Retired Employees and Teachers Unions Rally Against Pension Amendments

Kanpur, April 22, 2025 — A strong wave of opposition is brewing across Uttar Pradesh as retired government employees and teacher unions rise in protest against the proposed Pension Reform Bill 2025. The bill, if enacted, would bring significant changes to pension regulations, potentially affecting millions of retired personnel.

At a press conference held today in Kanpur, leaders from various associations, including the Retired Employees and Pensioners Association (3070), the Teachers Federation, and representatives of agricultural service unions, expressed grave concerns over the new pension framework.

The core grievance lies in the bill’s proposal to halt pension revisions for those retiring after December 31, 2025. This, according to leaders, will divide pensioners into two groups and create unnecessary disparities. They are also alarmed by the government’s move to de-link Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners from that of serving employees, a decision they say contradicts earlier court decisions and causes hardship.

Shri Bholanath Gulabiya, president of the association, declared that if the bill is not withdrawn, the pensioners will launch a nation-wide agitation. "We call upon the Prime Minister and Chief Minister to take immediate action," he said.

The protestors further demanded:

• Reversal of all pension rule changes introduced through the Finance Amendment Act 2025.

• Restoration of DR linkages to ensure parity with current employees.

• Reintroduction of the old system of pension revision every ten years.

As the unrest builds, the associations have announced a state-level protest in Lucknow on April 27, where delegations will meet with government officials and present their demands. Leaders vowed to escalate the movement if the government does not address their concerns.