Union makes big change in pension rules of govt employees

February 19: The Union Government has taken a big decision which would definitely bring smiles in the face of millions of central government employees. The Central Government took a landmark decision by meeting the long-standing demand of Central Government employees whose recruitment was finalized before 01-01-2004 but who had, for various reasons, joined the services on or after 01-01-2004.

In an order that is set to bring relief to many government employees, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has said that employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004 but who joined service on or after 01.01.2004, can now opt to be covered under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 instead of the NPS (National Pension System), according to reports.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions  stated in a release that such central employees has the option of either switch over to the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 or continue to be covered under the National Pension System. The last date to exercise this option would be May 31, 2020.