Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)- Pension & Family Pension

Q:-How are pension payments authorized to retired Government servants?

A:- Pension is sanctioned by the competent authority of the concerned department after receipt of the pension application from the retiring Government servant. After verifying entitlements under the Odisha Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1992 (Second Edition, updated up to 31.12.2015), the sanctioning authority forwards the proposal to the Controller of Accounts, Odisha. After due scrutiny, the Controller of Accounts issues authorization for pension, DCRG, and commuted value of pension in favour of the Treasury Officer as per the pensioner’s option. A copy of the authorization is also sent to the Pension Sanctioning Authority.

Q:- To whom can a pensioner submit grievances related to pension at COA office?

A:- Grievance Redressal Cell functions on the 3rd floor of the office of the Controller of Accounts, Odisha. Pensioners may submit grievances related to pension and GPF in person, by post, or by email to:📧 caoorissa@rediffmail.com ** / ** caoodisha@gmail.com.
➢ Helpdesk number-0674-2394293/ Mob. No.-8763030123 (Timing 10AM to 5 PM in all working days).

Q:-Is it necessary for a pensioner to visit the COA office to draw the first pension?

A:- No. The pensioner must visit the concerned Treasury Officer indicated in the Pension Intimation Letter and submit the following documents:
➢ Copy of the Authority Letter
➢ PAN/Aadhaar Card copy
➢ Non-Drawal Certificate (NDC) from the concerned DDO.

Q:-Can pension be stopped, reduced, or withheld after authorization?

A:-Yes. As per Rule 6(1) of the OCS (Pension) Rules, 1992, future good conduct is an implied condition for the grant and continuance of pension. Pension may be withheld or withdrawn, either in full or in part, if the pensioner is convicted of a serious crime or found guilty of grave misconduct. (Rule 6(2)).

Q:-Can departmental or judicial proceedings be initiated after retirement?

A:- Departmental proceedings must be initiated within four years from the date of commission of the alleged misconduct. (Rule 7(2)(ii)). Judicial proceedings may be initiated at any time after retirement.

Q:-Will service under a work-charged establishment count towards pension?

A:- Yes. As per Rule 18(3), service under a work-charged establishment for five years or more shall qualify for pension if the employee is subsequently appointed to a pensionable establishment without interruption.

Q:- Does extraordinary leave (EOL) on private grounds qualify for pension?

A:- No. EOL on private grounds does not count as qualifying service. However, EOL granted on medical grounds, due to civil commotion, or for higher scientific/technical studies qualifies for pension. (Rule 21(3))

Q:- What are the types of pensions admissible to State Government employees?

A:- Compensation Pension (Rule 38) – on abolition of post. Invalid Pension (Rule 39) – for permanent disability. Superannuation Pension (Rule 40) – on retirement at prescribed age. Retiring Pension (Rule 41) – on voluntary retirement.

Q:- Is pension/family pension admissible to an employee or family member dismissed or removed from service?

A:- No. As per Rule 33, dismissal/removal from service entails forfeiture of pension and gratuity. However, compassionate allowance up to 2/3rd of the admissible pension/gratuity may be sanctioned. The amount shall not be less than the minimum pension specified under Rule 46. Family pension may be granted at the discretion of the competent authority.

Q:-What is the qualifying service for full pension, and how is pension calculated?

A:-For Government servants retiring on or after 01.12.2008, full pension is admissible after 25 years of qualifying service.Pension is calculated based on the number of completed six-monthly periods of qualifying service and is limited to a maximum of 50% of the last emoluments drawn. (Rule 47).

Q:-What is the maximum limit of retirement gratuity (DCRG)?

A:-₹2.5 lakh – Up to 31.12.2005
₹7.5 lakh – From 01.01.2006
₹15 lakh – From 01.01.2016
₹20 lakh – From 01.01.2024
For employees of Aided High Schools, Higher Secondary and Higher Education Institutions, the ceiling is ₹7.5 lakh from 01.01.2024. DCRG is calculated as per Rule 48, based on completed six-month periods, subject to a maximum of 16½ times of emoluments.

Q:- What is the penal provision for delay in DCRG payment when the retiree is not at fault?

A:- In cases where DCRG is delayed beyond one year from the date of retirement and the delay is due to administrative lapses, interest at 7% per annum is payable for the period of delay, subject to approval of the Finance Department. (Rule 49(3)).

Q:- How is gratuity settled if a Government servant dies without a family or nominee?

A:- In such cases, gratuity is payable to the person who produces a succession certificate from a competent court of law. (Rule 49(2)).

Q:- What are the rates of family pension?

A:-Enhanced Rate: Equal to the pension the deceased employee was entitled to Payable for 10 years.
Normal Rate: Minimum pension 30% of last drawn emoluments.

Q:-Can a pensioner draw pension through a bank?

