Significance of Pensioners Day celebration on 17th December

History of struggle to have right to get pension is over 150 years. In 1857 the British government introduced the pension system in India what was being followed in Britain. This was just to pay pension to their government employees under the powers of mercy of the crown not as fundamental right made through Indian penal Act 1871.

It was D.S.Nakara a government employee who was discriminated in pension payment fought tooth and nail had to petition Supreme court for justice which was heard by Hon Justice Yeswant rao Chandrachud, the then Chief justice who after hearing the arguments of both the sides ruled “ Pension is neither a gift nor a reward or bounty., Pension is the right of a retired government servant who had served the nation for a long time. Government is bound to ensure that the employees lead a peaceful and honorable life after retirement.“

The judgment resulted in the recommendation of the IV Central Pay Commission in 1984 and for pension revision whenever there is a pay revision through pay commission. Now it is VII CPC ! (Senior LIC pensioners pension is stagnant without revision)

Like our Father of the nation who awoke the sleeping nation to fight for freedom some one has to ignite the fire for us which has been done which is catching up the momentum and it would soon reach the pinnacle to achieve its just and justified demands and that day is not far off for the Government as well as the apex court to recognize our legitimate rights.17 th DECEMBER is significant for us.

R.K.Viswanathan