The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has issued an important reminder to all Ministries and Departments regarding the procedure for processing pension and family pension claims for Government servants who are unable to submit their forms due to bodily or mental infirmity.
In an Office Memorandum dated 31st October, 2025, the DoPPW noted that the prescribed rules are “not being followed strictly” and that grievances are still being received from retired Government servants and their family members.
Mandatory Compliance with CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021
The new Office Memorandum (No. 11/1/2025-P&PW(H)-IV) specifically refers to previous instructions communicated vide OM No. 11/15/2022-P&PW(H)-8363 (III) dated 24th October, 2024. These instructions mandate the process to be followed in such sensitive cases:
- Obtaining Pension Claim: This must be done in accordance with Rule 57(3) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021. This rule provides the mechanism for obtaining the pension claim when the retiring Government servant is physically or mentally incapacitated from submitting the forms themselves.
- Processing of Forms: The subsequent processing of these forms must adhere to Rule 59(2) read with Rule 80(5) of the same rules, which outlines the procedure for the Head of Office to complete the necessary documentation and forward the case to the Pay and Accounts Office.
The DoPPW emphasized that the failure to strictly comply with these provisions is leading to unnecessary hardship and the receipt of grievances.
Action Mandated for Ministries/Departments
All Ministries, Departments, and their attached/subordinate offices have been urgently requested to:
- Bring the provisions of Rule 57(3), 59(2), and 80(5) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, to the notice of all personnel dealing with pensionary benefits.
- Ensure strict compliance with the established procedure to facilitate the timely and hassle-free authorization of pension/family pension in these vulnerable cases.
This directive, issued by Under Secretary Subhash Chander, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring “Ease of Living” for pensioners and calls for immediate administrative correction to resolve the persisting issues.
