Associated News Bureau

J&K Government Extends Old Pension Scheme to Employees Appointed Against Pre-December 2009 Posts, Eligible Employees Given One-Time Option to Switch from NPS to OPS

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has extended the benefit of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to thousands of employees appointed against posts that were advertised or notified before December 24, 2009, but who subsequently joined government service under the New Pension Scheme (NPS). The decision follows the approval accorded by the Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at its meeting held earlier this month. Under the government order, employees appointed against posts advertised or notified before December 24, 2009, and who joined service under the NPS, have been granted a one-time option to switch over to the Old Pension Scheme. Eligible employees will be required to exercise the option through the prescribed channel within three months from the date of issuance of the government order. The Government has clarified that the option, once exercised, will be final and binding. Employees who fail to exercise the option within the stipulated three-month period will continue to remain covered under the New Pension Scheme. The decision gives effect to the Council of Ministers' decision to extend OPS coverage to employees whose posts had been advertised or notified before December 24, 2009, providing eligible government employees an opportunity to seek coverage under the Old Pension Scheme.