The INDIA bloc (an alliance of opposition parties) has released its comprehensive election manifesto for Bihar titled “Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran”. This 32-page document outlines several major welfare promises, including a key commitment to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees a policy with wide social and financial significance.
Main Highlights of the Manifesto
The manifesto reflects the bloc’s broader focus on employment, welfare, and social security.
Key promises include:
- One government job per family.
- 200 units of free electricity to households.
- Regularisation of contractual employees in all departments.
- Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government workers.
- Introduction of an Employment Guarantee Law within 20 days of forming the government.
Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Core Commitment
- The manifesto clearly promises to reintroduce the Old Pension Scheme for all eligible government employees.
- Under the OPS, employees receive a defined pension benefit (50 % of their last drawn salary) after retirement, fully funded by the government.
- The bloc argues that restoring OPS will ensure dignity and financial security for employees after years of public service.
- The move is aimed at countering the New Pension System (NPS), which is contributory and market-linked, and therefore seen as uncertain by many workers.
Implications of Restoring OPS: For Employees, State Finances, Policy Observers & Students
- Ensures a guaranteed lifetime pension and family pension after death.
- Removes uncertainty linked to market returns in NPS.
- Boosts employee morale and long-term financial confidence.
For State Finances
- Revival of OPS would create higher future pension liabilities for the government.
- The state must plan for long-term funding to meet guaranteed pension payouts.
- Fiscal discipline and efficient revenue mobilisation will be key to sustaining OPS.
For Policy Observers & Students
- The OPS debate shows the tension between welfare protection and fiscal sustainability.
- It is a practical example for studying public-finance management, pension reform, and political economy of welfare policies.
Conclusion
The INDIA bloc’s manifesto places social security and employment at the heart of its political vision. By promising to restore the Old Pension Scheme, the alliance highlights its commitment to ensuring retirement dignity and financial safety for public employees. While this reform would require careful fiscal management, it sends a strong message: that economic growth must include human welfare and social justice.
FAQs
1. What is the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
Ans: OPS is a government-funded pension system that guarantees a fixed monthly pension — usually 50% of the last drawn salary — after retirement.
2. Why is the INDIA bloc talking about OPS?
Ans: The bloc wants to bring back OPS to ensure financial security for government employees and to replace the uncertain, market-linked New Pension System (NPS).
3. Who will benefit if OPS is restored?
Ans: All eligible state government employees, especially teachers, police, health, and administrative staff, would get lifetime pensions.
4. What are the financial challenges of OPS?
Ans: OPS increases long-term pension liabilities for the state government, so it needs proper financial planning and budget support.
5. How is OPS different from NPS?
Ans: Under OPS, the government pays the pension; under NPS, employees and employers both contribute to a fund that depends on market returns.
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