Madhya Pradesh Government Plans Review Petition Against OPS Order For 80,000 Teachers

The Madhya Pradesh government is preparing to file a review petition against the High Court’s decision on the old pension scheme for around 80,000 teachers. The development has once again put the issue of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for teachers in the state in focus.

A meeting to discuss the government’s legal strategy will be held in Jabalpur on 5 October. Senior officials and lawyers have been called for the meeting. The Advocate General and the Additional Advocate General will also take part in the discussions.

The meeting will review the High Court’s order and consider the next course of legal action. The government will also discuss whether to move ahead with a review petition challenging the decision.

The case is linked to teachers who were appointed when the old pension system was in force. However, after their absorption in 2018, they were brought under the New Pension Scheme, or NPS.

The single bench of the High Court had ruled in favour of granting the old pension benefit to teachers who were absorbed in 2018. Around three months after that decision, the department has still not implemented the court’s order.

The possible financial burden arising from the decision is being seen as a major concern for the government. The issue involves around 80,000 teachers and relates to whether their service before and after absorption should be treated as continuous for the purpose of pension benefits.

The teachers’ side has argued that there was no break in their service during the absorption process. On this basis, they say they should not be denied the benefits of the old pension scheme.

Teacher leader Rajesh Mishra said reminders had also been sent to the department for compliance with the court’s order. The teachers are seeking implementation of the decision rather than being shifted to the NPS after their absorption in 2018.

The final direction on the government’s next legal step is expected to be discussed at the 5 October meeting in Jabalpur. The government will consider whether to challenge the High Court’s decision through a review petition.

For now, thousands of teachers waiting for the old pension benefit are watching the government’s next move as well as the further proceedings in the court.