There is big news for the Central 6th-7th Pay Commission pensioners and soon-to-be-retired employees. In fact, important instructions were issued by the DoPT regarding the calculation of the period spent on leave as qualifying service in the Pension and Gratuity Rules of the Central Civil Service Pension Rules, 2021. Under this rule, the period spent on leave of the employees will be calculated.
Issuing the order, it has been said that the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has notified the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 in supersession of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. As per rule 21 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, all leave during service for which leave salary is payable and all extraordinary leave granted on medical certificate counts as qualifying service.
In case of extraordinary leave other than extraordinary leave granted on medical certificate, the appointing authority may, while granting such leave, allow the period of such leave to be counted as qualifying service, if such leave is granted to a Government servant. :-
- Inability to join or re-join duty due to civil commotion; either
- To prosecute higher scientific and technical studies.
In case of extraordinary leave not covered in paras 1 and 2 above, a definite entry should be made in the service book of the Government servant to the effect that the period of extraordinary leave shall not be treated as qualifying service and such The entry, if not made while granting extraordinary leave, can be made later, but not earlier than six months from the date of retirement of a Government servant. If no such entry is made in the service book, the period of extraordinary leave shall be treated as qualifying service.
It is clearly stated in the order that all the Ministries/Departments are requested to refer to the above provisions regarding calculation of period spent on leave as qualifying service for pension and gratuity under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021. Pension benefits may be brought into focus in the Ministry/Department and its attached/subordinate offices under it for strict implementation of personnel.
