UPS vs NPS: Only 1 lakh of 23L govt employees switch to Unified Pension Scheme; request deadline extension – The Times of India

The government is considering whether to extend the September 30 deadline to switch to the UPS as barely 1 lakh out of 23 lakh government employees have opted.Several employees’ associations have written to the cabinet secretary, seeking a two-month extension to allow more staff to switch from the National Pension Scheme (NPS) to the UPS or the Unified Pension Scheme. Earlier on Monday, representatives from associations met ministry officials to present their case, as per an ET report.Senior officials from the finance, pension, and other departments held late-night discussions on Monday to consider the request, following the previous extension granted on June 30.Why are workers struggling to choose?The UPS, launched in March, is the government’s flagship pension reform, aiming to balance the market-linked NPS with the old pension system that placed it under a heavy burden, according to ET. However, uptake has been low due to concerns over financial security, a 25-year service requirement for full benefits, and a strict definition of eligible family members.Eventually…To ease these concerns, the government introduced the Central Civil Services (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025, with several incentives. Full pension benefits are now available after 20 years of service, instead of 25, a move that particularly benefits paramilitary personnel who often retire early. The scheme also offers better financial protection for employees’ families in case of disability or death.Despite these changes, many employees are struggling to understand the new rules, especially those in remote areas. As of last week, only around one lakh staff had opted for the UPS, despite the government’s outreach across departments, the financial daily reported.In a September 25 letter, the National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery highlighted the communication gaps and procedural delays. A substantial number of eligible employees may end up missing the UPS option, which closes on September 30, the Council wrote, requesting at least a two-month extension so staff have sufficient time to make their choice.