The Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) is a lump-sum amount payable by the Government of Haryana to the family of a deceased employee. Under Rules 51 and 52 of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016, the Government clearly defines who gets gratuity, how nomination works, and what happens if there is no nomination. This ensures that the family receives the rightful payment quickly and without dispute.
1️⃣ When Death-Cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) Is Payable
DCRG becomes payable immediately upon the death of a Government employee, regardless of how long he or she has served.
- Even if the employee dies before completing 5 years of service, the family is eligible for death gratuity.
- There is no minimum service condition in death cases (Rule 51).
Death Gratuity Scale (as per Rule 51):
| Length of Service | Death Gratuity Amount |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 2 times of emoluments |
| 1 year or more but less than 5 years | 6 times of emoluments |
| 5 years or more but less than 11 years | 12 times of emoluments |
| 11 years or more but less than 20 years | 20 times of emoluments |
| 20 years or more | Half of emoluments for each completed 6-monthly period, up to 33 times of emoluments (max ₹20 lakh) |
“Emoluments” include Basic Pay + Dearness Allowance at the time of death.
2️⃣ Who Gets DCRG – Order of Eligibility
As per Rule 52(1), the gratuity is paid to the person(s) nominated by the employee in Form 1 (Nomination Form for Gratuity). If no valid nomination exists, the payment follows a fixed family hierarchy.
Order of Priority:
- Spouse – Widow or widower of the deceased employee.
- Sons and Daughters (including legally adopted children).
- Dependent Parents – Only if the employee was unmarried.
- Other Legal Heirs – If none of the above are alive, as per succession law.
Note: Stepchildren and adopted children are included if their dependency is declared and recorded in the employee’s service book.
3️⃣ Nomination Process for Gratuity (Rule 52)
Step-by-Step Nomination Procedure:
- Every Government employee must submit a nomination for gratuity in Form 1 at the time of joining service.
- The form should be duly signed, witnessed, and countersigned by the Head of Office.
- If the employee has a family at the time of nomination, the nomination can only be made in favor of one or more family members.
- If the employee has no family, the nomination can be made in favor of any other person. Once the employee acquires a family, a fresh nomination in favor of family members must be made immediately.
Important Points:
- Nomination must clearly mention:
- Names of nominee(s),
- Relationship with employee,
- Share (%) of gratuity for each nominee,
- Permanent address of nominees.
- Nomination can be revised at any time by submitting a new Form 1.
- The latest nomination on record before death is treated as final and valid.
4️⃣ If There Is No Nomination
In the absence of a valid nomination, DCRG is paid in the following order:
- 👉 To the widow/widower (if alive)
- 👉 Failing that, to children equally
- 👉 If no spouse or children, to parents (if wholly dependent)
- 👉 If none of the above, to legal heirs as per succession certificate
Note: If there is a dispute among heirs, the amount is withheld until legal clearance or court direction is received.
5️⃣ How DCRG Is Sanctioned and Paid
Process:
- The Head of Office prepares the death gratuity case immediately after receiving death intimation.
- The case is verified with the service book and nomination record.
- Form 7 (Pension Calculation) and Form 8 (Verification by A.G.) are prepared and sent to the Accountant General (A&E), Haryana.
- The Pension Payment Order (PPO) and gratuity authority are issued and forwarded to Treasury/Bank.
- Payment is made directly to the nominee’s bank account through Treasury or authorised bank.
Required Documents (Death Case):
- ✅ Form 1 – Nomination Form
- ✅ Death Certificate (original or attested)
- ✅ Legal heir/succession certificate (if no nomination)
- ✅ Identity & bank details of nominee(s)
- ✅ PAN/Aadhaar copy of nominee(s)
- ✅ Passport-size photos (joint, if spouse)
6️⃣ Revision or Cancellation of Nomination
- Nomination can be modified at any time using Form 1 (revised) and must be acknowledged by the Head of Office.
- New nomination automatically cancels the previous one.
- Employees should update nomination after:
- Marriage or divorce,
- Death of nominee, or
- Adoption of a child.
7️⃣ Forfeiture or Withholding of DCRG
Under Rule 53, DCRG may be withheld partly or fully if:
- Departmental or judicial proceedings are pending.
- The employee was dismissed or removed for misconduct.
- Government dues like loans, advances, or damages are outstanding.
Once cleared, the withheld gratuity must be released immediately.
✅ Summary – DCRG Nomination & Payment (Rules 51–52)
| Rule | Provision | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Death Gratuity | Payable to family or nominee, regardless of service length. |
| 52 | Nomination | Form 1 required; can be revised anytime. |
| – | If No Nomination | Paid to family in order of priority (spouse → children → parents → legal heirs). |
| – | Payment Mode | Through Treasury/Bank after A.G. authorisation. |
FAQs – DCRG in Case of Employee Death
1. Who receives DCRG after an employee’s death?
The person(s) nominated in Form 1. If there is no nomination, payment is made to spouse, children, or legal heirs as per order of priority.
2. Is minimum service required for death gratuity?
No. DCRG is payable even if the employee dies before completing 5 years of service.
3. Can there be multiple nominees?
Yes, an employee may nominate more than one person and specify each nominee’s share of gratuity.
4. What happens if the nominee dies before the employee?
The employee should submit a fresh nomination immediately; otherwise, the gratuity goes to legal heirs.
5. How long does it take for payment?
Usually within 3 months from the date of death, provided all documents are complete and no inquiries are pending.
6. Is income tax applicable on DCRG?
No, DCRG is fully exempt from income tax under Section 10(10) of the Income Tax Act.
Conclusion
Under Rules 51 and 52 of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016, the process of payment of DCRG on employee death is well-defined and transparent. The key to timely payment lies in ensuring that the nomination form (Form 1) is correctly filled, updated, and recorded in the employee’s service book. Families should maintain copies of all forms and promptly submit documents to the Head of Office for early sanction and release of gratuity.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.