Central Govt Women Employees Can Nominate Children Over Husband for Family Pension

In cases of marital discord, a woman employed by or retired from the central government can now choose to nominate her child instead of her husband for a family pension after her death. The government has amended sub-rules (8) and (9) of Rule 50 of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.

The amendment is intended for women with ongoing divorce proceedings or a filed case against their husband under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, or IPC.

Nevertheless, under the new regulations, if a deceased female employee or pensioner is survived by a widower and there is no eligible child for family pension at the time of her death, the family pension should be granted to the widower.

If the widower has a minor child or a child with a mental disorder or disability, the family pension is to be granted to the widower, provided he is the guardian of such a child or children.

If the widower is no longer the guardian of the child, the family pension should be disbursed to the child through their current legal guardian. If the minor child remains eligible for family pension after reaching adulthood, it becomes payable to them from the date they reach legal adulthood.

If a deceased female government servant or pensioner is survived by a widower and a child or children who have reached adulthood but are still eligible for family pension, the family pension shall be granted to those eligible child/children.

Once all the children are no longer eligible for family pension, it will be payable to the widower until his death or remarriage, whichever occurs first.