MUMBAI, July 21 -- Thousands of private-aided school teachers and non-teaching staff across the city have alleged that the education officer has failed to deposit their National Pension Scheme (NPS) contributions into individual accounts since January 2025. The lapse affects over 15,000 employees, according to the Maharashtra Progressive Teachers' Association (MPTA). The teachers' association stated that the pension deduction from salary, which is 10% of basic pay, is not being transferred on time to employees' NPS accounts. The state has not yet deposited NPS deductions from January to June 2025, claimed the association. "This is not just a clerical delay. It directly affects our post-retirement life," said Jayant Gaikwad, North Division Organiser of the MPTA. "We are forced to rely on a pension scheme that already feels like an injustice. At the very least, the system should function transparently and on time." Under the Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, which transitioned to the NPS model in 2005, all government employees must contribute 10% of their basic salary towards pension, and the state will contribute the same amount. However, such delays in transferring these contributions has left many teachers questioning the accountability of the education department. Tanaji Kamble, state president of the association, demanded immediate rectification and accountability. "By the 10th of every month, the NPS deduction must reflect in employees' pension accounts. We are giving a final warning-if this is not resolved, our next statement will call for interest on delayed contributions and action against the responsible officials. We will escalate this directly to the chief minister and education minister," he said. Responding to the concerns, an education officer said, "This appears to be a technical error. We will investigate and resolve the issue at the earliest."...