In a heated political exchange, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has accused the AIADMK of deliberately misleading government employees over the contentious issue of reverting to the Old Pension Scheme. CPI(M) leaders have sharply criticized the AIADMK’s stance on the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), calling it a betrayal of workers’ rights.
The controversy erupted amid ongoing protests by government employees demanding the restoration of the generous Old Pension Scheme, which guaranteed lifetime pensions based on the last drawn salary. The current EPS, introduced in 2004, relies on contributions to a fund, often resulting in lower payouts.
CPI(M) state secretary alleged that AIADMK leaders are spreading false information, claiming the Old Pension Scheme is financially unsustainable for the state. ‘This is a classic case of diverting attention from real issues,’ he said during a press conference in Chennai.
Opposition parties have rallied behind the employees’ demands, pointing to successful implementations in states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The AIADMK, however, maintains that fiscal prudence demands sticking with the contributory scheme.
As agitations intensify across Tamil Nadu, the battle over pensions has become a flashpoint in state politics. Employee unions warn of escalated protests if demands remain unmet, putting pressure on the ruling dispensation.