Govt extends cut-off date to opt for Unified Pension Scheme to September 30

IANS June 23, 2025 247 views

The government has extended the deadline for enrolling in the Unified Pension Scheme to September 30. The decision follows requests from stakeholders for more time. The scheme now includes gratuity benefits, addressing long-standing employee demands. This move ensures wider social security coverage for central government staff.

"The move addresses a significant demand of government staff and brings parity in retirement benefits." – Dr. Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, June 23: The government on Monday extended the cut-off date for exercising the option for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) by three months to September 30 for eligible existing employees, past retirees and the legally wedded spouses of deceased past retirees.

Key Points

1

Deadline extended to September 30 for UPS enrollment

2

Covers existing employees, retirees, and spouses

3

PFRDA notified regulations in March 2025

4

Gratuity benefits now included under UPS

The Finance Ministry said that the decision has been taken “in view of the representations received from various stakeholders requesting an extension of the cut-off date.”

The UPS for eligible Central government employees was notified by the Ministry of Finance on January 24, 2025.

To operationalise this framework, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) notified the regulations on March 19, 2025.

As per the regulations, eligible existing employees, past retirees, and the legally wedded spouses of deceased past retirees were given a period of three months up to 30th June 2025 to exercise their option under the scheme. This date has now been extended by three months.

These NPS regulations that have been notified enable the enrolment of three categories of central government employees. The first is category covers existing central government employees in service as on April 1, 2025, who are covered under NPS, while the second category includes new recruits in the central government services, who join service on or after the April 1.

The third category includes central government employees who were covered under NPS and who have superannuated or voluntarily retired or have retired under Fundamental Rules 56(j) on or before March 31, 2025 and are eligible for UPS or the legally wedded spouse in case of a subscriber who has superannuated or retired and has demised prior to exercising the option for UPS.

Meanwhile, the government also announced on June 18 that Central government employees covered under the Unified Pension Scheme will now be eligible for retirement and death gratuity benefits.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said that the move addresses a significant demand of government staff and brings parity in retirement benefits. The new provision reflects the government’s commitment to ensure social security for all categories of employees under the National Pension System, he explained.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good decision by the government! Many retired employees were struggling with paperwork during summer months. This 3-month extension will help them make informed choices without pressure. Hope they simplify the application process too. 👍
P
Priya M.
My father is a retired central govt employee. This extension is a relief but I wish they had announced it earlier. Many families like ours had already rushed to complete formalities. Better late than never though!
A
Amit S.
The gratuity benefits announcement last week + this extension shows govt is listening to employees. But they should conduct more awareness camps in smaller towns - many retirees aren't tech-savvy enough for online processes.
S
Sunita R.
As a current employee, I welcome this move. But can someone explain why new recruits from April 1 are included? They shouldn't need any transition scheme since they're joining under new rules. Confusing policy making.
V
Vikram J.
The pension reforms are good but implementation is key. Last time when NPS was introduced, many got confused between old and new schemes. Government should run proper ads in regional newspapers too, not just English portals.
N
Neha T.
This is a positive step for women too! Many widows of govt employees struggle with pension claims. Including legally wedded spouses explicitly in the scheme will prevent unnecessary court cases. More power to our retired uncles and aunties! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Unified Pension Scheme NPS PFRDA Central government employees Retirement benefits Dr. Jitendra Singh