Shinde goes against Union govt stand, assures OPS in Sindhudurg

MUMBAI: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said his government would consider implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

MUMBAI: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said his government would consider implementing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Shinde’s comments, made at a function of teachers’ association, in Sindhudurg district on Thursday, gain significance as just three weeks ago, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis had said during a campaign speech that he was not “negative” about OPS.

Mumbai, India - June 30, 2022: Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis interact with the media before the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan, in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, June 30, 2022. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO)

If Maharashtra does decide to implement the OPS it would be the first BJP-ruled state (though in alliance) to fly in the face of the centre’s stance on OPS.

Both Prime Minister and Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the party’s stand in favour of the New Pension Scheme at the union budget presented earlier this month. It is their view that it is fiscally more prudent.

However, the Opposition, notably the Congress has been at the forefront of implementing OPS – most recently in Himachal Pradesh.

Eknath Shinde was speaking at the inaugural session of the 17th state conference of Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Committee, at Vengurla, in Sindhudurg district when he said, “We will find a positive way out over the teachers’ demand for OPS, after studying the legal and financial aspects of the issue.” Teachers and other government employees have been pressing for its implementation.