Families of Teachers Dying Before Age 60 to Get Death Gratuity Benefit: UP Government

 

In a major relief for families of teachers working in non-government aided colleges, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that the death gratuity benefit will now be extended to the dependents of teachers who die in service before the age of 60.

 

The state’s Department of Higher Education has clarified that this benefit will apply to teachers who pass away while still in active service and before completing the mandatory retirement age of 60 years. Previously, only teachers who died after retirement or after turning 60 were considered eligible for such benefits.

 

This policy change comes following long-standing demands and legal petitions filed by affected families. The new provision will be applicable even if the teacher passes away at the age of 58 or 59, ensuring that the family is not left without financial support.

 

The clarification was issued after a detailed legal review and aims to eliminate ambiguity in cases where teachers died shortly before retirement. Now, the death gratuity will be granted to such families as per the rules set by the Finance Department.

This decision is expected to benefit several families whose applications were previously rejected due to the absence of a clear guideline regarding age limits. Families of teachers who died after 2004 but before the age of 60 may now be able to reapply or claim benefits retroactively, subject to administrative verification.

 

The move has been welcomed by teacher unions and educational bodies, calling it a “long-overdue” step toward ensuring dignity and support for teaching staff and their dependents.