Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been approved by Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24th August 2024. This UPS Scheme 2024 for central government employees has better features than the previous National Pension Scheme (NPS). Under this Unified Pension Scheme, the central govt. will provide assured pension, family pension and minimum pension to 23 lakh government employees. UPS will come into effect from 1st April 2025. Read this article till the end to know UPS assured pension, family pension, minimum pension amount and other aspects regarding the scheme.
Unified Pension Scheme will significantly enhance the sense of security among government employees, offering them assured pensions, family pensions, and minimum pensions. State governments will also have the option to adopt the UPS scheme. The salient features of Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) are hereby mentioned.
Assured Pension
Under Unified Pension Scheme, retirees will receive a pension amounting to 50% of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months prior to retirement, for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. The pension will be proportionate for those with shorter service periods, with a minimum requirement of 10 years of service.
Assured Family Pension
In the event of an employee’s death, their family will be eligible to receive 60% of the pension amount that the employee was receiving immediately before their death. This ensures financial security for the employee’s dependents.
Assured Minimum Pension
The new scheme guarantees a minimum pension of Rs. 10,000 per month on superannuation after a minimum of 10 years of service, providing a safety net for employees with lower salaries.
Inflation Indexation
The assured pension, family pension, and minimum pension will be indexed to inflation, ensuring that benefits maintain their value over time.
Dearness Relief
Dearness Relief (DR) will be based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) as in case of service employees.
Lump Sum Payment
In addition to gratuity, employees will receive a lump sum payment at retirement equivalent to 1/10th of their monthly emoluments (pay + DA) as of the retirement date for every completed six months of service. This payment will not affect the amount of the assured pension.
UPS Vs NPS – Scheme Options
Central govt. employees will have the option to choose between the unified pension scheme (UPS) and the existing new pension scheme (NPS).
Pension Contribution
The staff contribution to the Unified Pension scheme will remain at 10%, unchanged from the previous structure. However, the central govt’s contribution will be reassessed every 3 years.
Expenditure on UPS Scheme
The financial implications includes a total expenditure of Rs. 800 crore for arrears, with an estimated initial annual cost of Rs. 6,250 crore for the UPS Scheme.
Overview of UPS Scheme by Central Government
Name of Scheme
Unified Pension Scheme
in Short
UPS Scheme
Major Beneficiaries
Central Government Employees
Number of Beneficiaries
23 lakh
Features
Assured pension, family pension, minimum pension, inflation indexation, dearness relief & lump sum payment
Cabinet Approval Date
24 August 2024
Scheme Effective From
1st April 2025
PM Modi on UPS for Central Govt Employees
PM Modi wrote on X “We are proud of the hard work of all government employees who contribute significantly to national progress. The Unified Pension Scheme ensures dignity and financial security for government employees, aligning with our commitment to their well-being and a secure future.” UPS Scheme Features
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Centre had constituted a committee that held 100 meetings with several top organisations, including the RBI and the World Bank, to finalise the details of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
