The demand for inclusion of the old pension scheme under the 8th Pay Commission has picked up momentum once again. The Chennai GPO Pensioners' Forum raised the demand for guaranteed pension in the 8th Pay Commission's recently concluded meetings. Earlier this week, the Retired Employees and Pensioners Association of Uttar Pradesh presented 12-point demands, comprising inclusion of the ‘Old Pension System’. 

The organisation announced a dharna and demonstration in each district if the demands are not met. 

Employee Body 

The UP’s Retired Employees and Pensioners Association president, Amar Nath Yadav, has sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding inclusion of retired pensioners under the purview of the Eighth Central Pay Commission before January 1, 2026. 

The letter states that if the demand is not met, a dharna, public meeting, demonstration, and rally will be organised in every district of the state on September 29th, and a memorandum will be submitted.

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Other Demands: 

  • Elimination of discrimination against pensioners based on retirement date.

  • Inclusion of pension revision and other benefits within the Pay Commission's scope.

  • Removal of the provision deeming pensions non-contributory and non-funded.

  • Establishment of a separate Central Pay Commission (CPC) for employees, pensioners, and teachers.

  • Payment of pending salaries for long service.

  • Ending pension commutation deductions after 10 years.

  • A 5% increase in pension every 5 years after age 65.

  • Exemption of pension from income tax.

  • Payment of 18 months' DA/DR arrears from the COVID-19 period.

  • 50 per cent discount on rail fares for senior citizens.

  • Limit of Rs 10 lakh for cashless treatment under Ayushman Bharat.

  • Formation of a Senior Citizens Commission.

The five big demands of Chennai’s GPO Pensioners’ Forum

Demand

Description

1. Bring back the Old Pension Scheme

Pensioners across the country have been pushing for it for years, making it their top priority in Chennai.

2. Raise pension and family pension

Retired employees and their families want more financial cushion, asking the Commission to enhance both.

3. Fix the commutation recovery mess

Unclear rules around recovering lump sums from commuted pensions prompt a call for clarity and relief.

4. Revise MACP benefits

Updating the Modified Assured Career Progression scheme to provide better career progression and improved pay scales, particularly for postal employees.

5. Better allowances, leave, and social security

Improved allowances, leave rules, and stronger social security coverage for both pensioners and serving employees.