PM Modi To Meet Unions Of Govt Employees, Old Pension Scheme In Focus

For the first time in a decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with staff representatives of the national-level Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) for Union government employees, along with the Personnel Ministry.

The Personnel Ministry has extended an invitation to JCM Secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra and other JCM staff members to meet with PM Modi at the Prime Minister’s official residence on Saturday. One of the key issues expected to be discussed during the meeting is the potential restoration of the old pension scheme.

Mishra told The Hindu that staff representatives had requested a meeting with PM Modi. He noted, "We are in communication with the government on several matters and we sought to discuss these directly with the Prime Minister." He further emphasised that the restoration of the old pension scheme remains a critical unresolved issue, stating, "We will raise this with the Prime Minister as well."

Previously, the unions representing Union government and Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees had planned an indefinite strike starting 1 May. However, the strike was postponed following talks with the government. The unions have been advocating for the reinstatement of the old pension scheme, halting the privatisation and corporatisation of PSUs and filling vacant positions across various departments within the government.