A:-Yes. Pensioners may opt to receive pension through any authorized bank branch, even if previously drawing from a treasury.

Q:-Is a separate pension account required in the bank?

A:-No. Pension may be credited to an existing savings or current account in the pensioner's name.

Q:-a pensioner open a joint account with spouse?

A:-Yes. A pensioner may open a joint account with their spouse for pension purposes.

Q:-a pensioner transfer their pension account?

A:-Yes. A pensioner may request transfer:Between branches of the same bank, within or outside the centre.From one authorized bank to another, once in a year.To another bank and centre, as needed.

Q:-What is the procedure for payment of pension upon transfer of PPO?

A:-The new bank branch may start pension payment based on the photocopy of PPO, starting from the last payment made by the previous branch. The new and old branches must exchange documents and finalize the process within three months.

Q:-Is personal appearance required before the first pension disbursal?

A:-Yes. Pensioners must appear in person for identification at the bank. The bank will obtain specimen signature or thumb impression prior to initiating pension payments.

Q:-Can a pensioner retain a copy of their PPO?

A:-Yes. Pensioners are entitled to retain the pensioner's half of the PPO. Any revision must be noted by the bank, and the updated PPO should be returned to the pensioner.

Q:-How can a pensioner download the PPO/CPO/GPO/Objection Letter?

A:-Pensioners may visit https://www.odishatreasury.gov.in/tpfcs/ppo-download.html , click on the “Download PPO” option, and provide necessary details to download.

Q:-What is the rate of commutation of pension?

A:-Up to 40% of basic pension can be commuted. The commutation factor is determined as per the age of the pensioner on next birthday.

Q:-When will the commuted portion of pension be restored?

A:-The commuted portion is restored after 15 years from the date of commutation.

Q:-Who is eligible for family pension?

A:-Spouse, unmarried daughters, dependent sons (up to age 25 or disabled), and dependent parents (in absence of spouse and children) are eligible as per rule.

Q:-Is family pension payable to a widowed/divorced daughter?

A:-Yes, if she was dependent on the pensioner and remains unmarried.

Q:-Is family pension taxable?

A:-No. Family pension is not taxable under Income Tax law. However, pension is taxable.

Q:-Can pension be credited to a post office savings account?

A:-Yes, if the post office is authorized and connected with pension disbursement.

Q:-What documents are required for family pension on death of a pensioner?

A:-Death certificate;PPO copy;Aadhaar/PAN/Bank details of claimant&Marital status affidavit (if applicable)

Q:-Can a mentally/physically challenged child get family pension?

A:-Yes. A disabled child is eligible for family pension for life, provided the disability is certified by a medical authority.

Q:-How often must a life certificate be submitted?

A:-Annually in November. However, pensioners aged 80 years and above can submit it in October.

Q:-How can a Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) be submitted?

A:-Through the Jeevan Pramaan portal using biometric authentication at banks, CSCs, or with Aadhaar-based apps.

Q:-Is there provision for pension revision?

A:-Yes. Pension is revised in accordance with Pay Commission recommendations and government orders.

Q:- Can family pension be divided among children?

A:-No. Family pension is payable to one eligible member at a time, in order of seniority/Priority.

Q:-What is Provisional Pension?

A:-It is a temporary pension granted if pension authorization is delayed beyond the date of retirement due to administrative reasons.

Q:-Can a pensioner authorize someone to receive pension on their behalf?

A:-Yes, by providing a Power of Attorney or Life Certificate with bank attestation.

Q:-What happens to unclaimed pension?

A:-If not drawn for 6 months, the pension account is suspended. It is revived only after submission of a life certificate.

Q:-Whom to contact for non-receipt of pension?

A:-Contact the bank branch first. If unresolved, approach the concerned Treasury or Grievance Cell, Controller of Accounts, Odisha.

Q:-Who are included in the definition of ‘Family’ for Family Pension purposes?

A:-The term Family includes:
• Spouse (Wife/Wives or Husband)
• Sons (including step-sons and adopted sons)
• Unmarried daughters (including step-daughters and adopted daughters)
• Widowed/divorced/disabled daughters (including step-/adopted daughters)
• Father
• Brothers below 25 years (including step-brothers)
• Unmarried/widowed sisters (including step-sisters)
• Married daughters
• Children of pre-deceased sons
• Children born out of void wedlock

Q:- What are the documents required to be uploaded in online Pension?

A:- Documents required:
1. Form G (Forwarding letter from PSA)
2. Form C (Nomination)
3. Form D (Family details)
4. Form E(5A)- (Particulars of pension/ family pension)
5. Form F (Service details, CVP, DCRG, Recovery)
6. No Dues Certificate (NDC)
7. Last Pay Certificate (LPC)
8. Descriptive Roll (Thumb impression)