A number of references have been received from the zonal Railways, etc., seeking clarification on certain issues relating to grant of family pension to a son/daughter of a deceased Railway employee, suffering from any disorder /disability of mind/mentally retarded or physically crippled/disabled and is rendered incapable of earning a living even after attaining the age of 25 years, in terms of the provisions contained in Rule 75[6] of the Railway Services [Pension] Rules, 1993. The matter has been examined in consultation with the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, and the position is clarified as under:
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S.No. |
Clarification sought |
Clarification given |
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[a] |
Whether non-intimation of disability of a child by a pensioner/spouse in is/her life time renders the child ineligible for family pension? |
Non-intimation of physical/mental handicap does not make a person ineligible for family pension. |
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[b] |
Whether a disabled child would be ineligible for family pension if his/her disability is manifested after attaining the age of 25 years? |
Disability manifesting itself after 25 years is also acceptable for disbursement of family pension. |
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[c] |
Whether a disabled child would be ineligible for family pension if his/her disability is manifested before the age of 25 years but is certified by an authorized Medical Officer after attaining the said age? |
No. |
2. Accordingly, the Zonal Railways etc., are advised to settle cases of family pension of sons/daughters of deceased Railway employees, suffering from any disorder/disability of mind/mentally retarded or physically crippled/disabled and are rendered incapable of earning a living even after attaining the age of 25 years, which were pending on the Railways for want of the above clarification, at the earliest. While disposing of such cases, it should, however, be kept in view that married sons and daughters, whether suffering from any disorder /disability of mind/mentally retarded or physically crippled/disabled, are not eligible for family pension as per the extant instructions.