Assam Primary Teachers Demand Old Pension Scheme, Threaten Protests Over Dues

Dispur, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: The Assam State Primary Teachers' Association has voiced strong opposition to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent remarks endorsing the National Pension System (NPS). The association is steadfast in its demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and has threatened to initiate protests if the government fails to release pending sick leave allowances that have been owed since January.

The association has characterized the sick leave allowance as a statutory entitlement for teachers, emphasizing that it should not be viewed as a charitable benefit provided by the government. Ratul Chandra Goswami, a representative of the association, stated, "The sick leave allowance is not charity and is the right of teachers and employees. It should have been released from January. If the dues are not paid immediately, we will be compelled to launch an agitation." This statement underscores the teachers' frustration over what they perceive as a lack of respect for their rights and entitlements.

The teachers' body has also made it clear that it rejects both the NPS and the newly introduced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), insisting that only the OPS is an acceptable pension model. The OPS was a system that guaranteed a defined benefit pension based on the last drawn salary, which many employees view as a more secure and reliable form of retirement income compared to the NPS, which is based on market performance and individual contributions.

Goswami further elaborated on the association's position, stating, "We oppose both NPS and UPS. We support only the Old Pension Scheme. We are not concerned with claims that some employees prefer the NPS. The All Assam Workers' Parishad has consistently demanded the repeal of the NPS and restoration of the OPS. The arrears of the sick leave allowance should also be paid because it is our legitimate right." This reflects a broader sentiment among many public sector employees who feel that the shift to the NPS has left them vulnerable in their retirement years.

The controversy surrounding pensions in Assam has been reignited following Chief Minister Sarma's defense of the NPS during a recent budget discussion in the Assembly. He asserted that over 1.5 lakh youths recruited by the state government are already covered under the NPS, and he argued that this system could potentially provide better post-retirement benefits in many cases. Sarma also mentioned that government employees have the option to either continue under the NPS or switch to the UPS, which has been presented as a more flexible alternative.

During the same Assembly session, Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah addressed the pension issue, revealing that the government is in the process of implementing the OPS for employees whose recruitment began before February 1, 2005. This announcement has been met with cautious optimism from some quarters, as it suggests a recognition of the need to address the concerns of older employees who may have been adversely affected by the transition to the NPS.

Mallabaruah explained that the Finance Department had sought detailed information from all administrative departments in March 2025 to facilitate the implementation of the Budget announcement made under the State's Astadash Mukutar Unnoyonee Mala initiative. This initiative is aimed at promoting development and welfare across various sectors in Assam, and the inclusion of pension reforms highlights the government's acknowledgment of the importance of employee welfare in achieving broader socio-economic goals.

In addition to pension discussions, the Finance Minister also informed the Assembly about an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) to 60 percent from June 2026. However, he clarified that the timing of salary revisions and service benefits is contingent upon the state's financial position and the recommendations of the State Pay Commission. This statement reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the Assam government in balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to provide adequate compensation and benefits to its employees.

The ongoing debate over pension schemes in Assam is not merely a financial issue; it speaks to broader themes of job security, employee rights, and the social contract between the government and its workers. Many teachers and public sector employees feel that the shift to the NPS has eroded their financial security in retirement, leading to calls for a return to the OPS, which they believe offers more predictable and stable benefits.

As the situation develops, the Assam State Primary Teachers' Association's threat of protests serves as a reminder of the potential for labor unrest when employee rights are perceived to be under threat. The association's firm stance on the sick leave allowance and pension schemes highlights the critical importance of these issues in the lives of teachers and public sector workers in Assam.

The implications of these discussions extend beyond the immediate concerns of the teachers' association. The outcomes of these negotiations and policy decisions will likely influence the broader landscape of public sector employment in Assam, shaping the experiences of current and future employees. As the government navigates these complex issues, it will need to balance the demands for better employee benefits with fiscal realities and the need for sustainable governance.

Pension schemes, particularly in the context of public sector employment, are often contentious issues, as they directly impact the financial well-being of employees after retirement. The OPS, which was in place prior to the introduction of the NPS, has been favored by many for its predictability and security. Under the OPS, employees receive a pension that is typically a fixed percentage of their last drawn salary, which can provide a stable source of income. In contrast, the NPS is based on contributions made during an employee's career and is subject to market fluctuations, which can lead to uncertainty about the amount of pension one will receive upon retirement.

The shift to the NPS has been part of a broader trend in many Indian states and at the national level, where governments have sought to reduce their fiscal liabilities associated with pension payments. This has often led to dissatisfaction among public sector employees who feel that the NPS does not provide adequate security. The Assam State Primary Teachers' Association's demands echo a wider movement among workers in various sectors who are advocating for the restoration of the OPS, viewing it as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

Moreover, the issue of sick leave allowances adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions. Sick leave is a critical benefit that allows employees to take time off for health reasons without suffering financial penalties. The association's insistence on the timely payment of these allowances reflects a broader concern about the treatment of public sector employees and their rights. The failure to provide these allowances in a timely manner can be seen as a violation of trust and can significantly impact the morale of the workforce.

The Assam government has been navigating a challenging fiscal landscape, with competing demands from various sectors and the need to maintain public services. The announcement of the increase in Dearness Allowance indicates an attempt to address some of the financial concerns of employees, but it also highlights the delicate balance the government must strike between meeting employee demands and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

As the Assam State Primary Teachers' Association prepares to take action, the government will need to consider the broader implications of its decisions. Labor unrest can have significant consequences, not only for the employees involved but also for the functioning of public services and the overall stability of the government. The association's readiness to protest signals a growing frustration among teachers and public sector employees, which could lead to wider unrest if not addressed adequately.

In conclusion, the Assam State Primary Teachers' Association's demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and the release of pending sick leave allowances is part of a larger conversation about employee rights and benefits in the public sector. The government's response to these demands will be closely watched, as it will not only affect the immediate concerns of teachers but also set a precedent for how labor issues are handled in the state moving forward. The resolution of this situation will require careful negotiation and a willingness to engage with the concerns of public sector employees, as the outcomes will have lasting implications for the workforce and the governance of Assam.