Today, On 12th February, The Central Government informed the Supreme Court that the Unified Pension Scheme for judicial officers has been officially notified. This scheme aims to ensure uniform pension benefits for retired judges across the country. The move comes after long-standing demands for better pension structures for the judiciary. The Supreme Court is expected to review the scheme’s implementation and its impact on retired judicial officers.
New Delhi: The Centre informed the Supreme Court about the recent notification of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which aims to address concerns regarding judicial officers.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih heard submissions from the Centre’s counsel.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the Centre and provided details about the UPS, which pertains to the applicability of the New Pension Scheme for district judiciary officers.
The bench noted,
“It is the submission of the attorney general as well as the solicitor general that the Unified Pension Scheme may address concerns of all the employees, including the judicial officers.”
Consequently, the court decided to defer the matter for some time to evaluate the effectiveness of the UPS before addressing the related issues. The case will be reviewed after 12 weeks and involves concerns over pension disbursement for district judiciary officers and retired high court judges, as well as their salaries, arrears, and allowances.
The finance ministry had notified the UPS on January 25, which guarantees an assured pension of 50% of the average basic pay drawn during the last 12 months prior to retirement. This scheme is available to Central government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) who opt for it, as stated in a gazette notification.
Also Read: OROP Controversy| Supreme Court Criticizes Centre for Delayed Pension Resolution
Notably, the UPS will not apply in cases of removal, dismissal, or resignation from service. According to the notification issued on January 24, the full assured payout rate will be 50% of the average basic pay for the final 12 months before retirement, contingent upon a minimum qualifying service of 25 years.
This notification allows 23 lakh government employees to choose between the UPS and the NPS, which has been in effect since January 1, 2004.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) a government plan to provide equal pension benefits for judicial officers across India. It ensures that retired judges receive the same pension, removing differences in payments between states.
Also Read: 8th Pay Commission: Full Details On Salary Hike, Pension & Key Changes Ahead
Main Features of UPS:
- Same Pension for All: Ensures uniform pension for retired judicial officers.
- Government Approved: Officially announced by the Central Government for use.
- Supreme Court Review: The Supreme Court is checking its impact and working.
- Better Financial Support: Helps retired judges with secure and fair pensions.
This scheme is a big step towards fair and equal pension benefits for judicial officers after retirement.