Mangaluru: Retired teachers have urged the Government of Karnataka to address serious anomalies in the recent pension revision, alleging that the current fixation has resulted in financial injustice for a section of pensioners. The demand comes amid growing dissatisfaction among retirees who claim that the revised pension structure has failed to provide any tangible benefit.
Concerns over revised pension fixation
According to the retired teachers, Mangalore University recently carried out a revision of pension fixation for faculty members who retired between July 1, 2022, and July 31, 2024, and issued official intimations. However, they pointed out that the revised pension amounts remain unchanged compared to the pre-revision levels.
This has come as a major disappointment, as pension revisions are typically expected to result in at least a marginal increase. The retirees said that the current exercise has effectively nullified the very purpose of revising pensions.
Impact of June 30, 2025 government order
The teachers attributed the issue to a government order dated June 30, 2025, which forms the basis for the revised pension calculations. They alleged that the provisions of this order have led to discrepancies and failed to ensure equitable benefits for all retirees.
They further stated that teachers working in state government educational institutions under UGC, ICAR, and AICTE pay scales are treated as state government employees, and after retirement, as state pensioners. Therefore, they are entitled to fair and uniform pension benefits in line with state policies.
Disparity between different groups of retirees
Highlighting the disparity, the retirees explained that the recommendations of the Karnataka 7th Pay Commission led to a revision of pensions for state government employees with effect from July 1, 2022, with monetary benefits implemented from August 1, 2024.
Teachers who retired prior to July 1, 2022, reportedly received enhanced benefits, including the merger of Dearness Allowance (DA) with the revised pension along with an additional increase. This ensured a higher overall pension payout.
In contrast, those who retired between July 1, 2022, and July 31, 2024, have not been granted similar advantages. As a result, they are receiving comparatively lower benefits, creating a significant imbalance among pensioners.
Financial loss and dissatisfaction
As per the press note issued by the retirees, the affected group could face a reduction of up to ₹50,000 in total pension benefits when compared to their counterparts who retired earlier. The teachers described this as a “grave injustice” stemming from the flawed implementation of the government order.
They also pointed out that delays in implementation within universities have compounded the issue, further affecting the financial stability of retired faculty members.
Pension a right, not a favour
Citing observations made by the Supreme Court of India, the retirees emphasised that pension is a right earned through years of service and not a discretionary benefit granted by the government. They stressed that any policy leading to unequal treatment among pensioners undermines this principle.
Appeal for immediate correction
The retired teachers have appealed to the state government to urgently review and rectify the anomalies in the pension revision order. They have called for uniform implementation of benefits to ensure fairness and parity among all retired teachers, irrespective of their retirement date.
They also urged authorities to take swift action to restore confidence among pensioners and uphold the integrity of the pension system.
Conclusion
The issue has highlighted growing concerns among retired educators regarding equitable treatment in pension policies. As demands for corrective measures intensify, the response of the government will be crucial in addressing the grievances and ensuring justice for affected pensioners.