Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 23: The J&K Civil Secretariat Retired Employees Welfare Forum has raised serious concerns over provisions in the Finance Bill 2025, fearing they may adversely impact the pensions and family pensions of retired Central Government employees.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the Forum said that the bill may allow the Government to bypass future reviews or recommendations by the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission, which could harm pensioners financially.
The Forum highlighted that while the bill has been passed by the Parliament, no official clarification has been issued by the Ministry of Finance to address the apprehensions of pensioners.
They said the Finance Minister has given only oral assurances that existing pensions will remain unaffected, but the pensioners remain unconvinced, especially after press briefings indicated that the Government validated the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, granting it the power to categorise pensioners and control financial obligations through the Finance Bill.
The Forum noted that the elderly community is already under strain due to rising medical costs and inflation.
“Any additional financial burden would worsen their condition,” the Forum said.
They expressed concern over the lack of clarity and the Government’s silence, which has left many retired employees feeling betrayed and marginalised.
Nationwide peaceful protests have been scheduled for June 23 to press for the revocation of the contentious provisions in the Finance Bill.
The Forum appealed to the Prime Minister for urgent intervention to protect pensioners’ rights and ensure that they are not subjected to unjust financial measures.
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