Old Pension Scheme for Central Government Employees: The government has made its stand clear in the Lok Sabha regarding the Old Pension Scheme.
Old Pension Scheme for Central Government Employees: Is the government thinking of implementing the Old Pension Scheme once again for central employees? The government has once again made its stand clear regarding this in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said regarding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme that the government does not have any such proposal.
On behalf of the government, Minister of State in the Finance Ministry, Pankaj Chaudhary told in the Lok Sabha that the government does not have a proposal regarding OPS exit for central government employees. A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Finance Secretary to look into the issues related to the National Pension System (NPS) implemented for Central Government employees and to make any necessary changes.
Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha that there are 11,41,985 civil pensioners, 33,87,173 defense pensioners (defense pensioners including civil pensioners), 4,38,758 telecom pensioners, 15,25,768 railway pensioners and 3,01,765 postal pensioners in the country. Including this, there are a total of 67,95,449 pensioners in the country. Chaudhary said that the state government does not maintain any database regarding pensioners.
OPS has been implemented in these states
The government told in the Lok Sabha that the state governments of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have implemented the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Regarding this, these state governments have informed the Central Government, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) about their decision.
These State Governments have requested for withdrawal/withdrawal of contributions and benefits received thereon. However, the Government of Punjab has also informed the Government of India that it will continue to pay employee and government contributions into the NPS.
