Development took place even when old pension scheme was in place: Gehlot

Brushing aside the criticism of the revival of the old pension scheme (OPS) for Rajasthan government employees, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said India witnessed development even when the OPS was in place.

He asserted that the OPS will continue in Rajasthan as pension is a state subject.

Gehlot called upon other states to revive the old pension scheme and also demanded a uniform policy for social security in the entire country. He said the central government should come forward to make the policy.

Experts have opined that reviving old pension would put state finances under difficulty.

Speaking at a press conference on the completion of four years of his government, the chief minister said the demand to return the new pension scheme fund has been turned down but his government will take up the issue.

"Deciding pension is the right of the state," he said.

Referring to the criticism of the OPS by the finance commission and NITI Aayog, Gehlot said the critics may be saying