No Current Provision For Early Retirement Of Central Government Employees, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha

The Centre is not considering any proposal for early retirement of central government employees, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh stated in a written reply that employees who meet the necessary qualifications can apply for early retirement under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, or the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.

"No, Sir. There is no such proposal under consideration of the government," Singh said in response to a query about whether an early retirement scheme is being contemplated and its potential impact on employees.

Separately, the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) was raised in the Parliament, with NK Premachandran, a Member of Parliament from the Revolutionary Socialist Party representing Kollam in Kerala, urging the government to implement an enhanced pension scheme immediately.

During Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Premachandran argued that employees should be permitted to opt for a higher pension under EPS-95, as approved by the Supreme Court two years ago. He highlighted that the apex court had, in November 2022, ruled in favour of existing employees opting for a higher pension under EPS-95. The court also allowed an increase in the wage ceiling to Rs 15,000 per month for calculating pension contributions.

Premachandran reiterated that employees are entitled to higher pensions under EPS-95 and should be allowed to choose enhanced pension benefits as per the Supreme Court's ruling.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje informed Parliament on 16 December that approximately 17.49 lakh members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had applied to contribute on their actual higher basic pay to secure a higher pension following the Supreme Court's order in November 2022.

(With Inputs From PTI.)