DIMAPUR — The Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland units of the Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum (NNPSGSEF), held a general meeting on March 5 at The Garden in Dimapur to deliberate on the National Pension System (NPS).
According to a press release, secretary of the Dimapur Unit, Tohovi Swu, chaired the programme while Sarati Walling, president of the Dimapur Unit, delivered the keynote address.
Avizo Nienu, information secretary of the NNPSGSEF central office, stated on the occasion that the NPS would be detrimental to retirees, as individuals serve 30-35 years in government service only to retire with no guaranteed pension under the NPS.
He emphasised that the NPS relies on contributions to create a corpus, with no fixed amount, percentage, or assured income and urged the state government to acknowledge the concerns of employees under the NPS who are fighting for their rights and the future generations’ well-being.
It may be mentioned that the office had submitted representations on August 31, 2023, and February 16, 2024, and awaits a response.
Adabe Namgi, finance secretary of the NNPSGSEF central office, highlighted their activities, including tours, awareness campaigns, and district unit formation across Nagaland. He also mentioned their participation in various programmes in Delhi and Kerala.
Earlier, Kekhrielenuo Pienyii, president of the Chümoukedima Unit, led a discussion comparing NPS and the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and emphasised that NPS is market-linked, offers no guaranteed income or minimum pension, and requires mandatory monthly contributions of 10% of basic salary and daily allowance (DA).
On the contrary, she pointed out, OPS guarantees 50% of the last drawn salary, requires no contributions from employees, and functions as a government benefit compared to the private, corporate-controlled nature of NPS.
Other speakers included executives from the three district units: Niuto K Zhimo, Kevivozo Mere, Sherhinlo Keppen, Inato Yeptho, Kihoto Sema, and Asheto Shohe. Chumtila Sangtam was the recorder.
The programme concluded with Khetolu Katty, president of the Niuland Unit, facilitating the election of one representative from each department for improved coordination and communication of unit activities.
