TIMELY FINALIZATION OF PENSION CASES – RULE 65

Key Provisions of the Letter

• Legal Framework: The letter invites attention to Rule 65 of the Odisha Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1992, as amended vide Finance Department Notification No. 26635/F dated 22.09.2023.
• Prescribed Timeline: The amended Rule prescribes that pension cases shall ordinarily be finalized within six months from the date of retirement of the Government servant or from the date of submission of the online pension application, whichever is later.
• Provisional Pension as Final: Rule 65(6)(d) provides that where the final pension or gratuity is not determined within the prescribed period for reasons other than pendency of departmental or judicial proceedings under Rule 66, the Pension Sanctioning Authority shall immediately treat the provisional pension or gratuity as final and forward the case to the Accountant General, Odisha for issue of the Pension Payment Order/Gratuity Payment Order.
• Failure Consequences: Failure to do so renders the Pension Sanctioning Authority/Head of Office liable for disciplinary action under the said Rule.
• Observations: It has been observed that in several cases pension proposals are not being finalized within the prescribed timeline, resulting in avoidable delay in issue of Pension Payment Orders and consequent hardship to retired Government servants.
• Provisional Pension Discontinuance: It is observed that Pension Disbursing Authorities are discontinuing the provisional pension on expiry of six months from date of its sanction or from retirement, although the pension has not been finalized, making it worse for the retired employee financially.
• Instructions to Departments: All Administrative Departments, Heads of Departments and Collectors are requested to ensure that all Pension Sanctioning Authorities and Heads of Offices under their administrative control strictly comply with the provisions of Rule 65.
• Advance Processing: Pension cases should be processed well in advance so that final pension proposals are submitted within the prescribed period.
• Fixation of Responsibility: Responsibility must be fixed in cases of avoidable delay. Where delay beyond the prescribed period is attributable to the Pension Sanctioning Authority or the Head of Office, action shall be taken in accordance with Rule 62(2)(ii) read with Rule 65(6)(d) of the OCS (Pension) Rules, 1992.
• Financial Liability: Any financial liability arising due to such delay, including payment of interest on delayed settlement of pensionary benefits, wherever admissible, may also be recovered from the officers responsible after following the prescribed procedure.
• Circulation: Copies forwarded to Director of Treasuries & Inspection, Principal Accountant General (A&E), Controller of Accounts, Odisha, and all Establishment Sections of Finance Department.