Unified Pension Scheme: Central Government's Response to Opposition Pressure

Following the Centre's approval of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), political leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Shiv Sena's Anand Dubey credits opposition pressure for the scheme, while Congress's Rashid Alvi criticizes its delayed implementation. The scheme assures pensions for central employees, effective from April 1 next year.

After the Centre approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey asserted on Saturday that the move was a result of persistent opposition demands. "By bringing in the Unified Pension Scheme, the central government has proved that, due to the opposition's demand for a pension scheme over the last few months, they had to act. This time the BJP won only 240 seats, so they knew they had to introduce some scheme for central government employees," Dubey stated in a self-made video.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi emphasized that the government should have approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) much earlier. "The job the government should have done long ago, they are doing it now under pressure. The whole opposition has been advocating for a decisive move on pensions. Retired employees should receive a pension based on their full salary before retirement, not merely 50 percent but 100 percent. A central government employee dedicates years working for the country, and this is the least they deserve," Alvi told ANI.

The Centre's newly approved Unified Pension Scheme provides an assured pension, a minimum pension, and an assured family pension. Scheduled to take effect from April 1 next year, this scheme offers central government employees covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) the option to continue with NPS or switch to UPS.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed that the scheme would benefit about 23 lakh central government employees. He noted that extensive consultations were conducted to develop the scheme. Addressing queries about election-related permissions, Vaishnaw clarified that the scheme is not linked to the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.

"Today, the Union Cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees, providing assured pensions. The first pillar is the 50 percent assured pension, while the second is the assured family pension. About 23 lakh central government employees will benefit from the UPS, which offers an option between NPS and UPS," he stated. Vaishnaw added that employees with less than 10 years of service would receive proportionate benefits.

The Assured Family Pension will be calculated at 60 percent of the deceased employee's pension. The assured minimum pension will be Rs 10,000 monthly upon superannuation after at least 10 years of service. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)