Banks instructed not to insist on joint account for family pension

The government, according to Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh, has always sought "ease of living" for all sections of society, including retirees and pensioners, who are the nation's assets due to their vast experience and long years of service.

He told that according to an official statement if the head of the office is satisfied that the retiring government servant would be unable to open a joint account with his or her spouse due to circumstances beyond his or her control, this condition may be eased.

All banks disbursing Central government pensions have been told not to insist on opening a new account if the spouse (family pensioner) opts for the existing joint bank account for credit of family pension.

A joint bank account with the spouse is however desirable and it is to be opened with their spouse in whose favor an authorisation for family pension exists in the Pension Payment Order (PPO), said the statement issued by the personnel ministry. Operation in these accounts would be on the “former or survivor” or the “either-or survivor” basis as desired by the pensioner, Singh said.

According to the statement, the purpose of registering a joint bank account is to ensure that family pensions can be started without delay and that the family pensioner is not subjected to any inconveniences as a result of opening a new pension bank account.