Earlier, the old pension scheme has been implemented in the state by the coalition government formed by many Congress and other parties. Congress has promised to implement the old pension scheme in Himachal Pradesh.
Its process has been started, along with this the old pension scheme has also been implemented in Congress ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. In Jharkhand too, the Congress is part of the coalition government. In such a situation, the old pension scheme was implemented there too. The old pension scheme has also been restored in the Aam Aadmi Party of Punjab, while old pension can become a big issue in many states in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
High court on Old pension scheme: On one hand, there is a demand by the employees across the country to implement the old pension scheme. On the other hand, while giving a big decision, the High Court has given a big relief to the officers and employees. While issuing the order, the High Court has said that the officer-employee will get the benefit of the old pension scheme and all the officers will come under the purview of the old pension.
Hearing on 82 petitions
Delhi High Court has given an important decision on Wednesday. 82 petitions were heard in the interest of Staff Officers of Central Para Military Forces. During this, the High Court while giving its verdict has said that whether any recruitment has taken place today or ever before, even if recruitment takes place in the future, then its jawans and officers will be entitled to take advantage of the old pension scheme and they will be entitled to the old pension scheme. Only you will get benefit. The High Court clarified in its order that the benefits of the old pension scheme will be given to the central paramilitary forces. It is an armed force and hence eligible for the scheme.
However, thousands of ex-servicemen will get a big relief after this decision. They will get the benefit of the old pension scheme. The Delhi High Court has held the Central Paramilitary Forces to be the Armed Forces of the Indian Union. Explain that the central paramilitary forces have not been recognized as armed forces by the central government.
The petition was filed in 2020
Actually the petition was filed in 2020. In the matter, the High Court had issued notice in February 2020 on a petition by CAPF employees seeking to treat the Army, Navy and Air Force with respect to pension. Several other petitions were also filed in this regard. In which the exclusion of the armed forces from the old pension scheme was said to be discriminatory and a violation of the right to equality.
Central government not ready to consider central paramilitary forces as armed forces
It may be noted that the central government is not ready to consider the central paramilitary forces as armed forces. In such a situation, he was not getting the benefit of the old pension scheme. With effect from January 1, 2004, the employees filling the Central Government jobs were taken out of the purview of the old pension scheme. Along with civil employees, CAPFs were also taken out of the old pension scheme at that time. The government believed that the Army, Navy and Air Force were the only armed forces.
CAPF inducted into Armed Forces of India, NPS will not be applicable
It was stated in the Delhi High Court that under the BSF Act 1968, they were constituted as the Armed Forces of the Union of India while the rest of the CAPFs were also constituted as the Armed Forces of the Union of India. On which the High Court has also included CAPF in the Armed Forces of India. After which NPS will not be applicable on them.
The central government can knock on the door of the Supreme Court
On the decision of the New Delhi High Court, the central government can approach the Supreme Court. On the other hand, if the Supreme Court also agrees with the decision of the High Court, then in such a situation the CAPF employees will also get the benefit of the old pension scheme. Let us tell you that apart from Assam Rifles, BSSC, CRPF, ITBP, NSG and SSB have been included in any CAPF.
