Government employees in Maharashtra have concluded their indefinite strike after Eknath Shinde, chief minister (CM), Maharashtra, assured them of considering the revival of the old pension scheme (OPS) during the budget session.
The state government received a report assessing the possibility of reintroducing OPS, leading the finance and general administration departments to examine and discuss it with union leaders. The CM stressed that the final decision will be based on the report and consultations with stakeholders. The committee recommended adjusting the existing scheme to enhance pension benefits.
State government workers called off their indefinite strike on 14 December 2023, following Shinde’s commitment to address the OPS during the budget session scheduled for February–March.
Approximately 8 lakh government employees employed after 2005 receive less lucrative benefits under the new pension scheme (NPS). Shinde, after meeting with employee unions on 13 December, 2023, assured ‘social and financial security.’ He urged the withdrawal of the strike, pledging a decision during the budget session based on the committee’s report and stakeholder discussions.
Shinde announced a significant decision to include employees in the OPS if their recruitment process began before 31 May, 2005, benefiting over 26,000 individuals. The committee suggested adjusting the current scheme for intermediate pension benefits between OPS and NPS, citing the impracticality of OPS revival due to financial constraints.
Shinde stated that the committee’s recommendations require thorough deliberation. Two officers are appointed to study and discuss the report with union leaders for consensus.
The government has promised to implement the new pension scheme in March, but its actualisation might be delayed until July – August for potential political gains ahead of assembly polls. If unfulfilled, strike resumption is possible, as per union representatives.
