Associated News Bureau

J&K Govt Grants One-Time Option to Eligible NPS Employees for Old Pension Scheme

Srinagar, September 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has granted a one-time option to eligible government employees covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) to switch over to the Defined Pension Scheme, commonly referred to as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The Finance Department issued Government Order No. 305-F of 2026 on September 28, following approval of the Council of Ministers on September 10, 2026. The order applies to government employees appointed against posts or vacancies that had been advertised or notified for recruitment before the introduction of the New Pension Scheme under SRO-400 dated December 24, 2009, but who joined government service on or after January 1, 2010 and were subsequently covered under the NPS. According to the Finance Department, the decision was taken after considering representations received from government employees and examining the matter in light of the Government of India’s instructions concerning similar cases. Eligible employees have been given a single opportunity to exercise their option for coverage under the Old Pension Scheme. The option will be required to be exercised within three months from the date of issuance of the government order. The order stipulates that the option, once exercised, will be final. Employees who are eligible but fail to exercise the option within the prescribed period will continue to remain covered under the NPS. Under the prescribed procedure, employees are required to submit the option form to their respective Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO). The applications will subsequently be forwarded through the concerned administrative authorities for scrutiny and necessary action. In cases where an employee is brought under the Old Pension Scheme, the concerned NPS account will be closed from the first day of the month following the month in which the order granting OPS coverage is issued. The employee will thereafter be required to subscribe to the General Provident Fund (GPF). The government order also provides for adjustment of the accumulated balance in the NPS account, including the employee’s contribution, government contribution and investment-related appreciation, in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The Finance Department has directed that the process, from exercise of the option to closure of the NPS account, be completed by the concerned administrative department within 120 days from the date of issuance of the order. Applications to Be Submitted by December 28 As per Annexure-A of the government order, eligible employees must submit their duly completed option forms through the proper channel on or before December 28, 2026. The prescribed form requires details including the employee’s name, date of birth, CPIS and PRAN numbers, date of joining government service, department and office, recruitment notification, selection list, appointment order, post of appointment and present post. Applicants are also required to furnish supporting documents, including copies of the relevant recruitment advertisement or notification, selection list, appointment order, PRAN card and service book, duly attested by the concerned DDO. The order has been circulated among senior government authorities and concerned departments for implementation. ANB