The Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 set fixed timelines for processing and payment of pension, gratuity, and family pension. Under Rule 68 (Chapter IX – Procedure for Pension), the Government requires that all retirement benefits be sanctioned in advance so that the employee or their family receives payment on the very first working day after retirement or death. Any delay is treated as an administrative lapse and can invite disciplinary action.
1️⃣ Purpose of Time-Bound Processing (Rule 68)
- Guarantee timely financial security to retirees and bereaved families.
- Fix accountability on each office involved — Head of Office, Administrative Department, and Accountant General (A&E), Haryana.
- Ensure all service verification and nominations are completed well before the retirement date.
2️⃣ Timeline Chart – Pension & Gratuity Sanction (Rule 68)
| Stage | Action | Responsible Authority | Time Limit (Before Retirement) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | List employees retiring within next 12 months | Head of Office | 12 months |
| 2 | Verify Service Book, Leave Account, Nomination Forms | Head of Office | 12–10 months |
| 3 | Issue Pension Application (Form 5) | Head of Office | 8 months |
| 4 | Employee submits completed Form 5 with details | Employee | 6 months |
| 5 | Prepare & verify pension calculation (Form 7) | Head of Office | 5 months |
| 6 | Forward complete case to Accountant General (A&E) | Head of Office | 4 months |
| 7 | Verify & authorise PPO and Gratuity Authority | Accountant General (A&E) | Within 2 months |
| 8 | Disburse Pension & Gratuity | Treasury / Bank | First working day after retirement |
Goal: No employee should wait beyond one working day after retirement for the first pension credit.
3️⃣ Family Pension Sanction – Time Limits After Death
In case of an employee or pensioner’s death, the family pension must be processed immediately. As per Rules 54–61 read with Rule 68:
| Stage | Action | Responsible Authority | Time Limit (After Death) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intimation of death & submission of claim (Form 2 & 3) | Family / Head of Office | Within 2 weeks |
| 2 | Verification of service records, nomination & eligibility | Head of Office | Within 1 month |
| 3 | Forward family pension case to A.G. (A&E) | Head of Office | Within 45 days of death |
| 4 | PPO Authorisation | Accountant General (A&E) | Within 1 month of receipt |
| 5 | Start family pension payment | Treasury / Bank | Immediately after PPO issue |
Where death occurs during service, the Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) and family pension should be released together within **3 months**.
4️⃣ Departmental Responsibilities (Rule 68 (3))
| Authority | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Head of Office | Prepare and forward complete verified case within prescribed time; maintain Pension Progress Register. |
| Administrative Department | Monitor subordinate offices and ensure compliance with deadlines. |
| Accountant General (A&E) | Scrutinise, calculate and authorise PPO & Gratuity Order. |
| Treasury / Bank | Release payment on first working day after authorisation. |
5️⃣ Rule 68 – Action for Delay
- If any delay occurs, the officer responsible must record written reasons and inform the next higher authority.
- Repeated or unjustified delays attract disciplinary action under the Haryana Civil Services (Conduct & Discipline) Rules.
- In serious cases, the Government may order recovery of interest or damages from the defaulting officer for financial loss to the employee.
6️⃣ Typical Timeline Example
Employee retires on 31 December 2025:
| Stage | Activity | Expected Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Included in annual retirement list | Jan 2025 |
| 2 | Service verification completed | Mar 2025 |
| 3 | Pension Forms issued & submitted | Jun 2025 |
| 4 | Case sent to A.G. (A&E) | Aug 2025 |
| 5 | PPO authorised | Nov 2025 |
| 6 | First pension payment credited | 1 Jan 2026 |
7️⃣ Documents Required for Timely Sanction
- ✅ Form 5 – Application for Pension
- ✅ Form 1 – Nomination for Gratuity
- ✅ Form 2 – Nomination for Family Pension
- ✅ Service Book & Leave Record (verified)
- ✅ Last Pay Certificate (LPC)
- ✅ No Demand / Vigilance Clearance Certificate
- ✅ Death Certificate (for family pension cases)
- ✅ Bank Details and Aadhaar of pensioner/nominee
8️⃣ Monitoring & Reporting
- Each department must keep a Pension Progress Register for employees due to retire within a year.
- Quarterly progress reports are sent to the Finance Department.
- The Accountant General (A&E) periodically reviews delayed cases with the concerned departments.
✅ Summary Table – Sanction Timelines at a Glance
| Benefit | Sanctioning Authority | Time Limit | Rule Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pension | Head of Office → A.G. (A&E) | 12 months (before retirement) | Rule 68 |
| Gratuity / DCRG | Head of Office → A.G. (A&E) | With pension papers (3 months before retirement) | Rules 48–53 & 68 |
| Family Pension | Head of Office → A.G. (A&E) | Within 3 months of death | Rules 54–61 & 68 |
FAQs – Timelines for Pension & Gratuity in Haryana
1. When should pension papers be submitted?
At least 6 months before retirement; the Head of Office must forward them to the A.G. (A&E) Haryana four months prior.
2. When will my first pension be paid?
On the first working day after retirement, provided all papers are complete as per Rule 68.
3. How long does it take for family pension after death?
Normally within 3 months of death if the family submits all required forms promptly.
4. What happens if there is a delay?
Delay is recorded, and responsible officials may face disciplinary or financial liability under Rule 68 (3).
5. Can provisional pension be granted?
Yes. If final sanction is delayed, provisional pension must be paid under Rule 69 until finalisation.
6. Who monitors timely sanction?
The Finance Department and Accountant General (A&E), Haryana regularly monitor delayed cases.
Conclusion
The Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 provide a strict and transparent schedule for sanctioning and paying pension, gratuity, and family pension. By adhering to Rule 68, every department must ensure that no employee or family member faces financial hardship after retirement or death. Timely verification, complete documentation, and proactive monitoring guarantee that all benefits are disbursed on or before the due date — reflecting the Government’s commitment to the welfare of its employees.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.