Central Civil Services (Gratuity under NPS) Amendment Rules 2025: Key Changes & Updates

Gazette Notification of India, General Statutory Rules (GSR) 258 (E) - Framing of Rules for payment of gratuity to Government servant covered under National Pension System

A gazette notification from the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, dated 24th April 2025. It introduces amendments to the Central Civil Services (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System) Rules, 2021. Below is a summary of the key points:

Key Highlights:

Amendment Rules: The notification introduces the Central Civil Services (Payment of Gratuity under the National Pension System) Amendment Rules, 2025, effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Scope of Gratuity:

Gratuity now includes retirement gratuity, death gratuity, and residuary gratuity payable under these rules.
Provisions are made for cases where a government servant is absent on leave or under suspension before retirement or death.

Re-employment and Gratuity:

A government servant re-employed after retirement will not be eligible for a separate gratuity for the re-employment period.
Exceptions apply for those previously employed in autonomous bodies or public sector undertakings, provided they join with proper permission.

Withholding and Recovery of Gratuity:

Authorities may withhold or recover gratuity if a retired government servant is found guilty of grave misconduct or negligence during service.
The President, in consultation with the Union Public Service Commission, may pass final orders in such cases.

Calculation of Emoluments:

Notional pay increases with retrospective effect will be considered for gratuity calculation.
Special provisions are included for cases where a government servant dies during the currency of a penalty.

Service in State Governments and Autonomous Bodies:

Service rendered in State Governments or autonomous bodies may qualify for gratuity under specific conditions.
The liability for gratuity in such cases will be borne by the Central Government.

Missing Government Servants:

Detailed procedures are outlined for handling gratuity payments in cases where a government servant goes missing.
Claims must be lodged with the police, and payments will be made after a specified period.

Interest on Delayed Payments:

Interest will be payable for delays in gratuity payments attributable to administrative lapses.
The period for interest calculation is specified based on the type of retirement or death.

Miscellaneous Provisions:

Clarifications on departmental and judicial proceedings.
Procedures for handling dues and recoveries from gratuity.
Updated forms and formats for claims and certifications.

Important Dates:Notification Date: 24th April 2025.

Effective Date: Date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Applicability:

The amendments apply to government servants covered under the National Pension System (NPS) and aim to streamline the process of gratuity payments while addressing gaps in the existing rules.

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