- Forum of Civilian Pensioners Association protests against Finance Bill 2025 provisions, alleges denial of rightful benefits
- Memorandum submitted to Prime Minister through Ahmedabad Collector seeking pension parity and policy reversal
- Demonstrators call for equitable treatment of BSNL and Central Government pensioners under new wage and pension framework
- Strong turnout at Sardar Baug reflects rising nationwide concern among retired employees over pension security
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, FEB 14
In a strong show of protest against recent pension policy changes, members of the Forum of Civilian Pensioners Association staged a massive dharna at Sardar Baug in Ahmedabad on Friday, demanding the inclusion of BSNL and Central Government pensioners under the proposed 8th Pay Commission and opposing provisions of the Finance Bill 2025.
Organised under the banner of the Forum, the demonstrators alleged that certain stringent provisions introduced through the Finance Bill 2025 would deprive pensioners of benefits they have historically received, raising serious concerns about financial security and parity among retired government employees.
The protesting pensioners urged the Government of India to ensure that retirees from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and other Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), as well as Central Government pensioners, are included within the ambit of the 8th Pay Commission framework, once constituted.
A memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was submitted through the Ahmedabad District Collector, highlighting the grievances of pensioners and seeking immediate intervention to safeguard their rights and ensure equitable pension benefits.
Pensioners Seek Parity and Protection of Retirement Benefits
Leaders of the Forum stated that pensioners, who had devoted decades of service to nation-building, should not be subjected to policy changes that could potentially dilute their pension entitlements or exclude them from future revisions.
They emphasized that the demand for inclusion of BSNL and Central PSU pensioners in the 8th Pay Commission is essential to maintain uniformity and fairness across categories of retirees, particularly in view of rising living costs and inflation.
The demonstrators also urged the Government to reconsider provisions in the Finance Bill 2025 that they claim impose restrictive conditions affecting pension disbursement and benefits.
Memorandum Calls for Immediate Policy Intervention
The memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister outlined key demands, including:
- Inclusion of BSNL and Central PSU pensioners in the 8th Pay Commission
- Protection of existing pension benefits without restrictive conditions
- Restoration of parity between different categories of Central Government pensioners
- Withdrawal or review of provisions in the Finance Bill 2025 affecting pension entitlements
Participants stated that the protest was part of a broader nationwide movement among pensioners seeking justice, dignity, and financial security in retirement.
They expressed hope that the Government would respond positively to their demands and ensure that pensioners continue to receive fair and equitable treatment under future pension reforms.
