Thu Mar 13 09:39:25 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Delays Decision on Old Pension Scheme for 2.86 Lakh Employees

**Bengaluru, March 13, 2025** – The Karnataka government has postponed a decision on reverting 2.86 lakh state employees from the National Pension Scheme (NPS) to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), pending a report from a government committee. While the Congress party, currently in power, included the OPS reversion in its election manifesto, Minister N.S. Boseraju stated that the government is awaiting recommendations from a committee headed by an additional chief secretary before making a final decision.

The delay has sparked criticism from the opposition. Congress MLA Ramoji Gowda highlighted the plight of approximately 2,188 retired NPS employees receiving pensions as low as ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 monthly after over 10 years of service. He criticized the committee for taking over a year and a half to produce a report, particularly given that neighboring states have already implemented similar reversions.

Home Minister G. Parameshwar, who chaired the Congress manifesto committee, acknowledged the party’s commitment to implementing the OPS but cited procedural hurdles and significant financial implications. He also noted the central government’s awareness of the issue and the possibility of a nationwide unified pension scheme. The government has not set a timeline for a final decision. The opposition questioned the delay, prompting Mr. Parameshwar to point out that the OPS reversion was not included in their manifesto when they were in power.

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