📰 New OM on Pension Authorization for Employees Unable to Submit Forms Due to Illness — DOPPW Clarifies Rules
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has issued a fresh Office Memorandum (OM) dated 31st October 2025 reminding all Ministries and Departments to strictly follow the rules regarding pension authorization for government servants who are unable to submit pension forms due to bodily or mental infirmity.
This reminder comes in reference to an earlier OM dated 24th October 2024, which laid out the detailed process for such cases as per the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.
🧾 Background: What the Rules Say
As per Rule 57(3) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, if a government employee is unable to fill and submit pension forms due to physical or mental incapacity, the Head of Office is responsible for initiating the pension claim on their behalf.
Further, Rule 59(2) read with Rule 80(5) explains that these forms must still be processed in accordance with the standard pension authorization procedure to ensure timely release of pension or family pension.
⚠️ Non-Compliance Noted
The latest OM (No. 11/1/2025-P&PW(H)-IV) highlights that several Ministries and Departments have not been following these provisions strictly. This has led to grievances from retired employees and family members, who face unnecessary delays and hardships in receiving their rightful pensionary benefits.
📣 What the OM Directs
The DoPPW has now reiterated its instructions and requested that:
- All Ministries, Departments, and subordinate offices must strictly comply with these provisions.
- These rules should be brought to the attention of all personnel handling pension-related matters.
- Immediate steps must be taken to ensure that no pension case is delayed merely because the concerned employee cannot submit forms personally.
This circular serves as a strong reminder to all administrative offices to treat such cases with sensitivity and urgency, ensuring dignity and care for employees who are physically or mentally unwell.
🏛️ Importance of the OM
This move reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring ease and dignity in retirement. By making it mandatory for departments to process pension claims even without formal submission by the employee, the DoPPW aims to simplify procedures and reduce grievances among pensioners.
Employees and their families can now feel assured that even in cases of illness or incapacity, their pension rights remain protected under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.