BIG changes in Family Pension Rules: SIMPLIFIED! Govt says decision in view of Covid 19—check key takeaways

The government has simplified the Family Pension Rules in the wake of Covid 19 pandemic, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh. As per the new simplified Family Pension Rules, now Provisional Family Pension may be sanctioned immediately on receipt of a claim for Family Pension and Death Certificate from the eligible family member. They do not have to forward the Family Pension case to Pay and Accounts Office for further approval. This simplifies Rules 80 (A) of the CCS (Pension) Rule 1972, which says, in case of death of the government servant during service, provisional Family Pension could be sanctioned to the eligible member of the family, only after the Family Pension case has been forwarded to the Pay and Accounts Office 

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What is the new rule says? 

"In accordance with Rules 80 (A) of the CCS (Pension) Rule 1972, on death of the government servant during service, Provisional Family Pension could be sanctioned to the eligible member of the family, only after the Family Pension case has been forwarded to the Pay and Accounts Office. However, in view of the ongoing pandemic, instructions were issued that Provisional Family Pension may be sanctioned immediately on receipt of a claim for Family Pension and Death Certificate from the eligible family member, without waiting for forwarding of the Family Pension case to Pay and Accounts Office," read a statement from Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. 

Briefing about the important reforms undertaken by the Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare (DoP&PW) during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Jitendra Singh said a provision was recently made for the Provisional Family Pension to be sanctioned immediately on receipt of claim for Family Pension and Death Certificate from the eligible family member without waiting for other formalities or procedural requirements to be completed.  

He said the provision will be applicable in case of death happening during the pandemic, either because of COVID or because of non-COVID cause.  

Payment of Provisional Pension can be extended up to one year from 6 months 

In view of the COVID pandemic, another important reform provides that payment of Provisional Pension may be extended up to a period of one year from the date of retirement with the concurrence of PAO and after the approval by the Head of the Department.  

As per the Rule 64 of CCS (Pension), 1972, Provisional Pension is normally sanctioned for a period of six months in cases whether a government servant is likely to retire before finalization of his pension. However, in view of the COVID pandemic, instructions were issued for grant of Provisional Family Pension in accordance to Rule 64 where there is a delay in submission of papers.