Bengaluru: The Aam Aadmi Party is turning its attention to Karnataka, a BJP-ruled state. Vice-president Bhaskar Rao who was at Freedom Park said if AAP comes to power in the state, it will bring back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
"If we come to power in Karnataka, we are committed to implementing OPS. We will clearly mention this in the election manifesto and the guarantee card that will be issued to the people. AAP is always committed to protecting the interest of government employees," said the AAP leader.
The state government NPS employees are on an indefinite strike for OPS. Rao offered support to the protestors and said if AAP comes to power in Karnataka, NPS will be scrapped and OPS will be brought back, reported ANI.
Addressing the protestors, he said AAP during the Punjab elections promised to implement OPS. "Accordingly, the cabinet there approved the implementation of OPS in November and the government issued a gazette notification." He added that the party made the same promise in Gujarat but did not come to power there.
AAP's labour wing state president Ravi Shankar was also in attendance. He said reintroducing OPS will not put much financial burden on the government. He observed that people who joined government service after 2006 feel insecure because of NPS. because they worry about life after retirement.
"The NPS trust's contribution is more than ₹ 16,000 crore and if OPS is implemented, the contribution will be avoided. When the NPS is scrapped, the money that is received along with interest can be used for development works of the government," he explained.
AAP leader Brijesh Kalappa also alleged that the Centre and Karnataka's current government do not care about the needs of the common man including employees, labourers, farmers, and small businessmen. "Only capitalist businessmen are important to them."
"People from different walks of life have been protesting for so long and now government employees have come out on the streets. If BJP leaders have even the slightest concern for government employees, let them abolish NPS and implement OPS at the earliest," he added.
Karnataka is set to see Assembly polls in 2023.