On August 24, the Modi Government of the Center announced to give pension to government employees under the Unified Pension Scheme. AIRF General Secretary and JCM Secretary (Employee Side) Shiv Gopal Mishra had a special conversation with news agency IANS regarding UPS.
Regarding this, Shiv Gopal Mishra said, not only railway employees but 23 central employees will get the benefit of UPS (UPS Benefits for Employees). Eight lakh railway employees are also included in this.
Difference between OPS and NPS
The basic difference between the old pension scheme and the new pension scheme is that OPS was non-contributory and NPS is contributory. In this, 10 percent of the employee’s contribution will also be deducted, this was deducted earlier as well, but it used to be returned with interest.
He further said that the government has changed the policy and the way the policy has been changed, many people are satisfied that at least they will not be forced to ask for money at the time of retirement and will not have to beg in front of anyone. They will be able to manage their living through pension.
Now employees will get assured pension
Shiv Gopal Mishra said that the pension being given earlier was not in the interest of government employees. In this, people were being given Rs 800, 1200 and 1500 in the name of pension. But now the employees will be given a guaranteed pension. They will also be given dearness relief. The provisions brought in OPS are going to give relief to the employees.
He said that there was a discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue. He reiterated the resolve to develop India. We have also asked for full cooperation of the employees in achieving this goal.
Let us tell you that about 23 lakh employees of the Central Government will benefit from this scheme. State governments will also be given the option to choose the Integrated Pension Scheme. If the state governments opt for UPS, the number of beneficiaries will be around 90 lakh.
According to the government, the arrears will cost Rs 800 crore. The annual cost escalation in the first year will be around Rs 6,250 crore. This scheme will be effective from April 1, 2025.
You will get a chance to choose either UPS or NPS
Central government employees will be given the option to choose between NPS and UPS. Central government employees who choose NPS will also be given the option to switch to UPS.