The Manipur State Pensioners Union (MSPU) observed its 20th Pensioners Day at Pensioners Shanglen, Pishumthong, on Sunday. The event began with a solemn tribute to the founder members and departed members of the union by observing a one-minute silence while displaying their photographs in remembrance.
Addressing the gathering, Lairikyengbam Purujit, General Secretary of the MSPU, stated that the occasion marks 20 years since the establishment of the union. He noted that through the dedication and collective contributions of the members, the union has been able to establish its own Pensioners Shanglen, which now also houses the office of the Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF).
Purujit informed that the MSPU is affiliated with the All India State Government Pensioners Federation (AISGPF), headquartered in Delhi and Faridabad. The federation has been continuously engaging with the Government of India to address the grievances of pensioners affected by the new pension scheme and to push for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). He stated that the central government has been urged to protect pensioners’ welfare and to reconsider the policy framework that has left many retirees in financial uncertainty.
He further mentioned that AISGPF has been applying pressure on the authorities to ensure pension benefits and reimbursement rights for both serving employees under the public sector and existing pensioners. The federation is also raising concerns over the lack of proper reimbursement facilities for dependent family members of pensioners.
Purujit added that the union welcomes the possible constitution of the 8th Pay Commission, which he said would also benefit the pensioners. He expressed optimism that the recommendations of the new pay commission would improve the conditions of retired employees in Manipur.
As part of its welfare initiatives, the MSPU announced the organisation of a health camp in November for pensioners and their families. The camp will provide consultations in various specialities, including medicine, eye, cardiology, ENT, respiratory medicine, orthopaedics, and psychiatry.
The event was presided over by MSPU President M. Rajendra, with Working President L. Sarat, Senior Vice-President L. Gunindra, and Advisors S.A. Halim, Th. Joykumar, R.K. Priyokumar, and S. Kalanjoy as presidium members.
During the programme, ten distinguished pensioners were honoured for their contributions and service, representing various districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur, and Senapati.