Leaders of the United Teachers’ Federation during a victory meeting in Vijayawada on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: K.V.S. Giri
Leaders of the United Teachers Federation (UTF) on Sunday (August 16, 2026) said that the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees appointed before 2003 was possible only because of the sustained struggle by the federation and vowed to continue their fight until the pension rights of all eligible employees were protected.
Speaking at a ‘victory meeting’ held in Vijayawada, the leaders recalled that the government had introduced the Contributory Pension System (CPS) for employees appointed after 2003 and said the federation had been opposing it from the beginning, demanding restoration of the OPS.
They said several employees who had been appointed before 2003 were initially denied the benefit of the OPS due to procedural and administrative issues. Following the federation’s sustained representations and struggles, the government eventually took steps to extend the OPS benefit to eligible employees.
The UTF leaders said the organisation would continue its struggle in a democratic manner to secure the rights and welfare of teachers and employees and reiterated that restoration of the Old Pension Scheme remained the federation’s principal objective.
They also demanded that the government resolve pending issues concerning teachers and employees, including promotions, transfers, service benefits, and other welfare measures. They urged the government to fulfil its assurances and ensure that employees were able to retire with social security and financial dignity.
The leaders criticised the government for delays in addressing employee grievances and said the UTF would intensify its movement if the pending issues were not resolved.
UTF State president N. Venkateswarlu and general secretary K.S.S. Prasad, along with State office-bearers, district leaders, and representatives from 26 districts, participated in the programme.
Published – August 16, 2026 08:18 pm IST
