NO.FD-SR-III-04-237/2024
06-January-2025
Finance Department, Government Of The Punjab
New Pension Rules Implementation for Civil Servants and Family Beneficiaries:
The Government of Punjab, through its Finance Department, continues to refine its regulatory framework to ensure the effective administration of pension-related matters for civil servants and other beneficiaries. This notification specifically addresses the amendments made to the Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules, emphasizing changes introduced by the Finance Department’s earlier notification dated 02nd December 2024. These amendments aim to streamline pension disbursement processes while aligning them with contemporary administrative and financial requirements.
This document offers clarity on how the amended rules apply to employees of the defunct Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), as well as the conditions and limitations for family pension beneficiaries, including spouses and other family members. By responding to queries raised by the Administrative Department, the Finance Department has provided a detailed explanation of the revised policies, ensuring proper implementation and compliance with the updated rules. Stakeholders are encouraged to carefully review these amendments to ensure an accurate understanding of their scope and applicability. Notification Describes;
NO.FD-SR-III-04-237/2024
GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Dated: the Lahore, 06th January, 2025
To:
The Section Officer (TR-II)
Government of the Punjab
Transport & Masstransit Department
Subject :- AMENDMENTS IN THE PUNJAB CIVIL SERVICES PENSION RULES
Kindly refer to your letter bearing No.SO(TR-II)2-85/2023/PRTC, dated 23-12-2024 on the subject noted above.
2. The case has been examined and the reply of the points raised by the Administrative Department is as under:
| Sr.# | Query of Administrative Department | Reply of the Finance Department |
| i. | The Punjab Road Transport Corporation got defunct in 1997 and its employees were given Golden Hand Shake Scheme. The PRTC (defunct) had adopted the Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules, 1963 for disbursement of pension to its employees. The query crops up whether the Notification dated 02.12.2024 is applicable to the employees of the Punjab Road Transport Corporation or not? | Since, defunct Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) had adopted the Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules for disbursement of pension to its employees, therefore, Finance Department’s Notification No. FD-SR-III-4-244/2023(B) dated 02.12.2024 will be applicable to the employees of PRTC who retire on or after 02.12.2024. However, the earlier retirement cases where the employees were retired before 02.12.2024 and their retirement cases were processed as per previous Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules, after their death/disentitlement on or after 02.12.2024, their family pension cases will be processed as per Finance Department’s Notification No. FD-SR-III-4-244/2023(B) dated 02.12.2024. |
| ii. | In the light of above said Notification, the family pension has been restricted to the extent of spouse only and that too for 10 years or till re marriage of the widow whichever is earlier, except for issueless spouse The question arises whether the period of 10 years will be calculate from the date of sanction of the family pension to the already existing family pensioners or from the date of the above referred Notification i.e. 02-12-2024? | If the family pension was sanctioned before 02.12.2024, spouse will remain entitled for family pension as per previous Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules. However, in case the entitlement of family pension will become due on or after 02.12.2024, such family pension cases will be processed as per Finance Department’s Notification No. FD-SR-III-4-244/2023(B) dated 02.12.2024 and 10 years will be calculated from the date of his/her entitlement i.e. on or after 02.12.2024 as the case may be. |
| iii. | Furthermore, sub-rule 1 to 6 of Rule 4.10 have been substituted rendering family pensioners, except the spouse, as ineligible. Clarity is required whether the family pension, excluding the spouse, will be eligible from the date of issuance of the above-referred Notification or not? | Existing family pensioners will continue drawing family pension as per previous Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules. However, after the ineligibility / death of spouse on or after 02.12.2024, pension will not be transferable to any other family member. Further, in case any eligible family member is already drawing family pension under previous Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules, he will continue drawing the same till the date of his / her entitlement. After his/her ineligibility /death on or after 02.12.2024, family pension will be stopped / not transferable. |
| iv. | Further that whether the family pensioners, excluding the spouse, who are already drawing pension will continue to draw the pension or their pension will be discontinued from the date of the said Notification i.e. 02-12-2024? | As above |
Section Officer (SR-III)
Conclusion:
This notification serves as a vital resource for understanding the amendments to the Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules, particularly in light of the Finance Department’s Notification No. FD-SR-III-4-244/2023(B) dated 02nd December 2024. The provided clarifications not only address concerns related to the application of these rules to employees of the defunct PRTC but also specify the eligibility criteria and entitlements for family pension beneficiaries under the revised framework.
The outlined amendments signify a transition toward a more streamlined and standardized pension system, ensuring that benefits are disbursed in an equitable manner. The Finance Department has also ensured that the rights of existing family pensioners are protected under the previous rules, while applying the updated regulations to cases that arise after the specified date. Departments and stakeholders are advised to adhere strictly to these updated provisions to maintain compliance and facilitate smooth operations in pension disbursement. This notification underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the financial security of its retired employees and their families.
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