What is Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Eligibility, Benefits & Returns?

What is Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Eligibility, Benefits & Returns?
Published at : 6 Sep 2024, 7:00 PM IST
Updated at : 6 Sep 2024, 7:03 PM IST

The Central Government introduced the Unified Pension Scheme, also known as UPS, on 24 August 2024. UPS will be implemented from 1 April 2025 onward and is likely to cover 23 lakh Central Government employees. Find all about the newly introduced UPS scheme, its details, and benefits.

Unified Pension Scheme (1)
Admission Open in Amity for 2025

What is the Unified Pension Scheme?

The Central Government announced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees. It thus seeks to provide stability, dignity, and financial security for government employees post-retirement, making sure that their post-retirement lives are well taken care of and their future is secure.

Presently, government employees come under the National Pension System. Employees will have a choice to continue in the NPS or opt for the UPS scheme. However, once the employee decides on UPS, then he/she shall stick to that and cannot go back or reverse it.

State governments can also accept and implement the UPS scheme for state employees. Maharashtra is going to be the first state to implement UPS. The Maharashtra cabinet approved implementing UPS in place of the current NPS for state employees on 25 August 2024. If all states implement UPS, then more than 90 lakh government employees who currently come under the NPS across India will benefit.

Admission Open in SRM for 2025

Unified Pension Scheme Details

You can also check the table given below to learn more important details related to the Unified Pension Scheme.

Scheme Name Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
Announced on 24 August 2024
Implementation Date 1 April 2025
Beneficiaries Central Government employees
Employee Contribution 10% of basic salary + dearness allowance
Employer Contribution 18.5% of basic salary + dearness allowance
Benefits
  • A pension is equal to 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months immediately preceding retirement for employees with at least 25 years of service.
  • Rs. 10,000 per month on superannuation after at least 10 years of service

UPS Scheme Eligibility

  • A fixed amount of pension is payable to government employees who have completed a minimum service of 10 years.
  • Government employees who have put in at least 25 years of service are entitled to a percentage of their average basic pay as a pension.
  • Government employees are covered under the National Pension System and voluntary retirement Scheme opted by NPS.

UPS Scheme Minimum Pension Amount

The Unified Pension Scheme guarantees a minimum pension of Rs. 10,000 per month for government employees who retire after completing at least 10 years of service.

UPS Scheme Benefits

  • Assured pension: Retired staff members are entitled to a pension of 50% of their average basic pay over the past 12 months before retirement. This facility is extended to employees who have completed at least 25 years of service. Proportionate pension benefits are extended to staff members who have served for shorter periods ranging from 10 years to 25 years.
  • Contribution by Government: The government shall contribute 18.5% of the pay of the employee towards the pension fund. The employees shall contribute 10% of their pay towards the pension fund.
  • Assured family pension: In case of the pensioner’s death, 60% of the pension immediately before the retiree’s demise will be given to her/his spouse.
  • Assured minimum pension: An employee who has completed at least 10 years of service will be entitled to get Rs. 10,000 per month on superannuation.
  • Inflation indexation: Inflation indexation will be granted on assured pension, assured minimum pension and assured family pension. The Dearness Relief (DR) will be accorded considering the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) as like Service employees.
  • Lump-sum payment: In the superannuation stage, the retirees shall receive a single-stage lump sum amount along with the gratuity. The amount shall be one-tenth of one month’s emoluments /pay plus DA as shown in the superannuation date for every six months completed service. It shall be given without any reduction in the assured pension amount.

UPS Scheme Returns

The Unified Pension Scheme gives an assured pension amount to government employees in retirement. The contribution of 18.5% of the basic pay plus DA by the employer and 10% of the Basic Pay plus DA by the employee will be made every month.

Admission Open in LPU for 2025

A pension equal to 50 per cent of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months before retirement, is given to the employees for those who have retired after a minimum service of 25 years. For employees who have put in a minimum of 10 years of service at retirement, Rs 10,000 per month is provided as a pension after retirement.

