Decision on Alternative Pension Scheme for Teachers within Three Months – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Assures.

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar assured the Legislative Assembly that a decision will be made within the next three months regarding an alternative to the old pension scheme for teachers and non-teaching staff working in semi-government and aided institutions who joined service after November 1, 2005.

During the question and answer hour, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar addressed a star-studded question about the alternative pension scheme for these employees. Members Sanjay Kelkar, Balasaheb Thorat, and Ashish Shelar raised related questions and sub-questions.

Pawar stated that the government recently decided to offer the old pension scheme option to government employees advertised before November 1, 2005, and who joined government service afterward. This decision allows government officers and employees to apply the provisions of the Maharashtra Civil Service Pension Rules 1982, Maharashtra Civil Service Pension Pay Rules 1984, and General Provident Fund Rules in line with the Central Government. However, this decision was not implemented for teachers and non-teaching staff in semi-government and aided institutions due to a pending case.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar clarified that 100 percent subsidy is given to government-recognized and subsidized educational institutions. The Bombay High Court ruled on April 30, 2019, that such institutions are considered aided. Teacher unions challenged this decision in the Supreme Court. Pawar assured that the state government will take action following the Supreme Court’s decision.

Considering the economic conditions, the central government decided to close the old pension scheme and introduce a new one. Various states’ government officials and employees have since demanded the old pension scheme’s reinstatement. The central government is positive about this, and the state government has sought information from the central government. A committee of retired chartered officers has been appointed to study and recommend on this matter. Discussions have been held with unions of government officials and employees, and a statement on the state’s position was made during the winter session in Nagpur. The state government has also gathered information on decisions by some states to implement the old pension scheme. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar emphasized that the current government is pro-employee and committed to ensuring appropriate justice in this matter.