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Source – This post on Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been created based on the article “Centre announces Unified Pension Scheme” published in “Indian Express” on 26th August 2024.
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) which will be effective from April 1, 2025. This new scheme combines the best elements of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
1. The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been launched to provide government employees with a steady pension based on their length of service and the most recent basic salary drawn.
2. Aim: It aims to provide a balanced approach to pension management for government employees, combining the stability of the OPS (Old Pension Scheme) with the fiscal responsibility of the NPS (New Pension Scheme).
3. Who can opt for UPS: The UPS is available to all government employees who have retired under the NPS since 2004. They can choose to switch to the UPS and receive arrears adjusted for any amounts already withdrawn under the NPS.
4. Employees have the option to remain with the NPS, but this decision is final once made.
5. Implementation: It is scheduled for implementation from April 1, 2025.
Features of the Unified Pension Scheme
| Features | Description |
| Assured Pension | Minimum Qualifying Service: Employees with a minimum of 25 years of service are eligible for a pension amounting to 50% of the average basic salary drawn during the last 12 months before retirement. Shorter Service Periods: For those with less than 25 years but at least 10 years of service, the pension amount will be adjusted according to the length of service. |
| Assured Minimum Pension | A minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month will be provided to employees with at least 10 years of service upon retirement. |
| Family Pension | The family of a deceased government employee will receive 60% of the employee’s pension at the time of their demise. |
| Inflation Indexation | The pension, family pension, and minimum pension amounts will be adjusted for inflation based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW). |
| Lump Sum Payment at Superannuation | Upon retirement, employees will receive a lump sum payment equal to 10% of their salary and Dearness Allowance (DA) for every six months of completed service. This payment is in addition to gratuity and does not reduce the amount of the secured pension. |
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