Employees of the Bihar State Non-Gazetted Employees Federation, Saharsa district branch, staged a protest at the district headquarters on Tuesday, demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Following the demonstration, a delegation from the federation submitted a memorandum detailing their demands to the Chief Minister of Bihar through the District Magistrate.

Union leaders stated that the Bihar government abolished the Old Pension Scheme and implemented the New Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS) on September 1, 2005. In protest of this, the employee and teacher community observes September 1st each year as 'Black Day'. On this occasion, the federation reiterated its demand to abolish NPS and immediately restore OPS.

After submitting the memorandum, Sharad Kumar, district secretary of the federation, emphasized that government employees dedicate nearly 40 years of their lives to serving the government and society. He asserted that ensuring a dignified life and social security after retirement is their right, not a government favour. Kumar highlighted that several states have decided to restore the Old Pension Scheme for their employees, and millions of employees and teachers in Bihar expect a similar decision from their state government. He described the current NPS system as market-driven and insecure.

Employees also demanded that the substantial amount deposited in the pension fund, comprising 10% from their salaries and 14% from the government's contribution, be returned to the Bihar government's account. Key demands of the federation include the immediate abolition of NPS and restoration of OPS, and a request for the Bihar government to send a proposal to the central government to abolish the PFRDA Act to protect pension rights. The federation warned that if the government does not take positive and concrete steps regarding their demands, the agitation will be intensified in the coming days.