Option to NPS for AIS officers in cases of tragedy for their families

Nationwide Drug Policing

Posted by AI on 2025-07-16 13:20:21 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-13 08:12:57

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A directive allowing officers of the All India Services (AIS) to opt for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in specific cases of untimely death or disability has provided a major relief for the families of IAS, IPS, and IFS officers. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions issued an order on May 9, clarifying that AIS officers can choose between continuing in the National Pension System (NPS) or opting for OPS benefits in the event of death or disability.

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The order states that officers must select their pension option by submitting Form 1 to their department head or an authorized officer. In cases where no option is submitted, or if the incident occurs within three years of the order being issued, OPS will automatically apply if the officer has served for less than 15 years. Officers can also change their selected pension option multiple times throughout their service, with the ability to modify their selection even if they retire due to disability or illness.

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The order is seen as an acknowledgment of long-standing concerns about the perceived lack of security under NPS and provides a fallback option to OPS in critical cases. In the event of an officer's death without a nominated beneficiary, eligible family members will receive OPS benefits, with NPS rules applying if there are no eligible families.

Conclusion:

This directive enhances pension security for AIS families, providing much-needed reassurance in tragic or unforeseen circumstances. The one-time option to switch to OPS underscores the government's efforts to ensure the financial well-being of all AIS officers.

While NPS remains the primary pension system, this order reiterates the government's commitment to supporting those impacted by unforeseen events. Certainly, this news will be welcomed by many in the officer community.

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