Tue Nov 18 15:54:54 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text:
Summary:
Government employees and teachers in the central region of Tamil Nadu, India, staged demonstrations and a strike on November 18, 2025, organized by JACTTO-GEO (Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisation and Government Employees Organisation). Their primary demands included the reversal of the New Pension Scheme and reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme, filling over 30% of vacant government posts, withdrawing Government Order 243 which they claim negatively impacts elementary education teachers, and providing time scale pay to various worker categories such as noon meal staff and anganwadi workers. The strike impacted government offices, including the electoral roll revision process.
News Article:
Tamil Nadu Teachers, Government Employees Strike Over Pension, Vacancies
Tiruchi, India – November 18, 2025 – Government services in the central region of Tamil Nadu were disrupted today as teachers and government employees affiliated with JACTTO-GEO (Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisation and Government Employees Organisation) launched a statewide strike and demonstrations. Protests were reported in Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Nagapattinam districts.
The strike, which saw significant participation across the region, stems from several key grievances. At the forefront is the demand for the repeal of the New Pension Scheme and the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme for employees who joined after April 1, 2003. JACTTO-GEO argues the current scheme is detrimental to their members’ financial security.
“We are fighting for the rights of our members and the future of public service in Tamil Nadu,” said a JACTTO-GEO spokesperson at a demonstration near the Tiruchi District Collectorate, where approximately 250 members gathered.
Other key demands include filling more than 30% of vacant posts in government departments and the withdrawal of Government Order 243, which the organization claims will adversely affect the majority of teachers in elementary education. JACTTO-GEO is also pushing for time scale pay for noon meal staff, anganwadi workers, panchayat secretaries, and special teachers.
Police sources confirmed that many government employees and teachers participated in the strike, leading to absenteeism and delays in services. The ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was also reportedly impacted.
The situation remains ongoing, and it is unclear how the state government will respond to the demands of JACTTO-GEO.
First Piper 