The issue of old pension has again become heated in the politics of Uttar Pradesh before the 2027 assembly elections. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has clearly said that if SP government is formed in Uttar Pradesh, then the old pension system for the employees will be restored and it will be included in the party's election manifesto. After this announcement, the discussion about the promises and decisions taken regarding old pension in other states has intensified.

In Himachal Pradesh, Congress had promised in its manifesto to restore the old pension before the 2022 assembly elections. The Congress government was formed in the elections and in the first cabinet meeting after the formation of the government, the decision to restore the old pension was taken. Congress governments in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh decided to implement the old pension, but there was a change of power in both the states after the 2023 assembly elections. In Madhya Pradesh, Congress promised to implement the old pension before the 2023 elections, but there the BJP won the elections and formed the government. Whereas in Kerala, Assured Pension Scheme has been started from 2026, which is considered a different system from the old pension scheme.

Government formed in Himachal and old pension implemented

The example of Himachal Pradesh is most important in this debate. Before the 2022 assembly elections, Congress had promised in its manifesto to restore the old pension for government employees. At that time it had become a big election issue among the employees. In the assembly elections, Congress won 40 out of 68 seats and formed the government. After the formation of the government, in the first cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, it was decided to bring the employees covered under the new pension system back to the old pension scheme. Congress had described it as fulfilling its election promise.

Promise of old pension in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh

The Congress governments in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh had also decided to restore the old pension system. In both these states, Congress governments took steps regarding old pension for the employees. After this, assembly elections were held in both the states in 2023. In Rajasthan, BJP formed the government by winning 115 out of 200 seats, while Congress was left with 70 seats. In Chhattisgarh, BJP won 54 out of 90 seats and Congress got 35 seats. Congress was out of power after the elections in both the states.

Congress had also promised old pension in Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh too, the issue of old pension was included in the manifesto and promises of Congress before the elections. In the 2023 assembly elections, Congress had talked about implementing the old pension system if the government is formed. But Congress could not reach power in the Madhya Pradesh elections. In the state of 230 assembly seats, BJP won 163 seats, while Congress got 66 seats. One seat went to Bharat Adivasi Party. After this BJP formed the government.

Assured pension scheme started in Kerala

The case of Kerala is also important in this debate, but it is important to understand one thing clearly here. Assured Pension Scheme has been launched in Kerala from 1 April 2026. It would not be correct to directly call it an old pension scheme. Under this system, eligible employees can get assured pension up to a maximum of 50 percent of the last basic salary at the time of retirement. Along with this, there is also a provision for dearness relief. The employees coming under the new system have been given the option of new pension system and assured pension scheme, while the existing new pension system employees have also been given the option to come under the new scheme as per the rules.

Now Akhilesh raised the issue in Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav has indicated to include old pension among his major promises for the 2027 assembly elections. He has said that the old pension of the employees will be restored if the SP government is formed. The party is preparing to include it in its election manifesto. Akhilesh Yadav has not only talked about old pension.

He has also made promises on issues to teachers, madrassa teachers, Sanskrit teachers, Shikshamitras, Anganwadi workers and other education employees. SP says that these issues will be given a place in the 2027 manifesto. Now the question in Uttar Pradesh is how big the issue of old pension to government employees and teachers becomes in the 2027 elections.