Bhubaneswar: In a significant decision aimed at ensuring financial security for government employees post-retirement, the Odisha Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme, which will come into effect from April 1, 2025. The scheme guarantees an assured payout, providing greater stability and benefits for retired employees.
Under the new scheme, retired employees with a minimum of 25 years of service will receive a pension amounting to 50% of their average basic salary from the last 12 months before retirement. Employees who have served between 10 to 25 years will receive a proportionate pension, ensuring that all eligible retirees have financial support. Additionally, a minimum monthly pension of ₹10,000 will be provided to those who have completed at least 10 years of service.
In case of the employee’s demise, family pension will be granted at 60% of the pension received by the deceased employee. Furthermore, industrial workers will receive Dearness Relief based on the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that their pension keeps pace with inflation.
Apart from the pension benefits, retirees will also receive a one-time lump sum amount in addition to gratuity. For every six months of completed service, one-tenth of the last drawn monthly salary will be given as an additional amount, without affecting the guaranteed pension.
The scheme provides 3.33 lakh employees the option to enroll under the National Pension System (NPS) to receive pension benefits, ensuring flexibility and choice for government employees.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved a total of 11 proposals, including major infrastructure and welfare projects:
- Antyodaya Housing Scheme: A new initiative to provide pucca houses to households left out from existing housing schemes, victims of natural or man-made disasters, and those displaced due to development projects.
- Amendments to Odisha Renewable Energy Policy, 2022 to enhance green energy initiatives.
- Amendments to the Odisha Public Service Commission (Conditions of Service) Regulations, 1952 and Odisha District and Civil Courts’ Judicial Staff Services (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2008 to streamline governance and service conditions.
- Block-Level Stadiums: Approval for construction of stadiums in all 314 blocks to promote grassroots sports infrastructure across Odisha.
- Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project to strengthen water resource management.
- Key Bridge Construction Projects:
- Second Bridge over Chandabali Road on River Kharasrota at Bharigada (Cuttack)
- Second Bridge over River Brahmani at Patrapur on Cuttack-Chandabali Road
- Parallel Bridge over River Baitarani on Bhadrak-Chandabali Road connecting Kendrapara
- H.L. Bridge over River Mahanadi at Pujaripalli Ghat connecting Jarimuli
With these approvals, the Odisha government has reaffirmed its commitment to social security, infrastructure development, and economic progress, ensuring long-term benefits for its citizens.