National Pension Scheme latest news: New government contribution, NPS withdrawal, Investment, Tax relief rules explained

National Pension System: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet reportedly approved a number of changes in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) for government employees. According to a report by news agency PTI, the government may make a formal announcement soon. The government is yet to decide on the date of notification of the new scheme, the report said. The approved changes may come into effect from the beginning of the financing year (April 1, 2019). The formula for changes in the NPS was worked out by the Finance Ministry based on the recommendation of a government-appointed committee. 

Check newly approved government contribution, NPS withdrawal, investment, tax relief rules 

1. NPS: More Government contribution 

Modi Cabinet has agreed to raise the government's contribution to National Pension Scheme (NPS) to 14 per cent of the basic salary from the current 10 per cent. However, the minimum employee contribution will remain at 10 per cent.

2. NPS: New Withdrawal rule

Once the new rules come into effect, the government employees will be allowed to withdraw more lump sum at the time of retirement. As per the report, the Cabinet has allowed government employees to commute 60 per cent of the fund accumulated at the time of retirement. Currently, this is 40 per cent. 

As per the latest Modi Cabinet decision, if the employees decide not to commute any portion of the accumulated fund in NPS at the time of retirement and transfers 100 per cent to annuity scheme, then their pension would be more than 50 per cent of his last drawn pay, sources said. 

3. NPS: New Investment Rule

The government employees will now be allowed to invest in either fixed income instruments or equities, said the report.

4. NPS: New Income Tax Benefit

The report said that the Cabinet has approved tax incentives under 80C of the Income Tax Act for employees' contribution to the extent of 10 per cent. Full details on this would be known when the government releases its official notification.