AAP Faces Criticism in Punjab Over Delayed Implementation of Old Pension Scheme

The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is facing mounting criticism from government employees over the delayed implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Despite notifying the implementation of OPS in November 2022, the scheme remains unimplemented nearly six months later, prompting protests and questions from over 2 lakh employees covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS).

Employees' unions have started displaying posters across the state, urging candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to declare their stance on OPS implementation. The unions have threatened to vote against candidates who cannot help implement the scheme, and they plan to stage a hunger strike on May 1 to remind AAP leaders of their unfulfilled promise.

Why this matters: The delayed implementation of OPS has become a major political challenge for the AAP government in Punjab. The issue highlights the importance of fulfilling campaign promises and addressing the concerns of government employees, who form a significant voter base in the state.

The OPS provides an assured benefit to retirees, unlike the NPS, which invests the money in stocks. The Punjab government had also mentioned examining its own pension policy, but the issue remains unresolved. "The government has deceived us by not implementing the scheme despite repeated assurances," said a representative of the employees' unions.

The AAP government now faces accusations of deception from the government employees, who have been eagerly awaiting the implementation of OPS. The delay has led to protests and criticism, putting pressure on the party to fulfill its promise. As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the OPS issue is likely to remain a key point of contention between the AAP government and the employees' unions in Punjab.

Key Takeaways

• AAP govt in Punjab faces criticism over delayed implementation of Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
• Employees' unions threaten to vote against candidates who cannot help implement OPS.
• Unions plan hunger strike on May 1 to remind AAP of unfulfilled promise on OPS.
• OPS delay becomes major political challenge for AAP, as it impacts significant voter base.
• AAP govt accused of deception by employees eagerly awaiting OPS implementation.