Oppn seeks OPS for govt staff, Akhil suspended from House

Guwahati: A heated debate erupted in the state assembly on Tuesday as opposition parties collectively pressed for their demand to reinstate the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for govt employees, while the state govt persisted with its plans to implement the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, who proposed a resolution to restore OPS and garnered support from Congress, AIUDF, CPM and other opposition party MLAs, was later suspended from the assembly. Parliamentary affairs minister Chandra Mohan Patowary responded that the state finance department is working on UPS, asserting that the state govt believes it would not disadvantage the employees.
Akhil persistently urged the state govt to abandon its UPS implementation plans, arguing that govt employees would face greater losses compared to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) implemented since Feb 1, 2005. Congress MLAs endorsed the resolution, with MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar pledging to reintroduce OPS should Congress regain power, citing examples of other states where they reinstated OPS.
Patowary reiterated that state govt would not compromise employee interests and would ultimately discuss the matter with them. Deputy speaker Numal Momin, presiding over the session, asked if Akhil would withdraw the resolution. Upon Akhil's refusal, Momin conducted a voice vote and declared the resolution defeated.
Gogoi and opposition MLAs demanded a formal voting procedure. However, the deputy speaker maintained that the resolution's defeat by voice vote was final and proceeded with the day's agenda. Amid disruption, the House was adjourned for three minutes. Upon reconvening, Gogoi renewed his demand for proper voting, resulting in his suspension for the remainder of the day.
The resolution emphasised OPS restoration as crucial for securing employees' futures, ensuring social security and acknowledging their service dedication to the public and govt. Akhil contended that UPS implementation would result in minimal benefits upon retirement, deemed worse than the NPS, which numerous employee organisations currently protest against.