Veterans demand immediate resolution of decades-long salary and pension dues, warn of indefinite agitation if NTPC fails to provide a concrete, time-bound settlement.
New Delhi | December 27, 2025
A group of 96 ex-servicemen associated with the Dabhol Power Project/NTPC and Ratnagiri Gas & Power Pvt Ltd held a peaceful demonstration outside NTPC Bhawan at the SCOPE Complex, Lodhi Road, on Saturday. The veterans raised their long-standing grievances regarding unpaid salaries and pension dues that have remained unresolved for 24 years, calling for urgent action from the authorities.
The protest followed a press briefing at the Press Club of India on December 26, during which the veterans presented detailed documents highlighting their claims. They stated that despite exhausting all constitutional, legal, and institutional avenues over the past two decades, no resolution had been provided.
Speaking to the media, the ex-servicemen said that prolonged delays have caused severe financial distress, particularly among the elderly veterans, affecting their ability to afford medical care, food, and housing. “This issue is not merely personal; it impacts the dignity and future of 96 families,” they said, terming the inaction a serious systemic failure.
During the protest, NTPC officials, accompanied by beat officer Rajesh Chaudhary, met a delegation of veterans and assured them that their complaints would be formally heard. A follow-up meeting with the concerned authorities is scheduled for Monday to address the pending claims.
V.S. Salunkhe, representing the veterans, stated, “We have followed every lawful path over the past 24 years. With no resolution, our agitation will intensify. NTPC’s assurances will be closely monitored, and further action will depend on tangible outcomes.”
Suresh Pachpute appealed for media attention, stressing that ignoring the issue would send a message that soldiers’ rights are undervalued. Chandrakant Shinde added that the matter has evolved from individual claims to a collective fight for the dignity of 96 families.
Vijay Nikam outlined the next steps, warning that if the promised actions do not materialise, the group will escalate the protest to an indefinite sit-in and wider mobilisation.
The ex-servicemen emphasized that their protest remains peaceful, democratic, and constitutional. However, after 24 years of unresolved dues, they are demanding decisive accountability and urged NTPC and government authorities to ensure a prompt and concrete settlement.
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