Questions were asked in Parliament regarding the pension system of central government employees, the demand for Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the reforms taking place in the pension process. The answer to which was given by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaturvedi. He said that the government is continuously making reforms to make the pension system more transparent and easier.
How many employees and pensioners in which scheme?
According to the government, at present about 50.14 lakh employees are working in the central government. According to pension related data, about 49,802 pensioners are included under the National Pension System (as of 31 January 2026). There are about 69 lakh pensioners under the Old Pension Scheme (till 8 December 2025). NPS is a contribution based pension scheme, which was implemented for employees of the Central Government (except armed forces) who joined the Central Government after 1 January 2004.
Cases of delay in pension payment
The government said that no major complaint of delay in pension payment under NPS has come to light. The pension is paid through annuity service providers and so far no subscriber has filed a complaint about delay in receiving the monthly pension.
Pension Update in Rajya Sabha!
Govt informed Parliament:
• Total Central Govt Employees: 50.14 lakh (approx.)
•Total OPS Pensioners: 69 lakh (approx.)
• Total NPS Pensioners: 49,802#Centralgovtemployees#OPS #NPS pic.twitter.com/4Jy2Q2GvvA— 8th pay commission (@8thpaycommision) March 11, 2026
Government’s stance on OPS restoration
Demand for re-implementation of OPS is being raised in many states. On this, the government said that whether or not to implement OPS comes entirely within the jurisdiction of the states. However, in a recent audit report, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has warned that returning to OPS could put a huge burden on the financial condition of the states.
The Central Government has also made reforms to provide better benefits to the employees under NPS. In this sequence, Unified Pension Scheme has been introduced as an option within NPS, so that employees can get a more stable pension after retirement.
Pension process is being digitalized
The government is expanding digital facilities to simplify the pension related process. A new simple pension application form has been started through the Bhavishya Pension Process System. Apart from this, the facility of digital life certificate has also been provided for pensioners, through which they can submit life certificate sitting at home. The process of exit and annuity in NPS has also been made completely online, so that pensioners face less hassle and the system becomes more transparent.