Revised package on in-service deaths: Finance Division says ED didn't take it into confidence

The Finance Division said it was not taken into confidence by the Establishment Division headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif before revising assistance package for the families of government servants who die in service, which led to financial implications on the budget, it is learnt. Sources said that Finance Ministry has taken the stance that 2006 Prime Minister's package was announced by the Establishment Division in consultation with the Finance Division.
"The Establishment Division revised the above package in 2014 without consultation with the Finance Division," and consequently there was a significant financial implications on the budget of ministries and divisions. Sources added that lump sum grant has been increased to Rs 9 million for in-service deaths in the revised package from Rs 1 million and for security related deaths 10 million from Rs 1.5 million. The government has also approved Rs 700,000 for the officers/officials incapacitated and released from service for having become invalid as a result of injury in encounters/bomb blasts, riots /watch and ward duty or terrorist activity and Rs 500,000 for those incapacitated as a result of injury in encounters/bomb blasts, riots/watch and ward duty or terrorist activity but still serving in the department.
As per revised package families of government servants have been allowed full pay and allowances till the date of superannuation, with increments and full benefits of the revised rates of all pay and allowances, special/ad hoc relief etc, as allowed by the government from time to time. The spouse was entitled to full pension as per rules on attaining the age of superannuation in the revised package.
As per 2006 package 75 percent pension was allowed to the spouse or eldest son till the youngest child attains the age of 18 years and after that normal pension to the spouse for life. Full pension to the spouse or eldest son was allowed in security related deaths till the youngest child attains the age of 18 years and normal pension to the spouse after that for life. Free education to all the children, payment for plot up to 17 million for 17 grade, employment, marriage grant and special lump sum grant from benevolent fund was also approved with considerable increase in the revised package.
Finance Division requested that the package needs to reexamine the revised package due to its financial implications on the budget, which led to constitution of a committee by the Prime Minister office. The package has been held in abeyance till the committee of Secretary Finance, Establishment, Railways and Industries and Production finalizes report. Compensation payments are being made under 2006 package.
The Finance Division maintained that the review committee has held three meetings and reached consensus on all the components of the assistance package except for the lump sum grant meant for security related deaths, which is under consideration in the Finance Division. It further stated that as soon as the Finance Division decides lump sum grant meant for security related deaths, the Establishment Division would be requested to submit revised package for approval of the Prime Minister.