By Tripura24.in Reporter
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and demand for rights, the Forum of Civil Pensioners’ Association organized a two-hour mass sit-in (Gana-Abusthan) today in the heart of the capital. The protest, held directly opposite the Akashvani Bhavan in Agartala, saw a large gathering of retired state government employees raising their voices against what they termed “administrative apathy” regarding their long-pending demands.
Key Demands of the Civil Pensioners
The protest was centered around a charter of demands aimed at ensuring economic security and dignity for senior citizens. The primary issues highlighted during the sit-in included:
- Payment of Pending DA: Immediate release of Dearness Allowance (DA) installments to bring parity with central government rates.
- Medical Allowance Hike: A demand to increase the monthly medical allowance in view of rising healthcare and medicine costs.
- Pension Revision: Timely implementation of pension revisions as per the latest pay commission recommendations.
- Simplified Procedures: Streamlining the administrative process for family pensions and the quick settlement of gratuity claims.
Voices from the Protest
Speaking at the protest site, senior leaders of the Forum expressed their frustration over the delay in addressing their grievances.
”We have dedicated our prime years to the service of the state. Today, as senior citizens, we should not have to sit on the streets to demand what is rightfully ours. The rising inflation is hitting pensioners the hardest,” a spokesperson for the Association stated.
The protesters held placards and chanted slogans, maintaining a peaceful yet firm stance throughout the two-hour duration of the program.
Strategic Location and Impact
The choice of the venue—opposite Akashvani Bhavan—ensured high visibility for the movement. While the sit-in was peaceful, the presence of a large number of senior citizens drew significant attention from passersby and the media.
To ensure order, a small contingent of the Tripura Police was deployed at the site. The organizers clarified that this two-hour sit-in is a “warning signal” to the authorities, and if their demands remain unaddressed, they will be forced to launch a more intensive state-wide agitation.
The Road Ahead
The Forum of Civil Pensioners’ Association confirmed that a formal memorandum outlining these demands will be submitted to the relevant state authorities and the Office of the Chief Minister following today’s demonstration.
