The EditorGovernment’s Policy Sparks Worry Among Retired Employees
Guhla Cheeka – The 8th Pay Commission, recently formed by the Central Government, released a press note that caused deep concern among retired employees. The release clearly stated that only those employees or pensioners who will be in service or retire in January 2026 or later will receive the benefits of the new pay commission.
This announcement has led to disappointment and anger among lakhs of retired employees across the country. Many feel this is unfair and discriminatory.
Mixed Signals from Government Confusing Retirees
Kulbhushan Sharma, the Chief Spokesperson of the Haryana Retired Employees Association, spoke to the media in Cheeka. He criticized the government’s decision, calling it a betrayal of trust.
According to Sharma, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Secretary earlier assured employee unions that no such rule exists to deny benefits to those who retire before 2026. But now, the 8th Pay Commission’s own committee has contradicted that statement.
“This double-faced approach is creating confusion,” Sharma said. “How can two arms of the same government say two opposite things?”
Retirees Left in the Dark About Future
The statement from the Pay Commission has raised fear among pensioners. Many now feel their future is uncertain and insecure. They fear they will be left behind, with no relief from rising costs.
Sharma said, “Retired employees are struggling with inflation. Prices of medicine, groceries, and services are rising. Yet, the government wants to freeze our pensions? How is that fair?”
Long History of Neglect Toward Retirees
This isn’t the first time retired employees feel ignored. Sharma reminded the press that back in 2004, the then BJP-led government ended the pension scheme for new employees.
“Now, even those who are still under the pension system are being sidelined,” he said. “It seems like a long-term plan to erase pensions completely.”
He accused the government of being insensitive. “Why are we being punished after serving the country for decades?”
Cost of Living Continues to Rise
Sharma explained that inflation hits pensioners just as hard, if not harder, than working people. “Pensioners buy the same food, pay the same bills, and visit the same doctors,” he said.
He also pointed out the imbalance in government behavior. “Ministers and officials raise their own salaries every five years. But they are against increasing pensions even once in ten years. Is that justice?”
Many retired workers live on fixed incomes. Without timely increases, their standard of living falls. “A freeze in pensions means hunger, illness, and suffering,” Sharma warned.
Pensioners Plan to Fight Back
The Haryana Retired Employees Association has decided to stand firm against these new policies. They plan to organize protests and awareness campaigns to make their voices heard.
“We will not accept this decision,” Sharma said. “We will raise this issue at every level—state and national. We have served this nation. We deserve dignity, not dismissal.”
Other leaders like Satnam Singh, Malkit Singh, and Raghuveer Singh also attended the press conference. They showed full support and promised to back any movement that protects pensioners’ rights.
The Real Impact on Retired Lives
Beyond numbers and policy, the issue is deeply personal. For many retirees, pension is their only source of income.
Without regular increases, they cannot keep up with life’s basic needs. “Can the government ensure that food and medicine will remain at today’s rates for the next ten years?” Sharma asked. “If not, how can they expect pensioners to survive without an increase?”
This move by the Pay Commission feels like a betrayal to those who once served the nation with honesty and dedication.
Call for Fairness and Transparency
Retired workers are now demanding clarity and justice. They want the government to release an official and final statement, not create confusion through press notes and mixed messages.
“It’s time for the government to stop playing with words,” Sharma said. “We want a clear promise in writing that no pensioner will be denied their rightful dues.”
A Matter of Respect and Survival
This is not just a policy matter. It’s a question of survival, dignity, and respect. Retired employees built the foundations of today’s system. Now, they want to be treated with honor, not pushed aside.
“If lawmakers can raise their allowances with a thump on the table,” Sharma added, “then pensioners deserve an increase too, at least every ten years.”
Conclusion: Pensioners Deserve Better
The Pay Commission’s statement has caused a storm among retired employees. The message it sends is clear: if you retire before 2026, you may be left out of future benefits.
This has deeply hurt pensioners, who now feel ignored and unwanted. They are ready to protest and push back. The government must listen and act before it’s too late.
Fairness, clarity, and compassion must guide such decisions. Pensioners have given their best years to the nation. Now it’s time the nation gives them the care and security they deserve.
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