In circumstances of marital strife, a female government servant or retiree may now nominate her children for family pension before her husband, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions stated on Tuesday.

Currently, the spouse receives the family pension first after the death of a government employee. Only after the spouse of the deceased government servant becomes ineligible for family pension or dies do the children and other family members become eligible for family pension.

According to the ministry, its Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare has received a large number of references from Ministries/Departments seeking advice on whether a female government employee can nominate her eligible child/children for family pension in place of her spouse in the event of marital discord.

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If there is a pending divorce case in any court, the female employee may nominate their children to get a family pension before the spouse. If the female has filed a lawsuit against her husband under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act, or the Indian Penal Code, the pension might be given to the children.

According to the ministry, if a deceased female government employee is survived by a widower with a kid who has reached the age of majority but is or is not qualified for family pension, the family pension will be paid to such child. In the case of a minor or disabled child, the pension will be paid to the guardian. After reaching maturity, the child will be entitled for the pension.

Furthermore, if the children are not qualified for the family pension, it will be provided to the widower until his death or remarriage, whichever comes first. "This amendment is progressive in nature and would empower women employees/pensioners significantly," the ministry said in a statement.