Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh high court has directed the principal secretaries of the finance and energy departments to decide within three months whether the old pension scheme (GPF) can be applied to electricity employees who petitioned the court.
Justice S Subba Reddy issued the directive on Friday, emphasising that choosing between the GPF and EPF schemes is a policy decision of the govt.
The petitioners include retired employees from power distribution companies (discoms) and currently serving employees, who requested the implementation of the GPF. Advocate Peeta Raman, representing the petitioners, argued that under a central govt memorandum dated March 3, 2023, the petitioners are eligible for GPF benefits.
Responding to the plea, lawyers representing the discoms, finance department, and energy department noted that the issue is financially significant and must be resolved as per existing regulations.
Acknowledging the arguments, the judge clarified that the court cannot mandate the application of a particular scheme but instructed the departments concerned to review the cases and make a decision.
Justice S Subba Reddy issued the directive on Friday, emphasising that choosing between the GPF and EPF schemes is a policy decision of the govt.
The petitioners include retired employees from power distribution companies (discoms) and currently serving employees, who requested the implementation of the GPF. Advocate Peeta Raman, representing the petitioners, argued that under a central govt memorandum dated March 3, 2023, the petitioners are eligible for GPF benefits.
Responding to the plea, lawyers representing the discoms, finance department, and energy department noted that the issue is financially significant and must be resolved as per existing regulations.
Acknowledging the arguments, the judge clarified that the court cannot mandate the application of a particular scheme but instructed the departments concerned to review the cases and make a decision.
