'Old pension scheme' heard often on Himachal streets

In Himachal Pradesh, which is going to polls on November 12, the issue of the old pension scheme (OPS) is being discussed every nook and corner and may become a factor in deciding the election outcome.

OPS is an important issue, said Dhan Singh Negi, a 65-year-old retired government worker from Bauli village in Solan. "I retired and I am already getting a pension under OPS. But for the security of the new generation, OPS is important," he told ET. "We voted for the BJP in the last election. We are waiting for PM Modi to say something on OPS and then will decide whom to vote for."

Bauli comes under the Kasauliconstituency which was won by BJP's Rajiv Saizal in the last elections, beating Vinod Sultanpuri of the Congress by just 442 votes. The two leaders are again in the fray and considering the margin of victory last time, OPS could play a key role in deciding the winner this time.

Government employees in the state are now covered under the contribution-based National Pension Scheme (NPS).

Manoj Sharma, a 25-year-old from Sarog in the Theog assembly seat, said his father was a government employee and that his position was confirmed only two years back. "He doesn't come under OPS. We have a family of five and have decided to vote for the party which would restore the OPS," Sharma told ET.

Government employees in Himachal have formed a New Pension Scheme Employer Association (NPSEA) and are continuously protesting against the NPS.

Rajnath's Dig at Oppn

Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Monday used cricket analogies to take a dig at opposition parties, dubbing Congress as a "Wide Ball" and AAP as a "No Ball". Addressing rallies in Baijnath and Balh, Singh described BJP as the only "good length delivery" on the pitch of politics.