Pension for Paramilitary Forces: Exception to New Pension Scheme?

Pension for Paramilitary Forces: Exception to New Pension Scheme?

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 470

TO BE ANSWERED ON 6th FEBRUARY, 2023 (MONDAY)/ 17 MAGHA, 1944 (SAKA)

PENSION FOR PARAMILITARY FORCES

Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

(a) whether armed forces were marked as exception to New Pension Scheme (NPS) and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Article 246 of the Schedule VII of the Constitution says armed forces of the Union of India include Naval, Military and Air Force and any other armed forces of the Union;

(c) if so, whether Hon. High Court of Delhi has asked the Union Government to issue orders for Old Pension Scheme to Central Armed Police Forces like CRPF, ITBP, CISF etc.;

(d) if so, whether the Government has since issued orders in this regard; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(DR. BHAGWAT KARAD)

(a) to (e) As per Gazette Notification No. 5/7/2003-ECB & PR dated 22.12.2003 issued by Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, the Government introduced a new restructured defined contribution pension scheme for new entrants to Central Government service, except the armed forces, in the first stage, replacing the existing system of defined benefit pension system. The system is mandatory for all new recruits to the Central Government service from 01.01.2004.

The Hon’ble High Court of Delhi vide order dated 11.01.2023 in WP (C) No. 12712/2021 titled Pawan Kumar & Ors of CRPF Vs Uol & Ors and other connected matters, has directed for grant of Old Pension Scheme to the personnel of para-military forces. This is a policy matter under the domain of Ministry of Home Affairs.