Thiruvananthapuram, February 28 The Kerala government on Saturday issued orders to implement the Assured Pension Scheme for its employees, effective from April 1, 2026.
This decision follows an announcement by Finance Minister K N Balagopal in the state budget that an Assured Pension Scheme, ensuring a minimum pension, would be introduced in place of the National Pension System (NPS).
According to the minister's office, employees entering government service from April 1, 2026, can choose either the Assured Pension Scheme or continue under the NPS.
Existing employees currently enrolled under the NPS will also be given the option to switch to the Assured Pension Scheme, Balagopal said in a statement.
Under the scheme, the maximum pension will be 50% of the basic pay drawn at the time of retirement, calculated based on the pay scale sanctioned by the state government.
Dearness Relief (DR) will also be admissible in addition to the pension amount.
Employees must complete 30 years of qualifying service to be eligible for the maximum pension.
Detailed guidelines for the scheme will be issued separately, the minister added.