August 25, 2024, 3:45 p.m. IST
The Centre on Saturday approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday sharply criticized the Narendra Modi government over the recent “unified pension scheme.”
“The ‘U’ in UPS stands for Modi’s U-turns! Since June 4, people power has triumphed over the PM’s arrogance of power. Cut in budget on long-term capital gains/indexation. Transfer of Waqf Act to JPC. Cut in Broadcasting Act. Cut in lateral entry,” Kharge said in a post on social platform X.
“We will continue to ensure accountability and protect 1.4 million Indians from this despotic government!” he added.
What is a “single pension system”?
The central government on Saturday approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees. Announcing the plan, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the guaranteed pension would be 50 per cent of the average basic salary of the last 12 months preceding retirement, with a minimum service period of 25 years.
The minister said that the pension will be proportional for shorter years of service up to a minimum of 10 years. He added that the guaranteed family pension will be calculated on the basis of 60 percent of the employee’s pension immediately before his death.
ALSO READ: How is the new Unified Pension Scheme different from the NPS?
“We are proud of the hard work of all government employees who contribute significantly to national progress. The unified pension scheme ensures dignity and financial security for government employees and is in line with our commitment to their welfare and a secure future,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after the announcement.
During the press conference, Vaishnaw was asked whether the government had sought permission from the Election Commission for the announcement. He said that the UPS had nothing to do with the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah also praised UPS, saying, “Congratulations to our central government employees on the approval of the Unified Pension Scheme by Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji in the Union Cabinet today. By approving the scheme, the Modi government has reaffirmed its commitment to the financial security of our central government employees, who form the backbone of the country’s governance.”
