Union Govt Begins Implementation of Unified Pension Scheme for Central Govt Employees

New Delhi: The Union Government has begun the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for Central Government employees. Introduced by the government in August last year, the scheme is an alternative under the National Pension System. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has recently notified regulations for the operationalisation of the UPS. 

The Unified Pension Scheme caters to three groups of central government employees: 

• First category: Includes an existing central government employee in service as on 1st April 2025, who is covered under NPS.
• Second category: Includes newly recruited employees in the central government services who join on or after the 1st April 2025. 
• Third category: Includes the central government employees who were part of the NPS and retired on or before 31st of this month, whether through regular retirement or voluntary retirement. 

Eligibility & Application Process

The scheme pertains to government employees who have joined the service on or after the 1st of January, 2004, as well as those who will be joining in the future, having the option of switching from New Pension Scheme (NPS) to UPS. Eligible central government employees can now submit their enrolment and claim forms online through the Proteam CRA portal for the new pension framework. 

Key features of the scheme

Under the UPS, retirees will receive 50 percent of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before superannuation as their pension. The scheme is applicable for those with at least 25 years of service. In case of the demise of the employee, the family will receive 60 percent of the pension. In addition, a minimum pension of Rs. 10,000 per month will also be provided on superannuation after a minimum 10 years of service. 

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