Govt does away with regressive ‘remarry brother-in-law’ clause to continue army widows’ pension benefits

The defence ministry's move surprised Tweeples who asked how such a regressive rule existed in the first place

By: News Desk |
November 21, 2017 7:43 pm

The defence ministry has done away with a clause that required the widow of an army man to either marry her brother in law or to observe complete widowhood for entire life to avail pension benefits.

Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said “The condition of the widow’s remarriage with the late husband’s brother for continuation of the monetary allowance has been removed by the Ministry of Defence”.

The condition of the widow’s remarriage with the late husband’s brother for continuation of the monetary allowance has been removed by the Ministry of Defencehttps://t.co/iIt3Gcukx7 pic.twitter.com/Vp8SzFOcvg

— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) November 21, 2017

Regulation 219 of the Army Pension Regulations of 1961 proscribed benefit of ordinary family pension to widows of army man who married anyone except the brother of their deceased husband.

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The Defence ministry’s move came after representations from various quarters seeking removal of the condition of the widow’s remarriage with the late husband’s brother for continuation of the monetary allowance.

Twitteratis expressed surprise as how such a regressive law existed till this date at the first place and lauded the defence minister for removing it.

Great decision ma’am. Really sad to know that this condition existed and was in place until now.

— Viswanath G (@gviswanath) November 21, 2017

Kudos for being woman friendly! __this will obviously stop from women being forced into marriage.

— PsyCatic (@gayatri_d) November 21, 2017

Very strange and abusive condition it was. It was against our culture. Thank you ma’am .

— AjayPremKaushalParek (@AjayPremKaushal) November 21, 2017

Good example of how gender diversity in top leadership positions could bring progressive impact

— Srini ______ ______ (@mysenseofpurpos) November 21, 2017

A very good decision mam. Please let us know when was the condition imposed?

— Ravindra Biased (@RaviSinghaniya1) November 21, 2017

Thank you. Example of why women need to be in decision making roles

— a walking shadow (@aimwand) November 21, 2017

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