Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Unified Pension Scheme and New Excise Policy for 2025

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has taken significant decisions aimed at improving governance, streamlining pension benefits, and restructuring the excise policy in the state. These decisions were made during a cabinet meeting held, reflecting the government’s commitment to economic growth, public welfare, and cultural preservation.

Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been approved by the Uttarakhand Cabinet, aligning with the Central Government’s initiative to ensure a stable and assured retirement payout for state officers and employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS).

Key Highlights of the Unified Pension Scheme:

• The Unified Pension Scheme has been introduced as an option for government employees covered under NPS.
• This scheme aims to provide an assured pension payout post-retirement, offering financial security to employees.
• The scheme will officially come into effect from April 1, 2025.
• With this initiative, the state government aims to provide stability to pensioners, reducing uncertainties in post-retirement income.

The introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme marks a significant step in enhancing financial well-being for government employees in Uttarakhand and aligns with the central vision of ensuring pension security for all public sector workers.

Uttarakhand’s Excise Policy 2025: A Major Overhaul

In another landmark decision, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the new Excise Policy 2025, which focuses on regulating liquor sales, safeguarding public sentiments, and increasing state revenue.

Key Reforms in the New Excise Policy:

Liquor Sale Restrictions Near Religious Places

• The policy mandates the closure of liquor licenses near temples and other religious sites to maintain their sanctity.
• This decision has been taken in view of the cultural and religious sentiments of the people.

Strict Control Over Liquor Sales

• To curb unauthorized liquor sales, the government has decided to abolish sub-shops and the metro liquor sales system.
• This move aims to prevent alcohol-related social issues and bring more transparency to liquor sales.

Enforcement of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) Regulation

• If any liquor shop charges more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), their license will be canceled.
• The policy extends MRP regulations to departmental stores, ensuring that consumers are protected from overpricing.

Increased Excise Revenue Target

• The state has witnessed significant growth in excise revenue over the past two years.
• Revenue figures for past and upcoming years:

1. 2023-24: Revenue of ₹4,038.69 crore (exceeding the target of ₹4,000 crore).
2. 2024-25: ₹4,000 crore collected so far (against a target of ₹4,439 crore).
3. 2025-26 Target: ₹5,060 crore set as the revenue goal.

The implementation of this new excise policy will help the government regulate liquor sales, protect consumer rights, and generate substantial revenue for state development.

Uttarakhand Government’s Initiative to Promote Literature and Culture

In addition to economic and administrative reforms, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized the preservation and promotion of literature and culture in Uttarakhand.

Financial Assistance to Writers and Literary Awards

• The government has announced financial aid for 45 writers this year.
• Along with the prestigious Uttarakhand Sahitya Bhushan award, 21 new literary awards have been introduced.
• The Chief Minister emphasized that this financial assistance is not merely monetary help but a commitment to preserving Uttarakhand’s rich literary and cultural heritage.

Uttarakhand Cabinet’s Key Decisions: Summary

Category	Details
Why in News?	The Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved key decisions on pension benefits, excise policy, and cultural promotion.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)	– Approved for government employees under NPS. – Ensures assured pension payout post-retirement. – Effective from April 1, 2025. – Aims to provide financial security and stability for pensioners.
Excise Policy 2025	– Liquor Sale Restrictions: Ban on liquor licenses near religious places. – Strict Sales Control: Sub-shops and metro liquor sales abolished. – MRP Regulation: Shops overcharging beyond MRP will face license cancellation. – Revenue Targets: – 2023-24: ₹4,038.69 crore (target: ₹4,000 crore). – 2024-25: ₹4,000 crore collected (target: ₹4,439 crore). – 2025-26: ₹5,060 crore revenue target.
Promotion of Literature & Culture	– Financial aid announced for 45 writers. – 21 new literary awards introduced alongside Uttarakhand Sahitya Bhushan award. – Aimed at preserving and promoting Uttarakhand’s literary and cultural heritage.