2. Facts in brief as narrated by the applicants are that they were initially recruited as Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant upon being successful in the examination conducted pursuant to notification dated 01.03.2004. As on the date of their appointment, New Pension Scheme had come into effect and they were admitted to the said scheme. OM dated 17.02.2020 was issued by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DOP&PW) for coverage under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, in place of National Pension System to those Central Government employees whose selection for appointment was finalized before 01.01.2004 but who joined government service on or after 01.01.2004. Subsequently, OM dated 03.03.2023 was issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DOP&PW), giving one time option to Central Government civil employees who have been appointed against a post or vacancy which was advertised/notified for recruitment/appointment prior to the date of notification for National Pension System i.e., 22.12.2003 and is covered under the National Pension System on joining service on or after 01.01.2004. The applicants submitted their representations claim