The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has amended the rules governing the government employees’ benevolent fund, increasing the farewell grant and monthly benevolent assistance for employees in Grades 16 to 22.
According to a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department, the amendments to the benevolent fund rules have been made under the powers conferred by Section 23 of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance Act, 1971.
Under the amended rules, every gazetted government employee will contribute 2 per cent of their basic pay to the benevolent fund each month, subject to a maximum monthly contribution of Rs. 2,000. The amendment provides that gazetted employees in Grades 16 to 22 will receive a farewell allowance equivalent to one month’s basic salary upon retirement.
The benefit will apply not only to employees retiring upon reaching the prescribed age of superannuation but also to those who retire after completing 25 years of qualifying service. The notification further states that the monthly assistance provided from the benevolent fund has been increased by 20 per cent. Accordingly, the amounts of monthly benevolent grants listed under Serial Numbers 1 to 10 of the First Schedule will be enhanced.
The Services and General Administration Department said the amendments have also been incorporated into the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance Rules, 1972.