Port Blair (Sri Vijay Puram): Heavy rain failed to dampen the resolve of pensioners in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as they joined a nationwide protest call on August 19, turning up in large numbers outside the Secretariat here to press for a raft of demands concerning pension rights and benefits. The mass demonstration was organised by the Government Pensioners Association, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in response to the nationwide call given by the National Coordination Committee of Pensioners Association, New Delhi. Pensioners across the country staged demonstrations, mass dharnas and processions at district headquarters to draw attention to their long-pending demands.
Braving heavy rain, a large number of pensioners gathered in front of the Secretariat her and raised slogans in support of their demands. The protesters demanded withdrawal of the Pension Validation Act, 2025, and sought amendments to the Terms of Reference of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to ensure an appropriate revision of pensions. They also demanded merger of 50 per cent of DA/DR with pay and pension, grant of interim relief, early settlement of pending CGHS-related issues and pension revision for BSNL pensioners.
The demonstration underscored growing concerns among pensioners over issues relating to pension revision, healthcare benefits and financial security, with the protesters calling for early action on their demands. Following the demonstration, a delegation of the Pensioners Association led by its President, KG Das, called at the Secretariat and submitted to the Chief Secretary a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister on the issue. The delegation included Pronob Banerjee, Vice President; Suresh Lall, General Secretary; and NG Karmakar, Treasurer.
