Srinagar, Sep 28: In a decision that will benefit thousands of government employees in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday issued orders extending coverage under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to employees appointed against posts advertised prior to the notification of the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
The order follows a decision of the Council of Ministers, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a post on X as per Kashmir Convener, “Following the decision of the Council of Ministers, the Government today issued orders extending coverage under the Old Pension Scheme to thousands of employees appointed against posts advertised prior to the notification of the New Pension Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir,” the CMO statement read.
According to the official statement, the eligibility for the scheme covers employees appointed against posts advertised or notified prior to December 24, 2009, and who joined service under the NPS.
Eligible employees will have a one-time option to switch from the New Pension Scheme to the Old Pension Scheme. The option to switch must be exercised through the proper channel within three months from the issuance of the order.
The CMO made it clear that the option, once exercised, shall be final. Employees who do not opt within the stipulated timeframe will continue under the NPS.
The decision is being viewed as a significant relief for a large section of employees who have been demanding restoration of the old pension regime. Unlike the NPS, which is a contributory scheme, the OPS guarantees a defined monthly pension after retirement.
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