Haryana Cabinet extends Old Pension Scheme and service benefits to 347 senior transport drivers hired in 2002, ensuring equity.

The State Transport Department employees were greatly relieved when the Haryana Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, decided to extend the Old Pension Scheme and qualifying service benefits to 347 drivers who were hired under contract in 2002.

The judgment seeks to guarantee equity among employees in similar positions and eliminate long-standing pay disparities. In accordance with the Haryana Transport Department (Group-C) Haryana Roadways Service Rules, 1995, as revised from time to time, these drivers were first hired on a contract in 2002 and then regularized in 2006. The drivers hired in 2002 were not eligible for the benefits of the January 2014 mutual settlement between the government and employees’ unions, which only applied to those hired on or after January 1, 2003. As a result, junior drivers were receiving higher compensation and pension benefits than their senior drivers.

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The drivers hired in 2002 shall be considered regular from the day of their first appointment as a result of this ruling. Additionally, it guarantees the payment of benefits like ACP by counting service from the date of initial appointment, coverage under the 1964 Family Pension Scheme and Old Pension Scheme, and founding General Provident Fund accounts.