Funds for NPS can’t be transferred to states: Sitharaman
PTI
Jaipur, February 20
The Central government on Monday again clarified that the funds deposited for National Pension System (NPS) cannot be given to state governments as per the current laws.
Steps to check inflation
The government is taking a lot of steps to control inflation and will continue to focus on it. — Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance minister
Both Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Secretary Vivek Joshi said if any state is expecting that the funds deposited for NPS can be returned to them then it is impossible.
Citing the recent crash in Adani Group companies’ shares, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had earlier said the employees of the state government cannot be left at the mercy of the share market where NPS funds are invested.
He had also urged the Centre to give the funds of the state government employees deposited in NPS and said the state will move the Supreme Court if the funds are not transferred to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) being implemented by the state government.
“If one state expects that the funds deposited with the EPFO should be given to the states. If this is the expectation then no. Employees have the entitlement to the money. The deposited money is earning interest and there should be clarity that the money comes into the hand (employees) post-retirement. The money deposited will come into the hands of the government, it is impossible,” Sitharaman said. She was here to take part in a post-Budget discussion on various stakeholders today.
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