Centre allows woman employees to nominate son, daughter for family pension

Digital Desk: In a significant decision with broad socio-economic implications, the Indian government has taken a significant stride towards gender equality by allowing female government employees to nominate their son or daughter for family pension, departing from the previous norm of the spouse being the primary beneficiary. 

The amendment to the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, announced by the Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW), seeks to address issues arising from marital discord, divorce proceedings, or legal cases involving women.

Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh emphasized that this path-breaking decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to providing equitable rights to women across various sectors. The amendment recognizes the need for flexibility in family pension nominations, particularly in cases where women face challenges due to divorce or legal complications under laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, or the Indian Penal Code.

Under the amended rules, female government employees or pensioners can now make a written request to the concerned head of office, specifying their desire for family pension to be granted to their eligible child or children in precedence to their spouse in the event of their demise. This ensures that the family pension is directed to the next eligible generation, taking into account changing family dynamics.

The amendment also addresses scenarios where a woman employee is survived by a widower with no eligible child. In such cases, the family pension will be payable to the widower. If the widower is the guardian of a minor child or a child with a mental disorder, the family pension will be disbursed to the widower, as long as he remains the guardian. Once the child attains majority and remains eligible for family pension, it will be payable directly to the child.

Moreover, the rules outline provisions for cases where the deceased female government servant or pensioner is survived by a widower and children who have attained majority but are still eligible for family pension. In such instances, the family pension will be payable to the eligible children, recognizing their continued dependency.

Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted that these governance reforms are part of a broader initiative under the Prime Minister to create an enabling environment for working women. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has actively worked towards increasing the representation of women in central government jobs, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between professional and family life.

This decision marks a significant step towards recognizing the diverse family structures and challenges faced by women in the workforce. By empowering female government employees with the right to nominate their children for family pensions, the government is championing gender equality and acknowledging the evolving dynamics of modern families. This reform is not only a testament to the commitment to women's rights but also a stride towards creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.