Guwahati , Aug 21 (PTI) Assam government employees will stage a two-day protest from Tuesday demanding re-introduction of the old pension scheme (OPS) and threatened to intensify their agitation if their prayer is not heard, the apex body said on Monday.

The staff under the aegis of All Assam Government NPS Employees' Association (AAGNPSEA) will observe 'Karma Birati' (cessation of work) at their respective workplaces during the day across the state to protest against the National Pension System (NPS).

Also Read | Supreme Court Allows Rape Survivor To Terminate Over 27-Week Pregnancy, Says Conception in Cases of Sexual Assault Is Traumatic.

"We have been demanding the implementation of OPS for a long time, but the government has not paid any heed. Most of the people who have retired under the NPS are getting pensions of Rs 500, Rs 600 or Rs 1,000 or maximum Rs 3,000 a month," AAGNPSEA president Achyutananda Hazarika told PTI.

Assam has around five lakh government employees, out of which around 3.5 lakh are under the NPS.

Also Read | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Writes to FM Nirmala Sitharaman Seeking Release of Special Grants and State-Specific Grants As Per 15th Finance Commission.

"On August 22 and 23, all the government employees, including NPS and OPS ones, will go to their respective offices and give the attendance. Then they will stage protests at their offices," Hazarika said.

Dozens of other associations of government employees of schools and colleges, including faculty and office staff, judicial services, district administrations, trade unions, railways union, health sector and treasury among others have extended their support to the two-day agitation.

"This is the beginning of a big agitational programme. If the government does not clear its stand, we will be compelled to launch more aggressive movements," Hazarika said.

He urged the government to take the demand seriously for the greater interest of the employees and the state as a whole.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)