The Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 govern all matters related to retirement benefits, family pension, gratuity, commutation, and service verification for state government employees. To help employees, pensioners, and families understand these provisions clearly, this FAQ consolidates **questions from all chapters (Rules 1–83)** of the official rules — in simple, precise, and rule-based answers.
📘 General Questions (Chapter I – Preliminary)
1. What are the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016?
They are official rules notified by the Government of Haryana to regulate all pensionary benefits for employees under its control. These rules replaced the Punjab Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1951 for Haryana from 1 January 2016.
2. To whom do these rules apply?
They apply to all permanent and temporary employees of the Haryana Government, whether appointed before or after 2016, who are covered under the old pension system (OPS).
3. What types of pensions are covered under these rules?
- Superannuation Pension
- Retiring/Voluntary Pension
- Invalid Pension
- Compulsory Retirement Pension
- Family Pension
- Compensation or Compassionate Allowance (in special cases)
🧾 Service & Eligibility Related FAQs (Chapter II–IV)
4. What is “Qualifying Service” for pension?
It is the total period of service counted for pension purposes after deducting non-qualifying periods such as suspension (not treated as duty), leave without pay, or breaks in service. Minimum qualifying service for pension is 10 years (Rule 13).
5. Does service on probation or temporary appointment count?
Yes. As per Rules 26–27, temporary, officiating, and probationary service counts for pension if it is followed by confirmation without interruption.
6. What happens if an employee resigns?
Resignation normally forfeits past service and pension eligibility unless it is to take up another qualifying government post (Rule 28).
7. Can extraordinary leave (EOL) count for pension?
Only if it is specifically declared by the competent authority to count as qualifying service (Rule 29).
🎓 Types of Pension (Chapter V–VII)
8. What is Superannuation Pension?
Pension granted when an employee retires on attaining the prescribed age of retirement — generally 58 years for most Haryana Government employees (Rule 33).
9. What is Voluntary Retirement Pension?
Under Rule 36, an employee who has completed 20 years of qualifying service may voluntarily retire by giving 3 months’ notice. Full pension and gratuity are admissible.
10. What is Invalid Pension?
Granted when an employee is permanently incapacitated for government service and retired on medical grounds (Rule 37). Requires a medical certificate of incapacity.
11. What is Compulsory Retirement Pension?
Granted when an employee is retired compulsorily as a penalty (Rule 38). The competent authority may reduce or withhold pension partially or wholly.
💰 Pension Calculation & Emoluments (Chapter VII)
12. How is pension calculated?
Pension = (Last Pay Drawn × Qualifying Service) ÷ 2 ÷ 33
Maximum pension is 50% of last emoluments (Rule 49).
13. What are “emoluments” for pension calculation?
Pay drawn in the post held at retirement or the average of last 10 months’ emoluments, whichever is more beneficial (Rule 33).
14. What is the minimum pension in Haryana?
Minimum pension shall not be less than ₹9,000 per month as per latest Finance Department instructions.
15. Is Dearness Relief (DR) admissible on pension?
Yes, DR at notified rates is admissible on both pension and family pension (Rule 52A).
🎁 Gratuity & Death-Cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) (Rules 48–53)
16. What is DCRG?
It is a lump-sum payment made to an employee on retirement or to the family in case of death, based on length of qualifying service and last emoluments.
17. What is the formula for calculating gratuity?
Gratuity = (1/4) × Last Emoluments × Completed Six-Monthly Periods of Service
18. What is the maximum limit of gratuity?
₹20,00,000 (Twenty lakh rupees), or as revised by the government (Rule 50).
19. What is Death Gratuity and how is it calculated?
As per Rule 51, gratuity for death while in service depends on the number of completed years of service:
- Less than 1 year – 2 times of emoluments
- 1 to 5 years – 6 times of emoluments
- 5 to 11 years – 12 times of emoluments
- 11 to 20 years – 20 times of emoluments
- 20 years or more – Half of emoluments for each six-monthly period (max 33 times)
20. Is gratuity taxable?
No. For government employees, gratuity is fully exempt from income tax under Section 10(10)(i) of the Income Tax Act.
