Understanding key terms like Qualifying Service, Emoluments, and Family is essential because they directly decide how much pension or gratuity a government employee in Haryana will receive. These terms are formally defined in Chapter II (Rules 2 to 8) of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016. This guide simplifies those official definitions while keeping their legal meaning intact.
1️⃣ Qualifying Service – What Counts for Pension
- Meaning (Rule 3 & Rule 24): “Qualifying service” means the period of duty or leave that counts towards earning pension or gratuity.
- Service that counts:
- All duty under regular government appointment (substantive, officiating, or temporary).
- Service verified and recorded in the employee’s Service Book.
- Extraordinary leave (EOL) only when specifically declared to count for pension.
- Deputation or foreign service if pension contributions are paid to Haryana Government.
- Suspension treated as duty after exoneration.
- Service that does NOT count:
- Period of service before attaining the age of 18 years.
- Unauthorised absence, overstay, or break not condoned by Government.
- Service forfeited on dismissal, resignation, or removal.
- Verification: Every Head of Office must verify qualifying service every year in April and at least one year before retirement.
Example: An employee with 29 years 8 months of verified service will get 30 years for pension (since fractions ≥ 3 months are counted as half year).
2️⃣ Emoluments – The Basis for Pension Calculation
- Meaning (Rule 44): “Emoluments” mean the pay last drawn by the employee under the applicable pay rules on the date of retirement.
- Included components:
- Basic Pay in the revised 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix.
- Non-Practising Allowance (for doctors, where admissible).
- Personal Pay or Special Pay counted for retirement benefits.
- Excluded components:
- Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Overtime or Honorarium.
- Any temporary or ad-hoc allowance not forming part of basic pay.
- Average Emoluments (Rule 45):
- Average of the last 10 months’ emoluments immediately preceding retirement is used for pension calculation.
- If pay changes during that period, each month’s pay is averaged proportionately.
Formula:
Average Emoluments = Sum of last 10 months Basic Pay ÷ 10
3️⃣ Family – Who is Eligible for Family Pension
- Meaning (Rule 54 read with Definitions Rule 8): “Family” means the spouse and eligible dependents of a government servant who are entitled to receive family pension after the employee’s death.
- Members of family include:
- Wife (in case of male employee) or husband (in case of female employee).
- Legitimate or legally adopted sons and daughters (eligible until marriage or age 25, whichever is earlier).
- Unmarried or widowed daughters beyond 25 years if wholly dependent and income below prescribed limit.
- Parents (dependent on the employee if no spouse or child survives).
- Disabled children (mentally or physically challenged) eligible for life irrespective of age or marital status.
- Nomination: Employees must submit Form 3 (Family Details) and keep it updated in the Service Book.
- Priority for Payment of Family Pension:
- Spouse (wife/husband)
- Eligible sons and daughters
- Dependent parents
- Disabled children (lifetime)
✅ Quick Reference Table – Important Definitions
| Term | Defined Under | Key Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Service | Rule 3 & 24 | Verified period of service counting for pension/gratuity. |
| Emoluments | Rule 44 | Basic pay (last drawn) forming basis for pension calculation. |
| Average Emoluments | Rule 45 | Average of 10 months’ pay preceding retirement. |
| Family | Rule 8 & 54 | Spouse and dependents entitled to family pension. |
FAQs – Common Questions on Definitions
1. What minimum service qualifies for pension?
Generally 10 years of qualifying service is required to earn pension benefits in Haryana Government.
2. Is probation period counted for pension?
Yes, if followed by confirmation without interruption, it counts towards qualifying service.
3. Does DA form part of emoluments for pension calculation?
No. Only basic pay and specific allowances like NPA (if admissible) are counted.
4. Can a widowed daughter get family pension?
Yes, if she was wholly dependent on the deceased employee and her income is below the limit prescribed by Government.
5. Are adopted children eligible for family pension?
Yes, legally adopted children have the same rights as natural children under Rule 8 and 54.
Conclusion
The definitions of Qualifying Service, Emoluments, and Family under the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules 2016 form the backbone of pension determination. Accurate service verification, correct pay record, and updated family details ensure that employees and their families receive the right entitlements on time.
Source: Official Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules 2016 PDF – Finance Department, Government of Haryana.