Explorer

UPS Is A New Package, Not A Rollback, Says Nirmala Sitharaman

The UPS, which has been approved by the Union Cabinet, is set to benefit 23 lakh central government employees currently enrolled in the NPS

UPS: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed Congress' accusations of misinformation, stating that the recently introduced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a new initiative, not a rollback of the National Pension System (NPS). "It is not a rollback... it is different from OPS (Old Pension Scheme) and NPS. It is clearly a new package," she asserted, highlighting that the UPS is designed to be more beneficial for government employees while ensuring minimal financial strain on the government.

The minister expressed confidence that most states would adopt the UPS, highlighting its numerous benefits for employees. She criticised Congress for alleging a U-turn by the government, explaining that the scheme represents an improvement rather than a reversal of previous policies.

In response to Congress' concerns that reverting to the OPS would be unwise, Sitharaman accused the opposition party of making statements without proper analysis, contrasting this with Congress' earlier, more thoughtful approach. She defended past policy adjustments, such as the restoration of indexation benefits in long-term capital gains tax (LTCG), as necessary tweaks rather than rollbacks.

ALSO READ: UPS: Pension Amounts, Minimum Guarantee, And Comparisons With NPS & OPS

The UPS, which has been approved by the Union Cabinet, is set to benefit 23 lakh central government employees currently enrolled in the NPS. The scheme guarantees 50 per cent of an employee's average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement, provided they have served for a minimum of 25 years. For those with a service period as short as 10 years, a minimum assured pension of Rs 10,000 per month will be provided.

The UPS was introduced to address concerns about the NPS, which has been in effect since January 1, 2004. Unlike the OPS, which offered a 50 per cent pension of the last drawn basic pay without requiring employee contributions, the UPS is contributory.

Employees will contribute 10 percent of their basic salary and dearness allowance, while the central government's contribution will be 18.5 per cent, compared to the 14 per cent under the NPS. The new scheme's pension payouts are guaranteed, unlike the NPS, where payouts depend on market returns.

This move comes after several non-BJP-ruled states reverted to the OPS due to the perceived shortcomings of the NPS. In response, the central government formed a committee in April 2023 to suggest improvements to the NPS architecture. The approval of the UPS by the Union Cabinet on August 24 is seen as a strategic decision, addressing the long-standing demands of government employees ahead of upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

'India-Guyana Ties Made Of Soil, Sweat': PM Modi At Guyanese Parliament, Says 'Democracy First, Humanity First'
'India-Guyana Ties Made Of Soil, Sweat': PM Modi At Guyanese Parliament, Says 'Democracy First, Humanity First'
Maharashtra: Two Latest Exit Polls Show Landslide Victory For Mahayuti, BJP To Emerge As Largest Party
Maharashtra: Two Latest Exit Polls Show Landslide Victory For Mahayuti, BJP As Largest Party
Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Fans Arrive At Optus Stadium For Australia Vs India 1st Test | WATCH
BGT 2024-25: Fans Arrive At Optus Stadium For Australia Vs India 1st Test | WATCH
Pakistan: Over 50 Killed, 20 Injured As Militants Open Fire On Passenger Vehicles In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistan: Over 50 Killed, 20 Injured As Militants Open Fire On Passenger Vehicles In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

India Emerges as G20's Growth Leader, Check Out the Latest GDP Rankings | ABP NewsAirtel-Nokia Partnership: Nokia’s Spectacular Comeback, Shakes Up the Telecom Sector | ABP NewsAdani Group in Turmoil: Bribery Scandal Rocks Shares, Plunge by 20% | ABP NewsPLI Scheme: Transforming India's Manufacturing Sector into a Global Powerhouse

Photo Gallery

Embed widget