Retired Steel Executives Protest Insurance Cost Hike in Visakhapatnam

Retired employees of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant protested against proposed amendments to their medical insurance scheme that would drastically increase premiums from ₹1,300 to ₹10,000 annually per individual. The Retired Steel Executives Association expressed concerns that such financial burdens are unjustifiable given the low pensions many retirees receive, with maximum pensions around ₹3,000 per month. The situation reflects broader economic challenges faced by the plant, which has been financially struggling due to disinvestment and downsizing. This protest underscores the critical importance of comprehensive medical care for retired employees in a challenging economic environment, as they advocate for reconsideration of the proposed changes. The association's president highlighted the long service of these employees, emphasizing their loyalty and the need for adequate support in retirement.