On International Labour Day, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a one-time incentive for private sector workers who have completed 20 years of service. This is a welcome and long-awaited step. However, his remark that the private sector pays well and that unemployed youth should not chase government jobs is disappointing.
With regular pay commission revisions and strong job security, a government job is often seen as the better option. In the private sector, good performance can lead to better pay, but it can also result in overwork and pressure. In contrast, government employees are generally well paid and enjoy strong protection, even when performance is not always consistent.
Retirement benefits in the government sector are also far more generous. In the private sector, retirement savings often remain fixed while the cost of living keeps rising. This raises a key question: how can a senior citizen who has paid taxes all their life manage in old age without adequate support?
The higher pension scheme remains uncertain, and EPFO pensions are often calculated on a pro-rata basis, which many believe is unfair. This issue has even been raised in Parliament. Meanwhile, private sector workers continue to be denied benefits similar to those enjoyed by government employees.
The middle class bears a heavy tax burden, yet sees limited returns. At the same time, business elites and elected representatives often receive multiple pensions for each term they serve. This imbalance appears unjust. There is a growing need for policymakers to rethink the system so that the nation’s wealth is shared more fairly among all who contribute to it.
