Guaranteed Pension Scheme, a game changer; YS Jagan tells employees

AMARAVATI: Leaders representing government employees’ unions, including AP JAC Amaravati, called on Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy at his camp office on Tuesday to express their gratitude over the recent Cabinet decisions of the Andhra Pradesh government. Last week, the State Cabinet decided to implement the Guaranteed Pension Scheme (GPS), regularise the services of contract employees, constitute the 12th Pay Revision Commission (PRC) and treat the Vaidya Vidhan Parishad staff as government employees.

Addressing the employees on this occasion, the Chief Minister sought to remind them that the State government had recruited 1.35 lakh employees for village and ward secretariats in one go and urged them to take note of this revolutionary measure.

“No government in the past tried to find a solution with such sincerity as we have done,” he said, adding that the GPS would become a role model for the country.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to take quick action on the Cabinet decisions so that they are implemented within 60 days. He also told them to bring the employees of the daily wages category under the jurisdiction of APCOS (AP Corporation for Outsourced Services).

“You are part of the government and the delivery mechanism would be perfect and people would be happy if you are happy. Putting my heart and soul, I always try to find long lasting solutions to your problems to keep you happy,” YS Jagan told the employees.

Observing that the state government was leaving no stone unturned to solve each of their issues sincerely, YS Jagan appealed to the employees to not be misled by any politically-motivated campaign by the opposition.

“The GPS, containing the features of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) except in matters of PRC and contribution, would be helpful to the employees and the Government as well and it has been arrived at after two years of hard work,” the Chief Minister said.

“Under the new pension scheme, every year, two DRs would be added in tune with the inflation to protect the living standards of the retired employees even after several years of retirement,” he added.

Appraising the employees on the efforts of the YSRCP government, the Chief Minister said, “Our decision should be appreciated by future generations also. Keeping this in mind and to protect your lives and to prevent you from coming onto the roads, we have done what the government could not do in 2003. You will get 50 per cent of the last month's basic as pension and every year it would be hiked with two DRs.” he said.