Old demand, new assurance ‘Decision on Old Pension Scheme by Budget Session’
| Date :15-Dec-2023 |
Staff Reporter
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the State Government employees that their financial and social security was going to be maintained as per the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). As to other demands, the final decision will be done by Budget Session of State Legislature. Shinde made the statement in Legislative Assembly on Thursday, informing the House about the details of meeting held with employees’ association in view of their threat to go on indefinite strike from December 14. The report of the appointed committee regarding the implementation of Old Service Pension Scheme to the officers and employees of the State was received about a week ago and the same is under study. After receipt of the contours as to implementation of the recommendation from Chief Secretary, the Government will take the final call. He assured that Government was firm on the basic principle that the financial and social security of the retiring employees need to be properly maintained at par with the OPS. The report received by the Government and its discussion and final decision shall be consistent with this principle. Therefore, Chief Minister appealed to the officers and employees to call off the strike while assuring that the final decision on this report will be taken in the coming budget session.
Shinde said detailed discussion was held regarding the various demands of the State Government officers with employee co-ordination organisations in the State. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar along with MLAs, representatives of various organisations were present in this meeting. The State Government has received the report of the Subodh Kumar committee appointed earlier for undertaking a study how OPS can be implemented and to know the financial implications, also to suggest modalities for its smooth implementation. A positive decision has been taken on the demands made by the officers and employees' association. Further State has taken five important decisions as per the demands of the organisations, Chief Minister Shinde further said that Appointments to notified posts advertised before May 31, 2005, by Maharashtra Civil Service (Retirement Pay) Rules, 1982, will be included in OPS. The proposal in this regard will be placed before the Cabinet for approval and same will benefit about 26,000 officers and employees.
Along with this, Chief Minister said, decision about other demand including payment of additional pension to the pensioners above 80-years and increase in the limit of retirement gratuity/death gratuity on the lines of Central Government, reduction of the period of pension, ration resettlement and service entry rules in the Finance and Accounts Department is also under consideration and they are in final stage of approval. A detailed study is required to implement the provisions suggested by the Subhodh Kumar committee. Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, and Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department, have been directed to carry out this study. Both these officers will hold further talks with the representatives of the employees and officers organisation and submit their views to the State Government through the Chief Secretary.