Manipur cabinet approves unified pension scheme and land for new school

Imphal: The Manipur Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, approved the implementation of a Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for state employees appointed on or after January 1, 2005, and cleared the allotment of land for a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kakching district, Northeast Now reported. The decisions were taken during a Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat in Mantripukhri on Thursday.

Unified pension scheme details

Under the Manipur Civil Services Rules, 2026, which will take retrospective effect from April 1, 2026, eligible employees may choose an assured pension instead of the market-linked National Pension System (NPS). Employees with 25 years of qualifying service will receive a full assured monthly pension together with a lump-sum payment, while those completing 20 years of service will obtain proportionate benefits, according to the government. The scheme requires employees to contribute 10 per cent of their basic pay and dearness allowance, with the state contributing 18.5 per cent. The deadline for exercising the option is December 31, 2026.

The Cabinet noted that the UPS provides a stable, government-backed pension alternative for long-serving staff and aligns with the broader objective of offering financial security after retirement.

Extension of gratuity benefits

The Cabinet also approved the Manipur Payment of Gratuity Rules, 2026, which extend retirement and death gratuity benefits to NPS-covered employees appointed after January 1, 2005. The rules are modelled on the corresponding Central government provisions and will apply to employees under both the NPS and the newly approved UPS. This move ensures that staff who transition to the UPS will continue to receive gratuity benefits consistent with central guidelines.

Land allocation for a Kendriya Vidyalaya

The meeting approved the transfer of around four acres of state land at Wabagai to the Directorate of Education for constructing a Kendriya Vidyalaya. The proposed school will be the first Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kakching district, which was created in 2016. The Directorate will oversee the development of the campus on the transferred land, aiming to expand central-government school presence in the district.

Cabinet meeting participants

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen joined the meeting through video conference, while Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Art and Culture Minister Kh. Loken Singh were also present. Chief Secretary Rajeeva Singh Thakur attended along with administrative secretaries and senior departmental officials. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said in a social media post that the meeting reviewed developmental activities and public welfare initiatives, underscoring the Cabinet’s focus on both employee welfare and educational infrastructure.