Unmarried and Divorced Daughters Over 25 to Become Eligible for Family Pension

As of May 12, under the existing rules in Madhya Pradesh, dependent family members of a deceased government employee are eligible for a family pension. According to the Family Pension Rules, 1976, only sons up to 18 years and daughters up to 25 years of age are currently eligible.

The Finance Department is finalizing amendments to expand eligibility. The amended rule will allow unmarried daughters above the age of 25 to continue receiving family pensions until marriage. Additionally, widowed (Kalyani) and divorced daughters will also be included as lifelong beneficiaries.

The Government of India had already made similar provisions for central government employees on April 28, 2011. State employees have long demanded the same benefit, and the Madhya Pradesh government is now preparing to implement it by June or July.

Key Changes Proposed:

• Unmarried daughters over 25 will be eligible for a pension until they get married.
• Widowed and divorced daughters will be eligible for a lifelong pension.

The Staff Commission led by retired IAS officer G.P. Singhal has also recommended raising the age limit and including widowed and divorced daughters. The Finance Department has already received the report and feedback from the Pension Directorate, which has reaffirmed its stance despite earlier queries.

According to sources, the committee set up by the Finance Department to revise the pension rules is in the final phase of drafting. Once cabinet approval is obtained—expected around June or July—the new rules will be officially implemented in Madhya Pradesh.