1. Sikkim makes history as the first Northeastern state to restore the Old Pension System (OPS) for government employees appointed after April 1, 2006.
2. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s announcement signals a policy shift prioritizing the welfare of state employees.
3. The reinstatement of OPS reflects the government’s commitment to addressing employee concerns and enhancing welfare measures.
Gangtok, Feb 09: Sikkim has taken a historic step by becoming the first state in the Northeast region to reinstate the Old Pension System (OPS) for government employees appointed on or after April 1, 2006.
This move, announced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, reflects a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the concerns of state employees and enhancing welfare measures.
The restoration of the Old Pension System, as per the provisions outlined in the Sikkim Services (Pension) Rules, 1990, is set to benefit a wide spectrum of employees appointed on or before March 31, 1990.
This reinstatement reinstates the guidelines governing the modalities of the pension system, ensuring that employees receive their due entitlements under the previous scheme.
The announcement of this decision took place during the State Level Temporary Employees’ Convention held at Public Ground Rangpo on February 9th.
Alongside the restoration of the OPS, a series of welfare measures were unveiled during the convention, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing various employment and pension-related issues.
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One of the notable announcements pertained to amendments in the state government’s policies regarding the regularization of temporary employees.
According to the new guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel, temporary employees with benchmark disabilities serving continuously for a minimum of two years in a particular post may now be considered for regularization in their respective departments.
This amendment reflects the government’s efforts to ensure inclusivity and provide employment security to individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, significant changes were introduced in the criteria for the regularization of temporary employees serving in various capacities such as Work-charged, Muster Roll, Adhoc, and Consolidated Pay.
As per the revised clause, temporary employees serving continuously for four years or more in their respective roles may now be eligible for regularization.
This modification aims to streamline the process of regularization and offer greater job stability to temporary employees who have dedicated significant time to their roles.
Overall, these initiatives underscore the government’s proactive approach towards addressing the needs and concerns of state employees.
By reinstating the Old Pension System and introducing amendments to regularization policies, the government seeks to foster a conducive work environment and enhance the welfare of employees.
Moreover, these measures are expected to resonate positively among voters as the state gears up for upcoming assembly elections, positioning the government as responsive and committed to the well-being of its citizens.
