Employees of central, state Govts are demanding return to Old Pension Scheme. The seniors are forced to depend on children for their regular sustenance and are considered a burden. Majority opt for miserable medical allowance because of cumbersome procedure and delay in reimbursement. Besides they have to pay income tax on salary, allowances and now on pension too. Govt opines that about 1.1% of employees are a drain on exchequer for OPS. Contrast it with honourable MLAs and MPs, CMs. President, Vice President, PM, Governors et al who never pay any taxes, salary being classified as emoluments and allowances as freebies even after demitting office. They can draw double pension as an MLA and MP which is subject to increase by number of terms elected. Various other freebies are their legitimate rights. They are also entitled to free medical reimbursement even for treatment abroad and is not taxable of course.Where as any reimbursement beyond 20K is taxable. It appears that public interest litigation are filed regarding pension rules to honourable MPs and MLAs and non-taxable emoluments. The definition of salary , emoluments, allowances and freebies and tax-free benefits must conform to the tax laws applicable all citizens of India.
