Lakhs of Central Government employees and pensioners may soon get good news. In a recent meeting between the government
and employee organizations, several important demands related to pension and family benefits were discussed.
These demands include increasing pension every five years, extending the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) benefits to some employees, and expanding family pension rules.
Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan has assured that many of these proposals will be sent to the 8th Pay Commission for consideration.
This has raised hopes among pensioners who are struggling with rising inflation and increasing daily expenses.
Demand to Increase Pension Every 5 Years
Employee organizations strongly demanded that pensions should be revised every five years. At present, pension revisions mainly happen only after a new Pay Commission is implemented, which usually takes many years.
According to employee groups, senior pensioners are finding it difficult to manage rising costs of medicines, healthcare, and household expenses. They say pension increases are not happening fast enough to match inflation.
Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan has reportedly agreed to forward this demand to the 8th Pay Commission.
Concern Over Lower Family Pension
Another major issue raised during the meeting was the family pension rule. Currently, a retired employee gets around 50% of their last salary as pension after retirement. H
owever, after the death of the pensioner, the family usually receives only 30% as family pension.
Employee organizations said this creates financial problems for families, especially if they have no other source of income. They demanded that the family pension amount should be improved.
The government is expected to discuss this issue further with the 8th Pay Commission.
Relief May Come for Disabled Children
Employee unions also requested easier pension rules for physically disabled dependent children.
At present, families often need to submit a “no income certificate” to continue receiving family pension benefits for disabled children.
Organizations argued that many offices do not easily issue such certificates, causing unnecessary trouble for families.
The government has now asked the Pension Department to find a practical solution to this problem.
OPS Demand Raised Again
The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) issue was also discussed again in the meeting.
Employee organizations said that workers whose recruitment process started before December 22, 2003, should receive OPS benefits even if their appointment happened later.
The government has hinted at possible relief, especially in compassionate appointment cases. Officials said that employees who had applied before December 22, 2003,
and later got government jobs may be considered for OPS benefits.
Demand to Include Widowed Daughter-in-Law in Family Pension
Employee groups also demanded that widowed daughters-in-law should be included under family pension rules in certain cases.
They said that if a son dies and the daughter-in-law is fully dependent on the family, she should also receive family pension support.
The government has said it will examine the matter in consultation with the Law Ministry.
