17-Sep-2026

Visual glimpses from Day One of the nationwide dharna staged by the NCCPA / FCPA on 17th September, 2026.
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17-Sep-2026

Comrade G.L .Jogi, General Secretary / SNPWA addressed the gathering during the First day of FCPA Dharna at Hyderabad on 17th September 2026.
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16-Sep-2026

Dear Comrades,
Make the Dharna on 17th, 18th and 19th a Spectacular Success! Come out on the streets defiantly, fearlessly, and with unprecedented resolution, to expose and defeat the Devilish Designs of the Government to consign Pensioners to flames. Dont just look back. Do not lose sight of the fact that the 8th Central Pay Commission has flatly declined to discuss the issue of Pension Revision, taking the stand that the Government has not included Pension Revision in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th CPC.
Comrades, it is therefore extremely significant and crucial that we carefully read and understand the Terms of Reference of the 8th CPC. The ToR specifically directs the Commission to keep in view, among other things, the economic conditions of the country, the need for fiscal prudence, the availability of resources for developmental expenditure and welfare measures, and the "unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes."
What does this imply?
It creates an impression that our pension is merely an expenditure to be borne by the Government, ultimately at the cost of the taxpayer. Such a portrayal is misleading and deeply objectionable, rather condemnable because it risks creating a false public perception that pensioners are a burden on society or, worse, parasites upon it.
Our pension is not charity. It is a legitimate statutory retirement benefit earned through decades of service to the nation. The further reference in the ToR to the "unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes" is equally significant. It raises a legitimate and fundamental question about the Government's long-term approach towards pension itself.If pension is described merely as unfunded and non-contributory, one cannot ignore the larger implications of such terminology. It provides a framework within which pension can increasingly be viewed only as a fiscal liability rather than as a statutory social-security obligation arising from past service.
This is why we must ask a fundamental question:
If pension is characterised as "unfunded" and "non-contributory", what is the basis and origin of the enormous pension resources accumulated over the years? How and where from have Rs 17 lakh crore Pension Corpus come into existence.
This issue cannot simply be brushed aside.
The Government's present approach, viewed together with its other policy decisions, therefore deserves the closest scrutiny. We cannot allow the existing pension system to be gradually weakened, diluted or ultimately replaced by a market-linked, insurance-type mechanism.
The danger may not necessarily be immediate abolition. The more serious danger could be a gradual process of dismantling the existing pension system over a period of time.
That is why the pensioners' movement has to remain vigilant.
The issue becomes even more serious when we recall the Government's position on the financial implications of pension expenditure and fiscal management. Any attempt to portray pensioners merely as a fiscal burden, rather than as citizens who earned their retirement benefits through long years of service, must be firmly challenged with facts and reason.
Comrades, therefore, when we take a holistic view of the 8th CPC ToR, the Government's recent legislative and policy initiatives, and its approach towards pension, we cannot afford to look at Pension Revision as an isolated issue.
It is part of a much larger question:
What kind of pension system does the Government intend to leave for present and future generations of pensioners?
That is why the struggle before us is not merely about an increase in pension. It is about pension, social security, dignity and the rightful place of senior citizens in society.
These larger issues have to be exposed before the people of the country. They have to be debated openly. And, above all, they have to be resisted through a protracted, peaceful and sustained democratic struggle.
There is simply no room for complacency. There is no room for looking back. Because looking back at this crucial juncture could mean compromising not merely on Pension Revision, but on our existence, dignity and rightful status as pensioners.
The greatest challenge before pensioners today is therefore not merely financial.
It is the challenge of protecting our existence and dignity; ensuring that we are never portrayed as parasites upon society; and ensuring that we can bid farewell to this world with our heads held high, with independence, self-respect and a dignified place in society.
That is the challenge before us.
Comrades,
Come out fearlessly.
Come out with unwavering commitment and determination.
Let the Dharna on 17th, 18th and 19th demonstrate the strength, unity and resolve of the pensioners of this country.
Let us take on this challenge head-on, expose every attempt to undermine our legitimate rights, and defend our pension system with all the democratic strength at our command. Let the three-day Dharna be a spectacular success!
Let our unity speak louder than our numbers!
Let our determination make it clear that we will not allow the dignity and security of pensioners to be compromised!
Comradely yours,
G. L. Jogi
General Secretary, SNPWA

16-Sep-2026

16-Sep-2026