suresh, Dhirendra, Shiv Lal, and Meena Kumari, among many other representatives from various employee unions.
With April 1 set to witness mass protests across the country and a major demonstration at Jantar Mantar on May 1, the movement for OPS restoration is gaining momentum, putting pressure on the government to reconsider its decision.
