Top News

The debate over pension reforms for central government employees has intensified once again as the 8th Pay Commission continues consultations with employee groups across the country. In a fresh development, the All India NPS Employees Federation (AINPSEF) has placed several major demands before the commission, including giving employees the option to shift from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) after completing a fixed period of service.

Along with pension-related reforms, the federation has also demanded an increase in the retirement age for teachers and the introduction of a uniform leave policy for all central government employees. These proposals were reportedly discussed during a meeting held on April 30, 2026, with 8th Pay Commission Chairperson Ranjana Prakash Desai.

Demand for OPS Option Gains Momentum

One of the biggest proposals submitted by AINPSEF is related to pension security for employees currently covered under the National Pension System. The federation argued that many employees still prefer the Old Pension Scheme because it guarantees a fixed pension after retirement, unlike NPS, which depends on market-linked returns.

According to the proposal, central government employees enrolled under NPS should be allowed to switch to OPS after completing a certain number of years in service. Federation representatives believe this middle-path solution could address employee concerns without placing a heavy financial burden on the government.

AINPSEF President Manjeet Singh Patel reportedly suggested that the government could retain its own contribution and the returns earned on it, while employees may withdraw their personal contribution along with accumulated benefits. The federation claims that such an arrangement would provide pension certainty to employees while keeping additional fiscal pressure under control.

The demand comes at a time when pension reforms remain one of the most closely watched issues among central government staff and pensioners. Several employee unions across India have been raising concerns over the long-term sustainability and predictability of NPS benefits.

Earlier Demand to Scrap NPS Did Not Receive Support

This is not the first time that employee unions have pushed for changes in the pension structure. Earlier, AINPSEF had reportedly demanded the complete removal of the National Pension System and restoration of OPS for all employees. However, that proposal did not receive backing from the commission.

Following that setback, the federation has now proposed a more flexible approach by seeking an optional transition mechanism instead of a complete rollback of NPS. The new proposal is being viewed as a compromise formula aimed at balancing employee expectations and government financial considerations.

Proposal to Increase Teachers’ Retirement Age

Apart from pension-related matters, the federation has also raised concerns regarding the retirement age of teachers working in central government institutions, Union Territories, and autonomous bodies.

At present, many teachers retire at the age of 60, while teachers under institutions governed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) receive retirement benefits up to the age of 65. AINPSEF has argued that similar rules should apply uniformly to all categories of central government teachers.

The federation believes increasing the retirement age would help retain experienced educators in the system for a longer period while also addressing staffing shortages in certain institutions. Employee representatives have requested the commission to extend the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for teachers serving in central government departments, UTs, and central autonomous bodies.

Uniform Leave Policy Suggested for Employees

Another major recommendation submitted before the 8th Pay Commission is the creation of a standardized leave structure applicable to all central government employees.

The federation has proposed:

• 14 days of Casual Leave (CL) annually
• 30 days of Earned Leave (EL) every year
• 20 days of Medical Leave annually

In addition, a special provision called “Social Obligation Leave” has also been suggested. Under this proposal, employees may receive up to 45 days of leave during their service period to fulfill important social and family responsibilities.

Employee groups believe a common leave framework would remove disparities between departments and ensure equal benefits for all categories of workers.

Demand for Simultaneous Implementation of Orders

AINPSEF also highlighted delays in the implementation of government orders across Union Territories and Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs). According to the federation, instructions issued for central employees often reach various departments at different times, causing confusion and delays in execution.

To resolve this issue, the federation has requested that all official orders related to employee benefits, salary revisions, leave rules, and pension policies should be released simultaneously for every department and institution. This, they argue, would ensure faster and smoother implementation nationwide.

Focus on Employee Welfare Continues

The 8th Pay Commission is currently engaged in discussions with various employee unions and federations regarding salary structures, pension systems, allowances, and retirement benefits. With lakhs of central government employees closely monitoring every development, demands related to OPS restoration, retirement age revision, and standardized leave rules are expected to remain key discussion points in the coming months.

As consultations continue, employees are hoping that the commission will recommend reforms aimed at improving financial security, work-life balance, and long-term welfare for government staff across India.