Government’s decision, good news for employees regarding OPS, these people will get the benefit of old pension.

New Delhi: Amidst the long standing demand regarding the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), a relief news has emerged for some central employees. After the recent decision of the Central Government, now such employees, who were appointed on compassionate grounds and who fulfill the prescribed conditions, are being given the opportunity to choose the old pension scheme. In this direction, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has also started the process of implementing the order in its institutes.

Which employees will get the benefit?

This facility is not for all employees. Its benefit will be available only in those cases where, after the death of a government employee or his permanent disability, his dependent had applied for compassionate appointment on or before December 12, 2003, but the appointment was received after January 1, 2004. Since the New Pension System (NPS) had come into effect by that time, such employees were automatically included in the purview of NPS. Now the Central Government has allowed the eligible employees to opt for the old pension scheme.

CSIR issued instructions

After the decision of the Central Government, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has issued an office memorandum on 7 July 2026, directing all its laboratories, institutes and units to implement this system. After this, eligible employees will be able to opt for the old pension scheme as per the prescribed procedure.

How did this process start?

The background of this decision is related to a letter issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on 22 June 2026. The Ministry had clarified that in cases where the application for compassionate appointment was made before the prescribed date, the concerned department or ministry may consider giving them the option of the old pension scheme.

Earlier in the year 2023, the Central Government had given an opportunity to choose OPS once to those employees whose recruitment process started before January 1, 2004, but were appointed later. However, at that time employees on compassionate appointment were not included in this scope.

What will be the impact on other institutions?

After the implementation of this system by CSIR, it is now expected that other central autonomous institutions can also adopt the same model. However, this system will not automatically be implemented in all institutions. Each autonomous institution will have to take separate decisions based on the guidelines of the Central Government. Only after this the eligible employees working there will be able to get the option of the old pension scheme.

Why is the decision important for the employees?

This decision is considered important for those employees who have been demanding for years that in cases of compassionate appointment, the date of application should be made the basis and not only the date of appointment. If the concerned institutions implement this system, the eligible employees will get the opportunity to avail the benefits of the old pension scheme, which can make their social and economic security after retirement stronger than before.