The Department of Personnel has issues guidelines to enable employees recruited prior to 1.4.2004 and who are covered under the New pension scheme to opt for the old pension scheme since their appointment  etc  was delayed due to administrative exigencies.  In BSNL also there are several employees who were either recruited under CGA, Regularised from TSM and some were recruited directly prior to formation of BSNL were taken to duty after 1.10.2000 due to administrative delays.  The CHQ has since taken up this case with the DOT to see that such category of officials are also given an option to opt for the old pension scheme. For details see link Issues Taken Up.