TSCPSEU Demands Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju Release DA Arrears and Reinstate OPS

The Telangana State Contributory Pension Scheme Employees Union (TSCPSEU) submitted a formal representation to Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju in Hyderabad on Monday, demanding the immediate release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears and the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

TSCPSEU State President Sthithapragna and General Secretary Kalval Srikanth met with the Chief Secretary to present their demands. The union urged the government to release all DA arrears that have been pending since 2023 in a single installment, highlighting that clearing these dues is essential for employees to cope with rising inflation.

A major focus of the representation was the replacement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Sthithapragna pointed out that the CPS, which has been implemented since September 1, 2004, has severely undermined the post-retirement social security of government employees.

The union highlighted that around 2,000 retired CPS employees are already facing serious financial hardships because of the low pensions they receive under the current system. To mitigate these hardships, the TSCPSEU urged the state government to scrap the CPS and immediately reinstate the OPS.

The representation also addressed grievances regarding the recently issued Employee Health Scheme (EHS). Under the current provisions, retired CPS employees are required to pay a 1.5 percent contribution based on their last basic pay. Sthithapragna described this requirement as highly unfair to retired staff.

The union requested the state government to immediately amend the earlier Government Orders (GOs) regarding the EHS. They proposed that the contribution for retired CPS employees should not be calculated on the basis of their last basic pay, and instead, the government should provide them with free medical care.

TSCPSEU leaders stated that they hope the state government will make a favorable decision on these three key demands. They emphasized that these measures are critical to securing the social, financial, and health security of 2.6 lakh CPS employees and teachers across Telangana.