In a significant move aimed at promoting gender equity and addressing familial complexities, the Indian government has announced a groundbreaking amendment to pension rules, allowing women government employees and pensioners to nominate their children for family pension ahead of their spouses. The Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) revealed the amendment to the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, highlighting its commitment to ensuring just and legitimate rights for women in the country.
Previously, family pension benefits were extended primarily to the surviving spouse, and other family members became eligible only after the death of the spouse. The recent amendment marks a departure from this convention and acknowledges the evolving dynamics of familial relationships. The amendment allows female government employees or pensioners to nominate their eligible child or children to receive the family pension after their demise, in lieu of their spouse.
Minister of State for Personnel, Jitendra Singh, emphasized the far-reaching socio-economic impact of this decision. He stated, “In a path-breaking decision with far-reaching socio-economic impact and in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy to provide equitable rights to women, the government has amended the long-standing established rule, thereby granting the woman employee the right to nominate her son or daughter for family pension, instead of her husband as has been the practice so far.”
The amendment addresses various scenarios, including situations where marital discord leads to divorce proceedings or when cases are filed under laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, or the Indian Penal Code. This forward-thinking approach reflects the government’s commitment to adapting policies to contemporary societal realities.
The DoPPW outlined the procedure for availing this provision, stating that the female government employee or pensioner must submit a written request to the concerned head of office. In the request, she should specify that the family pension should be granted to her eligible child or children in precedence to her spouse, in case of her demise during ongoing proceedings. If the female government servant or pensioner passes away during these proceedings, the family pension will be disbursed accordingly.
The amendment ensures that if a woman employee is survived by a widower with no eligible child, the family pension will be payable to the widower. In cases where the widower is the guardian of a minor child or a child suffering from a mental disorder, the family pension will be paid to the widower as long as he remains the guardian. Once the child attains majority and remains eligible for family pension, the payment will be made directly to the child.
The rationale behind this amendment is to offer flexibility and consideration for diverse family structures. In situations where the deceased female government servant or pensioner is survived by a widower and children who have attained majority but are still eligible for family pension, the family pension will be payable to such children.
Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the government took this initiative in response to several representations from women officials and pensioners. These representations highlighted the need for flexibility in cases where divorce proceedings are underway or domestic violence cases are pending against the spouse. The amendment aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy of recognizing and honoring the just and legitimate rights of women in all sectors.
This progressive step reflects the Indian government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and adapting policies to meet the evolving needs of its citizens. By acknowledging the complexities of modern family structures, the government is working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women employees and pensioners across the country.
