The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has issued new rules to help government employees who are unable to complete pension forms owing to health reasons. 

These new guidelines provide a clear method for ensuring that employees and their families do not encounter delays in obtaining pension payments. The recommendations were released in an official memorandum by the DoPPW, which is part of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. 

The government has established guidelines for processing pension claims for such employees, who are physically or psychologically unable to complete the necessary documentation process. These recommendations were originally released on October 28, 2022, but are being reaffirmed owing to allegations that the provisions are not being regularly enforced. 

Objective 

The department’s review process aims to promptly address pension-related cases, focusing on employees’ service records, pension eligibility, and benefits. Regular collection and review of these details aim to prevent delays in pension processing, particularly for officers and officials with special service conditions, health issues, or remote postings. 

“It is noticed that the above provisions are not being followed strictly by ministries/departments and grievances are being received from retired government servants/family members,” the memo said. 

New Guidelines For Pension Claims For Employees With Health Concerns 

The DoPPW has issued new rules to assist government employees who are unable to complete pension forms owing to medical conditions. These instructions are based on the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, and provide a clear method for making pension claims in such instances. 
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Pension Processing Rules 

The recommendations describe the requirements for processing pension claims based on health-related conditions: 

Initial Claims: For initial pension claims, observe Rule 57(3). 
Extra Processing: Rule 59(2) and Rule 80(5) will apply to any extra processing of the pension. 
 

Compliance Among Ministries And Departments 

The DoPPW has asked all ministries and departments to appropriately implement these new rules. It has also advised for these provisions to be communicated with the pension-related professionals in both the main and subordinate offices to avoid any problems or delays. 

Timely Processing Of Pension. 

The main aim of these rules is to facilitate a smooth and speedy pension procedure for government employees with health issues. Authorities have been urged to follow these measures to avoid unnecessary delays and difficulties. 

Review Committees For Ex-Cadre and DASS/Steno Officers (GNCTD) 

Order No. 305 (02.07.2019): A review committee was formed to look into the instances of ex-cadre officers and officials (excluding IAS, DANICS, DASS, and steno) working for the GNCTD. 
 

Order No. 306 (02/07/2019): A special committee was formed to evaluate the cases of DASS/steno cadre officers and officials. 

Department Heads To Submit Information 

In July 2019, three circulars (dated July 9, 10 and 12) were published, requiring heads of departments (HoDs) to submit the relevant data for DASS/Steno officers and ex-cadre officers to the appropriate review committees. New Family Pension Rules: Daughters’ Names To Stay In Records For Pension After Retirement

Changes To The Review Process  

The framework of the evaluation committee for organised cadres under GNCTD was updated through an order on August 8, 2019, replacing the prior instructions since July 2019. 

Senior Officials Circular  

A reminder was issued on October 27, 2023 to additional chief secretaries (ACSs), principal secretaries, secretaries, and HoDs to guarantee the timely review of ex-cadre officers and DASS/steno cadre officials, as well as to provide the essential information for the review.  4 Government-Backed Pension Plans For Retirement