He was a sportsperson and coach who made the state proud when he had displayed his amazing skills in the volleyball court. Some of his records still remain unbeaten. But today he finds himself losing “points” in the post-retirement period, fighting an endless battle for pension.
N K Mishra (63), fondly known as Munna, is a talented smasher of his times. An international volleyball player who not only won inter-varsity championships for Rajasthan but also bagged national trophies in ‘70s and ‘80s representing the state at the All India Secretariat test matches.
He got acclaim as a best player and coach many a time.
Later, he took to writing on sports producing hundreds of articles, editing souvenirs and handling sports events. As a public relation officer, he handled publicity of significant events like the ’82 Asiad and Asian Junior Chess Championship in ‘90s. But his contribution in sports has become a major hurdle in his claim for an adequate pension.
His fault, if that can be attributed as a fault at all, is the fact that he worked for eleven years in the Rajasthan Sports Council as a coach and public relations assistant.
After his retirement in 2001 as joint director, public relations, the state government has outrightly refused to consider his services at the Sports Council since it is a state autonomous body.
Thus bringing down his total services to 23 years and consequently reducing his pension amount! A reduction of 11 years in Mishra’s services has left him eligible for only 1/3 of the pension he deserves.
“The present sports savy government is providing flats, plots in canal areas, substantial cash awards to sportspersons. What I am demanding is just an adequate pension. Something I duly deserve but no luck so far,” Mishra said while speaking to Deccan Herald. “The uncertainty is killing. It’s unbearable to face the questioning eyes of family members and making both ends meet. I have to marry off two daughters. My wife is on medication and who knows I too might get depressed facing this endless wait,” he says.
He has submitted several representations to the state government but his pleas are turned down on the ground that rules do not permit to consider services of state autonomous bodies. Had he worked for a central autonomous body, his previous service years could be counted, they argue.
The state government can use its discretion and make services of an outstanding person “pensionable”.
It’s been done for a number of work charge employees, teachers and others but when it comes to Mishra’s case, the bureaucracy says it has been done for groups not for an individual, he hinted at the contradictory policy.
He also filed a writ in the Rajasthan High Court which is also moving at a snail’s pace. He is going to be 64 on August 4 and his only hope is to avail of the opportunity given to senior citizens. Of a regular hearing of his case. Till then, he has to continue making his daily visit to the secretariat and await justice sitting under a tree in the campus.