In a groundbreaking move, the Central Government has introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), set to come into effect from April 1, 2025. This scheme promises to reshape the retirement landscape for over 23 lakh Central Government employees, offering improved security and stability in their post-retirement life. This blog is everything you need to know about this new scheme, its details, and the benefits it brings.
What is the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?
The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a newly announced retirement benefit scheme aimed at providing stability, dignity, and financial security to government employees after they retire. The UPS seeks to address the gaps in the existing National Pension System (NPS) by offering more comprehensive pension benefits and guaranteeing a secure future for retirees.
Employees currently under the NPS will have the choice to either continue with the NPS or switch to the UPS. Once the choice is made, it is irrevocable.
UPS Scheme Eligibility
The UPS scheme provides varied benefits based on the length of service:
Fixed Pension Amount
Government employees with at least 10 years of service will be eligible for a fixed pension amount.
Percentage-Based Pension
Employees with at least 25 years of service will receive a pension calculated as a percentage of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement.
Coverage
The UPS will also be available for employees currently covered under the NPS, and those opting for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) under NPS.
Minimum Pension Amount
One of the standout features of the UPS is the guaranteed minimum pension. Employees retiring after a minimum of 10 years of service will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 10,000.
UPS Scheme Benefits
1. Assured Pension
Employees with at least 25 years of service will receive a pension equal to 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement. Those with shorter service periods will receive a proportionate pension.
2. Government Contribution
The scheme promises a substantial government contribution of 18.5% of the employee’s basic salary to the pension fund, while employees will contribute 10%.
3. Family Pension
In the event of the retiree’s death, the surviving spouse will receive 60% of the pension amount immediately before the retiree’s demise.
4. Inflation Indexation
To protect against inflation, the UPS provides inflation adjustments on the assured pension, minimum pension, and family pension based on the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW).
5. Lump Sum Payment
Upon superannuation, retirees will receive a lump sum payment, equivalent to one-tenth of their last drawn monthly pay (including DA) for every six months of completed service. This does not affect the assured pension amount.
UPS Scheme Returns
Under the UPS scheme, the pension amount is assured based on service tenure. For those with a minimum of 25 years of service, the pension will be 50% of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months before retirement. Employees with 10 to 25 years of service will receive Rs. 10,000 per month.
UPS vs. NPS
Here’s how the UPS stacks up against the existing NPS:
| Particulars | UPS | NPS |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Contribution | 10.5% of basic salary | 14% of basic salary |
| Pension Amount | 50% of average basic pay (25+ years of service) | Depends on investment returns and accumulated corpus |
| Family Pension | 60% of the pension received before death | Depends on the corpus and annuity plan chosen |
| Minimum Pension Amount | Rs. 10,000 per month (10+ years of service) | Varies based on market-linked investments |
| Lump Sum Amount | 1/10th of monthly pay for every 6 months of service | Up to 60% of the corpus can be withdrawn |
| Inflation Protection | Adjusted based on AICPI-IW | No automatic DA increments for inflation |
In conclusion, the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a significant step forward in providing government employees with a secure and dignified retirement. With its assured pensions, minimum pension guarantees, and protection against inflation, the UPS aims to offer a robust safety net for retirees. As more states adopt the scheme, its impact is expected to extend to over 90 lakh government employees across India, marking a new era in retirement planning.
Stay informed about the UPS and its benefits to make the most of this new retirement security opportunity. For further details and assistance with retirement planning, feel free to reach out to TaxSpanner.
