BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar announced on Thursday that the state government is committed to implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) after conducting a thorough review of the committee’s findings and recommendations.
During his address at the State Government Employees Association office bearers’ conference, DK Shivakumar stated that the government is taking proactive steps toward the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). As part of this initiative, he mentioned that a specialized committee, led by senior IAS officer Anjum Parvez, has been formed to conduct a detailed examination of the OPS implementation process.
“Our government will take necessary steps to implement it after studying the report. Our party had given an assurance on implementation of OPS in our manifesto and we are committed to it. We will do it but it requires time and patience,” he said.
The minister commended the government employees’ association for their productive efforts, highlighting that civil servants are instrumental in driving the administration forward.
“Government work is a huge responsibility and you should manage it well. Government employees are like the priests in temples. People need priests to interact with God. I have also been working like a government employee for 38 years,” he said.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to public welfare, Shivakumar highlighted that citizens from diverse backgrounds have shown trust in their administration.
“People’s representatives and government employees are one. Our government has rolled out guarantee schemes to benefit crores of people. Similarly, your demand is in our manifesto,” he added.
Shivakumar also criticised the BJP and JDS for conspiring on the MUDA issue, asserting that their plot cannot continue indefinitely.
“I had mentioned earlier that the padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru organised by the BJP and JDS was politically motivated. When there is no signature from CM Siddaramaiah on any documents, how can he be involved?” He was responding to a question regarding the Lokayukta’s submission of a clean chit to CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case.
Shivakumar further said, “It is natural to seek compensation when land is lost. They didn’t demand sites in any specific area, and they returned the sites to avoid further controversy. The Lokayukta has done its job. The BJP can continue protesting if they wish, but this conspiracy by the BJP and JDS won’t last forever.”