The pensions problem has been a long-standing one in Pakistan and especially the pensioners have been complaining for a long time about the delays in their pensions which the central government seems to be very actively working to overcome. As concerns over delays in pension processing increased, the Centre has now ordered tough guidelines on pension payments on time by the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021.
There is, therefore, the need to find out why pension delays are being experienced as elaborated below:
Often central government retirees have been complaining of delayed pensions in recent years. These hitches have resulted in pressure financially and frustration for service providers who often dedicate their time, talent, and treasure. Documents including a recent office memorandum issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (Expenditure Coordination Section) under the Ministry of Finance show that there is a huge backlog where pensions are processed so this contrives avoidable hardships for retirees.
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Pension Processing Delay Causing Concern for Central Government
To solve this, the central government has stated that all the authorities should be bound to follow the timeline let out under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021. From the office memorandum, it becomes clear that failure to adhere to these guidelines will attract severe corrective measures. In this way, the government wants to get rid of the burden that it has to face every month regarding pensions.
Expect New Pension Processing Guidelines for Retirees
The latest office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance lays out clear steps and timelines for processing pension cases, which must be followed to avoid delays: The latest office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance lays out clear steps and timelines for processing pension cases, which must be followed to avoid delays:
- Service Verification and Preparation: The requirements and other important documents should be confirmed one year before retirement.
- Submission of Pension Forms: Government employees are asked to fill out their pension forms and submit these forms at least half a year before their retirement.
- Office Review: The Head of the Office has to transfer the pension case to the Pension Accounts Office (PAO) not later than four months before the retirement date.
- Pension Payment Order (PPO): The PAO must prepare and release the Pension Payment Order which should then be sent to the CPAO one month before the actual retirement date of the employee.
- Provisional Pension Payments: Where the final pension has not been paid then the provisional pensions will be paid to avoid disruption of the pensions that are paid out.
These steps are taken to make sure that pension is paid as and when due, and retirees do not spend lots of time waiting to be paid.
Processing of Pension – Year-wise targets for the year 2024-25
For central government employees retiring in the financial year 2024-25, the following timeline has been set for pension processing: For central government employees retiring in the financial year 2024-25, the following timeline has been set for pension processing:
- Date of Retirement: Company Retirement: If there is a specified retirement age for an employee in the company, then such an employee will be dismissed from his/her duties when he/she attains that age.
- Submission of Documents by Pensioner: Some of the documents are to be surrendered to the Head of Office before the retirement date and this must be done six months before the retirement date.
- Submission by Head of Office to PAO: Pension case should be forwarded to the Pension Accounting Office within not more than four months before retirement.
Finalization of Pension by PAO: The PAO has to determine a pension case and forward it to the CPAO one month before the retirement date.
Providing the Basic Amenities to the Retirees Including Timely Payments
The government has however affirmed its determination to make sure that the timelines indicated are observed to the letter. The Pension Accounts Offices have been told to liaise with the Heads of Offices that they are working for and this was stated to prevent any type of hold-up. The CCS (Pension) Rules 2021 requires all departments to follow these timings so that pensions can be prepared and ready before the due dates of retirement. If such actions are not taken corrective measures might be taken by the authorities against the company.
Relief for Pensioners: Deferring up: No More Delays
In particular, such new measures are useful for central government pensioners. Neglect in pension payment has led to so much suffering for pensioners due to changes of events where the government has turned serious on adherence to timeline pensioners will have to receive their pension on time.
Thus, the pension issue is central government is addressing is adopting and implementing appropriate measures that help to reduce pension-related delays by enhancing compliance with the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021. With new procedures with definite deadlines defined, the government is set on eradicating the problem and making pension payments prompt, thus providing retirement relief to the employees.
