Requirement of agitation in Ram Leela Maidan New Delhi for implementation of Old Pension system and scraping of New Pension Scheme for Government Employees

*Pension plans in India can be traced back to the time when the British ruled the country. The Royal Commission of Civil Establishments was set up in 1881 to give government workers their first pensions.*

*History of Pension Scheme In India*

*The first pension system in India was introduced by the British in 1857, after the Indian first movement for Independence. The purpose of the system was to ensure that the local rulers continued to collect their British pensions and did not rebel again. The system was based on the British pension system, but it did not provide enough financial security for retirees. In 1871, the Indian Pension Act was passed to address the problems with the previous system. The act provided for a more generous pension and a dearness allowance to help retirees cope with inflation.*

*In 1881, the Royal Commission on Civil Establishments introduced the first pension benefits for government employees. These benefits were later expanded to cover all employees in the public sector. After independence, the government of India established a number of pension programs to provide retirement benefits to workers in the private sector.*

*Additional provisions for government employee pensions were included in the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935. The government of India has several pension plans for people who work for the government or private companies.*

*These benefits were pensions, which are a regular payment made to a person after they have retired from work.  These provisions consolidated the pension plans and expanded them to cover all employees in the public sector. After the country gained independence, the government of India established a number of pension programs in order to provide retirement benefits to workers in the private sector.*

*The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) vs. the New Pension Scheme (NPS)*

*The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was introduced in India in 1957. Under the OPS, government employees were guaranteed a pension upon retirement, based on their last drawn salary and length of service. The NPS, on the other hand, was introduced in 2004. Under the NPS, government employees contribute a fixed percentage of their salary towards a pension fund, which is then invested in a variety of financial instruments. The amount of pension that an employee receives upon retirement will depend on the performance of the pension fund.*

Why are government employees demanding the restoration of the OPS?

There are a number of reasons why government employees are demanding the restoration of the OPS. First, the OPS provides a guaranteed pension, while the NPS does not. Second, the OPS is a defined benefit scheme, while the NPS is a defined contribution scheme. This means that the amount of pension that an employee receives under the OPS will not depend on the performance of the pension fund, while the amount of pension that an employee receives under the NPS will. Third, the OPS is more transparent than the NPS. Under the OPS, employees know exactly how much pension they will receive upon retirement, while under the NPS, employees have to rely on the performance of the pension fund.

The agitation in Ram Leela Maidan

In recent years, there have been a number of agitations in Ram Leela Maidan in New Delhi demanding the restoration of the OPS. The most recent agitation took place in June 2023. Thousands of government employees from across the country gathered in Ram Leela Maidan to demand the restoration of the OPS. The agitation was led by the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS).

The future of the OPS

It is unclear whether the government will restore the OPS. However, the agitation in Ram Leela Maidan has put the issue of the OPS back in the spotlight. It is possible that the government may be forced to reconsider its position on the OPS in the future.

Conclusion

The agitation in Ram Leela Maidan is a sign of the growing discontent among government employees with the NPS. The OPS is a more secure and transparent pension scheme, and it is understandable why government employees are demanding its restoration. It is too early to say whether the government will cave in to the demands of the protesters, but the agitation has certainly raised the profile of the issue.

Govardhan Hill: A Sacred Mountain in the Land of Krishna

 Govardhan Hill: A Sacred Mountain in the Land of Krishna

Govardhan Hill is a sacred mountain in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located 21 kilometers from the holy city of Vrindavan. The hill is 8 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, and it is said to be the site of many miracles performed by Lord Krishna.

One of the most famous stories about Govardhan Hill is the story of Krishna lifting the hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from a storm sent by Indra, the king of the gods. Indra was angry that the people of Vrindavan were not paying him tribute, so he sent a great storm to destroy their crops. Krishna, however, lifted the hill with his bare hands and held it up for seven days and seven nights, protecting the people and their livestock from the storm.

Govardhan Hill is also a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Every year, millions of people visit the hill to celebrate Govardhan Puja, a festival that commemorates Krishna's lifting of the hill. During Govardhan Puja, people walk around the hill, offer prayers, and make offerings of food and flowers.

In addition to its religious significance, Govardhan Hill is also a popular tourist destination. The hill is surrounded by lush forests and fields, and there are many temples and shrines located on the hill. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, picnicking, and bird watching in the area.

If you are interested in learning more about the history and significance of Govardhan Hill, there are many temples and ashrams in the area that offer tours and educational programs. You can also visit the Govardhan Research Institute, which is a museum dedicated to the study of the hill.

Govardhan Hill is a sacred mountain with a rich history and a vibrant present. Whether you are a religious pilgrim, a curious tourist, or simply a nature lover, Govardhan Hill is a place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Here are some tips for visiting Govardhan Hill:

• The best time to visit Govardhan Hill is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
• If you are planning to walk around the hill, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• There are many temples and shrines located on the hill, so be sure to dress respectfully.
• If you are visiting during a festival, be sure to book your accommodations in advance.
• There are many restaurants and shops located in the area, so you will be able to find food and souvenirs easily.

