Personnel Minister Jitendra Singh discussed the issue of family pension distribution with the officers
The government has reiterated that opening a joint bank account is not mandatory for receiving Jeevansathi Pension.
This was clarified by Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Minister Jitendra Singh after a meeting with senior officers of the Pension Department.
He said that if the Head of Office is satisfied that it is not possible for a retiring Government servant to open a joint account with his/her spouse, this requirement may be relaxed for reasons beyond his control.
A statement issued by the ministry said that all banks disbursing Central Government pension have been advised that if the spouse (family pensioner) opts for an existing joint bank account for credit of family pension, then Banks should not insist on opening a new account.
However, a joint bank account with the spouse is desirable and it is to be opened with their spouse in whose favor an authorization exists for family pension in the Pension Payment Order (PPO), the statement further said.
The minister said that the operations in these accounts would be on “former or survivor” or “either or survivor” basis as desired by the pensioner.
The main reason for opening a joint bank account is to ensure that the family pension can be started without any delay and the family pensioner does not face any difficulty in opening a new pension bank account, the statement said.
It also ensures minimum documents for the family pensioner while submitting the request for starting family pension.
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