New Pension Scheme: In response to opposition from various employee groups regarding the new pension plan, the government has decided to extend the old pension scheme's benefits to employees and officers whose service commenced before October 2005.
Approximately 2700 employees from diverse departments are on track to receive old pension benefits, with a total of 6200 employees and officers statewide eligible. The central government had phased out the old pension scheme for employees hired after January 2005, implemented in Uttarakhand from October 2005. Opposition from employee organizations stems from concerns that the pension amounts under the new scheme are insufficient for household expenses post-retirement.
In addition to extending benefits to employees and officers whose release orders were issued before October 2005, the government is considering including those whose appointments came after. Administrative departments, including Secretariat Administration, Education, Health, and Youth Welfare, have identified eligible employees and forwarded proposals to the Pension Directorate. Director Treasury DC Lohani stated that approximately 2700 cases are currently under review.
Once reviewed, the proposals will be returned to the administrative departments for the implementation of the old pension benefits. Furthermore, proposals have been submitted to grant old pension benefits to additional private cadre and gazetted rank officers, with pending consideration in various departmental sections.
Extension of Promotion Relaxation by Six Months Urged
The Uttaranchal Hill Employees Teachers Organization has called for a six-month extension in promotion relaxation. Additionally, they seek amendments to rectify anomalies in the Transfer Act. During a meeting at the Directorate General of Health, organization officials emphasized the necessity of extending the relaxation period provided by the state government for employee promotions. State General Secretary Ashok Raj Uniyal highlighted that the current relaxation period coincides with the Lok Sabha election code of conduct, demanding extension.
