Sikkim Becomes First Northeast State To Reinstate Old Pension Scheme For Employees

In a groundbreaking move for the Northeast region, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang of Sikkim announced the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for state government employees hired on or after April 1, 2006, during the State Level Temporary Employees’ Convention. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.

Revival of OPS: Ensuring Financial Security

• Under the provisions of the Sikkim Services Pension Rules, 1990, employees appointed on or before March 31, 1990, are set to benefit from the reinstatement of the OPS.
• This revival marks a crucial step towards ensuring the financial security of state government employees, particularly in light of the upcoming state assembly elections.

Welfare Measures and Inclusivity

• As part of broader welfare measures, the government has introduced amendments to policies regarding the regularization of temporary employees.
• These amendments aim to enhance inclusivity and job security, particularly for those with benchmark disabilities.
• The revised policies offer opportunities for regularization to employees serving continuously for two years or more in specific posts, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusivity and stability.

Stability Through Government Policies

• The amendments to government policies regarding the regularization of temporary employees underscore a broader commitment to stability and job security.
• Employees serving continuously for four years or more in various capacities, including Work-charged, Muster Roll, Adhoc, and Consolidated Pay roles, may now be considered for regularization.
• These measures are designed to provide greater stability and security to the workforce, aligning with the government’s overarching goal of fostering stability and prosperity in Sikkim.

Addressing Voter Concerns

• The timing of these announcements aligns with the approaching state assembly elections, signaling the government’s proactive approach in addressing the concerns of its constituents.
• By prioritizing the reinstatement of the OPS and revising regularization policies, the government aims to strengthen its connection with voters and demonstrate its responsiveness to their needs.