Govt okays pension for all in paramilitary forces

NEW DELHI: The Centre has accepted the long-standing demand of paramilitary forces to restore pension benefits to all jawans who have joined the ranks since 2004.

With this decision, at least 20,000 personnel serving in CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB would benefit.

"I am pleased to announce that the government has accepted our demand of restoring the old pension scheme. Now, everyone in the forces will get the pension," Director General of Border Security Force M L Kumawat said at a function here.

Government polices a few years back did not find those eligible who had joined the paramilitary forces after 2004 for pensionary benefits.

However, the three services of the Armed Forces were getting the benefits resulting in resentment in paramilitary forces.

The Sixth Pay Commission, however, endorsed such a pension scheme for the new recruits.

Directors General of CPOs also wrote to the government saying such a step would discourage the youth from joining the forces and lead to demoralisation.