📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / AlexUfaPh
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NIPER Mohali staff hold 25th day candle march demanding old pension scheme
✍️ Amar Ujala · Mohali
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 02:16 AM
👁 9
On the 25th consecutive day, staff of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Mohali marched with candles, pressing for the reinstatement of the previous pension scheme.
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) employees in Mohali continued their protest on Saturday, marking the 25th day of a candle-lit march. The staff gathered outside the institute's main gate, holding candles and banners that called for the restoration of the old pension scheme that was replaced by a newer, less favorable arrangement.
The demonstrators, representing both teaching and non‑teaching cadres, said the revised pension plan reduces their retirement benefits and places undue financial strain on long‑serving employees. They have been demanding that the government revert to the previous scheme, which they argue is more equitable and honors their years of service.
Union leaders addressed the crowd, urging the state administration and the Ministry of Education to intervene promptly. They warned that if the issue remains unresolved, the protest could intensify, potentially affecting academic activities at the institute.
Authorities have not issued an official response yet, but a senior official from the Punjab education department was seen in contact with the protest leaders, indicating that discussions may be underway.
The candle march, a peaceful form of demonstration, has drawn attention from local media and underscores growing discontent among government‑run educational institutions over pension reforms across the country.
The demonstrators, representing both teaching and non‑teaching cadres, said the revised pension plan reduces their retirement benefits and places undue financial strain on long‑serving employees. They have been demanding that the government revert to the previous scheme, which they argue is more equitable and honors their years of service.
Union leaders addressed the crowd, urging the state administration and the Ministry of Education to intervene promptly. They warned that if the issue remains unresolved, the protest could intensify, potentially affecting academic activities at the institute.
Authorities have not issued an official response yet, but a senior official from the Punjab education department was seen in contact with the protest leaders, indicating that discussions may be underway.
The candle march, a peaceful form of demonstration, has drawn attention from local media and underscores growing discontent among government‑run educational institutions over pension reforms across the country.