Need to take steps to address the problems being faced by teaching and non-teaching staff of Navodaya Vidyalayas in the country.-laid

Need to take steps to address the problems being faced by teaching and non-teaching staff of Navodaya Vidyalayas in the country.-laid SHRI TANGELLA UDAY SRINIVAS (KAKINADA): I wish to draw the attention of the Government to the long-pending service related to grievances of employees of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education running fully residential schools for rural and first-generation learners across the country. Thousands of teaching and non-teaching employees who joined Navodaya Vidyalayas prior to 1st January 2004 continue to be denied the Old Pension Scheme and remain under the Contributory Provident Fund, unlike similarly placed Central Government employees. After more than three decades of service in 24×7 residential institutions, many retired employees are facing financial insecurity. The matter has already been examined nd by Parliament. The 52 Report of the Lok Sabha Petition Committee recommended grant of pensionary benefits to NVS employees. An RTI reply from the Ministry of Finance dated 2nd November 2023 also confirms that the proposal is under consideration. Other anomalies persist. Gratuity for NVS (cid:110) employees remains capped at 20 lakh, while Central Government (cid:110) employees receive 25 lakh. Teachers have not been extended MACP benefits, and non-teaching staff are denied residential allowance despite working in the same residential environment. I urge the Hon?ble Minister to expedite a final decision and ensure justice to Navodaya Vidyalaya employees.