AAP MP Sanjay Singh Criticizes Unified Pension Scheme, Calls for Old Pension Scheme Restoration

AAP MP Sanjay Singh has lashed out at the Unified Pension Scheme, calling it worse than the National Pension System and urging for the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme. The scheme involves a 10% salary deduction and excludes paramilitary forces, sparking criticism from various political figures.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has criticized the recently unveiled Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), deeming it worse than the National Pension System (NPS). On Sunday, Singh accused the central government of betraying the nation's employees, pointing out that the scheme includes a 10% salary deduction and excludes paramilitary forces.

Singh expressed his discontent, stating, "The UPS is even worse than the NPS and is a betrayal of the employees of this country. Paramilitary forces are excluded because they do not serve for 25 years, leaving them with a mere Rs 10,000 a month as pension. Additionally, a 10% salary deduction will be held by the government to provide pension based on the average of the last 12 months' salary." He added, "The Modi government has deceived the employees through this scheme, and the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) should be reinstated."

Prashant Kishor, chief of Jan Suraaj, commented that the UPS seems to seek a middle ground between the NPS and OPS, but doubted its acceptance among those protesting for the OPS. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole also questioned why the government isn't reinstating the OPS. The UPS, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, aims to blend features of the OPS and NPS, guaranteeing a fixed pension for those who have served 25 years or more.

(With inputs from agencies.)