Old pension scheme to return for Sikkim government employees by January

PRAKASH ADHIKARI, EOI, GANGTOK, 8 JANUARY 2024 : Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang on Monday announced this Janta Bhet Karyakram, organised by the retired government employees wing of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha at Saramsa Garden in the Gangtok district. 

As Sikkim braces for the legislative assembly elections this year around April, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has already reached out to the retired employees with the promise of the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).  

During the day, he went a step ahead and announced re-implementation of the Old Pension Scheme for State Government employees by January this year. He affirmed that his party after forming the government in 2019 had done its best to help the government employees in need. The Chief Minister made this important announcement on the second day of the Janta Bhet Karyakram.  

On Sunday the Chief Minister met retired employees at the Soreng, Gyalshing and Namchi district. In a social media post, he said: "Being among people and offering assistance consistently brings me joy. 

The fulfillment derived from engaging with the public and providing support is truly gratifying." The Chief Minister constituted a committee in 2022 to examine the viability of restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for the State Government employees. 

The committee was directed to submit a report on this within three months. Following this, in September last year the Chief Minister announced that the Old Pension Scheme would be brought back for its employees.