In a major announcement in its budget, the Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan government decided to implement the old pension scheme from next fiscal for all employees appointed on or after January 1, 2004.

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Fulfilling a major and long-pending demand of the state employees, Rajasthan CM Gehlot announced to restore the old pension scheme for employees appointed on and after January 1, 2004.

He said that after 2004, a provision of contributory pension was done under the national pension scheme but this has created a sense of insecurity among the state employees for post-retirement life.

"We all know that state employees can give their valuable contribution for good governance when they feel secure for their future. The employees have apprised me of their agony from time to time. Therefore, I announce the implementation of the old pension scheme for all employees appointed on and after 1 January 2004 from next year," he said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Gehlot on Wednesday presented the Budget for the year 2022-23, with the main focus on sectors like health, education, infrastructure, social security and tourism.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday hailed the Rajasthan government's decision to implement the old pension scheme, saying her party is fully dedicated to the interests of government employees.

"The Congress government of Rajasthan has taken a big decision in the interest of government employees by implementing the Old Pension Scheme," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

The Congress party is fully dedicated to the interests of government employees, she asserted.

"We have worked in the interest of the people, will continue to do so," the Congress general secretary said.

Congress general secretary Ajay Maken on Wednesday lauded the Rajasthan government for providing old-age pension to government employees, power subsidy to all domestic consumers and guaranteed 100 days of employment for the urban poor and urged the Centre and other states to replicate these measures.

Welcoming the new initiatives taken by the Ashok Gehlot government, he said the steps would have a far-reaching impact, with the Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme and the old-age pension scheme benefiting those eligible.

"This initiative of 100 days of guaranteed employment has been taken for the first time by any state government for the urban poor. The Rajasthan government has also fulfilled the long-pending demand of government employees by providing the old-age pension scheme," he said.

Terming the state budget as historic, PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra on Wednesday said that Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has made several important announcements for all sectors.

"The Budget presented today is historic. The decision to revive old pension for state employees is a great decision in favour of employees. The employees and their family members are making celebrations today," he said.