Pension rules for women

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) recently amended Rule 50 in the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

This pivotal change addresses family pension disbursement in cases of marital discord, offering women government servants the option to prioritize their children over their husbands.

Background: Rule 50 traditionally governed family pension allocation, initially favoring the surviving spouse.

However, the recent amendment acknowledges the need for flexibility, especially in situations involving marital discord.

Amendment in Detail: The amendment permits a woman government servant to nominate her child or children for a family pension, taking precedence over her husband.

This shift in policy is particularly applicable in cases of divorce or legal proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.

Specific Cases Considered: The revised rule focuses on instances where divorce proceedings are ongoing, or a female government servant has initiated legal action under various statutes against her husband.

In such scenarios, the woman can request family pension disbursement to her eligible children, prioritizing them over her spouse.

Procedure for Request: Women employees undergoing legal proceedings can formally request family pension disbursement to their eligible children in writing.

The request should be directed to the concerned head of the office, providing a clear avenue to secure their children’s financial well-being during legal proceedings.

Progressive Stride: V. Srinivas, Secretary of DoPPW, emphasized the progressive nature of the amendment, showcasing its empowerment of women employees in family pension cases.

The amendment reflects the government’s commitment to fostering gender equality and understanding the diverse circumstances women may face during their service and retirement.

Inclusive Society: The amendment recognizes the unique challenges women encounter in cases of marital discord, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.

It represents a deeper understanding of the diverse circumstances that individuals, especially women, may face during their service and retirement.

Overall, the amendment to Rule 50 is a significant step toward gender equality and empowerment in the realm of family pension disbursement, providing women with a means to navigate challenging circumstances and ensure the financial well-being of their children.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The shethepeople