Timelines & Checklist for processing Pension cases – Pension Process Map and Time-Frame for those who are retiring on superannuation – Roles and Responsibilities for processing and payment of pensionary benefits

No. E9109618/ Pr.AO/ MoHUA/ T&C/ Pension Circulars/ 2021-22/444-56
Government of India
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Principal Accounts Office

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated the 5 January, 2024

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Timelines & Checklist for processing Pension cases-regarding.

During a recent review of pendency of Pension cases in the various PAOs’ of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, it was observed that in most cases the delays are due to non-submission/late submission of requisite documents to the PAOs, incomplete information, pay fixation anomalies, delay in issue of Vigilance Clearance Certificate (VCC), No Dues Certificate (NDC), etc.

2. It is highlighted that as per extant CCS (Pension) Rules, the preparatory work for timely release of pensionary benefits should be initiated by the Department well in advance i.e. at least one year prior to the retirement of the Government Servant. In this regard, a detailed check-list and timelines for processing the pension cases have been enclosed at Annexure-I. The roles and responsibilities of the Government Servant, Head of Office and PAO in settlement of Pension cases is enclosed at Annexure-II.

3. All Heads of Departments in this Ministry are requested to widely circulate the check-list to all the Divisions under their control. The Heads of Departments may also review the status of processing of pension cases/revision of pension cases on monthly basis and take necessary action for their expeditious settlement. This would ensure timely disbursement of pensionary benefits to the retiring employees.

(Dr. Kavitha Gotru)
Chief Controller of Accounts

Annexure-I

Pension Process Map and Time-Frame
for those who are retiring on superannuation

S. No.	Process	Authority Concerned	Time-frame	Applicable Rule (CCS Pension Rules 1972)
1.	Preparation of list of employees who are due to retire within 12 to 15 months	Head of the Department	1^st January, 1^st April, 1st July and 1^st October of each year.	56(1)
2.	Communication of the list to the Pay and Accounts Office (PAO)	Head of the Department/ Head of the Office	31st January, 30^th April, 31^st July and 31^st October each year. In the case of a Government servant retiring for reasons other than by way of superannuation, the Head of Office shall promptly inform the PAO as soon as the fact of such retirement becomes known to him.	56(2)
2.		Head of the Department/ Head of the Office	In the case of a Government servant retiring for reasons other than by way of superannuation, the Head of Office shall promptly inform the PAO concerned, as soon as the fact of such retirement becomes known to him.	56(3)
3.	aCommunication of the list to the Directorate of Estates in respect of employees having General Pool Accommodation with a view to obtain ‘No Demand Certificte.	Head of the Office	12 months before retirement.	56(4)
4.	Verification and determination of qualifying service, and if necessary, in consultation with the employee; and determination of average emoluments.	Head of the Office.	12 months before the retirement. The process to be completed before eight months from the date of retirement.	59 (a) & (b)
5.	Communication of facts to the retiring employee for action by the employee.	Head of the Office	8 months before retirement.	59(c)
6.	Submission of papers by the employee	Employee	6 months before retirement.	59(c) (iii)
7.	Presentation of papers to Pay and Accounts Office (PAO).	Head of the Office	4 months before retirement.	61(4)
8.	Checking the admissible pension and gratuity and forwarding the PPO to the pension paying authority.	Pay and Accounts Office (PAO)	1 month before retirement.	65
9.	Dispatch of PPO to CPAO	Pay and Accounts Office (PAO)	On the last working day of the month preceding the month of retirement.
10.	Dispatch of Bank halt of the PPO to CPPC of Authorized Bank .	CPAO	By 20^th of the month of retirement.
11.	Handing over of pensioner’s half of the PPO to the retiring employee	Head of Office	On the day of retirement.
12.	Completion of all formalities and crediting the pension to the pensioner’s account.	CPPC/Paying Branch	The last date of the month following the month of retirement or within 40 days of the receipt of the PPO/SSA whichever is earlier

Note: For cases of retirement other than on superannuation, it is provided that PPO shall be issued within 6months of submission of duly completed Form 5 or the date of retirement whichever is later.

Annexure-II