Unified Pension Scheme vs NPS

The below table provides the differences between the Unified Pension Scheme and NPS:

Particulars UPS NPS
Employers contribution Employers will contribute 18.5% of the basic salary to the pension fund. Employers will contribute 14% of the basic salary to the pension fund.
Pension amount 50% of the average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement for employees with 25 years of service. NPS does not provide a guaranteed fixed pension amount. It depends on the returns on investments and the total accumulated corpus.
Family pension In the case of the retiree’s death, 60% of the pension received immediately before the retiree’s demise will be provided to his/her family. The family pension provided under the NPS depends on the accumulated corpus and the chosen annuity plan.
Minimum pension amount Rs. 10,000 per month for employees retiring with at least 10 years of service. The pension amount depends on the investments made in the market-linked investment schemes.
Lump sum amount A lump sum amount is provided to employees upon superannuation, calculated as 1/10th of their last drawn monthly pay for every six months of completed service. Employees can withdraw up to 60% of the NPS corpus as a lump sum upon superannuation.
Inflation protection The UPS provides inflation protection, with pensions adjusted based on the AICPI-IW. There is no provision in NPS for automatic DA increments for inflation protection.

Unified Pension Scheme inherits features from OPS and NPS. UPS has assured pensions, minimum pensions, and family pensions, thus giving a sense of security to retired employees. It also extends protection against inflation by adjusting the DR of employees.

Admission Open in VIT for 2025
Vani
Vani Jha

Vani Jha is a creative content writer with over 2 years of experience in producing engaging, informative, and well-researched content across various domains. Her expertise lies in SEO, research, editing, and content and copywriting. With a proven track record in enhancing online presence and audience engagement, Vani excels in crafting compelling articles, blogs, and other written materials.

Play Back Singer: For Those Who Are Passionate About Music

Play Back Singer: For Those Who Are Passionate About Music
Published at : 21 Jan 2025, 7:30 PM IST
Updated at : 21 Jan 2025, 7:30 PM IST

Play Back Singer is someone who could win the hearts of the audience. One would never see them on screen, but their melodious voice does the magic.

Actors is all that people see during a song in a film, but the voice that mesmerizes the audience is that of the play back singer.

Admission Open in Amity for 2025
Play Back Singer

It wouldn’t be a wonder to state that there were many movies that ran for more than 100 days in India and credit to that goes for the songs in the movie.

The songs again where the role of play back singer comes into prominence. As the importance of singers can never be undermined in the movie making process, this story delves deeper into various aspects of play back singer and informs on how one can carve a career in the field of play back singing.

The numbers

How many number of play back singers are required? It depends on the song, if it is a solo, then one would suffice.

Admission Open in SRM for 2025

For a duet, two play back singers are required. For certain songs, more than two play back singers are required.

It depends on the number of characters in the song, how many play back singers are required.

Combination

The combination of play back singers again is determined by the characters in the song in a movie.

Admission Open in LPU for 2025

If the song involves a man and a woman, then play back singers would be a man and a woman.

Should the song have all male characters, then play back singers would be men. If it is women, the singers too are women.

How to become a play back singer?

This is the first question one would encounter as one ponders over taking up a career in play back singing.

First

One must have a good voice base, and then have a passion for music and singing.

Admission Open in VIT for 2025

After having these two qualities, one can move towards obtaining formal training in music.

Those wishing to become a play back singer must learn music from an expert. It can be Carnatic or Hindustani, they have to learn from a master in that field.

It is usual for South Indians to go for Carnatic music, North Indians to go for Hindustani music.

Training in western music also would help, when the songs in the movies are based on western music or themes.

Also, aspiring play back singer can follow the hints mentioned below:

1. Develop your singing skills: Take vocal lessons, practice regularly, and learn various singing techniques.

2. Identify your genre: Focus on a specific genre, such as classical, pop, or rock.

3. Build your repertoire: Learn and practice singing popular songs, including film songs.

4. Create a demo reel: Record a demo of your singing to showcase your talent.

5. Network and market yourself: Attend music events, join music organizations, and create social media profiles.

6. Audition and opportunity: Look for auditions, singing competitions, and opportunities to sing for music directors or producers.

7. Get trained in music production: Learn about music production, recording, and editing.

8. Learn to sing in multiple languages: Expand your versatility by learning to sing in different languages.

9. Stay persistent and patient: Success may take time, so keep working on your craft and stay dedicated.

10. Seek guidance: Find a mentor or coach who can guide you in the industry.

Also Do These Following Things

Aspiring play back singer or play back singers can do these things too, as they would help kickstarting their career. They are:

– Move to a music hub: Consider relocating to a city like Mumbai, Chennai, or Hyderabad, which are centers for the music industry.

