From the state’s kitty: Retired employees demand increase in pension

Allege EOBI was violating the premier’s orders by not upping their dues.

CHARSADDA:

Retired employees from various industries protested for their rights under the banner of Muttahida Labour Federation (MLF) in the district on Sunday.

The protest, which took place in front of Charsadda Sugar Mill, was led by the federation’s provincial organising secretary Faqir Hussain. Around 60 retired employees of Charsadda paper and sugar mills participated in the demonstration.

Hussain explained the government had fixed minimum pension for retired employees at Rs5,000 in this fiscal budget. However, it has been eight months since the budget was passed and pensioners are yet to benefit from the announcement, he added.

Usually after the budget is passed, pensions do increase but it is disturbing that the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) has not done so, stated Hussain. He said EOBI authorities were violating orders of the prime minister by not increasing pensions. The organising secretary alleged they were spending money on their own employees by increasing their allowances and other facilities.

Hussain also highlighted various corruption scandals of the institution, some of which are still being fought in courts.

“All industries were being run by the sweat and blood of labourers, which is why the government should heed their demands, and increase their salaries and pensions in line with the current rate of inflation.”

Swat

Retired employees in Swat also protested at the Swat Press Club. Holding banners and placards inscribed with their demands, they chanted slogans against the government for not increasing their pension.

The protesters were led by All Pakistan Pensioners Association President Fazal Mabood who said these former employees had spent most of their life in government service but were not rewarded for it. He said with the current levels of inflation it was impossible to fulfil daily needs with a meagre pension, adding it needs to be increased by 300% to meet the requirements of retired employees.

The protesters demanded the procedure of receiving pension should be made easier and be in accordance with the decisions of the federal and services tribunal which states all allowances of the retired employees should be included in their pensions.

Warning of extended protests if demands are not met, the pensioners also asked for a 30% quota for their children in government departments, group insurance schemes, Hajj quota, and Eid and Ramazan packages.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2014.