The Need for a Universal Pension Scheme
A secure retirement remains a crucial goal for individuals across all sections of society. However, India’s pension system has historically been limited to government employees and a select section of private sector workers. Millions of workers in the unorganised sector lack access to structured pension plans, leaving them financially vulnerable in their old age. Recognizing this gap, the Indian government is developing a Universal Pension Scheme (UPS), a voluntary savings initiative that aims to provide retirement security to all citizens, regardless of employment type. This initiative could transform India’s social security landscape by ensuring financial stability for senior citizens and fostering a culture of long-term savings.
What is the Universal Pension Scheme?
The Universal Pension Scheme is being developed by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Unlike existing pension schemes that are either employer-linked or targeted at specific groups, this initiative will be open to all citizens, including unorganised sector workers, self-employed individuals, and salaried employees. The scheme will function as a voluntary contribution-based pension system, allowing individuals to accumulate savings over time and receive pension benefits upon retirement.
The government aims to simplify the country’s pension structure by integrating some of the existing pension schemes under a unified framework. This move will ensure wider accessibility and encourage individuals from all sectors to build their retirement corpus systematically.
Key Features of the Universal Pension Scheme
Inclusivity: Unlike the National Pension Scheme (NPS) or employer-backed Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95), this scheme will be available to all Indian citizens, particularly benefiting gig workers, construction workers, and daily wage earners.
Voluntary Contributions: Unlike traditional pension schemes, there will be no mandatory employer or government contributions. Individuals will have the flexibility to choose their contribution amount based on their financial capacity.
Integration of Existing Schemes: The UPS may absorb pension schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM), NPS-Traders, and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) to create a streamlined pension ecosystem.
Potential Government Support: The government may leverage the cess collected under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) Act to subsidize pension contributions for construction workers.
State Collaboration: The central government plans to encourage state governments to integrate their pension schemes under this umbrella to prevent duplication of beneficiaries and optimize fund allocation.
Why is a Universal Pension Scheme Needed?
With India’s elderly population expected to reach 227 million by 2036 and 347 million by 2050, ensuring retirement security for all is a pressing need. While many developed nations like the US, Canada, and most European countries offer universal pension benefits, India’s pension coverage remains fragmented and limited.
The UPS will provide a structured savings framework for India’s workforce, reducing dependency on family support in old age and aligning the country with global best practices in social security.
How Does UPS Compare to NPS?
Scope: While the National Pension Scheme (NPS) is open to all, it is largely popular among salaried employees and high-income individuals. The UPS aims to target workers across all economic segments, including daily wage earners and gig economy professionals.
Government Involvement: Unlike NPS, where contributions may be partially matched by employers, UPS will rely entirely on individual contributions.
Tax Benefits: Like the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and NPS, UPS is expected to follow an Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) model, ensuring tax-free maturity benefits.
Existing Pension Schemes in India
Several pension schemes already exist in India, catering to different segments of society:
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Offers a guaranteed pension of ₹1,000-₹5,000 per month for unorganised sector workers.
- Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95): Ensures post-retirement financial security for organised sector employees with employer-backed contributions.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY): Designed for small and marginal farmers, offering a ₹3,000 monthly pension.
- Swavalamban Yojana (NPS-Lite): A cost-effective pension scheme tailored for low-income groups.
A Transformative Step for Senior Citizens
The introduction of a Universal Pension Scheme marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to establish a comprehensive social security net. By expanding pension coverage to all citizens and integrating existing schemes, the UPS has the potential to enhance financial stability for millions of elderly individuals in the coming decades. This initiative not only aligns with India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 but also ensures that the country’s ageing population can enjoy a secure and dignified retirement. With robust implementation and widespread participation, the Universal Pension Scheme could redefine India’s approach to retirement planning, making financial security a universal right rather than a privilege.
(With inputs from agencies)
