Old Pension Scheme : Teachers are the foundation of the education system, who work to shape the future of the society. Ad-hoc teachers working in aided secondary schools of Uttar Pradesh have struggled for their rights for decades. These are the teachers who started their service before 30 September 2000 and have been continuously contributing in the field of education since then. Their main demand was that their ad-hoc service should be linked with regular service and they should also get the benefit of the old pension scheme.
These teachers said that they have discharged their responsibilities like regular teachers and have contributed with full devotion from teaching in the classes to other school activities. Despite this, they were facing discrimination in salary and pension facilities. This was not only affecting their financial condition but was also hurting their self-esteem.
found refuge in the court
When all efforts failed, these teachers approached the court. Their case reached the Allahabad High Court where they put forth their case. Their argument was that despite being an ad-hoc appointment, they have done the same work as regular teachers and hence they should also get the same facilities. They argued that their ad-hoc service should also be included while calculating the pension.
The teachers had to be patient for years in this legal battle. The court process takes time and during this time many teachers also retired. But they did not give up and continued to fight for their just rights. This struggle was not only for money but for respect and justice.
Important decision of Allahabad High Court
On March 22, 2016, the Allahabad High Court gave a historic verdict in this case. The court clearly said that the service of ad-hoc teachers should be recognized as regular service and they should be given the benefit of the old pension scheme. The court also ordered that these teachers should also be provided other benefits like selection pay scale and promoted pay scale.
The court believed that these teachers had worked with full honesty and dedication for years. There was no deficiency in the quality and integrity of their service, so discrimination against them is not justified. This decision was correct not only from the legal point of view but also from the moral point of view.
Government opposition and appeal to the Supreme Court
However, the Uttar Pradesh government refused to accept this decision of the High Court and filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. The government argued that according to the pension rules, ad hoc service cannot be included in the pension calculation. The government also expressed concern about the financial burden and said that such a decision would put a lot of pressure on the government treasury.
The government also argued that according to the pension rules, there is no provision for pension for ad-hoc service and this provision has been removed after amending the rules. This case went on for a long time in the Supreme Court and it was a difficult period for the teachers.
Final and decisive decision of the Supreme Court
Finally, the Supreme Court gave its decision in this case and ruled in favor of the teachers. The Supreme Court rejected the government’s petition and upheld the decision of the Allahabad High Court. This means that now all ad-hoc teachers appointed before 30 September 2000 will get the benefit of the old pension scheme.
This decision has set an example not only for the teachers of Uttar Pradesh but also for teachers working in similar situations across the country. The Supreme Court has given a clear message that whatever be the nature of service, if it is done with loyalty and devotion, then proper rights should be given for it.
Justice wins and teachers are honored
After this historic decision, the teachers of Uttar Pradesh have got new enthusiasm and confidence. After years of struggle, they have got the respect and rights they deserved. This is not just a matter of pension but also the restoration of self-respect that was lost for a long time. Now it is the responsibility of the government to fully comply with this order and ensure that the concerned teachers get all their rights.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for general information purposes. For any legal matters or official procedures, please contact the relevant department or legal advisor.