👨👩👧 Family Pension (Rules 54–61)
21. Who is eligible for family pension?
The spouse first, then dependent children, and then dependent parents (if there is no spouse or child). Disabled children are eligible for lifetime pension.
22. How much is the family pension?
- Enhanced rate: 50% of last pay (for 7–10 years)
- Ordinary rate: 30% of last pay (after enhanced period)
23. What is the duration of family pension?
- Widow/Widower – for life or till remarriage.
- Children – till age 25 years or marriage, whichever is earlier.
- Disabled/Dependent children – for life (Rule 57).
24. Can family pension continue if the spouse is working?
Yes, provided the spouse is legally entitled and not convicted in connection with the death of the employee.
💼 Commutation of Pension (Rules 74–83)
25. What is commutation of pension?
Conversion of a part (up to 40%) of pension into a lump-sum payment. The balance pension continues monthly (Rule 75).
26. How is the commuted value calculated?
Commuted Value = Portion of Pension × 12 × Commutation Factor
The factor depends on the age next birthday as per official commutation table (Rule 77).
27. When is the commuted portion restored?
After 15 years from the date of commutation (Rule 82).
28. Is commuted pension taxable?
No. It is fully exempt from income tax for government employees under Section 10(10A)(i).
🕒 Timelines & Payment (Rule 68–70)
29. When should pension papers be prepared?
At least 12 months before the date of retirement. The pension case must reach the Accountant General (A&E), Haryana, 4 months before retirement (Rule 68).
30. When is the first pension paid?
On the first working day after retirement if all papers are complete and authorised on time (Rule 68).
31. When is family pension or gratuity released after death?
Within 3 months of death if all documents are received (Rules 54–61 & 68).
32. What happens if there’s a delay?
Departmental action can be initiated against the responsible officer, and the Government may grant interest to the pensioner (Rule 68(3)).
⚖️ Forfeiture, Recovery & Revision (Miscellaneous)
33. Can pension be withheld or reduced?
Yes. Under Rule 9, pension may be withheld or withdrawn for grave misconduct, conviction, or loss caused to Government.
34. Can pension be revised after sanction?
Yes. Pension can be revised on account of pay revision, correction of errors, or audit observations.
35. What if a pensioner is re-employed?
Re-employment does not affect the original pension, but the pay during re-employment may be adjusted as per Rule 70.
36. Can a pensioner receive two pensions?
Yes, if eligible from two distinct sources (e.g., one as ex-serviceman, one as state employee), subject to rules and approvals.
🧩 Miscellaneous & Clarifications
37. What are “emoluments” for family pension?
Emoluments mean the pay last drawn by the deceased employee, including basic pay and special pay, if any.
38. What documents are required for pension sanction?
- Form 5 – Pension Application
- Form 1 – Gratuity Nomination
- Form 2 – Family Pension Nomination
- Service Book (verified)
- Last Pay Certificate (LPC)
- Medical Certificate (if applicable)
39. Who authorises and pays pension?
The Accountant General (A&E), Haryana authorises pension and PPOs, and payments are made through the Treasury/Bank.
40. Can pension be transferred to another state or bank?
Yes. Pensioners may request transfer of pension account to any other Treasury or authorised bank branch in India.
✅ Quick Summary Table
| Benefit Type | Rule No. | Eligibility | Payment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pension | 33–47 | 10 years of qualifying service | Monthly |
| Family Pension | 54–61 | Spouse/children/dependents | Monthly |
| Gratuity | 48–53 | 5 years of service (none for death) | One-time lump sum |
| Commutation | 74–83 | Retired employees | Lump sum (40%) |
| Timelines | 68–70 | All employees | Fixed deadlines |
Conclusion
The Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 form the foundation of post-service security for government employees and their families. Understanding the rules for pension, family pension, gratuity, commutation, and timelines helps ensure timely and correct benefits without complications. Every employee should keep service records verified, nominations updated, and forms ready well before retirement to guarantee smooth pension sanction.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.