– Join a music school or college: Enroll in a music program to gain formal training and exposure.

– Collaborate with others: Work with musicians, composers, or producers to gain experience and build connections.

Professional Courses

Those desiring to become a play back singer or play back singers can go for these courses that are mentioned below:

1. Diploma in Vocal Music (1-2 years): Teaches classical music, vocal techniques, and performance skills.

2. Certificate Course in Playback Singing (6-12 months): Focuses on playback singing techniques, recording, and industry insights.

3. Bachelor of Music (BMus) (3-4 years): Comprehensive degree covering music theory, vocal training, and performance.

4. Master of Music (MMus)  (2 years): Advanced degree for specialized training in vocal music, performance, and music production.

5. Diploma in Music Production (1-2 years): Covers music production, recording, and editing techniques.

6. Certificate Course in Sound Engineering (6-12 months): Teaches sound engineering, mixing, and mastering skills.

7. Vocal Technique Courses (short-term): Focuses on specific vocal techniques, such as classical, jazz, or pop.

8. Music Technology Courses (short-term): Covers music software, recording, and editing tools.

9. Performance and Stage Presence Courses (short-term): Develops stage presence, performance skills, and audience interaction.

10. Online Courses and Workshops: Various online platforms offer courses and workshops on playback singing, music production, and vocal techniques.

Where to learn the courses?

Some of the institutions that offer courses related to the music and the ones mentioned above are here for the aspirants:

– KM Music Conservatory (Chennai)

– A.R. Rahman’s KM College of Music Technology (Chennai)

– Whistling Woods International (Mumbai)

– SAE Institute (Mumbai)

– Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (Chennai)

– Muzik Lounge (Bangalore)

– The Music Academy (Chennai)

Play Back Singer

2. Academic Qualification:
– Diploma and Certificate courses: 10+2 or equivalent

– Bachelor’s degree: 10+2 or equivalent with music as a subject

– Master’s degree: Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent

3. Music Background:

– Formal training in music (classical or contemporary)

– Experience in singing, playing an instrument, or music composition

4. Audition:

– Most institutions require an audition to assess vocal talent and technique

– Prepare to sing a song of your choice, demonstrate vocal exercises, and showcase your range and control

5. Language Proficiency:

– Fluency in the language of instruction (e.g., English, Hindi, Tamil)

– Ability to sing in multiple languages may be an advantage

6. *Physical and Mental Demands*:
– Good physical health and stamina for long practice sessions
– Mental endurance and stress management skills

7. Additional Requirements:

– Some institutions may require a portfolio, video showcasing your singing, or letters of recommendation

Play Back Singer

The earning prospects for a play back singer depends on lot of factors. If the offer is from a big player, pay and perks would be usually high.

Small time movie producers may not be able to offer much. The pay to a play back singer is done based on per song basis usually.

Which means, singing more songs will bring more money. Those singing for advertising companies may be appointed on salaries.

Advertisements have songs, and singing them require play back singers, this may is where they may be appointed on a salary basis. The pay prospects are mentioned below:

  1. Beginners: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per song (Indian rupees)
  2. Experienced singers_: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per song
  3. Established singers_: ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per song
  4. Top playback singers_: ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 per song or more

Additionally, playback singers can earn through:

  1. Live performances: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per show
  2. Music albums and singles: ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per project
  3. Jingles and advertisements: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per project
  4. Royalties and copyright fees: Ongoing passive income

Point to remember

The information provided above is general in nature and the exact reality with relation to play back singing may be different.

Those aspiring to become play back singers can undertake their own research to know more and familiarize themselves with the exact information.

 

 

 

S.
S. Vishnu Sharma

S Vishnu Sharmaa now works with collegechalo.com in the news team. His work involves writing articles related to the education sector in India with a keen focus on higher education issues. Journalism has always been a passion for him. He has more than 10 years of enriching experience with various media organizations like Eenadu, Webdunia, News Today, Infodea. He also has a strong interest in writing about defence and railway related issues.



Whatsapp