The government might unveil a New Pension Scheme (NPS) update by year-end, benefiting government employees.
The proposal aims to ensure a fixed pension, a significant shift from the current contribution-based NPS system.
This change could resemble the Andhra Pradesh model, offering employees a guaranteed pension ranging from 40% to 50%.
If approved, this would mark a substantial change since the 2004 shift away from traditional pensions, where retirees received 50% of their last salary.
How the New Pension System May Work
A report indicates that the Finance Ministry is crafting a new formula. Under this, government employees could receive a fixed pension amounting to 40-50% of their final salary before retirement.
This concept is akin to the Andhra Pradesh model, which incorporates a market-linked approach.
To secure a fixed pension, employees will contribute a set amount, while the government will cover the rest and manage any fluctuations.
This proposal seeks to alleviate the burden on employees. However, it remains undecided whether the pension will be indexed to inflation, as seen in the Andhra Pradesh model.
Current Pension Arrangement
In the existing New Pension Scheme, employees contribute 10% of their basic salary, and the government adds 14% to the pension fund.
The pension is then determined by the accumulated amount. If this new plan materializes, government employees stand to gain substantially.
Presently, they typically receive a pension equivalent to 38% of their last salary under the NPS. A shift to 50% would represent a significant improvement.
Political Impact and Public Demands
The Old Pension Scheme has become a prominent political issue, with opposition parties criticizing the BJP.
The Old Pension Scheme played a crucial role in the victories of Congress in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.
Congress-led governments in Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand have reinstated the Old Pension Scheme, while the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has followed suit.
In response to public demands and opposition sentiments, the government formed a committee to enhance the NPS.
However, even if the new system is implemented, a substantial gap will persist between the old and new pension systems.
The traditional system requires no individual contributions from employees, while the new system mandates employee contributions.
