Center simplifies pension rules for freedom fighters

The Center on Friday made significant changes to the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Yojana, a scheme that provides pensions to freedom fighters and their eligible dependents.

Under the new changes, beneficiaries now only have to file a life certificate once a year in November, as opposed to the previous rule which required them to file a life certificate twice a year after age 80.

Following the change in news, if a retiree does not provide proof of life by the November deadline, their pension will be suspended. However, as per the new rules, beneficiaries who submit their certificate within three years will have their pension payment resumed along with the arrears.

Pensions will only be canceled if the life certificate is not submitted within three years, and any reactivation after that will require new approval from the Department of Defense, according to the new rules mentioned.

After the death of a retired freedom fighter, his dependents, including his spouse and unmarried or unemployed daughter, will have a year to apply for pension transfers, compared to a shorter period in the past.

If the application is submitted after one year, the concerned bank will refer the matter to the Ministry of Defense for a final decision according to the new rules.

In addition, dependency pensions will now be paid from the date of death of the original pensioner, rather than from the date of application.

The Department of Defense also removed a clause that previously allowed husbands receiving dependency pensions to continue receiving them after remarriage.