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A question was raised in Parliament regarding the pension system for Central Government employees, the demand for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and the ongoing reforms within the pension process. This question was answered by the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaturvedi. He stated that the government is continuously implementing reforms to make the pension system more transparent and streamlined.

Number of Employees and Pensioners Under Each Scheme
According to the government, there are currently approximately 50.14 lakh employees working under the Central Government. As per pension-related statistics, about 49,802 pensioners are covered under the National Pension System (NPS) (as of January 31, 2026). Conversely, there are approximately 69 lakh pensioners under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) (as of December 8, 2025). The NPS is a contribution-based pension scheme implemented for employees who joined the Central Government service on or after January 1, 2004 (excluding the Armed Forces).

Cases of Delay in Pension Payments
The government stated that no major complaints regarding delays in pension payments have been reported under the NPS. Pension payments are disbursed through Annuity Service Providers, and to date, no subscriber has lodged a complaint regarding a delay in receiving their monthly pension.

The Government's Stance on Restoring OPS
Demands for the re-implementation of the OPS are gaining momentum in several states. In response to this, the government stated that the decision to implement the OPS or not falls entirely within the jurisdiction of the respective states. However, in a recent audit report, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) issued a warning that reverting to the OPS could impose a significant financial burden on the states.

The Central Government has also introduced reforms aimed at providing better benefits to employees under the NPS. In this regard, a 'Unified Pension Scheme' has been introduced as an option within the NPS to ensure that employees receive a more stable pension post-retirement.

Digitization of the Pension Process
The government is expanding digital facilities to simplify the pension-related process. A new, simplified pension application form has been introduced through the 'Bhavishya' Pension Process System. Additionally, a digital life certificate facility has been provided for pensioners, enabling them to submit their life certificates from the comfort of their homes.

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