Enhances family pension benefits
Srinagar/Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government Wednesday approved the construction of two Unity Malls in Srinagar and Jammu at a cost of ₹255 crore to promote local artisans and traditional crafts, while also enhancing family pension benefits for the families of retired government employees who die after retirement.
According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the Unity Malls will serve as dedicated commercial hubs for the sale and promotion of handloom, handicraft and GI-tagged products from across the Union Territory. The projects aim to provide market access to local artisans and entrepreneurs while boosting tourism, trade and employment in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The government said the initiative is intended to showcase the region’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage and create modern commercial spaces for regional entrepreneurs.
In another decision, the Finance Department amended the Jammu and Kashmir Family Pension-cum-Gratuity Rules, 1964, extending enhanced family pension benefits to the families of retired government employees who die after retirement.
Under the amended provision, the eligible family will receive family pension at the enhanced rate for seven years from the date of the pensioner’s death or until the deceased would have attained the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier.
The notification clarifies that cases already settled under the previous rules will not be reopened, while all pending cases will be decided in accordance with the amended provisions. The revised rules will come into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
The amendment has been issued by the Finance Department under the orders of the Lieutenant Governor.
