In a landmark decision aimed at enhancing employee welfare and social security, the Manipur Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, has approved the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for state government employees recruited on or after January 1, 2005. Formally introduced under the Manipur Civil Services Rules, 2026, with retrospective effect from April 1, 2026, this decision gives eligible personnel the choice to opt for a secure, assured monthly pension instead of remaining tied to the market-linked National Pension System (NPS). Under the newly approved guidelines, employees who complete 25 years of qualifying service will be entitled to receive a full assured monthly pension alongside a lump-sum retirement payment, whereas those completing 20 years of service will be eligible for proportionate financial benefits. To fund this scheme, state employees will contribute 10 percent of their basic pay and dearness allowance, while the Manipur state government has committed an increased contribution of 18.5 percent. Eligible state government workers have been given a firm deadline of December 31, 2026, to formally exercise their option between the two pension structures. Demonstrating a broader commitment to worker benefits, the Cabinet simultaneously cleared the Manipur Payment of Gratuity Rules, 2026, which extends fundamental retirement and death gratuity provisions to NPS-covered personnel appointed since January 1, 2005. Modelled directly on Central government regulations, these updated gratuity rules will now seamlessly cover workers under both the existing NPS framework and the newly adopted UPS. Alongside these major administrative labor reforms, the Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat in Mantripukhri addressed key local educational infrastructure needs by approving the official land allotment for a new Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kakching district. Approximately four acres of government land situated at Wabagai will be transferred to the Directorate of Education for the setup and construction of the facility. Notably, this school will mark the very first Kendriya Vidyalaya established in Kakching district since its creation in 2016. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh confirmed via a social media post that the Cabinet extensively reviewed key developmental initiatives and public welfare projects across the state during the session. The high-level meeting saw active participation from key leadership, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen via video conference, as well as physical attendance by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, and Art and Culture Minister Kh. Loken Singh. Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, accompanied by administrative secretaries and senior departmental officers, also attended to facilitate the major policy approvals aimed at driving state progress.
Retrospective MCS Rules 2026 Allow Employees Choice Between UPS and Market-Linked NPS
