In a move welcomed by pensioners across the province, the Punjab government has decided to revert to the previous pension rules, ensuring that widows and unmarried daughters of deceased government employees can once again receive family pensions for life.
The change reverses a controversial amendment introduced last year, which had limited family pension benefits to just ten years following the death of the employee. The amendment had sparked concern among affected families, many of whom rely on these payments for their financial security.
Under the newly issued notification, lifetime family pensions are fully restored for eligible dependents. It also clarifies that in cases involving multiple marriages, the pension will be fairly divided among all rightful beneficiaries according to the existing rules.
Analysts suggest that this reversal reflects the government’s recognition of the social and economic challenges faced by surviving family members, especially women who are often financially dependent on such pensions.
By reinstating the old rules, Punjab not only provides immediate relief to affected families but also underscores the importance of stable social security measures for government employees’ dependents.
