Revision of Pension due to detection of wrong fixation of pay and Recovery of Government dues and provisions of Waiving off: Interpretation/ clarifications/ advice given by DOPPW

IV. Subject: Revision of Pension due to detection of wrong fixation of pay and Recovery of Government dues and provisions of Waiving off

Relevant Rules/Order
Rule 66 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021

Case Descriptions
Referring Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Reference No. — ODGT-F-2017/2/2018-Estt.- 11(TA-II) dated 27.12.2022 (E-file No.8514)

Shri A was granted 2nd ACP in the Grade Pay of Rs.6600/- w.e.f. the date of completion of 24 years, i.e. 10/10/2007. Shri A retired on 31/01/2017 and his pension was fixed based in his pay in GP Rs. 6600/- He represented for grant of 3rd upgradation in GP of Rs.7600/- under MACP Scheme from 2013.

However, it was later found that Shri A was entitled to grant of 2nd ACP in GP of Rs. 4800/- only and 3rd MACP in GP of Rs. 5400/- only. Thus, there was an overpayment of pay and allowances from 10.10.2007 onwards.

MSDE sought advice whether, in view of wrong fixation of pay and pension earlier, downward revision of pension in respect of Shri R Sabapati would be in order or not

Gist of Advice of DoPPW
File No. 3803(03)/2023-P&PW(A) dated 10.01.2023

Rule 66 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 as under: MSDE has been advised to examine the matter as per Rule 66 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.

Subject to the provisions of rule 7 and rule 8, pension or family pension once authorised after final assessment or revised under sub-rule (1) shall not be revised to the disadvantage of the Government servant, unless such revision becomes necessary on account of detection of a clerical error subsequently:

Provided that no revision of pension or family pension to the disadvantage of the pensioner or family pensioner shall be ordered without the concurrence of Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare if the clerical error is detected after a period of two years from the date of authorisation or revision of pension or family pension.

The question whether the revision has become necessary on account of a clerical error or not shall be decided by the administrative Ministry or Department.

If, consequent on revision of pension or family pension under sub-rule (2), an excess payment of pension or family pension is found to have been made to the pensioner or family pensioner and if such excess payment is not on account of any misrepresentation of facts by the pensioner or family pensioner, the administrative Ministry or Department shall examine in consultation with the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) whether or not recovery of such excess payment can be waived off and issue appropriate orders in accordance with the relevant rules and instructions in this regard.

Source: DOPPW