The Finance Department of Punjab has issued clarifications regarding amendments to the Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules, specifically addressing queries from the Transport and Mass Transit Department. The details are as follows:
Notification Number: FD-SR-III-04-237/2024
Date: January 6, 2025
Issuing Authority: Government of the Punjab, Finance Department
Queries and Replies from the Notification
| Query by Administrative Department | Reply by Finance Department |
|---|---|
| 1. Applicability of Notification Dated 02.12.2024: Does the notification apply to employees of the defunct Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC)? | The notification is applicable to PRTC employees who retire on or after December 2, 2024. For cases where retirement occurred before this date, pensions were processed under previous rules. However, family pension cases processed after this date will follow the revised rules. |
| 2. Restriction on Family Pension to Spouses: If family pensions are restricted to spouses for 10 years or until remarriage, from which date is this calculated? | For pensions sanctioned before December 2, 2024, the spouse will continue to receive the pension under previous rules. For family pensions starting on or after this date, the 10-year limit will be calculated from the entitlement date. |
| 3. Exclusion of Family Members Other Than Spouse: Are family pensions, excluding spouses, eligible under the revised rules? | Existing family pensioners will continue receiving their pensions under previous rules. After the spouse’s death or ineligibility post-December 2, 2024, pensions will not transfer to other family members unless they are already receiving pensions under earlier rules. |
| 4. Continuation of Pensions Already Being Drawn: Will family pensions being drawn by members other than the spouse be discontinued? | Existing pensions under previous rules will continue until the pensioner’s death or ineligibility, even if this occurs after December 2, 2024. Afterward, the pension will be stopped and will not transfer further. |
Summary of Key Changes
- Applicability: New rules apply to PRTC employees retiring on or after December 2, 2024.
- Family Pension Limitation: Restricted to spouses for 10 years or until remarriage, effective from the entitlement date.
- Transfer of Pension: Pensions will not transfer to other family members after the spouse’s death/ineligibility.
- Continuation of Existing Pensions: Current pensioners under previous rules will continue receiving pensions until their ineligibility.
These amendments are in line with Notification No. FD-SR-III-4-244/2023(B) issued on December 2, 2024.
This clarification ensures uniform application of the Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules across departments while addressing specific queries from administrative units.
