The government today clarified and reiterated that a joint bank account is not mandatory for spouse pension.

Minister of State Jitendra Singh, who also heads the Department of Pensions, said on Saturday that in case the head of office is satisfied that it is not possible for the retiring government servant to open a joint account with his/her spouse for reasons beyond his/her control, this requirement may be relaxed.

He informed that all agency banks disbursing central government pensions have been advised that in case the spouse (family pensioner) opts for the existing joint bank account for credit of family pension, banks should not insist on opening a new account.

Singh asserted that the Narendra Modi government has always sought "ease of living" for all sections of society, including the retirees and pensioners who are the nation's assets with all their experience and long years of service rendered by them.

A joint bank account with spouse is however desirable and it is to be opened with their spouse in whose favour an authorization for family pension exists in the PPO. Operation in these accounts would be on “former or survivor” or “either or survivor” basis as desired by the pensioner, he added.

The reason for opening a joint bank account is to ensure that family pension may be commenced without any delay and the family pensioner is not subjected to any hardships for opening a new pension bank account. This also ensures minimum documentation for the family pensioner while submitting a request for commencement of family pension. 

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