Key Facts
The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a significant decision to bring employees recruited against posts advertised before 15 May 2003 under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. This move aims to extend the benefits of the old pension scheme to thousands of state government employees.
Details of the Decision
According to a state government spokesperson, the current Congress government, upon assuming power, prioritized the restoration of the old pension scheme for its employees. The finance department issued a notification on 4 May 2023, fully implementing the old pension scheme from 1 April 2023.
The spokesperson stated that the government has always been employee-friendly and continues to take steps for their welfare. Under this decision, for employees currently in service, the employee contribution deposited in their National Pension System (NPS) account will be transferred to their General Provident Fund (GPF) account. Interest on this amount will be paid at GPF rates.
Impact on Retired Employees
Employees who have already retired will be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, and will receive pension from the date of their retirement. This decision is expected to benefit thousands of employees who were recruited against vacancies advertised before 15 May 2003.
What Employees Should Know
- The cut-off date is based on the advertisement date of the post, not the date of joining.
- Current employees will see their NPS employee share moved to GPF.
- Retired employees will start receiving pension as per old rules.
- The government has assured that all eligible employees will be covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which employees are covered under this decision?
Employees recruited against posts/vacancies advertised before 15 May 2003 in Himachal Pradesh government departments.
What happens to the NPS contributions of current employees?
The employee share deposited in NPS account will be transferred to their GPF account, and interest will be paid at GPF rates.
Will retired employees get pension?
Yes, retired employees who were recruited before the cut-off date will be covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and will receive pension from the date of retirement.
When was the old pension scheme restored in Himachal?
The state government restored the old pension scheme from 1 April 2023, with a notification issued on 4 May 2023.