NNPSGSEF leaders with others during observance of state wide Black Day in Dimapur on April 1.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 1
A statewide ‘Black Day’ was observed on April 1 by state government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS), under the aegis of the Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum (NNPSGSEF).
As per the Forum, the National Pension System (NPS), introduced in Nagaland for government sector employees, has led to growing apprehension and distrust among employees.
On several occasions in the past, various movements across the country have organised nationwide programmes to express discontent over the implementation of NPS, raising concerns such as uncertainty of returns, inadequate social security assurance, and high management and annuity-related issues, it stated.
On April 1, 2025, rather than heeding the long-standing demand to scrap the NPS and restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the Central Government introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)—a modified version under the NPS framework, it highlighted.
The implementation of NPS and UPS leaves thousands of employees uncertain about their future, exposing their retirement savings to market risks and inadequate post-retirement benefits, it added.
In continuation of past efforts to appeal to the Government to restore OPS, the NNPSGSEF reiterated that state employees covered under NPS collectively seek old-age financial security and dignity in retirement.
This, it maintained, can only be provided by the OPS, and not by the NPS, a market-linked pension system, nor its modified version, the Unified Pension System (UPS).
The Forum stated that the observance of the statewide ‘Black Day’ reflected a united front and collective expression of disappointment among employees, with participation from across the state.
It further signalled a commitment to intensify peaceful and democratic movements until fairness is achieved.
Meanwhile, the Central Unit, together with the Dimapur District Unit of NNPSGSEF, also met the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, to raise awareness and discuss the importance of the movement.
Avizo Nienu, State President, stated that pension returns under these systems (NPS and UPS) are at risk, as the Government does not bear responsibility for ensuring a fixed post-retirement income, placing the entire burden on employees. He added that returns may not adequately keep pace with inflation, impacting the real value of retirement savings.
Dr Manjeet Singh Patel, National President of the All India NPS Employees Federation (AINPSEF), extended support to all members of NNPSGSEF.
He stated that AINPSEF has played a vital role in bringing about several amendments in the NPS framework in recent years and assured that the struggle will continue until the restoration of OPS for ensuring old-age socio-economic security of employees.
He further stated that meetings were held with the Minister of the Department of Personnel and Training, Dr Jitendra Singh, on January 14, 2025 and February 24, 2026 to discuss concerns regarding the implementation of NPS and UPS.
A High-Level Expert Committee was constituted by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority in February 2026 to examine the growing concerns surrounding the rollout of NPS and UPS, Patel added.
