Minimum pension for central government staff up by 157 per cent

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has notified acceptance of pay panel’s recommendations for the pensioners. The ceiling of gratuity is now Rs 20 lakh, and not Rs 10 lakh, and will be raised by 25 per cent whenever Dearness Allowance rises by 50 per cent. There are about 58 lakh central government pensioners. The amount of pension shall be subject to a minimum of Rs 9,000 and the maximum pension would be Rs 1,25,000. 

The highest pay in the government is Rs 2,50,000 with effect from January 1, 2016. The maximum limit of retirement gratuity and death gratuity will be Rs 20 lakh. Payment of ex-gratia lump sum for civil and defence forces personnel, payable to the next of kin, has also been hiked. The payment for death occurring due to accidents in course of performance of duties and those attributed to acts of violence by terrorists, anti- social elements etc has gone up from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

Compensation for death from border skirmishes and action against militants, terrorists, extremists, sea pirates and while on duty in specified high altitude, inaccessible border posts, on account of natural disasters, extreme weather conditions is now Rs 35 lakh, up from Rs 15 lakh. Ex-gratia paid to kin of an employee’s death from war, or war-like engagements, including evacuation of Indian national from war-torn zone in foreign country will be Rs 45 lakh against the existing Rs 20 lakh. A Committee of Secretaries has been constituted to examine the pay panel’s recommendations on fixed medical allowance and constant attendance allowance.