Female Government Employees Can Nominate Children for Family Pension

In a progressive move, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued an order allowing female government employees and pensioners to nominate their children for family pension, instead of their husband, under specific legal circumstances. This decision marks a significant step towards protecting the interests of women navigating marital disputes or facing domestic challenges.

Legal Provisions for Pension Nomination

As per the DoPT order (No. 25014/01/2024-AIS-II (Pension)), women officers of All India Services (AIS) and pensioners can now prioritise their children over their husband for receiving family pension. This applies in cases where divorce proceedings are pending or legal complaints have been filed under the Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, or sections of the Indian Penal Code. The directive allows these women to submit a request specifying eligible children as beneficiaries, thereby ensuring that the pension is safeguarded for their dependents.

Extension of Existing Policy to AIS Officers

This provision was earlier introduced for other categories of government employees by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoP&PW) on 1 January 2024. The latest order extends the same relief to women officers of the All India Services, ensuring uniformity in pension rules. The change comes as a response to the increasing need for institutional support for women undergoing marital discord, offering them autonomy and security in determining the future of their family pension.

Conclusion

The government’s decision to allow female government employees to nominate their children for family pensions in cases of marital dispute reinforces its commitment to women’s rights and welfare. It offers both emotional and financial assurance to affected women and their families during challenging times.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.