100 Delhi government doctors urge LG to restore Old Pension Scheme

In a significant development, 100 senior doctors serving under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) on Friday urged Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena for their inclusion under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021), commonly known as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The joint appeal cites their eligibility based on appointments made against vacancies advertised before the introduction of the National Pension System (NPS) in December 2003.

The doctors, initially appointed on a contractual basis between 2000 and 2003, argued that although they were regularised into the Delhi Health Services (DHS) cadre under Rule 6(2) of the Delhi Health Services (Allopathy) Rules, 2009, they were unjustly placed under the NPS. Many were recruited against sanctioned posts clearly advertised prior to the NPS notification on December 22, 2003.

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Their representation references the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions’ Office Memorandum dated March 3, 2023, which allows a one-time option to opt for the OPS if the appointment was made to a post advertised before the cut-off date and the individual joined service on or after January 1, 2004. The Delhi government’s endorsement of this policy, issued in April 2023, further strengthens their claim.

The doctors contended that their service prior to formal inclusion in the DHS cadre should not be disregarded. While the 2009 rules state that contractual service is not counted for promotion, it does not negate the continuity or nature of their employment. Denial of OPS coverage, they argue, contradicts both the spirit and the letter of central government directives.

The medical practitioners also highlighted that their previous representation was rejected by the Health Department at the Principal Secretary level, without obtaining approval from the competent authority—the L-G. They pointed out that similar cases in other departments and states have already been accepted under the same provisions.

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“Our appointments were made against duly advertised posts before the NPS was even notified. Several of us have served in difficult conditions, including during health crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. Denying us fair retirement benefits not only demoralises the medical community but also reflects an unjust interpretation of the rules,” said a senior medical officer, who is one of the signatories of the appeal.

The doctors also sought their contributions under the NPS to be transferred to individual General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts once OPS benefits are granted.

Calling their case a matter of rightful entitlement, the doctors urged L-G Saxena to review the issue empathetically and ensure parity with other government employees who have already been allowed to opt for OPS.