**The Sale of Govardhan Hills**

In 2019, the Government of India announced that it would be selling 1,400 acres of land on Govardhan Hill. The land was being sold to a private developer who planned to build a resort and other tourist facilities on the hill.

The sale of the land was met with widespread protests from Hindu groups, who argued that the hill was sacred and should not be sold. They also argued that the development would destroy the environment and the historical significance of the hill.

The government eventually backed down from the sale, but the controversy has raised concerns about the future of Govardhan Hill. There is a fear that the hill could be sold again in the future, and that the development could still go ahead.

**The Impact of the Sale**

The sale of Govardhan Hills would have a number of negative impacts. It would destroy the natural environment of the hill, and it would also damage the hill's religious significance. The development would also likely lead to an increase in traffic and pollution in the area.

The sale would also set a dangerous precedent. If the government is allowed to sell Govardhan Hill, then other sacred hills could be sold in the future. This would have a devastating impact on Hinduism and on the environment.

**What Can Be Done?**

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent the sale of Govardhan Hills. Hindu groups can continue to protest the sale, and they can also lobby the government to change its mind. Individuals can also raise awareness about the issue and encourage others to get involved.

The government should also take steps to protect Govardhan Hill. The hill should be declared a protected area, and the government should develop a management plan for the hill that takes into account its religious and environmental significance.

Govardhan Hill is a sacred mountain with a rich history and a vibrant present. It is important to protect the hill from development and to ensure that it remains a place of pilgrimage and worship for generations to come.

I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of Govardhan Hill. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

The Situation in Manipur: A Crisis in the Making

The Situation in Manipur: A Crisis in the Making

The northeastern Indian state of Manipur has been rocked by violence in recent months, with over 100 deaths with over 400 wounded and the burning of at least 1,700 buildings. The violence has been sparked by inter-ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, two of the largest ethnic groups in the state.

Nearly 60,000 people have been displaced and taken shelter in some 350 camps. Some 40,000 security forces- army soldiers, paramilitaries, police-are struggling to quell the violence. Only a quarter of the more than 40,000 weapons looted by mobs from police armouries have been voluntarily returned since the violence began.

More than 200 churches and 17 temples have been destroyed or damaged by mobs. Homes of local ministers and legislators have been attacked and set on fire.Normal life has been strangled: a night curfew continues in most of the 16 districts; schools are shut and internet services have been suspended. A main highway for ferrying supplies has been blocked by protesters. There are sporadic killings and arson. The federal government's proposal for a peace panel to broker a truce has received a tepid response.

The clashes have been fueled by a number of factors, including long-standing land disputes, political marginalization, and economic deprivation. The Meitei community is the majority community in Manipur, while the Kuki community is a minority community. The Meitei community has traditionally held most of the political power in the state, while the Kuki community has felt marginalized.

The economic situation in Manipur is also a source of tension. The state is one of the poorest in India, and there is a high level of unemployment. This has led to frustration among many people in the state, and some have turned to violence as a way to express their anger.

The government has taken some steps to try to defuse the situation, but so far these steps have been unsuccessful. The government has deployed troops to the affected areas, but this has only led to further violence. The government has also tried to hold talks with the leaders of the two communities, but these talks have so far been inconclusive.

The violence in Manipur is a serious crisis, and it is unclear how it will be resolved. The government needs to take more effective steps to address the underlying causes of the violence, or the situation could deteriorate further

Civilian Deaths in Manipur

The violence in Manipur has claimed the lives of many civilians. According to reports, over 100 civilians have been killed in the clashes since May 3, 2023. The majority of the victims have been Kukis, but Meiteis have also been killed.

The deaths of civilians have sparked outrage in Manipur. Many people believe that the government has not done enough to protect civilians from the violence. There have been calls for the government to resign, and there have been protests in the streets.

The government has denied that it has not done enough to protect civilians. The government has said that it has deployed troops to the affected areas, and that it is working to bring the violence to an end. However, many people are not convinced by the government's claims.

The deaths of civilians in Manipur is a tragedy. The government needs to take more effective steps to protect civilians from the violence. The government also needs to address the underlying causes of the violence, so that the violence does not happen again.

What Can Be Done to Resolve the Crisis in Manipur?

The crisis in Manipur is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. However, there are a number of things that can be done to try to resolve the crisis.

• The government needs to take more effective steps to address the underlying causes of the violence. This includes addressing land disputes, political marginalization, and economic deprivation.
• The government needs to work to build trust between the Meitei and Kuki communities. This can be done through dialogue, education, and cultural exchanges.
• The government needs to provide security for civilians in the affected areas. This includes deploying troops to protect civilians from violence.
• The government needs to hold accountable those responsible for the violence. This includes prosecuting those who have committed crimes against civilians.

The crisis in Manipur is a serious one, but it is not insurmountable. If the government takes the right steps, the crisis can be resolved. However, the government needs to act quickly and decisively, or the situation could deteriorate further.

Data Source-Different media group.