In a significant move, the government has revamped pension regulations for female employees, granting them the authority to nominate their children instead of their husbands in cases of marital strife.
The alteration, encapsulated in Rule 50 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, pertains to the allocation of family pension following the demise of government or retired employees.
DoPPW Initiates Rule Change
The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW) spearheaded the modification, allowing women employees the prerogative to designate their children for family pension, superseding the customary priority accorded to husbands or wives.
The amendments were instituted to address scenarios where spouses are ineligible or other family members become eligible for family pension after the demise of a government employee or pensioner.
Flexibility Amid Marital Challenges
DoPPW Secretary V Srinivas elucidated that if a female government employee lodges any legal petition against her husband, the family pension can be redirected to her child instead.
This change takes into account cases involving divorce or domestic violence.
Notably, the rule is applicable when legal proceedings, such as dowry or domestic violence cases, are pending against the husband, or a divorce petition has been initiated.
Advisory Collaboration Yields Change
The alteration in pension rules, following consultations with various ministries and departments, signifies a progressive step in empowering women.
DoPPW Secretary V Srinivas emphasized that even in the event of a woman filing legal petitions against her husband and subsequently passing away, the family pension can be directed towards her child instead of her husband.
Empowering Women: Ministry of Women and Child Development’s Influence
This transformative change in pension rules, as per DoPPW, aligns with the guidance received from the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
It facilitates women employees to formally request their office heads in writing, expressing the desire for family pension to be granted to their children instead of their spouses in the unfortunate event of their demise.
This move is a strategic step towards ensuring the financial empowerment of women and aligns with broader initiatives promoting gender equality.
