Central Government Employees: The central government has announced a major relief for government employees. There will now be no delay in receiving pension and retirement benefits after retirement.
To this end, the government has issued comprehensive new guidelines. These are intended to ensure that no employee has to wait months for their pension or Pension Payment Order (PPO).
What is the detail
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has issued new guidelines. All ministries and government departments have been asked to ensure that PPOs are issued before retirement. The government has ordered all departments to digitize employees’ service books. Now, every employee’s record will be online on the e-HRMS system, making the pension process more transparent.
‘Pension Mitra’ will be created in every department
Now, a “Pension Friend” or “Welfare Officer” will be posted in every department. These officers will assist retiring employees with filling out forms, preparing documents, and applying for pensions. In the event of an employee’s death, these officers will also assist the family with obtaining a family pension. The lack of vigilance clearance will no longer be a barrier to pension disbursement. Even if an employee is under investigation, they will receive an interim pension. Gratuity will only be withheld until final orders.
It is necessary to use the Bhavishya portal
The government has mandated that all ministries be connected to the Bhavishya portal. This portal will monitor pension cases in real time and ensure that PPOs are issued two months prior to retirement. Additionally, an inspection monitoring system has been established to monitor pension cases. Each ministry will have a nodal inspection committee, and a high-level inspection committee (HLOC) will review pending cases every two months.
PPO mandatory 2 months ago
Under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, it has now been mandated that an employee’s PPO or e-PPO be issued at least two months prior to retirement. The government states that the purpose of these new provisions is not only to expedite the process but also to provide every employee with a respectable and stress-free retirement experience. It is hoped that no government employee will be left waiting for their entitlement.
