A Revolutionary Call to All Pensioners: Unite to Safeguard Our Social Security and Future

 Dear Pensioner Brothers and Sisters,

The time has come for every Central Government pensioner, retiree, and member of the working class to rise in united struggle. The future of our social security system is under unprecedented threat, and only our collective strength can safeguard the dignity, rights, and livelihood of millions of serving and retired employees across the country.

You are aware that the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, CHQ, has already written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15.11.2025 demanding amendments to the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission. Key demands include:

 - Clear date of effect of 8th CPC recommendations,

- Revision and improvement of pension and pensionary benefits,

- Removal of the objectionable phrase “cost of unfunded non-contributory pension schemes,”

- Complete restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS),

- Inclusion of GDS and employees of autonomous/statutory bodies under the 8th CPC,

- Grant of Interim Relief,

- Strengthening and expansion of health schemes.

 Going a step further, the Staff Side of the National Council JCM has written to the Prime Minister once again on 17.11.2025, adding, inclusive of the above a crucial demand — inclusion of “Employees’ Expectations” in the ToR so that the 8th CPC becomes a genuine commission in favour of workers and pensioners, not merely a financial exercise controlled by restrictive clauses.

 At the same time, the Forum of Civil Pensioners Associations (FCPA), in its online meeting on 13.11.2025, has resolved a massive and historic nation-wide campaign to protect the rights of pensioners and safeguard the future of social security in India. This includes:

 - Formation of FCPA units in all states and districts within one month, (We have already formed the same in Odisha earlier)

- Approaching Trade Union International and WFTU for international workers’ solidarity,

- Campaigning across the country to expose the dangers contained in the current ToR,

- Joint action with BPS, trade unions, and pensioners’ associations across Central and State services,

- A nationwide letter, email, postcard, and signature movement throughout December,

- Massive district-level demonstrations on National Pensioners Day, 17.12.2025,

- District-level dharnas on 09.01.2026,

- State-level press meets, conventions, meetings with political leadership, and state capital dharnas throughout January and February 2026,

- Formation of a 14–member National Committee to ensure MPs raise the issue in Parliament,

- Full participation and solidarity with any struggle announced by the JCM.

 This movement is not just a protest —  It is a battle for justice, dignity, and the fundamental rights earned through decades of service to the nation.

 Today, the government seeks to reduce pensions to a cost item, to weaken the promise of government-guaranteed post-retirement security, and to shift the burden to market risks. If we remain silent today, the future generations of employees will face a pensionless tomorrow.

 Let every pensioner and every household understand:

 - A secure pension is not a charity — it is a right earned through a lifetime of service. 

- Social security is not a budget liability — it is a moral contract between the State and the citizen. 

- The Old Pension Scheme is not a favour — it is the foundation of dignified retired life.

 Friends, 

If pensioners do not rise today, history will never forgive us.

 Therefore, we appeal:

 - Join the campaign in your state, district, and association.

- Sign the mass signature movement with your name and PPO number.

- Send emails, postcards, and letters to the Prime Minister and central authorities.

- Participate in the 17 December demonstrations, the 9 January dharna, and all upcoming national and state-level programmes.

- Educate fellow pensioners, employees, and the public about the dangers of the current ToR and the government’s attempt to weaken guaranteed pension rights.

 Let every workplace, every pensioners’ association, every town, every district, and every state resound with one voice:

 Restore Social Security!  Restore Our Dignity!  Restore the Old Pension Scheme!

            With unity, we are unstoppable. 

With struggle, victory is certain.

 Let us march together in this historic people’s movement to protect the lives, futures, and rights of crores of pensioners and serving employees of India. 

Long live Unity! 

Long live Struggle! 

Long live Social Security!

 In solidarity, 

 = B SAMAL =

General Secretary

Confederation, Odisha State CoC &

President, FCPA, Odisha State Committee