UP Government Begins Implementation of Old Pension Scheme for Eligible Employees

In a significant development for government employees, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated the process of reinstating the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for select employees who meet eligibility criteria based on central government directives. The move offers long-awaited relief to individuals who had been left out of the OPS despite being recruited under pre-2005 conditions.

Who Will Benefit from the Old Pension Scheme?

As per the new directive, employees who secured government jobs based on recruitment advertisements issued before March 28, 2005, are now eligible to receive old pension benefits. This decision aligns with the central government’s earlier announcement to restore OPS benefits for a specific group of employees whose recruitment process began before the New Pension Scheme (NPS) came into effect.

Previously, many of these employees were excluded from the OPS simply because they formally joined after the new pension scheme was implemented, even though their recruitment notifications were issued prior to March 2005.

Key Guidelines for Local Bodies and Departments

Ritu Suhas, the Director-in-Charge of Local Bodies, has issued clear instructions to relevant administrative units to compile and forward data on eligible employees. Local governing bodies, including Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers, have been instructed to submit detailed records using a prescribed format.

The data submission should include:

• Name of employee

• Date of birth

• Current pay scale

• Date of first appointment

• Recruitment advertisement copy and notification

• Option letter (if submitted before October 31, 2020)

• Certified photocopy of the service book

• Recommendation from the head of the department

This documentation will allow the state government to verify eligibility and process approvals for restoring OPS benefits to qualifying employees.

Gradual Implementation Across Departments

The process is being rolled out gradually across UP’s various state departments, as employees submit their documentation and verification takes place. Departments have been instructed to prioritize accuracy and compliance with timelines to ensure eligible staff are not left out due to administrative delays.

A Welcome Relief for Employees Awaiting Pension Justice

The decision is being widely welcomed by state employees who had long been demanding the restoration of OPS, especially those who found themselves in a technical loophole. For many, this move offers financial stability and social security in retirement—something they had originally counted on when accepting public service roles.

By aligning its policies with those of the central government, Uttar Pradesh has taken a decisive step toward employee welfare, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.