Central Govt Teachers Seek Return of Old Pension, Higher Retirement Age

Central government teachers have put a new set of demands before the 8th Pay Commission, pushing for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, a retirement age of 65, and more leave. The proposals came from a body representing teachers at Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other central government schools during a meeting in New Delhi on August 7, according to a report by ET Wealth Online.

The delegation, part of the All India NPS Employees’ Federation, argued for uniform pay and benefits regardless of location. Teachers in Delhi, Bihar, or the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should get comparable compensation given the cost-of-living differences, the body said.

One of the central asks is a return to the Old Pension Scheme for teachers now under the National Pension System. The government currently offers the Unified Pension Scheme as an alternative. The employee body wants the earlier framework back.

The teachers also proposed raising the retirement age from 60 to 65. University teachers under the University Grants Commission can already work until 65, they noted. On leave, the request is for 14 casual days, 30 earned days, and 20 medical days each year. Child Care Leave was requested for male teachers who are the sole employed parent, along with cashless medical coverage during service.