In a significant policy reversal, the Punjab government has restored lifetime family pensions for widows and unmarried daughters of deceased government employees, providing long-term financial security to affected families.
Last year, a revision to the pension rules had limited family pension payments to just ten years following an employee’s death, sparking concerns among government workers and their dependents. This recent notification overturns that decision, reinstating the traditional provision of lifetime support.
Key Details of the Pension Policy Update
Under the restored law, eligible family members will once again receive pensions for life. The government also clarified that in cases where an employee had multiple marriages, the family pension would be fairly divided among all eligible beneficiaries.
This move aligns with ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with social welfare. While previous amendments aimed to control rising pension costs, critics argued that limiting payments to a decade left many families vulnerable.
Background: The 2024 Pension Amendments
In September 2024, the Finance Ministry had introduced several changes to the pension framework to curb the escalating financial burden. According to official notifications, family pensions were capped at 10 years, while Special Family Pensions were extended to 25 years. A notable feature of the revised scheme was that children with disabilities could continue to receive pensions for life.
The recent restoration suggests that the government recognizes the need for more sustainable support for surviving family members, especially widows and unmarried daughters, who often rely solely on these pensions for financial stability.
