Railway Employees Hold Nationwide Hunger Strike for Pension Rights
Railway unions across India, including at Jantar Mantar, engage in a hunger strike to demand the restoration of the old pension scheme.
CHAKRADHARPUR – Railway employees, under the banner of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (#JFROPS), have initiated protests across various divisional offices, including Jantar Mantar. A protest was also held at Chakradharpur and a large number of railway employees held a sit-in on Wednesday.
The demonstrations, scheduled from January 8th to 11th, are witnessing widespread participation.
All India Railway Men’s Federation has called for a fast/hunger strike outside administrative and production units from 9 am to 5 pm.
AIRF General Secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra emphasized the significance of reinstating the old pension scheme.
This movement involves Central and State Government employees, including defense personnel, teachers, and government production unit workers.
Mishra sees this hunger strike as a final warning to the government before potentially escalating to a general strike.
The South Eastern Railway Men’s Union’s hunger strike in Chakradharpur entered its second day.
Union members and officers staged their protest near the DRM office.
The leaders criticized the current pension system, deeming it anti-employee and demanding an immediate return to the old pension system.
They warned of potential future actions to halt railway operations if demands are not met.
A Relay Hunger Fast Rally is planned for January 11th to reinforce their demands.
Key participants in the movement include Vice President Shivji Sharma, Additional General Secretary Jawahar Lal, and numerous other railway employees.
Their unified stance underscores the criticality of the issue within the railway sector.
