Family pension guidelines for widowed, divorced daughters

The Haryana Government has issued instructions to departments regarding family pension cases for widowed or divorced daughters and physically challenged children, directing that provisions under the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016, be strictly followed in such matters.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, who also holds the charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, has written to all Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil), instructing them to follow the prescribed rules meticulously in such cases.

The letter states that the Principal Accountant General (A&E) has observed that pension sanctioning authorities in various departments often do not process pension claims of widowed or divorced daughters and physically challenged children as per the rules. This leads to difficulties in determining the dependency status of the claimant or dependent family member.

As per Rule 8(10)(b) of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016, the definition of “family” for the purpose of family pension is clearly outlined. Note 3 under this rule specifies that a legally adopted son or daughter — adopted under Hindu law or any other personal law — is considered an eligible child for family pension, provided they are residing with and are wholly dependent on the employee. However, the rule also clarifies that stepchildren are not covered under this provision.

The government has reiterated that strict adherence to these rules is essential to avoid delays and ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive their rightful entitlements without unnecessary procedural hurdles.