Pensioners stage sit-in protest in Krishnagiri

The Tamil Nadu Government All Department Pensioners Association staged a sit-in protest in Krishnagiri on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) over a raft of demands. The protesters called for a reversal of the retirees classification under the Finance Act, 2025 and demanded the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions in D.S. Nakara & Others vs. Union of India, that established Pension as a Right and not a grace of the government.

The association also demanded that 50% concession in railway and flight bookings for senior citizens be brought back, and a 20% interim relief be granted to them till the 8^th Pay Commission recommendations were implemented.

The 18 month arrears in dearness allowance in view of COVID-19 must be cleared for the pensioners, the association demanded.

The association has also called for progressive increase in the pension scales, with a 5% increase between 65 and 75 years, 20% increase after 75 years and a 100% increase in pension after 80 years of age, to adjust to inflation. They also demanded strengthening of the public health insurance for senior citizens and guaranteed high quality heath care.