Old Pension – The Uttar Pradesh government has finally announced the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 14,200 teachers following a decisive order from the Supreme Court. These teachers, who have long battled against the discontinuation of their pension rights, will now receive full pension benefits, including arrears, with an 8% interest component starting July 2025. The decision is being hailed as a major victory for teacher unions and pension rights activists across the state.
Supreme Court Verdict Forces Government Action
After years of legal battles and protests, the Supreme Court of India directed the UP Government to reinstate the Old Pension Scheme for 14,200 teachers who were appointed before April 1, 2005. The ruling emphasized that the teachers’ rights were being violated and that retrospective benefits must be provided.
- The verdict was delivered in May 2025.
- Teachers affected were previously moved to the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
- The court deemed the transfer to NPS unlawful for this group.
- The government has issued compliance orders within a month.
- Payments and interest to be processed from July 2025.
Who Is Eligible for Pension Restoration?
The restoration of OPS applies to a specific category of teachers appointed in aided schools and government-run institutions. These individuals were initially recruited under the OPS framework but were forcibly transitioned to NPS.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Teachers appointed before April 1, 2005
- Teachers working in government-aided and state-run institutions
- Teachers not availing benefits under any other pension framework
- Those covered by the Supreme Court’s order dated May 2025
Key Benefits Under the Restored Pension Scheme
The reinstated OPS brings back several financial and retirement security benefits which had been missing under the NPS system. Here’s what eligible teachers will now receive:
Benefits Restored:
- Monthly pension based on last drawn salary
- Death and family pension benefits
- Full payment of arrears from date of transition
- 8% interest per annum on delayed payments
- Commutation facility for early pension withdrawal
Payment Structure: What Teachers Can Expect in July
The UP Government has declared that pension payments will begin in July 2025, including all pending dues and accrued interest. The Finance Department has prepared detailed guidelines for the disbursal.
Payment Overview Table:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Teachers Covered | 14,200 |
| Pension Start Date | July 2025 |
| Arrears Period | April 2005 – June 2025 |
| Interest Rate on Arrears | 8% per annum |
| Average Monthly Pension | ₹32,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Lump Sum Expected (Arrears) | ₹6.5 lakh – ₹11 lakh |
| Additional Benefits | Family Pension, Gratuity, Commutation |
Protests, Court Battles, and Final Victory
This long-standing issue had seen multiple protests across Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Kanpur. Teacher unions, including the Prathmik Shikshak Sangh and Madhyamik Shikshak Mahasangh, held numerous demonstrations demanding restoration of the old pension.
Timeline of Events:
- 2019 – Teachers begin protests over forced NPS implementation.
- 2021 – Multiple petitions filed in Allahabad High Court.
- 2023 – Supreme Court admits final appeal.
- May 2025 – Final judgment delivered in teachers’ favour.
- June 2025 – UP Government issues compliance orders.
- July 2025 – Payments begin with arrears and interest.
Reaction from Teachers and Political Circles
The announcement has triggered celebrations among teachers and their families. Many have called it a long overdue acknowledgment of their rights. Political leaders from opposition parties have lauded the decision, though also criticized the government for the delay.
Voices From the Ground:
- “This is not just a financial win, but a moral one,” said one retired teacher from Gorakhpur.
- “We lost crucial years battling in court – but justice is finally here,” said another teacher union leader from Lucknow.
- “We welcome the decision, but demand similar action for other categories of government staff,” said opposition MLA from Varanasi.
How to Check Pension Status and Claim Arrears
The UP Government has also launched a helpdesk and online portal for eligible teachers to verify their status and file documents for arrears claims.
Key Steps to Claim Payment:
- Visit the official UP Finance Department portal
- Enter teacher registration or employee code
- Submit previous service details and appointment letter
- Upload ID and salary-related documents
- Track payment status from July onwards
Full List of Affected Districts
Below is a table listing some of the major districts from where teachers are receiving pension benefits:
| District | Number of Teachers |
|---|---|
| Lucknow | 1,560 |
| Prayagraj | 1,210 |
| Kanpur Nagar | 1,040 |
| Varanasi | 980 |
| Gorakhpur | 870 |
| Agra | 820 |
| Meerut | 740 |
| Bareilly | 720 |
More districts are being added to the list as documentation is verified.
FAQs
Q1: When will the pension payments begin?
A: Pension payments along with arrears and interest will begin from July 2025.
Q2: Who is eligible for restored pension benefits?
A: Teachers appointed before April 1, 2005, in state-run and aided institutions are eligible under the Supreme Court order.
Q3: How much interest will be paid on pending dues?
A: An interest of 8% per annum will be added to all arrear amounts.
Q4: Where can teachers check their pension status?
A: Teachers can visit the UP Finance Department portal to check eligibility and claim status.
Q5: Will this apply to other government employees too?
A: Currently, this decision applies only to the 14,200 teachers covered by the Supreme Court judgment. Expansion to other groups is not confirmed yet.