Development Concepts with Shashank Priyadarshi

  The Indian government's introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), effective from April 1, 2025, marks a significant shift in retirement planning for central government employees. This new scheme aims to combine the predictability of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) with the contributory nature of the National Pension System (NPS). For employees seeking a stable and assured post-retirement income, UPS presents a compelling alternative to the market-linked NPS. Key Differences Between UPS and NPS 1. Pension Structure 2. Employee and Government Contributions 3. Inflation Adjustment 4. Family Pension 5. Lump Sum Payment at Retirement Comparative Example: UPS vs. NPS UPS : Provides a guaranteed pension amounting to 50% of the average basic pay from the last 12 months of service, given a minimum of 25 years of service. For those with 10 to 25 years of service, the pension is proportionate to their service duration, with a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month. NPS : Offers a p...

The National Pension System (NPS) and the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) provide distinct benefits for Central Government employees in India, especially in cases of unforeseen events like death or disablement during service. To help employees and their families understand these provisions, we will analyze two real-world case studies based on the latest Office Memoranda (OMs): DoPPW OM dated October 26, 2022 (CCS NPS Rules, 2021) for NPS Finance Ministry Notification dated January 24, 2025 (UPS effective from April 1, 2025) These case studies will clarify benefits, eligibility criteria, and potential financial outcomes under both schemes. Case Study 1: NPS – Death of an Employee in Service Employee Profile Name: Rajesh Kumar Age: 42 Service Duration: 15 years (Joined on January 1, 2010) Basic Pay: ₹80,000/month (including Dearness Allowance) NPS Contribution: 10% (₹8,000/month) by Rajesh, 14% (₹11,200/month) by the government Accumulated Corpus: ₹45 lakh (by April 2025) Family: W...

As an Indian citizen, you have certain fundamental duties that are enshrined in the Indian constitution. These duties are divided into two categories: those that fall under the common domain, and those that pertain to religious and linguistic minorities. Let's take a closer look at the fundamental duties that fall under the common domain. Article 14 to 28 of the Indian constitution outlines these duties in detail: Article 14: Ensures the right to equality before the law and "equal protection of the law." Article 15: Prohibits discrimination against citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Article 15 (4): Authorizes the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward clas ses of citizens, in addition to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Article 16: Ensures citizens' right to employment or appointment to any offices under the state, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, ...

Participatory Programme Planning Methods: Empowering Communities in Development Planning Development planning is a complex process that demands a thoughtful, inclusive approach to ensure projects are effective, sustainable, and truly meet the needs of the communities they serve. Traditional top-down methods often overlook local realities, leading to projects that fail to resonate with the people they aim to help. Enter participatory programme planning methods —a transformative approach that places communities at the heart of development. In this article, we’ll explore the power of participation in development projects and dive deep into two key participatory research methods: Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) . Through real-world examples, research-backed insights, and engaging narratives, we’ll uncover how these methods empower communities and drive meaningful change. The Power of Participation in Development Imagine a rural village in India where a ...