The Centre's decision to approve the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which provides an assured pension to government employees, was hailed by the government employees' outfit on Saturday. The Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), a joint form of government employees' organisations, expressed their gratitude after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), a joint form of government employees' organisations, said they were invited by the prime minister for the meeting. He added that the Prime Minister acknowledged their concerns after days of protest. "This was for the first time that JCM was invited by the PM. It was a very good meeting. It was a very proud moment for 32 lakh government employees," he told reporters here. The Prime Minister too took to X to talk about meeting the JCM delegation, stating that they "expressed joy on Cabinet's decision" on the Unified Pension Scheme.
As per the UPS, the government employees who joined the service after 2004 will get 50 per cent of their salary as pension. So far, their pension was dependent on the stock market and market speculations. Over 20 lakh employees will benefit from the scheme.
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Mishra said that from now on, employees will get half of their last salary on retirement, besides DA benefits. "We were told that the family pension will be 60 per cent plus the DA. There has been talk of a minimum pension of Rs 10,000," he said.
Union Minister Amit Shah also hailed the decision, stating the Modi government has reiterated its commitment to the financial security of those who form the backbone of the nation's governance.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adithyanath too welcomed the decision. He said the central cabinet's approval of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has provided the nation with the "assurance of economic security" and a brighter future.
Adityanath said on X, "The approval given to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) given by the Union Cabinet today, under the successful leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is continuously dedicated to making the lives of 140 crore countrymen easier, is commendable."
"This revolutionary decision benefiting lakhs of central government employees has brought a new sunrise in their lives with the assurance of economic security and a happy future. My heartfelt gratitude to you, prime minister!" he added.
Announcing the decision, Modi on Saturday said the Unified Pension Scheme ensures dignity and financial security for government employees.