Almora, Retired teachers of Almora district have expressed deep anguish over the continued delay in their pension settlements and have announced a sit-in protest at the Chief Education Officer’s (CEO) office starting August 18, 2025, if their dues are not cleared by August 17.
In a formal letter addressed to the CEO, the teachers alleged that despite repeated reminders and mutual agreements, the administration—particularly the evening session system (SAYKE)—has consistently reneged on its promises. They accused the Chief Education Officer of misusing his authority and harassing retired teachers, in direct violation of justice and fairness.
The teachers referred to the provisions of the Pension Act, 2018, particularly Clause 15, which clearly states that pension should be 50% of the last drawn salary or the average salary of the last ten months, whichever is beneficial to the retiree. Clause 6 also mentions that full pension is payable after 20 years of service. Despite the clear legal provisions and written consent of the committee constituted to examine the matter, the administration has failed to act accordingly.
They also cited information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from other districts, showing that these rules are being implemented effectively elsewhere. Yet in Almora, even after formal approvals and signatures, pension cases remain unresolved, causing financial and emotional distress to retired teachers.
In their letter, the teachers have humbly urged the CEO to re-examine Clauses 5 and 6 of the 2018 Act, and to consider RTI-based precedents from other districts. They demanded that pension be settled on the basis of the last drawn salary for all affected retired educators.
They clearly stated that if the issue is not resolved by August 17, they will be compelled to begin a peaceful protest from August 18, 2025, in front of the CEO’s office. They further declared that full responsibility for the situation and its consequences would lie with the education authorities.
All eyes are now on the district education department to see whether it will act promptly to grant retired teachers their rightful dues and avert a public protest.
