The Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers has issued Circular No. 7/2026 dated 16 July 2026, announcing a nationwide programme of demonstrations and protests demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for Central Government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
According to the circular, the Confederation has planned a phased agitation beginning in August 2026, culminating in a Massive Dharna at Hyderabad on 6 September 2026.
Why is the Agitation Being Organised?
The Confederation has reiterated its long-standing demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in place of the National Pension System (NPS).
The organisation believes that a guaranteed pension is essential for ensuring social security and financial stability for retired Central Government employees.
Major Programmes Announced
1. Lunch Hour Demonstration – 19 August 2026
As the first phase of the agitation, Lunch Hour Demonstrations will be organised at all Central Government workplaces across the country on 19 August 2026.
The objective is to highlight employees’ demand for restoration of OPS and mobilise wider participation.
2. Preparatory Virtual Meeting – 25 July 2026
A virtual meeting of:
- National Secretariat Members
- NPS Committee Members
- Women’s Committee Members
has been scheduled on 25 July 2026 at 4:00 PM to finalise mobilisation and organisational arrangements.
3. Massive Dharna – 6 September 2026
The Confederation has announced a Massive Dharna in Hyderabad on 6 September 2026.
The organisation has set a target of mobilising around 10,000 Central Government employees from different States to participate in the programme.
Employees from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry and neighbouring States have been specifically requested to participate in large numbers.
4. Sustained Nationwide Agitation
The circular further states that the Hyderabad programme will be only the first phase of a sustained nationwide agitation.
Subsequently, similar mass dharnas and protest programmes are proposed to be organised once every two months in different cities across the country.
Contribution to Agitation Fund
To support the nationwide campaign, the Confederation has appealed to Central Government employees to contribute a minimum of Rs. 500 towards the agitation fund.
The contribution is intended to help meet organisational expenses associated with the nationwide movement.
Study Camp for Southern States
A Study Camp has also been scheduled on 8–9 August 2026 at Calicut (Kozhikode), Kerala.
The Confederation has requested affiliated State Committees to send details of their delegates and travel plans at the earliest.
Subscription to Confederation Headquarters
The circular also reminds affiliated organisations to remit their subscription dues to the Confederation Headquarters latest by 10 August 2026.
State Committees whose tenure has expired have also been advised to conduct their conferences before 31 August 2026.
Key Highlights
- Circular No.: 7/2026
- Date of Circular: 16 July 2026
- Demand: Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
- Lunch Hour Demonstration: 19 August 2026
- Virtual Preparatory Meeting: 25 July 2026
- Massive Dharna: 6 September 2026
- Venue: Hyderabad
- Expected Participation: Around 10,000 Central Government Employees
- Minimum Agitation Fund Contribution: Rs. 500
Important Note
The above programmes have been announced by the Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers as part of its organisational activities and campaign for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.
As of now, there has been no announcement from the Government of India regarding restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for Central Government employees. Employees are advised to rely on official Government notifications for any policy decisions.
Conclusion
The Confederation’s announcement marks another significant step in its ongoing campaign for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. With demonstrations, a large gathering in Hyderabad, and further nationwide programmes planned, the coming months are expected to witness increased activity on the OPS issue.
Employees and stakeholders should continue to monitor both Confederation communications and official Government announcements for further developments.
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For more updates on Central Government employees, pension matters, NPS, OPS, 8th Pay Commission and service-related news, visit Simple Income Tax.
Source : Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers
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