Unified Pension Scheme: Who qualifies and what’s next for NPS subscribers?

The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), anticipated to benefit around 23 lakh government employees. Announced on August 24, the scheme will be implemented from April 1, 2025. Government employees currently covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) will have the option to either continue with NPS or switch to the new scheme. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that this initiative is poised to positively impact 23 lakh government employees. When will it come into effect? Effective from April 1 next year, all Central government employees who retire on or before March 31, 2025, will be eligible under UPS. PM Modi mentioned, "Met a delegation of staff side from the Joint Consultative Machinery for Central Government employees. They expressed joy on the Cabinet’s decision regarding the Unified Pension Scheme." Who is eligible for Unified Pension Scheme ? Last year, the Finance Ministry had established a committee, led by finance secretary TV Somanathan, to review the existing pension scheme for government employees. All government employees who joined the service after April 1, 2004, are currently under the NPS. Now, NPS subscribers will be able to choose between NPS and UPS. The Unified Pension Scheme assures a pension to employees who have served for a minimum of 25 years, and offers a proportional or Rs. 10,000 per month minimum pension to those who have served for at least 10 years. Additionally, from the next financial year, the scheme will provide for an Assured Family Pension. This family pension would be calculated at the rate of 60 percent of the employee's pension immediately before their demise. What are the key features of the Unified Pension Scheme? Assured Pension: Retirees will receive a pension equal to 50% of their average basic pay from the last 12 months before retirement, applicable for those with at least 25 years of service. For shorter service periods, the pension will be proportionate, with a minimum of 10 years of service required. Assured Family Pension: In case of an employee's death, the family will receive 60% of the pension amount that the employee was receiving at the time of death, ensuring continued financial support for dependents. Assured Minimum Pension: A guaranteed minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month is provided for those with at least 10 years of service, offering a financial safety net for lower-income retirees. What does it mean for NPS subscribers? According to the news agency PTI, states ruled by the BJP have praised this decision while others have called for a return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Official communication reported by ANI indicates that there will be inflation indexation on the assured pension, assured family pension, and assured minimum pension under UPS. The statement highlighted, “Dearness Relief based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) as in case of service employees.” Moreover, it noted that in addition to gratuity, there will be a lump sum payment at the time of superannuation. This is meant as an additional benefit for those retiring under the UPS scheme.