Maharashtra leads the way in implementing the UPS | Fusion - WeRIndia

Maharashtra has become the first state in India to implement the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), setting a precedent for others to follow.

The decision was made by the Maharashtra cabinet on Sunday, just a day after the Union government announced the scheme for central government employees.

This new pension scheme is poised to offer significant benefits to state government employees, particularly those who joined after January 1, 2004, under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

On Saturday, the Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved UPS for central government employees.

Those opting for the UPS will receive an assured pension of 50% of their average basic pay drawn during the last 12 months before retirement.

To be eligible, employees must have completed at least 25 years of service. Following the Union government’s decision, the Maharashtra cabinet swiftly moved to implement the scheme at the state level.

The UPS will be effective in Maharashtra from March of this year and is expected to benefit a significant number of state government employees.

With the Maharashtra assembly’s tenure ending in November and elections likely in October-November, this move is seen as timely and beneficial for the state’s workforce.

In addition to the pension scheme, the Maharashtra cabinet also made several other important decisions.

It approved the expansion of the uninterrupted power supply scheme to benefit more farmers across the state.

Under this scheme, farmers will receive electricity during the day, a move that is likely to enhance agricultural productivity.

Furthermore, the cabinet greenlit the ₹7,000 crore Nar-Par-Girana river linking project, which will primarily benefit the northern districts of Maharashtra, including Nashik and Jalgaon.

This ambitious project aims to improve water availability in these regions, boosting agriculture and supporting local economies.

Additionally, the state government plans to raise ₹5,000 crore under the Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd for a significant infrastructure project in Thane district.

Thane, the home constituency of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is set to benefit from this substantial investment.

In another decision, the Maharashtra cabinet extended revenue relief for land owned by BJP Lok Sabha member and royal scion Udayanraje Bhosale.

The relief will now continue for his successors as well, ensuring long-term benefits for the Bhosale family.

With these initiatives, Maharashtra continues to lead in implementing progressive policies aimed at improving the lives of its citizens. Besides, they also intend to strengthen its infrastructure.

Image Credit: Suyash Dwivedi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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