Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday restored the old pension scheme for government officials and employees in Chhattisgarh. More than 3.5 lakh government staff will benefit due to the move.
The announcement was made by the Chief Minister in his Budget Speech in the Assembly.
The Congress had included this in its election manifesto for the 2018 assembly polls. The contributory pension scheme, started in 2004, provides little benefits to the retired employees, the party said.
Congress governments in Rajasthan and Jharkhand have announced they will return to the old pension scheme.
The Wednesday announcement here triggered celebrations by government employees who had been against the present national pension scheme which is contributory in nature.
Overjoyed, they exploded firecrackers and played with ‘gulal’ to express their delight.
They thanked the Chief Minister saying he had provided a ‘walking stick’ for government employees and given them a reason to lead a happy retired life.