Guwahati, 26th February: Addressing mounting concerns over the National Pension System (NPS) and the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam offered insights into the state’s stance amidst a nationwide discussion on pension provisions.
With Assam grappling with a staggering monthly pension bill of Rs 1700 crore, Sarma cautioned against reinstating the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), warning of dire consequences for the state’s financial stability. He emphasized that reverting to OPS could potentially push the Assam government to the brink of bankruptcy within five years, rendering it unable to function effectively.
Sarma underscored the need for a sustainable pension system, proposing the assurance of pension benefits for all retirees, regardless of their enrollment in OPS or NPS. This proposal aligns with similar suggestions echoed in the Kerala budget session, emphasizing the importance of providing a safety net for retirees nationwide.
Highlighting disparities among states, Sarma pointed out variations in pension systems, notably citing differences in dearness allowance (DA) provisions between Assam and West Bengal. He stressed the necessity for collective action and uniformity in pension provisions across the country.
Addressing concerns raised by legislators, Sarma acknowledged challenges faced by some retirees under the NPS, particularly citing instances of meager pension amounts received by certain teachers. However, he clarified that these individuals, primarily from venture schools, had not fulfilled the required tenure of service, making their inclusion under the NPS not legally binding.
Responding to queries about a potential shift from NPS back to OPS, Sarma reassured that the new generation of employees, including recent youth hires, would likely receive more substantial pension benefits after completing 35 years of service compared to OPS. He clarified that teachers mentioned by Akhil Gogoi were from venture schools and had not met the Assam government’s service tenure criteria.
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