Overview

• The Assam cabinet on October 6 cleared the Unified Pension Scheme as an option under the National Pension System for state government staff.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state’s contribution will rise to 18.5% and benefits will match those available to central government employees.
• Employees will have a one-year period to choose their plan, with existing NPS balances moved automatically if they opt for the new scheme.
• Core provisions include a pension equal to 50% of average basic pay over the last 12 months after 25 years of service, a ₹10,000 minimum for those with at least 10 years, and a 60% family pension.
• Employee groups largely welcomed the move, while the Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad scheduled an October 12 convention in Guwahati to press for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.