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New Delhi, May 5, 2025: Around 100 senior doctors from major Delhi government hospitals, including Ambedkar Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital, and Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, have formally submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. They are demanding inclusion under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, popularly known as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The doctors, many of whom were initially hired on a contractual basis between 2000 and 2003 and later regularised under the Delhi Health Services (DHS) in accordance with Rule 6(2) of the Delhi Health Services (Allopathy) Rules, 2009, argue that they are unfairly excluded from OPS. Currently, they fall under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), introduced in 2004, which they claim offers significantly lower retirement benefits.
Basis of the Demand
The doctors highlighted that their recruitment was against sanctioned posts advertised before the NPS notification dated December 22, 2003. They cited the central government’s March 2023 guidelines that provide a one-time option for employees appointed to posts advertised before the cut-off date to opt for the Old Pension Scheme, even if they joined service after January 1, 2004. Furthermore, the Delhi government’s approval of this policy in April 2023 reinforces their claim.
A senior doctor nearing retirement shared concerns with Hindustan Times, stating, “Under the new pension scheme, I will receive a very small pension amount, insufficient even to cover medical bills. The government’s refusal to include us in OPS is unjust, especially since many of us were initially contractual employees due to systemic hiring practices.”
Doctors’ Arguments and Concerns
The doctors argue that their contractual service prior to regularisation should not be disregarded and that denying them OPS benefits contradicts both the spirit and wording of the central government’s directive. They also pointed out that their previous representation was rejected at the Health Department’s Principal Secretary level without approval from the Lieutenant Governor, the competent authority.
They stressed that similar cases in other departments and states have been accepted under the same provisions. Moreover, despite their critical roles during major health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now being denied secure retirement benefits.
One of the signatories of the appeal emphasized, “Denying us fair retirement benefits demoralizes the medical community and reflects an unjust interpretation of the rules.”
Next Steps
The doctors are awaiting a response from the Lieutenant Governor. They have expressed that if their demands are ignored, they may resort to protests to press for their rightful inclusion in the Old Pension Scheme. They have also requested that their contributions under the New Pension Scheme be transferred to their General Provident Fund accounts once OPS benefits are granted.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of May 5, 2025, and reflects the views and statements of the involved parties. The demands and claims mentioned are subject to official verification and government decisions. Readers are advised to refer to official government releases for the latest updates on this matter.
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