Government Issues Clarification on Retaining Daughter’s Name in Pension Records for Family Pension Eligibility

In a recent directive, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) clarified the rules on maintaining a government pensioner’s family details, especially concerning the inclusion of a daughter’s name. The clarification, issued through an Office Memorandum (OM), emphasizes that the names of daughters will remain on record even after the government servant’s retirement, addressing common queries from pensioners and government employees alike.

Why This Matters: Daughter’s Inclusion in Pension Records

The OM, dated 30 October 2024, responds to questions surrounding the deletion of a daughter’s name from a pensioner’s family records post-retirement. As per the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, the family details submitted by government employees at the start and end of their service include information on spouses, children, parents, and other eligible dependents. This updated rule ensures continuity and security in maintaining the family’s eligibility for benefits.

Key Takeaways from the Office Memorandum

1. Family Details Submission:
   • Under Rule 50 (15) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, government employees must submit comprehensive family details, including all eligible members, at the beginning of their service and again upon retirement.
   • This process involves submitting Form 4 with updated family details, which remains on record in the government’s pension database.
2. Clarification on Deletion Requests:
   • The OM addresses queries related to removing a daughter’s name from family records after an employee retires, explicitly clarifying that her name should remain listed.
   • The directive ensures that a daughter, whether eligible for a family pension or not, is recognized as a family member for pension documentation purposes.
3. Eligibility for Family Pension:
   • This clarification is in line with OM No. 3(2)/2022-P&PW(H)-7942, dated 07-10-2022, which outlines the requirement for all family members, regardless of eligibility, to be included in pension records.
   • Importantly, a daughter’s eligibility for family pension is evaluated only after the demise of the pensioner or other qualifying family members, based on existing rules.
4. Instructions for Compliance:
   • The DoPPW has requested all Ministries and Departments to ensure that relevant personnel are informed of these updated provisions to avoid any misunderstandings or unnecessary changes in family pension records.

What This Means for Government Employees and Pensioners

For families and pensioners, this clarification removes any ambiguity about the inclusion of daughters in pension records. While daughters’ eligibility for a family pension is determined separately, their names will remain in the records by default. This approach offers families clarity and security, ensuring that family details are preserved and reviewed correctly at the time of pension processing.

Ensuring Smooth Pension Processes with Updated Guidelines

This recent clarification on family records not only aids compliance but also ensures that pensioners’ families receive the benefits they are entitled to without administrative confusion.

Government employees and pensioners seeking further details can consult with their respective departmental pension offices, ensuring that all documentation reflects the latest rules accurately.

Read the full official OM below: