Issue of passes to the widows of the railway servants is governed by the provisions contained in Schedule V of the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition 1993). As per these provisions widows of Railway servants who were in service on 12.03.1987 and opted for the scheme of widow pass or widows of those Railway servants who joined service on or after 12.03.1987 and are compulsorily governed under the scheme of Widow Pass are eligible for Widow Passes. In such cases railway employees who have opted for the scheme of Widow Pass or those who are compulsorily governed under the scheme shall be eligible for 4 sets of PTOs only, in lieu of 6 sets in a calendar year while in service. As Railway servants who died or superannuated before this cutoff date were not able to fulfill this criterion of surrender of two sets of PTOs this scheme was not applicable to them.
2. The scheme of Widow Pass has since been reviewed by the Ministry of Railways and it has now been decided to remove this cut off date. Accordingly widows of railway servants who were in service prior to 12.03.1987 will also be eligible to be admitted to the scheme of Widow Pass subject to the condition that they make a one-time payment of Rs. 250 as the notional value of two sets of PTOs. Accordingly Schedule V of the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986 (Second Edition 1993) may be amended as per enclosed Advanced Correction Slip No. 7.
3. In all other respects, Board’s letter No. E(W) 85 PS 5-8/2 dated 30.06.87(RBE 174/87) shall be followed.
4. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.