Class-IV staff regularised after 2003 get pension relief

The State Government has decided to grant additional pensionary benefits to Class-IV employees who were regularised after May 15, 2003. As per the new policy, such employees will now receive one year of regular service benefit for every five years served as daily wagers, for the purpose of pension calculation.

Announcing the decision during a high-level meeting, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the move would particularly benefit those employees who were earlier denied pension due to having less than 10 years of regular service at the time of retirement.

Under the new provision, a maximum of two years of regular service will be counted for employees who have completed 10 years or more as daily wagers. The benefit will be granted under the Central Civil Services (CCS) Pension Rules, 1972.

The Chief Minister also announced that these Class-IV employees will be given another opportunity to opt for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). He recalled that one of the first decisions of the present government after assuming office was the reinstatement of OPS in the state, ensuring long-term financial and social security for government employees.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to employee welfare, Sukhu said the administration would continue to take measures aimed at protecting the interests and financial stability of its workforce.