Maharashtra Government to Decide on Old Pension Scheme for Teachers Within Three Months

Mumbai, 1st July 2024: Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Monday that the state government will decide within three months on implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for teachers.

During the Question Hour, Pawar stated that relief would be provided to teaching and non-teaching staff in semi-government and aided institutions who joined the service after the notification was issued.

Pawar was responding to questions from BJP members Sanjay Kelkar, Ashish Shelar, and Congress member Balasaheb Thorat.

According to the government’s decision, those opting for OPS will contribute 10 % of their salary, while the state will add 14 %.

Pawar mentioned that the government recently decided to offer the OPS option to government employees whose positions were advertised before November 1, 2005, but who joined service after that date.

This decision allows these employees to apply for the provisions of the Maharashtra Civil Services Retirement Rules 1982, Maharashtra Civil Services Retirement Pension Scheme 1984, and General Provident Fund Rules to manage their retirement funds. This applies exclusively to government officials and employees under the Central government’s jurisdiction.

He explained that the decision had not yet been implemented for teachers and non-teaching staff in semi-government and aided institutions because the case is sub judice.

Pawar noted that due to the economic situation, the Central government decided to discontinue the OPS and introduce a new scheme. Subsequently, various state government officials and employees demanded the reinstatement of OPS, and the Central government responded positively.

State governments have also sought information from the Central government on this matter.

Ajit Pawar added that the state government had formed a committee of retired officials to understand the demands better.

“Discussions have been held with associations of government officials and employees regarding this issue. A request was made during the Nagpur winter session about the state government’s stance on implementing the old pension scheme. Some states have also inquired about decisions made in this regard. The current government is pro-employee and will ensure they are not left in the lurch. Proper justice will be given in this matter,” Pawar assured.