Nagaland govt employees unite in push for pension and health reforms, merit protection

A powerful and unprecedented show of unity unfolded in Nagaland as government employees across the state came together under one banner to demand pension reform, healthcare restructuring, and the protection of meritocracy in civil services. 
 

At a press conference held at the CANSSEA Complex in Kohima, leaders and members of CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSA, NFASA, NNPSGEF, and AISGEF voiced their growing discontent, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s public sector movement.

At the core of their demand is the scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS) and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all government employees appointed after January 1, 2010. “Under OPS, employees are guaranteed a secure retirement with 50% of their last drawn salary as pension. But NPS is a gamble — it’s tied to the ups and downs of the market,” said Avizo Nienu, President of the Nagaland NPS Government Employees Forum (NNPSGEF). “We contribute, but there’s no assurance of what we’ll receive after retirement.”

Nienu stressed that the current system not only compromises financial security but also creates disparity among government employees. “It is about fairness, dignity, and equality. Eight Indian states have already returned to OPS. We demand that Nagaland do the same,” he added, terming the movement a part of a larger national campaign led by AISGEF.

The joint federation also pressed five additional demands: the establishment of a State Pay Commission aligned with the Eighth Central Pay Commission, a government-funded health insurance scheme with cashless treatment for employees and pensioners, infrastructure upgrades for empanelled district hospitals under CMHIS, and enforcement of the March 10, 2025 IAS Cadre Eligibility Criteria without dilution.
 

As a symbolic mark of protest, all government employees in Kohima will wear black ribbons in their offices throughout August. “This is just the beginning of our collective voice growing louder. If the government doesn’t respond, we are ready to escalate,” said CANSSEA General Secretary Yhunsenlo Kent.

Kent confirmed that a core committee delegation would meet the Chief Secretary today to submit the five-point charter of demands. “We’ve been patient, but we cannot remain silent when our rights are at stake,” he said.

CANSSEA Advisor Dr. Ilang raised concerns over the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), pointing out that most empanelled hospitals have not accepted CMHIS cards for more than six months. “This is not just a lapse; it’s a betrayal. Employees, who are the majority of CMHIS cardholders, are being denied basic healthcare. The government must act now,” he urged.

On the IAS induction issue, B. Imtiwabang Jamir of NSSA warned against removing the NPSC clause from eligibility criteria. “Civil service leadership must be built on merit, not manipulation. Regularisation or backdoor entry undermines credibility. The government must protect meritocracy,” he said.

The coalition has already held major protests in March 2023, February 2024, and September 2024, with formal representations submitted on August 31, 2023, February 16, 2024, and September 26, 2024. The latest action coincides with a nationwide protest called by AISGEF, amplifying their call for justice.

Asked what happens if the government fails to act, the committee was clear: “We trust the government will act as a welfare state. But if not, we are ready to take to the streets. Agitation, protest — whatever it takes. We are not asking for favors; we are demanding what is rightfully ours.”