Big Win for UT Employees: 300 Workers to Benefit from Old Pension Scheme After Centre’s Approval

Chandigarh, April 23:In a significant move that brings long-awaited relief to hundreds of UT Employees, the Central Government has approved the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for nearly 300 employees of the UT Administration. This follows a formal communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to the UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma.

For years, UT employees have been demanding to switch back from the National Pension System (NPS) to the more secure and beneficial Old Pension Scheme. Now, their demand has finally been met.

Who Will Benefit?

According to the MHA directive:

• The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, will now apply to employees recruited against posts/vacancies notified on or before December 22, 2003.
• Even those who joined after January 1, 2004, but whose recruitment process started before that date, will be covered under the Old Pension Scheme.

This clarification addresses a key concern of many employees who had joined post-2004 but felt they were unfairly placed under the NPS despite early recruitment notifications.

Timeline of Events

• Employee Demands: Persistent appeals were made over the past few years to reinstate the OPS.
• UT Administration Action: On June 26, 2024, the UT Administration sent an official letter to the MHA requesting clarity and approval.
• Centre’s Response: The MHA responded by allowing UT to adopt the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) order dated March 3, 2023.
• Implementation Deadline: The UT Administration has been asked to complete the transition process within the next three months.

What This Means for Employees

This decision will provide a secure retirement for those affected, replacing the market-linked uncertainty of NPS with the guaranteed pension benefits under OPS. It’s a morale booster and a sign of responsive governance.

Reactions

A senior UT employee, speaking anonymously, said:

“We’ve waited a long time for this. The Old Pension Scheme gives us peace of mind for our post-retirement years. It’s not just about money; it’s about dignity.”

Employee unions have welcomed the move and praised both the UT Administration and the Centre for taking this long-overdue step.

What’s Next?

The UT Administration is expected to:

• Identify the eligible employees,
• Notify them officially,
• And shift their pension scheme status within the stipulated three-month period.

The restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for these 300 UT employees is more than just a policy update—it’s a victory for persistence and a testament to the power of collective employee advocacy. With the Centre’s support, Chandigarh sets an example for other UTs and states.